bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removal of Cellular‐Type Hemoglobin‐Based Oxygen Carrier (Hemoglobin‐Vesicles) From Blood Using Centrifugation and Ultrafiltration
Authors: Sakai Hiromi , Sou Keitaro , Horinouchi Hirohisa , Tsuchida Eishun , Kobayashi Koichi
Published: April 2011

The hemoglobin‐vesicle (HbV) is an artificial oxygen carrier encapsulating a concentrated hemoglobin solution in a phospholipid vesicle (liposome). During or after transporting oxygen, macrophages capture HbVs in the reticuloendothelial system (RES) with an approximate circulation half‐life of 3 days. Animal studies show transient splenohepatomegaly after large doses, but HbVs were completely degraded, and the components were excreted in a few weeks. If a blood substitute is used for emergency use until red blood cell transfusion becomes available or for temporary use such as a priming fluid for an extracorporeal circuit, then one option would be to remove HbVs from the circulating blood without waiting a few weeks for removal by the RES. Using a mixture of beagle dog whole blood and HbV, we tested the separation of HbV using a centrifugal Fresenius cell separator and an ultrafiltration system. The cell separator system separated the layers of blood cell components from the HbV‐containing plasma layer by centrifugal force, and then the HbV was removed from plasma phase by the ultrafiltration system. The HbVs (250–280 nm) are larger than plasma proteins (<22 nm diameter) but smaller than blood cell components (>3 µm). The size of HbVs is advantageous to be separated from the original blood components, and the separated blood components can be returned to circulation.
Randomized Controlled Study of Telcagepant Plus Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen in Migraine
Authors: Hewitt David J. , Martin Vincent , Lipton Richard B. , Brandes Jan , Ceesay Paulette , Gottwald Regina , Schaefer Eleanor , Lines Christopher , Ho Tony W.
Published: April 2011

(Headache 2011;51:533‐543)

Objective.— To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of telcagepant when co‐administered with ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the acute treatment of migraine.

Background.— Telcagepant is an oral calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor antagonist which is being evaluated for the acute treatment of migraine. Combining telcagepant with analgesics that have a different mechanism of action could produce greater efficacy.

Methods.— Randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Patients were randomized to treat a moderate or severe migraine headache with either telcagepant 280 mg + ibuprofen 400 mg (N = 171), telcagepant 280 mg + acetaminophen 1000 mg (N = 171), telcagepant 280 mg (N = 170), or placebo (N = 171). The primary efficacy endpoint was 2‐hour pain freedom. The study had approximately 88% power to detect an additive effect of at least 15 percentage points (telcagepant combination vs telcagepant monotherapy) and 48% power to detect an additive effect of at least 10 percentage points. Safety and tolerability were assessed by adverse events and laboratory tests.

Results.— The percentages of patients with 2‐hour pain freedom were greater in each active treatment group compared to placebo (P < .001): telcagepant + ibuprofen = 35.2%, telcagepant + acetaminophen = 38.3%, telcagepant = 31.2%, placebo = 10.9%. No significant differences were seen for either of the combination groups vs telcagepant monotherapy, but both were numerically larger than telcagepant monotherapy. All the active treatments were generally well tolerated. The percentage of patients reporting any adverse event within 48 hours was higher in the active treatment groups than placebo: telcagepant + ibuprofen = 30.3%, telcagepant + acetaminophen = 31.6%, telcagepant = 24.8%, placebo = 18.2%. The most common adverse events reported by ≥4 patients in one or more of the treatment groups that included telcagepant were fatigue, nausea, dizziness, somnolence, dry mouth, and tremor.

Conclusions.— The combination of telcagepant 280 mg with either ibuprofen 400 mg or acetaminophen 1000 mg did not show a statistically significant difference from telcagepant alone. Numerically greater treatment effects in the combination treatment groups over the telcagepant 280 mg monotherapy suggest that telcagepant combination treatments may merit further evaluation in studies powered to detect smaller additive benefits. (Clinicaltrials.gov; NCT00758836).
Migraine Prophylaxis With Topiramate and Bone Health in Women
Authors: Ali Imran I. , Herial Nabeel A. , Orris Megan , Horrigan Terrance , Tietjen Gretchen E.
Published: April 2011

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are commonly used for prevention of migraine headaches. Bone loss is a known complication, particularly associated with use of older AEDs. Topiramate is a newer AED, widely used for migraine prevention, but no evidence is currently available on its effect on bone metabolism. In a clinic‐based pilot study, we evaluated bone health by examining biochemical and radiological markers of bone metabolism, in women with migraine. Osteopenia was noted in 53% of the patients and was associated with the duration of exposure to topiramate (P = .04).
Preventive Medication Adherence in African American and Caucasian Headache Patients
Authors: Heckman Bernadette D. , Ellis Gary
Published: April 2011

(Headache 2011;51:520‐532)

Study Objectives.— To examine race‐related differences in adherence to preventive medication agents in headache patients and identify factors predictive of medication adherence in Caucasian and African American headache patients.

Methods.— Using a longitudinal naturalistic study design, data from 77 Caucasian and 32 African American headache patients were collected through (1) 30‐day daily diaries that assessed medication adherence, headache frequency, and headache episode severity; (2) self‐administered surveys that assessed headache management self‐efficacy; and (3) telephone‐administered psychiatric interviews that yielded psychiatric diagnoses. Using daily diary adherence data, patients' adherence to preventive agents was dichotomized as “Inconsistent” (ie, adhered fewer than 80% of days) or “Consistent” (ie, adhered ≥80% of days during the past month).

