bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migraine Headaches: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Moloney Margaret F. , Johnson Constance J.
Published: November 2011

In spite of the fact that migraines are 1 of the major problems seen by primary care providers, almost half of people with migraines do not obtain appropriate diagnosis and/or treatment. Migraine occurs in about 18% of women, and is often aggravated by hormonal shifts occurring around women's menses, during pregnancy, and during perimenopause. Quality of life with migraines is often greatly diminished, and many women miss work days and/or are less productive with migraines. Women's health care providers are very likely to see women with poorly managed migraines, but are often not comfortable diagnosing and treating their patients with headaches. A variety of self‐care treatments, acute care prescription and non‐prescription headache medications, and preventive medications are available and if used by a knowledgeable provider can provide relief for many women who might not otherwise receive appropriate care.
Anesthesia and Analgesia–Related Preferences and Outcomes of Women Who Have Birth Plans
Authors: Pennell Angela , Salo‐Coombs Victoria , Herring Amy , Spielman Fred , Fecho Karamarie
Published: November 2011

Introduction: This study described anesthesia and analgesia–related preferences and outcomes of women who used a birth plan for labor and birth.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted (N = 63). Data were abstracted from medical records, birth plans, and a follow‐up survey. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

Results: Women who elected birth plans were primarily white, college‐educated, primigravida, and under the care of a certified nurse‐midwife. One‐third of births were induced, 10% required instrumentation, and 29% were cesarean births. Nearly every birth was associated with at least 1 labor and birth complication, although most complications were minor. Analgesic preferences were reported to be the most important birth plan request. Greater than 50% of women requested to avoid epidural analgesia; however, 65% of women received epidural analgesia. On follow‐up, greater than 90% of women who received epidural analgesia reported being pleased. The majority of women agreed that the birth plan enhanced their birth experiences, added control, clarified their thoughts, and improved communication with their health care providers.

Discussion: Anesthesia and analgesia–related preferences were an important component of the birth plans. The majority of women favorably viewed the use of a birth plan, whether or not preferences were fulfilled or complications occurred.
Clinicians’ Guide to the Use of Oxytocin for Labor Induction and Augmentation
Authors: Simpson Kathleen Rice
Published: November 2011

Oxytocin is commonly used in obstetrics for labor induction and augmentation. Careful assessment of the individual clinical situation based on indications and contraindications is essential to enhancing safe and effective use. Counseling the woman and her partner regarding potential risks and benefits before use is necessary to promote informed consent. At least 39 weeks of gestation is required for elective labor induction. Recent research has shown that deferring elective induction until cervical readiness has been achieved without the use of pharmacologic agents can be beneficial in reducing the risk of cesarean birth associated with elective induction. A conservative physiologic oxytocin protocol for labor induction and augmentation is recommended to minimize the risk of side effects. Although treatment of excessive uterine activity related to oxytocin has not been studied prospectively, several interventions such as maternal repositioning, an intravenous fluid bolus, and discontinuation of the oxytocin infusion are beneficial in returning uterine activity to normal, based on retrospective review of oxytocin‐induced tachysystole. Perinatal quality measures from the National Quality Forum and the Joint Commission can be useful in monitoring care related to induction of labor. These include elective births before 39 weeks of pregnancy and cesarean births for low‐risk, first‐birth mothers.
The New FDA Pregnancy Labeling Requirements for Drugs
Authors: Frederiksen Marilynn C.
Published: November 2011

The new US Food and Drug Administration Proposed Rules for pharmaceutical products for the special population of pregnant women were published in May 2008. With these new rules in place, clinicians caring for women who are pregnant may begin to have clearer and more relevant information in the product label to guide clinical decisions regarding drug use during pregnancy.
Principal Component Analysis and Analysis of Variance on the Effects of Entellan New on the Raman Spectra of Fibers
Authors: Yu Marcia M. L. , Sandercock P. Mark L.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  During the forensic examination of textile fibers, fibers are usually mounted on glass slides for visual inspection and identification under the microscope. One method that has the capability to accurately identify single textile fibers without subsequent demounting is Raman microspectroscopy. The effect of the mountant Entellan New on the Raman spectra of fibers was investigated to determine if it is suitable for fiber analysis. Raman spectra of synthetic fibers mounted in three different ways were collected and subjected to multivariate analysis. Principal component analysis score plots revealed that while spectra from different fiber classes formed distinct groups, fibers of the same class formed a single group regardless of the mounting method. The spectra of bare fibers and those mounted in Entellan New were found to be statistically indistinguishable by analysis of variance calculations. These results demonstrate that fibers mounted in Entellan New may be identified directly by Raman microspectroscopy without further sample preparation.
Humeral and Femoral Head Diameters in Recent White American Skeletons
Authors: Milner George R. , Boldsen Jesper L.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Osteologists often rely on single measurements, such as humeral and femoral head diameters, to estimate sex, especially when skeletons are incomplete. Measurements of 237 Bass Donated Collection skeletons provide a means of distinguishing white American females from males based on a modern sample: humeral head, female mean 42.1 mm, male mean 49.0 mm; and femoral head, female mean 42.2 mm, male mean 48.4 mm. Probabilities that bones at 1‐mm increments came from females (pf) are estimated (pm = 1 − pf). An overrepresentation of one sex in the skeletons that are examined influences the probability that a bone of a certain size is from a female or male. So, probabilities are also estimated for samples consisting of an unequal number of males and females. Sample composition has its greatest effect when one sex dominates the remains that are the subject of investigation.
Exploring Ancestral Variation of the Hyoid
Authors: Kindschuh Sarah C. , Dupras Tosha L. , Cowgill Libby W.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  This study utilizes metric analysis to examine size and shape variation between hyoids of Africans and Europeans in the Robert J. Terry Anatomical Collection. A total of 200 fused and unfused hyoids were measured and three statistical methods were employed to explore variation between ancestries. First, independent sample t‐tests showed that some significant size differences do occur between ancestries. Second, to examine shape variation, skeletal measurements were regressed on the geometric mean using least squares linear regression with the residuals used to evaluate size‐corrected shape differences. Finally, discriminant function analysis was used to develop two functions for ancestry prediction with overall accuracies of 73% and 77%. Results of the analyses suggest hyoid size and shape differences do occur between ancestries, notably that European hyoids are broader than African hyoids, while the African hyoid is longer than Europeans.
The North American horticultural industry and the risk of plant invasion
Authors: Barbier Edward B. , Gwatipedza Johnson , Knowler Duncan , Reichard Sarah H.
Published: November 2011

