bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
T2* relaxometry mapping of the uterine zones
Authors: Imaoka Izumi , Nakatsuka Takayuki , Araki Tetsuro , Katsube Takashi , Okada Masahiro , Kumano Seishi , Ishii Kazunari , Ashikaga Ryuichiro , Okuaki Tomoyuki , Van Cauteren Marc , Murakami Takamichi
Published: March 2012

Background

Previous literature demonstrated that the T2* value of the uterine junctional zone was lower than that of peripheral myometrium by using BOLD MR imaging. We expect T2* mapping image may add more information to T2-weighted images of the uterine myometrium.

Purpose

To evaluate whether T2* mapping software would reproduce the result of previous report, and to apply the software to benign uterine diseases.

Material and Methods

Five healthy volunteers and 19 patients clinically suspected of having benign pelvic disease were imaged using a 1.5T MR system. All women were of reproductive age, and all provided informed consent. Sagittal T2* images using a multishot EPI sequence were obtained. T2* values were calculated and color T2* maps reconstructed using a T2* fitting tool.

Results

The uterine zones could be identified in all 24 examinations on the T2* maps. In addition, a thin “4th zone” was seen between the endometrium and the JZ (junctional zone) in 19 of 24 examinations. The T2* value of JZ was significantly lower than that of peripheral myometrium (PM) ( P < 0.001). No significant difference in the T2* value of the JZ or of PM was noted between normal uterus and uterus with leiomyomas and/or adenomyosis.

Conclusion

A quantitative T2* map can easily be obtained using the PRIDE software T2* fitting tool, and the software reproduces the result from previous report. T2* value of the junctional zone was lower than that of peripheral myometrium regardless of having benign myometrial diseases.
Bringing the Institutional Context Back In: A Cross-National Comparison of Alliance Partner Selection and Knowledge Acquisition
Authors: Vasudeva Gurneeta , Spencer Jennifer W. , Teegen Hildy J.
Published: March 2012

We suggest that firms' national institutional environments alter the logic of alliance partner selection and associated knowledge acquisition. We posit that cross-national variations in corporatist institutional structures (which reflect differences in underlying cooperative norms) influence the relative importance that firms place on a prospective partner's social value (evidenced from the partner's connectedness with members of its industry) and technological value (reflected in the technological complementarity and novelty of the partner's knowledge). We expect that as prospective partners' technological value increases, the probability of alliance formation increases the most for firms residing in less corporatist countries. Likewise, as prospective partners' social value increases, the probability of alliance formation increases the most for firms in more corporatist countries. We further argue that norms regarding knowledge acquisition within an alliance vary across countries, with deliberate learning approaches serving as the norm in less—not more—corporatist settings. We expect that such differences will lead to more immediate interpartner knowledge acquisition in less corporatist environments. Analysis of a longitudinal cross-national data set of alliances in the emergent fuel cell technology industry supports our arguments. Our findings highlight the significance of particular national institutions in specific organizational domains and the complementarity between institutional theory and other strategic resource-based perspectives in the context of interorganizational alliances.
Magnetic Field Effect on Photoconductivity of Single-Crystalline Pentacene and Perfluoropentacene Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Pham Song-Toan , Kawasugi Yoshitaka , Tada Hirokazu
Published: March 2012

Organic magnetoresistance (OMAR) of single-crystalline (SC) pentacene (C22H14) and perfluoropentacene (C22F14) was studied using field-effect transistor structures. The gate voltage effect showed that the OMAR originates from photo-induced current and requires both electrons and holes in the transport channel. The temperature dependence showed the maximum magnetoresistance (MR) ratio up to -6% under light irradiation at approximately 200 K and magnetic field of 80 mT. The charge carrier mobility and the exciton diffusion length were not important factors to determine the MR ratios. The interaction between triplet excitons and traps was thought to govern the OMAR behaviors.
Low phonon energy BaCl2 nanocrystals in Nd3+-doped fluorozirconate glasses and their influence on the photoluminescence properties
Authors: Pfau Charlotte , Skrzypczak Ulrich , Miclea Manuela , Bohley Christian , Miclea Paul-Tiberiu , Schweizer Stefan
Published: March 2012

Nd3+-doped fluorozirconate glasses, which were additionally doped with chlorine ions, were investigated for their photoluminescence (PL) properties. Upon heat treatment of the as-made glass, hexagonal phase BaCl2 nanocrystals are formed within the material, which undergo a phase transformation to orthorhombic BaCl2 upon annealing at a higher temperature. The glasses with hexagonal phase BaCl2 nanocrystals show an enhanced Nd3+ PL in the visible spectral range. Time-resolved spectroscopy on the 4G5/2 / 2G7/2 → 4I9/2 transition shows that the existence of hexagonal BaCl2 nanocrystals results in a significantly longer decay time. The temperature dependence of the lifetime yielded that the enhanced PL is due to a reduced multi-phonon relaxation rate.
ADIPOQ and adiponectin: the common ground of hyperglycemia and coronary artery disease?
Authors: Oliveira Carolina S. V. , Giuffrida Fernando M. A. , Crispim Felipe , Saddi-Rosa Pedro , Reis André Fernandes
Published: March 2012

