bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supine breast MRI
Authors: Siegler Peter , Holloway Claire M.B. , Causer Petrina , Thevathasan Gilbert , Plewes Donald B.
Published: September 2011

Purpose:

To achieve high‐quality unilateral supine breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a step to facilitate image aiding of clinical applications, which are often performed in the supine position. Contrast‐enhanced breast MRI is a powerful tool for the diagnosis of cancer. However, prone patient positioning typically used for breast MRI hinders its use for image aiding.

Materials and Methods:

A fixture and a flexible four‐element receive coil were designed for patient‐specific shaping and placement of the coil in close conformity to the supine breast. A 3D spoiled gradient sequence was modified to incorporate compensation of respiratory motion. The entire setup was tested in volunteer experiments and in a pilot patient study.

Results:

The flexible coil design and the motion compensation produced supine breast MR images of high diagnostic value. Variations in breast shape and in tissue morphology within the breast were observed between a supine and a diagnostic prone MRI of a patient.

Conclusion:

The presented supine breast MRI achieved an image quality comparable to diagnostic breast MRI. Since supine positioning is common in many clinical applications such as ultrasound‐guided breast biopsy or breast‐conserving surgery, the registration of the supine images will aid these applications. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In vivo and ex vivo measurements of the mean ADC values of lipid necrotic core and hemorrhage obtained from diffusion weighted imaging in human atherosclerotic plaques
Authors: Kim Seong‐Eun , Treiman Gerald S. , Roberts John A. , Jeong Eun‐Kee , Shi Xianfeng , Hadley J. Rock , Parker Dennis L.
Published: September 2011

Purpose:

To determine the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of lipid and hemorrhage in atherosclerotic plaque in human carotid arteries in vivo and compare the values obtained from ex vivo carotid endarterectomy specimens.

Materials and Methods:

In vivo diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) of carotid plaques was performed using a 2D single shot Interleaved Multislice Inner Volume Diffusion Weighted Echo Planar Imaging (2D ss‐IMIV DWEPI) on 8 subjects who subsequently underwent carotid endarterectomy. A total of 32 slices used to construct the ADC maps were reviewed for the measurement of the mean ADC values in vessel wall, hemorrhage, and lipid necrotic core. The 8 endarterectomy specimens were scanned using by three‐dimensional ms‐IV‐DWEPI. After the ADC maps were created, the mean ADC values in the same locations selected for in vivo values were calculated.

Results:

The mean ADC values obtained from in vivo DWI in normal vessel wall, lipid rich core, and hemorrhage were 1.27 ± 0.16, 0.38 ± 0.1, and 0.98 ± 0.25 × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively. The mean ADC values in ex vivo lipid necrotic core, and hemorrhage were 0.33 ± 0.08, 1.28 ± 0.10 × 10−3 mm2/s, respectively. These components mean ADC values obtained from in vivo and ex vivo ADC maps were compared.

Conclusion:

ADC values of the carotid plaque components in vivo are consistent with values obtained from ex vivo endarterectomy specimens. The ability to obtain consistent plaque ADC values in vivo indicates that this technique could be an integral part of the basis for plaque component identification in conjunction with other MRI techniques. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigating the effects of low dose alcohol on neural timing using functional MRI
Authors: Klahr Nelson J. , Wright Paul , Lu Guangming , Merlo Lisa , Zhang Yi , He Guojun , Gold Mark S. , Liu Yijun
Published: September 2011

Purpose:

To examine human brain function related to the perception of short time intervals before and after ingesting a low dosage of alcohol (0.25 g/kg).

Materials and Methods:

The experiment used a novel paradigm that required participants to view a virtual traffic‐light (TL) stimulus while estimating the length of a short time interval (Timing task) and counting several flashes (Counting task). The influence of alcohol was evaluated by measuring behavioral performance in terms of accuracy and reaction time as well as simultaneously measuring changes in the blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) signal using functional MRI.

Results:

Our results indicated that, for both the Pre‐Drink and Post‐Drink conditions, the left cerebellum, right inferior parietal lobe, right insula, and medial frontal gyrus, revealed greater BOLD signal increases for Timing than for Counting. In the Pre‐Drink state, the Timing task demonstrated increased BOLD signal changes relative to the Counting task in the bilateral prefrontal cortex, left insula, right SMA, and in the left ventrolateral thalamus. Most notably, the right superior parietal lobe (BA 5/7) showed a BOLD signal increase in the Post‐Drink state for both the Counting and Timing tasks, thus possibly suggesting the recruitment of additional resources to sustain accurate neural timing.

