bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in 2 pediatric neurosurgery patients with brainstem ependymoma
Authors: Hayden Gephart Melanie G. , Taft Bonnie P. , Giese Anne-Katrin , Guzman Raphael , Edwards Michael S. B.
Published: March 2011

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been described in pediatric neurooncology patients, although it has not been documented perioperatively in pediatric neurosurgery patients not actively receiving chemotherapy. Recently at the authors' facility, 2 cases of PRES were diagnosed perioperatively in children with brainstem ependymoma. Both patients had presented with hypertension, altered mental status, and seizures and demonstrated MR imaging features consistent with PRES. The patients were treated with antiseizure and antihypertension medications, leading to improvement in both clinical symptoms and neuroimaging findings. These cases are the first to document PRES in perioperative pediatric neurosurgery patients not actively receiving chemotherapy. Both patients had ependymoma involving the brainstem, which may have led to intra- and perioperative hemodynamic instability (including hypertension) and predisposed them to this syndrome. An awareness of PRES in similar scenarios will aid in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric neurosurgery patients with this syndrome.
Surgical treatment of trigonocephaly: technique and long-term results in 48 cases
Authors: Ozlen Fatma , Kafadar Ali Metin , Abuzayed Bashar , Ulu Mustafa Onur , Isler Cihan , Dashti Reza , Erdincler Pamir
Published: March 2011

Object

The authors present their experience in the surgical treatment of metopic synostosis by orbital bandeau remodeling and frontal bone rotation. The pitfalls and advantages of the surgical technique are discussed, along with the long-term clinical results in 48 consecutive cases.

Methods

Forty-eight consecutive patients in whom trigonocephaly was diagnosed between 1990 and 2009 were treated with frontal bone rotation and frontoorbital bandeau remodeling. Of these patients, 38 (79%) were boys and 10 (21%) were girls. The age at the time of surgical treatment ranged between 4 and 42 months (mean ± SD 11.4 ± 8.7 months). The average follow-up period was 5.5 ± 4.2 years (range 5 months–19 years). The preoperative and latest postoperative photographs of the patients were evaluated for the following features: 1) shape of the forehead; 2) hypotelorism; and 3) temporal depression. Scores of 0, 1, or 2 were assigned for each item: 0 was normal, 1 meant moderate deformity, and 2 denoted severe deformity.

Results

In the early postoperative period, no complications were documented. The average hospitalization period was 4 days. Follow-up radiographs or 3D CT scans were obtained at regular intervals. The mean preoperative scores for the evaluated items were 1.38 ± 0.49 for the shape of the forehead, 1.33 ± 0.48 for hypotelorism, and 1.7 ± 0.46 for the temporal depression. The mean postoperative scores were 0.06 ± 0.24 for the shape of the forehead, 0.21 ± 0.4 for hypotelorism, and 0.67 ± 0.48 for the temporal depression. Overall, the total preoperative score dropped from 4.4 to 0.93 postoperatively (p < 0.05). All the patients were contented with the cosmetic results.

Conclusions

Early detection and treatment of metopic suture synostosis has a significant, favorable influence on the outcomes. Good understanding of the structural abnormality and the pathophysiological mechanisms of the possible complications is very important for performing proper surgical reconstruction.
The first description of Chiari I malformation with intuitive correlation between tonsillar ectopia and syringomyelia
Authors: Mortazavi Martin M. , Tubbs R. Shane , Brockerhoff Maja Andrea , Loukas Marios , Oakes W. Jerry
Published: March 2011

Few are familiar with the neurological contributions of the German pathologist Theodor Langhans. Even fewer are aware of his significant and early contributions to the study of what is now known as the Chiari I malformation. In at least 4 cases, Langhans described the association between tonsillar ectopia and syringomyelia. Moreover, this early pioneer speculated that there was a cause and effect with hindbrain herniation resulting in improper flow at the craniocervical junction and consequent development of syringomyelia. These cases were reported prior to Hans Chiari's descriptions, and Langhans' theory of impeded foramen magnum flow as a cause of syringomyelia was novel and preceded the current understanding of this mechanism by almost a century. The authors discuss the life of Langhans and translate excerpts from his 1881 work regarding tonsillar ectopia and syringomyelia.
Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: pathogenesis, management, and current surgical approaches
Authors: Smith Zachary A. , Buchanan Colin C. , Raphael Dan , Khoo Larry T.
Published: March 2011

