bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EARLY ISLAMIC CHARITIES AS CATALYSTS OF INSTITUTIONAL INNOVATION
Authors: Koehler Benedikt
Published: October 2010

Islamic societies may appear unsuitable catalysts for fostering individual enterprise and institutional innovation. This view is challenged by examination of the evolution of charities in early Islam, the so‐called waqf. Mohammed's prescription of providing alms engendered an extensive and varied range of charitable institutions. One example is the creation of Islam's earliest centres of higher learning, madrasahs. Key concepts of Common Law, such as trusts, may have copied Islamic legal concepts; the constitutions of the earliest colleges of Oxford and Cambridge universities replicated the design of charitable madrasahs.
ENGAGING THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO IMPROVE HEALTH IN AFRICA
Authors: Stevens Philip
Published: October 2010

In much of sub‐Saharan Africa, governments have demonstrably failed to deliver health services to the poor. In some places, governments and donor agencies have contracted with private companies and non‐profits to deliver health services, with considerable success. Ideologically driven Western NGOs oppose further moves towards private provision – seemingly preferring the poor to suffer substandard and erratic government provision than to obtain their healthcare through non‐state means.
NGOS VS CIVIL SOCIETY: REFLECTIONS ON THE ILLIBERAL, THE ILLEGITIMATE AND THE UNACCOUNTABLE
Authors: Sternberg Elaine
Published: October 2010

This essay evaluates the nature of non‐governmental organisations and their relation to civil society, and examines appropriate criteria of legitimacy and accountability for NGOs. Unfortunately, many common understandings of NGOs embody fundamental confusions, and obscure the ways in which NGOs are inimical to individual liberty.
THE GROWING INVOLVEMENT OF FOREIGN NGOs IN SETTING POLICY AGENDAS AND POLITICAL DECISION‐MAKING IN AFRICA
Authors: Norton‐Griffiths Mike
Published: October 2010

Two case studies from Kenya demonstrate the malign impact on policy‐making and political decision‐making of foreign NGOs with single issue agendas. They gain acceptance for their minority views by using financial strength and access to economic and political elites in order to subvert what should be representative democratic processes.
LIBERATE TO LEARN: EDUCATION VOUCHERS IN PAKISTAN
Authors: Salman Ali
Published: October 2010

This paper evaluates the impact of the education vouchers scheme in low‐income urban areas of Lahore, Pakistan. The research suggests that if poor children from illiterate families are supported to get good quality education, their performance is comparable with students from richer and educated backgrounds. The findings support the contention that vouchers expand access, increase parental choice and improve the quality of schooling.
COMPETITIVENESS WITHIN THE EURO AREA: THE PROBLEM THAT STILL NEEDS TO BE SOLVED
Authors: Zemanek Holger
Published: October 2010

Unsustainable public debt, low competitiveness and high current account deficits are major problems for the so‐called PIIGS countries. These countries experienced consumer price and wage inflation above the euro area average in the first decade of the euro, basically fuelled by buoyant capital inflows. The resulting real appreciation against low‐inflation countries led to a deterioration in their competitiveness, but rigid labour markets now prevent a quick market‐based readjustment of real wages to the changed situation. Thus, both public expenditure cuts and structural labour market reforms are urgent to reduce the likelihood of a euro area break‐up.
THE BROKEN UNIVERSITY: WHAT IS SEEN AND WHAT IS NOT SEEN IN THE UK HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR
Authors: Stanfield James
Published: October 2010

Frederic Bastiat and others have previously argued that one of the key differences between a good and a bad economist is whether they are prepared to take into account not just the immediate and visible effects of a policy intervention, but also the hidden costs and unintended consequences which accumulate over time. In the field of higher education, when these additional factors are taken into account it soon becomes clear that the £14.3 billion annual public subsidy is now doing more harm than good in one of the UK's most important service sectors.
COACHING COSTS AS TULLOCK COSTS: A MODEL OF RISING COACHING SALARIES
Authors: Rotthoff Kurt , Mayo Ann
Published: October 2010

Escalating sports coaching costs have strained budgets at many universities. This paper analyses these expenditures as a form of Tullock Costs (Tullock, 1967). In this framework the money the universities receive is spent on recruiting top talent, so the schools receive little, or no, monetary gain under current scholarship rules.
LEST WE FORGET
Authors: Pejovich Svetozar
Published: October 2010

This article translates the crimes of communism into their effects on the life of individuals. It does so by telling the story of the author's 13 years in communist Yugoslavia. The story covers only the events that the author witnessed or lived through. The article captures, fairly and accurately, the plight of young people growing up in all communist countries.
INFLATION ECONOMICS: THE HEATH–BARBER BOOM, 1972–74
Authors: Steele G. R.
Published: October 2010

The UK macroeconomic boom of the early 1970s is an experiment that refutes the notion of cost–push inflation. However, such nonsense endures as the consequence of two factors. The first is the convenient ruse by which the state ducks its responsibility for monetary inflation and points the finger in other directions. The second is a potential to confuse the source of an individual price increase (rising scarcity) and the source of general price increases (excessive money).
LIBERTY BETWEEN THE LINES IN A STATIST AND MODERNIST AGE: UNFOLDING THE ADAM SMITH IN FRIEDRICH HAYEK
Authors: Klein Daniel B.
Published: October 2010

