bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multislice Spiral Computed Tomography for the Evaluation of Stent Patency After Left Main Coronary Artery Stenting
Authors: Van Mieghem Carlos A.G. , Cademartiri Filippo , Mollet Nico R. , Malagutti Patrizia , Valgimigli Marco , Meijboom Willem B. , Pugliese Francesca , McFadden Eugene P. , Ligthart Jurgen , Runza Giuseppe , Bruining Nico , Smits Pieter C. , Regar Evelyn , van der Giessen Willem J. , Sianos Georgios , van Domburg Ron , de Jaegere Peter , Krestin Gabriel P. , Serruys Patrick W. , de Feyter Pim J.
Published: August 2006

Background—

Surveillance conventional coronary angiography (CCA) is recommended 2 to 6 months after stent-supported left main coronary artery (LMCA) percutaneous coronary intervention due to the unpredictable occurrence of in-stent restenosis (ISR), with its attendant risks. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is a promising technique for noninvasive coronary evaluation. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of high-resolution MSCT to detect ISR after stenting of the LMCA.

Methods and Results—

Seventy-four patients were prospectively identified from a consecutive patient population scheduled for follow-up CCA after LMCA stenting and underwent MSCT before CCA. Until August 2004, a 16-slice scanner was used (n=27), but we switched to the 64-slice scanner after that period (n=43). Patients with initial heart rates >65 bpm received β-blockers, which resulted in a mean periscan heart rate of 57±7 bpm. Among patients with technically adequate scans (n=70), MSCT correctly identified all patients with ISR (10 of 70) but misclassified 5 patients without ISR (false-positives). Overall, the accuracy of MSCT for detection of angiographic ISR was 93%. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 100%, 91%, 67%, and 100%, respectively. When analysis was restricted to patients with stenting of the LMCA with or without extension into a single major side branch, accuracy was 98%. When both branches of the LMCA bifurcation were stented, accuracy was 83%. For the assessment of stent diameter and area, MSCT showed good correlation with intravascular ultrasound (
r
=0.78 and 0.73, respectively). An intravascular ultrasound threshold value ≥1 mm was identified to reliably detect in-stent neointima hyperplasia with MSCT.

Conclusions—

Current MSCT technology, in combination with optimal heart rate control, allows reliable noninvasive evaluation of selected patients after LMCA stenting. MSCT is safe to exclude left main ISR and may therefore be an acceptable first-line alternative to CCA.
Responses of American toad tadpoles to predation cues: behavioural response thresholds, threat-sensitivity and acquired predation recognition
Authors: Mirza Reehan S. , Ferrari Maud C.O. , Kiesecker Joseph M. , Chivers Douglas P.
Published: August 2006

Predation is one of the most important selective forces acting on prey animals. To respond adaptively to predation threats and increase their chances of survival, prey animals have to be able to recognize their potential predators. Even though a few studies demonstrated innate predator recognition, the vast majority of animals have to rely on learning to acquire this information. Often aquatic prey animals can learn to recognize predators when they detect conspecific alarm cues associated with cues from a novel predator. In this study, we exposed American toad (Bufo americanus) tadpoles to varying concentrations of chemical alarm cues (cues from injured conspecifics). We identified a concentration of cues which caused an overt antipredator response (supra-threshold concentration) and a lower concentration for which the prey failed to exhibit a response (sub-threshold concentration). In a second experiment, we attempted to condition the tadpoles to recognize the odour of larval dragonflies (Anax sp.) by pairing the dragonfly odour with either the sub-threshold concentration or the supra-threshold concentration of alarm cues. In both cases, the tadpoles learned to recognize the predator based on this single pairing of alarm cues and predator odour. Moreover, the intensity of the learned response was stronger for tadpoles conditioned with the supra-threshold concentration of alarm cues than the sub-threshold concentration. This is the first documented case of this mode of learning in anuran amphibians. Learned recognition of predators has important implications for survival.
Topographically Generated Cloud Plumes
Authors: Jiang Qingfang , Doyle James D.
Published: August 2006

Two topographically generated cirrus plume events have been examined through satellite observations and real-data simulations. On 30 October 2002, an approximately 70-km-wide cirrus plume, revealed by a high-resolution Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) image and a series of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) images, originated from the Sierra Nevada ridge and extended northeastward for more than 400 km. On 5 December 2000, an approximately 400-km-wide cloud plume originated from the Southern Rocky Mountain massif and extended eastward for more than 500 km, the development of which was captured by a series of GOES images. The real-data simulations of the two cirrus plume events successfully capture the presence of these plumes and show reasonable agreement with the MODIS and GOES images in terms of the timing, location, orientation, length, and altitude of these cloud plumes. The synoptic and mesoscale aspects of the plume events, and the dynamics and microphysics relevant to the plume formation, have been discussed. Two common ingredients relevant to the cirrus plume formation have been identified, namely, a relatively deep moist layer aloft with high relative humidity and low temperature (≤−40°C near the cloud top), and strong updrafts over high terrain and slow descent downstream in the upper troposphere associated with terrain-induced inertia–gravity waves. The rapid increase of the relative humidity associated with strong updrafts creates a high number concentration of small ice crystals through homogeneous nucleation. The overpopulated ice crystals decrease the relative humidity, which, in return, inhibits small crystals from growing into large crystals. The small crystals with slow terminal velocities (<0.2 m s−1) can be advected hundreds of kilometers before falling out of the moist layer.
Demetrios Capetanakis: a Greek poet (coming out) in England
Authors: Papanikolaou Dimitris
Published: August 2006

