bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor in an adult: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Lawandy Shokry , Hariri Omid R , Miulli Dan E , Amin Jenny , Minasian Tanya , Gupta Ravi K , Siddiqi Javed
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors predominantly occur in children, and are rare in the adult population. Less than 100 cases of supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor have been reported in adults internationally. Our case study reports this rare incident.

Case presentation

A 22-year-old Hispanic man presented with headaches, blurry vision, diplopia, intermittent vomiting, and grossly decreased vision. A magnetic resonance image showed a left posterior parietal heterogeneously enhancing mass measuring 4.2cm × 7.2cm × 7.0cm. After craniotomy for resection and decompression, the mass was histologically revealed to be a supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor. Standardized immunohistochemical studies for this mass were carried out.

Conclusion

We have concluded that immunohistochemical and genetic workup should be included in the standardized pathological workup for primitive neuroectodermal tumors in order to provide more prognostic information. Based on our current literature review, we propose an immunohistochemical panel.
Sudden unexpected infant death (SUDI) in a newborn due to medium chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency with an unusual severe genotype
Authors: Lovera Cristina , Porta Francesco , Caciotti Anna , Catarzi Serena , Cassanello Michela , Caruso Ubaldo , Gallina Maria Rita , Morrone Amelia , Spada Marco
Published: October 2012

Medium chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCAD) is the most common inborn error of fatty acid oxidation. This condition may lead to cellular energy shortage and cause severe clinical events such as hypoketotic hypoglycemia, Reye syndrome and sudden death. MCAD deficiency usually presents around three to six months of life, following catabolic stress as intercurrent infections or prolonged fasting, whilst neonatal-onset of the disease is quite rare. We report the case of an apparently healthy newborn who suddenly died at the third day of life, in which the diagnosis of MCAD deficiency was possible through peri-mortem blood-spot acylcarnitine analysis that showed very high concentrations of octanoylcarnitine. Genetic analysis at the ACADM locus confirmed the biochemical findings by demonstrating the presence in homozygosity of the frame-shift c.244dup1 (p.Trp82LeufsX23) mutation, a severe genotype that may explain the unusual and very early fatal outcome in this newborn. This report confirms that inborn errors of fatty acid oxidation represent one of the genetic causes of sudden unexpected deaths in infancy (SUDI) and underlines the importance to include systematically specific metabolic screening in any neonatal unexpected death.
Zinc oxide-mediated photocatalytic decolorization of Ponceau S in aqueous suspension by visible light
Authors: Muslim Muhammad , Habib Md Ahsan , Mahmood Abu Jafar , Islam Tajmeri Selima Akhter , Ismail Iqbal Mohmmad Ibrahim
Published: October 2012

ZnO, comprising nanosize particles (approximately 40 nm) has been prepared by heating (300°C) ZnCO3, which was obtained as precipitate by mixing ZnSO4and (NH4)2CO3solutions. The prepared ZnO was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and adsorption studies. It has been used to catalyze the decolorization of Ponceau S (PS), a model diazo dye, in an aqueous suspension under visible light (I≈ 1.8 × 10−4W cm−2). This ZnO was found to be more efficient as a photocatalyst compared to pristine ZnO. ZnO samples with higher temperatures (500°C and 700°C) show less catalytic activity. SEM images show that the particle size of ZnO increases with the increase in calcined temperature of ZnO through agglomeration, resulting in a decrease in surface area. Photodecolorization of PS is affected by its and ZnO concentrations, but unaffected by the initial pH of the solutions in the range of 4 to 7. Illumination for a sufficiently long time completely mineralizes the dye, but no Zn2+can be detected in the clear solution.

Photodegradation kinetics in the ZnO suspension obeys the Langmuir-Hinshelwood equation, and some activation of the ZnO surface by light is indicated.
Synthesis and characterization of emulsion polymers using isopropenyl acetate
Authors: Shinde Nilesh , Kathalewar Mukesh , Sabnis Anagha
Published: October 2012

Background

Isopropenyl acetate (IPA) is one of the monomers from acetate family having an unsaturation with a methyl group attached to the ethylenic carbon. The unsaturation present in the monomer can be utilized for free radical polymerization. Irrespective of this, IPA is not studied much in emulsion polymer synthesis. In the current study, we report the preparation of emulsion polymers using IPA and other acrylic monomers. Terpolymers of butyl acrylate (BA), methyl methacrylate, and IPA were prepared via seeded emulsion polymerization with varying IPA proportions on molar basis. Potassium persulfate was employed as an initiator along with Dowfax 2A1 as surfactant (anionic).

Results

The emulsions prepared thereof were characterized for particle size, zeta potential and molecular weight using gel permeation chromatography. The emulsion films were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, as well as their thermal (differential scanning calorimetry, thermo gravimetric analysis) and mechanical properties to study the effect of isopropenyl acetate on their overall properties.

