bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHINESE REGIONAL INEQUALITIES IN INCOME AND WELL‐BEING
Authors: Keidel Albert
Published: June 2009

Dividing China into seven regions reveals rural income and consumption divergence for both 1980–2005 and 2000–05. But while real rural consumption growth averaged 7.7 percent over 1985–2005 in the eastern coastal region, it averaged 6.5 percent uniformly in the interior. In evaluating well‐being, such rapid improvement in all regions arguably overshadows negative connotations of divergence. Twenty years of household survey data reveal dramatic increases in rural household savings, as rural consumption improved more slowly than income in some periods. This raises questions about the suitability of consumption as a basis for measuring well‐being and its distribution. Increased savings appear to be transient, as some households save while others dissave to purchase durables and afford lumpy services like education and healthcare—supplies of which became more plentiful in the 1990s. The paper argues that more meaningful measures of regional disparities come from differences in regional poverty headcounts. It also suggests that higher regional inequality and accompanying interregional migration indicate that inequality plays an important positive role in inducing economic actors voluntarily to move to more productive locations and activities as a mechanism for ensuring sustainable improvements in individual well‐being.
EARNINGS DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CHINESE AND INDIAN WAGE EARNERS, 1987–2004
Authors: Bargain Olivier , Bhaumik Sumon Kumar , Chakrabarty Manisha , Zhao Zhong
Published: June 2009

This paper is one of the first comprehensive attempts to compare earnings in urban China and India over the recent period. While both economies have grown considerably, we illustrate significant cross‐country differences in wage growth since the late 1980s. For this purpose, we make use of comparable datasets, estimate Mincer equations and perform Oaxaca–Blinder decompositions at the mean and at different points of the wage distribution. The initial wage differential in favor of Indian workers, observed in the middle and upper part of the distribution, partly disappears over time. While the 1980s Indian premium is mainly due to higher returns to education and experience, a combination of price and endowment effects explains why Chinese wages have caught up, especially since the mid‐1990s. The price effect is only partly explained by the observed convergence in returns to education; the endowment effect is driven by faster increase in education levels in China and significantly accentuates the reversal of the wage gap in favor of this country for the first half of the wage distribution.
CHILD POVERTY, INVESTMENT IN CHILDREN AND GENERATIONAL MOBILITY: THE SHORT AND LONG TERM WELLBEING OF CHILDREN IN URBAN CHINA AFTER THE ONE CHILD POLICY
Authors: Anderson Gordon , Leo Teng Wah
Published: June 2009

China's One Child Policy (OCP), introduced in 1979, changed fundamentally the nature of both existing and anticipated marriage arrangements and influenced family formation decisions in many dimensions, especially with respect to the number of and investment in children. The policy coincided with the Economic Reforms of 1979 and the trend toward greater urbanization, all of which may have influenced the wellbeing of children. This paper examines the mobility status consequence of children in urban China since the introduction of the OCP and the economic reforms using data drawn from urban household surveys in China. The analysis first makes the comparison between child poverty in Canada, the United Kingdom and urban India, where it was found that both status and trends of child poverty are very different among the countries, with children not being over‐represented in the poverty group in urban China. The extent to which the policies influenced investment in children is next examined by studying the way in which the relationship between the educational attainment of children and family characteristics changed within families formed prior to and after 1979. We found that the impact of household income and parental educational attainment increased significantly over time, with a positive gender effect where girls advanced more than boys. Applying new techniques for measuring mobility, we observe the reduction in intergenerational mobility. This phenomenon is found to be particularly prevalent in the lower income quantiles, reinforcing a dynastic notion of poverty.
ANTI‐POVERTY EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MINIMUM LIVING STANDARD ASSISTANCE POLICY IN URBAN CHINA
Authors: Gao Qin , Garfinkel Irwin , Zhai Fuhua
Published: June 2009

Since its inception 15 years ago, the Minimum Living Standard Assistance (MLSA) has served as a last resort for China's urban poor. Using national household survey data, this study provides updated evidence on the participation rate, receipt amount, and anti‐poverty effectiveness of MLSA. Families eligible for MLSA make up 2.3 percent of the urban population, but only about half of them are actual beneficiaries. City MLSA generosity and household entitled benefit amount both positively correlate with participation rate and household receipt amount. MLSA lowers the poverty rate somewhat, but substantially reduces the poverty gap and severity for its eligible participants. Nevertheless, the poverty reduction role of MLSA is restricted by its partial coverage and delivery. Consequentially, poverty remains a serious problem for MLSA's target population. The anti‐poverty effectiveness of MLSA can be strengthened by full coverage and delivery of benefits and by paying special attention to disadvantaged subgroups.
Physiological evidence for interaction between the HIV‐1 co‐receptor CXCR4 and the cannabinoid system in the brain
Authors: Benamar Khalid , Yondorf Menachem , Geller Ellen B , Eisenstein Toby K , Adler Martin W
Published: June 2009

Background and purpose: The chemokine, stromal cell‐derived growth factor‐1α (SDF‐1α/CXCL12), a member of the CXC chemokine family, and the ligand for CXCR4, the co‐receptor involved in the entry of human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1), was tested for its possible interaction with a physiological response to a cannabinoid.

