bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of life outcome analysis in patients undergoing submandibular duct repositioning surgery for sialorrhoea
Authors: Syeda F , Ahsan F , Nunez D A
Published: November 2006

Bilateral submandibular duct transposition is one of several surgical methods described to control sialorrhoea in the paediatric patient. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of submandibular duct repositioning surgery on the quality of life of children using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory outcome measure. Consecutive children who underwent submandibular duct repositioning surgery were invited to participate in the study. The parents or guardians of children who gave consent were interviewed. The carer's opinion of the change in salivation, responses to the items in the Glasgow Benefit Inventory score and report of the complications were recorded.

Nine children aged two and a half to 16 years were studied. The mean follow-up time was four years. The mean Glasgow Benefit Inventory score of +33 related to the procedure demonstrates that submandibular duct repositioning leads to a substantial measurable improvement in the quality of life (QoL) of the drooling child.
Intestinale Ischämie – Chirurgische Sicht
Authors: Staib
Published: November 2006

Bei der mesenterialen Ischämie besteht weiterhin das klinische Problem der zu späten Diagnosestellung: Nur die zeitgerechte Therapieeinleitung innerhalb der ersten zwölf Stunden nach Symptombeginn kann die Letalität deutlich unter 50% senken. Diagnostisch sind die Katheter-Angiographie mit möglicher Intervention bei venöser Mesenterialischämie und die Angio-CT die effektivsten Verfahren. Differentialdiagnostisch müssen arterielle Verschlüsse thrombotischer und embolischer Genese von venösen Verschlüssen, der non-okklusiven mesenterialen Ischämie (NOMI) sowie chronischen Ischämien abgegrenzt werden. Während akute Verschlüsse die sofortige Laparotomie mit Revaskularisation und Resektion erfordern, steht die Thrombolyse bei der venösen und die Vasodilatation bei der NOMI im Vordergrund. Als Spätfolgen können Malabsorptionssyndrome, Bypassverschlüsse und ein Kurzdarmsyndrom resultieren, das in selektionierten Fällen durch eine Dünndarmtransplantation beherrscht werden kann.
Brittle creep, damage, and time to failure in rocks
Authors: Amitrano David , Helmstetter Agnès
Published: November 2006

We propose a numerical model based on static fatigue laws in order to model the time‐dependent damage and deformation of rocks under creep. An empirical relation between time to failure and applied stress is used to simulate the behavior of each element of our finite element model. We review available data on creep experiments in order to study how the material properties and the loading conditions control the failure time. The main parameter that controls the failure time is the applied stress. Two commonly used models, an exponential tf−exp (−bσ/σ0) and a power law function tf−σb′ fit the data as well. These time‐to‐failure laws are used at the scale of each element to simulate its damage as a function of its stress history. An element is damaged by decreasing its Young's modulus to simulate the effect of increasing crack density at smaller scales. Elastic interactions between elements and heterogeneity of the mechanical properties lead to the emergence of a complex macroscopic behavior, which is richer than the elementary one. In particular, we observe primary and tertiary creep regimes associated respectively with a power law decay and increase of the rate of strain, damage event and energy release. Our model produces a power law distribution of damage event sizes, with an average size that increases with time as a power law until macroscopic failure. Damage localization emerges at the transition between primary and tertiary creep, when damage rate starts accelerating. The final state of the simulation shows highly damaged bands, similar to shear bands observed in laboratory experiments. The thickness and the orientation of these bands depend on the applied stress. This model thus reproduces many properties of rock creep, which were previously not modeled simultaneously.
Modeling the salinity profile of undeformed Arctic sea ice
Authors: Vancoppenolle Martin , Fichefet Thierry , Bitz Cecilia M.
Published: November 2006

The salinity of sea ice affects its physical and ecological properties. Here, a multilayer one‐dimensional halo‐thermodynamic sea ice model is used to simulate the vertical salinity profile of undeformed Arctic sea ice. The model successfully reproduces the desalination pattern observed in first‐year (FY) and multi‐year (MY) ice. The model can also be integrated with a prescribed, time‐independent salinity profile. Substantial differences in the simulated mass balance and ice‐ocean salt flux arise depending on the salinity. After 10 years into the simulation, the annual mean ice thickness is 2.85 m with the interactive halodynamic component, compared to 2.53 m (2.29 m) with a prescribed, time‐independent, vertically varying (constant) salinity profile. Modelling sea ice salinity is especially important when sea ice is transitioning from a MY to FY ice regime. Thus including a halodynamic component in sea ice models would significantly improve simulations of future climate.
Simulation of polarization and butterfly hysteresis loops in bismuth layer-structured ferroelectric thin films
Authors: Ye Z. , Tang M. H. , Cheng C. P. , Zhou Y. C. , Zheng X. J. , Hu Z. S.
Published: November 2006

Modeling of the hysteresis loop of ferroelectric thin films has been thought very difficult owing to its nonlinear and history-dependent electric field effects. Here we extend the Preisach model [Z. Phys. 94, 277 (1935)] by using the distribution function integral and superposition method. The model shows improved hysteresis loop that agrees reasonably well with the experimental data measured from the bismuth layer-structured ferroelectric thin films. Compared with the previous model, the current model provides polarization-field (P-E) loop with full and symmetric shape, suitable coercive field (Ec), and few undesirable parameters. The butterfly loop of perovskite-type ferroelectric thin films is also simulated. Additionally, the approach is able to describe the unsaturated loops obtained under various ac electric fields, which is very useful in circuit simulation of ferroelectric field effect transistor or ferroelectric capacitor.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy in the keV range with laser generated high harmonic radiation
Authors: Seres Enikoe , Seres Jozsef , Spielmann Christian
Published: November 2006

