bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual variants of midline nasal dermoid cysts: a series of three cases
Authors: Locke R , Kubba H
Published: November 2011

Objective:

Dermoids presenting in early life with a sinus tract along the midline of the nasal dorsum are well described. We present three very unusual variants of this condition.

Methods:

Case one was a two-year-old child with a pit in the philtrum of the lip. The tract pierced the nasal spine and extended towards the crista galli. Case two was a 15-month-old child with two separate sinus openings on the dorsum, one below and one above a dermoid cyst. Case three was a 17-year-old adolescent with neurological disability. Scanning showed a dermoid cyst deep in the anterior skull base, but the sinus tract had been obliterated by bony overgrowth due to long term use of antiepileptic medication.

Results:

Cases one and two were successfully managed by complete excision via an external rhinoplasty approach. Case three, in contrast, was not operated upon due to bony obliteration of the sinus tract.

Conclusion:

Surgeons dealing with nasal dermoids must be able to adapt to the variable anatomical and clinical features of these lesions.
MARKETS AND CULTURES: MEDICAL SPECIFICS AND THE RECONFIGURATION OF THE BODY IN EARLY MODERN EUROPE
Authors: Cook Harold J.
Published: November 2011

The history of the body is of course contested territory. Postmodern interpretations in particular have moved it from a history of scientific knowledge of its structure and function toward histories of the various meanings, identities and experiences constructed about it. Underlying such interpretations have been large and important claims about the unfortunate consequences of the rise of a political economy associated with capitalism and medicalisation. In contradistinction, this paper offers a view of that historical process in a manner in keeping with materialism rather than in opposition to it. To do so, it examines a general change in body perceptions common to most of the literature: a shift from the body as a highly individualistic and variable subject to a more universal object, so that alterations in one person's body could be understood to represent how alterations in other human bodies occurred. It then suggests that one of the chief causes of that change was the growing vigour of the market for remedies that could be given to anyone, without discrimination according to temperament, gender, ethnicity, social status or other variables in the belief that they would cure quietly and effectively. One of the most visible remedies of this kind was a ‘specific’, the Peruvian, or Jesuits’ bark. While views about specific drugs were contested, the development of a market for medicinals that worked universally helped to promote the view that human bodies are physiologically alike.
INSURANCE AND REAL OUTPUT: THE KEY ROLE OF BANKING ACTIVITIES
Authors: Lee Chien-Chiang
Published: November 2011

This paper applies panel cointegration tests and panel vector error correction models for 17 OECD countries and considers cross-sectional dependence and structural breaks to investigate the interrelationship between an insurance market's development and real output, controlling for banking activities. We first obtain evidence of a fairly strong long-run equilibrium relationship among them. Second, we find that insurance market development has positive effects on real output and that banking activities have an unfavorable, if not negative, effect on real output. In fact, insurance market activity is much more productive than banking sector activity. Finally, there exists bidirectional causality between insurance premiums and economic growth in the long run, suggesting the existence of the feedback hypothesis for the insurance–output nexus.
ZDependence of Electron Scattering by Single Atoms into Annular Dark-Field Detectors
Authors: Treacy Michael M.J.
Published: November 2011

A simple parameterization is presented for the elastic electron scattering cross sections from single atoms into the annular dark-field (ADF) detector of a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The dependence on atomic number,Z, and inner reciprocal radius of the annular detector,q0, of the cross section σ(Z,q0) is expressed by the empirical relation

whereA(q0) is the cross section for hydrogen (Z= 1), and the detector is assumed to have a large outer reciprocal radius. Using electron elastic scattering factors determined from relativistic Hartree-Fock simulations of the atomic electron charge density, values of the exponentn(Z,q0) are tabulated as a function ofZandq0, for STEM probe sizes of 1.0 and 2.0 Å.

Comparison with recently published experimental data for single-atom scattering [Krivanek et al. (2010).Nature464, 571–574] suggests that experimentally measured exponent values are systematically lower than the values predicted for elastic scattering from low-Zatoms. It is proposed that this discrepancy arises from the inelastic scattering contribution to the ADF signal. A simple expression is proposed that corrects the exponentn(Z,q0) for inelastic scattering into the annular detector.
Challenges associated with curcumin therapy in Alzheimer disease
Authors: Belkacemi Abdenour , Doggui Sihem , Dao Lé , Ramassamy Charles
Published: November 2011

