bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Split‐leg comparison of low fluence diode laser and high fluence intense pulsed light in permanent hair reduction in skin types III to IV
Authors: Chen Jian , Liu Xiu‐Jun , Huo Meng‐Hua
Published: March 2012

Background/Objectives:  All the standard light‐based techniques for permanent hair reduction, like laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) employ the highest tolerable fluence with a single pass. As opposed to standard techniques, a new diode laser technique employs low fluence with multiple passes. Here we evaluate and compare the efficacy, treatment time, comfort and safety of the low fluence multiple pass diode laser with high fluence single pass IPL for permanent hair reduction in Type III to IV Asian patients.

Methods:  Thirty Asian patients with Type III to IV black hair were enrolled and received three sessions of treatments at 6‐weekly to 8‐weekly intervals. A split‐leg study was performed in which the IPL was applied to one leg of each patient while the laser was applied to the other. The patients were followed up for 12 months.

Results:  All patients were satisfied with the results of the long‐term hair reduction without long‐term side effects. There was no statistically significant difference in hair reduction and treatment time between the laser (76.85%, 21.39 min) and the IPL (74.53%, 22.17 min) (P > 0.05). The visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score of the IPL (5.96) was higher than that of the laser (3.10) (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  A series of high fluence single pass IPL and low fluence multiple pass diode laser treatments were performed with similar efficacy, speed and safety for permanent hair reduction. However, low fluence multiple pass diode laser treatment was less painful than high fluence single pass IPL.
Perspective: what does the term functional mean in the context of epiphora?
Authors: Chan WengOnn , Malhotra Raman , Kakizaki Hirohiko , Leibovitch Igal , Selva Dinesh
Published: March 2012

Abstract

The term ‘functional block’ is used to encompass the concept of lacrimal drainage dysfunction in the presence of anatomical patency. There is significant variability in the nomenclature, clinical and investigative criteria used in the literature to define this entity. This has led to confusion and lack of comparability of studies looking at this group. The clinical features, investigative findings and treatment options in this group of patients are described. In addition, the need to differentiate between nasolacrimal stenosis and ‘functional block’ is emphasized, as evidence suggest patients with nasolacrimal duct stenosis have better outcomes with dacryocystorhinostomy. To better define the disease entity and enable comparability of future studies, it was proposed that this entity be replaced by the term functional epiphora with no delay, pre‐ or post‐sac delay.
Recent advances in Toll‐like receptors and anterior uveitis
Authors: Chang John H , McCluskey Peter J , Wakefield Denis
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Uveitis involves acute, recurrent or chronic inflammation of the uvea, and occurs when the normal state of ocular immune privilege has broken down. Accumulating evidence implicates the role of microbial triggers in the development of various forms of immune‐mediated uveitis in addition to its causative role in infectious uveitis. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are the most important pattern‐recognition receptors of the innate immune system that recognize pathogen‐associated molecular patterns of microbes. Activation of TLRs by pathogen‐associated molecular patterns leads to the induction of an inflammatory cascade and activation of both innate and adaptive arms of the immune response. TLRs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, including uveitis. This review provides an update on recent progress in TLR research and uveitis, specifically summarizing new evidence for the role of TLRs in anterior uveitis. There have been important observations from studies involving human ocular tissue, clinical uveitis and from experimental animal models of uveitis, such as endotoxin‐induced uveitis. The ‘Toll rush’ has certainly gained momentum, and future advances in this field have the potential for selectively targeting the TLR pathway and ultimately translating into better therapies for patients with sight‐threatening uveitis.
Bleb vascularity following post‐trabeculectomy subconjunctival bevacizumab: a pilot study
Authors: Chua Brian E , Nguyen Dan Q , Qin Queena , Ruddle Jonathan B , Wells Anthony P , Niyadurupola Nuwan , Gupta Viney , Wong Tina T , Coote Michael A , Crowston Jonathan G
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Background:  To determine whether postoperative subconjunctival bevacizumab significantly alters bleb vascularity.

Design:  A randomized, prospective interventional study.

Participants:  Forty‐three eyes from 39 patients were recruited, with 21 eyes randomized to subconjunctival injections of 5‐fluorouracil, and 22 eyes to combined 5‐fluorouracil/bevacizumab.

Methods:  All patients who underwent uncomplicated primary antimetabolite augmented trabeculectomy who subsequently required postoperative subconjunctival 5‐fluorouracil injection within 4 weeks of surgery were eligible. Patients were randomized to receive subconjunctival 5‐fluorouracil only (7.5 mg/0.15 mL) or 5‐fluorouracil plus bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL).

Main Outcome Measures:  Primary outcome was bleb vascularity with secondary endpoints including visual acuity, intraocular pressure, bleb morphology, complications and total numbers of 5‐fluorouracil injections were recorded at baseline, week 12 and 18 months.

Results:  At week 12, there was no significant difference between groups for visual acuity, intraocular pressure, bleb vascularity and morphology, or total number of 5‐fluorouracil injections. By 18 months, 47.4% of the 5‐fluorouracil/bevacizumab group exhibited central bleb avascularity compared with 21.1% of the 5‐fluorouracil group (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.17). Two bleb complications (one blebitis; one suture abscess) recorded in the 5‐fluorouracil/bevacizumab group.

