bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noisy breathing and hemidiaphragm paralysis progressing to respiratory failure in an infant
Authors: Baughn Julie , Gershan William , Rao Aparna
Published: March 2011

Spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress (SMARD1) is a rare autosomal recessive disease that is caused by mutations in the gene encoding for immunoglobulin µ‐binding protein 2. Unlike the relatively more common spinal muscular atrophy, patients with SMARD1 have respiratory distress prior to manifestation of distal muscle weakness making the diagnosis a challenge. Because respiratory distress is a hallmark feature of this disease, pediatric pulmonologists should recognize its features, and consider it as a diagnostic entity. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:817–819. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inflammation and remodeling in infantile, juvenile, and adult allergic sensitized mice
Authors: Carnieli Denise S. , Yoshioka Eliane , Silva Luiz Fernando F. , Lanças Tatiana , Arantes Fernanda M. , Perini Adenir , Martins Milton A. , Saldiva Paulo Hilário N. , Dolhnikoff Marisa , Mauad Thais
Published: March 2011

Background

Airway structural changes occur early in childhood asthma, but it is unknown whether the development of airway alterations in children is similar to that of adults. We compared inflammation and remodeling parameters in allergic sensitized infantile, juvenile, and adult mice.

Methods

Infantile mice (18D) were sensitized with three intraperitoneal injections (i.p.) of ovalbumin (OVA) at days 5 and 7 and challenged with OVA at days 14–16. The 18D1 group received an additional challenge at days 9–11. The juvenile mice (40D) received challenges at days 22–24 and 36–38. Adult mice (100D) were sensitized at days 60–62 and received three inhalations at days 77–79 and 96–98. Animals were submitted to whole body plethysmography. Airway eosinophils, CD3+ T‐lymphocytes, IL‐5+ cells, mucus content, collagen and reticular fibers density, and smooth muscle thickness were quantified.

Results

All sensitized animals presented with airway hyperresponsiveness, without differences in eosinophil cell density. The density of CD3+ T‐cells was higher in the 100D and 18D1 groups than in the 18D and 40D groups. Infantile sensitized groups demonstrated increased interleukin‐5 expression in the airways. Infantile mice demonstrated more mucus in the bronchiolar epithelium than the 40D and 100D mice. The 18D animals demonstrated less collagen than the 18D1 group. Juvenile and adult mice had increased airway smooth muscle thickness when compared to age‐matched controls, but no differences were observed in the infantile groups.

Conclusion

We have shown that infantile mice develop inflammatory and structural alterations in the airways that are partially different from those developed in older animals. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:650–665. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peculiarities of string theory on AdS4 × CP3
Authors: Sorokin D. , Wulff L.
Published: March 2011

We review peculiar features of type IIA string theory compactified on AdS4 × CP3 superspace, in particular, the structure of the Green–Schwarz action, issues with fixing its kappa–symmetry, classical integrability and the string instanton on CP3.
Discovering the landscape: gravitational waves from first order transitions during inflation
Authors: Chialva D.
Published: March 2011

Scenarios such as the string landscape present the possibility of having various first order transitions during the evolution of the early Universe, specifically during inflation. The gravitational waves emitted from the physical processes related to these first order phase transitions carry clear information regarding the physics that produced them. We study the features of the waves and find that they differ both from those of waves generated via quantum oscillations of the metric in vacuum and both from those of waves sourced by transitions occurring outside inflation. We also investigate the detectability of the waves.
Field theory on Schrödinger space‐time
Authors: Blau M. , Hartong J. , Rollier B.
Published: March 2011

The Schrödinger space‐time plays an important role in the context of non‐relativistic holography. We discuss causal structure properties of the Schrödinger space‐time by probing it with point particles as well as with scalar fields. We show that even though the causal structure seen by point particles is almost pathological (absence of a time function) this is not so for the scalar fields. We highlight Galilean‐like causal structure properties.
A scan of universal breathing‐mode reductions
Authors: Gauntlett J.P. , Varela O.
Published: March 2011

The near horizon limits of M2 and D3 branes probing special holonomy cones give rise to supersymmetric AdS4 × M7 and AdS5 × M5 solutions of D = 11 and type IIB supergravity, respectively, where M7 and M5 are special types of Einstein spaces. Here we will show the existence of consistent Kaluza‐Klein truncations of D = 11 and type IIB supergravity on such M7 and M5 down to matter‐coupled supergravities in D = 4, 5. We explicitly discuss some details of the particular cases when M7 and M5 are Sasaki‐Einstein.
Insights into the mechanisms of action of host defence peptides from biophysical and structural investigations
Authors: Bechinger Burkhard
Published: March 2011

In order to better understand the mechanisms of action of linear cationic host defense peptides, biophysical and structural investigations of their interactions with membranes and with other biomacromolecules are reviewed. In particular, an extensive overview will be given of the topological studies of magainins in a number of different lipid environments. Furthermore, amphipathic helices have been designed in such a manner to allow the easy control of their membrane alignment. These peptides not only exhibit potent antimicrobial and transfection activities, but their investigation has also provided important insights into mechanistic aspects of their biological functions. Copyright © 2011 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nano‐beam electron diffraction evaluation of strain behaviour in nano‐scale patterned strained silicon‐on‐insulator
Authors: Hähnel Angelika , Reiche Manfred , Moutanabbir Oussama , Blumtritt Horst , Geisler Holm , Hoentschel Jan , Engelmann Hans‐Jürgen
Published: March 2011

