bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proton MR spectroscopy in predicting the increase of perfusion MR imaging for WHO grade II gliomas
Authors: Guillevin Remy , Menuel Carole , Abud Lucas , Costalat Robert , Capelle Laurent , Hoang‐Xuan Khê , Habas Christophe , Chiras Jacques , Vallée Jean‐Noel
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

To investigate the correlation between the metabolite ratios obtained from proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and those obtained from MR perfusion parameters (relative cerebral blood volume [rCBV]) in a cohort of low‐grade glioma (LGG).

Materials and Methods:

Patients underwent prospectively conventional MR, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS), and perfusion‐weighted images (PWI). Statistical analyses were performed to determine the correlative and independent predictive factors of rCBVmax and the metabolite ratio thresholds with optimum sensitivity and specificity.

Results:

Thirty‐one patients were included in this study. Linear correlations were observed between the metabolic ratios (lactate [Lac]/creatine [Cr], choline [Cho]/N‐acetyl‐aspartate [NAA], free‐lipids/Cr) and rCBVmax (P < 0.05). These metabolic ratios were determined to be independent predictive factors of rCBVmax (P = 0.027, 0.011 and 0.032, respectively). According to the receiver operating characteristic curves, the cutoff values of the metabolic ratios to discriminate between the two populations of rCBVmax (<1.7 versus = 1.7) were 1.72, 1.54, and 1.40, respectively, with a sensitivity = 75% and a specificity >95% for Lac/Cr.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated consistent correlations between the data from 1HMRS and PWI. The Lac/Cr ratio predicts regional hemodynamic changes, which are themselves a useful biomarker of clinical prognosis in patients with LGG. As such, this ratio may provide a new parameter for making improved clinical decisions. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:543‐550. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measuring T2 in vivo with J‐difference editing: Application to GABA at 3 tesla
Authors: Edden Richard A.E. , Intrapiromkul Jarunee , Zhu He , Cheng Ying , Barker Peter B.
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

To develop an experimental approach for determining in vivo transverse relaxation rates (T2) of metabolites that are detected by spectral editing without using simulations, and to demonstrate this approach to measure the T2 of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Materials and Methods:

The proposed method first determines the TE‐dependence of the edited signals using measurements in a pure phantom solution (10 mM γ‐aminobutyric acid; GABA); the phantom T2 is also determined. Once the editing echo time (TE) ‐modulation pattern is known, it can then be used to determine T2 in vivo. The method was applied to measure GABA T2 in the occipital lobe of five healthy adult subjects at 3T, using a J‐difference editing method. Unwanted macromolecular contributions to the GABA signal were also measured.

Results:

The in vivo T2 of edited GABA signal was 88 ± 12 ms; this preliminary result is somewhat shorter than other metabolite T2 values in the literature at this field strength.

Conclusion:

Spectral editing methods are now widely used to detect low concentration metabolites, such as GABA, but to date no edited acquisition methods have been proposed for the measurement of transverse relaxation times (T2). The method described has been successfully applied to measuring the T2 of GABA. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:229‐234. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantifying hemodynamic refractory bold effects in normal subjects at the single‐subject level using an inverse logit fitting procedure
Authors: Descamps Benedicte , Vandemaele Pieter , Reyngoudt Harmen , Deblaere Karel , Leybaert Luc , Paemeleire Koen , Achten Eric
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

To evaluate whether hemodynamic refractory effects provoked by repeated visual stimulation can be detected and quantified at the single‐subject level using a recently described hemodynamic response function (HRF) fitting algorithm.

Materials and Methods:

Hemodynamic refractory effects were induced with an easily applicable functional MRI (fMRI) paradigm. A fitting method with inverse logit (IL) functions was applied to quantify net HRFs at the single‐subject level with three interstimulus intervals (ISI; 1, 2, and 6 s). The model yielded amplitude, latencies, and width for each HRF.

Results:

HRF fitting was possible in 44 of 51 healthy volunteers, with excellent goodness‐of‐fit (R2 = 0.9745 ± 0.0241). Refractory effects were most pronounced for the 1‐s ISI (P < 0.001) and had nearly disappeared for the 6‐s ISI.

Conclusion:

Quantifying refractory effects in individuals was possible in 86.3% of normal subjects using the IL fitting algorithm. This setup may be suitable to explore such effects in individual patients. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:723‐730. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gadofluorine M enhanced MRI in experimental glioma: Superior and persistent intracellular tumor enhancement compared with conventional MRI
Authors: Jestaedt Leonie , Lemke Dieter , Weiler Markus , Pfenning Philipp‐Niclas , Heiland Sabine , Wick Wolfgang , Bendszus Martin
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

To compare conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques (T2‐w and Gadolinium‐DTPA‐enhanced T1‐w images) and Gadofluorine‐M (GfM), a novel contrast agent in MRI, in murine gliomas.