By irradiating He and Ne atoms with 3mJ, 12fs, near infrared laser pulses from a tabletop laser system, the authors generated spatially and temporally coherent x rays up to a photon energy of 3.5keV. With this source it is possible to use high-harmonic radiation for x-ray absorption spectroscopy in the keV range. They were able to clearly resolve the L absorption edges of titanium and copper and the K edges of aluminum and silicon. From the fine structure of the x-ray absorption they estimated the interatomic distances.
Coulomb corrections to the slowdown factor in quantum-dot quantum coherence
Authors: Michael S. , Chow W. W. , Schneider H. C.
Published: November 2006

Quantum-coherence induced group-velocity slowdown in a semiconductor quantum-dot structure is investigated using a many-body theory. The predictions are found to be noticeably different from those obtained in the independent-particle treatment typically used for describing atomic quantum coherence. In particular, Hartree-Fock renormalizations can lead to over two orders of magnitude reduction in the predicted pump intensity requirement for group-velocity slowdown to occur. Results are presented for the slowdown factor and slowdown-bandwidth product in a pulsed InAs–GaAs quantum-dot Λ scheme.
Formation of self-assembled InGaAs quantum dot arrays aligned along quasiperiodic multiatomic steps on vicinal (111)B GaAs
Authors: Akiyama Y. , Sakaki H.
Published: November 2006

Dense and highly ordered arrays of self-assembled InGaAs quantum dots are formed by molecular beam epitaxy along multiatomic steps on vicinal (111)B GaAs. This unique structure has been synthesized by depositing a nominally 3-nm-thick In0.3Ga0.7As layer onto a periodically corrugated surface prepared on a GaAs substrate tilted 8.5° from (111)B. Each dot is typically 30–50nm in lateral size and about 4nm in height. Accumulation and release processes of strains in InGaAs layers deposited on stepped surfaces are discussed to suggest a possible mechanism for the aligned dot formation.
Effect of polyimide layer surfaces on pretilt angles and polar anchoring energy of liquid crystals
Authors: Gwag Jin Seog , Kim Jae Chang , Yoon Tae-Hoon , Cho Seong Jin
Published: November 2006

Considering the surface distribution of polyimide chains, the properties of the unidirectional out-of-plane nematic liquid crystal tilt angle are investigated in view of the van der Waals interaction between nematic liquid crystal molecules and two polyimide layers: the anisotropic upper layer and the isotropic lower layer. The dependence of the pretilt angle upon the thickness of the upper polyimide layer oriented by rubbing is estimated from experiment and theory. Another experimental result shows that the relation between the anchoring energy and the thickness of the polyimide layer could be dependent on lower material. This was also explained in view of the nonretarded van der Waals interaction.
Observation of coherent biexcitons in ZnO∕ZnMgO multiple quantum wells at room temperature
Authors: Davis Jeffrey A. , Van Dao Lap , Wen Xiaoming , Hannaford Peter , Coleman V. A. , Tan H. H. , Jagadish C. , Koike K. , Sasa S. , Inoue M. , Yano M.
Published: November 2006

We have studied ZnO∕ZnMgO multiple quantum wells by spectrally resolved transient four-wave mixing with both one- and two-color excitations. The presence of an extended signal at negative interpulse delays in the two-color experiment is attributed to the two-photon coherence resulting from the generation of biexcitons. This technique provides a means to observe a transient four-wave mixing from biexcitons in the absence of any other signal, and thereby provides the first clear evidence that biexcitons are present in narrow ZnO∕ZnMgO quantum wells at room temperature. Dephasing times of the order of 100fs for the biexcitons are measured.
Picosecond spin relaxation of acceptor-bound exciton in wurtzite GaN
Authors: Otake H. , Kuroda T. , Fujita T. , Ushiyama T. , Tackeuchi A. , Chinone T. , Liang J.-H. , Kajikawa M.
Published: November 2006

The spin relaxation process of acceptor-bound excitons in wurtzite GaN is observed by spin-dependent pump and probe reflectance measurement with subpicosecond time resolution. The time evolutions measured at 15–50K have a single exponential component corresponding to the electron spin relaxation time of 1.40–1.14ps. The spin relaxation time is found to be proportional to T−0.175, where T is the temperature. This weak temperature dependence indicates that the main spin relaxation mechanism is the Bir-Aronov-Pikus process [Sov. Phys. JETP 42, 705 (1976)].
Growth of [110] La2∕3Sr1∕3MnO3–YBa2Cu3O7 heterostructures
Authors: Mandal Soumen , Bose Saurabh K. , Sharma Rajeev , Budhani R. C. , Padhan Prahallad , Prellier Wilfrid
Published: November 2006

