bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localization of mGluR5, GABAB, GABAA, and cannabinoid receptors on the vago‐vagal reflex pathway responsible for transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in humans: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Rohof W. O. , Aronica E. , Beaumont H. , Troost D. , Boeckxstaens G. E.
Published: January 2012

Background  Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) are the predominant mechanisms underlying gastro‐esophageal reflux. TLESRs are mediated by a vago‐vagal reflex, which can be blocked by interaction with metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 (mGluR5), γ‐aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB), γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA), and cannabinoid (CB) receptors. However, the distribution of these receptors in the neural pathway underlying the triggering of TLESRs has not been evaluated in humans.

Methods  Using immunohistochemistry, we investigated the distribution of mGluR5, GABAA, GABAB, CB1, and CB2 receptors in the human nodose ganglion, the brain stem, and the myenteric plexus of the esophagus.

Key Results  MGluR5, GABAB, CB1, and CB2 receptors are abundantly expressed in neurons of the myenteric plexus of the LES, nodose ganglion cell bodies and nerve fibers, the dorsal motor nucleus, and nucleus of the solitary tract in the brain stem. GABAA receptors are expressed in the same regions except in the nodose ganglion and myenteric plexus of the LES.

Conclusions & Inferences  Human mGluR5, GABAA,B, and CB1,2 receptors are abundantly expressed along the vago‐vagal neural pathway and involved in the triggering of TLESRs. These findings are not only in line with the central side effects observed during treatment with reflux inhibitors such as GABAB receptor agonists and mGluR5 antagonists, but also suggest that peripherally acting compounds may be effective.
Effects of the NK1 antagonist, aprepitant, on response to oral and intranasal oxycodone in prescription opioid abusers
Authors: Walsh Sharon L. , Heilig Markus , Nuzzo Paul A. , Henderson Pam , Lofwall Michelle R.
Published: January 2012

Pre‐clinical studies suggest that the neurokinin‐1 (NK1) receptor may modulate the response to opioids, with NK1 inactivation leading to decreased opioid reinforcement, tolerance and withdrawal. Aprepitant is a selective NK1 antagonist currently marketed for clinical use as an anti‐emetic. This 6‐week in‐patient study used a randomized, double‐blind, double‐dummy, within‐subject, crossover design. Subjects (n = 8; 6 male/2 female) were healthy, adult volunteers who provided subjective and objective evidence of current prescription opioid abuse (without physical dependence) and underwent careful medical and psychiatric screening. Fifteen experimental conditions, consisting of one aprepitant dose (0, 40 and 200 mg, p.o. given as a 2‐hour pre‐treatment) in combination with one oxycodone dose [placebo, oral (20 and 40 mg/70 kg) and intranasal (15 and 30 mg/70 kg)], were examined. Sessions were conducted at least 48‐hour apart and multi‐dimensional measures were collected repeatedly throughout the 6‐hour session duration. Oxycodone, by both routes of administration, produced significant dose‐related effects on the predicted measures (e.g. subjective measures of abuse liability, respiratory depression and miosis). Pre‐treatment with aprepitant (200 mg) significantly enhanced ratings of oxycodone subjective effects related to euphoria and liking and doubled the street value estimates for the highest test doses of oxycodone by both routes. Some objective measures (respiratory function, observer‐rated opioid agonist effects) were similarly enhanced by pre‐treatment with the highest dose of aprepitant. All dose combinations were safely tolerated. These findings are discussed in the context of the potential utility of NK1 antagonists in the treatment of opioid use disorders.
EAACI consensus statement for investigation of work‐related asthma in non‐specialized centres
Authors: Moscato G. , Pala G. , Barnig C. , De Blay F. , Del Giacco S. R. , Folletti I. , Heffler E. , Maestrelli P. , Pauli G. , Perfetti L. , Quirce S. , Sastre J. , Siracusa A. , Walusiak‐Skorupa J. , van Wjik R. Gerth
Published: January 2012

Work‐related asthma (WRA) is a relevant problem in several countries, is cause of disability and socioeconomic consequences for both the patient and the society and is probably still underdiagnosed. A correct diagnosis is extremely important to reduce or limit the consequences of the disease. This consensus document was prepared by a EAACI Task Force consisting of an expert panel of allergologists, pneumologists and occupational physicians from different European countries. This document is not intended to address in detail the full diagnostic work‐up of WRA, nor to be a formal evidence‐based guideline. It is written to provide an operative protocol to allergologists and physicians dealing with asthma useful for identifying the subjects suspected of having WRA to address them to in‐depth investigations in a specialized centre. No evidence‐based system could be used because of the low grade of evidence of published studies in this area, and instead, ‘key messages’ or ‘suggestions’ are provided based on consensus of the expert panel members.
Intravenous lidocaine has no impact on rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular block. Randomised study
Authors: CZARNETZKI C. , LYSAKOWSKI C. , ELIA N. , TRAMÈR M. R.
Published: January 2012

Background

Intravenous lidocaine is increasingly used in surgical patients. As it has neuromuscular blocking effects, we tested the impact of an intravenous lidocaine infusion on the time course of a rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular block.