We develop a monopolistic competition model of the horticultural industry and estimate the resulting profit function with U.S. and Canadian industry data. Combining the results with a hazard analysis of the characteristics of exotic plants introduced in North America, we explore optimal tax simulations for internalizing the risk and costs of a potential plant invasion. If the share of the exotic plant sales in final profits is large, then the resulting annual fee will be high, discouraging the expansion of the nursery industry. However, the annual revenues could fund efforts to mitigate the damages resulting from any accidental plant invasion.
Interpreting oral health‐related quality of life data
Authors: Tsakos Georgios , Allen P. Finbarr , Steele Jimmy G. , Locker David
Published: November 2011

Tsakos G, Allen PF, Steele JG, Locker D. Interpreting oral health‐related quality of life data. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract – The most common way of presenting data from studies using quality of life or patient‐based outcome (PBO) measures is in terms of mean scores along with testing the statistical significance of differences in means. We argue that this is insufficient in and of itself and call for a more comprehensive and thoughtful approach to the reporting and interpretation of data. PBO scores (and their means for that matter) are intrinsically meaningless, and differences in means between groups mask important and potentially different patterns in response within groups. More importantly, they are difficult to interpret because of the absence of a meaningful benchmark. The minimally important difference (MID) provides that benchmark to assist interpretability. This commentary discusses different approaches (distribution‐based and anchor‐based) and specific methods for assessing the MID in both longitudinal and cross‐sectional studies, and suggests minimum standards for reporting and interpreting PBO measures in an oral health context.
Phytoremediation potential of three aquatic macrophytes in manganese‐contaminated water
Authors: Hua Jianfeng , Zhang Chuisheng , Yin Yunlong , Chen Ruirui , Wang Xingxiang
Published: November 2011

Manganese (Mn) uptake capacities of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms, water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) and slligator alternenthera (Alternanthera philoxeroides) were investigated with four Mn levels: 0(control), 50, 200, 400 mg/L. With increased Mn exposure, the tested plants showed similar responses with a decrease in relative growth rate and an increase in plant Mn concentrations. Comparatively, water lettuce had the significantly higher total Mn concentrations, shoots enrichment factor and translocation factor at all Mn‐treated treatments and the much greater total Mn removal at concentrations of 200 and 400 mg/L Mn. In most cases, Mn pollution significantly decreased Mg concentrations for all three plants. Concomitantly, increment trends of Fe, Cu and Zn concentrations were observed for water lettuce with the increasing external Mn concentrations, which could partly contribute to its higher Mn concentrations. The results indicated that water lettuce have standout potentials as a phytoremediation plant for Mn contaminated waters.
Medical problems and oral care of patients with Down syndrome: a literature review
Authors: Abanto Jenny , Ciamponi Ana Lidia , Francischini Elizabeth , Murakami Christiana , de Rezende Nathalie Pepe Medeiros , Gallottini Marina
Published: November 2011

When planning the dental treatment of patients with Down syndrome (DS), dental practitioners should always consider their general health, in order to achieve a holistic and interdisciplinary approach. This article presents a literature review of the primary medical conditions in patients with DS that may affect their general health care and the appropriate clinical delivery of oral health care.
‘Irresponsible and a Disservice’: The integrity of social psychology turns on the free will dilemma
Authors: Miles James B.
Published: November 2011

