bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes and consistencies in the epidemiology of pediatric adenotonsillar surgery, 1996–2006
Authors: Bhattacharyya Neil , Lin Harrison W.
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE

Determine changes in rates for pediatric adenotonsillar procedures over time with attention to infectious indications.

STUDY DESIGN

Historical cohort study.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery and the National Hospital Discharge Survey 1996 and 2006 releases were examined, extracting all cases of pediatric tonsillectomy, adenotonsillectomy, and adenoidectomy. The aggregate numbers and rates of adenotonsillar procedures performed overall and specifically for chronic infectious etiologies were determined. These procedure rates were then compared to determine differences in performance rates between 1996 and 2006.

RESULTS

In 1996, an estimated 441,870 ± 23,315 children underwent some form of adenotonsillar surgery in the ambulatory and inpatient settings (60,034 ± 6994 tonsillectomies, 255,217 ± 18,960 adenotonsillectomies, and 126,619 ± 11,627 adenoidectomies), while in 2006, the total rose to 695,029 ± 36,979 children (58,111 ± 9645 tonsillectomies, 506,778 ± 32,054 adenotonsillectomies, and 129,540 ± 15,714 adenoidectomies). However, when examined according to infectious indications, a notable decline in the population rate of tonsillectomy from 0.62 per 1000 children in 1996 to 0.53 per 1000 in 2006 was found (P = 0.252). Moreover, the larger decline in the rate of adenotonsillectomy for infectious indications from 2.20 per 1000 to 1.46 per 1000 was significant (P = 0.003). There was no significant change adenoidectomy rates for chronic infectious etiologies (0.25 versus 0.21 per 1000, P = 0.326).

CONCLUSION

Although there was an overall increase in the rate of performance of adenotonsillar surgery, population adjusted performance rates of these procedures specifically for infectious indications declined from 1996 to 2006.
Total parotidectomy defect reconstruction using the buried free flap
Authors: Cannady Steven B. , Seth Rahul , Fritz Michael A. , Alam Daniel S. , Wax Mark K.
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE

1) Present an alternative method of total parotidectomy with or without neck dissection defect reconstruction that results in improved cosmesis. 2) Describe applications of free tissue transfer in parotidectomy defect reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series with chart review.

SETTING

Two tertiary‐care medical centers.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A two‐institution retrospective review from 2002 to 2009 was conducted for buried free flaps utilized in reconstruction of defects from total parotidectomy with or without neck dissection. Patients with temporal bone or skin resections were excluded. Demographic information, tumor characteristics, surgical interventions, flap details, and adjunctive facial reconstructive techniques were recorded. Postoperative cosmetic results were evaluated by patient and physician satisfaction.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients with a mean age of 57.4 years underwent flap reconstruction. Total parotidectomy was performed in all cases, 11 cases required facial nerve sacrifice, and 14 cases included neck dissection. The anterolateral thigh flap was the most often utilized free flap. Mean flap area was 65.5 cm2. Adjunctive static facial reanimation was employed in eight patients. All flaps survived. Ten patients underwent adjuvant radiation. Free flap reconstruction resulted in cosmetic patient and surgeon satisfaction, despite adjuvant radiation therapy.

CONCLUSION

Free flap reconstruction of total parotidectomy (with or without neck dissection) defects is safe and effective. It does not preclude adjunctive facial reanimation and provides sufficient tissue bulk to match the contralateral facial contour despite radical resections and adjuvant radiation therapy in most cases.
Long‐term change in thermospheric temperature above Saint Santin
Authors: Donaldson J. K. , Wellman T. J. , Oliver W. L.
Published: November 2010

The 1966–1987 Saint Santin/Nançay incoherent scatter radar database is analyzed to determine long‐term trends beyond those associated with the “natural” variations of solar and magnetic activity, season, and time of day. Trends averaging some −3 K/yr are found in the F region. Positive trends in the E region may be explained by the subsidence of an overlying warmer regime of air. The trend line seems to change slope around the “breakpoint” year 1979, with the cooling changing from −0.8 K/yr before that time to −5.5 K/yr afterward at 350 km altitude. These trends greatly exceed those predicted by model simulations for increases in greenhouse gas concentrations. Further, carbon dioxide shows no such breakpoint year, but ozone does, near the time of the change in thermospheric trend, and a surface climatic regime shift has also been reported near this time. It is not clear that greenhouse gases are driving the long‐term trend in thermospheric temperature. Restriction of analysis to a particular time of day results in greatly different trends, from near zero at midnight to −6 K/yr at noon at 350 km altitude. A separate analysis to determine the long‐term trend in the amplitude of the 24 h tide at 350 km altitude shows a large change, with the amplitude diminishing from 136 K in 1966 to 89 K in 1988. Our results show the great need to remove all other natural variations from long‐term data sets in determining long‐term trends to avoid great ambiguity in trend interpretation.
Primary gastrointestinal non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in adults: a population‐based clinical and histopathologic study
Authors: Hansen P. B. , Vogt K. C. , Skov R. L. , Pedersen‐Bjergaard U. , Jacobsen M. , Ralfkiaer E.
Published: November 2010

. Hansen PB, Vogt KC, Skov RL, Pedersen‐Bjergaard U, Jacobsen M, Ralfkiaer E (Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark). Primary gastrointestinal non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma in adults: a population‐based clinical and histopathologic study. J Intern Med 1998; 244: 71–8.

