bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microarray Analysis of Allergic Fungal Sinusitis and Eosinophilic Mucin Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Orlandi Richard R. , Thibeault Susan L. , Ferguson Berrylin J.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to determine and compare the differential gene expression in allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) and eosinophilic mucin rhinosinusitis (EMRS).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We conducted a complementary DNA microarray analysis of prospectively gathered tissue from a tertiary rhinology practice.

RESULTS

Compared to normal subjects, 38 genes or potential genes were differentially expressed in AFS patients, while 10 genes were differentially expressed in EMRS patients. Four genes differentially expressed in EMRS were not differentially expressed in AFS: cathepsin B, sialyltransferase 1, GM2 ganglioside activator protein, and S100 calcium binding protein. These genes mediate lysosomal activity and are known to have differential expression in inflammatory and neoplastic states.

CONCLUSIONS

EMRS and AFS show some similarities in gene expression profiles using microarray analysis. Significant differences in gene expression in both EMRS and AFS patients compared with normal subjects provide early clues to the pathophysiology of EMRS and AFS.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study demonstrates that complementary DNA microarray analysis is a feasible tool for studying different disease subclassifications and is the first to study these subclasses in chronic rhinosinusitis.
Parotidectomy: Ten‐Year Review of 237 Cases at a Single Institution
Authors: Upton David C. , McNamar Justin P. , Connor Nadine P. , Harari Paul M. , Hartig Gregory K.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE

To review a single surgeon's experience with parotidectomy with an emphasis on examining the appropriate use of partial superficial parotidectomy and the differences in early outcomes observed with the various types and extent of parotidectomy used.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A series of 237 patients who underwent parotidectomy over a 10‐year period was reviewed.

RESULTS

Postoperative complications included facial nerve weakness (18%), sialocele (6.3%), wound infection (3.8%), hematoma (3.8%), and symptomatic Frey's syndrome (1.7%). More extensive surgical procedures, including complete superficial or total parotidectomy, were associated with a 2.7 times greater incidence of immediate postoperative facial nerve weakness compared with partial superficial parotidectomy.

CONCLUSION

Partial superficial parotidectomy is associated with a decreased incidence of transient postoperative facial nerve weakness compared with more extensive procedures such as complete superficial or total parotidectomy. Intraoperative frozen section was an accurate means of selecting patients for the partial superficial parotidectomy procedure.

SIGNIFICANCE

Partial superficial parotidectomy is an effective method for treating benign tumors confined to the superficial lobe.
Does an Oral Appliance Reduce Palatal Flutter and Tongue Base Snoring?
Authors: Stouder Stephanie , Jones Loren , Brietzke Scott , Mair Eric A.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES

Oral appliances are designed to treat snoring and sleep apnea by advancing the mandible and tongue. We test the hypothesis that an oral appliance affects palatal snoring as well as tongue base obstruction.

METHODS

Prospective observational cohort study. Sixty patients with a chief complaint of snoring with or without apnea were enrolled. Each patient underwent a home sleep test followed by 3 weeks sleeping with an oral appliance. Each patient then underwent a repeat home sleep test while using the device.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant improvement in the snores per hour (P = 0.0005), the maximum snoring loudness (P = 0.0001), average snoring loudness (P = 0.00001), and the percentage of palatal snoring (P = 0.0007). There was also a significant decrease in oxygen desaturation events (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests oral appliances may be effective treatment for both palatal and tongue base snoring.
Clinical Presentation, Management, and Outcome of High‐Grade Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland
Authors: Emerick Kevin S. , Fabian Richard L. , Deschler Daniel G.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE

To describe clinical features of high‐grade (HG) mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the parotid gland and assess clinical outcomes of one surgical management approach.

DESIGN/SETTING/METHODS

Retrospective case series in a tertiary care academic institution. Pathology records were reviewed from 1977 to 1997, identifying patients with parotid HG MEC. Available medical records were reviewed for data on clinical features, treatment, and outcome.

RESULTS

Increased stage, increased T stage, presence of neck metastasis, and distant metastasis were all associated with poor outcome. Wide local excision and postoperative radiation (XRT) provided 82% local control. XRT alone for N0 disease provided 86% regional control, while XRT and neck dissection yielded 74% control in N+ cases.

CONCLUSION

High‐grade MEC of the parotid gland is an aggressive disease that frequently presents at advanced stage. Parotidectomy with modified radical neck dissection and postoperative XRT provides reasonable local and regional control for patients with N+ disease. Elective selective neck dissection and radiation should be considered for T3 and T4 tumors with N0 status.
Reflux and Laryngitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Joniau Sander , Bradshaw Anthony , Esterman Adrian , Carney A. Simon
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVES

To investigate and compare the prevalence of pharyngeal reflux (PR) events in normal controls and patients with clinically diagnosed reflux laryngitis.

METHOD

A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify all prospective studies on the results of 24‐hour double‐probe (pharyngeal and esophageal) pH monitoring in normal controls and in patients with symptoms and/or signs of reflux laryngitis.

