bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential effects of albumin on microglia and macrophages; implications for neurodegeneration following blood–brain barrier damage
Authors: Hooper Claudie , Pinteaux‐Jones Fleur , Fry Victoria A. H. , Sevastou Ioanna G. , Baker David , Heales Simon J. , Pocock Jennifer M.
Published: February 2009

J. Neurochem. (2009) 109, 694–705.

Microglial activation by blood‐borne factors following blood–brain barrier damage may play a significant role in subsequent neuropathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases. Exposure of primary cultured rat brain microglia to pure, fatty acid‐ and lipid‐deficient rat serum albumin or fraction V, (fatty acid and lipid‐containing rat serum albumin), caused inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, glutamate release, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and transforming growth factor‐beta1 release. iNOS expression was attenuated by the MAPK/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway inhibitor U0126 and the phosphorylated forms of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2 were detectable in microglia treated with albumin or fraction V. Glutamate release was prevented by l‐α‐aminoadipate and glutathione levels in microglia rose on exposure to albumin. Conditioned medium from microglia exposed to albumin or fraction V was neurotoxic. Peripheral macrophages were resistant to the effects of albumin but both microglia and macrophages responded to lipopolysaccharide, which induced interleukin‐1 beta and tumour necrosis factor alpha release, cyclooxygenase‐2 and iNOS expression in both cell types, indicating a discrete desensitised pathway in macrophages for albumin which was not desensitised in microglia. Thus, exposure of microglia in the brain to albumin may contribute to neuronal damage following blood–brain barrier breakdown and point to resident microglia rather than infiltrating macrophages as therapeutic targets.
Embedded Sensors in Rubber and Other Polymer Components
Authors: Harmeyer K. J. , Holland M. A. , Gallien T. W. , Lumkes J. H. , Krutz G. W.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Many polymer components are susceptible to catastrophic failure or are critical to the performance of the products they comprise. Because of this, the capability to monitor structural failures or performance reduction in these components is beneficial. It is difficult to fabricate sensors for polymer components because they often have complex shapes or are assembled in isolated locations. To solve this problem, micro‐scale electronic sensors, embedded within polymer components, were developed at Purdue University. Conductive polymer materials were used as the primary sensing element in the sensors. Testing results reveal that embedded sensors in polymer components can successfully indicate significant signal changes more than 100 loading cycles prior to catastrophic failure. Multiple sensing methods and applications have been tested and more are being researched. These findings may open doors for future polymer sensors that can improve safety and provide useful measurements for polymer components.
Longitudinal Strain Solitary Wave in a Two‐Layered Polymeric Bar
Authors: Dreiden G. V. , Khusnutdinova K. R. , Samsonov A. M. , Semenova I. V.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Both theoretical investigations and successful experimental research were performed recently, confirming the existence and demonstrating the main properties of bulk strain solitary waves in nonlinearly elastic solid wave guides. Our current research is devoted to nonlinear wave processes in layered elastic wave guides with inhomogeneities modelling damage/delamination. Here, we present first experimental and theoretical results, demonstrating the change in the amplitude and width of a strain solitary wave propagating in an inhomogeneous two‐layered wave guide made of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA). Parameters of such waves in layered structures may be useful for the assessment of their operational integrity and robustness.
A Decomposition Method for the Analysis of Viscoelastic Structural Dynamics with Time‐Dependent Poisson's Ratio
Authors: Chen Q. , Worden K.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  This paper presents a decomposition method for the dynamic analysis of elastic–viscoelastic composite (EVC) structures with time‐dependent Poisson's ratio. The analysis splits the viscoelasticity matrix with time‐dependent Poisson's ratio into two matrices in a simple form in which the time‐dependent Poisson's ratio does not appear. The decomposition simplifies the process of dynamical analysis for EVC structures with time‐dependent Poisson's ratio. The approach also makes it possible to apply existing analysis methods for constant Poisson's ratio structures directly to structures with time‐dependent Poisson's ratio. Based on the numerical results of three case studies, it is found that the time‐dependent Poisson's ratio has little influence on the structure's natural frequencies and damping properties. Therefore, it could be concluded that the effect of time‐dependency in Poisson's ratio may be ignored in the EVC structural dynamic analysis without introducing notable errors.
The Pull‐Out Problem in Restoring Marble Fragments: A Design Criterion Based on Experimental Results
Authors: Marinelli A. , Papanicolopulos S.‐A. , Kourkoulis S. , Vayas I.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  For the development of innovative connections for the restoration of the integrity of structural elements of ancient stone temples, it is imperative, among others, to understand the reasons of the ‘pull‐out’ phenomenon. Pull‐out can be defined as the gradual or abrupt removal of the reinforcing bars from the body of the structural member, without prior failure of neither the marble nor the bars. An analytic solution is not yet available and in this context, a combined experimental and numerical analysis was undertaken in an effort to enlighten the failure mechanisms activated during the phenomenon. The experimental part included a series of pull‐out tests with prismatic specimens made from Dionysos marble in which threaded metallic bars were planted in drilled holes. The adhesion between the marble and the bar was achieved using a suitable cementitious material. The criterion adopted for the design of the connections is to avoid completely the failure of marble. The parameters studied included the depth and the pitch of the thread of the reinforcing bars. The experimental set‐up comprising suitable supporting and measuring systems was improvised, given the absence of a standard, relevant to this particular problem. Based on the experimental results, a design criterion is introduced allowing for a predefined amount of slip between the reinforcing bar–cement interface and the marble body. In addition, a numerical model is developed, calibrated on the basis of the experimental results. It is concluded that the form of the thread influences considerably the carrying capacity: denser pitches lead to higher ultimate load and energy consumption while the coarser ones favour parasitic bending effects and a flexible behaviour. In addition, the medium depth for each pitch leads to a stiffer and stronger behaviour.
The Influence of the Boundary Conditions on Low‐Velocity Impact Composite Damage
Authors: Amaro A. M. , Reis P. N. B. , Magalhães A. G. , de Moura M. F. S. F.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  The objective of this work was to study the influence of the boundary conditions on low‐velocity impact behaviour of carbon‐epoxy composite plates. Experimental work and numerical analysis were performed on [04,904]s laminates. The influence of different boundary conditions on the impacted plates was analysed considering rectangular and square plates. The X‐radiography was used as a non‐destructive technique to evaluate the internal damage caused by impact loading. A three‐dimensional numerical analysis was also performed considering progressive damage modelling. The model includes three‐dimensional solid elements and interface finite elements including a cohesive mixed‐mode damage model, which allows simulating delamination between different oriented layers. It was verified that plate’s boundary conditions have influence on the delaminated area. Good agreement between experimental and numerical analysis for shape, orientation and size of the delamination was obtained.
CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF STUCCOS FROM A MEXICAN COLONIAL BUILDING: EL MUSEO DEL CALENDARIO OF QUERETARO*
Authors: GALVÁN‐RUIZ MIGUEL , VELÁZQUEZ‐CASTILLO RODRIGO , PÉREZ‐LARA MIGUEL A. , ARJONA JOSE L. , BAÑOS LETICIA , RODRÍGUEZ‐GARCÍA MARIO E.
Published: February 2009