Plasma adiponectin and the coding gene for adiponectin, ADIPOQ, are thought to explain part of the interaction between obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Here, we illustrate the role that adiponectin and ADIPOQ variants might play in the modulation of CAD, especially in the occurrence of hyperglycemia. Recent evidence suggests that total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin levels are apparent markers of better cardiovascular prognosis in patients with low risk of CAD. However, in subjects with established or high risk of CAD, these levels are associated with poorer prognosis. We also provide recent evidences relating to the genetic control of total and HMW adiponectin levels, especially evidence regarding ADIPOQ. Accumulated data suggest that both adiponectin levels and polymorphisms in the ADIPOQ gene are linked to the risk of CAD in patients with hyperglycemia, and that these associations seem to be independent from each other, even if adiponectin levels are partly dependent on ADIPOQ.
Impact of subclinical hypothyroidism treatment in systolic and diastolic cardiac function
Authors: Martins Ricardo Mendes , Fonseca Regina Helena Alves , Duarte Marta Maria Turano , Reuters Vaneska Spinelli , Ferreira Márcia Martins , Almeida Cloyra , Buescu Alexandru , Teixeira Patrícia de Fátima dos Santos , Vaisman Mario
Published: March 2012

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of levothyroxine (L-T4) replacement in echocardiographic parameters of middle-aged women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Echocardiographic evaluation was carried out at baseline and one year after restoration of euthyroidism. Thirty-three women with SH were assigned to one of two groups (L-T4 or placebo). RESULTS: The two groups had similar basal characteristics. There was a significant deterioration of left ventricular Tei index after one year of placebo use, which differed from the effect of L-T4 replacement (+0.086 ± 0.092 vs. -0.014 ± 0.012; p = 0.047). There was also a slight reduction in cardiac output and cardiac index with placebo use, which was not different from L-T4 effect. CONCLUSION: Results suggest a positive impact of L-T4 replacement in cardiac function of middle-aged women with SH.
Oficinas de atividades com jovens da escola pública: tecnologias sociais entre educação e terapia ocupacional
Authors: Lopes Roseli Esquerdo , Borba Patrícia Leme de Oliveira , Trajber Natalia Keller de Almeida , Silva Carla Regina , Cuel Brena Talita
Published: March 2012

Discute-se uma experiência, na forma de Oficinas de Atividades, com jovens de uma escola pública. Trata-se de ações que decorrem de atividades de extensão universitária, caracterizadas por intervenções que buscam o exercício de metodologias participativas, fundamentadas na defesa de direitos que compõem a cidadania. Com o apoio dos pressupostos teórico-metodológicos da terapia ocupacional social e da educação para a liberdade defendida por Paulo Freire, as Oficinas de Atividades têm se constituído como uma tecnologia social de aproximação, (re)construção de projetos e ampliação de redes de suporte junto a jovens advindos de grupos populares urbanos em situação de vulnerabilidade social. O acúmulo dessas experiências tem nos oferecido subsídios para a discussão acerca da implantação desses dispositivos nos espaços da educação formal, com vistas à construção de propostas socieoeducativas fundadas em bases democráticas que carregam um movimento de tensionamento do ordenamento vigente, contribuindo para o enfrentamento de problemáticas sociais contemporâneas.
Pneumatization of the Skull Base Due to Valsalva Maneuver
Authors: Lacout Alexis , Yves Marcy Pierre , Yves Carlier Robert , Thariat Juliette
Published: March 2012

Objectives

We herewith report the case of a 43-year-old patient who experienced a skull base fracture associated with minimal trauma. The computed tomography scan examination showed unusual extensive pneumatization of the skull base. This patient used to perform repeated Valsalva maneuvers on a daily basis since childhood.

Methods

A literature search and analysis of pneumatization mechanisms was performed.

Results

Extensive skull base pneumatization has already been reported in patients performing daily Valsalva maneuver. Two pathogenic hypotheses are discussed: the bone cavity expansion through communicating spaces and cavitation secondary to increased intra-osseous pressure transmitted via the venous network with subsequent bone marrow ischemia.

Conclusion

Valsalva maneuver may be the cause of an extensive skull base pneumatization. We hypothesize that the Valsalva maneuver may induce bone marrow ischemia that may, if repeated and prolonged, lead to pneumatization.
Update of the Case Definitions for Population‐Based Surveillance of Periodontitis
Authors: Eke Paul I. , Page Roy C. , Wei Liang , Thornton‐Evans Gina , Genco Robert J.
Published: March 2012

Background: This report adds a new definition for mild periodontitis that allows for better descriptions of the overall prevalence of periodontitis in populations. In 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in partnership with the American Academy of Periodontology developed and reported standard case definitions for surveillance of moderate and severe periodontitis based on measurements of probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (AL) at interproximal sites. However, combined cases of moderate and severe periodontitis are insufficient to determine the total prevalence of periodontitis in populations.

Methods: The authors proposed a definition for mild periodontitis as ≥2 interproximal sites with AL ≥3 mm and ≥2 interproximal sites with PD ≥4 mm (not on the same tooth) or one site with PD ≥5 mm . The effect of the proposed definition on the total burden of periodontitis was assessed in a convenience sample of 456 adults ≥35 years old and compared with other previously reported definitions for similar categories of periodontitis.

Results: Addition of mild periodontitis increases the total prevalence of periodontitis by ≈31% in this sample when compared with the prevalence of severe and moderate disease.

