bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of room temperature current-voltage measurements on homo-junction HgCdTe diodes exhibiting nonequilibrium effects
Authors: Srivastav Vanya , Pal R. , Venkataraman V.
Published: February 2012

HgCdTe mid wave infrared (MWIR) n+/ν/p+ homo-junction photodiodes with planar architecture are designed, fabricated, and measured at room temperature. An improved analytical I-V model is reported by incorporating trap assisted tunneling and electric field enhanced Shockley-Read-Hall generation recombination process due to dislocations. Tunneling currents are fitted before and after the Auger suppression of carriers with energy level of trap (Et), trap density (Nt), and the doping concentrations of n+ and ν regions as fitting parameters. Values of Et and Nt are determined as 0.79 Eg and ∼9 × 1014 cm−3, respectively, in all cases. Doping concentration of ν region was found to exhibit nonequilibrium depletion from a value of 2 × 1016 to 4 × 1015 cm−3 for n+ doping of 2 × 1017 cm−3. Pronounced negative differential resistance is observed in the homo-junction HgCdTe diodes.
Nonlinear analysis of the dielectric loaded rectangular Cerenkov maser
Authors: Zhao Ding , Ding Yaogen
Published: February 2012

To deeply investigate the nonlinear interaction between the sheet beam and the slow wave mode in the dielectric loaded rectangular Cerenkov maser, a third order differential equation of the field profile function is rigorously derived. By combining with the relativistic equation of motion and using the traveling-wave boundary condition, the nonlinear phenomena, which involve with the growth rate, the electron phase bunching, the saturated power and length, etc., can be predicted through numerical calculations. An illustrative example has been given to demonstrate the validation of this method. The results show that a beam with axial momentum spread will lower the saturated power, increase the saturated length, and decrease the working bandwidth.
Numerical study of ion energy and angular distributions in dual-frequency capacitively coupled CF4 plasmas
Authors: Shuai Wang , Xiang Xu , Younian Wang
Published: February 2012

A one-dimensional hybrid model is presented in the paper to study the characteristics of ion energy and angular distributions on the rf-biased electrode in dual frequency capacitively coupled CF4 discharges. The hybrid model includes two parts: a fluid module and a Monte Carlo (MC) module. The fluid module determines the spatiotemporal evolutions of bulk plasma, and the MC module describes the ion-neutral collisions to predict the ion energy and angular distributions on rf-biased electrode. The discussion of this paper focuses on the influence of pressure, voltage, amplitude, and frequencies of the low frequency source on ion energy distributions (IEDs) and ion angular distributions (IADs) of CF3+ and F+ ions. For the CF3+ ions, the IEDs appear to have multiple-peak structures in the dual frequency capacitively coupled rf discharge, and the IADs have a significant peak at a small angle. With the increase of pressure, the maximum energy in IEDs decreases, and the IADs spread to a large angle region. With the decrease of the low frequency or increase of the LF voltage, more ions get a higher energy while they are going across the sheath region, the width and maximum ion energy of IEDs increase, and the peaks in IADs shift toward small angle regions. For the F+ ions, the IEDs are modulated strongly by the sheath field, and the peaks are more prominent than those of heavy ions. The width between different peaks is narrower than that of CF3+ ions, and the maximum energy is also higher.
Cytokinin signaling as a positional cue for patterning the apical–basal axis of the growing
Arabidopsis
shoot meristem
Authors: Chickarmane Vijay S. , Gordon Sean P. , Tarr Paul T. , Heisler Marcus G. , Meyerowitz Elliot M.
Published: February 2012

The transcription factor WUSCHEL (WUS) acts from a well-defined domain within the
Arabidopsis thaliana
shoot apical meristem (SAM) to maintain a stem cell niche. A negative-feedback loop involving the CLAVATA (CLV) signaling pathway regulates the number of
WUS
-expressing cells and provides the current paradigm for the homeostatic maintenance of stem cell numbers. Despite the continual turnover of cells in the SAM during development, the WUS domain remains patterned at a fixed distance below the shoot apex. Recent work has uncovered a positive-feedback loop between WUS function and the plant hormone cytokinin. Furthermore, loss of function of the cytokinin biosynthetic gene,
LONELY GUY
(
LOG
), results in a
wus
-like phenotype in rice. Herein, we find the
Arabidopsis LOG4
gene is expressed in the SAM epidermis. We use this to develop a computational model representing a growing SAM to suggest the plausibility that apically derived cytokinin and CLV signaling, together, act as positional cues for patterning the WUS domain within the stem cell niche. Furthermore, model simulations backed by experimental data suggest a previously unknown negative feedback between WUS function and cytokinin biosynthesis in the
Arabidopsis
SAM epidermis. These results suggest a plausible dynamic feedback principle by which the SAM stem cell niche is patterned.
Allatostatin-A neurons inhibit feeding behavior in adult
Drosophila
Authors: Hergarden Anne Christina , Tayler Timothy D. , Anderson David J.
Published: February 2012