Objectives

To analyse the clinical course and the histopathology of primary gastrointestinal non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (GI‐NHL) in adult patients and to investigate a possible impact of Helicobacter pylori.

Design/setting

Retrospective study of all adult patients in Copenhagen county diagnosed during a

6‐year period with NHL.

Subjects

A total of 55 patients with GI‐NHL diagnosed during the period from 1985 to the end of 1990.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients had primary lymphoma in the stomach, 14 in the small intestine, 11 in the large intestine and two patients had multifocal involvement. The dominant presenting symptoms were abdominal pain, weight loss, diarrhoea, constipation and fatigue. Acute emergency problems such as severe haemorrhage or perforation at initial presentation were unusual. According to the revised European‐American lymphoma (REAL) classification, diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma was the most frequent histologic subtype comprising 53% of the cases.

Helicobacter pylori infection was documented in 15 of 25 evaluable patients (60%) with gastric lymphomas and was not associated with any specific histological subtype. Endoscopic procedures and barium X‐rays were the diagnostic approaches with highest sensitivity. In total, 30 patients (58%) achieved complete remission, 10 (19%) achieved partial remission, and 12 (23%) did not respond to treatment. The overall 5 year survival rate was 0.36 without statistically significant difference between the histological subtypes. Likewise the presence of Helicobacter pylori did not affect survival.

Conclusion

Primary GI‐NHL is a heterogeneous disease entity with considerable therapeutic controversies. No specific clinical or histological phenotype was associated with the presence of Helicobacter pylori.
Temporal patterns of maternal, cytoplasmic and embryo genetic effects for thousand-seed weight and oil content in F1 hybrid rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Variath Murali Tottekkaad , Wu Jianguo , Li Yunxia , Chen Guolin , Shi Chunhai
Published: November 2010

The analysis of temporal patterns of genetic effects for thousand-seed weight (TSW) and oil content (OC) in rapeseed was conducted at five different seed development times using unconditional and conditional genetic models for diploid seed quantitative traits. Phenotypic means among generations and seed development times in 2 different years revealed considerable variation for both TSW and OC. The expression of genes from diploid embryo, cytoplasmic and maternal plant genetic systems were all found to be important for the F1 generation, with maternal effects playing a more prominent role for both traits at most times. The conditional analysis indicated that the stage-specific gene expression from the maternal plant was influenced by environment. Higher magnitudes of additive and cytoplasmic effects were observed for both traits. Narrow-sense heritability was high for both traits at all developmental times with maternal heritability being more prominent at most times. Genetic correlations between TSW and OC were mostly negative over developmental times.
Does root pruning increase yield and water-use efficiency of winter wheat?
Authors: Fang Yan , Xu Bingcheng , Turner Neil C. , Li Fengmin
Published: November 2010

A pot and a field experiment were conducted to assess whether seeding density in winter wheat affects grain yield and water-use efficiency when combined with root pruning. Both experiments compared four treatments, namely (i) low (normal) plant density with no root pruning; (ii) low plant density with root pruning; (iii) high plant density (25% higher than low density) with no root pruning; and (iv) high plant density with root pruning. Roots to a depth of 25 cm were cut back to keep their length to 13 cm and to limit their lateral spread to 13 cm from the plant. In the pot experiment, two water regimes were employed from stem elongation: (i) plants maintained at 85% field capacity, and (ii) plants maintained at 55% field capacity by regular watering. Low rainfall in spring at the terminal stage of plant growth served as natural water stress in the field experiment. In the field, the higher plant density induced higher root biomass at all sample depths at anthesis. Root pruning significantly decreased the root biomass in the upper soil layer (0–40 cm) and increased the root biomass in the deep soil layer (80–120 cm). When water was limited, increasing the seeding density by 25% reduced the grain yield, but with adequate water increasing the seeding density increased the grain yield. Root pruning increased the grain yield, but there was no interaction between seeding density and root pruning on grain yield in either the pots or field. Root pruning reduced water use between stem elongation and anthesis which led to more available soil water in the field between anthesis and maturity, and increased the rate of flag leaf photosynthesis at anthesis, whereas the reverse was true of increasing seeding density. Measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence suggested that initially root pruning induced a stress in the plants, but that the pruned plants rapidly recovered so that by anthesis and during grain filling the level of stress was reduced. Increasing the seeding density increased the number of spikes (fertile tillers), but decreased the grain yield per spike and had no effect on the thousand-kernel weight. In contrast, root pruning reduced the number of spikes in both the field and pots, but increased the grain yield per spike and thousand-kernel weight. Under our experimental conditions, restricting the root size by root pruning increased the yield and water-use efficiency of winter wheat in water-limited environments.
Identification of resistance gene analogues (RGA) and development of E chromosome-specific RGA markers in wheat - Lophopyrum elongatum addition lines
Authors: Chen Guo-Yue , Wei Yu-Ming , Liu Ya-Xi , Wei Li , Wang Ji-Rui , Zheng You-Liang
Published: November 2010