Curcumin, the phytochemical agent in the spice turmeric, which gives Indian curry its yellow colour, is also a traditional Indian medicine. It has been used for millennia as a wound-healing agent and for treating a variety of ailments. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and other properties of curcumin have only recently gained the attention of modern pharmacology. The mechanism of action of curcumin is complex and multifaceted. In part, curcumin acts by activating various cytoprotective proteins that are components of the phase II response. Over the past decade, research with curcumin has increased significantly. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that curcumin could target pathways involved in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease (AD), such as the β-amyloid cascade, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation or oxidative stress. These findings suggest that curcumin might be a promising compound for the development of AD therapy. However, its insolubility in water and poor bioavailability have limited clinical trials and its therapeutic applications. To be effective as a drug therapy, curcumin must be combined with other drugs, or new delivery strategies need to be developed.
Teledynamic Evaluation of Oropharyngeal Swallowing
Authors: Malandraki Georgia A. , McCullough Gary , He Xuming , McWeeny Elizabeth , Perlman Adrienne L.
Published: November 2011

Purpose

The objective of the present investigation was to test the feasibility and clinical utility of a real-time Internet-based protocol for remote, telefluoroscopic evaluation of oropharyngeal swallowing.

Method

In this prospective cohort study, the authors evaluated 32 patients with a primary diagnosis of stroke or head/neck cancer. All patients participated in 2 separate fluoroscopic swallowing evaluations—one traditional on site and one telefluoroscopic off site—through the use of a telemedicine system. Agreement between sites was tested for 3 categories of variables: (a) overall severity of swallowing difficulty, (b) presence and extent of laryngeal penetration and aspiration as rated by the 8-point Penetration-Aspiration scale, and (c) treatment recommendations.

Results

Results showed overall good agreement in subjective severity ratings (κ = 0.636) and in Penetration-Aspiration scale ratings (mean absolute difference = 1.1 points) between the onsite and offsite clinicians. Agreement in treatment recommendations was moderate to high, ranging from 69.3% to 100%.

Conclusions

The present study supports the feasibility and clinical utility of a telemedicine system for evaluating oropharyngeal swallowing. Given the difficulty and expertise needed to complete such evaluations, this study offers promising clinical avenues for patients in rural, remote, and underserved communities and countries where expert swallowing specialists are not available.
The X2Σ+ state of LiCa studied by Fourier-transform spectroscopy
Authors: Ivanova Milena , Stein Alexander , Pashov Asen , Stolyarov Andrey V. , Knöckel Horst , Tiemann Eberhard
Published: November 2011

The paper reports on a successful observation of high resolution Fourier transform spectra of LiCa. The fine structure of the ground state was observed and attributed to effective spin-rotation interaction. The experimental observations are described by two models using potential energy curves. One of them takes into account the fine structure splitting by means of effective constants, the other by means of a R dependent function γ(R), built in the radial Schrödinger equation. Ab initio calculations were performed for γ(R) which comes close to the experimental function.
Magnetic structure and magnetic properties of Nd1−xNaxMnO3 compounds
Authors: Samantaray B. , Ravi S. , Das A. , Srivastava S. K.
Published: November 2011

The crystal structure, magnetic structure, and magnetic properties of Nd1-xNaxMnO3 (x = 0, 0.15, and 0.20) compounds were studied using magnetization and neutron powder diffraction techniques. The magnetic ordering is found to undergo a transition from A-type antiferromagnetic (AFM) structure for x = 0 to pseudo charge-exchange (CE)-type AFM phase for x = 0.20 through the spin canted ferromagnetic (FM) phase for x = 0.15. Two magnetic transitions at 75 K and 15 K were observed for x = 0 sample and are ascribed to AFM ordering of Mn ions and ferrimagnetic ordering of Nd ions, respectively. In the case of x = 0.15, a canted FM ordering at around 80 K and a pseudo CE-type AFM magnetic structure at 5 K were observed. The x = 0.20 sample exhibits a charge-ordering transition at 180 K followed by a spin-glass like transition at around 40 K. The magnetic structure of x = 0.20 sample below 125 K is found to be pseudo CE-type AFM structure. The propagation vectors associated with Mn3+ and Mn4+ sublattices are (0 0 ½) and (½ 0 ½), respectively. The maximum refined magnetic moments of Mn3+ and Mn4+ ions in x = 0.20 sample are found to be 3.20 μB and 3.00 μB, respectively.
Atomistic surface erosion and thin film growth modelled over realistic time scales
Authors: Scott Chris , Blackwell Sabrina , Vernon Louis , Kenny Steven , Walls Michael , Smith Roger
Published: November 2011