Conclusion: Total periodontitis using the case definitions in this study should be based on the sum of mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis.
Toothbrushing Education via a Smart Software Visualization System
Authors: Graetz Christian , Bielfeldt Jule , Wolff Lars , Springer Claudia , Fawzy El‐Sayed Karim M. , Sälzer Sonja , Badri‐Höher Sabah , Dörfer Christof E.
Published: March 2012

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of a recently developed smart digital toothbrush monitoring and training system (DTS) in terms of correct brushing motion and grip axis orientation in an at‐home environment.

Methods: Twenty‐one participants (11 test individuals [DTSG] and 10 control individuals [COG]) received instructions on the modified Bass technique (MBT) after their toothbrushing performance was monitored and they received professional tooth cleaning (T0). After 36 hours (T1), without mechanical oral hygiene measures, plaque and gingival indices were recorded, and the brushing technique was reviewed. After randomization, participants individually performed oral hygiene for 6 weeks (T2) with the provided oral hygiene kits. The DTSG group additionally used DTS. During the following 8 weeks (T3), participants used their original brushing devices without any additional interference. Investigators at each visit were masked regarding group identity. Data were statistically evaluated using Mann‐Whitney U, Friedman, Wilcoxon, and paired tests and Pearson correlation.

Results: At T0, 27.27% of DTSG participants used the MBT correctly (COG, 50%), increasing to 54.55% (COG, 60%) after professional instruction (T1) and further to 90.91% at T2 (COG, 60%) (P <0.001). Plaque scores were reduced in DTSG (P <0.05). At T3, 80% of the DTSG (COG, 40%) totally adopted the MBT (P <0.05). The plaque scores on buccal surfaces of the DTSG showed an additional slight improvement between T2 and T3, in contrast to a decline on oral surfaces (P <0.001). At T2 and T3, the DTSG brushed >120 seconds (COG, 90% and 50%) (P <0.05).

Conclusion: Apparently, the tested DTS effectively improves the brushing technique and leads to a prolonged learning effect, including improved oral hygiene.
Effects of Six versus Three Times per Week Hemodialysis on Physical Performance, Health, and Functioning
Authors: Hall Yoshio N. , Larive Brett , Painter Patricia , Kaysen George A. , Lindsay Robert M. , Nissenson Allen R. , Unruh Mark L. , Rocco Michael V. , Chertow Glenn M.
Published: March 2012

Background and objectives

Relatively little is known about the effects of hemodialysis frequency on the disability of patients with ESRD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This study examined changes in physical performance and self-reported physical health and functioning among subjects randomized to frequent (six times per week) compared with conventional (three times per week) hemodialysis in both the Frequent Hemodialysis Network daily (n=245) and nocturnal (n=87) trials. The main outcome measures were adjusted change in scores over 12 months on the short physical performance battery (SPPB), RAND 36-item health survey physical health composite (PHC), and physical functioning subscale (PF) based on the intention to treat principle.

Results

Overall scores for SPPB, PHC, and PF were poor relative to population norms and in line with other studies in ESRD. In the Daily Trial, subjects randomized to frequent compared with conventional in-center hemodialysis experienced no significant change in SPPB (adjusted mean change of −0.20±0.19 versus −0.41±0.21, P=0.45) but experienced significant improvement in PHC (3.4±0.8 versus 0.4±0.8, P=0.009) and a relatively large change in PF that did not reach statistical significance. In the Nocturnal Trial, there were no significant differences among subjects randomized to frequent compared with conventional hemodialysis in SPPB (adjusted mean change of −0.92±0.44 versus −0.41±0.43, P=0.41), PHC (2.7±1.4 versus 2.1±1.5, P=0.75), or PF (−3.1±3.5 versus 1.1±3.6, P=0.40).

Conclusions

Frequent in-center hemodialysis compared with conventional in-center hemodialysis improved self-reported physical health and functioning but had no significant effect on objective physical performance. There were no significant effects of frequent nocturnal hemodialysis on the same physical metrics.
Evolution of small valley mire in central Poland as a result of hydroclimatic oscillations
Authors: Pawłowski Dominik , Kloss Marek , Obremska Milena , Szymanowski Mateusz , Żurek Sławomir
Published: March 2012

This paper demonstrates the results of analyses of Cladocera, pollen, plant macrofossil, lithological and radiocarbon data recovered from a mire located in the Rawka River valley in central Poland. These studies permit to recognise the development of hydrology phases in Kopanicha mire and give insight into Holocene fluvial dynamics of the system; radiocarbon dating partly allowed da-ting of the patterns of Holocene valley floor development of the Rawka River. The Kopanicha mire was formed during the Atlantic period. At that time, an oxbow lake formed, becoming a mire during the Subboreal and possibly Subatlantic periods. The high sensitivity of the oxbow lakes, fens, fauna, and flora remains to climate variations - especially to changes in water level connected with the ag-gradation-erosion cycle of rivers - allows the reconstruction of the palaeoecological changes that oc-curred in the mire. The frequency and timing of hydroclimatic oscillations at Kopanicha show strong similarities to records from other sites in Poland. Changes in Cladocera frequency and plant assem-blages were mostly influenced by the Rawka River which controlled the hydrological regime of the mire. The main factors controlling the presence of Cladocera taxa were the water level and the pres-ence of favourable conditions in the mire (e.g. pH, vegetation). Most of the changes occurred in re-sponse to climate changes, but some of them were connected with local factors.
Midterm Outcome of Modified Kidner Procedure
Authors: Lee Kyung Tai , Kim Ki Chun , Park Young Uk , Park Seung Min , Lee Young Koo , Deland Jonathan T.
Published: March 2012

