bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY STUDY ON THE MECHANISM OF TRIMETHYLAMINE-CATALYZED BAYLIS–HILLMAN REACTION
Authors: LI JING , JIANG WAN-YI
Published: March 2010

The trimethylamine-catalyzed Baylis–Hillman reaction of formaldehyde and vinylaldehyde has been studied with the density functional theory (DFT) method of B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p). In the gas phase, the reaction involves an amine–formaldehyde–vinylaldehyde trimolecular addition transition structure followed by rate-determining intramolecular 1,3-hydrogen shift. When a bulk solvent effect of water was considered with conductor-like polarizable continuum model (CPCM), the reaction was found to follow the sequence of Michael-addition of amine to vinylaldehyde (step 1), addition of formaldehyde (step 2), and 1,3-hydrogen shift (step 3), with the 1,3-hydrogen shift as rate-determining. The overall reaction barrier is significantly reduced. When a molecule of water is involved in the reaction, the 1,3-hydrogen shift is significantly promoted so that the rate-determining step becomes the C–C bond formation. The calculated overall reaction barrier is in agreement with experimental observations.
π–π INTERACTION IN BENZENE DIMER STUDIED USING DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY AUGMENTED WITH AN EMPIRICAL DISPERSION TERM
Authors: FENG CHAO , LIN CHENSHENG , ZHANG XIAOHONG , ZHANG RUIQIN
Published: March 2010

The π–π interactions in various configurations of benzene dimers were studied using a density functional theoretical method augmented with an empirical dispersion term (acronym DFT-D) which is capable of describing long-range dispersive interaction. Compared with the previous CCSD(T) calculations, our approach using PBE functional and polarized triple-ζ quality basis sets provides reasonably accurate binding energies and equilibrium intermolecular geometries of the considered benzene dimer configurations, although the calculations are not counterpoisely corrected. It is expected that our approach can be utilized to evaluate the π–π interactions in large complex systems.
SOLVATION ENERGY OF NONEQUILIBRIUM POLARIZATION: OLD QUESTION, NEW ANSWER
Authors: LI XIANG-YUAN , HE FU-CHENG , FU KE-XIANG , LIU WENJIAN
Published: March 2010

Although an old question, the electrostatic free energy of nonequilibrium solvation in a continuous dielectric has recently been disputed. Here we show that the nonequilibrium solvation energy can be obtained without any ambiguity by imposing a suitable external electric field with its source localized in the ambient so as to bring the nonequilibrium into an equilibrium state but constrain its charge distribution, polarization, and entropy unchanged. As an application, a two-sphere cavity model is proposed for estimating the solvent reorganization energy, which solves the longstanding issue that it tends to be overestimated by a factor of two by the popular continuum models.
Location-dependent query processing
Authors: Ilarri Sergio , Mena Eduardo , Illarramendi Arantza
Published: March 2010

The continuous development of wireless networks and mobile devices has motivated an intense research in mobile data services. Some of these services provide the user with context-aware information. Specifically, location-based services and location-dependent queries have attracted a lot of interest.

In this article, the existing literature in the field of location-dependent query processing is reviewed. The technological context (mobile computing) and support middleware (such as moving object databases and data stream technology) are described, location-based services and location-dependent queries are defined and classified, and different query processing approaches are reviewed and compared.
Inhibition of rat gut reperfusion injury with an agent developed for the mouse. Evidence that amplification of injury by innate immunity is conserved between two animal species
Authors: Afnan Jalil , Ahmadi-Yazdi Cyrus , Sheu Eric G. , Oakes Sean M. , Moore Francis D.
Published: March 2010

Murine reperfusion injury follows binding of specific IgM natural antibodies to neo-antigens exposed in ischemic tissue. Peptides that mimic the site of antibody binding in the injury prevent IgM binding when administered intravenously before reperfusion. To determine whether this pathogenic sequence is restricted to mice, we have tested the ability of the peptide to prevent reperfusion injury in a dissimilar species, the rat. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 40 min of mesenteric ischemia followed by 180 min of reperfusion. The peptide mimic was administered intravenously prior to reperfusion. Gut injury was quantified using a scoring system based on the hematoxylin-and-eosin section.125I-labeled albumin was used to assess local (gut) and remote (lung) injury. The macroscopic appearance of bowel from peptide-treated animals was less edematous and hemorrhagic. Microscopic analysis showed a significantly reduced injury score in peptide-treated animals. Permeability data indicated a significant reduction in local and remote injury in peptide-treated animals. The data demonstrate attenuation of rat gut microvillus injury, of gut edema, and of remote injury following mesenteric ischemia-reperfusion due to administration of an intravenous peptide mimic of a murine ischemia neo-antigen, indicating a second species uses a similar ischemia neo-antigen and corresponding natural antibody specificity to amplify reperfusion injury to the point of necrosis. This mechanism of inflammation is potentially applicable to higher species.
The anorexigenic and hypertensive effects of nesfatin-1 are reversed by pretreatment with an oxytocin receptor antagonist
Authors: Yosten Gina L. C. , Samson Willis K.
Published: March 2010