Materials and Methods:

Growth monitoring of murine gliomas (induced in mice) was performed on a 2.3 Tesla Bruker Biospec MRI unit. First all animals were investigated with conventional MRI techniques. In group I GfM was applied at an early stage of disease, in group II at a later stage. After injection of GfM follow‐up MRI was performed without further injection of contrast agent. On MR images tumor size and signal intensities were assessed. Animals were killed for histological evaluation.

Results:

In both groups GfM delineated tumor extents larger and more precisely than conventional MRI techniques. The difference between GfM and conventional MRI techniques reached level of significance at both tumor stages. Follow‐up MRI after singular injection of GfM showed persistence of GfM in tumor tissue. On tissue sections GfM‐enhancing areas corresponded closely to vital tumor tissue. GfM showed a mainly intracellular accumulation.

Conclusion:

Application of GfM resulted in superior delineation of experimental glioma compared with conventional MRI techniques. Thus, GfM bears a high potential in clinical application. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:551‐560. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The moisture and temperature effect on mechanical performance of flax/starch composites in quasi‐static tension
Authors: Spārniņš E. , Pupurs A. , Varna J. , Joffe R. , Nättinen K. , Lampinen J.
Published: November 2011

The effect of temperature and moisture on mechanical behavior of flax fiber/starch based composites was investigated experimentally. Elastic modulus, the nonlinear tensile loading curves, and failure strain were analyzed. Neat matrix and composites with 20 and 40% weight content of fibers were tested. It was found, performing tests with different amplitudes, that microdamage development with stress is rather limited and the related elastic modulus reduction in this type of composites is not significant. It was shown that the composite elastic modulus and failure stress are linearly related to the maximum tensile stress in resin. The sensitivity of the maximum stress of the resin with respect to temperature and moisture is the source of composites sensitivity to these parameters. Constant interface stress shear lag model for stress transfer assuming matrix yielding at the fiber/matrix interface has been successfully used to explain the tensile test data. It indicates that the sensitivity of the used composite with respect to the matrix properties change could be significantly reduced by increasing the average fiber length from 0.9 mm to 1.5 mm. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Nanocomposites based on vermiculite clay and ternary blend of poly(L‐lactic acid), poly(methyl methacrylate), and poly(ethylene oxide)
Authors: Auliawan Andi , Woo Eamor M.
Published: November 2011

Vermiculite (VMT) as clay was introduced into a ternary polymer blend composed of poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), whose ternary miscibility was proven within low certain contents of PMMA and PEO in PLLA. VMT was incorporated to the ternary polymer blend as matrix after proper organic modification on the clay. The organically modified vermiculite (OVMT) shows good interaction and acceptable dispersion in the ternary polymer matrix without altering the crystal structures of PLLA/PEO constituents. The effect of OVMT addition was then analyzed in isothermal crystallization by using the Avrami kinetic analysis, and the addition of OVMT is evident in altering nucleation process of the polymer blend as well as the crystal perfection. The activation energy is much lowered by the addition of OVMT, as evident from the analysis; the overall crystallization kinetic rates are increased with the incorporation of OVMT. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and flame retardancy of a novel flame‐retardant poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/aluminum hydroxide composites containing phosphorus
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Yao
Published: November 2011

A novel flame‐retardant (SPDH) containing phosphorus was synthesized through the reaction of 10‐(2,5‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide and synthesized intermediate product 3,9‐dichloro‐2,4,8,10‐tetraoxa‐3,9‐diphosphaspiro[5.5] undecane‐3,9‐dioxide, which was used for optimizing the flame retardancy of ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer (EVM) rubber/aluminum hydroxide (ATH) composites. The microstructure of SPDH was characterized and determined by Fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that SPDH had good charring effect at high temperature (600°C). The flame retardancy of the optimized EVM/ATH composites by SPDH was investigated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimeter, and UL‐94 vertical burning tests. A higher LOI value (29.8%) and better UL‐94 rating (V‐0) can be achieved for the optimized EVM/ATH composite (EVM‐7) than EVM/ATH composite without SPDH (EVM‐3) with the total loading of additives. The heat release rate decreased and residual mass increased gradually as the loading of SPDH increased for the optimized EVM/ATH composites. There existed distinct synergistic flame‐retardant effect between SPDH and ATH in EVM matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Optical and electrical properties of polyaniline‐cadmium sulfide nanocomposite
Authors: Ghoswami M. , Ghosh R. , Chakraborty G. , Gupta K. , Meikap A.K.
Published: November 2011

Polyaniline‐cadmium sulfide nanocomposite has been synthesized by the chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline with ammonium peroxodisulfate as an initiator in presence of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles. TEM, XRD, FTIR, TGA, UV–vis spectroscopy, and photoluminescence studies were done for the structural, thermal and optical characterization of the samples. The particle size of nanocomposites lies in between 7 and 10 nm. XRD spectrum shows that polyaniline is amorphous, but peaks present in the spectrum of polymer nanocomposites are for cadmium sulfide nanoparticles. TGA result shows that nanocomposite is more thermally stable. The band gap of nanocomposite decreases with increasing content of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles. An enhancement in photoluminescence has been observed in the nanocomposite than that in pure polyaniline. The dc and ac electronic transport property of polyaniline cadmium sulfide composites has been investigated within a temperature range 77 ≤ T ≤ 300 K and in the frequency range 20 Hz–1 MHz. The dc conductivity follows variable range hopping (VRH) model. The ac conductivity follows a power law whereas the temperature dependence of frequency exponent s can be explained by correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model. The dielectric behavior of the samples has been explained in terms of the grain and grain boundary resistance and capacitance. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Role of Human Leukocyte Antigen Matching in the Development of Multiethnic “Haplobank” of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Lines
Authors: Gourraud Pierre-Antoine , Gilson Leena , Girard Mathilde , Peschanski Marc
Published: November 2011