Conclusions:  After a single combined injection, a trend for increased central bleb avascularity was observed, although this effect was not sufficient to reach statistical significance. This, in addition to the occurrence of two bleb‐related complications in the bevacizumab group, suggests the need for a larger clinical trial to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab as a modulating agent in glaucoma filtration surgery.
Anterior segment fluorescein angiography of the normal canine eye using a dSLR camera adaptor
Authors: Alario Anthony F. , Pirie Christopher G. , Pizzirani Stefano
Published: March 2012

Purpose  To describe anterior segment fluorescein angiography (ASFA) of the normal canine eye using two different sedation/anesthetic protocols and a digital single lens‐reflex (dSLR) camera adaptor.

Methods  Dogs free of ocular and systemic disease were used for this study. Dogs received maropitant citrate (1.0 mg/kg SQ) and diphenhydramine (2.0 mg/kg SQ) 20 min prior to butorphanol [n = 6] (0.2 mg/kg IV) or propofol [n = 6] (4 mg/kg IV bolus, 0.2 mg/kg/min CRI). Standard color and red‐free images were obtained prior to administration of 10% sodium fluorescein (20 mg/kg IV). Image acquisition was performed using a dSLR camera (Canon 7D), dSLR camera adaptor, camera lens (Canon EF‐S 60 mm f/2.8 macro), and an accessory flash (Canon 580EXII). Imaging occurred at a rate of 1/s immediately following bolus for a total of 30 s, then at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 min.

Results  Twelve dogs with a combined mean age of 5.1 years and various iris colors were imaged. Arterial, capillary, and venous phases were identified and time sequences recorded. Visibility of the vascular pattern was inversely related to iris pigmentation. Complete masking of blood flow was noted with heavily pigmented irises. Vessel leakage was noted in some eyes. Proper patient positioning and restricted ocular movements were critical in acquiring quality images. No adverse events were noted.

Conclusion  This study demonstrated that quality high resolution ASFA images were obtainable using a novel dSLR camera adaptor. ASFA of the normal canine eye is limited to irises, which are moderately to poorly pigmented. Use of general anesthesia produced higher quality images and is recommended for ASFA in the dog.
Outbreak of Philophthalmus gralli in four greater rheas (Rhea americana)
Authors: Church Melanie L. , Barrett Paul M. , Swenson Julie , Kinsella John M. , Tkach Vasyl V.
Published: March 2012

Using slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, conjunctival biopsy, and morphological identification, a flock of four Greater rheas (Rhea americana) in Arizona were diagnosed with conjunctivitis secondary to Philophthalmus gralli (P. gralli) infection. Aquatic snails from the exhibit’s water source were identified as Melanoides tuberculatus, a known vector for P. gralli. Comparison of partial sequences of DNA regions from P. gralli adults removed from the rheas and metacercariae from the aquatic snails demonstrated a 100% match, confirming the source of infection. The flock was divided into two treatment groups: the most severely affected rheas received both manual removal of trematodes and praziquantel 1% ointment OU q12 h and the least severely affected rheas were only given praziquantel 1% ointment OU q12 h. The rheas were permanently relocated away from the infected water source and aquatic snails. Initial resolution was seen at 17 weeks in the most severely affected rhea, which had 675 adult P. gralli removed and topical praziquantel. The two rheas that only received topical praziquantel showed resolution within 3 and 15 weeks. Current recommendations for treating P. gralli include: manual removal of trematodes, topical praziquantel 1% ointment, and relocation away from infected water sources and aquatic snails.
Bilateral testicular germ cell tumours: a systematic review
Authors: Zequi Stenio de Cassio , da Costa Walter Henriques , Santana Thiago B.M. , Favaretto Ricardo L. , Sacomani Carlos A.R. , Guimaraes Gustavo C.
Published: March 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Bilateral testicular germ cell tumours (BTGCTs) are rare neoplasms. Most previously published studies consist of case reports or small retrospective case series. Little is known about their epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics.

BTGCT corresponded to 1.82% of testicular tumours. Metachronous disease was about twice as frequent as synchronous disease. The primary tumour histology, chemotherapy use and the interval between metachronous tumours influenced the histology of the second tumour. Overall, synchronous tumours were associated with more advanced disease and presented less favourable survival rates than metachronous tumours.

Testicular cancer is the most common tumour in young men. It is known that a second primary contralateral testis tumour may occur in up to 5% of men with a proior tumour. About 35% of these men present with synchronous tumours, and 65% present with metachronous tumours. However there is little data about bilateral testicular germ cell tumours (BTGCT) in the literature and the most published articles are case reports on a small series of men, which makes it difficult to draw conclusions about therapeutic strategies for the treatment of BTGCTs.

