bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barrett's esophagus: endoscopic treatments I
Authors: Saunders Michael D. , Nieponice Alejandro , Dvorak Katerina , Goldman Aaron , Diaz‐Cervantes Edgardo , De‐la‐Torre‐Bravo A. , Sobrino‐Cossio S. , Torres‐Durazo E. , Martínez‐Carrillo O. , Gamboa‐Robles J. , Upton Melissa , Appelman Henry D. , Bonavina Luigi , Rothstein Richard I. , Velanovich Vic
Published: September 2011

The following on endoscopic treatments of Barrett's esophagus includes commentaries on indications for endoscopic treatments; endo‐luminal plication procedures; the cellular modifications induced by the endoscopic ablation therapies; eradication by banding without resection; the evaluation of complete ablation; recurrence after ablation; association of antireflux surgery; radiofrequency ablation; and nondysplastic Barrett's esophagus.
Barrett's esophagus: surveillance and reversal
Authors: Caygill Christine P.J. , Dvorak Katerina , Triadafilopoulos George , Felix Valter Nilton , Horwhat John D. , Hwang Joo Ha , Upton Melissa P. , Li Xingde , Nandurkar Sanjay , Gerson Lauren B. , Falk Gary W.
Published: September 2011

The following on surveillance and reversal of Barrett's esophagus (BE) includes commentaries on criteria for surveillance even when squamous epithelium stains normally with a variety of biomarkers; the long‐term follow‐up of surgery versus endoscopic ablation of BE; the recommended surveillance intervals in patients without dysplasia; the sampling problems related to anatomic changes following fundoplication; the value of tissue spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography; the cost‐effectiveness of biopsy protocols for surveillance; the quality of life of Barrett's patients; and risk stratification and surveillance strategies.
Interventional endoscopy and single incision surgery
Authors: Swanström Lee L. , Perretta Silvana
Published: September 2011

The following on interventional endoscopy and single incision surgery contains commentaries on transluminal endoscopic esophageal surgery, flexible endoscopy, triangulation, advanced flexible operating platforms, experimental transesophageal procedures, and para‐ and intra‐esophageal endoscopic surgery.
Esophageal disease and pathology
Authors: Upton Melissa P , Pai Rish K. , Vieth Michael , Neumann Helmut , Langner Cord
Published: September 2011

The following on esophageal disease and pathology contains commentaries on the varied definitions of Barrett's esophagus (BE); the optimal biopsy strategy in BE; reliable biomarkers for progression to neoplasia in BE; and the role of bone marrow stem cells in the morphogenesis of Barrett's esophagus.
The new requirements of endoscopy
Authors: Heeg Peter , Herrmann Ingo F.
Published: September 2011

The following on new requirements of endoscopy contains commentaries on the risk of infection in endoscopy, the need to eliminate contamination, and the use of a disposable system in transnasal endoscopy.
High‐resolution manometry
Authors: Clarke John O. , Gyawali C. Prakash , Tatum Roger P.
Published: September 2011

The following presents commentaries on the interest of high‐resolution manometry for understanding the anatomy and physiology of the esophagogastric junction; the subtypes of achalasia, as diagnosed by high‐resolution manometry; the interest of high‐resolution manometry in the evaluation of dysphagia following fundoplication; and the appropriate clinical protocol for high‐resolution manometry.
Esophageal stem cells and 3D‐cell culture models
Authors: Souza Rhonda F. , Schwartz Robert E. , Mashimo Hiroshi
Published: September 2011

The following on esophageal stem cells and 3D‐cell culture models contains commentaries on metaplasia through transdifferentiation and through stem cells; transcription factors that may determine an intestinal‐like phenotype; the in vitro, organotypic cell culture models; and the role of stem cells in Barrett's esophagus and its dysplastic progression.
Fast versus slow: different saccadic behavior in cerebellar ataxias
Authors: Rufa Alessandra , Federighi Pamela
Published: September 2011

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder primarily characterized by involvement of the brainstem and cerebellum, basal ganglia, spinal cord, cerebral cortex, but white matter is also involved. In late‐onset cerebellar ataxia (LOCA), the cerebellum is mainly involved, as demonstrated by clinical and neuroradiological findings. These neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with progressive abnormalities in eye movement control, particularly saccadic changes. We recorded saccadic eye movements in eight SCA2 patients and 10 LOCA patients. Here, we suggest that abnormalities in saccadic parameters differ in the two groups of patients according to specific anatomical substrates. The different saccadic behavior observed in these two clinically distinct degenerative cerebellar diseases offers the opportunity to simplify some general mechanisms of saccadic motor control. Like his mentor Fred Plum, John Leigh strongly encouraged younger neuroscientists to tackle neurological problems by investigating “pathological physiology.” With this teaching in mind, we studied patients with rare neurometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.
Visual and vestibular determinants of the translational vestibulo‐ocular reflex
Authors: Liao Ke , Schneider Rosalyn M. , Yaniglos Stacia S. , Bertolini Giovanni , Glendinning Paul , Sawyer, Jr Robert N. , Reschke Millard , Leigh R. John
Published: September 2011