Among the tools of regenerative medicine, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are interesting because the donor genotype can be selected. The construction of banks of iPSC cell lines selected from human leukocyte antigen (HLA) homozygous donors has been proposed to be an effective way to match a maximal number of patients receiving cell therapy from iPSC lines. However, what effort would be required to constitute such a bank for a worldwide application has remained unexplored. We developed a probabilistic model to compute the number of donors to screen for constituting banks of best-chosen iPSC lines with homozygous HLA haplotypes (haplobanks) in four ancestry backgrounds. We estimated what percentage of the patients would be provided with single HLA haplotype matched cell lines. Genetic diversity leads to different outcomes for the four sets in all terms. A bank comprising iPSC lines representing the 20 most frequent haplotypes in each population would request quite different number of donors to screen, between 26,000 for European Americans and 110,000 for African Americans. It would also match different fractions of the recipient population, namely, more than 50% of the European Americans and 22% of African Americans. Conversely, a bank comprising the 100 iPSC lines with the most frequent HLA in each population would leave out only 22% of the European Americans, but 37% of the Asians, 48% of the Hispanics, and 55% of the African Americans. The constitution of a haplobank of iPSC lines is achievable through a large-scale concerted worldwide collaboration.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Agreement and reliability of pelvic floor measurements during contraction using three‐dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound and virtual reality
Authors: Speksnijder L. , Rousian M. , Steegers E. A. P. , Van Der Spek P. J. , Koning A. H. J. , Steensma A. B.
Published: November 2011

Objectives

Virtual reality is a novel method of visualizing ultrasound data with the perception of depth and offers possibilities for measuring non‐planar structures. The levator ani hiatus has both convex and concave aspects. The aim of this study was to compare levator ani hiatus volume measurements obtained with conventional three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound and with a virtual reality measurement technique and to establish their reliability and agreement.

Methods

100 symptomatic patients visiting a tertiary pelvic floor clinic with a normal intact levator ani muscle diagnosed on translabial ultrasound were selected. Datasets were analyzed using a rendered volume with a slice thickness of 1.5 cm at the level of minimal hiatal dimensions during contraction. The levator area (in cm2) was measured and multiplied by 1.5 to get the levator ani hiatus volume in conventional 3D ultrasound (in cm3). Levator ani hiatus volume measurements were then measured semi‐automatically in virtual reality (cm3) using a segmentation algorithm. An intra‐ and interobserver analysis of reliability and agreement was performed in 20 randomly chosen patients.

Results

The mean difference between levator ani hiatus volume measurements performed using conventional 3D ultrasound and virtual reality was 0.10 (95% CI, − 0.15 to 0.35) cm3. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) comparing conventional 3D ultrasound with virtual reality measurements was > 0.96. Intra‐ and interobserver ICCs for conventional 3D ultrasound measurements were > 0.94 and for virtual reality measurements were > 0.97, indicating good reliability for both.

Conclusion

Levator ani hiatus volume measurements performed using virtual reality were reliable and the results were similar to those obtained with conventional 3D ultrasonography. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gestational age at cervical length measurement and preterm birth in twins
Authors: Ehsanipoor R. M. , Haydon M. L. , Lyons Gaffaney C. , Jolley J. A. , Petersen R. , Lagrew D. C. , Wing D. A.
Published: November 2011

Objectives

To estimate the risk of preterm delivery of twin pregnancies based upon sonographic cervical length measurement and gestational age at measurement.

Methods

Twin pregnancies that delivered between 1999 and 2005 and that underwent sonographic measurement of cervical length between 13 and 34 + 6 weeks' gestation were identified and a retrospective review performed. Women with anomalous pregnancies, multifetal reduction, cerclage placement or medically indicated deliveries before 35 weeks were excluded. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the risk of preterm delivery before 35 weeks.

Results

A total of 561 women underwent 2975 sonographic cervical length measurements during the study period. The rate of preterm delivery before 35 weeks was 19.4%. The risk of delivery before 35 weeks decreased by approximately 5% for each additional mm of cervical length (odds ratio (OR) 0.95 (95% CI, 0.93–0.97); P < 0.001) and by approximately 6% for each additional week at which the cervical length was measured (OR 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92–0.96); P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The gestational age at which cervical length is measured is an important consideration when estimating the risk of spontaneous preterm birth in twins. The risk of preterm delivery is increased at earlier gestational ages and as cervical length decreases. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound in the investigation of posterior compartment vaginal prolapse and obstructed defecation
Authors: Dietz H. P. , Beer‐Gabel M.
Published: November 2011

Recent developments in diagnostic imaging have made gynecologists, colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists realize as never before that they share a common interest in anorectal and pelvic floor dysfunction. While we often may be using different words to describe the same phenomenon (e.g. anismus/vaginismus) or attributing different meanings to the same words (e.g. rectocele), we look after patients with problems that transcend the borders of our respective specialties. Like no other diagnostic modality, imaging helps us understand each other and provides new insights into conditions we all need to learn to investigate better in order to improve clinical management.