We present results of atomistic modelling of surface growth and sputtering using a multi-time scale molecular dynamics–on-the-fly kinetic Monte Carlo scheme which allows simulations to be carried out over realistic experimental times. The method uses molecular dynamics to model the fast processes and then calculates the diffusion barriers for the slow processes on-the-fly, without any preconceptions about what transitions might occur. The method is applied to the growth of metal and oxide materials at impact energies typical for both vapour deposition and magnetron sputtering. The method can be used to explain growth processes, such as the filling of vacancies and the formation of stacking faults. By tuning the variable experimental parameters on the computer, a parameter set for optimum crystalline growth can be determined. The method can also be used to model sputtering where the particle interactions with the surface occur at a higher energy. It is shown how a steady state can arise in which interstitial clusters are continuously being formed below the surface during an atom impact event which also recombine or diffuse to the surface between impact events. For fcc metals the near surface region remains basically crystalline during the erosion process with a pitted topography which soon attains a steady state roughness.
High-frequency electromagnetic properties of epitaxial Bi2FeCrO6 thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Aïssa Brahim , Nechache Riad , Therriault Daniel , Rosei Federico , Nedil Mourad
Published: November 2011

We report on the electromagnetic (EM) properties in high-frequency domain (HF) of multiferroic Bi2FeCrO6 (BFCO) thin films. The films were epitaxially grown on SrTiO3 substrates by pulsed laser ablation. Typical 50 nm-thick BFCO films having both (111) and (001) orientations were investigated. The films exhibit systematically deep EM absorbance narrow bands, localized in the HF X-band domain, with an attenuation reaching as high as |−24| dB. The magnitude and the shape of EM absorption depend on the crystal orientation of the film. BFCO thin films show a promising potential for microwave application as specific frequency bands notch filters.
Electrical conduction of intrinsic grain and grain boundary in Mn-Co-Ni-O thin film thermistors: Grain size influence
Authors: He L. , Ling Z. Y.
Published: November 2011

Mn1.85Co0.3Ni0.85O4 (MCN) thin films with pure spinel phase and different grain size were prepared on Al2O3 substrates by chemical deposition method. Temperature dependent ac impedance spectroscopy was employed to analyze the grain size influence on the electrical conduction of intrinsic grain and grain boundary (GB) in MCN thin films. The conduction mechanisms of grain and GB both followed the small-polaron hopping model. It was found that the hopping types of GB (nearest-neighbor-hopping (NNH)) and grain (a transition from variable-range-hopping (VRH) to NNH) were not affected by the grain size, while the resistance, characteristic temperature, and activation energy of grain and GB were affected by the grain size in varying degrees. Additionally, the mechanisms concerning the dependence of electrical conduction of grain and GB on the grain size of MCN thin films were discussed in detail. These studies will also provide a comprehensive understanding of the conduction behaviors of a system with mixed NNH and VRH.
Spin configurations in Co2FeAl0.4Si0.6 Heusler alloy thin film elements
Authors: Vaz C. A. F. , Rhensius J. , Heidler J. , Wohlhüter P. , Bisig A. , Körner H. S. , Mentes T. O. , Locatelli A. , Guyader L. Le , Nolting F. , Graf T. , Felser C. , Heyderman L. J. , Kläui M.
Published: November 2011

We determine experimentally the spin structure of half-metallic Co2FeAl0.4Si0.6 Heusler alloy elements using magnetic microscopy. Following magnetic saturation, the dominant magnetic states consist of quasi-uniform configurations, where a strong influence from the magnetocrystalline anisotropy is visible. Heating experiments show the stability of the spin configuration of domain walls in confined geometries up to 800 K. The switching temperature for the transition from transverse to vortex walls in ring elements is found to increase with ring width, an effect attributed to structural changes and consequent changes in magnetic anisotropy, which start to occur in the narrower elements at lower temperatures.
Quasistatic computer simulations of shear behavior of water nanoconfined between mica surfaces
Authors: Fedyanin Ivan , Pertsin Alexander , Grunze Michael
Published: November 2011

We combine the grand canonical Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics techniques to simulate the shear response of water under a 9.2 Å confinement between two parallel sheets of muscovite mica. The shear deformation is modeled in the quasistatic regime corresponding to an infinitely small shear rate. It is found that the confined water film is capable of sustaining shear stress, as is characteristic of solids, while remaining fluid-like in respect of molecular mobility and lateral order. An important information is obtained by splitting the stress tensor components into contributions arising from the interaction of the opposing mica sheets between themselves and their interaction with water. The mica-mica contributions to shear stress show a strong anisotropy dictated by the alignment of the surface K+ ions in chains along the x axis. On shearing in this direction, the mica-mica contribution to shear stress is negligible, so that the shear resistance is determined by the water interlayer. By contrast, in the y direction, the mica-mica contribution to shear resistance is dominant. The water-mica contribution is slightly less in magnitude but opposite in sign. As a consequence, the mica-mica contribution is largely canceled out. The physics behind this cancellation is the screening of the electrostatic interactions of the opposing surface K+ ions by water molecules.
Low-power TiN/Al2O3/Pt resistive switching device with sub-20 μA switching current and gradual resistance modulation
Authors: Wu Yi , Yu Shimeng , Lee Byoungil , Wong Philip
Published: November 2011