Nesfatin-1 is an 82-amino acid protein encoded by the nucleobindin2 gene. When injected intracerebroventricularly, nesfatin-1, via a melanocortin ¾ receptor-dependent mechanism, potently decreased both food and water intakes and elevated mean arterial pressure in a dose-related manner. Because nesfatin-1 colocalized with oxytocin in hypothalamus and because nesfatin-1 had direct depolarizing effects on oxytocin-producing neurons in hypothalamic slice preparations, we hypothesized that the actions of nesfatin-1 required the presence of functional oxytocin receptors. We, therefore, pretreated conscious, unrestrained male rats with the oxytocin receptor antagonist, ornithine vasotocin (OVT), before treatment with nesfatin-1. We found that pretreatment with OVT reversed the effects of nesfatin-1 on both food and water intake and on mean arterial pressure, indicating that the central oxytocin system is a downstream mediator of these actions of nesfatin-1. Additionally, we found that OVT reversed the anorexigenic effect of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), suggesting that the central oxytocin system is downstream of the central melanocortin system. Taken together, these data suggest that nesfatin-1 acts through a serial neuronal circuit, in which nesfatin-1 activates the central melanocortin system, which, in turn, acts through the central oxytocin system, leading to an inhibition of food and water intake and an increase in mean arterial pressure.
P2X1receptor blockade inhibits whole kidney autoregulation of renal blood flow in vivo
Authors: Osmond David A. , Inscho Edward W.
Published: March 2010

In vitro experiments demonstrate that P2X1receptor activation is important for normal afferent arteriolar autoregulatory behavior, but direct in vivo evidence for this relationship occurring in the whole kidney is unavailable. Experiments were performed to test the hypothesis that P2X1receptors are important for autoregulation of whole kidney blood flow. Renal blood flow (RBF) was measured in anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats before and during P2 receptor blockade with PPADS, P2X1receptor blockade with IP5I, or A1receptor blockade with DPCPX. Both P2X1and A1receptor stimulation with α,β-methylene ATP and CPA, respectively, caused dose-dependent decreases in RBF. Administration of either PPADS or IP5I significantly blocked P2X1receptor stimulation. Likewise, administration of DPCPX significantly blocked A1receptor activation to CPA. Autoregulatory behavior was assessed by measuring RBF responses to reductions in renal perfusion pressure. In vehicle-infused rats, as pressure was decreased from 120 to 100 mmHg, there was no decrease in RBF. However, in either PPADS- or IP5I-infused rats, each decrease in pressure resulted in a significant decrease in RBF, demonstrating loss of autoregulatory ability. In DPCPX-infused rats, reductions in pressure did not cause significant reductions in RBF over the pressure range of 100–120 mmHg, but the autoregulatory curve tended to be steeper than vehicle-infused rats over the range of 80–100 mmHg, suggesting that A1receptors may influence RBF at lower pressures. These findings are consistent with in vitro data from afferent arterioles and support the hypothesis that P2X1receptor activation is important for whole kidney autoregulation in vivo.
Pathobiology of renal-specific oxidoreductase/myo-inositol oxygenase in diabetic nephropathy: its implications in tubulointerstitial fibrosis
Authors: Xie Ping , Sun Lin , Oates Peter J. , Srivastava Satish K. , Kanwar Yashpal S.
Published: March 2010

Renal-specific oxido-reductase/ myoinositol oxygenase (RSOR/MIOX) is expressed in renal tubules. It catabolizes myo-inositol and its expression is increased in diabetic mice and in LLC-PK1cells under high-glucose ambience. Aldose reductase (AR) is another aldo-keto reducase that is expressed in renal tubules. It regulates the polyol pathway and plays an important role in glucose metabolism, osmolyte regulation, and ECM pathobiology via the generation of advanced glycation end products, reactive oxygen species, and activation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. In view of the similarities between AR and RSOR/MIOX, the pathobiology of RSOR/MIOX and some of the cellular pathways affected by its overexpression were investigated. An increased expression of fibronectin was noted by transfection of LLC-PK1cells with pcDNA3.1-RSOR/MIOX. Similar changes were observed in LLC-PK1cells under high-glucose ambience, and they were notably lessened by RSOR/MIOX-small interfering (si) RNA treatment. The changes in tubulointerstitial fibronectin expression were also observed in the kidneys of db/db mice having high levels of RSOR. The pcDNA3.1-RSOR/MIOX transfectants had an increased NADH/NAD+ratio, PKC and TGF-β activity, Raf1:Ras association, and p-ERK phosphorylation. These changes were significantly reduced by the inhibitors of PKC, aldose reductase, Ras farnesylation, and MEK1. Similar increases in various the above-noted parameters were observed under high-glucose ambience. Such changes were partially reversed with RSOR-siRNA treatment. Expression of E-cadherin and vimentin paralleled in cells overexpressing RSOR/MIOX or subjected to high-glucose ambience. These studies suggest that RSOR/MIOX modulates various downstream pathways affected by high-glucose ambience, and conceivably it plays a role in the pathobiology of tubulointerstitium in diabetic nephropathy.
mPGES-1 deletion impairs aldosterone escape and enhances sodium appetite
Authors: Jia Zhanjun , Aoyagi Toshinori , Kohan Donald E. , Yang Tianxin
Published: March 2010

