bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nucleation theory beyond the deterministic limit. II. The growth stage
Authors: Dubrovskii V. G. , Nazarenko M. V.
Published: March 2010

This work addresses theory of nucleation and condensation based on the continuous Fokker–Plank type kinetic equation for the distribution of supercritical embryos over sizes beyond the deterministic limit. The second part of the work treats the growth stage and the beginning of the Ostwald ripening. We first study in detail the fluctuation-induced spreading of size spectrum at the growth stage. It is shown that the spectrum should be generally obtained by the convolution of the initial distribution with the Gaussian-like Green function with spreading dispersion. The increase in dispersion depends, however, on the growth index m as well as on the space dimension, and the mode of material influx. In particular, we find that the spreading effect on two-dimensional islands growing at a constant material influx is huge at m=1 but almost absent at m=2. Analytical and numerical solutions for the mean size, the dispersion, and the size spectrum are presented in different cases. Finally, the general condition for the stage of Ostwald ripening in an open system with material influx is discussed.
High-voltage testing of a 500-kV dc photocathode electron gun
Authors: Nagai Ryoji , Hajima Ryoichi , Nishimori Nobuyuki , Muto Toshiya , Yamamoto Masahiro , Honda Yosuke , Miyajima Tsukasa , Iijima Hokuto , Kuriki Masao , Kuwahara Makoto , Okumi Shoji , Nakanishi Tsutomu
Published: March 2010

A high-voltage dc photocathode electron gun was successfully conditioned up to a voltage of 550 kV and a long-time holding test for 8 h was demonstrated at an acceleration voltage of 500 kV. The dc photocathode electron gun is designed for future light sources based on energy-recovery linac and consists of a Cockcroft–Walton generator, a segmented cylindrical ceramic insulator, guard-ring electrodes, a support-rod electrode, a vacuum chamber, and a pressurized insulating gas tank. The segmented cylindrical ceramic insulator and the guard-ring electrodes were utilized to prevent any damage to the insulator from electrons emitted by the support-rod electrode.
Evolution of crystalline domain size and epitaxial orientation of CdTe/Si(111) quantum dots
Authors: Suela J. , Ribeiro I. R. B. , Ferreira S. O. , Malachias A. , Fontes G. N. , Montoro L. A. , Ramirez A. J.
Published: March 2010

We have investigated the crystalline configuration of CdTe quantum dots (QDs) grown on hydrogen passivated Si(111) substrates by hot wall epitaxy. Coplanar and grazing incidence diffraction were used for determination of dot strain state and the vertical and lateral dimensions of the crystalline domain. A change in aspect ratio was observed as a function of dot size. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results show that despite a mismatch of almost 20% the islands grow with a fairly good epitaxial orientation with respect to the Si(111) substrate. The dot mosaicity was also determined and was found to decrease with island size from 7° to about 4° for the samples studied, indicating an improvement in epitaxial quality even before the island coalescence. Careful observation of CdTe(22¯0) reflections in an azimuthal scan showed that an additional ensemble of islands is responsible for low-intensity peaks with a 30° symmetry besides the expected 60° symmetry. Transmission electron microscopy results have shown good accordance with atomic force microscopy and XRD and revealed the presence of an amorphous Tellurium rich oxide layer at the CdTe/Si interface, which could explain the fully unstrained QD state observed.
Micellization behavior of coarse grained surfactant models
Authors: Sanders Samantha A. , Panagiotopoulos Athanassios Z.
Published: March 2010

We use molecular dynamics simulations over microsecond time scales to study the micellization behavior of recently proposed continuum-space, coarse grained surfactant models. In particular, we focus on the MARTINI model by Marrink et al. [J. Phys. Chem. B 111, 7812 (2007)] and a model by Shinoda et al. [Soft Matter 4, 2454 (2008)]. We obtain the critical micelle concentration (cmc) and equilibrium aggregate size distributions at low surfactant loadings. We present evidence justifying modest extrapolations for determining the cmc at low temperatures, where significant sampling difficulties remain. The replica exchange method provides only modest improvements of sampling efficiency for these systems. We find that the two coarse grained models significantly underpredict experimental cmc near room temperature for zwitterionic surfactants, but are closer to measured values for nonionic ones. The aggregation numbers for both zwitterionic and nonionic surfactants are near those observed experimentally, but the temperature dependence of the cmc is incorrect in both cases, because of the use of an unstructured solvent. Possible refinements to the models to bring them into quantitative agreement with experiment are discussed.
Suppression of high-power microwave dielectric multipactor by resonant magnetic field
Authors: Chang C. , Liu G. Z. , Tang C. X. , Chen C. H. , Shao H. , Huang W. H.
Published: March 2010

Through dynamic calculation and electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulation, high-power microwave dielectric multipactor is discovered to be suppressed by utilizing external dc magnetic field parallel to the surface, perpendicular to the rf field and satisfying the gyrofrequency close to the rf frequency Ω∼ω. It is found that multipactor electrons emitted from the surface can be resonantly accelerated to obtain the impact energy εe higher than the second crossover energy, leading to secondary emission yield lower than one. Besides, the corresponding flight time gets close to the rf period, also the period of the vector Erf×B, resulting in secondary electrons immediately pulled away without multipactoring along the surface. What is more, with the rf field increasing, suppression effect can be further enhanced due to εe rising.
Radiation emission from wrinkled SiGe/SiGe nanostructure
Authors: Fedorchenko A. I. , Cheng H. H. , Sun G. , Soref R. A.
Published: March 2010