Experimental approach: The cannabinoid agonist, an aminoalkylindole, (+)‐WIN 55,212‐2 [(4,5‐dihydro‐2‐methyl‐4(4‐morpholinylmethyl)‐1‐(1‐naphthalenyl‐carbonyl)‐6H‐pyrrolo[3,2,1ij]quinolin‐6‐one], was infused directly into the preoptic anterior hypothalamus (POAH), the primary brain area involved in thermoregulation.

Key results: WIN 55,212‐2 (5–15 µg) evoked a dose‐related hypothermia, which was attenuated by SDF‐1α/CXCL12 microinjected directly into the POAH. The inhibitory effect of SDF‐1α/CXCL12 on WIN 55,212‐2‐induced hypothermia was reversed by 1,1′‐[1,4‐phenylenebis(methylene)]bis[1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane] octohydrobromide dihydrate, an antagonist of SDF‐1α/CXCL12, acting at its receptor, CXCR4.

Conclusion and implications: This study provides the firstin vivoevidence for a thermoregulatory interaction between the HIV‐1 co‐receptor and the cannabinoid system in the brain.
The Sultan's organ: presents and self‐presentation in Thomas Dallam's Diary
Authors: Danson Lawrence
Published: June 2009

The Diary of the organ‐builder Thomas Dallam recounts his part in giving a magnificent ‘present’ from Queen Elizabeth and a group of English merchants to Sultan Muhammad III in 1599. The language of gift‐giving in Mediterranean commerce is a symptomatic anomaly. The ‘present’ stands in for a wider semantic field that includes bribery, extortion, and the paying of diplomatic tributes; Dallam's present to the Sultan followed other such English offerings, and is part of a widespread system of presentations at all social levels of European–Ottoman dealings. But Dallam's participation in the gift game, on his voyage and during his residence in Constantinople, cuts across the binary of east–west. Dallam is befriended by Muslims and by Englishmen ‘turned Turk’, and in his writing avoids the commonplaces of religious self‐righteousness. The ship that carries him also carries a virtual cross‐section of English society, from the English ambassador to his under‐butler to the young seaman who dies along the way, and is lorded over by a captain who adds the idea of ‘theft’ to the range of the word ‘present’. Dallam's account of the taking, giving, and avoiding of presents exposes English hypocrisy as well as Turkish opportunism. On the occasion of his organ's debut, and during his residence in Constantinople, he comes as close as any English traveller did to the inner sanctum of the mystified Ottoman empire, literally touching the Sultan and taking as his present a close‐up view of his harem.
A Review of Climate‐Change Adaptation Strategies for Wildlife Management and Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: MAWDSLEY JONATHAN R. , O’MALLEY ROBIN , OJIMA DENNIS S.
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  The scientific literature contains numerous descriptions of observed and potential effects of global climate change on species and ecosystems. In response to anticipated effects of climate change, conservation organizations and government agencies are developing “adaptation strategies” to facilitate the adjustment of human society and ecological systems to altered climate regimes. We reviewed the literature and climate‐change adaptation plans that have been developed in United States, Canada, England, México, and South Africa and found 16 general adaptation strategies that relate directly to the conservation of biological diversity. These strategies can be grouped into four broad categories: land and water protection and management; direct species management; monitoring and planning; and law and policy. Tools for implementing these strategies are similar or identical to those already in use by conservationists worldwide (land and water conservation, ecological restoration, agrienvironment schemes, species translocation, captive propagation, monitoring, natural resource planning, and legislation/regulation). Although our review indicates natural resource managers already have many tools that can be used to address climate‐change effects, managers will likely need to apply these tools in novel and innovative ways to meet the unprecedented challenges posed by climate change.
In Vivo Preclinical Anticoagulation Regimens After Implantation of Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Saeed Diyar , Fukamachi Kiyotaka
Published: June 2009

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) have demonstrated successfully their ability to treat failing circulation of patients with end‐stage heart failure. Among the main obstacles with these VADs is thromboembolic events that increase device‐related morbidity and mortality. Prior to the clinical application of any newly developed VAD, the feasibility of the device is tested on animal models. Animal species have different hemostatic properties than human patients, and this factor creates a margin of error when comparing the occurrence of VAD‐induced thrombosis in an animal versus a human. This detailed literature review provides a thorough documentation of various preclinical anticoagulation protocols used to date, including their outcomes and recommendations for future anticoagulation management strategies. In summary, the outcomes favor a sheep or pig model over other animal models, and discourage the application of a single anticoagulative agent to improve outcomes with any of the currently available devices.
Extracorporeal Life Support: A Simple and Effective Weapon for Postcardiotomy Right Ventricular Failure
Authors: Liu Kuo‐Sheng , Tsai Feng‐Chun , Huang Yao‐Kuang , Wu Mon‐Yue , Chang Yu‐Sheng , Chu Jaw‐Ji , Lin Pyng Jing
Published: June 2009