The homosexual undertones of Demetrios Capetanakis’s English writings become evident when the work is seen in the context of the British literary circle that was instrumental in its publication. However, reading Capetanakis’s poems as a ‘coming out’ narrative leads us to assess the mismatching interpretations of gender and sexuality in Greece and the West and the larger complications of identity and identifications. It is suggested that, in Capetanakis’s work written in English, what seems at first a liberating expression of the ‘true self’ through writing can instead be viewed as positing the problem of the idea of a stable, unified and solid identity.
Microarray MAPH: accurate array-based detection of relative copy number in genomic DNA
Authors: Gibbons Brian , Datta Parikkhit , Wu Ying , Chan Alan , AL Armour John
Published: August 2006

Background

Current methods for measurement of copy number do not combine all the desirable qualities of convenience, throughput, economy, accuracy and resolution. In this study, to improve the throughput associated with Multiplex Amplifiable Probe Hybridisation (MAPH) we aimed to develop a modification based on the 3-Dimensional, Flow-Through Microarray Platform from PamGene International. In this new method, electrophoretic analysis of amplified products is replaced with photometric analysis of a probed oligonucleotide array. Copy number analysis of hybridised probes is based on a dual-label approach by comparing the intensity of Cy3-labelled MAPH probes amplified from test samples co-hybridised with similarly amplified Cy5-labelled reference MAPH probes. The key feature of using a hybridisation-based end point with MAPH is that discrimination of amplified probes is based on sequence and not fragment length.

Results

In this study we showed that microarray MAPH measurement of PMP22 gene dosage correlates well with PMP22 gene dosage determined by capillary MAPH and that copy number was accurately reported in analyses of DNA from 38 individuals, 12 of which were known to have Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A).

Conclusion

Measurement of microarray-based endpoints for MAPH appears to be of comparable accuracy to electrophoretic methods, and holds the prospect of fully exploiting the potential multiplicity of MAPH. The technology has the potential to simplify copy number assays for genes with a large number of exons, or of expanded sets of probes from dispersed genomic locations.
Circumstances surrounding dying in the paediatric intensive care unit
Authors: ten Berge Jetske , de Gast-Bakker Dana-Anne H , Plötz Frans B
Published: August 2006

Background

Death is inevitable in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). We aimed to describe the circumstances surrounding dying in a PICU.

Method

The chart records of all patients less than 18 years of age who died at the PICU between January first 2000 and July first 2005 were retrospectively analyzed. Information regarding sex, age, length of stay, admission, diagnosis, and the way a patient died was registered. Post mortem information regarding natural versus unnatural death, autopsy and donation was obtained. Non-survivors were allocated in five groups: do-not-resuscitate (DNR), withholding and/or withdrawal of therapy (W/W), failed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (failed CPR), brain death (BD), and terminal organ failure (TOF).

Results

During the study period 87 (4.4%) of the 1995 admitted patients died. Non-survivors were more often admitted during the day (54%) and the week (68%). W/W was found in 27.6%, TOF in 26.4%, BD in 23.0%, failed CPR in 18.4%, and DNR in 4.6%. Forty-three percent died in the first two days, of which BD (40.5%) and failed CPR (37.8%) were most common. Seventy-five children (86%) died due to a natural cause. Autopsy permission was obtained in 19 of 54 patients (35%). The autopsies confirmed the clinical diagnosis in 11 patients, revealed new information in 5 patients, and in 3 patients the autopsy did not provide additional information. Nine patients were medically suitable for organ donation and 24 patients for tissue donation, whereas consent was only obtained in 2 cases in both groups.

Conclusion

We observed that 43% of the patients died within the first two days of admission due to BD and failed CPR, whereas after 4 days most patients died after W/W. Autopsy remains an useful tool to confirm clinical diagnoses or to provide new information. Only a small percentage of the deceased children is suitable for organ donation.
Long-term impact of four different strategies for delivering an on-line curriculum about herbs and other dietary supplements
Authors: Beal Tiffany , Kemper Kathi J , Gardiner Paula , Woods Charles
Published: August 2006

Background

Previous research has shown that internet education can lead to short-term improvements in clinicians' knowledge, confidence and communication practices. We wished to better understand the duration of these improvements and whether different curriculum delivery strategies differed in affecting these improvements.

Methods

As previously described, we conducted a randomized control trial comparing four different strategies for delivering an e-curriculum about herbs and other dietary supplements (HDS) to clinicians. The four strategies were delivering the curriculum by: a) email over 10 weeks; b) email within one week; c) web-site over 10 weeks; d) web-site within one week. Participants were surveyed at baseline, immediately after the course and 6–10 months after completing the course (long-term). Long-term outcomes focused on clinicians' knowledge, confidence and communication practices.