In fact, current guidelines for the treatment of testicular cancer contain little information related to bilateral disease. Therefore, the aim of our study is to provide a broad overview of BTGCT and to update data focusing on incidence, pathological features, and clinical outcomes of men with BTGCTs. Thus, an extensive review containing 94 studies and more than 50,000 patients was conducted.
Global analysis of satellite tracking data shows that adult green turtles are significantly aggregated in Marine Protected Areas
Authors: Scott Rebecca , Hodgson David J. , Witt Matthew J. , Coyne Michael S. , Adnyana Windia , Blumenthal Janice M. , Broderick Annette C. , Canbolat Ali Fuat , Catry Paulo , Ciccione Stephane , Delcroix Eric , Hitipeuw Creusa , Luschi Paolo , Pet‐Soede L. , Pendoley Kellie , Richardson Peter B. , Rees Alan F. , Godley Brendan J.
Published: March 2012

Aim  Tracking technologies are often proposed as a method to elucidate the complex migratory life histories of migratory marine vertebrates, allowing spatially explicit threats to be identified and mitigated. We conducted a global analysis of foraging areas of adult green turtles (Chelonia mydas) subject to satellite tracking (n= 145) and the conservation designation of these areas according to International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria.

Location  The green turtle has a largely circumtropical distribution, with adults migrating up to thousands of kilometres between nesting beaches and foraging areas, typically in neritic seagrass or algal beds.

Methods  We undertook an assessment of satellite tracking projects that followed the movements of green turtles in tropical and subtropical habitats. This approach was facilitated by the use of the Satellite Tracking and Analysis Tool (http://www.seaturtle.org) and the integration of publicly available data on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Results  We show that turtles aggregate in designated MPAs far more than would be expected by chance when considered globally (35% of all turtles were located within MPAs) or separately by ocean basin (Atlantic 67%, Indian 34%, Mediterranean 19%, Pacific 16%). Furthermore, we show that the size, level of protection and time of establishment of MPAs affects the likelihood of MPAs containing foraging turtles, highlighting the importance of large, well‐established reserves.

Main conclusions  Our findings constitute compelling evidence of the world‐wide effectiveness of extant MPAs in circumscribing important foraging habitats for a marine megavertebrate.
The impact of Australian higher education policy changes on the production of PhDs in the field of accounting and finance
Authors: Heaney Richard , Evans Terry , Macauley Peter , Pearson Margot
Published: March 2012

This article examines the growth in accounting and finance PhD graduates across all Australian universities from 1965 to 2006. It investigates the impact of the major changes that were initiated in 1988 in higher education in Australia with the introduction of the Unified National Scheme (UNS) and, in 2002, with the Research Training Scheme (RTS). A data set of PhD thesis records provides data of actual PhD completions, as distinct from enrolments. Analyses show that both the number of accounting and finance PhD completions and the dispersion of these PhD completions across Australian universities increased from 1988 with the introduction of the UNS. There is also evidence that the proportion of accounting and finance–related PhD completions relative to total Australian PhD completions increased from 1988. While there is strong statistical support for the effect of the UNS on PhD completions, this is not the case for the more recent changes associated with the Research Training Scheme (RTS).
A Significance Cache for Accelerating Global Illumination
Authors: Bashford‐Rogers Thomas , Debattista Kurt , Chalmers Alan
Published: March 2012

Rendering using physically based methods requires substantial computational resources. Most methods that are physically based use straightforward techniques that may excessively compute certain types of light transport, while ignoring more important ones. Importance sampling is an effective and commonly used technique to reduce variance in such methods. Most current approaches for physically based rendering based on Monte Carlo methods sample the BRDF and cosine term, but are unable to sample the indirect illumination as this is the term that is being computed. Knowledge of the incoming illumination can be especially useful in the case of hard to find light paths, such as caustics or scenes which rely primarily on indirect illumination. To facilitate the determination of such paths, we propose a caching scheme which stores important directions, and is analytically sampled to calculate important paths. Results show an improvement over BRDF sampling and similar illumination importance sampling.
Successive cyclicity at the syntax‐morphology interface: evidence from standard Indonesian and Kendal Javanese*
Authors: Sato Yosuke
Published: March 2012

Abstract. This paper proposes a new analysis of the distribution of the active voice morphology in Standard Indonesian and Kendal Javanese. Specifically, I argue that an NP undergoes movement into the edge ofv*P to delete the uninterpretable D‐feature of the phase head (Chomsky 2000, 2001, 2004). This deletion, in turn, blocks the active voice prefix from being inserted underv*in the post‐syntactic morphological component; its null counterpart is inserted as the elsewhere vocabulary item. To the extent that the proposed analysis holds, the data discussed here provides crucial empirical support for the role ofvP phases at the syntax‐morphology interface and yields a new understanding of “deletion” as the failure of vocabulary insertion (Harley 2005) in the sense of Distributed Morphology (Halle and Marantz 1993).
Complex non‐compound words in Swedish*
Authors: Klingvall Eva
Published: March 2012