How the brain translates changes in internal metabolic state or perceived food quality into alterations in feeding behavior remains poorly understood. Studies in
Drosophila
larvae have yielded information about neuropeptides and circuits that promote feeding, but a peptidergic neuron subset whose activation inhibits feeding in adult flies, without promoting metabolic changes that mimic the state of satiety, has not been identified. Using genetically based manipulations of neuronal activity, we show that activation of neurons (or neuroendocrine cells) expressing the neuropeptide allatostatin A (AstA) inhibits or limits several starvation-induced changes in feeding behavior in adult
Drosophila
, including increased food intake and enhanced behavioral responsiveness to sugar. Importantly, these effects on feeding behavior are observed in the absence of any measurable effects on metabolism or energy reserves, suggesting that AstA neuron activation is likely a consequence, not a cause, of metabolic changes that induce the state of satiety. These data suggest that activation of AstA-expressing neurons promotes food aversion and/or exerts an inhibitory influence on the motivation to feed and implicate these neurons and their associated circuitry in the mechanisms that translate the state of satiety into alterations in feeding behavior.
Inverse reference in subtraction performance: An analysis from arithmetic word problems
Authors: Orrantia Josetxu , Rodríguez Laura , Múñez David , Vicente Santiago
Published: February 2012

Studies of elementary calculation have shown that adults solve basic subtraction problems faster with problems presented in addition format (e.g., 6 + _ = 13) than in standard subtraction format (e.g., 13 – 6 = _). Therefore, it is considered that adults solve subtraction problems by reference to the inverse operation (e.g., for 13 – 6 = 7, “I know that 13 is 6 + 7”) because presenting the subtraction problem in addition format does not require the mental rearrangement of the problem elements into the addition format. In two experiments, we examine whether adults' use of addition to solve subtractions is modulated by the arrangement of minuend and subtrahend, regardless of format. To this end, we used arithmetic word problems since single-digit problems in subtraction format would not allow the subtrahend to appear before the minuend. In Experiment 1, subtractions were presented by arranging minuend and subtrahend according to previous research. In Experiment 2, operands were reversed. The overall results showed that participants benefited from word problems where the subtrahend appears before the minuend, including subtractions in standard subtraction format. These findings add to a growing body of literature that emphasizes the role of inverse reference in adults' performance on subtractions.
Design and construction principles in nature and architecture
Authors: Knippers Jan , Speck Thomas
Published: February 2012

This paper will focus on how the emerging scientific discipline of biomimetics can bring new insights into the field of architecture. An analysis of both architectural and biological methodologies will show important aspects connecting these two. The foundation of this paper is a case study of convertible structures based on elastic plant movements.
EGFR-dependent phosphorylation of leucine-rich repeat kinase LRRK1 is important for proper endosomal trafficking of EGFR
Authors: Ishikawa Kouki , Nara Atsuki , Matsumoto Kunihiro , Hanafusa Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

Ligand-induced activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) initiates trafficking events that relocalize the receptors from the cell surface to intracellular endocytic compartments. We recently reported that leucine-rich repeat kinase 1 (LRRK1) is involved in the trafficking of EGFR from early to late endosomes. In this study, we demonstrate that EGFR regulates the kinase activity of LRRK1 via tyrosine phosphorylation and that this is required for proper endosomal trafficking of EGFR. Phosphorylation of LRRK1 at Tyr-944 results in reduced LRRK1 kinase activity. Mutation of LRRK1 Tyr-944 (Y944F) abolishes EGF-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation, resulting in hyperactivation of LRRK1 kinase activity and enhanced motility of EGF-containing endosomes toward the perinuclear region. The compartments in which EGFR accumulates are mixed endosomes and are defective in the proper formation of intraluminal vesicles of multivesicular bodies. These results suggest that feedback down-regulation of LRRK1 kinase activity by EGFR plays an important role in the appropriate endosomal trafficking of EGFR.
Accuracy of the Patch model used to estimate density and capture efficiency in depletion experiments for sessile invertebrates and fish
Authors: Hennen Daniel R. , Jacobson Larry D. , Tang Jiashen
Published: February 2012

Hennen, D., Jacobson, L., and Tang, J. 2012. Accuracy of the Patch model used to estimate density and capture efficiency in depletion experiments for sessile invertebrates and fish. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 240–249. The Patch model is used to analyse depletion experiment data for sessile invertebrates and fish that do not randomize after sampling. Simulations indicate that density and capture efficiency estimates were useful under realistic conditions for Atlantic surfclam (Spisula solidissima) and many other sessile demersal species. Density estimates were generally biased low by position-data errors, whereas efficiency estimates were relatively unbiased. A new “hit” matrix method improved the accuracy of efficiency estimates, reduced the variability for efficiency and density estimates, and simplified assumptions about the movement of organisms after sampling. Depletion tows should be spaced to cover the entire study area and to intersect in areas where densities are not low. Model estimates can be made for individuals fully or partially selected by the sampling gear, and information about size selectivity is useful. Patch-model estimates can be used to calculate swept-area abundance or biomass, estimate catchability coefficients for survey or catch per unit effort data, form prior distributions used in stock assessment models, and estimate efficiency for other types of sampling gear.
Cormorant diet in relation to temporal changes in fish communities
Authors: Boström Maria K. , Östman Örjan , Bergenius Mikaela A. J. , Lunneryd Sven-Gunnar
Published: February 2012