Methods

Fifty‐two adults undergoing surgery were randomly allocated to intravenous lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg followed by a continuous infusion of 2 mg/kg/h or physiological saline (control) throughout surgery. Anaesthesia was induced and maintained with a target‐controlled propofol infusion and sufentanil. After loss of consciousness, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was given. Neuromuscular transmission was measured using train‐of‐four (TOF)‐watch SX (Organon, Swords Co., Dublin, Ireland) acceleromyography.

Results

Onset time (to 95% depression of first twitch) was on average 113.9 s (standard deviation 35.3) with lidocaine and 119.5 s (44.9) with saline (P = 0.618). Total recovery time (TOF ratio 0.9) was on average 58.1 min (15.1) with lidocaine and 54.3 min (16.9) with saline (P = 0.394). Clinical duration (until first twitch has recovered to 25%) was on average 33.3 min (7.2) with lidocaine and 30.6 min (8.1) with saline (P = 0.21). Recovery index (time between 25% and 75% recovery of the first twitch) was on average 11.5 min (5.0) with lidocaine and 10.6 min (4.1) with saline (P = 0.458). Recovery time (between 25% recovery of the first twitch and TOF ratio 0.9) was on average 24.8 min (9.3) with lidocaine and 23.2 min (9.2) with saline (P = 0.541).

Conclusion

A continuous intravenous infusion of lidocaine has no impact on the time course of the neuromuscular blockade induced by a standard intubation dose of rocuronium.
Verification of endotracheal intubation in obese patients – temporal comparison of ultrasound vs. auscultation and capnography
Authors: PFEIFFER P. , BACHE S. , ISBYE D. L. , RUDOLPH S. S. , ROVSING L. , BØRGLUM J.
Published: January 2012

Background

Ultrasound (US) may have an emerging role as an adjunct in verification of endotracheal intubation. Obtaining optimal US images in obese patients is generally regarded more difficult than for other patients. This study compared the time consumption of bilateral lung US with auscultation and capnography for verifying endotracheal intubation in obese patients.

Methods

A prospective, paired and investigator‐blinded study performed in the operating theatre. Twenty‐four adult patients requiring endotracheal intubation for bariatric surgery were included. During post‐intubation bag ventilation, bilateral lung US was performed for detection of lungsliding indicating lung ventilation simultaneous with capnography and auscultation of epigastrium and chest. Primary outcome measure was the time difference to confirmed endotracheal intubation between US and auscultation alone. The secondary outcome measure was time difference between US and auscultation combined with capnography.

Results

Both methods verified endotracheal tube placement in all patients. No significant difference was found between US compared with auscultation alone. Median time for verification by auscultation alone was 47.5 s [interquartile (IQR) 40–51 s], with a mean difference of −0.3 s in favor of US (95% confidence interval −3.5–2.9 s) P = 0.87. Comparing US with the combination of auscultation and capnography, there was a significant difference between the two methods. Median time for verification by US was 43 s (IQR 40–51 s) vs. 55 s (IQR 46–65 s), P < 0.0001.

Conclusion

In obese patients, verification of endotracheal tube placement with US is as fast as auscultation alone and faster than the standard method of auscultation and capnography.
THE CHALLENGE OF REVENUE SHARING WITH BUNDLED PRICING: AN APPLICATION TO MUSIC
Authors: SHILLER BENJAMIN , WALDFOGEL JOEL
Published: January 2012

Although bundling can substantially increase profits relative to standalone pricing, particularly for zero‐marginal‐cost information products, it has one major problem: bundling produces revenue that is not readily attributable to particular pieces of intellectual property, creating a revenue division problem. We evaluate several possible solutions using unique song valuation survey data. We find the Shapley value, a well‐motivated theoretical solution, is universally incentive compatible (all bundle elements fare better inside the bundle than under standalone pricing), but revenue‐sharing schemes feasible with readily available consumption data are not. Among feasible schemes, Ginsburgh and Zang's modified Shapley value performs best. (JEL C71, D79, L14)
A summary of findings from the 5‐year ProSafeBeef project
Authors: O'Connor Á. , Wyness L.
Published: January 2012

Beef‐related health scares have, in the past, played a role in decreased consumer confidence in purchasing beef in developed countries. Beef that is safe, nutritious and of good eating quality is of increasing importance to beef consumers. Over the past 5 years, research has been carried out in the ProSafeBeef project to develop technologies and/or processes to ensure that the European beef chain thrives. Research has been conducted in a number of areas including food safety, nutrition, novel‐processed beef products and consumer research. ProSafeBeef has made ground‐breaking advances in these areas and some of the key successes emerging from ProSafeBeef are highlighted in this paper.
Problems of Nationalism and Historical Memory in China's Relations with Japan
Authors: CUI SHUNJI
Published: January 2012

This paper employs concepts and analytical frameworks drawn from Sociology, particularly collective memory, to examine China's attempts – and the limitations of those attempts – to improve relations with Japan in the new century. In particular, it focuses on a specific episode, the attempt to bring “new thinking” to Sino‐Japanese relations. It concludes that the difficulties and complexities are the product of many factors. In the first place, CCP is constrained by its own definition of nationalism and national identity. Secondly, Beijing's control mechanisms and its ability to direct nationalist discourse in ways convenient to itself are challenged by the rise of popular nationalistic sentiment. In addition, the rise of revisionist nationalism in Japan further complicates Beijing's stance toward Japan. The achievement of China's vision of harmonious world and of “Mutually Beneficial” relations with Japan will depend on how well China handles the delicate matters of the construction of national identity and the basis of government legitimacy.
The Prison and the Anti‐Colonialist in British Malaya
Authors: KHAIRUDIN ALJUNIED SYED MUHD
Published: January 2012