Conclusion:

Understanding the harmful impact of short‐term alcohol administration on tasks that heavily rely on accurate temporal processing will hopefully contribute to the long‐term prevention of its unfortunate and deleterious consequences. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2011;. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immunoregulation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by the selective CB1 receptor antagonist
Authors: Lou Zhi‐Yin , Zhao Chong‐Bo , Xiao Bao‐Guo
Published: September 2011

During immune‐mediated demyelinating lesions, the endocannabinoid system is involved in the pathogenesis of both neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration through different mechanisms. Here we explored the cellular distribution of the CB1 receptor (CB1R) in the central nervous system (CNS) and detected the level of CB1R expression during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by RT‐qPCR, Western blotting, and immunostaining. Expression of CB1R was observed in neurons and microglia/macrophages but was barely detected in astrocytes. During EAE, the expression of CB1R in spinal cords was reduced at days 9, 17, and 28 postimmunization (p.i.), but the level of CB1R expression in spleens did not show a significant difference compared with complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)‐immunized mice. A selective CB1R antagonist (SR141716A) increased EAE clinical score, accompanied by weight loss. Unexpectedly, SR141716A inhibited the expression of CB1R but increased the expression of CB2R in brains, spinal cords, and spleens simultaneously. The administration of SR141716A increased interferon‐γ, interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), and inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α in brains and/or spinal cords. A similar increase was observed in spontaneous and specific antigen‐stimulated splenic mononuclear cells compared with vehicle controls. Interestingly, the expression of CX3CL1 was increased in brains and spinal cords but declined in spleens of EAE mice treated with SR141716A. These results indicate that manipulation of the CB1R may have therapeutic value in MS, but its complexity remains to be carefully considered and studied in further clinical application. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytoskeletal dissolution blocks oxidant release and cell death in injured cartilage
Authors: Sauter Ellen , Buckwalter Joseph A. , McKinley Todd O. , Martin James A.
Published: September 2011

The mechanisms by which articular surface impact causes post‐traumatic osteoarthritis are not well understood, but studies of cartilage explants implicate the mitochondrial electron transport chain as a source of oxidants that cause chondrocyte death from mechanical injury. The linkage of mitochondria to the cytoskeleton suggests that they might release oxidants in response to mechanical strain, an effect that disrupting the cytoskeleton would prevent. To test this we investigated the effects of agents that promote the dissolution of microfilaments (cytochalasin B) or microtubules (nocodazole) on oxidant production and chondrocyte death following impact injury. Osteochondral explants treated with cytochalasin B or nocodazole for 4 h were impacted (7 J/cm2) and stained for oxidant production directly after impact and for cell viability 24 h after impact. Surfaces within and outside impact sites were then imaged by confocal microscopy. Both agents significantly reduced impact‐induced oxidant release (p < 0.05); however, cytochalasin B was more effective than nocodazole (>60% reduction vs. 40% reduction, respectively). Both agents also prevented impact induced cell death. Dissolution of the cytoskeleton by both drugs was confirmed by phalloidin staining and confocal microscopy. These findings show that chondrocyte mortality from impact injury depends substantially on mitochondrial–cytoskeletal linkage, suggesting new approaches to stem mechanically induced cartilage degeneration. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:593–598, 2012
C5aR‐antagonist significantly reduces the deleterious effect of a blunt chest trauma on fracture healing
Authors: Recknagel Stefan , Bindl Ronny , Kurz Julian , Wehner Tim , Schoengraf Philipp , Ehrnthaller Christian , Qu Hongchang , Gebhard Florian , Huber‐Lang Markus , Lambris John D. , Claes Lutz , Ignatius Anita
Published: September 2011

Confirming clinical evidence, we recently demonstrated that a blunt chest trauma considerably impaired fracture healing in rats, possibly via the interaction of posttraumatic systemic inflammation with local healing processes, the underlying mechanisms being unknown. An important trigger of systemic inflammation is the complement system, with the potent anaphylatoxin C5a. Therefore, we investigated whether the impairment of fracture healing by a severe trauma resulted from systemically activated complement. Rats received a blunt chest trauma and a femur osteotomy stabilized with an external fixator. To inhibit the C5a‐dependent posttraumatic systemic inflammation, half of the rats received a C5aR‐antagonist intravenously immediately and 12 h after the thoracic trauma. Compared to the controls (control peptide), the treatment with the C5aR‐antagonist led to a significantly increased flexural rigidity (three‐point‐bending test), an improved bony bridging of the fracture gap, and a slightly larger and qualitatively improved callus (µCT, histomorphometry) after 35 days. In conclusion, immunomodulation by a C5aR‐antagonist could abolish the deleterious effects of a thoracic trauma on fracture healing, possibly by influencing the function of inflammatory and bone cells locally at the fracture site. C5a could possibly represent a target to prevent delayed bone healing in patients with severe trauma. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:581–586, 2012
Leopard density in post‐conflict landscape, Cambodia: Evidence from spatially explicit capture–recapture
Authors: Gray Thomas Neill Edward , Prum Sovanna
Published: September 2011

