bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward the Optimal dose Metric in Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Granado Rolando Claure-Del , Macedo Etienne , Chertow Glenn M. , Soroko Sharon , Himmelfarb Jonathan , Ikizler T. Alp , Paganini Emil P. , Mehta Ravindra L.
Published: March 2012

Purpose:

There is no consensus on the optimal method to measure delivered dialysis dose in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI). The use of direct dialysate-side quantification of dose in preference to the use of formal blood-based urea kinetic modeling and simplified blood urea nitrogen (BUN) methods has been recommended for dose assessment in critically-ill patients with AKI. We evaluate six different blood-side and dialysate-side methods for dose quantification.

Methods:

We examined data from 52 critically-ill patients with AKI requiring dialysis. All patients were treated with pre-dilution CVVHDF and regional citrate anticoagulation. Delivered dose was calculated using blood-side and dialysis-side kinetics. Filter function was assessed during the entire course of therapy by calculating BUN to dialysis fluid urea nitrogen (FUN) ratios q/12 hours.

Results:

Median daily treatment time was 1,413 min (1,260–1,440). The median observed effluent volume per treatment was 2,355 mL/h (2,060–2,863) (p<0.001). Urea mass removal rate was 13.0±7.6 mg/min. Both EKR (r2=0.250; p<0.001) and KD (r2=0.409; p<0.001) showed a good correlation with actual solute removal. EKR and KD presented a decline in their values that was related to the decrease in filter function assessed by the FUN/BUN ratio.

Conclusions:

Effluent rate (mL/kg/h) can only empirically provide an estimated of dose in CRRT. For clinical practice, we recommend that the delivered dose should be measured and expressed as KD. EKR also constitutes a good method for dose comparisons over time and across modalities.
Experimental Performance Evaluation of POBICOS Middleware for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Hiltunen Jouni , Ala-Louko Mikko , Taumberger Markus
Published: March 2012

The advances in the theory of wireless sensor networks have been remarkable during the past decades, but there is a lack of extensive experimental evaluations. In this paper we present performance-evaluation methods and results for POBICOS (platform for opportunistic behaviour in incompletely specified, heterogeneous object communities), which is an advanced middleware for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The measurements concern energy consumption, duty cycle, and OS task profiling as well as communication characteristics such as round trip time (RTT) and throughput. In addition, a bandwidth analysis during a long-term experiment of fully functional POBICOS network and application is studied. Based on the evaluation results, power mode and data cache improvements are presented as well as CPU clock frequency optimizations.
The prognostic significance of lymphopenia in peripheral T‐cell and natural killer/T‐cell lymphomas: A study of 826 cases from the International Peripheral T‐cell Lymphoma Project
Authors: Mitrovic Zdravko , Perry Anamarija M. , Suzumiya Junji , Armitage James O. , Au Wing Y. , Coiffier Bertrand , Holte Harald , Jaffe Elaine S. , Monserrat Emili , Rajan Sandeep K. , Savage Kerry J. , Tobinai Kensei , Vose Julie M. , Weisenburger Dennis D.
Published: March 2012

Lymphopenia is a marker of inferior survival in patients with various malignancies. However, the prognostic significance of lymphopenia in peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) is unclear. We analyzed the prognostic significance of lymphopenia in 826 patients with different types of PTCL and natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma (NKTCL) from the International Peripheral T‐cell Lymphoma Project. Lymphopenia was defined as an absolute lymphocyte count of less than 1,000 cells per microliter. The overall frequency of lymphopenia was 35.3%, ranging from 21.1% in ALK+anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) to 47.5% in angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL). Lymphopenia was independently associated with an inferior overall survival (OS) in patients with the lymphoma type of adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), with a 2‐year OS of 15% versus 40% for those without lymphopenia (P< 0.001). Lymphopenia was also an adverse predictor of survival in PTCL, not otherwise specified, but was associated with other unfavorable prognostic factors. A trend toward inferior survival for lymphopenic patients was also observed in AITL, ALK−ALCL and extranasal NKTCL lymphoma, whereas no difference in survival was found in nasal NKTCL, ALK+ALCL, or enteropathy‐associated T‐cell lymphoma. In this study, lymphopenia was identified as a new adverse prognostic factor in the lymphoma type of ATLL. Am. J. Hematol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of hemostasis in flowing blood
Authors: Grabowski Eric F. , Yam Kylee , Gerace Matthew
Published: March 2012

Hemostasis and thrombosis are now increasingly recognized as integrally related to blood rheology and blood flow. Platelets, for example, are known to access the vessel wall in ways which depend upon the small‐scale motions of neighboring erythrocytes, and access one another via collisions driven by gradients in blood flow velocity. In this context, flow devices have become a subject of great interest in the clinical assessment of bleeding disorders, especially platelet function defects and von Willebrand disease. While these devices currently lack standardization and outcomes measures which establish clear clinical utility, their promise remains great, particularly in the potential to simulate the microenvironment of arteries vs. veins and in their ability to incorporate such intrinsically flow‐dependent phenomena as co‐localization of tissue‐factor‐bearing microparticles with platelets, the weakness of the GPIb‐vWF bond at very high shear stresses, and even the hemostatic and antithrombotic function of vascular endothelium. In contrast, currently utilized assays are often performed under static conditions that do not involve flow and therefore are not able to simulate the microenvironment of arteries and veins. Am. J. Hematol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparison of attrition rates in patients undergoing sublingual immunotherapy vs subcutaneous immunotherapy
Authors: Hsu Nicole M. , Reisacher William R.
Published: March 2012

