bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult neurogenesis in the short‐lived teleost Nothobranchius furzeri: localization of neurogenic niches, molecular characterization and effects of aging
Authors: Tozzini Eva Terzibasi , Baumgart Mario , Battistoni Giorgia , Cellerino Alessandro
Published: December 2011

We studied adult neurogenesis in the short‐lived annual fish Nothobranchius furzeri and quantified the effects of aging on the mitotic activity of the neuronal progenitors and the expression of glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) in the radial glia. The distribution of neurogenic niches is substantially similar to that of zebrafish and adult stem cells generate neurons, which persist in the adult brain. As opposed to zebrafish, however, the N. furzeri genome contains a doublecortin (DCX) gene. Doublecortin is transiently expressed by newly generated neurons in the telencephalon and optic tectum (OT). We also analyzed the expression of the microRNA miR‐9 and miR‐124 and found that they have complementary expression domains: miR‐9 is expressed in the neurogenic niches of the telencephalon and the radial glia of the OT, while miR‐124 is expressed in differentiated neurons. The main finding of this paper is the demonstration of an age‐dependent decay in adult neurogenesis. Using unbiased stereological estimates of cell numbers, we detected an almost fivefold decrease in the number of mitotically active cells in the OT between young and old age. This reduced mitotic activity is paralleled by a reduction in DCX labeling. Finally, we detected a dramatic up‐regulation of GFAP in the radial glia of the aged brain. This up‐regulation is not paralleled by a similar up‐regulation of S100B and Musashi‐1, two other markers of the radial glia. In summary, the brain of N. furzeri replicates two typical hallmarks of mammalian aging: gliosis and reduced adult neurogenesis.
Monitoring of cellular senescence by DNA‐methylation at specific CpG sites
Authors: Koch Carmen M. , Joussen Sylvia , Schellenberg Anne , Lin Qiong , Zenke Martin , Wagner Wolfgang
Published: December 2011

Replicative senescence has fundamental implications on cell morphology, proliferation, and differentiation potential. Here, we describe a simple method to track long‐term culture based on continuous DNA‐methylation changes at six specific CpG sites. This epigenetic senescence signature can be used as biomarker for various cell types to predict the state of cellular senescence with regard to the number of passages, population doublings, or days of in vitro culture.
Catheter Dysfunction: The Role of Lock Solutions
Authors: Niyyar Vandana Dua
Published: December 2011

Vascular access dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity in hemodialysis (HD) patients. An upper extremity autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) that preferentially involves the cephalic vein is the access of choice for HD patients, followed by autogenous AVF utilizing the basilic vein and the use of prosthetic arteriovenous grafts (AVGs). Despite these recommendations, central venous catheter (CVC) use is widespread among both incident and prevalent HD patients. Long‐term use of CVCs for HD is complicated by a high rate of infection and thrombus‐related dysfunction. Catheter locking solutions have been used both prophylactically and therapeutically for catheter thrombosis as well as catheter‐related infections, with varying degrees of success. This review aims to address the different catheter locking solutions, their advantages and disadvantages, and new directions in this field.
Evaluation of Left Ventricular Relaxation in Rotary Blood Pump Recipients Using the Pump Flow Waveform: A Simulation Study
Authors: Moscato Francesco , Granegger Marcus , Naiyanetr Phornphop , Wieselthaler Georg , Schima Heinrich
Published: December 2011

In heart failure, diastolic dysfunction is responsible for about 50% of the cases, with higher prevalence in women and elderly persons and contributing similarly to mortality as systolic dysfunction. Whereas the cardiac systolic diagnostics in ventricular assist device patients from pump parameters have been investigated by several groups, the diastolic behavior has been barely discussed. This study focuses on the determination of ventricular relaxation during early diastole in rotary blood pump (RBP) recipients. In conventional cardiology, relaxation is usually evaluated by the minimum rate and the time constant of left ventricular pressure decrease, dP/dtmin and τP. Two new analogous indices derived from the pump flow waveform were investigated in this study: the minimum rate and the time constant of pump flow decrease, dQ/dtmin and τQ. The correspondence between the indices was investigated in a numerical simulation of the assisted circulation for different ventricular relaxation states (τP ranging from 24 to 68 ms) and two RBP models characterized by linear and nonlinear pressure‐flow characteristics. dQ/dtmin and τQ always correlated with the dP/dtmin and τP, respectively (r > 0.97). These relationships were influenced by the nonlinear pump characteristics during partial support and by the pump speed during full support. To minimize these influences, simulation results suggest the evaluation of dQ/dtmin and τQ at a pump speed that corresponds to the borderline between partial and full support. In conclusion, at least in simulation, relaxation can be derived from pump data. This noninvasively accessible information could contribute to a continuous estimation of the remaining cardiac function and its eventual recovery.
Assessment of Appropriateness of Screening Community‐Dwelling Older People to Prevent Functional Decline
Authors: Drewes Yvonne M. , Gussekloo Jacobijn , van der Meer Victor , Rigter Henk , Dekker Janny H. , Goumans Marleen J. B. M. , Metsemakers Job F. M. , van Overbeek Riki , de Rooij Sophia E. , Schers Henk J. , Schuurmans Marieke J. , Sturmans Ferd , de Vries Kerst , Westendorp Rudi G. J. , Wind Annet W. , Assendelft Willem J. J.
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To identify appropriate screening conditions, stratified according to age and vulnerability, to prevent functional decline in older people.