A major challenge for the application of strain engineering to enhance the performance of electronic devices is the quantification of strain on the nanoscale. Besides other techniques (Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction) electron beam techniques allow strain analyses with a spatial resolution of a few nanometers and a reasonable strain sensitivity of 1 × 10–3 (relative to the lattice constant of silicon). In the present work, we address practical issues in the application of nano‐beam electron diffraction (NBED) to probe the strain in strained silicon layers and sub‐100 nm structures. The investigated specimens were prepared on biaxially tensile strained silicon‐on‐insulator substrates with an initial strain of ε = 0.6% or 0.8%. Results of the NBED experiments were compared to data obtained by other strain measurement techniques; amongst them the strain mapping by peak‐pairs analysis of high‐angle annular dark field (HAADF) images was especially considered (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High‐resolution photoinduced transient spectroscopy of defect centres in semi‐insulating GaP
Authors: Kamiński Paweł , Kozłowski R. , Strzelecka S. , Hruban A. , Jurkiewicz‐Wegner E. , Piersa M.
Published: March 2011

High‐resolution photoinduced transient spectroscopy (HRPITS) has been applied to study electronic properties of point defects in semi‐insulating (SI) GaP obtained by high temperature annealing under phosphorus (P) vapour pressure. The parameters of defect centres are extracted from the photocurrent relaxation waveforms, recorded in a wide temperature range of 30–600 K, by means of a two‐dimensional spectral analysis based both on the correlation procedure and inverse Laplace transform algorithm. The defect structure of GaP wafers whose SI properties resulted from the annealing under the P vapour pressures of ∼0.05 MPa and ∼0.2 MPa is compared (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of ion beam on optical properties of GaAs: Calculation using the fractional‐derivative‐spectrum method
Authors: Kulik Miroslaw , Rzodkiewicz Witold , Drozdziel Andrzej , Pyszniak Krzysztof
Published: March 2011

Semiconductor GaAs (100) was implanted with In+ at a room temperature. Fluences of implanted ions were from 1x 1012 cm‐2 to 3x1013 cm‐2 and the energy was equal to 85 keV. The detectability of the indium content in near surface layer of GaAs has been studied with the use of the secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The depths distribution of a indium concentration measured by SIMS method ware compared with depth profiles calculated with the help of SATVAL code. It was noticed that calculated profiles are in a good agreement with the measured values. Additionally, the concentration of indium in the near surface layer increased with growing of the implantation fluence and a maximum of these profiles shift in the side of ions exposed surfaces of GaAs. This effect can be explained by self‐diffusion process of target atoms and indium during the implantation. The fractional derivative spectrum (FDS) model in connection with spectroscopic ellipsometry ES was used for particular optical analyses of implanted GaAs substrates. The FDS is especially promising technique when the limitations of the standard treatment by Lorentz shape line analysis occur and it is very helpful to extract basic information on relevant physical quantities from the detected εE2(E) spectra determined by spectroscopic ellipsometry. In particular, using spectroscopic ellipsometry and FDS, the critical points E1 and E1+Δ observed in the εE2(E) spectra in the implanted substrates have been investigated. The differences in complex refractive index and dielectric function (ε=ε1+iε2) between GaAs substrate before and implantation were observed. Moreover, the several nanometres thick oxide layer on GaAs surface was detected. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Impact of singular‐vector‐based satellite data thinning on NWP
Authors: Bauer Peter , Buizza Roberto , Cardinali Carla , Noël Thépaut Jean
Published: March 2011

Singular‐vector(SV)‐based selective satellite data thinning is applied to the Southern Hemisphere (SH) extratropics to reduce analysis uncertainty and forecast error. For two seasons, the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) four‐dimensional variational data assimilation system has been run in five different configurations with different satellite data coverage: two reference experiments used low‐density and high‐density coverage over the globe; in the SH two SV‐based selective thinning experiments used low‐density data everywhere apart from targeted regions; and one random‐based thinning experiment used low‐density data everywhere apart from randomly defined regions. The SV‐based target regions have been defined either by daily operational SVs computed for the ECMWF Ensemble Prediction System, or by the previous year's mean seasonal distribution.

Results indicate that the impact of the additional data largely depends on the season. Overall, forecast errors grow faster in the SH cold season than in the warm season. In the SH cold season, the general impact of adding data is smaller and the relative difference between the impact of the individual targeting experiments is smaller as well. In the cold season, the data assimilation system failed to extract the meteorological signal carried by the extra satellite data in sensitive regions. In the SH warm season, all experiments with more data produce a statistically more significant and longer‐lasting positive impact on forecast skill. In this season, the SV‐based targeting experiment performs best and as well as the reference experiment in which the data density is increased globally. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
A reduced and limited‐memory preconditioned approach for the 4D‐Var data‐assimilation problem
Authors: Gratton S. , Laloyaux P. , Sartenaer A. , Tshimanga J.
Published: March 2011