Conclusions

With increasing proportion of IPA in the formulation, lower conversion was observed which could be due to the lower reactivity of IPA for radical polymerization in the presence of these comonomers. More study for the utilization of IPA in polymer synthesis is needed which, on successful optimization, would give a cost-effective alternative to various commercial acrylic monomers.
Cell surface dynamics – how Rho GTPases orchestrate the interplay between the plasma membrane and the cortical cytoskeleton
Authors: de Curtis Ivan , Meldolesi Jacopo
Published: October 2012

Small GTPases are known to regulate hundreds of cell functions. In particular, Rho family GTPases are master regulators of the cytoskeleton. By regulating actin nucleation complexes, Rho GTPases control changes in cell shape, including the extension and/or retraction of surface protrusions and invaginations. Protrusion and invagination of the plasma membrane also involves the interaction between the plasma membrane and the cortical cytoskeleton. This interplay between membranes and the cytoskeleton can lead to an increase or decrease in the plasma membrane surface area and its tension as a result of the fusion (exocytosis) or internalization (endocytosis) of membranous compartments, respectively. For a long time, the cytoskeleton and plasma membrane dynamics were investigated separately. However, studies from many laboratories have now revealed that Rho GTPases, their modulation of the cytoskeleton, and membrane traffic are closely connected during the dynamic remodeling of the cell surface. Arf- and Rab-dependent exocytosis of specific vesicles contributes to the targeting of Rho GTPases and their regulatory factors to discrete sites of the plasma membrane. Rho GTPases regulate the tethering of exocytic vesicles and modulate their subsequent fusion. They also have crucial roles in the different forms of endocytosis, where they participate in the sorting of membrane domains as well as the sculpting and sealing of membrane flasks and cups. Here, we discuss how cell surface dynamics depend on the orchestration of the cytoskeleton and the plasma membrane by Rho GTPases.
Impact of global warming and rising CO2 levels on coral reef fishes: what hope for the future?
Authors: Munday Philip L. , McCormick Mark I. , Nilsson Göran E.
Published: October 2012

Average sea-surface temperature and the amount of CO2 dissolved in the ocean are rising as a result of increasing concentrations of atmospheric CO2. Many coral reef fishes appear to be living close to their thermal optimum, and for some of them, even relatively moderate increases in temperature (2–4°C) lead to significant reductions in aerobic scope. Reduced aerobic capacity could affect population sustainability because less energy can be devoted to feeding and reproduction. Coral reef fishes seem to have limited capacity to acclimate to elevated temperature as adults, but recent research shows that developmental and transgenerational plasticity occur, which might enable some species to adjust to rising ocean temperatures. Predicted increases in PCO2, and associated ocean acidification, can also influence the aerobic scope of coral reef fishes, although there is considerable interspecific variation, with some species exhibiting a decline and others an increase in aerobic scope at near-future CO2 levels. As with thermal effects, there are transgenerational changes in response to elevated CO2 that could mitigate impacts of high CO2 on the growth and survival of reef fishes. An unexpected discovery is that elevated CO2 has a dramatic effect on a wide range of behaviours and sensory responses of reef fishes, with consequences for the timing of settlement, habitat selection, predator avoidance and individual fitness. The underlying physiological mechanism appears to be the interference of acid–base regulatory processes with brain neurotransmitter function. Differences in the sensitivity of species and populations to global warming and rising CO2 have been identified that will lead to changes in fish community structure as the oceans warm and becomes more acidic; however, the prospect for acclimation and adaptation of populations to these threats also needs to be considered. Ultimately, it will be the capacity for species to adjust to environmental change over coming decades that will determine the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Local Thermal Nonequilibrium on Solid and Liquid Interface Generated in a Microwave Magnetic Field
Authors: Mochizuki Dai , Shitara Masashi , Maitani Masato , Wada Yuji
Published: October 2012

Dehalogenation of (2-haloethyl)benzene using Fe particles was carried out in the electric and magnetic fields in a microwave single mode cavity. Microwave irradiation in a magnetic field enhanced the conversion of (2-haloethyl)benzene compared with heating by a mantle heater and microwave in an electric field, while the ethylbenzene selectivities were comparable. Larger Fe particles generated sparks under microwave irradiation, resulting in the increase of ethylbenzene selectivities. These data suggested the reaction acceleration by a local thermal nonequilibrium in the solid–liquid system by the selective microwave heating of the solid.
Absorption of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons Dissolved in Water with Pellets Made of p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene and Silica Gel
Authors: Morohashi Naoya , Shibata Ozora , Hattori Tetsutaro
Published: October 2012

Powdery crystals of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (1) pelletized using silica gel as a binder absorb chlorinated hydrocarbons from saturated aqueous solutions by forming inclusion complexes with compound 1.
Morphology Study of New Shaped Porous Nanotubes of LiFePO4 by Electrospinning
Authors: Kang Chung Soo , Kim Cheong , Park Tae Jun , Son Jong Tae
Published: October 2012