Results

Of the 780 clinicians who completed the course, 385 (49%) completed the long-term survey. Completers and non-completers of the long-term survey had similar demographics and professional characteristics at baseline. There were statistically significant improvements from baseline to long-term follow-up in knowledge, confidence and communication practices; these improvements did not differ by curriculum delivery strategy. Knowledge scores improved from 67.7 ± 10.3 at baseline to 78.8 ± 12.3 at long-term follow-up (P < 0.001). Confidence scores improved from 53.7 ± 17.8 at baseline to 66.9 ± 12.0 at long term follow-up (P < 0.001); communication scores improved from 2.6 ± 1.9 at baseline to 3.6 ± 2.1 (P < 0.001) at long-term follow-up.

Conclusion

This e- curriculum led to significant and sustained improvements in clinicians' expertise about HDS regardless of the delivery strategy. Future studies should compare the impact of required vs. elective courses and self-reported vs. objective measures of behavior change.
Activation of primary T lymphocytes results in lysosome development and polarized granule exocytosis in CD4+ and CD8+ subsets, whereas expression of lytic molecules confers cytotoxicity to CD8+ T cells
Authors: Shen David T , Ma Jennifer S Y , Mather Jacques , Vukmanovic Stanislav , Radoja Sasa
Published: August 2006

Lytic granule exocytosis is the major cytotoxic mechanism used by CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes. CD8+ T cells acquire this effector function in the process characterized by lysosomal biogenesis, induction of expression of cytolytic molecules, and their selective sorting into the lysosomal vesicles. However, temporal relation of these differentiation stages during T cell activation has not been defined precisely. Also, although CD4+ T cells typically do not express lytic molecules as a consequence of activation, and therefore, do not acquire granule exocytosis-mediated lytic function, it is not clear whether CD4+ T cells are able to degranulate. By using in vitro TCR stimulation of primary mouse lymphocytes, we found that polyclonally activated CD4+ T cells degranulate upon TCR ligation and polarize enlarged lysosomal granules in response to target cell recognition, despite the lack of granule exocytosis-mediated cytotoxicity. Upon TCR stimulation, resting CD8+ T cells rapidly express lytic molecules and acquire potent lytic function early in activation. Maximal cytolytic potential, however, depends on enlargement of lysosomal granules during the subsequent activation stages. Thus, polyclonal TCR stimulation of resting T cells results in development of lysosomal granules and their release upon TCR engagement in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, but only CD8+ T cells acquire lytic function as a result of induction of expression of lytic molecules.
Tillage erosion: a review of controlling factors and implications for soil quality
Authors: Van Oost K. , Govers G. , De Alba S. , Quine T. A.
Published: August 2006

Tillage erosion has been identifed as an important global soil degradation process that has to be accounted for when assessing the erosional impacts on soil productivity, environmental quality or landscape evolution. In this paper, we present a summary of available data describing tillage erosion. This provides insights in the controlling factors determining soil redistribution rates and patterns by tillage for various implements used in both mechanized and non-mechanized agriculture. Variations in tillage depth and tillage direction cause the largest variations in soil redistribution rates, although other factors, such as tillage speed and implement characteristics, also play an important role. In general, decreasing tillage depth and ploughing along the contour lines substantially reduce tillage erosion rates and can be considered as effective soil conservation strategies. Implement erosivities reported in literature, characterized by the tillage transport coeffcient, are very consistent and range in the order of 400–800 kg m-1yr-1 and 70–260 kg m-1yr-1 for mechanized and nonmechanized agriculture, respectively. Comparison of tillage erosion rates with water erosion rates using a global data set indicates that tillage erosion rates are at least in the same order of magnitude or higher than water erosion rates, in almost all cases. Finally, we discuss how tillage erosion increases the spatial variability of soil properties and affects soil nutrient cycling. Considering the widespread use of tillage practices, the high redistribution rates associated with the process and its direct effect on soil properties, it is clear that tillage erosion should be considered in soil landscape studies.
Causes and consequences of error in digital elevation models
Authors: Fisher Peter F. , Tate Nicholas J.
Published: August 2006

All digital data contain error and many are uncertain. Digital models of elevation surfaces consist of files containing large numbers of measurements representing the height of the surface of the earth, and therefore a proportion of those measurements are very likely to be subject to some level of error and uncertainty. The collection and handling of such data and their associated uncertainties has been a subject of considerable research, which has focused largely upon the description of the effects of interpolation and resolution uncertainties, as well as modelling the occurrence of errors. However, digital models of elevation derived from new technologies employing active methods of laser and radar ranging are becoming more widespread, and past research will need to be re-evaluated in the near future to accommodate such new data products. In this paper we review the source and nature of errors in digital models of elevation, and in the derivatives of such models. We examine the correction of errors and assessment of fitness for use, and finally we identify some priorities for future research.
Soil, geography and human disease: a critical review of the importance of medical cartography
Authors: Abrahams Peter W.
Published: August 2006