Resistive-switching random access memory (RRAM) using the TiN/AlOx/Pt stack is fabricated with a 50 nm × 50 nm active area. The bipolar switching characteristic is observed using TiN as an anode and RESET current as low as sub-20 μA was achieved by using a current-limiting transistor as a selection device (1T1R) during the SET process. HRS to LRS ratio of 103 for 103 DC endurance test cycles is demonstrated. Switching time less than 10 ns was observed for both SET/RESET operations. By changing the gate bias of the series transistor and input voltage at the transistor drain terminal, multi-level resistance states can be modulated. Both the unipolar and bipolar resistance switching can coexist in such memory stacks and a qualitative model is proposed for the AlOx -based RRAM resistive switching behavior.
Temporal evolution of inverse spin Hall effect voltage in a magnetic insulator-nonmagnetic metal structure
Authors: Jungfleisch M. B. , Chumak A. V. , Vasyuchka V. I. , Serga A. A. , Obry B. , Schultheiss H. , Beck P. A. , Karenowska A. D. , Saitoh E. , Hillebrands B.
Published: November 2011

It is demonstrated that the temporal evolution of a spin-wave induced inverse spin Hall effect voltage in a magnetic insulator–nonmagnetic metal structure is distinctly different from that of the directly excited (microwave pulse driven) spin-wave mode from which it originates. The differences in temporal behavior provide compelling evidence that incoherent secondary spin-wave modes, having a range of different characteristic lifetimes, make an important contribution to spin pumping at the insulator-metal interface.
The Jahn-Teller effect in the triply degenerate electronic state of methane radical cation
Authors: Mondal T. , Varandas A. J. C.
Published: November 2011

A quantum dynamics study is performed to examine the complex nuclear motion underlying the first photoelectron band of methane. The broad and highly overlapping structures of the latter are found to originate from transitions to the ground electronic state, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\widetilde{X}\,^2T_2$\end{document}X̃T22, of the methane radical cation. Ab initio calculations have also been carried out to establish the potential energy surfaces for the triply degenerate electronic manifold of \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}${\rm CH}_4^+$\end{document} CH 4+. A suitable diabatic vibronic Hamiltonian has been devised and the nonadiabatic effects due to Jahn-Teller conical intersections on the vibronic dynamics investigated in detail. The theoretical results show fair accord with experiment.
Short hybrid polymer/sol-gel silica waveguide switches with high in-device electro-optic coefficient based on photostable chromophore
Authors: Enami Y. , Luo J. , Jen A. K-Y.
Published: November 2011

The highest electro-optic (EO) coefficient to date is achieved in short polymeric directional coupler switches based on hybrid EO polymer/sol-gel silica waveguides. Optimized poling conditions in such waveguides give a highest in-device EO coefficient of 160 pm/V at 1550 nm using highly efficient and photostable guest–host EO polymer SEO100. Adiabatic waveguide transitions from the passive sol-gel core to active EO polymer cores surrounding the sol-gel core are shown using EO polymer cores with a coplanar tapered structure. Switching voltages of 8.4 and 10.5 V are achieved for electrodes that are 2.1 and 1.5 mm long, respectively, which are half those of EO switches containing the chromophore AJLS102.
Band excitation in scanning probe microscopy: sines of change
Authors: Jesse Stephen , Kalinin Sergei V
Published: November 2011

In the three decades since scanning probe microscopy (SPM) methods have entered the scientific arena, they have become one of the main tools of nanoscale science and technology by offering the capability for imaging topography, magnetic, electrical and mechanical properties on the nanometre scale. The vast majority of force-based SPM techniques to date are based on single-frequency sinusoidal excitation and detection. Here, we illustrate the intrinsic limitations of single-frequency detection that stem from the fundamental physics of dynamic systems. Consequently, many aspects of nanoscale materials functionality including quantitative mechanical, magnetic and electrical measurements, as well as probing dissipative interactions, remain unexplored. Band excitation is illustrated as a universal alternative to traditional single-frequency techniques that allows quantitative and reliable studies of dissipative and conservative phenomena, and can be universally applied to all ambient and liquid SPM methods.
Memristive characteristics in semiconductor/metal contacts tested by conductive atomic force microscopy
Authors: Wang Wenhong , Dong Ruixin , Yan Xunling , Yang Bing
Published: November 2011