Degenerate primers designed from the conserved regions of nucleotide-binding site domains of known plant resistance gene products were used to scan a complete set of wheat–Lophopyrum elongatum addition lines. Forty-six clones were isolated and they were grouped into seven families of resistance gene analogues (RGA). All families were characterised as the Toll–Interleukin receptor group of R-genes (plant disease resistance genes). The putative chromosome-specific SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) loci were identified by multiple sequence alignments. Furthermore, 20 E chromosome-specific RGA markers were used to identify polymorphic fragments in wheat–Lo. elongatum addition lines and amphidiploid. The results suggested that these chromosome-specific markers could be not only useful for marker-assisted selection and map-based cloning of R-genes in Lo. elongatum, but also feasible for investigating the evaluation process of the E genome.
First Report of Neofusicoccum macroclavatum as a Canker Pathogen of Grapevine in New Zealand
Authors: Billones R. G. , Ridgway H. J. , Jones E. E. , Jaspers M. V.
Published: November 2010

In a 2008 survey, 120 isolates of the Botryosphaeriaceae were recovered from a representative subsample of Vitis vinifera plants and propagation materials collected in nine New Zealand grapevine nurseries. Isolates were identified by amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) (1) as Neofusicoccum luteum (56%), N. parvum (18%), N. australe (8%), Diplodia mutila (7%), Botryosphaeria dothidea (5%), D. seriata (3%), and N. ribis (2%). One isolate (M353) from 1 cm below the graft union of a nonsymptomatic 1-year-old grafted plant from the Nelson Region was not identified by ARDRA and was morphologically distinct from all others. Mycelium produced by the novel isolate on potato dextrose agar (PDA) was initially moderately dense, flat, and white and turned olivaceous brown within 10 days. The isolate did not produce pycnidia in PDA or prune extract agar, but when grown in water agar with sterile pine needles for 8 weeks at 25°C and a 12-h light/dark regimen, small, black pycnidia covered with mycelium were produced but no conidia were observed. To identify the novel fungus, genomic DNA was extracted and the ribosomal DNA (rDNA), β-tubulin gene, and elongation factor α-1 gene were amplified and sequenced (4). The sequences of the PCR products were compared with sequences present on GenBank. The rDNA (503 bp), β-tubulin (371 bp), and elongation factor α-1 gene (227 bp) sequences of M353 were 100% identical to reported sequences of N. macroclavatum on GenBank (Accession No. DQ093199/198/196 for rDNA, DQ093207/206 for β-tubulin, and DQ093219/217 for elongation factor α-1). These genes differed from the same genes in other Neofusicoccum species by at least 11, 2, and 3 base pairs, respectively. The N. macroclavatum isolate was tested for pathogenicity on wounded grapevine (Sauvignon blanc) green shoots and 1-year-old rooted canes (n = 4 per plant type) using mycelium plugs from a 4-day-old PDA culture. Sterile agar was used for the negative control. Green shoots inoculated with N. macroclavatum developed brown lesions with an average length of 40.5 mm 6 days after inoculation. Bark from inoculated 1-year-old canes was peeled off 28 days after inoculation and brown-to-black lesions on the wood, with an average length of 52 mm, were observed. Control plants produced no lesions. The pathogen was consistently reisolated from the inoculated plants while none were found in negative control plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. macroclavatum as a pathogen of grapevines and the first report of its presence in New Zealand (3). N. macroclavatum was first reported as a pathogen of Eucalyptus globulus in Western Australia in 2005 and has not been reported as a pathogen of grapevines (2).

References: (1) A. Alves et al. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 245:221, 2005. (2) T. T. Burgess et al. Australas. Plant Pathol. 34:557, 2005. (3) J. Sammonds et al. N. Z. Plant Prot. 62:248, 2009. (4) B. Slippers et al. Mycologia 96:83, 2004.
Local Mating, Dispersal and Sex Ratio in a Gregarious Parasitoid Wasp
Authors: Hardy Ian C. W. , Pedersen Jesper B. , Sejr Mikael K. , Linderoth Ulla H.
Published: November 2010

Parasitoid sex ratios can be greatly influenced by mating and dispersal behaviour. Many sex ratio models assume that mating is strictly local (only mated females disperse from the natal patch) and that a single male is sufficient to inseminate all females in a brood. Bethylids (aculeate parasitoids) have been used to test predictions of these models, but less attention has been paid to testing their underlying assumptions. We investigated the timing of eclosion, mating and dispersal in mixed‐sex and single‐sex broods of the bethylid wasp Goniozus nephantidis. In mixed‐sex broods, almost all females mate before dispersal and a single male is sufficient to inseminate virtually all females, even when brood sizes are large. Males disperse from both mixed‐sex and all‐male broods, but males in all‐male broods disperse more slowly. Virgin females disperse from all‐female broods, which are common. Virgin females can produce a brood, mate with their own sons and subsequently produce mixed‐sex broods, but their success rate is very low. Virgin females could potentially circumvent sex allocation constraints by superparasitizing mixed‐sex broods, but when presented with hosts bearing mixed‐sex broods they destroy all members of the initial brood before ovipositing. Because of the high prevalence of single‐sex broods and dispersal of both sexes, the mating structure of G. nephantidis is unlikely to conform to the assumption of strict local mating.
Stories from school: dyslexia and learners' voices on factors impacting on achievement
Authors: GIBSON SUANNE , KENDALL LYNNE
Published: November 2010