Background:

Effective allergy immunotherapy (IT) requires patient compliance. Numerous studies have shown high noncompliance rates in patients undergoing IT. For patients enrolled in subcutaneous IT (SCIT), noncompliance rates were noted to range from 11% to 50%, whereas sublingual IT (SLIT) patients had noncompliance rates ranging from 3% to 25%. Comparing noncompliance rates is difficult because noncompliance in SCIT is defined as withdrawal from therapy, whereas in SLIT it is considered poor adherence to daily administration. The aim of this study was to compare attrition rates in patients enrolled in SCIT vs SLIT, as well as major factors leading to termination of IT.

Methods:

We retrospectively compared attrition rates, IT duration, and reasons for termination between patients enrolled in SCIT (n = 139) and SLIT (n = 78), over a 4‐year period.

Results:

Attrition rates for SCIT and SLIT were 45% and 41%, respectively (p = 0.669). No significant difference in duration of IT was observed between the groups (≤1 month, p = 0.079; 1‐2 months, p = 0.486; 2‐3 months, p = 0.165; 3‐6 months, p = 0.575; 6‐12 months, p = 0.361; 12–24 months, p = 1.000; and ≥24 months, p = 0.258). Among reasons cited for discontinuing IT, SCIT patients reported inconvenience (p = 0.001), whereas SLIT patients indicated efficacy concerns (p = 0.022) as the major basis for withdrawal.

Conclusion:

No significant difference was observed in attrition rates between SCIT and SLIT. While there was no significant difference in duration of IT prior to withdrawal, there was a trend toward earlier withdrawal in SCIT patients. The reasons for withdrawal, however, were considerably different between the 2 groups. © 2012 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Surface coating on cotton fabrics of new multilayer formulations based on superabsorbent hydrogels synthesized by gamma radiation designed for diapers
Authors: Nizam El‐Din Horia M.
Published: March 2012

In this work, superabsorbent formulations composed of two layers of hydrogels, prepared by gamma irradiation, were surface coated on cotton fabrics. The first layer, which is directly surface coated on cotton fabrics, was based on the copolymer hydrogel of 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid/2‐dimethyaminoethyl methacrylate (AMPS/DEMA). The top layer was based on pure AMPS hydrogel. The different hydrogel layers were characterized in terms of thermal stability by thermogravimetric analysis and mechanical testing. In addition, the swelling of the different layers of hydrogels in water and urea solutions (as a solution resembling urine) were studied. The results showed that the multilayer hydrogels obtained displayed higher swelling in urea than in water, which is promising in the field of diapers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Learning surgically oriented anatomy in a student‐run extracurricular club: An education through recreation initiative
Authors: Ullah Shahnoor M. , Bodrogi Andrew , Cristea Octav , Johnson Marjorie , McAlister Vivian C.
Published: March 2012

Didactic and laboratory anatomical education have seen significant reductions in the medical school curriculum due, in part, to the current shift from basic science to more clinically based teaching in North American medical schools. In order to increase medical student exposure to anatomy, with clinical applicability, a student‐run initiative called surgically oriented anatomy prosectors (SOAP) club was created within the extracurricular program at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Canada. SOAP invites surgeons and residents from various surgical specialties to demonstrate, on a cadaver, a surgical procedure of their choosing. During the demonstration, the anatomy, as it relates to the surgical procedure, is discussed. The students then break into smaller groups to examine the relevant anatomy on the cadavers, during which time the discussion is broadened. The group continues the conversation in a social environment with refreshments. SOAP is one of the most popular extracurricular clubs with 65% of first and second year medical students registered as members. The high demand for SOAP, along with the positive participant feedback, may be due to its utilization of the principle of education through recreation, which seeks to provide opportunities for learning seamlessly throughout all facets of life. It also demonstrates the desire, amongst certain medical students, to learn applied anatomy, particularly within a surgical context. Anat Sci Educ. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Safety modeling for two‐way left‐turn lanes and a procedure to identify two‐way left‐turn lane segments with safety concerns
Authors: Lu Jian John , Chen Shengdi , Pernia Juan C. , Lu Linjun
Published: March 2012

In the past, two‐way left‐turn lane (TWLTL) median treatments have been frequently used in Florida to inexpensively improve traffic and safety performances. In order to identify factors that may have significant impacts on safety operations in TWLTL sections and to identify TWLTL locations that present existing and future safety concerns, a research project was carried out and results are summarized in the paper. In the research, a three‐year crash history database with crashes and section characteristics from a total of 1688 TWLTL sections all over Florida was developed and used. A negative binomial regression model was developed to determine the statistical relationship between the number of crashes per mile per year and several variables such as traffic volume, access density, posted speed, and number of lanes. In regard to the methodology, in order to identify locations with safety concerns, several steps are needed: development of real crash data distribution, determination of statistical distribution models that better represent the actual crash data, determination of percentile values for the average number of crashes, estimation of crash rates for sections with the same characteristics, estimation of critical values for the variables corresponding to the percentile values for average number of crashes, calculation of tables of critical average annual daily traffic values, and generation of a list of TWLTL locations with critical safety concerns. Results presented in the paper have been used in real applications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of CO2 Emission Variation on Firm Performance
Authors: Alvarez Isabel Gallego
Published: March 2012