Abstract. This paper is concerned with the structure of Swedish complex words with a past participle in the right‐hand position and one of the elementslätt/svår/snabb/trög/tung(‘easy’/‘difficult’/‘fast’/‘slow’/‘heavy’) in the left‐hand position. Although these words look very similar to compound participles, such ashembakad(‘homebaked’), they have systematically different properties. Compounds in Swedish are right‐headed and behave largely like their heads. These complex words, however, do not behave syntactically like the participles in their right‐hand position. The words differ from compounds also in failing to entail the meaning of their right‐hand segment. I argue that these properties can be explained if we analyze the words as left‐headed rather than right‐headed. The adjective in the left‐hand position is thus the head of the word, taking the participle as its complement.
Theory! The Missing Link in Understanding the Performance of Neonate/Infant Home‐Visiting Programs to Prevent Child Maltreatment: A Systematic Review
Authors: SEGAL LEONIE , SARA OPIE RACHELLE , DALZIEL KIM
Published: March 2012

Context: Home‐visiting programs have been offered for more than sixty years to at‐risk families of newborns and infants. But despite decades of experience with program delivery, more than sixty published controlled trials, and more than thirty published literature reviews, there is still uncertainty surrounding the performance of these programs. Our particular interest was the performance of home visiting in reducing child maltreatment.

Methods: We developed a program logic framework to assist in understanding the neonate/infant home‐visiting literature, identified through a systematic literature review. We tested whether success could be explained by the logic model using descriptive synthesis and statistical analysis.

Findings: Having a stated objective of reducing child maltreatment—a theory or mechanism of change underpinning the home‐visiting program consistent with the target population and their needs and program components that can deliver against the nominated theory of change—considerably increased the chance of success. We found that only seven of fifty‐three programs demonstrated such consistency, all of which had a statistically significant positive outcome, whereas of the fifteen that had no match, none was successful. Programs with a partial match had an intermediate success rate. The relationship between program success and full, partial or no match was statistically significant.

Conclusions: Employing a theory‐driven approach provides a new way of understanding the disparate performance of neonate/infant home‐visiting programs. Employing a similar theory‐driven approach could also prove useful in the review of other programs that embody a diverse set of characteristics and may apply to diverse populations and settings. A program logic framework provides a rigorous approach to deriving policy‐relevant meaning from effectiveness evidence of complex programs. For neonate/infant home‐visiting programs, it means that in developing these programs, attention to consistency of objectives, theory of change, target population, and program components is critical.
Demanding ‘credible commitment’: public reactions to the failures of the early financial revolution1
Authors: MURPHY ANNE L.
Published: March 2012

North and Weingast's notion of ‘credible commitment’ arguably offers a reasonable understanding of the factors that allowed the development of a trusting relationship between the state and its potential creditors over the long term. Yet, they failed to recognize the difficulties that were encountered along the way. This article highlights some of those difficulties and shows that at times when credible commitment was in doubt, supporters of the financial revolution held the government to account through the published media and by direct action. This is important for two reasons. First, the contemporary debate regarding the financial revolution, as it is presented by some historians, may lead us to presume that there would have been little public outcry had the government reneged on its debt. Indeed, we might argue that hostility towards financiers had always made default popular with many segments of the population. Yet, clearly opinion was not quite so one‐sided and the reaction against potential default was considerable. Second, the fact that the public creditors were willing to act to protect themselves shows that credible commitment was not just created from above by the Glorious Revolution and the subsequent development of the institutions of government; it was demanded from below by the people who invested in the financial revolution.
FORGING A NEW LINK: LOLA RENNT AND TOM TYKWER'S CINEMATIC FOREBEARS
Authors: Littlejohn John
Published: March 2012

Lola rennt ranks high on any list of famous post‐Reunification German films. Several scholars and journalists have noted the great number of references Lola rennt makes to earlier cinema, for instance the works of Wenders or Hitchcock. The present article examines the film's allusions to the cinema of Krzysztof Kieślowski, Jean‐Luc Godard and Fritz Lang. This examination uncovers a chain of references between these three directors whose centrepoint is Godard's Le Mépris. By intertextually forging a new link on this chain of directors, Tykwer positions himself as their peer.

Lola rennt ist einer der bekanntesten deutschen Filme der letzten zwanzig Jahre. Mehrere Journalisten und Akademiker merken, dass sich Lola rennt immer wieder auf frühere Filme bezieht, z.B. die von Wenders und Hitchcock. Dieser Artikel untersucht die vom Regisseur/Drehbuchautor Tom Tykwer inszenierten Anspielungen auf Werke von Krzysztof Kieślowski, Jean‐Luc Godard und Fritz Lang. Die Untersuchung enthüllt eine Kette von solchen Anspielungen, deren Mittelpunkt Godards Le Mépris ist. Lola rennt wird zu einem neuen Glied in dieser Kette. Dadurch schafft sich Tykwer eine eigene Stelle unter diesen früheren, berühmten Regisseuren.
Market Underestimation of the Implications of R&D Increases for Future Earnings: The US Evidence
Authors: Ali Ashiq , Ciftci Mustafa , Cready William M.
Published: March 2012

