bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of gastroduodenal mucosal injuries caused by low‐dose aspirin therapy in patients with cerebral infarction
Authors: Nema Hiroaki , Kato Mototsugu
Published: April 2010

Background and Aims:  Low‐dose aspirin is used as a preventive treatment for ischemic heart disease and ischemic cerebrovascular disease, on the other hand gastrointestinal injuries are an adverse effect of aspirin. We reported that endoscopic surveillance reveals a high risk of gastroduodenal ulcer and erosion in aspirin users of ischemic heart disease. But risk of gastroduodenal injuries may be different among pre‐existing disease. In the present study, endoscopic examination was performed to investigate the frequency of gastroduodenal injuries associated with low‐dose aspirin in patients with cerebrovascular disease.

Methods:  Routine examination using upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy was prospectively performed for all patients admitted to Sasson Hospital for rehabilitation after cerebral infarction from April 2005 to September 2007. Endoscopic findings such as ulcers and flat erosions were assessed as mucosal injuries.

Results:  Endoscopic examination was performed for 142 successive patients, divided into three groups: 70 patients as low‐dose aspirin users (aspirin group); 61 as non‐aspirin users (non‐aspirin group); and 11 as multi‐drug users of aspirin plus other anti‐platelet drugs (combination group). The aspirin group without anti‐ulcer drugs (A‐ group) comprised 47 patients and the non‐aspirin group without anti‐ulcer drugs (NA‐ group) 31 patients. Mucosal injuries were detected in 29.8% of the A‐ group and in 6.4% of the NA‐ group (P < 0.05). The frequency of ulcer was similar between the A‐ group (6.4%) and NA‐ group (3.2%).

Conclusion:  Endoscopy reveals low‐dose aspirin‐induced gastroduodenal injuries in patients with cerebral infarction.
Suppression of lymphangiogenesis induced by Flt‐4 antibody in gastric low‐grade mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma by Helicobacter heilmannii infection
Authors: Nakamura Masahiko , Matsui Hidenori , Takahashi Tetsufumi , Ogawa Satoshi , Tamura Ryo , Murayama Somay Y , Takahashi Shinichi , Tsuchimoto Kanji
Published: April 2010

Background and Aims:  Our recent study revealed that per oral infection with Helicobacter heilmannii induced low‐grade mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma in the gastric fundus of C57BL/6 mice after a period of 6 months, although the pathophysiological mechanism of lymphoma expansion remains to be clarified. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the interaction of this tumor with angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. In addition, the effect of Flt‐4 antibodies on lymphoma expansion was investigated.

Methods:  C57BL/6 female mice infected with H. heilmannii for 3 months were used in the experiments. Localization of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF‐C) and Flt‐4 immunoreactivity were detected by indirect immunohistochemical methods. Localization of lymphatic and vascular endothelial cells was investigated by localization of prox‐1. In addition, Flt‐4 antibody with and without Flt‐1 or Flk‐1 antibodies was administered i.p. to clarify their effects on tumor size.

Results:  MALT lymphoma has a rich microvascular network consisting of immature capillaries, lymphatics and venules. By immunohistochemical analysis, prox‐1 immunoreactivity was observed mostly in the marginal area of the lymphoma, where VEGF‐C and Flt‐4 immunoreactivities were also seen. Stereomicroscopic study revealed that administration of Flt‐4 and Flt‐1 antibodies significantly reduced the surface area of the lymphoma in the mouse stomach.

Conclusion:  A VEGF‐C‐mediated mechanism plays an important role in the expansion of MALT lymphoma and the administration of VEGF receptor antibodies had a suppressive effect on tumor growth.
Spectra of functional gastrointestinal disorders diagnosed by Rome III integrative questionnaire in a Japanese outpatient office and the impact of overlapping
Authors: Nakajima Shigemi , Takahashi Keiko , Sato Jin , Fukuda Masako , Yamamoto Kazuo , Inoue Tetsuya , Okumura Yoshiaki , Fujiyama Yoshihide
Published: April 2010

Background and Aims:  The aim of this study was to establish the spectra of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) in a Japanese outpatient office in Rome III.

Methods:  The Rome III Diagnostic Questionnaire for Adult Functional GI Disorders was translated into Japanese and an automated analyzing program was made according to the scoring algorithm of the questionnaire. Among 1378 patients who visited the outpatient office of the Social Insurance Shiga Hospital between May 2007 and April 2009, 112 serial patients who had symptoms possibly originating from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but did not have evidence of organic disease, were recruited. The subjects answered the questionnaire, and the answers were analyzed with the automatic analyzer.

Results:  During the study period, 94 of the 112 patients were diagnosed as having active FGID. Non‐overlapping FGID was diagnosed in 41 (43.6%) of those. Of the 41 non‐overlapping FGID patients, the most frequent diagnosis was irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in 13 patients. Including overlapping cases, 165 FGID were diagnosed in 94 patients. The most frequent diagnosis was IBS in 33 patients (35.1%), the second was functional dyspepsia (FD) in 29 (30.9%) and the third was functional constipation in 21 (22.3%). The most frequent FGID overlapping with IBS was FD (36.4%), and the most frequent FGID overlapping with FD was IBS (41.4%). Of the 29 FD patients, 20 (69.0%) had functional bowel disorders.