Porous nanotubes of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) were synthesized from a metal oxide precursor by the electrospinning method. After calcination of the above precursor nanotube at 800 °C, LiFePO4 nanotubes with a diameter in the range of 150–500 nm, were obtained. Poly(vinylpyrrolidone) had an important role in the formation of hollow structure. The obtained nanotubes were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), videoscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. The results showed that porous and hollow morphologies of nanotubes were successfully formed by electrospinning parameters and calcination temperature.
A comparison of abdominal and scrotal approach methods of vasectomy and the influence of analgesic treatment in laboratory mice
Authors: Miller Amy L , Wright-Williams Sian L , Flecknell Paul A , Roughan Johnny V
Published: October 2012

Vasectomized mice are needed in the production of genetically-modified animals. The BVAAWF/FRAME/RSPCA/UFAW Joint Working Group on Refinement recommended that vasectomy should be performed via an incision in the scrotal sac, rather than via laparotomy, arguing that the former could be less painful due to minimal tissue trauma. This study was undertaken to assess the validity of this recommendation. Mice underwent vasectomy via either abdominal or scrotal approach surgery. Mice were filmed for 15 min presurgery and at one, 24 and 48 h postsurgery. Data were obtained using automated behaviour recognition software (HomeCageScan). Meloxicam was administered either alone or combined with acetaminophen prior to surgery. A third group received only saline subcutaneously. Postsurgery behaviour changes were compared between groups at each time point. Exploratory behaviours such as rearing, walking and sniffing were most greatly reduced at one hour following surgery whereas the duration of grooming increased. By 48 h these changes had largely subsided. Results indicated mice undergoing scrotal approach surgery fared better at one hour postsurgery, but the magnitude of this was relatively insignificant compared with the overall effects of surgery. If the observed behaviour changes resulted from pain, results suggested there was no significant advantage of scrotal versus abdominal approach vasectomy. These and other recently obtained data on the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in mice suggest considerably larger doses of these or more potent analgesics, more precise monitoring of surgical outcomes, or a combination of these factors are needed to determine the extent of pain experienced by mice undergoing vasectomy.
Anatomical anomalies of the laryngeal branches of the vagus nerve in pigs (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Ding Peng , Tufano Ralph P , German Rebecca Z
Published: October 2012

To delineate the anomaly and frequency of their occurrence in a pig model, we reported the topography of the vagus laryngeal branches and compared the differences with humans. Thirty sides of cervical vagus nerve in 15 fresh cadavers ( Sus scrofa) were microdissected. We measured the branch diameters and lengths of the laryngeal branches using a Vernier caliper with a resolution of 0.01 mm. Two patterns of the vagus laryngeal branches were shown: 56.7% with the cranial laryngeal nerve (CLN) and 43.3% without the CLN. The diameters and the length of the CLN were not affected by the side of the neck ( P > 0.05), but the diameters of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and the nodose ganglion were significantly different between left and right sides ( P < 0.05). The left RLN was thinner than the right side in diameter ( P < 0.05). Four of the 30 sides had anastomoses between the vagus and the cervical sympathetic chain. There were some differences between the pig anatomy and human anatomy, but the patterns were largely similar. The similarities support the utility of this model, which is closer in size to humans than the standard rodent models.
Negative health system effects of Global Fund's investments in AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria from 2002 to 2009: systematic review
Authors: Car Josip , Paljärvi Tapio , Car Mate , Kazeem Ayodele , Majeed Azeem , Atun Rifat
Published: October 2012

Objectives

By using the Global Fund as a case example, we aim to critically evaluate the evidence generated from 2002 to 2009 for potential negative health system effects of Global Health Initiatives (GHI).

Design

Systematic review of research literature.

Setting

Developing Countries.

Participants

All interventions potentially affecting health systems that were funded by the Global Fund.

Main outcome measures

Negative health system effects of Global Fund investments as reported by study authors.

Results

We identified 24 studies commenting on adverse effects on health systems arising from Global Fund investments. Sixteen were quantitative studies, six were qualitative and two used both quantitative and qualitative methods, but none explicitly stated that the studies were originally designed to capture or to assess health system effects (positive or negative). Only seemingly anecdotal evidence or authors’ perceptions/interpretations of circumstances could be extracted from the included studies.

Conclusions

This study shows that much of the currently available evidence generated between 2002 and 2009 on GHIs potential negative health system effects is not of the quality expected or needed to best serve the academic or broader community. The majority of the reviewed research did not fulfil the requirements of rigorous scientific evidence.
Phase States of Hydrocarbons in Chinese Marine Carbonate Strata and Controlling Factors for Their Formation
Authors: Zhijun Jin , Quanyou Liu , Nansheng Qiu , Feng Ding , Guoping Bai
Published: October 2012