Postcardiotomy right ventricular (RV) failure develops during the perioperative period following pulmonary hypertensive crisis or acute myocardial infarction. This study reports our institutional experience in treating these patients with extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Between June 2002 and July 2005, 46 adults were treated with ECLS for postcardiotomy shock. Acute RV failure was the cause of support in 14 (30%). Patient mean age was 55.7 ± 15.4 years. Cardiac pathologies were valvular (n = 7), coronary (n = 1), combined coronary and valvular disease (n = 2), complex congenital heart (n = 2), aortic aneurysm (n = 1), and cardiomyopathy post heart transplant (n = 1). The triggers of RV failure were pulmonary hypertension (n = 6), RV infarction (n = 4), and not defined (n = 4). Patients were supported on ECLS for a mean duration of 71 ± 52 h (range, 10–183 h). Major complications included acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis (n = 4), reexploration for bleeding (n = 2), and acute subdural hematoma (n = 1). Nine (64%) patients were successfully weaned from ECLS, and seven (50%) survived to discharge. Preexisting pulmonary hypertension had a favorable tendency for weaning, and acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis correlated with in‐hospital mortality. ECLS is beneficial for treating postcardiotomy RV failure when conventional therapy is exhausted. As it can be deployed rapidly and does not require resternotomy for weaning, ECLS could be regarded as the first choice of mechanical support for postcardiotomy RV failure.
Assessment of Five Interleukins in Human Synovial Fluid as Possible Markers for Aseptic Loosening of Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Beraudi Alina , Stea Susanna , Cremonini Sara , Visentin Manuela , Toni Aldo
Published: June 2009

One of the most important factors that seems to be involved in total hip replacement is periprosthetic osteolysis. As it is well documented that several interleukins (ILs) are triggered in periprosthetic osteolysis, this article investigates the role of five ILs in primary and replacement total hip arthroplasty, understanding if one of them can also predict hip implant loosening, secondary surgery, and prosthesis breakage. The levels of IL‐1α, 1β, 6, 8, and 10 in synovial fluid were examined, using a high sensitivity enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit (Pierce Biotechnology, Inc., Rockford, IL, USA) to determine whether these cytokines could be used as markers of enhanced periprosthetic osteolysis, leading to aseptic loosening of total/partial hip arthroplasty or revision surgery. Synovial fluid was harvested from 23 patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty and 35 patients undergoing total/partial hip revision due to aseptic loosening. In the revision group, four cases had suffered a prosthesis fracture and five were second revisions. ILs 6 and 8 were significantly higher in the revisions (305 and 817 pg/mL) compared with the primary arthroplasties (151 and 151 pg/mL), including cases with prosthesis fracture and those requiring a second revision. IL‐10 levels were lower (not significantly) in second revision samples compared with those of revision samples. IL‐1β levels were significantly higher in prosthesis fracture samples compared with those of all the other revision samples. No statistically significant differences in IL levels were found between osteoarthritis samples and those of other diseases. These results are a step forward to elucidating the complex network of events that are involved in loosening of hip implants.
Correlations Between Spiritual Beliefs and Health‐Related Quality of Life of Chronic Hemodialysis Patients in Taiwan
Authors: Kao Tze‐Wah , Chen Pau‐Chung , Hsieh Chia‐Jung , Chiang Hong‐Wei , Tsang Lap‐Yuen , Yang Ing‐Fang , Tsai Tun‐Jun , Chen Wan‐Yu
Published: June 2009

This study evaluated the correlations between spiritual beliefs and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of hemodialysis (HD) patients in Taiwan. Participants had to complete two questionnaires: the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire and the Royal Free Interview for Spiritual and Religious Beliefs. They were then divided into three groups according to their strength of spiritual beliefs—having no, weak, or strong beliefs. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data among groups were compared. Correlations between spiritual beliefs and HRQOL were then determined by the analysis of covariance and the post hoc Scheffe tests. Six hundred thirty‐three patients completed the study. There were more women in the group of patients with strong beliefs (P =  0.005) and more less‐educated patients in the group of patients with weak beliefs (P = 0.005). Patients with no or with strong spiritual beliefs had higher role physical (P =  0.01) and social functioning (SF) (P = 0.001) scores than patients with weak beliefs. After adjustment for gender, age, marital status, education, comorbidities, and time on dialysis, patients with no or with strong spiritual beliefs were found to have higher SF scores (P = 0.02) than patients with weak beliefs. HD patients with no or strong spiritual beliefs had higher SF HRQOL than those with weak spiritual beliefs.
Chronic Kidney Disease, Transplantation Practices and Transplantation Law in Pakistan: Opportunity for a Global Meditation
Authors: Akhtar Faheem
Published: June 2009

The majority of countries have enacted edicts to regulate organ transplantation due to mounting recognition of its intricacies and increasing level of global disquiet. Frail national economy and status of health care infrastructure restricts access of the local population to both dialysis and transplantation in Pakistan. There is a surge in kidney transplantation activities, however. I have reported the enormity of organ crime in Pakistan. The number of commercial renal transplants range from 3000 to 4500. Foreign nationals share the marketplace. There are current attempts from the government to stop organ trade by strictly enforcing a recently sanctioned law on organ transplantation. Scarcity of comprehensive reliable data has hampered plausible assessments and indispensable modifications to facilitate designs for the future health care. Alternatives to organ transplantation will augment the choice of treatment modalities for a proliferating end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) population. The whole array of existing therapeutic modalities for ESRD has to be utilized. Promoting a fresh culture of organ donation by strengthening of the family institution may be another objective.
Fabrication of a Novel Hybrid Heart Valve Leaflet for Tissue Engineering: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Hong Hao , Dong Nianguo , Shi Jiawei , Chen Si , Guo Chao , Hu Ping , Qi Hongxu
Published: June 2009