Aldosterone (Aldo) is a major sodium-retaining hormone that reduces renal sodium excretion and also stimulates sodium appetite. In the face of excess Aldo, the sodium-retaining action of this steroid is overridden by an adaptive regulatory mechanism, a phenomenon termed Aldo escape. The underlying mechanism of this phenomenon is not well defined but appeared to involve a number of natriuretic factors such prostaglandins (PGs). Here, we investigated the role of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) in the response to excess Aldo. A 14-day Aldo infusion at 0.35 mg·kg−1·day−1 via an osmotic minipump in conjunction with normal salt intake did not produce obvious disturbances in fluid metabolism in WT mice as suggested by normal sodium and water balance, plasma sodium concentration, hematocrit, and body weight, despite the evidence of a transient sodium accumulation on days 1 or 2. In a sharp contrast, the 14-day Aldo treatment in mPGES-1 knockoute (KO) mice led to increased sodium and water balance, persistent reduction of hematocrit, hypernatremia, and body weight gain, all evidence of fluid retention. The escaped wild-type (WT) mice displayed a remarkable increase in urinary PGE2 excretion in parallel with coinduction of mPGES-1 in the proximal tubules, accompanied by a remarkable, widespread downregulation of renal sodium and water transporters. The increase in urinary PGE2 excretion together with the downregulation of renal sodium and water transporters were all significantly blocked in the KO mice. Interestingly, compared with WT controls, the KO mice exhibited consistent increases in sodium and water intake during Aldo infusion. Together, these results suggest an important role of mPGES-1 in antagonizing the sodium-retaining action of Aldo at the levels of both the central nervous system and the kidney.
Cosmography and Large Scale Structure by f(R)‐Gravity: New Results
Authors: Capozziello Salvatore , Salzano Vincenzo
Published: March 2010

The so‐called f(R)‐gravity has recently attracted a lot of interest since it could be, in principle, able to explain the accelerated expansion of the Universe without adding unknown forms of dark energy/dark matter but, more simply, extending the General Relativity by generic functions of the Ricci scalar. However, apart several phenomenological models, there is no final f(R)‐theory capable of fitting all the observations and addressing all the issues related to the presence of dark energy and dark matter. An alternative approach could be to “reconstruct” the form of f(R) starting from data without imposing particular classes of model. Besides, adopting the same philosophy, we take into
account the possibility that galaxy cluster masses, estimated at X‐ray wavelengths, could be explained, without dark matter, reconstructing the weak‐field limit of analytic f(R) models. The
corrected gravitational potential, obtained in this approximation, is used to estimate the total mass of
a sample of 12 well‐shaped clusters of galaxies.
Two Integrator Loop Filters: Generation Using NAM Expansion and Review
Authors: Soliman Ahmed M.
Published: March 2010

Systematic synthesis method to generate a family of two integrator loop filters based on nodal admittance matrix (NAM) expansion is given. Eight equivalent circuits are obtained; six of them are new. Each of the generated circuits uses two grounded capacitors and employs two current conveyors (CCII) or two inverting current conveyors (ICCII) or a combination of both. The NAM expansion is also used to generate eight equivalent grounded passive elements two integrator loop filters using differential voltage current conveyor (DVCC); six of them are new. Changing the input port of excitation, two new families of eight unity gain lowpass filter circuits each using two CCII or ICCII or combination of both or two DVCC are obtained.
The Impact of the Urban Heat Island during an Intense Heat Wave in Oklahoma City
Authors: Basara Jeffrey B. , Basara Heather G. , Illston Bradley G. , Crawford Kenneth C.
Published: March 2010

During late July and early August 2008, an intense heat wave occurred in Oklahoma City. To quantify the impact of the urban heat island (UHI) in Oklahoma City on observed and apparent temperature conditions during the heat wave event, this study used observations from 46 locations in and around Oklahoma City. The methodology utilized composite values of atmospheric conditions for three primary categories defined by population and general land use: rural, suburban, and urban. The results of the analyses demonstrated that a consistent UHI existed during the study period whereby the composite temperature values within the urban core were approximately 0.5∘C warmer during the day than the rural areas and over 2∘C warmer at night. Further, when the warmer temperatures were combined with ambient humidity conditions, the composite values consistently revealed even warmer heat‐related variables within the urban environment as compared with the rural zone.
A Facile and Generic Strategy to Synthesize Large‐Scale Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Hu Yong , Mei Ting , Wang Libo , Qian Haisheng
Published: March 2010

An easy method to prepare carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been demonstrated using a two‐step refluxing and calcination process. First, a readily available inorganic salt, , used as the catalyst precursor was dissolved in the high‐boiling‐point organic solvents (alcohols or polyhydric alcohol) by refluxing at 190∘C for 3 hours. After refluxing, NiO nanoparticles obtained in the solution act as the catalyst, and the organic refluxing solvents are used as the carbon source for the growth of CNTs. Second, CNTs are prepared by calcining the refluxed solution at 800∘C in an N2 atmosphere for 3 hours. Results show that CNT growth possibly originates from carbon rings, with the nanotube walls growing perpendicular to these rings and forming a closed tube at the end.
The Experience of Being Obese and the Many Consequences of Stigma
Authors: Ogden Jane , Clementi Cecelia
Published: March 2010