Design

A RAND/University of California at Los Angeles appropriateness method.

Setting

The Netherlands.

Participants

A multidisciplinary panel of 11 experts.

Measurements

The panelists assessed the appropriateness of screening for 29 conditions mentioned in guidelines from four countries, stratified according to age (60–74, 75–84, ≥85) and health status (general, vital, and vulnerable) and received a literature overview for each condition, including the guidelines and up‐to‐date literature. After an individual rating round, panelists discussed disagreements and performed a second individual rating. The median of the second ratings defined the appropriateness of screening.

Results

The panel rated screening to be appropriate in three of the 29 conditions, indicating that screening was expected to prevent functional decline. Screening for insufficient physical activity was considered appropriate for all three age and health groups. Screening for cardiovascular risk factors and smoking was considered appropriate for the general and vital population aged 60 to 74. Of the 261 ratings, 63 (24%) were classified as uncertain, of which 42 (67%) concerned the vulnerable population. The panelists considered conditions inappropriate mainly because of lack of an adequate screening tool or lack of evidence of effective interventions for positive screened persons.

Conclusion

The expert panel considered screening older people to prevent functional decline appropriate for insufficient physical activity and smoking and cardiovascular risk in specific groups. For other conditions, sufficient evidence does not support screening. Based on their experience, panelists expected benefit from developing tests and interventions, especially for vulnerable older people.
Mitral Insufficiency Caused by Left Atrial Chordae
Authors: Aksu Hale Unal , Uslu Nevzat , Aslan Muzaffer , Gul Mehmet , Aksu Huseyin
Published: December 2011

We report an unusual case of moderate mitral regurgitation caused by abnormal insertion of chordae tendinea to the interatrial septum and tethering the middle scallop of the anterior mitral leaflet. This is an extremely rare congenital abnormality causing mitral regurgitation. (Echocardiography 2012;29:E87‐E90)
When Poetry Became Ethnography and Other Flying Pig Tales in Honor of Dell Hymes
Authors: CAHNMANN‐TAYLOR MELISA
Published: December 2011

Cahnmann‐Taylor remembers her first encounter with Dell Hymes at an open mic event at the annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association. She puzzles his complex stance on the role ethnographic poems might play in one's ethnographic project. In Dell Hymes's honor, she shares a poetic rendering of a speech event from her bilingual education study in urban Philadelphia. [Dell Hymes, ethnography, poetry, arts‐based research]
New Love, Long Love: Keeping Social Justice and Ethnography of Education in Mind
Authors: HEATH SHIRLEY BRICE
Published: December 2011

Heath takes readers back to Hymes's years as Dean of the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. She recalls, in particular, his relentless passion for introducing public school administrators to ethnography's potential for seeing what could be done to increase equity and social justice within public education. She contrasts this “new love” that Hymes developed at the School of Education with his “long love” of North American Indian ethnopoetics. She suggests where and how these two kinds of love might work in today's sociopolitical world so often holistically described by encompassing terms such as global, post‐racial, post‐literate, and technologically dedicated.[Dell Hymes, school‐based ethnography, social justice, ethnography of education]
Radiological Correlate of Ocular Flutter in a Case with Paraneoplastic Encephalitis
Authors: Newey Christopher R. , Sarwal Aarti , Wu Guiyun
Published: December 2011

We present an interesting [18F]fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) imaging finding in a patient with ocular flutter and cerebellar ataxia as part of anti‐Ma 1/2 antibody‐mediated paraneoplastic syndrome associated with a testicular seminoma. He had a typical anterior mesial temporal hyperintensity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without gadolinium enhancement. In addition, his FDG‐PET images showed increased deep cerebellar and inferior rectus and superior oblique ocular muscles FDG uptake. This case is the first to visualize in vivo the possible underlying neuropathological mechanism of ocular flutter associated with cerebellar nuclei on functional imaging.
Halitology (breath odour: aetiopathogenesis and management)
Authors: Scully C , Greenman J
Published: December 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 333–345

This article reviews the aetiopathogenesis of halitosis (oral malodour) and management. Halitosis is any disagreeable breath odour. In most patients, the odour originates from the oral cavity. In some patients, it has an extra‐oral aetiology and, in a few, metabolic anomalies are responsible. In other patients complaining of malodour, this is imagined rather than real. Volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) and other elements appear largely responsible for the malodour. Predisposing factors include poor oral hygiene, hyposalivation, dental appliances, gingival and periodontal disease and mucosal disease. The first step in assessment is objective measurement to determine whether malodour is present. If present, the oral or extra‐oral origin should be determined, because the latter requires medical investigation and support in therapy, as is also the case where the malodour is imagined rather than real. Oral malodour is managed largely by oral health improvement, plus use of one or more of the wide range of antimalodour therapies, and sometimes also with use of a malodour counteractive. Emergent treatments include probiotics and vaccines targeted against causal micro‐organisms or their products.
Progression to first‐degree heart block in preschool children exposed in utero to maternal anti‐SSA/Ro52 autoantibodies
Authors: Bergman Gunnar , Eliasson Håkan , Mohlkert Lilly‐Ann , Wahren‐Herlenius Marie , Sonesson Sven‐Erik
Published: December 2011

Aims:  To study the children exposed in utero to maternal anti‐SSA/Ro52 antibodies in terms of impaired atrioventricular (AV) conduction or disturbed myocardial performance, and to investigate the ability of prenatal Doppler to predict conduction abnormalities during childhood.

