bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in incidence and indications of tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy, 1970‐2005
Authors: Erickson Britt K. , Larson Dirk R. , St. Sauver Jennifer L. , Meverden Ryan A. , Orvidas Laura J.
Published: May 2009

Objective

To investigate 35‐year epidemiological trends in tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy.

Study Design/Subjects

Cross‐sectional survey. Subjects included all patients from birth to age 29 years who had tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy from 1970 to 2005.

Results

Study included 8106 patients (median age 8.0 years; range, 6 months to 29 years; male 3646 patients [45%]). Overall tonsillectomy incidence increased from 126 (95% confidence interval [CI], 111‐140) per 100,000 person‐years in 1970 through 1974 to 153 (95% CI, 139‐166) in 2000 through 2005. A dominant factor, adenotonsillectomy incidence rose sharply from 243 (95% CI, 223‐261) per 100,000 person‐years in 1970 through 1974 to 485 (95% CI, 462‐509) in 2000 through 2005. The indication of upper airway obstruction increased from 12 percent of patients in 1970 to 77 percent in 2005.

Conclusions

Epidemiological trends in tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy have shifted substantially. Overall numbers have increased, and surgical indications have shifted from infection to upper airway obstruction.
A practical guide for understanding confidence intervals and P values
Authors: Wang Eric W. , Ghogomu Nsangou , Voelker Courtney C.J. , Rich Jason T. , Paniello Randal C. , Nussenbaum Brian , Karni Ron J. , Neely J. Gail
Published: May 2009

The 95 percent confidence interval about the mean demarcates the range of values in which the mean would fall if many samples from the universal parent population were taken. In other words, if the same observation, experiment, or trial were done over and over with a different sample of subjects, but with the same characteristics as the original sample, 95 percent of the means from those repeated measures would fall within this range. This gives a measure of how confident we are in the original mean. It tells us not only whether the results are statistically significant because the CI falls totally on one side or the other of the no difference marker (0 if continuous variables; 1 if proportions), but also the actual values so that we might determine if the data seem clinically important. In contrast, the P value tells us only whether the results are statistically significant, without translating that information into values relative to the variable that was measured. Consequently, the CI is a better choice to describe the results of observations, experiments, or trials.
Transnasal esophagoscopy findings: Interspecialty comparison
Authors: Falcone Michael T. , Garrett C. Gaelyn , Slaughter James C. , Vaezi Michael
Published: May 2009

Introduction

Otolaryngologists implement transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) to assess esophageal pathology. Previous studies using TNE are largely retrospective and deal with select patient populations. The prevalence of esophageal pathology in patients presenting with throat symptoms to an otolaryngology voice center is presently unknown.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of esophageal pathology in this population and determine the interobserver variability of the findings reviewed by an otolaryngologist and a gastroenterologist.

Study Design

A prospective study.

Setting

This study was conducted in a laryngology/voice subspecialty clinic.

Subjects and Methods

Fifty patients with throat symptoms presenting to the voice center were asked prospectively to undergo TNE. The findings were videotaped and reviewed by an otolaryngologist and a gastroenterologist blinded to the patients' presenting complaint.

Results

Hoarseness was the most common presenting symptom (68%). According to the gastroenterologist, the prevalence of esophageal findings was: z‐line irregularity suspicious for Barrett esophagus (12%), esophagitis (10%), hiatal hernia (32%), and esophageal stricture (10%). The percent agreement for a normal study was 72 percent. The percent agreement for various pathological findings were as follows: Barrett esophagus 86 percent, esophagitis 88 percent, hiatal hernia 76 percent, and esophageal stricture 96 percent. For an abnormal study, the percent agreement was 80 percent.

Conclusion

Esophageal abnormalities are common in patients presenting to a voice subspecialty clinic.
Mediastinitis in infants from deep neck space infections
Authors: Shah Rahul K. , Chun Robert , Choi Sukgi S.
Published: May 2009

Objective

To describe mediastinitis in infants.

Study Design

Case series.

Setting

Tertiary‐care, academic, pediatric hospital.

Subjects

Four infants managed during eight months.

Results

Patients were eight months (two patients), nine months, and 18 months old. They had retropharyngeal phlegmons and were started on clindamycin/cephalosporin. Interval imaging scans revealed abscess formation with mediastinal extension. All retropharyngeal abscesses were drained; three patients required video‐assisted thoracoscopic debridement. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (two patients) and methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (two patients) were cultured. Peak white blood cell counts were 15,000, 18,400, 30,200, and 44,900. The patients survived without long‐term morbidity.

Conclusions

In infants with pediatric deep neck space infections, increased vigilance should be maintained for progression to mediastinal extension. Optimal management includes imaging of the neck and chest as indicated, broad‐spectrum antibiotic coverage, and aggressive surgery as warranted to clear the neck space infections with appropriate surgical consultants to manage the mediastinal process. Despite high morbidity and mortality in adult mediastinitis, infant mediastinitis may be a different disease process as all patients survived without sequelae.
Endoscopic transantral repair of orbital floor fractures
Authors: Ducic Yadranko , Verret Daniel J.
Published: May 2009

Objective

To review our technique of endoscopic transantral repair of orbital floor fractures.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Methods

All orbital floor fractures treated with the outlined technique from 1998 to 2007 were reviewed in a retrospective fashion. Demographic data, surgical outcomes, and complications were gathered from available patient charts.