Results.— The proportion of adherent African American patients (69%) did not differ significantly from the proportion of adherent Caucasian patients (82%). Exploratory univariate logistic regression analyses found that preventive medication adherence levels of 80% or less were associated with being diagnosed with major depressive disorder and lower levels of headache management self‐efficacy.

Conclusions.— Future research should test if interventions that reduce depressive symptoms and increase patients' levels of headache management self‐efficacy can produce concomitant increases in adherence to preventive headache agents.
An Instrument to Assess Patient Perceptions of Satisfaction With Acute Migraine Treatment (EXPERT Study)
Authors: Lantéri‐Minet Michel , Massiou Hélène , Romatet Sophie , Barba Adeline , Lucas Christian , Allaf Bashar
Published: April 2011

(Headache 2011;51:590‐601)

Objective.— The objective of the nationwide EXPERT survey carried out in France in 2005 was to compare satisfaction with treatment with treatment effectiveness in migraine patients consulting general practitioners (GPs) for migraine, and to establish an instrument to easily evaluate the adequacy of acute treatment of migraine.

Background.— Many migraine patients feel satisfied with their current acute treatment of migraine whereas objective evaluation reveals poor treatment effectiveness.

Methods.— A total of 2108 GPs included 11,274 migraine patients. Satisfaction with treatment was evaluated using a 4‐point verbal scale and a 10‐cm visual analog scale (VAS). Treatment effectiveness was assessed by the 4‐item questionnaire designed by the French Medico‐Economic Evaluation Service (ANAES) and the French Society for the Study of Migraine Headache (SFEMC).

Results.— In total, 5224 patients (49.8%) stated that they were satisfied with their treatment. Mean VAS score was 5.1. Only 17% of patients (1789/10,539) gave positive responses at the 4 questions of the ANAES/SFEMC questionnaire. VAS score was high for patients satisfied with their treatment and with good treatment effectiveness. Two VAS thresholds were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves that allowed easy identification, with high sensitivity and specificity, of patients satisfied/dissatisfied with their current treatment and with good/poor treatment effectiveness. Based on EXPERT data, this instrument showed that only 16% of patients using triptans (597/3719) were dissatisfied and reported poor treatment effectiveness, whereas treatment was inadequate for 63% of those using aspirin or nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (1882/2992), 74% of those using paracetamol or other analgesics (2229/2998), and 53% of those using ergotamine (253/474).

Conclusions.— The new instrument should allow easy identification in general practice of the patients receiving an effective or ineffective acute treatment of migraine and thus facilitate the implementation of treatment guidelines for migraine.
Topiramate vs Divalproex Sodium in the Preventive Treatment of Migraine: A Prospective “Real‐World” Study
Authors: Krymchantowski Abouch V. , Jevoux Carla C.
Published: April 2011

(Headache 2011;51:554‐558)

Background and objectives.— Certain neuromodulators, most notably topiramate (TPM) and divalproex sodium (DVP), are effective preventive agents for migraine. Published data from head‐to‐head studies comparing TPM and DVP are not available. The purpose of this study was to compare TPM and DVP for the prophyaxis of migraine in a “real‐world” setting.

Methods.— At 2 centers and over a period of 12 months we prospectively evaluated and treated a consecutive series of migraine patients. At baseline all were experiencing less than 15 headache days/month, and we treated all patients requiring prophylactic therapy with either TPM or DVP. We evaluated adherence, headache frequency (HF) and tolerability after 3 months of treatment. TPM treatment was initiated at 25 mg daily and increased every 10 days (25 mg) to a target of 150 mg/day (2 divided doses/day). Treatment with DVP was initiated at 250 mg daily and sequentially titrated up to 500 mg twice daily. All patients were naïve to the use of TPM and DVP.

Results.— One hundred and twenty patients (104 women and 16 men of ages 18 to 68, mean 41.2 years) were included. Topiramate selectively was prescribed to 69 patients and DVP selectively to 51. Baseline HF for both groups was similar (8 ± 4 headache days/month). By intention to treat analysis at 3 months, 40 (58%) of patients initially treated with TPM and 26 (51%) of those initially treated with DVP experienced a reduction in HF of >50% (P = NS). Ten patients (14.5%) initially treated with TPM and 8 (15.7%) initially treated with DVP did not return for follow up or were begun on alternative prophylactic therapy. The most common side effects manifested by TPM patients were weight loss (50% of those who completed the treatment period), paresthesia (48%), and cognitive disturbances (20%), whereas DVP patients who completed the treatment period reported weight gain, hair loss, and gastrointestinal symptoms (approximately 24% for each). The mean doses achieved by those completing the study were 140 mg/day for TPM and 890 mg/day for DVP.

Conclusions.— Although any conclusions from this investigation necessarily are limited because of our study's open‐label nonrandomized design, these results suggest that TPM and DVP are reasonably effective and generally well tolerated when used to treat a “real‐world” population of episodic migraineurs who require prophylaxis.
Cluster and Other Nonmigraine Primary Headaches With Aura
Authors: Evans Randolph W. , Krymchantowski Abouch V.
Published: April 2011

(Headache 2011;51:604‐608)
Chemotherapy Treatment and Survival in Older Women with Estrogen Receptor–Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Population‐Based Analysis
Authors: Schneider Myra , Zuckerman Ilene H. , Onukwugha Eberechukwu , Pandya Naimish , Seal Brian , Gardner Jim , Mullins C. Daniel
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVES:

To investigate the survival benefit associated with chemotherapy receipt in older women with estrogen receptor–negative (ER–) Stage IV breast cancer.