Prior studies indicate that the human translational vestibulo‐ocular reflex (tVOR) generates eye rotations approximately half the magnitude required to keep the line of sight pointed at a stationary object—a compensation ratio (CR) of ∼0.5. We asked whether changes of visual or vestibular stimuli could increase the CR of tVOR. First, subjects viewed their environment through an optical device that required eye movements to increase by ∼50% to maintain fixation of a stationary visual target. During vertical translation, eye movements did increase, but tVOR CR remained at ∼0.5. Second, subjects viewed through LCD goggles providing 4 Hz strobe vision that minimized retinal image motion; this reduced tVOR CR. Finally, subjects were rotated in roll while they translated vertically; no increase in tVOR occurred. Taken with prior studies, we conclude that tVOR is optimally set to generate eye rotations that are about 50% of those required to stabilize the line of sight.
Positron emission tomography in seizure disorders
Authors: Alavi Abass , Yakir Stephanie , Newberg Andrew B.
Published: September 2011

Positron emission tomography (PET) has been widely used in the study of seizure disorders. As a research tool, PET has been used to determine the pathophysiology of different seizures disorders, prognostic and diagnostic information, and the response to various interventions. PET imaging has also been used clinically to help with the detection of seizure foci. With the continued development of a large array of radiopharmaceuticals that can evaluate all of the components of different neurotransmitter systems as well as cerebral blood flow and metabolism, PET imaging will continue to play a key role in research and clinical applications for seizure disorders.
Detection of metabolites in the white matter of frontal lobes and hippocampus with proton in first‐episode treatment‐naïve schizophrenia patients
Authors: He Zong‐Ling , Deng Wei , Li Ming‐Li , Chen Zhuang‐Fei , Collier David A. , Ma Xiaohong , Li Tao
Published: September 2011

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the changes of the metabolites in the white matter of frontal lobes and hippocampus in schizophrenia by using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS).

Methods: Sixty‐three first‐episode treatment‐naïve schizophrenia (FES) patients and 63 age‐, gender‐ and education level‐matched healthy controls were recruited. The relative levels of metabolites including N‐acetylaspartate (NAA), choline‐containing compounds (Cho), (Cr) and myo‐inositol (MI) were detected with 1H‐MRS, and the laterality index (Li) was calculated. The severity of symptoms was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale.

Results: Compared with controls, FES patients did not show significant differences in all metabolites. The severity of positive symptoms was negatively correlated with the NAA/Cho in the white matter of the left frontal lobe and positively correlated with the Cho/Cr in the right white matter of frontal lobes. A negative correlation was observed between the severity of negative symptoms and the NAA/Cr in the white matter of bilateral frontal lobes. No difference was shown in the Li of metabolites between FES patients and controls.

Conclusions: The metabolites such as NAA, Cho and MI in white matter of frontal lobes and hippocampus were not significantly altered in FES patients. The lower axonal integrity/number (NAA concentration) may be associated with more severe negative symptoms, and dysmetabolism in process of myelination in the white matter of frontal lobes associated with more severe positive symptoms.
Distraction osteogenesis in the maxilla for a patient with a repaired cleft lip and palate: A case report
Authors: Sudhir Ramisetti , Ramnathan Manikandan
Published: September 2011

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) has gained wide acceptance as a viable modality for lengthening hypoplastic skeletal structures in the maxillofacial region. For patients with cleft lip and palate with skeletal maxillary deficiency, this technique has recently been applied extensively as an alternative to orthognathic surgical procedures. Decreased intraoperative morbidity and rates of postoperative midface regression along with esthically acceptable soft tissue profile are the main advantages of this procedure against traditional osteotomies. This case report documents the use of rigid external distraction (RED) in the treatment of a 20‐year‐old female patient with midface deficiency secondary to cleft lip and palate repair.
Accidental aspiration in a patient with Parkinson's disease during implant‐supported prosthesis construction: A case report
Authors: Deliberador Tatiana Miranda , Marengo Gláucia , Scaratti Rodrigo , Giovanini Allan Fernando , Zielak João César , Filho Flares Baratto
Published: September 2011

This article reports on a case history of an elderly patient with Parkinson's disease (PD) who sought treatment at a private dental office. His chief complaint was “difficulty in eating due to an illfitting prosthesis.” Laboratory tests and oral radiographs were made. The surgical placement of an implant was done and, subsequently, an implant‐supported prosthesis was fitted for the patient. During the impression for the construction of the implant‐supported prosthesis, the patient accidentally aspirated the implant screwdriver. The object was found in the lower right lobe of the bronchus, and its removal was necessary in a hospital using bronchoscopy under general anesthesia.

