bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A role for proapoptotic Bax and Bak in T-cell differentiation and transformation
Authors: Biswas Subhrajit , Shi Qiong , Matise Lauren , Cleveland Susan , Dave Utpal , Zinkel Sandra
Published: September 2010

Proapoptotic Bax and Bak are the key B-cell lymphoma-2 family members mediating apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway. Cells doubly deficient for Bax and Bak are profoundly resistant to apoptotic stimuli originating from multiple stimuli. Here we describe mice in which Bax and Bak have been deleted specifically in T-cells using Lck-Cre. In these T cell–specific BaxBak-deficient mice, early T-cell progenitors accumulate in the thymus, with relative depletion of more mature T cells. In addition, bone marrow progenitor cells fail to progress to the double positive stage when cultured on OP9 stromal cells expressing the Notch ligand Delta-like 1, consistent with a critical role for Bax and Bak in early T-cell development. Over time, T cell–specific BaxBak-deficient mice progress to an aggressive T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma. Interestingly, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of BaxBak-deficient T-cell lymphomas does not display amplification of the Notch signal transduction pathway, commonly activated in T-cell leukemia in both mouse and man. Bax and Bak, key regulators of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, are thus required to prevent T-cell malignancy, and for normal T-cell differentiation, regulating early T-cell development at the stage of early T-lineage progenitor cells.
Tetracycline-controlled transgene activation using the ROSA26-iM2-GFP knock-in mouse strain permits GFP monitoring of DOX-regulated transgene-expression
Authors: Wörtge Simone , Eshkind Leonid , Cabezas-Wallscheid Nina , Lakaye Bernard , Kim Jinhyun , Heck Rosario , Abassi Yasmin , Diken Mustafa , Sprengel Rolf , Bockamp Ernesto
Published: September 2010

Background

Conditional gene activation is an efficient strategy for studying gene function in genetically modified animals. Among the presently available gene switches, the tetracycline-regulated system has attracted considerable interest because of its unique potential for reversible and adjustable gene regulation.

Results

To investigate whether the ubiquitously expressed Gt(ROSA)26Sor locus enables uniform DOX-controlled gene expression, we inserted the improved tetracycline-regulated transcription activator iM2 together with an iM2 dependent GFP gene into the Gt(ROSA)26Sor locus, using gene targeting to generate ROSA26-iM2-GFP (R26t1Δ) mice. Despite the presence of ROSA26 promoter driven iM2, R26t1Δ mice showed very sparse DOX-activated expression of different iM2-responsive reporter genes in the brain, mosaic expression in peripheral tissues and more prominent expression in erythroid, myeloid and lymphoid lineages, in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and in olfactory neurons.

Conclusions

The finding that gene regulation by the DOX-activated transcriptional factor iM2 in the Gt(ROSA)26Sor locus has its limitations is of importance for future experimental strategies involving transgene activation from the endogenous ROSA26 promoter. Furthermore, our ROSA26-iM2 knock-in mouse model (R26t1Δ) represents a useful tool for implementing gene function in vivo especially under circumstances requiring the side-by-side comparison of gene manipulated and wild type cells. Since the ROSA26-iM2 mouse allows mosaic gene activation in peripheral tissues and haematopoietic cells, this model will be very useful for uncovering previously unknown or unsuspected phenotypes.
Sub-chronic lung inflammation after airway exposures to Bacillus thuringiensis biopesticides in mice
Authors: Barfod Kenneth K , Poulsen Steen S , Hammer Maria , Larsen Søren T
Published: September 2010

Background

The aim of the present study was to assess possible health effects of airway exposures to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) based biopesticides in mice. Endpoints were lung inflammation evaluated by presence of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), clearance of bacteria from the lung lumen and histological alterations of the lungs. Hazard identifications of the biopesticides were carried out using intratracheal (i.t.) instillation, followed by an inhalation study. The two commercial biopesticides used were based on the Bt. subspecies kurstaki and israelensis, respectively. Groups of BALB/c mice were i.t instilled with one bolus (3.5 × 105 or 3.4 × 106 colony forming units (CFU) per mouse) of either biopesticide. Control mice were instilled with sterile water. BALFs were collected and the inflammatory cells were counted and differentiated. The BALFs were also subjected to CFU counts.

Results

BALF cytology showed an acute inflammatory response dominated by neutrophils 24 hours after instillation of biopesticide. Four days after instillation, the neutrophil number was normalised and inflammation was dominated by lymphocytes and eosinophils, whereas 70 days after instillation, the inflammation was interstitially located with few inflammatory cells present in the lung lumen.

Half of the instilled mice had remaining CFU recovered from BALF 70 days after exposure. To gain further knowledge with relevance for risk assessment, mice were exposed to aerosols of biopesticide one hour per day for 2 × 5 days. Each mouse received 1.9 × 104 CFU Bt israelensis or 2.3 × 103 CFU Bt kurstaki per exposure. Seventy days after end of the aerosol exposures, 3 out of 17 mice had interstitial lung inflammation. CFU could be recovered from 1 out of 10 mice 70 days after exposure to aerosolised Bt kurstaki. Plethysmography showed that inhalation of Bt aerosol did not induce airway irritation.