RESULTS

Eleven relevant studies on 192 normal controls and 13 studies on 512 patients with reflux laryngitis were identified. One or more PR events were detected in 51 normal controls (22.9%; 95% CI, 13.9% to 33.3%) and in 154 of 422 patients (38.3%; 95% CI, 25.4% to 52.1%). There is no significant difference in the prevalence of PR events between normal controls and patients with reflux laryngitis (P = 0.079). In addition, the prevalence of PR events in patients with reflux laryngitis is much lower than reported in previous reviews on this subject.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review calculated that (1) only a minority of patients with clinically diagnosed reflux laryngitis will show PR events, and (2) there is no significant difference between the prevalence of PR events in patients with reflux laryngitis and healthy controls. At the moment, there is no reliable means to confirm reflux of gastric juice in patients with suspected reflux laryngitis. This diagnostic vacuum is fundamental and may pose important questions at the current concept of reflux of gastric juice as a common cause of laryngopharyngeal inflammation.
Utility of Voice Therapy in the Management of Vocal Fold Polyps and Cysts
Authors: Cohen Seth M. , Garrett C. Gaelyn
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of voice therapy in the management of vocal fold polyps and cysts.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective review of vocal fold cysts and polyps undergoing voice therapy in a tertiary care center. Symptom resolution or persistence resulting in surgical intervention was the main outcome measure.

RESULTS

Fifty‐seven patients were identified, of which 49.1% achieved symptom resolution with voice therapy alone. Patients with complete glottal closure and muscle tension dysphonia did not have a better response than those with incomplete glottal closure and without muscle tension dysphonia (P = 0.1, χ2, respectively). Patients with translucent polyps more commonly responded to voice therapy than fibrotic, hyaline, or hemorrhagic polyps, 81.8% versus 15.4% and 25.0% response rate, respectively (P = 0.002, χ2).

CONCLUSIONS

Voice therapy is an effective treatment modality for vocal fold polyps and cysts.

SIGNIFICANCE

A multidisciplinary approach including a trial of voice therapy is warranted.
The Utility of Fine Needle Aspiration in Parotid Malignancy
Authors: Lin Aaron C. , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE

To determine clinical utility of fine needle aspiration (FNA) in parotid neoplasia.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

FNA and final pathology data were reviewed for patients who underwent parotidectomy for malignancy. Surgical outcomes were compared between patients with malignant cytology versus nonmalignant/nondiagnostic cytology.

RESULTS

Twenty‐seven of 33 primary malignant parotid lesions underwent FNA. Seventeen (63.0%) patients were diagnosed with cancer on FNA. The remaining 16 patients did not undergo FNA (n = 6), had a nondiagnostic FNA specimen (n = 5), or were incorrectly diagnosed with a benign lesion (n = 5). Patients who went on to parotidectomy with intent to treat malignancy based on FNA had significantly higher rates of upfront neck dissections (47.1% vs 12.5%, P = 0.036) as well as clear pathological margins (70.6% vs 31.3%, P = 0.027) vs those with nonmalignant FNA diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative FNA diagnosis of malignancy improves surgical treatment of parotid cancer.

SIGNIFICANCE

FNA in the evaluation of parotid masses should strongly be considered.
Frozen‐Section Biopsy Analysis for Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Ghadiali Murtaza T. , Deckard Nathan A. , Farooq Uzma , Astor Frank , Robinson Phillip , Casiano Roy R.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate sensitivity and specificity of frozen‐section biopsy in the diagnosis of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (AIFRS).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Retrospective chart review of all patients treated for AIFRS at the University of Miami between 1993 and 2005. Twenty patients with the clinical diagnosis of AIFRS were identified. Histopathological data were collected to evaluate the use of frozen‐section biopsy to diagnose the disease.

RESULTS

Permanent pathology sections were positive for AIFRS in all specimens. Frozen‐section biopsies were positive for fungal features in all but five cases (four with Mucor and one with Aspergillus). High positive predictive values were found for both fungal types and for both sets of patients (bedside and intraoperative).

CONCLUSION

Frozen‐section biopsy is a useful tool for rapid and effective diagnosis in patients with suspected AIFRS. A positive frozen‐section result is highly predictive of invasive disease and merits prompt surgical intervention.
Nucleus Freedom North American Clinical Trial
Authors: Balkany Thomas , Hodges Annelle , Menapace Christine , Hazard Linda , Driscoll Colin , Gantz Bruce , Kelsall David , Luxford William , McMenomy Sean , Neely J. Gail , Peters Brian , Pillsbury Harold , Roberson Joseph , Schramm David , Telian Steven , Waltzman Susan , Westerberg Brian , Payne Stacy
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate hearing outcomes and effects of stimulation rate on performance with the Nucleus Freedom cochlear implant (Cochlear Americas, Denver, CO).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Randomized, controlled, prospective, single‐blind clinical study using single‐subject repeated measures (A‐B‐A‐B) design at 14 academic centers in the United States and Canada and comparison with outcomes of a prior device by the same manufacturer.

PATIENTS

Seventy‐one severely/profoundly hearing impaired adults.

RESULTS

Seventy‐one adult recipients were randomly programmed in two different sets of rate: ACE or higher rate ACE RE. Mean scores for Consonant Nucleus Consonant words is 57%, Hearing in Noise Test (HINT) sentences in quiet 78%, and HINT sentences in noise 64%. Sixty‐seven percent of subjects preferred slower rates of stimulation, and performance did not improve with higher rates of stimulation using this device.