This article argues for the need to view imprisonment as a transformational experience for anti‐colonialists in British Malaya and beyond. Colonial prisons were fertile grounds that led to the shaping and restructuring of anti‐colonial sentiments. They were also spaces where new forms of collective action, compromises and adaptations emerged. As will be shown, anti‐colonialists' subjectivities and positions shifted from initial feelings of fear and submissiveness upon incarceration to the articulation of collective resistance and the manifestation of attempts to subvert and destabilize the colonial structures that bore down upon them. Such circumstances led to the alteration of the everyday practices not only of the colonized, but also of those in positions of authority.
TIME TO MARKET AND IMPATIENT CUSTOMERS
Authors: Martínez‐Sánchez Francisco
Published: January 2012

We analyse the decision of firms about when to launch their products on the market when they produce differentiated goods and compete on prices. We find two subgame perfect equilibria: one in which the high‐quality firm holds its leadership in quality, and another in which the low‐quality firm leapfrogs its rival. When the initial level of differentiation is high enough, the low‐quality firm always launches first. Finally, we extend this model to analyse commercial piracy. We obtain that pirates are highly unlikely to launch the illegal copy first because they would bear a higher penalty and a higher risk of being detected.
The conjugations of Colonial Otomi
Authors: Palancar Enrique L.
Published: January 2012

Pedro de Cárceres, a Spanish friar from New Spain (Mexico), wrote the first grammar of Otomi (Oto‐Pamean, Oto‐Manguean) in 1580. The stage of the Otomi language reflected in Cárceres is called ‘Colonial Otomi’ (sixteenth and seventeenth centuries). Later, dialectal diversification gave rise to a family of different languages. Cárceres describes Colonial Otomi as having two verb conjugations. However, modern languages displaying great morphological innovation (e.g. Mezquital Otomi) show no trace of such conjugations. This led some authors to discredit Cárceres’ work by portraying it as confusing and inaccurate. In this article, I show that the analysis by Cárceres is fundamentally right, and I propose that many of the inconsistencies in his work can be solved by positing three conjugations instead of two, especially in the light of the evidence from modern languages like Tilapa Otomi, which has preserved three such conjugations.
Dividing lines: the Changing syntax and prosody of the mid‐line break in Medieval French octosyllabic verse
Authors: Rainsford T. M.
Published: January 2012

The earliest French eight‐syllable verse texts show a regular line division after the fourth syllable. This mid‐line break becomes less common and disappears over the course of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Both a phonological phrase boundary and a stressed syllable are typically used to mark the division. Where the stressed syllable is not word‐final, authors choose to displace either the break or the stressed syllable from the mid‐line position, with preferences varying by author. The presence of any such tendency to regularize stressed syllable position is argued to show the continued saliency of linguistic stress in twelfth‐century French.
Periodic autoregressive model identification using genetic algorithms
Authors: Ursu Eugen , Turkman Kamil Feridun
Published: January 2012

Periodic autoregressive (PAR) models extend the classical autoregressive models by allowing the parameters to vary with seasons. Selecting PAR time‐series models can be computationally expensive, and the results are not always satisfactory. In this article, we propose a new automatic procedure to the model selection problem by using the genetic algorithm. The Bayesian information criterion is used as a tool to identify the order of the PAR model. The success of the proposed procedure is illustrated in a small simulation study, and an application with monthly data is presented.
Making Sense of Social Practice: Theoretical Pluralism in Public Sector Accounting Research
Authors: Jacobs Kerry
Published: January 2012

Abstract: This paper explores the use of theory in public sector accounting research. The aim of this paper is to offer a critical review of the various approaches adopted and a way forward for researchers in this area. The paper also explores the debate between theoretical purity and theoretical pluralism. It presents an analysis of the different theoretical approaches used over the last sixteen years in public sector accounting research. While around a third of the papers did not adopt an explicit theoretical framework, nearly half of the papers did. The two most popular theoretical approaches were neo‐institutional and economic theory. Theoretical insights have been drawn from organisational and political theory while sociological approaches from Habermas, Foucault, Latour, Giddens and Bourdieu are all evident. In conclusion many of the papers blend theoretical insights from different authors in an attempt to better make sense of the complexity of public sector activity and support an argument for theoretical pluralism.
Mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Vos P. E. , Alekseenko Y. , Battistin L. , Ehler E. , Gerstenbrand F. , Muresanu D. F. , Potapov A. , Stepan C. A. , Traubner P. , Vecsei L. , von Wild K.
Published: January 2012