Over the last few years, a number of works have been published asserting both the putative prosocial benefits of belief in free will and the possible dangers of disclosing doubts about the existence of free will. Although concerns have been raised over the disservice of keeping such doubts from the public, this does not highlight the full danger that is presented by social psychology's newly found interest in the ‘hard problem’ of human free will. Almost all of the work on free will published to date by social psychologists appears methodologically flawed, misrepresents the state of academic knowledge, and risks linking social psychology with the irrational.
A
Burkholderia pseudomallei
Toxin Inhibits Helicase Activity of Translation Factor eIF4A
Authors: Cruz-Migoni Abimael , Hautbergue Guillaume M. , Artymiuk Peter J. , Baker Patrick J. , Bokori-Brown Monika , Chang Chung-Te , Dickman Mark J. , Essex-Lopresti Angela , Harding Sarah V. , Mahadi Nor Muhammad , Marshall Laura E. , Mobbs George W. , Mohamed Rahmah , Nathan Sheila , Ngugi Sarah A. , Ong Catherine , Ooi Wen Fong , Partridge Lynda J. , Phillips Helen L. , Raih M. Firdaus , Ruzheinikov Sergei , Sarkar-Tyson Mitali , Sedelnikova Svetlana E. , Smither Sophie J. , Tan Patrick , Titball Richard W. , Wilson Stuart A. , Rice David W.
Published: November 2011

A toxin associated with a disease often observed in Vietnam veterans is identified and characterized.
NSF to Turn Tank Killer Into Storm Chaser
Authors: Malakoff David
Published: November 2011

The National Science Foundation has given a $10.9 million grant to a U.S. Navy university to transform an A-10 Thunderbolt jet into an aircraft capable of probing the heart of heavy weather.
Darwinism vs. Social Engineering at NIH
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: November 2011

A bleak budget outlook has NIH searching for new ways to feed a ravenous biomedical research community.
Potent Intratype Neutralizing Activity Distinguishes Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 2 (HIV-2) from HIV-1
Authors: Özkaya Şahin Gülşen , Holmgren Birgitta , da Silva Zacarias , Nielsen Jens , Nowroozalizadeh Salma , Esbjörnsson Joakim , Månsson Fredrik , Andersson Sören , Norrgren Hans , Aaby Peter , Jansson Marianne , Fenyö Eva Maria
Published: November 2011

HIV-2 has a lower pathogenicity and transmission rate than HIV-1. Neutralizing antibodies could be contributing to these observations. Here we explored side by side the potency and breadth of intratype and intertype neutralizing activity (NAc) in plasma of 20 HIV-1-, 20 HIV-2-, and 11 dually HIV-1/2 (HIV-D)-seropositive individuals from Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Panels of primary isolates, five HIV-1 and five HIV-2 isolates, were tested in a plaque reduction assay using U87.CD4-CCR5 cells as targets. Intratype NAc in HIV-2 plasma was found to be considerably more potent and also broader than intratype NAc in HIV-1 plasma. This indicates that HIV-2-infected individuals display potent type-specific neutralizing antibodies, whereas such strong type-specific antibodies are absent in HIV-1 infection. Furthermore, the potency of intratype NAc was positively associated with the viral load of HIV-1 but not HIV-2, suggesting that NAc in HIV-1 infection is more antigen stimulation dependent than in HIV-2 infection, where plasma viral loads typically are at least 10-fold lower than in HIV-1 infection. Intertype NAc of both HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections was, instead, of low potency. HIV-D subjects had NAc to HIV-2 with similar high potency as singly HIV-2-infected individuals, whereas neutralization of HIV-1 remained poor, indicating that the difference in NAc between HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections depends on the virus itself. We suggest that immunogenicity and/or antigenicity, meaning the neutralization phenotype, of HIV-2 is distinct from that of HIV-1 and that HIV-2 may display structures that favor triggering of potent neutralizing antibody responses.
Impact of Host Proteases on Reovirus Infection in the Respiratory Tract
Authors: Nygaard Rachel M. , Golden Joseph W. , Schiff Leslie A.
Published: November 2011

Virion uncoating is an essential early event in reovirus infection. In natural enteric infections, rapid proteolytic uncoating of virions is mediated by pancreatic serine proteases. The proteases that promote reovirus disassembly and cell entry in the respiratory tract remain unknown. In this report, we show that endogenous respiratory and inflammatory proteases can promote reovirus infection
in vitro
and that preexisting inflammation augments
in vivo
infection in the murine respiratory tract.
Synthesis and characterization of nanosized polycarboranyl-porphyrazine conjugates
Authors: Pietrangeli Daniela , Rosa Angela , Ricciardi Giampaolo
Published: November 2011

The synthesis and characterization of a highly boronated porphyrazine, 2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octakis-[6-(2-(1′-methyl-1′,2′-dicarba-closo-dodecaboran-2′ -yl)hexyl)-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaboran-1-yl)hexylthio] 5,10,15,20 (21H, 23H) porphyrazine (H2(MCHE)CHESPz), is reported. This nanosized molecule bears eight dicarboranyl-substituted carborarod-like alkyl pendants and, as such, represents a rare example, if any, of a tetrapyrolic system bearing 160 boron atoms per molecule, corresponding to 40% boron content by weight.
Synthetic protocols for the nitration of corroles
Authors: Pomarico Giuseppe , Fronczek Frank R. , Nardis Sara , Smith Kevin M. , Paolesse Roberto
Published: November 2011