Conclusion:  The most frequent FGID was IBS in both overlapping and non‐overlapping FGID patients. IBS and FD were the most frequent combinations in overlapping FGID. Most cases of FD are possibly parts of functional bowel disorders.
Early bronchiectasis in cystic fibrosis detected by surveillance CT
Authors: PILLARISETTI Naveen , LINNANE Barry , RANGANATHAN Sarath
Published: April 2010

There is emerging evidence that cystic fibrosis lung disease begins early in infancy. Newborn screening allows early detection and surveillance of pulmonary disease and the possibility of early intervention in this life‐shortening condition. We report two children with cystic fibrosis who underwent a comprehensive assessment from diagnosis that included measurement of lung function, limited‐slice high‐resolution CT and BAL performed annually. Early aggressive surveillance enabled significant lung disease and bronchiectasis to be detected during the first few years of life and led to a change in management, highlighting a clinical role for CT scanning during the preschool years in children with cystic fibrosis.
Is extended and saturation biopsy necessary?
Authors: Scattoni Vincenzo , Maccagnano Carmen , Zanni Giuseppe , Angiolilli Diego , Raber Marco , Roscigno Marco , Rigatti Patrizio , Montorsi Francesco
Published: April 2010

Prostate biopsy (PBx) techniques have significantly changed since the original Hodge's ‘sextant scheme’, which should now be considered obsolete. The feasibility of carrying out a biopsy scheme with a high number of cores in an outpatient setting is a result of the great improvement and efficacy of local anesthesia. Peri‐prostatic nerve block with lidocaine injection should be considered the ‘gold standard’ because it provides the best pain relief to patients undergoing PBx. The optimal extended protocol should now include the sextant template with an additional 4–6 cores directed laterally (anterior horn) to the base and medially to the apex. Saturation biopsies (i.e. template with ≥20 cores, including transition zone) should be carried out only when biopsies are repeated in patients where there is a high suspicion of prostate cancer. Complementary imaging methods (such as color‐ and power‐Doppler imaging, with or without contrast enhancement, and elastography) could be used in order to increase the accuracy of biopsy and reduce the number of unnecessary procedures. Nevertheless, the routine use of these methods is still under evaluation.
Rectal injury during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: Detection and management
Authors: Masuda Tomoko , Kinoshita Hidefumi , Nishida Sachiyo , Kawa Gen , Kawakita Mutsushi , Matsuda Tadashi
Published: April 2010

Among 294 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), five (1.7%) developed complications such as rectal injury (RI) and rectourethral fistula (RUF). In four patients, the RI was immediately repaired by placing two layers of uninterrupted sutures without fecal diversion. The RI in two of these four patients were diagnosed using a transrectally inserted Hegar uterine dilator (26 mm). The remaining patients, who presented with RUF as the primary manifestation, were conservatively managed, and the fistulas closed spontaneously. Most of the RI detected during the operation were managed with primary fistula closure without fecal diversion. In some cases of postoperative RUF, spontaneous closure may occur while the patient is waiting for surgical repair.
Erythematous and bullous rash strongly indicating toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with the use of intravenous ritodrine hydrochloride
Authors: Shiba Masahiro , Kido Koichiro , Umezawa Koichi , Higaki Hiroshi , Matsumoto Sachiyo , Taguchi Akinori , Hayashi Takashi , Higaki Yuko , Sasamori Yukifumi , Shinozuka Norio , Fuse Yoji , Kikuchi Akihiko , Ayabe Takuya
Published: April 2010

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a very rare drug reaction associated with a high mortality rate. This condition warrants prompt recognition, diagnosis and treatment. Only one case report of TEN that was possibly induced by ritodrine hydrochloride, a tocolytic agent, was found in English literature. Here, we report the case of a 26‐year‐old pregnant woman who was suspected with TEN following the intravenous administration of ritodrine hydrochloride in the 35th week of gestation. An emergency cesarean section was performed because the labor pains caused systemic intolerable haphalgesia. After the surgery, intensive dermatological treatment commenced, which helped her recover from the serious condition. The result of the drug‐induced lymphocyte stimulation test for ritodrine hydrochloride was positive. When a skin eruption appears during the administration of ritodrine, we must consider the benefits as well as the risks of continuous use of tocolytic agents because there is a risk of Stevens–Johnson syndrome or TEN.
First trimester examination of fetal nasal bone in the Turkish population
Authors: Ozer Alev , Ozaksıt Gulnur , Kanat‐Pektas Mine , Ozer Serdar
Published: April 2010

Aim:  The present study aims to assign the reference values for nasal bone length (NBL) screened at 11–14 weeks of pregnancy in the Turkish population, determining whether the NBLs specified for Caucasians can be validated for Turkish people.

Materials & Methods:  The values of NBL were investigated in a total of 415 singleton fetuses that had Turkish parents and normal neonatal outcome. Sonographic measurements of NBL were done on a transabdominal midsagittal plane at 11–14 weeks' gestation. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between NBL and crown‐rump length (CRL). Reference values, including the 5th, 50th and 95thpercentiles, were calculated for each gestational age.