Conclusions

Repeated low dose aerosol exposures to commercial Bt based biopesticides can induce sub-chronic lung inflammation in mice, which may be the first step in the development of chronic lung diseases. Inhalation of Bt aerosols does not induce airway irritation, which could explain why workers may be less inclined to use a filter mask during the application process, and are thereby less protected from exposure to Bt spores.
Large-scale proteomic identification of S100 proteins in breast cancer tissues
Authors: Cancemi Patrizia , Di Cara Gianluca , Albanese Nadia Ninfa , Costantini Francesca , Marabeti Maria Rita , Musso Rosa , Lupo Carmelo , Roz Elena , Pucci-Minafra Ida
Published: September 2010

Background

Attempts to reduce morbidity and mortality in breast cancer is based on efforts to identify novel biomarkers to support prognosis and therapeutic choices. The present study has focussed on S100 proteins as a potentially promising group of markers in cancer development and progression. One reason of interest in this family of proteins is because the majority of the S100 genes are clustered on a region of human chromosome 1q21 that is prone to genomic rearrangements. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that S100 proteins are often up-regulated in many cancers, including breast, and this is frequently associated with tumour progression.

Methods

Samples of breast cancer tissues were obtained during surgical intervention, according to the bioethical recommendations, and cryo-preserved until used. Tissue extracts were submitted to proteomic preparations for 2D-IPG. Protein identification was performed by N-terminal sequencing and/or peptide mass finger printing.

Results

The majority of the detected S100 proteins were absent, or present at very low levels, in the non-tumoral tissues adjacent to the primary tumor. This finding strengthens the role of S100 proteins as putative biomarkers. The proteomic screening of 100 cryo-preserved breast cancer tissues showed that some proteins were ubiquitously expressed in almost all patients while others appeared more sporadic. Most, if not all, of the detected S100 members appeared reciprocally correlated. Finally, from the perspective of biomarkers establishment, a promising finding was the observation that patients which developed distant metastases after a three year follow-up showed a general tendency of higher S100 protein expression, compared to the disease-free group.

Conclusions

This article reports for the first time the comparative proteomic screening of several S100 protein members among a large group of breast cancer patients. The results obtained strongly support the hypothesis that a significant deregulation of multiple S100 protein members is associated with breast cancer progression, and suggest that these proteins might act as potential prognostic factors for patient stratification. We propose that this may offer a significant contribution to the knowledge and clinical applications of the S100 protein family to breast cancer.
Dietary and physical activity adaptations to alternate day modified fasting: implications for optimal weight loss
Authors: Klempel Monica C , Bhutani Surabhi , Fitzgibbon Marian , Freels Sally , Varady Krista A
Published: September 2010

Background

Alternate day modified fasting (ADMF) is an effective strategy for weight loss in obese adults.

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the dietary and physical activity adaptations that occur during short-term ADMF, and to determine how these modulations affect rate of weight loss.

Methods

Sixteen obese subjects (12 women/4 men) completed a 10-week trial consisting of 3 phases: 1) 2-week control phase, 2) 4-week ADMF controlled feeding phase, and 3) 4-week ADMF self-selected feeding phase.

Results

Body weight decreased (P < 0.001) by 5.6 ± 1.0 kg post-treatment. Energy intake on the fast day was 26 ± 3% of baseline needs (501 ± 28 kcal/d). No hyperphagic response occurred on the feed day (95 ± 6% of baseline needs consumed, 1801 ± 226 kcal/d). Daily energy restriction (37 ± 7%) was correlated to rate of weight loss (r = 0.42, P = 0.01). Dietary fat intake decreased (36% to 33% of kcal, P < 0.05) with dietary counseling, and was related to rate of weight loss (r = 0.38, P = 0.03). Hunger on the fast day decreased (P < 0.05) by week 2, and remained low. Habitual physical activity was maintained throughout the study (fast day: 6416 ± 851 steps/d; feed day: 6569 ± 910 steps/d).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that obese subjects quickly adapt to ADMF, and that changes in energy/macronutrient intake, hunger, and maintenance of physical activity play a role in influencing rate of weight loss by ADMF.
Comparison of two approaches for measuring household wealth via an asset-based index in rural and peri-urban settings of Hunan province, China
Authors: Balen Julie , McManus Donald P , Li Yue-Sheng , Zhao Zheng-Yuan , Yuan Li-Ping , Utzinger Jürg , Williams Gail M , Li Ying , Ren Mao-Yuan , Liu Zong-Chuan , Zhou Jie , Raso Giovanna
Published: September 2010

Background

There are growing concerns regarding inequities in health, with poverty being an important determinant of health as well as a product of health status. Within the People's Republic of China (P.R. China), disparities in socio-economic position are apparent, with the rural-urban gap of particular concern. Our aim was to compare direct and proxy methods of estimating household wealth in a rural and a peri-urban setting of Hunan province, P.R. China.