The objective of this study was to fabricate biomatrix/polymer hybrid heart valve leaflet scaffolds using an electrospinning technique and seeded by mesenchymal stem cells. Mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from rats. Porcine aortic heart valve leaflets were decellularized, coated with basic fibroblast growth factor/chitosan/poly‐4‐hydroxybutyrate using an electrospinning technique, reseeded, and cultured over a time period of 14 days. Controls were reseeded and cultured over an equivalent time period. Specimens were examined biochemically, histologically, and mechanically. Recellularization of the hybrid heart valve leaflet scaffolds was significantly improved compared to controls. Biochemical and mechanical analysis revealed a significant increase of cell mass, 4‐hydroxyproline, collagen, and strength in the hybrid heart valve leaflets compared to controls. This is the first attempt in tissue‐engineered heart valves to fabricate hybrid heart valve leaflets using mesenchymal stem cells combined with a slow release technique and an electrospinning technique.
Rapid Oral Transmucosal Absorption of Sumatriptan, and Pharmacodynamics in Acute Migraine
Authors: Dilone Enrique , Bergstrom David , Cabana Bernard , Nedumpara Mercy , Fox Anthony W. ,   the Sumatriptan Lingual Spray Study Group
Published: June 2009

Objectives.— (1) To determine whether sumatriptan can be absorbed across the oral mucosa, and, if so; then (2) to describe its pharmacokinetics; and (3) to investigate whether there are pharmacodynamic correlates of such pharmacokinetics in patients experiencing migraine attacks.

Methods.— Two clinical trials. The first, in normal volunteers, compared the pharmacokinetic performance of a lingual spray (LS) formulation of sumatriptan (2 dose sizes, one of which in both the fed and fasted state) with an orthodox 50‐mg sumatriptan tablet. The second clinical trial, in a patient population enriched by documenting suboptimal response to an initial 50‐mg sumatriptan tablet, was a multiple‐attack, crossover, fixed dose‐order, open‐label comparison of sumatriptan administered by LS (up to 3 different dose sizes) and a 100‐mg sumatriptan tablet.

Results.— The LS formulations resulted in double‐peaked time‐plasma concentration curves that are consistent with absorption of sumatriptan across the oral mucosa. The first Tmax was usually about 10‐15 minutes. In the enriched patient population, this corresponded with evidence of earlier efficacy for the LS in comparison with a 50‐mg tablet; the lower dose size for the former was consistent with oral mucosal drug absorption, and evasion of first‐pass metabolism.

Conclusions.— The initial pharmacokinetics of LS approximate to those of a subcutaneous injection, albeit some fraction of these doses is also swallowed. These pharmacokinetics correspond with earlier effectiveness of LS in comparison with a 50‐mg sumatriptan tablet, and at lower dose, in an enriched, relevant patient population. These initial studies support further development of this innovative formulation of sumatriptan and this new route of administration.
Headache Prophylaxis With BoNTA: Patient Characteristics
Authors: Silberstein Stephen D. , Marmura Michael J. , Shaw James , Yu Shengsheng
Published: June 2009

(Headache 2010;50:63‐70)

Objective.— To assess the characteristics of patients receiving botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA; BOTOX®) in the treatment of headache (HA) disorders.

Methods.— The following observational epidemiologic data and baseline patient characteristics were prospectively collected from eligible patients treated with BoNTA at 10 US HA specialty centers: demographics; HA diagnoses and characteristics (frequency, severity, and disability); prior and current HA treatments and response; clinical response to BoNTA; Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire; and adverse events. Patients maintained a daily HA diary and were evaluated at each follow‐up visit.

Results.— Of 703 patients enrolled (mean age 43.1 years, 78.5% females, 95.4% white), nearly 66% had a diagnosis of chronic migraine (CM), with or without medication overuse. Approximately 75% had severe disability (MIDAS grade IV), and the mean pain rating was 6.5 (where 0 = no pain, 10 = pain as bad as it can be). More than 90% of patients had ≥1 prophylactic HA treatment failure; median number of failures was 4. Significant association was observed between HA frequency and MIDAS grade (P < .001). Approximately 80% of patients with CM had severe (grade IV) disability. The median number of monthly medication days was higher in the group with MIDAS grade IV (P < .001). HA frequency and severity, failed prophylactic therapies, and greater number of coexisting medical conditions were all negatively associated with measures of health‐related quality of life.