Effective conservation of large carnivores requires reliable estimates of population density, often obtained through capture–recapture analysis, in order to prioritize investments and assess conservation intervention effectiveness. Recent statistical advances and development of user‐friendly software for spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) circumvent the difficulties in estimating effective survey area, and hence density, from capture–recapture data. We conducted a camera‐trapping study on leopards (Panthera pardus) in Mondulkiri Protected Forest, Cambodia. We compared density estimates using SECR with those obtained from conventional approaches in which the effective survey area is estimated using a boundary strip width based on observed animal movements. Density estimates from Chao heterogeneity models (3.8 ± SE 1.9 individuals/100 km2) and Pledger heterogeneity models and models accounting for gender‐specific capture and recapture rates (model‐averaged density 3.9 ± SE 2.9 individuals/100 km2) were similar to those from SECR in program DENSITY (3.6 ± SE 1.0/100 km2) but higher than estimates from Jack‐knife heterogeneity models (2.9 ± SE 0.9 individuals/100 km2). Capture probabilities differed between male and female leopards probably resulting from differences in the use of human‐made trails between sexes. Given that there are a number of biologically plausible reasons to expect gender‐specific variation in capture probabilities of large carnivores, we recommend exploratory analysis of data using models in which gender can be included as a covariate affecting capture probabilities particularly given the demographic importance of breeding females for population recovery of threatened carnivores. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance spectroscopy: A novel approach to investigate intramyocellular lipids
Authors: Xiao Li , Wu Ed X.
Published: September 2011

Motivated by the potential difference between intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipid (EMCL) in their microscopically restricted diffusion environments, proton diffusion properties in IMCL and EMCL were characterized by diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Ex vivo experiments were conducted on fresh pig lower hindlimb muscle samples. In vivo experiments were performed on the lower hindlimbs of normal adult Sprague–Dawley rats. Ex vivo apparent diffusion coefficients at 20°C were found to be in the ranges of (10.8 ± 0.5) × 10−6 to (15.8 ± 0.8) × 10−6 mm2/s for EMCL and (1.6 ± 0.6) × 10−6 to (2.4 ± 0.7) × 10−6 mm2/s for IMCL depending on the diffusion weighting direction relative to muscle fiber orientation. In vivo apparent diffusion coefficients of EMCL and IMCL were measured as (13.8 ± 0.9) × 10−6 and (4.6 ± 0.7) × 10−6 mm2/s, respectively, along the direction perpendicular to muscle fiber orientation. Our results demonstrated that the apparent diffusion coefficient of EMCL was substantially higher than that of IMCL. Therefore, EMCL could be effectively suppressed by proper diffusion weighting to achieve reliable detection of IMCL despite unknown or/and multiple muscle fiber orientations. Such lipid proton diffusion approach can be used for robust IMCL separation and identification. Furthermore, it may provide new biophysical insights in the investigation of lipid metabolism in obesity and diabetes. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of the response tree format on the utility and psychometric properties of scales measuring symptoms in adults undergoing inpatient rehabilitation
Authors: Fox Mary T. , Sidani Souraya , Streiner David L. , McGilton Katherine S. , Grady Cheryl
Published: September 2011

Imbedding a response tree into self‐report scales is a strategy recommended to improve item comprehension and reduce burden in older adults. However, researchers have posed potential utility, validity, and reliability limitations to this strategy that have not been examined in the clinical setting. We evaluated the effect of the response tree format (RTF) on the psychometric properties and utility of three scales measuring symptoms in 86 rehabilitation inpatients. The RTF had little effect on the scales' psychometric properties or utility. Time to complete the scales differed for one scale only. The two formats manifested comparable levels of utility, reliability, and validity in the study sample, and may be used with older adults who experience difficulty responding to the original scales. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 34:508–519, 2011
Comparison of cloud products within IASI footprints for the assimilation of cloudy radiances
Authors: Lavanant L. , Fourrié N. , Gambacorta A. , Grieco G. , Heilliette S. , Hilton F. I. , Kim M.‐J. , McNally A. P. , Nishihata H. , Pavelin E. G. , Rabier F.
Published: September 2011

This article compares different methods of deriving cloud properties in the footprint of the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI), onboard the European MetOp satellite. Cloud properties produced by ten operational schemes are assessed and an intercomparison of the products for a 12 h global acquisition is presented. Clouds cover a large part of the Earth, contaminating most of the radiance data. The estimation of cloud top height and effective amount within the sounder footprint is an important step towards the direct assimilation of cloud‐affected radiances. This study first examines the capability of all the schemes to detect and characterize the clouds for all complex situations and provides some indications of confidence in the data. Then the dataset is restricted to thick overcast single layers and the comparison shows a significant agreement between all the schemes. The impact of the retrieved cloud properties on the residuals between calculated cloudy radiances and observations is estimated in the long‐wave part of the spectrum. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society, Crown in the right of Canada, and British Crown copyright, the Met Office
Preventing false negatives with high‐resolution mass spectrometry: the benzophenone case
Authors: Gallart‐Ayala H. , Nuñez O. , Moyano E. , Galceran M. T. , Martins C. P. B.
Published: September 2011