Students with dyslexia often experience low self‐esteem and, linked with this, low academic achievement. Our research, commissioned by the Higher Education Academy, was carried out by academics in two universities, one in the south‐west of England and one in the north‐west, over 2009–2010. It set out to address ‘transitions and questions of “access” to higher education for students with identified disabilities’. While we accessed interesting material in this area we were also impressed by the wealth of material provided by our respondents with dyslexia on their school experiences, in particular factors that had impacted on their self‐esteem and academic achievement. Thus this article, while not an intended outcome from our work on matters of transition to higher education, emerges as a story telling a rich and illuminating tale of student success and failure and lifting the curtain on factors impacting on self‐esteem and academic achievement for students with dyslexia at school.
Writing for publication: ensuring you find the right audience for your paper
Authors: Grant Maria J.
Published: November 2010

Often overlooked by prospective authors, one of the keys to successful writing projects is to find the right audience for your writing. Early in the writing process you should identify where you wish to publish. Publications have preferred styles of presentation and, crucially, defined remits so once you’ve identified the place of publication, it should determine how to write and structure your piece. Selecting the right place for your writing can also save you from wasting valuable time in submitting and then having your writing rejected because it didn’t meet a publication’s requirements. The revised and updated aims and scope of the Health Information and Libraries Journal are presented.
The Susceptibility of Dermatophytes to Photodynamic Treatment with Special Focus on Trichophyton rubrum
Authors: Smijs Threes G. M. , Pavel Stan
Published: November 2010

Owing to the accessibility of skin to light, many applications of photodynamic treatment (PDT) have been developed within dermatology. The recent increase of dermatological antimicrobial PDT investigations is related to the growing problem of bacterial and fungal resistance to antibiotics. This review focuses on the susceptibility of dermatophytic fungi, in particular Trichophyton rubrum, to PDT and shows its potential usefulness in treatment of clinical dermatophytoses. There are no data indicating significant differences in PDT susceptibility between various dermatophytes and it is unlikely that treatment problems of especially T. rubrum with current antimycotics would occur in case of PDT. Red light 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐mediated PDT is after repeated sessions successful in in vivo treatment of onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) caused by various dermatophytes. Regarding skin dermatophytoses, UVA‐1 PDT with cationic porphyrins appears to be safe and efficient. Most effective toward T. rubrum ex vivo is 5,10,15‐tris(4‐methylpyridinium)‐20‐phenyl‐[21H,23H]‐porphine trichloride (Sylsens B) when combined with UVA‐1 radiation or red light; this creates the possibility of efficiently treating nail infections and remaining spores in hair follicles. If the promising in vitro and ex vivo results could be transferred to clinical practice, then PDT has a good prospect to become a worthy alternative to established antifungal drugs.
Mutational Robustness of Ribosomal Protein Genes
Authors: Lind Peter A. , Berg Otto G. , Andersson Dan I.
Published: November 2010

Keeping Fit

Mutations may be deleterious, neutral, or advantageous. Understanding the relative effect of a new mutation on an organism's fitness is important for many systems from complex diseases to conservation biology.

Lind
et al.

(p.
825
) used the bacterium
Salmonella typhimurium
to study the effects of random mutations in two ribosomal proteins on fitness. Most mutations, whether synonymous or nonsynonymous, had significant fitness costs, thus overturning the prevailing dogma that most point mutations are either neutral or lethal and indicating that the mutations influenced messenger RNA structure and/or stability.
The New Dish on Fish
Authors: Hansel Donna E.
Published: November 2010

In spite of its beneficial reputation, fish oil may promote colon cancer in mice with chronic colitis by decreasing immune function.
Protective Efficacy of DNA Vaccines Encoding Outer Membrane Protein A and OmpK36 of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
in Mice
Authors: Kurupati Prathiba , Ramachandran N. P. , Poh Chit Laa
Published: November 2010

The immunogenicity of DNA vaccines expressing outer membrane proteins as antigens was evaluated in this study. DNA vaccines consisting of vector pVAX1 expressing either outer membrane protein A or OmpK36 were injected into mice by either the intradermal or the intramuscular route. Antibodies elicited were shown to be specifically reactive to OmpA and OmpK36 by immunoblotting. The immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies elicited by both vaccines included IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, and IgG3. Immunized mice exhibited a predominance of IgG1 over IgG2a, therefore indicating a stronger humoral response. Mice receiving either of the DNA vaccines produced high levels of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-10 and low levels of gamma interferon, suggesting the induction of a mixed Th1 and Th2 response. Sera from DNA vaccine-immunized mice had significantly higher opsonic activity in opsonophagocytic assays than did sera from the control mice. The level of protection afforded by pOmpK36 DNA injected intradermally into mice was the highest. These results suggest that both OmpA and OmpK36 are excellent candidates for use in future studies of vaccination against infections caused by
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. This is the first study which established the efficacy of protection afforded by DNA vaccines based on outer membrane proteins against
K. pneumoniae
infections.
Neutron scattering study of adsorption in porous MCM-41 silicaSpecial issue on Neutron Scattering in Canada.
Authors: Brown R. J.C. , Evans M. J.B. , Tun Z.
Published: November 2010