Chinese marine strata were mainly deposited before the Mesozoic. In the Tarim, Sichuan and Ordos Basins, the marine source rocks are made of sapropelic dark shale, and calcareous shale, and they contain type II kerogen. Because of different burial and geothermal histories, the three basins exhibit different hydrocarbon generation histories and preservation status. In the Tarim Basin, both oil and gas exist, but the Sichuan and Ordos Basins host mainly gas. The Tarim Basin experienced a high heat flow history in the Early Paleozoic. For instance, heat flow in the Late Cambrian varied between 65–75 mW/m2, but it declined thereafter and averages 43.5mW/m2 in the current time. Thus, the basin is a “warm to cold basin”. The Sichuan Basin experienced an increasing heat flow through the Early Paleozoic to Early Permian, and peaked in the latest Early Permian with heat flows of 71–77 mW/m2. Then, the heat flow declined stepwise to the current value of 53.2 mW/m2. Thus, it is a generally a high heat flow “warm basin”. The Ordos Basin has a low heat flow for most of its history (45–55 mW/m2), but experienced a heating event in the Cretaceous, with the heat flow rising to 70–80 mW/m2. Thus, this basin is a “cold to warm basin”. The Tarim Basin experienced three events of hydrocarbon accumulations. Oil accumulation formed in the late stage of Caledonian Orogeny. The generation and accumulation of oil continued in the Northern and Central Tarim (Tabei and Tazhong) till the late Hercynian Orogeny, during which, the accumulated oil cracked into gas in the Hetianhe area and Eastern Tarim (Tadong). In the Himalaya Orogeny, oil cracking occurred in the entire basin, part of the oil in the Tabei and Tazhong areas and most of the oil in the Hetianhe and Tadong areas are converted into gas. In the Sichuan Basin, another triple-episode generation and accumulation history is exhibited. In the Indosinian Orogeny, oil accumulation formed, but in the Yanshanian Orogeny, part of the oil in the eastern Sichuan Basin and most of the oil in the northeastern part was cracked into gas. In the Himalayan Orogeny, oil in the entire basin was converted into gas. The Ordos Basin experienced a double-episode generation and accumulation history, oil accumulation happened in the early Yanshanian stage, and cracked in the late stage. In general, multiple phases of heat flow history and tectonic reworking caused multiple episodes of hydrocarbon generation, oil to gas cracking, and accumulation and reworking. The phases and compositions of oil and gas are mainly controlled by thermal and burial histories, and hardly influenced by kerogen types and source rock types.
Hydrocarbon Distribution Pattern in the Upper Ordovician Carbonate Reservoirs and its Main Controlling Factors in the West Part of Northern Slope of Central Tarim Basin, NW China
Authors: Lü Xiuxiang , Han Jianfa , Wang Xiang , Jiao Weiwei , Yu Hongfeng , Hua Xiaoli , Zhang Haizu , Zhao Yue
Published: October 2012

The northern slope of Tazhong palaeo-uplift has become a key target field for petroleum exploration in Tarim Basin. A major breakthrough is made in the Upper Ordovician oil and gas exploration in the west part of northern slope. Oil and gas near the Tazhong I slope-break zone occurred in Liang2 section was dominated by condensate gas reservoir, while oil reservoir was mainly inward distributed in Liang3 section. The crude oils in this region in physical properties characterized by low density, low viscosity, low freezing point, low sulfur content, medium wax content. And the natural gas in chemical components was featured by low-medium nitrogen content, low-medium carbon dioxide content and medium-high hydrogen sulfide content. In the plane direction, oil and gas exhibited a “oil in the interior, gas in the exterior” distribution pattern, and mainly located in a depth range of 0∼60 m below the top of the Liang3 section in the longitudinal direction. The distribution patterns displayed in physical properties and chemical compositions of oil and gas are controlled by multiple influencing factors. The results of above comprehensive studies suggested that vertical overriding of reef-bank-type reservoirs in Liang2 section and karst reservoirs in Liang3 section provided superior reservoir conditions; faults and fractures not only formed reservoir space and improved reservoir quality, also promoted the development of karst reservoirs and provided good migration pathway for hydrocarbon accumulation; one of the nonnegligible factors leading to this kind of distribution pattern for the Upper Ordovician oil and gas reservoirs is shale content in the compact carbonate formation; multi-sources and multi-stages of hydrocarbon filling are absolutely necessary controlling factor for this kind of distribution pattern in the whole block.
Biomethanization of Coal to Obtain Clean Coal Energy: A Review
Authors: Singh Asha Lata , Singh Prakash K , Singh M. P.
Published: October 2012

This paper entails a review on the possibility of methanization of coal using microbial tool. Biomethanization process of coal begins with biodegradation of coal by specific bacteria and fungi. As a result of this, major polymers present in coal like proteins, polysaccharides, nucleic acids and lipids are hydrolyzed to monomers like aminoacids, sugars, purines, pyrimidines and long chain fatty acids. Their subsequent fermentation forms hydrogen, CO2 and a number of reduced compounds like alcohols, short chain fatty acids, organic acids and certain aromatics. The oxidation of these reduced compounds further leads to the formation of acetate, hydrogen and CO2, methylated compounds and several intermediate compounds. Syntrophic relationship exists between fermenting bacteria and methanogens. The resultant oxidized compounds of fermenting bacteria are gradually utilized by specific methanogens to form methane. Hydrogenotrophic methanogens utilize H2 and convert CO2 into methane. Whereas acetate is utilized by acetoclastic methanogens to generate methane. The methylated compounds are utilized for methane formation by methylotrophic methanogens.
Numerical Study of Mach Number and Thermal Effects on Sound Radiation by a Mixing Layer
Authors: Moser C. , Lamballais E. , Margnat F. , Fortuné V. , Gervais Y.
Published: October 2012