We recall a theoretical analysis of the equivalence between the Kalman filter and the four‐dimensional variational (4D‐Var) approach to solve data‐assimilation problems. This result is then extended to cover the comparison of the singular evolutive extended Kalman (SEEK) filter with a reduced variant of the 4D‐Var algorithm. We next concentrate on the solution of the 4D‐Var, which is usually computed with a (truncated) Gauss–Newton algorithm using a preconditioned conjugate‐gradient‐like (CG) method. Motivated by the equivalence of the above‐mentioned algorithms, we explore techniques used in the SEEK filter and based on empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) as an attempt to accelerate the Gauss–Newton method further. This leads to the development of an appropriate starting point for the CG method, together with that of a powerful limited‐memory preconditioner (LMP), as shown by preliminary numerical experiments performed on a shallow‐water model. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Characteristics of Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter adaptive sampling guidance for tropical cyclones
Authors: Majumdar Sharanya J. , Chen Shin‐Gan , Wu Chun‐Chieh
Published: March 2011

The Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (ETKF) is one candidate strategy for targeting observations around tropical cyclones. The characteristics of target areas identified by a revised version of the ETKF are investigated using the THORPEX Interactive Grand Global Ensemble. In order to emphasize sensitivity to the environmental flow, the axisymmetric circulation associated with the tropical cyclone is removed from each ensemble member. The guidance is found to differ markedly from the ensemble variance, and the guidance products based on ensembles from different operational centres often disagree. For the pre‐recurvature stage of typhoon Sinlaku (2008), the targets correspond to asymmetries close to the typhoon, neighbouring features including the adjacent subtropical ridge and a nearby upper‐level trough, and far‐field features including the monsoon trough and areas of flow convergence. During and after recurvature, targets exist in the midlatitude jet upstream and downstream of the typhoon. The midlatitude targets are discernible for forecasts beyond 3 days. The sensitivity to hypothetical observations of wind is more pronounced than those of temperature or specific humidity. The targets based on upper‐level observations correspond to the outflow of the tropical cyclone and nearby and remote jets, while the lower‐level targets correspond to confluent flow near the cyclone. Multiple remote targets are evident, particularly for longer forecast times, and some of these may be spurious. When ensemble forecasts initialized at different times are used for the same case, the characteristics of the guidance differ, although not dramatically. Future priorities include the evaluation of the effects of assimilating observations sampled in target areas versus those in non‐target areas, and the improvement of the data assimilation methodology assumed in the ETKF. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Forty years of satellite meteorology at Oxford
Authors: Taylor F. W.
Published: March 2011

Forty years after a similar retrospective on ozone research at Oxford by Dobson in 1968, a review and synthesis is presented of the scientific and technological advances that were possible during the period from 1970 to 2010 as a result of the deployment of a number of innovative instruments on meteorological satellites by a research group in the Atmospheric Physics department at Oxford University. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Will global warming modify the activity of the Madden–Julian Oscillation?
Authors: Jones Charles , Carvalho Leila M. V.
Published: March 2011

The Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) is the most prominent form of tropical intraseasonal variability in the climate system. Observations suggest that warming in the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans in recent decades may have contributed to increased trends in the annual number of MJO events. A stochastic model is used to project changes in MJO activity under a global warming scenario. The mean number of events per year may rise from ∼3.9 (1948–2008) to ∼5.7 (2049–2099) and the probability of very active years (5 or more events) may significantly increase from 0.51 ± 0.01 (1990–2008) to 0.75 ± 0.01 (2010–2027) and 0.92 ± 0.01 (2094–2099). Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Semifold plans for mixed‐level designs
Authors: Ríos Armando J. , Simpson James R. , Guo Yong
Published: March 2011

This article presents a more efficient method for sequential augmentation of mixed‐level designs. The proposed approach reduces the optimal foldover plan of a mixed‐level design to a semifold plan by selecting half of the treatment combinations of the foldover fraction using exhaustive search and the criterion of general balance metric. The resulting design is a more economic run size augmented fraction that possesses good balance and orthogonality properties for main effects and two‐factor interactions. Three efficient arrays consisting of 20, 24 and 30 runs were selected for the analysis. Efficient arrays composed of a higher number of runs can be semifolded in a similar manner. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A delay‐dependent bounded real lemma for singular LPV systems with time‐variant delay
Authors: Li Fanbiao , Zhang Xian
Published: March 2011

This paper is concerned with establishing a delay‐dependent bounded real lemma (BRL) for singular linear parameter‐varying (LPV) systems with time‐variant delay. In terms of linear matrix inequality, a delay‐dependent BRL is presented to ensure singular time‐delay LPV systems to be admissible and satisfy a prescribed H∞ performance level. The BRL is obtained based on the construction of a parameter‐dependent Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is shown by several numerical examples. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of frazil ice as a geomorphic agent in a frazil pool
Authors: Allard G. , Buffin‐Bélanger T. , Bergeron N.
Published: March 2011