Y Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7 – La 2 ∕ 3 Sr 1 ∕ 3 Mn O 3 heterostructures of [110] orientation are grown to allow direct injection of spin polarized holes from the La2∕3Sr1∕3MnO3 into the CuO2 superconducting planes. The magnetic response of the structure at T<Tsc shows both diamagnetic and ferromagnetic moments with [001] direction as magnetic easy axis. While the superconducting transition temperature (Tsc) of these structures is sharp (ΔTsc≃2.5K), the critical current density (Jc) follows a dependence of the type Jc=Jo(1−T∕Tsc)3∕2 with highly suppressed Jo(≃2×104A∕cm2), indicating strong pair breaking effects of the ferromagnetic boundary.
High efficacy plasma display panel with vertically raised bus electrodes
Authors: Ok Jung-Woo , Lee Hae June , Kim Dong-Hyun , Park Chung-Hoo , Lee Ho-Jun , Kim Jae-Sung , Choi Kwang-Yeol
Published: November 2006

The authors propose a high efficacy alternating current plasma display panel utilizing vertically raised multilayer bus electrodes. The cell structure was designed to provide an opposite discharge mode and low discharge current in a relatively long gap. The test panels having discharge gaps of 330, 350, and 370μm were fabricated and basic properties of the panel were investigated in terms of current-voltage characteristics, luminance, and luminous efficiency. The cells with proposed structure show higher luminance and lower current simultaneously. The improvement in luminous efficiency is found to be a factor of 2 compared with the conventional coplanar structure having an electrode gap of 60μm. Emission spectra and spatio-temporal distribution of infrared light in discharge were measured. It is shown that high luminous efficiency of proposed cell originates from high excitation efficiency, low surface loss of charged particles, and enlarged discharge volume.
Dielectric characterization of transparent epitaxial Ga2O3 thin film on n-GaN∕Al2O3 prepared by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Lee Sang-A , Hwang Jae-Yeol , Kim Jong-Pil , Jeong Se-Young , Cho Chae-Ryong
Published: November 2006

( 2 ¯ 01 ) -oriented β-Ga2O3∕GaN thin films were epitaxially grown by pulsed laser deposition. These films have the specific in-plane orientation, which was confirmed by φ scans of Ga2O3 (111) and (3¯11) reflections. When oxygen flow rate was increased, the surface morphologies and roughness of β-Ga2O3 drastically changed. The β-Ga2O3∕GaN structure showed a stable and sharp interface and uniform elemental distribution in depth. The dielectric constant and memory window of β-Ga2O3∕GaN were about 13.9 and 0.50V for oxygen flow rate of 5SCCM (SCCM denotes cubic centimeter per minute at STP).
Optical characteristics of single InAs∕InGaAsP∕InP(100) quantum dots emitting at 1.55μm
Authors: Cade N. I. , Gotoh H. , Kamada H. , Nakano H. , Anantathanasarn S. , Nötzel R.
Published: November 2006

The authors have studied the emission properties of individual InAs quantum dots (QDs) grown in an InGaAsP matrix on InP(100) by metal-organic vapor-phase epitaxy. Low-temperature microphotoluminescence spectroscopy shows emission from single QDs around 1550nm with a characteristic exciton-biexciton behavior and a biexciton antibinding energy of more than 2meV relative to the exciton. Temperature-dependent measurements reveal negligible optical phonon induced broadening of the exciton line below 50K, and emission from the exciton state clearly persists above 70K. These results are encouraging for the development of a controllable photon source for fiber-based quantum information and cryptography systems.
Physiological changes and UV protection in the aquatic liverwort Jungermannia exsertifolia subsp. cordifolia along an altitudinal gradient of UV-B radiation
Authors: Arróniz-Crespo María , Núñez-Olivera Encarnación , Martínez-Abaigar Javier , Becker Hans , Scher Jochen , Zapp Josef , Tomás Rafael , Beaucourt Nathalie
Published: November 2006

Here we report the effects of a natural altitudinal gradient of UV-B radiation, from 1140 to 1816 m altitude, on the physiology of the aquatic liverwort Jungermannia exsertifolia Steph. subsp. cordifolia (Dumort.) Váña collected in mountain streams. Photosynthetic pigments, net photosynthesis and dark respiration rates, chlorophyll fluorescence, protein concentration, sclerophylly, and UV-absorbing compounds [both global UV absorbance of methanol-extractable UV-absorbing compounds (MEUVAC) and concentrations of five individual compounds] were measured. Two new caffeic acid derivatives were discovered: 5″-(7″,8″-dihydroxycoumaroyl)-2-caffeoylmalic acid and 5″-(7″,8″-dihydroxy-7-O-β-glucosyl-coumaroyl)-2-caffeoylmalic acid, whereas three additional compounds were already known in other species: p-coumaroylmalic acid, phaselic acid (both compounds in their cis- and trans- forms) and feruloylmalic acid. Most physiological variables changed considerably along the altitudinal gradient, but only six showed significant linear relationships with altitude: MEUVAC levels, the concentrations of the two new secondary compounds, the maximal apparent electron transport rate through PSII (ETRmax) and the maximal non-photochemical quenching (NPQmax) increased with altitude, whereas photoinhibition percentage decreased. A principal components analysis (PCA) was conducted to rank the values of the physiological and ecological variables obtained along the altitudinal transect, showing that those variables correlated with altitude were responsible for the ordination of the sampling points. The liverwort was not adversely affected by the changing conditions along the altitudinal gradient and, in particular, by the increasing UV-B irradiance, probably because the characteristics shown by high-altitude populations may confer tolerance to high UV-B levels. The response to UV-B of the two new compounds suggests that they could be used as indicators of the spatial changes in UV-B radiation.
Phloem as a possible major determinant of rapid cavitation reversal in stems of Laurus nobilis (laurel)
Authors: Salleo Sebastiano , Trifilò Patrizia , Lo Gullo Maria A.
Published: November 2006