Memristive characteristics in semiconductor/metal contacts are studied by conductive atomic force microscopy. The ZnO/Au device shows excellent memristive characteristics under Pt and TiN tips and the resistances of the high-resistance state and the low-resistance state are almost unchanged with time. Unipolar resistive switching behaviour is observed when a positive voltage is applied. In addition, the pure Au film also shows resistive switching behaviour under the TiN tip which was used to test the ZnO/Au device, but this behaviour cannot be observed under a Pt tip. Our results suggest that the memristive characteristics existing in semiconductor/metal contacts are due to the formation of conducting filaments in the interior of the semiconductor and the change in the energy barrier at the interface between the conductive atomic force microscope tip and the ZnO film.
Nkx2.2 repressor complex regulates islet β-cell specification and prevents β-to-α-cell reprogramming
Authors: Papizan James B. , Singer Ruth A. , Tschen Shuen-Ing , Dhawan Sangeeta , Friel Jessica M. , Hipkens Susan B. , Magnuson Mark A. , Bhushan Anil , Sussel Lori
Published: November 2011

Regulation of cell differentiation programs requires complex interactions between transcriptional and epigenetic networks. Elucidating the principal molecular events responsible for the establishment and maintenance of cell fate identities will provide important insights into how cell lineages are specified and maintained and will improve our ability to recapitulate cell differentiation events in vitro. In this study, we demonstrate that Nkx2.2 is part of a large repression complex in pancreatic β cells that includes DNMT3a, Grg3, and HDAC1. Mutation of the endogenous Nkx2.2 tinman (TN) domain in mice abolishes the interaction between Nkx2.2 and Grg3 and disrupts β-cell specification. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Nkx2.2 preferentially recruits Grg3 and HDAC1 to the methylated Aristaless homeobox gene (Arx) promoter in β cells. The Nkx2.2 TN mutation results in ectopic expression of Arx in β cells, causing β-to-α-cell transdifferentiation. A corresponding β-cell-specific deletion of DNMT3a is also sufficient to cause Arx-dependent β-to-α-cell reprogramming. Notably, subsequent removal of Arx in the β cells of Nkx2.2TNmut/TNmut mutant mice reverts the β-to-α-cell conversion, indicating that the repressor activities of Nkx2.2 on the methylated Arx promoter in β cells are the primary regulatory events required for maintaining β-cell identity.
Neuropilins are positive regulators of Hedgehog signal transduction
Authors: Hillman R. Tyler , Feng Brian Y. , Ni Jun , Woo Wei-Meng , Milenkovic Ljiljana , Hayden Gephart Melanie G. , Teruel Mary N. , Oro Anthony E. , Chen James K. , Scott Matthew P.
Published: November 2011

The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is essential for vertebrate embryogenesis, and excessive Hh target gene activation can cause cancer in humans. Here we show that Neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) and Nrp2, transmembrane proteins with roles in axon guidance and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, are important positive regulators of Hh signal transduction. Nrps are expressed at times and locations of active Hh signal transduction during mouse development. Using cell lines lacking key Hh pathway components, we show that Nrps mediate Hh transduction between activated Smoothened (Smo) protein and the negative regulator Suppressor of Fused (SuFu). Nrp1 transcription is induced by Hh signaling, and Nrp1 overexpression increases maximal Hh target gene activation, indicating the existence of a positive feedback circuit. The regulation of Hh signal transduction by Nrps is conserved between mammals and bony fish, as we show that morpholinos targeting the Nrp zebrafish ortholog nrp1a produce a specific and highly penetrant Hh pathway loss-of-function phenotype. These findings enhance our knowledge of Hh pathway regulation and provide evidence for a conserved nexus between Nrps and this important developmental signaling system.
Rejuvenating senescent and centenarian human cells by reprogramming through the pluripotent state
Authors: Lapasset Laure , Milhavet Ollivier , Prieur Alexandre , Besnard Emilie , Babled Amelie , Aït-Hamou Nafissa , Leschik Julia , Pellestor Franck , Ramirez Jean-Marie , De Vos John , Lehmann Sylvain , Lemaitre Jean-Marc
Published: November 2011