Patients with PD are considered at risk of aspirating and/or ingesting dental instruments. Short treatment periods are recommended, preferably during the morning, when the medication prescribed for PD is most effective. When treating patients who have a risk for aspirating and ingesting small objects, it is important to treat them in a more vertical position, and small‐sized objects should be secured with dental floss to aid retrieval.
National estimates of the characteristics of individuals infected with HIV who are likely to report and receive treatment for painful bleeding gums
Authors: Sy Aldrich A. , Freed Benjamin A. , Chau Fouy K. , Marcus Marvin
Published: September 2011

Painful bleeding gums may be associated with HIV infection. This study examined the characteristics of persons reporting the symptom “painful bleeding gums” and their likelihood of accessing care. The study population consisted of persons receiving care for HIV as part of the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study (HCSUS). In this national population, 5.3% reported painful bleeding gums. Significant differences in reporting painful bleeding gums were found between Hispanics/Whites, oral health status, and presence of other symptoms. Compared to younger persons, those in the middle age group were more likely to seek treatment, while persons with the highest CD4 counts were more likely to seek treatment than those with the lowest CD4 counts. This study showed that reporting painful bleeding gums was a function of ethnicity, other symptoms, and perceived oral health, while seeking treatment for painful bleeding gums was related to age and CD4 counts. Dentists and other health care providers can have an active role in improving the quality of life of persons living with HIV by being aware of the relationships that exist between patients with HIV and painful bleeding gums.
Serum levels of anti‐streptolysin O antibodies: their role in evaluating rheumatic diseases
Authors: BEN‐CHETRIT Eli , MOSES Allon E. , AGMON‐LEVIN Nancy , BLOCK Colin , BEN‐CHETRIT Eldad
Published: September 2011

Background:  Family physicians measure serum levels of anti‐streptolysin O antibodies (ASO) in the routine evaluation of patients with rheumatic conditions.

Aim:  To evaluate the significance of elevated serum ASO titer in hospitalized patients with various clinical conditions.

Patients and methods:  We retrieved the names of all patients in whom ASO serum titer was tested in our hospital during two successive years. We chose only those with titers of 1 : 160 or greater (cut‐off level < 1 : 80) or with no titer. Their charts were reviewed and the causes for their hospitalization and the reasons for requesting the tests were identified. We also measured the ASO serum titer in 60 healthy individuals.

Results:  Six hundred and twenty‐five patients were tested for ASO serum levels; 129 patients were negative. In 291 (44%) patients tests were positive at low titers (< 1 : 160). In 205 (33%) the serum titers of ASO were ≥ 1 : 160. We analyzed two groups: those with high ASO titers (≥ 1 : 160) (group 1) and those who were negative for this test (group 2). In group 1, streptococcal cultures were positive only in 14% of the patients with elevated ASO. There was no correlation between ASO serum levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein or rheumatoid factor. In only five individuals (8%) of the healthy cohort, was ASO significantly elevated.

Conclusions:  Elevated ASO titers can be found in various clinical conditions other than the typical post‐streptococcal associated diseases. In these cases it is not necessarily accompanied by positive culture and does not correlate with inflammatory parameters.
Australian Aboriginal anthropology at the crossroads: Finding a successor to A. P. Elkin, 1955
Authors: Gray Geoffrey , Munro Doug
Published: September 2011

A. P. Elkin, who had dominated Australian anthropology since his appointment to the Chair of Anthropology at the University of Sydney in 1934, was concerned that coinciding with his retirement in 1955 was the possibility of the demise of Aboriginal anthropology as the core of the Sydney department. He thus attempted to influence the University authorities in their selection of his chosen successor, Ronald Murray Berndt. Such a selection would ensure the continuance of the department as the pre‐eminent authority on all matters to do with Aboriginal ethnography and affairs, and maintain its critical role in the formulation of policy with mission bodies and government. The other long‐serving member of the department, H. Ian Hogbin, was equally determined to see this did not happen. Hogbin wanted an appointment of a scholar who was in no way connected to Elkin. This would address the problem, inadvertently, of changing the focus of the department and would open the possibility of a shift in theoretical orientation and renewal. This article examines the machinations of the protagonists, the selection process, the quality of the candidates and the role of the mostly British‐based referees, especially the LSE‐based anthropologists Raymond Firth and Isaac Schapera, in shaping and influencing the decision to appoint the Africanist J. A. Barnes.
Effect of Replacement of As by Ge and Sb on the Photo‐Response under Near Infrared Femtosecond Laser Irradiation in As‐based Sulfide Glasses
Authors: David Musgraves J. , Carlie Nathan , Petit, Laeticia , Boudebs Georges , Choi Jiyeon , Richardson Martin , Richardson Kathleen
Published: September 2011

Bulk glasses having the compositions As42S58, As36Sb6S58, and As36Ge6S58 have been irradiated at 800 nm using a femtosecond‐pulsed laser to determine the relationship between composition and photo‐response. Localized variation in the glass volume (photo‐expansion) has been determined through interferometric measurements of surface exposures, whereas induced refractive index change (photo‐darkening) was determined from the diffraction efficiency of subsurface direct‐written phase gratings. To understand the compositional dependence of the photo‐response, the linear and nonlinear optical properties and structure of the unexposed glasses have been compared. The ablation threshold is shown to be controlled by variation of the nonlinear absorption, related to shifts of the absorption band gap with exchange of As by Ge or Sb. Changes in the unexposed network structure show that partial replacement of As by Ge or Sb induces an increased number of As–As bonding defects in the glass, particularly in the form of As4S4 molecular units which become polymerized into the network, impacting the photo‐modification process. The Ge was found to induce an increase in the ablation threshold, and enhance both photo‐darkening and photo‐expansion effects, whereas Sb was shown to decrease ablation threshold and inhibit photo‐darkening while enhancing photo‐expansion.
Self‐reported discrimination and discriminatory behaviour: The role of attachment security
Authors: Boag Elle M. , Carnelley Katherine B.
Published: September 2011