Xylem recovery from embolism was studied in stems of Laurus nobilis L. that were induced to cavitate by combining negative xylem pressures with positive air pressures applied with a pressure collar. Xylem refilling was measured 2 and 20 min and 15 h after air pressure release in January, March and June when increasing percentages of wood parenchyma cells with high starch content (HSC-VAC) were counted (from 0% in January to 87.3% in June). In January, no xylem repair was measured. In June, stems refilled by 75% of previous conductivity loss with a parallel decrease of HSC-VAC. Xylem refilling was tested for stems with phloem either intact or excised by 20 and 50% and with phloem inactivated by girdling stems at both sides of the embolised segment. Stems with 50% of the cortex removed showed some recovery 15 h after embolism. Girdled stems did not recover from embolism and no starch depolymerisation was measured. Girdled stems where a radial mechanical pressure was applied for 20 min after embolism refilled in the same way as stems with intact phloem. Our conclusion is that phloem may export some signal for starch depolymerisation and this, in turn, would drive sugar efflux into embolised conduits with consequent osmotic water flows and refilling.
Activation of estrogen receptor α increases and estrogen receptor β decreases apolipoprotein E expression in hippocampus
in vitro
and
in vivo
Authors: Wang Jun Ming , Irwin Ronald W. , Brinton Roberta Diaz
Published: November 2006

Previous evidence indicates that, in carriers of apolipoprotein E4 (
ApoE4
), estrogen therapy increased the risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), whereas in individuals carrying
ApoE2/3
, estrogen therapy reduced the risk of AD [Cauley JA, Zmuda JM, Yaffe K, Kuller LH, Ferrell RE, Wisniewski SR, Cummings SR (1999)
J Bone Miner Res
14:1175–1181; Yaffe K, Haan M, Byers A, Tangen C, Kuller L (2000)
Neurology
54:1949–1954]. Estrogen mechanisms of action are mediated by two estrogen receptors (ERs), ERα and ERβ. In this study, we determined the relationship between ER subtype and estrogen regulation of ApoE expression in HT-22 cells ectopically transfected with ERα or ERβ, in primary cultured rat hippocampal neurons
in vitro
and in rat hippocampus
in vivo
by both molecular biological and pharmacological analyses. Results of these analyses demonstrated that activation of ERα either by 17β-estradiol or a specific-agonist, propylpyrazole triol, up-regulated ApoE mRNA and protein expression. In contrast, the ERβ-selective agonist, diarylpropionitrile, down-regulated ApoE mRNA and protein expression. These results demonstrate that,
in vitro
and
in vivo
, ApoE expression can be differentially regulated depending on activation of ER subtypes. These data suggest that use of ER-selective ligands could provide therapeutic benefit to reduce the risk of AD by increasing ApoE expression in
ApoE2/3
allele carriers and decreasing ApoE expression in
ApoE4
allele carriers.
Connexin Hemichannels and Gap Junction Channels Are Differentially Influenced by Lipopolysaccharide and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor
Authors: De Vuyst Elke , Decrock Elke , De Bock Marijke , Yamasaki Hiroshi , Naus Christian C. , Evans W. Howard , Leybaert Luc
Published: November 2006

Gap junction (GJ) channels are formed by two hemichannels (connexons), each contributed by the cells taking part in this direct cell–cell communication conduit. Hemichannels that do not interact with their counterparts on neighboring cells feature as a release pathway for small paracrine messengers such as nucleotides, glutamate, and prostaglandins. Connexins are phosphorylated by various kinases, and we compared the effect of various kinase-activating stimuli on GJ channels and hemichannels. Using peptides identical to a short connexin (Cx) amino acid sequence to specifically block hemichannels, we found that protein kinase C, Src, and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) inhibited GJs and hemichannel-mediated ATP release in Cx43-expressing C6 glioma cells (C6-Cx43). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) inhibited GJs, but they stimulated ATP release via hemichannels in C6-Cx43. LPS and bFGF inhibited hemichannel-mediated ATP release in HeLa-Cx43 cells, but they stimulated it in HeLa-Cx43 with a truncated carboxy-terminal (CT) domain or in HeLa-Cx26, which has a very short CT. Hemichannel potentiation by LPS was inhibited by blockers of the arachidonic acid metabolism, and arachidonic acid had a potentiating effect like LPS and bFGF. We conclude that GJ channels and hemichannels display similar or oppositely directed responses to modulatory influences, depending on the balance between kinase activity and the activity of the arachidonic acid pathway. Distinctive hemichannel responses to pathological stimulation with LPS or bFGF may serve to optimize the cell response, directed at strictly controlling cellular ATP release, switching from direct GJ communication to indirect paracrine signaling, or maximizing cell-protective strategies.
Akt–PDK1 Complex Mediates Epidermal Growth Factor-induced Membrane Protrusion through Ral Activation
Authors: Yoshizaki Hisayoshi , Mochizuki Naoki , Gotoh Yukiko , Matsuda Michiyuki
Published: November 2006