Conclusions.— Majority of patients treated with BoNTA in a specialty HA center presented with a CM diagnosis. HA disability was correlated with measures of frequency and treatment utilization.
Distributed source modeling of language with magnetoencephalography: Application to patients with intractable epilepsy
Authors: McDonald Carrie R. , Thesen Thomas , Hagler Jr Donald J. , Carlson Chad , Devinksy Orrin , Kuzniecky Rubin , Barr William , Gharapetian Lusineh , Trongnetrpunya Amy , Dale Anders M. , Halgren Eric
Published: June 2009

Purpose:  To examine distributed patterns of language processing in healthy controls and patients with epilepsy using magnetoencephalography (MEG), and to evaluate the concordance between laterality of distributed MEG sources and language laterality as determined by the intracarotid amobarbital procedure (IAP).

Methods:  MEG was performed in 10 healthy controls using an anatomically constrained, noise‐normalized distributed source solution (dynamic statistical parametric map, dSPM). Distributed source modeling of language was then applied to eight patients with intractable epilepsy. Average source strengths within temporoparietal and frontal lobe regions of interest (ROIs) were calculated, and the laterality of activity within ROIs during discrete time windows was compared to results from the IAP.

Results:  In healthy controls, dSPM revealed activity in visual cortex bilaterally from ∼80 to 120 ms in response to novel words and sensory control stimuli (i.e., false fonts). Activity then spread to fusiform cortex ∼160–200 ms, and was dominated by left hemisphere activity in response to novel words. From ∼240 to 450 ms, novel words produced activity that was left‐lateralized in frontal and temporal lobe regions, including anterior and inferior temporal, temporal pole, and pars opercularis, as well as bilaterally in posterior superior temporal cortex. Analysis of patient data with dSPM demonstrated that from 350 to 450 ms, laterality of temporoparietal sources agreed with the IAP 75% of the time, whereas laterality of frontal MEG sources agreed with the IAP in all eight patients.

Discussion:  Our results reveal that dSPM can unveil the timing and spatial extent of language processes in patients with epilepsy and may enhance knowledge of language lateralization and localization for use in preoperative planning.
Microarray kit analysis of cytokines in blood product units and segments
Authors: Weiskopf Richard B. , Yau Rebecca , Sanchez Rosa , Lowell Clifford , Toy Pearl
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND: Cytokine concentrations in transfused blood components are of interest for some clinical trials. It is not always possible to process samples of transfused components quickly after their administration. Additionally, it is not practical to sample material in an acceptable manner from many bags of components before transfusion, and after transfusion, the only representative remaining fluid of the component may be that in the “segment,” because the bag may have been completely transfused. Multiplex array technology allows rapid simultaneous testing of multiple analytes in small‐volume samples. This technology was used to measure white blood cell (WBC) cytokine levels in blood products to determine 1) whether concentrations in segments correlate with those in the main bag and, thus, whether segments could be used for estimation of the concentrations in the transfused component and 2) whether concentrations after sample storage at 4°C for 24 hours do not differ from concentrations before storage, thus allowing for processing within 24 hours, rather than immediately after transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: WBC cytokines were measured in the supernatant from bags and segments of leukoreduced red blood cells (RBCs), nonleukoreduced whole blood, and leukoreduced plateletphereses using a human cytokine array kit (ProteoPlex, Novagen).

RESULTS: Cytokine concentrations in RBCs and whole blood or plateletphereses stored at 4°C did not differ between bag and segment samples (all p > 0.05). There was no evidence of systematic differences between segment and bag concentrations. Cytokine concentrations in samples from plateletphereses did not change within 24 hours storage at 4°C.

CONCLUSION: Samples from either bag or segment can be used to study cytokine concentrations in groups of blood products. Cytokine concentrations in plateletphereses appear to be stable for at least 24 hours of storage at 4°C and, thus, samples stored with those conditions may be used to estimate the cytokine concentrations of the component at the time of transfusion.
Quantification of Left Ventricular Asynchrony Throughout the Whole Cardiac Cycle with a Computed Algorithm: Application for Optimizing Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: SILVA E. , SITGES M. , MONT L. , DELGADO V. , TAMBORERO D. , VIDAL B. , GODOY M. , POYATOS S. , PARE C. , AZQUETA M. , BRUGADA J.
Published: June 2009

Introduction:
Measurement of left ventricular (LV) asynchrony is usually determined on single time points from spectral tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) scans that are frequently difficult to identify or not representative of the whole cardiac cycle. Our aim was to validate a new asynchrony index that evaluates the motion of the LV walls throughout the whole cardiac cycle.

Methods and Results:
Ten healthy volunteers and 50 patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) were studied with TDI. Wall displacement tracings from the septal and lateral LV walls were analyzed. Cross‐correlation was calculated and 2 indices were obtained to assess LV asynchrony: the time delay and the superposition index (SI) between wall displacements. These results were compared between healthy volunteers and CRT patients, and between responders and nonresponders to CRT. Also, the optimal interventricular (VV) interval was based upon the best matching level. Volunteers showed lower asynchrony indices (83 ± 2% SI, 17 ± 8 ms time delay) as compared with CRT patients (63 ± 15% SI, 73 ± 60 ms time delay, P < 0.05). Responders also had more LV dyssynchrony than nonresponders (58 ± 15% SI and 92 ± 66 ms vs 68 ± 12% and 48 ± 34 ms, P < 0.05). The optimum VV interval selected by the computed algorithm showed an excellent concordance (Kappa = 0.90, P < 0.05) with that determined by other validated methods for optimizing the programming of CRT devices.