The quantifying and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions is one of the most important tools for monitoring and auditing proposed to mitigate climate change, and it also directly affects business. It is thus vital that at this time we learn in detail whether firms actually report on greenhouse gas emissions and make the account entries that must be included within it.

This research is twofold: first to analyse the reports on greenhouse gas emissions of international firms in the 2007 and 2008 period and to see what kind of variation occurs in CO2 emissions between 2006–2007 and 2007–2008, and second to determine the impact that this variation (2006–2007) can have on firm performance in four time periods (t, t + 1, t + 2 and t + 3) that correspond to 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, taking two variables as a measure of firm performance, ROE and ROA, and considering a time period affected by a financial crisis.

The results obtained show that there was a reduction in CO2 emissions in the 2006–2007 period, and also in the 2007–2008 period. As regards the impact that the variation in CO2 emissions has on ROE and ROA, CO2 emission variation is a significant but negative variable only for ROA_2007 and for the rest of the years it is not statistically significant either for ROE or ROA. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Rapamycin inhibits the invasive ability of thyroid cancer cells by down‐regulating the expression of VEGF‐C in vitro
Authors: Feng Wenli , Jia Shenshan
Published: March 2012

The aim of this study was to observe the effects of rapamycin on proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of SW579 in vitro. The proliferation and apoptosis of SW579 cells were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium and flow cytometry. Transwell assay was used to observe the changes of invasive ability of SW579 cells after being treated with rapamycin. The effects of rapamycin on the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling and vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF‐C) were observed by Western blot. The inhibition and apoptosis rates increased obviously when the concentration of rapamycin was 20 nm. When the rapamycin concentration was 10 nm, the invasive ability of SW579 cells changed significantly than when it was 5 nm. Our data showed that when the concentrations of rapamycin were over 20 nm, the expression of mTOR and p70S6K decreased significantly, and the expression of PTEN increased notably. There were no remarkable variations observed when we detected the expression of Akt. We found the expression of VEGF‐C was high in SW579 cells and decreased slightly when the cells were treated with 5 nm rapamycin. When the concentration of rapamycin was over 5 nm, significant changes were observed. Rapamycin could inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of human thyroid cancer cells in vitro by mTOR inhibition. No obvious changes observed in the expression of AKT indicated that there might be a feedback loop effect by the mTOR inhibition induced by rapamycin. Rapamycin could inhibit the invasive ability of SW579 cells by down‐regulating the expression of VEGF‐C. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel algorithm to select basis functions in spline regression: applications in quantitative structure–activity relationship studies
Authors: Bahl Jyotsna , Ramamurthi Narayanan , Gunturi Sitarama B.
Published: March 2012

Selection of the most significant basis functions to perform spline regressions is an extremely challenging problem in quantitative structure–activity relationship studies. Normally, spline‐based regression models are derived either incrementally or using genetic algorithms, and they may not provide optimal solutions. To address this issue in a systematic way, we described herein a novel variable selection method, namely, random replacement method (RRM) combining the principles of replacement methods (RMs) and genetic algorithms. We applied RRM for the selection of variables in multiple linear regression on two model data sets and showed that the method outperforms other approaches, namely, variable selection and model building using prediction and ant colony optimization. We extended the application of RRM for the selection of basis functions in spline regression, and this approach is named as random function approximation (RFA). We compared the performance of RFA with that of multivariate adaptive regression splines and genetic function approximation and demonstrated the improved performances of the proposed method and the quality of the generated models based on coefficient of determination, R2 and Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing the Efficiency of Directed Evolution in Focused Enzyme Libraries by the Adaptive Substituent Reordering Algorithm
Authors: Feng Xiaojiang , Sanchis Joaquin , Reetz Manfred T. , Rabitz Herschel
Published: March 2012

Directed evolution is a broadly successful strategy for protein engineering in the quest to enhance the stereoselectivity, activity, and thermostability of enzymes. To increase the efficiency of directed evolution based on iterative saturation mutagenesis, the adaptive substituent reordering algorithm (ASRA) is introduced here as an alternative to traditional quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) methods for identifying potential protein mutants with desired properties from minimal sampling of focused libraries. The operation of ASRA depends on identifying the underlying regularity of the protein property landscape, allowing it to make predictions without explicit knowledge of the structure–property relationships. In a proof‐of‐principle study, ASRA identified all or most of the best enantioselective mutants among the synthesized epoxide hydrolase from Aspergillus niger, in the absence of peptide seeds with high E‐values. ASRA even revealed a laboratory error from irregularities of the reordered E‐value landscape alone.
Multi‐Criteria Aspects of Modularization in the Process Plant Layout and Design
Authors: Hady Łukasz , Wozny Günter
Published: March 2012