Soils have a profound impact on the causation and geographical distribution of human disease and well-being. However, because of the multifactorial causes of illnesses, the impact of soils on health needs to be considered in light of the environment in its fullest sense. Since the nineteenth century, medical cartography has served as an epidemiological tool for investigating the links between soils and human well-being. Using examples, particularly the problems of soil-transmitted helminth infections, and iodine and selenium deficiency diseases, this paper shows how maps have been used to identify problem areas, stimulate the development of aetiological hypotheses, help in the planning and management of public health problems, and assess the impact of any beneficial strategies.
Sediment storage, sea level, and sediment delivery to the ocean by coastal plain rivers
Authors: Phillips Jonathan D. , Slattery Michael C.
Published: August 2006

Coastal and marine sedimentary archives are sometimes used as indicators of changes in continental sediment production and fluvial sediment transport, but rivers crossing coastal plains may not be efficient conveyors of sediment to the coast. Where this is the case, changes in continental sediment dynamics are not evident at the river mouth. Stream power is typically low and accommodation space high in coastal plain river reaches, resulting in extensive alluvial storage upstream of estuaries and correspondingly low sediment loads at the river mouth. In some cases there is a net loss of sediment in lower coastal plain reaches, so that sediment input from upstream exceeds yield at the river mouth. The lowermost sediment sampling stations on many rivers are too far upstream of the coast to represent lower coastal plain sediment fluxes, and thus tend to overestimate sediment yields. Sediment which does reach the river mouth is often trapped in estuaries and deltas. Assessment of sediment flux from coastal plain rivers is also confounded by the deceptively simple question of the location of the mouth of the river. On low-gradient coastal plains and shelves, the location of the river mouth may have varied by hundreds of kilometers due to sea-level change. The mouth may also differ substantially according to whether it is defined based on channel morphology, network morphology, hydrographic or hydrochemical criteria, elevation of the channel relative to sea level, or the locus of deposition. Further, while direct continent-to-ocean flux may be very low at current sea-level stands, sediment stored in estuaries and lower coastal plain alluvium (including deltas) may eventually become part of the marine sedimentary package. The role of accommodation space in coastal plain alluvial sediment storage has been emphasized in previous work, but low transport capacity controlled largely by slope is also a crucial factor, as we illustrate with examples from Texas.
Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress in Police and Other First Responders
Authors: MARMAR CHARLES R. , McCASLIN SHANNON E. , METZLER THOMAS J. , BEST SUZANNE , WEISS DANIEL S. , FAGAN JEFFERY , LIBERMAN AKIVA , POLE NNAMDI , OTTE CHRISTIAN , YEHUDA RACHEL , MOHR DAVID , NEYLAN THOMAS
Published: August 2006

Abstract: We provide an overview of previous research conducted by our group on risk and resilience factors for PTSD symptoms in police and other first responders. Based on our work, the findings of other investigators on individual differences in risk for PTSD, and drawing on preclinical studies fear conditioning and extinction, we propose a conceptual model for the development of PTSD symptoms emphasizing the role of vulnerability and resilience to peritraumatic panic reactions. We tested this conceptual model in a cross‐sectional sample of police officers (n= 715). Utilizing an hierarchical linear regression model we were able to explain 39.7% of the variance in PTSD symptoms. Five variables remained significant in the final model; greater peritraumatic distress (β= 0.240,P< .001), greater peritraumatic dissociation (β= 0.174,P< .001), greater problem‐solving coping (β= 0.103,P< .01), greater routine work environment stress (β= 0.182,P< .001), and lower levels of social support (β=−0.246,P< .001). These results were largely consistent with the proposed conceptual model. Next steps in this line of research will be to test this model prospectively in a sample of 400 police academy recruits assessed during training and currently being followed for the first 2 years of police service.
Longitudinal Psychophysiological Studies of Heart Rate: Mediating Effects and Implications for Treatment
Authors: BRYANT RICHARD A.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Fear conditionings models of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) propose that noradrenergic activation at the time of trauma leads to overconsolidation of trauma memories and contributes to PTSD. This model suggests that resting heart rate (HR) in the acute phase after trauma may reflect the strength of the noradrenergic response and may represent an initial marker of those who are at risk of PTSD development. Ten prospective studies are reported that assessed the relationship of resting HR within 1 week of trauma and subsequent PTSD. Whereas 8 of the 10 studies found that elevated HR in the acute phase was associated with increased risk of subsequent PTSD, there was much variability in the HR levels and subsequent PTSD. The current data suggest multiple pathways to PTSD development that may not necessarily involve elevated HR. The data indicate that HR in the acute phase cannot be accurately used to identify people who are at risk for PTSD. The association between HR and PTSD does suggest that HR is a useful means to test fear conditioning models of trauma response.
Predicting PTSD Prospectively Based on Prior Trauma History and Immediate Biological Responses
Authors: DELAHANTY DOUGLAS L. , NUGENT NICOLE R.
Published: August 2006