CONCLUSIONS

Subjects performed well, and there was no advantage to higher stimulation rates with this device.

SIGNIFICANCE

Higher stimulation rates do not necessarily result in improved performance.
The Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT): Can we Make it More Clinically Meaningful?
Authors: Browne John Patrick , Hopkins Claire , Slack Robert , Cano Stefan J.
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE

To test whether subscales should be used when analyzing the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective cohort study involved 87 acute NHS hospitals in England and Wales.

RESULTS

With the use of exploratory factor analysis we found evidence for the existence of four unique constructs within the SNOT. Two constructs address symptoms (rhinologic and ear/facial) and two address aspects of health‐related quality of life (psychological issues and sleep function). Subscales of the SNOT that correspond to these constructs provided clinically meaningful information over and above that provided by the SNOT total score on the type of surgical benefits gained by patients with different sino‐nasal conditions.

CONCLUSION

The SNOT is not unidimensional and a SNOT total score will mask variation in the true underlying constructs.

SIGNIFICANCE

The SNOT would have greatly improved clinical use if it was scored with appropriate subscales. Such a measure would allow us to tease out the differential impact of sino‐nasal conditions, in addition to allowing greater understanding of treatment effects.
Primary assessment of the vertiginous patient at a pre-ENT balance clinic
Authors: Leong A C , Barker F , Bleach N R
Published: May 2007

Introduction:

Due to problems with long waiting times for assessment of vertiginous patients (more than 24 weeks), we changed practice and instituted a pre-ENT balance clinic assessment; we then audited the results. In particular, we looked at the subgroup with benign positional paroxysmal vertigo.

Methods:

One hundred and fifteen patients were seen at the pre-ENT balance clinic from October 2003 to September 2004. Those diagnosed with benign positional paroxysmal vertigo received particle repositioning therapy at the same clinic and did not subsequently need ENT assessment.

Results:

By the end of the audit period, waiting times were reduced to three weeks, and more than one-quarter of vertiginous patients (i.e. those diagnosed with benign positional paroxysmal vertigo) did not need to be reviewed at an ENT clinic.

Conclusion:

We believe this to be the first study to present prospective data showing that patients with benign positional paroxysmal vertigo may be safely diagnosed and effectively managed at a pre-ENT balance clinic.
Botulinum toxin A injection under electromyographic guidance for treatment of spasmodic dysphonia
Authors: Casserly P , Timon C
Published: May 2007

Spasmodic dysphonia is a disabling voice condition caused by a chronic neurological disorder of central motor processing. Present therapy is directed at relief of symptoms rather than cure. Botulinum toxin type A injection into the thyroarytenoid muscle has become the pre-eminent approach for treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia. Botulinum toxin A injections can be performed in an out-patient setting under electromyographic guidance. We present our experience with 153 injections in 14 patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia over a 10-year period. We demonstrate that the electromyography signal is a reliable prognostic indicator in terms of efficacy, and that patients' subjective opinion is a valid indicator of treatment success and future treatment strategy.
Patient mobile telephone ‘text’ reminder: a novel way to reduce non-attendance at the ENT out-patient clinic
Authors: Geraghty M , Glynn F , Amin M , Kinsella J
Published: May 2007

Background:

Non-attendance at out-patient clinics is a seemingly intractable problem, estimated to cost £65 (€97) per incident. This results in under-utilisation of resources and prolonged waiting lists. In an effort to reduce out-patient clinic non-attendance, our ENT department, in conjunction with the information and communication technology department, instigated the use of a mobile telephone short message service (‘text’) reminder, to be sent out to each patient three days prior to their out-patient clinic appointment.

Objective:

To audit non-attendance rates at ENT out-patient clinics following the introduction of a text reminder system.

Study design:

Retrospective review.

Methods:

Non-attendance at our institution's ENT out-patient clinics was audited, following introduction of a text message reminder system in August 2003. Rates of non-attendance were compared for the text message reminder group and a historical control group.

Results:

Before the introduction of the text message reminder system, the mean rate of non-attendance was 33.6 per cent. Following the introduction of the system, the mean rate of non-attendance reduced to 22 per cent.

Conclusion:

Sending text message reminders is a simple and cost-effective way to improve non-attendance at ENT out-patient clinics.
Repair of inner canthus surgical wound using superior palpebral artery based advancement flap
Authors: White P S , Walker F D L
Published: May 2007

Background: Small defects of the inner canthus can be difficult to repair with an aesthetically satisfactory result, due to the difficulty in matching skin types and the resulting donor site scars.

Methods: We describe a technique which we have employed for repairing skin defects around the inner canthus, using a cutaneous advancement flap from the upper eyelid, based on the superior palpebral artery.

Results: Complete excision of the lesion was possible, and a cosmetically acceptable result was obtained.

Conclusions: By using this technique, skin is moved within one aesthetic unit, thus maximising skin type matching and cosmetic results. In addition, the technique creates a donor site which can be easily hidden within the natural creases of the upper lid, and the arterial supply maximises the chances of flap survival.
Endoscopic technique to mark the site of tracheal stenosis for resection
Authors: Lichtenberger G , Sittel C , Merati A L , Reményi Á
Published: May 2007

Background:

It is difficult to precisely localise the extent of the diseased segment on the external aspect of a stenotic trachea. A technique has been developed of marking the upper margin of stenosis, in order to open the airway at the appropriate level during segmental resection.

