bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying chronic cough: Objective versus subjective measurements
Authors: FARUQI Shoaib , THOMPSON Rachel , WRIGHT Caroline , SHEEDY Wayne , MORICE Alyn H.
Published: November 2010

Background and objective:  The assessment of chronic cough has been improved by the development of objective ambulatory cough monitoring systems and subjective quality of life questionnaires. Experimental induction of cough is a useful tool in the assessment of the cough reflex. We wanted to assess the reproducibility of and association between these measurements.

Methods:  This was a prospective observational study in patients with chronic cough of greater than 6 months' duration. All patients had an initial 24‐h cough recording. They also completed a Leicester Cough Questionnaire, a Symptom Assessment Score, a Visual Analogue Score for cough and had a capsaicin cough challenge performed. They were reviewed at 8 weeks when all assessments were repeated.

Results:  Twenty‐five patients (15 women) with a mean age of 54 years were included in the study. The median cough count at the second visit (302) was significantly lower compared to the first visit (381, P < 0.01). However, the cough counts at both the visits correlated well (r = 0.9, P < 0.01). All the other forms of assessment were found to be highly reproducible at 8 weeks (r = 0.6–0.9, P < 0.01). Cough counts correlated well with the other forms of assessment (r = 0.4–0.6, P < 0.01). There was good correlation between each of the subjective forms of assessment (r = 0.6, P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  The various forms of assessment of cough are reproducible. Cough counting correlates well with subjective assessment of cough and cough reflex sensitivity. It appears to lie between these latter two assessments of cough and may represent the best global objective synthesis of cough.
Trait similarity, shared ancestry and the structure of neighbourhood interactions in a subtropical wet forest: implications for community assembly
Authors: Uriarte María , Swenson Nathan G. , Chazdon Robin L. , Comita Liza S. , John Kress W. , Erickson David , Forero‐Montaña Jimena , Zimmerman Jess K. , Thompson Jill
Published: November 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 1503–1514

The phylogenetic structure and distribution of functional traits in a community can provide insights into community assembly processes. However, these insights are sensitive to the spatial scale of analysis. Here, we use spatially explicit, neighbourhood models of tree growth and survival for 19 tree species, a highly resolved molecular phylogeny and information on eight functional traits to quantify the relative efficacy of functional similarity and shared ancestry in describing the effects of spatial interactions between tree species on demographic rates. We also assess the congruence of these results with observed phylogenetic and functional structure in the neighbourhoods of live and dead trees. We found strong support for models in which the effects of spatial neighbourhood interactions on tree growth and survival were scaled to species‐specific mean functional trait values (e.g., wood specific gravity, leaf succulence and maximum height) but not to phylogenetic distance. The weak phylogenetic signal in functional trait data allowed us to independently interpret the static neighbourhood functional and phylogenetic patterns. We observed greater functional trait similarity in the neighbourhoods of live trees relative to those of dead trees suggesting that environmental filtering is the major force structuring this tree community at this scale while competitive interactions play a lesser role.
Influence of evolution on the stability of ecological communities
Authors: Loeuille Nicolas
Published: November 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 1536–1545

In randomly assembled communities, diversity is known to have a destabilizing effect. Evolution may affect this result, but our theoretical knowledge of its role is mostly limited to models of small food webs. In the present article, I introduce evolution in a two‐species Lotka–Volterra model in which I vary the interaction type and the cost constraining evolution. Regardless of the cost type, evolution tends to stabilize the dynamics more often in trophic interactions than for mutualism or competition. I then use simulations to study the effect of evolution in larger communities that contain all interaction types. Results suggest that evolution usually stabilizes the dynamics. This stabilizing effect is stronger when evolution affects trophic interactions, but happens for all interaction types. Stabilization decreases with diversity and evolution becomes destabilizing in very diverse communities. This suggests that evolution may not counteract the destabilizing effect of diversity observed in random communities.
Allelopathic control of cyanobacterial blooms by periphyton biofilms
Authors: Wu Yonghong , Liu Jiantong , Yang Linzhang , Chen Hong , Zhang Shanqing , Zhao Huijun , Zhang Naiming
Published: November 2010

Periphyton biofilms are natural mixtures comprised of photoautotrophic and heterotrophic complex microorganisms. In this work, the inhibition effects of periphyton biofilms on cyanobacterial blooms were studied in pilot and field trials. Results show that the cyanobacterial species responsible for the blooms had an upper nutrient concentration threshold, below which it could not effectively compete with other organisms in the periphyton. The disappearance of the cyanobacterial blooms was due to the allelopathy between the cyanobacteria and periphyton biofilm. In particular, it was found that the periphyton biofilm could produce water‐soluble allelochemicals such as indole and 3‐oxo‐α‐ionone to significantly inhibit the growth of the cyanobacteria. These allelochemicals are able to damage the thylakoid membranes of the cyanobacteria, interrupt the electron transport in photosystem II, decrease effective quantum yields, and eventually lead to the failure of photosynthesis. A comprehensive discussion on the ecological consequences of these findings is also presented. This work demonstrates the potential of periphyton biofilm to be used as an environmentally friendly ecological engineering solution for (i) the control of cyanobacterial blooms and (ii) a transitional means for the construction of beneficial conditions for ecosystem restoration. In addition, this work provides significant insights into the competitive relationships between algae and biofilms.
Viral abundance, production, decay rates and life strategies (lysogeny versus lysis) in Lake Bourget (France)
Authors: Thomas Rozenn , Berdjeb Lyria , Sime‐Ngando Télesphore , Jacquet Stéphan
Published: November 2010