This article interprets F. A. Hayek as having been constrained by the statism and modernism of his times, and as writing in a way that obscured some of his central ideas. I suggest that between the lines we can see a focus on liberty understood hardily as others not messing with one's stuff– even though Hayek in The Constitution of Liberty defined liberty in ways that tended to obscure this hardy definition, and Hayek often used code words like ‘competition,’‘the market,’ and ‘spontaneous’ where ‘liberty’ or ‘freedom’ would have been plainer, albeit more offensive to the culture. Seeing the hardy definition of liberty between the lines in Hayek enables us to see his focus on the liberty principle and his case for a presumption of liberty. Such a reading of Hayek, I suggest, is true to Adam Smith, who expounded a central message that by and large the liberty principle holds, and that it deserves the presumption in our culture and politics.
POSTCODE LOTTERIES
Authors: Steele G. R.
Published: October 2010

Postcode lotteries are meat and drink to journalists. Examples appear limitless and predominantly within state sectors, where they are symptomatic of the ineffectiveness of non‐market allocations. With free‐market trading, the tendency is for competition to eliminate differences; but that tendency is offset by uneven advances in technologies and provision. As competition eliminates one set of discrepancies, other sets inevitably emerge.
Attentional capture by size singletons is determined by top‐down search goals
Authors: Kiss Monika , Eimer Martin
Published: October 2010

The question whether attentional capture by salient visual stimuli is driven by bottom‐up salience or is contingent on top‐down task set is still under dispute. We show that the ability of size singletons to capture attention is determined by current search goals. Participants searched for small or large target singletons among medium‐size distractors. Attentional capture by small or large size singleton cues that preceded target search displays was reflected by spatial cueing effects and N2pc components. These effects were observed only when these cues matched the current target‐defining feature, but not for physically identical but mismatching cues. Results demonstrate that attentional capture by size singletons is not driven by bottom‐up salience, but is controlled by feature‐specific task settings.
After the P3: Late executive processes in stimulus categorization
Authors: Folstein Jonathan R. , Van Petten Cyma
Published: October 2010

Two experiments examined the hypothesis that dual systems of stimulus evaluation for categorization can be observed in event‐related potentials: one whose duration is indexed by the latency of the P3 component, and a second evident in a later frontal potential. Subjects categorized artificial animals by a “two out of three” rule. Stimuli with two visual features of their own category and one feature of a different category (i.e., near the boundary between categories) elicited very prolonged reaction times as compared to stimuli with three features from a single category. This response time (RT) delay was not accompanied by a delayed P3, suggesting that the P3 indexed only a first pass of stimulus evaluation. The near‐boundary stimuli elicited more positive potentials than far‐boundary stimuli at prefrontal and frontotemporal sites, suggesting that a secondary stage of stimulus evaluation was triggered when detection of single features or simple conjunctions was insufficient to support a correct decision. The frontal potential that was sensitive to categorization difficulty was of opposite polarity to frontal potentials previously observed in manipulations of working memory. The roles of frontal executive processes in categorization and memory tasks are discussed.
A residue close to α1loop F disrupts modulation of GABAAreceptors by benzodiazepines while their binding is maintained
Authors: Baur Roland , Lüscher Benjamin P. , Richter Lars , Sigel Erwin
Published: October 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)115,1478–1485.

Benzodiazepines act at the major isoforms of GABA type A receptors where they potentiate the current evoked by the agonist GABA. The underlying mechanism of this potentiation is poorly understood, but hypothesized to be related to the mechanism that links agonist binding to channel opening in these ligand activated ion channels. The loop F of the α1and the β2subunit have been implicated in channel gating, and loop F of the γ2subunit in the modulation by benzodiazepines. We have identified the conservative point mutation Y168F located N‐terminally of loop F in the α1subunit that fails to affect agonist properties. Interestingly, it disrupts modulation by benzodiazepines, but leaves high affinity binding to the benzodiazepine binding site intact. Modulation by barbiturates and neurosteroids is also unaffected. Residue α1Y168 is not located either near the binding pockets for GABA, or for benzodiazepines, or close to the loop F of the γ2subunit. Our results support the fact, that broader regions of ligand gated receptors are conformationally affected by the binding of benzodiazepines. We infer that also broader regions could contribute to signaling from GABA agonist binding to channel opening.
Dual bronchodilatory and pulmonary anti‐inflammatory activity of RO5024118, a novel agonist at vasoactive intestinal peptide VPAC2receptors
Authors: Tannu SA , Renzetti LM , Tare N , Ventre JD , Lavelle D , Lin TA , Morschauser A , Paciorek J , Bolin DR , Michel H , Singer L , Hargaden M , Knowles ID , Gardiner P , Cazzola M , Calzetta L , Matera MG , Hicks A.
Published: October 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEVasoactive intestinal peptide is expressed in the respiratory tract and induces its effects via its receptors, VPAC1and VPAC2. RO5024118 is a selective VPAC2receptor agonist derived via chemical modification of an earlier VPAC2agonist, RO0251553. In the present studies, we characterized the pharmacological activity of RO5024118.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHStability of RO5024118 to human neutrophil elastase was assessed. Bronchodilatory activity of RO5024118 was investigated in guinea pig and human isolated airway smooth muscle preparations and in a guinea pig bronchoconstriction model. Pulmonary anti‐inflammatory activity of RO5024118 was investigated in a lipopolysaccharide mouse model and in a porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) rat model.