Past research shows that attachment security is linked to low prejudice (Hofstra, Van Oudenhoven & Bunnk, 2005; Mikulincer & Shaver, 2001). We extend this research by examining the role of attachment security in discriminatory choices and discriminatory behaviour. The current study examines the influence of primed attachment security (vs. neutral prime) on self‐reported discrimination and actual discriminatory behaviour towards Muslims. Results illustrate that primed attachment security (vs. a neutral prime) significantly predicts both the choice to discriminate against Muslims and subsequent behavioural discrimination towards a Muslim. Implications for increasing attachment security as a means of reducing prejudice and discrimination are discussed.
The role of sensory experience in presynaptic development is cortical area specific
Authors: Cheetham Claire E. J. , Fox Kevin
Published: September 2011

Non‐technical summary  The visual cortex and the somatosensory whisker ‘barrel’ cortex are widely studied model systems of experience‐dependent plasticity, which enables the brain to adapt to changes in the environment and is required for recovery in conditions such as stroke. It is known that presynaptic development of excitatory synapses in the cortex involves a decrease in the probability of neurotransmitter release, and a change in the dynamic properties of synapses during repetitive stimulation. These changes enable synapses in the mature brain to perform more complex functions. However, it is not known whether these developmental changes are dependent on sensory experience. In this study, we show that sensory experience is required for normal presynaptic development in barrel cortex, but not in visual cortex. Therefore, the role of sensory experience in synaptic development varies between different cortical areas. These findings are important for understanding how experience shapes neuronal circuitry during development and in disease.
Characterization and Development of Bio-Ethanol Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Imran Syed Khalid , Raza Rizwan , Abbas Ghazanfar , Zhu Bin
Published: September 2011

Bio-ethanol based fuel cell is an energy source with a promising future. The low temperature solid oxide fuel cell fed by direct bio-ethanol is receiving considerable attention as a clean and highly efficient for the production of both electricity and high grade waste heat. The comparison of fuel cell performance with different metal-oxide based electrodes was investigated. The power densities of 584 mW cm-2 and 514 mW cm-2 at 520 °C and 570 °C respectively were found. The effect of electrode catalyst function, ethanol concentration on the electrical performance was investigated at different temperature ranged in between 300 °C−600 °C. The effect of deposited carbon on the electrode was investigated by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope after testing the cell with bio-ethanol.
Pullout Performance of Self-Tapping Medical Screws
Authors: Wu Zhijun , Nassar Sayed A. , Yang Xianjie
Published: September 2011

This study investigates the effect of the pilot hole size, implant depth, synthetic bone density, and screw size on the pullout strength of the self-tapping screw using analytical, finite element, and experimental methodologies. Stress distribution and failure propagation mode around the implant thread zone are also investigated. Based on the finite element analysis (FEA) results, an analytical model for the pullout strength of the self-tapping screw is constructed in terms of the (synthetic) bone mechanical properties, screw size, and the implant depth. The pullout performance of self-tapping screws is discussed. Results from the analytical and finite element models are experimentally validated.
Design and Manufacture of Combinatorial Calcium Phosphate Bone Scaffolds
Authors: Hoelzle David J. , Svientek Shelby R. , Alleyne Andrew G. , Wagoner Johnson Amy J.
Published: September 2011

It is well known that pore design is an important determinant of both the quantity and distribution of regenerated bone in artificial bone tissue scaffolds. A requisite feature is that scaffolds must contain pore interconnections on the order of 100–1000 μm (termed macroporosity). Within this range, there is not a definitive optimal interconnection size. Recent results suggest that pore interconnections permeating the scaffold build material on the order of 2–20 μm (termed microporosity) drive bone growth into the macropore space at a faster rate and also provide a new space for bone growth, proliferating throughout the interconnected microporous network. The effects of microstructural features on bone growth has yet to be fully understood. This work presents the manufacture and characterization of novel combinatorial test scaffolds, scaffolds that test multiple microporosity and macroporosity designs within a single scaffold. Scaffolds such as this can efficiently evaluate multiple mechanical designs, with the advantage of having the designs colocated within a single defect site and therefore less susceptible to experimental variation. This paper provides the manufacturing platform, manufacturing control method, and demonstrates the manufacturing capabilities with three representative scaffolds.
Suppression of the Inflammatory Immune Response Prevents the Development of Chronic Biofilm Infection Due to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Prabhakara Ranjani , Harro Janette M. , Leid Jeff G. , Keegan Achsah D. , Prior Megan L. , Shirtliff Mark E.
Published: September 2011