We have investigated the ecology of viruses in Lake Bourget (France) from January to August 2008. Data were analysed for viral and bacterial abundance and production, viral decay, frequency of lysogenic cells, the contribution of bacteriophages to prokaryotic mortality and their potential influence on nutrient dynamics. Analyses and experiments were conducted on samples from the epilimnion (2 m) and the hypolimnion (50 m), taken at the reference site of the lake. The abundance of virus‐like particles (VLP) varied from 3.4 × 107 to 8.2 × 107 VLP ml−1; with the highest numbers and virus‐to‐bacterium ratio (VBR = 69) recorded in winter. Viral production varied from 3.2 × 104 VLP ml−1 h−1 (July) to 2 × 106 VLP ml−1 h−1 (February and April), and production was lower in the hypolimnion. Viral decay rate reached 0.12–0.15 day−1, and this parameter varied greatly with sampling date and methodology (i.e. KCN versus filtration). Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, viral lysis was responsible for 0% (January) to 71% (February) of bacterial mortality, while viral lysis varied between 0% (April) and 53% (January) per day when using a modified dilution approach. Calculated from viral production and burst size, the virus‐induced bacterial mortality varied between 0% (January) and 68% (August). A weak relationship was found between the two first methods (TEM versus dilution approach). Interestingly, flow cytometry analysis performed on the dilution experiment samples revealed that the viral impact was mostly on high DNA content bacterial cells whereas grazing, varying between 8.3% (June) and 75.4% (April), was reflected in both HDNA and LDNA cells equally. The lysogenic fraction varied between 0% (spring/summer) and 62% (winter) of total bacterial abundance, and increased slightly with increasing amounts of mitomycin C added. High percentages of lysogenic cells were recorded when bacterial abundance and activity were the lowest. The calculated release of carbon and phosphorus from viral lysis reached up to 56.5 µgC l−1 day−1 (assuming 20 fgC cell−1) and 1.4 µgP l−1 day−1 (assuming 0.5 fgP cell−1), respectively, which may represent a significant fraction of bacterioplankton nutrient demand. This study provides new evidence of the quantitative and functional importance of the virioplankton in the functioning of microbial food webs in peri‐alpine lakes. It also highlights methodologically dependent results.
Thermodynamic limits to microbial life at high salt concentrations
Authors: Oren Aharon
Published: November 2010

Life at high salt concentrations is energetically expensive. The upper salt concentration limit at which different dissimilatory processes occur in nature appears to be determined to a large extent by bioenergetic constraints. The main factors that determine whether a certain type of microorganism can make a living at high salt are the amount of energy generated during its dissimilatory metabolism and the mode of osmotic adaptation used. I here review new data, both from field observations and from the characterization of cultures of new types of prokaryotes growing at high salt concentrations, to evaluate to what extent the theories formulated 12 years ago are still valid, need to be refined, or should be refuted on the basis of the novel information collected. Most data agree well with the earlier theories. Some new observations, however, are not easily explained: the properties ofNatranaerobiusand other haloalkaliphilic thermophilic fermentative anaerobes, growth of the sulfate‐reducingDesulfosalsimonas propionicicawith complete oxidation of propionate andDesulfovermiculus halophiluswith complete oxidation of butyrate, growth of lactate‐oxidizing sulfate reducers related toDesulfonatronovibrioat 346 g l−1salts at pH 9.8, and occurrence of methane oxidation in the anaerobic layers of Big Soda Lake and Mono Lake.
A new minimally invasive technique for pudendal nerve stimulation1
Authors: George A. T. , Dudding T. C. , Nicholls R. J. , Vaizey C. J.
Published: November 2010

Aim  Pudendal nerve stimulation (PNS), which is an alternative to sacral nerve stimulation, requires neurophysiological confirmation of correct siting of the electrode. We describe a modification of the existing technique where placement is assisted by guidance to the ischial spine by a finger introduced per anum.

Method  Cadaveric dissection was carried out to confirm the accuracy of this new approach. The surface marking of the ischial spine is marked. A stimulating needle electrode inserted through a skin incision at this point, is advanced towards the ischial spine using a finger introduced per anum as a guide. Once effective stimulation of the pudendal nerve is confirmed by observed and palpated contraction of the anal musculature, a permanent stimulating electrode is inserted and the position confirmed by radiological screening.

Results  Using cadaveric studies, the correct surface markings for needle placement were confirmed. This technique was then applied successfully for in vivo insertion of the needle electrode in 20 patients with bowel dysfunction, with only one lead displacement occurring over a mean follow‐up period of 12 months.