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is an important cause of cervical myelopathy that results from bony ossification of the cervical or thoracic posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL). It has been estimated that nearly 25% of patients with cervical myelopathy will have features of OPLL. Patients commonly present in their mid-40s or 50s with clinical evidence of myelopathy. On MR and CT imaging, this can be seen as areas of ossification that commonly coalesce behind the cervical vertebral bodies, leading to direct ventral compression of the cord. While MR imaging will commonly demonstrate associated changes in the soft tissue, CT scanning will better define areas of ossification. This can also provide the clinician with evidence of possible dural ossification. The surgical management of OPLL remains a challenge to spine surgeons. Surgical alternatives include anterior, posterior, or circumferential decompression and/or stabilization. Anterior cervical stabilization options include cervical corpectomy or multilevel anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion, while posterior stabilization approaches include instrumented or noninstrumented fusion or laminoplasty. Each of these approaches has distinct advantages and disadvantages. While anterior approaches may provide more direct decompression and best improve myelopathy scores, there is soft-tissue morbidity associated with the anterior approach. Posterior approaches, including laminectomy and fusion and laminoplasty, may be well tolerated in older patients. However, there often is associated axial neck pain and less improvement in myelopathy scores. In this review, the authors discuss the epidemiology, imaging findings, and clinical presentation of OPLL. The authors additionally discuss the merits of the different surgical techniques in the management of this challenging disease.
Diffusion tensor imaging in the assessment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: a report on preliminary results in 3 cases and review of the literature
Authors: Jones Jesse , Lerner Alexander , Kim Paul E. , Law Meng , Hsieh Patrick C.
Published: March 2011

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a common neurosurgical disease that carries high morbidity. OPLL and other degenerative processes cause narrowing of the central canal, with subsequent spinal cord injury. Repeated minor trauma and vascular aberrations have been purported to underlie cervical spondylotic myelopathy, although the exact pathophysiological mechanism is unclear. Regardless, detection of early axonal damage may allow more timely surgical intervention and prediction of functional outcome. Diffusion tensor (DT) imaging of the cervical spine is a novel technique with improved sensitivity compared with conventional anatomical MR imaging that is currently available on most clinical scanners. This review describes the theoretical basis, application, and analysis of DT imaging as it pertains to neurosurgery. Particular emphasis is placed on OPLL.
Non-valvular cardiovascular device infection
Authors: Siddique Md Abu , Salman Mohammad
Published: March 2011

DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v6i1.7180University Heart Journal Vol.6(1) 2010 pp.1-2
Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Clinical Profile of 100 Patients
Authors: Banerjee Sajal K , Rahman Fazlur , Salman Mohammad , Siddique Md Abu , Zaman SM Mustafa , Anam Khairul , Rahman Mukhlesur , Ahmed Md Khurshed , Rasheed MA , Akhter Nargis , Faruque M , Jamiluddin Mir , Hoque ME , Haque KMHS Sirajul , Hoque Md Harisul
Published: March 2011

Clinicians continue to face the challenges of identifying and treating the idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy to improve symptoms and survival. A study on idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy was done in the Department of Cardiology, University Cardiac Center, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, from January 2004 to December 2009. The aim of this study was to examine clinical profile of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The age range was 18 to 65 years and 70% subjects were male. Most common symptom was dyspnea (86%) and cough (75%). 75% subjects had sinus tachycardia, 42% had ventricular ectopics and 40% had left bundle branch block. Mean diastolic dimension was 60±9 mm, ejection fraction was 28±8%, left atrial dimension was 40±6 mm and 36% were having mitral regurgitation. Left ventricular failure (75%) and various type of arrhythmias (62%) were the main complications. 8% subjects were died during hospital stay. Hence the clinical presentation of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy varies from patient to patient, but most patients present later, i.e. at some point in the spectrum of heart failure. Key words: Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy; left ventricular failure; ventricular ectopics. DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v6i1.7182University Heart Journal Vol.6(1) 2010 pp.9-12
Incidence of 'Precordial ST-Segment Depression' in Acute Inferior Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Khalil Md Mobashir , Rahman AKM Fazlur , Ahmed Chowdhury Meshkat , Iqbal Shah Md , Haque KMHS Sirajul
Published: March 2011

Patients of acute inferior myocardial infarction, in addition to the ST segment elevation in inferior leads often have ST segment depression in the precordial leads. This study was performed to observe the incidence of these ‘reciprocal’ ST changes. One hundred consecutive acute inferior myocardial infarction patients were included in the study. They were further allocated to two electrocardiographic groups. Group 1 consisted of patients of acute inferior myocardial infarction with precordial ST segment depression & Group 2 consisted of patients of acute inferior myocardial infarction without precordial ST segment depression. Among the 100 consecutive patients, a large number of patients were included in group 1 (76%). Significant number of patients of group 1 belonged to the age group of above 60 years compared to group 2 (27.6% vs. 4.2%; p < .02). Conversely significantly higher number of younger patients ≤ 40 years belonged to group 2 (41.7% vs. 11.9%; p < .01). Mean ST segment elevation (mm) was also significantly higher in group 1 than group 2 (4.07 ± 1.93 vs. 2 ± 0.78; p <.001). The patients of acute inferior myocardial infarction thus show a significant number of ST segment depression in their precordial leads. In different studies these subset of patients showed increased morbidity and mortality. Key words: acute inferior myocardial infarction; precordial ST segment depression. DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v6i1.7185University Heart Journal Vol.6(1) 2010 pp.21-22
Cardiac syndrome X  a challenge for Cardiologist
Authors: Fatema Nilufar , Haque KMHS Sirajul , Siddique Md Abu , Banerjee Sajal , Rahman Fazlur , Ahmed Md Khurshed , Sultan Md Ashraf Uddin , Salam Md Abdus , Ahmed Sheikh Foyez , Shameem Md Kibriya , Zamam SM Mustafa , Hoque Md Harisul
Published: March 2011