Adsorption of n-pentane on MCM-41 silica has been studied by neutron scattering on both the adsorption and desorption isotherms. Adsorption takes place without hysteresis in either the isotherm or the neutron scattering profile. Adsorption of contrast-matched pentane in porous MCM-41 silica at first increases the intensity of the (10) Bragg peak but reduces the (11) and (20) peaks, and as the pores are filled the intensities of all Bragg peaks are reduced to zero. The SANS background has a 1/Q dependence, typical of a material prepared with templates of one-dimensional character (cylinders). The initial increase of (10) intensity allows estimation of the cylindrical pore diameter to be 37 Å based on the variation of form factor as a function of the cylinder radius.
Ex situ measurement of strain associated with hot tearing in AZ91D and AE42 magnesium alloys using neutron diffraction Special issue on Neutron Scattering in Canada.
Authors: Bichler L. , Ravindran C. , Sediako D.
Published: November 2010

Prevention of hot tearing during casting or welding of commercial alloys remains a challenge for numerous industrial applications. The tendency of an alloy to tear is related to the alloy’s microstructure, solidification rate, and the stress/strain conditions it experiences during solidification. Due to technological challenges in performing accurate and reliable measurements, there remains a paucity of quantitative experimental data on the stress/strain conditions associated with the onset of hot hearing. This paper reports on a novel approach to quantify strain at the onset of hot tearing in two magnesium alloys. Neutron diffraction strain mapping was carried out and revealed that in the case of the AZ91D alloy, tensile strain of ∼0.05% was associated with initiation of material’s plastic damage and hot tearing, while for the AE42 alloy the critical strain was ∼0.09%.
Residual stress characterization of a fabrication weld from the VICTORIA-Class submarine pressure hull: revealing the Unseen Special issue on Neutron Scattering in Canada.
Authors: McGregor R. J. , Rogge R. B.
Published: November 2010

Explicit understanding of the residual-stress character of primary submarine pressure hull weldments will improve the fidelity of numerical analysis and experimentation supporting operational envelope and design life. A length of circumferential-seam closure weld was contained within a section of hull plate removed from the HMCS VICTORIA during the extended docking work period (EDWP) refit operations. This has provided a rare opportunity for detailed characterization of the as-received condition of this common weld-type from original vessel assembly. In collaboration with the Canadian Neutron Beam Centre of the National Research Council (NRC), a program was conducted to study this weld using neutron diffraction. Neutron diffraction is able to survey nondestructively through the section thickness, providing a three-dimensional characterization, while leaving the specimen intact for complementary study by other methods. Results indicate tensile stress peaks of up to 80% of the base-material yield stress. Understanding the three-dimensional behaviour of residual stress in this type of weld provides a valuable resource to the numerical modelling community. The results can also support fatigue and fracture experimental work and serve to confirm and improve the interpretation of the existing body of “surface-only” work conducted on similar welds.
Differential Modulation of Synaptic Strength and Timing Regulate Synaptic Efficacy in a Motor Network
Authors: Johnson Bruce R. , Brown Jessica M. , Kvarta Mark D. , Lu Jay Y. J. , Schneider Lauren R. , Nadim Farzan , Harris-Warrick Ronald M.
Published: November 2010

Neuromodulators modify network output by altering neuronal firing properties and synaptic strength at multiple sites; however, the functional importance of each site is often unclear. We determined the importance of monoamine modulation of a single synapse for regulation of network cycle frequency in the oscillatory pyloric network of the lobster. The pacemaker kernel of the pyloric network receives only one chemical synaptic feedback, an inhibitory synapse from the lateral pyloric (LP) neuron to the pyloric dilator (PD) neurons, which can limit cycle frequency. We measured the effects of dopamine (DA), octopamine (Oct), and serotonin (5HT) on the strength of the LP→PD synapse and the ability of the modified synapse to regulate pyloric cycle frequency. DA and Oct strengthened, whereas 5HT weakened, LP→PD inhibition. Surprisingly, the DA-strengthened LP→PD synapse lost its ability to slow the pyloric oscillations, whereas the 5HT-weakened LP→PD synapse gained a greater influence on the oscillations. These results are explained by monoamine modulation of factors that determine the firing phase of the LP neuron in each cycle. DA acts via multiple mechanisms to phase-advance the LP neuron into the pacemaker's refractory period, where the strengthened synapse has little effect. In contrast, 5HT phase-delays LP activity into a region of greater pacemaker sensitivity to LP synaptic input. Only Oct enhanced LP regulation of cycle period simply by enhancing LP→PD synaptic strength. These results show that modulation of the strength and timing of a synaptic input can differentially affect the synapse's efficacy in the network.
The Perception of Complications in Pediatric Spine Surgery: A Comparative Survey of Surgeons, Caregivers and Patients
Authors: Fulkerson Daniel H. , Vachhrajani Shobhan , Brayton Alison , Kulkarni Abhaya V. , Jea Andrew
Published: November 2010