Results:  The mean NBL was estimated to be 2.5 mm for 11–11+6/7 weeks, 2.9 mm for 12–12+6/7 and 3.4 mm for 13–13+6/7 weeks' gestation. The measurements of NBL showed a significant increase with CRL so that a linear and direct correlation was found between NBL and CRL (NBL = 0.267 + 0.043 × CRL, P < 0.001). Moreover, a significant and linear relationship was detected between NBL and gestational age (NBL = −3.858 + 0.537 × gestational age, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  The measurement of NBL is found to be achievable in the majority of first trimester pregnancies. The reference range of NBL in normal Turkish fetuses is established so that basic data can be recorded for further studies related to NBL measurements in screening for various chromosomal abnormalities including Down syndrome within Turkish population.
Presynaptic and postsynaptic origin of multicomponent extracellular waveforms at the endbulb of Held–spherical bushy cell synapse
Authors: Typlt Marei , Haustein Martin D. , Dietz Beatrice , Steinert Jörn R. , Witte Mirko , Englitz Bernhard , Milenkovic Ivan , Kopp‐Scheinpflug Cornelia , Forsythe Ian D. , Rübsamen Rudolf
Published: April 2010

Extracellular signals from the endbulb of Held–spherical bushy cell (SBC) synapse exhibit up to three component waves (‘P’, ‘A’ and ‘B’). Signals lacking the third component (B) are frequently observed but as the origin of each of the components is uncertain, interpretation of this lack of B has been controversial: is it a failure to release transmitter or a failure to generate or propagate an action potential? Our aim was to determine the origin of each component. We combined single‐ and multiunit in vitro methods in Mongolian gerbils and Wistar rats and used pharmacological tools to modulate glutamate receptors or voltage‐gated sodium channels. Simultaneous extra‐ and intracellular recordings from single SBCs demonstrated a presynaptic origin of the P‐component, consistent with data obtained with multielectrode array recordings of local field potentials. The later components (A and B) correspond to the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and action potential of the SBC, respectively. These results allow a clear interpretation of in vivo extracellular signals. We conclude that action potential failures occurring at the endbulb–SBC synaptic junction largely reflect failures of the EPSP to trigger an action potential and not failures of synaptic transmission. The data provide the basis for future investigation of convergence of excitatory and inhibitory inputs in modulating transmission at a fully functional neuronal system using physiological stimulation.
Nucleocytoplasmic translocation of HDAC9 regulates gene expression and dendritic growth in developing cortical neurons
Authors: Sugo Noriyuki , Oshiro Hiroaki , Takemura Mitsuhiro , Kobayashi Toshiaki , Kohno Yusuke , Uesaka Naofumi , Song Wen‐Jie , Yamamoto Nobuhiko
Published: April 2010

Transcriptional regulation of gene expression is thought to play a pivotal role in activity‐dependent neuronal differentiation and circuit formation. Here, we investigated the role of histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9), which regulates transcription by histone modification, in the development of neocortical neurons. The translocation of HDAC9 from nucleus to cytoplasm was induced by an increase of spontaneous firing activity in cultured mouse cortical neurons. This nucleocytoplasmic translocation was also observed in postnatal development in vivo. The translocation‐induced gene expression and cellular morphology was further examined by introducing an HDAC9 mutant that disrupts the nucleocytoplasmic translocation. Expression of c‐fos, an immediately‐early gene, was suppressed in the mutant‐transfected cells regardless of neural activity. Moreover, the introduction of the mutant decreased the total length of dendritic branches, whereas knockdown of HDAC9 promoted dendritic growth. These findings indicate that chromatin remodeling with nucleocytoplasmic translocation of HDAC9 regulates activity‐dependent gene expression and dendritic growth in developing cortical neurons.
Effects of cavernous nerve reconstruction on expression of nitric oxide synthase isoforms in rats
Authors: Schlenker Boris , Matiasek Kaspar , Saur Dieter , Gratzke Christian , Bauer Ricarda M. , Herouy Yared , Arndt Christian , Blesch Armin , Hartung Rudolf , Stief Christian G. , Weidner Norbert , May Florian
Published: April 2010

Study Type – Aetiology (case control) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms after various reconstruction techniques in rats, to improve the understanding of neuronal repair mechanisms after radical prostatectomy, as Schwann cell‐seeded guidance tubes have been shown to promote cavernous nerve regeneration, and glial cell‐line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF)‐overexpressing Schwann cells enhance nerve regenerative capacity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Segments (5 mm) of the cavernous nerve were excised bilaterally, followed by immediate bilateral microsurgical reconstruction. In four rats per group, the eight nerves were reconstructed by autologous nerve grafting (A), interposition of Schwann cell‐seeded silicon tubes (B), or silicon tubes seeded with GDNF‐hypersecreting Schwann cells (C). Further rats were either sham‐operated (D) or had nerve excision without repair (E). Erectile function was evaluated after 6 weeks by re‐laparotomy, electrical nerve stimulation and morphological evaluation of reconstructed nerves. NOS isoform mRNA expression was analysed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction in tissue specimens taken from the corpora cavernosa.