Abstract: This study shows that future abnormal returns to R&D increases are concentrated around subsequent earnings announcements. It further shows that market expectations, implied from stock prices, underestimate the future earnings benefits of increase in R&D. Finally, it documents that in their forecasts of future earnings, security analysts also underestimate the effect of increase in R&D spending. These results suggest that future abnormal returns following R&D increases are at least in part due to the market's underestimation of the earnings benefits of R&D increases. The finding in this study contributes to the longstanding debate in accounting on whether the US GAAP requirement to expense R&D costs when incurred causes investors to underestimate the benefits of R&D.
Bayesian shared frailty models for regional inference about wildlife survival
Authors: Heisey D. M.
Published: March 2012

Read the Feature Paper: Bayesian shared frailty models for regional inference about wildlife survival

Other Commentaries on this paper: Combining information in hierarchical models improves inferences in population ecology and demographic population analyses; ‘Each site has its own survival probability, but information is borrowed across sites to tell us about survival in each site’: random effects models as means of borrowing strength in survival studies of wild vertebrates

Response from the authors: ‘Exciting statistics’: the rapid development and promising future of hierarchical models for population ecology
Development and morphogenesis of human wrist joint during embryonic and early fetal period
Authors: Hita‐Contreras Fidel , Martínez‐Amat Antonio , Ortiz Raúl , Caba Octavio , Álvarez Pablo , Prados José C. , Lomas‐Vega Rafael , Aránega Antonia , Sánchez‐Montesinos Indalecio , Mérida‐Velasco Juan A.
Published: March 2012

The development of the human wrist joint has been studied widely, with the main focus on carpal chondrogenesis, ligaments and triangular fibrocartilage. However, there are some discrepancies concerning the origin and morphogenetic time‐table of these structures, including nerves, muscles and vascular elements. For this study we used serial sections of 57 human embryonic (n = 30) and fetal (n = 27) specimens from O’Rahilly stages 17–23 and 9–14 weeks, respectively. The following phases in carpal morphogenesis have been established: undifferentiated mesenchyme (stage 17), condensated mesenchyme (stages 18 and 19), pre‐chondrogenic (stages 19 and 20) and chondrogenic (stages 21 and over). Carpal chondrification and osteogenic processes are similar, starting with capitate and hamate (stage 19) and ending with pisiform (stage 22). In week 14, a vascular bud penetrates into the lunate cartilaginous mold, early sign of the osteogenic process that will be completed after birth. In stage 18, median, ulnar and radial nerves and thenar eminence appear in the hand plate. In stage 21, there are indications of the interosseous muscles, and in stage 22 flexor digitorum superficialis, flexor digitorum profundus and lumbrical muscles, transverse carpal ligament and collateral ligaments emerge. In stage 23, the articular disc, radiocarpal and ulnocarpal ligaments and deep palmar arterial arch become visible. Radiate carpal and interosseous ligaments appear in week 9, and in week 10, dorsal radiocarpal ligament and articular capsule are evident. Finally, synovial membrane is observed in week 13. We have performed a complete analysis of the morphogenesis of the structures of the human wrist joint. Our results present new data on nervous and arterial elements and provide the basis for further investigations on anatomical pathology, comparative morphology and evolutionary anthropology.
Mechanisms of calpain mediated proteolysis of voltage gated sodium channel α‐subunits following in vitro dynamic stretch injury
Authors: von Reyn Catherine R. , Mott Rosalind E. , Siman Robert , Smith Douglas H. , Meaney David F.
Published: March 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 793–805.

Although enhanced calpain activity is well documented after traumatic brain injury (TBI), the pathways targeting specific substrate proteolysis are less defined. Our past work demonstrated that calpain cleaves voltage gated sodium channel (NaCh) α‐subunits in an in vitro TBI model. In this study, we investigated the pathways leading to NaCh cleavage utilizing our previously characterized in vitro TBI model, and determined the location of calpain activation within neuronal regions following stretch injury to micropatterned cultures. Calpain specific breakdown products of α‐spectrin appeared within axonal, dendritic, and somatic regions 6 h after injury, concurrent with the appearance of NaCh α‐subunit proteolysis in both whole cell or enriched axonal preparations. Direct pharmacological activation of either NMDA receptors (NMDArs) or NaChs resulted in NaCh proteolysis. Likewise, a chronic (6 h) dual inhibition of NMDArs/NaChs but not L‐type voltage gated calcium channels significantly reduced NaCh proteolysis 6 h after mechanical injury. Interestingly, an early, transient (30 min) inhibition of NMDArs alone significantly reduced NaCh proteolysis. Although a chronic inhibition of calpain significantly reduced proteolysis, a transient inhibition of calpain immediately after injury failed to significantly attenuate NaCh proteolysis. These data suggest that both NMDArs and NaChs are key contributors to calpain activation after mechanical injury, and that a larger temporal window of sustained calpain activation needs consideration in developing effective treatments for TBI.
Nerve injury increases brain‐derived neurotrophic factor levels to suppress BK channel activity in primary sensory neurons
Authors: Cao Xue‐Hong , Chen Shao‐Rui , Li Li , Pan Hui‐Lin
Published: March 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 944–953.