Restoration requires the use of appropriate characterization methods and suitable new material preparation processes permit the reproduction of the original material to be as similar as possible in order to be an appropriate application method. The combination of these factors will facilitate a good restoration process. Different stuccos were taken from El Museo del Calendario, a building located in Querétaro, Mexico which was built in the 16th century. All the stucco samples were studied using the characterization process which is proposed in this article. The characterization method consisted of the use of analytical techniques, such as X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy. This characterization method made reproduction of the original material possible. The new material combined with new application techniques developed in situ will result in a high‐quality restoration process.
Hepatic sinusoidal cells in health and disease: update from the 14th International Symposium
Authors: Smedsrød Bård , Le Couteur David , Ikejima Kenichi , Jaeschke Hartmut , Kawada Norifumi , Naito Makoto , Knolle Percy , Nagy Laura , Senoo Haruki , Vidal‐Vanaclocha Fernando , Yamaguchi Noriko
Published: February 2009

This review aims to give an update of the field of the hepatic sinusoid, supported by references to presentations given at the 14th International Symposium on Cells of the Hepatic Sinusoid (ISCHS2008), which was held in Tromsø, Norway, August 31–September 4, 2008. The subtitle of the symposium, ‘Integrating basic and clinical hepatology’, signified the inclusion of both basal and applied clinical results of importance in the field of liver sinusoidal physiology and pathophysiology. Of nearly 50 oral presentations, nine were invited tutorial lectures. The authors of the review have avoided writing a ‘flat summary’ of the presentations given at ISCHS2008, and instead focused on important novel information. The tutorial presentations have served as a particularly important basis in the preparation of this update. In this review, we have also included references to recent literature that may not have been covered by the ISCHS2008 programme. The sections of this review reflect the scientific programme of the symposium (http://www.ub.uit.no/munin/bitstream/10037/1654/1/book.pdf): 1. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells. 2. Kupffer cells. 3. Hepatic stellate cells. 4. Immunology. 5. Tumor/metastasis. Symposium abstracts are refered to by a number preceded by the letter A.
Native Species for Roadslope Revegetation: Selection, Validation, and Cost Effectiveness
Authors: Bochet Esther , Tormo Jaume , García‐Fayos Patricio
Published: February 2009