The modification of peripheral positions of corroles by introduction of nitro groups is an important functionalization of this macrocycle. The nitro substituent strongly influences the corrole behavior leading to the preparation of macrocycles with different properties, which can be of interest for their exploitation as catalysts, sensing layers in chemical sensors or in the field of supramolecular chemistry. In the last few years we have developed different routes for the β-nitration of the corrole ring, and we report here novel synthetic protocols which can allow the formation of tri- and tetra-nitro derivatives, as demonstrated by X-ray analysis. In all of the methodologies used, the presence of isocorrole species as reaction intermediates was established, which regenerated the corresponding corrole by metal insertion.
GRAVITATIONAL FIELD OF A GLOBAL MONOPOLE IN A MODIFIED GRAVITY
Authors: CARAMÊS T. R. P. , BEZERRA DE MELLO E. R. , GUIMARÃES M. E. X.
Published: November 2011

In this paper we analyze the gravitational field of a global monopole in the context of f(R) gravity. More precisely, we show that the field equations obtained are expressed in terms of [Formula: see text]. Since we are dealing with a spherically symmetric system, we assume that F(R) is a function of the radial coordinate only. Moreover, adopting the weak field approximation, we can provide all components of the metric tensor. A comparison with the corresponding results obtained in General Relativity and in the Brans-Dicke theory is also made.
CASIMIR-AHARONOV-BOHM EFFECT IN THE COSMIC STRING BACKGROUND
Authors: SITENKO YU. A. , VLASII N. D. , LYASHCHENKO O. P.
Published: November 2011

A charged massive scalar field is quantized in the background of a static gauge cosmic string. We find the energy-momentum tensor which is induced in the vacuum. The dependence of the tensor components on the gauge flux, string tension and the coupling to the space-time curvature is comprehensively analyzed.
WEYL GEOMETRY AS CHARACTERIZATION OF SPACE-TIME
Authors: POULIS F. P. , SALIM J. M.
Published: November 2011

Motivated by an axiomatic approach to characterize space-time it is investigated a reformulation of Einstein's gravity where the pseudo-riemannian geometry is substituted by a Weyl one. It is presented the main properties of the Weyl geometry and it is shown that it gives extra contributions to the trajectories of test particles, serving as one more motivation to study general relativity in Weyl geometry. It is introduced its variational formalism and it is established the coupling with other physical fields in such a way that the theory acquires a gauge symmetry for the geometrical fields. It is shown that this symmetry is still present for the red-shift and it is concluded that for cosmological models it opens the possibility that observations can be fully described by the new geometrical scalar field. It is concluded then that this reformulation, although representing a theoretical advance, still needs a complete description of their objects.
MULTIDIMENSIONAL COSMOLOGY, CONSTANTS AND TRANSITION TO NEW SI UNITS
Authors: MELNIKOV V. N.
Published: November 2011

Main current problems of physics, gravitation and cosmology in particular are analyzed. Special attention is paid to results of the theory with extra dimensions and variations of fundamental physical constants. As an example the family of spherically symmetric solutions with horizon with multi-component anisotropic fluid is presented. The metrics of solutions are defined on a manifold that contains a product of n - 1 Ricci-flat "internal" spaces. A simulation of black brane solutions is considered. For the solution with the fluid matter the post-Newtonian parameters β and γ corresponding to the 4-dimensional section of the metric are found.
BOUNCING AND QUANTUM THEORY
Authors: PINTO-NETO NELSON
Published: November 2011

In this contribution I will present a review about bouncing models arriving from quantum cosmology and show how one can describe the evolution of quantum cosmological perturbations on them. I will discuss the important role played by the choice of the precise quantum theory one selects to interpret the wave function of the Universe in order to obtain simple equations for the evolution of quantum perturbations on these quantum cosmological backgrounds. I will present the predictions of these models concerning the power spectrum of cosmological perturbations and how they can be compared with the usual results obtained from inflationary models. Finally, I will present the new implications of these results for quantum theory.
THE DEGENERACY PROBLEM IN LAMBDA-CDM COSMOLOGICAL MODELS
Authors: BERNUI ARMANDO
Published: November 2011

Recent measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) from the WMAP satellite led to formulate a successful concordance cosmological model, termed ΛCDM. This model satisfactorily explains the origin and structure of the CMB temperature fluctuations, from small to large angular scales, and moreover it accurately fits –with only six parameters– the CMB angular power spectrum. Despite of their triumphs in describing the observed WMAP data, we notice that some ΛCDM cosmological parameters can attain, due to their error bars, slightly different values and this degree of freedom could produce a significant impact in our understanding of the primordial universe. We are talking about the degeneracy problem, that is cosmological models with parameters that are a little bit different from those given by the ΛCDM model but fits equally well the angular power spectrum of the CMB data. Our interest here is to investigate the Gaussian statistical property, at large angular scales, in two sets of Monte Carlo CMB maps produced by seeding them with slightly different ΛCDM angular power spectra.
Experimental mild renal insufficiency mediates early cardiac apoptosis, fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction: a kidney-heart connection
Authors: Martin Fernando L. , McKie Paul M. , Cataliotti Alessandro , Sangaralingham S. Jeson , Korinek Josef , Huntley Brenda K. , Oehler Elise A. , Harders Gerald E. , Ichiki Tomoko , Mangiafico Sarah , Nath Karl A. , Redfield Margaret M. , Chen Horng H. , Burnett John C.
Published: November 2011