Background: The results of modified Kidner procedures have generally been satisfactory at short-term followup. The objective of this study was to evaluate the midterm followup results including medial longitudinal arch height. Methods: Forty-one patients (50 feet) with a symptomatic accessory navicular who underwent the modified Kidner procedure between July 1999 and December 2004 were evaluated. A midfoot AOFAS score, VAS score, and satisfaction rate were recorded. The talo-first metatarsal (T-MT1), talo-calcaneal (TC), and calcaneal pitch (CP) angles were measured on plain radiographs. Average clinical and radiological followup periods were 88.4 ± 17.0 months and 85.7 ± 15.0 months, respectively. Results: The mean preoperative and followup AOFAS scores were 40.8 ± 7.1 (range, 32 to 57), and 88.4 ± 7.9 (range, 72 to 100), respectively ( p < 0.01). The mean preoperative and followup VAS scores were 7.1 ± 1.0 (range, 4 to 9) and 1.8 ± 1.0 (range, 0 to 5), respectively ( p < 0.01). At last followup, the satisfaction rate was 82.0%. There were no significant differences between preoperative and followup T-MT1 ( p = 1.00), TC ( p = 0.84), and CP ( p = 0.08) angles. Increased medial longitudinal arch was found in four of 16 feet in patients 15 years of age or younger with followup radiographs. Conclusion: We found the modified Kidner procedure could result in symptomatic relief and high satisfaction rate without a loss of arch height in any patient.

Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Multisegmental Foot and Ankle Motion Analysis After Hallux Valgus Surgery
Authors: Canseco Karl , Long Jason , Smedberg Thomas , Tarima Sergey , Marks Richard M. , Harris Gerald F.
Published: March 2012

Background: Gait changes in patients with hallux valgus, including altered kinematic and temporal-spatial parameters, have been documented in the literature. Although operative treatment can yield favorable clinical and radiographic results, restoration of normal gait in this population remains unclear. Segmental kinematic changes within the foot and ankle during ambulation after operative correction of hallux valgus have not been reported. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in multisegmental foot and ankle kinematics in patients who underwent operative correction of hallux valgus. Methods: A 15-camera Vicon Motion Analysis System was used to evaluate 24 feet in 19 patients with hallux valgus preoperatively and postoperatively. The Milwaukee Foot Model was used to characterize segmental kinematics and temporal-spatial parameters (TSPs). Preoperative and postoperative kinematics and TSPs were compared using paired nonparametric methods; comparisons with normative data were performed using unpaired nonparametric methods. Outcomes were evaluated using the SF-36 assessment tool. Results: Preoperatively, patients with hallux valgus showed significantly altered temporal-spatial and kinematic parameters. Postoperatively, kinematic analysis demonstrated restoration of hallux position to normal. Hallux valgus angles and intermetatarsal angles were significantly improved, and outcomes showed a significant increase in performance of physical activities. Temporal-spatial parameters and kinematics in the more proximal segments were not significantly changed postoperatively. Conclusion: Postoperative results demonstrated significant improvement in foot geometry and hallux kinematics in the coronal and transverse planes. However, the analysis did not identify restoration of proximal kinematics. Clinical Relevance: Further investigation is necessary to explore possible causes/clinical relevance and appropriate treatment interventions for the persistently altered kinematics.
Isolated Spring Ligament Rupture Causing Acute Flatfoot Deformity: Case Report
Authors: Weerts Bas , Warmerdam Piet E. , Faber Frank W. M.
Published: March 2012

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
Cranial nerve dysfunction following Gamma Knife surgery for pituitary adenomas: long-term incidence and risk factors
Authors: Cifarelli Christopher P. , Schlesinger David J. , Sheehan Jason P.
Published: March 2012

Object

Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) has become a significant component of neurosurgical treatment for recurrent secretory and nonsecretory pituitary adenomas. Although the long-term risks of visual dysfunction following microsurgical resection of pituitary adenomas has been well studied, the comparable risk following radiosurgery is not well defined. This study evaluates the long-term risks of ophthalmological dysfunction following GKS for recurrent pituitary adenomas.

Methods

An analysis of 217 patients with recurrent secretory (n = 131) and nonsecretory (n = 86) pituitary adenomas was performed to determine the incidence of and risk factors for subsequent development of visual dysfunction. Patients underwent ophthalmological evaluation as part of post-GKS follow-up to assess for new or worsened cranial nerve II, III, IV, or VI palsies. The median follow-up duration was 32 months. The median maximal dose was 50 Gy, and the median peripheral dose was 23 Gy. A univariate analysis was performed to assess for risk factors of visual dysfunction post-GKS.

Results

Nine patients (4%) developed new visual dysfunctions, and these occurred within 6 hours to 34 months following radiosurgery. None of these 9 patients had tumor growth on post-GKS neuroimaging studies. Three of these patients had permanent deficits whereas in 6 the deficits resolved. Five of the 9 patients had prior GKS or radiotherapy, which resulted in a significant increase in the incidence of cranial nerve dysfunction (p = 0.0008). An increased number of isocenters (7.1 vs 5.0, p = 0.048) was statistically related to the development of visual dysfunction. Maximal dose, margin dose, optic apparatus dose, tumor volume, cavernous sinus involvement, and suprasellar extension were not significantly related to visual dysfunction (p >0.05).