The present qualitative study aimed to explore how people experience their obesity and to explore the impact of this on their motivations to lose weight. Participants () were either currently obese or had been obese and were interviewed about their experiences. Participants described the impact of obesity on aspects of their self-identity and used language such as “ugly”, “freak”, “hate”, “blob”, and “disgust” which reflected the pervasively negative impact of their weight. They highlighted a complex and often contradictory relationship with food and described how such negative experiences were created out of the dynamic between their obesity and a stigmatising social context. Some, however, suggested that such stigma could also have positive consequences by promoting and encouraging behaviour change. Many obese people, therefore, experience their weight in profoundly negative ways as a result of existing within a social context which stigmatises their condition. The results are discussed in terms of the costs and benefits of stigma and a balance between support, tolerance, and collusion in promoting weight loss.
The Rothe′s Method to a Parabolic Integrodifferential Equation with a Nonclassical Boundary Conditions
Authors: Bouziani Abdelfatah , Mechri Rachid
Published: March 2010

This paper is devoted to prove, in a nonclassical function space,
the weak solvability of parabolic integrodifferential equations with a nonclassical boundary conditions. The investigation is made by means of approximation by the Rothes method which is based on a semidiscretization of the given problem with respect to the time variable.
Antinociceptive and Toxicological Effects ofDioclea grandifloraSeed Pod in Mice
Authors: Sá Rita de Cássia da Silveira e , Oliveira Leandra Eugênia Gomes de , Nóbrega Franklin Ferreira de Farias , Bhattacharyya Jnanabrata , Almeida Reinaldo Nóbrega de
Published: March 2010

The acute treatment of mice with an ethanolic extract from the seed pod ofDioclea grandiflora(EDgP) at doses of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg by intraperitoneal administration produced a significant antinociceptive effect as displayed by the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the formalin test. The antinociception was observed through the first (neurogenic pain) and second (inflammatory pain) phases in the formalin test. The hot plate test did not show an increase in the antinociceptive latency whereas the motor performance was affected by the administration at 300 mg/kg at the beginning (30 minutes) of the observation period but not at later periods (60 and 120 minutes). These results suggest that EDgP has a central antinociceptive action and a possible anti-inflammatory activity in mice.
Predictors of Maternal Depression Management among Primary Care Physicians
Authors: Leiferman Jenn A. , Dauber Sarah E. , Scott Katie , Heisler Kurt , Paulson James F.
Published: March 2010

Purpose. The present surveillance study examined predictors of the management of maternal depression in primary care settings.Methods. A total of 217 physicians completed a 60-item survey assessing demographics, physicians' attitudes, beliefs, efficacy, current practices, and perceived barriers regarding the management of maternal depression. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate a model that examined the relationships among physicians' knowledge, beliefs, self-efficacy, perceived barriers, past training toward and current management practices for maternal depression.Results. In a model predicting physician depression management practices, a good overall fit was observed (χ2=136.63,CFI=.97,TLI=.95,RMSEA=.05), with physician comfort with, confidence in, and perceived responsibility for managing maternal depression all having prominent positive associations.Conclusions. These findings will guide the development of future multifaceted intervention strategies to enhance physician skills in managing maternal depression in primary care settings.
Efficient Use of Variation in Evolutionary Optimization
Authors: Pepper John W.
Published: March 2010

Evolutionary algorithms face a fundamental trade-off between exploration and exploitation. Rapid performance improvement tends to be accompanied by a rapid loss of diversity from the population of potential solutions, causing premature convergence on local rather than global optima. However, the rate at which diversity is lost from a population is not simply a function of the strength of selection but also its efficiency, or rate of performance improvement relative to loss of variation. Selection efficiency can be quantified as the linear correlation between objective performance and reproduction. Commonly used selection algorithms contain several sources of inefficiency, some of which are easily avoided and others of which are not. Selection algorithms based on continuously varying generation time instead of discretely varying number of offspring can approach the theoretical limit on the efficient use of population diversity.
Paravertebral Mass in a Patient with Hemolytic Anemia: Computed Tomographic Findings
Authors: Carvalho Juliana França , Marchiori Edson , Zanetti Gláucia , Mano Claudia Mauro , Sarcinelli-Luz Branca , Vianna Flávia Gavinho , Assed Carla , Santos Isabella Guedes , Santos Alair Augusto S. M. D. , Vianna Alberto Domingues
Published: March 2010

Extramedullary hematopoiesis is characterized by the presence of hematopoietic tissue outside of the bone marrow and is typically associated with chronic hemolytic anemias. Intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis is a rare and usually asymptomatic condition. The authors report a case of a 57-year-old man with intrathoracic extramedullary hematopoiesis and hereditary spherocytosis. Clinical and laboratory evaluation, together with radiological findings, are described. The diagnosis of the disease was confirmed by tissue biopsy.
The Rapunzel Syndrome: An Unusual Trichobezoar Presentation
Authors: Lopes Luiz Roberto , Oliveira Priscilla Sene Portel , Pracucho Eduardo Marcucci , Camargo Marcelo Amade , Coelho Neto João de Souza , Andreollo Nelson Adami
Published: March 2010

The Rapunzel syndrome is an unusual form of trichobezoar found in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders, trichotillomania (habit of hair pulling) and trichophagia (morbid habit of chewing the hair), consequently developing gastric bezoars. The principal symptoms are vomiting and epigastric pain. In this case report, we describe this syndrome in a young girl.
Primary Adenocarcinoma of Ileostomy: Case Report with Review of the Literature
Authors: Mohandas Shailesh , Lake Stephen
Published: March 2010