Benzophenone (BP) is one of the many contaminants reported as present in foodstuffs due to its migration from food packaging materials. Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) is acknowledged in the literature as the method of choice for this analysis. However, cases have been reported where the use of this methodology was insufficient to unambiguously confirm the presence of a contaminant. In previous work performed by the authors, the unequivocal identification of BP in packaged foods was not possible even when monitoring two m/z transitions (precursor ion – product ion), since ion ratio errors higher than 20% were obtained. In order to overcome this analytical problem a fast, sensitive and selective liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS) methodology has been developed and applied to the analysis of BP in packaged foods. A direct comparison between LC/HRMS and LC/MS/MS data indicated better selectivity when working with LC/HRMS at a resolving power of 50 000 FWHM (full width at half maximum) than when monitoring two m/z transitions by LC/MS/MS. The resolving power used enabled the detection and identification of Harman as the compound impeding the confirmation of BP by LC‐MS/MS. Similar quantitative results were obtained by an Orbitrap mass analyser (Exactive™) and a triple quadrupole mass analyser (TSQ Quantum Ultra AM™). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The double nature of 1,5‐diaminonaphthalene as matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization matrix: some experimental evidence of the protonation and reduction mechanisms
Authors: Molin Laura , Seraglia Roberta , Dani Francesca Romana , Moneti Gloriano , Traldi Pietro
Published: September 2011

1,5‐Diaminonaphthalene (DAN) has been described as an interesting and effective matrix for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) experiments in positive ion mode, being able to activate in‐source decomposition phenomena and, when employed for the analysis of proteins containing disulphide bridge(s), being able to activate reduction processes, resulting in disulphide bridge cleavage. The mechanisms of the DAN reactivity have been studied in detail, and the results indicate that the reduction properties of the matrix are of a radical nature. In the present study the structure of the reactive species produced by DAN, responsible for its reductive properties, has been investigated by accurate mass measurements and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments. Contrary to what is usually observed by laser irradiation of other MALDI matrices (with the sole formation of the MH+ ion of the matrix), DAN leads to the formation of odd‐electron molecular ions M+•. This can be rationalized by the occurrence of two photon pooling processes, due to the low ionization energy of DAN. Thus the M+• ion of DAN can be considered responsible for both analyte protonation and disulphide bond reduction and some mechanisms are proposed for this behaviour. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When first‐generation students go to graduate school
Authors: Lunceford Brett
Published: September 2011

The author argues that first‐generation college students (FGS) have compounded challenges when they pursue graduate education. As a first‐generation college student, he was not able to gather advice from family or his job supervisor, who had no experience with graduate school. Drawing from his experience and the existing FGS‐related research, the author details practical advice for making a successful transition from college to graduate school. He concludes with a list of essential questions that prospective graduate students should ask themselves and their mentors when considering graduate study.
Faculty perceptions of the first‐generation student experience and programs at tribal colleges
Authors: Schmidt Jacqueline J. , Akande Yemi
Published: September 2011

The authors extend the existing research about first‐generation Native Americans at mainstream institutions by looking at Native Americans enrolled as first‐generation college students (FGS) at tribal colleges. Using the results of interviews with faculty at tribal colleges, the authors discuss the challenges that first‐generation college student Native‐American students face, such as lack of family support and role models, lack of college preparation, and financial concerns.
Gathering ourselves and our students: Concluding remarks
Authors: Harvey Vickie L. , Housel Teresa Heinz
Published: September 2011

Academic personnel who were first‐generation college students (FGS) are uniquely positioned to consider the questions these students often have about the college experience. Academia needs first‐generation and working‐class voices to diversify an academic culture that is often socially stratified. As more FGS enroll in colleges and universities, academic personnel must be prepared to better understand, and teach, this growing demographic sector of undergraduate and graduate students.
Bufalin‐inhibited migration and invasion in human osteosarcoma U‐2 OS cells is carried out by suppression of the matrix metalloproteinase‐2, ERK, and JNK signaling pathways
Authors: Chueh Fu‐Shin , Chen Ya‐Yin , Huang An‐Cheng , Ho Heng‐Chien , Liao Ching‐Lung , Yang Jai‐Sing , Kuo Chao‐Lin , Chung Jing‐Gung
Published: September 2011

Bufalin has been shown to exhibit multiple pharmacological activities, including induction of apoptosis in many types of cancer cell lines. Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer which is difficult to treat and the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of bufalin on the migration and invasion of human osteosarcoma U‐2 OS cells. The wound healing assay and Boyden chamber transwell assay were used for examining the migration of U‐2 OS cells. Western blotting and gelatin zymography assays were used for theexpression and activities of metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2, MMP‐7 or MMP‐9 levels. Western blotting analysis also was used for measuring the levels of growth factor receptor‐bound protein 2 (GRB2), son of sevenless homolog 1 (SOS1), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases 1/2 (JNK1/2), extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and p38 in bufalin‐treated U‐2 OS cells. Bufalin inhibited the cell migration and invasion of U‐2 OS cells in vitro. Moreover, bufalin reduced MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 enzyme activities of U‐2 OS cells. Bufalin also suppressed the protein level of MMP‐2 and reduced the levels of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as JNK1/2 and ERK1/2 signals in U‐2 OS cells. Our results suggest that signaling pathways for bufalin‐inhibited migration and invasion of U‐2 OS cells might be mediated through blocking MAPK signaling and resulting in the inhibition of MMP‐2. Bufalin could be a useful agent to develop as a novel antitumor agent by virtue of its ability to inhibit tumor cell migration and invasion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 29: 21–29, 2014.
Polyarene anions: interplay between theory and experiment
Authors: Eisenberg David , Shenhar Roy
Published: September 2011