Semiconductor optical emitters radiate light via band-to-band optical transitions. Here, a different mechanism of radiation emission, which is not related to the energy band of the materials, is proposed. In the case of carriers traveling along a sinusoidal trajectory through a wrinkled nanostructure, radiation was emitted via changes in their velocity in a manner analogous to synchrotron radiation. The radiated frequency of wrinkled SiGe/SiGe nanostructure was found to cover a wide spectrum with radiation power levels of the order of submilliwatts. Thus, this nanostructure can be used as a Si-based optical emitter and it will enable the integration of optoelectronic devices on a wafer.
Superparamagnetic and superspin glass behaviors in the martensitic state of Ni43.5Co6.5Mn39Sn11 magnetic shape memory alloy
Authors: Cong D. Y. , Roth S. , Liu J. , Luo Q. , Pötschke M. , Hürrich C. , Schultz L.
Published: March 2010

The magnetic state of the low-temperature martensite in a Ni43.5Co6.5Mn39Sn11 magnetic shape memory alloy (MSMA) is disclosed. At temperatures (T) above a critical temperature Tf, the magnetization versus field [M(H)] curves display a sigmoid shape, show no magnetic hysteresis, and can be well fitted according to the Langevin model, confirming that the martensite shows superparamagnetic behavior at T>Tf. On the other hand, the observation of a memory effect during the stop-and-wait protocol and the analysis of dynamic magnetic properties probed by ac susceptibility measurements unequivocally corroborate the superspin glass behavior of interacting magnetic clusters at T<Tf. The present study provides significant insights into the magnetism of martensite in MSMAs.
An uncorrelated relaxed-clock analysis suggests an earlier origin for flowering plants
Authors: Smith Stephen A. , Beaulieu Jeremy M. , Donoghue Michael J.
Published: March 2010

We present molecular dating analyses for land plants that incorporate 33 fossil calibrations, permit rates of molecular evolution to be uncorrelated across the tree, and take into account uncertainties in phylogenetic relationships and the fossil record. We attached a prior probability to each fossil-based minimum age, and explored the effects of relying on the first appearance of tricolpate pollen grains as a lower bound for the age of eudicots. Many of our divergence-time estimates for major clades coincide well with both the known fossil record and with previous estimates. However, our estimates for the origin of crown-clade angiosperms, which center on the Late Triassic, are considerably older than the unequivocal fossil record of flowering plants or than the molecular dates presented in recent studies. Nevertheless, we argue that our older estimates should be taken into account in studying the causes and consequences of the angiosperm radiation in relation to other major events, including the diversification of holometabolous insects. Although the methods used here do help to correct for lineage-specific heterogeneity in rates of molecular evolution (associated, for example, with evolutionary shifts in life history), we remain concerned that some such effects (e.g., the early radiation of herbaceous clades within angiosperms) may still be biasing our inferences.
Adjusting the scales: restorative justice and the balance of power
Authors: Shearer Ann
Published: March 2010

The figure of Justice is instantly recognisable by her sword and scales. This article takes the complexity of this image as the starting point for an exploration of different approaches to the administration of justice and their consequences. It contrasts the often divisive Western adversarial tradition with increasingly influential restorative approaches that seek the re-establishment of individual and social harmony, and shows how differently issues of power are understood and resolved by each. It asks what makes restorative justice so successful, and suggests that by actively seeking to restore ‘right order’, it is drawing on archetypal energy encoded in the image of Justice itself.
The CRONOS suite of codes for integrated tokamak modelling
Authors: Artaud J.F. , Basiuk V. , Imbeaux F. , Schneider M. , Garcia J. , Giruzzi G. , Huynh P. , Aniel T. , Albajar F. , Ané J.M. , Bécoulet A. , Bourdelle C. , Casati A. , Colas L. , Decker J. , Dumont R. , Eriksson L.G. , Garbet X. , Guirlet R. , Hertout P. , Hoang G.T. , Houlberg W. , Huysmans G. , Joffrin E. , Kim S.H. , Köchl F. , Lister J. , Litaudon X. , Maget P. , Masset R. , Pégourié B. , Peysson Y. , Thomas P. , Tsitrone E. , Turco F.
Published: March 2010

CRONOS is a suite of numerical codes for the predictive/interpretative simulation of a full tokamak discharge. It integrates, in a modular structure, a 1D transport solver with general 2D magnetic equilibria, several heat, particle and impurities transport models, as well as heat, particle and momentum sources. This paper gives a first comprehensive description of the CRONOS suite: overall structure of the code, main available models, details on the simulation workflow and numerical implementation. Some examples of applications to the analysis of experimental discharges and the predictions of ITER scenarios are also given.
Photocatalytic Activity of N-doped TiO2 Photocatalysts Prepared from the Molecular Precursor (NH4)2TiO(C2O4)2
Authors: Bu Jing , Fang Jun , Shi Fu-cheng , Jiang Zhi-quan , Huang Wei-xin
Published: March 2010