RESULTS

GDNF‐transduced Schwann cell grafts restored erectile function better than untransduced Schwann cell and autologous nerve grafts (88% vs 75% vs 38%; not significant). Tissue specimens in group C had the highest expression of neuronal NOS mRNA in relation to the neuronal marker PGP9.5 among all treatment groups (not significant). Compared to nerve grafts (A) and negative controls (E) nNOS/PGP9.5 expression was significantly higher (P < 0.05). Both inducible NOS and endothelial NOS expression did not differ significantly among the various groups. Morphological evaluation showed significantly larger cross‐sectional areas and a higher percentage of neural tissue than in untransduced Schwann cell grafts (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Restoration of erectile function is paralleled by an increase of neuronal NOS expression in rats. Further experiments will determine the physiological role of neuronal NOS in erectile nerve repair processes.
Virtuous Violence and the Politics of Statecraft in Machiavelli, Clausewitz and Weber
Authors: Frazer Elizabeth , Hutchings Kimberly
Published: April 2010

This article seeks to problematise the dominant understandings of the relationship between politics and violence in political theory. Liberal political theory identifies politics with the pacified arena of the modern state; although violence may sometimes be an instrument for the pursuit of political goals, politics is conceptualised as the ongoing non-violent negotiation of competing rights and interests, and the overall aim of liberalism is to remove violence from the political process. Radical critics deny liberalism's promise to deliver a divorce between politics and violence, but they often share liberalism's premise that politics and violence are distinct in principle, and ought to be so in practice, developing a vision of politics beyond violence. In contrast, the theory of politics and violence that can be read in the work of Machiavelli, Clausewitz and Weber understands politics as immanently connected to violence. Neither politics nor violence is reducible to a singular logic. A distinctively political violence constitutes and polices political distinctions. In doing this political violence is bound up with its own limitations – it is one medium for the construction of a world which, according to these three thinkers, it does not and cannot fully control. Liberal and radical thinkers tend to treat Machiavelli, Clausewitz and Weber in their theory of political power as outdated or, worse, as celebrating the role of violence in politics. In our interpretation, however, their work has the virtue of demonstrating the paradoxes of political action, in particular the complex relationship between politics and violence which is neither one of naturalistic necessity nor pure strategy or instrumentality, but is embedded in politics as statecraft.
Maximum Entropy Approximations for Asymptotic Distributions of Smooth Functions of Sample Means
Authors: WU XIMING , WANG SUOJIN
Published: April 2010

Abstract.  We propose an information‐theoretic approach to approximate asymptotic distributions of statistics using the maximum entropy (ME) densities. Conventional ME densities are typically defined on a bounded support. For distributions defined on unbounded supports, we use an asymptotically negligible dampening function for the ME approximation such that it is well defined on the real line. We establish order n−1 asymptotic equivalence between the proposed method and the classical Edgeworth approximation for general statistics that are smooth functions of sample means. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method.
Sleep disorders in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Raggi A. , Ferri R.
Published: April 2010

The aim of this review is to provide data on sleep disturbances in three categories of neurodegenerative disorders: synucleinopathies, tauopathies, and other diseases (this heterogeneous group includes also spinocerebellar degeneration and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Analysing and knowing sleep disorders in neurodegenerative diseases may offer important insights into the pathomechanism of some of these diseases and calls attention to the still insufficiently known ‘sleep neurology’. The identification of sleep disorders in some neurodegenerative conditions may make their diagnosis easier and earlier; for example, rapid eye movements sleep behaviour disorder may precede any other clinical manifestation of synucleinopathies by more than 10 years.
Community Capacity Building as the Route to Inclusion in Neighbourhood Regeneration?
Authors: FALLOV MIA ARP
Published: April 2010

How are we to understand the spread of the notion of capacity building in neighbourhood regeneration and policies to fight social exclusion? In this article, capacity building is understood as central to the mode of contemporary governance and the strategies of ‘the third way’ in England and Denmark. The article explores the concept of community capacity building and its relations to social capital. It argues that the Foucaultian concept of ‘management of possibilities’ is a useful ‘grid of intelligibility’ for a mode of government that works by constructing particular subjectivities of inclusion. It argues further that Bourdieu's notion of ‘habitus’ enables analysis of how processes of capacity building are embodied and how the capacity building approach is legitimized. Using local experiences of neighbourhood regeneration, it discusses how community capacity building depends on particular forms of social capital and involves the naturalization of particular capacities. The advantage of this perspective lies in disclosing how inclusion becomes dependent on acquiring a particular curriculum of capacities relating to the area and its inhabitants.

Comment appréhender la progression de la notion de renforcement des capacités dans le cadre de la régénération de quartiers et des politiques de lutte contre l'exclusion sociale? Le renforcement des capacités est considéré ici comme un élément central de la gouvernance contemporaine et des stratégies de ‘la troisième voie’ en Angleterre et au Danemark. L'article explore le concept de renforcement des capacités communautaires, ainsi que ses rapports avec le capital social. ‘Aménager la probabilité’, le concept de Foucault, constitue une ‘grille d'intelligibilité’ pour un mode de gouvernement qui fonctionne en développant des subjectivités d'inclusion spécifiques. De plus, la notion d'‘habitus’ de Bourdieu permet d'analyser comment les processus de renforcement des capacités se concrétisent et comment l'approche du renforcement des capacités trouve sa légitimité. En s'appuyant sur des expériences locales de régénération de quartiers, l'article étudie la manière dont le développement des capacités communautaires dépend de formes spécifiques de capital social et exige l'acclimatation de certaines capacités. Cette perspective a pour avantage de révéler de quelle façon l'inclusion devient dépendante de l'acquisition d'un programme de capacités propre à la zone et à ses habitants.
Cell resilience in species life spans: a link to inflammation?
Authors: Finch Caleb E. , Morgan Todd E. , Longo Valter D. , De Magalhaes Joao P.
Published: April 2010