Methods

We collected data on ownership of household durable assets, housing characteristics, and utility and sanitation variables in two village-wide surveys in Hunan province. We employed principal components analysis (PCA) and principal axis factoring (PAF) to generate household asset-based proxy wealth indices. Households were grouped into quartiles, from 'most wealthy' to 'most poor'. We compared the estimated household wealth for each approach. Asset-based proxy wealth indices were compared to those based on self-reported average annual income and savings at the household level.

Results

Spearman's rank correlation analysis revealed that PCA and PAF yielded similar results, indicating that either approach may be used for estimating household wealth. In both settings investigated, the two indices were significantly associated with self-reported average annual income and combined income and savings, but not with savings alone. However, low correlation coefficients between the proxy and direct measures of wealth indicated that they are not complementary. We found wide disparities in ownership of household durable assets, and utility and sanitation variables, within and between settings.

Conclusion

PCA and PAF yielded almost identical results and generated robust proxy wealth indices and categories. Pooled data from the rural and peri-urban settings highlighted structural differences in wealth, most likely a result of localized urbanization and modernization. Further research is needed to improve measurements of wealth in low-income and transitional country contexts.
Jazz Britannia
Authors: Wall Tim , Long Paul
Published: September 2010

Jazz Britannia is a UK-produced three-part BBC television documentary about the post-war development of jazz in the United Kingdom. We analyse the programmes to examine how the narrative, form and assumptions of the series can be understood within a series of contextual debates about jazz historiography, history on television, and the value of historiographic method in public service television. We utilize the debates around Ken Burns’s US-produced ten-part documentary series Jazz, to develop an argument about the way that the British documentary constructs a very different history from Jazz, but using many of the approaches and techniques deployed by Burns. We locate the series within questions of quality television and other forms of television history. Finally, we seek to explore the way that the programmes produce a totalizing narrative in which the primary material is ordered to tell a predetermined story about innovations and an identifiably British form of jazz.
Review of Elijah Wald, How The Beatles Destroyed Rock ’n’ Roll: An Alternative History of American Popular Music
Authors: Johnson Bruce
Published: September 2010

Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. 336 pp.
The Relationship between Early Reading Skills and Speech and Language Performance in Young Children with Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Chapman Kathy L.
Published: September 2010

Objective

To examine the early reading skills of young children with cleft lip and palate and to examine the relationship between early reading skills and speech and language performance.

Participants

A total of 56 children participated in the study: 28 children with cleft lip and palate and 28 noncleft children matched for age (mean age, 5 years 7 months), gender, and months of formal schooling.

Main Outcome Measures

The two groups of children were compared ( t tests) on the Test of Early Reading-3. Pearson product moment correlations were performed to examine separately the relationship between early reading skills speech production abilities and between early reading skills and receptive and expressive language abilities for the two groups.

Results

Statistically significant group differences were noted on the Test of Early Reading-3. The mean score of 99 obtained by the group of children with cleft lip and palate was within normal limits compared with the norms for the Test of Early Reading-3; however, 14% of the children with cleft lip and palate scored outside the normal range on the Test of Early Reading-3. Statistically significant correlations were obtained between early reading skills and speech production abilities and between early reading skills and language abilities.

Conclusions

Children with cleft lip and palate differed from noncleft peers in speech and early reading skills. Children with the most severe speech problems were the children with the poorest performance on the Test of Early Reading-3. Management of children with cleft lip and palate should include early identification of and intervention for delays in speech, language, and reading.
The Psychosocial Effects of Cleft Lip and Palate in Non-Anglo Populations: A Cross-Cultural Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hutchinson Kathleen , Wellman Maria A. , Noe Douglas A. , Kahn Alice
Published: September 2010

Objective

A meta-analytic study was conducted to examine the cross-cultural psychosocial impact of cleft lip and/or palate in non-Anglo populations.

Design

A total of 333 citations were initially identified for review using electronic and hand-search strategies. Of the six studies that met inclusion criteria, two were later excluded due to insufficient data. The four remaining studies represented a combined sample size of 2276 adolescents and adults with cleft lip and/or palate from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Norway.

Main outcome Measures

Effect size using Cohen's d and confidence intervals were estimated using data from four studies of empirical, controlled study designs.

Results

The magnitude of effect sizes indicated that men ( d = −0.75) with cleft lip and/or palate in non-Anglo cultures are more prone to psychosocial issues than women ( d = −0.33). Adults ( d = −0.50) are more impacted than adolescents ( d = −0.04). Overall, regardless of age, gender, or culture, individuals with cleft lip and/or palate have lower psychosocial development than individuals without cleft lip and/or palate ( d = −0.42).

Conclusion

The effects for the cross-cultural comparisons were moderated by the age group and gender of the participants; however, most studies resulted in negative effect sizes. Health care teams for cleft lip and/or palate should recognize the importance of psychological intervention and family support in the treatment of all patients with cleft lip and/or palate throughout the life span.
Primary Correction of Nasal Septal Deformity in Unilateral Clefts during Lip Repair—A Long-Term Study
Authors: Gawrych Elżbieta , Janiszewska-Olszowska Joanna
Published: September 2010

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effect of primary septal correction carried out during lip closure on the nasal septum.