We developed a novel approach for the preparation of N-doped TiO2 photocatalysts by calcining ammonium titanium oxalate at different temperatures. The structures of N-TiO2 were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance UV-Vis spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope. The N-doped TiO2 photocatalysts calcined below 700 °C are the pure anatase phase but that calcined at 700 °C is a mixture of anatase and rutile phases. The doped N locates at the interstitial site of TiO2 which leads to the narrowing of bad gap of pure anatase N-TiO2. Among all photocatalysts, N-TiO2 photocatalysts calcined at 600 and 400 °C exhibit the best performance in the photodegradation of methyl orange under the UV light and all-wavelength light illuminations, respectively; however, because of the perfect crystallinity and the existence of anatase-rutile phase junctions, N-TiO2 photocatalyst calcined at 700 °C exhibits the highest specific photodegradation rate, i.e., the highest quantum yield, under both the UV light and all-wavelength light illuminations.
Simulation-based Assessment in Anesthesiology
Authors: Boulet John R. , Murray David J. , Warner David S.
Published: March 2010

Simulations have taken a central role in the education and assessment of medical students, residents, and practicing physicians. The introduction of simulation-based assessments in anesthesiology, especially those used to establish various competencies, has demanded fairly rigorous studies concerning the psychometric properties of the scores. Most important, major efforts have been directed at identifying, and addressing, potential threats to the validity of simulation-based assessment scores. As a result, organizations that wish to incorporate simulation-based assessments into their evaluation practices can access information regarding effective test development practices, the selection of appropriate metrics, the minimization of measurement errors, and test score validation processes. The purpose of this article is to provide a broad overview of the use of simulation for measuring physician skills and competencies. For simulations used in anesthesiology, studies that describe advances in scenario development, the development of scoring rubrics, and the validation of assessment results are synthesized. Based on the summary of relevant research, psychometric requirements for practical implementation of simulation-based assessments in anesthesiology are forwarded. As technology expands, and simulation-based education and evaluation takes on a larger role in patient safety initiatives, the groundbreaking work conducted to date can serve as a model for those individuals and organizations that are responsible for developing, scoring, or validating simulation-based education and assessment programs in anesthesiology.
Temporal Trends in the Epidemiology of Severe Postoperative Sepsis after Elective Surgery
Authors: Bateman Brian T. , Schmidt Ulrich , Berman Mitchell F. , Bittner Edward A.
Published: March 2010

Introduction

Multiple studies have used administrative datasets to examine the epidemiology of sepsis in general, but the entity of postoperative sepsis has been studied less intensively. Therefore, we undertook an analysis of the epidemiology of postoperative sepsis using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest in-patient dataset available in the United States.

Methods

Elective admissions of patients aged 18 yr or older with a length of stay more than 3 days for any 1 of the 20 most common elective operative procedures were extracted from the dataset for the years 1997-2006. Postoperative sepsis was defined using the appropriate International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes; severe sepsis was defined as sepsis along with organ dysfunction. Logistic regression was used to assess the significance of temporal trends after adjusting for relevant demographic characteristics, operative procedure, and comorbid conditions.

Results

We identified 2,039,776 admissions for analysis. The rate of severe sepsis increased from 0.3% in 1997 to 0.9% in 2006. This trend persisted after adjusting for relevant covariables-the adjusted odds ratio of severe sepsis per year increase in the study period was 1.12 (95% CI, 1.11-1.13; P < 0.001). The in-hospital mortality rate for patients with severe postoperative sepsis declined from 44.4% in 1997 to 34.0% in 2006; this trend also persisted after adjustment for relevant covariables-the adjusted odds ratio per year was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.93-0.95; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

During the 10-yr period that we studied, there was a marked increase in the rate of severe postoperative sepsis but a concomitant decrease in the in-hospital mortality rate in severe sepsis.
Isoflurane-induced Neuroapoptosis in the Neonatal Rhesus Macaque Brain
Authors: Brambrink Ansgar M. , Evers Alex S. , Avidan Michael S. , Farber Nuri B. , Smith Derek J. , Zhang Xuezhao , Dissen Gregory A. , Creeley Catherine E. , Olney John W.
Published: March 2010

Background

Brief isoflurane anesthesia induces neuroapoptosis in the developing rodent brain, but susceptibility of non-human primates to the apoptogenic action of isoflurane has not been studied. Therefore, we exposed postnatal day 6 (P6) rhesus macaques to a surgical plane of isoflurane anesthesia for 5 h, and studied the brains 3 h later for histopathologic changes.

Method

With the same intensity of physiologic monitoring typical for human neonatal anesthesia, five P6 rhesus macaques were exposed for 5 h to isoflurane maintained between 0.7 and 1.5 end-tidal Vol% (endotracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated) and five controls were exposed for 5 h to room air without further intervention. Three hours later, the brains were harvested and serially sectioned across the entire forebrain and midbrain, and stained immunohistochemically with antibodies to activated caspase-3 for detection and quantification of apoptotic neurons.

Results

Quantitative evaluation of brain sections revealed a median of 32.5 (range, 18.0-48.2) apoptotic cells/mm of brain tissue in the isoflurane group and only 2.5 (range, 1.1-5.2) in the control group (difference significant at P = 0.008). Apoptotic neuronal profiles were largely confined to the cerebral cortex. In the control brains, they were sparse and randomly distributed, whereas in the isoflurane brains they were abundant and preferentially concentrated in specific cortical layers and regions.