Native species arise as an alternative to improve the poor success of traditional hydroseeding with commercial species in degraded areas. The objectives of this study were to (1) establish a procedure to select suitable native species for roadslope revegetation, (2) validate the procedure by means of field sowing experiments, and (3) assess cost effectiveness of the use of native species in hydroseeding as regards commercial ones. Vegetation surveys were performed in semiarid roadslopes of East Spain and species success evaluated according to abundance and frequency. A list of potentially suitable species for revegetation was produced and a subset of species selected and hydroseeded to check their suitability in hydroseeding. Cost effectiveness of the use of native species was estimated. Results support the suitability of the procedure for the selection of native species. Vegetation cover produced by the hydroseeded mixture of native species was high (between 43 and 70% throughout the 4 years) and was 4–20 times higher than the cover produced by a standard commercial seed mixture. The price of the selected seed mixture was 30 times that of the commercial one, but the cost of relevant ecological advantages provided by the use of native species was only twice that of the commercial species on the basis of cost effectiveness assessment. Practical consequences for restorers, policymakers, and practitioners are discussed, and the use of native species is encouraged to improve revegetation success of roadslopes and similar slope types especially in semiarid and arid environments.
Within‐Year Soil Legacies Contribute to Strong Priority Effects of Exotics on Native California Grassland Communities
Authors: Grman Emily , Suding Katharine N.
Published: February 2009

Understanding priority effects, in which one species in a habitat decreases the success of later species, may be essential for restoring native communities. Priority effects can operate in two ways: size‐asymmetric competition and creation of “soil legacies,” effects on soil that may last long after the competitive effect. We examined how these two types of priority effects, competition and soil legacies, drive interactions between seedlings of native and exotic California grassland plants. We established native and exotic communities in a mesocosm experiment. After 5 weeks, we removed the plants from half the treatments (soil legacy treatment) and retained the plants in the other half (priority effect treatment, which we interpret to include both competition and soil legacies). We then added native or exotic seed as the colonizing community. After 2 months, we measured the biomass of the colonizing community. When germinating first, both natives and exotics established priority effects, reducing colonist biomass by 86 and 92%, respectively. These priority effects were predominantly due to size‐asymmetric competition. Only exotics created soil legacies, and these legacies only affected native colonizers, reducing biomass by 74%. These results imply that exotic species priority effects can affect native grassland restorations. Although most restorations focus on removing exotic seedlings, amending soil to address soil legacies may also be critical. Additionally, because native species can exclude exotics if given a head start, ensuring that natives germinate first may be a cost‐effective restoration technique.
Constraints on Sedge Meadow Self‐Restoration in Urban Wetlands
Authors: Hall Steven J. , Zedler Joy B.
Published: February 2009

Invasive plants and urban run‐off constrain efforts to restore sedge meadow wetlands. We asked if native graminoids can self‐restore following the removal of Typha × glauca (hybrid cattail), and if not, what limits their recovery? After we harvested Typha and depleted its rhizome starch reserves, Carex spp. expanded vegetatively (approximately 1 m over 2 years) but not by recruiting seedlings. A seedling emergence experiment showed that seed banks were depleted where Typha had eliminated the sedge meadow over a decade ago (based on aerial photo analysis). Carex seedling emergence was 75–90% lower where Carex was absent than where it remained in the plant community, and at least 17 species that were abundant 30 years ago were absent from the seed bank and extant vegetation. By varying hydroperiod, we showed that prolonged flooding prevented emergence of Carex seedlings and that a fluctuating hydroperiod reduced emergence and ultimately killed all Carex seedlings. In contrast, Typha seedlings emerged and survived regardless of hydroperiod. Thus, slow vegetative expansion by Carex, depauperate seed banks, and altered hydroperiods all constrain self‐restoration. To compensate for multiple constraints on self‐restoration, we recommend a long‐term management approach that capitalizes on flooding and the capacity of Carex spp. to regrow vegetatively. We suggest annually harvesting swaths of Typha at the edges of clones, before or during flood events, to allow gradual, vegetative self‐restoration of Carex spp.
Deer Browsing, Forest Edge Effects, and Vegetation Dynamics Following Bottomland Forest Restoration
Authors: Ruzicka Kenneth J. , Groninger John W. , Zaczek James J.
Published: February 2009

Vegetation composition and forest stand development are frequently mediated by browsing herbivores. These relationships have received little attention in a forest restoration context even though White‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is likely to influence these agriculture, forest, and restored ecosystem mosaic landscapes. Tree species composition, herbaceous vegetation, and deer browsing patterns were assessed 5 and 7 years following bottomland hardwood forest restoration on a 526‐ha site in the Cache River watershed in southern Illinois, United States. Light‐seeded tree species (Fraxinus pennsylvanica,Acer negundo,Liquidambar styraciflua, andPlatanus occidentalis)of volunteer origin dominated the woody vegetation component, with especially high stocking and density near existing forest cover and potential seed sources. At more distant locations, presumably plantedQuercusspp. were more likely to dominate and were the only tree species found in 15% of plots in year 7.Quercusstocking increased over the course of the study, constituting 7% of trees during year 7. Deer herbivory was associated with reduced stem height and disproportionately impacted seedlings ofQuercus palustrisandCeltisspp. Our results suggest that deer browsing influences forest stand composition and density as a function of distance from the nearest forest edge. Herbaceous vegetation had little impact on early stand development. Continued spread of the exotic and invasiveLonicera japonicaand potential mortality ofF. pennsylvanicadue to an anticipated Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) epidemic, combined with low stand density and delayed canopy closure, may result in persistent overstory gaps and compromise long‐term restoration success.
Influence of Different Tightening Forces Before Laser Welding to the Implant/Framework Fit
Authors: Da Silveira‐Júnior Clebio Domingues , Neves Flávio Domingues , Fernandes‐Neto Alfredo Júlio , Prado Célio Jesus , Simamoto‐Júnior Paulo César
Published: February 2009

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of abutment screw tightening force before laser welding procedures on the vertical fit of metal frameworks over four implants.