Cardiac syndrome X is a multifactorial disorder. A triad of angina pectoris, positive exercise tolerance test (ETT) and angiographically normal epicardial coronary arteries, is called Cardiac syndrome X. Though the normal epicardial coronary arteries, patients present with debilitating chest pain which increases morbidity and poor quality of life. The particular cause of Cardiac syndrome X is still unknown. Many large trails are on going to detect exact pathogenesis of this condition. A multiple treatment regimens may reduce the morbidity and improve the quality of life of these patients. Key words: Angina pectoris; exercise tolerance test. DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v6i1.7188University Heart Journal Vol.6(1) 2010 pp.32-34
Tetralogy of Fallot with Absent Pulmonary Valve - A Case Report
Authors: Rahman Md Mazibur
Published: March 2011

A 25 years male patient of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with congenital absent of pulmonary valve (APV) presented with symptoms of palpitation and exertional respiratory distress without congestive heart failure. He underwent successful repair of intracardiac defects. The procedures consisted of patch closure of ventricular septal defect and right. ventricular outflow tract reconstruction with a monocusp transannular patch. Resection or plication of dilated pulmonary artery was not required. The patient is doing well without any symptoms. Key words: Tetralogy of Fallot; Absent pulmonary valve DOI: 10.3329/uhj.v6i1.7197University Heart Journal Vol.6(1) 2010 pp.48-50
Fluidized Bed Gasification as a Mature And Reliable Technology for the Production of Bio-Syngas and Applied in the Production of Liquid Transportation Fuels—A Review
Authors: Siedlecki Marcin , De Jong Wiebren , Verkooijen Adrian H.M.
Published: March 2011

Biomass is one of the renewable and potentially sustainable energy sources and has many possible applications varying from heat generation to the production of advanced secondary energy carriers. The latter option would allow mobile services like the transportation sector to reduce its dependency on the fossil fuel supply. This article reviews the state-of-the-art of the fluidization technology applied for the gasification of biomass aimed at the production of gas for subsequent synthesis of the liquid energy carriers via, e.g., the Fischer-Tropsch process. It discusses the advantages of the gasification technology over combustion, considers the size of the conversion plant in view of the local biomass availability, assesses the pros and cons of different gasifier types in view of the application of the product gas. Subsequently the article focuses on the fluidized bed technology to discuss the main process parameters and their influence on the product composition and the operability of the gasifier. Finally a synthesis process (FT) is introduced shortly to illustrate the necessary gas cleaning steps in view of the purity requirements for the FT feed gas.
Old-growth Forests: Anatomy of a Wicked Problem
Authors: Pesklevits Anthony , Duinker Peter N. , Bush Peter G.
Published: March 2011

Old-growth forest is an often-used term that seems to be intuitively understood by ecologists and forest managers, and the wide-ranging discussion of its social and ecological values suggests it has currency among the general public as well. However, a decades-long discourse regarding a generally acceptable definition of old-growth, in both conceptual and practical terms, has gone largely unresolved. This is partially because old-growth is simultaneously an ecological state, a value-laden social concept, and a polarizing political phenomenon, each facet of its identity influencing the others in complex ways. However, the public, scientific, and management discourse on old-growth has also suffered from simplifying tendencies which are at odds with old-growth’s inherently complex nature. Such complexity confounds simple or rationalistic management approaches, and the forest management arena has witnessed the collision of impassioned and contradictory opinions on the ‘right way’ to manage old-growth forests, ranging from strict preservationism to utilitarian indifference. What is clear is that management approaches that circumvent, trivialize, eliminate, or ignore old-growth’s inherent complexity may do so at the expense of the very characteristics from which old-growth derives its perceived value. We explore the paradoxes presented by the various approaches to old-growth description and definition and present some plausible paths forward for old-growth theory and management, with a particular focus on managed forests.
Recent Contributions of Air- and Biomarkers to the Control of Secondhand Smoke (SHS): A Review
Authors: Prignot Jacques J.
Published: March 2011