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one among the most frequent neurological disorders. Of all TBIs 90% are considered mild with an annual incidence of 100–300/100 000. Intracranial complications of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) are infrequent (10%), requiring neurosurgical intervention in a minority of cases (1%), but potentially life threatening (case fatality rate 0.1%). Hence, a true health management problem exists because of the need to exclude the small chance of a life‐threatening complication in a large number of individual patients. The 2002 EFNS guideline used the best evidence approach based on the literature until 2001 to guide initial management with respect to indications for computed tomography (CT), hospital admission, observation and follow‐up of MTBI patients. This updated EFNS guideline for initial management in MTBI proposes a more selective strategy for CT when major [dangerous mechanism, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) < 15, 2 points deterioration on the GCS, clinical signs of (basal) skull fracture, vomiting, anticoagulation therapy, post‐traumatic seizure] or minor (age, loss of consciousness, persistent anterograde amnesia, focal deficit, skull contusion, deterioration on the GCS) risk factors are present based on published decision rules with a high level of evidence. In addition, clinical decision rules for CT now exist for children as well. Since 2001, recommendations, although with a lower level of evidence, have been published for clinical observation in hospitals to prevent and treat other potential threats to the patient including behavioural disturbances (amnesia, confusion and agitation) and infection.
Extraordinary Cities: Early ‘City‐ness’ and the Origins of Agriculture and States
Authors: TAYLOR PETER J.
Published: January 2012

I explore the ramifications of applying some recent research on cities, built on the work of Jane Jacobs, to early city development. A communications approach to ‘city‐ness’ is offered as a way of understanding early cities as qualitatively new social worlds enabling world‐changing processes. Returning to Jacobs' use of Çatalhöyük to push back the timing of the first cities, I review recent work on the site to support her thesis. In the process I also argue in favour of her controversial thesis of cities inventing agriculture using Sahlin's ‘stone age economics’. Further, and going beyond Jacobs, I argue that states were also invented in cities and harness evidence for this in Mesopotamian studies. In both cases I provide generic conclusions that briefly indicate examples from other parts of the world.

Des études récentes sur les villes, fondées sur le travail de Jane Jacobs, sont appliquées au développement des villes primitives, créant des ramifications explorées ici. Une approche de la nature urbaine (‘cityness’) par les communications permet d’appréhender les villes primitives comme des univers sociaux, nouveaux sur un plan qualitatif et ouverts à des processus de changement mondial. Reprenant l’utilisation que Jacobs fait de Çatal Höyük pour repousser la chronologie des premières villes, l’article s’intéresse aux études récentes de ce site qui corroborent sa théorie. En parallèle, s’appuyant sur ‘l’économie des sociétés primitives’ de Sahlin, il défend l’idée controversée de Jacobs selon laquelle les villes ont inventé l’agriculture. Dépassant ensuite Jacobs, il soutient que les États ont aussi été inventés dans les villes, la démonstration tirant ses arguments d’études mésopotamiennes. Dans les deux cas, des conclusions génériques sont présentées, illustrées de courts exemples issus d’autres parties du monde.
Mapping the migratory routes and wintering areas of Lesser Kestrels Falco naumanni: new insights from satellite telemetry
Authors: LIMIÑANA RUBEN , ROMERO MARTA , MELLONE UGO , URIOS VICENTE
Published: January 2012

Recent improvements in satellite tracking, such as the miniaturization of transmitters, have enabled the study of movements of an increasing number of bird species. The Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni has been the subject of numerous studies but detailed information on its migration routes and wintering areas is still lacking. Here, we provide a detailed description of migration routes, timing of migration and wintering areas of Lesser Kestrels. Five adults fitted with satellite transmitters in southeastern Spain were tracked during autumn and spring migration journeys and on their wintering grounds. The overall migration duration was longer in spring than in autumn, although birds also showed longer stopovers in this season and hence the number of travelling days was lower. Lesser Kestrels covered longer daily distances in spring due to a higher frequency of nocturnal migration, rather than differences in flight speed, which did not differ between seasons. Wintering areas of Lesser Kestrels from the same breeding colony were widely spaced throughout the western Sahel along the borders of Mauritania, Mali and Senegal, approximately 2800 km from their breeding sites. The autumn migration duration of Lesser Kestrels derived from recent studies using geolocators was underestimated compared with that recorded by satellite telemetry. Given the current rapid habitat loss in the Sahel, a better understanding of migratory routes and wintering areas of other populations of this species would be important to assess its influence on population trends.
Preparation of Refined SiC Patterns from Imprinting of Partially Cross‐Linked Solid Polycarbosilane
Authors: Zhang Kuibao , Fu Zhengyi , Nakayama Tadachika , Okumura Masatoshi , Niihara Koichi
Published: January 2012

Bulky SiC composites with refined patterns were successfully fabricated from an imprinting lithography process using solid polycarbosilane (PCS) as the ceramic precursor. Structures of the master molds were integrally imprinted to PCS pellets by warm‐pressing of nanoimprinter. Total cracking is effectively prevented by precuring of PCS under air condition. The partially cross‐linked PCS exhibits a degree of thermoplasticity, which facilitates embossing of master molds onto the PCS pellets with pattern sizes ranging from 50 μm to 300 nm. The embossed samples were pyrolyzed up to 1300°C for polymer‐conversion and the prepared patterns can be maintained after the precursor transforms to resultant nanocrystalline SiC composite. Meanwhile, this facile imprinting lithography route is supposed to be capable for the synthesis of SiC patterns with nanosized structures.
Enhancing meaningful learning and self‐efficacy through collaboration between dental hygienist and physiotherapist students – a scholarship project
Authors: Johannsen A , Bolander‐Laksov K , Bjurshammar N , Nordgren B , Fridén C , Hagströmer M
Published: January 2012

To cite this article:   Int J Dent Hygiene 10, 2012; 270–276  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2011.00539.x  Johannsen A, Bolander‐Laksov K, Bjurshammar N, Nordgren B, Fridén C, Hagströmer M. Enhancing meaningful learning and self‐efficacy through collaboration between dental hygienist and physiotherapist students – a scholarship project.