Staphylococcus aureus
is a common cause of prosthetic implant infections, which can become chronic due to the ability of
S. aureus
to grow as a biofilm. Little is known about adaptive immune responses to these infections
in vivo
. We hypothesized that
S. aureus
elicits inflammatory Th1/Th17 responses, associated with biofilm formation, instead of protective Th2/Treg responses. We used an adapted mouse model of biofilm-mediated prosthetic implant infection to determine chronic infection rates, Treg cell frequencies, and local cytokine levels in Th1-biased C57BL/6 and Th2-biased BALB/c mice. All C57BL/6 mice developed chronic
S. aureus
implant infection at all time points tested. However, over 75% of BALB/c mice spontaneously cleared the infection without adjunctive therapy and demonstrated higher levels of Th2 cytokines and anti-inflammatory Treg cells. When chronic infection rates in mice deficient in the Th2 cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) via STAT6 mutation in a BALB/c background were assessed, the mice were unable to clear the
S. aureus
implant infection. Additionally, BALB/c mice depleted of Treg cells via an anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody (MAb) were also unable to clear the infection. In contrast, the C57BL/6 mice that were susceptible to infection were able to eliminate
S. aureus
biofilm populations on infected intramedullary pins once the Th1 and Th17 responses were diminished by MAb treatment with anti-IL-12 p40. Together, these results indicate that Th2/Treg responses are mechanisms of protection against chronic
S. aureus
implant infection, as opposed to Th1/Th17 responses, which may play a role in the development of chronic infection.
Republished original article: Resident-initiated interventions to improve inpatient heart-failure management
Authors: Oujiri James , Hakeem Abdul , Pack Quinn , Holland Robert , Meyers David , Hildebrand Christopher , Bridges Alan , Roach Mary A , Vogelman Bennett
Published: September 2011

Background

Third-year internal medicine residents participating in a quality improvement rotation identified gaps between the Joint Commission’s ORYX quality guidelines and clinical practices for the inpatient management of heart failure (HF) at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital. Residents focused on the performance metrics associated with tobacco-cessation counselling documentation, ejection fraction assessment and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker prescriptions.

Methods

After analysing data collected by the External Peer Review Program, residents reviewed the institution’s admissions and discharge processes with the aim of improving quality and compliance. In redesigning these processes, residents created an admissions template and a discharge face sheet, and compared specific ORYX measure compliance rates before and after institution-wide implementation.

Results

Following implementation of the tobacco-cessation admissions template, 100% of HF patients who used tobacco received documented cessation counselling, compared with 59% prior to intervention (p<0.01, n=32). Following implementation of the mandatory discharge face sheet, 97% of HF patients (compared with 92% preintervention, p>0.05) received comprehensive discharge instruction; LV function assessment went from 98% to 100% (p>0.05); and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker prescription for left ventricular systolic dysfunction at discharge (or documentation of a contra-indication) went from 82% to 100% (p<0.01, n=48).

Discussion

By implementing a standardised admissions template and a mandatory discharge face sheet, the hospital improved its processes of documentation and increased adherence to quality-performance measures. By strengthening residents' learning and commitment to quality improvement, the hospital created a foundation for future changes in the systems that affect patient care.
Is Accelerated Partner Therapy (APT) a cost-effective alternative to routine patient referral partner notification in the UK? Preliminary cost–consequence analysis of an exploratory trial
Authors: Roberts Tracy E , Tsourapas Angelos , Sutcliffe Lorna , Cassell Jackie , Estcourt Claudia
Published: September 2011

Objectives

To undertake a cost–consequence analysis to assess two new models of partner notification (PN), known as Accelerated Partner Therapy (APT Hotline and APT Pharmacy), as compared with routine patient referral PN, for sex partners of people with chlamydia, gonorrhoea and non-gonococcal urethritis.

Methods

Comparison of costs and outcomes alongside an exploratory trial involving two genitourinary medicine clinics and six community pharmacies. Index patients selected the PN method (APT Hotline, APT Pharmacy or routine PN) for their partners. Clinics and pharmacies recorded cost and resource use data including duration of consultation and uptake of treatment pack. Cost data were collected prospectively for two out of three interventions, and data were synthesised and compared in terms of effectiveness and costs.

Results

Routine PN had the lowest average cost per partner treated (approximately £46) compared with either APT Hotline (approximately £54) or APT Pharmacy (approximately £53) strategies. The cost–consequence analysis revealed that APT strategies were more costly but also more effective at treating partners compared to routine PN.