Materials, Subjects, and Methods

Before primary septal correction was introduced, specimens from the septal cartilage and the anterior nasal spine of 10 deceased newborns and infants were analyzed with the aid of a light microscope to verify the presence of any growth zone. The study group comprised 91 children with unilateral clefts who had undergone primary lip repair with septal correction. The control group comprised 29 children with unilateral clefts operated on without primary septal correction. The appearance of the nasal septum was assessed on extraoral photographs in the second week of life and then 10 to 14 years postoperatively.

Results

Morphologic examination revealed fibrous connective tissue with no signs of growth between the cartilaginous septum and bone. At long-term examination, the study group was found to have a nasal septum that was straight in 75 (83%), moderately deviated in 14 (15%), and severely deviated in two (2%) patients, whereas in the control group, the septum was considered straight in four (14%) children, moderately deviated in 11 (38%), and severely deviated in 14 (48%).

Conclusions

Primary septal correction may be considered safe because no growth zone exists between the septal cartilage and the anterior nasal spine. Careful primary nasal septal correction improves nose shape in a way that allows normal growth.
Three-Dimensional Assessment of Early Surgical Outcome in Repaired Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: Part 1. Nasal Changes
Authors: Ayoub Ashraf , Garrahy Ann , Millett Declan , Bowman Adrian , Siebert J.P. , Miller James , Ray Arup
Published: September 2010

Objective

To evaluate three-dimensional nasal morphology following primary reconstruction in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate relative to contemporaneous noncleft data.

Design

Prospective, cross-sectional, controlled study.

Setting

Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, Faculty of Medicine, Glasgow University.

Patients and Participants

Two groups of 3-year-old children (21 with unilateral cleft lip and palate and 96 controls) with facial images taken using a three-dimensional, vision-based capture technique.

Method

Three-dimensional images of the face were reflected so the cleft was on the left side to create a homogeneous group for statistical analysis. Three-dimensional coordinates of anthropometric landmarks were extracted from facial images by a single operator. A set of linear measurements was used to compare cleft and control subjects on right and left sides, adjusting for sex differences.

Results

The mean nasal base width and the width of the nostril floor on right and left sides differed significantly between control and unilateral cleft lip and palate groups. The measurements were greater in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate. The differences in the mean nasal height and mean nasal projection between the groups were not statistically significant. Mean columellar lengths were different between the left and right sides in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Conclusions

There were significant nasal deformities following the surgical repair of unilateral cleft lip and palate.
Prevention of Retinoic Acid-Induced Early Craniofacial Abnormalities by Vitamin B12 in Mice
Authors: Zhang Zhaofeng , Wang Junbo , Dai Xiaoqian , Ding Ye , Li Yong
Published: September 2010

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to identify the potential effect of prenatal vitamin B12 administration on retinoic acid (RA)-induced early craniofacial abnormalities in mice and to investigate the possible mechanisms by which vitamin B12 reduces malformations.

Design

In our study, whole embryo culture was used to explore the effect of vitamin B12 on mouse embryos during the critical period of organogenesis. All embryos were exposed to 0.4 μM RA and different concentrations of vitamin B12 and scored for their growth in the branchial region at the end of a 48-hour culture period. The endothelin-1 (ET-1)/dHAND protein expression levels in the first branchial arch were investigated using an immunohistochemical method.

Results

In the whole embryo culture, 100 and 10 μM vitamin B12 dose-dependently prevented branchial region malformations and decreased craniofacial defects by 90.5% and 77.3%, respectively. ET-1 and dHAND protein levels were significantly increased in vitamin B12-supplemented embryos compared to the RA-exposed group in embryonic branchial region.

Conclusions

These results suggest that vitamin B12 may prevent RA-induced craniofacial abnormalities via prevention of an RA-induced decrease of ET-1 and dHAND protein levels in the branchial region during the organogenic period. This study may shed new light on preventing craniofacial abnormalities.
Videofluoroscopic and Nasendoscopic Correlates of Speech in Velopharyngeal Dysfunction
Authors: Lipira Angelo B. , Grames Lynn Marty , Molter David , Govier Daniel , Kane Alex A. , Woo Albert S.
Published: September 2010

Objective

To compare videonasendoscopy, lateral videofluoroscopy, and perceptual speech examination in the assessment of velopharyngeal dysfunction.

Design

Retrospective observational.

Setting

Multidisciplinary cleft palate team at a tertiary academic institution.

Patients, Participants

Patients who had undergone videonasendoscopy and lateral videofluoroscopy for suspected velopharyngeal dysfunction at our center were evaluated. Inclusion required that videonasendoscopy, lateral videofluoroscopy, and the perceptual speech exam were performed on the same day. A total of 88 patients were analyzed.

Main outcome Measure(s)

Primary outcome measures included percent closure on videonasendoscopy, percent closure on lateral videofluoroscopy, and quantitative scores for hypernasal resonance, nasal emission, and facial grimace. Additional outcome measures included linear and angular anatomic measurements obtained from lateral videofluoroscopy.