Boström, M. K., Östman, Ö., Bergenius, M. A. J., and Lunneryd, S-G. 2012. Cormorant diet in relation to temporal changes in fish communities. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 175–183. The stomach contents of 229 great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) shot between March and October 2009 along the Swedish east coast were analysed for differences in diet between gender, age, and breeding phase. Sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus and Pungitius pungitius) were the most common prey, followed by eelpout (Zoarces viviparus), herring (Clupea harengus membras), and cyprinids (Cyprinidae). Diet did not differ between age and gender, but changed over the breeding season. The different phases explained around 10% of the total variation in stomach content between cormorants, suggesting no major shift in diet over the breeding season. The diet of cormorants in 2009 was compared with the results of a study conducted in the same area in 1992. There were evident changes in the diet between 1992 and 2009, with less perch (Perca fluviatilis) and cyprinids and more eelpout and herring in 2009. This change in diet could partly be related to changes in the fish community. The seasonal changes in diet composition of whole stomachs were less notable than in many previous studies, but long-term changes in the fish communities may induce changes in cormorant diet. It is clearly important to use stomach contents in areas with many small fish species for a comprehensive assessment of cormorant diet.
Data-limited management reference points to avoid collapse of stocks dependent on learned migration behaviour
Authors: MacCall Alec D.
Published: February 2012

MacCall, A. D. 2012. Data-limited management reference points to avoid collapse of stocks dependent on learned migration behaviour. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 267–270. Risk of stock collapse associated with the loss of a stock's migrational knowledge may be underestimated by conventional reference points. In this paper, I describe three different approaches: a data-poor precautionary approach is to ensure that individuals spawn at least twice; a data-intermediate approach is to calculate a repeat spawning potential ratio (rSPR), which is analogous to the conventional SPR; and for data-rich cases, age-structured population simulations are recommended.
Haploinsufficiency of Dnmt1 impairs leukemia stem cell function through derepression of bivalent chromatin domains
Authors: Trowbridge Jennifer J. , Sinha Amit U. , Zhu Nan , Li Mingjie , Armstrong Scott A. , Orkin Stuart H.
Published: February 2012

Epigenetic mechanisms regulating leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are an attractive target for therapy of blood cancers. Here, we report that conditional knockout of the DNA methyltransferase Dnmt1 blocked development of leukemia, and haploinsufficiency of Dnmt1 was sufficient to delay progression of leukemogenesis and impair LSC self-renewal without altering normal hematopoiesis. Haploinsufficiency of Dnmt1 resulted in tumor suppressor gene derepression associated with reduced DNA methylation and bivalent chromatin marks. These results suggest that LSCs depend on not only active expression of leukemogenic programs, but also DNA methylation-mediated silencing of bivalent domains to enforce transcriptional repression.
Identification of microRNA-regulated gene networks by expression analysis of target genes
Authors: Gennarino Vincenzo Alessandro , D'Angelo Giovanni , Dharmalingam Gopuraja , Fernandez Serena , Russolillo Giorgio , Sanges Remo , Mutarelli Margherita , Belcastro Vincenzo , Ballabio Andrea , Verde Pasquale , Sardiello Marco , Banfi Sandro
Published: February 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors control eukaryotic cell proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism through their specific gene regulatory networks. However, differently from transcription factors, our understanding of the processes regulated by miRNAs is currently limited. Here, we introduce gene network analysis as a new means for gaining insight into miRNA biology. A systematic analysis of all human miRNAs based on Co-expression Meta-analysis of miRNA Targets (CoMeTa) assigns high-resolution biological functions to miRNAs and provides a comprehensive, genome-scale analysis of human miRNA regulatory networks. Moreover, gene cotargeting analyses show that miRNAs synergistically regulate cohorts of genes that participate in similar processes. We experimentally validate the CoMeTa procedure through focusing on three poorly characterized miRNAs, miR-519d/190/340, which CoMeTa predicts to be associated with the TGFβ pathway. Using lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells as a model system, we show that miR-519d and miR-190 inhibit, while miR-340 enhances TGFβ signaling and its effects on cell proliferation, morphology, and scattering. Based on these findings, we formalize and propose co-expression analysis as a general paradigm for second-generation procedures to recognize bona fide targets and infer biological roles and network communities of miRNAs.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: Towards personalized medicine
Authors: Miki Daiki , Ochi Hidenori , Hayes C. Nelson , Aikata Hiroshi , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: February 2012

Over the past several years, the success of genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) and pharmacogenomics has gradually begun to enable personalized medicine in some fields. In the field of liver diseases, host genetic factors are now very useful in clinical practice for predicting treatment outcome and adverse reactions for pegylated interferon plus ribavirin combination therapy against chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Recently, three virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) GWAS were reported from Asia. One study examined hepatitis B virus‐related HCC in China, where hepatitis B is very prevalent, and the other two examined HCV‐related HCC in Japan. We identified a common variant in the DEPDC5 locus associated with HCV‐related HCC, and another group identified an association involving the MICA locus. In this review, we compare the results of these GWAS and earlier candidate gene studies. Further research is needed to determine the role of these single nucleotide polymorphisms on HCC risk, but identification of these markers could make it possible to assess the magnitude of the risk of cancer based on each patient's genetic background. Consideration of the genetic background of the patients will likely play a role in personalized medicine for HCC, and understanding the mechanism underlying the association could suggest novel promising therapeutic targets in the future. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 846–850)
Health technology assessment and haemophilia
Authors: FARRUGIA A. , O’MAHONY B. , CASSAR J.
Published: February 2012