Eine breite Anwendung der Modularisierung bei der Planung verfahrenstechnischer Anlagen ist bisher vor allem durch fehlende einheitliche und von allen akzeptierte modulare Strukturen sowie Ansätze begrenzt. Neben den bestehenden Ansätzen zur Modularisierung verfahrenstechnischer Anlagen wird ein Modularisierungskonzept dargestellt, mit dem verschiedene Aspekte der Modularisierung gleichzeitig bei der Anlagenplanung berücksichtigt werden können. Das modulare Konzept umfasst hierbei die Definition und Identifizierung von Modulen, deren dreidimensionales Design, die Ablage und Know‐how‐Sicherung zwecks der Wiederverwendung des Engineering und der Ausrüstungen sowie die Planung und Kostenschätzung mit wiederverwendbaren Modulen. Abschließend wird die Modularisierung von Miniplant‐Anlagen sowie die Einführung der Modularisierung in die Lehre vorgestellt.
Intracellular SPIO labeling of microglia: high field considerations and limitations for MR microscopy
Authors: Rosenberg Jens T. , Sachi‐Kocher Afi , Davidson Michael W. , Grant Samuel C.
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study is to investigate MRI contrast as a function of magnetic field strength for microglia labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles. A rat microglia cell line, Bv2, was incubated with SPIOs for 6 h. In two separate experiments conducted at 11.75 and 21.1 T, the impact of SPIO loading and cell count on T1, T2 and T2* contrast were evaluated: (a) cells were incubated with 1, 2 or 5 µl of Feridex; and (b) cells incubated with 5 µl of Feridex were used to form layers of 25 000, 50 000, 100 000 or 200 000 cells. Intracellular iron was analyzed with ICP‐MS and histological staining while cell viability was evaluated by Trypan blue dye exclusion. Bv2 cells displayed increases in intracellular iron concentration with SPIO exposure, with the highest labeling yielding 0.83 pg of Fe per cell. Although no differences were identified for T1 mechanisms, both fields displayed trends toward increasing T2 and T2* contrast with increasing SPIO loading or cell count, with few differences evident between fields. Bv2 cells can be labeled readily with commercially available SPIOs, with the potential of increasing the intracellular iron content over short incubation times without impacting viability. This phagocytotic cell line not only provides direct SPIO uptake but also plays a critical role in inflammation after brain injury, providing a possible neurodegeneration biomarker. With few differences between field strengths and limited ability to quantify intracellular iron content and cell count, this study demonstrates only a slight benefit of SPIO‐based contrast agent at high fields based on susceptibility‐based contrast and detection, necessitating unique agents for such applications. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyglycerol‐grafted superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: highly efficient MRI contrast agent for liver and kidney imaging and potential scaffold for cellular and molecular imaging
Authors: Arsalani Nasser , Fattahi Hassan , Laurent Sophie , Burtea Carmen , Elst Luce Vander , Muller Robert N.
Published: March 2012

Polyglycerol as a water‐soluble and biocompatible hyperbranched polymer was covalently grafted on the surface of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. With this aim, superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles were prepared by coprecipitation in aqueous media, then the surface of nanoparticles was modified to introduce the reactive groups on the surface of nanoparticles. After that, polyglycerol was grafted on the surface of nanoparticles by ring‐opening anionic polymerization of glycidol using n‐bulyllithium as initiator. The magnetometry, relaxometry and phantom MRI experiments of this highly stable ferrofluid showed its high potential as a negative MRI contrast agent. Calculated r1 and r2 relaxivities at different magnetic fields were higher than the values reported for commercially available iron oxide contrast agents. The in vivo MRI studies showed that, after intravenous injection into mice, the particles produced a strong negative contrast in liver and kidneys, which persisted for 80 min (in liver) to 110 min (in kidneys). The negative contrast of the liver and kidneys weakened over the time, suggesting that polyglycerol coating renders the nanoparticles stealth and possibly optimal for renal excretion. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of eXIA 160XL cardiac‐related enhancement in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice using micro‐CT
Authors: Detombe Sarah A. , Dunmore‐Buyze Joy , Drangova Maria
Published: March 2012