In this review we attempt to show what modern ultrasound imaging can contribute to the diagnostic work‐up of patients with posterior vaginal wall prolapse, obstructed defecation and rectal intussusception/prolapse. In summary, it is evident that translabial/perineal ultrasound can serve as a first‐line diagnostic tool in women with such complaints, replacing defecation proctography and MR proctography in a large proportion of female patients. This is advantageous for the women themselves because ultrasound is much better tolerated, as well as for healthcare systems since sonographic imaging is much less expensive. However, there is a substantial need for education, which currently remains unmet. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The large-scale flow structure in turbulent rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection
Authors: Weiss Stephan , Ahlers Guenter
Published: November 2011

We report on the influence of rotation about a vertical axis on the large-scale circulation (LSC) of turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a cylindrical vessel with aspect ratio $\Gamma \equiv D/ L= 0. 50$ (where $D$ is the diameter and $L$ the height of the sample). The working fluid is water at an average temperature ${T}_{av} = 40{~}^{\ensuremath{\circ} } \mathrm{C} $ with a Prandtl number $\mathit{Pr}= 4. 38$. For rotation rates $\Omega \lesssim 1~\mathrm{rad} ~{\mathrm{s} }^{\ensuremath{-} 1} $, corresponding to inverse Rossby numbers $1/ \mathit{Ro}$ between 0 and 20, we investigated the temperature distribution at the sidewall and from it deduced properties of the LSC. The work covered the Rayleigh-number range $2. 3\ensuremath{\times} 1{0}^{9} \lesssim \mathit{Ra}\lesssim 7. 2\ensuremath{\times} 1{0}^{10} $. We measured the vertical sidewall temperature gradient, the dynamics of the LSC and flow-mode transitions from single-roll states (SRSs) to double-roll states (DRSs). We found that modest rotation stabilizes the SRSs. For modest $1/ \mathit{Ro}\lesssim 1$ we found the unexpected result that the vertical LSC plane rotated in the prograde direction (i.e. faster than the sample chamber), with the rotation at the horizontal midplane faster than near the top and bottom. This differential rotation led to disruptive events called half-turns, where the plane of the top or bottom section of the LSC underwent a rotation through an angle of $2\lrm{\pi} $ relative to the main portion of the LSC. The signature of the LSC persisted even for large $1/ \mathit{Ro}$ where Ekman vortices are expected. We consider the possibility that this signature actually is generated by a two-vortex state rather than by a LSC. Whenever possible, we compare our results with those for a $\Gamma = 1$ sample by Zhong & Ahlers (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 665, 2010, pp. 300–333).
Searching for Good Policies
Authors: CALLANDER STEVEN
Published: November 2011

Policymaking is hard. Policymakers typically have imperfect information about which policies produce which outcomes, and they are left with little choice but to fumble their way through the policy space via a trial-and-error process. This raises a question at the heart of democracy: Do democratic systems identify good policies? To answer this question I introduce a novel model of policymaking in complex environments. I show that good policies are often but not always found and I identify the possibility of policymaking getting stuck at outcomes that are arbitrarily bad. Notably, policy stickiness occurs in the model even in the absence of institutional constraints. This raises the question of how institutions and the political environment impact experimentation and learning. I show how a simple political friction—uncertainty over voter preferences—interacts with political competition and policy uncertainty in a subtle way that, surprisingly, improves the quality of policymaking over time.
ESSENTIAL CHARACTER AMENABILITY OF BANACH ALGEBRAS
Authors: NASR-ISFAHANI RASOUL , NEMATI MEHDI
Published: November 2011

For a Banach algebra 𝒜 and a character ϕ on 𝒜, we introduce and study the notion of essential ϕ-amenability of 𝒜. We give some examples to show that the class of essentially ϕ-amenable Banach algebras is larger than that of ϕ-amenable Banach algebras introduced by Kaniuth et al. [‘On ϕ-amenability of Banach algebras’, Math. Proc. Cambridge Philos. Soc.144 (2008), 85–96]. Finally, we characterize the essential ϕ-amenability of various Banach algebras related to locally compact groups.
Comparison of native and capric acid-enriched mustard oil effects on oxidative stress and antioxidant protection in rats
Authors: Sengupta Avery , Ghosh Mahua
Published: November 2011