Conclusion  Finger‐guided assistance of PNS electrode insertion is simple and reproducible without requiring neurophysiological confirmation of nerve stimulation to ensure correct lead location.
DECISION TREES DO NOT GENERALIZE TO NEW VARIATIONS
Authors: Bengio Yoshua , Delalleau Olivier , Simard Clarence
Published: November 2010

The family of decision tree learning algorithms is among the most widespread and studied. Motivated by the desire to develop learning algorithms that can generalize when learning highly varying functions such as those presumably needed to achieve artificial intelligence, we study some theoretical limitations of decision trees. We demonstrate formally that they can be seriously hurt by the curse of dimensionality in a sense that is a bit different from other nonparametric statistical methods, but most importantly, that they cannot generalize to variations not seen in the training set. This is because a decision tree creates a partition of the input space and needs at least one example in each of the regions associated with a leaf to make a sensible prediction in that region. A better understanding of the fundamental reasons for this limitation suggests that one should use forests or even deeper architectures instead of trees, which provide a form of distributed representation and can generalize to variations not encountered in the training data.
The means of correct training: embodied regulation in training for body work among mothers
Authors: Wainwright Emma , Marandet Elodie , Rizvi Sadaf
Published: November 2010

In the main, the literature on body work has focused on the workplace, overlooking the spaces and places of training for work. Drawing on tutors’ understandings of teaching and mothers’ varied experiences of training for body work in areas of health, beauty and social care, this paper explores the learning environment as a liminal space. For many mothers, it is a space that sits at the nexus of home, work and leisure and is where the individual moves from student to practitioner/worker. These transitions require gender and maternal identities, among others, to be negotiated and regulated. By conceptualising body work as the interaction between bodies and the (self)disciplining of one’s own body, this paper discusses various regulatory processes of learning, from embedding and embodying of ‘professional’ knowledge and identities to the repressing of cultural norms and behaviour. In so doing, the paper also considers how students struggle with, and occasionally resist and subvert, regulatory norms, imbuing the learning environment with their own meaning and sense of self. With this focus, we highlight the resonance of the body work concept for drawing together a wide range of subject areas, and suggest the closer the work with the body the more urgent the need for regulation of one’s own body and the more fine‐tuned the embodied discipline.
Enacting genetic responsibility: experiences of mothers who carry the fragile X gene
Authors: Raspberry Kelly , Skinner Debra
Published: November 2010

A woman who carries the gene for fragile X syndrome (FXS) has a 50 per cent chance per pregnancy of passing the gene to her sons and daughters. In this paper we analyse interview data from mothers who are carriers of the FX gene, and who have at least one child with FXS, to examine how their understandings and enactments of reproductive options, obligations, and responsibilities support an expanded notion of genetic responsibility. Accounts of 108 women from across the United States show that the majority of mothers chose not to have another biological child once they learned their carrier status. They discussed genetic responsibility and reproductive agency in terms of an obligation not to risk having another child who carried the gene, although their accounts reflected the tensions that arose from managing oneself as a genetically at‐risk actor. Another 22 mothers either purposely became pregnant or continued an unplanned pregnancy after finding out their carrier status. These mothers’ accounts reflect an expanded version of genetic responsibility that incorporates ideas and values beyond managing risk in what it means to act responsibly in light of genetic knowledge.
Comparison of the therapeutic effects of narrow band UVB vs. PUVA in patients with pityriasis lichenoides
Authors: Farnaghi F. , Seirafi H. , Ehsani A.H. , Agdari M.‐E. , Noormohammadpour P.
Published: November 2010

Background and aims  Pityriasis lichenoides (PL) is a self‐limiting papulosquamous skin disorder with chronic course. Best therapeutic options are yet to be defined. Phototherapy is one of the most prevalent treatments and the aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of the two main phototherapy options: psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) and narrow band UVB (NB‐UVB).

Material and methods  Patients with PLC based on clinical findings and pathology, involving at least 60% of total body surface, were enrolled if they were not pregnant, lactating women and had not contraindication for phototherapy. Based on simple randomization, they received either PUVA or NB‐UVB, and patients’ responses were recorded.

Results  A total of 15 patients including eight males (53%) and seven females (47%) were enrolled in the study and were randomized into groups A and B, each including four patients. In group A, seven patients had complete response (87.5%) and one patient had partial response (12.5%). Among patients in group B, five patients had complete response (71.4%) and two patients (28.6%) had partial response (P > 0.05).