Abstract: Studies examining the biopsychology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have suggested that PTSD is characterized by alterations of the primary stress pathways: the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). More recent investigations point to the presence of these alterations soon after a traumatic event, leading researchers to suggest that acute biological responses may serve as risk or resilience factors for the development of PTSD. The present article reviews the evidence for early biological predictors of PTSD, with a focus on the role of prior trauma as a contributor to both hormonal abnormalities and increased risk for the development of PTSD following a subsequent trauma.
Amygdala, Medial Prefrontal Cortex, and Hippocampal Function in PTSD
Authors: SHIN LISA M. , RAUCH SCOTT L. , PITMAN ROGER K.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  The last decade of neuroimaging research has yielded important information concerning the structure, neurochemistry, and function of the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Neuroimaging research reviewed in this article reveals heightened amygdala responsivity in PTSD during symptomatic states and during the processing of trauma‐unrelated affective information. Importantly, amygdala responsivity is positively associated with symptom severity in PTSD. In contrast, medial prefrontal cortex appears to be volumetrically smaller and is hyporesponsive during symptomatic states and the performance of emotional cognitive tasks in PTSD. Medial prefrontal cortex responsivity is inversely associated with PTSD symptom severity. Lastly, the reviewed research suggests diminished volumes, neuronal integrity, and functional integrity of the hippocampus in PTSD. Remaining research questions and related future directions are presented.
Electrophysiological Responses to Affective Stimuli in American Indians Experiencing Trauma With and Without PTSD
Authors: EHLERS CINDY L. , HURST SAMANTHA , PHILLIPS EVELYN , GILDER DAVID A. , DIXON MICHELLE , GROSS ABIGAIL , LAU PHILIP , YEHUDA RACHEL
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  American Indians are at high risk for exposure to violence and other traumatic events, yet few studies have investigated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or its neurobiological consequences in Indian communities. In the present study, a sample of American Indians (n= 146) were given a structured diagnostic interview that additionally indexed traumatic life events and symptoms emerging following those events. Electroencephalogram (EEG) spectra and visual event‐related potentials (ERPs) to happy, sad, and neutral faces were also recorded from each participant. Ninety‐nine percent of the sample had experienced at least one category of trauma with the mean number being 5, 27% had experienced at least 8 categories, and 13% met DSM‐IV criteria for PTSD. The PTSD group did not differ on any demographic or diagnostic variables from the larger sample. An electrophysiological signature for PTSD was found that included increases in high‐frequency gamma activity

(20–40 Hz, F= 8.7, P < 0.004)

in frontal leads, higher N1 amplitudes to sad stimuli in frontotemporal leads

(F= 12.4, P < 0.001, F= 5.0, P < 0.03)
, and longer latency P3 components to happy stimuli in midline, central, and right frontal leads(F= 4.7, P < 0.03; F= 4.1, P < 0.04; F= 4.0, P < 0.05). These findings were observed in participants with PTSD, but not in a group with equivalently high trauma counts. These findings suggest that PTSD is associated with EEG hyperarousal, higher attentional levels to sad stimuli, and slower processing of happy stimuli. They also partially confirm ERP data reported in combat victims with PTSD suggesting that PTSD may induce neurobiological consequences that transcend type of eliciting trauma as well as ethnic and cultural factors.
Clarifying the Origin of Biological Abnormalities in PTSD Through the Study of Identical Twins Discordant for Combat Exposure
Authors: PITMAN ROGER K. , GILBERTSON MARK W. , GURVITS TAMARA V. , MAY FLAVIA S. , LASKO NATASHA B. , METZGER LINDA J. , SHENTON MARTHA E. , YEHUDA RACHEL , ORR SCOTT P. ,   for the Harvard/VA PTSD Twin Study Investigators
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  A biological abnormality found to be associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be, among other things, a pretrauma vulnerability factor, that is, it may have been present prior to the event's occurrence and increased the individual's likelihood of developing PTSD upon traumatic exposure. Alternately, it may be an acquired PTSD sign, that is, it may have developed after the traumatic exposure, along with the PTSD. We have studied pairs of Vietnam combat veterans and their noncombat‐exposed, identical twins in an effort to resolve these competing origins. Combat veterans were diagnosed as current PTSD or non‐PTSD (i.e., never had). Average heart rate responses (HRRs) to a series of sudden, loud‐tone presentations were larger in Vietnam combat veteran twins with PTSD, but these larger responses were not shared by their noncombat‐exposed cotwins, whose responses were similar to those of the non‐PTSD combat veterans and their noncombat‐exposed cotwins. These results suggest that larger HRRs to sudden, loud tones represent an acquired sign of PTSD. In contrast, increased neurological soft signs (NSSs), diminished hippocampal volume, and presence of abnormal cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) were found in Vietnam combat veteran twins with PTSD and their “high‐risk,” unexposed cotwins compared to Vietnam combat veteran twins without PTSD and their “low‐risk,” unexposed cotwins. These results support the conclusion that the latter abnormalities represent antecedent, familial vulnerability factors for developing chronic PTSD upon exposure to a traumatic event.
Applying Biological Data in the Forensic and Policy Arenas
Authors: McNALLY RICHARD J.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Of the biological measures in the field of traumatic stress studies, the script‐driven imagery paradigm has yielded the most consistent data. Approximately, two‐thirds of individuals with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exhibit heightened psychophysiologic reactivity while listening to audiotaped descriptions of their traumatic autobiographical memories. Nevertheless, these findings do not necessarily indicate the presence of PTSD or even that the memories are genuine.
For example, people reporting (presumably) false memories of having been abducted by space aliens similarly exhibit heightened reactivity, even though they do not suffer from PTSD. To enhance the validity of diagnostic decision making in the forensic and policy arenas, we can use the methods of historians, specifically, consulting archival records to verify trauma histories and supplement biological data.
Developmental Trauma is Associated with Behavioral Hyperarousal, Altered HPA Axis Activity, and Decreased Hippocampal Neurotrophin Expression in the Adult Rat
Authors: UYS JOACHIM D.K. , MARAIS LELANIE , FAURE JACQUELINE , PREVOO DESIREE , SWART PIETER , MOHAMMED ABDUL H. , STEIN DAN J. , DANIELS WILLIE M.U.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  Effects of early‐life trauma on adult behavioral responses, corticosterone (CORT) concentration, and levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain‐derived neutrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) in hippocampus and frontal cortex were investigated. Traumatized animals showed an increase in rearing in both the elevated plus maze and open field after adult restress, higher basal levels of CORT, lower levels of BDNF in dorsal hippocampus, and lower levels of NT‐3 in dorsal and ventral hippocampus. Trauma‐related behavioral hyperarousal and altered hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis activity may be mediated by decreases in hippocampal neurotrophin expression.
Using Attributes to Predict Objectives in Preference Models
Authors: Butler John C. , Dyer James S. , Jia Jianmin
Published: August 2006