Results

Moderately strong correlation was found between closure estimates of videonasendoscopy and lateral videofluoroscopy (ρ = .583; p < .001). Lateral videofluoroscopy estimates of closure averaged 11.7% higher than videonasendoscopy. Closure correlated moderately with overall speech severity (ρ = .304; p = .005); whereas, a stronger correlation was seen with hypernasal resonance (ρ = –.479; p < .001). Patients exhibiting grimace had worse closure than those without (79.1% versus 70.7%; ρ = .035). Movement angle of the velum and change in genu angle correlated significantly with closure function (ρ = –.304; p = .034 and ρ = –.395; p < .001, respectively).

Conclusions

Videonasendoscopy and lateral videofluoroscopy closure estimates correlated moderately. Lateral videofluoroscopy tended to give smaller gap estimates. Hypernasal resonance and facial grimace are useful clinical indicators of large gap size. Velar movement angle and change in genu angle were identified as anatomical correlates of closure function.
Nasopharyngeal Airway for Management of Airway Obstruction in Infants with Micrognathia
Authors: Parhizkar Nooshin , Saltzman Babette , Grote Kellyn , Starr Jacqueline , Cunningham Michael , Perkins Jonathan , Sie Kathleen
Published: September 2010

Objective

Describe airway management using nasopharyngeal airway in infants.

Design

Retrospective case series (1996 to 2006).

Setting

Tertiary pediatric hospital.

Patients, Participants

The craniofacial database of Seattle Children's Hospital was searched to identify patients with one of the following diagnoses: micrognathia, secondary cleft palate, branchial arch anomalies, Pierre Robin sequence (PRS), or velocardiofacial syndrome. Thirty-five (10.9%) of the 320 infants born between January 1, 1996, and March 31, 2006, identified using the criteria listed above were managed with nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) during infancy.

Interventions

Use of NPA.

Main Outcome Measure

Summary statistics describing the distribution of the infants' demographic characteristics, duration, and timing of their NPA placement, need for tracheotomy, feeding interventions, and death.

Results

Of the 35 patients included in this case series, 60% (21) were male. Eighteen (51.4%) patients had the diagnosis of PRS, 13 (37.1%) had secondary cleft palate and other craniofacial anomalies, and four (11.4%) had branchial anomalies and micrognathia (nonsyndromic or syndromic). Thirty-one children (88.6%) were born at term. Mean and median age at initial NPA placement was 3.2 and 1.3 weeks, respectively; median duration of NPA was 8.0 weeks. Nine children received tracheotomies. Feeding tubes were required in 85.7% of patients. Two children died; however, neither death was attributed to airway obstruction or the use of NPA.

Conclusions

NPA is one option in the management of patients with craniofacial anomalies and airway obstruction. The majority of nonsyndromic PRS patients treated with NPA during infancy did not require airway intervention beyond NPA.
3D Assessment of Lip Scarring and Residual Dysmorphology following Surgical Repair of Cleft Lip and Palate: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Ayoub Ashraf , Bell Aileen , Simmons David , Bowman Adrian , Brown Denise , Lo Tsz-Wai , Xiao Yijun
Published: September 2010

Objective

To evaluate lip scarring and the three-dimensional (3D) lip morphology following primary reconstruction in children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) relative to contemporaneous noncleft data.

Design

Retrospective, cross-sectional, controlled study.

Setting

Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, University of Glasgow, U.K.

Patients and participants

Three groups of 10-year-old children: 51 with UCLP, 43 UCL (unilateral cleft lip), and 68 controls.

Methods

Three-dimensional images of the face were recorded using stereo cameras on a two-pod capture station, and 3D coordinates of anthropometric landmarks were extracted from the facial images. A novel method was applied to quantify residual scarring and the associated lip dysmorphologies. The relationships among outcome measures were investigated.

Results

Residual lip dysmorphologies were more pronounced in UCLP cases. The width of the Cupid's bow was increased due to lateral displacement of the Christa philteri left (cphL) in both UCL and UCLP patients. In the upper part of the lip, the nostril base was significantly wider in UCLP cases when compared with UCL cases and controls. Scar redness was more pronounced in UCL than in UCLP cases. No relationship could be identified between lip scarring and other measurements of lip dysmorphology.

Conclusions

Stereophotogrammetry, together with associated image analysis, allow early detection of residual dysmorphology following cleft repair.
Use of thermal logs to characterize the circulation of fluids: the case of hydrothermal circulations in the Maurienne Valley (Western Alps)
Authors: Menard Gilles , Monin Nathalie , Paillet André
Published: September 2010

Over the last 15 years, several dozen deep boreholes (depths in excess of 500 m) have been drilled in the Maurienne Valley as part of the survey work for the new Lyons-Turin rail link. A number of parameters have been logged in these boreholes as a matter of routine, including data on fluids, such as temperature, electrical conductivity and vertical flow velocity. Because several logging campaigns have been carried out in each borehole, it has generally been possible to separate disturbances caused by the drilling (creation of links between water-bearing fractures, establishment of transitory thermal regimes, drilling-related heating, etc.) from the natural initial thermal state. Consequently, most natural thermal state descriptions are based on reconstructions, rather than on raw data. In many cases, in particular in the Houillère Briançonnaise Zone, this natural thermal state is governed by the circulation of hot and cold fluids. We suggest that these two types of circulation actually form a single circuit, in which cold waters infiltrating in the north-south trending Evaporite Zone and in the carbonates of the Sub-Briançonnais Zone flush deep waters so that they rise preferentially along the axis of the valley in the east-west trending Houillère Zone.