Polyarenes, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), represent a ubiquitous and heavily studied type of compounds, appealing for their interesting spectroscopic, supramolecular, organometallic, and other properties. A major branch of research is concerned with polyarene anions: their electronic and structural properties, reactivity, aromaticity, and spectroscopy. This review describes the major role of computational investigations in complementing, explaining, and guiding experimental research, and thus providing invaluable contribution to our understanding of polyarene anions. The scope of this review focuses on polyarenes composed only from sp2‐hybridized carbons and limits the discussion to the quantum‐mechanical method of calculation. The topics covered include computation‐assisted characterization; choice of methods; transformations induced by reduction, including anistropic charge redistributions, reorganization of bonding structure, flattening of curved polyarenes (buckybowls), and Jahn–Teller distortion; aromaticity topics such as ring currents and aromaticity measures; reactivity, for example, toward electrophilic substitution or ring closure, acidity and basicity, and self‐assembly interactions in solution and in the gas phase; and finally, spectroscopy, mainly for astrochemical research, ranging from the mid‐infrared to the far‐ultraviolet spectral ranges. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Molecular Structures
Single‐incision multiport laparoendoscopic surgery using a newly developed short‐type flexible endoscope: a combined procedure of flexible endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Abe Nobutsugu , Takeuchi Hirohisa , Ohki Atsuko , Aoki Hisae , Masaki Tadahiko , Mori Toshiyuki , Sugiyama Masanori
Published: September 2011

Background and objective

We hypothesized that using a flexible endoscope as a working scope in laparoscopic surgery through a single incision might provide many benefits. To this end, a short‐type flexible endoscope with a working length of 600 mm was newly developed. In this animal experimental study, we aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of our new approach, single‐incision multiport laparoendoscopic (SIMPLE) cholecystectomy, using this endoscope.

Methods

Eight pigs were subjected to SIMPLE cholecystectomy using the short‐type flexible endoscope. The endoscope was inserted through a 12‐mm trocar in an SILS™ Port followed by the insertion of two additional 5‐mm trocars in the SILS™ Port. Encirculation and ligation of the pedicle of the cystic artery and duct were carried out using laparoscopic instruments through the 5‐mm trocars, while the dissection of the gallbladder from the intrahepatic fossa was predominantly performed using a cutting device through the endoscope.

Results

A complete gallbladder excision, with complete encirculation and ligation of the pedicle, was completed in all cases. The mean operating time was 58 min (range 34—78 min). The endoscope provided a good view of the operating field, and it allowed some degree of freedom to the working laparoscopic instruments without compromising the field of view. Dissection of the gallbladder using the cutting device through the endoscope was much easier than that using the laparoscopic device, because the articulating instruments together with the endoscope enabled operation with triangulation. Furthermore, the water‐jet and suctioning functions and the self‐cleaning lens capability of the endoscope served the surgery well.

Conclusions

SIMPLE cholecystectomy using the newly developed short‐type flexible endoscope is a technically feasible procedure. Using this flexible endoscope for various tasks, such as resection, suctioning, and smoke evacuation, can make the surgical procedures easier.
The Composition of Mixed Micelles Formed by Dodecyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide and Benzethonium Chloride in Water
Authors: Rodríguez José L. , Minardi Rosanna M. , Schulz Erica P. , Pieroni Olga , Schulz Pablo C.
Published: September 2011

The composition of the mixed micelles formed by benzethonium chloride and dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide in water were experimentally determined by a combination of surfactant ion‐selective electrodes and UV–Vis spectroscopy measurements. Results were compared with the computed compositions from three theories on mixed micelles available in the literature (Regular Solution, Motomura’ and Georgiev's). The basis of the Junquera and Aicart method and the determination of the micelle aggregation number (N) by pyrene fluorescence quenching, i.e., the constancy of N and the mixed micelle composition when the total concentration is changed, were not supported by our experimental results. Experimental micelle compositions were statistically equal to those computed by Regular Solution Theory. The mixed micelle composition and the quantity of non‐micellized surfactant molecules change with concentration above the critical micelle concentration, and therefore do not support the assumptions used in the Junquera and Aicart procedure and in the determination of N by pyrene fluorescence quenching. The reason why the latter procedure gives N values similar to those obtained from other techniques is discussed.
Forgetting What You Have Checked: A Link Between Working Memory Impairment and Checking Behaviors in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Jaafari N. , Frasca M. , Rigalleau F. , Rachid F. , Gil R. , Olié J.-P. , Guehl D. , Burbaud P. , Aouizerate B. , Rotgé J.-Y. , Vibert N.
Published: September 2011

Background

Compulsive checking behaviors are common in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Several authors have suggested that these checking rituals could be related to memory deficits. Our aim was to test whether patients with OCD show working memory impairment in relation to their checking behavior.

Methods

We evaluated the verbal and visuospatial components of patients’ and controls’ working memory using the reading span and backward location span tests. Checking behaviors were measured by recording participants’ eye movements during an image comparison task using a non-invasive, infra-red TOBII 1750 eyetracker. Participants were seated, head-free, in a natural position in front of the eyetracker screen where the images were displayed.