KEY RESULTSRO5024118 demonstrated increased stability to neutrophil elastase compared with RO0251553. In human and guinea pig isolated airway preparations, RO5024118 induced bronchodilatory effects comparable with RO0251553 and the long‐acting β‐agonist salmeterol and was significantly more potent than native vasoactive intestinal peptide and the short‐acting β‐agonist salbutamol. In 5‐HT‐induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs, RO5024118 exhibited inhibitory activity with similar efficacy as, and longer duration than, RO0251553. In a lipopolysaccharide‐mouse model, RO5024118 inhibited neutrophil and CD8+cells and myeloperoxidase levels. In rats, intratracheal instillation of PPE induced airway neutrophilia that was resistant to dexamethasone. Pretreatment with RO5024118 significantly inhibited PPE‐induced neutrophil accumulation.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThese results demonstrate that RO5024118 induces dual bronchodilatory and pulmonary anti‐inflammatory activity and may be beneficial in treating airway obstructive and inflammatory diseases.

LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed section on Analytical Receptor Pharmacology in Drug Discovery. To view the other articles in this section visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2010.161.issue‐6
Prevalence and Impact of Headache and Migraine Among Secondary School Students in Nigeria
Authors: Ofovwe Gabriel E. , Ofili Antoinette N.
Published: October 2010

(Headache 2010;50:1570‐1575)

Background.— A cross‐sectional descriptive study to determine the overall, age and gender specific prevalence, trigger factors and impact of headache and migraine on quality of life of students attending secondary schools in Benin City, Nigeria.

Methods.— Six secondary schools were randomly selected from which students were randomly selected. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to screen those with frequent headache, defined as at least 2 episodes of headache unrelated to fever or any underlying disease within the last 12 months or at least 1 episode in the last 6 months preceding the date questionnaire was administered. Another questionnaire based on the ICHD‐2 criteria for diagnosis of migraine was then administered to those with frequent headaches. Data analysis was with SPSS 13.0 for Windows.

Results.— One thousand six hundred and seventy‐nine students aged 11‐18 years were recruited. The overall prevalence of headache was 19.5%. The prevalence of migraine was 13.5%. Migraine was more common in girls than in boys at all ages. The most common trigger factors included emotional stress, sunlight or bright light, sleep deprivation, and hunger. Inability to participate in outdoor activities, household chores, and school absenteeism were the common impacts on the quality of life of among 76.8% of the migrainuers.

Conclusion.— Migraine is common and underdiagnosed among secondary school students in Benin City, Nigeria, and negatively impacts on the quality of life including school absenteeism.
Focal reading epilepsy—a rare variant of reading epilepsy: A case report
Authors: Osei‐Lah Abena D. , Casadei Angela , Richardson Mark P. , Alarcon Gonzalo
Published: October 2010

Reading epilepsy is a distinct form of epilepsy in which all or almost all seizures are precipitated by reading. Seizures typically show orofacial or jaw myoclonus. Nevertheless, reading epilepsy is not homogenous and its classification is unclear. We report a patient with reading‐induced prolonged left temporal seizures, presenting clinically as dyslexia.
Prevalence and Persistence of Depression in Patients with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: A 2‐year Longitudinal Study
Authors: SUZUKI TSUYOSHI , SHIGA TSUYOSHI , KUWAHARA KAZUE , KOBAYASHI SAYAKA , SUZUKI SHINICHI , NISHIMURA KATSUJI , SUZUKI ATSUSHI , EJIMA KOICHIRO , MANAKA TETSUYUKI , SHODA MORIO , ISHIGOOKA JUN , KASANUKI HIROSHI , HAGIWARA NOBUHISA
Published: October 2010

Background: It is unclear whether depression persists in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). We evaluated the prevalence and persistence of depression in ICD patients over a 2‐year period.

Methods: The study included 90 consecutively hospitalized patients. Patients underlying heart disease was 24% coronary artery disease, 29% idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, 24% hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 13% idiopathic VF/long QT syndrome and miscellaneous conditions 11%. A secondary indication for ICD implantation was present in 20 patients. All patients completed the Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS) at study baseline and at the their routine follow‐up visit 2 years after the baseline questionnaire. Delivery of ICD therapies was tracked throughout the 2 years.

Results: Depression, indicated by a Zung SDS index score exceeding 60, was present in 29 (32%) of patients at study baseline. Depression was present in 11/51 (21%) patients scheduled to undergo ICD implantation, 2/2 (100%) patients whose device was upgraded to a CRT‐D, 3/14 (21%) patients who had undergone pulse generator replacement, 7/14 (50%) patients who experienced electrical storm and 6/9 (66%) patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure. NYHA functional class III was significantly associated with depression at baseline (HR 6.7, 95% CI 1.68–27.2, p = 0.0007). No differences were noted for female gender, demographics, β‐blocker use, or LVEF ≤35% (p = ns). Depression was present in 25 (28%) of patients at 2 years follow‐up, persisting in 21 (72%) of patients whose Zung SDS scores were elevated at baseline. The median time from ICD shock therapy to completion of the 2 year questionnaire was 9 months (range, 1–22). Patients who were depressed (9/25, 36%) experienced more shocks than non‐depressed patients (6/65, 9%) after 2 years (p = 0.002).