Background/Aims: The perception of a surgical complication may differ between surgeons and patients. In pediatric spine surgery, the perception of the parent or primary caregiver may also differ. In order to better define these relationships, we performed a pilot study surveying a convenience sample of pediatric spinal surgeons, patients and their parent or primary caregiver. We hope to use this initial pilot study as a starting point for future research into this incompletely defined, yet increasingly relevant topic. Methods: A survey of case vignettes describing a potential perioperative complication was administered to 14 pediatric spine surgeons at the Texas Children’s Hospital Pediatric NeuroSpine Clinic from June 1 to July 31, 2009. The same survey, with modified language, was presented to a group of 13 pediatric patients (age range: 12–18 years). In addition, the surveys were separately presented to 34 primary caregivers of pediatric patients evaluated in a spine surgery clinic. The 61 respondents were asked to evaluate the cases and determine if there was a minor, a major or no complication present. Fisher’s exact test was employed to evaluate associations of respondent groups and complication severity. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of patients and caregivers rating the presence of complications. In 8 of 13 cases, a majority of surgeons and a majority of patients/caregivers felt a complication was present (all p > 0.06). A greater proportion of surgeons than patients/caregivers felt a complication was present in 2 cases of transient neurological deficit/paraparesis (6 weeks to 6 months; p < 0.04) and 1 case of cosmetically significant pressure sores to the face (p = 0.0002). A greater proportion of patients/caregivers identified a complication in a loss of range of motion after occipitocervical fusion (p < 0.0001) and a loss of motor evoked potentials without a neurological deficit. Amongst those who identified a complication, a greater proportion of surgeons considered the following as a ‘major’ complication: malpositioned spinal instrumentation with a return to the operating room (p = 0.02); transient new neurological deficit (p < 0.01), and deep wound infection with return to the operating room (p < 0.01). In no scenario did a greater proportion of patients/caregivers consider the complication ‘major’ compared to surgeons. Conclusions: In this pilot study, there appear to be differences in how postoperative complications are perceived by surgeons when compared to patients/caregivers. The importance of reconciling such differing opinions through open discussions between surgeons, patients and their families is integral to ensure congruent expectations of planned surgical interventions.
Titanium Screws as Fiducial Markers for Image-Guided Stereotactic Proton Irradiation in Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumors: A Technical Report
Authors: Aldana Philipp R. , MacGregor Teresa L. , James Hector E. , Marcus, Jr. Robert B. , Indelicato Daniel J.
Published: November 2010

Objectives: Fiducial markers (FM) have been used to enhance the accuracy of radiation therapy in central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Recently, image-guided radiotherapy utilizing FM has been used in proton therapy of CNS tumors. We describe our surgical technique of placement of titanium screws as cranial FM in children undergoing proton therapy for CNS tumors. Methods: Records of children undergoing cranial fiducial placement for proton therapy were reviewed. Details of the adjuvant treatment of their CNS tumors were examined. Indications for placement of the FM, the technique of placement as well as the operative data and complications were reviewed. Results: Twelve children, aged 10 months to 16 years (mean: 7.6 years), underwent FM placement. When available, the patients had their proton irradiation as part of or according to Children’s Oncology Group protocols. All patients had implantations of FM onto bilateral frontal and parietal bone sites, using commercial titanium screws, in a noncollinear fashion. Ten operations were performed on an outpatient basis. There were no surgery-related complications. FM facilitated the cranial alignment for targeting of proton irradiation in all patients. Conclusions: Commercially available titanium screws can be used as FM for cranial proton radiotherapy. The procedure can be done quickly and safely on an outpatient basis. Pediatric neurosurgeons can perform this procedure on their patients at their home institutions to facilitate treatment at regional proton therapy centers.
Teratoma in Split Cord Malformation: An Unusual Association: A Report of Two Cases with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Maiti Tanmoy K. , Bhat Dhananjaya I. , Devi B. Indira , Sampath S. , Mahadevan A. , Shankar S.K.
Published: November 2010

Split cord malformations (SCM) may be discovered as isolated occult spinal dysraphism or in association with various other overt developmental spinal abnormalities or lesions. However, the occurrence of SCM with intraspinal teratoma is rare. We report 2 cases of teratoma associated with SCM, of which one is intramedullary and the other extradural within meningocele, with a brief review of the literature.
Simple and Efficient: Validation of a Cotton Wick Electrode for Animal Electroretinography
Authors: Chekroud Karim , Arndt Carl , Basset Danièle , Hamel Christian P. , Brabet Philippe , Pequignot Marie O.
Published: November 2010

Purpose: Electroretinography (ERG) is a widely used technique to test retinal function in humans and animals. Recordings are particularly dependent on the type of electrodes used, with the best electrodes often being expensive and not always easy to use. The need of a simple and effective electrode type has led us to search the efficacy of different types of electrodes used in practice and compare them with the modified cotton wick electrode. Material and Methods: A modified type of electrode made of a cotton wick and impregnated with NaCl is described, and the ERG results were compared with other types of electrodes. Results: Compared with standard metal wire loop electrodes, the cotton wick electrode results in obtaining higher amplitudes, a better inter-eye correlation in the same animal and a better reproducibility of the recordings over time. Conclusion: This cotton electrode is simple to make and easy to place. It provides reliable recordings during the entire life span of the animal and reliable comparisons between contralateral eyes, thus providing a powerful tool for ERG studies.
Associative learning in hatchlings of the lizard Calotes versicolor: taste and colour discrimination
Authors: Shanbhag Bhagyashri , Ammanna Veena , Saidapur Srinivas
Published: November 2010