Conclusion

The developing non-human primate brain is sensitive to the apoptogenic action of isoflurane and displays a 13-fold increase in neuroapoptosis after 5 h exposure to a surgical plane of isoflurane anesthesia.
Comparison of the Utility of Preoperative versus Postoperative B-type Natriuretic Peptide for Predicting Hospital Length of Stay and Mortality after Primary Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Fox Amanda A. , Muehlschlegel Jochen D. , Body Simon C. , Shernan Stanton K. , Liu Kuang-Yu , Perry Tjorvi E. , Aranki Sary F. , Cook E. Francis , Marcantonio Edward R. , Collard Charles D.
Published: March 2010

Background

Preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is known to predict adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery. The value of postoperative BNP for predicting adverse outcomes is less well delineated. The authors hypothesized that peak postoperative plasma BNP (measured postoperative days 1-5) predicts hospital length of stay (HLOS) and mortality in patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting, even after adjusting for preoperative BNP and perioperative clinical risk factors.

Methods

This study is a prospective longitudinal study of 1,183 patients undergoing primary coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Mortality was defined as all-cause death within 5 yr after surgery. Cox proportional hazards analyses were conducted to separately evaluate the associations between peak postoperative BNP and HLOS and mortality. Multivariable adjustments were made for patient demographics, preoperative BNP concentration, and clinical risk factors. BNP measurements were log10 transformed before analysis.

Results

One hundred fifteen deaths (9.7%) occurred in the cohort (mean follow-up = 4.3 yr, range = 2.38-5.0 yr). After multivariable adjustment for preoperative BNP and clinical covariates, peak postoperative BNP predicted HLOS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.002-1.64, P = 0.049) but not mortality (HR = 1.62, CI = 0.71-3.68, P = 0.25), whereas preoperative BNP independently predicted HLOS (HR = 1.09, CI = 1.01-1.18, P = 0.03) and approached being an independent predictor of mortality (HR = 1.36, CI = 0.96-1.94, P = 0.08). When preoperative and peak postoperative BNP were separately adjusted for within the clinical multivariable models, each independently predicted HLOS (preoperative BNP HR = 1.13, CI = 1.05-1.21, P = 0.0007; peak postoperative BNP HR = 1.44, CI = 1.15-1.81, P = 0.001) and mortality (preoperative BNP HR = 1.50, CI = 1.09-2.07, P = 0.01; peak postoperative BNP HR = 2.29, CI = 1.11-4.73, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Preoperative BNP may be better than peak postoperative BNP for predicting HLOS and longer term mortality after primary coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.
Cysteine Reversal of the Novel Neuromuscular Blocking Drug CW002 in Dogs
Authors: Sunaga Hiroshi , Malhotra Jaideep K. , Yoon Edward , Savarese John J. , Heerdt Paul M.
Published: March 2010

Background

CW002 is a neuromuscular blocking drug that is inactivated by endogenous L-cysteine. This study determined the exogenous L-cysteine dose-response relationship for CW002 reversal along with acute cardiovascular effects and organ toxicity in dogs.

Methods

Six dogs were each studied four times during isoflurane-nitrous oxide anesthesia and recording of muscle twitch, arterial pressure, and heart rate. CW002 (0.08 mg/kg or 9 x ED95) was injected, and the time to spontaneous muscle recovery was determined. CW002 was then administered again followed 1 min later by 10, 20, 50, or 100 mg/kg L-cysteine (1 dose/experiment). After twitch recovery, CW002 was given a third time to determine whether residual L-cysteine influenced duration. Preliminary toxicology was performed in an additional group of dogs that received CW002 followed by vehicle (n = 8) or 200 mg/kg L-cysteine (n = 8). Animals were awakened and observed for 2 or 14 days before sacrificing and anatomic, biochemical, and histopathologic analyses.

Results

L-cysteine at all doses accelerated recovery from CW002, with both 50 and 100 mg/kg decreasing median duration from more than 70 min to less than 5 min. After reversal, duration of a subsequent CW002 dose was also decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Over the studied dose range, L-cysteine had less than 10% effect on blood pressure and heart rate. Animals receiving a single 200-mg/kg dose of L-cysteine showed no clinical, anatomic, biochemical, or histologic evidence of organ toxicity.

Conclusion

The optimal L-cysteine dose for rapidly reversing the neuromuscular blockade produced by a large dose of CW002 in dogs is approximately 50 mg/kg, which has no concomitant hemodynamic effect. A dose of 200 mg/kg had no evident organ toxicity.
Cognitive Function after Major Noncardiac Surgery, Apolipoprotein E4 Genotype, and Biomarkers of Brain Injury
Authors: McDonagh David L. , Mathew Joseph P. , White Willam D. , Phillips-Bute Barbara , Laskowitz Daniel T. , Podgoreanu Mihai V. , Newman Mark F.
Published: March 2010

Background

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a significant cause of morbidity after noncardiac surgery. Identified risk factors are largely limited to demographic characteristics. We hypothesized that POCD was associated with apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) genotype and plasma biomarkers of brain injury and inflammation.

Methods

Three hundred ninety-four patients older than 55 yr undergoing major elective noncardiac surgery were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Apolipoprotein E genotyping was performed at baseline. Plasma was collected at baseline and end of surgery and at 4.5, 24, and 48-h postoperatively. Six protein biomarkers were assayed (B-type natriuretic peptide, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, matrix metalloproteinase-9, neuron-specific enolase, and S-100B). Neurocognitive testing was conducted at baseline and at 6 weeks and 1 yr after surgery; scores were subjected to factor analysis. The association of APOE4 and biomarkers with POCD was tested using multivariable regression modeling.