Conclusions: Depression is not uncommon among patients who meet criteria for ICD implantation and persists over time particularly when functional status is impaired. Depression is associated with a higher incidence shock therapy. (PACE 2010; 33:1455–1461)
Clinical and Electrophysiological Profile of Brugada Syndrome in the Tunisian Population
Authors: OUALI SANA , BOUGHZELA ESSIA , HAGGUI ABDDAIM , HAOUALA HABIB , BATTIKH KAIS , AMEUR YOUSSEF BEN , KRAIEM SONDOS , KRICHEN SALMA , HENTATI MOURAD , KAMMOUN SAMIR
Published: October 2010

Background: Most clinical studies of the clinical profile of Brugada syndrome (BS) have been conducted in either Asia, Europe, or America and their applicability to North African populations is largely unknown. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical profile of BS in Tunisian patients.

Methods: The clinical and follow‐up data of 24 patients (22 men, mean age: 40.8 ± 13.7 years) were collected since 2002. Baseline characteristics, morbidity, and mortality data were obtained from medical records.

Results: One patient (4.16%) survived sudden cardiac death (SCD), four patients (16.3%) had syncope, and 19 patients (79.1%) were asymptomatic. Eleven patients (45.8%) had a family history of SCD. Twenty patients showed a spontaneous coved‐type ST‐segment elevation on electrocardiogram and after medical challenge on the four remnants. An electrophysiological study was performed in 15 of 24 patients (62.5%), during which ventricular fibrillation was induced in six patients (40%); three of the six patients were previously asymptomatic. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was implanted in 14 patients (58.3%). After a mean follow‐up of 26 ± 21 months, one patient died from a noncardiac cause and one patient (with a history of aborted SCD) received an appropriate shock from his ICD. None of the asymptomatic and noninducible patients experienced a cardiac event.

Conclusions: BS is present in the North African population and is probably under‐recognized. Tunisian patients with BS share with their western and Asiatic counterparts similar clinical profile. (PACE 2011; 47–53)
Pacing within the Ischemic Area Significantly Decreases the Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction during Experimental Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: TOUMANIDIS SAVVAS Th. , TAKOS DEMETRIOS J. , TSIRIKOS NIKOLAOS , BRAMOS DEMETRIOS , KOTTIS GEORGE , ANTONIOU ANNA , SKALTSIOTIS ELIAS , KALADARIDOU ANNA , MOULOPOULOS SPYRIDON D.
Published: October 2010

Background:
 The aim of this study was to examine the effects on left ventricular (LV) function of LV apical or/and lateral wall pacing during an experimental acute myocardial infarction.

Methods:
 In 12 anesthetized pigs, epicardial LV pacing at the apex or lateral wall, or at both sites simultaneously, was performed before and after left anterior descending (LAD) ligation. Data concerning LV function were obtained by two‐dimensional echo during spontaneous sinus rhythm (SR) and during pacing before and 15, 45, 60, and 90 minutes after LAD ligation.

Results:
 Before ligation of the LAD, pacing at the lateral wall (48.04 ± 6.25%) or both sites (45.71 ± 6.31%) reduced the LV ejection fraction (EF) significantly (P < 0.01) in comparison to SR (55.44 ± 4.10%). However, during pacing at the apex (50.19 ± 6.50%), the reduction was not significant. After LAD ligation, the EF during lateral pacing (43.02 ± 7.71%) was significantly higher than during apical pacing (38.78 ± 8.26%, P < 0.04) but was not significantly different from that during dual‐site pacing (41.65 ± 8.69%).

Conclusions:
 Pacing within the ischemic LV apical zone after LAD ligation impairs left ventricular ejection fraction, as compared with pacing the nonischemic LV lateral wall, and should therefore be avoided in clinical settings where the LV pacing site may be chosen. (PACE 2011; 63–71)
Permanent Pacing for Late‐Onset Atrioventricular Block in Patients with Heart Transplantation: A Single Center Experience
Authors: TAY ANDRE E. , FADDY STEVEN , LIM SERN , WALKER BRUCE D. , KUCHAR DENNIS , THORBURN CHARLES W. , MACDONALD PETER , KEOGH ANNE , KOTLYAR EUGENE , FARNSWORTH ALAN , HAYWARD CHRIS , JANSZ PAUL , GRANGER EMILY , SPRATT PHILLIP , SUBBIAH RAJESH N.
Published: October 2010

Introduction: The incidence, mechanisms, clinical associations, and outcomes in patients with late‐onset (>3 months) atrioventricular (AV) block following heart transplantation are not well known. This study will characterize late‐onset AV block following cardiac transplantation.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our databases to identify patients who required pacemakers for late‐onset AV block postheart and heart‐lung transplantation from January 1990 to December 2007. Orthotopic heart and heart‐lung transplantation were separately analyzed.

Results: This study included 588 adults who received cardiac transplants over a 17‐year period at our center (519 orthotopic, 64 heart‐lung transplants, and five heterotopic heart transplants). Of the 519 patients with orthotopic heart transplant, 39 required pacing (7.5%), 17 (3.3%) within 3 months posttransplant, 11 (2.1%) for late‐onset sinus node dysfunction (SND), 11 (2.1%) for late‐onset AV block. Also, five patients (7.8%) out of 64 heart‐lung transplants required pacemakers, two (3.1%) for late‐onset SND, three (4.7%) for late‐onset AV block. None of the five patients who underwent heterotopic transplant required cardiac pacing prior to or posttransplant.