Methods:  Fifty‐seven children exposed in utero to anti‐SSA/Ro52 antibodies were grouped in accordance with (A) prolonged AV time intervals in utero by Doppler or (B) normal findings and examined by ECG, 24‐hour ECG and echocardiography.

Results:  PR interval on ECG was longer in group A (n = 16) compared with that of group B (n = 41), 140 ± 24 ms vs. 121 ± 13 ms (p < 0.01). Six cases of 1°Atrioventricular block (AVB) developed in group A, giving an estimated prevalence of 10.5%, (95% confidence interval; 4.4–22.2%), progressing from normal sinus rhythm at 1 month of age. Prenatal Doppler predicted development of 1°AVB at follow‐up with a sensitivity of 100%, Positive predictive value (PPV) 37.5%, LR+ 5.1, and Negative predictive value (NPV) 100%. Children in group A had a slightly higher myocardial performance index in flow and tissue Doppler imaging recordings.

Conclusions:  Ten per cent of children exposed in utero to anti‐SSA/Ro52, with a normal ECG at birth or 1 month of age, progressed to 1°AVB during preschool years. Cases at risk can be identified by prenatal Doppler echocardiography.
Risk of Prion Disease Transmission through Bovine‐Derived Bone Substitutes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kim Yeoungsug , Nowzari Hessam , Rich Sandra K.
Published: December 2011

Background:Despite the causal association between variant Creutzfeldt – Jakob disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), bovine origin graft materials are widely used during dental surgical procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of BSE transmission through anorganic bovine bone substitutes.

Methods:Electronic database of MEDLINE was searched to identify relevant studies regarding our focused questions, presence of BSE prion infectivity in raw bovine bone, BSE prion inactivation by bone substitute manufacturing process, protein contents in anorganic bovine bone substitutes, and validity of current BSE diagnostic methods. Search terms yielded 1,704 titles. After title/abstract screening and duplicates removal, 36 full‐text articles were screened for inclusion.

Results:A total of 16 studies were included in the final analysis. No eligible studies were identified regarding the efficacy of BSE prion inactivation by the treatments used for anorganic bovine bone manufacturing. BSE infectivity and PrPSc, pathological prion, were detected in bovine bone marrow and serum samples. Proteins were detected in Tutoplast® (bovine), Bio‐Oss®, and tibia samples treated at the similar condition for Bio‐Oss deproteinization. Inconsistent results of different BSE diagnostic tests were not unusual findings (Iwata et al. 2006; Arnold et al. 2007; Murayama et al. 2010), and a study by Balkema‐Buschmann and colleagues showed an apparent discrepancy between BSE infectivity and detection of PrP(27‐30), the current surrogate marker for prion disease infectivity.

Conclusion:This review indicates that bovine‐derived graft biomaterials may carry a risk of prion transmission to patients.
Immediate and Early Loading of Chemically Modified Implants in Posterior Jaws: 3‐Year Results from a Prospective Randomized Multicenter Study
Authors: Nicolau Pedro , Korostoff Jonathan , Ganeles Jeffrey , Jackowski Jochen , Krafft Tim , Neves Manuel , Divi Jose , Rasse Michael , Guerra Fernando , Fischer Kerstin
Published: December 2011

Background: There is a lack of well‐designed prospective, randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of immediate and early loading of implants placed in the partially edentulous posterior maxilla or mandible.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate crestal bone level changes over 3 years following immediate or early loading of Straumann implants with a chemically modified surface (SLActive®, Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) placed in the posterior maxilla and mandible.

Materials and Methods: Subjects received temporary restorations immediately or 28 to 34 days after surgery, with permanent restorations placed at 20 to 23 weeks. Bone level changes were measured by comparison of standardized radiographs taken on the day of implant placement and 5, 12, 24, and 36 months thereafter.

Results: Two hundred thirty‐nine of two hundred sixty‐six patients (89.9%) completed the trial. Implant survival rates were 97.4% and 96.7% in the immediate and early loading groups, respectively (p = not significant). Over 36 months, the mean bone level change for immediately loaded implants was 0.88 ± 0.81 mm versus 0.57 ± 0.83 mm for the early‐loaded group (p < .001). After adjusting for a slight difference in initial placement depth, the time of loading had no significant influence on bone level change.