Since the publication of the US Surgeon General Reports in 1996 and 2006 and the report of the California Environmental Protection Agency in 1999, many reports have appeared on the contribution of air and biomarkers to different facets of the secondhand smoke (SHS) issue, which are the targets of this review. These recent studies have allowed earlier epidemiological surveys to be biologically validated, and their plausibility demonstrated, quantified the levels of exposure to SHS before the bans in various environments, showed the deficiencies of mechanical control methods and of partial bans and the frequently correct implementation of the efficient total bans. More stringent regulation remains necessary in the public domain (workplaces, hospitality venues, transport sector, etc.) in many countries. Personal voluntary protection efforts against SHS are also needed in the private domain (homes, private cars). The effects of SHS on the cardiovascular, respiratory and neuropsychic systems, on pregnancy and fertility, on cancers and on SHS genotoxicity are confirmed through experimental human studies and through the relationship between markers and prevalence of disease or of markers of disease risk.
Mercury Levels in an Urban Pregnant Population in Durham County, North Carolina
Authors: Miranda Marie Lynn , Edwards Sharon , Maxson Pamela J.
Published: March 2011

The adverse effects of prenatal mercury exposure, most commonly resulting from maternal fish consumption, have been detected at very low exposure levels. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, however, have been shown to support fetal brain and vision development. Using data from a prospective, cohort study of pregnant women from an inland area in the US South, we sought to understand the fish consumption habits and associated mercury levels across subpopulations. Over 30% of women had at least 1 µg/L of mercury in their blood, and about 2% had blood mercury levels above the level of concern during pregnancy (≥3.5 µg/L). Mercury levels were higher among Asian/Pacific Islander, older, higher educated, and married women. Fish consumption from any source was reported by 2/3 of the women in our study, with older women more likely to consume fish. Despite eating more fish meals per week, lower income, lower educated women had lower blood mercury levels than higher income, higher educated women. This suggests the different demographic groups consume different types of fish. Encouraging increased fish consumption while minimizing mercury exposure requires careful crafting of a complex health message.
Light-Emitting Devices with Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Deng Xian-Yu
Published: March 2011

This article introduces a previous study and tremendous progress in basic theoretical modeling, material developments and device engineering for polymer light-emitting devices (PLEDs).
Combined 3D-QSAR Modeling and Molecular Docking Studies on Pyrrole-Indolin-2-ones as Aurora A Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Ai Yong , Wang Shao-Teng , Sun Ping-Hua , Song Fa-Jun
Published: March 2011

Aurora kinases have emerged as attractive targets for the design of anticancer drugs. 3D-QSAR (comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA)) and Surflex-docking studies were performed on a series of pyrrole-indoline-2-ones as Aurora A inhibitors. The CoMFA and CoMSIA models using 25 inhibitors in the training set gave r2cv values of 0.726 and 0.566, and r2 values of 0.972 and 0.984, respectively. The adapted alignment method with the suitable parameters resulted in reliable models. The contour maps produced by the CoMFA and CoMSIA models were employed to rationalize the key structural requirements responsible for the activity. Surflex-docking studies revealed that the sulfo group, secondary amine group on indolin-2-one, and carbonyl of 6,7-dihydro-1H-indol-4(5H)-one groups were significant for binding to the receptor, and some essential features were also identified. Based on the 3D-QSAR and docking results, a set of new molecules with high predicted activities were designed.
Trust, Privacy, and Frame Problems in Social and Business E-Networks, Part 1
Authors: Buechner Jeff
Published: March 2011

Privacy issues in social and business e-networks are daunting in complexity—private information about oneself might be routed through countless artificial agents. For each such agent, in that context, two questions about trust are raised: Where an agent must access (or store) personal information, can one trust that artificial agent with that information and, where an agent does not need to either access or store personal information, can one trust that agent not to either access or store that information? It would be an infeasible task for any human being to explicitly determine, for each artificial agent, whether it can be trusted. That is, no human being has the computational resources to make such an explicit determination. There is a well-known class of problems in the artificial intelligence literature, known as frame problems, where explicit solutions to them are computationally infeasible. Human common sense reasoning solves frame problems, though the mechanisms employed are largely unknown. I will argue that the trust relation between two agents (human or artificial) functions, in some respects, is a frame problem solution. That is, a problem is solved without the need for a computationally infeasible explicit solution. This is an aspect of the trust relation that has remained unexplored in the literature. Moreover, there is a formal, iterative structure to agent-agent trust interactions that serves to establish the trust relation non-circularly, to reinforce it, and to “bootstrap” its strength.
Self-Assembly of Microscale Parts through Magnetic and Capillary Interactions
Authors: Morris Christopher J. , Isaacson Brian , Grapes Michael D. , Dubey Madan
Published: March 2011

Self-assembly is a promising technique to overcome fundamental limitations with integrating, packaging, and general handling of individual electronic-related components with characteristic lengths significantly smaller than 1 mm. Here we describe the use of magnetic and capillary forces to self-assemble 280 µm sized silicon building blocks into interconnected structures which approach a three-dimensional crystalline configuration. Integrated permanent magnet microstructures provided magnetic forces, while a low-melting-point solder alloy provided capillary forces. A finite element model of forces between the magnetic features demonstrated the utility of magnetic forces at this size scale. Despite a slight departure from designed dimensions in the actual fabricated parts, the combination of magnetic and capillary forces improved the assembly yield to 8%, over approximately 0.1% achieved previously with capillary forces alone.
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(3-hexylthiophene)-b-Polystyrene for Photovoltaic Application
Authors: Gu Zhijie , Tan Ying , Tsuchiya Kousuke , Shimomura Takeshi , Ogino Kenji
Published: March 2011