Materials and methods:

Prior to the open reconstructive procedure, the stenosis is visualised using microlaryngoscopy. An endo-extraluminal technique is used to drive a suture from inside out through the skin; this then serves to mark the exact top margin of the stenotic segment. This suture serves as a guide for the surgeon during the open approach to tracheal resection.

Results:

This technique was performed in 16 cases, and allowed precise localisation of the stenosis in each case.

Conclusion:

Transcutaneous localisation of laryngotracheal stenosis, using the Lichtenberger device, is an easy and reliable technique requiring a minimum of additional time.
Classification and ecological relationships of seed dormancy in a seasonal moist tropical forest, Panama, Central America
Authors: Sautu Adriana , Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C. , Deago Jose , Condit Richard
Published: May 2007

This is the first study to determine the class of seed dormancy (or non-dormancy) of a large number of native tree species in a tropical forest, the seasonal moist tropical forest of the Panama Canal Watershed (PCW), or to test the relationships between class of dormancy (or non-dormancy) and various seed and ecological characteristics of the constituent species. Fresh seeds of 49 of 94 tree species were non-dormant (ND), and 45 were dormant (D). Seeds of 23 species had physiological dormancy (PD), 13 physical dormancy (PY), two morphological dormancy (MD), 7 morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) and none combinational dormancy (PY+PD). Seeds with PY were significantly smaller ( < 0.1 g) and drier (moisture content < 16%) at maturity than those that were ND or in the other D classes. Seeds of 62, 42 and 53% of species dispersed in the early rainy, late rainy (LRS) and dry seasons, respectively, were ND. The majority (61%) of species with PD seeds, but only 17% of those with PY seeds, were dispersed in the LRS. The proportion of species with ND seeds was higher in large-size (63%) than in mid-size (35%) and understorey (17%) trees, but differed only slightly between non-pioneers (58%) and pioneers (54%). The proportion of species with D seeds increased only slightly through a precipitation gradient of about 3100 to 1900 mm in the PCW; however, PY increased from 19 to 32% and PD decreased from 63 to 44%.
Seasonal variation in density and species richness of soil seed-banks in karst forests and degraded vegetation in central Yunnan, SW China
Authors: Shen You-xin , Liu Wen-yao , Cao Min , Li Yu-hui
Published: May 2007

We studied seasonal variation in density and species richness of seeds in the 0–10 cm soil depth layer in primary, secondary and pine forests, and in shrubland and grassland in the Shilin Stone Forest Geographical Park, Yunnan, SW China. Soil samples were collected four times during the year at 3-month intervals. Seeds from 119 species were identified by germination tests in the soil samples. Density and species richness of seeds of herbaceous plants were greater than woody plants at all five sites throughout the year. Sampling time and site differences had significant effects on the mean number of species and on seed-bank density. Mean number of species per sample increased from February, reached the highest value in May, decreased to the lowest value in August and then increased in November. An exception was in the primary forest, where the highest number of species was found in February. Mean seed-bank density peaked in May at all five sites, and no significant differences were found between densities in February, November and August, except for the primary forest. The peak in seed-bank density in May might be due to dispersal of new seeds of spring-fruiting species, combined with persistence of seeds dispersed in previous years. This seasonal variation of individual species was due primarily to differences in species phenology rather than to differences between sites. Four seasonal seed-bank strategies were identified: two transient and two persistent. At all sites, similar numbers of seeds of herbaceous species were found between seasons, but the number of species of trees and shrubs decreased in August.
Endogenous jasmonates in dry and imbibed sunflower seeds from plants grown at different soil moisture contents
Authors: Vigliocco Ana , Alemano Sergio , Miersch Otto , Alvarez Daniel , Abdala Guillermina
Published: May 2007

In this study, we characterized two sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) lines with differential sensitivity to drought, the sensitive line B59 and the tolerant line B71. Using both lines, we compared the content of endogenous jasmonates (JAs) in dry and imbibed seeds from plants grown under irrigation and drought. Jasmonic acid (JA), 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA), 11-hydroxyjasmonate (11-OH-JA) and 12-hydroxyjasmonate (12-OH-JA) were detected in dry and imbibed sunflower seeds. Seeds from plants grown under drought had a lower content of total JAs and exhibited higher germination percentages than seeds from irrigated plants, demonstrating that environmental conditions have a strong influence on the progeny. OPDA and 12-OH-JA were the main compounds found in dry seeds of both lines. Imbibed seeds showed an enhanced amount of total JAs with respect to dry seeds produced by plants grown in both soil moisture conditions. Imbibition triggered a dramatic OPDA increase in the embryo, suggesting a role of this compound in germination. We conclude that JAs patterns vary during sunflower germination and that the environmental conditions experienced by the mother plant modify the hormonal content of the seed progeny.
Substitutionsbehandlung mit Vitamin D – für welche	Patienten und welche Analoga?
Authors: Martin  , Trombetti  , Stoermann
Published: May 2007