Results

Patients with OCD made more gaze moves to compare images than controls. Both patients’ working memory spans were reduced, and the patients’ deficit in the comparison task was negatively related to their working memory spans.

Conclusions

This work demonstrates that checking behavior in OCD is linked to a general reduction of the patients’ verbal and visuospatial working memory span.
Effect of ascorbic acid-rich diet onin vivo-induced oxidative stress
Authors: Alleva Renata , Di Donato Ferruccio , Strafella Elisabetta , Staffolani Sara , Nocchi Linda , Borghi Battista , Pignotti Elettra , Santarelli Lory , Tomasetti Marco
Published: September 2011

Using hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy as anin vivooxidation model, we investigated the effect of a diet enriched in ascorbic acid (AA) on HBO-induced oxidative stress. Volunteers (n46) were allocated to the AA-rich diet group or the control group. Blood samples were collected at the basal time, after the 1-week diet before and immediately after the HBO treatment, and 1 week after the HBO treatment. AA level, total antioxidant status (TAS), hydroperoxides (HP), lymphocyte DNA oxidation and DNA repair capacity were assessed. The expression of genes involved in oxidative stress was evaluated in lymphocytes and the protein activity of the modulated genes was determined in the plasma. The AA level and the antioxidant status of plasma were increased by AA-rich food consumption. HBO exposure did not affect the AA levels or TAS, but induced HP formation in the control group. The lymphocytes isolated from dietary-supplemented subjects were resistant toex vivoDNA oxidation, showing an increased DNA repair capacity compared with controls. A difference in gene expression pattern was observed between the groups. AA-rich foods provide dual protection against oxidative stress, enhancing plasma antioxidant levels and stimulating genes involved in cell detoxification.
An adic dynamical system related to the Delannoy numbers
Authors: PETERSEN KARL
Published: September 2011

We introduce an adic (Bratteli–Vershik) dynamical system based on a diagram whose path counts from the root are the Delannoy numbers. We identify the ergodic invariant measures, prove total ergodicity for each of them, and initiate the study of the dimension group and other dynamical properties.
Hospitalization of pregnant women with pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 influenza in Canada
Authors: ROLLAND-HARRIS E. , VACHON J. , KROPP R. , FROOD J. , MORRIS K. , PELLETIER L. , RODIN R.
Published: September 2011

This article describes the epidemiology of pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 influenza in all Canadian pregnant women admitted to hospital, and compares it with historical inter-pandemic influenza activity. We used weekly hospitalization and death counts of laboratory-confirmed pandemic A(H1N1) influenza cases reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada's (PHAC) 2009–2010 national pandemic influenza surveillance programme. Pregnant women infected and admitted with the pandemic strain were described and compared with: (1) confirmed admissions of all women of reproductive age; (2) all admitted cases reported to PHAC; and (3) to a historical average of inter-pandemic seasonal influenza admissions, and pneumonia and influenza (P&I) admissions for pregnant women. During the pandemic, 263 pregnant women with confirmed infections were admitted; four died in their third trimester. The median age for admitted pregnant cases was 27·5 years, which is consistent with the median age of the 3-year historical inter-pandemic pregnant comparison group. Aboriginal women appeared to be overrepresented but ethnicity was unavailable for 15·2% of all pregnant cases. Overall admission volumes were higher than those for seasonal influenza in the historical comparison group but were lower than those for P&I admissions. Despite increased admission volumes, severe outcomes in pregnant women were proportionally fewer than in all cases admitted for influenza A(H1N1) infection during the pandemic.
Making a Rural Movement: The Farmers’ Union's Answer to a Changing Rural World in Flanders, from the 1960s to the 1970s
Authors: BISSCHOP CHANTAL
Published: September 2011

Recently, there has been growing interest in the emergence of rural movements in response to rapid changes in the post war countryside. However, little attention has been paid to the reaction of the old social movements to this transformation in rural society. In this paper, I concentrate on the reaction of theBoerenbond(Farmers’ Union) to the altering Flemish countryside in the 1960s and 1970s. The transformation of theBoerenbondin 1971 into a specialised agricultural organisation and a broader rural movement countered the rapid shrinking of the farm population and the strong specialising of modern farmers. Furthermore, by attracting non-farmers, theBoerenbondmaintained its support in the countryside. A farmers’ union opening up to non-farming members in a society with emerging new social movements seems progressive at first glance. But the overall prevalence of agriculture in all stages of discussions and implementation is striking. Nevertheless, the emergence of a rural movement with new socio-cultural goals within an old, corporatist and Catholic farmers’ union suggests that this is a unique case in north-western Europe.
Communicative CALL: a contradiction in terms?
Authors: Seedhouse Paul
Published: September 2011

This article examines the extent to which CALL and Communicative methodology are compatible. Although attempting to be relevant to language teaching in general, it is written from an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) perspective and considers only the British tradition of the Communicative Approach.
Estimates of future flow, including extremes, of the Columbia River headwaters
Authors: Bürger G. , Schulla J. , Werner A. T.
Published: September 2011