Species differences in life span have been attributed to cellular survival during various stressors, designated here as ‘cell resilience’. In primary fibroblast cultures, cell resilience during exposure to free radicals, hypoglycemia, hyperthermia, and various toxins has shown generally consistent correlations with the species characteristic life spans of birds and mammals. However, the mechanistic links of cell resilience in fibroblast cultures to different species life spans are poorly understood. We propose that certain experimental stressors are relevant to somatic damage in vivo during inflammatory responses of innate immunity, particularly, resistance to reactive oxygen species (ROS), low glucose, and hyperthermia. According to this hypothesis, somatic cell resilience determines species differences in longevity during repeated infections and traumatic injuries in the natural environment. Infections and injury expose local fibroblasts and other cells to ROS generated by macrophages and to local temperature elevations. Systemically, acute phase immune reactions cause hypoglycemia and hyperthermia. We propose that cell resilience to somatic stressors incurred in inflammation is important in the evolution of longevity and that longer‐lived species are specifically more resistant to immune‐related stressors. This hypothesis further specifies Kirkwood’s disposable soma theory. We suggest expanding the battery of stressors and markers used for comparative studies to additional cell types and additional parameters relevant to host defense and to their ecological specificities.
Broadening debates on climate change ethics: beyond carbon calculation
Authors: RANDALLS SAMUEL
Published: April 2010

Market‐based solutions have become an important focus for international strategies to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. The commodification of carbon through markets, however, raises a number of questions about the ethics and justice implications of these approaches. They are tied up in a calculative, managerial approach to the environment, which looks for cost‐effectiveness, just allocations of carbon allowances and equitable international frameworks. In this paper and using an extended case study of personal carbon trading I argue that current debates have insufficiently focused on the ethical assumptions that underlie these solutions. A universal system of carbon monitoring may not offer the kinds of political debates and imaginations of the good life that will be required for a more thoroughly participatory engagement in climate change debates. Opening up these broader ethical questions is a starting point for a renewed realisation of climate change as being as much of a cultural, moral issue as a technical challenge.
Who owns the sand? The Ayre of Cara, Orkney Islands, Scotland
Authors: MCGLASHAN DEREK J , DUCK ROBERT W
Published: April 2010

The construction of Churchill Barrier No. 4 in 1943, a causeway in the Orkney Islands of Scotland, has led to the accretion of a substantial beach‐dune system, the so‐called ‘Ayre of Cara’. As a result of the blocking of tidal flows through Water Sound into Scapa Flow, the deposits have accumulated at an average rate of 7.7 × 103 m3 a−1, which is manifest at the land surface as an average lateral advance rate of 1–6 m a−1. The Ayre of Cara is the only accreting dune system in the Orkney Islands and the rate of lateral growth of the beach is one of the fastest in Britain. Since the causeway, one of four built in World War II to defend the British naval fleet, was not intended to ‘claim’ land, the fundamental question raised is who owns the sand that has accumulated? This question is especially pertinent given that the materials deposited have, at one part of the site, been extracted for commercial gain under license granted by the local authority. A series of theoretical ownership scenarios, which pertain to British legal systems, demonstrate that the situation is complex and that a definitive answer is not yet possible as there has not been a case from this specific site brought before a court, or even from a similar site. However, were property disputes to arise in comparable situations in the future, this paper details for the first time the potential level of confusion and complexity that is likely to arise. The findings of this work also have similar relevance for similar situations in other legal systems in the world.
Source, timing, frequency and flux of ice‐rafted detritus to the Northeast Atlantic margin, 30–12 ka: testing the Heinrich precursor hypothesis
Authors: HAAPANIEMI ANNA I. , SCOURSE JAMES D. , PECK VICTORIA L. , KENNEDY HILARY , KENNEDY PAUL , HEMMING SIDNEY R. , FURZE MARK F. A. , PIEŃKOWSKI ANNA J. , AUSTIN WILLIAM E. N. , WALDEN JOHN , WADSWORTH EMILIE , HALL IAN R.
Published: April 2010

Haapaniemi, A.I., Scourse, J.D., Peck, V.L., Kennedy, H., Kennedy, P., Hemming, S.R., Furze, M.F.A., Pieńkowski, A.J., Austin, W.E.N., Walden, J., Wadsworth, E. & Hall, I.R. 2010: Source, timing, frequency and flux of ice‐rafted detritus to the Northeast Atlantic margin, 30–12 ka: testing the Heinrich precursor hypothesis. Boreas, Vol. 39, pp. 576–591. 10.1111/j.1502‐3885.2010.00141.x. ISSN 0300‐9483.