Results

A total of 63 patients were treated with the described technique (44 male, 19 female). Thirty‐nine patients underwent autograft placement from the anterior maxillary sinus wall harvest/exposure. Fourteen patients underwent placement of various alloplasts, and the remaining 10 patients underwent reduction of the contents and floor repositioning. Two patients underwent repeat repair due to inadequacy of initial repair. Both of these complications occurred in the subgroup of patients who underwent simple repositioning. There were no cases of blindness, permanent new diplopia, ectropion, entropion, or new infraorbital anesthesia.

Conclusions

The described technique of endoscopic repair of orbital floor fractures represents a precise method of fracture repair that results in excellent outcomes with minimal morbidity in the majority of patients. It allows for immediate fracture repair without the need to wait for periorbital edema to settle. It also allows for clear visualization of the entire fracture for precise graft placement.
Distal facial nerve exposure: A key to partial parotidectomy
Authors: Wang Robert C. , Barber Annabel E. , Ditmyer Marcia , Vantine Paul
Published: May 2009

Objectives

1) Compare outcomes of distal facial nerve identification with antegrade exposure in partial parotidectomy; 2) Be able to incorporate other modifications of parotidectomy including preservation of the great auricular nerve, superficial musculo‐aponeurotic system (SMAS), and parotid duct.

Study Design

Case series with chart review of partial parotidectomy for benign neoplasms and intraparotid lymph nodes, using antegrade (Group 1) or distal (Group 2) facial nerve exposure, and those conserving the great auricular nerve, SMAS, and parotid duct (Group 3).

Subjects and Methods

Outcomes for the three groups were reviewed. The great auricular nerve, parotid duct, and SMAS were preserved when possible. Outcomes examined included postoperative facial nerve function, earlobe sensation, allograft use for SMAS defects, surgical duration, sialocele, or salivary fistula.

Results

No difference in facial nerve function was found between the groups. Group 3 had better ear lobule cutaneous sensation. No sialoceles occurred in the 10 of 14 Group 3 cases in which parotid ducts were preserved.

Conclusions

Partial parotidectomy utilizing distal facial nerve exposure can reduce the extent of surgical dissection, facilitate preservation of the parotid duct and great auricular nerve, and allow greater flexibility in the choice of skin and SMAS incisions.
Image analysis for measuring lichen colonization on and within stonework
Authors: GAZZANO Claudia , FAVERO-LONGO Sergio E. , MATTEUCCI Enrica , PIERVITTORI Rosanna
Published: May 2009

The suitability of image analysis by colour-based pixel classification to quantify lichen colonization on the surface of and within marble, travertine and mortar stonework has been investigated. High resolution images of lichenized stonework surfaces were acquired at different field sites using a scanner, thus avoiding invasive surveys, and the percentage cover of lichen species was subsequently measured in the laboratory using dedicated software. Furthermore, microphotographs of polished cross-sections of lichenized marble, travertine and mortar, stained using the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) method to visualize hyphae, were produced by the same software to quantify hyphal spread within the substratum, a parameter which can be used more successfully than the commonly used depth of hyphal penetration to quantify how much the lichen has affected the conservation of a stone substratum. Significant statistical differences in hue, saturation and intensity (HSI) of the lichen thalli and PAS-stained hyphae, with respect to the lithic substrata, allowed the software to discriminate and quantify the lichen species cover on, and hyphal spread within, the three investigated lithotypes. Since such a quantitative approach highlights the volume of influence of lichens on stonework, where bioweathering processes are likely to develop, it could be used to support decisions on the preservation of our stone cultural heritage.
Meridianelia, a new genus in the Elixiaceae (Ascomycota) from Tasmania
Authors: KANTVILAS Gintaras , LUMBSCH H. Thorsten
Published: May 2009

Meridianelia maccarthyana Kantvilas & Lumbsch, gen. et sp. nov., is described, based on collections from Tasmania. This taxon represents only the second member of the family Elixiaceae. It is compared to Elixia flexella (Ach.) Lumbsch and to the superficially similar genus Trapelia. The family Elixiaceae is redefined briefly to account for the inclusion of a second genus.
CONDITIONS FOR THE PROPAGATION OF MEMORY PARAMETER FROM DURATIONS TO COUNTS AND REALIZED VOLATILITY
Authors: Deo Rohit , Hurvich Clifford M. , Soulier Philippe , Wang Yi
Published: May 2009

We establish sufficient conditions on durations that are stationary with finite variance and memory parameter$d \in [0,{\textstyle{1 \over 2}})$to ensure that the corresponding counting processN(t) satisfies VarN(t) ~Ct2d+1(C> 0) ast→ ∞, with the same memory parameter$d \in [0,{\textstyle{1 \over 2}})$that was assumed for the durations. Thus, these conditions ensure that the memory parameter in durations propagates to the same memory parameter in the counts. We then show that any autoregressive conditional duration ACD(1,1) model with a sufficient number of finite moments yields short memory in counts, whereas any long memory stochastic duration model withd> 0 and all finite moments yields long memory in counts, with the samed. Finally, we provide some results about the propagation of long memory to the empirically relevant case of realized variance estimates affected by market microstructure noise contamination.
EFFICIENCY BOUNDS FOR SEMIPARAMETRIC ESTIMATION OF INVERSE CONDITIONAL-DENSITY-WEIGHTED FUNCTIONS
Authors: Jacho-Chávez David T.
Published: May 2009

