bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling, control and experimental characterization of microbiorobots
Authors: Mahmut Selman Sakar  , Steager Edward B , Dal Hyung Kim  , Agung Julius A. , Kim MinJun , Kumar Vijay , Pappas George J
Published: January 2011

In this paper, we describe how motile microorganisms can be integrated with engineered microstructures to develop a micro-bio-robotic system. SU-8 microstructures blotted with swarmer cells of Serratia Marcescens in a monolayer are propelled by the bacteria in the absence of any environmental stimulus. We call such microstructures with bacteria MicroBioRobots (MBRs) and the uncontrolled motion in the absence of stimuli self actuation. Our paper has two primary contributions. First, we demonstrate the control of MBRs using self actuation and DC electric fields, and develop an experimentally validated mathematical model for the MBRs. This model allows us to use self actuation and electrokinetic actuation to steer the MBR to any position and orientation in a planar micro channel. Second, we combine our experimental setup and a feedback control algorithm to steer robots with micrometer accuracy in two spatial dimensions. We describe the fabrication process for MBRs and show experimental results demonstrating actuation and control.
The Evolution of NAFTA
Authors: Sehgal Sheveta
Published: January 2011

Today, the world has indeed become more sharply demarcated in regional terms. The tendency for regionalism is evident both in developed as well as developing countries. The three distinct dimensions of regional space for the tendency to regionalism are: area (commonly known as territory); contiguity (parts are proximate to other or remote); and size (the extent of its scope). After the end of the Cold War phase in international politics, some very important developments took place, that is, ‘regionalism’. Regionalism has become an inescapable international political reality and an acceptable alternative to understand unilateral action and undependable United Nations (UN) intervention. Europe was merely a starting point for a further set of comparable experiments in integration. And, on the heels of European experience, there duly came attempts to create common markets and free trade associations in the Middle East, Africa, the Pacific and the Americas: the world was indeed filled in the 1960s with proposals for North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Pacific Free Trade Area (PAFTA), Latin American Free Trade Association (LAFTA) and even more. The NAFTA is the single example of a free trade area representing a group of two developed and one developing country. The NAFTA involves the creation of the world’s largest free trade agreement (FTA), with combined gross national product (GNP) of $6.3 trillion and a population of 363 million. The NAFTA, unlike other trade agreements, is not concerned exclusively with trade but also deals with environmental and labour standards. It is the first case of a developing country’s accession to this type of agreement with developed states on a fully reciprocal basis.
Variants of the human PPARG locus and the susceptibility to chronic periodontitis
Authors: Folwaczny Matthias , Manolis Vasilios , Markus Christian , Glas Jürgen
Published: January 2011

Apart from its regulatory function in lipid and glucose metabolism, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ has impact on the regulation of inflammation and bone metabolism. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of five polymorphisms (rs10865710, rs2067819, rs3892175, rs1801282, rs3856806) within the PPARG gene with chronic periodontitis. The study population comprised 402 periodontitis patients and 793 healthy individuals. Genotyping of the PPARG gene polymorphisms was performed by PCR and melting curve analysis. Comparison of frequency distribution of genotypes between individuals with periodontal disease and healthy controls for the polymorphism rs3856806 showed a P-value of 0.04 but failed to reach significance after correction for multiple testing ( P < 0.01). Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs10865710 and rs3892175) were found to be in strong linkage disequilibrium to rs2067819 (D’ > 0.90). A 3-site analysis (rs2067819-rs1801282-rs3856860) revealed five haplotypes with a frequency of ≥1% among cases and controls. Following adjustment for age, gender and smoking, none of the haplotypes was significantly different between periodontitis and healthy controls after Bonferroni correction. This study could not show a significant association between PPARG gene variants and chronic periodontitis.
A novel operative technique for concealed penis secondary to penoscrotal web: a case report
Authors: Şenaylı Atilla , Şenaylı Yeşim
Published: January 2011

Contemporary surgical techniques for concealed penis defined in the literature are sophisticated and, because of this, we decided to perform a simple technique. A child with penoscrotal web was admitted to our Pediatric Surgery Clinic. The patient had recurrent urinary tract infections without urinary tract disease and, therefore, web reconstruction was thought to be useful. A modified unfurling technique and penoscrotal angle reconstruction was used. The main characteristic of our procedure can basically be described as an oblique incision of the outer foreskin leaf which guides the next steps. We report the operative and clinical course of the patient. We demonstrated that the penoscrotal web was treated simply and effectively as an outpatient procedure. In addition, in the follow-up period, we found that the patient had acceptable and cosmetic penile skin.
Visual observation of effect of tilting tool on forging action during FSW of aluminium sheet
Authors: Zhang G F , Su W , Zhang J , Zhang J X
Published: January 2011