Impaired renal function with loss of nephron number in chronic renal disease (CKD) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the structural and functional cardiac response to early and mild reduction in renal mass is poorly defined. We hypothesized that mild renal impairment produced by unilateral nephrectomy (UNX) would result in early cardiac fibrosis and impaired diastolic function, which would progress to a more global left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Cardiorenal function and structure were assessed in rats at 4 and 16 wk following UNX or sham operation (Sham); ( n = 10 per group). At 4 wk, blood pressure (BP), aldosterone, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), proteinuria, and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were not altered by UNX, representing a model of mild early CKD. However, UNX was associated with significantly greater LV myocardial fibrosis compared with Sham. Importantly, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining revealed increased apoptosis in the LV myocardium. Further, diastolic dysfunction, assessed by strain echocardiography, but with preserved LVEF, was observed. Changes in genes related to the TGF-β and apoptosis pathways in the LV myocardium were also observed. At 16 wk post-UNX, we observed persistent LV fibrosis and impairment in LV diastolic function. In addition, LV mass significantly increased, as did LVEDd, while there was a reduction in LVEF. Aldosterone, BNP, and proteinuria were increased, while GFR was decreased. The myocardial, structural, and functional alterations were associated with persistent changes in the TGF-β pathway and even more widespread changes in the LV apoptotic pathway. These studies demonstrate that mild renal insufficiency in the rat results in early cardiac fibrosis and impaired diastolic function, which progresses to more global LV remodeling and dysfunction. Thus, these studies importantly advance the concept of a kidney-heart connection in the control of myocardial structure and function.
Endurance exercise attenuates ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction
Authors: Smuder Ashley J. , Min Kisuk , Hudson Matthew B. , Kavazis Andreas N. , Kwon Oh-Sung , Nelson W. Bradley , Powers Scott K.
Published: November 2011

Controlled mechanical ventilation (MV) is a life-saving measure for patients in respiratory failure. However, MV renders the diaphragm inactive leading to diaphragm weakness due to both atrophy and contractile dysfunction. It is now established that oxidative stress is a requirement for MV-induced diaphragmatic proteolysis, atrophy, and contractile dysfunction to occur. Given that endurance exercise can elevate diaphragmatic antioxidant capacity and the levels of the cellular stress protein heat shock protein 72 (HSP72), we hypothesized that endurance exercise training before MV would protect the diaphragm against MV-induced oxidative stress, atrophy, and contractile dysfunction in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Our results confirm that endurance exercise training before MV increased both HSP72 and the antioxidant capacity in the diaphragm. Importantly, compared with sedentary animals, exercise training before MV protected the diaphragm against MV-induced oxidative damage, protease activation, myofiber atrophy, and contractile dysfunction. Further, exercise protected diaphragm mitochondria against MV-induced oxidative damage and uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. These results provide the first evidence that exercise can provide protection against MV-induced diaphragm weakness. These findings are important and establish the need for future experiments to determine the mechanism(s) responsible for exercise-induced diaphragm protection.
Spiking and LFP activity in PRR during symbolically instructed reaches
Authors: Hwang Eun Jung , Andersen Richard A.
Published: November 2011

The spiking activity in the parietal reach region (PRR) represents the spatial goal of an impending reach when the reach is directed toward or away from a visual object. The local field potentials (LFPs) in this region also represent the reach goal when the reach is directed to a visual object. Thus PRR is a candidate area for reading out a patient's intended reach goals for neural prosthetic applications. For natural behaviors, reach goals are not always based on the location of a visual object, e.g., playing the piano following sheet music or moving following verbal directions. So far it has not been directly tested whether and how PRR represents reach goals in such cognitive, nonlocational conditions, and knowing the encoding properties in various task conditions would help in designing a reach goal decoder for prosthetic applications. To address this issue, we examined the macaque PRR under two reach conditions: reach goal determined by the stimulus location (direct) or shape (symbolic). For the same goal, the spiking activity near reach onset was indistinguishable between the two tasks, and thus a reach goal decoder trained with spiking activity in one task performed perfectly in the other. In contrast, the LFP activity at 20–40 Hz showed small but significantly enhanced reach goal tuning in the symbolic task, but its spatial preference remained the same. Consequently, a decoder trained with LFP activity performed worse in the other task than in the same task. These results suggest that LFP decoders in PRR should take into account the task context (e.g., locational vs. nonlocational) to be accurate, while spike decoders can robustly provide reach goal information regardless of the task context in various prosthetic applications.
Neural mechanisms of intermuscular coherence: implications for the rectification of surface electromyography
Authors: Boonstra Tjeerd W. , Breakspear Michael
Published: November 2011