Consider the unconditional moment restriction E[m(y, υ, w; π0)/fV|w (υ|w) −s (w; π0)] = 0, where m(·) and s(·) are known vector-valued functions of data (y┬, υ, w┬)┬. The smallest asymptotic variance that $\root \of n $-consistent regular estimators of π0 can have is calculated when fV|w(·) is only known to be a bounded, continuous, nonzero conditional density function. Our results show that “plug-in” kernel-based estimators of π0 constructed from this type of moment restriction, such as Lewbel (1998, Econometrica 66, 105–121) and Lewbel (2007, Journal of Econometrics 141, 777–806), are semiparametric efficient.
Travelling wave solutions for an infection-age structured model with diffusion
Authors: Ducrot A. , Magal P.
Published: May 2009

In this article, we study the existence of travelling waves for a class of epidemic models structured in space and with respect to the age of infection. We obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of travelling waves for such a class of problems. As a consequence of our main result, we also derive the existence of travelling waves of a class of functional partial derivative equations.
On commuting approximation properties of Banach spaces
Authors: Oja Eve , Zolk Indrek
Published: May 2009

Let a, c ≥ 0 and let B be a compact set of scalars. We show that if X is a Banach space such that the canonical projection π from X*** onto X* satisfies the inequality

and 1 ≤ λ < max |B| + c, then every λ-commuting bounded compact approximation of the identity of X is shrinking. This generalizes a theorem by Godefroy and Saphar from 1988. As an application, we show that under the conditions described above both X and X* have the metric compact approximation property (MCAP). Relying on the Willis construction, we show that the commuting MCAP does not imply the approximation property.
An integral representation formula for logarithmic potentials and embeddings of Bessel-potential spaces
Authors: Moritoh Shinya , Tanaka Yumi
Published: May 2009

We give an integral representation formula for logarithmic Riesz potentials. This plays an essential role in proving the sharpness of the embeddings of Bessel-potential spaces, which have logarithmic exponents both in the smoothness and in the underlying Lorentz—Zygmund spaces. These results are natural extensions of those obtained by Edmunds, Gurka, Opic and Trebels.
Measuring renal function in old age
Authors: Chakrabarti Sanghamitra , Chattopadhyay Indrajit
Published: May 2009

Accurate assessment of renal function is vital, especially in older individuals, as this is the population in which the greatest burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs. With ageing, the kidneys undergo a multitude of structural and functional changes. The age-related changes in the kidneys may be further complicated by concurrent pre-renal, renal and post-renal factors common in old age, such as hypertensive glomerulosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, congestive cardiac failure, renovascular atheroma, urinary outflow obstruction, urinary tract infections, renal stones and drug-induced nephrotoxicity. Structurally, there is a progressive loss of predominantly cortical renal mass, a decrease in the number of glomeruli, an increase in the proportion of sclerotic glomeruli, tubulo-interstitial changes resulting in fibrosis and atrophy, arteriosclerotic vascular changes and a reduction in renal blood flow. Excretory and reabsorptive capacities of the renal tubules may also decline with ageing. Functionally, although there may be a decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) resulting primarily from a reduction in the number of functioning nephrons, this decline may not be universal. Up to a third of elderly people may not demonstrate a decline in GFR with ageing, whilst in some individuals GFR may actually increase with age.
Simulation of surface and top of atmosphere thermal fluxes and radiances from the radiative atmospheric divergence using the ARM Mobile Facility, GERB data, and AMMA Stations experiment
Authors: Bharmal N. A. , Slingo A. , Robinson G. J. , Settle J. J.
Published: May 2009

Simultaneous observations of thermal radiative fluxes and radiances from the surface (Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Mobile Facility, Niamey) and top of atmosphere (Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget (GERB) instrument) during the Radiative Atmospheric Divergence using ARM Mobile Facility, GERB data, and AMMA Stations experiment are compared with results from a radiative transfer model (Edwards‐Slingo). Emphasis is placed on diagnosing the accuracy of the cloud‐free radiation measurements using multiple instruments at the surface. The surface forcing from aerosol is found to regularly exceed 20 Wm−2, and reached ∼100 Wm−2 during the March 2006 dust storm. Equivalent comparisons are made with top of atmosphere (TOA) measurements but here radiance closure is not achieved. A disagreement is found between the angular anisotropy derived from GERB products and that from radiative transfer (RT) calculations. A hybrid TOA radiative flux time series is created using RT‐calculated TOA anisotropy and GERB‐observed TOA radiance. At 1100 UT (local noon), this hybrid flux differs from the Edition 1 GERB product by a positive difference in the range ∼0–10 Wm−2. Three collections of fluxes exist to calculate column‐integrated atmospheric heating (divergence) from surface and TOA fluxes. The first two are fluxes from observations only or from RT calculations only. The third is a combination of RT calculation and observed fluxes that includes the hybrid flux. The resulting divergences are binned by sonde launch times and averaged over the year. The range of divergence during a day depends on the flux collection used (−200 to −111 Wm−2, −212 to −116 Wm−2, or −205 to −112 Wm−2) for observations only, for RT calculations only, or for observation‐calculation fluxes. All estimates agree as to the interday variation being larger than that of intraday variability.
Sunda‐Banda arc transition: Incipient continent‐island arc collision (northwest Australia)
Authors: Shulgin A. , Kopp H. , Mueller C. , Lueschen E. , Planert L. , Engels M. , Flueh E. R. , Krabbenhoeft A. , Djajadihardja Y.
Published: May 2009