Conclusions

Neurological and ophthalmological assessment in addition to routine neuroimaging and endocrinological follow-up are important to perform following GKS. Patients with a history of radiosurgery or radiation therapy are at higher risk of cranial nerve deficits. Also, a reduction in the number of isocenters delivered, along with volume treated, particularly in the patients with secretory tumors, appears to be the most reasonable strategy to minimize the risk to the visual system when treating recurrent pituitary adenomas with stereotactic radiosurgery.
The effects of subthalamic and pallidal deep brain stimulation on postural responses in patients with Parkinson disease
Authors: St George Rebecca J. , Carlson-Kuhta Patricia , Burchiel Kim J. , Hogarth Penelope , Frank Nicholas , Horak Fay B.
Published: March 2012

Object

The effect of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson disease (PD) on balance is unclear. The goal of this study was to investigate how automatic postural responses (APRs) were affected in patients randomized to either subthalamic nucleus (STN) or globus pallidus internus (GPi) surgery.

Methods

The authors tested 24 patients with PD who underwent bilateral DBS, 9 control patients with PD who did not undergo DBS, and 17 age-matched control volunteers. The electrode placement site was randomized and blinded to the patients and to the experimenters. Kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic recordings of postural responses to backward disequilibrium via forward translations of the standing surface were recorded in the week prior to surgery while the patients were off (OFF) and on (ON) antiparkinsonian medication (levodopa), and then 6 months after surgery in 4 conditions: 1) off medication with DBS switched off (OFF/OFF); 2) off medication with DBS on (DBS); 3) on medication with DBS off (DOPA); and 4) with both medication and DBS on (DBS+DOPA). Stability of the automatic postural response (APR) was measured as the difference between the displacement of the center of pressure and the projected location of the center of body mass.

Results

Patients with PD had worse APR stability than controls. Turning the DBS on at either site improved APR stability compared with the postoperative OFF condition by lengthening the tibialis response, whereas medication did not show an appreciable effect. The STN group had worse APR stability in their best functional state (DBS+DOPA) 6 months after the DBS procedure compared with their best functional state (ON levodopa) before the DBS procedure. In contrast, the GPi group and the PD control group showed no change over 6 months. The APR stability impairment in the STN group was associated with smaller tibialis response amplitudes, but there was no change in response latency or coactivation with gastrocnemius.

Conclusions

Turning the DBS current on improved APR stability for both STN and GPi sites. However, there was a detrimental DBS procedural effect for the STN group, and this effect was greater than the benefit of the stimulating current, making overall APR stability functionally worse after surgery for the STN group.
Analysis and Prediction of Energy Production in Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) Installations
Authors: Gómez-Gil Francisco J. , Wang Xiaoting , Barnett Allen
Published: March 2012

A method for the prediction of Energy Production (EP) in Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) installations is examined in this study. It presents a new method that predicts EP by using Global Horizontal Irradiation (GHI) and the Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS) database, instead of Direct Normal Irradiation (DNI) data, which are rarely recorded at most locations. EP at four Spanish CPV installations is analyzed: two are based on silicon solar cells and the other two on multi-junction III-V solar cells. The real EP is compared with the predicted EP. Two methods for EP prediction are presented. In the first preliminary method, a monthly Performance Ratio (PR) is used as an arbitrary constant value (75%) and an estimation of the DNI. The DNI estimation is obtained from GHI measurements and the PVGIS database. In the second method, a lineal model is proposed for the first time in this paper to obtain the predicted EP from the estimated DNI. This lineal model is the regression line that correlates the real monthly EP and the estimated DNI in 2009. This new method implies that the monthly PR is variable. Using the new method, the difference between the predicted and the real EP values is less than 2% for the annual EP and is in the range of 5.6%–16.1% for the monthly EP. The method that uses the variable monthly PR allows the prediction of the EP with reasonable accuracy. It is therefore possible to predict the CPV EP for any location, using only widely available GHI data and the PVGIS database.
Fungiculture or Termite Husbandry? The Ruminant Hypothesis
Authors: Nobre Tânia , Aanen Duur K.
Published: March 2012

We present a new perspective for the role of Termitomyces fungi in the mutualism with fungus-growing termites. According to the predominant view, this mutualism is as an example of agriculture with termites as farmers of a domesticated fungus crop, which is used for degradation of plant-material and production of fungal biomass. However, a detailed study of the literature indicates that the termites might as well be envisioned as domesticates of the fungus. According to the “ruminant hypothesis” proposed here, termite workers, by consuming asexual fruiting bodies not only harvest asexual spores, but also lignocellulolytic enzymes, which they mix with foraged plant material and enzymes of termite and possibly bacterial origin. This mixture is the building material of the fungus garden and facilitates efficient degradation of plant material. The fungus garden thus functions as an external rumen for termites and primarily the fungi themselves benefit from their own, and gut-derived, lignocellulolytic enzymes, using the termites to efficiently mix these with their growth substrate. Only secondarily the termites benefit, when they consume the degraded, nitrogen-enriched plant-fungus mixture a second time. We propose that the details of substrate use, and the degree of complementarity and redundancy among enzymes in food processing, determine selection of horizontally transmitted fungal symbionts at the start of a colony: by testing spores on a specific, mechanically and enzymatically pre-treated growth substrate, the termite host has the opportunity to select specific fungal symbionts. Potentially, the gut-microbiota thus influence host-fungus specificity, and the selection of specific fungal strains at the start of a new colony. We argue that we need to expand the current bipartite insect-biased view of the mutualism of fungus-growing termites and include the possible role of bacteria and the benefit for the fungi to fully understand the division of labor among partners in substrate degradation.
Analysis of Dynamic Differential Swing Limited Logic for Low-Power Secure Applications
Authors: Kamel Dina , Renauld Mathieu , Bol David , Standaert François-Xavier , Flandre Denis
Published: March 2012