The present study evaluated the effect of mustard oil enriched in capric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid, on antioxidant enzyme activities in liver and brain and on the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver, brain and plasma in rats; the effect of adding cholesterol to the diet was also investigated. Charles Foster male albino rats weighing 80–100 g were fed one of four diets for 30 d (six rats per group). In the absence of added dietary cholesterol, the addition of capric acid to the diet resulted in lower plasma total cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol and TAG concentrations, higher HDL-cholesterol concentrations, higher antioxidant enzyme activities in liver and brain and lower MDA concentrations in liver, brain and plasma. Adding cholesterol to the diet increased plasma total cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol and TAG concentrations, decreased HDL-cholesterol concentration, decreased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and increased tissue and plasma MDA concentrations. Including capric acid in the diet of rats receiving cholesterol at least partly prevented the effects of the increased cholesterol. It is concluded that compared with native mustard oil, capric acid-enriched mustard oil improves blood lipids, enhances antioxidant protection and reduces lipid peroxidation.
Enteral n-3 fatty acids and micronutrients enhance percentage of positive neutrophil and lymphocyte adhesion molecules: a potential mediator of pressure ulcer healing in critically ill patients
Authors: Theilla Miriam , Schwartz Betty , Zimra Yael , Shapiro Haim , Anbar Ronit , Rabizadeh Esther , Cohen Jonathan , Singer Pierre
Published: November 2011

n-3 Fatty acids are recognised as influencing both wound healing and immunity. We assessed the impact of a fish oil- and micronutrient-enriched formula (study formula) on the healing of pressure ulcers and on immune function in critically ill patients in an intensive care unit. A total of forty patients with pressure ulcers and receiving nutritional support were enrolled (intervention group, n 20, received study formula; and a control group, n 20, received an isoenergetic formula). Total and differential leucocyte count and percentage of adhesion molecule positive granulocyte and lymphocyte cells (CD11a, CD11b, CD18 and CD49b) were measured on days 0, 7 and 14. Percentage of positive lymphocytes for CD54, CD49b, CD49d and CD8 were also measured on days 0, 7 and 14. The state of pressure ulcers was assessed by using the pressure ulcer scale for healing tool score on days 7, 14 and 28 of treatment. No between-group differences in patient demographics, anthropometry or diagnostic class were observed. Patients who received the study formula showed significant increases in the percentage of positive CD18 and CD11a lymphocytes and of CD49b granulocytes as compared to controls (P < 0·05). While the severity of pressure ulcers was not significantly different between the two groups on admission, severity increased significantly over time for the control group (P < 0·05), but not for the study group. The present study suggests that a fish oil- and micronutrient-enriched formula may prevent worsening of pressure ulcers and that this effect may be mediated by an effect on adhesion molecule expression.
Parents' dietary patterns are significantly correlated: findings from the Melbourne Infant Feeding Activity and Nutrition Trial Program
Authors: Lioret Sandrine , McNaughton Sarah A. , Crawford David , Spence Alison C. , Hesketh Kylie , Campbell Karen J.
Published: November 2011

The objectives of the present study were to identify dietary patterns independently in first-time mothers and fathers, and to examine whether these patterns were correlated within families. Dietary intakes were collected at baseline in the Melbourne Infant Feeding Activity and Nutrition Trial Program using a validated FFQ in 454 pairs of first-time mothers and fathers. Education level was reported in associated questionnaires. Principal components analyses included frequencies of fifty-five food groups and were performed independently in mothers and fathers. Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to assess associations between dietary pattern scores. A total of four dietary patterns were identified in mothers and fathers. Of these, three dietary patterns had similar characteristics between these two populations, namely ‘Fruits and vegetables’, ‘High-energy snack and processed foods’, ‘High-fat foods’ in mothers; and ‘Fruits’, ‘High-energy snack and processed foods’, ‘High-fat foods’ in fathers. The following two additional patterns were identified: ‘Cereals and sweet foods’ in mothers and ‘Potatoes and vegetables’ in fathers. Patterns incorporating healthier food items were found to be positively associated with parent education. An inverse association with education was found for the ‘High-fat foods’ and ‘High-energy snack and processed foods’ dietary patterns. Qualitatively similar patterns between corresponding mothers and fathers were the most strongly correlated (ρ = 0·34–0·45, P < 0·001). There were some differences in dietary patterns between mothers and fathers, suggesting that it is worth deriving patterns separately when considering couples, and more generally between men and women. Exploring how these various patterns correlate within households provides important insights to guide the development and implementation of family-based interventions.
Suction sampling as a significant source of error in molecular analysis of predator diets
Authors: King R.A. , Davey J.S. , Bell J.R. , Read D.S. , Bohan D.A. , Symondson W.O.C.
Published: November 2011

The molecular detection of predation is a fast growing field, allowing highly specific and sensitive detection of prey DNA within the gut contents or faeces of a predator. Like all molecular methods, this technique is prone to potential sources of error that can result in both false positive and false negative results. Here, we test the hypothesis that the use of suction samplers to collect predators from the field for later molecular analysis of predation will lead to high numbers of false positive results. We show that, contrary to previous published work, the use of suction samplers resulted in previously starved predators testing positive for aphid and collembolan DNA, either as a results of ectopic contamination or active predation in the collecting cup/bag. The contradictory evidence for false positive results, across different sampling protocols, sampling devices and different predator-prey systems, highlights the need for experimentation prior to mass field collections of predators to find techniques that minimise the risk of false positives.
Convexity-preserving flows of totally competitive planar Lotka–Volterra equations and the geometry of the carrying simplex
Authors: Baigent Stephen
Published: November 2011