Evaluation of cardiovascular function in mice using micro‐CT requires that a contrast agent be administered to differentiate the blood from the myocardium. eXIA 160XL, an aqueous colloidal poly‐disperse contrast agent with a high iodine concentration (160 mg I ml−1), creates strong contrast between blood and tissue with a low injection volume. In this study, the blood‐pool enhancement time‐course of eXIA 160XL is monitored over a 48 h period to determine its optimal use during cardiac function studies in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. Eight‐second scans were performed (80 kVp, 110 mA) using the GE Locus Ultra micro‐CT scanner. Six C57BL/6 and six BALB/c male mice (22–24 g) were injected via tail vein with 5 µl g−1 body weight eXIA 160XL. A precontrast scan was performed; following injection, mice were scanned at 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min, and 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h. Images were reconstructed, and enhancement–time curves were generated for each of the following tissues: left ventricle (LV), myocardium, liver, spleen, renal cortex, bladder and brown adipose tissue. The highest contrast in the LV occurred at 5 min in both strains (~670 HU above precontrast value). Uptake of the contrast agent by the myocardium was also observed: myocardial tissue showed increasing enhancement over a 4 h period in both strains, remaining even once the contrast was eliminated from the vasculature. In both C57BL/6 and BALB/c strains, eXIA 160XL provided high contrast between blood and myocardial tissue for a period of 30 min following injection. Notably, this contrast agent was also taken up by the myocardium and provided continued enhancement when it was eliminated from the blood, making LV wall motion studies possible. In conclusion, eXIA 160XL, with its high iodine concentration and targeted tissue uptake characteristics, is an ideal agent to use when evaluating cardiovascular function in mice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MR and optical imaging of early micrometastases in lymph nodes: triple labeling with nano‐sized agents yielding distinct signals
Authors: Kosaka Nobuyuki , Bernardo Marcelino , Mitsunaga Makoto , Choyke Peter L. , Kobayashi Hisataka
Published: March 2012

Few imaging methods are available for depicting in vivo cancer cell migration within the lymphatic system. Detection of such early micrometastases requires extremely high target to background. In this study, we dual‐labeled human breast cancer cells (MDA‐MB468) with a small particle of iron oxide (SPIO) and a quantum dot (QD), and tracked these cells in the lymphatic system in mice using in vivo MRI and optical imaging. A generation‐6 gadolinium‐dendrimer‐based MRI contrast agent (Gd‐G6) was employed for visualizing regional lymphatic channels and nodes. Since Gd‐G6 shortened T1 leading to high signal, whereas SPIO‐labeled cancer cells greatly lowered signal, a small number of cells were simultaneously visualized within the draining lymphatic basins. One million dual‐labeled cancer cells were subcutaneously injected into the paws of mice 24 h prior to imaging. Then whole body images were acquired pre‐ and post‐intracutaneous injection of Gd‐G6 with 3D‐T1w‐FFE and balanced‐FFE sequences for cancer cell tracking and MR lymphangiography. In vivo MRI clearly visualized labeled cancer cells migrating from the paw to the axillary lymph nodes using draining lymphatics. In vivo optical imaging using a fluorescence surgical microscope demonstrated tiny cancer cell clusters in the axillary lymph node with high spatial resolution. Thus, using a combination of MRI and optical imaging, it is possible to depict macro‐ and early micrometastases within the lymphatic system. This platform offers a versatile research tool for investigating and treating lymphatic metastases in animal models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The minute brain of the copepod Tigriopus californicus supports a complex ancestral ground pattern of the tetraconate cerebral nervous systems
Authors: Andrew David R. , Brown Sheena M. , Strausfeld Nicholas J.
Published: March 2012

Copepods are a diverse and ecologically crucial group of minute crustaceans that are relatively neglected in terms of studies on nervous system organization. Recently, morphological neural characters have helped clarify evolutionary relationships within Arthropoda, particularly among Tetraconata (i.e., crustaceans and hexapods), and indicate that copepods occupy an important phylogenetic position relating to both Malacostraca and Hexapoda. This taxon therefore provides the opportunity to evaluate those neural characters common to these two clades likely to be results of shared ancestry (homology) versus convergence (homoplasy). Here we present an anatomical characterization of the brain and central nervous system of the well‐studied harpacticoid copepod species Tigriopus californicus. We show that this species is endowed with a complex brain possessing a central complex comprising a protocerebral bridge and central body. Deutocerebral glomeruli are supplied by the antennular nerves, and a lateral protocerebral olfactory neuropil corresponds to the malacostracan hemiellipsoid body. Glomeruli contain synaptic specializations comparable to the presynaptic “T‐bars” typical of dipterous insects, including Drosophila melanogaster. Serotonin‐like immunoreactivity pervades the brain and ventral nervous system, with distinctive deutocerebral distributions. The present observations suggest that a suite of morphological characters typifying the Tigriopus brain reflect a ground pattern organization of an ancestral Tetraconata, which possessed an elaborate and structurally differentiated nervous system. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:3446–3470, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Organization of the gymnotiform fish pallium in relation to learning and memory: IV. Expression of conserved transcription factors and implications for the evolution of dorsal telencephalon
Authors: Harvey‐Girard Erik , Giassi Ana C.C. , Ellis William , Maler Leonard
Published: March 2012