Increased fluxes of ice‐rafted detritus (IRD) from European ice sheets have been documented some 1000–1500 years before the arrival of Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS)‐sourced IRD during Heinrich (H) events. These early fluxes have become known as ‘precursor events’, and it has been suggested that they have mechanistic significance in the propagation of H events. Here we present a re‐analysis of one of the main cores used to generate the precursor concept, OMEX‐2K from the Goban Spur covering the last 30 ka, in order to identify whether the British–Irish Ice Sheet (BIIS) IRD fluxes occur only as precursors before H layers. IRD characterization and planktonic foraminiferal δ18O measurements constrained by a new age model have enabled the generation of a continuous record of IRD sources, timing, frequency and flux, and of local contemporary hydrographic conditions. The evidence indicates that BIIS IRD precursors are not uniquely, or mechanistically, linked to H events, but are part of the pervasive millennial‐scale cyclicity. Our results support an LIS source for the IRD comprising H layers, but the ambient glacial sections are dominated by assemblages typical of the Irish Sea Ice Stream. Light isotope excursions associated with H events are interpreted as resulting from the melting of the BIIS, with ice‐sheet destabilization attributed to eustatic jumps generated by LIS discharge during H events. This positive‐feedback mechanism probably caused similar responses in all circum‐Atlantic ice‐sheet margins, and the resulting gross freshwater flux contributed to the perturbation of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation during H events.
Migraine Pain and Nociceptor Activation—Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Levy Dan
Published: April 2010

The mechanisms underlying the genesis of migraine pain remain enigmatic largely because of the absence of any identifiable cephalic pathology. Based on numerous indirect lines of evidence, 2 nonmutually exclusive hypotheses have been put forward. The first theorizes that migraine pain originates in the periphery and requires the activation of primary afferent nociceptive neurons that innervate cephalic tissues, primarily the cranial meninges and their related blood vessels. The second maintains that nociceptor activation may not be required and that the headache is promoted primarily as a result of abnormal processing of sensory signals in the central nervous system. This paper reviews the evidence leading to these disparate theories while siding with the primacy of nociceptor activation in the genesis migraine headache. The paper further examines the potential future use of established human models of migraine for addressing the origin of migraine headache.
Integrated Environmental Assessment of Supply‐Side and Demand‐Side Measures for Carbon Dioxide Mitigation in Tokyo, Japan
Authors: Kraines Steven B. , Ishida Takeshi , Wallace David R.
Published: April 2010

Building on previously introduced concepts and software, we constructed an interlinked system of models, called an “integrated model project,” for assessing integrated effects of supply‐side and demand‐side technologies and policies for carbon dioxide (CO2) mitigation in urban areas. We used the integrated model project to evaluate scenarios that included introduction of a solid oxide fuel cell combined with a gas turbine topping cycle (SOFC/GT) as a supply‐side technology and reduction of electricity demand by energy conservation and rooftop photovoltaic (PV) cells in residential and commercial buildings as a demand‐side measure in Tokyo, Japan. Modeling results indicate that integrating multiple supply‐side and demand‐side countermeasures can result in more effective mitigation of CO2 emissions. In particular, although separately a moderate CO2 tax and the SOFC/GT technology do not produce large CO2 mitigation, the combination of the two with PV installation could result in a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions in 2050. Cancellation effects of combinations of supply‐side and demand‐side measures were also seen between supply‐side SOFC/GT systems and demand‐side rooftop PV cells, effects that might not be apparent without the integrated environmental assessment approach that we have adopted. An integrated environmental assessment approach using tools such as those described in this article could help researchers to assess these kinds of dynamic, nonlinear effects, which would not be predicted by conventional linear, “additive” approaches.
Patient‐Dentist Communication: An Adjunct to Successful Complete Denture Treatment
Authors: Shigli Kamal , Awinashe Vaibhav
Published: April 2010

Dentists are considered masters in technical skills and should be able to provide quick solutions to problems that can best be solved through communicating patiently with patients. Effective communication coupled with good clinical skills can lead to apt treatment and satisfaction for both the patient and the dentist. This article intends to highlight the communication skills that can improve the prognosis of complete denture treatment.
Relationship between Giant Negative T‐Wave and Severity of Apical Hypertrophy in Patients with Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Park Sun‐Yi , Park Tae‐Ho , Kim Jung‐Hwan , Baek Hee‐Kyung , Seo Jeong‐Min , Kim Woo‐Jae , Cha Kwang‐Soo , Kim Moo‐Hyun , Kim Young‐Dae
Published: April 2010

Objectives: This study was aimed at evaluating the usefulness of giant negative T‐wave (GNT) as an index of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ACM) severity and as a better echocardiographic index to represent apical hypertrophy. Methods: Seventy‐five patients who were recently diagnosed with ACM by echocardiography were enrolled in this study. ACM patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (ACM with GNT) and group 2 (ACM without GNT). To evaluate ACM severity, apical wall thickness (A‐WT) and apical cross‐sectional muscle area (A‐CSMA) were measured by echocardiography. Results: Twenty‐seven patients (36%) had GNT. The maximal A‐WT of groups 1 and 2 was 19.7 ± 2.4 and 18.6 ± 2.0 mm, P = 0.027, respectively. In addition, the maximal A‐CSMA differed significantly between groups 1 and 2 (14.2 ± 1.8 vs. 11.8 ± 1.9 cm2, P < 0.001). In the correlation analysis, Tmax showed a stronger correlation with A‐CSMA than with A‐WT (r = 0.599 vs. r = 0.291). Conclusions: These results indicate that the presence of GNT in ACM patients may represent more severe apical hypertrophy. Furthermore, A‐CSMA may be a more reliable ACM severity index than A‐WT. (Echocardiography 2010;27:770‐776)
A New Noninvasive Method in Evaluating the Endothelial Function: The Measurement of the Resistive Index after Reactive Hyperemia of the Brachial Artery
Authors: Korkmaz Hasan , Akbulut Mehmet , Özbay Yilmaz , Koç Mustafa
Published: April 2010