Summary.  Although the funding of rare diseases such as haemophilia in developing countries remains a low priority, pressures on the funding of haemophilia treatment are also emerging in developed economies affected by the global economic downturn and the other demands on health care budgets. This is leading advisory bodies and payers alike to explore the tools of Health Technology Assessment (HTAs) in deriving recommendations for reimbursement policies. In particular, the use of cost utility analysis (CUA) in deriving costs per quality adjusted life year (QALY) for different interventions is being used to rank interventions in order of priorities relative to a threshold cost per QALY. In these exercises, rare chronic disorders such as haemophilia emerge as particularly unattractive propositions for reimbursement, as the accepted methodology of deriving a CUA. For e.g. the use of prophylaxis in haemophilia leads to a range of costs/QALY which exceed the willingness to pay thresholds of most payers. In this commentary, we review the principles utilized in a recent systematic review of the use of haemophilia products carried out in Sweden as part of an HTA. We suggest that ranking haemophilia related interventions with the standard interventions of therapeutics and public health in CUA comparisons is inappropriate. Given that haemophilia treatment is a form of blood replacement therapy, we propose that such comparisons should be made with the interventions of mainstream blood transfusion. We suggest that unequivocally effective treatments such as haemophilia therapies should be assessed differently from mainstream interventions, that new methodologies are required for these kinds of diseases and that evidence of a societal willingness to support people with rare disorders needs to be recognized when reimbursement policies are developed.
Measuring dental fear using the CFSS‐DS. Do children and parents agree?
Authors: KRIKKEN JANNEKE B. , Van WIJK ARJEN J. , Ten CATE JACOB M. , VEERKAMP JAAP S. J.
Published: February 2012

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2013; 23: 94–100

Background.  In most studies, the parental version of the CFSS‐DS is used; however, no information is available concerning the extent to which parents are able to report dental fear on behalf of their children.

Aim.  This study aims to assess whether parents are accurate reporters of their child’s dental fear.

Methods.  The CFSS‐DS was filled out by 326 children in a classroom setting and by 167 parents (mostly mothers) at home on behalf of their child. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used as a measure of agreement between both CFSS‐DS versions, and reasons for nonagreement were assessed.

Results.  Mean CFSS‐DS for children was 21.15 (SD = 6.4) and for parents 23.26 (SD = 6.7). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.57. After selection of the 73.1% most accurate reporting parents, the ICC was 0.90. In general, parents estimate the dental fear of their children higher than their children do (P ≤ 0.001), whereas parents of high anxious children (HAC) estimate this fear lower, and parents of low anxious children (LAC) estimate this fear higher. Anxious parents (AP) estimate the dental fear of their children significantly higher than nonanxious parents (NAP) (P ≤ 0.001), but the children of AP do not estimate their own dental fear higher than children of NAP.

Conclusions.  In general, parents tend to estimate the dental fear of their children slightly higher than their children.
The prevalence of rhinitis and its association with smoking and obesity in a nationwide survey of Japanese adults
Authors: Konno S. , Hizawa N. , Fukutomi Y. , Taniguchi M. , Kawagishi Y. , Okada C. , Tanimoto Y. , Takahashi K. , Akasawa A. , Akiyama K. , Nishimura M.
Published: February 2012

Background

Rhinitis is a common disease, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Several studies have provided evidence of a strong association between asthma and rhinitis. Although smoking and obesity have been extensively analyzed as risk factors of asthma, associations with rhinitis are less clear.

Objective

The aims of our study were (i) to evaluate the prevalence of rhinitis using the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire in Japanese adults and (ii) to evaluate the associations of smoking and body mass index (BMI) with rhinitis.

Methods

Following our study conducted in 2006–2007 to determine the prevalence of asthma using the ECRHS questionnaire, our present analysis evaluates the prevalence of rhinitis and its association with smoking and BMI in Japanese adults 20–79 years of age (N = 22819). We classified the subjects (20–44 or 45–79 years) into four groups as having (i) neither rhinitis nor asthma; (ii) rhinitis without asthma; (iii) asthma without rhinitis; or (iv) rhinitis with asthma. We then evaluated associations with smoking and BMI in each group.

Results

The overall age‐adjusted prevalence of rhinitis was 35.1% in men and 39.3% in women. A higher prevalence was observed in the younger population than in the older population. Active smoking and obesity were positively associated with asthma without rhinitis. In contrast, particularly in the 20‐ to 44‐year age‐group, active smoking and obesity were negatively associated with rhinitis without asthma.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggest that smoking and obesity may have different effects on the development of rhinitis and asthma.
Symptom profile and risk factors of anaphylaxis in Central Europe
Authors: Worm M. , Edenharter G. , Ruëff F. , Scherer K. , Pföhler C. , Mahler V. , Treudler R. , Lang R. , Nemat K. , Koehli A. , Niggemann B. , Hompes S.
Published: February 2012

Background

Anaphylaxis is the most severe manifestation of an IgE‐dependent allergy. Standardized acquired clinical data from large cohorts of well‐defined cases are not available. The aim of this study was to analyse the symptom profile and risk factors of anaphylaxis in a large Central European cohort.