The eastern Sunda arc represents one of the few regions globally where the early stages of continent‐arc collision can be studied. We studied along the western limit of the collision zone at the Sunda‐Banda arc transition, where the Australian margin collides with the Banda island arc, causing widespread back arc thrusting. We present integrated results of a refraction/wide‐angle reflection tomography, gravity modeling, and multichannel reflection seismic imaging using data acquired in 2006 southeast of Sumba Island. The composite structural model reveals the previously unresolved deep geometry of the collision zone. Changes in crustal structure encompass the 10–12 km thick Australian basement in the south and the 22–24 km thick Sumba ridge in the north, where backthrusting of the 130 km wide accretionary prism is documented. The structural diversity along this transect could be characteristic of young collisional systems at the transition from oceanic subduction to continent‐arc collision.
Modeling ionospheric outflows and their impact on the magnetosphere, initial results
Authors: Glocer A. , Tóth G. , Gombosi T. , Welling D.
Published: May 2009

Ionospheric outflow has been shown to be a significant contributor to the plasma population of the magnetosphere during active geomagnetic conditions. We present the results of new efforts to model the source and effects of out‐flowing plasma in the Space Weather Modeling Framework (SWMF). In particular, we develop and use the Polar Wind Outflow Model (PWOM), a field‐aligned, multifluid, multifield line polar wind code to simulate the ionospheric outflow. The PWOM is coupled to the ionosphere electrodynamics and global magnetosphere components of the SWMF, so we can calculate the outflow and its resulting impact on magnetospheric composition and dynamics. By including the outflow as part of a coupled system, we study the consequences of outflow on the larger space environment system. We present our methodology for the magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling, as well as the effect of outflow on the magnetosphere during two geomagnetic storms. Moreover, we explore the use of multispecies MHD to track the resulting plasma composition in the magnetosphere. We find that, by including ionospheric outflow during geomagnetic storms, we can reduce the RMS error in the simulated magnetic field as compared with various GOES satellites by as much as 50%. Additionally, we find that the outflow causes a strong decrease in Dst and in the cross‐polar cap potential.
Optimization of LMP‐specific CTL expansion for potential adoptive immunotherapy in NPC patients
Authors: Lutzky Viviana P , Davis Joanne E , Crooks Pauline , Corban Monika , Smith Mark C , Elliott Michael , Morrison Leanne , Cross Simone , Tscharke David , Panizza Benedict , Coman William , Bharadwaj Mandvi , Moss Denis J
Published: May 2009

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) positive in all undifferentiated cases, expressing the latency II phenotype of latent membrane proteins (LMPs) 1 and 2, in addition to EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA) 1. Several studies have attempted to treat NPC with EBV‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) with a partial response. To improve this therapy, there is a need to expand CTL targeted to the latency II antigens of EBV, rather than the immunodominant EBV nuclear antigens 3–6 peptides typically expanded by lymphoblastoid cells. In order to maximize the expansion of LMP‐specific CTL in vitro for use in adoptive immunotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, we used lymphoblastoid cell lines coated with synthetic peptides corresponding to CTL determinants from the LMP proteins. We investigated several issues pertaining to the expansion of an immunologically weak CTL response, including peptide and interleukin‐2 concentration, and screening assays for selecting the optimal peptide for use in expansion of LMP‐specific CTL. Although screening of ex vivo peripheral blood mononuclear cells did not prove to be useful in the selection of an LMP peptide for use in CTL cultures, the peptide and interleukin‐2 concentrations were critical for the maximum expansion of CTL. Therefore, it is imperative that stimulation protocols are optimized for the expansion of LMP‐specific CTL.
Multistate storage in dual spin valves with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Law Randall , Sbiaa Rachid , Liew Thomas , Chong Tow Chong
Published: May 2009

We report the tunable separation of four distinct resistance levels in dual spin valves (DSV) with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy based on Co/Pd and CoFe/Pd multilayers. An optimal giant magnetoresistance (GMR) of 15.2% in the current in-plane geometry was obtained. By varying the spin filter layer thicknesses at the interfaces of one Cu spacer layer from 2 to 6 Å, a linear dependence of GMR across the selected spacer layer was demonstrated without affecting the GMR contribution across the second Cu spacer layer in the DSV. Using this strategy, the intermediate resistance levels in a four-state perpendicular DSV can be adjusted independently, thus creating flexible platform for multistate storage.
Equal energy phase space trajectories in resonant wave interactions
Authors: Yaakobi O. , Friedland L.
Published: May 2009