Conclusions:
This approach allows measurement of LV intraventricular asynchrony throughout the cardiac cycle, being useful to determine the optimum VV interval and to select candidates for CRT.
Mitral Regurgitation Associated with Mitral Annular Dilation in Patients with Lone Atrial Fibrillation: An Echocardiographic Study
Authors: Kihara Takashi , Gillinov A. Marc , Takasaki Kunitsugu , Fukuda Shota , Song Jong‐Min , Shiota Maiko , Shiota Takahiro
Published: June 2009

Background: Whether and how lone atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with functional mitral regurgitation (MR) remain unclear. Method: We studied 12 lone AF patients without left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and/or dilatation, who underwent mitral valve annuloplasty for functional mitral regurgitation (MR). Ten lone AF patients without MR served as controls. Results: Lone AF Patients with MR had a greater mitral valve annular area and left atrial area than those without MR. There were no differences in LV volumes or LV ejection fraction. Conclusions: Therefore, we concluded that left atrial dilation and corresponding mitral annular dilation may cause MR in lone AF patients without LV dysfunction and/or dilatation.
Decision Making for Extreme Events: Modeling Critical Infrastructure Interdependencies to Aid Mitigation and Response Planning
Authors: Santella Nicholas , Steinberg Laura J. , Parks Kyle
Published: June 2009

Recent tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, and the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake have revealed a need for methods to evaluate and plan for the impact of extreme events on critical infrastructure. In particular, awareness has been raised of the threat that a major disruption will lead to cascading failures that cross boundaries between interdependent infrastructure sectors, greatly magnifying human and economic impacts. To assist in planning for such extreme events, researchers are developing modeling tools to aid in making decisions about how best to protect critical infrastructures. We present some of the capabilities of this modeling approach as well as some of the challenges faced in developing such applications based on our experience with the Critical Infrastructure Protection Decision Support System (CIPDSS) model, developed for use by the Department of Homeland Security. A set of disruptions to road and telecommunication infrastructures is implemented in CIPDSS and the modeled disruptions to the original infrastructure as well as cascading effects on other infrastructure sectors are discussed. These simulations provide insights into the potential of this approach.
The Association between Emergency Department Crowding and Analgesia Administration in Acute Abdominal Pain Patients
Authors: Mills Angela M. , Shofer Frances S. , Chen Esther H. , Hollander Judd E. , Pines Jesse M.
Published: June 2009

Objectives:  The authors assessed the effect of emergency department (ED) crowding on the nontreatment and delay in treatment for analgesia in patients who had acute abdominal pain.

Methods:  This was a secondary analysis of prospectively enrolled nonpregnant adult patients presenting to an urban teaching ED with abdominal pain during a 9‐month period. Each patient had four validated crowding measures assigned at triage. Main outcomes were the administration of and delays in time to analgesia. A delay was defined as waiting more than 1 hour for analgesia. Relative risk (RR) regression was used to test the effects of crowding on outcomes.

Results:  A total of 976 abdominal pain patients (mean [±standard deviation] age = 41 [±16.6] years; 65% female, 62% black) were enrolled, of whom 649 (67%) received any analgesia. Of those treated, 457 (70%) experienced a delay in analgesia from triage, and 320 (49%) experienced a delay in analgesia after room placement. After adjusting for possible confounders of the ED administration of analgesia (age, sex, race, triage class, severe pain, final diagnosis of either abdominal pain not otherwise specified or gastroenteritis), increasing delays in time to analgesia from triage were independently associated with all four crowding measures, comparing the lowest to the highest quartile of crowding (total patient‐care hours RR = 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.32 to 1.80; occupancy rate RR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.42 to 1.91; inpatient number RR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.36 to 1.81; and waiting room number RR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.31 to 1.77). Crowding measures were not associated with the failure to treat with analgesia.

Conclusions:  Emergency department crowding is associated with delays in analgesic treatment from the time of triage in patients presenting with acute abdominal pain.
The Impact of Injury Coding Schemes on Predicting Hospital Mortality After Pediatric Injury
Authors: Burd Randall S. , Madigan David
Published: June 2009

Objectives:  Accurate adjustment for injury severity is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of trauma management. While the choice of injury coding scheme used for modeling affects performance, the impact of combining coding schemes on performance has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to use Bayesian logistic regression to develop models predicting hospital mortality in injured children and to compare the performance of models developed using different injury coding schemes.

Methods:  Records of children (age < 15 years) admitted after injury were obtained from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) and the National Pediatric Trauma Registry (NPTR) and used to train Bayesian logistic regression models predicting mortality using three injury coding schemes (International Classification of Disease‐9th revision [ICD‐9] injury codes, the Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] severity scores, and the Barell matrix) and their combinations. Model performance was evaluated using independent data from the NTDB and the Kids’ Inpatient Database 2003 (KID).