Frazil ice forms in open water areas of high turbulent intensity and accumulates downstream along flatter river segments. The activation of production zones, in relation to hydro‐climatic parameters, directly affects the infilling of frazil sinks. Past field investigations have described strong relationships between riverbed scour and undercover frazil accumulation but few have documented the dynamics of bed deformation in relation to the accumulation of frazil ice over an entire winter season. Here, we present the chronology of the development of a hanging dam at a pool section over the 2007–2008 ice period. The characteristics of upstream frazil ice production and ice cover growth is documented using a river corridor approach. At a pool section, undercover frazil ice accumulation behaviour, water level variations, hydro‐climatic conditions and riverbed deformations are also documented. Innovative dynamic bed‐rods integrating three‐axis accelerometer pendant loggers were deployed at the bed to obtain a dynamic measurement of erosional and depositional activity over the frazil pool. Data shows a relation between bedform deformation and ice cover formation. Analysis reveals the spatio‐temporal variation of physical attributes of ice cover, undercover frazil accumulation and bedforms. Collected data is used to analyse the relationship between riverbed deformation and overlying ice forms. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On reducing test length for FSMs with extra states
Authors: Simão Adenilso , Petrenko Alexandre , Yevtushenko Nina
Published: March 2011

A long‐standing problem when testing from a deterministic finite state machine is to guarantee full fault coverage even if the faults introduce extra states in the implementations. It is well known that such tests should include the sequences in a traversal set which contains all input sequences of length defined by the number of extra states. This paper suggests the SPY method, which helps reduce the length of tests by distributing sequences of the traversal set and reducing test branching. It is also demonstrated that an additional assumption about the implementation under test relaxes the requirement of the complete traversal set. The results of the experimental comparison of the proposed method with an existing method indicate that the resulting reduction can reach 40%. Experimental results suggest that the additional assumption about the implementation can help in further reducing the test suite length. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical and comparative study of earthquake intensity indices in seismic analysis
Authors: Ye Lieping , Ma Qianli , Miao Zhiwei , Guan Hong , Zhuge Yan
Published: March 2011

Elastoplastic and time‐dependent analysis of seismic structures has become a major analysis technique in popularly accepted performance‐based seismic design. However, the primary difficulty in using this technique is the lack of a unified criterion in the selection of various intensity indices of ground motions. Various earthquake factors influencing the elastoplastic response of seismic structures are highly sophisticated. Hence, it is vitally important to choose an appropriate and comprehensive earthquake intensity index to achieve an accurate correlation with the structural performance. In this study, a total of 30 earthquake intensity indices published in the literature are reviewed and are evaluated through correlation analysis based on 60 ground motion records. Examined herein is the correlation between existing earthquake intensity indices and the seismic responses of elastoplastic single degree‐of‐freedom and multi degree‐of‐freedom systems. The characteristics and applicability of such indices are also discussed in some detail, based on which appropriate earthquake intensity indices are recommended. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cervical blood perfusion assessed using power Doppler‐derived estimation of fractional moving blood volume: a reproducibility study
Authors: Ierullo A. M. , Fernandez S. , Palacio M. , Gratacos E. , Hernandez‐Andrade E.
Published: March 2011

Objective

To evaluate the reproducibility of estimation of power Doppler‐derived fractional moving blood volume (FMBV) in the uterine cervix of women with uncomplicated pregnancies.

Methods

Two experienced operators evaluated 30 uncomplicated singleton pregnancies at 20–24 weeks of gestation. The PDU box was positioned in a mid‐sagittal view of the cervix, including the internal os and external os, in the same plane as that in which cervical length is measured. Two consecutive examinations were performed by each operator, in each of which the cervical length was measured and five consecutive good‐quality images with PDU information were obtained. The region of interest (ROI) (cervix) was delineated offline and FMBV, which expresses the percentage of blood occupying the ROI, was calculated with purpose‐designed software. Intra‐ and interobserver intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and mean differences with 95% limits of agreement (LOA) were calculated.

Results

The median gestational age at examination was 22 + 0 weeks. Measurements (median ± SD) obtained for cervical length and FMBV were as follows: Operator A: 37 ± 7.4 mm and 8.11 ± 2.9%; Operator B: 37.5 ± 9.3 mm and 7.9 ± 3.3%, respectively. The intra‐ and interobserver ICCs for FMBV were 0.88 (95% CI, 0.75–0.94) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.64–0.94), respectively. There was a mean difference in FMBV measurement between operators of − 0.2 ± 1.75% (95% LOA, − 3.7 to 3.2%).

Conclusions

Reproducible assessment of cervical blood perfusion through estimation of FMBV can be achieved while cervical length is being measured. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rpl12p affects the transcription of the PHO pathway high‐affinity inorganic phosphate transporters and repressible phosphatases
Authors: Tu Wen‐Yo , Huang Yu‐Chen , Liu Li‐Fan , Chang Li‐Hsueh , Tam Ming F.
Published: March 2011