Mach number and thermal effects on the mechanisms of sound generation and propagation are investigated in spatially evolving two-dimensional isothermal and non-isothermal mixing layers at Mach number ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 and Reynolds number of 400. A characteristic-based formulation is used to solve by direct numerical simulation the compressible Navier-Stokes equations using high-order schemes. The radiated sound is directly computed in a domain that includes both the near-field aerodynamic source region and the far-field sound propagation. In the isothermal mixing layer, Mach number effects may be identified in the acoustic field through an increase of the directivity associated with the non-compactness of the acoustic sources. Baroclinic instability effects may be recognized in the non-isothermal mixing layer, as the presence of counter-rotating vorticity layers, the resulting acoustic sources being found less efficient. An analysis based on the acoustic analogy shows that the directivity increase with the Mach number can be associated with the emergence of density fluctuations of weak amplitude but very efficient in terms of noise generation at shallow angle. This influence, combined with convection and refraction effects, is found to shape the acoustic wavefront pattern depending on the Mach number.
Determination of Geometric Farfield for Ducted and Unducted Rotors
Authors: Turkdogru N. , Ahuja K.K.
Published: October 2012

In this research, the requirements for microphones to be in the geometric farfield for ducted and unducted rotors have been established. The approach is to acquire acoustic data at various geometric locations relative to the source. This is performed for different rotor configurations and compared with the Inverse Square Law (ISL). This paper produced a measurement requirement that satisfies the ISL. It is presented in terms of rotor diameter and/or duct length. If this requirement is met then data for rotors with different dimensions acquired at any anechoic facility may be compared. Furthermore, the present work defines the shortest distance where farfield microphone should be placed for accurate extrapolation of the data to the rotor noise of a full-scale system by the ISL.
Noise Characteristics of Twin-Square Slot Jets
Authors: Sabareesh V. Boopathi , Srinivasan K. , Sundararajan T.
Published: October 2012

Acoustic measurements have been undertaken on two different twin square jet topologies. OASPL, spectra, directivity measurement and shock-cell visualization have been conducted to evaluate twin square jets in different edge-vertex orientations. The results indicate that twin square jets effectively suppress noise up to 4 dB in terms of OASPL and 6 dB in terms of screech tonal SPL compared to an equivalent single circular jet. The study promises that twin-jet topology could serve as an effective tool for noise suppression.
Efficient Risk Hedging by Dynamic Forward Pricing: A Study in Cloud Computing
Authors: Du Anna Ye , Das Sanjukta , Ramesh R.
Published: October 2012

Commodities such as cloud resources (storage, computing, bandwidth) are often sold to clients on a pay-as-you-go basis. Thus, resource providers absorb all risk arising from end users' demand volatilities. We focus on the revenue risk management of commodities with highly volatile demand profiles using cloud computing as the application domain and bandwidth as the exemplar commodity. We extend the state of the art in risk hedging by introducing a new concept of dynamic forward contracts where a provider and a client flexibly interact through offers and responses over a set of time periods in a horizon. We develop an optimal pricing mechanism that takes into account the risk propensities of the provider and the client. The overall mechanism is modeled as a pair of nested dynamic programs denoting the offer-response interactions. The mechanism also incorporates two learning components: short-term learning on the client's demand and long-term learning on the client's risk propensity. We characterize two approaches for predicting the client's demand—a recursive demand prediction model and an aggregate demand prediction model. Detailed experimental studies of the proposed mechanism using real Web traffic data on the clients of Amazon Web Services have been carried out. The empirical results clearly demonstrate the superiority of the proposed mechanism over benchmark mechanisms such as the current industry practice of spot markets and static forward pricing mechanisms proposed in the literature in ex ante and ex post settings. The results also highlight key interaction effects among parameters controllable by a provider and the risk propensities of the market players, leading to valuable managerial implications for the practical adoption of the proposed mechanism.
Stochastic Operating Room Scheduling for High-Volume Specialties Under Block Booking
Authors: Shylo Oleg V. , Prokopyev Oleg A. , Schaefer Andrew J.
Published: October 2012

Scheduling elective procedures in an operating suite is a formidable task because of competing performance metrics and uncertain surgery durations. In this paper, we present an optimization framework for batch scheduling within a block booking system that maximizes the expected utilization of operating room resources subject to a set of probabilistic capacity constraints. The algorithm iteratively solves a series of mixed-integer programs that are based on a normal approximation of cumulative surgery durations. This approximation is suitable for high-volume medical specialities but might not be acceptable for the specialties that perform few procedures per block. We test our approach using the data from the ophthalmology department of the Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System. The performance of the schedules obtained by our approach is significantly better than schedules produced by simple heuristic scheduling rules.
Approvals, Submission, and Important Labeling Changes for US Marketed Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: October 2012

This monthly feature will help readers keep current on new drugs, new indications, dosage forms, and safety-related changes in labeling or use. Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this information; however, if there are any questions, please let me know at bakerdan@wsu.edu .
Getting Ready for Meaningful Use Stage 2 Requirements
Authors: Fox Brent I. , Felkey Bill G.
Published: October 2012