Oscillatory activity plays a crucial role in corticospinal control of muscle synergies and is widely investigated using corticospinal and intermuscular synchronization. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms that translate these rhythmic patterns into surface electromyography (EMG) are not well understood. This is underscored by the ongoing debate on the rectification of surface EMG before spectral analysis. Whereas empirical studies commonly rectify surface EMG, computational approaches have argued against it. In the present study, we employ a computational model to investigate the role of the motor unit action potential (MAUP) on the translation of oscillatory activity. That is, diverse MUAP shapes may distort the transfer of common input into surface EMG. We test this in a computational model consisting of two motor unit pools receiving common input and compare it to empirical results of intermuscular coherence between bilateral leg muscles. The shape of the MUAP was parametrically varied, and power and coherence spectra were investigated with and without rectification. The model shows that the effect of EMG rectification depends on the uniformity of MUAP shapes. When output spikes of different motor units are convolved with identical MUAPs, oscillatory input is evident in both rectified and nonrectified EMG. In contrast, a heterogeneous MAUP distribution distorts common input and oscillatory components are only manifest as periodic amplitude modulations, i.e., in rectified EMG. The experimental data showed that intermuscular coherence was mainly discernable in rectified EMG, hence providing empirical support for a heterogeneous distribution of MUAPs. These findings implicate that the shape of MUAPs is an essential parameter to reconcile experimental and computational approaches.
Delay‐Dependent Stability Criteria for Systems with Interval Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Li Boren
Published: November 2011

This paper is concerned with robust stability of uncertain linear systems with interval time‐varying delay.
The time‐varying delay is assumed to belong to an interval, which means that the derivative of the time‐varying delay has an upper bound or a restriction.
On other occasions, if we do not take restriction on the derivative of the time‐varying delay into consideration, it allows the delay to be a fast time‐varying function. The uncertainty under consideration includes a polytopic‐type uncertainty and a linear fractional norm‐bounded
uncertainty. In order to obtain much less conservative results, a new Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional, which makes use of the
information of both the lower and upper bounds of the interval time‐varying delay, is proposed to derive some new stability
criteria. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed stability criteria.
Comparison between Two Methods to Calculate the Transition Matrix of Orbit Motion
Authors: Chiaradia Ana Paula Marins , Kuga Hélio Koiti , Prado Antonio Fernando Bertachini de Almeida
Published: November 2011

Two methods to evaluate the state transition matrix are implemented and analyzed to verify the computational cost and the accuracy of both methods. This evaluation represents one of the highest computational costs on the artificial satellite orbit determination task. The first method is an approximation of the Keplerian motion, providing an analytical solution which is then calculated numerically by solving Kepler′s equation. The second one is a local numerical approximation that includes the effect of J2. The analysis is performed comparing these two methods with a reference generated by a numerical integrator. For small intervals of time (1 to 10 s) and when one needs more accuracy, it is recommended to use the second method, since the CPU time does not excessively overload the computer during the orbit determination procedure. For larger intervals of time and when one expects more stability on the calculation, it is recommended to use the first method.
Is Octreotide Treatment Useful in Patients with Congenital Chylothorax?
Authors: Horvers Maud , Mooij Christiaan F. , Antonius Timothy A.J.
Published: November 2011

Background: Congenital chylothorax (CC) is a severe congenital disorder characterized by the collection of chyle in the pleural space. Recent case reports suggest that the use of octreotide in the treatment of CC may be useful. Objective: To evaluate the effect of octreotide on pleural effusions in CC. Methods: Hospital records of 7 patients with a CC, who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre between 2006 and 2010 and were treated with octreotide, were retrospectively evaluated. Results: There was no clear and consistent effect of octreotide treatment on pleural effusions. Pleural effusions eventually decreased in all patients after reaching a dose of 5–6 µg/kg/min, but this could also reflect the natural history of CC. Out of 7 patients, 4 were diagnosed with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. No other known side effects of octreotide were found. There was a mortality rate of 30%. Conclusions: No clear and consistent effect of octreotide was identified. Pulmonary hypertension was a common problem in this patient group. It is not clear whether or not this was caused or maintained by octreotide treatment. A randomized controlled trial is needed to investigate the safety and usefulness of octreotide. Until then, clinicians should be careful in using octreotide, especially when persistent pulmonary hypertension is present.
A comparative study of prothrombin complex concentrates and freshfrozen plasma for warfarin reversal under static and flow conditions
Authors: Ogawa Satoru , Szlam Fania , Ohnishi Tomoko , Molinaro Ross , Hosokawa Kazuya , Tanaka Kenichi
Published: November 2011

Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) and fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) have been clinically used for acute warfarin reversal. The recovery of prothrombin time (PT) or international normalised ratio (INR) is often reported as an endpoint, but haemostatic efficacies of PCCs and FFP may not be fully reflected in static clotting test in platelet-poor plasma. Using various in vitro assays, we compared the effects of two PCC preparations (3-factor PCC; Bebulin and 4-factor PCC; Beriplex) and FFP on warfarin reversal under static and flow conditions. First, we added an aliquot of either PCC (0.3 or 0.72 U/ml) or 20% FFP (v/v) to commercial warfarin plasma (INR 3.2, or 10.3), and then measured PT, factor II, factor VII, and thrombin generation. Subsequently, we collected whole blood samples from six consented warfarin-treated patients with mean INR 3.0 ± 0.5 (range 2.5–3.7), and compared clot formation under flow conditions at 280 s-1 before and after addition of either PCC preparation (0.3 and 0.6 U/ml) or 20% of FFP (v/v). PT/INR were restored by either PCC in plasma with INR 3.0, but they were more effectively corrected by 4-factor PCC than 3-factor PCC in plasma with INR 10.3. Effects of FFP were similar to 0.3U/ml of PCCs in terms of PT, but FFP was less efficacious than PCCs in recovering thrombin generation or factor II levels. In flow experiments, the onset of thrombus formation was shortened by either PCC, but not by FFP, contrary to shortened PT values. For warfarin reversal 20% volume replacement with FFP is inferior to PCCs.
Role of newly formed platelets in thrombus formation in rat after clopidogrel treatment: comparison to the reversible binding P2Y12 antagonist ticagrelor
Authors: Megens Remco , Nikookhesal Elham , Feijge Marion , De Mey J. G. R. , oude Egbrink Mirjam , van Giezen J. J. J. , Heemskerk Johan , Kuijpers Marijke
Published: November 2011