The study examined whether newly born hatchlings of Calotes versicolor discriminate between tastes and exhibit associative learning. The one-day-old hatchlings ate 2nd instar silk-moth larvae (prey) placed in non-painted, orange or green dishes without any bias for the background colour. They ate sucrose coated sweetened prey, but given a choice preferred natural larvae. But they spat bitter tasting chloroquine phosphate (CP)-coated prey and exhibited aversion behaviour. Hatchlings fed on natural larvae from non-painted or orange dishes for 10 days preferred food from the dish to which they were accustomed when choice of both colour backgrounds was given suggesting they also remember different tastes in association with background colour cues. Upon swapping sucrose and CP-coated prey/dish colours the hatchlings were misled and they attempted to eat from the dishes to which they were accustomed prior to the trials regardless of whether food/prey was coated with sucrose or CP. However, bitter prey was immediately spat and aversion behaviour followed. The study shows for the first time, taste discrimination and associative learning behaviour in new-born lizard hatchlings.
Pro-Qajar Elements in Dagestan (Early 19th Century)
Authors: Aytberov Temur , Khapizov Shahban
Published: November 2010

It is known that the Qajars had their supporters in Dagestan during the Russo-Persian Wars in the early 19th century. This fact is well documented in Persian chronicles and royal decrees (firmāns), as well as in the materials from the Russian archives. However, the number of historical documents originating from the region itself is drastically few. This paper presents three letters in Arabic, without dates, but definitely from the same period, illustrating the political situation of the time in the mountains of Dagestan and the geographical extent of the Qajar influence in the area. The letters were discovered recently in the Archives of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, Dagestan Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences in Makhachkala. The English translation is accompanied by the facsimile reproduction of the original texts, and commentaries.
Armenian-Turkish Relations in the Framework of Turkish and Armenian Scholarships
Authors: Zekiyan Boghos Levon
Published: November 2010

Usually, the Armenian-Turkish relations are taken into consideration as they developed in the most recent and most tragic phase of their history—in the aftermath of 1915, the emblematic year of the Armenian Genocide under the last Ottoman rule. In all this phase those relations were branded by the awful shock of the Genocide. Notwithstanding these tremendous developments of the recent history, one cannot, however, ignore that Turks and Armenians had a long common history for nearly one millennium. It is not the aim of this study to draft a historical outline of the Armenian-Turkish relations. Such a task would require a collection of data and analyses going far beyond the limits of this paper. The author tries to give a more careful insight into the Armenian-Turkish relations, pointing at some of the major obstacles hindering a balanced and critically dialectical approach of them, free from passionate, biased, and stereotyped views and attitudes; the latter, in most cases, being the consequence of the bleeding trauma of the Armenians, and of the self-justificatory strategy of the Turks, which is also the result of a deep trauma even if due to different reasons than that of the Armenians.
“Skulls and bones” new member: Th17
Authors: Sotomayor Eduardo M.
Published: November 2010

Osteolytic bone disease mediated by osteoclasts occurs adjacent to myeloma cells suggesting a tight interrelationship between these cells and their microenvironment. In this issue of Blood, Noonan and colleagues1 challenge this current paradigm by invoking a role for a subpopulation of T cells known as T-helper 17 (Th17) as a key regulator of bone disease in myeloma.
Wide-azimuth land processing: Fracture detection using offset vector tile technology
Authors: Stein Jaime A. , Wojslaw Robert , Langston Tom , Boyer Scott
Published: November 2010

Using a modern wide-azimuth land survey, we demonstrate the power of offset vector tile (OVT) processing and subsequent analysis of offset vector gathers (OVG) to identify potential anisotropy and fracture characteristics of certain reservoirs of interest. Migration of the inherently azimuth-limited OVT gathers and the accompanying velocity updating scheme, based on surface fitting in offset and azimuth, yields robust measurements critical to this analysis. Both the kinematic and dynamic aspects of the processing are considered and contrasted. The results of the processing and analysis are then confirmed by comparison to the values predicted from two wells in the area.
Onshore wave-equation depth imaging and velocity model building
Authors: Higginbotham Joe , Brown Morgan , Macesanu Cosmin , Ramirez Oscar
Published: November 2010

The most advanced prestack depth-migration (PSDM) technologies available today, such as wave-equation migration (WEM) and reverse time migration (RTM), are primarily used for offshore applications like subsalt imaging. However, E&P efforts in many onshore basins can also benefit from PSDM, and there is considerable momentum in many basins to adopt this technology as the default imaging tool (Young et al., 2009). This paper highlights the application of wave-equation depth-imaging technologies (WEM and RTM) with several onshore U.S. case studies. Below we list some benefits that users of PSDM technology might expect to enjoy:
Increased PTHrP and Decreased Estrogens Alter Bone Turnover but Do Not Reproduce the Full Effects of Lactation on the Skeleton
Authors: Ardeshirpour Laleh , Brian Susan , Dann Pamela , VanHouten Joshua , Wysolmerski John
Published: November 2010