Die chronische Niereninsuffizienz ist mit einer verminderten Produktion des aktiven Metaboliten des Vit D, 1 alpha, 25 Dihydroxy-Vitamin D assoziiert. Dies hat mehrere Konsequenzen, die nicht nur auf das Skelettsystem beschränkt sind. In der Tat besitzt Vit D verschiedene Wirkungen, die in diesem Review diskutiert werden. Die Substitution des Vit D wird sehr früh bei der Behandlung der chronischen Niereninsuffizienz in Betracht gezogen, dennoch herrscht noch Unsicherheit über die Art der Substitution. Die Rolle der Vit D-Analoga wird in diesem Review betont, wobei Calcitriol und Paricalcitol verglichen werden.
Wie vermeidet man kalziumhaltige Nierensteine?
Authors: Pasch
Published: May 2007

Kalziumhaltige Nierensteine sind häufig und haben eine hohe Rezidivrate. Daher spielt neben der Behandlung akuter Steinepisoden die Verhinderung erneuter Steinepisoden eine große Rolle bei der Betreuung von betroffenen Patienten. Die Verhinderung von Rezidiven wird durch eine systematische Abklärung der Risikofaktoren sowie durch die anschließende Etablierung diätetischer oder medikamentöser Maßnahmen erreicht. Der vorliegende Übersichtsartikel beschreibt und diskutiert die heute etablierten Maßnahmen zur Vermeidung kalziumhaltiger Nierensteine.
Kalzium-Supplementierung in der Menopause: überflüssig, erwünscht oder obligatorisch?
Authors: Burckhardt
Published: May 2007

Der Verlust von Östrogen in der Menopause bringt eine Beschleunigung des Knochenabbaus mit sich, sowie eine Tendenz zu negativer Kalzium-Bilanz. Obwohl eine erhöhte Kalzium-Zufuhr allein dies nicht ausgleichen kann, so verhindert sie doch einen Kalzium-Mangel, der dem Knochen zusätzlich schadet. Kalzium-Supplementierung vermindert die Häufigkeit von Frakturen, hauptsächlich Hüftfrakturen, aber nur wenn die Einnahme regelmäßig erfolgt. Allerdings ist der Effekt gering, und kommt nur in Zusammenhang mit einer gesunden Lebenshaltung zum Tragen. Kalzium in Nahrungsmitteln ist so gut absorbiert wie Kalzium von Präparaten, nur dass es mit anderen Vorteilen verbunden ist, wie z.B. der Zufuhr von Proteinen und Phosphaten durch Milchprodukte, oder von Bicarbonaten durch gewisse Mineralwasser.
Störungen der Kalziumhomöostase im Kindesalter – wann muss man daran denken?
Authors: Janner  , Mullis
Published: May 2007

Störungen der Kalziumhomöostase sind im Kindesalter, mit Ausnahme der Neonatalzeit, selten. Dennoch verursachen sowohl Hypokalzämien wie Hyperkalzämien ein derart breites Spektrum von Symptomen und klinischen Befunden, dass der Kliniker Störungen des Kalziumstoffwechsels immer wieder in die Differenzialdiagnose mit einbeziehen muss. Nach einer kurzen Wiederholung der normalen Physiologie werden wir ein differenzialdiagnostisches Gerüst vorstellen, das dem Praktiker als Entscheidungshilfe dafür dienen soll, in welchen Situationen das Plasmakalzium bestimmt werden sollte.
Toward improved satellite estimates of short‐wave radiative fluxes—Focus on cloud detection over snow: 2. Results
Authors: Pinker Rachel T. , Li Xu , Meng Wen , Yegorova Elena A.
Published: May 2007

A Coupled Cloud and Snow Detection Algorithm (CCSDA) has been developed (part 1: Li et al. (2007)) for improving current satellite capabilities to estimate downward surface short‐wave radiation (DSSR) under snow conditions. The algorithm is based on observations from four channels of the GOES‐8 imager and is used to detect clouds, snow, and perform clear‐sky background analysis. It has been applied to 1 year (1997) of pixel level satellite observations over the United States to obtain inputs for the DSSR inference scheme. When compared to results from earlier model outputs, the surface short‐wave fluxes have significantly improved for the snow situation, and resulting estimates of snow extent compare well with independent snow products. Evaluation of improvements in snow detection and DSSR fluxes will be presented and discussed.
Have Australian rainfall and cloudiness increased due to the remote effects of Asian anthropogenic aerosols?
Authors: Rotstayn Leon D. , Cai Wenju , Dix Martin R. , Farquhar Graham D. , Feng Yan , Ginoux Paul , Herzog Michael , Ito Akinori , Penner Joyce E. , Roderick Michael L. , Wang Minghuai
Published: May 2007

There is ample evidence that anthropogenic aerosols have important effects on climate in the Northern Hemisphere but little such evidence in the Southern Hemisphere. Observations of Australian rainfall and cloudiness since 1950 show increases over much of the continent. We show that including anthropogenic aerosol changes in 20th century simulations of a global climate model gives increasing rainfall and cloudiness over Australia during 1951–1996, whereas omitting this forcing gives decreasing rainfall and cloudiness. The pattern of increasing rainfall when aerosols are included is strongest over northwestern Australia, in agreement with the observed trends. The strong impact of aerosols is primarily due to the massive Asian aerosol haze, as confirmed by a sensitivity test in which only Asian anthropogenic aerosols are included. The Asian haze alters the meridional temperature and pressure gradients over the tropical Indian Ocean, thereby increasing the tendency of monsoonal winds to flow toward Australia. Anthropogenic aerosols also make the simulated pattern of surface‐temperature change in the tropical Pacific more like La Niña, since they induce a cooling of the surface waters in the extratropical North Pacific, which are then transported to the tropical eastern Pacific via the deep ocean. Transient climate model simulations forced only by increased greenhouse gases have generally not reproduced the observed rainfall increase over northwestern and central Australia. Our results suggest that a possible reason for this failure was the omission of forcing by Asian aerosols. Further research is essential to more accurately quantify the role of Asian aerosols in forcing Australian climate change.
Low‐level transpacific transport
Authors: Holzer Mark , Hall Timothy M.
Published: May 2007