DESIGN: Observational, retrospective cohort study using Cox proportional hazards regression to determine effect of chemotherapy on hazard of all‐cause mortality. The two samples were an overall sample (n=1,519) and a propensity score–matched sample (n=580) to control for selection to treatment receipt. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained for regression models.

SETTING: U.S. women within the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results cancer registries (SEER) linked to Medicare enrollment and claims database.

PARTICIPANTS: Female Medicare beneficiaries aged 66 and older with Stage IV ER– breast cancer diagnosed between 1999 and 2005.

MEASUREMENTS: Outcome measure was all‐cause death during the follow‐up period. Survival was measured as time from breast cancer diagnosis until death or last follow‐up date. Information on receipt of chemotherapy, defined as chemotherapy received within 6 months after diagnosis, was obtained from linked Medicare claims.

RESULTS: One thousand five hundred nineteen ER– women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer were identified; 494 (33%) received chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was associated with a statistically significant survival benefit (HR=0.61, 95% CI=0.54–0.70). Age did not modify the survival benefit of chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy received within 6 months after diagnosis was associated with a 39% lower hazard of death within the time period for the study. These findings reflect chemotherapy use outside of the clinical trial setting and have important clinical and policy implications for the study of treatments in older women with advanced ER– breast cancer.
Short‐Term, Light‐ to Moderate‐Intensity Exercise Training Improves Leg Muscle Strength in the Oldest Old: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Serra‐Rexach José A. , Bustamante‐Ara Natalia , Hierro Villarán Margarita , González Gil Pedro , Sanz Ibáñez Maria J. , Blanco Sanz Nekane , Ortega Santamaría Victor , Gutiérrez Sanz Natalia , Marín Prada Ana B. , Gallardo Cristian , Rodríguez Romo Gabriel , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Lucia Alejandro
Published: March 2011

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of an 8‐week exercise training program with a special focus on light‐ to moderate‐intensity resistance exercises (30–70% of one repetition maximum, 1RM) and a subsequent 4‐week training cessation period (detraining) on muscle strength and functional capacity in participants aged 90 and older.

DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial performed during March to September 2009.

SETTING: Geriatric nursing home.

PARTICIPANTS: Forty nonagenarians (90–97) were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group (16 women and 4 men per group).

INTERVENTION: Eight‐week muscle strength exercise intervention focused on lower limb strength exercises of light to moderate intensity.

MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome: 1RM leg press. Secondary outcomes: handgrip strength, 8‐m walk test, 4‐step stairs test, Timed Up and Go test, and number of falls.

RESULTS: A significant group by time interaction effect (P=.02) was observed only for the 1RM leg press. In the intervention group, 1RM leg press increased significantly with training by 10.6 kg [95% confidence interval (CI)=4.1–17.1 kg; P=.01]. Except for the mean group number of falls, which were 1.2 falls fewer per participant in the intervention group (95% CI=0.0–3.0; P=.03), no significant training effect on the secondary outcome measures was found.

CONCLUSION: Exercise training, even of short duration and light to moderate intensity, can increase muscle strength while decreasing fall risk in nonagenarians.
Dose‐Response Model of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) for Human
Authors: Tamrakar Sushil B. , Haas Charles N.
Published: March 2011

Rickettsia rickettsii is the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and is the prototype bacterium in the spotted fever group of rickettsiae, which is found in North, Central, and South America. The bacterium is gram negative and an obligate intracellular pathogen. The disease is transmitted to humans and vertebrate host through tick bites; however, some cases of aerosol transmission also have been reported. The disease can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages, and without prompt and appropriate treatment, it can be fatal. This article develops dose‐response models of different routes of exposure for RMSF in primates and humans. The beta‐Poisson model provided the best fit to the dose‐response data of aerosol‐exposed rhesus monkeys, and intradermally inoculated humans (morbidity as end point of response). The average 50% infectious dose among (ID50) exposed human population, N50, is 23 organisms with 95% confidence limits of 1 to 89 organisms. Similarly, ID10 and ID20 are 2.2 and 5.0, respectively. Moreover, the data of aerosol‐exposed rhesus monkeys and intradermally inoculated humans could be pooled. This indicates that the dose‐response models fitted to different data sets are not significantly different and can be described by the same relationship.
Assessment of Systolic Ejection Time as a Hemodynamic Marker of Incipient Bradycardic Vasovagal Syncope. A Pilot Study
Authors: FUCÀ GIUSEPPE , DINELLI MAURIZIO , GIANFRANCHI LORELLA , BRESSAN SABRINA , CORBUCCI GIORGIO , ALBONI PAOLO
Published: March 2011

Background: Detection of markers of incipient syncope in patients with vasovagal syncope (VVS), without prodromal symptom, is still an open issue. The aim of this study was to assess the behavior of heart rate (HR) and ejection time, expressed as the percentage of the corresponding cardiac cycle (ET%), in patients with bradycardic VVS with a view to providing an alarm before the event.