Conclusion

The hotline strategy costs more than both the alternative PN strategies. If we accept that strategies which identify and treat partners the fastest are likely to be the most effective in reducing reinfection and onward transmission, then APT Hotline appears an effective PN strategy by treating the highest number of partners in the shortest duration. Whether the additional benefit is worth the additional cost cannot be determined in this preliminary analysis. These data will be useful for informing development of future randomised controlled trials of APT.
Synthesis, structures and properties of benzoporphycenes and naphthoporphycenes
Authors: Kuzuhara Daiki , Yamada Hiroko , Mori Shigeki , Okujima Tetsuo , Uno Hidemitsu
Published: September 2011

A series of benzoporphycenes and naphthoporphycenes and their zinc complexes were prepared from bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene fused porphycenes by a retro-Diels-Alder reaction and their photophysical properties were studied. Free-base tetranaphthoporphycene was not soluble in common organic solvents, but zinc tetranaphthoporphycene was slightly soluble in pyridine and showed B- and Q-bands at 507 and 690 nm, respectively. Dinaphthoporphycene showed broad B- and Q-bands due to its lower symmetry. Tetrabenzo-, dibenzo-, and dinaphthoporphycenes showed fluorescence at 673, 654, and 670 nm with quantum yields of 0.32, 0.42, and 0.31, respectively, although their precursors were non-fluorescent. Zinc complexes of tetrabenzo-, dibenzo-, tetranaphtho-, dinaphthoporphycenes and their bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene-fused precursors revealed moderate fluorescence with quantum yields of 0.15–0.37. The crystal structures of tetrabenzo- and dibenzoporphycenes showed herringbone structures, while the zinc tetrabenzoporphycene showed a hexagonal box-structure with six pyridine ligands inside.
Designing Reservoirs for 1/t Decoherence of a Qubit
Authors: Giraldi F. , Petruccione F.
Published: September 2011

Anomalous decoherence in the Jaynes-Cummings model emerges for a certain class of bosonic reservoirs, described by spectral densities with a band gap edge frequency coinciding with the qubit transition frequency. The special reservoirs are piecewise similar to those usually adopted in quantum optics, i.e., sub-ohmic at low frequencies and inverse power laws at high frequencies. The exact dynamics of the qubit is described analytically through Fox H-functions. Over estimated long time scales, decoherence results in inverse power laws with powers decreasing continuously to unity, according to the particular choice of the special reservoir. The engineering reservoir approach is a new way of strongly delaying the decoherence process with possible applications to quantum technologies, due to the simple form of the designed reservoirs.
Fast computation of small cuts via cycle space sampling
Authors: Pritchard David , Thurimella Ramakrishna
Published: September 2011

We describe a new sampling-based method to determine cuts in an undirected graph. For a graph (
V
,
E
), its cycle space is the family of all subsets of
E
that have even degree at each vertex. We prove that with high probability, sampling the cycle space identifies the cuts of a graph. This leads to simple new linear-time sequential algorithms for finding all cut edges and cut pairs (a set of 2 edges that form a cut) of a graph.

In the model of distributed computing in a graph
G
= (
V
,
E
) with
O
(log |
V
|)-bit messages, our approach yields faster algorithms for several problems. The diameter of
G
is denoted by
D
, and the maximum degree by Δ. We obtain simple
O
(
D
)-time distributed algorithms to find all cut edges, 2-edge-connected components, and cut pairs, matching or improving upon previous time bounds. Under natural conditions these new algorithms are universally optimal—that is, a Ω(
D
)-time lower bound holds on every graph. We obtain a
O
(
D
+Δ/log |V|)-time distributed algorithm for finding cut vertices; this is faster than the best previous algorithm when Δ,
D
=
O
(√|
V
|). A simple extension of our work yields the first distributed algorithm with sub-linear time for 3-edge-connected components. The basic distributed algorithms are Monte Carlo, but they can be made Las Vegas without increasing the asymptotic complexity.

In the model of parallel computing on the EREW PRAM, our approach yields a simple algorithm with optimal time complexity
O
(log
V
) for finding cut pairs and 3-edge-connected components.
Broadcast scheduling
Authors: Chang Jessica , Erlebach Thomas , Gailis Renars , Khuller Samir
Published: September 2011

Broadcast Scheduling is a popular method for disseminating information in response to client requests. There are
n
pages of information, and clients request pages at different times. However, multiple clients can have their requests satisfied by a single broadcast of the requested page. In this article, we consider several related broadcast scheduling problems. One central problem we study simply asks to minimize the maximum response time (over all requests). Another related problem we consider is the version in which every request has a release time and a deadline, and the goal is to maximize the number of requests that meet their deadlines. While approximation algorithms for both these problems were proposed several years back, it was not known if they were NP-complete. One of our main results is that both these problems are NP-complete. In addition, we use the same unified approach to give a simple NP-completeness proof for minimizing the sum of response times. A very complicated proof was known for this version. Furthermore, we give a proof that FIFO is a 2-competitive online algorithm for minimizing the maximum response time (this result had been claimed earlier with no proof) and that there is no better deterministic online algorithm (this result was claimed earlier as well, but with an incorrect proof).
ScatterD
Authors: White Jules , Dougherty Brian , Thompson Chris , Schmidt Douglas C.
Published: September 2011

Distributed real-time and embedded (DRE) systems can be composed of hundreds of software components running across tens or hundreds of networked processors that are physically separated from one another. A key concern in DRE systems is determining the spatial deployment topology, which is how the software components map to the underlying hardware components. Optimizations, such as placing software components with high-frequency communications on processors that are closer together, can yield a number of important benefits, such as reduced power consumption due to decreased wireless transmission power required to communicate between the processing nodes.