Focal mechanism data and leveling comparisons show that the front of the Houillère Zone (including the evaporites and the Sub-Briançonnais carbonates), which controls infiltration into the system, is currently subject to WNW-ESE extension. The rising hot waters are controlled by the valley, which is an extensional structure perpendicular to the Houillère Zone. This interpretation is in line with the increased heat flow towards the axis of the valley, and with the occurrence of rising thermal waters further down the valley, for example at Echaillon and Les Chavannes. The interaction between these two extensional systems, which has been observed at least on a regional scale, gives a highly dynamic character to the current deformation, as is shown by the new a-seismic tectonic regime that has affected the region since 1995. Given this dynamic character, it is unlikely that a hydraulic-thermal regime has existed undisturbed for more than 15,000 years.

The example described in the present article shows how the repeated logging of thermal data in boreholes over a period of time can help delineate deep circulations. Combined with detailed information about the current deformation regime, this logging data allows a detailed picture of circulation patterns to be drawn.
Development and Agronomic Performance of Transgenic Roundup Ready Spring Wheat in the North Central Plains of the United States
Authors: Mergoum Mohamed , Glover Karl D. , Anderson James A. , Gigax Danny , Berg Jack , Singh Pawan K. , Ransom Joel K. , Isakson Paul J.
Published: September 2010

The launch of commercially available Roundup Ready (RR) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars in 1996 initiated a new era in agricultural weed management. Efforts with the goal of creating commercially available hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; HRSW) cultivars were initiated between Monsanto and three HRSW breeding programs located in the North Central Plains of United States. A backcross (BC) breeding scheme was initiated to introgress the RR trait into four previously released HRSW cultivars with the ultimate goal of offering a novel and cost‐effective weed management option to growers through the application of Roundup herbicide directly over established RR HRSW cultivars. Agronomic field tests were performed in 2002 and 2003 with 12 transgenic backcross‐derived (BCD) RR HRSW breeding lines and four recurrent parent (RP) cultivars in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Grain yield, grain volume weight, and days to heading among the RR HRSW lines were largely similar to their respective RP cultivars. However, plant lodging scores were often significantly lower among the BCD‐RR lines compared to the conventional cultivars.
Optimizing Vetch Nitrogen Production and Corn Nitrogen Accumulation under No‐Till Management
Authors: Cook Justine C. , Gallagher Robert S. , Kaye Jason P. , Lynch Jonathan , Bradley Brosi
Published: September 2010

Legume cover crops can often meet much of the N demand of a crop. There may be, however, an asynchrony between N mineralization from the cover crop residues and crop N uptake, resulting in potentially substantial N loss. We hypothesized that manipulation of hairy vetch (Vicia villosaRoth.) termination and corn (Zea maysL.) planting dates would regulate the quantity of N available from the vetch, the mineralization rate from the vetch residues, and the relative rate of N uptake in the corn. Field experiments were implemented in 2007 and 2008 to study the integrative effects of delaying vetch termination/corn planting through the establishment of three termination/planting dates within the month of May (an early, middle, and late date). Greater vetch biomass was found as the termination date was delayed, with a 360 and 35% biomass gain in 2007 and 2008, respectively, over 4 wk. The soil N content, for all termination dates, followed a similar availability trend across the season in both years, but the quantity of inorganic N in the soil varied depending on termination date. The average corn grain yield in 2007 was 8.0 Mg ha−1under vetch fertilization, with no difference among vetch biomass levels, and in 2008, ranged between 4.4 and 7.6 Mg ha−1, with significant differences depending on vetch biomass level. Our study concluded that although vetch N availability can be manipulated through termination date, the dependence on climate for vetch biomass levels and N release will complicate year‐to‐year predictability.
Length of Caregiving and Well-Being among Older Widowers: Implications for the Dual Process Model of Bereavement
Authors: Richardson Virginia E.
Published: September 2010