Methods

We acquired data from patients in Germany, Austria and Switzerland who experienced a severe allergic reaction defined by the onset of severe pulmonary and/or severe cardiovascular symptoms. The data were gained via an online questionnaire from 83 medical centres specialized in allergy. Data were collected from 2006 to 2010 and analysed by using a multinomial regression model.

Results

A total of 2012 paediatric and adult patients were included into the present analysis. The skin (84%) was the most frequently affected organ followed by the cardiovascular (72%) and the respiratory (68%) system. The regression model analysing the onset of cardiovascular versus respiratory symptoms revealed a strong impact of age (adjusted OR = 6.08; 95% CI, 3.35–11.01; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the elicitor food (adjusted OR = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.21–0.41, P < 0.001) and the presence of atopic diseases (adjusted OR = 0.54; 95% CI, 0.40–0.73, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with the onset of respiratory symptoms.

Conclusion

Data from individuals who experienced anaphylaxis can support the identification of risk factors. The present study indicates that age, the elicitor itself and the presence of atopic diseases have an impact on the symptom profile of anaphylaxis. Identifying further risk factors of anaphylaxis is of significant importance for clinical practice in the future.
Agreement between cardiac outputs by four‐dimensional echocardiography and thermodilution method is poor
Authors: BHAVSAR R. , JUHL‐OLSEN P. , SLOTH E. , JAKOBSEN C.‐J.
Published: February 2012

Objective

The objective of the study was to determine the agreement of cardiac output (CO) measured by four‐dimensional echocardiography (4D echo) to simultaneously obtain CO from pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) using thermodilution technique.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐three comparable readings from 27 patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass were included. All echocardiographic measurements were obtained by one experienced echocardiographer. All echo images were analyzed independently and blinded from PAC‐obtained measurements. Analysis was primarily done by Bland and Altman plot. The collected data were further controlled for interobserver bias and image quality.

Results

Differences in CO measurements increased with higher CO, hence values were logarithmically transformed. On the logaritmic scale, the 4D echo underestimated CO by 0.37 l/min compared with PAC, indicating that PAC measurements were 1.45 times higher than the 4D echo (95% confidence interval 1.32–1.52) and limits of agreement 0.97–2.14). The interobserver bias of 4D echo measurement analysis was 0.29 l/min (95% confidence interval 0.16–0.42) and limits of agreement −0.8–1.38). No difference was seen in image quality between comparisons with good agreement compared with comparisons with poor agreement.

Conclusion

The agreement between COs by 4D echo and standard PAC thermodilution technique was poor. 4D echo underestimates CO as compared with PAC. This is most likely caused by the analysis software or low frame rate inherent to the technique.
A case of endocrine mucin‐producing sweat gland carcinoma
Authors: Inozume Takashi , Kawasaki Tomonori , Harada Kazutoshi , Tanaka Keiko , Kawamura Tatsuyoshi , Shibagaki Naotaka , Katoh Ryohei , Shimada Shinji
Published: February 2012

Endocrine mucin‐producing sweat gland carcinoma (EMPSGC), which is an uncommon sweat gland tumor with a predilection for the eyelids, is morphologically analogous to solid papillary carcinoma of the breast. We report the case of a 55‐year‐old man with a subcutaneous tumor of the upper cheek. The pathological findings for this patient were compatible with those of reported cases of EMPSGC, and p63 staining revealed partial microinvasion into the dermis. On the basis of these findings, the patient was diagnosed with EMPSGC. It is reported that EMPSGC is a precursor of invasive mucinous carcinoma of the skin. Therefore, this patient was treated and followed up as if he had mucinous carcinoma of the skin. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such a case from Japan.
Effects of 17β‐estradiol on the release of monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 and MAPK activity in monocytes stimulated with peritoneal fluid from endometriosis patients
Authors: Lee Dong‐Hyung , Kim Seung‐Chul , Joo Jong‐Kil , Kim Hwi‐Gon , Na Young‐Jin , Kwak Jong‐Young , Lee Kyu‐Sup
Published: February 2012

Aim:  Hormones and inflammation have been implicated in the pathological process of endometriosis; therefore, we investigated the combined effects of 17β‐estradiol (E2) and peritoneal fluid obtained from patients with endometriosis (ePF) or a control peritoneal fluid (cPF) obtained from patients without endometriosis on the release of monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1) by monocytes and the role of signaling pathways.

Methods:  Monocytes were cultured with ePF and cPF in the presence of E2; the MCP‐1 levels in the supernatants were then measured by ELISA. In addition, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation was measured by Western blotting of phosphorylated proteins.