Materials and Methods: To construct the frameworks, prefabricated titanium abutments and cylindrical titanium bars were joined by laser welding to compose three groups: group of manual torque (GMT), GT10 and GT20. Before welding, manual torque simulating routine laboratory procedure was applied to GTM. In GT10 and GT20, the abutment screws received 10 and 20 Ncm torque, respectively. After welding, the implant/framework interfaces were assessed by optical comparator microscope using two methods. First, the single screw test (SST) was used, in which the interfaces of the screwed and non‐screwed abutments were assessed, considering only the abutments at the framework extremities. Second, the interfaces of all the abutments were evaluated when they were screwed.

Results: In the SST, intergroup analysis (Kruskal Wallis) showed no significant difference among the three conditions of tightening force; that is, the different tightening force before welding did not guarantee smaller distortions. Intragroup analysis (Wilcoxon) showed that for all groups, the interfaces of the non‐screwed abutments were statistically greater than the interfaces of the screwed abutments, evidencing distortions in all the frameworks. ANOVA was applied for the comparison of interfaces when all the abutments were screwed and showed no significant difference among the groups.

Conclusions: Under the conditions of this study, pre‐welding tightness on abutment screws did not influence the vertical fit of implant‐supported metal frameworks.
The Effect of a Bleaching System on Properties Related to Different Ceramic Surface Textures
Authors: Zaki Amina A. , Fahmy Nadia Z.
Published: February 2009

Purpose: This study examined the effect of a manufacturer's proposed bleaching protocol on surface properties of a low‐fusing ceramic.

Materials and Methods: Forty ultra low‐fusing ceramic samples (Ducera LFC) were constructed for this study. Half the discs were autoglazed, and the other half were overglazed. The two main groups (autoglaze, overglaze) were further divided into subgroups of four. Group I: autoglazed (control group I), bleached autoglaze, diamond polished, diamond polished and bleached. The same division was applied to Group II: overglazed (control group II), bleached overglazed, diamond polished, diamond polished and bleached. The total number of subgroups was eight. Control groups I and II (n = 10) were both immersed in distilled water, which was changed daily for 1 week. The other six subgroups (n = 30) were subjected to the following protocol: 2‐hour bleaching using carbamide peroxide 35%, followed by six 8‐hour bleaching applications using 15% carbamide peroxide gel. Every two bleaching procedures were interrupted by a 10‐hour fluoride gel application. At the end of each bleaching step, the treated specimens were washed under running water in readiness for the next application.

Results: Bleaching did not significantly affect the surface roughness of the autoglazed group; however, it significantly increased the roughness of the overglazed ceramic, especially after polishing. Regarding whiteness, the overglazed group had significantly increased values compared to the autoglazed group. It appeared that bleaching whitened the overglazed specimens significantly, whereas polishing alone showed less whiteness. There appeared to be a strong inverse relation between the roughness and the whiteness of the autoglazed specimens as affected by the bleaching. On the other hand, a weak inverse relation was found between the roughness and whiteness of the overglazed specimens, as affected by the bleaching.

Conclusions: In‐office bleaching with 35% carbamide peroxide, followed by home bleaching with 15% carbamide peroxide and a fluoride gel may affect the roughness and whiteness of overglazed and polished/overglazed Duceram LFC restorations. No significant change in roughness or whiteness was detected by this bleaching system on autoglazed Ducera LFC. Ceramic restorations should be protected before any bleaching for fear of altering their roughness and whiteness. Patients should be advised that their existing porcelain restorations may not match their natural teeth after bleaching.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Bleaching Agents Activated by Different Light Sources
Authors: Lima Débora Alves Nunes Leite , Aguiar Flávio Henrique Baggio , Liporoni Priscila Christiane Suzy , Munin Egberto , Ambrosano Gláucia Maria Bovi , Lovadino José Roberto
Published: February 2009

Purpose: This study evaluated the efficacy of tooth whitening and color stability at different time periods after treatment.

Materials and Methods: Blocks obtained from human molars were divided into 15 groups (n = 5) by bleaching agents: 35% hydrogen peroxide (Whiteness HP and Opalescence Xtra) and 37% carbamide peroxide (Whiteness Super); and light sources: halogen lamp and plasma arc lamp (bleach mode), LED/diode laser, argon laser, and no light source. The efficacy of bleaching was measured using a spectrophotometer. Six bleaching sessions were performed (times 1 to 6). The specimens were submitted to another reading 7, 15, and 30 days after the end of bleaching (times 7, 8, and 9). The results were submitted to ANOVA followed by Tukey test and polynomial regression (p < 0.05).