Determining a spatial deployment plan across a series of processors that will minimize power consumption is hard since the spatial deployment plan must respect a combination of real-time scheduling, fault-tolerance, resource, and other complex constraints. This article presents a hybrid heuristic/evolutionary algorithm, called ScatterD, for automatically generating spatial deployment plans that minimize power consumption. This work provides the following contributions to the study of spatial deployment optimization for power consumption minimization: (1) it combines heuristic bin-packing with an evolutionary algorithm to produce a hybrid algorithm with excellent deployment derivation capabilities and scalability, (2) it shows how a unique representation of the spatial deployment solution space integrates the heuristic and evolutionary algorithms, and (3) it analyzes the results of experiments performed with data derived from a large-scale avionics system that compares ScatterD with other automated deployment techniques. These results show that ScatterD reduces power consumption by between 6% and 240% more than standard bin-packing, genetic, and particle swarm optimization algorithms.
Adjuvant Use of Ivabradine in Acute Heart Failure due to Myocarditis
Authors: Franke Jennifer , Schmahl Dorothee , Lehrke Stephanie , Pribe Regina , Bekeredjian Raffi , Doesch Andreas O. , Ehlermann Philipp , Schnabel Philipp , Katus Hugo A. , Zugck Christian
Published: September 2011

We report two cases of young men in whom acute heart failure due to myocarditis was diagnosed. The patients had been transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) with commencing symptoms of acute heart failure and consecutive multiorgan failure for further treatment and to evaluate the indication for implantation of a ventricular assist device or for high urgent orthotopic heart transplantation. In both patients, theIf-channel inhibitor ivabradine was administered off-label to provide selective heart rate reduction, and thus support hemodynamic stabilization. Though currently considered off-label use in patients suffering from severe hypotension and acute heart failure, the use of ivabradine may beneficially influence outcome by allowing optimization of the patient's heart rate concomitant to initial measures of clinical stabilization.
The Value of Hysterosalpingography following Medical Treatment with Methotrexate for Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Garcia Grau Emma , Checa Vizcaíno Miguel Ángel , Oliveira Mário , Lleberia Juanós Judith , Carreras Collado Ramon , Canet Estevez Yolanda
Published: September 2011

After an ectopic pregnancy (EP) fertility decreases, mostly due to tubal factor. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is the most cost-effective tool for tubal patency assessment.Objective. To evaluate the usefulness of a HSG after a medical treatment for an EP, in order to counsel women on the most appropriate way to conceive future pregnancies.Methods. Between 1998 and 2008, 144 patients were submitted to medical treatment for an EP and performed HSG 3 months after the event.Results. 72.2% of normal HSG, 18.8% with unilateral obstruction, 6.3% tubal patency with defect, and 2.8% bilateral obstruction.Conclusion. Routine HSG following medical treatment for an EP does not seem necessary, as it does not change the initial management in 97.2% of the cases, but might be considered in selected risk cases, permitting timely referral of patients to in vitro fertilization.
Dynamic Instability of Central Airways and Peripheral Airspace in Rat Lungs Perfused with Cold Preservation Solutions
Authors: Hamakawa H. , Sakai H. , Takahashi A. , Aoyama A. , Zhang J. , Chen F. , Fujinaga T. , Wada H. , Date H. , Bando T.
Published: September 2011

Background/Aims: For lung preservation, one of two types of solutions is commonly employed: Euro-Collins (EC) or low potassium dextran glucose (LPDG). These two solutions have been compared regarding biological, morphometrical and physiological outcomes in many experiments. However, the dynamic mechanics of perfused lung are not well understood because the dynamic characteristics cannot be assessed under static conditions; hence, the primary goal of the present study was to assess this in perfused rat lungs during the preservation period, comparing EC with LPDG at 0 or 9 h at 4°C. Methods: Lung impedance was measured using a forced oscillation technique. Lung resistance and elastance values were obtained by the fast Fourier transform algorithm. The instability of central airways and heterogeneity of ventilation were estimated. Results: In the EC group, airway resistance and instability were high after perfusion, and the lung elastance was high and more heterogeneous after cold storage. In contrast, those parameters were stable in the LPDG group during cold storage. Conclusion: Such dynamic stability might facilitate the handling of lung grafts and eliminate injurious cyclic ventilation stress after reperfusion. Thus, we conclude that the impedance frequency characteristic represents a novel informative parameter for investigating lung preservation techniques.
Improved Liquid Water Equivalent Nowcasting Using the Weather Support to Deicing Decision Making System
Authors: Ruzanski Evan , Chandrasekar V.
Published: September 2011