Methods: In 33 patients with syncope and positive tilt testing and in 33 control patients, we collected beat‐to‐beat data on HR, ET%, stroke volume (SV), and blood pressure (BP). The trends of HR and ET% were analyzed. A set of combined changes of HR and ET% were tested in order to select the most appropriate algorithm for detecting the incipient syncope within the 3 minutes preceding the event.

Results: In patients with positive tilt testing, BP significantly decreased at 3 minutes before and at the time of syncope (P < 0.0001). HR slowly rose at 3 minutes before syncope and then suddenly decreased at the time of syncope (P < 0.0001). The correlation between SV and ET% was r = 0.79 (P < 0.0001). SV and ET% significantly decreased throughout tilt testing (P < 0.0001). The selected setting for the algorithm provided sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 73%. The theoretical alarm was generated at least 9 and 5 seconds before syncope, respectively, in 76% and 85% of the subjects.

Conclusion: The combined trends in HR and ET% may provide a marker of incipient bradycardic VVS in the majority of patients. (PACE 2011; 34:954–962)
Nurse Specialty Certification, Inpatient Mortality, and Failure to Rescue
Authors: Kendall‐Gallagher Deborah , Aiken Linda H. , Sloane Douglas M. , Cimiotti Jeannie P.
Published: April 2011

Purpose: To determine if hospital proportion of staff nurses with specialty certification is associated with risk‐adjusted inpatient 30‐day mortality and failure to rescue (deaths in surgical inpatients following a major complication).

Design: Secondary analysis of risk‐adjusted adult general, orthopedic, and vascular surgical inpatients discharged during 2005–2006 (n= 1,283,241) from 652 nonfederal hospitals controlling for state, hospital, patient, and nursing characteristics by linking outcomes, administrative, and nurse survey data (n= 28,598).

Method: Nurse data, categorized by education and certification status, were aggregated to the hospital level. Logistic regression models were used to estimate effects of specialty certification and other nursing characteristics on mortality and failure to rescue.

Findings: Hospital proportion of baccalaureate and certified baccalaureate staff nurses were associated with mortality and failure to rescue; no effect of specialization was seen in the absence of baccalaureate education. A 10% increase in hospital proportion of baccalaureate and certified baccalaureate staff nurses, respectively, decreased the odds of adjusted inpatient 30‐day mortality by 6% and 2%; results for failure to rescue were identical.

Conclusions: Nurse specialty certification is associated with better patient outcomes; effect on mortality and failure to rescue in general surgery patients is contingent upon baccalaureate education.

Clinical Relevance: Investment in a baccalaureate‐educated workforce and specialty certification has the potential to improve the quality of care.
Structure and Novel Optical Characteristics of SrSi2O2N2:Ce3+/Tb3+ Oxynitride Phosphors
Authors: Hsu Chia‐Hao , Cheng Bing‐Ming , Lu Chung‐Hsin
Published: April 2011

A microwave‐assisted hydrothermal route was developed for preparing (Sr1−x−yCexTby)Si2O2−δN2+μ phosphors. Both the required calcination temperatures and heating duration were markedly reduced as compared with the solid‐state reaction. With a rise in the calcination temperatures, the emission intensity of Ce3+‐doped phosphors decreased due to the thermal quenching effects. For Tb3+‐doped phosphors, the emission intensities of the splitting peaks were influenced by the thermal interaction between the Tb3+ energy levels. It is found that the Ce3+‐ and Tb3+‐doped SrSi2O2N2 phosphors demonstrate great absorption in the vacuum ultraviolet region and are therefore suitable for application in plasma display panels. While Ce3+ and Tb3+ were codoped into SrSi2O2N2, the emission spectra exhibited the combination of the Ce3+ and Tb3+ emission peaks. The energy transfer process from Tb3+ to Ce3+ via the electrostatic interaction was also investigated in detail.
Electrical Properties and Dimensional Stability of Ce‐Doped SrTiO3−δ for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Cumming Denis J. , Kharton Vladislav V. , Yaremchenko Aleksey A. , Kovalevsky Andrei V. , Kilner John A.
Published: March 2011

Cation‐stoichiometric and strontium‐deficient Sr1−xCexTiO3 ± δ (0<x<0.15) have been appraised using controlled‐atmosphere dilatometry, thermogravimetric analysis, and measurements of total conductivity and Seebeck coefficient in the oxygen partial pressure range from 10−20 to 0.5 atm at 650°–950°C. As for other donor‐doped titanates, perovskite‐type Sr1−xCexTiO3 ± δ exhibit predominant n‐type electronic conductivity and slow changes in the charge‐compensation mechanism on reduction, associated with kinetically stagnated diffusion. The resultant hysteresis and kinetic stabilization of nonequilibrium states make it possible to substantially increase the conductivity by preliminary reduction at high temperatures, such as 1350°C. Owing to relatively small variations in the defect concentrations, the chemically induced expansion of Ce‐substituted titanate ceramics is very low, while the thermal expansion at 130°–1100°C is almost linear and essentially

independent. The average thermal expansion coefficients vary in the narrow range (11–12) × 10−6 K−1, compatible with common solid oxide electrolytes. All of these properties make the material an attractive choice as a solid oxide fuel cell anode material. However, the nature of the reduced, highly conductive, state appears to be metastable and may not be completely recoverable after redox cycling.
Synthesis of High Purity Yb3+‐Doped Lu2O3 Powder for High Power Solid‐State Lasers
Authors: Kim Woohong , Baker Colin , Villalobos Guillermo , Frantz Jesse , Shaw Brandon , Lutz Austin , Sadowski Bryan , Kung Frederic , Hunt Machael , Sanghera Jasbinder , Aggarwal Ishwar
Published: March 2011