Hospitals and providers have been nervously awaiting the news detailing the final framework for the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services' electronic health record meaningful use criteria. The criteria have been finalized and announced. In this installment, we provide a brief discussion of some of the highlights from these new criteria.
Department Annual Report: An Effective Tool for Advancing the Pharmacy Practice Model
Authors: Arango Matthew J. , Weber Robert J.
Published: October 2012

The Director's Forum is designed to guide pharmacy leaders in establishing patient-centered services in hospitals and health systems. This article focuses on the pharmacy department annual report. The annual report is an effective tool for advancing a department's practice model; it describes the framework of the department's plan and lists accomplishments in a specific time period. The annual report can also be a valuable tool in growing the pharmacy practice model by highlighting a future vision based on the past year's results. The annual report can have various formats depending on the target audience, but it is key to develop a report that is easy to read and simply describes the values of the pharmacy programs throughout the year. If thoughtfully developed, formatted, and distributed, the annual report can be a valuable tool in helping the pharmacy director to develop patient-centered services.
Recent Publications on Medications and Pharmacy
Authors: Russett Flint
Published: October 2012

Hospital Pharmacy presents this feature to keep pharmacists abreast of new publications in the medical/pharmacy literature. Articles of interest regarding a broad scope of topics are abstracted monthly.
Endocannabinoids in Amygdala and Nucleus Accumbens Mediate Social Play Reward in Adolescent Rats
Authors: Trezza Viviana , Damsteegt Ruth , Manduca Antonia , Petrosino Stefania , Van Kerkhof Linda W.M. , Pasterkamp R. Jeroen , Zhou Yeping , Campolongo Patrizia , Cuomo Vincenzo , Di Marzo Vincenzo , Vanderschuren Louk J.M.J.
Published: October 2012

The brain endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in emotional processes. We have previously identified an important role for endocannabinoids in social play behavior, a highly rewarding form of social interaction in adolescent rats. Here, we tested the hypothesis that endocannabinoid modulation of social play behavior occurs in brain regions implicated in emotion and motivation. Social play increased levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens (NAc), but not in prefrontal cortex or hippocampus of 4- to 5-week-old male Wistar rats. Furthermore, social play increased phosphorylation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors in the amygdala. Systemic administration of the anandamide hydrolysis inhibitor URB597 increased social play behavior, and augmented the associated elevation in anandamide levels in the amygdala, but not the NAc. Infusion of URB597 into the basolateral amygdala (BLA) increased social play behavior, and blockade of BLA CB1 cannabinoid receptors with the antagonist/inverse agonist SR141716A prevented the play-enhancing effects of systemic administration of URB597. Infusion of URB597 into the NAc also increased social play, but blockade of NAc CB1 cannabinoid receptors did not antagonize the play-enhancing effects of systemic URB597 treatment. Last, SR141716A did not affect social play after infusion into the core and shell subregions of the NAc, while it reduced social play when infused into the BLA. These data show that increased anandamide signaling in the amygdala and NAc augments social play, and identify the BLA as a prominent site of action for endocannabinoids to modulate the rewarding properties of social interactions in adolescent rats.
Differences in Sensitivity to Neural Timing among Cortical Areas
Authors: Yang Yang , Zador Anthony M.
Published: October 2012

The basic circuitry of auditory, visual, somatosensory and other cortical areas is highly stereotyped (Douglas and Martin, 2004). However, it remains unclear whether this anatomical stereotypy implies functional homogeneity, or whether instead different cortical areas are specialized to process the diverse sensory inputs they receive. Here we have used a two alternative forced choice task to assess modality-specific differences in the ability of rats to exploit precise neuronal timing. We delivered pairs of electrical pulses directly to different areas of cortex to determine the minimum timing differences subjects could detect. By stimulating the cortex directly, we isolated differences due to cortical circuitry rather than to sensory transduction and subcortical processing. Surprisingly, the minimum detectable timing differences varied over more than an order of magnitude, ranging from 1 ms in barrel cortex to 15 ms in visual cortex. Furthermore, these modality-specific differences depended upon sensory experience: although animals subjected to whisker clipping initially showed an impaired ability to exploit fine timing in barrel cortical stimulation, behavioral training partially rescued this deficit. Our results suggest that different cortical areas are adapted to the specific structure of the input signals they process, and that precise spike timing may play a more important role for some cortical areas than for others.
A Cardinal Orientation Bias in Scene-Selective Visual Cortex
Authors: Nasr Shahin , Tootell Roger B. H.
Published: October 2012