Abstract:  Introduction: Within the field of Dental Hygiene (DH) and Physiotherapy (PT), students are taught to use an evidence‐based approach. Educators need to consider the nature of evidence‐based practice from the perspective of content knowledge and learning strategies. Such effort to seek best available evidence and to apply a systematic and scholarly approach to teaching and learning is called scholarship of teaching and learning. Objectives: To evaluate the application of the scholarship model including an evidence‐based approach to enhance meaningful learning and self‐efficacy among DH and PT students. Methods: Based on the research on student learning, three central theories were identified (constructivism, meaningful learning and self‐efficacy). These were applied in our context to support learner engagement and the application of prior knowledge in a new situation. The DH students performed an oral health examination on the PT students, and the PT students performed an individual health test on the DH students; both groups used motivational interviewing. Documentation of student’s learning experience was carried out through seminars and questionnaires. Results: The students were overall satisfied with the learning experience. Most appreciated are that it reflected a ‘real’ professional situation and that it also reinforced important learning from their seminars. Conclusion: The scholarship model made the teachers aware of the importance of evidence‐based teaching. Furthermore, the indicators for meaningful learning and increased self‐efficacy were high, and the students became more engaged by practising in a real situation, more aware of other health professions and reflected about tacit knowledge.
Rare complication after ileal pouch–anal anastomosis: Bilateral ureteral obstruction due to pelvic sepsis and retroperitoneal fibrosis
Authors: da Fonseca Leonardo Maciel , de Souza Bechara Cristiane , Menezes Conrado Leonel , Fonseca Carlos Eduardo Corradi , da Silva Rodrigo Gomes
Published: January 2012

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the procedure of choice for the majority of patients who require surgery for ulcerative colitis, and the preferred operation for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Complications of IPAA are common, including septic, inflammatory, functional, neoplastic and metabolic complications. When early postoperative sepsis develops, subsequent failure over time is approximately five times the rate for the whole pouch population. The objective of this study was to report an uncommon complication of IPAA. We reported a case of a patient who developed bilateral ureteral obstruction due to retroperitoneal fibrosis secondary to pelvic sepsis after a pouch–anal anastomosis leak. To the best of our knowledge, no such case has ever been reported.
Role of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ and microinvasion
Authors: Farooq Ansar , Chandrshekar Mysore , Horgan Kieran
Published: January 2012

Aim:  Ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion (DCISMI) is characterized by one or more areas of focal invasion, 1 mm or less in diameter. While pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) does not have the potential to metastasize to regional nodes, the presence of microinvasion makes lymph node metastasis possible, leading to current guidelines recommending staging of the axilla with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). However, there are few studies looking at the risk of lymphatic spread in patients with DCISMI, and indications for axillary staging in such cases is controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of nodal metastasis in patients with DCISMI in order to help ascertain whether SLNB can be safely avoided in DCISMI.

Patients and Methods:  A retrospective analysis was performed of patients undergoing surgery for DCIS over a 2‐year period (April 2006–08). Data were collected from the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme database and patient case notes. Patients having a SLNB had injection of radioisotope and blue dye. All SLNB were evaluated with serial sectioning and haematoxylin–eosin staining.

Results:  Over the 2‐year period, 399 screen‐detected breast cancers were treated, of which 310 (77 per cent) were invasive, 17 (4 per cent) had DCISMI and 72 (19 per cent) pure DCIS. The group with DCISMI was studied in more detail. Twelve out of the 17 patients had a wide local excision and five had a mastectomy. All 17 patients with DCISMI had a SLNB. No positive lymph nodes were found in this group.

Conclusion:  Our data suggest that the risk of nodal metastasis in DCISMI might be low, and question the role of SLNB in DCISMI. We highlight the lack of data on DCISMI and risk of nodal metastasis, and the need for further investigation.
Vascular endothelial growth factor gene +813CC polymorphism of foetus is associated with preterm labour but not with pre‐eclampsia in Turkish pregnant women
Authors: Atis A. , Oruc O. , Aydin Y. , Cetincelik U. , Goker N.
Published: January 2012