Poly(3-hexylthiophene)-block-polystyrene (P3HT-b-PS) was synthesized by Suzuki coupling reaction between P3HT and PS, prepared by Grignard metathesis polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), respectively. The formation of block copolymer was confirmed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and NMR. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermogram of block copolymers showed glass transition of PS block and melting/crystallization of P3HT block, suggesting a microphase separated structure, which was also confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) images and UV-vis absorption spectra. The annealing effect on the morphology of the composite films consisting of P3HT-b-PS and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) was investigated. Photovoltaic cells fabricated using P3HT-b-PS and PCBM were evaluated.
PLGA-Based Microparticles for the Sustained Release of BMP-2
Authors: Kirby Giles T. S. , White Lisa J. , Rahman Cheryl V. , Cox Helen C. , Qutachi Omar , Rose Felicity R. A. J. , Hutmacher Dietmar W. , Shakesheff Kevin M. , Woodruff Maria A.
Published: March 2011

The development of growth factor delivery strategies to circumvent the burst release phenomenon prevalent in most current systems has driven research towards encapsulating molecules in resorbable polymer matrices. For these polymer release techniques to be efficacious in a clinical setting, several key points need to be addressed. This present study has investigated the encapsulation of the growth factor, BMP-2 within PLGA/PLGA-PEG-PLGA microparticles. Morphology, size distribution, encapsulation efficiency and release kinetics were investigated and we have demonstrated a sustained release of bioactive BMP-2. Furthermore, biocompatibility of the PLGA microparticles was established and released BMP-2 was shown to promote the differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells towards the osteogenic lineage to a greater extent than osteogenic supplements (as early as day 10 in culture), as determined using alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red assays. This study showcases a potential BMP-2 delivery system which may now be translated into more complex delivery systems, such as 3D, mechanically robust scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration applications.
Mapping Fish Community Variables by Integrating Field and Satellite Data, Object-Based Image Analysis and Modeling in a Traditional Fijian Fisheries Management Area
Authors: Knudby Anders , Roelfsema Chris , Lyons Mitchell , Phinn Stuart , Jupiter Stacy
Published: March 2011

The use of marine spatial planning for zoning multi-use areas is growing in both developed and developing countries. Comprehensive maps of marine resources, including those important for local fisheries management and biodiversity conservation, provide a crucial foundation of information for the planning process. Using a combination of field and high spatial resolution satellite data, we use an empirical procedure to create a bathymetric map (RMSE 1.76 m) and object-based image analysis to produce accurate maps of geomorphic and benthic coral reef classes (Kappa values of 0.80 and 0.63; 9 and 33 classes, respectively) covering a large (>260 km2) traditional fisheries management area in Fiji. From these maps, we derive per-pixel information on habitat richness, structural complexity, coral cover and the distance from land, and use these variables as input in models to predict fish species richness, diversity and biomass. We show that random forest models outperform five other model types, and that all three fish community variables can be satisfactorily predicted from the high spatial resolution satellite data. We also show geomorphic zone to be the most important predictor on average, with secondary contributions from a range of other variables including benthic class, depth, distance from land, and live coral cover mapped at coarse spatial scales, suggesting that data with lower spatial resolution and lower cost may be sufficient for spatial predictions of the three fish community variables.
Advantages of the Boresight Effect in Hyperspectral Data Analysis
Authors: Brook Anna , Ben-Dor Eyal
Published: March 2011

Dual pushbroom hyperspectral sensors consist of two different instruments (covering different wavelengths) that are usually mounted on the same optical bench. This configuration leads to problems, such as co-registration of pixels and squint of the field of view, known as the boresight effect. Determination of image-orientation parameters is due to the combination of an inertial measurement system (IMU) and global position system (GPS). The different positions of the IMU, the GPS antenna and the imaging sensors cause the orientation and boresight effect. Any small change in the correction of the internal orientation affects the co-registration between images extracted from the two instruments. Correcting the boresight effect is a key and almost automatic task performed by all dual-system users to better analyze the full spectral information of a given pixel. Thus, the boresight effect is considered to be noise in the system and a problem that needs to be corrected prior to any (thematic) data analysis. We propose using the boresight effect, prior to its correction, as a tool to monitor and detect spectral phenomena that can provide additional information not present in the corrected images. The advantage of using this effect was investigated with the AISA-Dual sensor, composed of an EAGLE sensor for the VIS-NIR (VNIR) region (400–970 nm) and HAWK for the SWIR region (980–2,450 nm). During the course of more than six years of operating this sensor, we have found that the boresight effect provides a new capacity to analyze hyperspectral data, reported herein. Accordingly, we generated a protocol to use this effect for three applications: (1) enhancing the shadow effect; (2) generating a 3-D view; and (3) better detecting spectral/spatial anomalies based on sub-pixel edge detection. This paper provides examples of these applications and suggests possible uses from an airborne platform.
Study of Temperature Characteristics of Micromachined Suspended Coplanar Waveguides for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Li Lijie , Liu Zhuming
Published: March 2011