The ribosomal protein Rpl12p of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is encoded by duplicated genes, RPL12A and RPL12B. The gene products possess an identical amino acid sequence. Yeast strain 6EA1, which lacks both genes, is viable but exhibits a very slow‐growth phenotype. In this study, 6EA1 cells were transformed with plasmids carrying either RPL12A or RPL12B, and the transcriptional profiles of wild‐type W303, 6EA1 and the transformed cells grown in synthetic complete medium were examined by microarray analysis. Transcription of PHO84, a gene encoding a high‐affinity phosphate transporter, was drastically suppressed in 6EA1. PHO84 expression is induced under phosphate‐limiting conditions. Therefore, cells were grown in low‐phosphate medium and transcripts encoding the PHO pathway proteins were quantified by qRT–PCR. The high‐affinity phosphate transporters and repressible phosphatases were suppressed, while PHO4, a PHO pathway transcription activator, was upregulated in 6EA1. Accordingly, phosphate transport and acidic phosphatase activities were significantly decreased in 6EA1. Addition of RPL12A or RPL12B to 6EA1 largely lessens these effects. We postulate that RPL12 has an extra‐ribosomal function in modulating the transcription of genes that need Pho4p activation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Four Zinc Complexes Containing 3,5‐Dimethylpyrazole and Carboxylate Ligands
Authors: Jin Shouwen , Wang Daqi
Published: March 2011

Four new zinc(II) complexes Zn2(μ‐dmpz)2(Hdmpz)2(L1)2 (1) (Hdmpz = 3,5‐dimethylpyrazole, HL1 = 2‐methyl‐2‐phenoxypropanoic acid), Zn(Hdmpz)2(L2)2 (2) [HL2 = 2‐hydroxy‐5‐(phenyldiazenyl)benzoic acid], Zn2(μ‐dmpz)2(Hdmpz)2(L3)2 (3) [HL3 = 3,4‐(methylenedioxy)benzoic acid], and Zn2(μ‐dmpz)2(Hdmpz)2(L4)2 (4) [HL4 = 3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)acrylic acid] were prepared and structurally characterized by different techniques including elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The X‐ray studies suggested that all these complexes except compound 2 are centrosymmetric dinuclear complexes with a tetrahedral arrangement around each zinc ion, whereas compound 2 is a mononuclear complex. The pyrazole ligand is coordinated in both terminal as well as a bridging fashion in the dinuclear moiety, whereas the pyrazole ligand in compound 2 is coordinated only in monodentate terminal fashion with its neutral nitrogen group. In all four complexes the carboxylate functions behave as monodentate ligands. All complexes show intramolecular hydrogen bonding of N–H···O between N–H of pyrazole and nonbonded oxygen atom of carboxylate. Furthermore, rich intermolecular weak interactions such as classical hydrogen bonds, C–H···O, C–H···N, C–H···π, and CH3–π interactions exist and complexes 1–4 display a set of 3D superamolecular frameworks. In addition, the four compounds are thermally stable below 150 °C.
Molecular Structure and Solution Behavior of a Benzonitrile Ligated Silver(I) Complex [Ag(PhCN)2][B(C6F5)4]
Authors: Rach Silvana F. , Herdtweck Eberhardt , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: March 2011

The bis(benzonitrile) complex [Ag(PhCN)2][B(C6F5)4] is synthesized from its tetra(acetonitrile) ligated congener. X‐ray diffraction studies were conducted to compare the bond lengths and angles of the complex in regard with those of other nitrile ligated silver cations with weakly coordinating anions. Vibrational spectra of the solid complex and in (concentrated) benzonitrile solution reveal differences in the strength of benzonitrile‐silver ion interactions.
Analysis of Outpatient Trauma Referrals in a Sub‐Saharan African Orthopedic Center
Authors: Jergesen Harry , Oloruntoba David , Aluede Edward , Grova Monica , Phillips Jonathan , Caldwell Amber
Published: March 2011

Background

The purpose of this study was to characterize the orthopedic trauma workload in the Bedford Orthopaedic Centre (BOC), an orthopedic referral hospital in rural South Africa.

Methods

Demographic data, injury data, and information about initial management were collected for two 6‐week periods during both 2008 and 2009 from patients seen in the BOC outpatient department. Two primary outcomes were evaluated: (1) the interval between the initial outside evaluation and the BOC consultation and (2) the presence of established infection at the time of consultation. Secondary outcomes included assessments of the initial management at the referring facility.

Results

Most patients were adult men. Almost half were referred from within a radius of 10 km, but more than one‐third came from facilities in excess of 50 km away. The most frequent mode of transport was ambulance followed by taxi‐van. Fractures accounted for most of the injuries. Motor vehicle accidents and assaults were more prevalent among adults than among children, for whom falls accounted for a large proportion of injuries. Referral was delayed more than 72 h in 41.4% of patients. Established infections were indentified in 12.2%. Deficiencies detected during prehospital care were common.

Conclusion

The burden of orthopedic trauma in this rural referral center is sufficient to justify the manpower and resources needed for a major orthopedic trauma center. Because most of the injuries were fractures, efforts should be aimed at improving fracture care. Differences in the mode of injury and in the anatomical sites involved between adults and children highlight the need for focused preventive measures. Reducing both delays in referral and deficiencies in initial management might well reduce the cost and complexity of the definitive treatment required.
Civilian Penetrating Axillary Artery Injuries
Authors: Gill Hardeep , Jenkins William , Edu Sorin , Bekker Wanda , Nicol Andrew J. , Navsaria Pradeep H.
Published: March 2011

Background

The surgical management and outcome of penetrating axillary artery (AA) injuries is presented.

Patients and methods

Patients presenting to Groote Schuur Hospital with penetrating AA injuries from January 2003 to December 2009 were reviewed. Demographic data, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, angiographic findings, surgical treatment, complications, and mortality were noted.