Results: Carbamide peroxide significantly differed from hydrogen peroxide, presenting low reflectance values. Activated versus non‐activated bleaching did not differ significantly for any gel tested, except for Whiteness HP activated by argon laser, which presented the lowest mean reflectance values. The results obtained with hydrogen peroxide revealed a decrease in reflectance values one month after the end of treatment. For carbamide peroxide, this decrease was not observed.

Conclusion: The halogen lamp presented the same or higher efficacy than non‐activated bleaching, which had a longer gel contact period. When hydrogen peroxide was used, a decrease in reflectance values was observed 30 days after the end of bleaching.
A New Theoretical Discrete Growth Distribution with Verification for Microbial Counts in Water
Authors: Englehardt James , Swartout Jeff , Loewenstine Chad
Published: February 2009

Living microbes are discrete, not homogeneously distributed in environmental media, and the form of the distribution of their counts in drinking water has not been well established. However, this count may “scale” or range over orders of magnitude over time, in which case data representing the tail of the distribution, and governing the mean, would be represented only in impractically long data records. In the absence of such data, knowledge of the general form of the full distribution could be used to estimate the true mean accounting for low‐probability, high‐consequence count events and provide a basis for a general environmental dose‐response function. In this article, a new theoretical discrete growth distribution (DGD) is proposed for discrete counts in environmental media and other discrete growth systems. The term growth refers not to microbial growth but to a general abiotic first‐order growth/decay of outcome sizes in many complex systems. The emergence and stability of the DGD in such systems, defined in simultaneous work, are also described. The DGD is then initially verified versus 12 of 12 simulated long‐term drinking water and short‐term treated and untreated water microbial count data sets. The alternative Poisson lognormal (PLN) distribution was rejected for 2 (17%) of the 12 data sets with 95% confidence and, like other competitive distributions, was not found stable (in simultaneous work). Sample averages are compared with means assessed from the fitted DGD, with varying results. Broader validation of the DGD for discrete counts arising as outcomes of mathematical growth systems is suggested.
Sudden Cardiac Death: The Larger Problem… the Larger Genome
Authors: SPOONER PETER M.
Published: February 2009

This perspective considers progress in understanding how genetic influences modulate susceptibility to lethal ventricular arrhythmias in cardiac patients and the population at large, as opposed to those with rare inherited arrhythmic conditions, such as the Long‐QT and Brugada syndromes. It addresses largely unresolved issues, such as how important these effects may be and what we know of underlying mediators and pathways. Attention is given to newly revealed mechanisms of genomic function and the problem of identifying new susceptibility genes and targets useful in developing improved strategies for sudden death prevention.
Cross‐Stimulation: A Rare Complication of Chronic Epicardial Leads
Authors: SHAH ANJAN M. , CANNON BRYAN C. , KERTESZ NAOMI J. , KIM JEFFREY J.
Published: February 2009

Cross‐stimulation is a rare phenomenon that occurs during dual‐chamber pacing when the pacing stimulus to one chamber results in the inadvertent capture of the other. Most cases are attributable to intrinsic design features of particular device models or lead malpositioning, and only occur early postimplantation with subsequent spontaneous resolution. We report a case of cross‐stimulation occurring in a patient with chronic epicardial leads without loss of lead integrity.
Clinical Validation and Comparison of Alternative Methods for Evaluation of Entrainment Mapping
Authors: DEREJKO PAWEŁ , SZUMOWSKI ŁUKASZ J. , SANDERS PRASHANTHAN , DIMITRI HANY , KUKLIK PAWEŁ , PRZYBYLSKI ANDRZEJ , URBANEK PIOTR , SZUFLADOWICZ EWA , BODALSKI ROBERT , SACHER FRÉDÉRIC , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , WALCZAK FRANCISZEK
Published: February 2009

Introduction:
Measuring the postpacing interval (PPI) and correcting for the tachycardia cycle length (TCL) is an important entrainment response (ER). However, it may be impossible to measure PPI due to electrical noise on the mapping catheter. To overcome this problem, 2 alternative methods for the assessment of ER have been proposed: N+1 difference (N+1 DIFF) and PPIR method. PPI‐TCL difference (PPI − TCL) correlates very well with ER assessed by new methods, but the agreement with PPI − TCL was established only in relation to PPIR method. Moreover, it is not known which of these methods is superior in the assessment of ER.

Methods:
We analyzed 155 episodes of ER in 21 patients with heterogeneous reentrant arrhythmias. ER was estimated by PPI − TCL and by both alternative methods. Agreement between methods was assessed by means of the Bland‐Altman test, kappa coefficient (κ), and correlation coefficient (r). Finally, a mathematical comparison of the alternative methods was performed.

Results:
The agreement between PPI − TCL and alternative methods was very good. For N+1 DIFF the mean difference was −1.86 ± 7.31 ms; kappa = 0.9; r = 0.98; for PPIR method the mean difference was −1.46 ± 7.65 ms; kapa = 0.92; r = 0.99. Agreement between both alternative methods was also very high: the mean difference of 0.5 ± 6.6 ms; kappa = 0.89; r = 0.99. The analysis of the equations used for calculation of ER by these methods revealed that essentially they were mathematically equivalent.