Direct reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provides a unique opportunity to derive patient-specific stem cells with potential applications in tissue replacement therapies and without the ethical concerns of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). However, cellular senescence, which contributes to aging and restricted longevity, has been described as a barrier to the derivation of iPSCs. Here we demonstrate, using an optimized protocol, that cellular senescence is not a limit to reprogramming and that age-related cellular physiology is reversible. Thus, we show that our iPSCs generated from senescent and centenarian cells have reset telomere size, gene expression profiles, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial metabolism, and are indistinguishable from hESCs. Finally, we show that senescent and centenarian-derived pluripotent stem cells are able to redifferentiate into fully rejuvenated cells. These results provide new insights into iPSC technology and pave the way for regenerative medicine for aged patients.
Genome-wide function of H2B ubiquitylation in promoter and genic regions
Authors: Batta Kiran , Zhang Zhenhai , Yen Kuangyu , Goffman David B. , Pugh B. Franklin
Published: November 2011

Nucleosomal organization in and around genes may contribute substantially to transcriptional regulation. The contribution of histone modifications to genome-wide nucleosomal organization has not been systematically evaluated. In the present study, we examine the role of H2BK123 ubiquitylation, a key regulator of several histone modifications, on nucleosomal organization at promoter, genic, and transcription termination regions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using high-resolution MNase chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing (ChIP-seq), we map nucleosome positioning and occupancy in mutants of the H2BK123 ubiquitylation pathway. We found that H2B ubiquitylation-mediated nucleosome formation and/or stability inhibits the assembly of the transcription machinery at normally quiescent promoters, whereas ubiquitylation within highly active gene bodies promotes transcription elongation. This regulation does not proceed through ubiquitylation-regulated histone marks at H3K4, K36, and K79. Our findings suggest that mechanistically similar functions of H2B ubiquitylation (nucleosome assembly) elicit different functional outcomes on genes depending on its positional context in promoters (repressive) versus transcribed regions (activating).
Concomitant use of clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors is not associated with major adverse cardiovascular events following coronary stent implantation
Authors: Schmidt M. , Johansen M. B. , Robertson D. J. , Maeng M. , Kaltoft A. , Jensen L. O. , Tilsted H.‐H. , Bøtker H. E. , Sørensen H. T. , Baron J. A.
Published: November 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 35: 165–174

Background  Cytochrome P450 inhibition by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may attenuate the effectiveness of clopidogrel.

Aim  To examine whether PPI use modifies the association between clopidogrel use and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation, using time‐varying drug exposure ascertainment.

Methods  We conducted this population‐based cohort study in Western Denmark (population 3 million) using medical databases. We identified all 13 001 patients with coronary stent implantation between 2002 and 2005 and ascertained their reported comorbidities. During the recommended 12‐month postintervention treatment period, we tracked use of clopidogrel and PPI and the rate of MACE. We used Cox regression to compute hazard ratios (HRs), controlling for potential confounders.

Results  During follow‐up, one or more prescriptions were redeemed by 91% of patients for clopidogrel and by 21% of patients for PPIs. Of the patients, 15% experienced a MACE. The adjusted HR for MACE comparing clopidogrel use with non‐use was 0.57 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.44–0.74] among PPI users and 0.47 (95% CI: 0.42–0.53) among PPI non‐users, yielding an interaction effect (i.e. relative rate increase) of 1.20 (95% CI: 0.91–1.58). PPI users treated from before PCI had a 25% increased rate of MACE compared to PPI non‐users, independent of clopidogrel use [adjusted HR = 1.24 (95% CI: 0.97–1.58) for clopidogrel users and 1.26 (95% CI: 0.97–1.63) for clopidogrel non‐users].

Conclusions  The use of PPIs as a class did not modify the protective effect of clopidogrel, but its use was associated with major adverse cardiovascular events itself, particularly among patients having used PPIs before percutaneous coronary intervention.
Interactions between climate and habitat loss effects on biodiversity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mantyka‐pringle Chrystal S. , Martin Tara G. , Rhodes Jonathan R.
Published: November 2011