It has long been known that human vision is more sensitive to contours at cardinal (horizontal and vertical) orientations, compared with oblique orientations; this is the “oblique effect.” However, the real-world relevance of the oblique effect is not well understood. Experiments here suggest that this effect is linked to scene perception, via a common bias in the image statistics of scenes. This statistical bias for cardinal orientations is found in many “carpentered environments” such as buildings and indoor scenes, and some natural scenes. In Experiment 1, we confirmed the presence of a perceptual oblique effect in a specific set of scene stimuli. Using those scenes, we found that a well known “scene-selective” visual cortical area (the parahippocampal place area; PPA) showed distinctively higher functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activity to cardinal versus oblique orientations. This fMRI-based oblique effect was not observed in other cortical areas (including scene-selective areas transverse occipital sulcus and retrosplenial cortex), although all three scene-selective areas showed the expected inversion effect to scenes. Experiments 2 and 3 tested for an analogous selectivity for cardinal orientations using computer-generated arrays of simple squares and line segments, respectively. The results confirmed the preference for cardinal orientations in PPA, thus demonstrating that the oblique effect can also be produced in PPA by simple geometrical images, with statistics similar to those in scenes. Thus, PPA shows distinctive fMRI selectivity for cardinal orientations across a broad range of stimuli, which may reflect a perceptual oblique effect.
Erbin Is Required for Myelination in Regenerated Axons after Injury
Authors: Liang Chuan , Tao Yanmei , Shen Chengyong , Tan Zui , Xiong Wen-Cheng , Mei Lin
Published: October 2012

Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) is an axon-derived factor that is critical for Schwann cell (SC) development and myelinogenesis in a manner dependent on transmembrane tyrosine kinases ErbB2 and ErbB3. Recent studies suggest that NRG1 signaling plays a role in remyelination of regenerated nerves after injury. In this study, we investigated the role of Erbin, a protein that interacts with ErbB2 in remyelination of injured nerves. We show that Erbin expression increased dramatically in injured nerves. Myelinated axons were fewer, andg-ratios of those that were myelinated were increased in erbin−/−mice, which were impaired in functional recovery from nerve injury. These results indicate a necessary role of Erbin in remyelination of regenerating axons. Erbin ablation had little effect on numbers of BrdU-labeled and TUNEL-labeled SCs, suggesting mechanisms independent of altered proliferation or apoptosis. We demonstrated that Erbin mutant mice were impaired in raising or maintaining the levels of ErbB2 and in producing NRG1 in axons. Together, these observations demonstrate that Erbin is required for remyelination of regenerated axons after injury, probably by regulating ErbB2 and NRG1 levels, identifying a novel player in regulating remyelination.
Context-Dependent Learning Interferes with Visuomotor Transformations for Manipulation Planning
Authors: Fu Qiushi , Santello Marco
Published: October 2012

How the CNS transforms visual information of object properties into motor commands for manipulation is not well understood. We designed novel apparatus and protocols in which human subjects had to learn manipulations in two different contexts. The first task involved manipulating a U-shaped object that can afford two actions by grasping different parts of the same object. The second task involved manipulating two L-shaped objects that were posed at different orientations. In both experiments, subjects learned the manipulation over consecutive trials in one context before switching to a different context. For both objects and tasks, the visual geometric cues were effective in eliciting anticipatory control with little error at the beginning of learning of the first context. However, subjects failed to use the visual information to the same extent when switching to the second context as sensorimotor memory built through eight consecutive repetitions in the first context exerted a strong interference on subjects' ability to use visual cues again when the context changed. A follow-up experiment where subjects were exposed to a pseudorandom sequence of context switches with the U-shaped object revealed that the interference caused by the preceding context persisted even when subjects switched context after only one trial. Our results suggest that learning generalization of dexterous manipulation is fundamentally limited by context-specific learning of motor actions and competition between vision-based motor planning and sensorimotor memory.
Dark Exposure Extends the Integration Window for Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity
Authors: Guo Yatu , Huang Shiyong , de Pasquale Roberto , McGehrin Kevin , Lee Hey-Kyoung , Zhao Kanxing , Kirkwood Alfredo
Published: October 2012

Metaplasticity, the adaptive changes of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in response to fluctuations in neural activity is well documented in visual cortex, where dark rearing shifts the frequency threshold for the induction of LTP and LTD. Here we studied metaplasticity affecting spike-timing-dependent plasticity, in which the polarity of plasticity is determined not by the stimulation frequency, but by the temporal relationship between near-coincidental presynaptic and postsynaptic firing. We found that in mouse visual cortex the same regime of deprivation that restricts the frequency range for inducing rate-dependent LTD extends the integration window for inducing timing-dependent LTD, enabling LTD induction with random presynaptic and postsynaptic firing. Notably, the underlying mechanism for the changes in both rate-dependent and time-dependent LTD appears to be an increase of NR2b-containing NMDAR at the synapse. Thus, the rules of metaplasticity might manifest in opposite directions, depending on the plasticity-induction paradigms.
The Role of Nitric Oxide Synthase in Cortical Plasticity Is Sex Specific
Authors: Dachtler James , Hardingham Neil R. , Fox Kevin
Published: October 2012