Conclusions: Late‐onset AV block occurs in 2.4% of patients with orthotopic heart transplant or heart‐lung transplant. AV block is predominantly intermittent and, often, does not progress to permanent AV block. There are no predictable factors for its onset. (PACE 2011; 72–75)
Statin Therapy for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation Trial (SToP AF trial)
Authors: NEGI SMITA , SHUKRULLAH IRFAN , VELEDAR EMIR , BLOOM HEATHER L. , JONES DEAN P. , DUDLEY SAMUEL C.
Published: October 2010

Statins for Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation. Background: Inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). Statins have antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. We tested if atorvastatin reduced AF recurrence after DC cardioversion (CV) by modifying systemic oxidative stress and inflammation (NCT00252967).

Methods and Results:
In a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial, patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) were randomized to receive either atorvastatin 80 mg (n = 33) or placebo (n = 31) before CV. Treatment was continued for 12 months or until AF recurred. Serum oxidative stress markers (ratios of oxidized to reduced glutathione and cysteine, derivatives of reactive oxygen species, isoprostanes) and inflammatory markers (high‐sensitivity C‐ reactive protein [hs‐CRP], interleukin‐6 [IL‐6], interleukin‐1β[IL‐1β], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNFα]) were measured at baseline and on follow‐up. AF recurred in 22 (66.7%) of atorvastatin and 26 (83.9%) of placebo group (P = 0.2). The adjusted hazard ratio of having recurrence on atorvastatin versus on placebo was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98–1.01, P = 0.3). There was no significant difference in the time to recurrence using Kaplan–Meier survival estimates (median [IR]: 29 [2–145] days versus 22 [7–70] days, P = 0.9). Although no significant effect was seen on oxidative stress, 2 of 4 inflammatory markers, IL‐6 (adjusted OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.35–0.97, P = 0.04) and hs‐CRP (adjusted OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.37–0.95, P = 0.03) were significantly lowered with atorvastatin. Cholesterol levels significantly decreased with atorvastatin (P = 0.03).

Conclusions:
High‐dose atorvastatin did not reduce the recurrence of AF after CV. It reduced selective markers of inflammation without affecting systemic oxidative stress. Failure of atorvastatin to prevent AF recurrence may be due to its failure to affect oxidative stress. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 22, pp. 414‐419)
Tissue‐Specific Variability in Human Epicardial Impedance
Authors: JACOBSON JASON T. , HUTCHINSON MATHEW D. , COOPER JOSHUA M. , WOO Y. JOSEPH , SHANDLER RICHARD S. , CALLANS DAVID J.
Published: October 2010

Epicardial Impedance Mapping. Introduction: Epicardial ablation can be employed to treat ventricular tachycardia. Voltage attenuation in regions of fat can mimic epicardial scar, limiting its specificity. Ablation over fat may not be as effective. Prior animal data have shown that infarcted myocardium has lower impedance than normal, and human bioimpedance studies suggest peripheral fat displays higher impedance. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that human epicardial fat has higher impedance than myocardium when measured with standard ablation tools.

Methods:
Patients undergoing elective surgery for coronary artery or valve disease were enrolled. A reference patch was placed on the patients’ back between the scapulae and connected to a standard RF generator (Stockert, GmBH, Germany). Impedance was measured by passing a 1 μA, 50 kHz current from the catheter tip to the patch. After sternotomy but before initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass, an ablation catheter (Celsius, Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA) was placed onto the epicardial surface in ventricular regions visually identified as fat or myocardium. At each site, impedance was recorded from the generator.

Results:
A total of 37 (7 patients) points were sampled. Impedance was significantly higher in regions of fat versus normal muscle (697 Ω vs. 301 Ω; P = 0.01). Moreover, normal sites from the LV had higher impedance than from the RV (381 Ω vs. 271 Ω; P = 0.01).

Conclusions:
Human epicardial fat has higher tissue impedance than normal muscle. Using epicardial impedance and voltage mapping in conjunction may improve differentiation of arrhythmia substrate from epicardial fat and improve the efficacy of epicardial ablation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 22, pp. 436‐439)
HF‐Based Etching Processes for Improving Laser Damage Resistance of Fused Silica Optical Surfaces
Authors: Suratwala Tayyab I. , Miller Phil E. , Bude Jeffery D. , Steele William A. , Shen Nan , Monticelli Marcus V. , Feit Michael D. , Laurence Ted A. , Norton Mary A. , Carr C. Wren , Wong Lana L.
Published: October 2010

The effect of various HF‐based etching processes on the laser damage resistance of scratched fused silica surfaces has been investigated. Conventionally polished and subsequently scratched fused silica plates were treated by submerging in various HF‐based etchants (HF or NH4F:HF at various ratios and concentrations) under different process conditions (e.g., agitation frequencies, etch times, rinse conditions, and environmental cleanliness). Subsequently, the laser damage resistance (at 351 or 355 nm) of the treated surface was measured. The laser damage resistance was found to be strongly process dependent and scaled inversely with scratch width. The etching process was optimized to remove or prevent the presence of identified precursors (chemical impurities, fracture surfaces, and silica‐based redeposit) known to lead to laser damage initiation. The redeposit precursor was reduced (and hence the damage threshold was increased) by: (1) increasing the SiF62− solubility through reduction in the NH4F concentration and impurity cation impurities, and (2) improving the mass transport of reaction product (SiF62−) (using high‐frequency ultrasonic agitation and excessive spray rinsing) away from the etched surface. A 2D finite element crack‐etching and rinsing mass transport model (incorporating diffusion and advection) was used to predict reaction product concentration. The predictions are consistent with the experimentally observed process trends. The laser damage thresholds also increased with etched amount (up to ∼30 μm), which has been attributed to: (1) etching through lateral cracks where there is poor acid penetration, and (2) increasing the crack opening resulting in increased mass transport rates. With the optimized etch process, laser damage resistance increased dramatically; the average threshold fluence for damage initiation for 30 μm wide scratches increased from 7 to 41 J/cm2, and the statistical probability of damage initiation at 12 J/cm2 of an ensemble of scratches decreased from ∼100 mm−1 of scratch length to ∼0.001 mm−1.
Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation Process in Borosilicate Liquids Enriched in Molybdenum and Phosphorus Oxides
Authors: Schuller Sophie , Pinet Olivier , Penelon Bruno
Published: October 2010