We studied the spatiotemporal regulation of Akt (also called protein kinase B), phosphatidylinositol-3,4-bisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4)P2], and phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate [PtdIns(3,4,5)P3] by using probes based on the principle of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. On epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation, the amount of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 was increased diffusely in the plasma membrane, whereas that of PtdIns(3,4)P2 was increased more in the nascent lamellipodia than in the plasma membrane of the central region. The distribution and time course of Akt activation were similar to that of increased PtdIns(3,4)P2 levels, which were most prominent in the nascent lamellipodia. Moreover, we found that upon EGF stimulation 3-phosphoinositide–dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1) was also recruited to nascent lamellipodia in an Akt-dependent manner. Because PDK1 is known to activate Ral GTPase and because Ral is required for EGF-induced lamellipodial protrusion, we speculated that the PDK1–Akt complex may be indispensable for the induction of lamellipodia. In agreement with this idea, EGF-induced lamellipodia formation was promoted by the overexpression of Akt and inhibited by an Akt inhibitor or a Ral-binding domain of Sec5. These results identified the Akt–PDK1 complex as an upstream positive regulator of Ral GTPase in the induction of lamellipodial protrusion.
Value of Computed Tomography‐Based Tumor Volume as a Predictor of Outcomes in Hypopharyngeal Cancer After Treatment With Definitive Radiotherapy
Authors: Chen Shang‐Wen , Yang Shih‐Neng , Liang Ji‐An , Tsai Ming‐Hsiu , Shiau An‐Cheng , Lin Fang‐Jen
Published: November 2006

Objectives: To investigate the value of pretreatment computed tomography (CT) volumetric analysis for the prediction of treatment outcome in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) treated by definitive radiotherapy (RT).

Methods: From January 2000 through February 2004, 63 patients with HPC were enrolled for a retrospective analysis. The pyriform sinus was the principle site of involvement in 62 cases. All patients received with 1.8 Gy daily to a total dose of 68.4 to 73.8 Gy (median, 70.2 Gy). Contrast‐enhanced CT images were transferred to a planning system. Tumor volume measurement was derived from summation of the primary and metastatic nodal tumor.

Results: With a median follow‐up of 38 (range, 24–68) months, the 5 year local relapse‐free survival (LRFS) was 83% for patients with T1 to T2 disease, 46% for those with T3 disease, and 40% for those with T4 disease (P = .01). The 5 year LRFS was 75% for those with tumors less than 40 mL and 26% when volumes were 40 mL of larger (P = .0001). For patients with T3 to T4 disease, the 5 year LRFS was 70% for those with tumors less than 40 mL and 24% when volumes were 40 mL or larger (P = .0005). Multivariate analyses of local relapse‐free survival revealed two prognostic factors: tumor volume more than 40 mL and the involvement of the larynx.

Conclusions: CT‐based tumor volumes are a strong predictor of outcomes for HPC treated using definitive RT. A selected group of patients, mainly those with tumor volumes less than 40 mL, should be considered for laryngeal preservation.
Growth of Benign and Malignant Schwannoma Xenografts in Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Mice
Authors: Chang Long‐Sheng , Abraham Jacob , Lorenz Mark , Rock Jonathan , Akhmametyeva Elena M. , Mihai Georgeta , Schmalbrock Petra , Chaudhury Abhik R. , Lopez Raul , Yamate Jyoji , John Markus R. , Wickert Hannes , Neff Brian A. , Dodson Edward , Welling D Bradley
Published: November 2006

Objectives: Models for the development of new treatment options in vestibular schwannoma (VS) treatment are lacking. The purpose of this study is to establish a quantifiable human VS xenograft model in mice.

Study Design and Methods: Both rat malignant schwannoma cells (KE‐F11 and RT4) and human malignant schwannoma (HMS‐97) cells were implanted near the sciatic nerve in the thigh of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. Additionally, human benign VS specimens were implanted in another set of SCID mice. Three‐dimensional tumor volumes were calculated from magnetic resonance images over the next 6 months.

Results: Mice implanted with malignant schwannoma cells developed visible tumors within 2 weeks. Imaging using a 4.7‐tesla magnetic resonance imaging and immunohistopathologic examination identified solid tumors in all KE‐F11 and HMS‐97 xenografts, whereas RT4 xenografts consistently developed cystic schwannomas. VS xenografts demonstrated variability in their growth rates similar to human VS. The majority of VS xenografts did not grow but persisted throughout the study, whereas two of 15 xenografts grew significantly. Histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed that VS xenografts retained their original microscopic and immunohistochemical characteristics after prolonged implantation.

Conclusions: This study describes the first animal model for cystic schwannomas. Also, we demonstrate the use of high‐field magnetic resonance imaging to quantify VS xenograft growth over time. The VS xenografts represent a model complimentary to Nf2 transgenic and knockout mice for translational VS research.
Management of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage From Cochleostomy During Cochlear Implant Surgery
Authors: Wootten Christopher T. , Backous Douglas D. , Haynes David S.
Published: November 2006

Objectives: The objectives of this retrospective review were to determine the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhea from the cochleostomy during cochlear implant surgery, to recognize patients at risk, and to determine the appropriate preoperative, postoperative and intraoperative management.

Methods: A chart review from two cochlear implant centers was performed to determine the incidence of CSF otorrhea, patients at risk, and appropriate management.

Results: The incidence of CSF gusher is low, encountered in approximately 1% of patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery, and is seen in equal incidence in children and adults in our series. Preoperative imaging was predictive in only 50% of cases. Mechanisms for otorrhea in specific cochlear malformations and in those in which no apparent malformation exists are discussed. Successful implantation is expected in most cases. Intraoperative management may require complete packing of the middle ear space in addition to the cochleostomy to control CSF leak. Lumbar drain is rarely necessary. Outpatient management is possible in the majority of cases. Vaccination and antibiotic prophylaxis is essential.