Low-power secure applications such as Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) and smart cards represent extremely constrained environments in terms of power consumption and die area. This paper investigates the power, delay and security performances of the dynamic differential swing limited logic (DDSLL). A complete analysis of an advanced encryption standard (AES) S-box is conducted using a low-power (LP) 65 nm CMOS technology node. Measurements show that the DDSLL S-box has 35% less power consumption than the static CMOS S-box, with an area increase of only 12%, at the expense of a 2.5× increase in delay which remains fairly acceptable for low-power applications such as RFIDs and smart cards. Also when compared to other dynamic differential logic (DDL) styles, simulation results show that DDSLL and dynamic current mode logic (DyCML) consume the same power which is about 1.8× less that of sense amplifier based logic (SABL). The effect of process variations is also studied, measurement results show that the DDSLL style has lower variability in terms of dynamic power as the activity factor (αF) is deterministic thanks to glitch-free operation. As for security, the perceived information metric demonstrates that the DDSLL S-box has a 3× security margin compared to static CMOS. Therefore, DDSLL presents an interesting tradeoff between improved security and area constrained low-power designs.
Oriented Collagen Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Isobe Yoshihiro , Kosaka Toru , Kuwahara Go , Mikami Hiroshi , Saku Taro , Kodama Shohta
Published: March 2012

Oriented collagen scaffolds were developed in the form of sheet, mesh and tube by arraying flow-oriented collagen string gels and dehydrating the arrayed gels. The developed collagen scaffolds can be any practical size with any direction of orientation for tissue engineering applications. The birefringence of the collagen scaffolds was quantitatively analyzed by parallel Nicols method. Since native collagen in the human body has orientations such as bone, cartilage, tendon and cornea, and the orientation has a special role for the function of human organs, the developed various types of three-dimensional oriented collagen scaffolds are expected to be useful biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicines.
Pyrazole Carbohydrazide Derivatives of Pharmaceutical Interest
Authors: Dias Luiza Rosaria Sousa , Salvador Raquel Rocha Silva
Published: March 2012

The main purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the biological activities of pyrazole derivatives which contain the carbohydrazide moiety.
Vapochromic Behaviour of M[Au(CN)2]2-Based Coordination Polymers (M = Co, Ni)
Authors: Lefebvre Julie , Korčok Jasmine L. , Katz Michael J. , Leznoff Daniel B.
Published: March 2012

A series of M[Au(CN)2]2(analyte)x coordination polymers (M = Co, Ni; analyte = dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), pyridine; x = 2 or 4) was prepared and characterized. Addition of analyte vapours to solid M(μ-OH2)[Au(CN)2]2 yielded visible vapochromic responses for M = Co but not M = Ni; the IR νCN spectral region changed in every case. A single crystal structure of Zn[Au(CN)2]2(DMSO)2 revealed a corrugated 2-D layer structure with cis-DMSO units. Reacting a Ni(II) salt and K[Au(CN)2] in DMSO yielded the isostructural Ni[Au(CN)2]2(DMSO)2 product. Co[Au(CN)2]2(DMSO)2 and M[Au(CN)2]2(DMF)2 (M = Co, Ni) complexes have flat 2-D square-grid layer structures with trans-bound DMSO or DMF units; they are formed via vapour absorption by solid M(μ-OH2)[Au(CN)2]2 and from DMSO or DMF solution synthesis. Co[Au(CN)2]2(pyridine)4 is generated via vapour absorption by Co(μ-OH2)[Au(CN)2]2; the analogous Ni complex is synthesized by immersion of Ni(μ-OH2)[Au(CN)2]2 in 4% aqueous pyridine. Similar immersion of Co(μ-OH2)[Au(CN)2]2 yielded Co[Au(CN)2]2(pyridine)2, which has a flat 2-D square-grid structure with trans-pyridine units. Absorption of pyridine vapour by solid Ni(μ-OH2)[Au(CN)2]2 was incomplete, generating a mixture of pyridine-bound complexes. Analyte-free Co[Au(CN)2]2 was prepared by dehydration of Co(μ-OH2)[Au(CN)2]2 at 145 °C; it has a 3-D diamondoid-type structure and absorbs DMSO, DMF and pyridine to give the same materials as by vapour absorption from the hydrate.
Osseous metastases of gastro- entero - pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Heinemann F. , Guhlke S. , Muckle M. , Willinek W. , Biersack H.-J. , Ahmadzadehfar H. , Sabet A. , Ezziddin S.
Published: March 2012