We have synthesized high‐purity Yb3+‐doped Lu2O3 powder by the coprecipitation method. We have demonstrated that the recrystallization of the metal nitrates greatly improve the chemical purity of the resulting oxides. From thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis study, we have calculated the approximate formula of the oxinitrate precipitate precursor as Lu1.8Yb0.2(OH)5.44(NO3)0.56·0.58H2O. Fine and soft agglomerate powders were obtained after calcinations. We have shown that the powder is mainly in the form of polycrystalline soft agglomerates composed with 15–20 nm size crystals. The resulting ceramic showed higher transparency (close to theoretical limit) compared with the ones fabricated with commercial powders.
Formation Mechanisms of Cu(In0.7Ga0.3)Se2 Nanocrystallites Synthesized Using Hot‐Injection and Heating‐Up Processes
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Hsiang , Hsiang Hsing‐I , Chang Yu‐Lun , Ray Dah‐Tong , Yen Fu‐Su
Published: April 2011

Nearly monodispersed CuIn0.7Ga0.3Se2 (CIGS) nanocrystals were successfully prepared using the thermal decomposition of copper, indium (In), gallium (Ga), and selenium–oleylamine (OLA) complexes via the heating‐up process. The phase formation sequence was CuSe→CuInSe2→CIGS. The CIGS nanocrystals synthesized using the heating‐up process exhibited a single chalcopyrite phase and its chemical composition was close to stoichiometric. However, phase separation of the In‐rich and Ga‐rich phases was found using the hot‐injection method due to the difference in reactivity between In–OLA and Ga–OLA complexes.
Multiferroic Behavior in Composites of Nickel‐Exchanged Glass Containing Nanoparticles of Barium Titanate
Authors: Naidu R. Venkata Ram , Hajra Partha , Datta Anindya , Bhattacharya Santanu , Chakravorty Dipankar
Published: April 2011

A multiferroic material has been synthesized by first growing BaTiO3nanocrystals in a silica glass and then subjecting the composite to a two‐stage ion‐exchange reaction of the type Ti4+↔2Ni2+. The nanocomposite retained the usual ferroelectric characteristics with lower values of the dielectric constant and remanent polarization. It also showed ferromagnetic hysteresis at temperatures in the range 10–300 K. At temperatures below ∼10 K, the magnetization exhibited a sharp increase as the temperature was reduced. This has been explained on the basis of a one‐dimensional Heisenberg ferromagnet consisting of Ni2+ions at the surfaces of the nanocrystals. The nanocomposite showed magnetodielectric coupling at room temperature. The dielectric constant increased as a function of magnetic field, showing a maximum at 4 kOe. This has been ascribed to magnetostriction of the new BaTiO3nanocrystalline phase.
Growth Process of α‐Al2O3 Ceramic Films on Metal Substrates Fabricated at Room Temperature by Aerosol Deposition
Authors: Lee Dong‐Won , Kim Hyung‐Jun , Kim Yoon‐Hyun , Yun Young‐Hoon , Nam Song‐Min
Published: April 2011

The aerosol deposition method (ADM) is a novel coating process that works at room temperature without a high‐temperature plasma and arc discharge, unlike the existing thermal spray coating. The bonding of the sprayed ceramic particles in this process is based on shock loading solidification, resulting from the impact of ceramic particles—it forms a dense, uniform, and hard ceramic layer at room temperature. However, its deposition mechanism has not been fully clarified. To clarify the growth mechanism during ADM, the initial growth stages of Al2O3 films were investigated through observation of their microstructures. A series of observations confirmed that the bonding mechanism of substrate particles is related to plastic deformation, combined with an anchoring layer formed between the Al2O3 layer and the Cu substrate. In addition, particle‐to‐particle bonding was caused by the plastic deformation as well as fractures of the starting ceramic particles. This cracking of particles was supposed by a broadening of the X‐ray diffraction pattern and decrease in crystallite size with an increasing number of scans. The results of atomic force microscopic images and surface profiles showed that these phenomena, such as the plastic deformation and the cracking of particles, result from the hammering effect of a bombardment by the subsequent particles.
Survival against the odds: microbiology of root canals associated with post‐treatment disease
Authors: FIGDOR DAVID , GULABIVALA KISHOR
Published: April 2011

Most periapical lesions resolve after root canal treatment of teeth with primary infections. Over the last decade there has been a renewed focus on post‐treatment apical periodontitis and its etiology. This review describes the microbiota associated with persistent post‐treatment infection, including microbial identification, ecology, and environmental selection. Compared with untreated teeth, the infection pattern in root canals with post‐treatment disease shifts to a resistant, mainly Gram‐positive community. The main challenge in root canal re‐treatment is access to the residual apical infection. Elimination of the microbial flora, or a dramatic reduction and sufficient ecological shift to allow host tissue healing, remains the biological goal.
Gaining Adequate Interdental Space with Elastic Separating Rings against Implants: A Case Series
Authors: Smidt Ami , Venezia Eyal
Published: March 2011

Background: It is clinically challenging to place and restore an implant when the mesio‐distal space is limited or reduced at the occlusal plane and/or the bone level. Placing implants in these cases while ignoring the clinical difficulties and compromising treatment could limit the successful outcome. Treatment options include strategic extractions, sectional orthodontics, and minor orthodontic movements.