Conclusions: CSF otorrhea can be encountered in cochlear malformations and in cochleas without apparent malformation. Successful implantation without short‐term or long‐term complications is expected.
Hearing Loss in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Halligan Christine S. , Bauch Christopher D. , Brey Robert H. , Achenbach Sara J. , Bamlet William R. , McDonald Thomas J. , Matteson Eric L.
Published: November 2006

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are more likely to have subclinical hearing loss compared with persons without RA.

Methods: This is a case‐control cross‐sectional study of 29 patients with RA with disease duration greater than 5 years. Five males and five females were recruited into each decade category (age 40‐49, 50‐59, and 60‐69). These cases were matched in a 1:1 ratio by sex and age to 30 control subjects. A comprehensive set of audiometric and disease severity assessments were performed.

Results: Seventeen (59%) of 29 patients with RA had abnormal hearing for at least one frequency (four in one ear, 13 in two ears) by audiometry as did 14 (47%) of 30 control subjects (five in one ear, nine in two ears). The percentage of patients with hearing loss (% RA vs. % control subjects) was: 45% versus 40% sensorineural, 10% versus 7% conductive, and 3% versus 0% mixed hearing loss. In RA versus control subjects, acoustic reflex threshold was abnormal in 17% versus 7%; speech reception threshold was abnormal in 10% versus 3%. Tympanometry and otoacoustic emission findings were similar in both groups. Word recognition did not differ between patients with RA and control subjects. In patients with RA/control subjects, hearing handicap, dizziness, and health assessment questionnaires were abnormal in 28%/7%, 14%/3%, and 72%/7%, respectively.

Conclusion: There was no difference found in objective audiometric measurements in patients with RA compared with non‐RA control subjects. Subjectively patients with RA were more likely to perceive themselves as having hearing disturbances, which may be related to overall disease related functional impairment.
Palatal Stiffening After Failed Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty With the Pillar Implant System
Authors: Friedman Michael , Schalch Paul , Joseph Ninos J.
Published: November 2006

Objective/Hypothesis: The objective of this study was to measure subjective and objective improvement after palatal stiffening in patients after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) who were experiencing persistence or recurrence of snoring with or without daytime sleepiness symptoms.

Study Design: The authors conducted a prospective, nonrandomized study of 26 patients after UPPP who underwent the Pillar Implant Technique (PIT) as a revision procedure.

Methods: Patients were selected to undergo revision PIT if they presented with recurrence or persistence of snoring after UPPP. Patients had mild or moderate obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) (apnea–hypopnea index [AHI] >5 and ≤40), persistent retropalatal obstruction, and a residual palate ≥2 cm. Some patients experienced daytime somnolence as well. Patients with severe OSAHS (AHI ≥40), Friedman anatomic stage IV, and/or nasopharyngeal stenosis were excluded. Pre‐/postoperative snoring levels, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), SF‐36v2 Quality of Life (QOL) questionnaires, and polysomnograms were obtained.

Results: We completed data on 23 patients. Postoperative snoring levels (3.4 ± 1.8) and ESS (8.7 ± 1.8) significantly improved (P < .0001) compared with preoperative values (8.7 ± 1.8 and 13.2 ± 2.9). A total of 73.9% of patients improved subjectively. Seven of eight SF‐36v2 QOL domains showed significant improvement (P < .05). Postoperative AHI and minimum oxygen saturation also improved significantly (P < .05). Objective cure was only achieved in 21.7% of patients.

Conclusions: Revision PIT is effective in achieving subjective improvement of recurrent symptoms after UPPP. Objective cure was only obtained in 21.7% of patients. As a result of the safety and low morbidity of the procedure, it is an alternative to improve symptoms, especially snoring, in patients not willing to accept continuous positive airway pressure permanently or patients who refuse revision surgery.
Condensin is required for chromosome arm cohesion during mitosis
Authors: Lam Wendy W. , Peterson Erica A. , Yeung ManTek , Lavoie Brigitte D.
Published: November 2006

We describe a novel requirement for the condensin complex in sister chromatid cohesion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Strikingly, condensin-dependent cohesion can be distinguished from cohesin-based pairing by a number of criteria. First, condensin is required to maintain cohesion at several chromosomal arm sites but, in contrast to cohesin, is not required at either centromere or telomere-proximal loci. Second, condensin-dependent interlinks are established during mitosis independently of DNA replication and are reversible within a single cell cycle. Third, the loss of condensin-dependent linkages occurs without affecting cohesin levels at the separated URA3 locus. We propose that, during mitosis, robust sister chromatid cohesion along chromosome arms requires both condensinand cohesin-dependent mechanisms, which function independently of each other. We discuss the implications of our results for current models of sister chromatid cohesion.
Bortezomib reduces serum dickkopf‐1 and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand concentrations and normalises indices of bone remodelling in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma
Authors: Terpos Evangelos , Heath Deborah J. , Rahemtulla Amin , Zervas Kostas , Chantry Andrew , Anagnostopoulos Athanasios , Pouli Anastasia , Katodritou Eirini , Verrou Evgenia , Vervessou Elisavet‐Christine , Dimopoulos Meletios‐Athanassios , Croucher Peter I.
Published: November 2006