We show that the flow generated by the totally competitive planar Lotka–Volterra equations deforms the line connecting the two axial equilibria into convex or concave curves, and that these curves remain convex or concave for all subsequent time. We apply the observation to provide an alternative proof to that given by Tineo in 2001 that the carrying simplex, the globally attracting invariant manifold that joins the axial equilibria, is either convex, concave or a straight-line segment.
Conjugacies for impulsive equations
Authors: Barreira Luis , Valls Claudia
Published: November 2011

For impulsive differential equations, we construct topological conjugacies between linear and nonlinear perturbations of non-uniform exponential dichotomies. In the case of linear perturbations, the topological conjugacies are constructed in a more or less explicit manner. In the nonlinear case, we obtain an appropriate version of the Grobman–Hartman Theorem for impulsive equations, with a simple and direct proof that involves no discretization of the dynamics.
Pneumosinus dilatans, pneumocoele or air cyst? A case report and literature review
Authors: Teh B M , Hall C , Chan S W
Published: November 2011

Background:

Pathological paranasal sinus expansion secondary to air is uncommon. However, this condition may be symptomatic or cosmetically apparent, requiring surgical intervention. Various terms have been used to describe this condition, and nomenclature is controversial.

Method:

An 18-year-old man presented with right facial pain, and was subsequently found to have pneumosinus dilatans of the maxillary sinus. A search was conducted of the PubMed, Medline and Embase databases, using the key words ‘pneumosinus dilatans’, ‘pneumoc(o)ele’, ‘pneumatoc(o)ele’ and ‘maxillary sinus’. Articles were also hand-searched. Relevant articles published in English were reviewed.

Results:

The literature review identified 36 cases involving the maxillary sinus (including the present case), with 19 cases reported as pneumosinus dilatans, 12 as pneumocoeles, two as pneumatocoeles, two as pneumosinus dilatans multiplex and one as an air cyst. However, based on the strict classification described by Urken et al., the majority of these cases should be reclassified as pneumocoeles.

Conclusion:

Whilst the nomenclature of this pathology is confusing, distinctions of terminology do not alter the management. Hence, we support the use of the term ‘air cyst’, to incorporate all these lesions.
Endoscopic treatment of glottic stenosis: a report on the safety and efficacy of CO2 laser
Authors: Riffat F , Palme C E , Veivers D
Published: November 2011

Background:

Treatment of glottic stenosis is a considerable challenge to the otolaryngologist. Glottic airway patency can be compromised by bilateral vocal fold palsy, anterior webbing or a posterior segment scar, which may be significant enough to impair arytenoid movement.

Method:

A retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients (n = 34) treated by a specialist airway surgeon. All patients underwent endoscopic treatment with a CO2 laser in an attempt to improve airway calibre and, in 12 patients, to decannulate tracheostomy tubes.

Results:

Twenty-one patients had bilateral vocal fold palsy and 13 had predominantly posterior glottic stenosis. A variety of pathology-directed treatment approaches were used to achieve good functional results. Four patients required a second endoscopic procedure. The overall revision rate was 5 per cent for bilateral fold palsy and 23 per cent for posterior glottic stenosis (p < 0.05). All patients had an adequate functional airway calibre, and all 12 tracheotomised patients were decannulated.

Discussion:

Pathology-directed endoscopic laser surgery is safe and effective treatment for glottic stenosis. Rather prescriptive use of unilateral or bilateral cordotomy or combined cordo-arytenoidectomy, clinicians must perform the procedure that will treat the lesion most adequately. Our success rate compared favourably with the best reported results.
A new species of Acrocirrus (Polychaeta: Acrocirridae) from Coconut Island, Oahu, Hawaii
Authors: Magalhães Wagner F. , Bailey-Brock Julie H.
Published: November 2011

A new species of Acrocirrus is described from shallow waters of Coconut Island in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. Acrocirrus bansei sp. nov. is an Acrocirrus whose segment 13 (chaetiger 11) is modified and equipped with a heavy neuropodial acicular hook. This new species is most similar to A. frontifilis based on the presence of notopodial cirri, which have been, up to now, a unique feature of A. frontifilis. The species differ most notably by the absence of the notopodial cirri on the posterior chaetigers. A key to all recognized species of Acrocirrus is presented.
Variability in the early life stages of juvenile plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) on west of Ireland nursery grounds: 2000–2007
Authors: Haynes Paula S. , Brophy Deirdre , McGrath David
Published: November 2011

Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) are the most abundant juvenile flatfish present on west of Ireland nursery grounds. 0-group plaice were collected from eleven sandy beach nursery areas along the west coast of Ireland by beach seining (2000–2007). In the majority of years examined, certain beaches were found to support a higher abundance of juvenile plaice, or individuals that were larger in size and exhibited good condition, suggesting that differences in habitat quality exist between beaches. Monthly mean densities of plaice ranged from 2.4 (± 2.4) to 100 (± 1.3) individuals 1000 m−2. Mean lengths of plaice ranged between 6.0 (± 1.0) and 10.1 (± 0.5) cm. No evidence of density dependent growth was detected over the eight years of the study. The length and condition of juvenile plaice also differed between hauls, indicating the existence of microhabitat effects and emphasizing the importance of selecting an appropriate spatial resolution to adequately assess an area. Similar to other locations in Europe, juvenile plaice abundances on nursery grounds were inversely related to mean spring seawater temperatures during the pelagic stage. Abundances of 0-group plaice were not related to the number of either 1- or 2-group individuals collected during bottom-trawl surveys off the Irish west coast, demonstrating the difficulties associated with developing a recruitment index for plaice.
Coral diseases in aquaria and in nature
Authors: Sweet Michael , Jones Rachel , Bythell John
Published: November 2011

Many reef coral diseases have been described affecting corals in the wild, several of which have been associated with causal agents based on experimental inoculation and testing of Koch's postulates. In the aquarium industry, many coral diseases and pathologies are known from the grey literature but as yet these have not been systematically described and the relationship to known diseases in the wild is difficult to determine. There is therefore scope to aid the maintenance and husbandry of corals in aquaria by informing the field of the scientifically described wild diseases, if these can be reliably related. Conversely, since the main driver to identifying coral diseases in aquaria is to select an effective treatment, the lessons learnt by aquarists on which treatments work with particular syndromes provides invaluable evidence for determining the causal agents. Such treatments are not commonly sought by scientists working in the natural environment due the cost and potential environmental impacts of the treatments. Here we review both wild and aquarium diseases and attempt to relate the two. Many important aquarium diseases could not be reconciled to those in the wild. In one case, however, namely that of the ciliateHelicostomasp. as a causal agent of brown jelly syndrome in aquarium corals, there may be similarities with pathogenic agents of the wild coral diseases, such as white syndrome and brown band syndrome. We propose thatHelicostomais actually a misnomer, but improved understanding of this pathogen and others could benefit both fields. Improved practices in aquarium maintenance and husbandry would also benefit natural environments by reducing the scale of wild harvest and improving the potential for coral culture, both for the aquarium industry and for rehabilitation programmes.
Distribution, abundance, population structure and activity of Halobatrachus didactylus in the Tagus estuary (Portugal) and adjacent coastal waters
Authors: Cotter João Carlos , Pereira Tadeu José , Costa Maria José , Costa José Lino
Published: November 2011

The Lusitanian toadfish Halobatrachus didactylus is a demersal teleost and the only species of the family Batrachoididae that occurs along the continental Portuguese coast. It is a subtropical species that is more abundant in the south of Portugal, whereas along the western coast it is concentrated in discrete populations, located in estuaries and coastal recesses. The distinct features of these estuaries have revealed important changes in the respective Lusitanian toadfish populations, namely particularities in their distribution and population structure, and also in the morphology and breeding behaviour of the specimens. A survey covering 31 stations in the Tagus estuary, Portugal, and adjacent coastal waters sampled these stations over an 18 month period. This study characterized the distribution, abundance, population structure and activity of H. didactylus in this coastal zone. Toadfish showed a preferential distribution in the intermediate and lower estuarine stretches, and was more abundant in the Montijo Bay, a small bay within the Tagus estuary. Three length-groups were identified, with larger specimens more abundant in deeper areas. The specimens also revealed a preference for areas of higher water temperature, low water current and muddy substrates. Female specimens were slightly more abundant than males and type II males had a very low frequency of occurrence (3.2%). Captures of toadfish were high in spring and late summer and very low in winter.
Effect of interaction betweenPPARG,PPARAandADIPOQgene variants and dietary fatty acids on plasma lipid profile and adiponectin concentration in a large intervention study
Authors: AlSaleh Aseel , Sanders Thomas A. B. , O'Dell Sandra D.
Published: November 2011