We have cloned the apteronotid homologs of FoxP2, Otx1, and FoxO3. There was, in the case of all three genes, good similarity between the apteronotid and human amino acid sequences: FoxP2, 78%; Otx1, 54%; FoxO3, 71%. The functional domains of these genes were conserved to a far greater extent, on average: FoxP2, 89%; Otx1, 76%; FoxO3, 82%. This led us to hypothesize that the cellular functions of these genes might also be conserved. We used in situ hybridization to examine the distribution of the mRNA transcripts of these genes in the apteronotid telencephalon. We confined our analysis to the pallial regions previously associated with learning about social signals, whose circuitry has been closely examined in the other articles of this series. We found that AptFoxP2 and AptOtx1 transcripts were expressed predominantly in the dorsocentral division of the pallium (DC); the dorsolateral division of the pallium (DL) contained only weakly labeled neurons. In both cases, the distribution of labeled neurons was very heterogeneous, and unlabeled neurons could be found adjacent to strongly labeled ones. In contrast, we found that most neurons in DL strongly expressed AptFoxO3 mRNA, although there was only weak expression in a small number of cells within DC. We briefly discuss the relevance of our results regarding the functional roles of AptFoxP2/AptOtx1‐expressing neurons in DC for communication vs. foraging behavior. We extensively discuss the implications of our results for possible homologies between DL and DC and medial and dorsal pallium of tetrapods, respectively. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:3395–3413, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
γ‐Aminobutyric acid‐, glycine‐, and glutamate‐immunopositive boutons on mesencephalic trigeminal neurons that innervate jaw‐closing muscle spindles in the rat: Ultrastructure and development
Authors: Paik Sang Kyoo , Kwak Myung Kyw , Bae Jin Young , Yi Hyun Won , Yoshida Atsushi , Ahn Dong Kuk , Bae Yong Chul
Published: March 2012

Unlike other primary sensory neurons, the neurons in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (Vmes) receive most of their synaptic input onto their somata. Detailed description of the synaptic boutons onto Vmes neurons is crucial for understanding the synaptic input onto these neurons and their role in the motor control of masticatory muscles. For this, we investigated the distribution of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐, glycine‐, and glutamate‐immunopositive (+) boutons on Vmes neurons and their ultrastructural parameters that relate to transmitter release: Vmes neurons that innervate masseteric muscle spindles were identified by labeling with horseradish peroxidase injected into the muscle, and immunogold staining and quantitative ultrastructural analysis of synapses onto these neurons were performed in adult rats and during postnatal development. The bouton volume, mitochondrial volume, and active zone area of the boutons contacting labeled somata (axosomatic synapses) were similar to those of boutons forming axoaxonic synapses with Vmes neurons but smaller than those of boutons forming axodendritic or axosomatic synapses with most other neurons. GABA+, glycine+, and glutamate+ boutons constituted a large majority (83%) of all boutons on labeled somata. A considerable fraction of boutons (28%) was glycine+, and all glycine+ boutons were also GABA+. Bouton size remained unchanged during postnatal development. These findings suggest that the excitability of Vmes neurons is determined to a great extent by GABA, glycine, and glutamate and that the relatively lower synaptic strength of axosomatic synapses may reflect the role of the Vmes neurons in modulating orofacial motor function. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:3414–3427, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Divergent and convergent projections to the two parallel olfactory centers from two neighboring, pheromone‐receptive glomeruli in the male American cockroach
Authors: Nishino Hiroshi , Iwasaki Masazumi , Kamimura Itsuro , Mizunami Makoto
Published: March 2012

Many animals utilize sex pheromone for detecting conspecific mates. Sex pheromone is usually a blend of two or more components with similar chemical compositions. The pheromone receivers are equipped with localized olfactory glomeruli in the first‐order olfactory center for specifically processing these pheromone components. In the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, either periplanone A or periplanone B emitted by virgin females evokes identical sexual behaviors in males. The antennal lobes of adult male cockroaches have enlarged, neighboring A‐ and B‐glomeruli, which preferentially process periplanones A and B, respectively. By using intracellular recording and staining of neurons in the same preparations, we provide the first detailed projection maps of output neurons (projection neurons; PNs) from the A‐glomerulus and the B‐glomerulus. Although both PNs project to the mushroom body calyces and the lateral horn, their proximities in the two centers largely differ: in the calyces, the axon terminals of the A‐PN were located more predominantly in the periphery compared with those of the B‐PN, whereas axon terminals of both PNs were highly congruent in the anteromedial region of the lateral horn. These results suggest that pheromone component signals are dispersed in the mushroom body for specific odor discrimination but are integrated in the lateral horn for generating behaviors common to the pheromone components. Stimulation of the ipsilateral antenna with various odors showed that the odor specificity of A‐PN is higher than that of B‐PN. The different developmental lineages of A‐ and B‐PNs suggested by these results are discussed. J. Comp. Neurol. 520:3428–3445, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autonomic Neural Control of Intrathoracic Airways
Authors: Undem Bradley J. , Potenzieri Carl
Published: March 2012

Autonomic neural control of the intrathoracic airways aids in optimizing air flow and gas exchange. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, the autonomic nervous system contributes to host defense of the respiratory tract. These functions are accomplished by tightly regulating airway caliber, blood flow, and secretions. Although both the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system innervate the airways, it is the later that dominates, especially with respect to control of airway smooth muscle and secretions. Parasympathetic tone in the airways is regulated by reflex activity often initiated by activation of airway stretch receptors and polymodal nociceptors. This review discusses the preganglionic, ganglionic, and postganglionic mechanisms of airway autonomic innervation. Additionally, it provides a brief overview of how dysregulation of the airway autonomic nervous system may contribute to respiratory diseases. © 2012 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol2:1241‐1267, 2012.
Myogenic waves and myogenic programs during Xenopus embryonic myogenesis
Authors: Della Gaspera Bruno , Armand Anne‐Sophie , Sequeira Inés , Chesneau Albert , Mazabraud André , Lécolle Sylvie , Charbonnier Frédéric , Chanoine Christophe
Published: March 2012