Objective: The objective of our study was to investigate whether the measurement of the resistive index (RI) after reactive hyperemia is a relevant method for the evaluation of the endothelial function. Materials and methods: 54 hypertensive patients and 27 controls were prospectively enrolled for the study. In addition to the flow‐mediated dilation (FMD), the RI was also measured during the same procedure. RI is a vascular resistance parameter that is most commonly used to minimize the intra‐ and interobserver variability because of its reliability among repeated measurements. The percent change of the RI after reactive hyperemia (HRI) in comparison to the baseline RI was defined as the flow‐mediated RI (FMRI). (FMRI = 100 ×[HRI − baseline RI/baseline RI]). Results: The groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Differences were present in the systolic arterial pressure (mmHg; 161 ± 15 vs. 114 ± 7, P = 0.000), diastolic arterial pressure (mmHg; 96 ± 7 vs. 72 ± 7, P = 0.000) and left ventricular mass index (g/m2; 124 ± 5 vs. 99 ± 6, P = 0.002). As expected, the FMD differed significantly between hypertensive and control groups (4 ± 4% vs. 13 ± 12%, respectively; P = 0.000). There was also a significant difference in the FMRI values between the groups (−21 ± 10; −30 ± 14, P = 0.002). FMD and FMRI values were negatively correlated (P < 0.05). Conclusion: For the noninvasive evaluation of the endothelial function, FMRI value measured as RI value after reactive hyperemia can be a good alternative to the FMD measured as vascular diameter after reactive hyperemia. (Echocardiography 2010;27:873‐877)
The social dynamics of attracting talent in Halifax
Authors: GRANT JILL L. , KRONSTAL KARIN
Published: April 2010

The paper reports a case study of factors attracting and retaining talented and creative workers in Halifax, Nova Scotia. All categories of workers interviewed mentioned quality of place and amenities in discussing their location preferences, but that could not fully explain their choices. For some occupations (like health research), talented people followed jobs; in other sectors (like music), talented workers migrated to a sympathetic locale with the right conditions for creative engagement; creative workers in some occupations (like those in architectural, engineering or planning consulting) were more rooted in place. The social dynamics—that is, positive and collaborative social networks within key sectors and a wider community perceived as welcoming and interesting—make this mid‐sized city attractive to talented workers. Local universities and a vibrant music scene generate a mutually reinforcing context that attracted mobile talented and creative workers to the city. Respondents noted Halifax's limited cultural diversity but did not report a perceived lack of tolerance as affecting their choices. In smaller cities, the social dynamics of place and workplace and the quality of life available may play more significant roles than tolerance in attracting and retaining talented workers, challenging a basic assumption of creative cities discourse.
ADaphniaParasite (Caullerya mesnili) Constitutes a New Member of the Ichthyosporea, a Group of Protists near the Animal–Fungi Divergence
Authors: LOHR JENNIFER N. , LAFORSCH CHRISTIAN , KOERNER HENRIKE , WOLINSKA JUSTYNA
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACT.Caullerya mesniliis a protozoan endoparasite in the gut epithelium ofDaphnia, which causes regular epidemics in lakes throughout Europe. Its classification has remained unchanged for over a century, leaving it placed with the Haplosporidia, despite speculation that this position is incorrect. The difficulty in classifyingC. mesnilistems from its few known morphological and ecological characteristics, as well as a lack of genetic markers. Here we sequenced the nuclear small subunit (SSU) and internal transcribed spacer rDNA regions ofC. mesnilisamples from 10 locations. Based on sequence similarities, we suggest the re‐classification ofC. mesnilito the Ichthyosporea, a class of protists near the animal–fungi divergence. We report average intragenomic variation of 0.75% and 2.27% in the SSU and internal transcribed spacer regions, respectively. From electron micrographs and light microscopy of histological sections we determined thatC. mesnilispores grow within the intestinal epithelium where they establish themselves intercellularly. In addition, we confirmed previous accounts regarding the high virulence of this parasite.Caullerya mesnilireduces host lifespan, the number of clutches, and the total number of offspring. This high selection pressure placed on hosts supports the importance ofC. mesnilias a model parasite for the study of host–parasite biology in permanent lakes.
The Use of Scripting at Triage and Its Impact on Elopements
Authors: Handel Daniel A. , Fu Rongwei , Daya Mohamud , York Jodie , Larson Eric , John McConnell K.
Published: April 2010

Objectives:  The objective of this study was to measure the effect of scripting language at triage on the likelihood of elopements, controlling for patient volume and other potential confounding variables.

Methods:  This was a pre‐ and postintervention cohort study using the same 5‐month period (November 2007–March 2008 and November 2008–March 2009, respectively) that included in the analysis all patients 21 years of age and older, who presented to the triage window in the emergency department (ED) waiting room (not by ambulance). As part of the scripting, triage nurses informed patients of the longest waiting time (at that point in time) for any patients still waiting to be brought back from the waiting room into the ED. Rates of elopement were compared between patients who did and did not receive the scripting, controlling for individual and daily ED variables.

Results:  A total of 24,390 ED visits were included in this analysis. The elopement rate was 4.4% among ED patients in the prescripting period, compared to 2.3% in the postscripting period. In a multivariate logistic regression model, the use of scripting was significantly associated with decreased odds of elopement, compared to the nonscripting group (odds ratio [OR] = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.46 to 0.80).