Conclusion  As the difference between the two groups is insignificant, it seems that both options are acceptable for treating this disorder.
Host species determines whether infection load increases beyond disease‐causing thresholds following exposure to the amphibian chytrid fungus
Authors: Stockwell M. P. , Clulow J. , Mahony M. J.
Published: November 2010

Introduced pathogens are increasingly being implicated in population declines and their effects are difficult to manage. In the absence of methods to eradicate pathogens acting as threatening processes, intervention before population decline is necessary. Such an intervention requires an ability to predict when population declines will occur, and therefore, an understanding of when exposure will lead to infection, disease, death and population decline. This study investigates when pathogen exposure leads to disease for the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which has been implicated as a causal agent in the global amphibian decline. Susceptibility studies were conducted on two anuran species, the green and golden bell frog Litoria aurea and the striped marsh frog Limnodynastes peronii, when exposed to the fungus as either tadpoles or juveniles. Host species was found to significantly affect the outcome of exposure, with infection loads in L. aurea increasing over time and resulting in significantly lower survival rates than unexposed. By comparison, infection loads in L. peronii remained the same or decreased over time following the initial infection, and survival rates were no different whether exposed to B. dendrobatidis or not. These outcomes were independent of the life stage at exposure. Individuals with higher infection loads were not found to have lower survival rates; rather, an infection load threshold was identified where individuals with infection loads that crossed this threshold had high likelihoods of showing terminal signs of chytridiomycosis. Therefore, host species determined whether infection load crossed this threshold and the crossing of the threshold determined the incidence of disease and survival. The quantification of infection load thresholds for survival, along with the time it takes to reach them, will enable infection loads in wild populations to be related to the likelihood of disease and is the first step in the understanding and prediction of when exposure will result in population decline.
Auditory evoked potentials dissociate rapid perceptual learning from task repetition without learning
Authors: Ben‐David Boaz M. , Campeanu Sandra , Tremblay Kelly L. , Alain Claude
Published: November 2010

Performance improvement during an hour of auditory perceptual training is accompanied by rapid physiological changes. These changes may reflect learning or simply task repetition independent of learning. We assessed the contribution of learning and task repetition to changes in auditory evoked potentials during a difficult speech identification task and an easy tone identification task. We posited that only task repetition effects would occur in the tone task but that task repetition and learning would interact in the speech task. Speech identification improved with practice (increased sensitivity d′ with a constant response bias β). This behavioral improvement coincided with a decrease in the amplitude of sensory evoked responses (N1, P2) and a decrease in the amplitude of a slow wave (peak=320 ms after onset) over the left frontal and parietal sites. Results show rapid physiological changes associated with learning, distinct from changes related to task repetition.
Unique alterations in infection‐induced immune activation during pregnancy
Authors: Witkin SS , Linhares IM , Bongiovanni AM , Herway C , Skupski D
Published: November 2010

Please cite this paper as: Witkin S, Linhares I, Bongiovanni A, Herway C, Skupski D. Unique alterations in infection‐induced immune activation during pregnancy. BJOG 2011;118:145–153.

Background  Immune responses to infection are uniquely regulated during gestation to allow for antimicrobial defence and tissue repair, whilst preventing damage to developing fetal organs or the triggering of preterm labour.

Objective  A review and analysis of studies delineating gestation‐specific immune modulation and intra‐amniotic regulation of pro‐inflammatory immunity.

Search strategy  Identification of the alterations between the fetus/neonate and adult with regard to the endogenous and infection‐induced expression of molecules with immune regulatory properties, and the characterisation of intra‐amniotic immune mediators that inhibit bacterial‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokine production.

Selection criteria  English and non‐English publications from 1985 to the present.

Data collection and analysis  An electronic literature search using MEDLINE, PubMed, articles cited in the primary sources, as well as pregnancy‐related immunology research from our laboratory at Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

Main results  During fetal development, interleukin (IL)‐23, IL‐10 and IL‐6, as well as T‐helper‐17 (Th17)‐mediated immune responses, are upregulated, whereas tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and IL‐1β‐ and Th1‐mediated immune responses are downregulated in the intrauterine environment (both the fetal compartment and the amniotic compartment). Infection‐related immunity during gestation is preferentially directed towards combating extracellular microbial pathogens. Amniotic fluid and the neonatal circulation contain multiple components that improve the ability of the developing neonate to tolerate microbial‐induced immune activation.

Conclusions  The repertoire of immune mechanisms to control infection and inflammation differ between fetal and adult life. The dual mechanisms of resistance to infection and tolerance to infection‐induced immune activation prevent damage to the developing fetus and the triggering of premature labour.
Half Full but also Half Empty: Conditionality, Compliance and the Quality of Democracy in Central and Eastern Europepsr
Authors: Haughton Tim
Published: November 2010

Although the European Union was an ingredient in the processes of democratisation and marketisation in Central and Eastern Europe in the two decades following the 1989 revolutions, recent scholarly contributions to the debate on EU conditionality and post-accession conditionality raise doubts about the transformative power of the European Union and the explanatory power of the rational incentives model. Nonetheless, the very process of joining the club has left an indelible mark on the quality and functioning of democracy in the region.
Helicobacter pylori Infection and Childhood
Authors: Mourad‐Baars Petronella , Hussey Séamus , Jones Nicola L.
Published: November 2010

Pediatric‐based Helicobacter pylori research continues to contribute significantly to our understanding of both clinical and pathophysiological aspects of this infection. Here, we review the published pediatric H. pylori literature from April 2009–March 2010. Analysis of pediatric H. pylori strains continues to suggest that cagA+ and cagPAI competent strains are less prevalent than in adult isolates. Studies from the Middle East report a high H. pylori prevalence and intrafamilial transmission. Data continue to show a lack of association between H. pylori and recurrent abdominal pain of childhood, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and growth retardation. Recent probiotic trials have not shown a benefit on H. pylori eradication in children, while sequential therapy remains an attractive therapeutic eradication strategy in children, which requires validation in different geographic regions.
Clinical Aspects of Gastric Cancer and Helicobacter pylori– Screening, Prevention, and Treatment
Authors: Selgrad Michael , Bornschein Jan , Rokkas Theodore , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: November 2010