Using a backing plate with prepared grooves of various lengths, the distribution features of forging result and the effect of tool tilt angle on forging action were investigated by visualisation. The height of the profile of Al extruded into the grooves increased with increasing tool tilt angle, showing that the forging effect can be enhanced by tilting tool. It was primarily attributed to the increase in actual forging force, because the measured downward forging forces at 0 and 3° tilt angles were 500 and 1500 N respectively. Moreover, the forging force was found to be composed of static component and dynamic component, and the latter resulted from the horizontal compressive force of moving worktable. Although the width of forging affected zone (FAZ) can reach the area covered by shoulder, the distribution of forging result was not uniform. So, small pin and considerable tool tilt angle are beneficial to eliminating void.
High speed imaging technique Part 1 – high speed imaging of arc welding phenomena
Authors: Ogawa Y
Published: January 2011

A high speed imaging technique is an attractive tool to elucidate arc welding phenomena. In this study, applications of this technique have been reviewed to aid understanding of arc welding phenomena. Laser illumination with narrow band interference filter is useful to reduce output power of external light. A monochromatic imaging technique is useful for precise measurements. Using narrow band interference filters in infrared wavelength is convenient to evaluate an approximate overview of arc process. It is possible to evaluate surface temperatures of electrode and molten pool. Spectrum distributions of welding and their time series acquisitions are easily obtained using a high speed camera with a special prism attached on the camera. Simultaneous use of many high speed cameras with different wavelength sensitivities aid accurate understanding of physical phenomena during welding. While collection of large datasets from high speed observations leads to data manipulation problems, suitable image analysis techniques allow important characteristics to be extracted in a simple, compact form.
Characterisation of interface of steel/magnesium FSW
Authors: Schneider C , Weinberger T , Inoue J , Koseki T , Enzinger N
Published: January 2011

Mild steel with/without zinc coating and magnesium alloy AZ31B were lap joined by friction stir welding during the tool plunging through the magnesium into the steel. With increasing welding speed, the fracture strength increases. At the interface of zinc coated steel and magnesium, a liquid eutectic layer was detected for higher but not for lower welding speeds. At the interface between the steel without zinc coating and magnesium, no melting could be detected.
Imatinib mesylate versus allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in the accelerated phase
Authors: Jiang Qian , Xu Lan-Ping , Liu Dai-Hong , Liu Kai-Yan , Chen Shan-Shan , Jiang Bin , Jiang Hao , Chen Huan , Chen Yu-Hong , Han Wei , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Wang Yu , Qin Ya-Zhen , Liu Yan-Rong , Lai Yue-Yun , Huang Xiao-Jun
Published: January 2011

The relative merits of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and imatinib for chronic myelogenous leukemia in the accelerated phase (AP-CML) have not previously been evaluated. This cohort study was designed to compare the outcomes of imatinib (n = 87) versus allo-HSCT (n = 45) for AP-CML. A multivariate analysis of the total population revealed that a CML duration ≥ 12 months, hemoglobin < 100 g/L, and peripheral blood blasts ≥ 5% were independent adverse prognostic factors for both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Both treatments resulted in similar survival in low-risk (no factor) patients, with 6-year event-free survival (EFS), OS, and PFS rates of more than 80.0%. Intermediate-risk (any factor) patients showed no difference in EFS and OS, but 6-year PFS rates were 55.7% versus 92.9% (P = .047) with imatinib versus allo-HSCT, respectively. Among high-risk (at least 2 factors) patients, imatinib was by far inferior to allo-HSCT, with 5-year EFS, OS, and PFS rates of 9.3% versus 66.7% (P = .034), 17.7% versus 100% (P = .008), and 18.8% versus 100% (P = .006), respectively. We conclude that allo-HSCT confers significant survival advantages for high- and intermediate-risk patients with AP-CML compared with imatinib treatment; however, the outcomes of the 2 therapies are equally good in low-risk patients. All trials were registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (www.chictr.org) as CHiCTR-TNC-10000955.
The discovery of potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: A combination of pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, and molecular docking studies
Authors: Lu Shin-Hua , Wu Josephine W , Liu Hsuan-Liang , Zhao Jian-Hua , Liu Kung-Tien , Chuang Chih-Kuang , Lin Hsin-Yi , Tsai Wei-Bor , Ho Yih
Published: January 2011

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia characterized by progressive cognitive impairment in the elderly people. The most dramatic abnormalities are those of the cholinergic system. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) plays a key role in the regulation of the cholinergic system, and hence, inhibition of AChE has emerged as one of the most promising strategies for the treatment of AD.

Methods

In this study, we suggest a workflow for the identification and prioritization of potential compounds targeted against AChE. In order to elucidate the essential structural features for AChE, three-dimensional pharmacophore models were constructed using Discovery Studio 2.5.5 (DS 2.5.5) program based on a set of known AChE inhibitors.