Climate change and habitat loss are both key threatening processes driving the global loss in biodiversity. Yet little is known about their synergistic effects on biological populations due to the complexity underlying both processes. If the combined effects of habitat loss and climate change are greater than the effects of each threat individually, current conservation management strategies may be inefficient and at worst ineffective. Therefore, there is a pressing need to identify whether interacting effects between climate change and habitat loss exist and, if so, quantify the magnitude of their impact. In this article, we present a meta‐analysis of studies that quantify the effect of habitat loss on biological populations and examine whether the magnitude of these effects depends on current climatic conditions and historical rates of climate change. We examined 1319 papers on habitat loss and fragmentation, identified from the past 20 years, representing a range of taxa, landscapes, land‐uses, geographic locations and climatic conditions. We find that current climate and climate change are important factors determining the negative effects of habitat loss on species density and/or diversity. The most important determinant of habitat loss and fragmentation effects, averaged across species and geographic regions, was current maximum temperature, with mean precipitation change over the last 100 years of secondary importance. Habitat loss and fragmentation effects were greatest in areas with high maximum temperatures. Conversely, they were lowest in areas where average rainfall has increased over time. To our knowledge, this is the first study to conduct a global terrestrial analysis of existing data to quantify and test for interacting effects between current climate, climatic change and habitat loss on biological populations. Understanding the synergistic effects between climate change and other threatening processes has critical implications for our ability to support and incorporate climate change adaptation measures into policy development and management response.
Asthma in adults and its association with chronic rhinosinusitis: The GA2LEN survey in Europe
Authors: Jarvis D. , Newson R. , Lotvall J. , Hastan D. , Tomassen P. , Keil T. , Gjomarkaj M. , Forsberg B. , Gunnbjornsdottir M. , Minov J. , Brozek G. , Dahlen S. E. , Toskala E. , Kowalski M. L. , Olze H. , Howarth P. , Krämer U. , Baelum J. , Loureiro C. , Kasper L. , Bousquet P. J. , Bousquet J. , Bachert C. , Fokkens W. , Burney P.
Published: November 2011

To cite this article: Jarvis D, Newson R, Lotvall J, Hastan D, Tomassen P, Keil T, Gjomarkaj M, Forsberg B, Gunnbjornsdottir M, Minov J, Brozek G, Dahlen SE, Toskala E, Kowalski ML, Olze H, Howarth P, Krämer U, Baelum J, Loureiro C, Kasper L, Bousquet PJ, Bousquet J, Bachert C, Fokkens W, Burney P. Asthma in adults and its association with chronic rhinosinusitis: The GA2LEN survey in Europe. Allergy 2012; 67: 91–98.

Background:  The prevalence of asthma and its association with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have not been widely studied in population‐based epidemiological surveys.

Methods:  The Global Allergy and Asthma Network of Excellence (GA2LEN) conducted a postal questionnaire in representative samples of adults living in Europe to assess the presence of asthma and CRS defined by the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps. The prevalence of self‐reported current asthma by age group was determined. The association of asthma with CRS in each participating centre was assessed using logistic regression analyses, controlling for age, sex and smoking, and the effect estimates were combined using standard methods of meta‐analysis.

Results:  Over 52 000 adults aged 18–75 years and living in 19 centres in 12 countries took part. In most centres, and overall, the reported prevalence of asthma was lower in older adults (adjusted OR for 65–74 years compared with 15–24 years: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.63–0.81). In all centres, there was a strong association of asthma with CRS (adjusted OR: 3.47; 95% CI: 3.20–3.76) at all ages. The association with asthma was stronger in those reporting both CRS and allergic rhinitis (adjusted OR: 11.85; 95% CI: 10.57–13.17). CRS in the absence of nasal allergies was positively associated with late‐onset asthma.

Conclusion:  Geographical variation in the prevalence of self‐reported asthma was observed across Europe, but overall, self‐reported asthma was more common in young adults, women and smokers. In all age groups, men and women, and irrespective of smoking behaviour, asthma was also associated with CRS.
Anti‐IL‐33 antibody has a therapeutic effect in a murine model of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Kim Y. H. , Yang T. Y. , Park C.‐S. , Ahn S.‐H. , Son B. K. , Kim J. H. , Lim D. H. , Jang T. Y.
Published: November 2011

To cite this article: Kim YH, Yang TY, Park C‐S, Ahn S‐H, Son BK, Kim JH, Lim DH, Jang TY. Anti‐IL‐33 antibody has a therapeutic effect in a murine model of allergic rhinitis. Allergy 2012; 67: 183–190.

Background:  Interleukin (IL)‐33 is involved in the Th2 immune response and could play an essential role in nasal allergy. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of anti‐IL‐33 for allergic rhinitis (AR).

Methods:  Twenty‐four BALB/c mice were used. In group A (control group, n = 6), mice were sensitized and challenged with saline. Group B [ovalbumin (OVA) group, n = 6] mice received intraperitoneal and intranasal OVA challenge. In group C (control IgG group, n = 6), mice were injected intraperitoneally with rabbit control IgG before OVA challenge. In group D (anti‐IL‐33 group, n = 6), anti‐IL‐33 was injected before challenge. We evaluated the number of nose‐scratching events and external morphology; serum total and OVA‐specific IgE; number of eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid; histopathologic examination of nasal cavity; and IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 in BAL fluid.