Primary adenocarcinoma is a rare and late complication following proctocolectomy and ileostomy for ulcerative colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis, Crohn's disease and multifocal colorectal cancer. We report a case of adenocarcinoma of the ileostomy occurring 48 years after proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. A review of the literature suggests that there are 39 cases reported in literature and this case reports the longest interval between formation of ileostomy and diagnosis of ileostomy adenocarcinoma. This case also reports lymph node metastasis to the adjacent mesenteric lymph node. The incidence of lymphnode metastasis is 15 percent as per literature. Onces diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy enblock excision with or without stomal relocation is the main stay of treatment. Patient education and regular surveillance of patients with long-standing ileostomy is recommended for early detection of this unusual cancer.
A Case Delayed Hemorrhage from the Stump of the Superior Rectal Artery after Abdominoperineal Resection of the Rectum
Authors: Sanada Yuichi , Nonaka Kenichi , Takahashi Takao , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Osada Shinji , Yoshida Kazuhiro
Published: March 2010

A 66-year-old man underwent abdominoperineal resection for advanced rectal cancer. On day 3 post surgery, a decompression tube was placed for postoperative ileus. Symptoms associated with ileus immediately disappeared. On day 7 post surgery, the patient vomited large amounts of fresh blood and became hemodynamically unstable. An emergency angiography revealed active bleeding from the stump of the superior rectal artery communicating with the third portion of the duodenum. Complete obliteration of the stump by proximal coil embolization was performed to achieve successful hemostasis. The postclinical course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on day 40 post surgery.
Dénutrition dans les pays développés
Authors: Puntis John W.L.
Published: March 2010

La dénutrition est un problème fréquent chez les patients hospitalisés dans les sociétés développées. Mais même si c’est un facteur de complication, elle restera ignorée tant qu’une évaluation systématique formalisée ne sera pas mise en place. L’équipe transversal de nutrition joue donc un rôle majeur dans la formation du personnel hospitalier à l’importance de la nutrition chez tous les patients, et dans une prise en charge nutritionnelle efficace et sûre. Les organisations de santé ont la responsabilité de rendre prioritaire la prise en charge nutritionnelle. Cette dernière sera efficace à l’hôpital si elle est la résultante d’un travail pluridisciplinaire, flexible, et d’une bonne communication.
Hyperlactatemia in Neonates Admitted to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit with Critical Heart Disease
Authors: Rossi Anthony F. , Lopez Leo , Dobrolet Nancy , Khan Danyal , Bolivar Juan
Published: March 2010

Neonates with critical heart disease are at risk of significant deficiencies in systemic oxygen delivery. The incidence and clinical pattern of hyperlactatemia in neonates presenting with critical heart disease has not been described. We reviewed the lactate pattern of neonates transferred to our cardiac intensive care unit for surgical management of their heart disease over a 1-year period. Stabilization of these neonates began in the referring institutions. From 8/4/03 to 8/4/04, 75 neonates with critical heart disease were transferred to our unit for stabilization and subsequent surgery. Blood lactate was measured on admission and subsequently in any patient thought to be at risk of low systemic oxygen delivery. Lactate was measured in 59 patients on admission and in 63 patients within the first 48 h of admission. Median age on admission was 1 day (range 0–13). Median age at surgery was 8 days (range 1–30). Median length of stay was 20 days. Peak lactate was noted on admission in 51 patients, and at 12–24 h in 8 patients. Mild hyperlactatemia (2.3–5 mmol/l) was present in 30 patients on admission and moderate-to-severe hyperlactatemia (≧5 mmol/l) was present in 8 patients. Mean lactate level on admission was 3.1 ± 0.6 mmol/l, and this did not return to normal (<2.3 mmol/l) until 36 h after admission. Severe hyperlactatemia patients also were noted to have normal lactate levels by 36 h. The presence of hyperlactatemia did not affect length of stay or mortality. There were no preoperative deaths and 4 postoperative deaths (1 death in 38 patients with mild or severe hyperlactatemia). Hyperlactatemia is frequently present in neonates admitted to a tertiary care center for management of congenital heart disease. Blood lactate levels normalize within 36 h. The presence of preoperative hyperlactatemia, even when moderate-to-severe, does not have significant adverse effect on postoperative mortality.
Association between Renal Function and Clinical Outcome in Patients with Acute Stroke
Authors: Hao Zilong , Wu Bo , Lin Sen , Kong Fan-Yi , Tao Wen-Dan , Wang De-Ren , Liu Ming
Published: March 2010