Purpose: To discuss the clinical problems and difficulties arising from limited edentulous mesio‐distal space interdentally and to present a treatment modality and technique.

Materials and Methods: Orthodontic elastic separating rings are used to open interdental space between teeth and implants, exerting forces against implants for regaining the needed space and restoring implants with ease.

Results: The advantages of this technique are illustrated by clinical cases.

Conclusions: Implants placed in limited interdental edentulous ridges may well assist in regaining lost spaces after loading. Neither an orthodontic background nor special instruments are required for this technique.
The Accuracy of an Implant Impression Technique Using Digitally Coded Healing Abutments
Authors: Eliasson Alf , Örtorp Anders
Published: March 2011

Background: A healing abutment (Encode®) provided with digitally coded information on length and diameter on the top was launched in 2007. So far, no study has evaluated working cast fabrication using impressions of the coded abutments and analogue placement using a robot technique.

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of implant analogue placement in working casts using a robot technique and an impression of Encode healing abutments, with the traditional technique.

Materials and Methods: One acrylic master model was fabricated, provided with two groups of three implant analogues. Encode healing abutments were mounted on the test side and conventional pickup impression copings were inserted on the control side. Fifteen impressions were made with a vinylpolysiloxane material. Implant analogues were placed by a robot on the test side. The center point of each implant analogue fitting surface was measured with a laser measuring machine in the x‐, y‐, and z‐axis, as were also the angular direction of the center axis and the position of the antirotational hex. Two‐way analysis of variance was performed using SPSS 17.0; the statistical significance was set at p < .05.

Results: Mean center point deviation for the test and control side was 37.4 µm versus 18.5 µm (p = .001) in the x‐axis, 47.3 µm versus 13.9 µm (p < .001) in the y‐axis, and 35.0 µm versus 15.1 µm (p < .013) in the z‐axis. Mean angle error was 0.41 degrees for the test and 0.14 degrees for the control side (p < .001). Mean rotation of the hexagon was 2.88 degrees for the test side and 1.82 degrees for controls (p < .001).

Conclusions: Both conventional and robot technique presented low levels of displacement of the implant analogues in all casts. The test technique was less precise, but the difference in accuracy was small, and both techniques are precise enough for single crowns and short‐span, implant‐supported fixed partial prostheses.
The toxicity of bovine α‐lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells is highly dependent on oleic acid and induces killing in cancer cell lines and noncancer‐derived primary cells
Authors: Brinkmann Christel Rothe , Heegaard Christian Würtz , Petersen Torben Ellebæk , Jensenius Jens Christian , Thiel Steffen
Published: April 2011

A complex between α‐lactalbumin and oleic acid (C18:1, 9 cis) has been reported to be cytotoxic to cancer cells. We have prepared such complexes and tested their activity against both cancer cell lines and noncancer‐derived primary cells. Unexpectedly, some primary cell types were more sensitive to treatment than cancer cell lines. We found the complex to be cytotoxic to all of the tested cells, with a 46‐fold difference between the most sensitive and the least sensitive cell type. Oleic acid by itself exhibited a remarkably similar activity. The cell‐killing mechanisms of the complex and of oleic acid alone were examined by flow cytometry, testing for apoptosis‐ and necrosis‐ inducing activity. The T‐cell leukemia‐derived Jurkat cells primarily underwent cell death resembling apoptosis, whereas the monocytic leukemia‐derived THP1 cells adopted a more necrotic‐like cell death. Erythrocytes were sensitive to lysis by the complex and oleic acid. We conclude that oleic acid is cytotoxic by itself and that, in contrast to the literature, a complex of α‐lactalbumin and oleic acid has cytotoxic activity against primary cells, as well as cancer cells.
Controversies in Sexual Medicine
Authors: Jannini Emmanuele A. , Gravina Giovanni L. , Mortengaler Abraham , Morales Alvaro , Incrocci Luca , Hellstrom Wayne J.G.
Published: April 2011

Introduction

Is there any unequivocal evidence that testosterone (T) can stimulate growth and aggravate symptoms in men with locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer (PCa)? This is not a controversial point: the answer is yes. However, this evidence does not imply that PCa is a result of T or therapy with T (TTh) of hypogonadal men. Furthermore, currently adequately powered and optimally designed long-term prostate disease data are not available to determine if there is an additional risk from normal T values in cured patients for PCa.

Methods

This Controversy is introduced by an endocrinologist, the section editor (E.A.J.) with G.L.G., a fellow urologist and radiotherapist expert in basic research on PCa. Two outstanding urologists, A.M and W.J.G.H., debate clinical data and clinical guidelines, respectively. Finally, other controversial issues are discussed by another leader in the field (A.M.) and a radiation oncologist and sexologist who is actually president of the International Society for Sexuality and Cancer (L.I.).

Main Outcome Measure

Expert opinion supported by the critical review of the currently available literature.

Result

The answer to the main question “is the prostate a really T-dependent tissue?” is definitively yes, but T stimulates the prostatic tissue in a dose-dependent fashion only to a saturation point, achieved at low T concentrations. At these low T concentrations, stimulation is near maximal, and T supplementation above this level would not lead to significantly greater stimulation. Furthermore, there is no conclusive evidence that TTh increases the risk of PCa or even prostatic hyperplasia. There is also no evidence that TTh will convert subclinical PCa to clinically detectable PCa. However, there is a limited clinical experience of TTh after successful treatment of PCa. So far, just 48 patients have been studied in the three published articles.