Results

Three hundred fifty patients (89%) completed 6-week neurocognitive testing. POCD occurred in 54.3% of participants at 6 weeks and 46.1% at 1 yr. There was no difference in POCD between patients with or without the APOE4 allele (56.6 vs. 52.6%; P = 0.58). The continuous cognitive change score (mean +/- SD) was similar between groups (APOE4: 0.05 +/- 0.27 vs. non-APOE4: 0.07 +/- 0.28; P = 0.53). Two hundred ninety-one subjects (74%) completed testing at 1 yr. POCD occurred in 45.9% of APOE4 subjects versus 46.3% of non-APOE4 subjects (P = 0.95). The cognitive score was again similar (APOE4: 0.08 +/- 0.27 vs. non-APOE4: 0.05 +/- 0.25; P = 0.39). Biomarker levels were not associated with APOE4 genotype or cognition at 6 weeks or 1 yr.

Conclusion

Cognitive decline after major noncardiac surgery is not associated with APOE4 genotype or plasma biomarker levels.
Predictive Risk Factors for Persistent Postherniotomy Pain
Authors: Aasvang Eske K. , Gmaehle Eliza , Hansen Jeanette B. , Gmaehle Bjorn , Forman Julie L. , Schwarz Jochen , Bittner Reinhard , Kehlet Henrik
Published: March 2010

Background

Persistent postherniotomy pain (PPP) affects everyday activities in 5-10% of patients. Identification of predisposing factors may help to identify the risk groups and guide anesthetic or surgical procedures in reducing risk for PPP.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted in 464 patients undergoing open or laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal elective groin hernia repair. Primary outcome was identification of risk factors for substantial pain-related functional impairment at 6 months postoperatively assessed by the validated Activity Assessment Scale (AAS). Data on potential risk factors for PPP were collected preoperatively (pain from the groin hernia, preoperative AAS score, pain from other body regions, and psychometric assessment). Pain scores were collected on days 7 and 30 postoperatively. Sensory functions including pain response to tonic heat stimulation were assessed by quantitative sensory testing preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively to assess nerve damage.

Results

Four hundred sixty-four patients were included, whereof 442 were examined at 6 months (95.3% follow-up). Fifty-five patients (12.4%) had "moderate/severe" PPP at 6 months. Logistic regression analysis identified four risk factors for PPP: preoperative AAS score, preoperative pain to tonic heat stimulation, 30-day postoperative pain intensity, and sensory dysfunction in the groin at 6 months (nerve damage) (all P < 0.03). A risk prediction model of only preoperative factors and choice of surgical technique revealed increased preoperative AAS score, increased preoperative pain to heat stimulation, and open surgery to increase the risk for PPP (all P < 0.02).

Conclusion

PPP is related to both patient and surgical factors. Patients with a high preoperative AAS score and high pain response to a standardized heat stimulus may preferably be treated using an operative technique with lowest risk for nerve damage.
Noxious Stimulation Response Index
Authors: Luginbühl Martin , Schumacher Peter M. , Vuilleumier Pascal , Vereecke Hugo , Heyse Björn , Bouillon Thomas W. , Struys Michel M. R. F.
Published: March 2010

Background

The noxious stimulation response index (NSRI) is a novel anesthetic depth index ranging between 100 and 0, computed from hypnotic and opioid effect-site concentrations using a hierarchical interaction model. The authors validated the NSRI on previously published data.

Methods

The data encompassed 44 women, American Society of Anesthesiology class I, randomly allocated to three groups receiving remifentanil infusions targeting 0, 2, and 4 ng/ml. Propofol was given at stepwise increasing effect-site target concentrations. At each concentration, the observer assessment of alertness and sedation score, the response to eyelash and tetanic stimulation of the forearm, the bispectral index (BIS), and the acoustic evoked potential index (AAI) were recorded. The authors computed the NSRI for each stimulation and calculated the prediction probabilities (PKs) using a bootstrap technique. The PKs of the different predictors were compared with multiple pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni correction.

Results

The median (95% CI) PK of the NSRI, BIS, and AAI for loss of response to tetanic stimulation was 0.87 (0.75-0.96), 0.73 (0.58-0.85), and 0.70 (0.54-0.84), respectively. The PK of effect-site propofol concentration, BIS, and AAI for observer assessment of alertness and sedation score and loss of eyelash reflex were between 0.86 (0.80-0.92) and 0.92 (0.83-0.99), whereas the PKs of NSRI were 0.77 (0.68-0.85) and 0.82 (0.68-0.92). The PK of the NSRI for BIS and AAI was 0.66 (0.58-0.73) and 0.63 (0.55-0.70), respectively.