The intent of this study was to examine if length of caregiving was associated with older widowers' adjustment to bereavement and to identify factors, based on principles underlying the Dual Process Model of Bereavement, that might mitigate the potential adverse effects of time spent caring. Two-hundred men over the age of 60 and in the second year of bereavement were identified from death records of older women who had died within a 12-month period. Interviews lasted about 2 hours and focused on widowers' experiences surrounding their wives' deaths along with questions about social support, health, retirement, and other demographic information. The Bradburn Affect Scale was used to measure positive and negative affect. Restoration-oriented coping, such as starting new relationships and activities were measured. These variables included extent of family contact, number of friends, having a confidante, involvement with neighbors, and participation in sports and clubs. Time since death and demographic variables were used as controls. Hierarchical linear regression was conducted on positive and negative affect after which potentially moderating effects were analyzed. Results indicated that the most important influences on negative affect were time since death, ethnicity, and participation in clubs while for positive affect the most significant factors included length of caregiving, number of friends, and having a confidante. Although no interaction effects were significant, patterns emerged. Implications for applying the DPM with older bereaved men are made.
Rubber Dam Use During Routine Operative Dentistry Procedures: Findings FromThe Dental PBRN
Authors: Gilbert G. H. , Litaker M. S. , Pihlstrom D. J. , Amundson C. W. , Gordan V. V. ,   for The DPBRN Collaborative Group
Published: September 2010

Clinical Relevance

A routine aspect of procedures involving the placement of dental restorations is whether or not a rubber dam is used. This study documents the use of a rubber dam by dentists in non-academic routine clinical practice, finding that its use is low and significantly associated with certain dentist, restoration and patient characteristics.
Degree of Conversion of Luting Resins Around Ceramic Inlays in Natural Deep Cavities: A Micro-Raman Spectroscopy Analysis
Authors: Lohbauer U. , Pelka M. , Belli R. , Schmitt J. , Mocker E. , Jandt K. D. , Müller F. A.
Published: September 2010

Clinical Relevance

Contrary to previous evidence, the degrees of conversion of resin luting materials have been shown to reach statistically similar values in three different depths around ceramic inlays luted to natural cavities. Both dual-cure and light-cure materials have presented conversion homogeneity, although they have been shown to be material-dependent.
Microtensile Bond Strength of One- and Two-step Self-etching Adhesives on Sclerotic Dentin: The Effects of Thermocycling
Authors: Xie C. , Han Y. , Zhao X. Y. , Wang Z. Y. , He H. M.
Published: September 2010

Clinical Relevance

When compared with a two-step self-etching adhesive, the microtensile bond strength of a one-step self-etch adhesive bonding to both normal and sclerotic dentin was more affected by thermocycling.
Fracture Resistance of Endodontically-treated Teeth: Effect of Combination Bleaching and an Antioxidant
Authors: Khoroushi M. , Feiz A. , Khodamoradi R.
Published: September 2010

Clinical Relevance

The fracture resistance of endodontically-treated teeth decreases after combination bleaching. The use of sodium ascorbate as an antioxidizing agent reverses decreased fracture resistance. In addition, it decreases the treatment period and the risk of catastrophic crown fractures.
A spectral estimate for the Dirac operator on Riemannian flows
Authors: Ginoux Nicolas , Habib Georges
Published: September 2010

We give a new upper bound for the smallest eigenvalues of the Dirac operator on a Riemannian flow carrying transversal Killing spinors. We derive an estimate on both Sasakian and 3-dimensional manifolds, and partially classify those satisfying the limiting case. Finally, we compare our estimate with a lower bound in terms of a natural tensor depending on the eigenspinor.
Reduction of Vibrations of Pedestrian Bridges Using Tuned Mass Dampers (TMD)
Authors: Fiebig Wiesław
Published: September 2010

The reduction of structural vibrations on the example of two pedestrian bridges (in Poznań and Wrocław) with using of tuned mass dampers (TMD) has been presented in the paper. The results of theoretical and experimental studies of pedestrian bridge vibrations has been described and discussed. Basing on the results of calculations and measurements, tuned mass dampers (TMD) has been designed and mounted in the structure of the bridges. The measurements after the assembly of TMD show a high efficiency of vibration damping.
Alternative Validation Practice of an Automated Faulting Measurement Method
Authors: Nazef Abdenour , Mraz Alexander , Choubane Bouzid
Published: September 2010

Several states have adopted profiler-based systems for automatic measurement of faulting in jointed concrete pavements. However, little published work exists that documents the validation process for these automated faulting systems. An alternative practice for making an initial assessment of a newly developed automated faulting method was documented. Findings from this experiment showed that a high-speed inertial profiler used in conjunction with a faulting reference device provides a practical validation method under controlled conditions. Furthermore, the algorithm that controls the automated faulting measurement method provides reliable and highly repeatable faulting results. The test equipment used in the experiment, as well as the data collection process, the analysis, the subsequent findings and recommendations, are documented.
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Modeling of Static Tire–Pavement Interaction
Authors: Wang Guangming , Roque Reynaldo
Published: September 2010