The role of low‐level transpacific paths in bringing east Asian air to the North American west coast surface is determined using conditional transit‐time distributions. These distributions are computed with the MATCH transport model driven by NCEP reanalysis data. Transpacific paths that lie entirely below ∼2.2 km contribute negligibly to the west coast column burden of east Asian air. However, during summer such paths account for about half of the climatological west coast surface mixing ratio of east Asian air with transit times of less than ∼3 weeks. Summertime transport is characterized by distinct upper and lower level transport modes, which form by convective injection and boundary layer outflow into a summertime marine troposphere of high stability and weak baroclinicity. During the other seasons the climatological east Asian air plume organizes into distinct midlatitude and subtropical parts, particularly evident during spring and fall. The midlatitude plume is characterized by mixing along sloping isentropes, which transports low‐level air aloft over the western Pacific and brings midtropospheric air to the surface over the eastern Pacific. The subtropical part of the plume is formed by convectively injected air. Lagged, weighted composites show that summertime surface events are characterized by strong low‐level Asian outflow, while for the other seasons surface events are associated with enhanced mixing along sloping isentropes.
Stochastic simulation model for nonstationary time series using an autoregressive wavelet decomposition: Applications to rainfall and temperature
Authors: Kwon Hyun‐Han , Lall Upmanu , Khalil Abedalrazq F.
Published: May 2007

A time series simulation scheme based on wavelet decomposition coupled to an autoregressive model is presented for hydroclimatic series that exhibit band‐limited low‐frequency variability. Many nonlinear dynamical systems generate time series that appear to have amplitude‐ and frequency‐modulated oscillations that may correspond to the recurrence of different solution regimes. The use of wavelet decomposition followed by an autoregressive model of each leading component is explored as a model for such time series. The first example considered is the Lorenz‐84 low‐order model of extratropical circulation, which has been used to illustrate how chaos and intransitivity (multiple stable solutions) can lead to low‐frequency variability. The central England temperature (CET) time series, the NINO3.4 series that is a surrogate for El Nino–Southern Oscillation, and seasonal rainfall from Everglades National Park, Florida, are then modeled with this approach. The proposed simulation model yields better results than a traditional linear autoregressive (AR) time series model in terms of reproducing the time‐frequency properties of the observed rainfall, while preserving the statistics usually reproduced by the AR models.
Anomalous deepening of a belt of intraslab earthquakes in the Pacific slab crust under Kanto, central Japan: Possible anomalous thermal shielding, dehydration reactions, and seismicity caused by shallower cold slab material
Authors: Hasegawa Akira , Nakajima Junichi , Kita Saeko , Okada Tomomi , Matsuzawa Toru , Kirby Stephen H.
Published: May 2007

A belt of intraslab seismicity in the Pacific slab crust parallel to iso‐depth contours of the plate interface has been found beneath Hokkaido and Tohoku. Hypocenter relocations have shown that this seismic belt does not run parallel to but obliquely to the iso‐depth contours beneath Kanto, deepening toward the north from ∼100 km to ∼140 km depth. The depth limit of the contact zone with the overlying Philippine Sea slab is located close to and parallel to this obliquely oriented seismic belt, suggesting that the deepening of the seismic belt there is caused by the contact with the overlying slab. The contact with this cold slab hinders the heating of the Pacific slab crust by hot mantle wedge, which would cause delay of eclogite‐forming phase transformations and hence deepening of the seismic belt there. The depth limit of the subducting low‐velocity crust also deepens toward the north, supporting this idea.
Effects of crustal layering on the inversion of deformation and gravity data in volcanic areas: An application to the Campi Flegrei caldera, Italy
Authors: Crescentini L. , Amoruso A.
Published: May 2007

We study the effects of crustal layering on ground displacements and gravity changes due to a spheroidal expanding source. Soft superficial layers affect the deformation pattern (giving an apparent shallower source if layering is not taken into account), the ratio of horizontal to vertical displacements (biasing the source shape), and the subsurface mass redistribution effects on gravity changes. Retrieved intrusion density is biased toward very low values if the source is modelled as a penny‐shaped crack (point and finite) in a homogeneous half‐space and the resulting density misestimate can lead to a possibly incorrect assessment of volcanic hazard. As an application, we consider the 1982–1984 Campi Flegrei unrest. We show that the large discrepancy between densities of spherical and penny‐shaped sources, given in the literature and obtained inverting ground displacement and gravity data in a homogeneous half‐space, is at least partially a consequence of the homogeneous half‐space assumption.
Frequency-dependent advantages of plasmid carriage by Pseudomonas in homogeneous and spatially structured environments
Authors: Ellis Richard J , Lilley Andrew K , Lacey Samantha J , Murrell David , Godfray H Charles J
Published: May 2007