In the context of French nuclear waste vitrification, specific borosilicate glass waste forms are being developed to immobilize the large quantities (>6 mol%) of molybdenum and phosphorus (2 mol%) oxides produced by reprocessing uranium–molybdenum spent fuel. The presence of these elements at high concentrations induces liquid–liquid phase separation during melting. In order to control the microstructure of the phases formed and to define the vitrification operating conditions, it is crucial to determine the phase separation temperature. This study is based on the melt rheological behavior during the phase separation step, and focuses on determining the phase separation temperature by measuring the transition of the liquid to non‐Newtonian behavior or a deviation from the Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann (VFT) law. The transformation mechanisms in glass containing 6 mol% molybdenum oxide are first described as a function of temperature using various microstructural characterization techniques at microscopic (scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy) and submicrometer scale (transmission electron microscopy). These results are correlated with rheological measurements to determine the phase separation temperatures of molten borosilicates containing 5–6 mol% molybdenum oxide. The immiscibility temperature of liquid–liquid phase separation can be determined by the change in the liquid rheological behavior. The transition of the liquid to non‐Newtonian behavior or a deviation from the VFT law are indicators of liquid–liquid phase separation observable at submicrometer scale.
Enhancement Ethanol Sensing Properties of NiO–SnO2 Nanofibers
Authors: Liu Li , Li Shouchun , Wang Lianyuan , Guo Chuanchang , Dong Qiongye , Li Wei
Published: October 2010

Pure and NiO–SnO2 nanofibers are synthesized via a simple electrospinning method, and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The sensor fabricated from 5 mol% NiO–SnO2 nanofibers exhibits improved and excellent sensing properties to ethanol at 300°C. The response is up to 25.5 when the sensor is exposed to 100 ppm ethanol. The response and recovery times are about 2 and 3 s, respectively. The linear dependence of the sensitivity on the ethanol concentration is observed in the range of 5–500 ppm. Good selectivity is also observed in our studies. These results make NiO–SnO2 nanofibers good candidates for fabricating practical ethanol sensors.
Profile and competences for the graduating European dentist – update 2009
Authors: Cowpe J. , Plasschaert A. , Harzer W. , Vinkka‐Puhakka H. , Walmsley A. D.
Published: October 2010

This paper presents the profile and competences for the European Dentist as approved by the General Assembly of the Association for Dental Education in Europe at its annual meeting held in Helsinki in August 2009. A new taskforce was convened to update the previous document published in 2005. The updated document was then sent to all European Dental Schools, ministries of health, national dental associations and dental specialty associations or societies in Europe. The feedback received was used to improve the document. European dental schools are expected to adhere to the profile and the 17 major competences but the supporting competences may vary in detail between schools. The document will be reviewed once again in 5 years time. Feedback to the newly published document is welcomed and all dental educators are encouraged to draw upon the content of the paper to assist them in harmonising the curriculum throughout Europe with the aim of improving the quality of the dental curriculum.
Genetic susceptibility for chronic lymphocytic leukemia among Chinese in Hong Kong
Authors: Lan Qing , Au Wing‐Yan , Chanock Stephen , Tse Jovic , Wong Kit‐fai , Shen Min , Siu L. P. , Yuenger Jeff , Yeager Meredith , Hosgood III Howard Dean , Purdue Mark P. , Liang Raymond , Rothman Nathaniel
Published: October 2010

The genetic basis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has not been fully elucidated to date. Although it is the most common haematological malignancy in Caucasians, it is uncommon among Asians. A recent genome‐wide scan of CLL in Caucasians, which was carried out in the UK, identified six variants showing strong association. We attempted to replicate these findings in 71 patients with CLL and 1273 controls in Hong Kong Chinese. Three of the six variants were significantly associated with CLL. The rs872071 variant (Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval) = 1.78 (1.25–2.53), P = 0.0013) in the IRF4 gene region showed the strongest association, similar to that reported in the UK study. Polymorphisms in SP140 and ACOXL were also associated with risk of CLL. Further, the mean allele frequencies of the six variants were moderately (59%) to extremely (0.5%) lower in the Chinese population compared with Caucasians. These results suggest that variants in three loci may contribute to risk of CLL among Chinese.
Receptor‐Mediated ER Export of Human MHC Class I Molecules Is Regulated by the C‐Terminal Single Amino Acid
Authors: Cho Sunglim , Ryoo Jeongmin , Jun Youngsoo , Ahn Kwangseog
Published: October 2010

Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I) molecules bind antigens in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and deliver them to the cell surface for immune surveillance of viruses and tumors. Whereas key steps of MHC‐I assembly and its acquisition of peptides in the ER are relatively well defined, little is known about how MHC‐I molecules leave the ER for cell surface expression. Here, we show that ER export of human classical MHC‐I molecules (HLA‐A/‐B/‐C) is regulated by their C‐terminal single amino acid, valine or alanine. These amino acids, conserved in nearly all known human MHC‐I alleles, serve as the ER export signal by binding to the Sec23/24 complex, a structural component of coat protein complex II (COPII) vesicles that mediate ER‐to‐Golgi trafficking. Together, our results strongly suggest that ER export of human classical MHC‐I molecules can occur via a receptor‐mediated process dictated by a highly conserved ER export signal.
Etiology of chronic leg ulcers in 31,619 patients in Germany analyzed by an expert survey
Authors: Körber Andreas , Klode Joachim , Al‐Benna Samy , Wax Caroline , Schadendorf Dirk , Steinstraesser Lars , Dissemond Joachim
Published: October 2010

Background: The etiology of chronic leg ulcers is heterogenous and they exhibit quite different healing rates depending on the underlying cause. Although the prevalence and incidence of chronic leg ulcers appear to be increasing, data on these patients in Germany are lacking.

Patients and Methods: Altogether 100 German wound care professionals were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding the diagnosis and etiology of their patients with chronic leg ulcers.

Results: We received the data on 31,619 patients. In these patients, venous insufficiency was the dominating causative factor in 47.6 % and arterial insufficiency in 14.5 %, 17.6 % of ulcers were due to combined arterial and venous insufficiency. Rarer causes included vasculitis (5.1 %), exogenous factors (3.8 %), pyoderma gangrenosum (3.0 %), infection (1.4 %), neoplasia (1.1 %), calciphylaxis (1.1 %) and drug‐induced (1.1 %). The used diagnostic methods used varied widely between the medical and surgical specialties.

Conclusions: Even though the results of our study cannot claim to be a representative overview, they demonstrate clearly that next to known etiologies, e. g. chronic venous insufficiency or peripheral arterial insufficiency, which are relevant in 79.7 % of all patients a multitude of other causes exist, which are responsible in 20.3 % of all patients for the development of chronic leg ulcers.
Children and youth with myelomeningocele’s independence in managing clean intermittent catheterization in familiar settings
Authors: Donlau Marie , Imms Christine , Glad Mattsson Gunilla , Mattsson Sven , Sjörs Anna , Falkmer Torbjörn
Published: October 2010

Aim:  To examine the ability of children and youth with myelomeningocele to independently manage clean intermittent catheterization.

Methods:  There were 50 participants with myelomeningocele (5–18 years); 13 of them had also participated in a previous hospital‐based study. Their abilities and interest in completing the toilet activity were examined at home or in school using an interview and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Actual performance was observed and rated. Background variables were collected from medical records and KatAD+E tests.

Results:  In total, 48% were observed to perform the toilet activity independently, in comparison with 74% who self‐reported independence. Univariate analyses found KatAD+E could predict who was independent. COPM failed to do so. Ability to remain focused and ambulation were predictors of independence, but age, sex and IQ were not. Multivariable analysis found time to completion to be the strongest predictor of independence. Four children were independent in their familiar environment, but not in the hospital setting, and six of 13 children maintained focus only in their familiar environment.

Conclusions:  Interviews were not sufficiently accurate to assess independence in the toilet activity. Instead, observations including time to completion are recommended. The execution of the toilet activity is influenced by the environmental context.
Regulation of muscular glutamate metabolism by high‐protein diet in broiler chicks
Authors: KOBAYASHI Hiroyuki , EGUCHI Atsushi , TAKANO Wataru , SHIBATA Masahiro , KADOWAKI Motoni , FUJIMURA Shinobu
Published: October 2010

The major taste active component, glutamate (Glu), improves the taste of meat. In this study, we investigated the effect of a short‐term high‐protein (HCP) diet on the intramuscular free Glu content to improve the taste of meat. Furthermore, we elucidated how the muscle free Glu content was controlled by the HCP diet. Chicks (14 days old) were fed the control diet or HCP diet for 10 days. Plasma and muscle free amino acid concentrations, and activity and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of muscle enzymes related to Glu metabolism were determined. Muscle free Glu content was increased (P < 0.01) by 51%. Activity and mRNA expression of glutaminase (GA), which is one of the major Glu‐related enzymes, were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the HCP group because of feedback inhibition. The mRNA expression of lysine α‐ketoglutarate reductase (LKR), which is the enzyme involved in lysine (Lys) degradation and Glu production, was significantly increased (P < 0.001) in the HCP group. These results suggest that short‐term dietary HCP feeding is an effective treatment for improving the taste of meat. Furthermore, our results suggest that the free Glu content in muscle is regulated by GA and LKR.
Ca2+/calmodulin‐stimulated PDE1 regulates the beta‐catenin/TCF signaling through PP2A B56 gamma subunit in proliferating vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Jeon Kye‐Im , Jono Hirofumi , Miller Clint L. , Cai Yujun , Lim Soyeon , Liu Xuan , Gao Pingjin , Abe Jun‐Ichi , Li Jian‐Dong , Yan Chen
Published: October 2010