We investigated the effect of polymorphism at +813 locus of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene on predisposition to preterm labour and pre‐eclampsia (PE). We examined polymorphism of the VEGF +813 gene of foetuses from umbilical cord blood in 31 cases of preterm labour, 34 pre‐eclamptic and 58 healthy term labour. VEGF +813 gene polymorphisms were studied using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. In preterm group, foetal CC genotype was found at 80.6%, and CT genotype was seen at 19.4%. No any TT genotype was detected in preterm group. CC genotype of VEGF 813 gene was significantly more frequent than CT genotype (P = 0.04). Foetuses with CC genotype VEGF+813 gene have an increased risk for preterm labour. C allele frequency was 90.3 and 76.7% in preterm and control groups, respectively. T allele frequency was 9.7 and 23.3% in preterm and control groups, respectively. C allele was significantly associated with preterm labour (P = 0.02). OR of C and T alleles for preterm labour was 2.8 (CI: 1.1–7.2). In PE group, foetal CC genotype of +813 locus was found in 67.6%, and CT genotype was seen in 29.4%. Only one TT genotype was detected in 2.9% of PE group. There was no association between PE and VEGF gene genotypes and alleles at +813 locus. These results suggest that foetal VEGF gene polymorphism of +813 CC seems to be highly associated with preterm labour, whereas in PE, foetal VEGF gene polymorphism at +813 locus is not related. Especially, C allele was significantly associated with preterm labour. Carriage of the +813C allele of the VEGF gene has been found 2.8 times increased susceptibility to the development of preterm labour in Turkish women and may be an independent risk factor for prematurity. There was no association between PE and VEGF gene genotypes and alleles at +813 locus. We suggest to search for foetal aetiologies or genetic susceptibility in preterm labour, whereas in PE, not foetal, but maternal susceptibility is to be investigated.
Bursty synchrotron intensity variations of Jovian 6-cm radio emissions and Jupiter's quasi-periodic polar activities
Authors: Lou Yu-Qing , Song Huagang , Liu Yinyu , Yang Meng
Published: January 2012

With reference to Jupiter's south polar quasi-periodic 40–50 min (QP-40) activities and the model scenario for global QP-40 magneto-inertial oscillations of the Jovian inner radiation belt (IRB), we validate relevant predictions and confirmations by amassing empirical evidence from Ulysses, Cassini, Chandra, Galileo, XMM–Newton and the Advanced Composition Explorer for Jupiter's north polar QP-40 activities. We report ground 6-cm radio observations of Jupiter by the Urumqi 25-m telescope for synchrotron intensity bursty variations of the Jovian IRB and show their likely correlations with the recurrent arrival of high-speed solar winds at Jupiter.
Discovery of the longest period rapidly oscillating Ap star HD 177765
Authors: Alentiev D. , Kochukhov O. , Ryabchikova T. , Cunha M. , Tsymbal V. , Weiss W.
Published: January 2012

We present the discovery of a long-period, rapidly oscillating Ap (roAp) star, HD 177765. Using high-resolution time-series observations obtained with the Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph at the European Southern Observatory Very Large Telescope, we found radial velocity variations with amplitudes 7–150 m s−1 and a period of 23.6 min, exceeding that of any previously known roAp star. The largest pulsation amplitudes are observed for Eu iii, Ce iii and for the narrow core of Hα. We derived the atmospheric parameters and chemical composition of HD 177765, showing this star to be similar to other long-period roAp stars. Comparison with theoretical pulsational models indicates an advanced evolutionary state for HD 177765. Abundance analyses of this and other roAp stars suggest a systematic variation with age of the rare-earth line anomalies seen in cool Ap stars.
Torsion of quadrate and right middle liver lobes and gallbladder in a German Shepherd dog
Authors: Massari F , Verganti S , Secchiero B , Orifici F , Bonfanti U , Romanelli G
Published: January 2012

Background An 11‐year‐old female German Shepherd was referred for assessment and management of a suspected liver tumour. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed abundant abdominal effusion and a right liver mass in continuity with a cystic structure. The dog had undergone splenectomy for a low‐grade lymphoma 1 year prior.

Methods Serum biochemical analysis revealed only a mild increase in alanine aminotransferase. The analysis of the free abdominal fluid showed a modified transudate. Ultrasound confirmed the presence of a hypoechoic lesion involving the right liver lobes, in addition to an over‐distended gallbladder. Computed tomography examination demonstrated a massively dilated gallbladder and lower attenuation of the adjacent liver lobes, with no enhancement on quadrate and right middle liver lobes. The fine needle aspirate was compatible with a mixed subacute to chronic inflammation. Based on the investigational findings, an exploratory coeliotomy was performed.

Treatment and outcome The middle right and quadrate liver lobes and the gallbladder were rotated on their axes. The torsed lobes and the cystic duct were removed using a TA stapler without derotating the organs. Histopathological results were suggestive of infarction secondary to torsion of the lobes and gallbladder. The dog recovered from surgery without complications, and 20 months later was in good overall condition.

Conclusion Liver lobe torsion is an uncommon condition that rarely affects the right lobes. Gallbladder torsion is even more uncommon. To our knowledge, this is the first recorded case of quadrate and right middle liver lobe and gallbladder torsion.
Epidemiology of bovine Johne's disease (BJD) in beef cattle herds in Australia
Authors: Larsen JWA , Webb Ware JK , Kluver P
Published: January 2012

Objective  To describe the epidemiology of bovine Johne's disease (BJD) in beef herds in Australia.

Design  Retrospective survey of beef herds detected with BJD between 1991 and 2006.

Methods  Information about the management and physical characteristics of affected herds, index and clinical cases, testing and control programs, and attitudes to BJD were collated from existing data and personal interviews of herd owners or managers. Herds were excluded if they contained fewer than 30 breeding cows or operated as a dairy farm.