Background and Purpose: Data on the association between renal dysfunction and outcome in patients with stroke are controversial and scarce. We investigated the predictors of renal dysfunction upon admission and the association between renal dysfunction and clinical outcome in patients with acute stroke in a hospitalized Chinese population. Methods: 1,758 acute stroke patients were consecutively enrolled into the study. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. Reduced estimate of the glomerular filtration rate was defined as eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Multivariate logistical regression was used to evaluate the predictors of renal dysfunction upon admission and to examine the association between renal dysfunction and outcomes. The main outcome measures were death and death/disability (disability defined as modified Rankin Scale score >2) at 12 months after stroke. Results: Of the included 1,758 cases (ischemic stroke: n = 1,192; hemorrhagic stroke: n = 566), 463 cases had reduced eGFR, which accounted for 26.3% of the total number. The distribution of eGFR upon admission was normal and the mean was 75.87 ± 38.31 ml/min/1.73 m2 (ischemic stroke: 75.07 ± 29.89 ml/min/1.73 m2; hemorrhagic stroke: 77.57 ± 51.73 ml/min/1.73 m2). There was no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.285). The independent predictors of eGFR upon admission were age (OR = 1.039, 95% CI = 1.028–1.050), male gender (OR = 0.658, 95% CI = 0.504–0.859), hematocrit on admission (OR = 1.008, 95% CI = 1.003–1.013), history of hypertension (OR = 1.307, 95% CI = 1.034–1.653), history of diabetes (OR = 1.411, 95% CI = 1.012–1.967) and NIHSS scores upon admission (OR = 1.497, 95% CI = 1.286–1.743). After adjustment for confounders, the patients with renal dysfunction had a significantly higher risk of death/disability (OR = 1.864, 95% CI = 1.170–2.970) compared with patients whose eGFR was more than 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 at the end of the 12th month. Further analysis on type of stroke showed that reduced eGFR was an independent predictor of death/disability at the end of the 12th month in patients with hemorrhagic stroke (OR = 2.353, 95% CI = 1.063–5.209), but not for ischemic stroke (OR = 1.625, 95% CI = 0.881–2.999). Conclusions: Our study indicated that more than 1/4 of all patients with acute stroke presented with renal dysfunction. Reduced eGFR on admission is a strong predictor of poor outcome for hemorrhagic stroke but not for ischemic stroke.
Bednar’s Aphthae in Neonates: Incidence and Associated Factors
Authors: Nebgen Sandra , Kasper Hans-Udo , Schäfer Daniel , Christ Hildegard , Roth Bernhard
Published: March 2010

Background: Bednar’s aphthae can still be found in newborn infants but have nearly disappeared from recent paediatric literature. Objectives: To find out the incidence of Bednar’s aphthae among newborn infants during the first week of life and the factors associated with the ulcers. Methods: Clinical findings and statistical data were documented of 1,654 infants routinely examined for preventive reasons in two obstetric hospitals in Cologne, Germany. Results: Bednar’s aphthae were found in 236 of the 1,494 neonates examined (15.8%) in whom the whole palate could be visualized. They were associated with spontaneous birth at term, nutrition with formula, and mucosal hyperaemia of the typical anatomical location. Conclusions: Bednar’s aphthae are not a rare phenomenon and still commonly occur in neonates.
Human Papillomavirus Genotyping in Histological Sections of Precursor Lesions of Cervical Carcinoma: Its Role as a Possible Adjunct for the Evaluation of the Oncogenic Potential of Specific Human Papillomavirus Genotypes – A Study in a Coastal Region of Southeastern Spain
Authors: Doménech-Peris Asunción , Conesa-Zamora Pablo , Sahuquillo-Frias Laura , Ortiz-Reina Sebastián , Moya-Biosca Joaquín , Acosta-Ortega Jesús , Pérez-Guillermo Miguel , Egea-Cortines Marcos
Published: March 2010

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping is usually performed on cytological specimens with the aim of discerning between high- and low-risk genotypes. Methods: Paraffin-embedded sections (n = 241) comprising 16 normal/benign (N/B) cervical sections, 72 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 133 high-grade SIL (HSIL), 6 invasive carcinomas (cervical cancer), and 14 atypical immature metaplasias (AIMs) were DNA extracted and HPV genotyped. Results: The most frequent HPV genotypes found were 16 and 58. HPV16 was detected in 0% N/B, 18.1% LSIL, 42.9% HSIL (p < 0.001), 50% carcinoma, and 35.7% AIM, whilst HPV58 was detected in 25.0, 20.8, 16.5, 0 and 35.7% of these lesions, respectively. Discussion: The high prevalence of HPV58 and the low prevalence of HPV18 suggest the limited effectiveness of HPV vaccination in southeast Spain (prevention of 45.1% HSILs). The HPV genotype distribution profile in AIM suggests that these lesions are more similar to LSIL than HSIL pointing to a low risk of progression to cervical cancer. These results reinforce the necessity of assessing the specific genotype rather than distinguishing between high- or low-risk HPV. The use of histological section instead of cytological specimens for specific HPV genotyping would be very useful in order to ascertain the oncogenic potential of each of the genotypes found in a given area.
Validation of the Use of Historical Events to Estimate the Age of Subjects Aged 65 Years and Over in Cotonou (Benin)
Authors: Paraïso Moussiliou Noël , Houinato Dismand , Guerchet Maëlenn , Aguèh Victoire , Nubukpo Philippe , Preux Pierre-Marie , Marin Benoît
Published: March 2010