Results

Sixty‐eight patients with AA injuries were identified from an operating trauma database. Stab and gunshot wounds accounted for 54 (79.4%) and 14 injuries, respectively. The mean Revised Trauma Score was 7.5 (range: 3.8–7.8). Angiography was done in 49 patients; false aneurysms (32) and total occlusions (15) were the two commonest findings. Primary repair of the injured AA was possible in 41 (60.3%) patients. Five AA (7.4%) injuries were ligated. Morbidity was restricted to associated brachial plexus injuries. The limb salvage rate was 100%.

Conclusions

Primary repair of AA injuries was possible in 60% of patients, and ligation was life‐saving in critically ill patients. The associated brachial plexus injury was the cause of major long‐term morbidity.
Surgical Experience of 204 Cases of Adult Choledochal Cyst Disease over 14 Years
Authors: Cho Min‐Jeong , Hwang Shin , Lee Young‐Joo , Kim Ki‐Hun , Ahn Chul‐Soo , Moon Deok‐Bog , Lee Sung‐Koo , Kim Myung‐Hwan , Lee Sang‐Soo , Park Do‐Hyun , Lee Sung‐Gyu
Published: March 2011

Background

This study presents our 14‐year surgical experience with adult choledochal cyst disease (CCD), focusing on the clinical outcomes after surgical treatment.

Methods

Medical records of 204 adult patients who had undergone surgery for CCD were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Median patient age was 40.2 years, and 157 (77%) of the patients were female. Todani classification was type I in 116 patients (56.9%), type II in 1 patient (0.5%), type IVa in 86 patients (42.2%), and type V in 1 patient (0.5%). Extrahepatic cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy were performed in 185 patients (90.7%). Major perioperative complications occurred in 5 patients (2.5%), resulting in no mortality. Late complications occurred in 48 patients (23.6%). Concurrent cancer was diagnosed in 20 patients (9.8%). Mean age of patients with or without biliary cancer was 48.1 ± 13.2 years and 39.1 ± 11.8 years, respectively (P = 0.001). Anomalous union of the pancreaticobiliary duct was more frequently associated with gallbladder cancer than with bile duct cancer. De novo malignancy at the cyst remnant occurred in 2 patients (1%). The survival outcomes in CCD patients with concurrent biliary cancer were comparable to those in cancer patients without CCD.

Conclusions

As a result of diverse features of adult CCD, various clinical problems occurred after surgical excision. Surgical treatment for adult patients with CCDs having complex features should be individualized to maintain a balance between risk of surgery and potential risk of late complications.
Discrepancy between estimated and actual weight of partial liver graft from living donors
Authors: Satou Shouichi , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Tamura Sumihito , Yamashiki Noriyo , Kaneko Junichi , Aoki Taku , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Beck Yoshifumi , Makuuchi Masatoshi , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: March 2011

Background/purpose

A discrepancy between the actually obtained graft weight and the preoperative volumetric estimation is often observed in living donor liver transplantation. The aim of the study reported here was to clarify the prevalence and degree of this discrepancy between estimated and actual liver volume.

Materials and methods

Preoperative volumetric evaluations of 26 live donor livers were performed using three‐dimensional computed tomography software. The weight of the liver graft and blood contained in the graft were measured immediately after procurement and compared with the preoperative estimate. The graft was also weighed after perfusion and after back‐table procedures.

Results

Analysis of the results revealed that blood‐free graft weight was significantly overestimated (p = 0.02) and blood weight was significantly underestimated (p < 0.001). The sum of the weight of the graft and blood best corresponded to the preoperative volume estimate (R
2 = 0.64,p < 0.001). The back‐table procedures significantly decreased the weight of the liver graft (p < 0.001). Graft weight after perfusion and after venous reconstruction corresponded to 95 and 90% of the weight obtained before perfusion, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that donor age had the most significant influence on the ratio of the weight decrease in the University of Wisconsin solution (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

The weight of liver grafts decreases significantly during back‐table procedures. Underestimation of the blood weight contained in the graft is one cause of the graft weight discrepancy, but weight loss while the graft was immersed in the University of Wisconsin solution was also observed. These phenomena should be taken into account when graft size is being determined.
Advantages of laserphyrin compared with photofrin in photodynamic therapy for bile duct carcinoma
Authors: Nonaka Takashi , Nanashima Atsushi , Nonaka Mihoko , Uehara Masataka , Isomoto Hajime , Nonaka Yoshikazu , Nagayasu Takeshi
Published: March 2011

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of laserphyrin‐PDT (L‐PDT) on biliary cancer with those of the conventional photosensitizer, photofrin‐PDT (P‐PDT).

Methods

An animal tumor model was established by inoculation of NOZ cells in 4‐week‐old male BALB/c mice. The laser light wavelength was set at 630 nm for P‐PDT and 660 nm for L‐PDT, at a frequency of 10 Hz. Each group received a total energy flux of 60 J/cm2. The proportion of TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick‐end labeling)‐positive cells, expression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and the PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen)‐labeling index (LI) were assessed after PDT.