Nitric oxide synthase-1 (NOS1) is involved in several forms of plasticity including hippocampal-dependent learning and memory, experience-dependent plasticity in the barrel cortex, and long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus and neocortex. NOS1 also contributes to ischemic damage during stroke and has a stronger deleterious effect in males than females. We therefore investigated whether the role of NOS1 in plasticity might also be sex specific. We tested LTP in the layer IV–II/III pathway between barrel columns and experience-dependent plasticity in the barrel cortex of αNOS1 knock-out mice and their wild-type littermates. We found that LTP was absent in male αNOS1 knock-out mice but not in females and that the residual LTP in females was not NO dependent. We also found that experience-dependent potentiation due to single whisker experience was significantly reduced in male αNOS1 knockouts but was unaffected in females. The αNOS1 knockout had a small effect on the development of the barrels, which were reduced in size by 20% compared with wild types, but this effect was not sex specific. We therefore conclude that neocortical plasticity mechanisms differ between males and females at the synaptic level, either in their basic plasticity induction pathways or in their ability to compensate for loss of αNOS1.
Drosophila rugoseIs a Functional Homolog of MammalianNeurobeachinand Affects Synaptic Architecture, Brain Morphology, and Associative Learning
Authors: Volders Karolien , Scholz Sabrina , Slabbaert Jan R. , Nagel Anja C. , Verstreken Patrik , Creemers John W. M. , Callaerts Patrick , Schwärzel Martin
Published: October 2012

Neurobeachin(Nbea) is implicated in vesicle trafficking in the regulatory secretory pathway, but details on its molecular function are currently unknown. We have usedDrosophila melanogastermutants forrugose(rg), theDrosophilahomolog ofNbea, to further elucidate the function of this multidomain protein. Rg is expressed in a granular pattern reminiscent of the Golgi network in neuronal cell bodies and colocalizes with transgenic Nbea, suggesting a function in secretory regulation. In contrast toNbea−/−mice,rgnull mutants are viable and fertile and exhibit aberrant associative odor learning, changes in gross brain morphology, and synaptic architecture as determined at the larval neuromuscular junction. At the same time, basal synaptic transmission is essentially unaffected, suggesting that structural and functional aspects are separable. Rg phenotypes can be rescued by aDrosophila rg+ transgene, whereas a mouseNbeatransgene rescues aversive odor learning and synaptic architecture; it fails to rescue brain morphology and appetitive odor learning. This dissociation between the functional redundancy of either the mouse or the fly transgene suggests that their complex composition of numerous functional and highly conserved domains support independent functions. We propose that the detailed compendium of phenotypes exhibited by theDrosophila rgnull mutant provided here will serve as a test bed for dissecting the different functional domains of BEACH (for beige and human Chediak–Higashi syndrome) proteins, such as Rugose, mouse Nbea, or Nbea orthologs in other species, such as human.
Efficacy of Thermoreactive Nitinol Clip Implantation in Reconstruction of Sternal Dehiscence
Authors: Guler Adem , Durukan Ahmet Baris , Gurbuz Hasan Alper , Tavlasoglu Murat , Sahin Mehmet Ali , Jahollari Artan , Yorgancioglu Cem , Aslan Mehmet
Published: October 2012

Background: Sternal dehiscence is a severe complication of open heart surgery. Reinforced wiring, a system of reinforced sternal closure, fixation of a rigid plate, and implantation of thermoreactive nitinol clips (TRC) are some surgical procedures used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of TRC for secondary sternal reconstruction.

Methods: Of 1198 patients who underwent their operations via median sternotomy in 2 separate medical centers, sternal dehiscence was observed in 16 patients overall (1.33%). The mean (SD) age of the patients was 64.06 � 9.18 years (range, 40-77 years). Sternal dehiscence was diagnosed in all patients between the fifth and 30th postoperative days.

Results: TRC were implanted in all of the patients who developed sternal dehiscence (16 patients). One patient developed severe respiratory failure, became ventilator dependent, and died from pneumonia on postoperative day 24. The other 15 patients were discharged without complications. Postoperative follow-up of the surviving patients revealed adequate and satisfactory sternal stability.

Conclusion: Implantation of TRC is an effective and easy method for fixing the sternum and can be performed rapidly and securely.
Influência da infestação de Diatraea saccharalis (Fabr.) sobre parâmetros tecnológicos da cana-de-açúcar
Authors: Dinardo-Miranda Leila Luci , Fracasso Juliano Vilela , Anjos Ivan Antonio dos , Garcia Julio , Costa Viviane Pereira da
Published: October 2012

A broca Diatraea saccharalis é uma das pragas mais importantes da cana-de-açúcar no Brasil, razão pela qual é relevante quantificar a interferência de seu ataque nos parâmetros tecnológicos dos colmos, utilizados como matéria-prima na indústria de açúcar e etanol. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da intensidade de infestação sobre os parâmetros tecnológicos, entre os quais fibra na cana e pol na cana, das cultivares IAC91-1099, IACSP93-3046 e IACSP95-5000. Para tanto, os colmos coletados em campo foram agrupados de maneira a compor amostras com 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 e 15% de entrenós brocados, que foram então analisadas. Maiores ataques de broca resultaram em aumento nos teores de fibra e de açúcares redutores, e redução nos teores de pol na cana e na pureza. Na média, a curva que representa a relação entre pol na cana (y) e intensidade de infestação (x, % de entrenós brocados) é dada por y=16,591-0,0672x, cujo coeficiente de determinação (r²) foi 0,92.