The effect of bortezomib on bone remodelling was evaluated in 34 relapsed myeloma patients. At baseline, patients had increased serum concentrations of dickkopf‐1 (DKK‐1), soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (sRANKL), sRANKL/osteoprotegerin ratio, C‐telopeptide of type‐I collagen (CTX) and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase isoform‐5b (TRACP‐5b); bone‐alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin were reduced. Serum DKK‐1 correlated with CTX and severe bone disease. Bortezomib administration significantly reduced serum DKK‐1, sRANKL, CTX, and TRACP‐5b after four cycles, and dramatically increased bone‐alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, irrespective of treatment response. This is the first study showing that bortezomib reduces DKK‐1 and RANKL serum levels, leading to the normalisation of bone remodelling in relapsed myeloma.
Cell‐free DNA levels in pregnancies at risk of sickle‐cell disease and significant ethnic variation
Authors: Gerovassili Ageliki , Nicolaides Kypros H. , Thein Swee Lay , Rees David C.
Published: November 2006

Cell‐free (cf) DNA in maternal circulation is increasingly investigated in pregnancy. This study aimed to determine whether sickle‐cell trait women had quantitative differences of cf‐DNA to controls and if there was an ethnic difference between the cf‐DNA levels of Northern European and African/African‐Caribbean populations. Non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis, through quantification of fetal and total cf‐DNA, was tested in 33 pregnant women at risk of carrying a fetus affected with sickle‐cell disease and 124 control pregnancies. A significant variation in cf‐DNA was found between ethnic groups, which should be taken into consideration in future studies measuring cf‐DNA.
Clinical efficacy of intravenous administration of marbofloxacin in a Staphylococcus aureus infection in tissue cages in ponies
Authors: VOERMANS M. , VAN SOEST J. M. , VAN DUIJKEREN E. , ENSINK J. M.
Published: November 2006

Tissue cages (TC), implanted subcutaneously in the neck in eight ponies, were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) to determine the clinical efficacy of marbofloxacin in the treatment of this infection. From 21 h after inoculation, marbofloxacin (6 mg/kg) was administered intravenously (i.v.) once daily for 7 days. Samples of the tissue cage fluid (TCF) were taken to determine marbofloxacin concentrations (days 1, 3 and 7), using high‐pressure liquid chromatography, and numbers of viable bacteria [colony forming units (CFU)] (days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21). Statistical analysis was used to compare CFU before and after treatment. Clinical signs and CFU were used to evaluate the efficacy of treatment. Although, there was a slight decrease in CFU in all TC initially, the infection was not eliminated by marbofloxacin treatment in any of the ponies and abscesses formed. As the MIC (0.25 μg/mL) did not change during treatment and the concentration of marbofloxacin during treatment (mean concentration in TCF was 0.89 μg/mL on day 1, 0.80 μg/mL on day 3 and 2.77 μg/mL on day 7) was above MIC, we consider that the treatment failure might be attributable to the formation of a biofilm by S. aureus. Based on the present results, i.v. administration of marbofloxacin alone is not suitable for the elimination of S. aureus infections from secluded sites.
Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs induce hypermotilinemia and disturbance of interdigestive migrating contractions in instrumented dogs
Authors: NARITA T. , OKABE N. , HANE M. , YAMAMOTO Y. , TANI K. , NAITO Y. , HARA S.
Published: November 2006

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) induce gastric ulcers due to inhibition of prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins have an influence on physiological gastrointestinal motility, but the relationships between NSAID‐induced gastric ulcer, gastrointestinal motility and motilin are unknown. Fifteen dogs were allocated randomly to three groups in which either gelatin, meloxicam or indomethacin was administered. Fecal occult blood and gastrointestinal motility were monitored continuously for 6 days. In addition, analyses of the plasma motilin concentration, gastrointestinal endoscopy and gastric emptying, and detection of motilin cells were performed. Gastrointestinal motility was disturbed in the indomethacin group, presenting as disappearance of interdigestive migrating contractions (IMCs) 3 days before gastric ulcers were detected. Delayed gastric emptying and hypermotilinemia were observed significantly more often in the indomethacin group compared with the other groups. Motilin cell‐crypt/villi ratio in the indomethacin group significantly decreased in the duodenum and jejunum, compared with the other groups. No significant changes in any tests were observed in the meloxicam group, when compared with the gelatin group. These findings suggest that the disturbance of IMCs caused by hypermotilinemia, with changes in motilin cell distribution, and delayed gastric emptying induced by indomethacin may contribute to the development of gastric ulcers.
Genetic isolation of fragmented populations is exacerbated by drift and selection
Authors: WILLI Y. , VAN BUSKIRK J. , SCHMID B. , FISCHER M.
Published: November 2006

Reduced genetic variation at marker loci in small populations has been well documented, whereas the relationship between quantitative genetic variation and population size has attracted little empirical investigation. Here we demonstrate that both neutral and quantitative genetic variation are reduced in small populations of a fragmented plant metapopulation, and that both drift and selective change are enhanced in small populations. Measures of neutral genetic differentiation (FST) and quantitative genetic differentiation (QST) in two traits were higher among small demes, and QST between small populations exceeded that expected from drift alone. This suggests that fragmented populations experience both enhanced genetic drift and divergent selection on phenotypic traits, and that drift affects variation in both neutral markers and quantitative traits. These results highlight the need to integrate natural selection into conservation genetic theory, and suggests that small populations may represent reservoirs of genetic variation adaptive within a wide range of environments.
An approach to identify dairy cows being responsive to recombinant bovine somatotropin
Authors: Rodrigues P. H. M. , Santos M. V. , Fonseca L. F. L. , Meyer P. M. , Lucci C. S.
Published: November 2006