Conclusions:  The use of triage scripting was found to significantly reduce elopement rates in patients placed in the ED waiting room, even after controlling for other confounding variables. Scripting is a simple and underutilized technique that can have a positive effect for patients and the ED.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:495–500 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Development of a Novel Animal Burn Model Using Radiant Heat in Rats and Swine
Authors: Gurfinkel Reuven , Singer Adam J. , Cagnano Emanuela , Rosenberg Lior
Published: April 2010

Objectives:  The objective was to develop a novel animal model of burns in rats and pigs.

Methods:  The model uses heat that is delivered via a radiant heater with an opening of 5 cm by 5 cm, set at 400°C, for 20 seconds. An advantage of this model is that the heating source does not come into direct contact with the animal, and the heat dispersion surrounding its center is very constant. The device was evaluated in 40 rats and seven pigs. With rats, three to four burns were created on each rat, resulting in a burn covering a total body surface area of 30% to 50%. In pigs, 16 burns were created on each animal.

Results:  In rats, infliction of burns resulted in mortality rates of 0%–50% depending on the size of the burns and the rats. In pigs, the burns reepithelialized within approximately 3 weeks and resulted in hourglass contracted scars in two of three burns within 1 month.

Conclusions:  The authors describe a novel animal burn model that utilizes radiant heat to create consistent burns that maximizes safety to the investigators and animals.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:514–520 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Non‐invasive bioengineering methods in an intervention study in 1020 male metal workers: results and implications for occupational dermatology
Authors: Kütting Birgitta , Uter Wolfgang , Baumeister Thomas , Schaller Barbara , Weistenhöfer Wobbeke , Drexler Hans
Published: April 2010

Background: Measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) as an indicator of skin barrier function and colorimetry for quantifying erythema have been recommended for monitoring persons at risk of occupational hand dermatitis.

Objective: This study examines the practicability and usefulness of biophysical measurements at the workplace.

Patients/Material/Methods: A sample of 1020 male metal workers was enrolled; 800 participants were followed up for 1 year. TEWL results and colorimetry (a* value), respectively, were used as effectiveness outcomes, comparing the findings in the four study arms (skin care, skin protection, both combined, and control group).

Results: At 1 year follow‐up, the TEWL was slightly but significantly lower in the group of participants randomized for application of barrier cream alone, indicating a protective effect. However, addressing both the individual absolute change of a* value and the differences of TEWL (delta‐TEWL) of the dominant hand over the study period, no significant difference was found between the four groups.

Conclusions: Dermatological examinations at the workplace cannot be replaced by bioengineering techniques. The supplementary benefit is apparently low, possibly because of difficulties in achieving standardized measurement conditions and other technical reasons.
Sensitivity and specificity of the nickel spot (dimethylglyoxime) test
Authors: Thyssen Jacob P. , Skare Lizbet , Lundgren Lennart , Menné Torkil , Johansen Jeanne D. , Maibach Howard I. , Lidén Carola
Published: April 2010

Background: The accuracy of the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) nickel spot test has been questioned because of false negative and positive test reactions. The EN 1811, a European standard reference method developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), is fine‐tuned to estimate nickel release around the limit value of the EU Nickel Directive from products intended to come into direct and prolonged skin contact. Because assessments according to EN 1811 are expensive to perform, time consuming, and may destruct the test item, it should be of great value to know the accuracy of the DMG screening test.

Objectives: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the DMG test.

Methods: DMG spot testing, chemical analysis according to the EN 1811 reference method, and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) were performed concomitantly on 96 metallic components from earrings recently purchased in San Francisco.

Results: The sensitivity of the DMG test was 59.3% and the specificity was 97.5% based on DMG‐test results and nickel release concentrations determined by the EN 1811 reference method.

Conclusions: The DMG test has a high specificity but a modest sensitivity. It may serve well for screening purposes. Past exposure studies may have underestimated nickel release from consumer items.
Frequency of the major histocompatibility complex Mamu‐A*01 allele in experimental rhesus macaques in China
Authors: Wang Wei , Cong Zhe , Liu Xiuying , Tong Wei , Qiao Hongwei , Jiang Hong , Wei Qiang , Qin Chuan
Published: April 2010

Background  In Indian rhesus macaques, the major histocompatibility complex Mamu gene, especially the Mamu‐A*01 allele, plays an important role in simian immunodeficiency virus susceptibility and disease progression. The Mamu‐A*01 allele is one of the protective genes mostly being studied in simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Methods  PCR was used to amplify the Mamu‐A*01 allele in 130 Chinese‐origin rhesus macaques. Identification of the allele was then confirmed by sequencing and IFN‐γ ELISPOT assay.

Results  The Mamu‐A*01 allele was detected in 3.85% (5 of 130) of the experimental Chinese‐origin rhesus macaques. The sequence homology reached 99.1% in comparison with Indian rhesus macaques. A significantly large number of spots were observed in Mamu‐A*01‐positive monkeys when analyzed by ELISPOT with Gag181‐189 epitope stimulation.

Conclusions  Our study suggests that Mamu‐A*01‐positive Chinese‐origin rhesus monkeys are suitable for use in AIDS studies.