Conclusion

The NSRI conveys information that better predicts the analgesic component of anesthesia than AAI, BIS, or predicted propofol or remifentanil concentrations. Prospective validation studies in the clinical setting are needed.
Topological network alignment uncovers biological function and phylogeny
Authors: Kuchaiev Oleksii , Milenković Tijana , Memišević Vesna , Hayes Wayne , Pržulj Nataša
Published: March 2010

Sequence comparison and alignment has had an enormous impact on our understanding of evolution, biology and disease. Comparison and alignment of biological networks will probably have a similar impact. Existing network alignments use information external to the networks, such as sequence, because no good algorithm for purely topological alignment has yet been devised. In this paper, we present a novel algorithm based solely on network topology, that can be used to align any two networks. We apply it to biological networks to produce by far the most complete topological alignments of biological networks to date. We demonstrate that both species phylogeny and detailed biological function of individual proteins can be extracted from our alignments. Topology-based alignments have the potential to provide a completely new, independent source of phylogenetic information. Our alignment of the protein–protein interaction networks of two very different species—yeast and human—indicate that even distant species share a surprising amount of network topology, suggesting broad similarities in internal cellular wiring across all life on Earth.
Category‐1 caesarean section: a survey of anaesthetic and peri‐operative management in the UK*
Authors: Kinsella S. M. , Walton B. , Sashidharan R. , Draycott T.
Published: March 2010

A national survey of anaesthetic and peri‐operative management of category‐1 caesarean section was sent to 245 consultant‐led maternity units. There was a 70% response rate. The median (IQR [range]) general anaesthetic rate was 51% (29%–80% [6%–100%]), 12% (9%–16% [3%–93%]), 4% (2%–5% [<1%–18%]), for category‐1 caesarean section, categories 1–3 (non‐elective/emergency) and category‐4 (elective) caesarean section, respectively. The main operating theatre for caesarean section is on the delivery suite in 151 (88%) units, and 112 (66%) units also have a second theatre in the same location. One hundred and thirty‐nine (81%) use the standard urgency classification described in the NICE caesarean section guideline. However, only 72 (42%), 24 (14%), and 16 (9%) units comply with this guideline’s recommended decision‐delivery intervals for category‐1 (≤ 30 min), category‐2 (≤ 30 min) and category‐3 (≤ 75 min) caesarean sections, respectively. Practice in the smaller units was similar to that in the larger units, although there was less availability of a dedicated anaesthetist, intra‐uterine resuscitation guidelines and operating theatres on the delivery suite in the smaller units.
microRNAs, RNA binding proteins and cancer
Authors: Agami Reuven
Published: March 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (4): 370–374

microRNAs (miRNAs) are genes involved in normal development and cancer. They inhibit gene expression through interaction with 3′‐untranslated regions of messenger RNAs, and are thought to control the expression of a large proportion of the protein‐coding genome. However, it is becoming apparent that RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) control the biogenesis of miRNAs, their activity and stability. This indicates the existence of interplay between RBPs and miRNAs that affects gene expression and processes ranging from development, maintenance of stem cell phenotype and stress responses. Although miRNAs are prominent factors in cancer, little is known about how RBPs affect their cancerous function.
Concrete: a man‐made rock?
Authors: Fookes Peter G. , Walker Mike J.
Published: March 2010

It has been said that concrete is a ‘man‐made rock’ and although the comparison is not perfect, we support this general statement. It is broadly similar in texture to breccias or conglomerates, has a cementitious matrix, has broadly similar physical properties to some sedimentary and igneous rocks and performs somewhat similarly to masonry during its working life in a building or engineering structure. The investigation and testing of concrete have many similarities to those used for the evaluation of building stone.
Difficulties in working memory updating in individuals with intellectual disability
Authors: Carretti B. , Belacchi C. , Cornoldi C.
Published: March 2010

Background  Despite the critical role attributed to working memory (WM) updating for executive functions and fluid intelligence, no research has yet been carried out on its specific role in the vital case of fluid intelligence weakness, represented by individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Furthermore, the relationship between updating and other WM functions has not been considered in depth.

Method  The current study examines these areas by proposing a battery of WM tasks (varying in degree of active attentional control requested) and one updating task to groups of ID individuals and typically developing children, matched for fluid intelligence performance.

Results  Comparison between the group of ID individuals and a group of children showed that, despite being matched on the Raven test, the updating measure significantly differentiated the groups as well as the WM complex span. Furthermore, updating proved to be the task with the greatest power in discriminating between groups.

Conclusions  Our results confirm the importance of the demand for active attentional control in explaining the role of WM in fluid intelligence performance, and in particular show that updating information in WM plays an important role in the distinction between typically developing children and ID individuals.
Improved erectile function and sex hormone profiles in male Chinese recipients of kidney transplantation
Authors: Teng Li Chen , Wang Chang Xi , Chen Lizhong
Published: March 2010

Teng LC, Wang CX, Chen L. Improved erectile function and sex hormone profiles in male Chinese recipients of kidney transplantation.  Clin Transplant 2011: 25: 265–269. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Few studies have reported the relationship between duration of dialysis and effect of kidney transplantation on sex hormone levels and erectile dysfunction (ED) in Chinese patients.

Methods:  Our study included 24 patients with uremia who underwent kidney transplantation. Erectile function in these patients was assessed using the 5‐item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5), and serum sex hormone levels were measured pre‐ and post‐transplantation. Post‐transplantation changes in IIEF‐5 scores were analyzed according to duration of dialysis.