Background: Although Xenopus is a key model organism in developmental biology, little is known about the myotome formation in this species. Here, we assessed the expression of myogenic regulatory factors of the Myod family (MRFs) during embryonic development and revealed distinct MRF programs. Results: The expression pattern of each MRF during embryonic development highlights three successive myogenic waves. We showed that a first median and lateral myogenesis initiates before dermomyotome formation: the median cell population expresses Myf5, Myod, and Mrf4, whereas the lateral one expresses Myod, moderate levels of Myogenin and Mrf4. The second wave of myoblasts arising from the dermomyotome is characterized by the full MRF program expression, with high levels of Myogenin. The third wave is revealed by Myf5 expression in the myotome and could contribute to the formation of plurinucleated fibers at larval stages. Furthermore, Myf5‐ or Myod‐expressing anlagen are identified in craniofacial myogenesis. Conclusions: The first median and lateral myogenesis and their associated MRF programs have probably disappeared in mammals. However, some aspects of Xenopus myogenesis have been conserved such as the development of somitic muscles by successive myogenic waves and the existence of Myf5‐dependent and ‐independent lineages. Developmental Dynamics 241:995–1007, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
EphB3 marks delaminating endocrine progenitor cells in the developing pancreas
Authors: Villasenor Alethia , Marty‐Santos Leilani , Dravis Christopher , Fletcher Peter , Henkemeyer Mark , Cleaver Ondine
Published: March 2012

Background: Understanding the process by which pancreatic beta‐cells acquire their “fate” is critical to the development of in vitro directed differentiation protocols for cell replacement therapies for diabetics. To date, these efforts are hampered by a paucity of markers that distinguish pancreatic endocrine cells at different stages of differentiation. Results: Here, we identify EphB3 as a novel pro‐endocrine marker and use its expression to track delaminating islet lineages. First, we provide a detailed developmental expression profile for EphB3 and other EphB family members in the embryonic pancreas. We demonstrate that EphB3 transiently marks endocrine cells as they delaminate from the pancreatic epithelium, prior to their differentiation. Using a Tet‐inducible EphB3rtTA‐lacZ reporter line, we show that short‐term pulse‐labeled EphB3+ cells co‐express Pdx1, Nkx6.1, Ngn3, and Synaptophysin, but not insulin, glucagon, or other endocrine hormones. Prolonged labeling tracks EphB3+ cells from their exit from the epithelium to their differentiation. Conclusions: These studies demonstrate that pro‐endocrine cell differentiation during late gestation, from delamination to maturation, takes approximately 2 days. Together, these data introduce EphB3 as a new biomarker to identify beta‐cells at a critical step during their step‐wise differentiation and define the timeframe of endocrine differentiation. Developmental Dynamics 241:1008–1019, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous Determination of Caffeine and Acetylsalicylic Acid in Pharmaceutical Formulations Using a Boron‐Doped Diamond Film Electrode by Differential Pulse Voltammetry
Authors: Faria Eric Oliveira , Lopes Junior Antônio Carlos Viera , Souto Dênio Emanuel Pires , Leite Fernando Roberto Figueiredo , Damos Flávio Santos , de Cássia Silva Luz Rita , dos Santos Alexandre Soares , Franco Diego Leoni , dos Santos Wallans Torres Pio
Published: March 2012

This work presents a simple, fast and low‐cost method for simultaneous determination of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), without alkaline hydrolysis and caffeine (CF) in pharmaceutical formulations using a boron‐doped diamond as the working electrode through differential pulse voltammetry. A good repeatability was reached for 20 measurements, with a low relative standard deviation of less than 1.0 %. The calibration curves presented a great linear correlation coefficient for both drugs (R=0.999) with a limit of detection of 1.6×10−7 mol L−1 for CF and 2.3×10−7 mol L−1 for ASA. The system was validated in comparison with the official method.
Golli myelin basic proteins stimulate oligodendrocyte progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation in remyelinating adult mouse brain
Authors: Paez Pablo M. , Cheli Veronica T. , Ghiani Cristina A. , Spreuer Vilma , Handley Vance W. , Campagnoni Anthony T.
Published: March 2012