In the recent development on biosensors, coplanar waveguide based microwave dielectric sensors have been attracting more and more attentions. In this paper, microwave performance of a suspended coplanar waveguide subject to temperature variations, particularly in a small range, is studied. The prototype is realized through a MEMS fabrication foundry. The thermal transfer analysis of the device is conducted using finite element method, and the microwave properties of the device are characterized. One of the results shows that at 20 GHz, the S11 has decreased by 7.4%, and S21 has increased by 3.5% when the voltage applied to the heaters varies from 9 V to 29 V.
New Generation Sensor Web Enablement
Authors: Bröring Arne , Echterhoff Johannes , Jirka Simon , Simonis Ingo , Everding Thomas , Stasch Christoph , Liang Steve , Lemmens Rob
Published: March 2011

Many sensor networks have been deployed to monitor Earth’s environment, and more will follow in the future. Environmental sensors have improved continuously by becoming smaller, cheaper, and more intelligent. Due to the large number of sensor manufacturers and differing accompanying protocols, integrating diverse sensors into observation systems is not straightforward. A coherent infrastructure is needed to treat sensors in an interoperable, platform-independent and uniform way. The concept of the Sensor Web reflects such a kind of infrastructure for sharing, finding, and accessing sensors and their data across different applications. It hides the heterogeneous sensor hardware and communication protocols from the applications built on top of it. The Sensor Web Enablement initiative of the Open Geospatial Consortium standardizes web service interfaces and data encodings which can be used as building blocks for a Sensor Web. This article illustrates and analyzes the recent developments of the new generation of the Sensor Web Enablement specification framework. Further, we relate the Sensor Web to other emerging concepts such as the Web of Things and point out challenges and resulting future work topics for research on Sensor Web Enablement.
A Nanosensor for TNT Detection Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Holthoff Ellen L. , Stratis-Cullum Dimitra N. , Hankus Mikella E.
Published: March 2011

We report on a new sensor strategy that integrates molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The sensor was developed to detect the explosive, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). Micron thick films of sol gel-derived xerogels were deposited on a SERS-active surface as the sensing layer. Xerogels were molecularly imprinted for TNT using non-covalent interactions with the polymer matrix. Binding of the TNT within the polymer matrix results in unique SERS bands, which allow for detection and identification of the molecule in the MIP. This MIP-SERS sensor exhibits an apparent dissociation constant of (2.3 ± 0.3) × 10−5 M for TNT and a 3 µM detection limit. The response to TNT is reversible and the sensor is stable for at least 6 months. Key challenges, including developing a MIP formulation that is stable and integrated with the SERS substrate, and ensuring the MIP does not mask the spectral features of the target analyte through SERS polymer background, were successfully met. The results also suggest the MIP-SERS protocol can be extended to other target analytes of interest.
The disentangled bank: How loss of habitat fragments and disassembles ecological networks
Authors: Gonzalez Andrew , Rayfield Bronwyn , Lindo Zoë
Published: March 2011

Habitat transformation is one of the leading causes of changes in biodiversity and the breakdown of ecosystem function and services. The impacts of habitat transformation on biodiversity are complex and can be difficult to test and demonstrate. Network approaches to biodiversity science have provided a powerful set of tools and models that are beginning to present new insight into the structural and functional effects of habitat transformation on complex ecological systems. We propose a framework for studying the ways in which habitat loss and fragmentation jointly affect biodiversity by altering both habitat and ecological interaction networks. That is, the explicit study of “networks of networks” is required to understand the impacts of habitat change on biodiversity. We conduct a broad review of network methods and results, with the aim of revealing the common approaches used by landscape ecology and community ecology. We find that while a lot is known about the consequences of habitat transformation for habitat network topology and for the structure and function of simple antagonistic and mutualistic interaction networks, few studies have evaluated the consequences for large interaction networks with complex and spatially explicit architectures. Moreover, almost no studies have been focused on the continuous feedback between the spatial structure and dynamics of the habitat network and the structure and dynamics of the interaction networks inhabiting the habitat network. We conclude that theory and experiments that tackle the ecology of networks of networks are needed to provide a deeper understanding of biodiversity change in fragmented landscapes.
Linking biodiversity patterns by autocorrelated random sampling
Authors: McGill Brian J.
Published: March 2011