Adiabatic evolution of two and three resonantly interacting wave systems with nonlinear frequency/wave vector shifts is discussed. The corresponding Hamiltonian, depending on the coupling, detuning, and nonlinear frequency shift parameters may have a variable number of fixed points, i.e., the system can experience a topological change of phase space when these parameters vary in time or space. It is shown that the oscillation periods of two equal energy trajectories in these wave systems are equal and the difference between the action integrals of such trajectories is obtained analytically as a function of the system parameters. Based on these findings, a scheme of simultaneous adiabatic variation in the parameters is designed, such that any pair of initially equal energy trajectories continues to have the same energy at later times. These results are generalizations of a previous work [O. Polomarov and G. Shvets, Phys. Plasmas 13, 054502 (2006)] for a single, resonantly driven wave.
Bryozoans as southern sentinels of ocean acidification: a major role for a minor phylum
Authors: Smith Abigail M.
Published: May 2009

Rapid anthropogenic production of CO2 has driven the carbonate chemistry of the sea, causing lowered pH in surface waters. Increasingly, scientists are called on to study ocean acidification and its effects. The ‘minor’ phylum Bryozoa shows considerable potential in understanding temperate southern hemisphere shelf carbonate dynamics, thus complementing tropical studies based mainly on corals. Lowered pH affects skeletons differently depending on their composition, but skeletons are even more strongly affected by morphology. Different bryozoans will manifest the effects of acidification at different times, thus some particularly vulnerable species may act as ‘canaries’ providing an early warning for some shelf communities, such as bryozoan-dominated thickets. A carbonate budget based on several studies of the bryozoan Adeonellopsis in Doubtful Sound, New Zealand, shows that increasing dissolution pressure in cool temperate environments dramatically reduces sediment accumulation rates. Bryozoan shelf carbonate sediments, which blanket the southern shelves of New Zealand and Australia, may serve as biological saturometers, monitoring the effects of acidification over shelf depths. Whether acting as canaries, models or sentinels, bryozoans have great potential to provide insight into the next global challenge: ocean acidification.
Responses of Nitric Oxide–cGMP Release in Acupuncture Point to Electroacupuncture in Human Skin In Vivo Using Dermal Microdialysis
Authors: JOU NAINN‐TSYR , MA SHENG‐XING
Published: May 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the release of nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP in response to electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation in the acupuncture point (acupoint), compared to the non‐meridian control area. Methods: Thirty samples of dermal microdialysis data were collected from 24 volunteers at pericardium (PC) 4 and control area. EA was applied to PC 3 by using a 5‐V pulse with a duration of 1.0 milliseconds at 10 Hz for 15 minutes. Dialysate samples were continuously collected 20 minutes each before, during, and after EA for two hours. Total nitrite and nitrate (NOx‐) and cGMP in the dialysate were quantified in a blinded fashion. Results: Dialysate NOx‐ concentrations were decreased during a 120‐minute dialysis in all groups, but reduced NOx‐ levels were attenuated predominantly in PC 4 acupoint at 20–40 minutes after EA PC 3. cGMP concentrations were significantly enhanced in acupoint PC 4 by EA PC 3, but not in the non‐meridian area. Conclusion: We suggest that the attenuation of NOx‐ reduction during dialysis reflects an increase in NO release induced by EA stimulation in acupoint and that cGMP mediates the signaling functions of NO to improve local microcirculation, which, at least in part, contributes to the effects of acupuncture.
A Separate Role for ICAM‐1 and Fluid Shear in Regulating Leukocyte Interactions with Straight Regions of Venular Wall and Venular Convergences
Authors: SUMAGIN RONEN , LAMKIN‐KENNARD KATHLEEN A. , SARELIUS INGRID H.
Published: May 2009

Objective: Variation in expression of adhesion molecules plays a key role in regulating leukocyte behavior, but the contribution of fluid shear to these interactions cannot be ignored. Here, we dissected the effects of each of these factors on leukocyte behavior in different venular regions.

Materials and Methods: Leukocyte behavior was quantified in blood‐perfused microvascular networks in anesthetized mouse cremaster muscle, using intravital confocal microscopy. ICAM‐1 expression and fluid shear rate were quantified by using ICAM‐1 fluorescent labeling, fluorescent particle tracking, and computational fluid dynamics.

Results: Tumor necrosis factor alpha induced an increase in ICAM‐1 expression and abolished the differences observed among control venules of different sizes. Consequently, leukocyte adhesion was increased to a similar level across all vessel sizes [5.1±0.46 leukocytes/100 μm vs. 2.1±0.47 (control)], but remained significantly higher in venular convergences (7.8±0.4). Leukocyte transmigration occurred primarily in the smallest venules and venular convergences (23.9±5.1 and 31.9±2.7 leukocytes/10,000 μm2 tissue, respectively). In venular convergences, the two inlet vessels are predicted to create a region of low velocity, increasing leukocyte adhesion probability.