Conclusion:
Each of the alternative methods may be used for evaluation of ER when PPI − TCL cannot be assessed directly. Results obtained by both alternative methods are comparable.
Esophageal Damage During Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Impact of Energy Settings, Lesion Sets, and Esophageal Visualization
Authors: MARTINEK M. , BENCSIK G. , AICHINGER J. , HASSANEIN S. , SCHOEFL R. , KUCHINKA P. , NESSER H.J. , PURERFELLNER H.
Published: February 2009

Introduction: Atrioesophageal fistula is an uncommon but often lethal complication of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. The purpose of our study was to prospectively investigate the incidence of esophageal ulcerations (ESUL) as well as the impact of energy settings, radiofrequency lesion sets, and direct visualization of the esophagus on esophageal wall injury.

Methods and Results: One hundred seventy‐five patients, 57.1% paroxysmal AF, 78.5% male, underwent AF ablation and esophagoscopy 24 hours thereafter. We performed a 2:1:1‐randomization as follows:

Control group: Ablation without visualization of the esophagus using 25 Watt (W) power limit on the posterior wall, n = 70.

Visualization and 15 W maximum: Ablation guided by barium visualization of the esophageal course using a limit of 15 W, n = 35.

Visualization and 25 W “short burns”: Ablation guided by barium visualization using 25 W and “short burns” (max. 5 sec), n = 35.

Patients performed under general anesthesia (n = 35) were separated as a nasogastric tube for visualization of the esophagus was used.

In total, we found 2.9% of patients (5/175) presenting ESUL. Parameters discriminating the development of ESUL in a specific patient were type of AF, maximum energy delivered, usage of a nasogastric tube, and additional left atrial lines. Visualization of the esophageal course by barium contrast was not able to prevent ESUL.

Conclusion: ESUL is a rare finding when using a reasonable energy maximum of 25 W with open‐irrigated tip catheters at the posterior wall. Lower energy settings may increase safety without losing efficacy. Additional linear radiofrequency lesions increase the risk of ESUL development.
Remote Navigation Guided Ablation of Incessant Atrial Tachycardia in a Patient with Restricted Venous Access
Authors: KIM ALBERT M. , BADHWAR NITISH , LEE RANDALL J.
Published: February 2009

We report a case of a 45‐year‐old man with incessant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in the setting of intrahepatic inferior vena cava thrombus and a left upper extremity arteriovenous fistula. A diagnostic electrophysiology study (EPS) was performed via the right internal jugular and right subclavian veins. After confirming the mechanism of SVT was atrial tachycardia (AT), mapping, and successful ablation was performed using remote catheter navigation. This case demonstrates that remote navigation can facilitate the therapy of complex arrhythmias in challenging clinical situations.
Identification and Comparison of Electrical Tapes Using Instrumental and Statistical Techniques: II. Organic Composition of the Tape Backing and Adhesive*
Authors: Goodpaster John V. , Sturdevant Amanda B. , Andrews Kristen L. , Briley Eileen M. , Brun‐Conti Leanora
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  The microtexture and elemental composition of the backing of electrical tapes have been shown to be highly discriminating. In this study, the organic composition of electrical tape was evaluated as a complementary means of distinguishing tape brands. The backing and adhesive of 72 rolls of electrical tape were analyzed via Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR FTIR) and discriminant analysis was used to classify all samples by brand. Generally, the accuracy for FTIR data (88–99%) was higher than that for elemental data (86–94%). FTIR spectra from the adhesive layer were the most discriminating. In separate studies, two fragments of blast‐damaged tape were correctly assigned to their brand of origin and discriminant analysis was used to quantitatively associate or exclude tape samples from two bombing cases.
Insect Successional Pattern of a Corpse in Cooler Months of Subtropical Southeastern Texas
Authors: Bucheli Sibyl R. , Bytheway Joan A. , Pustilnik Stephen M. , Florence John
Published: February 2009