The phenotypic change of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), from a ‘contractile’ phenotype to a ‘synthetic’ phenotype, is crucial for pathogenic vascular remodeling in vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and restenosis. Ca2+/calmodulin‐stimulated phosphodiesterase 1 (PDE1) isozymes, including PDE1A and PDE1C, play integral roles in regulating the proliferation of synthetic VSMCs. However, the underlying molecular mechanism(s) remain unknown. In this study, we explore the role and mechanism of PDE1 isoforms in regulating β‐catenin/T‐cell factor (TCF) signaling in VSMCs, a pathway important for vascular remodeling through promoting VSMC growth and survival. We found that inhibition of PDE1 activity markedly attenuated β‐catenin/TCF signaling by downregulating β‐catenin protein. The effect of PDE1 inhibition on β‐catenin protein reduction is exerted via promoting glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)β activation, β‐catenin phosphorylation and subsequent β‐catenin protein degradation. Moreover, PDE1 inhibition specifically upregulated phosphatase protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) B56γ subunit gene expression, which is responsible for the effects of PDE1 inhibition on GSK3β and β‐catenin/TCF signaling. Furthermore, the effect of PDE1 inhibition on β‐catenin was specifically mediated by PDE1A but not PDE1C isozyme. Interestingly, in synthetic VSMCs, PP2A B56γ, phospho‐GSK3β and phospho‐β‐catenin were all found in the nucleus, suggesting that PDE1A regulates nuclear β‐catenin protein stability through the nuclear PP2A–GSK3β–β‐catenin signaling axis. Taken together, these findings provide direct evidence for the first time that PP2A B56γ is a critical mediator for PDE1A in the regulation of β‐catenin signaling in proliferating VSMCs.
Verteporfin photodynamic therapy of six eyes with retinal capillary haemangioma
Authors: Sachdeva Reecha , Dadgostar Hajir , Kaiser Peter K. , Sears Jonathan E. , Singh Arun D.
Published: October 2010

Acta Ophthalmol. 2010: 88: e334–e340

Purpose:  Single‐centre consecutive interventional case series by retrospective chart review to evaluate the efficacy of verteporfin (Visudyne™) photodynamic therapy (PDT) of retinal capillary haemangioma (RCH).

Methods:  Following an initial period of observation, six eyes of five patients with RCH (juxtapapillary 3 and extrapapillary (EP) 3) received 1–3 sessions of standard verteporfin PDT upon the development of progressive vision‐threatening complications. Four of the five patients had von Hippel‐Lindau (VHL) disease. Follow‐up included documentation of best‐corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCVA), tumour regression, and presence or absence of subretinal fluid (SRF) and/or lipid exudation as assessed by dilated fundus examination (DFE), fundus photos, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). These parameters were documented at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months following each PDT session and up to 32 months following the first PDT.

Results:  All eyes showed favourable response to PDT as defined by tumour regression or stabilization as well as improvement of SRF and lipid exudation. BCVA improved or stabilized in three eyes. Three eyes required PDT retreatment for recurrent SRF. Epiretinal membrane (ERM) worsened in three eyes, requiring vitreoretinal surgery at a median of 6 months following PDT.

Conclusions:  PDT is a moderately effective treatment for juxtapapillary and EP RCH. In this series, PDT resulted in tumour regression or stabilization as well as in the improvement of SRF and lipid exudation in all cases. However, stabilization or improvement of visual acuity was observed in only 50 per cent of the cases. The treatment benefits may be limited by pre‐existing macular changes and worsening of ERM. A larger prospective study is necessary to validate these findings.
An Experimental Study of the Flow-Induced Motions of a Flexible Cylinder in Axial Flow
Authors: Ni C. C. , Hansen R. J.
Published: October 2010

Experimental studies of the flow-induced lateral motions of a flexible tube in parallel flow are reported. The experiments were conducted in a 19.05 cm diameter test section of a blow-down type water tunnel. The flexible member, 1.59 cm in diameter and 7.92 m long, was fixed at the upstream end and free at the downstream end and was approximately neutrally buoyant. A fully-developed annular flow was realized in the test section. Photographs established the dependence of the flow-induced lateral motions on the mechanical properties, the flow velocity, and tension in the flexible member. Spectral analysis of the continuously-monitored data from an optical displacement sensor showed that the flow-induced lateral motions of the flexible member can be described as limited-band, stationary random processes. The maximum of the power spectral density shifted slightly as the flow velocity increased. The amplitude of the power spectrum attenuated rapidly with distance from the free downstream extremity of the cylinder.
A Method for Correlating the Characteristics of Centrifugal Pumps in Two-Phase Flow
Authors: Mikielewicz Jaroslaw , Wilson David Gordon , Chan Tak-Chee , Goldfinch Albert L.
Published: October 2010

The semiempirical method described combines the ideal performance of a centrifugal pump with experimental data for single and two-phase flow to produce a so-called “head-loss ratio,” which is the apparent loss of head in two-phase flow divided by the loss of head in single-phase flow. This head-loss ratio is shown to be primarily a function of void fraction. It is demonstrated that the measured characteristics of a centrifugal pump operating in two-phase flow in normal rotation and normal and reversed flow directions (first and second -quadrant operation) and in reversed rotation and reversed flow direction (third-quadrant operation) can be reproduced with acceptable accuracy.
On the Flow Regimes of Downhole Flow of a Gas-Particle Mixture
Authors: Stokes Vijay Kumar
Published: October 2010

Assuming that a gas-particle mixture behaves like a homogeneous gas, in which the slip velocity of the particles is negligible, the various flow regimes in one-dimensional downhole flow, including the effects of gravity, compressibility and wall friction, have been investigated. It is assumed that the flow is isothermal and that the wall shear can be accounted for by an empirically determined friction factor.