Prescriptive decision analysis suggests identifying the fundamental objectives—what the decision maker really cares about—and then constructing a value hierarchy by decomposing these objectives until quantifiable attributes can be identified. In many decision contexts the decision maker is presented with a list of attributes without an opportunity to consider her fundamental objectives. In this paper we explore an approach where a decision maker is given prespecified attributes and then identifies her objectives. She assesses multiattribute models to predict performance levels on each objective and a preference model over these objectives. We use simulation to explore what happens when a decision maker applies this two-step approach to model the relationships between a given set of attributes and her objectives instead of attempting to directly estimate the attribute weights in a choice problem. These simulation results suggest that the explicit consideration of objectives results in less error in expressions of preference than the direct weighting of attributes unless the number of attributes and objectives in the decision context is small.
Mean-risk optimization for index tracking
Authors: Nakano Yumiharu
Published: August 2006

This paper presents an analysis of the tracking problems of multiple indices with multidimensional performance criterion consisting of mean wealth and the tracking errors. We evaluate the performance of portfolios via the vector inequalities defined by convex cones, which enable us to describe various preference relations for investors. In Brownian market models with deterministic coefficients, we completely determine the set of efficient portfolios as well as the efficient frontier in our context. As a product of our analysis, we exhibit a version of Tobin's mutual fund theorem.
Dilatation monotone and comonotonic additive risk measures represented as Choquet integrals
Authors: Grigoriev Pavel G. , Leitner Johannes
Published: August 2006

The purpose of our paper is to link some results on the Choquet integrals with the theory of coherent risk measures. Using this link we establish some properties of dilatation monotone and comonotonic coherent measures of risk. In particular it is shown that on an atomless probability space dilatation monotone and comonotonic additive coherent risk measures have to be law invariant.
On distortion functionals
Authors: Pflug Georg Ch.
Published: August 2006

Distorted measures have been used in pricing of insurance contracts for a long time. This paper reviews properties of related acceptability functionals in risk management, called distortion functionals. These functionals may be characterized by being mixtures of average values-at-risk. We give a dual representation of these functionals and show how they may be used in portfolio optimization. An iterative numerical procedure for the solution of these portfolio problems is given which is based on duality.
Childhood Acute Renal Failure: 22-Year Experience in a University Hospital in Southern Thailand
Authors: Vachvanichsanong Prayong , Dissaneewate Pornsak , Lim Apiradee , McNeil Edward
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVES. The objectives of this study were to review the prevalence, cause, and morbidity and mortality rates of acute renal failure in a large tertiary care institution in southern Thailand, to examine any differences in acute renal failure cases diagnosed during a 22-year period, and to determine the risk factors indicating death.

METHODS. The case records for children 1 month to 17 years of age who were diagnosed as having acute renal failure between February 1982 and December 2004, in the Department of Pediatrics, Songklanagarind Hospital, in southern Thailand, were reviewed.