Results

The best five-features pharmacophore model, which includes one hydrogen bond donor and four hydrophobic features, was generated from a training set of 62 compounds that yielded a correlation coefficient of R = 0.851 and a high prediction of fit values for a set of 26 test molecules with a correlation of R2 = 0.830. Our pharmacophore model also has a high Güner-Henry score and enrichment factor. Virtual screening performed on the NCI database obtained new inhibitors which have the potential to inhibit AChE and to protect neurons from Aβ toxicity. The hit compounds were subsequently subjected to molecular docking and evaluated by consensus scoring function, which resulted in 9 compounds with high pharmacophore fit values and predicted biological activity scores. These compounds showed interactions with important residues at the active site.

Conclusions

The information gained from this study may assist in the discovery of potential AChE inhibitors that are highly selective for its dual binding sites.
Nogo-B regulates migration and contraction of airway smooth muscle cells by decreasing ARPC 2/3 and increasing MYL-9 expression
Authors: Xu Wujian , Hong Weijun , Shao Yan , Ning Yunye , Cai Zailong , Li Qiang
Published: January 2011

Background

Abnormal proliferation, apoptosis, migration and contraction of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells in airway remodeling in asthma are basically excessive repair responses to a network of inflammatory mediators such as PDGF, but the mechanisms of such responses remain unclear. Nogo-B, a member of the reticulum family 4(RTN4), is known to play a key role in arteriogenesis and tissue repair. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of Nogo-B in airway smooth muscle abnormalities.

Methods

A mouse model of chronic asthma was established by repeated OVA inhalation and subjected to Nogo-B expression analysis using immunohistochemistry and Western Blotting. Then, primary human bronchial smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs) were cultured in vitro and a siRNA interference was performed to knockdown the expression of Nogo-B in the cells. The effects of Nogo-B inhibition on PDGF-induced HBSMCs proliferation, migration and contraction were evaluated. Finally, a proteomic analysis was conducted to unveil the underlying mechanisms responsible for the function of Nogo-B.

Results

Total Nogo-B expression was approximately 3.08-fold lower in chronic asthmatic mice compared to naïve mice, which was obvious in the smooth muscle layer of the airways. Interference of Nogo-B expression by siRNA resulted nearly 96% reduction in mRNA in cultured HBSMCs. In addition, knockdown of Nogo-B using specific siRNA significantly decreased PDGF-induced migration of HBSMCs by 2.3-fold, and increased the cellular contraction by 16% compared to negative controls, but had limited effects on PDGF-induced proliferation. Furthermore, using proteomic analysis, we demonstrate that the expression of actin related protein 2/3 complex subunit 5 (ARPC 2/3) decreased and, myosin regulatory light chain 9 isoform a (MYL-9) increased after Nogo-B knockdown.

Conclusions

These data define a novel role for Nogo-B in airway remodeling in chronic asthma. Endogenous Nogo-B, which may exert its effects through ARPC 2/3 and MYL-9, is necessary for the migration and contraction of airway smooth muscle cells.
Effector granules in human T lymphocytes: the luminal proteome of secretory lysosomes from human T cells
Authors: Schmidt Hendrik , Gelhaus Christoph , Nebendahl Melanie , Lettau Marcus , Lucius Ralph , Leippe Matthias , Kabelitz Dietrich , Janssen Ottmar
Published: January 2011

Background

Cytotoxic cells of the immune system have evolved a lysosomal compartment to store and mobilize effector molecules. In T lymphocytes and NK cells, the death factor FasL is one of the characteristic marker proteins of these so-called secretory lysosomes, which combine properties of conventional lysosomes and exocytotic vesicles. Although these vesicles are crucial for immune effector function, their protein content in T cells has so far not been investigated in detail.

Results

In the present study, intact membranous vesicles were enriched from homogenates of polyclonally activated T cells and initially characterized by Western blotting and electron microscopic inspection. The vesicular fraction that contained the marker proteins of secretory lysosomes was subsequently analyzed by 2D electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. The proteome analysis and data evaluation revealed that 70% of the 397 annotated proteins had been associated with different lysosome-related organelles in previous proteome studies.

Conclusion

We provide the first comprehensive proteome map of T cell-derived secretory lysosomes with only minor contaminations by cytosolic, nuclear or other proteins. This information will be useful to more precisely address the activation-dependent maturation and the specific distribution of effector organelles and proteins in individual T or NK cell populations in future studies.
Human herpesvirus 6 major immediate early promoter has strong activity in T cells and is useful for heterologous gene expression
Authors: Matsuura Masaaki , Takemoto Masaya , Yamanishi Koichi , Mori Yasuko
Published: January 2011

Background

Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is a beta-herpesvirus. HHV-6 infects and replicates in T cells. The HHV-6-encoded major immediate early gene (MIE) is expressed at the immediate-early infection phase. Human cytomegalovirus major immediate early promoter (CMV MIEp) is commercially available for the expression of various heterologous genes. Here we identified the HHV-6 MIE promoter (MIEp) and compared its activity with that of CMV MIEp in various cell lines.