Conclusions: Changes in crestal bone level occurred mostly during the first 5 months postloading. After this bone remodeling period, crestal bone level was stable up to 36 months. Implants with a chemically modified surface are safe and predictable for immediate and early loading in the posterior maxilla and mandible.
The Influence of Verification Jig on Framework Fit for Nonsegmented Fixed Implant‐Supported Complete Denture
Authors: Ercoli Carlo , Geminiani Alessandro , Feng Changyong , Lee Heeje
Published: December 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess if there was a difference in the likelihood of achieving passive fit when an implant‐supported full‐arch prosthesis framework is fabricated with or without the aid of a verification jig.

Materials and Methods: This investigation was approved by the University of Rochester Research Subject Review Board (protocol #RSRB00038482). Thirty edentulous patients, 49 to 73 years old (mean 61 years old), rehabilitated with a nonsegmented fixed implant‐supported complete denture were included in the study. During the restorative process, final impressions were made using the pickup impression technique and elastomeric impression materials. For 16 patients, a verification jig was made (group J), while for the remaining 14 patients, a verification jig was not used (group NJ) and the framework was fabricated directly on the master cast. During the framework try‐in appointment, the fit was assessed by clinical (Sheffield test) and radiographic inspection and recorded as passive or nonpassive.

Results: When a verification jig was used (group J, n = 16), all frameworks exhibited clinically passive fit, while when a verification jig was not used (group NJ, n = 14), only two frameworks fit. This difference was statistically significant (p < .001).

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this retrospective study, the fabrication of a verification jig ensured clinically passive fit of metal frameworks in nonsegmented fixed implant‐supported complete denture.
The impact of providing product funding for compression bandaging and medical footwear on compression use, wound healing and quality of life
Authors: Kapp Suzanne , Miller Charne , Elder Kylie
Published: December 2011

A study conducted in an Australian home nursing service sought to ascertain whether the provision of funding for compression bandaging and medical footwear would impact on compression therapy use, wound healing and quality of life (QoL) among people with venous leg ulcers. Clients (n = 120) were randomly allocated to evaluation funded or not evaluation funded groups, the former provided funding for compression bandaging and medical footwear. Outcome measures included the number of wounds healed, healing rate, compression use and QoL. Analysis included ttests and Kaplan–Meier Survival Analysis. An alpha level of 0·05 classified findings as significant. There were no significant differences between groups for rate or time to healing, wounds healed or compression use. The evaluation funded group were significantly more likely to receive medical footwear. Those with confirmed diagnosis and who received multilayer bandaging, irrespective of group, achieved healing rates significantly higher than those who wore other compression therapy. Factors other than cost intervened with the capacity to evaluate the impact of wound product subsidisation. Further exploration of how to best promote evidence‐based practice and future research to evaluate clinically and cost‐effective wound treatments in a range of health care settings is required.
Cognitive function and clinical symptoms in first‐episode psychosis and chronic schizophrenia before and after the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake
Authors: Pollice Rocco , Bianchini Valeria , di Mauro Stefania , Mazza Monica , Verni Laura , Roncone Rita , Casacchia Massimo
Published: December 2011

Aim: On 6 April 2009, at 3:32 GMT, central Italy was struck by a 6.3‐magnitude earthquake with its epicentre near L'Aquila, the capital city of the Abruzzo region. Earthquakes may precipitate psychiatric symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate cognitive functioning and positive and negative symptoms before and after the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake in patients with first‐episode psychosis (FEP) and chronic schizophrenia (CS).

Methods: A total of 54 FEP patients (34 males and 20 females) and 63 CS patients (39 males and 24 females) were investigated. Psychometric scores were submitted to a 2 × 2 mixed analysis of variance, with group (FEP and CS) as the between‐subjects variable and time (pre‐ and post‐earthquake) as the within‐subjects variable.

Results: Positive symptoms increased significantly from the pre‐ to the post‐earthquake assessment in FEP patients but not in those with CS. There were no significant differences between the pre‐ and post‐earthquake period in terms of negative symptoms in both groups. Compared with the pre‐earthquake assessment, FEP patients scored significantly worse at the post‐earthquake evaluation in terms of Wisconsin Card Sorting Test categories achieved, immediate verbal memory and delayed verbal memory. However, there were no significant differences in cognitive scores between the pre‐ and post‐earthquake periods in patients with CS.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a disastrous earthquake has a negative impact on cognitive functioning and positive symptoms in FEP patients, but not in those with CS.
Outbreaks of Attacks by Hematophagous Bats in Isolated Riverine Communities in the Brazilian Amazon: A Challenge to Rabies Control
Authors: Carvalho‐Costa F. A. , Tedesqui V. L. , de Jesus Nascimento Monteiro M. , Bóia M. N.
Published: December 2011