RESULTS. A total of 311 children with 318 episodes of acute renal failure were included, that is, 177 boys (55.7%) and 141 girls (44.3%), 1 month to 16.7 years of age (mean age: 7.6 ± 5.1 years; median age: 7.8 years). The causes of acute renal failure in each age group were significantly different. Overall, sepsis was the major cause of acute renal failure, accounting for 68 episodes (21.4%), followed by hypovolemia, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and infectious diseases. Renal replacement therapy was performed in 55 cases (17.3%). The overall mortality rate was 41.5%. Logistic regression analysis showed that disease groups and creatinine levels were significant independent predictors of outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS. The incidence of acute renal failure in Songklanagarind Hospital was 0.5 to 9.9 cases per 1000 pediatric patients, with a mortality rate of 41.5%. Sepsis was a major cause of acute renal failure and death. Causes of acute renal failure and serum creatinine levels were significant independent predictors of death.
A Case of a Bumpy Retina
Authors: Zafar Sidra , Gonzales Anthony , Cai Sophie
Published: March 2024

A 77-year-old male had 3 months of progressive vision decline in the left eye. Dilated fundus examination revealed diffuse hyperpigmented lesions involving the macula and superior fundus that corresponded to areas of nodular retinal pigment epithelium thickening on optical coherence tomography. What would you do next?
Stretch‐Induced Conductivity Enhancement in Highly Conductive and Tough Hydrogels
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Zheng Sijie , Xiong Jiaofeng , Liu Ziyang , Li Qingning , Li Weizheng , Yan Feng
Published: March 2024

The resistance of gels and elastomers increases significantly with tensile strain, which reduces conductive stability and restricts their use in stable and reliable electronics. Here, highly conductive tough hydrogels composed of silver nanowires (AgNWs), liquid metal (LM), and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) are fabricated. The stretch‐induced orientations of AgNWs, deformable LM, and PVA nanocrystalline create conductive pathways, enhancing the mechanical properties of the hydrogels, including increased ultimate fracture stress (13‐33 MPa), strain (3000–5300%), and toughness (390.9–765.1 MJ m−3). Notably, the electrical conductivity of the hydrogels is significantly improved from 4.05 × 10−3 to 24 S m−1 when stretched to 4200% strain, representing a 6000‐fold enhancement. The incorporation of PVA nanocrystalline, deformable LM, and AgNWs effectively mitigates stress concentration at the crack tip, thereby conferring crack propagation insensitivity and fatigue resistance to the hydrogels. Moreover, the hydrogels are designed with a reversible crosslinking network, allowing for water‐induced recycling.
Intermediate Phase Suppression with Long Chain Diammonium Alkane for High Performance Wide‐Bandgap and Tandem Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Jia Peng , Chen Guoyi , Li Guang , Liang Jiwei , Guan Hongling , Wang Chen , Pu Dexin , Ge Yansong , Hu Xuzhi , Cui Hongsen , Du Shengjie , Liang Chao , Liao Jinfeng , Xing Guichuan , Ke Weijun , Fang Guojia
Published: March 2024

Wide bandgap (WBG) perovskite can construct tandem cells with narrow bandgap solar cells by adjusting the band gap to overcome the Shockley−Queisser limitation of single junction perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, WBG perovskites still suffer from severe nonradiative carrier recombination and large open‐circuit voltage loss. Here, this work uses an in situ photoluminescence (PL) measurement to monitor the intermediate phase evolution and crystallization process via blade coating. This work reports a strategy to fabricate efficient and stable WBG perovskite solar cells through doping a long carbon chain molecule octane‐1,8‐diamine dihydroiodide (ODADI). It is found that ODADI doping not only suppresses intermediate phases but also promote the crystallization of perovskite and passivate defects in blade coated 1.67 eV WBG FA0.7Cs0.25MA0.05Pb(I0.8Br0.2)3 perovskite films. As a result, the champion single junction inverted PSCs deliver the efficiencies of 22.06% and 19.63% for the active area of 0.07 and 1.02 cm2, respectively, which are the highest power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) in WBG PSCs by blade coating. The unencapsulated device demonstrates excellent stability in air, which maintains its initial efficiency at the maximum power points under constant AM 1.5G illumination in open air for nearly 500 h. The resulting semitransparent WBG device delivers a high PCE of 20.06%, and the 4‐terminal all‐perovskite tandem device delivers a PCE of 28.35%.
Oxygen‐Vacancy‐Induced Formation of Pt‐Based Intermetallics on MXene with Strong Metal‐Support Interactions for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhao Qin , Danil Bukhvalov , Xiao Weiping , Yang Xiaofei
Published: March 2024

The Pt‐based alloys can moderate the binding energies of oxygenated species on the catalytic surface, endowing the superior catalytic performance towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Nevertheless, it is still challenging to explore general methods to synthesize structurally ordered intermetallics with uniform distributions. Herein, the strong metal‐support interaction is employed to facilitate the interdiffusion of Pt/M atoms by establishing a tunnel of oxygen vacancy on ultrathin Ti3C2Tx (MXene) sheets, synthesizing the ordered PtFe, PtCo, PtZn, PdFe, PdZn intermetallics loaded onto Ti3C2Tx. Furthermore, the in‐situ generation of Ti–O from Ti3C2Tx could be bonded with Pt and forming Pt–O–Ti, resulting in charge redistribution through Pt–O–Ti structure. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the valuable charge redistribution can be observed at the interface and extended even to at the distance of two nanometers from the interface, which can modulate the Pt–Pt distance, optimize Pt–O binding energy and enhance intrinsic activity towards ORR. The strong coupling interaction between PtFe and Ti3C2Tx containing the titanium oxide layer endows the high stability of the composites. This work not only presents a general synthesis strategy for intermetallics but also provides a new insight that metal‐support interaction is essential for the structural evolution of intermetallics on materials with oxygen vacancies.
High‐Frequency Spinal Stimulation Suppresses Microglial Kaiso‐P2X7 Receptor Axis‐Induced Inflammation to Alleviate Neuropathic Pain in Rats
Authors: Yu Jing , Wong Stanley , Lin Zhinan , Shan Zhiming , Fan Chaoyang , Xia Zhengyuan , Cheung Martin , Zhu Xiaowei , Liu Jessica Aijia , Cheung Chi Wai
Published: March 2024