Gastric cancer still represents a global health care burden, and in the absence of strategies implemented for early detection, the disease continues to have a dismal prognosis. Patients presenting with clinical manifestations of gastric cancer have limited options for cure. Thus, early detection and prevention play a key role in the fight against gastric cancer. Serologic‐based test methods have the potential to detect a subset of patients at high risk of gastric cancer that require a close clinical and endoscopic follow‐up. More data have been produced to support Helicobacter pylori eradication as an efficient strategy to prevent gastric cancer. Treatment options for patients with an advanced disease are still limited, but the introduction of new agents opens a more optimistic perspective for the future.
The Associations Between Headaches and Psychopathology: A Survey in School Children
Authors: Pitrou Isabelle , Shojaei Taraneh , Chan‐Chee Christine , Wazana Ashley , Boyd Anders , Kovess‐Masféty Viviane
Published: November 2010

(Headache 2010;50:1537‐1548)

Background.— Headaches are common in childhood and significantly impact children's quality of life. On the contrary to the adolescent and adult population, there are few data on the associations between headaches and psychopathology in young children.

Objective.— The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between child headaches, emotional and behavioral difficulties in children aged 6‐11 years old.

Methods.— A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 2004 in 100 primary schools from a large French region, with 2341 children aged 6‐11 years old randomly selected. Child headache status, comorbid physical conditions, and socioeconomic characteristics were collected in parent‐administered questionnaires. Child psychopathology outcomes were assessed using child‐ and parent‐reported standardized instruments: respectively, the Dominic Interactive and the Strengths and the Difficulties Questionnaire. Associations were estimated using logistic regression models.

Results.— Response rates to the parent questionnaire and the Dominic Interactive were 57.4% and 95.1%, respectively. The final sample size was 1308 children. Eleven percent of the children already experienced frequent headaches in their lifetime, with no difference by age or gender. Headaches were associated with parent‐reported emotional problems (OR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.03‐3.01) and self‐reported general anxiety disorder (OR = 1.99; 1.13‐3.52). Comorbid physical conditions ≥2 appeared as an independent factor significantly associated with headaches (OR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.13‐2.73). Inversely, low parental punitive behaviors were less frequently associated with headaches (OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.18‐0.94).

Conclusion.— Our results suggest some associations between headaches, emotional disorders, and comorbid physical conditions in young children aged 6‐11 years old. Those results should be considered in the treatment approaches of childhood headaches and from the etiological aspect.
Prolonged Sporadic Hemiplegic Migraine Associated With a Novel De Novo Missense ATP1A2 Gene Mutation
Authors: De Sanctis Sara , Grieco Gaetano Salvatore , Breda Luciana , Casali Carlo , Nozzi Manuela , Del Torto Marianna , Chiarelli Francesco , Verrotti Alberto
Published: November 2010

Hemiplegic migraine is a rare form of migraine characterized by periodic attacks of migraine with neurologic aura and transient hemiplegia. There are familial and sporadic cases, both on a genetic basis; we describe the case of a 6‐year‐old boy affected by sporadic hemiplegic migraine, showing a novel ATP1A2 gene missense mutation (p.Gly715Arg) in exon 16. Long‐term treatment with flunarizine resulted in good clinical response and prevention of further attacks.
Quality of Life and Barriers in the Urban Outdoor Environment in Old Age
Authors: Rantakokko Merja , Iwarsson Susanne , Kauppinen Markku , Leinonen Raija , Heikkinen Eino , Rantanen Taina
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between barriers in the outdoor environment and perceived quality of life (QoL) in old age and to assess whether fear of moving outdoors and unmet physical activity need contribute to this association.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional.

SETTING: Community and research center.

PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred eighty‐nine, community‐dwelling people aged 75 to 81 took part in face‐to‐face home‐interviews and examinations in the research center.

MEASUREMENTS: QoL was assessed using the LEIPAD questionnaire. Environmental barriers were studied based on self‐reports of lack of resting places or long distances (distances), noisy traffic or dangerous crossroads (traffic), and hilly terrain or poor street condition (terrain). Fear of moving outdoors and unmet physical activity need were self‐reported, and maximal walking speed was measured over 10 m. A path analyses model using LISREL was used for the statistical analyses.

RESULTS: QoL was worse among those who reported more barriers in their outdoor environment, experienced fear of moving outdoors or unmet physical activity need, and had slower walking speed and more chronic diseases. In the path model, in which 36% of the variation in QoL was explained, terrain, traffic and distances influenced QoL through fear of moving outdoors or unmet physical activity need, whereas distances had a direct association with QoL.