Conclusions: In straight regions of different‐sized venules, the variability in ICAM‐1 expression accounts for the differences in leukocyte behavior; in converging regions, fluid shear potentially has a greater effect on leukocyte endothelial cell interactions.
Corrigendum to “Free subgroups of surface mapping class groups”
Authors: Anderson James , Aramayona Javier , Shackleton Kenneth
Published: May 2009

We provide a corrigendum to the results of Conform. Geom. Dyn.11(2007), 44–55, pointing out an error in the proofs of Propositions 4.3 and 5.4 and providing corrected statements.
Searching for Controlled Trials of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Comparison of 15 Databases
Authors: Cogo Elise , Sampson Margaret , Ajiferuke Isola , Manheimer Eric , Campbell Kaitryn , Daniel Raymond , Moher David
Published: May 2009

This project aims to assess the utility of bibliographic databases beyond the three major ones (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL) for finding controlled trials of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Fifteen databases were searched to identify controlled clinical trials (CCTs) of CAM not also indexed in MEDLINE. Searches were conducted in May 2006 using the revised Cochrane highly sensitive search strategy (HSSS) and the PubMed CAM Subset. Yield of CAM trials per 100 records was determined, and databases were compared over a standardized period (2005). The Acudoc2 RCT, Acubriefs, Index to Chiropractic Literature (ICL) and Hom‐Inform databases had the highest concentrations of non‐MEDLINE records, with more than 100 non‐MEDLINE records per 500. Other productive databases had ratios between 500 and 1500 records to 100 non‐MEDLINE records—these were AMED, MANTIS, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Global Health and Alt HealthWatch. Five databases were found to be unproductive: AGRICOLA, CAIRSS, Datadiwan, Herb Research Foundation and IBIDS. Acudoc2 RCT yielded 100 CAM trials in the most recent 100 records screened. Acubriefs, AMED, Hom‐Inform, MANTIS, PsycINFO and CINAHL had more than 25 CAM trials per 100 records screened. Global Health, ICL and Alt HealthWatch were below 25 in yield. There were 255 non‐MEDLINE trials from eight databases in 2005, with only 10% indexed in more than one database. Yield varied greatly between databases; the most productive databases from both sampling methods were Acubriefs, Acudoc2 RCT, AMED and CINAHL. Low overlap between databases indicates comprehensive CAM literature searches will require multiple databases.
Forward and reverse genetics to identify genes involved in the age‐related resistance response in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: CARVIEL JESSIE L. , AL‐DAOUD FADI , NEUMANN MELODY , MOHAMMAD ASIF , PROVART NICHOLAS J. , MOEDER WOLFGANG , YOSHIOKA KEIKO , CAMERON ROBIN K.
Published: May 2009

Age‐related resistance (ARR) occurs in numerous plant species, often resulting in increased disease resistance as plants mature. ARR in Arabidopsis to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato is associated with intercellular salicylic acid (SA) accumulation and the transition to flowering. Forward and reverse genetic screens were performed to identify genes required for ARR and to investigate the mechanism of the ARR response. Infiltration of SA into the intercellular space of the ARR‐defective mutant iap1‐1 (important for the ARR pathway) partially restored ARR function. Inter‐ and intracellular SA accumulation was reduced in the mutant iap1‐1 compared with the wild‐type, and the SA regulatory gene EDS1 was also required for ARR. Combining microarray analysis with reverse genetics using T‐DNA insertion lines, four additional ARR genes were identified as contributing to ARR: two plant‐specific transcription factors of the NAC family [ANAC055 (At3g15500) and ANAC092 (At5g39610)], a UDP‐glucose glucosyltransferase [UGT85A1 (At1g22400)] and a cytidine deaminase [CDA1 (At2g19570)]. These four genes and IAP1 are also required for ARR to Hyaloperonospora parasitica. IAP1 encodes a key component of ARR that acts upstream of SA accumulation and possibly downstream of UGT85A1, CDA1 and the two NAC transcription factors (ANAC055, ANAC092).
A prospective Italian survey on the safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy for respiratory allergy
Authors: Schiappoli M. , Ridolo E. , Senna G. , Alesina R. , Antonicelli L. , Asero R. , Costantino M. T. , Longo R. , Musarra A. , Nettis E. , Crivellaro M. , Savi E. , Massolo A. , Passalacqua G.
Published: May 2009

Background
Subcutaneous immunotherapy is effective for the treatment of respiratory allergy, and it is largely used in Italy, but no systematic safety assessment has been carried out so far.

Objective
To assess prospectively the safety of injection immunotherapy in a multicentre, real‐life survey.

Methods
Eleven Italian allergy departments recorded the clinical characteristics of systemic reactions (SRs) due to immunotherapy. Vaccines were prescribed according to guidelines; only standardized depot extracts were used. SRs were graded according to the EAACI recommendations, and were classified as immediate or delayed.

Results
One thousand seven hundred and thirty‐eight patients (847 males, age range 5–71) received immunotherapy from eight different manufacturers, for a total of 2038 courses (300 patients received two extracts). A total of 60 785 injections were given over a mean immunotherapy duration of 3 years. Overall, 95 reactions were observed in 57 patients (3.28%), corresponding to 4.7% of the courses and 1.56/1000 injections. Twenty‐five patients experienced more than one adverse event. There were 34 grade 2, 60 grade 3 and one grade 4 reactions and no fatality. SRs occurred more frequently in patients with asthma than in patients with rhinitis alone (4.1% vs. 1.1%), and were equally distributed between the build‐up and the maintenance phase. Ragweed and grass extracts caused significantly more side effects than other allergens.