Methods

The HHV-6 MIEp and some HHV-6 MIEp variants were amplified by PCR from HHV-6B strain HST. These fragments and CMV MIEp were subcloned into the pGL-3 luciferase reporter plasmid and subjected to luciferase reporter assay. In addition, to investigate whether the HHV-6 MIEp could be used as the promoter for expression of foreign genes in a recombinant varicella-zoster virus, we inserted HHV-6 MIEp-DsRed expression casette into the varicella-zoster virus genome.

Results

HHV-6 MIEp showed strong activity in T cells compared with CMV MIEp, and the presence of intron 1 of the MIE gene increased its activity. The NF-κB-binding site, which lies within the R3 repeat, was critical for this activity. Moreover, the HHV-6 MIEp drove heterologous gene expression in recombinant varicella-zoster virus-infected cells.

Conclusions

These data suggest that HHV-6 MIEp functions more strongly than CMV MIEp in various T-cell lines.
Luteal blood flow in patients undergoing GnRH agonist long protocol
Authors: Takasaki Akihisa , Tamura Isao , Kizuka Fumie , Lee Lifa , Maekawa Ryo , Asada Hiromi , Taketani Toshiaki , Tamura Hiroshi , Shimamura Katsunori , Morioka Hitoshi , Sugino Norihiro
Published: January 2011

Background

Blood flow in the corpus luteum (CL) is closely related to luteal function. It is unclear how luteal blood flow is regulated. Standardized ovarian-stimulation protocol with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa long protocol) causes luteal phase defect because it drastically suppresses serum LH levels. Examining luteal blood flow in the patient undergoing GnRHa long protocol may be useful to know whether luteal blood flow is regulated by LH.

Methods

Twenty-four infertile women undergoing GnRHa long protocol were divided into 3 groups dependent on luteal supports; 9 women were given ethinylestradiol plus norgestrel (Planovar) orally throughout the luteal phase (control group); 8 women were given HCG 2,000 IU on days 2 and 4 day after ovulation induction in addition to Planovar (HCG group); 7 women were given vitamin E (600 mg/day) orally throughout the luteal phase in addition to Planovar (vitamin E group). Blood flow impedance was measured in each CL during the mid-luteal phase by transvaginal color-pulsed-Doppler-ultrasonography and was expressed as a CL-resistance index (CL-RI).

Results

Serum LH levels were remarkably suppressed in all the groups. CL-RI in the control group was more than the cutoff value (0.51), and only 2 out of 9 women had CL-RI values < 0.51. Treatments with HCG or vitamin E significantly improved the CL-RI to less than 0.51. Seven of the 8 women in the HCG group and all of the women in the vitamin E group had CL-RI < 0.51.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing GnRHa long protocol had high luteal blood flow impedance with very low serum LH levels. HCG administration improved luteal blood flow impedance. This suggests that luteal blood flow is regulated by LH.
Coagulation and Fibrinolytic Disturbances in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Mannerås-Holm Louise , Baghaei Fariba , Holm Göran , Janson Per Olof , Ohlsson Claes , Lönn Malin , Stener-Victorin Elisabet
Published: January 2011

Context:

Studies of fibrinolysis/coagulation status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are contradictory.

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to investigate whether women with PCOS have disturbed circulating levels of fibrinolysis/coagulation markers and, if so, whether the disturbances are related to hemodynamics, metabolic variables, sex steroids, SHBG, lipids, and inflammatory variables in women with PCOS.

Design/Main Outcome Measures:

Anthropometric variables, hemodynamics, circulating hemostatic and inflammatory markers, and serum lipid profile were measured in women with untreated PCOS (n = 74) and controls (n = 31).

Results:

After adjustments for age and body mass index (BMI), circulating plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) activity and fibrinogen levels were higher in women with PCOS than controls; lipid profile, blood pressure, and levels of D-dimer, von Willebrand factor, factor VIII, tissue plasminogen activator, and inflammatory markers were comparable in the two groups. In multiple linear regression analyses including women with PCOS, low SHBG and high insulin predicted high PAI-1 activity (R2 = 0.526; P < 0.001); elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and soluble E-selectin in combination with heart rate predicted high fibrinogen (R2 = 0.333; P < 0.001). Differences in PAI-1 activity were not significant after adjustments for age, BMI, SHBG, and insulin.

Conclusions:

PCOS is characterized by a prothrombotic state, as reflected by increased PAI-1 activity and fibrinogen, without signs of dyslipidemia or a proinflammatory state. Low SHBG and high insulin may partly explain the BMI-independent difference in PAI-1 activity between women with PCOS and controls. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and E-selectin may be involved in regulating fibrinogen in PCOS.
Sex Selection and Gender Balance
Authors: Bhaskar V
Published: January 2011

We model the equilibrium sex ratio when parents can choose the sex of their child. With intrinsic son preference, sex selection results in a male-biased sex ratio. This is inefficient due to a marriage market congestion externality. Medical innovations that facilitate selection aggravate the inefficiency. If son preference arises endogenously, due to population growth causing an excess supply of women on the marriage market, selection may improve welfare. Empirically, sex selection causes an excess of males and reduces welfare in China. In most parts of India, cohort sizes are growing, implying an excess supply of women. (JEL J12, J13, J16, O15, P23)
Too Many Products: Decentralized Decision Making in Multinational Firms
Authors: Thomas Catherine
Published: January 2011