Biodiversity macroecology deals with the commonly measured variables of abundance, distribution, occupancy, and range size across two scales: the local (or α) and regional (γ). There are ca. 15 patterns consisting of the frequency distributions of the variables, variables as a function of area or sample size, and interrelationships between variables that appear to be very general if not close to universal. A number of links can be drawn between these patterns. In particular, I show that local communities can be seen as random samples of the regional pool, but only as a special form of sampling that is autocorrelated due to the spatial clumping of individuals within a species. I describe two distinct sets of mathematical machinery that can start with the regional species abundance distribution and then predict local species richness, local species abundance distributions, and β‐diversity (in the form of species area relationships or decay of similarity with distance). I conclude by examining some of the implications of the fact that biodiversity patterns are linked by autocorrelated sampling.
Circulating Dickkopf-1 Is Correlated with Bone Erosion and Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: WANG SHI-YAO , LIU YAN-YING , YE HUA , GUO JIAN-PING , LI RU , LIU XIA , LI ZHAN-GUO
Published: March 2011

Objective.

To explore the potential role of Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to evaluate the effect of a tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitor (infliximab) and an interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra; anakinra) on DKK-1 secretion in patients with RA.

Methods.

Serum samples were collected from 100 patients with RA, 100 patients with other rheumatic diseases (e.g., osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis), and 40 healthy controls. DKK-1 and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels in serum were detected by ELISA. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF) titers, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody were also measured in patients with RA.

Results.

The serum level of DKK-1 was significantly higher in patients with RA than in healthy controls and those with other rheumatic diseases (p < 0.01); the serum DKK-1 level was correlated with levels of CRP (r = 0.488, p = 0.003) and ESR (r = 0.458, p = 2.4 x 10−4) and the Sharp score of radiologic change (r = 0.449, p = 0.001) in RA. In contrast to the increasing level of OPG, DKK-1 was significantly decreased in RA patients treated with TNF-α inhibitor (p < 0.01). DKK-1 was significantly decreased in RA patients treated with IL-1Ra (p < 0.01).

Conclusion.

DKK-1, as an important mediator, was correlated with bone erosion and inflammation in RA. The change of DKK-1 level may serve as a biomarker of disease activity and bone erosion.
Classification of Odontoid Destruction in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Using Reconstructed Computed Tomography: Reference to Vertical Migration
Authors: SHIMADA HIROFUMI , ABEMATSU MASAHIKO , ISHIDO YASUHIRO , KAWAMURA ICHIRO , TOMINAGA HIROYUKI , ZENMYO MICHIHISA , YAMAMOTO TAKUYA , TAKETOMI EIJI , KOMIYA SETSURO , IJIRI KOSEI
Published: March 2011

Objective.

To reveal the factors that determine the natural course of subluxation of occipital-cervical lesions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The atlanto-axial region is one of the most common locations for lesions in RA. Some cases progress from reducible atlanto-axial subluxation (AAS) to irreducible vertical migration, while others continue to exhibit reducible AAS. No study has revealed the factors that determine the natural course of subluxation. We focus on the odontoid as a key structure of the progression of occipito-cervical lesions and investigated this region in patients with RA using reconstructive computed tomography (CT) images, and analyzed factors in association with CT findings.

Methods.

Fifty-eight patients with RA and 40 age-matched controls, all women, were studied. Associated factors, including C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, steroid usage, and the severity of local osteoporosis, were analyzed as measurements in association with odontoid destruction.

Results.

The destruction of odontoid and atlanto-odontoid joint were common in patients with RA. The more destruction observed in the odontoid process, the greater is the degree of progression of vertical migration. Local osteoporosis is a significant factor in odontoid destruction, based on a cortico-cancellous index of 42% in cases of grade III odontoid destruction.

Conclusion.

The odontoid process is a key structure in the progression of occipito-cervical lesions in patients with RA.
Thrombovascular Events Affect Quality of Life in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: BALITSKY AMARIS K. , PEEVA VALENTINA , SU JIANDONG , AGHDASSI ELAHEH , YEO ERIC , GLADMAN DAFNA D. , UROWITZ MURRAY B. , FORTIN PAUL R.
Published: March 2011

Objective.

To compare health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with and without previous thrombovascular events (TE).

Methods.

The Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36) was used to assess HRQOL in 5 patient groups: (1) primary APS (PAPS; n = 35); (2) APS associated to SLE (SAPS; n = 37); (3) SLE+TE without persistent positive antiphospholipid antibody (SLE+TE–aPL; n = 75); (4) SLE–TE+aPL (n = 71); and (5) SLE–TE–aPL (n = 608).

Results.

The data on both mental component summary and physical component summary (PCS) scores showed an impaired quality of life in all patient groups. Patients in the SLE+TE–aPL group had a lower PCS score compared to patients in the SLE–TE+aPL group.

Conclusion.

The combination of SLE and TE has a more negative influence on reported HRQOL, compared to having SLE or APS alone.
Healthcare Costs of Inflammatory Myopathies
Authors: BERNATSKY SASHA , PANOPALIS PANTELIS , PINEAU CHRISTIAN A. , HUDSON MARIE , ST. PIERRE YVAN , CLARKE ANN E.
Published: March 2011

Objective.