Background: Our aim was to validate the use of historical events as tools for estimating the age of people ≧65 years in Cotonou (Benin). Methods: The survey was conducted in Cotonou, the economic capital of Benin. We included people aged ≧65 years, with at least a primary education level and an administrative document certifying their date of birth. The historical events were the solar eclipse of 1946 covering the national territory and the date of independence (1st August 1960) of Dahomey (Benin). Agreement between estimated and actual age was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient and the Bland and Altman graphical representation. Results: We included 112 subjects. The intraclass correlation coefficient between actual and estimated age by the use of historical landmarks was 0.87 (95% CI = 0.81–0.91), i.e. an excellent concordance. The graph of Bland and Altman did not demonstrate any systematic error of estimation. Conclusion: The development of similar tools in other parts of Africa and developing countries may improve the quality of information collected in epidemiological studies and thereby enhance the accuracy of the results of studies conducted on age-related disorders such as dementia.
Long-Term Outcome After Successful Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Tzou Wendy S. , Marchlinski Francis E. , Zado Erica S. , Lin David , Dixit Sanjay , Callans David J. , Cooper Joshua M. , Bala Rupa , Garcia Fermin , Hutchinson Mathew D. , Riley Michael P. , Verdino Ralph , Gerstenfeld Edward P.
Published: March 2010

Background—

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is increasingly used for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), but few reports exist regarding long-term success. We determined 5-year outcomes of PVI among patients with freedom from AF off antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) for 1 year after PVI.

Methods and Results—

Consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF who underwent PVI at the University of Pennsylvania from 2000 to 2003 and were free from AF 1 year after ablation were included. Proximal isolation of PVs and non-PV triggers of AF was performed. Long-term ablation success, defined as freedom from AF off AAD after a single ablation procedure, was determined. All patients had transtelephonic monitoring at 3 to 6 months and 12 months and at least yearly contact thereafter. One hundred twenty-three patients were free of AF without AAD at 1 year. AF freedom off AAD was 85% at 3 years and 71% at 5 years, with an approximate 7% per year late recurrence rate after the first year. Patients with recurrent AF ≥5 years after index PVI were older, had larger left atrial size, more AF triggers and more likely had persistent AF. In multivariate analysis, persistent AF (odds ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4 to 5.7,
P
=0.005) and age (odds ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 1.1,
P
=0.036) independently predicted long-term AF recurrence.

Conclusions—

Among patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF and AF freedom 1 year after segmental PVI, the majority (71%) remained free of AF for up to 5 years, with an approximate late recurrence rate of 7% per year. Continued vigilance for recurrent AF after PV isolation is warranted, particularly in patients with persistent AF.
Multilayer Processing of Spatiotemporal Spike Patterns in a Neuron with Active Dendrites
Authors: Wang Yingxue , Liu Shih-Chii
Published: March 2010

With the advent of new experimental evidence showing that dendrites play an active role in processing a neuron's inputs, we revisit the question of a suitable abstraction for the computing function of a neuron in processing spatiotemporal input patterns. Although the integrative role of a neuron in relation to the spatial clustering of synaptic inputs can be described by a two-layer neural network, no corresponding abstraction has yet been described for how a neuron processes temporal input patterns on the dendrites. We address this void using a real-time aVLSI (analog very-large-scale-integrated) dendritic compartmental model, which incorporates two widely studied classes of regenerative event mechanisms: one is mediated by voltage-gated ion channels and the other by transmitter-gated NMDA channels. From this model, we find that the response of a dendritic compartment can be described as a nonlinear sigmoidal function of both the degree of input temporal synchrony and the synaptic input spatial clustering. We propose that a neuron with active dendrites can be modeled as a multilayer network that selectively amplifies responses to relevant spatiotemporal input spike patterns.
Extracting State Transition Dynamics from Multiple Spike Trains Using Hidden Markov Models with Correlated Poisson Distribution
Authors: Katahira Kentaro , Nishikawa Jun , Okanoya Kazuo , Okada Masato
Published: March 2010

Neural activity is nonstationary and varies across time. Hidden Markov models (HMMs) have been used to track the state transition among quasi-stationary discrete neural states. Within this context, an independent Poisson model has been used for the output distribution of HMMs; hence, the model is incapable of tracking the change in correlation without modulating the firing rate. To achieve this, we applied a multivariate Poisson distribution with correlation terms for the output distribution of HMMs. We formulated a variational Bayes (VB) inference for the model. The VB could automatically determine the appropriate number of hidden states and correlation types while avoiding the overlearning problem. We developed an efficient algorithm for computing posteriors using the recursive relationship of a multivariate Poisson distribution. We demonstrated the performance of our method on synthetic data and real spike trains recorded from a songbird.
Deep Belief Networks Are Compact Universal Approximators
Authors: Le Roux Nicolas , Bengio Yoshua
Published: March 2010

Deep belief networks (DBN) are generative models with many layers of hidden causal variables, recently introduced by Hinton, Osindero, and Teh ( 2006 ), along with a greedy layer-wise unsupervised learning algorithm. Building on Le Roux and Bengio ( 2008 ) and Sutskever and Hinton ( 2008 ), we show that deep but narrow generative networks do not require more parameters than shallow ones to achieve universal approximation. Exploiting the proof technique, we prove that deep but narrow feedforward neural networks with sigmoidal units can represent any Boolean expression.
A Spiking Neuron as Information Bottleneck
Authors: Buesing Lars , Maass Wolfgang
Published: March 2010