Results  Records from 109 herds demonstrated the first detected (‘index’) case was 3.4‐fold more likely to be a beef rather than dairy breed. However, further analysis revealed association with dairy cattle was an important risk factor for introducing BJD. Index cases were most likely detected by veterinarians investigating clinical cases of scouring or ill‐thrifty animals during winter, particularly bulls or aged cows. Most herds with clinical BJD had only a single case, with only one high prevalence herd detected in the survey group. Over the period of observation, test and cull programs did not eradicate BJD unless combined with culling of known high‐risk animals, but removal of high‐risk cattle by partial or total destocking generally restored the trading status of affected herds.

Conclusion  Excluding cattle with dairy contact from beef herds, ensuring more effective farm biosecurity, promptly seeking veterinary advice regarding scouring cattle and sourcing replacement cattle from demonstrably low‐risk herds, such as CattleMAP and ‘Beef Only’ herds, are simple strategies that should reduce the risk of introducing BJD infection into beef herds.
Phase Space Feature Based on Independent Component Analysis for Machine Health Diagnosis
Authors: He Qingbo , Du Ruxu , Kong Fanrang
Published: January 2012

This paper proposes a new feature extraction method based on Independent Component Analysis (ICA) and reconstructed phase space. The ICA-based phase space feature unifies the system dynamics embedded in vibration signal and higher-order statistics expressed in phase spectrum and hence, is effective for machine health diagnosis. The new feature extraction is done in three steps: first, the Phase Space Reconstruction (PSR) is performed to reconstruct a phase space with the dimension covering dynamic structure information; second, the ICA bases are trained by a number of constructed phase points; and finally, the new feature is quantitatively calculated by evaluating the correlation property of transformed coefficients based on ICA bases. The presented feature contains plentiful phase information with the training pattern, which is often under evaluated when using existing methods. It has excellent pattern representation property and can be applied for signal classification and assessment. Experiments in an automobile transmission gearbox validate the effectiveness of the new method.
Structural Damping Identification for Mistuned Bladed Disks and Blisks
Authors: Holland Darren E. , Epureanu Bogdan I. , Filippi Sergio
Published: January 2012

To accurately predict the dynamics of most structures, a representation of damping must be used. This paper focuses on structural damping and the identification of structural damping for complex systems with cyclic symmetry such as bladed disks and integrated (one-piece) bladed disks (blisks) with mistuning. The damping identification methodology is demonstrated together with two measurement filters for a complex structure, namely an integrated bladed disk with stiffness mistuning.
Wave Analysis of In-Plane Vibrations of L-Shaped and Portal Planar Frame Structures
Authors: Mei C.
Published: January 2012

This paper concerns in-plane vibration analysis of coupled bending and longitudinal vibrations in L-shaped and portal planar frame structures. An exact analytical solution is obtained using wave vibration approach. The classical Euler-Bernoulli as well as the advanced Timoshenko bending theories are applied in modeling the flexural vibrations in planar frames. Reflection and transmission matrices corresponding to incident waves arriving at the “L” joint from various directions are obtained. A concise and systematic approach to both free and forced vibration analysis of coupled bending and longitudinal vibrations in L-shaped and portal planar frame structures is presented. Results are compared to the Euler-Bernoulli model results available in the literature. Good agreements have been reached.
Vibration Analysis of a Self-Excited Vibration in a Rotor System Caused by a Ball Balancer
Authors: Inoue Tsuyoshi , Ishida Yukiko , Niimi Hideaki
Published: January 2012

The ball balancer has been used as a vibration suppression device in rotor systems. It has a superior characteristic that the vibration amplitude is reduced to zero theoretically at a rotational speed range higher than the critical speed. However, the ball balancer causes a self-excited vibration near the critical speed when the balls rotate in the balancer. This self-excited vibration may occur in the wide rotational speed range with a large amplitude vibration, and in such a case, escaping from it becomes difficult. In this paper, the occurrence region and the vibration characteristics of the self-excited vibration caused by the ball balancer are investigated. The nonlinear theoretical analysis is performed and a set of the fundamental equations governing the self-excited vibration is obtained. The influences of the parameters of the ball balancer, such as, the damping of the ball’s motion, the ball’s mass, and radius of the balls’ path, are explained and they are also validated experimentally.
Assessment of Energy Requirement for the Retinal Arterial Network in Normal and Hypertensive Subjects
Authors: Liu D. , Wood N. B. , Witt N. , Hughes A. D. , Thom S. A. , Xu X. Y.
Published: January 2012

The retinal arterial network structure can be altered by systemic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. In order to compare the energy requirement for maintaining retinal blood flow and vessel wall metabolism between normal and hypertensive subjects, 3D hypothetical models of a representative retinal arterial bifurcation were constructed based on topological features derived from retinal images. Computational analysis of blood flow was performed, which accounted for the non-Newtonian rheological properties of blood and peripheral vessel resistance. The results suggested that the rate of energy required to maintain the blood flow and wall metabolism is much lower for normal subjects than for hypertensives, with the latter requiring 49.2% more energy for an entire retinal arteriolar tree. Among the several morphological factors, length-to-diameter ratio was found to have the most significant influence on the overall energy requirement.
Comment on “Probing the Ultimate Limit of Fiber-Optic Strain Sensing”
Authors: Cranch Geoffrey A. , Foster Scott
Published: January 2012