Conclusion
In this large prospective study, the rate of SRs was low, thus confirming that injection immunotherapy has an acceptable risk/benefit ratio when prescribed and carried out according to recommendations.
Retracted: CCR5 blockade in combination with rapamycin prolongs cardiac allograft survival in mice
Authors: Li J , Zhang K , Ye P , Wang S , Xia J
Published: May 2009

Both chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) blockade and rapamycin (rapa) are effective in modulating transplant immunity and led to prolonged allograft survival, yet a great many grafts were ultimately lost to acute rejection. In this study we examined the inhibition of CCR5 in combination with the treatment with rapa in cardiac transplantation. Fully major histocompatibility complex-mismatched murine cardiac allograft models were randomized to five groups. They were administered with anti-CCR5 antibody or control antibody and rapa or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), respectively. An additional group was treated with anti-CCR5 antibody, rapa and anti-CD25 antibody. Allograft rejection was investigated by flow cytometric analyses and enzyme-linked immunospot assay. Allografts treated with anti-CCR5 antibody plus rapa showed significantly prolonged survival (83 ± 3 days, P < 0·001) compared with control antibody plus PBS-treated allografts (6 ± 1 days). Treatment with anti-CCR5 monoclonal antibody (mAb) plus rapa inhibited significantly the progression of chronic rejction. Further analysis of donor hearts in the anti-CCR5 antibody plus rapa-treated group demonstrated increased infiltration of CD4+CD25+forkhead box P3+ regulatory T cells, and depletion of CD25+ cells resulted in acute rejection of allografts in 18 ± 1 day. CCR5 blockade in combination with rapa is effective in preventing acute and chronic rejection in a robust murine model. This effect is mediated by CD25+ T cell recruitment and control of T lymphocyte proliferation.
A pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of delayed‐ and extended‐release hydrocortisone (ChronocortTM) vs. conventional hydrocortisone (CortefTM) in the treatment of congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Verma Somya , VanRyzin Carol , Sinaii Ninet , Kim Mimi S. , Nieman Lynnette K. , Ravindran Shayna , Calis Karim A. , Arlt Wiebke , Ross Richard J. , Merke Deborah P.
Published: May 2009

Objective  Existing glucocorticoid treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is suboptimal and nonphysiological. We compared hormonal profiles during therapy with a new modified‐release hydrocortisone (MR‐HC), Chronocort™, to conventional hydrocortisone (HC), Cortef™, in patients with CAH.

Design and patients  We conducted a Phase 2, open‐label, crossover pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study in 14 patients (out of whom seven were male subjects, age ranging from 17 to 55) with classic 21‐hydroxylase deficiency. One week of thrice daily HC (10, 5 and 15 mg) was followed by 1 month of once daily MR‐HC (30 mg at 22:00 hours). Twenty four‐hour sampling of cortisol, 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (17‐OHP), androstenedione, and ACTH was performed at steady state.

Measurements  The primary outcome measures were 8‐ and 24‐h area under the curve (AUC) hormones and 08:00 hours 17‐OHP.

Results  Hydrocortisone therapy resulted in three cortisol peaks. A single cortisol peak occurred at approximately 06:00 hours on MR‐HC. MR‐HC resulted in significantly (P < 0·001) lower 24‐h afternoon (12:00 to 20:00 hours), and night‐time (20:00 to 04:00 hours) cortisol as compared with HC. From 04:00 to 12:00 hours, when physiological cortisol is highest, cortisol was higher on MR‐HC than HC (P < 0·001). Patients on MR‐HC had significantly (P < 0·05) higher afternoon (12:00 to 20:00 hours) 17‐OHP, androstenedione and ACTH, but significantly (P = 0·025) lower 08:00 hours 17‐OHP. No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions  Modified‐release hydrocortisone represents a promising new treatment for CAH. Overnight adrenal androgens were well‐controlled, but rose in the afternoon with once‐daily dosing suggesting that a morning dose of glucocorticoid is needed. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosing regimen and long‐term clinical outcome.
Effects of woody plant species richness on mammal species richness in southern Africa
Authors: Qian Hong , Kissling W. Daniel , Wang Xianli , Andrews Peter
Published: May 2009

Aim  To determine the relationship between the species richness of woody plants and that of mammals after accounting for the effect of environmental variables.

Location  Southern Africa, including Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and part of Mozambique.

Methods  We used a comprehensive dataset including the species richness of mammals and of woody plants and environmental variables for 118 quadrats (each of 25,000 km2) across southern Africa, and used structural equation models (SEMs) and spatial regressions to examine the relationship between the species richness of woody plants and of mammal trophic guilds (herbivores, insectivores, carni/omnivores) and habitat guilds (aquatic/fossorial, ground‐living, climbers, aerial), after controlling for environment. We compared the results of SEMs with those of single‐predictor regressions (without controlling for environment) and of spatial regressions (controlling for both environment and residual spatial autocorrelation).