I analyze country-level product ranges offered by multinational laundry detergent manufacturers in Western Europe. Observed product range variation across countries exceeds the optimal firm-level response to differences in consumer preferences and retail environments. Counterfactual analysis reveals that increased product range standardization would reduce firm costs and increase profits. These findings are consistent with theory models of local agency, where decentralized decision making can be the constrained optimal organizational form despite the resulting lack of coordination across divisions. My analysis suggests that organizational structure affects product market outcomes and firm performance. (JEL D23, F23, L21, L25, L65)
Incentives and Innovation: A Multitasking Approach
Authors: Hellmann Thomas , Thiele Veikko
Published: January 2011

This paper develops a multitask model where employees make choices between their assigned standard tasks, for which the firm has a performance measure and provides incentives, and privately observed innovation opportunities that fall outside of the performance metrics, and require ex post bargaining. If innovations are highly firm specific, firms provide lower-powered incentives for standard tasks to encourage more innovation, yet in equilibrium employees undertake too few innovations. The opposite occurs if innovations are less firm specific. We also investigate the effectiveness of several possibilities to encourage innovation, such as tolerance for failure, stock-based compensation, and the allocation of intellectual property rights. (JEL D21, J33, M12, O31, O34)
Surgical outcomes and prognostic factors of transsphenoidal surgery for prolactinoma in men: a single-center experience with 87 consecutive cases
Authors: Qu Xin , Wang Min , Wang Guodong , Han Tao , Mou Chengzhi , Han Lizhang , Jiang Meng , Qu Yuanming , Zhang Miao , Pang Qi , Xu Guangming
Published: January 2011

Context

Little systematic data on male prolactinomas treated with surgery are available.

Objective

To clarify the clinical features and confirm the efficacy of transsphenoidal surgery for male prolactinomas and predictive factors after initial surgery.

Patients and methods

This retrospective study included 87 male patients with prolactinoma treated by transsphenoidal surgery at an academic medical center. Hormonal and visual status, remission rates, and the rate of tumor relapse, as well as predictive factors, were evaluated.

Results

Postoperative initial remission was achieved in 52.9% of patients. The remission rate was markedly higher in microadenomas (83.3%) than in macroadenomas (44.9%). Logistic regression analysis showed that the predictive factors of the early negative outcomes were high preoperative prolactin (PRL) levels and tumor invasion. After a median follow-up of 45 months, the long-term remission rate was 42.5%, and relapse of hyperprolactinemia occurred in 19.6% of the cured patients. The 5-year recurrence-free survival was 78.2% (95% confidence interval, 62.3–88.1%). When surgery was followed by adjuvant treatment in uncured and recurrent patients, 78.8% of patients in the entire group in the absence of dopamine agonists obtained biochemical remission at the end of follow-up.

Conclusion

Transsphenoidal surgery is a viable treatment alternative for male prolactinomas. The remission rates of male patients with microadenomas and/or intrasellar macroprolactinomas by surgery alone remain excellent, and surgery followed by adjuvant therapy as necessary is required for optimizing management of male prolactinomas, especially for extrasellar macroprolactinomas. The early negative results are associated with preoperative PRL levels and tumor invasion.
Assessment of ACTH assay variability: a multicenter study
Authors: Pecori Giraldi Francesca , Saccani Andrea , Cavagnini Francesco , _ _
Published: January 2011

Objective

Measurement of plasma ACTH plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and treatment of several endocrine disorders. Little is known, however, on the variability of ACTH assay results and its impact on clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to assess the performance of routine plasma ACTH measurements.

Design

Twenty-five fresh-frozen plasma samples collected from patients with either high, low, or normal ACTH concentrations were measured using seven different assays by 35 different laboratories. Assay precision, method agreement, and result classification were estimated.

Results

Inter- and intra-assay coefficient of variation varied considerably with some assays achieving <10%, others consistently achieving >20%. Overall method agreement was good (mean ratio versus target value 1.02) but subject to exceedingly large excursion (lower and upper limits of agreement at 0.13 and 1.91 respectively). Both differences between assays and between laboratories contributed to variability of method agreement. Assays correctly classified most patients with normal and high ACTH concentrations (90% (95% CI 82–97%) and 95% (95% CI 86–100%) respectively), whereas only 60% (95% CI 52–67%) of measurements from patients with low ACTH values were assigned correctly.