Abnormal hyperexcitability of primary sensory neurons contributes to neuropathic pain development after nerve injury. Nerve injury profoundly reduces the expression of big conductance Ca2+ ‐activated K+ (BK) channels in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). However, little is known about how nerve injury affects BK channel activity in DRG neurons. In this study, we determined the changes in BK channel activity in DRG neurons in a rat model of neuropathic pain and the contribution of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) to reduced BK channel activity. The BK channel activity was present predominantly in small and medium DRG neurons, and ligation of L5 and L6 spinal nerves profoundly decreased the BK current density in these neurons. Blocking BK channels significantly increased neuronal excitability in sham control, but not in nerve‐injured, rats. The BDNF concentration in the DRG was significantly greater in nerve‐injured rats than in control rats. BDNF treatment largely reduced BK currents in DRG neurons in control rats, which was blocked by either anti‐BDNF antibody or K252a, a Trk receptor inhibitor. Furthermore, either anti‐BDNF antibody or K252a reversed reduction in BK currents in injured DRG neurons. BDNF treatment reduced the mRNA levels of BKα1 subunit in DRG neurons, and anti‐BDNF antibody attenuated the reduction in the BKα1 mRNA level in injured DRG neurons. These findings suggest that nerve injury primarily diminishes the BK channel activity in small and medium DRG neurons. Increased BDNF levels contribute to reduced BK channel activity in DRG neurons through epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms in neuropathic pain.
Remodeling of ventricular repolarization in a chronic doxorubicin cardiotoxicity rat model
Authors: Kharin Sergey , Krandycheva Valeria , Tsvetkova Alena , Strelkova Marina , Shmakov Dmitry
Published: March 2012

Doxorubicin, one of the most effective anticancer drugs, is characterized by severe cardiotoxic effects, which induce cardiac remodeling and congestive heart failure. The aim of the study was to evaluate remodeling of ventricular repolarization heterogeneity in chronic doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in rats. Doxorubicin cardiotoxicity was produced by six equal intraperitoneal injections of the drug in a cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg in a 2‐week period. Electrophysiological mapping of the ventricular epicardium in situ was performed 6 weeks after the last injection of doxorubicin. Activation–recovery intervals (ARIs) were used for the evaluation of the heterogeneity in repolarization durations. The major findings were as follows: (1) ARIs on the ventricular epicardium of both ventricles were significantly prolonged in the doxorubicin group and (2) this inhomogeneous prolongation of ARIs on the ventricular epicardium resulted in (i) the increase in the dispersion of repolarization across the ventricular epicardium and (ii) the inhomogeneous alterations of the regional ARI gradients on the ventricular epicardium. These changes in repolarization could explain the electrocardiographic alterations, that is, the prolongation of the QT interval and flattening of the T wave.
Returns to growth in a nonparametric DEA approach
Authors: Sahoo Biresh K. , Kerstens Kristiaan , Tone Kaoru
Published: March 2012

In this contribution, first the concept of returns to growth (RTG) of a high‐tech firm facing hyper‐competition in the new economy is introduced by describing a proportional relationship between growth in inputs and growth in outputs using the growth efficiency (GE) model of Sengupta. Second, both technology‐ and value‐based methods are suggested for estimating the RTG behavior of high‐tech firms. Third, although the GE concept seems closely related to the notion of total factor productivity change, this link remains unexplored: we suggest a link between both concepts. Finally, our empirical application to the Indian computer industry reveals that first, companies operating under increasing returns to scale (RTS) may exhibit constant or decreasing RTG; second, companies showing constant RTS may exhibit increasing or decreasing RTG; and third, companies showing decreasing RTS may exhibit constant or increasing RTG. These findings imply that RTS estimates need not provide proper information regarding the growth strategy behavior of high‐tech companies.
A normal copula model for the arrival process in a call center
Authors: Channouf Nabil , L'Ecuyer Pierre
Published: March 2012

We propose and examine a probabilistic model for the multivariate distribution of the number of calls in each period of the day (e.g., 15 or 30 min) in a call center, where the marginal distribution of the number of calls in any given period is arbitrary, and the dependence between the periods is modeled via a normal copula. Conditional on the number of calls in a period, their arrival times are independent and uniformly distributed over the period. This type of model has the advantage of being simple and reasonably flexible, and can match the correlations between the arrival counts in different periods much better than previously proposed models. For the situation where the number of periods is large, so the number of correlations to estimate can be excessive, we propose simple parametric forms for the correlations, defined as functions of the time lag between the periods. We test our proposed models on three data sets taken from real‐life call centers and compare their goodness of fit to the best previously proposed methods that we know. In the three cases, the new models provide a much better match of the correlations and coefficients of variation of the arrival counts in individual periods.
Data for the Carbon Footprinting of Rendering Operations
Authors: Gooding Charles H.
Published: March 2012

This article presents a tool and data for calculation of the carbon footprint of rendering operations in North America, quantifying Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect) greenhouse gas emissions. Scope 3 (life cycle) emissions are not included.