Results:  Discrimination was optimal when modeling both ICD‐9 and AIS severity codes (area under the receiver operating curve [AUC] = 0.921 [NTDB] and 0.967 [KID], Hosmer‐Lemeshow [HL] h‐statistic = 115 [NTDB] and 147 [KID]), while calibration was optimal when modeling coding based on the Barell matrix (AUC = 0.882 [NTDB] and 0.936 [KID], HL h‐statistic = 19 [NTDB] and 69 [KID]). When compared to models based on ICD‐9 codes alone, models that also included AIS severity scores and coding from the Barell matrix showed improved discrimination and calibration.

Conclusions:  Mortality models that incorporate additional injury coding schemes perform better than those based on ICD‐9 codes alone in the setting of pediatric trauma. Combining injury coding schemes may be an effective approach for improving the predictive performance of empirically derived estimates of injury mortality.
Characterization of Undigested Particulate Material Following Microwave Digestion of Recycled Document Papers
Authors: McGaw Elizabeth A. , Szymanski David W. , Smith Ruth Waddell
Published: June 2009

Abstract:  Recycled document paper was microwave digested in a solution of HNO3 and H2O2 prior to analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) to determine the trace elemental concentrations within the paper. Undigested particulate material was observed and subsequently characterized as a mixture of kaolin (clay) and TiO2 by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy. The effect of the particulate material on the elemental concentrations was then investigated. Paper samples were completely digested in hydrofluoric acid (HF) and element concentrations determined in the HF and HNO3/H2O digests were statistically compared using Student’s t‐test (95% confidence limit). Statistical differences in element concentrations between the two digests were observed for only four elements and there was no evidence of element adsorption by the particulate material. Hence, the HNO3/H2O2 digestion proved sufficient to digest paper for ICP‐MS analysis, eliminating the need to use the hazardous and corrosive HF matrix.
The economic potential of precision nitrogen application with wheat based on plant sensing
Authors: Biermacher Jon T. , Brorsen B. Wade , Epplin Francis M. , Solie John B. , Raun William R.
Published: June 2009

Plant‐based precision nitrogen fertilizer application technologies have been developed as a way to predict and precisely meet nitrogen needs. Equipment necessary for precision application of nitrogen, based on sensing of growing wheat plants in late winter, is available commercially, but adoption has been slow. This article determines the expected profit from using a plant‐sensing system to determine winter wheat nitrogen requirements. We find that plant‐sensing systems have the potential to be more profitable than traditional nonprecise systems, but the existing system simulated was roughly breakeven with a traditional system.
Sex‐specific growth patterns and effects of hatching condition on growth in the reversed sexually size‐dimorphic great skuaStercorarius skua
Authors: Kalmbach Ellen , Griffiths Richard , Furness Robert W.
Published: June 2009

In many sexually size‐dimorphic species of birds and mammals, the larger sex, often the males, show increased environmental sensitivity during ontogeny. This is generally assumed to be due to higher energy requirements, reflected in higher absolute growth rates of the larger sex. Poor early conditions often increase the sex differences in vulnerability. However, it is not clear whether these patterns are equally pervasive in species where females are larger, as males face an additional early disadvantage due to high levels of testosterone. We investigated sex‐specific growth patterns of mass, tarsus and wing of the great skuaStercorarius skua, a seabird with reversed size dimorphism. We were particularly interested in sex‐specific effects of early conditions on growth. Beside data from unmanipulated nests, we present results from an egg removal experiment, which caused chicks to hatch from smaller eggs and in poorer body condition. Half of the experimental chicks were raised by pairs in which mothers were in poor body condition. At the end of the nesting period, great skua chicks exhibited a comparable degree of size dimorphism as is found in adults, although neither sex had reached final adult size. Despite females reaching larger asymptotic values of mass and tarsus, timing of growth was not different between the sexes. Absolute growth was higher for females around the time of maximum growth, which suggests that daughters face higher energetic demands. We found sex‐specific effects of poor early conditions on growth patterns, although not to the extent which we had predicted. Hatching in poor body condition was related to slowed growth in females but not males. However, our experimental manipulations had no additional negative effect on growth. Our results indicate that daughters in the great skua face higher demands during growth than sons, and that early conditions are more important for the development of the larger sex in this reversed dimorphic species.
A tangled tale of two teal: population history of the grey Anas gracilis and chestnut teal A. castanea of Australia
Authors: Joseph Leo , Adcock Gregory J. , Linde Celeste , Omland Kevin E. , Heinsohn Robert , Terry Chesser R. , Roshier David
Published: June 2009

Two Australian species of teal (Anseriformes: Anatidae: Anas), the grey teal Anas gracilis and the chestnut teal A. castanea, are remarkable for the zero or near‐zero divergence recorded between them in earlier surveys of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) diversity. We confirmed this result through wider geographical and population sampling as well as nucleotide sampling in the more rapidly evolving mtDNA control region. Any data set where two species share polymorphism as is the case here can be explained by a model of gene flow through hybridization on one hand or by incomplete lineage sorting on the other hand. Ideally, analysis of such shared polymorphism would simultaneously estimate the likelihood of both phenomena. To do this, we used the underlying principle of the IMa package to explore ramifications to understanding population histories of A. gracilis and A. castanea. We cannot reject that hybridization occurs between the two species but an equally or more plausible finding for their nearly zero divergence is incomplete sorting following very recent divergence between the two, probably in the mid‐late Pleistocene. Our data add to studies that explore intermediate stages in the evolution of reciprocal monophyly and paraphyletic or polyphyletic relationships in mtDNA diversity among widespread Australian birds.
Immediate implants at fresh extraction sockets: bone healing in four different implant systems
Authors: De Sanctis Massimo , Vignoletti Fabio , Discepoli Nicola , Zucchelli Giovanni , Sanz Mariano
Published: June 2009

Objectives: To describe the differences in bone healing, when placing four different implant systems in fresh extraction sockets.