Forty‐eight primiparous and pregnant Holstein cows at 202 (±59) days in milk and average daily milk production (DMP) of 22 (±5.3) kg at the beginning of the trial were used to study the possibility of identifying animals that are more responsive to recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST). Animals were housed in free‐stall barns, milked three times a day and fed a total mixed ration. Animals were injected with one dose (500 mg each) of rbST every 21 days during a 105‐day total period (five doses in all). Daily milk production was recorded to measure average apparent response (AAR) and peak of apparent response (PAR). Average apparent response was defined as the average increase in milk production, expressed as kilogram per cow per day, for days 0–18 after dosing, as compared to the average production calculated for days −1, −2, −3, 19, 20 and 21 after dosing. Peak of apparent response was calculated as the increase in milk production for each day from 0 to 18 days after dosing as compared to the average production for days −1, −2 and −3. There was a positive linear correlation (r = 0.608; p = 0.0001) between AAR for the first 21 days and AAR for the total 105‐day period (AATR). A correlation coefficient was calculated between each individual PAR value and AATR. The highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.511; p = 0.0002) was observed for days 8, 9 and 10, and therefore these days were considered the best estimates for calculating AAR when DMP records are not available. Also, high somatic cells count had a negative impact on milk yield response to treatment (p = 0.0162).
Possibilities for cost containment in intensive care
Authors: Thungjaroenkul Petsunee , Kunaviktikul Wipada
Published: November 2006

Abstract  An intensive care unit (ICU) is valuable but consumes a disproportionately high amount of health‐care resources. Accordingly, cost containment has been deemed a mandatory task. A review of the literature from many countries was completed to determine the strategies for reducing the cost of care in the ICU. The results of this review show that cost reduction can be achieved by using a variety of the following strategies: (i) instituting a closed ICU, where all the patient care is directed by intensivists or full‐time critical care trained physicians; (ii) the utilization of interdisciplinary approaches to the care of patients in the ICU; (iii) developing and implementing a program of television‐guided remote intensivists; (iv) the use of an alerting and reminding system; and (v) increasing the number of intermediate care beds for patients who require only monitoring and intensive nursing. The conclusion reached is that many of these strategies provide evidence for hospital manager decisions regarding cost containment strategies for the delivery of health care in the ICU.
Above‐ and below‐ground impacts of introduced predators in seabird‐dominated island ecosystems
Authors: Fukami Tadashi , Wardle David A. , Bellingham Peter J. , Mulder Christa P. H. , Towns David R. , Yeates Gregor W. , Bonner Karen I. , Durrett Melody S. , Grant‐Hoffman Madeline N. , Williamson Wendy M.
Published: November 2006

Predators often exert multi‐trophic cascading effects in terrestrial ecosystems. However, how such predation may indirectly impact interactions between above‐ and below‐ground biota is poorly understood, despite the functional importance of these interactions. Comparison of rat‐free and rat‐invaded offshore islands in New Zealand revealed that predation of seabirds by introduced rats reduced forest soil fertility by disrupting sea‐to‐land nutrient transport by seabirds, and that fertility reduction in turn led to wide‐ranging cascading effects on belowground organisms and the ecosystem processes they drive. Our data further suggest that some effects on the belowground food web were attributable to changes in aboveground plant nutrients and biomass, which were themselves related to reduced soil disturbance and fertility on invaded islands. These results demonstrate that, by disrupting across‐ecosystem nutrient subsidies, predators can indirectly induce strong shifts in both above‐ and below‐ground biota via multiple pathways, and in doing so, act as major ecosystem drivers.
Ecological control analysis: being(s) in control of mass flux and metabolite concentrations in anaerobic degradation processes
Authors: Röling Wilfred F. M. , Van Breukelen Boris M. , Bruggeman Frank J. , Westerhoff Hans V.
Published: November 2006

Identification of the functional groups of microorganisms that are predominantly in control of fluxes through, and concentrations in, microbial networks would benefit microbial ecology and environmental biotechnology: the properties of those controlling microorganisms could be studied or monitored specifically or their activity could be modulated in attempts to manipulate the behaviour of such networks. Herein we present ecological control analysis (ECA) as a versatile mathematical framework that allows for the quantification of the control of each functional group in a microbial network on its process rates and concentrations of intermediates. In contrast to current views, we show that rates of flow of matter are not always limited by a single functional group; rather flux control can be distributed over several groups. Also, control over intermediate concentrations is always shared. Because of indirect interactions, through other functional groups, the concentration of an intermediate can also be controlled by functional groups not producing or consuming it. Ecological control analysis is illustrated by a case study on the anaerobic degradation of organic matter, using experimental data obtained from the literature. During anaerobic degradation, fermenting microorganisms interact with terminal electron‐accepting microorganisms (e.g. halorespirers, methanogens). The analysis indicates that flux control mainly resides with fermenting microorganisms, but can shift to the terminal electron‐accepting microorganisms under less favourable redox conditions. Paradoxically, halorespiring microorganisms do not control the rate of perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene degradation even though they catalyse those processes themselves.