During lactation, calcium is mobilized from the maternal skeleton to supply the breast for milk production. This results in rapid but fully reversible bone loss. Prior studies have suggested that PTHrP, secreted from the breast, and estrogen deficiency, due to suckling-induced central hypogonadism, combine to trigger bone resorption. To determine whether this combination was sufficient to explain bone loss during lactation, we raised PTHrP levels and decreased levels of estrogens in nulliparous mice. PTHrP was infused via osmotic minipumps and estrogens were decreased either by using leuprolide, a long-acting GnRH agonist, or by surgical ovariectomy (OVX). Bone mineral density declined by 23.2 ± 1.3% in the spine and 16.8 ± 1.9% in the femur over 10 d of lactation. This was accompanied by changes in trabecular architecture and an increase in both osteoblast and osteoclast numbers. OVX and PTHrP infusion both induced a modest decline in bone mineral density over 10 d, but leuprolide treatment did not. The combination of OVX and PTHrP was more effective than either treatment alone, but there was no interaction between PTHrP and leuprolide. None of the treatments reproduced the same degree of bone loss caused by lactation. However, both forms of estrogen deficiency led to an increase in osteoclasts, whereas infusion of PTHrP increased both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Therefore, although the combination of PTHrP and estrogen deficiency contributes to bone loss, it is insufficient to reproduce the full response of the skeleton to lactation, suggesting that other factors also regulate bone metabolism during this period.
Harmony versus the OCP: Vowel and Consonant Cooccurrence in the Lexicon
Authors: Walter Mary Ann
Published: November 2010

While cooccurrence avoidance of similar or identical consonants within lexical items is well-documented, similar investigations of vowel patterns are lacking. Phonetic patterns suggest that an opposite tendency may exist, and lead to observed asymmetries in the phonological patterning of vowels and consonants. The results of corpus studies of lexical vowel cooccurrence in Croatian and Spanish support this conjecture. Cooccurrence avoidance of similar segments is seen in only one of the languages (Spanish), while the other shows the opposite tendency, with similar vowels preferred in close proximity (Croatian). This finding suggests that vowel cooccurrence can be exempt from restrictions shown for consonants, and in at least some cases, subject to the opposite restriction.
UK microgeneration. Part II: technology overviews
Authors: Staffell Iain , Baker Philip , Barton John P. , Bergman Noam , Blanchard Richard , Brandon Nigel P. , Brett Daniel J. L. , Hawkes Adam , Infield David , Jardine Christian N. , Kelly Nick , Leach Matthew , Matian Mardit , Peacock Andrew D. , Sudtharalingam Sohasini , Woodman Bridget
Published: November 2010

This paper reviews the current status of microgeneration technologies at the domestic scale. Overviews are given for nine such technologies, grouped into three sections: (a) low carbon heating: condensing boilers, biomass boilers and room heaters, air source and ground source heat pumps; (b) renewables: solar photovoltaic panels, flat plate and evacuated tube solar thermal panels and micro-wind; and (c) combined heat and power: Stirling engines, internal combustion engines and fuel cells. Reviews of the construction, operation and performance are given for the leading commercial products of each technology. Wherever possible, data are presented from the field, giving the actual prices paid by customers, efficiencies and energy yields experienced in real-world use, reliability and durability, and the problems faced by users. This information has a UK focus but is generally relevant in the international context. Two issues are found to be prevalent throughout the microgeneration industry. Total installed costs are a premium and vary substantially between technologies, between specific products (e.g. different models of solar panel), and between individual installations. Performance in the field is found in many cases to differ widely from manufacturers’ quotes and laboratory studies, often owing to installation and operational problems. Despite this, microgeneration has demonstrated substantial improvements over conventional generation in terms of fossil fuel consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and energy cost, provided that the appropriate technologies are employed, being installed and operated correctly according to the load requirements of the house and their physical location.
Personal Readings and Public Texts: Book Blogs and Online Writing about Literature
Authors: Steiner Ann
Published: November 2010

The blogging culture has become an important and integrated part of the book trade and has influenced the publishing, marketing and distribution of literature in North America and in many European countries. However, it is unclear how this potential agency among bloggers operates, and thus far most research has concerned politics, media systems and larger social structures. The present article is a study of the Swedish book blogs during the autumn of 2009 and an attempt to address a small, but significant, part of the Internet influence. The relationship between books and digital technology is complicated and manifold, but it is clear that the Internet has changed how people access books, how they read and how they communicate with others about their reading. Here, the position of the amateur is one that will be discussed in detail in terms of professionalism, strategies and hierarchies. Another issue that will be addressed is the connections between the book bloggers and the book trade, especially the publishers and their marketing departments. The book bloggers operate in a social realm, despite the fact that their writing is personal, and have to be understood in their social, economic and literary context. The Swedish book blogs will be analysed with the help of readerresponse theory, sociology of literature and a book historical perspective on the dissemination of literature.