Aim: Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy with 177Lu-octreotate is an effective treatment option for metastatic gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP NET) and allows intratherapeutic imaging through a 177Lu-octreotate scan (LuS). The diagnostic value of this treatment scan is not yet established. This study aims to compare the sensitivity of LuS and bone scintigraphy (BS) regarding bone metastases and investigate potential implications of functional imaging results. Patients, methods: We retrospectively analyzed 29 consecutive GEP NET patients with bone metastases and baseline BS treated with 177Lu-octreotate. A semi-quantitative scoring system was used for the comparative evaluation. Treatment outcome (time-to-progression of bone metastases) was correlated with the intra-individual imaging discrepancy (Kaplan- Meyer curves, log-rank test, p < 0.05). Results: In 19 of 29 patients (65.5%) LuS was superior (LuS > BS), whereas in 10 patients (34.5%) both modalities were comparable. BS showed no additional (LuS-negative) metastatic bone lesions in our cohort. None of the investigated baseline characteristics was associated with Imaging discrepancy. On the other hand, functional imaging discrepancy had no impact on treatment response (p = 0.43) or time-to-progression (p = 0.92). Conclusions: Intra-therapeutic 177Lu-octreotate imaging is superior over bone scintigraphy for detection of bone metastases in GEP NET. BS may help to distinguish osseous from non-osseous localization. The presence of an osteoblastic correlate in BS seems to have no impact on therapeutic outcome
Rapid Decline of Viral RNA in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Treated Once Daily with IDX320: A Novel Macrocyclic HCV Protease Inhibitor
Authors: de Bruijne Joep , van Vliet Andre , Weegink Christine J , Mazur Włodzimierz , Wiercinska-Drapało Alicja , Simon Krzysztof , Cholewińska-Szymańska Grażyna , Kapocsi Judit , Várkonyi István , Zhou Xiao-Jian , Temam Marie-Francoise , Molles Jeffrey , Chen Jie , Pietropaolo Keith , McCarville Joseph F , Sullivan-Bólyai John Z , Mayers Douglas , Reesink Hendrik
Published: March 2012

Background

The addition of direct-acting antivirals to pegylated interferon-α plus ribavirin for the treatment of chronic HCV infection can result in an increased sustained viral response rate and may permit reduction in treatment duration. IDX320 is a potent non-covalent macrocyclic inhibitor of the HCV NS3/4A protease.

Methods

This was a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled single- and multiple-dose study to assess the safety, tolerability, antiviral activity and pharmacokinetics of IDX320 in healthy volunteers (HV) and patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection. HV ( n=48) received single or multiple ascending doses of IDX320. Two HCV-infected patients received a single dose of 200 mg IDX320. Dosages for other HCV-infected patients were as follows: placebo, 50, 100, 200 or 400 mg of IDX320 orally once daily for 3 days ( n=30) or placebo/200 mg of IDX320 twice-daily for 3 days ( n=8).

Results

In total, 48 HV and 40 HCV-infected patients were enrolled and all completed the study. There were no serious adverse events. The majority of adverse events were of mild or moderate intensity. Pharmacokinetics supported a once-daily dosing regimen. A rapid decline in plasma HCV RNA was observed in all patients. In the multiple-dose study, mean HCV RNA reductions were 2.6, 3.1, 3.1, 3.3 and 3.8 log10 IU/ml after 3 days in the IDX320 50, 100, 200, 400 mg once-daily and 200 mg twice-daily treatment groups, respectively. This compared to a mean HCV RNA reduction of 0.04 log10 in the placebo group.

Conclusions

Once-daily IDX320 dosing demonstrated potent dose-dependent antiviral activity in treatment-naive HCV genotype-1-infected patients.
Risk of Gastrointestinal Events in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis After Withdrawal of Rofecoxib
Authors: MARRA CARLO A. , LYND LARRY D. , COLLEY LINDSEY , HARVARD STEPHANIE S. , LACAILLE DIANE , SCHWENGER ERIN , ANIS ASLAM H. , ESDAILE JOHN M.
Published: March 2012

Objective.

To examine the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) after the removal of rofecoxib from the market.

Methods.

Residents of British Columbia with a diagnosis of RA who were chronic users of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors or nonselective nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (nsNSAID) as of September 30, 2004, were included. We studied the risk of GI events using incidence rates and adjusted HR from Cox proportional hazards regression using time-dependent covariates.

Results.

The cohort comprised 4266 patients with a mean age of 60 years and over 72% women, of which 2034 (48%) were classified as COX-2 inhibitor users and 2232 (52%) as chronic nsNSAID users as of September 30, 2004. The 2 groups were well balanced on baseline covariates except for comorbid conditions. In the year following rofecoxib withdrawal, 174 patients (5.5%) experienced 1 or more GI events, defined as a GI-related physician visit or hospitalization. There was no statistically significant increase in the risk of a GI event between those classified as a COX-2 inhibitor or nsNSAID user at the time of withdrawal (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.69–1.54). Considering the drug exposure at the time of the event, there was no increased risk of GI events associated with the use of either COX-2 inhibitors or nsNSAID, or with the use of oral corticosteroids, low-dose aspirin, or clopidogrel, after adjustment for potential confounders.

Conclusion.

In this cohort, withdrawal of rofecoxib did not result in a significant increase in GI events among patients with RA.
Construct Validity of the Modified Numeric Rating Scale of Patient Global Assessment in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: LEUNG YING-YING , HO KWOK-WAH , ZHU TRACY-YANNER , TAM LAI-SHAN , KUN EMILY WAILIN , LI EDMUND KWOK-MING
Published: March 2012

Objective.