Objective

Neuropathic pain poses a persistent challenge in clinical management. Neuromodulation has emerged as a last‐resort therapy. Conventional spinal cord stimulation (Con SCS) often causes abnormal sensations and provides short analgesia, whereas high‐frequency spinal cord stimulation (HF SCS) is a newer therapy that effectively alleviates pain without paresthesia. However, the modes of action of 10kHz HF SCS (HF10 SCS) in pain relief remain unclear. To bridge this knowledge gap, we employed preclinical models that mimic certain features of clinical SCS to explore the underlying mechanisms of HF10 SCS. Addressing these issues would provide the scientific basis for improving and evaluating the effectiveness, reliability, and practicality of different frequency SCS in clinical settings.

Methods

We established a preclinical SCS model to examine its effects in a neuropathic pain rat model. We conducted bulk and single‐cell RNA sequencing in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) to examine cellular and molecular changes under different treatments. We employed genetic manipulations through intrathecal injection of a lentiviral system to explore the SCS‐mediated signaling axis in pain. Various behavioral tests were performed to evaluate pain conditions under different treatments.

Results

We found that HF10 SCS significantly reduces immune responses in the SDH by inactivating the Kaiso‐P2X7R pathological axis in microglia, promoting long‐lasting pain relief. Targeting Kaiso‐P2X7R in microglia dramatically improved efficacy of Con SCS treatment, leading to reduced neuroinflammation and long‐lasting pain relief.

Interpretation

HF10 SCS could improve the immunopathologic state in the SDH, extending its benefits beyond symptom relief. Targeting the Kaiso‐P2X7R axis may enhance Con SCS therapy and offer a new strategy for pain management. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:966–983
Rationally Designed Cyclooctatetrathiophene‐Based Porous Aromatic Frameworks (COTh‐PAFs) for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Production
Authors: Cao Linzhu , Wang Cong , Wang He , Xu Xinmeng , Tao Xin , Tan Huaqiao , Zhu Guangshan
Published: March 2024

Constructing stable and efficient photocatalysts for H2O2 production is of great importance and is challenging. In this study, the synthesis of three photoactive cyclooctatetrathiophene (COTh)‐based porous aromatic frameworks (COTh‐PAFs) in an alternating donor‐acceptor (D−A) fashion is presented. In combination with a triazine‐derived electron acceptor, PAF‐363 exhibits high efficiency for the photosynthesis of H2O2 with production rates of 11733 μmol g−1 h−1(with sacrificial agent) and 3930 μmol g−1 h−1 (without sacrificial agent) from water and oxygen under visible light irradiation. Experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that the charge transfer positions and the O2 adsorption sites in PAF‐363 are both concentrated on COTh fragments, which facilitate the H2O2 production through the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) pathway. This work highlights that the rational design of COTh‐PAFs with consideration of D−A direction, charge transfer positions, and O2 adsorption sites provides a feasible access to efficient H2O2 production photocatalysts.
Regulating Lateral Adsorbate Interaction for Efficient Electroreforming of Bio‐polyols
Authors: Wu Jianxiang , Wang Ran , Kang Yikun , Li Jili , Hao Yaming , Li Yefei , Liu Zhipan , Gong Ming
Published: March 2024

Tailoring the selectivity at the electrode‐electrolyte interface is one of the greatest challenges for heterogeneous electrocatalysis, and complementary strategies to catalyst structural designs need to be developed. Herein, we proposed a new strategy of controlling the electrocatalytic pathways by lateral adsorbate interaction for the bio‐polyol oxidation. Redox‐innocent 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFIP) anion possesses the alcoholic property that facilely adsorbs on the nickel oxyhydroxide catalyst, but is resistant to oxidation due to the electron‐withdrawing trifluoromethyl groups. The alien HFIP adsorbents can compete with bio‐polyols and form a mixed adsorbate layer that creates lateral adsorbate interaction via hydrogen bonding, which achieved a >2‐fold enhancement of the oxalate selectivity to 55 % for the representative glycerol oxidation and can be extended to various bio‐polyol substrates. Through in situ spectroscopic analysis and DFT calculation on the glycerol oxidation, we reveal that the hydrogen‐bonded adsorbate interaction can effectively tune the adsorption energies and tailor the oxidation capabilities toward the targeted products. This work offers an additional perspective of tuning electrocatalytic reactions via introducing redox‐innocent adsorbates to create lateral adsorbate interactions.