Results:  Twenty‐one (87.5%) and 11 (45.9%) of the 24 patients suffered from varying degrees of ED during the pre‐ and post‐transplantation periods, respectively. The pre‐ vs. post‐transplantation IIEF‐5 scores were significantly different (p < 0.05) among patients who had undergone dialysis for less than six months. Following transplantation, serum levels of prolactin and β‐estradiol decreased significantly (24.35 ± 11.62 vs. 13.93 ± 7.16 ng/mL, p = 0.027; 42.20 ± 15.04 vs. 17.7 ± 7.15 pg/mL, p = 0.000, respectively), whereas levels of testosterone increased (3.07 ± 0.94 vs. 6.54 ± 3.14 ng/mL, p = 0.004).

Conclusions:  Successful kidney transplantation can significantly ameliorate ED in Chinese patients, especially in individuals with a shorter time on dialysis. Changes in sex hormone levels may contribute to this improvement in ED.
Genetic parameters for abnormal sucking traits in Austrian Fleckvieh heifers
Authors: Fuerst‐Waltl B. , Rinnhofer B. , Fuerst C. , Winckler C.
Published: March 2010

Cross‐sucking and intersucking are considered abnormal behaviours in cattle and constitute a common problem in dairy farming. Cross‐sucking in calves is defined as sucking any body parts of another calf whereas intersucking in heifers and cows is defined as sucking the udder or udder area. The aim of this study was to determine the genetic variability for abnormal sucking behaviour by estimating genetic parameters and examining individual differences between sires with large progeny groups. By means of a questionnaire, cattle breeders in the federal state Lower Austria were requested to identify all currently kept animals which are known of either inter‐ or cross‐sucking (both defined as the same binary trait ‘sucking’ with 0 and 1 referring to the absence and presence of this abnormal behaviour) or allowing sucking (also treated as a binary trait, scored as 1 if an animal was known of allowing herd mates to suck and 0 otherwise). Records of 1222 farms and 13 332 dual purpose Simmental females aged between 21 and 700 days were investigated applying a linear animal model with fixed herd × year × season and random genetic animal effect and a threshold sire model with the herd × year × season effect being treated as random. In total, 8.6% and 4.1% of all calves/heifers were observed sucking and allowing sucking, respectively. Heritabilities of 0.040 ± 0.014 and 0.007 ± 0.006 (linear animal model) and 0.116 ± 0.041 and 0.026 ± 0.024 (threshold model) were found for the traits sucking and allowing sucking, respectively. Breeding values were estimated applying the same models for the trait sucking. Taking all 254 sires into account, the Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients between breeding values estimated by linear animal and sire threshold model were 0.86 and 0.80. Thus, little difference was observed between the two methods.
Trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole compared with benzathine penicillin for treatment of impetigo in Aboriginal children: A pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Tong Steven YC , Andrews Ross M , Kearns Therese , Gundjirryirr Rosalyn , McDonald Malcolm I , Currie Bart J , Carapetis Jonathan R
Published: March 2010

We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole to benzathine penicillin for treatment of impetigo in Aboriginal children. Treatment was successful in 7 of 7 children treated with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole and 5 of 6 treated with benzathine penicillin. Trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole achieved microbiological clearance and healing of sores from which β‐hemolytic streptococci and community‐associated methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus were initially cultured.
Diagnostic approach to pancreatic tumors with the specimens of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration
Authors: Hosoda Waki , Takagi Tadayuki , Mizuno Nobumasa , Shimizu Yasuhiro , Sano Tsuyoshi , Yamao Kenji , Yatabe Yasushi
Published: March 2010

Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) has enabled clinicians to histologically diagnose pancreatic tumors. However, EUS‐FNA specimens often result in tiny fragmented tissues, so auxiliary utilities are necessary. Using immunostaining of CK7, CDX2, neuroendocrine markers and KRAS mutation analysis, we examined 57 FNA cell block sections and 61 surgically‐resected specimens (25 invasive ductal carcinomas, 25 endocrine tumors, and 11 acinar cell tumors). In the majority of the matched pairs, the diagnoses between EUS‐FNA and surgical specimens were concordant using the following criteria: neuroendocrine markers negative, CK7 positive, and mutated KRAS gene for invasive ductal carcinomas; neuroendocrine markers diffusely positive, CK7 and CDX2 negative, and wild‐type KRAS gene for well‐differentiated endocrine tumors; and neuroendocrine markers no more than focal positive, CK7 and CDX2 with various staining patterns, and wild‐type KRAS gene for acinar cell carcinomas. Expression of CK7 and/or CDX2 in addition to KRAS mutations were occasionally seen in endocrine carcinomas, but not in well‐differentiated endocrine tumors, suggesting that ductal differentiation in an endocrine tumor may be a predictor of aggressive disease. The usefulness of these markers was confirmed using 13 additional pancreatic tumors, prospectively. Although minimal in selection, these markers are helpful in making diagnosis from EUS‐FNA specimens of the major pancreatic tumors.
Impacts of eggs and tadpoles of the invasive cane toad (Bufo marinus) on aquatic predators in tropical Australia
Authors: GREENLEES MATTHEW J. , SHINE RICHARD
Published: March 2010