The conditions promoting the persistence of a plasmid carrying a trait that may be mutually beneficial to other cells in its vicinity were studied in structured and unstructured environments. A large plasmid encoding mercury resistance in Pseudomonas fluorescens was used, and the mercury concentration allowing invasion from rare for both plasmid-bearing and plasmid-free cells was determined for different initial inoculum densities in batch-culture structured (filter surface) and unstructured (mixed broth) environments. A range of mercury concentrations were found where both cell types could coexist, the regions being relatively similar in the two types of environment although density-dependent in the unstructured environment. The coexistence is explained in terms of frequency-dependent selection of the mutually beneficial mercury resistance trait, and the dynamics of bacterial growth under batch culture conditions. However, the region of coexistence was complicated by conjugation which increased plasmid spread in the mixed broth culture but not the structured environment.
Synchrony in aquatic microbial community dynamics
Authors: Kent Angela D , Yannarell Anthony C , Rusak James A , Triplett Eric W , McMahon Katherine D
Published: May 2007

Population dynamics are influenced by drivers acting from outside and from within an ecosystem. Extrinsic forces operating over broad spatial scales can impart synchronous behavior to separate populations, while internal, system-specific drivers often lead to idiosyncratic behavior. Here, we demonstrate synchrony in community-level dynamics among phytoplankton and bacteria in six north temperate humic lakes. The influence of regional meteorological factors explained much of the temporal variability in the phytoplankton community, and resulted in synchronous patterns of community change among lakes. Bacterial dynamics, in contrast, were driven by system-specific interactions with phytoplankton. Despite the importance of intrinsic factors for determining bacterial community composition and dynamics, we demonstrated that biological interactions transmitted the signal of the regional extrinsic drivers to the bacterial communities, ultimately resulting in synchronous community phenologies for bacterioplankton communities as well. This demonstrates how linkages between the components of a complex biological system can work to simplify the dynamics of the system and implies that it may be possible to predict the behavior of microbial communities responsible for important biogeochemical services in the landscape.
Microbial ecology of biological invasions
Authors: van der Putten Wim H , Klironomos John N , Wardle David A
Published: May 2007

Invasive microbes, plants and animals are a major threat to the composition and functioning of ecosystems; however, the mechanistic basis of why exotic species can be so abundant and disruptive is not well understood. Most studies have focused on invasive plants and animals, although few have considered the effects of invasive microbes, or interactions of invasive plant and animal species with microbial communities. Here, we review effects of invasive plants on soil microbial communities and discuss consequences for plant performance, plant community structure and ecosystem processes. In addition, we briefly discuss effects of invasive soil microbes on plant communities, which has been less well studied, and effects of invasive animals on soil decomposers and ecosystem functioning. We do this by considering each of three important functional groups of microbes, namely soil microbial parasites and pathogens, mutualistic symbionts and decomposers. We conclude that invasive plants, pathogenic and symbiotic soil microbes will have strongest effects on the abundance of individual species, community diversity and ecosystem functioning. Invasive decomposer microbes probably have little impact, because of limited specificity and great functional redundancy. However, invasive plants and animals can have major effects on microbial decomposition in soil. We propose that understanding, predicting and counteracting consequences of enhanced global homogenization of natural communities through introducing exotic plants, animals and microbes will require future studies on how pathogenic, symbiotic and decomposer soil microbes interact, how they are influenced by higher trophic level organisms and how their combined effects are influencing the composition and functioning of ecosystems.
Changing story of the receptor for phosphatidylserine‐dependent clearance of apoptotic cells
Authors: Wolf Alexander , Schmitz Corinna , Böttger Angelika
Published: May 2007

The phosphatidylserine receptor (PSR) was originally described as the putative receptor for phosphatidylserine, which is displayed on the outer membrane leaflet of apoptotic cells as a so‐called ‘eat me’ signal. Since then, contradictory findings about this protein have been published. A common characteristic of all PSR loss‐of‐function experiments in vertebrates has been neonatal lethality accompanied by severe developmental defects. However, impairment of phagocytosis has only been detected in some of these experiments. Furthermore, several groups have shown that PSR localizes to the nucleus. Structural in silico analysis of PSR indicates that it has a JumonjiC domain, and the molecular features characteristic of Fe(II)‐dependent and 2‐oxoglutarate‐dependent oxygenases. This review summarizes the current status of research on the PSR protein.
Gene and cell survival: lessons from prokaryotic plasmid R1
Authors: de la Cueva‐Méndez Guillermo , Pimentel Belén
Published: May 2007

Plasmids are units of extrachromosomal genetic inheritance found in all kingdoms of life. They replicate autonomously and undergo stable propagation in their hosts. Despite their small size, plasmid replication and gene expression constitute a metabolic burden that compromises their stable maintenance in host cells. This pressure has driven the evolution of strategies to increase plasmid stability—a process accelerated by the ability of plasmids to transfer horizontally between cells and to exchange genetic material with their host and other resident episomal DNAs. These abilities drive the adaptability and diversity of plasmids and their host cells. Indeed, survival functions found in plasmids have chromosomal homologues that have an essential role in cellular responses to stress. An analysis of these functions in the prokaryotic plasmid R1, and of their intricate interrelationships, reveals remarkable overall similarities with other gene‐ and cell‐survival strategies found within and beyond the prokaryotic world.
How to determine the law of the solution to a stochastic partial differential equation driven by a Lévy space-time noise?
Authors: Gottschalk Hanno , Smii Boubaker
Published: May 2007