Little information exists regarding the economic burden related to inflammatory myopathies. Our objective was to estimate health services costs in a large, unselected, population-based sample of patients with inflammatory myopathies.

Methods.

We identified subjects with polymyositis and dermatomyositis from administrative healthcare databases (covering all beneficiaries, about 7.5 million) in Quebec province, Canada. Average estimates of health services costs (physician visits, diagnostic tests and procedures, outpatient surgeries and procedures, acute care hospitalizations) for 2003 were calculated by multiplying health service use levels by the appropriate unit prices, determined from government fee schedules and other sources. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to establish whether specific factors (age, sex, disease duration, region of residence, socioeconomic status, type of myositis, disease severity) were associated with cost.

Results.

We identified 1102 subjects with inflammatory myopathy from January 1, 1989, to January 1, 2003. About two-thirds were women (68.9%); average age at case ascertainment was 57.4 years (SD 18.4). The average cost of all reimbursed health services, in 2008 Canadian dollars, was $4099 per patient (SD $9639). Costs increased with age, and were highest early in the disease course. Greater disease severity (defined as the need for prior hospitalization for myositis) was also a strong predictor of both physician costs and total costs.

Conclusion.

These results indicate significant economic burden related to inflammatory myopathies, with important demographic predictors. Our estimates suggest that the health services costs in inflammatory myopathies may equal, or exceed, those of other serious diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis.
Composite Measures in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Report from the GRAPPA 2009 Annual Meeting
Authors: HELLIWELL PHILIP S. , FITZGERALD OLIVER , STRAND C. VIBEKE , MEASE PHILIP J.
Published: March 2011

A composite measure is one way of incorporating an assessment of all relevant clinical outcomes into one single measure. By definition it incorporates several dimensions of disease status often by combining these different domains into a single score. Such instruments are well established in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and these RA-specific measures have successfully been adopted for use in clinical trials involving patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, the need for a more PsA-specific composite measure has led to a number of proposals, which, for the large part, incorporate only peripheral articular disease activity. New indices that combine the diverse clinical manifestations of PsA are now under development. These issues were discussed at the 2009 annual meeting of GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis) in Stockholm, Sweden, and are summarized here.
Inflammatory Musculoskeletal Disease: Identification and Assessment
Authors: MEASE PHILIP J.
Published: March 2011

Diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is complex because not all patients with psoriasis and musculoskeletal symptoms of pain, stiffness, and dysfunction have PsA. Instead, they may have other inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or septic arthritis, or noninflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, recurrent tendonitis, mechanical back pain, or a myriad other musculoskeletal conditions. To acquire skill in diagnosing and monitoring the disease course of PsA, a clinician must recognize that there are multiple clinical domains that may be affected, including peripheral joints, entheseal insertion sites, dactylitis, and the spine. They must also appreciate the clinical features (history and physical examination) that are characteristic of immunologic inflammation and know how to utilize and interpret laboratory and imaging studies. Rheumatologists are expected to be skilled in these assessments. It is also helpful for dermatologists, primary care physicians, and other clinicians who work with psoriasis patients to have a working knowledge of assessments in PsA in order to identify and triage the patient for optimal management. Features that assist identification and assessment of PsA are reviewed in this article.
Current Challenges in the Genetics of Psoriatic Arthritis: A Report from the GRAPPA 2009 Annual Meeting
Authors: RAHMAN PROTON
Published: March 2011

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are heterogeneous diseases. While both have a strong genetic basis, it is strongest for PsA, where fewer investigators are studying its genetics. Over the last year the number of independent genetic loci associated with psoriasis has substantially increased, mostly due to completion of multiple genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in psoriasis. At least 2 GWAS efforts are now under way in PsA to identify novel genes in this disease; a metaanalysis of genome-wide scans and further studies must follow to examine the genetics of disease expression, epistatic interaction, and gene-environment interaction. In the long term, it is anticipated that genome-wide sequencing is likely to generate another wave of novel genes in PsA. At the annual meeting of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2009, members discussed issues and challenges regarding the advancement of the genetics of PsA; results of those discussions are summarized here.
Cardiovascular Comorbidities in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Pathogenesis, Consequences for Patient Management, and Future Research Agenda: A Report from the GRAPPA 2009 Annual Meeting
Authors: BOEHNCKE WOLF-HENNING , GLADMAN DAFNA D. , CHANDRAN VINOD
Published: March 2011

Psoriasis is often associated with other diseases, substantially adding to the patient’s burden of disease. Recent epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an increased cardiovascular morbidity among patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), which contributes to their reduced life expectancy. At the meeting of the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) adjacent to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) congress, members discussed the pathogenetic aspects of this association and resulting consequences for the management of patients with psoriasis and PsA. A future research agenda was considered.