Human rabies has re‐emerged in Latin America due to bat associated transmission. We present data related to attacks by hematophagous bats in three riverine communities in the Rio Negro basin, Brazilian Amazon. A cross‐sectional survey was carried out to obtain demographic and epidemiological data through interviews with 201 inhabitants. A total of 721 bat attacks with bites took place from 2004 to 2006, 238 (33%) reported by residents in Campinas do Rio Preto, 329 (46%) in Águas Vivas and 154 (21%) in the community of Malalahá. Incidence density among surveyed inhabitants was 84 attacks/100 persons‐years in Campinas do Rio Preto, 249 attacks/100 persons‐years in Águas Vivas and 81 attacks/100 persons‐years in Malalahá. The proportion of surveyed inhabitants bled by bats at least once was 67% (63/94) in Campinas do Rio Preto, 96% (42/44) in Águas Vivas and 62% (39/63) in Malalahá. Among subjects bled by bats, the average number of bites was 4.6 ± 4.2 standard deviations (SD) in Campinas do Rio Preto, 8 ± 6 SD in Águas Vivas and 4.1 ± 3.9 SD in Malalahá. Regarding houses, 67% (26/39) had animals in the peridomestic environment (chickens and/or dogs) and all were vulnerable to bats due to gaps in the walls and/or in the windows and doors. In 13 dwellings, rudimentary protection against bats through the fixation of fishing nets and/or straw nets to the windows and other openings was observed. Among dwellers reporting attacks, 48% (68/144) received the full post‐exposure anti‐rabies vaccination protocol with five doses of diploid human cell vaccine, 28% (39/144) received an incomplete schedule (1–4 doses), and 26% (37/144) did not receive any dose. No cases of rabies were reported during the study; however, regular pre‐exposure vaccination in the studied populations must be considered.
Protective hepatitis B surface antibodies in blood and ascites fluid in the early stage after liver transplantation for hepatitis B diseases
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhu Zhi‐Jun , Zheng Hong , Deng Yong‐Lin , Pan Cheng , Sun Li‐Ying , Shen Zhong‐Yang
Published: December 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study is to identify the titres of protective hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti‐HBs) in the blood and their effective factors in the early stage after liver transplantation (LT) for hepatitis B virus (HBV) related diseases. The condition of anti‐HBs lost in ascites fluid was also investigated.

Methods:  Twenty‐six patients who received LT were administered prophylaxis of lamivudine combining intravenous hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) post‐LT. The titres of anti‐HBs were recorded and analyzed daily in blood and ascites fluid within the first week post‐LT.

Results:  In the first 5 days post‐LT, the titres of anti‐HBs in HBV DNA positive groups, high hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) groups, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive groups were lower than that in the parallel HBV DNA negative groups, low HBsAg groups and HBeAg negative groups. The mean titre level of anti‐HBs in ascites fluid is 224.89 IU/L and fluctuated from 0.00 IU/L to 968.50 IU/L, which is also correlated with anti‐HBs titres in blood drawn at the same time (r = 0.927, P = 0.000). The level of anit‐HBs in ascites fluid was very high; however, it fluctuated in a wide range (from 0.00 IU to 908.55 IU).

Conclusions:  Patients in high risk groups should receive a higher level of HBIG to maintain sufficient amounts of anti‐HBs in the early stage post‐LT, while the patients in low risk groups need a lower level of HBIG administration. Furthermore, the lost amount of anti‐HBs in ascitic fluid post‐LT has minimum impact on the anti‐HBs titres in blood.
High fat diet induced hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance: Role of dysregulated ceramide metabolism
Authors: Longato Lisa , Tong Ming , Wands Jack R. , de la Monte Suzanne M.
Published: December 2011

Aim:  Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an insulin resistance disease that can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. We hypothesized that in NAFLD, insulin resistance dysregulates lipid metabolism, increasing production of cytotoxic lipids including ceramides, which exacerbate hepatic insulin resistance and injury.

Methods:  Long Evans rats were pair‐fed low (LFD) or high (HFD) fat diets for 8 weeks. Livers were used to measure lipids, gene expression, insulin receptor binding, integrity of insulin signaling, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. In vitro experiments characterized effects of ceramides on Huh7 cell viability, mitochondrial function, and insulin signaling.

Results:  High fat diet feeding caused NAFLD with peripheral and hepatic insulin resistance, increased hepatic expression of pro‐ceramide genes, sphingomyelinase activity, and lipid peroxidation, and increased serum ceramide. Ceramide treatment impaired Huh7 cell viability, mitochondrial function, and insulin signaling.

Conclusions:  Increased hepatic ceramide generation and release may mediate both hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance in NAFLD.
Holistic Product Design
Authors: Starmer Samantha
Published: December 2011

As we move to a knowledge economy that is more dependent on services than on goods, we have a growing need for services that connect across channels, devices, time, and space.
Pharmacokinetic study of liposome-encapsulated and plain mepivacaine formulations injected intra-orally in volunteers
Authors: Tofoli Giovana Radomille , Cereda Cíntia M S , Araújo Daniele Ribeiro , Franz-Montan Michelle , Groppo Francisco Carlos , Quaglio Daiane , Pedrazzoli Junior Jose , Calafatti Silvana Aparecida , Barros Fabio Alessandro Proença , de Paula Eneida
Published: December 2011

Objectives

The pharmacokinetics of commercial and liposome-encapsulated mepivacaine (MVC) injected intra-orally in healthy volunteers was studied.