Conclusions

It is evident that the issue is still controversial and much more research is needed. However, the available data suggest to the expert in sexual medicine that TTh can be cautiously considered in selected hypogonadal men previously treated for curative intent of low-risk PCa and without evidence of active disease.
A new perspective on the submillimetre galaxy MM 18423+5938 at redshift 3.9296 from radio continuum imaging
Authors: McKean J. P. , Berciano Alba A. , Volino F. , Tudose V. , Garrett M. A. , Loenen A. F. , Paragi Z. , Wucknitz O.
Published: April 2011

The bright submillimetre (sub-mm) galaxy MM 18423+5938 at redshift 3.9296 has been predicted from mid-infrared (MIR) and millimetre photometry to have an exceptionally large total IR luminosity. We present new radio imaging at 1.4 GHz with the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope that is used to determine a radio-derived total IR luminosity for MM 18423+5938 via the well-established radio-far-IR correlation. The flux density is found to be S1.4 GHz= 217 ± 37 µµ, which corresponds to a rest-frame luminosity density of L1.4 GHz= 2.32 ± 0.40 × 1025¼-1 W Hz-1, where ¼ is the magnification from a probable gravitational lens. The radio-derived total IR luminosity and star formation rate are L8–1000 ¼m = 5.6-2.4+4.1 × 1013 ¼-1 L⨀ and SFR =9.4-4.9+7.4× 103 ¼-1 M⨀ yr-1, respectively, which are ∼9 times smaller than those previously reported. These differences are attributed to the IR spectral energy distribution of MM 18423+5938 being poorly constrained by the limited number of reliable photometric data that are currently available, and from a previous misidentification of the object at 70 µm. Using the radio derived total IR luminosity as a constraint, the temperature of the cold dust component is found to be Td∼ 24-5+7 K for a dust emissivity of β= 1.5 ± 0.5. The radio-derived properties of this galaxy are still large given the low excitation temperature implied by the CO emission lines and the temperature of the cold dust. Therefore, we conclude that MM 18423+5938 is probably gravitationally lensed.
Detection of a planetary system orbiting the eclipsing polar HU Aqr
Authors: Qian S.-B. , Liu L. , Liao W.-P. , Li L.-J. , Zhu L.-Y. , Dai Z.-B. , He J.-J. , Zhao E.-G. , Zhang J. , Li K.
Published: April 2011

Using the precise times of mid-egress of the eclipsing polar HU Aqr, we discovered that this polar is orbited by two or more giant planets. The two planets detected so far have masses of at least 5.9 and 4.5MJup. Their respective distances from the polar are 3.6 and 5.4 au with periods of 6.54 and 11.96 yr, respectively. The observed rate of decrease of period derived from the downward parabolic change in the observed — calculated (O — C) curve is a factor of 15 larger than the value expected for gravitational radiation. This indicates that it may be only a part of a long-period cyclic variation, revealing the presence of one more planet. It is interesting to note that the two detected circumbinary planets follow the Titus-Bode law of solar planets with n = 5 and 6. We estimate that another 10 yr of observations will reveal the presence of the predicted third planet.
THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD MICROSTRUCTURE IN FRACTURE PHYSICS AND TEXTURE PERCEPTION
Authors: LILLFORD PETER J.
Published: April 2011

The operational definition of any material called food is that, at a minimum, it must be swallowed, which means that any solid food must be broken down and reassembled to a swallowable structure.

The unique capability of Homo sapiens is that we process and convert many inedible materials into food. The success of the food manufacturing industry depends on the efficiency with which we build new structures, and how they match the expectation and enjoyment of individuals when they break them down in the mouth. Starting with the oral processing of common foods, such as meat, baked goods and vegetables, we have built simple models of the sequence of events necessary to produce edible products from various raw materials. We have related performance in the mouth to the mechanics of the complex composite materials that biology produces, or the butcher, baker and confectioner can create.

We have few quantitative rules as yet, but the qualitative principles are becoming obvious.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This type of work is crucial in understanding food assembly processing and the resultant texture perception in the mouth. It will lead to design rules for reformulation, saving costs and improving nutritional quality while maintaining a pleasurable eating experience.
Prevalence Estimates of Health Risk Behaviors of Immigrant Latino Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Rhodes Scott D. , McCoy Thomas P. , Hergenrather Kenneth C. , Vissman Aaron T. , Wolfson Mark , Alonzo Jorge , Bloom Fred R. , Alegría‐Ortega Jose , Eng Eugenia
Published: March 2011

Purpose: Little is known about the health status of rural immigrant Latino men who have sex with men (MSM). These MSM comprise a subpopulation that tends to remain “hidden” from both researchers and practitioners. This study was designed to estimate the prevalence of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use, and sexual risk behaviors of Latino MSM living in rural North Carolina.

Methods: A community‐based participatory research (CBPR) partnership used respondent‐driven sampling (RDS) to identify, recruit, and enroll Latino MSM to participate in an interviewer‐administered behavioral assessment. RDS‐weighted prevalence of risk behaviors was estimated using the RDS Analysis Tool. Data collection occurred in 2008.