According to the sample data, in one year an average‐size rendering plant in North America processes 100,000 tonnes (t) of meat by‐products, fallen animals, and restaurant grease and produces 40,000 t of marketable fats and proteins. A plant of this size emits directly about 20,000 t of carbon dioxide (CO2), mostly by burning fuels to operate cookers that destroy pathogens, drive off moisture, and separate the fat and protein. Another 4,000 t of CO2 is emitted by utility companies to provide electricity for the rendering process. These direct and indirect emissions are equivalent to about 30% of the CO2 that would be released if all of the carbon in the rendered raw material were decomposed into CO2.
Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Electricity Generation
Authors: Hsu David D. , O’Donoughue Patrick , Fthenakis Vasilis , Heath Garvin A. , Kim Hyung Chul , Sawyer Pamala , Choi Jun‐Ki , Turney Damon E.
Published: March 2012

Published scientific literature contains many studies estimating life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of residential and utility‐scale solar photovoltaics (PVs). Despite the volume of published work, variability in results hinders generalized conclusions. Most variance between studies can be attributed to differences in methods and assumptions. To clarify the published results for use in decision making and other analyses, we conduct a meta‐analysis of existing studies, harmonizing key performance characteristics to produce more comparable and consistently derived results.

Screening 397 life cycle assessments (LCAs) relevant to PVs yielded 13 studies on crystalline silicon (c‐Si) that met minimum standards of quality, transparency, and relevance. Prior to harmonization, the median of 42 estimates of life cycle GHG emissions from those 13 LCAs was 57 grams carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt‐hour (g CO2‐eq/kWh), with an interquartile range (IQR) of 44 to 73. After harmonizing key performance characteristics (irradiation of 1,700 kilowatt‐hours per square meter per year (kWh/m2/yr); system lifetime of 30 years; module efficiency of 13.2% or 14.0%, depending on module type; and a performance ratio of 0.75 or 0.80, depending on installation, the median estimate decreased to 45 and the IQR tightened to 39 to 49. The median estimate and variability were reduced compared to published estimates mainly because of higher average assumptions for irradiation and system lifetime.

For the sample of studies evaluated, harmonization effectively reduced variability, providing a clearer synopsis of the life cycle GHG emissions from c‐Si PVs. The literature used in this harmonization neither covers all possible c‐Si installations nor represents the distribution of deployed or manufactured c‐Si PVs.
Diagnosis of the Vertebral Level from Which Low Back or Leg Pain Originates. A Comparison of Clinical Evaluation, MRI and Epiduroscopy
Authors: Bosscher Hemmo A. , Heavner James E.
Published: March 2012

Background:  The precise localization of painful structures in the spine of patients with low back pain and/or pain radiating (LBP/RP) to the lower extremities is important for targeted therapeutic intervention. The aim of the study reported here was to determine and compare the spinal segment(s) where pain was elicited via endoscopic evaluation vs. the vertebral level from where the pain was thought to originate as determined by clinical evaluation and by MRI.

Methods:  Observational cohort study of 143 patients 19 to 88 years of age undergoing spinal canal endoscopy (epiduroscopy) in a combined academic and private practice setting January 2008 to December 2008. Patients were asked whether pain generated by pressure upon epidural structures with the tip of an endoscope was similar in character and distribution (concordant) to the pain for which patients sought treatment. Notes from clinical evaluation and MRI reports were reviewed, and segmental level determined to be the locus of pathology was tabulated.

Results:  One hundred twenty‐five (87%) patients reported maximal reproducible pain at a specific level during epiduroscopy. The most common level was at L4 to L5 (87 patients). The least common level was L5 to S1 (2 patients). In only 40 patients did the level determined by clinical evaluation correlate with the level at which pain could be reproduced during epiduroscopy. MRI indicated a specific vertebral level that corresponded to the level at which pain could be reproduced during epiduroscopy in 28 of 143 (20%) patients. The results of the 3 diagnostic methods were significantly different (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  Results of this study indicate that epiduroscopy is more reliable than is either clinical evaluation or MRI for determining the vertebral level where clinically significant spinal pathology occurs in patients with LBP/RP.
Systems of Privilege: Intersections, Awareness, and Applications
Authors: Case Kim A. , Iuzzini Jonathan , Hopkins Morgan
Published: March 2012

As research on privilege increased in the last two decades, a clear need for a social psychological perspective to examine the topic has emerged. In this special issue of JSI, scholars provide a framework for understanding the psychology of privilege, considering the policy implications of privilege, and imagining the future of privilege studies. The contributors emphasize multidisciplinary approaches, mixed methods, and the benefits of intersectional theory for studying privilege.
Discovering the Privilege of Whiteness: White Women's Reflections on Anti‐racist Identity and Ally Behavior
Authors: Case Kim A.
Published: March 2012