CONCLUSION: An outdoor environment that encumbers outdoor mobility increases perceptions of fear of moving outdoors and unmet physical activity need and is associated with poor QoL in older people. More research is needed to confirm the temporal order and causality of these observations.
Frailty, Mortality, and Health‐Related Quality of Life in Older Mexican Americans
Authors: Masel Meredith C. , Ostir Glenn V. , Ottenbacher Kenneth J.
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) on the relationship between frailty status and survival in older Mexican‐American adults.

DESIGN: Prospective analysis of participants in the Hispanic Established Populations for Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly.

SETTING: Urban and rural areas of five southwestern states: Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas.

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand eight Mexican‐American adults aged 74 to 101 interviewed between 2005 and 2006.

MEASUREMENTS: Trained interviewers collected information on patient demographics, health conditions, frailty status, HRQOL, and survival.

RESULTS: Frailty was associated with a greater odds of death (odds ratio=2.72, 95% confidence interval=1.5–5.1) over a period of 2 to 3 years. After adjusting for the physical component of HRQOL, being frail (as opposed to prefrail or nonfrail) was no longer significantly associated with mortality. The mental health component of HRQOL did not affect the relationship between frailty and mortality.

CONCLUSION: Older Mexican Americans identified as frail experienced poorer survival in this sample than their prefrail or nonfrail counterparts. Adjusting for the physical component of HRQOL attenuated poorer survival in persons categorized as frail.
The Quality of Emergency Department Pain Care for Older Adult Patients
Authors: Hwang Ula , Richardson Lynne D. , Harris Ben , Morrison R. Sean
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether there are differences in emergency department (ED) pain assessment and treatment for older and younger adults.

DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort.

SETTING: Urban, academic tertiary care ED during July and December 2005.

PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients with conditions warranting ED pain care.

MEASUREMENTS: Age, Charlson comorbidity score, number of prior medications, sex, race and ethnicity, triage severity, degree of pain, treating clinician, and final ED diagnosis. Pain care process measures were pain assessment and treatment and time of activities.

RESULTS: One thousand thirty‐one ED visits met inclusion criteria; 92% of these had a documented pain assessment. Of those reporting pain, 41% had follow‐up pain assessments, and 59% received analgesic medication (58% of these as opioids, 24% as nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)). In adjusted analyses, there were no differences according to age in pain assessment and receiving any analgesic. Older patients (65–84) were less likely than younger patients (18–64) to receive opioid analgesics for moderate to severe (odds ratio (OR)=0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.22–0.88) and were more likely to more likely to receive NSAIDs for mild pain (OR=3.72, 95% CI=0.97–14.24). Older adults had a lower reduction of initial to final recorded pain scores (P=.002).

CONCLUSION: There appear to be differences in acute ED pain care for older and younger adults. Lower overall reduction of pain scores and less opioid use for the treatment of painful conditions in older patients highlight disparities of concern. Future studies should determine whether these differences represent inadequate ED pain care.
Prosthodontic Rehabilitation of a Shotgun Injury: A Patient Report
Authors: Torabi Kianoosh , Ahangari Ahmad H. , Vojdani Mahrou , Fattahi Farnaz
Published: November 2010

This report describes the prosthodontic rehabilitation of a shotgun patient traumatized in the maxillary, mandibular, and nasal areas resulting in severe problems in her esthetics, phonetics, and mastication. The patient was treated with removable partial prostheses using tooth, soft tissue, and implant support.
Mandibular Fracture in Conjunction with Bicortical Penetration, Using Wide‐Diameter Endosseous Dental Implants
Authors: Oh Won‐suk , Roumanas Eleni D. , Beumer III John
Published: November 2010

Prosthodontic rehabilitation of a patient with an atrophic edentulous mandible presents a significant challenge in restoring esthetics and function. The purpose of this clinical report is to describe fracture of an atrophic edentulous mandible opposing maxillary natural dentition in association with endosseous dental implants. The patient received two wide‐diameter implants in the anterior mandible for an implant‐assisted mandibular overdenture, in which the implants penetrated the inferior border of the mandible for bicortical stabilization. Three months following implant placement surgery, the patient experienced pain, swelling, and intraoral purulent drainage around the right implant. Panoramic radiograph revealed a fracture of the mandible through the right implant site and signs of infection around the left implant. The implants were removed surgically, and open reduction and fixation of the fracture site were undertaken using a titanium bone fixation plate. This clinical report demonstrates that placement of wide‐diameter implants in conjunction with bicortical penetration in a severely atrophic edentulous mandible can risk fracture of the mandible.
Reactions at Surfaces: A New Approach Integrating Interferometry and Kinetic Simulations
Authors: Luttge Andreas , Arvidson Rolf S.
Published: November 2010

Significant insight into reaction mechanism can be derived from the analysis of surface topography and kinetics of alteration of interfaces as a function of their environment. These data have largely been the purview of scanning and atomic force instruments, traditional optical microscopy, and electron beam technologies. We introduce here an integrated approach that combines vertical scanning interferometry, atomic force microscopy, and other techniques with kinetic Monte Carlo calculations. The combination of molecular‐scale modeling techniques and quantitative laboratory‐based measurements creates powerful feedbacks that allow insight not obtainable from any single method. We discuss potential applications for ceramic systems and present results from ceramic UO2 experiments as an example.
Doping Effect of La and Dy on the Thermoelectric Properties of SrTiO3
Authors: Wang Hong Chao , Wang Chun Lei , Su Wen Bin , Liu Jian , Sun Yi , Peng Hua , Mei Liang Mo
Published: November 2010