Gagliardi
et al
. (Reports, 19 November 2010, p. 1081) described an ultrahigh-resolution fiber-optic strain sensor. This comment addresses an error in the calculation of the fundamental thermodynamic noise in optical fiber resonators and shows that the actual thermodynamic noise level is lower by a factor of at least 11 than that calculated.
Response to Comment on “Probing the Ultimate Limit of Fiber-Optic Strain Sensing”
Authors: Gagliardi G. , Salza M. , Avino S. , Ferraro P. , De Natale P.
Published: January 2012

Cranch and Foster argue that the strain resolution of our fiber resonator sensor is not limited by thermal noise. However, extension of common theoretical models to high-finesse passive resonators at low frequency needs further attention. Our findings are consistent with noise of thermodynamic nature for which no experimental evidence in the infrasonic range was available until recently.
Locally Synchronized Synaptic Inputs
Authors: Takahashi Naoya , Kitamura Kazuo , Matsuo Naoki , Mayford Mark , Kano Masanobu , Matsuki Norio , Ikegaya Yuji
Published: January 2012

Coordinating Synapses

Cortical microcircuits produce cell assemblies that emit spatiotemporally orchestrated spiking activity. These activity patterns are decoded by the dendrites of downstream neurons. Whether synaptic inputs are clustered or dispersed over target dendrites at a given time is critical for determining dendritic computational power. However, such subcellular dynamics are poorly understood. In rodent organotypic slice cultures,

Takahashi
et al.

(p.
353
) found that dendritic spine activities were frequently synchronized within a group of spines in the immediate vicinity of one another. This local synchronization seems to reflect convergent synaptic inputs from intrinsically synchronized presynaptic neuron populations.
An Engineered Microbial Platform for Direct Biofuel Production from Brown Macroalgae
Authors: Wargacki Adam J. , Leonard Effendi , Win Maung Nyan , Regitsky Drew D. , Santos Christine Nicole S. , Kim Peter B. , Cooper Susan R. , Raisner Ryan M. , Herman Asael , Sivitz Alicia B. , Lakshmanaswamy Arun , Kashiyama Yuki , Baker David , Yoshikuni Yasuo
Published: January 2012

Sourced from Seaweed

Using seaweed as a raw material for biofuels has received relatively little attention, in part because their primary sugar constituent, alginate, is not readily fermented by industrially tractable microbes.

Wargacki
et al.

(p.
308
; see the cover) now demonstrate that metabolically engineered bacteria can degrade seaweed and subsequently ferment the sugars into ethanol at laboratory scale.
Transforming Earthquake Detection?
Authors: Allen Richard M.
Published: January 2012

Citizen science projects have the potential to transform earthquake science if data quality standards are maintained.
Manganese Blocks Intracellular Trafficking of Shiga Toxin and Protects Against Shiga Toxicosis
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Somshuvra , Linstedt Adam D.
Published: January 2012

Shunning Shiga

Infection with bacteria harboring Shiga toxin is responsible for more than 1 million deaths annually worldwide. Antidotes for the toxin are not available, and treatment with antibiotics is contraindicated because it increases the risk of toxin release (from dead bacteria) and leads to severe forms of the disease. Manganese is an essential nutrient and its toxicology in humans is well studied; it inhibits the normal trafficking of Shiga toxin in tissue culture cells.
Mukhopadhyay and Linstedt
(p.
332
) found that levels of Mn
2+
that caused no deleterious effects to normal cellular processes nevertheless altered intracellular trafficking of Shiga toxin so that it was degraded in lysosomes. This conferred very high levels of protection of cultured cells against toxin-induced death and made mice completely resistant to Shiga toxin–induced paralysis and death.
Deploying a Powerful Pesticide
DDT and the American Century
Global Health, Environmental Politics, and the Pesticide That Changed the World

by David Kinkela

University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, 2011. 272 pp. $39.95. ISBN 9780807835098.
Authors: Davis Frederick R.
Published: January 2012

Highlighting the uses of DDT as a tool of U.S. foreign policy and in international development projects, Kinkela places the controversies surrounding the pesticide in a global context.
Moving Beyond Trust in Quantum Computing
Authors: Vedral Vlatko
Published: January 2012

A protocol that allows users and operators of a quantum computer to avoid revealing their methods has implications for the need of classical ideas in quantum mechanics.
Enzymes in Coherent Motion
Authors: Lu H. Peter
Published: January 2012

A single-molecule approach reveals coherence in long trajectories of enzyme conformational dynamics.
Lynn Margulis (1938–2011)
Authors: Schaechter Moselio
Published: January 2012

A biologist's innovative theoretical syntheses provided the intellectual scaffolding for endosymbiotic theory, a cornerstone of mainstream evolutionary biology.
Trivializing Science Education
Authors: Alberts Bruce
Published: January 2012

I was prompted to write this editorial after playing an electronic version of the old board game Trivial Pursuit with my grandchildren over the holiday break. For decades, my favorite category of questions to answer had been “Science and Nature.” But in this 2009 edition, I could answer almost none of those questions—because “science” had apparently been redefined as knowing what disease killed character X in movie Y. Trivial Pursuit is of course merely a game; but it reminded me of the much more serious battle over the California State Science Education Standards that I and many others lost in 1998. As a result, for my grandchildren, “science” includes being able to regurgitate the names of parts of the cell in 7th grade, after memorizing terms such as Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum. Those of us who are passionate about science have thus far failed to get real science taught in most of our schools. Is it time to regroup with a different strategy?