Results: A total of 190 Latino MSM was reached; the average age was 25.5 years and nearly 80% reported being from Mexico. Prevalence estimates of smoking everyday and past 30‐day heavy episodic drinking were 6.5% and 35.0%, respectively. Prevalence estimates of past 12‐month marijuana and cocaine use were 56.0% and 27.1%, respectively. Past 3‐month prevalence estimates of sex with at least one woman, multiple male partners, and inconsistent condom use were 21.2%, 88.9%, and 54.1%, respectively.

Conclusions: Respondents had low rates of tobacco use and club drug use, and high rates of sexual risk behaviors. Although this study represents an initial step in documenting the health risk behaviors of immigrant Latino MSM who are part of a new trend in Latino immigration to the southeastern United States, a need exists for further research, including longitudinal studies to understand the trajectory of risk behavior among immigrant Latino MSM.
Can markets be expected to prevent themselves from self‐destruction?
Authors: Rothstein Bo
Published: March 2011

Even if competitive markets have shown themselves to be the most efficient organizational form for creating economic efficiency, the question of how they can avoid destructive influence from agents with opportunistic motives remains unresolved. Different institutional approaches have argued that to be efficient, markets need to be embedded in a set of formal and informal institutions. Because such institutions will in the long run make all market agents better off, they are labeled efficient institutions. Contrary to what is argued in neoclassical economics, it is unlikely that such institutions will be created endogenously by market agents because the institutions are to be understood as genuine public goods. Moreover, if such institutions have been established, we should expect market agents to face a collective action problem when sustaining them, leading to the destruction of the institutions. The conclusion is that if left to themselves, markets should be understood as inherently self‐destructive.
Advances in Breeding and Rearing Marine Ornamentals
Authors: Olivotto Ike , Planas Miquel , Simões Nuno , Holt G. Joan , Avella Matteo Alessandro , Calado Ricardo
Published: April 2011

This work addresses the most relevant advances in the breeding and rearing of marine ornamental species. The main breakthroughs in marine ornamental fish culture are discussed, with seahorses deserving a section of their own as a result of their conservation status and unique biology. Details on spawning, embryo development, larval rearing, plankton culturing, and tank design are presented. In addition, with the increase in popularity of ornamental invertebrates in reef aquariums, details on the culturing techniques of some of the most traded invertebrate groups (e.g., live rocks, corals, anemones, polychaetes, mollusks, decapod crustaceans and echinoderms) are also discussed. Finally, the last part of this work highlights the concerns toward the establishment of sustainable collection, production, and trading practices for marine ornamentals as well as the urgent need to develop reliable traceability protocols to distinguish sustainably caught and/or cultured specimens from wild ones. This work represents not only an exhaustive and updated bibliographical source but also a starting point for all those who want to contribute to the development of this fascinating research field.
Effects of Dietary Mannan Oligosaccharide on Survival, Growth, Physiological Condition, and Immunological Responses of Marron, Cherax tenuimanus (Smith 1912)
Authors: Sang Huynh Minh , Fotedar Ravi , Filer Keith
Published: April 2011

The efficacy of dietary supplementation of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) (Bio‐Mos®, Aqua Grade; Alltech, Lexington, KY, USA) was evaluated on survival, growth, physiological and immunological parameters of marron, Cherax tenuimanus. Marron were fed six different isonitrogenous and isocalorific diets supplemented with 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8% of MOS for a duration of 112 d and examined for survival and growth every 28 d. Physiological and immunological indicators were measured every 56 d. After 112 d, survival was the highest when marron were fed 0.2 and 0.4% MOS supplemented diets. Wet tail muscle index (TMIwet) and dry tail muscle index (TMIdry) of marron fed MOS supplemented diets were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than marron fed diet without MOS. Osmoregulatory capacity was highest in marron fed 0.4% MOS. Marron fed MOS supplemented diets had lower (P < 0.05) bacteraemia than marron fed diet without MOS. Hemolymph clotting time was the lowest and granular cells were the highest in marron fed 0.2 and 0.4% MOS. The results suggest that feeding 0.2–0.4% MOS in the diet increases the health status of marron.
Transmission parameters of the A/H1N1 (2009) influenza virus pandemic: a review
Authors: Boëlle Pierre‐Yves , Ansart Séverine , Cori Anne , Valleron Alain‐Jacques
Published: March 2011

Please cite this paper as: Boëlle P‐Yet al.(2011) Transmission parameters of the A/H1N1 (2009) influenza virus pandemic: a review. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 5(5), 306–316.

Background The new influenza virus A/H1N1 (2009), identified in mid‐2009, rapidly spread over the world. Estimating the transmissibility of this new virus was a public health priority.

Methods We reviewed all studies presenting estimates of the serial interval or generation time and the reproduction number of the A/H1N1 (2009) virus infection.

Results Thirteen studies documented the serial interval from household or close‐contact studies, with overall mean 3 days (95% CI: 2·4, 3·6); taking into account tertiary transmission reduced this estimate to 2·6 days. Model‐based estimates were more variable, from 1·9 to 6 days. Twenty‐four studies reported reproduction numbers for community‐based epidemics at the town or country level. The range was 1·2–3·1, with larger estimates reported at the beginning of the pandemic. Accounting for under‐reporting in the early period of the pandemic and limiting variation because of the choice of the generation time interval, the reproduction number was between 1·2 and 2·3 with median 1·5.

Discussion The serial interval of A/H1N1 (2009) flu was typically short, with mean value similar to the seasonal flu. The estimates of the reproduction number were more variable. Compared with past influenza pandemics, the median reproduction number was similar (1968) or slightly smaller (1889, 1918, 1957).