To study the thermoelectric properties of SrTiO3 doped with lanthanum and dysprosium, ceramic samples were prepared using the conventional solid‐state reaction method. The total doping amount was fixed at 20 mol% with different amounts of lanthanum and dysprosium contents. The X‐ray diffraction pattern suggests that the main crystal structure is cubic perovskite with a small amount of the second phase of Dy2Ti2O7. Scanning electronic microscope surface morphology images revealed that the ceramic samples consisted of homogeneous grains with an average grain size of 4.1–6.2 μm. The electrical conduction of the samples as a function of temperature had similar behavior to that of metallic conductivity. The Seebeck coefficients were negative, which indicates that electrons were the dominant carriers. As the dysprosium content increased, both the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity decreased; in contrast, the absolute value of the Seebeck coefficient increased. The power factor reached 1318 μW/K2m at 570 K with 12% dysprosium and 8% lanthanum doped in SrTiO3. The lowest thermal conductivity was 2.3 W/mK for the sample with 20% dysprosium as a dopant. The maximum figure of merit (ZT) of 0.36 at 1076 K was obtained for SrTiO3 doped with 12% dysprosium and 8% lanthanum, which is a result of the high power factor combined with low thermal conductivity.
Tailoring Ti3SiC2 Ceramic via a Strong Magnetic Field Alignment Method Followed by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Hu Chunfeng , Sakka Yoshio , Grasso Salvatore , Suzuki Tohru , Tanaka Hidehiko
Published: November 2010

Highly textured Ti3SiC2 ceramic was successfully fabricated by slip casting in a 12 T strong magnetic field followed by spark plasma sintering. The optimized suspension parameters for slip casting were determined as 20 vol% Ti3SiC2 and 1.5 wt% polyethyleneimine dispersant of powder in deionized water. After texturing in the 12 T strong magnetic field and then cold isostatic pressing, the relative densities of green bodies were 51.4% and 63.8%, respectively. X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that the preferred orientation of Ti3SiC2 grains perpendicular to the magnetic field direction was along the c‐axis. After sintering at 1100° and 1000°C under the pressure of 120 and 500 MPa, respectively, the relative density of Ti3SiC2 reached 88.2% and 98.6%. The Lotgering orientation factors on the textured top surface and textured side surface were determined as f(00l)=0.95 and f(hk0)=0.31, respectively. The textured microstructure contributed to the anisotropic mechanical property tested by Vickers indentation.
Colloidal Shaping of Alumina Ceramics by Thermally Induced Gelation of Methylcellulose
Authors: Hareesh Unnikrishnan Nair Saraswathy , Anantharaju Rakesh , Biswas Papiya , Rajeswari Kotikalapudi , Johnson Roy
Published: November 2010

Dense alumina ceramics have been fabricated by the colloidal shaping of alumina slurry using methylcellulose as the networking additive. Concentration as low as 0.08 wt% of methylcellulose had been found to be sufficient enough to convert an alumina slurry of 74–75 wt% solid loading, to consolidated shapes by thermal gelation at 70°–80°C. Cast shapes could be sintered to dense alumina (99% TD) at temperatures in the range of 1500°–1525°C at a minimum heating rate of 180°C/h. The effect of methylcellulose concentration on the viscosity of suspensions was studied and green strengths of samples are investigated.
Luminescence Properties of Eu2+/Mn2+Codoped Borophosphate Glasses
Authors: Liang Xiaoluan , Xing Zhongwen , Yang Yunxia , Wang Shufen , Chen Guorong
Published: November 2010

On the basis of the glass network structure and spectroscopy information, the full‐color‐emitting borophosphate glasses doped/codoped with Eu2+and Mn2+ions were synthesized, and their photoluminescence (PL) properties were evaluated. The interaction of Mn2+–Mn2+pairs shifts its emission to longer wavelength without a notable negative effect on the intensity in Mn2+‐doped glasses. Depending on the small amount of B2O3added, the Mn2+ions suffer different surrounding environments giving three emission bands at 526, 597, and 638 nm, respectively. In codoped samples, the weak red emission resulting from the forbidden transition of Mn2+could be enhanced by the energy transfer from Eu2+because of the spectral overlap between the PL excitation spectrum of Mn2+and the PL spectrum of Eu2+. The energy transfer process was confirmed by the luminescence spectra, transmittance spectra, and the calculation of energy transfer efficiency of the glasses. Meanwhile, the potential mechanism of energy transfer is evident to be dipole–dipole interaction. Finally, the Eu2+–Mn2+‐codoped borophosphate glasses showed an adjustable full‐color emission that could be regarded as a good candidate for ultraviolet light‐emitting diode (LED) chip‐based white LEDs.
Rethinking the prosaicism of mosaicism; is it in us?
Authors: Cho Raymond J.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Exponential advances in the quantitation of DNA variation and epigenetic states seem poised to convert much of biological research into a statistical exercise. But these developments also invite us to reimagine well‐worn biological concepts on a grander scale. Somatic mosaicism refers to postzygotic mutations persisting in the individual, occasionally conspicuous to dermatologists as Blaschkoid, checkerboard, phylloid and patchy morphologies. A thoughtful examination of cutaneous mosaicism suggests, however, that virtually all of us may be somatic mosaics. Such genetic variability within individuals might explain localized presentations of disease and implies that some tissues literally evolve throughout life. We discuss here (i) the likely ubiquity of somatic mosaicism, (ii) the broad range of possible biological consequences and (iii) how experimentalists and clinicians may begin establishing genotype‐to‐phenotype correlates.
Polarized but Differential Localization and Recruitment of STIM1, Orai1 and TRPC Channels in Secretory Cells
Authors: Hong Jeong Hee , Li Qin , Kim Min Seuk , Shin Dong Min , Feske Stefan , Birnbaumer Lutz , Cheng Kwong Tai , Ambudkar Indu S. , Muallem Shmuel
Published: November 2010