Streamflow projections, including extremes, for the 2050s for the Columbia River headwaters above Donald are obtained by downscaling four regional climate models of the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program (NARCCAP) suite and subsequent driving of a hydrologic model. We employ the entire model chain from global and regional climate models, station‐based statistical downscaling, and a fully distributed, physically based hydrologic model and verify the results against observed streamflow. The performance is model dependent but is generally encouraging enough to justify the application of the climate scenarios. A general warming of about 2°C is projected and, on average, slightly drier conditions, especially in late summer. We find evidence that the projected changes are elevation dependent and relatively small scale, with decreasing signals with higher elevations. All models project a shift of the hydrograph toward a more rain‐fed regime, with peak flows occurring in June instead of July. Annual peak flow is projected to not increase, and August low flow decreases in all four models. With nonshrinking (static) glaciers, relatively high melting rates are simulated for August and September that partly compensate for the shifted hydrograph; this enhanced glacier melt is also detected in simulated historic Columbia headwater flow. The static approximation is supported by a heuristic seasonal sensitivity analysis that suggests a moderate average areal glacier recession of about 10% for the midcentury. We discuss the need for a dynamic glacier component for a refined assessment of future drought risk.
Telepractice in Speech-Language Pathology: The Evidence, the Challenges, and the Future
Authors: Theodoros Deborah
Published: September 2011

This article provides a review of the evidence base for telepractice in speech-language pathology, the challenges that exist, and the future directions for this field. It describes the benefits of telepractice for clients and their families and outlines the evidence currently available to support the validity and reliability of this mode of delivery in the management of adult neurogenic communication disorders (aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia of speech); voice disorders; stuttering; dysphagia; laryngectomy; and articulation, language, and literacy disorders in children. The challenges facing telepractice in speech-language pathology and the future directions for this field are discussed.

Telepractice is an emerging area of service delivery in speech-language pathology that is likely to become an integral part of mainstream practice in the future. In order to achieve this, it is imperative that the profession accelerates its program of research and clinical endeavor in this area.
Reconnection in compressible plasmas: Extended conversion region
Authors: Birn J. , Hesse M. , Zenitani S.
Published: September 2011

The classical Sweet-Parker approach to steady-state magnetic reconnection is extended into the regime of large resistivity (small magnetic Reynolds or Lundquist number) when the aspect ratio between the outflow and inflow scale, δ = d/L, approaches unity. In a previous paper [Paper I, Hesse et al., Phys. Plasmas 18, 042104 (2011)], the vicinity of the dissipation site (“diffusion region”) was investigated. In this paper, the approach is extended to cover larger sites, in which the energy transfer and conversion is not confined to the diffusion region. Consistent with the results of Paper I, we find that increasing aspect ratio δ is associated with increasing compression, increasing reconnection rate for low β, but slightly decreasing rate for higher β, decreasing outflow speed, and increasing outflow magnetic field. These trends are stronger for lower β. Deviations from the traditional Sweet-Parker limit δ → 0 become significant for Rm <~10, where Rm is the magnetic Reynolds number (Lundquist number) based on the half-thickness of the current layer responsible for the Ohmic dissipation. They are also more significant for small γ, that is, for increasing compressibility. In contrast to the results of Paper I, but consistent with earlier results for δ≪1, we find that in this limit the outflow speed is given by the Alfvén speed νA in the inflow region and the energy conversion is given by an even split of Poynting flux into enthalpy flux and bulk kinetic energy flux. However, with increasing δ the conversion to enthalpy flux becomes more and more dominant.
Properties of magnetic nanodots with perpendicular anisotropy
Authors: Novais E. R. P. , Landeros P. , Barbosa A. G. S. , Martins M. D. , Garcia F. , Guimarães A. P.
Published: September 2011

Nanodots with magnetic vortices have many potential applications, such as magnetic memories and spin-transfer nano-oscillators. Adding a perpendicular anisotropy term to the magnetic energy of the nanodot, it becomes possible to tune the vortex core properties. This can be obtained, e.g., in Co nanodots by varying the thickness of the Co layer in a Co/Pt stack. Here we discuss the spin configuration of circular and elliptical nanodots for different perpendicular anisotropies; we show for nanodisks that micromagnetic simulations and analytical results agree. Increasing the perpendicular anisotropy, the vortex core radii increase, the phase diagrams are modified, and other configurations appear; the knowledge of these phase diagrams is relevant for the choice of optimum nanodot dimensions for applications. MFM measurements on Co/Pt multilayers confirm the trend of the vortex core diameters with varying Co layer thicknesses.
Effects of water addition on OH radical generation and plasma properties in an atmospheric argon microwave plasma jet
Authors: Srivastava Nimisha , Wang Chuji
Published: September 2011