Results:  E2 down‐regulated MCP‐1 release by lipopolysaccharide‐ or cPF‐treated monocytes, but failed to suppress its release by ePF‐treated monocytes. The release of MCP‐1 by ePF‐ and cPF‐treated monocytes was efficiently abrogated by p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors; however, the MCP‐1 release by cPF‐treated monocytes, but not by ePF‐treated monocytes, was blocked by a MAPK kinase inhibitor. In addition, ePF and cPF induced the phosphorylation of extracellular stress regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, p38 MAPK and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). E2 decreased the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, but not ERK1/2 in ePF‐treated monocytes; however, E2 decreased the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2 and JNK in cPF‐treated monocytes.

Conclusions:  The ability of E2 to modulate MCP‐1 production is impaired in ePF‐treated monocytes, which may be related to regulation of MAPK activity. These findings suggest that the failure of E2 to suppress ePF‐treated production of MCP‐1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Successful management of pregnancy‐associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura by monitoring ADAMTS13 activity
Authors: Yamashita Eriko , Okada Hidetaka , Yorioka Hirokazu , Fujita Shinya , Nishi Kenichiro , Komiyama Yutaka , Kanzaki Hideharu
Published: February 2012

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) during pregnancy is very rare and is caused by an absent or severely depleted ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin‐like and metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, 13). A 37‐year‐old multigravida woman developed TTP with severe anemia and thrombocytopenia at 22 weeks' gestation. ADAMTS13 activity was markedly decreased to 3% and ADAMTS13 inhibitor was positive, leading to a definitive diagnosis of TTP. She was successfully treated by plasmapheresis six times, resulting in symptomatic relief. Close follow up with periodic ADAMTS13 measurement facilitated plasmapheresis at appropriate points at a minimum frequency during pregnancy. Because of intrauterine growth retardation from 28 weeks' gestation, an elective cesarean section was performed at 30 weeks' gestation. After delivery, the mother and child showed no appreciable problem. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful management for pregnancy‐associated TTP by monitoring ADAMTS13 activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Repeat endorectal advancement flap after flap breakdown and recurrence of fistula‐in‐ano – is it an option?
Authors: Stremitzer S. , Riss S. , Swoboda P. , Dauser B. , Dubsky P. , Bîrsan T. , Herbst F. , Stift A.
Published: February 2012

Aim  Endorectal advancement flaps are an established treatment for high transsphincteric and suprasphincteric fistulae. The outcome of a repeat procedure in the case of flap breakdown and fistula recurrence remains unclear. The aim of the study was to analyse the outcome of repeat endorectal advancement flaps.

Methods  We retrospectively analysed patients with a repeat endorectal advancement flap procedure after flap breakdown and recurrence of fistula‐in‐ano of cryptoglandular origin who had been treated in our unit between 1994 and 2010.

Results  In all, 97 patients underwent an endorectal advancement flap procedure for fistula‐in‐ano and, of these, nine patients (five men, four women, 9.3%) subsequently underwent a repeat procedure due to flap breakdown. Median age was 40 years (range 25–60). Median follow‐up time was 85 months (range 26–136). Seven full‐thickness and two mucosal flap repeat procedures were performed because of eight transsphincteric and one suprasphincteric fistulae. The repeat procedure was successful in seven (78%) patients. In one of the two patients with repeat flap failure, a third flap procedure failed again. Disturbances of postoperative faecal incontinence were observed in five (55%) patients. Overall, the median postoperative Vaizey faecal incontinence score was 1 (range 0–4).

Conclusion  Repeat endorectal advancement flap procedures are feasible and associated with a low recurrence rate and mild postoperative faecal incontinence. Therefore, a repeat procedure is a viable option in the case of a flap breakdown and fistula recurrence.
Retrorectal tumours: optimization of surgical approach and outcome
Authors: Macafee D. A. L. , Sagar P. M. , El‐Khoury T. , Hyland R.
Published: February 2012

Aim  The aim was to identify the radiological features of retrorectal tumours that influence management and to highlight technical points that facilitate safe surgical excision.

Method  A consecutive series of patients was identified from a prospective database. All cases were discussed within a multidisciplinary team. Medical records, radiology and pathology reports were also checked retrospectively.

Results  Fifty‐six patients [37 women; median age 51 (20–88) years] underwent excision of retrorectal tumours between 2002 and 2010 under the care of one surgeon. Seventeen (37.5%) had a malignant tumour. The commonest symptom was pain or discomfort. Features identified after MRI that suggested malignancy included heterogenous signal intensity (15/17 malignant lesions vs 5/39 benign lesions), an irregular infiltrative margin (14/17 malignant lesions vs 4/39 benign lesions) and enhancement (14/17 malignant lesions vs 2/39 benign lesions) (all P < 0.05). An abdominal approach was used in 27 (48%) patients, a perineal/trans‐sacral approach in 20 (36%) and a composite abdomino‐sacral approach in nine (16%). The perineal approach was used if the tumours were below the middle of S3 without sacral, pelvic side‐wall or visceral involvement. The three most common types of tumour were schwannoma (n = 11), tail gut cyst (n = 13) and chordoma (n = 9). Over a median follow‐up period of 46 (6–90) months there were two local recurrences among the malignant tumours (both resected) and two deaths (both sarcomas).