Abstract: Here, we characterize the cool weather insect fauna found associated with partially skeletonized and desiccated human remains recovered from an abandoned house in an urban area of subtropical, coastal Galveston County, Texas, and use the information to conclude an approximate postmortem interval of 7–10 months. The predominant factors that allow for a confident assessment of the postmortem interval include climatological data, entomological data, and anthropological data. The documented insect fauna represents a unique assemblage present in a particular environment (an urban abandoned house in coastal Texas) at a particular time of year (winter) and includes expected forensically significant insects such as calliphorid flies, muscid flies, and dermestid beetles but also includes less commonly encountered insects such as an unusually dense population of live case‐making clothes moths.
GrinLine Identification Using Digital Imaging and Adobe Photoshop*
Authors: Bollinger Susan A. , Brumit Paula C. , Schrader Bruce A. , Senn David R.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  The purpose of this study was to outline a method by which an antemortem photograph of a victim can be critically compared with a postmortem photograph in an effort to facilitate the identification process. Ten subjects, between 27 and 55 years old provided historical pictures of themselves exhibiting a broad smile showing anterior teeth to some extent (a grin). These photos were termed “antemortem” for the purpose of the study. A digital camera was used to take a current photo of each subject’s grin. These photos represented the “postmortem” images. A single subject’s “postmortem” photo set was randomly selected to be the “unknown victim.” These combined data of the unknown and the 10 antemortem subjects were digitally stored and, using Adobe Photoshop software, the images were sized and oriented for comparative analysis. The goal was to devise a technique that could facilitate the accurate determination of which “antemortem” subject was the “unknown.” The generation of antemortem digital overlays of the teeth visible in a grin and the comparison of those overlays to the images of the postmortem dentition is the foundation of the technique. The comparisons made using the GrinLine Identification Technique may assist medical examiners and coroners in making identifications or exclusions.
Degeneration of Nuclei and Mitochondria in Human Hairs
Authors: Linch Charles A.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  It is generally accepted that nuclei degrade in developing hair shafts but the point at which such occurs has not been investigated. The fate of mitochondria in the keratinizing hair shaft has been less clear. This study uses transmission electron microscopy to investigate when nuclei and mitochondria are no longer visible in the developing hair shaft. Serial sections were obtained from anagen head hairs absent follicles in order to determine the sequence of degradation of nuclei and mitochondria in the hair shaft by starting at the root bulb and proceeding toward the hair tip. It was demonstrated that nuclei and mitochondria become invisible in the keratinizing hair shaft at about the same time. This was found to occur fairly early in the process at the level of the hair shaft where the hair cuticle becomes permanent.
Toxicant Exposure and Mental Health—Individual, Social, and Public Health Considerations
Authors: Genuis Stephen J.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Thoughts and moods are the result of biological processes; disordered thoughts and moods may be the result of disordered biological processes. As brain dysfunction can manifest with emotional symptoms or behavioral signs, the etiology of some mental health afflictions and some abnormal conduct is pathophysiological rather than pathopsychological. Various studies confirm that some chemical toxicants which modify brain physiology have the potential to affect mood, cognitive function, and to provoke socially undesirable outcomes. With pervasive concern about myriad chemical agents in the environment and resultant toxicant bioaccumulation, human exposure assessment has become a clinically relevant area of medical investigation. Adverse exposure and toxicant body burden should routinely be explored as an etiological determinant in assorted health afflictions including disordered thinking, moods, and behavior. The impact of toxicant bioaccumulation in a patient with neuropsychiatric symptoms is presented for consideration as an example of the potential benefit of recognizing and implementing exposure assessment.
Adiponectin Is a Link Among Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol But Is Not Associated With Paraoxonase Activity in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Cetinalp‐Demircan Pinar , Bekpinar Selda , Gurdol Figen , Orhan Yusuf
Published: February 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether insulin sensitivity, inflammatory response, and plasma lipid profile are associated with circulating adiponectin levels in nondiabetic healthy women. The authors also assessed whether adiponectin has any effect on high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol–linked paraoxonase 1 (PON‐1) activity and on the susceptibility of low‐density lipoproteins to oxidation. Plasma adiponectin was measured in 91 nondiabetic premenopausal women, and the patients were then divided into quartiles. Circulating adiponectin was found to be associated with body mass index (r=.55, P<.001). After adjustment for body mass index, adiponectin showed an inverse correlation with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (r=−.41, P<.001) and a positive correlation with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=.43, P<.001). In linear regression analysis, HOMA‐IR, tumor necrosis factor α, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were found to be independently associated with adiponectin. However, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol–linked PON‐1 activity and the susceptibility of low‐density lipoproteins to in vitro oxidation did not seem to be related to plasma adiponectin concentrations.
Association of Abdominal Adiposity With Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in Latin America
Authors: Aschner Pablo , Ruiz Alvaro , Balkau Beverley , Massien Christine , Haffner Steven M. ,   on behalf of the Latin America and the Caribbean International Day for Evaluation of Abdominal Adiposity (IDEA) National Coordinators and Investigators
Published: February 2009

The authors explored whether the waist circumference (WC) cutoffs currently proposed to define abdominal obesity (AO) are associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Latin America. Primary care physicians in 12 countries were randomly chosen to measure WC and body mass index and record the presence of diabetes and CVD in all consecutive adult patients, consulting them on 2 prespecified half‐days. Overall, 70% of 9719 men, and 76% of 18,526 women had AO. Diabetes was reported in 10% of men and 9% of women and CVD in 9% of men and 7% of women. AO was significantly related with diabetes (age‐adjusted odds ratio, 1.63 for men and 2.86 for women) and with CVD (odds ratio, 1.41 for men and 1.62 for women). Obesity was also significantly related with diabetes and CVD. Strikingly, abdominal adiposity was very frequent in women with normal body mass index, suggesting that an evidence‐based definition of abdominal adiposity in Latin America is needed.
Spatial, bottom‐up, and top‐down effects on the abundance of a leaf miner
Authors: Cornelissen Tatiana , Stiling Peter
Published: February 2009