Water vapor was added to the feeding gas of a continuous atmospheric argon (Ar) microwave plasma jet to study its influence on plasma shape, plasma gas temperature, and OH radical concentrations. The plasma jet was created by a 2.45 GHz microwave plasma source operating at constant power of 104 W with H2O-Ar mixture flow rate of 1.7 standard liter per minute (slm). With an increase in the H2O/Ar ratio from 0.0 to 1.9%, the plasma jet column length decreased from 11 mm to 4 mm, and the plasma jet became unstable when the ratio was higher than 1.9%; elevation of plasma gas temperature up to 330 K was observed in the plasma temperature range of 420-910 K. Optical emission spectroscopy showed that the dominant plasma emissions changed from N2 in the pure Ar plasma jet to OH with the addition of water vapor, and simulations of emission spectra suggested non-Boltzmann distribution of the rotational levels in the OH A-state (v'=0). Spatially resolved absolute OH number densities along the plasma jet axis were measured using UV cavity ringdown spectroscopy of the OH (A-X) (0-0) band in the H2O/Ar ratio range of 0.0–1.9%. The highest OH number density is consistently located in the vicinity of the plasma jet tip, regardless of the H2O/Ar ratio. OH number density in the post-tip region follows approximately an exponential decay along the jet axis with the fastest decay constant of 3.0 mm in the H2O/Ar ratio of 1.5%. Given the low gas temperature of 420-910 K and low electron temperature of 0.5-5 eV along the jet axis, formation of the OH radical is predominantly due to electron impact induced dissociation of H2O and dissociative recombination of H2O+ resulting from the Penning ionization process.
Screw threading dislocations in AlN: Structural and electronic properties of In and O doped material
Authors: Kioseoglou J. , Kalesaki E. , Belabbas I. , Chen J. , Nouet G. , Kirmse H. , Neumann W. , Komninou Ph. , Karakostas Th.
Published: September 2011

Density functional theory calculations were performed on undoped AlN screw threading dislocations (TDs) as well as TDs doped by indium and oxygen, prompted by integrated experiments through transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopic techniques demonstrating enhanced In and O concentrations in screw dislocation cores. It is revealed that screw TDs act as conduction pathways to charge carriers, introducing multiple levels in the bandgap due to overstrained, dangling, and “wrong” bonds formed even in the undoped cores. The presence of impurities and especially metallic In elevates the metal-like electronic structure of the distorted material and promotes the conductivity along the dislocation line. Hence screw dislocations in AlN are established as highly prominent conductive nanowires in semiconducting thin films and prospects for novel, highly functional nano-device materials through exploitation of screw TDs are attested.
Influence of the metallic contact in extreme-ultraviolet and soft x-ray diamond based Schottky photodiodes
Authors: Ciancaglioni I. , Di Venanzio C. , Marinelli Marco , Milani E. , Prestopino G. , Verona C. , Verona-Rinati G. , Angelone M. , Pillon M. , Tartoni N.
Published: September 2011

X-ray and UV photovoltaic Schottky photodiodes based on single crystal diamond were recently developed at Rome “Tor Vergata” University laboratories. In this work, different rectifying metallic contact materials were thermally evaporated on the oxidized surface of intrinsic single crystal diamond grown by chemical vapor deposition. Their impact on the detection performance in the extreme UV and soft x-ray spectral regions was studied. The electrical characterization of the metal/diamond Schottky junctions was performed at room temperature by measuring the capacitance–voltage characteristics. The diamond photodiodes were then tested both over the extreme UV spectral region from 10 to 60 eV by using He-Ne DC gas discharge as a radiation source and toroidal vacuum monochromator, and in the soft x-ray range from 6 to 20 keV at the Diamond Light Source synchrotron x-ray beam-line in Harwell (UK). In both experimental setups, time response and spectral responsivity were analyzed for all the investigated Schottky contact materials. A good agreement between the experimental data and theoretical results from Monte Carlo simulations is found
Periodic force induced stabilization or destabilization of the denatured state of a protein
Authors: Ghosh Pulak Kumar , Li Mai Suan , Bag Bidhan Chandra
Published: September 2011

We have studied the effects of an external sinusoidal force in protein folding kinetics. The externally applied force field acts on the each amino acid residues of polypeptide chains. Our simulation results show that mean protein folding time first increases with driving frequency and then decreases passing through a maximum. With further increase of the driving frequency the mean folding time starts increasing as the noise-induced hoping event (from the denatured state to the native state) begins to experience many oscillations over the mean barrier crossing time period. Thus unlike one-dimensional barrier crossing problems, the external oscillating force field induces both stabilization or destabilization of the denatured state of a protein. We have also studied the parametric dependence of the folding dynamics on temperature, viscosity, non-Markovian character of bath in presence of the external field.
The role of plasmons and interband transitions in the color of AuAl2, AuIn2, and AuGa2
Authors: Keast V. J. , Birt K. , Koch C. T. , Supansomboon S. , Cortie M. B.
Published: September 2011

First principles calculations of the optical properties of the intermetallic compounds AuAl2, AuIn2, and AuGa2 have been performed. Analysis of the dielectric functions showed that AuAl2 is unique because a bulk plasmon is seen in the optical region and contributes to the purple color of this material. An experimental electron energy-loss spectrum showed excellent agreement with the theoretical prediction and confirmed the presence of the bulk plasmon.