Neurons receive thousands of presynaptic input spike trains while emitting a single output spike train. This drastic dimensionality reduction suggests considering a neuron as a bottleneck for information transmission. Extending recent results, we propose a simple learning rule for the weights of spiking neurons derived from the information bottleneck (IB) framework that minimizes the loss of relevant information transmitted in the output spike train. In the IB framework, relevance of information is defined with respect to contextual information, the latter entering the proposed learning rule as a “third” factor besides pre- and postsynaptic activities. This renders the theoretically motivated learning rule a plausible model for experimentally observed synaptic plasticity phenomena involving three factors. Furthermore, we show that the proposed IB learning rule allows spiking neurons to learn a predictive code, that is, to extract those parts of their input that are predictive for future input.
Spectral Method and High-Order Finite Differences for the Nonlinear Cable Equation
Authors: Omurtag Ahmet , Lytton William W.
Published: March 2010

We use high-order approximation schemes for the space derivatives in the nonlinear cable equation and investigate the behavior of numerical solution errors by using exact solutions, where available, and grid convergence. The space derivatives are numerically approximated by means of differentiation matrices. Nonlinearity in the equation arises from the Hodgkin-Huxley dynamics of the gating variables for ion channels. We have investigated in particular the effects of synaptic current distribution and compared the accuracy of the spectral solutions with that of finite differencing. A flexible form for the injected current is used that can be adjusted smoothly from a very broad to a narrow peak, which furthermore leads, for the passive cable, to a simple, exact solution. We have used three distinct approaches to assess the numerical solutions: comparison with exact solutions in an unbranched passive cable, the convergence of solutions with progressive refinement of the grid in an active cable, and the simulation of spike initiation in a biophysically realistic single-neuron model. The spectral method provides good numerical solutions for passive cables comparable in accuracy to those from the second-order finite difference method and far greater accuracy in the case of a simulated system driven by inputs that are smoothly distributed in space. It provides faster convergence in active cables and in a realistic neuron model due to better approximation of propagating spikes.
The Primacy of the Present: Metaphysical Ballast or Phenomenological Finding?
Authors: Staiti Andrea
Published: March 2010

In this paper I argue that the primacy of the present in Husserl’s philosophy is not an unquestioned ballast inherited from the tradition of metaphysics but rather a genuinely phenomenological discovery. First, I explore the present of things and argue that the phenomenological primacy of the present in this domain should be understood in terms of what Husserl calls “affection.” Strictly speaking originary affection and associative syntheses (as the most basic phenomena for the givenness of things) can only take place in the present or starting from the present. Second, I consider the present in the egological sphere and analyze its primacy for both the transcendental and the personal ego. Finally, I move to the experience of the other and argue that only the perception of the other’s body in the present gives rise to an authentic empathic experience as the experience of the other’s governing in his own body.
Heidegger and the Communicative World
Authors: Powell Jeffrey L.
Published: March 2010

The treatment of communication (Mitteilung) in Heidegger has often been relegated to a secondary status. In this essay, I attempt to remedy this tendency. In my attempt, I first focus on the role of language in Being and Time through focusing on Heidegger’s treatment of λόγος in the introduction, followed by the role of language in the constitution of the being of the da. The latter takes into account the special status of language in relation to the other two constituent moments of the being of the da, i.e., understanding and attunement or moodedness. In Being and Time, understanding and attunement become factically disclosed as projection and thrownness. However, this disclosure occurs through language as communication. The nature of this disclosure as communication is the holding open of the da, a holding open of the da for the other, the keeping open of world through communication for community. Finally, consistent with Aristotle, community is thought as the basis of the political.
Schelling on the Unconscious
Authors: McGrath S. J.
Published: March 2010

The early Schelling and the romantics constructed the unconscious in order to overcome the modern split between subjectivity and nature, mind and body, a split legislated by Cartesian representationalism. Influenced by Boehme and Kabbalah, the later Schelling modified his notion of the unconscious to include the decision to be oneself, which must sink beneath consciousness so that it might serve as the ground of one’s creative and personal acts. Slavoj Zizek has read the later Schelling’s unconscious as a prototype of Lacan’s reactive unconscious, an unconscious that only exists as the excluded other of consciousness. This reading, though close to the text of Schelling, misses something essential: the unconscious for Schelling is not a repression but a condition of the possibility of life and love.
Cultural Difference and Adoption Policy in the United States: The Quest for Social Justice for Children
Authors: Engel Madeline , DellaCava Frances , Phillips Norma Kolko
Published: March 2010

This article discusses the impact of cultural difference on adoption in the United States (U.S.) during three historical periods and along three dimensions: religion, race and ethnicity. The focus is on the extent to which national and international definitions of the rights of the child as put forth by the United States, the United Nations and The Hague have affected adoption policy and practice. The article questions the extent to which the failure to respond to cultural differences has diminished the rights of the child and resulted in social injustice. Although focused on the U.S., the argument has relevance for many other countries, including Sweden, Romania, Ukraine, Australia, Korea and China.
A Land Flowing with Fat and Honey
Authors: Dershowitz Idan
Published: March 2010

The author contends that the word lb in the phrase r zbt lb wdbš should be read ēleb (fat), and not ālāb (milk), drawing support from biblical and Ugaritic texts.
Short Note
Authors: Burnside Jonathan
Published: March 2010

The Exodus provides a ‘missing case’ in the biblical laws of homicide and asylum, in which a factually innocent person flees for asylum because of a false accusation of homicide.