Conclusion  MR imaging, avoidance of routine preoperative biopsy and careful clinical evaluation result in a good outcome after surgical excision of retrorectal tumours.
Pharmacokinetics of famciclovir and penciclovir in tears following oral administration of famciclovir to cats: a pilot study
Authors: Thomasy Sara M. , Covert Jill C. , Stanley Scott D. , Maggs David J.
Published: February 2012

Objective  To validate a means of collecting tears from cats, develop an assay for quantifying famciclovir and penciclovir in tears, and to assess famciclovir and penciclovir concentrations and pharmacokinetics in the tears of cats being treated orally with famciclovir for suspected herpetic disease.

Animals  Seven client‐owned cats.

Procedures  Cats were treated orally with a median (range) dose of 40 (39–72) mg of famciclovir/kg three times daily for at least 24 h. At various time points following famciclovir administration, tear samples were collected using Schirmer tear test strips. Tear famciclovir and penciclovir concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, and concentration‐time profiles were analyzed noncompartmentally. The relationship between famciclovir dose and tear penciclovir concentration near its maximum was evaluated using least squares linear regression.

Results  Maximum tear famciclovir concentration of 0.305 μg/mL occurred at 2.64 h; elimination half‐life was 2.28 h. Maximum tear penciclovir concentration (0.981 μg/mL) occurred 2.25 h following oral administration of famciclovir; elimination half‐life was 2.77 h. A significant positive correlation was noted between famciclovir dose and tear penciclovir concentration at various time points between 0.5 and 3.75 h following drug administration (P = 0.025). Tear penciclovir concentration exceeded the concentration shown to have in vitro efficacy against feline herpesvirus (FHV‐1) (0.304 μg/mL) in about half of samples collected.

Conclusions  Oral administration of 40 mg of famciclovir/kg to cats resulted in a tear penciclovir concentration‐time profile that approximated the plasma penciclovir concentration‐time profile and frequently achieved a penciclovir concentration at the ocular surface likely to be effective against FHV‐1.
Early infectious complications with transponder placement for external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Berglund Ryan K. , Zaytoun Osama , Thousand Richard , Stephans Kevin , Tendulkar Rahul , Klein Eric A. , Jones J. Stephen
Published: February 2012

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Little has been published related to transponders per se, but a number of studies relating to prostate biopsy‐related infections and the increased incidence of quinolone‐resistant Escherichia coli have been published.

The study alerts the practising urologist to the risk of quinolone‐resistant E. coli in the setting of transrectally placed transponders. Furthermore, it proposes an antibiotic regimen that should reduce this risk.

OBJECTIVE

To report our series of early infectious complications after placement of Calypso® transponders (Calypso Medical, Seattle, WA, USA) into the prostate.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between February 2008 and October 2010, 50 consecutive patients underwent placement of Calypso® transponders into the prostate.

Patients were administered ciprofloxacin 500 mg every 12 h, starting the night before the procedure and for 2 days after the procedure.

Data were collected via chart review, and complications were classified according to the Clavien classification system.

RESULTS

Of the 50 patients undergoing the procedure, five (10%) developed infectious complications, and three (6%) developed a grade II complication with a UTI requiring antibiotic therapy. One patient (2%) developed a grade IIIb complication with an epidural abscess and osteomyelitis of the lumbar vertebrae requiring open debridement and a lumbar fusion. One patient (2%) developed a prostatic abscess with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and subsequently died of an unrelated lower GI bleed.

In 4/50 patients (8%), a culture confirmed the responsible bacteria, of which three cases were quinolone‐resistant Escherichia coli.

CONCLUSION

As with prostate biopsy, the emergence of quinolone‐resistant E. coli remains a challenging infectious complication with transrectal prostate procedures. We propose an alternative strategy of double antibiotic coverage with one dose of oral ciprofloxacin 500 mg and gentamicin 80 mg i.m. before this procedure.
Temperament and Social Problem Solving Competence in Preschool: Influences on Academic Skills in Early Elementary School
Authors: Walker Olga L. , Henderson Heather A.
Published: February 2012

The goals of the current study were to examine whether children's social problem solving (SPS) skills are a mechanism through which temperament influences later academic achievement and whether sex moderates these associations. The participants included 1117 children enrolled in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care. During preschool, mothers and childcare providers rated children's temperamental shyness and inhibitory control, and SPS was assessed using a hypothetical–reflective measure during a laboratory visit. During kindergarten and first grade, teacher‐report of math and language skills was collected. The results indicated that high ratings of inhibitory control in preschool, but not shyness, predicted better kindergarten and first‐grade academic skills. Furthermore, children's SPS competence mediated the relations between both shyness and inhibitory control on later academic skills. The child's sex did not moderate these associations. The results suggest that preventative efforts targeting early SPS skills may buffer against later academic adjustment problems among temperamentally extreme children.
The Role of Case Complexity in Judicial Decision Making
Authors: MOYER LAURA P.
Published: February 2012

The literature on ideology and decision making offers conflicting expectations about how judges' ideology should affect their votes in cases that raise many legal issues. Using cases from the U.S. courts of appeals, I examine the strength of ideology as a predictor of sincere voting in single and multi‐issue cases, and test whether the same effect for ideology can be seen for liberal and conservative judges. For all judges, ideology yields a larger effect as the number of issues increases; however, conservative judges are much more likely than liberal judges to cast sincere votes at all levels of complexity.
Fatigue in early Parkinson’s disease. Minor inconvenience or major distress?
Authors: Herlofson K. , Ongre S. O. , Enger L. K. , Tysnes O. B. , Larsen J. P.
Published: February 2012

Background and purpose:  Although fatigue is recognized as a common and debilitating symptom in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), little is known on how and when this symptom emerges during disease progression. The aim of the study was to explore the presence and severity of fatigue in patients with PD at the time of diagnosis, before dopaminergic treatment has been instituted.