Results  The geographical variation of mammal species richness in southern Africa was strongly and positively related to that of woody plant species richness, and this relationship held for most mammal guilds even when the influence of environment and spatial autocorrelation had been accounted for. However, the effect of woody plant species richness on the richness of aquatic/fossorial species almost disappeared after controlling for environment, suggesting that the congruence in species richness patterns between these two groups results from similar responses to the same environmental variables. For many mammal guilds, the relative role of environmental predictors as measured by standardized partial regression coefficients changed depending on whether non‐spatial single‐predictor regressions, non‐spatial SEMs, or spatial regressions were used.

Main conclusions  Woody plants are important determinants of the species richness of most mammal guilds in southern Africa, even when controlling for environment and residual spatial autocorrelation. Environmental correlates with animal species richness as measured by simple correlations or single‐predictor regressions might not always reflect direct effects; they might, at least to some degree, result from indirect effects via woody plants. Interpretations of the strength of the effect of environmental variables on mammal species richness in southern Africa depend largely on whether spatial or non‐spatial models are used. We therefore stress the need for caution when interpreting environmental ‘effects’ on broad‐scale patterns of species richness if spatial and non‐spatial methods yield contrasting results.
Insecticide resistance and detoxifying enzyme activity in the principal bancroftian filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus, in northeastern India
Authors: SARKAR M. , BHATTACHARYYA I. K. , BORKOTOKI A. , GOSWAMI D. , RABHA B. , BARUAH I. , SRIVASTAVA R. B.
Published: May 2009

The insecticide resistance status of Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) to DDT and deltamethrin across army cantonments and neighbouring villages in northeastern India was investigated. In India, DDT is still the insecticide of choice for public health programmes. In military stations, pyrethroids, especially deltamethrins, are used for insecticide‐treated nets (ITNs). Recent information on the levels of resistance to DDT and deltamethrin in mosquito populations of northeastern India is scare. Continued monitoring of insecticide resistance status, identification of the underlying mechanisms of resistance in local mosquito populations and the establishment of a baseline data bank of this information are of prime importance. Insecticide susceptibility assays were performed on wild‐caught adult female Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes to the discriminating doses recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to DDT (4%) and deltamethrin (0.05%). Across all study sites, mortality as a result of DDT varied from 11.9 to 50.0%, as compared with 91.2% in the susceptible laboratory strain (S‐Lab), indicating that Cx. quinquefasciatus is resistant to DDT. The species was found to be 100% susceptible to deltamethrin in all study sites except Benganajuli and Rikamari. Knock‐down times (KDT) in response to deltamethrin varied significantly between study sites (P < 0.01) from 8.3 to 17.8 min for KDT50 and 37.4 to 69.5 min for KDT90. All populations exceeded the threshold level of alpha‐esterase, beta‐esterase and glutathion S‐transferase (GST) established for the S‐Lab susceptible strain, and all populations had 100% elevated esterase and GST activity, except Missamari and Solmara. Beta‐esterase activity in Field Unit II (96.9%) was less than in any of the other populations. Benganajuli had the highest activity level for all the enzymes tested. There was a significant correlation between all enzyme activity levels and insecticide resistance phenotype by populations (P < 0.05). The results presented here provide the first report and baseline information of the insecticide resistance status of Cx. quinquefasciatus in northeastern India, and associated information about biochemical mechanisms that are essential for monitoring the development of insecticide resistance in the area.
UNESCO's doctrine of human diversity: A secular soteriology?
Authors: Stoczkowski Wiktor
Published: May 2009

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was created in 1945, in the aftermath of the Second World War. Its principal mission, as initially defined, was to establish the conditions of peaceful coexistence between nations. This mission was equivalent to an experiment in social engineering on a global scale, which consisted in working out and disseminating a new worldview based on a revised vision of humankind. In this worldview an important place was granted to a particular vision of human diversity, both cultural and genetic. The paper reconstructs the main presuppositions of UNESCO's doctrine of human diversity and examines theirs historical transformations.
Histological characterization of Darier's disease in Tunisian families
Authors: Kassar S , Tounsi‐Kettiti H , Charfeddine C , Zribi H , Bchetnia M , Jerbi E , Mokni M , Osman A BEN , Abdelhak S , Boubaker S
Published: May 2009

Background  Darier's disease (OMIM 124200) is an autosomal‐dominant skin disorder characterized by warty papules and plaques in seborreheic areas, palmo‐plantar pits and distinctive nail abnormalities. The disease has complete penetrance in adults and variable expressivity. It is caused by mutations in the ATP2A2 gene, which encodes the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase type 2 isoform (SERCA2).

Objective  We report histological investigations of six unrelated Tunisian families including 15 affected individuals with Darier's disease mutations.

Results  The typical histological features of Darier's disease have been observed in the 15 patients. Variable histological features have been observed among Tunisian patients ranging from mild to moderate lesions of Darier's disease. A significant correlation has been observed between the clinical presentation of the Darier's disease (mild or moderate) and the intensity of the histological features. Isolated acral form of Darier's disease was seen in one case. Two distinct original associations have been observed: Darier's disease/pemphigus vulgaris in one patient and Darier's disease/ichtyosis in the other patient.

Conclusion  Our findings confirmed the clinical heterogeneity of Darier's disease on the basis of histological study. The intensity of the histological features could be closely correlated to the severity of Darier's disease clinical presentation.