Conclusions

Field ACTH assays have to be interpreted with caution as they are burdened by high variability and often fail to correctly identify patients with suppressed ACTH secretion. The endocrine community has to include ACTH assays among those requiring standardization.
‘The foreign teacher is an idiot’
Authors: Stanley Phiona
Published: January 2011

This paper examines Western teachers’ and Chinese students’ assumptions about second language acquisition and the nature of language itself. It explores the interaction of outward classroom behaviours derived from these assumptions as symbols that may be misunderstood across cultures, using symbolic interactionism as a theoretical framework. Said’s Orientalism, and its mirror image, Occidentalism, inform the intercultural (mis)communication in this context, which is a public university in Shanghai. The study found that the student participants conceptualized language as a set of discrete, quantifiable items. In this view, language is learned by acquiring more items rather than by developing discourse and other competences. Students’ beliefs are at odds with the theories of language and language learning implicit in the (weak) communicative methodology used by the Western participant teachers. However, students perceived their teachers’ classroom behaviours as indicative of their ineffectiveness rather than as indicative of differences in underpinning theoretical models.
Frequencies of Diploid Males in Natural Populations of Three North American Bumble Bee (Bombus) Species (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Whidden Troy L , Owen Robin E
Published: January 2011

We used four DNA microsatellite markers and detected diploid males in two out of three species of North American bumble bees from Alberta, Canada. The estimated average proportion of diploid males, , in Bombus occidentalis Greene and Bombus perplexus Cresson was ≈ 3% (n = 112) and 6% (n = 104), respectively. However, there was no significant difference between these estimates. Because no diploid males were detected in the sample (n = 81) of Bombus terricola Kirby, no estimate of could be made directly, but the upper limit to that would be found in a sample of this size, was ≈ 4%. The average over the three species was ≈ 4%. This is the first report of diploid males in natural populations of North American bumble bees.
Artificial Selection for Developmental Rates in Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Its Implications on the Design of Feeding Studies
Authors: Nagoshi Rodney N
Published: January 2011

The understanding of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), physiology has frequently suffered from discrepancies between different studies. One potential source of error is the assumption that laboratory colonies are sufficiently representative of wild populations that their biological parameters can be generalized. This is unlikely to be valid if the phenotype in question exhibits extensive genetic variation in the natural population, in which case laboratory lines can only be expected to contain a subset of the relevant genotypes. Here, I investigated whether this is a concern for experiments measuring larval developmental rate, a parameter frequently used to assess the relative resistance of different plant lines to fall armyworm herbivory. To estimate the genetic variation in this phenotype a simple selection experiment was performed to determine whether significantly different developmental rates could be isolated from inbred laboratory colonies representing the fall armyworm subgroup (rice-strain) that is the primary pest of pasture grasses. The results indicate that a strong genetic component influences larval development. Therefore, the average larval duration of the test population for a given treatment will depend on its genotypic composition that could vary significantly with different colonies. The implications of these findings on designing and evaluating feeding studies for fall armyworm are discussed.
Temporal and Species Variation in Cold Hardiness Among Invasive Rhizophagous Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in a Northern Hardwood Forest
Authors: Coyle David R , Duman John G , Raffa Kenneth F
Published: January 2011

A complex of invasive rhizophagous weevils has established in North American northern hardwood forests. Little is known regarding the overwintering biology of these weevils and thus how cold hardiness and weather affect population dynamics. Field data from winter 2006–2007 showed a decline in larval abundance but an increase in larval weight of the surviving individuals. During winter 2008–2009, we examined several aspects of overwintering biology of Phyllobius oblongus (L.), Polydrusus sericeus (Schaller), and Barypeithes pellucidus (Boheman). Larvae were collected in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and transported in bulk field soil to the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN, for laboratory assays. Supercooling points (SCPs) of P. oblongus and B. pellucidus larvae not in contact with ice were highest in October and lowest in March, but SCPs of larvae that were in contact with ice did not differ among sampling dates. Larval cold tolerance increased over the winter, with 11% of P. oblongus and 40% of P. sericeus surviving 24 h at -12°C. Few B. pellucidus or P. oblongus survived 30 d at temperatures of -3.3°C or lower. Body water content increased from January to March in P. sericeus and B. pellucidus. Larval hemolymph from all species showed some thermal hysteresis and hexagonal crystal formation, indicative of low levels of antifreeze proteins or glycolipids. These subterranean-dwelling larvae are buffered from ambient winter temperatures, but our data also suggest low levels of freeze avoidance. We discuss how these overwintering strategies may affect adult population dynamics.
Science as a fundamental framework for shaping policy discussions regarding the use of groundwater in the State of Michigan: a case study
Authors: Steinman Alan D. , Nicholas James R. , Seelbach Paul W. , Allan Jon W. , Ruswick Frank
Published: January 2011