Polarized Ca2+signals in secretory epithelial cells are determined by compartmentalized localization of Ca2+signaling proteins at the apical pole. Recently the ER Ca2+sensor STIM1 (stromal interaction molecule 1) and the Orai channels were shown to play a critical role in store‐dependent Ca2+influx. STIM1 also gates the transient receptor potential‐canonical (TRPC) channels. Here, we asked how cell stimulation affects the localization, recruitment and function of the native proteins in polarized cells. Inhibition of Orai1, STIM1, or deletion of TRPC1 reduces Ca2+influx and frequency of Ca2+oscillations. Orai1 localization is restricted to the apical pole of the lateral membrane. Surprisingly, cell stimulation does not lead to robust clustering of native Orai1, as is observed with expressed Orai1. Unexpectedly, cell stimulation causes polarized recruitment of native STIM1 to both the apical and lateral regions, thus to regions with and without Orai1. Accordingly, STIM1 and Orai1 show only 40% colocalization. Consequently, STIM1 shows higher colocalization with the basolateral membrane marker E‐cadherin than does Orai1, while Orai1 showed higher colocalization with the tight junction protein ZO1. TRPC1 is expressed in both apical and basolateral regions of the plasma membrane. Co‐IP of STIM1/Orai1/IP3receptors (IP3Rs)/TRPCs is enhanced by cell stimulation and disrupted by 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2APB). The polarized localization and recruitment of these proteins results in preferred Ca2+entry that is initiated at the apical pole. These findings reveal that in addition to Orai1, STIM1 likely regulates other Ca2+permeable channels, such as the TRPCs. Both channels contribute to the frequency of [Ca2+] oscillations and thus impact critical cellular functions.
‘Life is a Highway’: Membrane Trafficking During Cytokinesis
Authors: McKay Heather F. , Burgess David R.
Published: November 2010

Cytokinesis, the final stage of the cell cycle, is an essential step toward the formation of two viable daughter cells. In recent years, membrane trafficking has been shown to be important for the completion of cytokinesis. Vesicles originating from both the endocytic and secretory pathways are known to be shuttled to the plasma membrane of the ingressing cleavage furrow, delivering membrane and proteins to this dynamic region. Advances in cell imaging have led to exciting new discoveries regarding vesicle movement in living cells. Recent work has revealed a significant role for membrane trafficking, as controlled by regulatory proteins, during cytokinesis in animal cells. The endocytic and secretory pathways as well as motor proteins are revealed to be essential in the delivery of vesicles to the cleavage furrow during cytokinesis.
Effect of bone mineral density on masticatory performance and efficiency
Authors: Tamut Tamit , Pooran Chand , Pratap Singh Balendra , Arvind Tripathi , Jitendra Rao , Dayal Singh Raghuwar
Published: November 2010

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2010.00414.x

Effect of bone mineral density on masticatory performance and efficiency

Objective:  To evaluate the effect of bone mineral density (BMD) on masticatory performance and efficiency in dentate subjects.

Background data:  Osteoporosis is the most common disorder of the bone. It causes reduction in BMD of the all the skeletal tissue including jaw bones. It also promotes bone loss in jaw bones. In osteoporosis, a reduction of maximal bite force and greater electromyography activity of masticatory muscles is documented. This may lead to the development of masticatory dysfunction which can be assessed by a chewing test in the form of change in masticatory performance and efficiency.

Materials and methods:  Sixty subjects with equal numbers of men and women were selected for the study, in which BMD screening (T‐score) was carried out to identify the normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic subjects. Their masticatory performance and efficiency was evaluated by a chewing test (fractional sieving method).

Results:  A high ‘T’ score was associated with low masticatory efficiency and a low ‘T’ score with high masticatory efficiency. Masticatory performance and efficiency was significantly higher among males as compared to females with similar range of BMD.

Conclusion:  In both genders, high BMD groups (low ‘T’ score) had a significantly high percentage of masticatory efficiency compared to the low BMD (high ‘T’ score) group.