In the discussion group White Women Against Racism (WWAR), participants engaged in dialogue promoting self‐examination of white privilege and anti‐racist social action. Through qualitative analyses of field observations of group meetings and interviews, this study explores their engagement in the deconstruction of white privilege, white identity, and the challenges of anti‐racist action for social change. The women examined whiteness through a lens of white privilege that opened new avenues to anti‐racist white identity and activism. Participants also explored the influence of multiple identities and intersections with whiteness as sources of influence on their own anti‐racism. The women conceptualized struggles with everyday anti‐racist action as intertwined with privilege and social norms of silence. Although white privilege research typically focuses on classroom instruction or gaps in awareness, this study emphasizes the voices and experiences of White women to analyze white privilege awareness in relation to white anti‐racist identity development and ally behavior.
Exploring Levels of Christian Privilege Awareness among Preservice Teachers
Authors: Blumenfeld Warren J. , Jaekel Kathryn
Published: March 2012

Based on Peggy McIntosh's (1988) pioneering investigations of white and male privilege, we can, by analogy, understand Christian privilege as constituting a seemingly invisible, unearned, and largely unacknowledged array of benefits accorded to Christians, with which they often unconsciously walk through life as if effortlessly carrying a knapsack tossed over their shoulders. This system of benefits confers dominance on Christians while subordinating members of other faith communities as well as nonbelievers. These systemic inequities are pervasive throughout societies of many nations across the globe. They are encoded into the individuals’ consciousness and woven into the very fabric of their many social institutions, including schools, having enormous implications on all students. The current exploratory qualitative study investigates the relative level of awareness of Christian privilege among preservice teachers who self‐define as “Christian” at a large Midwestern United States research university, and situates this awareness and level of resistance upon Watt's Privilege Identity Exploration (PIE) model (2007, 2009).
Nocturnal Peak in Atrial Tachyarrhythmia Occurrence as a Function of Arrhythmia Burden
Authors: SHUSTERMAN VLADIMIR , WARMAN EDUARDO , LONDON BARRY , SCHWARTZMAN DAVID
Published: March 2012

Nocturnal Initiation of Atrial Tachyarrhythmias.

Introduction: We examined circadian periodicity of atrial tachyarrhythmias (AT/AF) in a large group of patients with implantable devices, which allow continuous collection of the event data over prolonged periods of time.

Methods and Results: A total of 16,130 AT/AF events were recorded in 236 patients (age: 63 ± 12 years, 27% female, 90% had a history of cardiovascular disease, 33% ischemic, LVEF: 49 ± 18%) over a period of 12 months. To exclude interactions with therapy, the patterns of arrhythmia occurrence were examined for all events and for those episodes that were preceded by at least 1, 6, and 24 hours of sinus rhythm. To prevent biasing toward patients with more frequent episodes, the patterns of AT/AF onset were analyzed both in absolute and patient‐normalized (i.e., divided by the total number of events in each patient) units per hour per patient and then summarized for the entire group. In patients with <4 AT/AF events, the onset times were randomly distributed over 24‐hour period. However, as the number of AT/AF events increased, a nocturnal pattern of occurrence (determined by the occurrence of a trough around noon) gradually emerged and became highly statistically significant (P < 10−4). The magnitude of nocturnal peak of AT/AF events was well explained by a single‐exponential function (R2= 0.97, P < 10−2).

Conclusion: Patients with more frequent atrial tachyarrhythmias are more likely to develop AT/AF at night. Knowledge of patient‐specific circadian patterns of arrhythmia occurrence can be useful for personalized management of individuals with significant arrhythmia burden. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 604–611, June 2012)
Role of the Vein of Marshall in Atrial Fibrillation Recurrences After Catheter Ablation: Therapeutic Effect of Ethanol Infusion
Authors: DAVE AMISH S. , BÁEZ‐ESCUDERO JOSÉ L. , SASARIDIS CHRISTINE , HONG THOMAS E. , RAMI TAPAN , VALDERRÁBANO MIGUEL
Published: March 2012

Vein of Marshall Ethanol in Recurrent AF.

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) or flutter can recur after pulmonary vein (PV) antral isolation (PVAI). The vein of Marshall (VOM) has been linked to the genesis of AF. We hypothesized that the VOM may play a role in AF recurrences and that VOM ethanol infusion may have therapeutic value in this setting.

Methods and Results:
Sixty‐one patients with recurrent AF or flutter after PVAI were studied. The VOM was successfully cannulated in 54; VOM and PV electrograms were recorded, and differential PV‐VOM pacing was performed. VOM signals were present in all patients; however, VOM triggers of AF could not be demonstrated. VOM tachycardia was present in 1 patient. Left inferior (LIPV) and left superior (LSPV) reconnection was present in 32 and 30 patients, respectively. Differential pacing in VOM and LIPV showed VOM‐mediated LIPV reconnection in 5/32 patients. In others, VOM and PV connected indirectly via left atrial tissues. Up to four 1 cc infusions of 98% ethanol were delivered in the VOM. Regardless of the reconnection pattern, ethanol infusion eliminated LIPV and LSPV reconnection in 23/32 and 13/30 patients, respectively. Ethanol terminated VOM and LIPV tachycardias in 2 patients. There were no acute procedural complications.

Conclusions:
VOM signals are consistently present in recurrent AF. VOM may rarely play a role in PV reconnection. However, VOM ethanol infusion can be useful in patients with recurrent AF after PVAI, assisting in achieving redisconnection of reconnected left PVs. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 583–591, June 2012)