Platelet P2Y12 receptors play an important role in arterial thrombosis by stimulating thrombus growth. Both irreversibly (clopidogrel) and reversibly binding (ticagrelor, AZD6140) P2Y12 antagonists are clinically used for restricted periods, but possible differences in platelet function recovery after drug cessation have not been investigated. We treated WKY rats with a single, high dose of 200 mg/kg clopidogrel or 40 mg/ kg ticagrelor. Blood was collected at different time points after treatment. Flow cytometry confirmed full platelet protection against ADP-induced αIIbβ3 activation shortly after clopidogrel or ticagrelor treatment. At later time points after clopidogrel treatment, a subpopulation of juvenile platelets appeared that was fully responsive to ADP. Addition of ticagrelor to clopidogrel-treated blood reduced αIIbβ3 activation of the unprotected platelets. In contrast, at later time points after ticagrelor treatment, all platelets gradually lost their protection against ADP activation. Perfusion experiments showed abolishment of thrombus formation shortly after clopidogrel or ticagrelor treatment. Thrombus formation on collagen was determined under high shear flow conditions. At later time points, large thrombi formed in the clopidogrel but not in the ticagrelor group, and unprotected, juvenile platelets preferentially incorporated into the formed thrombi. However, platelets from both groups were still similarly reduced in assays of whole blood aggregation. Conclusively, recovery of rat platelet function after ticagrelor differs mechanistically from that after clopidogrel. This difference is masked by conventional platelet aggregation methods, but is revealed by thrombus formation measurement under flow. Juvenile platelets formed at later time points after clopidogrel treatment promoted thrombus formation.
Complexity of Snow Schemes in a Climate Model and Its Impact on Surface Energy and Hydrology
Authors: Dutra Emanuel , Viterbo Pedro , Miranda Pedro M. A. , Balsamo Gianpaolo
Published: November 2011

Three different complexity snow schemes implemented in the ECMWF land surface scheme Hydrology Tiled ECMWF Scheme of Surface Exchanges over Land (HTESSEL) are evaluated within the EC-EARTH climate model. The snow schemes are (i) the original HTESSEL single-bulk-layer snow scheme, (ii) a new snow scheme in operations at ECMWF since September 2009, and (iii) a multilayer version of the previous. In offline site simulations, the multilayer scheme outperforms the single-layer schemes in deep snowpack conditions through its ability to simulate sporadic melting events thanks to the lower thermal inertial of the uppermost layer. Coupled atmosphere–land/snow simulations performed by the EC-EARTH climate model are validated against remote sensed snow cover and surface albedo. The original snow scheme has a systematic early melting linked to an underestimation of surface albedo during spring that was partially reduced with the new snow schemes. A key process to improve the realism of the near-surface atmospheric temperature and at the same time the soil freezing is the thermal insulation of the snowpack (tightly coupled with the accuracy of snow mass and density simulations). The multilayer snow scheme outperforms the single-layer schemes in open deep snowpack (such as prairies or tundra in northern latitudes) and is instead comparable in shallow snowpack conditions. However, the representation of orography in current climate models implies limitations for accurately simulating the snowpack, particularly over complex terrain regions such as the Rockies and the Himalayas.
Role of the Rossby Waves in the Broadening of an Eastward Jet
Authors: Mizuta Genta
Published: November 2011

To investigate the effect of the Rossby waves on an eastward jet such as the Kuroshio or Gulf Stream Extensions, a series of numerical experiments is conducted using a primitive equation model. In these experiments, an inflow and an outflow imposed on the western and eastern boundaries drive an unstable narrow jet and a broad interior flow in the western and eastern regions of the model domain, respectively. The barotropic Rossby waves are radiated from the transient region between the two regions. The eddy potential vorticity flux by the waves tends to compensate for the difference in the mean potential vorticity along mean streamlines between both sides of the transient region. Instability of the jet is insufficient for this compensation and weakens the mean potential vorticity gradient too much. Moreover, as the potential vorticity of the outflow is increased, the Rossby waves are intensified in order to compensate for the increase in the difference in the mean potential vorticity. These features strongly suggest that the Rossby waves are substantial in matching a jet with an interior flow. The speed of the waves and properties of eddies in recirculations of the jet are consistent with a two-layer analytic model, which indicates that the Rossby waves are radiated from eddies in recirculations. These eddies as well as the Rossby waves increase in amplitude with the transport of the recirculation near the surface presumably because of mean advection. Therefore, the mean potential vorticity of the interior flow, the intensity of the Rossby waves, and the transport of the recirculation change consistently with one another.
Serum Bilirubin Level is Negatively Correlated With Disease Progression of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Wang Hai-Yang , Han Peng , Zhang Wei-Hui , Liu Bing , Li Ha-Li , Wang Hai-Jun , Huang Ren-Ping
Published: November 2011