The availability and use of freshwater is a growing concern in the United States and around the globe. Despite apparently abundant water resources, several conflicts over water use have emerged in the Great Lakes region and the State of Michigan. These conflicts resulted in state legislation that both addresses water withdrawal from the Great Lakes Basin and requires the State of Michigan to begin a process to address the sustainability of water resources. The former resulted in Michigan's support of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Water Resources Compact, whereas the latter resulted in the formation of a Groundwater Conservation Advisory Council. This paper focuses primarily on the Council, describing its formation, and the products it generated. In particular, we focus on the development of indicators of sustainable use of water, the creation of a water withdrawal assessment process to determine if a proposed withdrawal will create an adverse resource impact in the state, and how the lessons learned in Michigan may be applied to other units of government addressing similar issues. Attention is also given to the Compact, as it provides important context for the Council's formation.
Household demand for improved water supply services in Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebreegziabher Kinfe , Tadesse Tewodros
Published: January 2011

With population growth and urbanization, demand for improved water services has been growing. It is imperative therefore to examine different factors that influence demand for improved water services and the resultant welfare changes. Using cross-sectional household survey data collected through structured questionnaire from ten administrative units in Mekelle City, we estimate household willingness to pay models and identify major determinant factors of demand for improved water service. In order to help us do this, we considered selection issues and estimated models using the Heckman Two-Step Estimator. Our results show that the amount of bid (amount of money households would be willing to pay) that households (already connected to private taps) would be willing to pay is positively associated with household income, ownership of the house, price of vended water and the practice of water purification. For households who are not connected to private taps, the amount they would be willing to pay for (improved) private tap connection is positively associated with formal education, housing status and gender. We also investigate the welfare gains and losses as a result of improved water service. Analytical results show that, as the number of households who subscribe to improved water service increases, there is a gain in surplus for households and revenue (producer surplus) for the municipality.
Matching alternative water services to industry type: an eco-industrial approach
Authors: Cook S. , Sharma A. , Batten D. , Burn S.
Published: January 2011

This paper presents a framework for the matching industry clusters to appropriate alternative water sources using an eco-industrial approach. Alternative water sources are increasingly being considered in new industrial developments to reduce demand on potable supply and improve sustainability performance. The suitability of alternative water sources for industrial development is influenced both by the demand profile of the industrial tenants and the limitations and opportunities presented by the local environment. This paper demonstrates an approach that integrates the principals of industrial ecology for considering the feasibility of alternative water services in a new industrial estate. The application of industrial ecology principles takes a site specific approach that considers the opportunities and limitations offered by the local environment and existing regional industries in moving towards sustainable water services. Industrial ecology facilitates opportunities for planning symbiosis between industries through by-product exchange, water cascading and cooperative infrastructure. The framework was applied to a new industrial development in Melbourne, Australia; with the assessment of alternative water sources part of a larger project that had the purpose of identifying regional by-product synergies based on materials, energy and water exchanges between businesses. The feasibility assessment detailed demonstrates that suitability of alternative water sources varies depending on the industry water demand profile. The paper demonstrates that the application of industrial ecology principles can be used to consider the feasibility of alternative water sources based on the regional context and the demand profile of industries locating to an eco-industrial park.
“Fulfilling the chief of his duties as a physician”: Harvey Cushing, selective dorsal rhizotomy and elective spine surgery for quality of life
Authors: Dasenbrock Hormuzdiyar H. , Pendleton Courtney , McGirt Matthew J. , Sciubba Daniel M. , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Bydon Ali
Published: January 2011

At the beginning of the 20th century, the development of safer anesthesia, antiseptic techniques, and meticulous surgical dissection led to a substantial decrease in operative risk. In turn, the scope of surgery expanded to include elective procedures performed with the intention of improving the quality of life of patients. Between 1908 and 1912, Harvey Cushing performed 3 dorsal rhizotomies to improve the quality of life of 3 patients with debilitating neuralgia: a 54-year-old man with “lightning” radicular pain from tabes dorsalis, a 12-year-old boy cutaneous hyperesthesia and spasticity in his hemiplegic arm, and a 61-year-old man with postamputation neuropathic pain. Symptomatic improvement was seen postoperatively in the first 2 cases, although the third patient continued to have severe pain. Cushing also removed a prominent spinous process from each of 2 patients with debilitating headaches; both patients, however, experienced only minimal postoperative improvement. These cases, which have not been previously published, highlight Cushing's views on the role of surgery and illustrate the broader movement that occurred in surgery at the time, whereby elective procedures for quality of life became performed and accepted.
Variation of patient characteristics, management, and outcome with timing of surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Mahaney Kelly B. , Todd Michael M. , Torner James C.
Published: January 2011

Object

The past 30 years have seen a shift in the timing of surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Earlier practices of delayed surgery that were intended to avoid less favorable surgical conditions have been replaced by a trend toward early surgery to minimize the risks associated with rebleeding and vasospasm. Yet, a consensus as to the optimal timing of surgery has not been reached. The authors hypothesized that earlier surgery, performed using contemporary neurosurgical and neuroanesthesia techniques, would be associated with better outcomes when using contemporary management practices, and sought to define the optimal time interval between SAH and surgery.