We consider a stochastic partial differential equation on a lattice ∂tX=(Δ−m2)X−λXp+η, where η is a space-time Lévy noise. A perturbative (in the sense of formal power series) strong solution is given by a tree expansion, whereas the correlation functions of the solution are given by a perturbative expansion with coefficients that are represented as sums over a certain class of graphs, called Parisi-Wu graphs. The perturbative expansion of the truncated (connected) correlation functions is obtained via a linked cluster theorem as sums over connected graphs only. The moments of the stationary solution can be calculated as well. In all these solutions the cumulants of the single site distribution of the noise enter as multiplicative constants. To determine them, e.g., by comparison with an empirical correlation function, one can fit these constants (e.g., by the methods of least squares) and thereby one (approximately) determines laws of the solution and the driving noise.
Orders and dimensions for sl(2) or sl(3) module categories and boundary conformal field theories on a torus
Authors: Coquereaux R. , Schieber G.
Published: May 2007

After giving a short description, in terms of action of categories, of some of the structures associated with sl(2) and sl(3) boundary conformal field theories on a torus, we provide tables of dimensions describing the semisimple and cosemisimple blocks of the corresponding weak bialgebras (quantum groupoids), tables of quantum dimensions and orders, and tables describing induction-restriction. For reasons of size, the sl(3) tables of induction are only given for theories with self-fusion (existence of a monoidal structure).
A ferromagnetic ferroelectric cofired ceramic for hyperfrequency
Authors: Bai Yang , Zhou Ji , Gui Zhilun , Li Longtu , Qiao Lijie
Published: May 2007

A series of composite materials were prepared by cofired ceramics technology with 0.8Pb(Ni1∕3Nb2∕3)O3–0.2PbTiO3 (PNNT) and Ba2Zn1.2Cu0.8Fe12O22 as two components. The weight fraction of PNNT, signed as x, varied from 0.1 to 0.9. The coexistence of two phases in the composites was observed directly via scanning electron microscopy, and proved by x-ray diffraction spectra. The composites show excellent cofiring behavior. According to ferromagnetic and ferroelectric hysteresis loops, the composites exhibit both ferromagnetic and ferroelectric properties over a wide composition range (x=0.1–0.9). The composites have excellent magnetic and dielectric properties in hyperfrequency. With the rise of x, permeability decreases and permittivity increases. The permittivity resonant peak shifts to higher frequency with the decrease of x. Maxwell-Garnett equations are used to fit the permeability and permittivity of the composites. It can give valuable predication for composite material design. These composites are promising for applying in truly integrated passive filter in hyperfrequency.
Effect of thickness on electrical properties of bismuth-magnesium niobate pyrochlore thin films deposited at low temperature
Authors: Xian Cheng-Ji , Park Jong-Hyun , Yoon Soon-Gil , Moon Jin Seok , Lim Sung Taek , Sohn Seung Hyun , Jung Hyung Mi , Shin Yee-na , Kim Woon Chun , Jeon Min-Ku , Woo Seong-Ihl
Published: May 2007

Bi 2 Mg 2 ∕ 3 Nb 4 ∕ 3 O 7 (BMN) pyrochlore thin films were deposited at 25 and 100°C on Cu∕Ti∕Si substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Dielectric and leakage current properties of BMN films are investigated as a function of film thickness. The critical thicknesses showing the thickness dependence of dielectric constant are approximately 50 and 70nm in BMN films deposited at 25 and 100°C, respectively. The capacitances of interfacial layers in the films deposited at 25 and 100°C are approximately 5.5 and 3.9pF, respectively. The thickness dependence of leakage current characteristics was attributed to the copper diffusion into the BMN films. An intrinsic conduction of BMN films was controlled by Schottky emission and the barrier height was estimated as 0.9–1.2eV in the temperature range from 25to100°C. Film thickness in terms of leakage current characteristics is limited above 100nm for embedded capacitor applications.
Effects of local artificial defects in multifilamentary coated conductors with patterned links
Authors: Kwon C. , Young J. L. , James R. G. , Levin George A. , Haugan Timothy J. , Barnes Paul N.
Published: May 2007

Multifilamentary coated conductor (MFCC) samples with patterned links have been studied using transport and scanning laser microscopy (SLM) techniques. Striation patterns are fashioned to define multiple filaments with discretely placed superconducting (SC) links between the filaments for current sharing and redistribution. After initial measurements, an artificial incision is made on a filament to mimic a disabled filament. The changes in global and local current transport characteristics are noted for in terms of the redistribution of current flow and the modification of local dissipation. Our results show that the patterned links between filaments play a vital role in redistributing current and encouraging current sharing. We find that the main factors in limiting the current-carrying capability of MFCC samples are local current density increases, which we call “current crowding.” The susceptible areas for current crowding are several: (1) filaments adjacent to the disabled ones, since the intact filaments have to carry extra current, (2) the links where current redistribution occurs, and (3) the partially blocked filament.