Methods

In this double blind, randomized cross-over study, 15 volunteers received, at four different sessions, 1.8 ml of the following formulations: 2% MVC with 1 : 100 000 epinephrine (MVC2%EPI), 3% MVC (MVC3%), 2% and 3% liposome-encapsulated MVC (MVC2%LUV and MVC3%LUV). Blood samples were collected pre dose (0 min) and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300, 360 min after injections. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify plasma MVC concentrations.

Results

Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and the areas under the curves (AUC0–360 and AUC0–∞) after MVC2%LUV and MVC2%EPI injections were smaller (P < 0.05) than the equivalent figures for MVC3% and MVC3%LUV. The time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax) and the half-life of elimination (t½beta) obtained after the treatment with MVC2%LUV, MVC2%EPI, MVC3% and MVC3%LUV presented no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). Cmax, AUC0–360 and AUC0-∞ after injection of the 2% formulations (MVC2%LUV and MVC2%EPI) did not exhibit statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). The pharmacokinetics of MVC2%LUV were comparable to the pharmacokinetics of MVC2%EPI.

Conclusion

The liposomal formulation of 2% MVC exhibits similar systemic absorption to the local anesthetic with vasoconstrictor.
Generalized optical theorems for the reconstruction of Green’s function of an inhomogeneous elastic medium
Authors: Margerin Ludovic , Sato Haruo
Published: December 2011

This paper investigates the reconstruction of elastic Green’s function from the cross-correlation of waves excited by random noise in the context of scattering theory. Using a general operator equation—the resolvent formula—Green’s function reconstruction is established when the noise sources satisfy an equipartition condition. In an inhomogeneous medium, the operator formalism leads to generalized forms of optical theorem involving the off-shell T-matrix of elastic waves, which describes scattering in the near-field. The role of temporal absorption in the formulation of the theorem is discussed. Previously established symmetry and reciprocity relations involving the on-shell T-matrix are recovered in the usual far-field and infinitesimal absorption limits. The theory is applied to a point scattering model for elastic waves. The T-matrix of the point scatterer incorporating all recurrent scattering loops is obtained by a regularization procedure. The physical significance of the point scatterer is discussed. In particular this model satisfies the off-shell version of the generalized optical theorem. The link between equipartition and Green’s function reconstruction in a scattering medium is discussed.
An expression for the radiation force exerted by an acoustic beam with arbitrary wavefront (L)
Authors: Silva Glauber T.
Published: December 2011

Most studies investigating the acoustic radiation force upon a target are based on symmetry considerations between the object and the incident beam. Even so, this symmetry condition is not always fulfilled in several cases. An expression for the radiation force is obtained as a function of the beam-shape and the scattering coefficients of an incident wave and the object, respectively. The expression for the radiation force caused by a plane wave on a rigid sphere is used to validate the formula. This method represents a theoretical advance permitting different interpretations and predictions concerned to the acoustic radiation force phenomenon.
Phase velocities and attenuations of shear, Lamb, and Rayleigh waves in plate-like tissues submerged in a fluid (L)
Authors: Nenadic Ivan Z. , Urban Matthew W. , Bernal Miguel , Greenleaf James F.
Published: December 2011

In the past several decades, the fields of ultrasound and magnetic resonance elastography have shown promising results in noninvasive estimates of mechanical properties of soft tissues. These techniques often rely on measuring shear wave velocity due to an external or internal source of force and relating the velocity to viscoelasticity of the tissue. The mathematical relationship between the measured velocity and material properties of the myocardial wall, arteries, and other organs with non-negligible boundary conditions is often complicated and computationally expensive. A simple relationship between the Lamb–Rayleigh dispersion and the shear wave dispersion is derived for both the velocity and attenuation. The relationship shows that the shear wave velocity is around 20% higher than the Lamb–Rayleigh velocity and that the shear wave attenuation is about 20% lower than the Lamb–Rayleigh attenuation. Results of numerical simulations in the frequency range 0–500 Hz are presented.
Noise in an intensive care unit
Authors: Salandin Andrea , Arnold Jörg , Kornadt Oliver
Published: December 2011

Patients and staff in hospitals are exposed to a complex sound environment with rather high noise levels. In intensive care units, the main noise sources are hospital staff on duty and medical equipment, which generates both operating noise and acoustic alarms. Although noise in most cases is produced during activities for the purpose of saving life, noise can induce significant changes in the depth and quality of sleep and negatively affect health in general. Results of a survey of hospital staff are presented, as well as measurements in two German hospital wards: a standard two-bed room and a special intermediate care unit (IMC-Unit), each in a different intensive care unit (ICU). Sound pressure data were collected over a 48 hour period and converted into different levels (LAFeq, LAFmax LAFmin, LAF 5%), as well as a rating level LAr, which is used to take tonality and impulsiveness into account. An analysis of the survey and the measured data, together with a comparison of thresholds of national and international regulations and standards describe the acoustic situation and its likely noise effects on staff and patients.
Effect of laser beam incidence angle on the thermoelastic generation in semi-transparent materials
Authors: Raetz Samuel , Dehoux Thomas , Audoin Bertrand
Published: December 2011