Results

L‐PDT had significantly more potent apoptotic effects at 48 and 72 h after light exposure compared with P‐PDT (p < 0.001). The mean PCNA‐LI was significantly lower in the L‐PDT group than the P‐PDT group and the index was significantly lower at several time points after PDT (6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after laser light exposure) in the L‐PDT than P‐PDT (p < 0.001 vs. control). The cell proliferative activity was significantly decreased at 12 and 24 h after P‐PDT compared with the control (p < 0.001). VEGF expression was significantly higher at 3 h after L‐PDT compared with the control (p < 0.05), whereas it was significantly higher at many time points after P‐PDT (3, 6, 48 and 72 h;p < 0.05 vs. control).

Conclusions

L‐PDT is a better approach for biliary cancer than the conventional P‐PDT, based on its potent apoptotic and cytostatic effects.
Portal blood flow via the peribiliary vascular plexus demonstrated by contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography with Sonazoid
Authors: Uchikawa Yuji , Kitamura Hiroshi , Miyagawa Shin‐ichi
Published: March 2011

Purpose

We report two cases in which portal blood flow via the peribiliary vascular plexus (PBP) was clearly demonstrated using contrast‐enhanced intra‐operative ultrasonography (CE‐IOUS).

Methods

Two patients who underwent hemihepatectomies were investigated using CE‐IOUS. Before injection of the contrast medium, both the hepatic arterial and portal venous flows of the hemiliver to be resected were interrupted by ligating those corresponding vessels at the hepatic hilum. Subsequently, the perfluorobutane microbubbles were injected intravenously.

Results

In the early vascular phase, a remarkable intermittent flow was visualized in the lumen of the portal branches whose inflows were interrupted. The flow of the portal vein then disappeared as a result of ligating the hepatic duct concomitantly with the surrounding connective tissue. We considered that the portal venous flow appearing under the condition of total disruption of original inflow was supplied from the hepatic artery through the PBP.

Conclusions

This is the first report of blood flow via the PBP in human liver visualized by dynamic image study.
Case Report: Intraneural Ganglion Cyst of the Ulnar Nerve at the Wrist
Authors: Colbert Stephen H. , Le MyChi H.
Published: March 2011

We report a case of a 69-year-old male who presented with pain, weakness, and clumsiness of his right hand. Initial evaluation suggested possible neoplastic process affecting his cervical spine, which was fortunately ruled out by bone biopsy. Subsequent electrodiagnostic studies and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a lesion of the deep ulnar motor branch. Exploration of Guyon's canal was performed, and an intraneural ganglion involving the deep motor branch of the ulnar nerve was found and excised. Despite more than 14 months of symptomatic duration, the patient made a near-complete recovery with virtually no functional limitations. This provides supporting evidence for a functional benefit of intraneural ganglion excision and nerve decompression even in cases of chronic muscle atrophy.
Transcranial color coded duplex sonography in the intensive care unit
Authors: Llompart-Pou Juan Antonio , Abadal Josep María , Rodríguez-Yago Miguel , Ferreruela Mireia
Published: March 2011

Case report

A case of a 43-year-old male with severe pancreatitis complicated with neurological deterioration is presented.

Methods and result

Different neurosonological examinations using transcranial color coded duplex sonography (TCCS) were combined to obtain a certain diagnosis.

Conclusion

This case illustrates some of the applications of TCCS at bedside in ICU patients. These sonographic explorations are useful in the monitoring of ICU patients, and may avoid hazardous transfers to the radiology department for the patient.
The biological basis and clinical significance of hormonal imprinting, an epigenetic process
Authors: Csaba György
Published: March 2011

The biological phenomenon, hormonal imprinting, was named and defined by us (Biol Rev, 1980, 55, 47-63) 30 years ago, after many experimental works and observations. Later, similar phenomena were also named to epigenetic imprinting or metabolic imprinting. In the case of hormonal imprinting, the first encounter between a hormone and its developing target cell receptor—usually at the perinatal period—determines the normal receptor-hormone connection for life. However, in this period, molecules similar to the target hormone (members of the same hormone family, synthetic drugs, environmental pollutants, etc), which are also able to bind to the receptor, provoke faulty imprinting also with lifelong—receptorial, behavioral, etc.,—consequences. Faulty hormonal imprinting could also be provoked later in life in continuously dividing cells and in the brain. Faulty hormonal imprinting is a disturbance of gene methylation pattern, which is epigenenetically inherited to the further generations (transgenerational imprinting). The absence of the normal or the presence of false hormonal imprinting predispose to or manifested in different diseases (e.g., malignant tumors, metabolic syndrome) long after the time of imprinting or in the progenies.
Effect of a mitochondria-targeted vitamin E derivative on mitochondrial alteration and systemic oxidative stress in mice
Authors: Mao Gaowei , Kraus George A. , Kim Ikyon , Spurlock Michael E. , Bailey Theodore B. , Beitz Donald C.
Published: March 2011