Many plant and animal species have higher densities at the centre of their distribution, with a gradual decline in abundance towards the edge of the range, though reasons for this pattern is not well known. We examined the abundance of the leaf miner Cameraria sp. nova over the range of its host plant Quercus myrtifolia in Florida and addressed how bottom‐up and top‐down factors varied over its whole distribution. Leaf miner densities, plant quality and natural enemy effects on mine survivorship were evaluated in 40 sites and spatially structured models were used to determine the effects of spatial location on the abundance of Cameraria and effects of both bottom‐up (tannin concentration, foliar nitrogen, soil nitrogen, and leaf area) and top‐down factors (larval parasitism and predation) on abundance and survivorship. Cameraria mines were, on average, three times more abundant on edge/coastal sites compared to centre/inland sites and did not support the hypothesis of higher abundance on the centre of the distribution. Differences in plant quality, larval parasitism and successful emergence of mines on edge versus central sites might be partially responsible for this finding. A trend surface equation with latitude and longitude combined explained almost 52% of the variation in Cameraria density and a trend surface map also revealed peaks of Cameraria abundance on the edges of the plant distribution. Correlograms also indicated a significant spatial structure of Cameraria as mines were positively spatially autocorrelated at small distances (≈122 km). Partial regression analyses indicated that 69% of the variation in Cameraria abundance was explained by the effects of latitude, longitude, elevation and percentage of foliar nitrogen. Our results indicated that variation in Cameraria abundance was mostly explained by spatial position and significant effects of bottom‐up and top‐down factors were not detected in our large‐scale study.
Genetic differentiation between alpine and lowland populations of a butterfly is related to PGI enzyme genotype
Authors: Karl Isabell , Schmitt Thomas , Fischer Klaus
Published: February 2009

Understanding the ecological process of population differentiation and identifying the molecular changes that contribute to adaptation is a central aspect of evolutionary biology. In this study we analyzed the geographic variation in allozyme allele frequencies (based on 15 enzyme systems representing 18 loci) across 18 populations of the butterfly Lycaena tityrus from different altitudes. Population genetic analyses showed that within population genetic diversity (e.g. mean number of alleles per loci: 1.8; expected heterozygosity: 12%) was within the typical value range for the Lepidoptera. The populations of L. tityrus investigated showed a remarkable genetic differentiation (FST: 0.065), being clearly divided into an alpine (high‐altitude) and a non‐alpine (low‐altitude) cluster. This differentiation was almost entirely caused by variation at a single enzyme locus, PGI. Although the involvement of historical events cannot be ruled out, several lines of evidence suggest that the specific pattern of allozyme (and in this case particularly PGI) variation found is caused by thermal selection. For example, genetic variation was highly locus‐specific rather than relatively uniform, as should be expected for effects of natural selection. Further, the PGI 2–2 genotype dominating in alpine (in contrast to low‐altitude) populations is known to exhibit increased cold stress resistance and relatively long development times typical of alpine populations. Thus, PGI (or possibly a closely linked gene) is an obvious target for thermal selection in L. tityrus. This study exemplifies how allozyme analyses can be used to detect candidate loci likely to be under selection.
Nested distributions of bat flies (Diptera: Streblidae) on Neotropical bats: artifact and specificity in host‐parasite studies
Authors: Patterson Bruce D. , Dick Carl W. , Dittmar Katharina
Published: February 2009

We examined the structure of ectoparasitic bat fly infestations on 31 well‐sampled bat species, representing 4 Neotropical families. Sample sizes varied from 22 to 1057 bats per species, and bat species were infested by 4 to 27 bat fly species. Individual bats supported smaller infracommunities (the set of parasites co‐occurring on an individual host), ranging from 1 to 5 fly species in size, and no bat species had more than 6 bat fly species characteristically associated with it (its primary fly species). Nestedness analyses used system temperature (BINMATNEST algorithm) because it is particularly well‐suited for analysis of interaction networks, where parasite records may be nested among hosts and host individuals simultaneously nested among parasites. Most species exhibited very low system temperatures (mean 3.14°; range 0.14–12.28°). Simulations showed that nested structure for all 31 species was significantly stronger than simulated values under 2 of the 3 null hypotheses, and about half the species were also nested under the more stringent conditions of the third null hypothesis. Yet this structure disappears when analyses are restricted to “primary” associations of fly species (flies on their customary host species), which exclude records thought to be atypical, transient, or potential contaminants. Despite comprising a small fraction of total parasite records, such anomalies represent a considerable part of the statistical state‐space, offering the illusion of significant ecological structure. Only well understood and well documented systems can make distinctions between primary and other occurrence records. Generally, nestedness appears best developed in host‐parasite systems where infestations are long‐term and accumulate over time. Dynamic, short‐term infestations by highly mobile parasites like bat flies may appear to be nested, but such structure is better understood in terms of host specificity and accidental occurrences than in terms of prevalence, persistence, or hierarchical niche relations of the flies.