When a laser beam is absorbed in a semi-transparent material, a volume acoustic source is created owing to penetration of the laser beam inside the material and to thermoelastic transduction. Many experimental and theoretical studies have been conducted to better understand this ultrasound generation process with normal laser light incidence on the material surface. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of the asymmetry caused by oblique incidence of a laser line source on the generation of acoustic waves in semi-transparent isotropic materials. Experiments on a glass plate demonstrate that such an obliquely incident laser light strongly affects bulk acoustic waves generation. Compressional and shear waves are enhanced and the loss of symmetry of the acoustic source causes asymmetrical behavior of the acoustic waves. Surprisingly, compressional-wave amplitude decreases whereas shear-wave amplitude increases in the region where the electromagnetic energy is refracted. This feature is explained by semi-analytical calculations.
Cascades of two-pole–two-zero asymmetric resonators are good models of peripheral auditory function
Authors: Lyon Richard F.
Published: December 2011

A cascade of two-pole–two-zero filter stages is a good model of the auditory periphery in two distinct ways. First, in the form of the pole–zero filter cascade, it acts as an auditory filter model that provides an excellent fit to data on human detection of tones in masking noise, with fewer fitting parameters than previously reported filter models such as the roex and gammachirp models. Second, when extended to the form of the cascade of asymmetric resonators with fast-acting compression, it serves as an efficient front-end filterbank for machine-hearing applications, including dynamic nonlinear effects such as fast wide-dynamic-range compression. In their underlying linear approximations, these filters are described by their poles and zeros, that is, by rational transfer functions, which makes them simple to implement in analog or digital domains. Other advantages in these models derive from the close connection of the filter-cascade architecture to wave propagation in the cochlea. These models also reflect the automatic-gain-control function of the auditory system and can maintain approximately constant impulse-response zero-crossing times as the level-dependent parameters change.
Guiding Limited Use of Chimpanzees in Research
Authors: Altevogt Bruce M. , Pankevich Diana E. , Pope Andrew M. , Kahn Jeffrey P.
Published: December 2011

Chimpanzee research should not be banned, but its scientific necessity is very limited.
Preventing Inappropriate Activation
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: December 2011

The C-terminal domain of a bacterial response regulator insulates the protein from inappropriate activation by phosphodonor metabolites.
Feeling No Pain
Authors: Vignieri Sacha
Published: December 2011

Life in a high–carbon dioxide environment has eliminated acid-evoked pain in the naked mole-rat.
Not Just for Translation
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: December 2011

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 subunit a (eIF3a) interacts with the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase Raf-1 and prevents its activation.
Recurrent Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in a 58-Year-Old Woman with Severe Dizziness: A Case Report
Authors: Huang Nanbin , Li Changwei
Published: December 2011

A case of recurrent sudden sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear is presented. The patient was a 58-year-old Chinese woman with profound hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, vomiting and severe dizziness for 2 months. A head scan and MRI of the brain and neck showed no cause for the symptoms. The ear, nose and throat specialist diagnosed a microcirculatory dysfunction, rejecting the diagnosis of Meniere's disease. The patient did not respond to medical treatment and after 2 months attended for acupuncture. It was suspected that the severe dizziness was associated with her neck and back pain. Daily electroacupuncture treatments to her ear, back and neck were given. After 1 month the dizziness was significantly reduced and the hearing loss recovered to a good level. The patient's symptoms recurred after exposure to cold and strong wind and again recovered with acupuncture. She later suffered a third recurrence of severe dizziness which again responded to acupuncture.
Present Status and Future Perspective of Bismuth-Based High-Temperature Superconducting Wires Realizing Application Systems
Authors: Sato Ken-ichi , Kobayashi Shin-ichi , Nakashima Takayoshi
Published: December 2011

Among a series of high-temperature superconducting materials that have been discovered to date, (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10-xis the best candidate for superconducting wires that are long with commercial productivity, and critical current performance. In particular, the controlled overpressure (CT-OP) sintering technique gave us a 100% density of (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10-xportion, which leads to robustness, increase in critical current, and mechanical tolerance. Many application prototypes are already verified and are being evaluated worldwide. Current leads for large magnets and magnetic billet heaters are already commercial products. Commercial applications for power cables, motors for ship propulsion and electric vehicles, and many kinds of magnets are promising in the near future.
Overview of Materials and Power Applications of Coated Conductors Project
Authors: Shiohara Yuh , Taneda Takahiro , Yoshizumi Masateru
Published: December 2011

There are high expectations for coated conductors in electric power applications such as superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) systems, power cables, and transformers owing to their ability to contribute to stabilizing and increasing the capacity of the electric power supply grid as well as to reducing CO2emission as a result of their high critical-current characteristics. Research and development has been performed on wires/tapes and electric power devices worldwide. The Materials and Power Applications of Coated Conductors (M-PACC) Project is a five-year national project in Japan started in 2008, supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), to develop both coated conductors that meet market requirements and basic technologies for the above-mentioned power applications using coated conductors. In this article, research and development results are reviewed and compared with the interim/final targets of the project, and future prospects are discussed.
Empirical Selection Rule of Substrate Materials for Iron Chalcogenide Superconducting Thin Films
Authors: Hanawa Masafumi , Ichinose Ataru , Komiya Seiki , Tsukada Ichiro , Imai Yoshinori , Maeda Atsutaka
Published: December 2011