The objective of the present study was to determine whether a mitochondria-targeted vitamin E derivative (MitoVit E) would affect certain mitochondrial parameters, as well as systemic oxidative stress. A total of sixty-four mice were fed a high-fat (HF) diet for 5 weeks. They were then switched to either a low-fat (LF) or a medium-fat (MF) diet, and administered orally with MitoVit E (40 mg MitoVit E/kg body weight) or drug vehicle (10 % (v/v) ethanol in 0·9 % (w/v) NaCl solution), every other day for 5 weeks. Mitochondrial ATP and H2O2 production rates in both the liver and the gastrocnemius were not affected by MitoVit E administration in either LF or MF diet-fed mice. However, the number and average size of the subsarcolemmal mitochondria, but not the intermyofibrillar mitochondria, from the soleus muscle were significantly higher in the MF group receiving MitoVit E (MF-E) than in the MF group receiving vehicle only (MF-C). After the mice were switched from the HF diet to the four dietary treatments (LF-C, LF-E, MF-C and MF-E), the decrease in urinary isoprostane concentration was significantly greater in the LF-E group than in the other three groups during the whole study (weeks 6–10). In addition, MitoVit E significantly increased plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the MF diet-fed group without affecting plasma glutathione peroxidase activity or H2O2 levels. Overall, these data suggest that MitoVit E affects subsarcolemmal mitochondrial density and systemic oxidative stress parameters such as plasma SOD activity and urinary isoprostane concentration.
KORLE AND THE MOSQUITO: HISTORIES AND MEMORIES OF THE ANTI-MALARIA CAMPAIGN IN ACCRA, 1942–5
Authors: ROBERTS JONATHAN
Published: March 2011

From 1942 to 1945, British and American armed forces attempted to eradicate malaria in Accra by dredging the sacred Korle Lagoon and spraying the city with pesticides. They also conducted experiments on the biting patterns of mosquitoes by using human subjects as bait. But, despite the extent of the anti-malaria campaign, it is largely forgotten by the inhabitants of Accra, and those who do remember it regard it as a nominal event in the history of the city. This article contrasts the official military history of the anti-malaria campaign with oral evidence to determine why the event fails to resonate in the collective memory of the residents of Accra.
REASSESSING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FIREARMS IN CENTRAL AFRICA: THE CASE OF NORTH-WESTERN ZAMBIA TO THE 1920S
Authors: MACOLA GIACOMO
Published: March 2011

Based on a close examination of European travelogues and the evidence produced in the wake of the formulation of colonial gun policies, this article contends that the significance of firearms in Central Africa in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries has been unduly played down in the existing literature. The first substantive section of the article charts the movement of the gun frontier in nineteenth-century north-western Zambia. It foregrounds the new technology's economic and military applications, the means through which north-western Zambians overcame some at least of its limitations, and the plurality of innovative social roles that they attributed to it. Successive sections centre on the pervasiveness of gun-running in the early twentieth century and the implementation and profound social consequences of gun control laws.
North African reference equation for peak nasal inspiratory flow
Authors: Bouzgarou M Denguezli , Saad H Ben , Chouchane A , Cheikh I Ben , Zbidi A , Dessanges J F , Tabka Z
Published: March 2011

Aim:

To assess, in healthy North African subjects, the applicability and reliability of a previously published reference equation and normal values for peak nasal inspiratory flow, and to calculate a peak nasal inspiratory flow reference equation in this population.

Subjects and methods:

Anthropometric data were recorded in 212 volunteers (100 females and 112 males) aged 13–27 years. Peak nasal inspiratory flow was measured several times. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine the reference equation.

Results:

The previously published reference equation and normal values did not reliably predict peak nasal inspiratory flow in the study population. In our subjects, the reference equation (r2 = 30 per cent) for peak nasal inspiratory flow (l/min) was 1.4256 × height (m) + 33.0215 × gender (where 0 = female, 1 = male) + 1.4117 × age (years) − 136.6778. The lower limit of normal was calculated by subtracting from the peak nasal inspiratory flow reference value (84 l/min).

Conclusion:

This is the first published study to calculate a reference equation for peak nasal inspiratory flow in North African subjects. This equation enables objective evaluation of nasal airway patency in patients of North African origin.
Does seabird carrion contribute to the diet of the shore crab Carcinus maenas on the Isle of May, Scotland? An isotopic perspective
Authors: Watts A.J.R. , McCafferty D.J. , Newton J. , Bailey D.M.
Published: March 2011

Scavengers are common in marine environments and provide an essential ecosystem service, helping to return nutrients and energy contained in carrion to the system. Knowledge of the prevalence of scavenging is required to fully understand marine food webs. As most scavengers are also predators it is usually unclear what proportion of their diet is derived from carrion, and if this proportion varies in time. In this study we set out to determine whether the input of seabird or other carrion could be detected in the stable isotope composition of the shore crab (Carcinus maenas). Shore crabs were captured in the intertidal zone of the Isle of May (Scotland) before and after the peak fledging of Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica). The stable isotope (δ15N and δ13C) compositions of crabs and the proposed carrion source were determined. Fifty crabs were selected (25 from before (IOM1) and 25 after the fledging period (IOM2)). IOM1 had a mean δ15N value of +13.85‰ and IOM2 a mean of +13.53‰. The mean δ13C values were –15.46‰ for IOM1 and –15.87‰ for IOM2. In contrast to our expectations, there was no evidence that shore crabs were feeding on seabird carrion following the post-fledging period of Atlantic puffins. Future sampling in autumn months following the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) breeding season may be useful in establishing if there is another route for nutrient and energy cycling between higher predators and marine scavengers at this location.