Unsaturated fatty acids are ligands of PPAR-γ, which up-regulates genes involved in fatty acid transport and TAG synthesis and the insulin-sensitising adipokine adiponectin, which activates fatty acid β-oxidation via PPAR-α action in liver. We investigated the effect of dietary fatty acid interaction withPPARG, PPARAandADIPOQgene variants on plasma lipid and adiponectin concentrations in the Reading Imperial Surrey Cambridge King's study, a five-centre, parallel design, randomised controlled trial of 466 subjects at increased cardiometabolic risk. After a 4-week run-in to baseline, SFA was replaced by MUFA or carbohydrate (low fat) in isoenergetic diets for 24 weeks. Habitual dietary PUFA:SFA ratio×PPARGPro12Ala genotype interaction influenced plasma total cholesterol (P=0·02), LDL-cholesterol (P=0·002) and TAG (P=0·02) concentrations in White subjects.PPARAVal162Leu×PPARGPro12Ala genotype interaction influenced total cholesterol (P=0·04) and TAG (P=0·03) concentrations at baseline. After high-MUFA and low-fat diets, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were reduced (P<0·001) and gene×gene interaction determined LDL-cholesterol (P=0·003) and small dense LDL as a proportion of LDL (P=0·012). At baseline,ADIPOQ−10066 G/A A-allele was associated with lower serum adiponectin (n360;P=0·03) in White subjects. After the high-MUFA diet, serum adiponectin increased in GG subjects and decreased in A-allele carriers (P=0·006 for difference). In GG, adiponectin increased with age after the high MUFA and decreased after the low-fat diet (P=0·003 for difference at 60 years). In conclusion, in Whites, high dietary PUFA:SFA would help to reduce plasma cholesterol and TAG inPPARGAla12 carriers. InADIPOQ−10066 GG homozygotes, a high-MUFA diet may help to increase adiponectin with advancing age.
Pharmacogenomic study of side-effects for antidepressant treatment options in STAR*D
Authors: Clark S. L. , Adkins D. E. , Aberg K. , Hettema J. M. , McClay J. L. , Souza R. P. , van den Oord E. J. C. G.
Published: November 2011

Background

Understanding individual differences in susceptibility to antidepressant therapy side-effects is essential to optimize the treatment of depression.

Method

We performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to search for genetic variation affecting the susceptibility to side-effects. The analysis sample consisted of 1439 depression patients, successfully genotyped for 421K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), from the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study. Outcomes included four indicators of side-effects: general side-effect burden, sexual side-effects, dizziness and vision/hearing-related side-effects. Our criterion for genome-wide significance was a prespecified threshold ensuring that, on average, only 10% of the significant findings are false discoveries.

Results

Thirty-four SNPs satisfied this criterion. The top finding indicated that 10 SNPs inSACM1Lmediated the effects of bupropion on sexual side-effects (p=4.98×10−7,q=0.023). Suggestive findings were also found for SNPs inMAGI2,DTWD1,WDFY4andCHL1.

Conclusions

Although our findings require replication and functional validation, this study demonstrates the potential of GWAS to discover genes and pathways that could mediate adverse effects of antidepressant medication.
The power to make others worship
Authors: SMUTS AARON
Published: November 2011

Can any being worthy of worship make others worship it? I think not. By way of an analogy to love, I argue that it is perfectly coherent to think that one could be made to worship. However, forcing someone to worship violates their autonomy, not because worship must be freely given, but because forced worship would be inauthentic – much like love earned through potions. For this reason, I argue that one cannot be made to worship a fitting object; forced worship would be unfitting. My principal claim is that no being worthy of worship could exercise the power to make others worship it, since the act of making another worship would necessarily make one unworthy of worship.
THE DAZZLING HOUR:AN ITALIAN COMEDY ADAPTED FOR THE AMERICAN STAGE
Authors: Cavallaro Daniela
Published: November 2011

Judging from the number of its theatrical adaptations and the countries in which it was adapted, Anna Bonacci'sL'ora della fantasia(The Fantasy Hour) was indeed “the most successful Italian comedy of the postwar era.” After its 1944 premiere in Rome, the play was performed again in Geneva in 1949 and in Paris in 1953 under the titleL'Heure éblouissante(The Dazzling Hour). The enormous success the play received in Switzerland and France opened the way in the 1950s to numerous stagings worldwide, from Lisbon and Stockholm to Amsterdam and Mexico City.L'ora della fantasiahas also been adapted for other media, including a musical, a film, and a television film. In fact, one of its film adaptations, Billy Wilder's 1964Kiss Me, Stupid, has proved to be so well known that Bonacci's comedy is now often presented on the Italian stage asBaciami stupido!, and is sometimes even set in Climax, Nevada, the location Wilder used in his film.
“LAST MODIFIED JANUARY 1996”: THE DIGITAL HISTORY OF RENT
Authors: Reside Doug
Published: November 2011

Music theatre scholarship, and indeed theatre history research in general, can be accurately described as a subset of media studies. As much as we might claim the contrary to our theatre students, theatre scholarship is not, by and large, the study of live performance but is instead an analysis of our own reconstructions built from the traces theatrical events leave behind. We study not moments but materials, not what was live but rather what was left. Increasingly, these leavings are likely to be digital. Much has been written of late about the current and imminent challenges these “born digital” materials pose for librarians and archivists, and many are now developing processes and procedures for preserving and providing access to them. Relatively little published scholarship has been done using these archives, however, so the emerging practices have yet to be thoroughly tested by researchers.1 In this article I narrate my experiences using the born-digital artifacts in the Jonathan Larson collection at the Library of Congress in an effort to provide an example of one form this sort of scholarship might take.
Topological orbit equivalence classes and numeration scales of logistic maps
Authors: CORTEZ MARÍA ISABEL , RIVERA-LETELIER JUAN
Published: November 2011

We show that every uniquely ergodic minimal Cantor system is topologically orbit equivalent to the natural extension of a numeration scale associated to a logistic map.