The crystallographic lattice constants and superconducting critical temperatures of FeSe0.5Te0.5thin films grown on oxide substrates have been found to have no dependence on the in-plane lattice constants of the substrates. However, a correlation between various structural and transport properties of the films and the presence of oxygen penetration from the substrate into the film has been observed; i.e., oxygen penetration is suppressed in films with relatively high critical temperatures. Thus it is needed to identify appropriate substrates for the growth of iron chalcogenide superconducting thin films by considering the effects of the chemical properties of the substrate on the resulting structural and superconducting properties of the thin film. Upon characterization of the substrate materials used in our growth studies, the results strongly indicate that a “good” substrate has the following features: 1) its crystal structure does not have a vacancy that would permit electronegative elements to migrate, and 2) it is composed only of typical elements, in contrast to popularly used substrates that contain transition-metal elements.
Critical State Theory in Superconductors
Authors: Matsushita Teruo
Published: December 2011

It is well known that the phenomenological balance equation between the Lorentz force and pinning force determines the electric current flow in superconductors in the mixed state. This equation is derived by using the variation principle for isolated or non-isolated flux line system. It might be questionable if this equation is applicable to practical cases, since it is in principle valid only for reversible states with respect to the flux motion. The statistical summation theory that derives the pinning force density from individual pinning potentials solves this problem. It describes the linear relationship between the pinning force density and the displacement of the flux line system in the reversible state and shows that the irreversible pinning force density is reached at the limit of reversible regime. As a result, the present theoretical treatment with existing theories generalizes the phenomenological critical state model to the critical state theory.
Ion-Beam Irradiation Effect on the Growth of Carbon Nanotubes in the SiC Surface Decomposition Method
Authors: Naitoh Masamichi , Karayama Yoshinori , Ohaze Hiroshi , Ikari Tomonori
Published: December 2011

We investigated the influence of ion-beam irradiation of the SiC(0001̄) surface on the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by the SiC surface decomposition method. After an SiC(0001̄) surface was irradiated by Ar+ ions at 1 keV with a dose of 4.5×1015 cm-2 in an ultrahigh vacuum chamber, and then annealed at 1700 °C for 2 h at a pressure of 2×10-2 Pa, CNTs formed on the surface that were longer than CNTs grown without ion-beam irradiation. When 5 keV Ar+ ions were used, no CNTs formed, but instead an amorphous carbon layer formed on the surface.
A 128×96 Pixel, 50 µm Pixel Pitch Transparent Readout Circuit Using Amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O Thin-Film Transistor Array with Indium–Tin Oxide Electrodes for an Organic Image Sensor
Authors: Sakai Toshikatsu , Seo Hokuto , Aihara Satoshi , Kubota Misao , Egami Norifumi , Wang Dapeng , Furuta Mamoru
Published: December 2011

Towards a signal readout circuit for a highly sensitive stack-type image sensor, an entire transparent thin-film transistor (TFT) array using an amorphous In–Ga–Zn–O channel and indium–tin oxide electrodes was fabricated. The pixel pitch and number of pixels were 50 µm and 128×96, respectively. The transmittance of the TFT array for visible light reached up to 85%. The array also showed good switching characteristics. A monochromatic image sensor with a zinc phthalocyanine organic photoconductive film was fabricated using this array, and it produced clear images at 30 frames per second with a resolution corresponding to the pixel number.
Application of AuSn Adjusting Layer for a Novel Ohmic Back Metal for n-Type Si Devices
Authors: Asai Makoto , Tamura Toshiyuki , Honna Masaru
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we present a novel ohmic back metal for n-type Si devices. Using an AuSn adjusting layer, a simple and low-cost process is provided, as well as assuring strong adhesion between the metal and the Si substrate. The thickness of the Au layer under the AuSn layer for adjusting the Sn concentration at the interface between the metal and the Si substrate, and the deposition temperature are optimized. A novel back metal is deployed as a good substitute for the conventional AuSb back metal. The eutectic melting ratio (Au 80 wt %, Sn 20 wt %) of the AuSn alloy is confirmed by focused ion beam (FIB) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). A good ohmic characteristic is obtained upon Sn diffusion to the Au layer. This method is useful for the metallization of various devices owing to its simple and low cost process and its high performance.
Experimental and Theoretical Evaluation of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Concentrator Solar Cells
Authors: Hirai Yoshiaki , Nagashima Hiroshi , Kurokawa Yasuyoshi , Yamada Akira
Published: December 2011

Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells which have yielded high performance devices under 1-sun were experimentally evaluated under various concentrated lights. The open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and efficiency of the fabricated solar cell under 6.6-suns were 728 mV, 0.770, and 20.3%, respectively. It was found that the efficiency of low performance CIGS solar cells was increased by the irradiation of concentrated light and was comparable to the efficiency of high performance CIGS solar cells. Theoretical simulation revealed that the increment of the recombination velocity toward the defect density in CIGS thin films were reduced under concentrated light, due to the compensation of defects by the large amount of carriers generated by irradiating concentrated light.