Methods:  The present study is part of the Norwegian ParkWest project, a large cohort study of patients with incident PD in Norway. PD was diagnosed according to the Gelb criteria. The study population comprised 199 patients with untreated, newly diagnosed PD and 172 control subjects, matched for gender and age. Fatigue was measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).

Results:  Fifty‐five percent of the patients with PD had clinical significant fatigue (FSS > 4), compared with about 20% of the controls (RR = 2.9). The mean score in patients on the FSS was 4.4 (SD 1.7) and in controls 3.1 (SD 1.3). In addition, there were highly significant differences between patients and controls in each of the nine FSS items. In a regression analysis, only the Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale‐Activities of Daily Living scores were significantly associated with fatigue. There was no correlation between fatigue and cognitive impairment and hypersomnia.

Conclusion:  Fatigue is a common symptom in PD, also in patients with early, untreated disease, and it has a negative impact on these patients’ activity of daily living. Also in early PD, fatigue is an important consideration in the management of patients with the disease.
The N355K atlastin 1 mutation is associated with hereditary sensory neuropathy and pyramidal tract features
Authors: Leonardis L. , Auer‐Grumbach M. , Papić L. , Zidar J.
Published: February 2012

Background and purpose:  Mutations in atlastin‐1 (ATL‐1), a gene known to cause pure, early‐onset autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegia SPG3A, have been recently reported to cause hereditary sensory neuropathy I (HSN I). We describe the detailed clinical and electrophysiologic findings in the first family with ulcero‐mutilating sensory neuropathy carrying the c. C1065A, p.N355K mutation in ATL‐1.

Methods:  Detailed clinical and electrophysiologic studies were performed in affected and at‐risk family members. Motor and sensory nerve conductions studies (NCS) were carried out in upper and lower limbs. ATL‐1 was screened for mutations by direct sequencing.

Results:  Ten patients were found to carry the N355K mutation. With the exception of the two youngest patients, all had trophic skin changes in the feet consisting mainly of painless ulcers. Frequently, amputation of toes, feet, or even more proximal parts of the lower legs became necessary. A variable degree of increased muscle tone was observed in younger patients, whilst some older affected individuals only presented with hyperreflexia of patellar tendon reflexes. NCS revealed signs of an axonal motor and sensory neuropathies.

Conclusions:  Our family carrying the N355K ATL1 mutation, which was initially diagnosed as HSN I, enlarges the SPG3A phenotype. We therefore suggest that patients with HSN I excluded for more common causes of HSN I, and in particular, affected individuals who exhibit additional pyramidal tract features should also be screened for mutations in ATL1.
A population‐based case–control study of 1250 stroke deaths in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Mateen F. J. , Carone M. , Alam N. , Streatfield P. K. , Black R. E.
Published: February 2012

Background and purpose:  There are limited population‐based studies to determine the risk factors for stroke in Bangladesh.

Methods:  A health and demographic surveillance system has been maintained in Matlab, Bangladesh (population 223 886, 142 villages in 2008). All adult stroke and injury deaths (2005–2008) were monitored by verbal autopsy. Risk factors for stroke deaths were calculated using a multivariable logistic regression model with adult injury deaths as controls.

Results:  A total of 1250 stroke deaths (51% women; mean age 72.3 years, range 20–101) occurred out of 4955 total deaths and were compared with 246 adult injury deaths (47% women, mean age 55.8 years, range 20–100). The population‐attributable mortality of stroke was 25.2% based on the verbal autopsy instrument and 17.8% when accounting for the reported sensitivity and specificity of a similar verbal autopsy instrument that has been validated for stroke death. Risk of stroke death was significantly increased with hypertension (OR 7.94, 95% CI 4.44–15.54, P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.54, 1.21–6.21, P = 0.02), and betel consumption (OR 2.36, 1.45–3.80, P < 0.001) when adjusted for age and sex. An increased risk was not observed with heart disease (OR 1.37, 0.45–5.95, P = 0.62), cigarette smoking (OR 1.41, 0.82–2.45, P = 0.22), tobacco powder (OR 1.15, 0.30–7.64, P = 0.86), or cigar/hookah pipe smoking 0.94 (0.45–2.18, P = 0.88) when adjusted for age and sex. There were more strokes in winter (December–March) than summer (June–September) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  There is a high modifiable burden of risk factors for adult stroke deaths in rural Bangladesh, most notably including hypertension. Betel consumption may be an under‐recognized risk factor for stroke death.