A three-dimensional tire–pavement interaction finite element model (FEM) was developed, calibrated, and validated. First, a three-dimensional model of a radial truck tire was developed on the basis of tire characteristics reported by tire manufacturers using the finite element program ADINA. Contact groups between tire and pavement surfaces were then created, thus establishing a complete tire–pavement interaction model. Tire model properties were calibrated on the basis of measured load–deflection curves from one radial truck tire. The model was then validated by comparing predicted contact stresses with measured stresses from the actual radial truck tire. Contact stress analysis was conducted to evaluate tire responses under different levels of normal load and inflation pressure. Excellent correspondence between predicted and measured contact stresses was observed. This work appears to indicate that tire structure and geometry information reported by tire manufacturers, along with measured load–deflection data, can be used to develop three-dimensional models to predict tire–pavement interface stresses and their effects on pavement performance.
Coagulation factor levels in neurosurgical patients with mild prolongation of prothrombin time: effect on plasma transfusion therapy
Authors: Matevosyan Karén , Madden Christopher , Barnett Samuel L. , Beshay Joseph E. , Rutherford Cynthia , Sarode Ravindra
Published: September 2010

Object

Neurosurgical patients often have mildly prolonged prothrombin time (PT) or international normalized ratio (INR). In the absence of liver disease this mild prolongation appears to be due to the use of very sensitive PT reagents. Therefore, the authors performed relevant coagulation factor assays to assess coagulopathy in such patients. They also compared plasma transfusion practices in their hospital before and after the study.

Methods

The authors tested 30 plasma specimens from 25 patients with an INR of 1.3–1.7 for coagulation factors II, VII, and VIII. They also evaluated plasma orders during the 5-month study period and compared them with similar poststudy periods following changes in plasma transfusion guidelines based on the study results.

Results

At the time of plasma orders the median INR was 1.35 (range 1.3–1.7, normal reference range 0.9–1.2) with a corresponding median PT of 13.6 seconds (range 12.8–17.6 seconds). All partial thromboplastin times were normal (median 29.0 seconds, range 19.3–33.7 seconds). The median factor VII level was 57% (range 25%–124%), whereas the hemostatic levels recommended for major surgery are 15%–25%. Factors II and VIII levels were also within the hemostatic range (median 72% and 118%, respectively). Based on these scientific data, plasma transfusion guidelines were modified and resulted in a 75%–85% reduction in plasma orders for mildly prolonged INR over the next 2 years.

Conclusions

Neurosurgical patients with a mild prolongation of INR (up to 1.7) have hemostatically normal levels of important coagulation factors, and the authors recommend that plasma not be transfused to simply correct this abnormal laboratory value.
Prophylactic correction of the international normalized ratio in neurosurgery: a brief review of a brief literature
Authors: West Kelly L. , Adamson Cory , Hoffman Maureane
Published: September 2010

Prophylactic fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion is often undertaken in hemodynamically stable patients with a minimally elevated international normalized ratio (INR) prior to invasive procedures, despite little evidence in support of this practice. The authors review the current literature in an attempt to clarify best clinical practice with regard to this issue. Although the activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time–INR are useful laboratory tests to measure specific clotting factors in the coagulation cascade, in the absence of active bleeding or a preexisting coagulopathy, their utility as predictors of overall bleeding risk is limited. Several studies have shown an imperfect correlation between mild elevations in the INR and subsequent bleeding tendency. Furthermore, FFP transfusion is not always sufficient to achieve normal INR values in patients who have mild elevations (< 2) to begin with. Finally, there are risks associated with FFP transfusion, including potential transfusion-associated [disease] exposures as well as the time delay imposed by laboratory testing and transfusion administration prior to initiation of procedures. The authors propose that the current concept of a “normal” INR value warrants redefinition to make it a more meaningful clinical tool. Based on their review of the literature, the authors suggest that in a hemodynamically stable patient population there is a range of mildly prolonged INR values for which FFP transfusion is not beneficial, and is potentially harmful.
Defining the “edge of the envelope”: patient selection in treating complex sellar-based neoplasms via transsphenoidal versus open craniotomy
Authors: Zada Gabriel , Du Rose , Laws Edward R.
Published: September 2010

Object

Endonasal approaches have become the gold standard intervention for many anterior and middle skull base tumors. The authors aimed to define some of the existing limitations of these approaches by reviewing their experience with complex sellar region tumors that were initially considered for both transsphenoidal and open skull base approaches and were thus deemed tumors at “the edge of the envelope.”

Methods

Between April 2008 and April 2010, 250 transsphenoidal operations were performed at Brigham and Women's Hospital. All cases were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with complex sellar region tumors that were initially considered for, or soon thereafter required, an open craniotomy as the definitive treatment. The anatomical tumor characteristics that posed limitations to performing safe and effective endonasal skull base operations were reviewed.

Results

Thirteen cases exemplifying some of the existing limitations to achieving optimal surgical outcomes via transsphenoidal-based approaches are presented. The following 8 factors are separately discussed that repeatedly limited the extent of resection, increased the risk of the operation, and contributed to perioperative complications: significant suprasellar extension, lateral extension, retrosellar extension, brain invasion with edema, firm tumor consistency, involvement or vasospasm of the arteries of the circle of Willis, and encasement of the optic apparatus or invasion of the optic foramina.

Conclusions

Although the ability to approach and resect complex tumors using endonasal skull base techniques has evolved dramatically in recent years, several inherent tumor characteristics mandate extensive preoperative consideration. In selected cases these characteristics may lend support to selecting an open craniotomy as the initial operation.