We determined whether low bilirubin level is a risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). We recruited 318 patients with PAD and 100 healthy volunteers. Patients were divided into 4 groups by the Fontaine classification for PAD, namely, group 1 (grade 1, n = 4); group 2 (grade 2, n = 114), group 3 (grade 3, n = 164), and group 4 (grade 4, n = 36). Total bilirubin (T-BIL), direct bilirubin (D-BIL), and indirect bilirubin (I-BIL) levels were compared using stepwise multiple regressions adjusted for selected factors. After adjusting for gender, age, smoking, and diastolic blood pressure, serum levels of T-BIL, D-BIL, and I-BIL were significantly lower in the PAD group ( P < .05). Patients with grade 4 PAD showed significantly ( P < .05) lower levels of T-BIL when compared with grade 2 patients. We concluded that serum bilirubin levels are negatively correlated with the severity and progression of PAD.
CYP8A1 Gene Polymorphisms and Left Main Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Bousoula Eleni , Kolovou Vana , Vasiliadis Ioannis , Karakosta Agathi , Xanthos Theodoros , Johnson Elizabeth O. , Skandalakis Panagiotis , Kolovou Genovefa D.
Published: November 2011

Background: Left main (LM) disease is rare but the most hazardous phenotype of coronary artery disease (CAD). Thus, early detection of participants at high risk of developing left main coronary heart disease (LM-CAD) is crucial. The aim of this study was to identify gene polymorphisms which could distinguish participants who are at high risk of developing LM-CAD. Such a candidate can be the prostaglandin I2 or prostacyclin (PGI2) gene. Methods: The DNA of 254 participants (151 participants with angiographically documented LM-CAD and 103 healthy controls) was analyzed for the frequency of C1117A polymorphism in the gene coding CYP8A1. Results: The genotype distribution was different between the LM-CAD and the control group. Particularly, the CC genotype of CYP8A1 was commoner in the LM-CAD than in the healthy group ( P < .001). Allele frequencies were also differently distributed between the 2 groups. C allele frequency was higher in LM-CAD group ( P = .016). Conclusions: The CC genotype of C1117A polymorphism is associated with higher risk of LM-CAD, which prospectively may have potential importance in screening high-risk populations. However, further investigations in larger populations are required to confirm these findings.
Look Beyond the Sino–Indian Border Dispute
Authors: Xuecheng Liu
Published: November 2011

Since the 1950s, the border dispute has shadowed the ebb and flow of Sino–Indian relations. The Chinese and Indian governments have attempted to resolve the border dispute through diplomatic negotiations which have generated several meaningful documents. But the basic position of both the countries on the border dispute remains unchanged. Both sides have agreed to press ahead with the frame-work negotiations in accordance with the agreed political parameters and guiding principles so as to seek a fair and reasonable solution acceptable to them. Prior to that, both sides have agreed to work together to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. While we are cautiously optimistic about the steady improvement of the bilateral relations between the two rising Asian giants, we are increasingly concerned about the consequences of their geopolitical rhetoric and strategic suspicion originating primarily from the unresolved border dispute. Their political leaders should understand and respect each other’s core national interests and major concerns, properly handle their differences, and seek common development and a win-win situation. A good China–India relationship makes both winners while a confrontational one makes both losers.
Differing Paradigms of Media Systems Development in Contemporary Africa: Does the ‘Chinese Model’ Have a Place?
Authors: Ngomba Teke
Published: November 2011

This article addresses the emerging patterns of contemporary media-based engagements between China and Africa and argues, after an examination of current media systems in both China and Africa, that, despite expressed worries to the contrary, because of reasons spanning from history to geo-politics, the Chinese model of media system as it currently stands does not stand a chance, at least in the foreseeable future, to be exported to Africa – a continent whose current media landscape is, and will arguably remain, significantly Western-oriented. The article concludes with a call for scholars to exercise analytical restraint in their examination of the potential impacts of recent China–Africa media relations.
Useful Signal or Unnecessary Obstacle? The Role of Basic Skills Tests in Teacher Preparation
Authors: Gitomer Drew H. , Brown Terran L. , Bonett John
Published: November 2011

Many individuals who attempt to enter teacher education programs are precluded from doing so because of an inability to pass basic skills tests. The authors examine whether these tests are simply a gate that needs to be passed through or whether they provide useful early information about how individuals are likely to perform on subsequent licensure tests. By examining a pool of individuals who took both basic skills and licensure tests, the authors contrast the likelihood of passing licensure tests given how well individuals performed on the basic skills test. The results support the hypothesis that basic skills tests are measuring cognitive skills important to the learning of material required for success in attaining teacher licensure and are not simply a bureaucratic hurdle.