Invasive species affect native ecosystems in a variety of ways, and the magnitude of impact may depend upon many factors. In an invading species such as the cane toad (Bufo marinus), the multiphasic life history creates a potential for impact to differ between life history stages. Previous research on the impact of cane toads in Australia has focused on fatal poisoning of predators that ingest terrestrial stages of the toad, but aquatic stages (eggs, larvae) are toxic also. We exposed nine native Australian fish species and one native Australian turtle species to the eggs and larvae of toads. Strong species differences were evident, both in palatability (propensity to attack the egg or larva), and in subsequent responses (e.g. taste and reject the item, vs. ingest it). Toad eggs were less likely than toad tadpoles to be attacked, but also less likely to be rejected before ingestion (probably because the non‐toxic jelly coat masks the presence of toxins in the ovum). As a result, predators were far more likely to be killed by ingesting toad eggs than toad tadpoles. Fortuitously, the spatial and temporal availability of toad egg masses restricts encounter rates with predators, so that overall ecological impact may be low despite the high vulnerability of a fish or turtle that encounters such an egg mass. Understanding such ontogenetic shifts in the nature of interactions and magnitude of impact is crucial if we are to understand the overall ecological impact of invasive species.
The portrayal of men and women in television advertisements: An updated review of 30 studies published since 2000
Authors: FURNHAM ADRIAN , PALTZER STEPHANIE
Published: March 2010

Furnham, A. & Paltzer, S. (2010). The portrayal of men and women in television advertisements: An updated review of 30 studies published since 2000. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 51, 216–236.

In 1999, Furnham and Mak published a review of 14 content‐analytic studies of sex roles stereotyping in television commercials. All these studies were based on the McArthur and Resko (1975) content categories. This paper updates that review considering 30 studies in over 20 countries published between 2000 and 2008. Studies were from Australasia, Austria, Bulgaria, Ghana, Hong Kong, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. They examined over 8,000 advertisements. National and cultural differences in gender stereotypes are also considered in the light of this data. The popularity of, and the problems associated with, the research paradigm are considered.
Hysterectomy trends in Australia – between 2000/01 and 2004/05
Authors: HILL Erin L. , GRAHAM Melissa L. , SHELLEY Julia M.
Published: March 2010

Background:  Hysterectomy is a major and common surgical procedure that has the potential to provide relief from ongoing gynaecological problems, but is often associated with negative impacts on health and wellbeing. Research indicates that hysterectomy rates and trends vary widely between and within countries; yet little is known about patterns in Australia.

Aims:  This research aimed to describe hysterectomy rates and trends in Australia between 2000/01 and 2004/05.

Methods:  This repeat cross‐sectional study used routinely collected data from all hospitals in Australia. Data on all women admitted to hospital for a hysterectomy were obtained from the National Hospital Morbidity Database (2000/01–2004/05). Data were analysed by calculating population rates for each type of hysterectomy. Incidence rate ratios were calculated to assess changes over time.

Results:  Hysterectomy rates in Australia declined from 34.8 per 10 000 women in 2000/01 to 31.2 per 10 000 women in 2004/05. A decline in the incidence rate for abdominal hysterectomy (from 18.7 to 15.1 per 10 000 women) and the incidence rate for concurrent oophorectomy (from 12.4 to 11.3 per 10 000 women) were also observed during this time period. At each point in time, the highest incidence rates for hysterectomy were for women aged 45–54 years.

Conclusions:  Hysterectomy rates in Australia are declining over time and currently appear to be lower than most other countries. More hysterectomies are performed vaginally than in Canada, the USA, the UK and Finland and the rate of concurrent oophorectomy is less than that reported in the USA and the UK.
Testing for high risk human papilloma virus in the initial follow‐up of women treated for high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions
Authors: SMART Olivia Catherine , SYKES Peter , MACNAB Helene , JENNINGS Lance
Published: March 2010

Background:  The follow‐up schedule of women who have undergone treatment for high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) is a crucial part of the cervical screening programme. The ability to detect residual disease or early recurrence enables the provision of timely secondary intervention.

Aims:  The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of High Risk HPV and cytological abnormalities at first follow‐up visit post treatment. The feasibility, safety and cost benefit of omitting routine colposcopy as a first line investigation were evaluated.

Methods:  A total of 100 women with histologically confirmed and treated HSIL were recruited prior to first follow‐up visit. Colposcopic assessment, cervical cytology using LBC and HR HPV testing was carried out on all women.

Results:  In all, 75% of the study group had both a negative HR HPV test and a normal cervical cytology at first follow‐up visit. Mean time interval to first follow‐up was 9 months. The rate of residual/recurrent high‐grade disease within this cohort was 4% followed up to 18 months post treatment. HR HPV had a sensitivity of 100% to detect persistent HSIL.

Conclusion:  High‐risk human papilloma virus testing in combination with cytology at first follow‐up visit in women treated for HSIL has a very high sensitivity and negative predictive value. Colposcopy does not improve specificity in this cohort and could be omitted in patients who have a negative smear and HPV test.
Heartless Bimbo or Subversive Role Model?: A Narrative (Self) Critical Reading of the Character of Esther
Authors: Song Angeline
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  She has been described as weak, beautiful but brainless, and “the scab undermining the impact of a striking worker's sacrifice.” This article engages such opinions, but takes a different view of the character of Esther. It is a narrative critical reading that is nuanced with ‘realistic empathy’, from the perspective of someone whose life story has much in common with Esther's tale. Given away as a child by my biological parents in a society that preferred boys, like Esther, I was adopted by a single parent and raised in a strongly patriarchal society. I am now an Asian immigrant in New Zealand, a predominantly Western society, while Esther was a diasporic Jew in Persia.1