Golli myelin basic proteins are necessary for normal myelination, acting via voltage and store‐dependent Ca2+ entry at multiple steps during oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) development. To date nothing is known regarding the role of golli proteins in demyelination or remyelination events. Here the effects of golli ablation and overexpression in myelin loss and recovery were examined using the cuprizone (CPZ) model of demyelination/remyelination. We found severe demyelination in the corpus callosum (CC) of golli‐overexpressing mice (JOE) during the CPZ treatment, which was accompanied by an increased number of reactive astrocytes and activation of microglia/macrophages. During demyelination of JOE brains, a significant increase in the number of proliferating OPCs was found in the CC as well as in the subventricular zone, and our data indicate that these progenitors matured and fully remyelinated the CC of JOE animals after CPZ withdrawal. In contrast, in the absence of golli (golli‐KO mice) delayed myelin loss associated with a smaller immune response, and a lower number of OPCs was found in these mice during the CPZ treatment. Furthermore, incomplete remyelination was observed after CPZ removal in large areas of the CC of golli‐KO mice, reflecting irregular recovery of the oligodendrocyte population and subsequent myelin sheath formation. Our findings demonstrate that golli proteins sensitize mature oligodendrocytes to CPZ‐induced demyelination, while at the same time stimulate the proliferation/recruitment of OPCs during demyelination, resulting in accelerated remyelination. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new approach to the synthesis of 2‐aryl‐substituted benzimidazoles, quinazolines, and other related compounds and their antibacterial activity
Authors: Los Renata , Wesołowska‐Trojanowska Marta , Malm Anna , Karpińska Monika M. , Matysiak Joanna , Niewiadomy Andrzej , Głaszcz Urszula
Published: March 2012

A new synthesis method of benzimidazoles, dihydroquinazolines, and other related compounds containing a 2,4‐dihydroxyphenyl moiety was elaborated. Their structures were identified from elemental, infrared, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectra analyses. The minimal inhibitory concentration values of the compounds toward eight reference bacterial strains were determined by the two‐fold serial microdilution broth method. The compounds exhibited substantial inhibitory effects against the Gram‐positive strains tested contrary to Gram‐negative ones. The compounds of imidazopyridine, N‐methylbenzimidazole, and dihydroquinazoline structures exhibited the largest activity. The magnification of covering a two‐nitrogen atom heterocyclic ring fused to a benzene one decreases the biological effect. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 23:265–275, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.21012
PRODUCTION COST STRUCTURE IN US OUTPATIENT PHYSICAL THERAPY HEALTH CARE
Authors: Lubiani Gregory G. , Okunade Albert A.
Published: March 2012

This paper investigates the technology cost structure in US physical therapy care. We exploit formal economic theories and a rich national data of providers to tease out implications for operational cost efficiencies. The 2008–2009 dataset comprising over 19 000 bi‐weekly, site‐specific physical therapy center observations across 28 US states and Occupational Employment Statistics data (Bureau of Labor Statistics) includes measures of output, three labor types (clinical, support, and administrative), and facilities (capital). We discuss findings from the iterative seemingly unrelated regression estimation system model. The generalized translog cost estimates indicate a well‐behaved underlying technology structure. We also find the following: (i) factor demands are downwardly sloped; (ii) pair‐wise factor relationships largely reflect substitutions; (iii) factor demand for physical therapists is more inelastic compared with that for administrative staff; and (iv) diminishing scale economies exist at the 25%, 50%, and 75% output (patient visits) levels. Our findings advance the timely economic understanding of operations in an increasingly important segment of the medical care sector that has, up‐to‐now (because of data paucity), been missing from healthcare efficiency analysis. Our work further provides baseline estimates for comparing operational efficiencies in physical therapy care after implementations of the 2010 US healthcare reforms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pneumoparotitis: A case report
Authors: McGreevy Angela E. , O'Kane Anna M. , McCaul David , Basha Shaik I.
Published: March 2012

Background

Pneumoparotid is a rare cause of parotid enlargement. Pneumatic enlargement of the gland is caused by retrograde insufflation via Stensen's duct. Most reported cases have been managed conservatively, thus running a short course.

Methods and Results

We report on a case of a 48‐year‐old man with a chronic painful right facial swelling and symptoms of repeated infection. Clinical examination found a parotid swelling with surgical emphysema and a dilated Stensen's duct. Pneumoparotitis with cystic changes and dilated intraparotid ducts was confirmed by CT. The patient proceeded to undergo excision of the gland, with subsequent resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion

Repeated retrograde movement of air and contaminated saliva leads to chronic infection and sialectasis. Management is aimed at preventing these sequelae by identifying and addressing the insult early; however, repeated pneumoparotid leads to chronic pneumoparotitis, the management of which is excision of the gland. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Verdicts on malpractice claims after thyroid surgery: Emerging trends and future directions
Authors: Dralle Henning , Lorenz Kerstin , Machens Andreas
Published: March 2012

Background

Few investigations have addressed malpractice litigation after thyroid surgery. The purpose of this medico‐legal review was to provide a more comprehensive picture of medico‐legal trends in thyroid surgery.

Methods

Reviewed were all expert opinions on claims of malpractice after thyroid surgery, commissioned between 1995 and 2010 at 1 tertiary center, and their corresponding verdicts.

Results

Forty‐three of 75 malpractice claims involved recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy (21 unilateral and 22 bilateral palsies), with a 45% tracheostomy rate for bilateral RLN palsy. Twenty‐one claims concerned permanent hypoparathyroidism. Since 2007, intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) has become the subject of pleading in 4 of 7 malpractice claims involving unilateral or bilateral RLN palsy. In none of these cases did IONM follow international standards, resulting in 3 plaintiff verdicts.

Conclusion

The growing appreciation that standardized IONM can prevent bilateral RLN palsies after signal loss on the initial side of resection may become increasingly relevant to malpractice litigation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012