Material and Methods: Eight beagle dogs received implants randomly installed into the distal socket of three P3 and four P4. Four‐implant systems were evaluated. Each animal provided four test implant sites. All animals were sacrificed at 6 weeks after implant placement, providing specimens for histo‐morphometric analysis of bone to implant contact (BIC), bone area, new bone formation, as well as histometric measurements of the ridge alterations.

Results: No statistically significant difference was observed among the four‐implant systems. The mean BIC % ranged between 58.5% and 72.1%. Bone modelling of the buccal plate was marked and amounted approximately to 2.5 mm, independently of the system used.

Conclusion: This study failed to demonstrate differences in the healing pattern after 6 weeks when placing four different implant systems in fresh extraction sockets. In spite of achieving predictable osteointegration with the four implants studied, the occurrence of buccal bone resorption may limit the use of this surgical approach.
Lymphedematous fibroepithelial polyps of the penis associated with long‐term condom catheter use: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mason Stephen E. , DeVilliers Patricia , Andea Aleodor A.
Published: June 2009

Lymphedematous fibroepithelial polyps of the penis are lesions that have only recently been described and are frequently associated with condom catheter use. We report an additional case of lymphedematous fibroepithelial polyps of the penis in association with long‐term condom catheter use in a 36‐year‐old man. Local excision showed large polypoid nodules with compact orthohyperkeratosis and mild acanthosis. The stroma was hypercellular with spindled to stellate fibroblasts and occasional multinucleated cells. Proliferation of small linear to slightly arcuate vessels with some superficial dilatation was a prominent feature. Focal expression of smooth muscle actin and desmin was present in the stroma. Lymphedematous fibroepithelial polyps of the penis are rare lesions with only 11 cases previously reported. We present here an additional example of this entity to highlight the differential diagnosis, the association with condom catheter use and to raise awareness for this unusual diagnosis.
Castleman’s disease with numerous mantle zone lymphocytes with clear cytoplasm involving the skin: case report
Authors: Tomasini Dario , Zampatti Clementina , Serio Giovanni
Published: June 2009

Castleman’s disease (CD) is an unusual lymphoid hyperplasia occurring in the mediastinal lymph nodes and, less frequently, in the neck lymph nodes. CD is classified clinically into a unicentric and a multicentric type, whereas three histomorphological variants are recognized: the hyaline vascular type, the intermediate type and the plasma cell type. We report the clinical and pathological features of a 54‐year‐old female suffering with multiple sclerosis and developing a lymph node hyaline‐vascular type CD relapsing in the skin after 24 months. Histological features showed a nodular dermatitis with atrophic germinal centers and an ‘onion skin’ rimming of lymphocytes in the mantle zone with numerous mantle zone lymphocytes with clear cytoplasm, with a CD20+, CD79a+, IgM+, IgG−, IgA−, CD5−, CD10−, CD43−, CD45RO−, bcl‐2+ and bcl‐6− phenotype with polytypic nature supporting the diagnosis of lymphoid variant of hyaline‐vascular CD. This case shows that skin CD recapitulates all the histological variants of lymph node CD. Considering the many similarities between the present case and the primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma, it is important to bear in mind this atypical lymphoproliferative disorder in order to avoid overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
Cutaneous malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors
Authors: Thomas Crystal , Somani Najwa , Owen Lafayette G. , Malone Janine C. , Billings Steven D.
Published: June 2009

Cutaneous malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare entities compared with their deep soft tissue counterparts. We describe two cases of cutaneous MPNSTs. The first case, occurring in a 27‐year‐old woman with neurofibromatosis I, presented with recent growth of a pre‐existing nodule on her back. A biopsy showed a densely cellular area within a conventional neurofibroma composed of atypical, hyperchromatic epithelioid and spindled cells with frequent mitotic figures (MFs). The second case presented in an 88‐year‐old man with no stigmata of neurofibromatosis as a rapidly growing subcutaneous tumor of the right calf. A biopsy showed a diffuse neurofibroma that abruptly transitioned to a densely cellular proliferation of hyperchromatic atypical spindled cells arranged in short fascicles with frequent MFs. The diagnosis of MPNST was rendered in both cases. MPNSTs of the dermis and subcutis are rare sarcomas. They can occur as sporadic tumors or in the setting of neurofibromatosis. They are often associated with pre‐existing neurofibromas. Increase in size of pre‐existing neurofibromas is an indication for biopsy. Recognition of the cellular atypia, increased cellularity and mitotic activity is key to the diagnosis.