Short-term automated forecasts (nowcasts) of liquid water equivalent (LWE) values can be used to assist aviation deicing decision-making activities. Such decisions can mitigate hazards that cause losses of life and property and increase costs because of travel delays. The Weather Support to Deicing Decision Making (WSDDM) system provides LWE nowcasts and is currently deployed at several major airports in the United States. WSDDM produces these nowcasts in two steps. First, an equation relating radar reflectivity to LWE rate is calibrated by correlating radar and surface observations. Then, nowcasts of reflectivity are converted to nowcasts of LWE using this calibrated equation. This paper shows that the incorporation of the Dynamic and Adaptive Radar Tracking of Storms (DARTS) radar–based nowcasting method into WSDDM can provide more accurate and efficient nowcasts of LWE relative to the correlation-based nowcasting method currently used. Results of an evaluation considering approximately 92 h of data collected during four winter weather events show the incorporation of DARTS into WSDDM provides an approximate 14% average improvement in the accuracy of 60-min LWE nowcasts and reduces runtime by two orders of magnitude.
The effect of a periodontal intervention on cardiovascular risk markers in Indigenous Australians with periodontal disease: the PerioCardio study
Authors: Skilton Michael R , Maple-Brown Louise J , Kapellas Kostas , Celermajer David S , Bartold Mark , Brown Alex , O'Dea Kerin , Slade Gary D , Jamieson Lisa M
Published: September 2011

Background

Indigenous Australians experience an overwhelming burden of chronic disease, including cardiovascular diseases. Periodontal disease (inflammation of the tissues surrounding teeth) is also widespread, and may contribute to the risk of cardiovascular diseases via pathogenic inflammatory pathways. This study will assess measures of vascular health and inflammation in Indigenous Australian adults with periodontal disease, and determine if intensive periodontal therapy improves these measures over a 12 month follow-up. The aims of the study are: (i) to determine whether there is a dose response relationship between extent and severity of periodontal disease and measures of vascular health and inflammation among Indigenous Australian adults with moderate to severe periodontal disease; and (ii) to determine the effects of periodontal treatment on changes in measures of vascular health and inflammation in a cohort of Indigenous Australians.

Methods/Design

This study will be a randomised, controlled trial, with predominantly blinded assessment of outcome measures and blinded statistical analysis. All participants will receive the periodontal intervention benefits (with the intervention delayed 12 months in participants who are randomised to the control arm). Participants will be Indigenous adults aged ≥25 years from urban centres within the Top End of the Northern Territory, Australia. Participants assessed to have moderate or severe periodontal disease will be randomised to the study's intervention or control arm. The intervention involves intensive removal of subgingival and supragingival calculus and plaque biofilm by scaling and root-planing. Study visits at baseline, 3 and 12 months, will incorporate questionnaires, non-fasting blood and urine samples, body measurements, blood pressure, periodontal assessment and non-invasive measures of vascular health (pulse wave velocity and carotid intima-media thickness). Primary outcome measures are pulse wave velocity and carotid intima-media thickness.

Discussion

The study will assess the periodontal-cardiovascular disease relationship among Indigenous Australian adults with periodontal disease, and the effectiveness of an intervention aimed at improving periodontal and cardiovascular health. Efforts to understand and improve Indigenous oral health and cardiovascular risk may serve as an important means of reducing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous health in Australia.

Trial Registration

Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12610000817044
Exponential energy decay and blow-up of solutions for a system of nonlinear viscoelastic wave equations with strong damping
Authors: Liang Fei , Gao Hongjun
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we consider the system of nonlinear viscoelastic equations

u

t
t

-
Δ
u
+

∫

0

t

g

1

(

t
-
τ

)

Δ
u

(

τ

)

d
τ
-
Δ

u

t

=

f

1

(

u
,
v

)

,

(

x
,
t

)

∈
Ω
×

(

0
,
T

)

,

v

t
t

-
Δ
v
+

∫

0

t

g

2

(

t
-
τ

)

Δ
v

(

τ

)

d
τ
-
Δ

v

t

=

f

2

(

u
,
v

)

,

(

x
,
t

)

∈
Ω
×

(

0
,
T

)

with initial and Dirichlet boundary conditions. We prove that, under suitable assumptions on the functions g

i
, f

i
(i = 1, 2) and certain initial data in the stable set, the decay rate of the solution energy is exponential. Conversely, for certain initial data in the unstable set, there are solutions with positive initial energy that blow up in finite time.

2000 Mathematics Subject Classifications: 35L05; 35L55; 35L70.
Gene Expression Profiles are Altered in Human Papillomavirus-16 E6 D25E-Expressing Cell Lines
Authors: Jang Mi , Rhee JeeEun , Jang Dai-Ho , Kim Sung Soon
Published: September 2011

Previously, we have reported that the human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 E6 D25E is the most prevalent variant in Korean women at high risk for cervical cancers. Several studies have identified an association between the increased frequency of this variant and the elevated risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive cervical carcinoma. To investigate whether the HPV-16 E6 D25E variant might influence cervical cancer progression, we used an oligonucleotide microarray approach to identify transcriptionally altered gene expression patterns in recombinant wild-type E6 or E6 D25E variant-expressing HPV-negative cancer cells. We found that 211 genes were significantly up- or down-regulated (at least 1.5-fold, p < 0.05). We identified 14 genes, nine down-regulated and five up-regulated upon E6 D25E expression, compared with wild-type E6 expression. These results further emphasize the unique biological activity of the HPV-16 E6 D25E variant.