The construct validity of the patient global health assessment (PGA) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has not been analyzed, despite its common use. We evaluated the construct validity of a numeric rating scale (NRS) of the PGA in PsA.

Methods.

Patients with PsA who fulfilled the ClASsification for Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR) criteria were recruited at a tertiary referral center. Demographic data were collected and PGA data were determined from administration of an 11-point NRS (0 to 10 points representing best to worst status). Convergent and discriminant validity were evaluated by correlation between PGA and clinical variables. Patients were grouped as having severe disease based on Disease Activity Score 28-joint count (DAS28) > 5.1, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) > 1.0, walking with aids, and social welfare-dependent. Patients were grouped as being in remission by DAS28 < 2.6 and the Minimal Disease Activity Criteria. Known-group validity of PGA was evaluated.

Results.

A total of 125 patients (52% men) were studied. Convergent validity revealed strong correlations of PGA with pain score, HAQ, and DAS28; and weak correlations with skin severity score, physician’s global assessment and morning stiffness. In multivariate analysis, PGA was associated with pain, physical function, mental function, and skin severity score. PGA distinguished different levels of severity well, as determined by comparison with different known groups with large effect sizes.

Conclusion.

Judged on an NRS, the PGA had good construct validity and satisfactorily distinguished all levels of severity in PsA.
Patient-reported Outcomes in Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Authors: MATTESON ERIC L. , MARADIT-KREMERS HILAL , CIMMINO MARCO A. , SCHMIDT WOLFGANG A. , SCHIRMER MICHAEL , SALVARANI CARLO , BACHTA ARTUR , DEJACO CHRISTIAN , DUFTNER CHRISTINA , SLOTT JENSEN HANNE , POÓR GYULA , KAPOSI NOVÁK PÁL , MANDL PETER , BALINT PETER V. , SCHMIDT ZSUZSA , IAGNOCCO ANNAMARIA , CANTINI FABRIZIO , NANNINI CARLOTTA , MACCHIONI PIERLUIGI , PIPITONE NICOLÒ , del AMO MONTSERRAT , ESPÍGOL-FRIGOLÉ GEORGINA , CID MARIA C. , MARTÍNEZ-TABOADA VÍCTOR M. , NORDBORG ELISABETH , DIRESKENELI HANER , AYDIN SIBEL ZEHRA , AHMED KHALID , HAZELMAN BRIAN , PEASE COLIN , WAKEFIELD RICHARD J. , LUQMANI RAASHID , ABRIL ANDY , MARCUS RALPH , GONTER NEIL J. , MAZ MEHRDAD , CROWSON CYNTHIA S. , DASGUPTA BHASKAR
Published: March 2012

Objective.

To prospectively evaluate the disease course and the performance of clinical, patient-reported outcome (PRO) and musculoskeletal ultrasound measures in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR).

Methods.

The study population included 85 patients with new-onset PMR who were initially treated with prednisone equivalent dose of 15 mg daily tapered gradually, and followed for 26 weeks. Data collection included physical examination findings, laboratory measures of acute-phase reactants, and PRO measures. Ultrasound evaluation was performed at baseline and Week 26 to assess for features previously reported to be associated with PMR. Response to corticosteroid treatment was defined as 70% improvement in PMR on visual analog scale (VAS).

Results.

At baseline, 77% had hip pain in addition to shoulder pain and 100% had abnormal C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate. On ultrasound, 84% had shoulder findings and 32% had both shoulder and hip findings. Response to corticosteroid treatment occurred in 73% of patients by Week 4 and was highly correlated with percentage improvement in other VAS measures. Presence of ultrasound findings at baseline predicted response to corticosteroids at 4 weeks. Factor analysis revealed 6 domains that sufficiently represented all the outcome measures: PMR-related pain and physical function, an elevated inflammatory marker, hip pain, global pain, mental function, and morning stiffness.

Conclusion.

PRO measures and inflammatory markers performed well in assessing disease activity in patients with PMR. A minimum set of outcome measures consisting of PRO measures of pain and function and an inflammatory marker should be used in practice and in clinical trials in PMR.
Hepatitis B Virus-associated Antigen Deposition in Renal Tissue from Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: WANG ZHUOLONG , LI MENGTAO , ZENG XIAOFENG , LIU XINJIAN
Published: March 2012

Objective.

To determine the significance of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated antigen deposition in renal tissue from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods.

The medical records of 166 inpatients with lupus nephritis and 384 controls without SLE were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with SLE were classified as positive or negative depending on whether HBV-associated antigen deposition was detected in renal biopsies.

Results.

HBV-associated antigen deposition was mainly detected in renal tissue from patients with SLE (50.6%), primary renal glomerular disease (20.8%), and allergic purpura (21.7%). It was not detected in renal tissue from patients with diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephrosclerosis, thin basement membrane nephropathy, or Alport syndrome. Hepatitis B surface antigen and core antigen were deposited in the mesangial region and vascular loops. The positive group had a significantly higher frequency of IgG, IgA, and IgM deposition than the negative group (53.6% vs 30.5%; p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the types of lupus nephritis observed between the 2 groups.

Conclusion.

There was a high prevalence of HBV-associated antigen deposition in renal tissue of patients with SLE by indirect immunofluorescence, which may result mainly from the cross-reactivity with deposited immunoglobulins.