Methods

Data collected as part of the Intraoperative Hypothermia for Aneurysm Surgery Trial (IHAST) were analyzed to investigate the relationship between timing of surgery and outcome at 3 months post-SAH. The IHAST enrolled 1001 patients in 30 neurosurgical centers between February 2000 and April 2003. All patients had a radiographically confirmed SAH, were World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grades I–III at the time of surgery, and underwent surgical clipping of the presumed culprit aneurysm within 14 days of the date of hemorrhage. Patients were seen at 90-day follow-up visits. The primary outcome variable was a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1 (good outcome). Intergroup differences in baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were compared using the Fisher exact tests. Variables reported as means were compared with ANOVA. Multiple logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis, adjusting for covariates. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant.

Results

Patients who underwent surgery on Days 1 or 2 (early) or Days 7–14 (late) (Day 0 = date of SAH) fared better than patients who underwent surgery on Days 3–6 (intermediate). Specifically, the worst outcomes were observed in patients who underwent surgery on Days 3 and 4. Patients who had hydrocephalus or Fisher Grade 3 or 4 on admission head CT scans had better outcomes with early surgery than with intermediate or late surgery.

Conclusions

Early surgery, in good-grade patients within 48 hours of SAH, is associated with better outcomes than surgery performed in the 3- to 6-day posthemorrhage interval. Surgical treatment for aneurysmal SAH may be more hazardous during the 3- to 6-day interval, but this should be weighed against the risk of rebleeding.
A simple method for making a hollow cylindrical polymethylmethacrylate strut for cervical spinal reconstruction
Authors: Chen Jyi-Feng , Lee Shih-Tseng
Published: January 2011

Object

The purpose of this study was to introduce a method for making a hollow cylindrical polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) strut for perioperative anterior spinal reconstruction after discectomy and/or corpectomy.

Methods

For use after anterior cervical discectomy or corpectomy, the authors created a hollow cylindrical PMMA strut using 10- and 3-ml disposable plastic syringes filled with PMMA containing 10% BaSO4 for anterior spinal reconstruction.

Results

With this method, the authors were able to make a PMMA strut that was approximately 50 mm in length with a 14-mm outer diameter and a 10-mm inner diameter. The PMMA strut could easily be cut with a saw to any desired length and molded with a cutting bur. The PMMA strut was used as a substitute for the cortical bone and was filled with bone graft for cervical spinal reconstruction after discectomy and/or corpectomy. The whole process of making the PMMA strut can be completed within 30 minutes, and it reduces costs by at least $1000 US (in 1-level discectomy), making the procedure cost effective.

Conclusions

It is simple to make a hollow cylindrical PMMA strut with plastic syringes during a discectomy and/or corpectomy. The strut can provide adequate support at less cost than other methods. The hollow cylindrical strut is also of suitable size and length for anterior spinal reconstruction. It serves as an alternative for patients who cannot afford the expense of similar instruments or who cannot or do not want to take the risk of a human graft for anterior spinal reconstruction.
Parafalcine and midline arteriovenous malformations: surgical strategy, techniques, and outcomes
Authors: Kim Yong Bae , Young William L. , Lawton Michael T.
Published: January 2011

Object

Parafalcine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) have a midline plane in common, but differ in their location (anterior, middle, or posterior) and depth (superficial or deep). Surgical management varies with AVM location and depth in terms of patient position, head position, craniotomy, and surgical approach. This study examined surgical strategies, patient outcomes, and regional factors influencing results.

Methods

Patients with AVMs located on the medial surface of the cerebral hemisphere were identified retrospectively from a consecutive, single-neurosurgeon series that is registered prospectively as part of the UCSF Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Study Project. During a 12-year period, 443 patients with AVMs were treated surgically. Of these 443 patients, 132 (30%) had parafalcine AVMs, which were distributed in zones as follows: superficial-anterior, 25 (18.9%); superficial-middle, 26 (19.7%); superficial-posterior, 39 (29.5%); deep-anterior, 25 (18.9%); deep-posterior, 17 (12.9%). Five different surgical strategies were used depending on AVM zone.

Results

Complete AVM resection was achieved in 123 (93.2%) of 132 patients. Overall, neurological condition improved in 74 patients (56.1%) and remained unchanged in 41 patients (31.1%). Neurological condition deteriorated in 12 patients (9.1%), and 5 patients (3.8%) died. Patients with AVMs in the superficial-middle zone had the highest rate of neurological deterioration (26.9%).

Conclusions

Parafalcine AVMs lie on a midline surface that, when exposed with a bilateral craniotomy across the superior sagittal sinus and a wide opening of the interhemispheric fissure, makes them superficial. However, unlike convexity AVMs, which are approached perpendicularly, parafalcine AVMs are approached tangentially. Gravity retraction is useful with deeply located AVMs (those in the deep-anterior and deep-posterior zones), because it widens the interhemispheric fissure and accesses deep arterial feeding vessels from the anterior and posterior cerebral arteries. Surgical risks were increased in the superficial-middle zone, which is likely explained by the proximity of sensorimotor cortex. The authors' regional classification of parafalcine AVMs may serve as a guide to surgical planning.