Results:  Anti‐IL‐33 treatment significantly reduced the nose‐scratching events and ameliorated skin denudation. Serum total and OVA‐specific IgE was significantly decreased in group D. The number of eosinophils in BAL fluid was also significantly decreased. Eosinophilic infiltration in the nasal cavity was significantly decreased in group D. IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 in BAL fluid were also significantly decreased after treatment.

Conclusions:  Anti‐IL‐33 antibody has a therapeutic potential for experimental AR.
Investigation into Developmental Potential and Nuclear/Mitochondrial Function in Early Wood and Plains Bison Hybrid Embryos*
Authors: Seaby RP , Mackie P , King WA , Mastromonaco GF
Published: November 2011

Contents

Studies to date have shown that bison embryo development in vitro is compromised with few embryos developing to the blastocyst stage. The aim of this study was to use bison–cattle hybrid embryos, an interspecific cross that is known to result in live offspring in vivo, as a model for assessing species‐specific differences in embryo development in vitro. Cattle oocytes fertilized with cattle, plains bison and wood bison sperm were assessed for various developmental parameters associated with embryo quality, including cell number, apoptosis and ATP content. Decreased development to the blastocyst stage was observed in hybrid wood bison embryos compared with the other treatment groups. Although both wood bison and plains bison hybrid blastocysts had significantly lower cell numbers than cattle blastocysts, only wood bison hybrid blastocysts had a greater incidence of apoptosis than cattle blastocysts. Among the treatment groups, ATP levels and expression profiles of NRF1, TFAM, MT‐CYB, BAX and BCL2 were not significantly different in both 8‐ to 16‐cell stage and blastocyst stage embryos. These data provide evidence of decreased developmental competence in the wood bison hybrid embryos, owing to inadequate culture conditions that have increased apoptotic events.
Extended versus limited lymph node dissection in radical cystectomy: Impact on recurrence pattern and survival
Authors: Jensen Jørgen Bjerggaard , Ulhøi Benedicte Parm , Jensen Klaus Møller‐Ernst
Published: November 2011

Objectives:  To compare recurrence patterns and survival of patients with carcinoma of the urinary bladder undergoing radical cystectomy and extended or limited lymph node dissection.

Methods:  From a consecutive series of 469 patients undergoing radical cystectomy, two different historical cohorts were constructed; one with 265 patients intentionally undergoing extended lymph node dissection and one with 204 patients undergoing limited lymph node dissection.

Results:  Early lymph node recurrences were more frequently located outside the pelvic region in patients from the extended lymph node dissection cohort, whereas the overall risk of recurrence was not reduced by carrying out an extended lymph node dissection compared with the limited lymph node dissection cohort (8% vs 6%, P = 0.5). However, positive node patients had a significantly better prognosis after extended lymph node dissection (5‐year disease‐specific survival 29% vs 8%, P = 0.002). Improved survival was also found in negative node patients with non‐organ confined tumors undergoing extended lymph node dissection compared with limited lymph node dissection (5‐year disease‐specific survival 76% vs 62%, P = 0.008). A total of 16 positive node patients (6%) in the extended lymph node dissection cohort were identified as possible stage migrators with metastasis exclusively in lymph nodes outside the limited template. A total of 5% of patients undergoing extended lymph node dissection had an evident survival benefit of an extended lymph node dissection compared with a limited lymph node dissection.

Conclusions:  Extended lymph node dissection provides more accurate nodal staging than a limited lymph node dissection. However, recurrence patterns are not significantly altered by extending the limits of lymph node dissection, suggesting a survival benefit only in a minority of patients. Improved survival is more likely in patients with locally advanced disease.
Alcohol consumption and female urinary incontinence: A community‐based study in Japan
Authors: Lee Andy H , Hirayama Fumi
Published: November 2011

Objectives:  To investigate the association between alcohol consumption and urinary incontinence among Japanese women.

Methods:  A total of 300 women aged 40–75 years were recruited from the community in middle and southern Japan. A validated food frequency questionnaire was given face‐to‐face to obtain information on dietary intake and habitual alcohol consumption. Urinary incontinence status was ascertained using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Short Form.

Results:  Among the 298 eligible participants, 82 women (27.5%) experienced urine leakage. The prevalence of alcohol drinking and mean ethanol intake were slightly higher among the incontinent women (39%; 7.1, standard deviation 24.1 g/day) than others without the condition (35.6%; 4.3, standard deviation 10.7 g/day). Relative to non‐drinkers, the adjusted odds ratios of urinary incontinence were 1.31 (95% confidence interval 0.74–2.33) for alcohol drinking and 1.69 (95% confidence interval 0.42–6.81) for ethanol intake over 32 g/day, though the increases in risk did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions:  Little association is evident between alcohol consumption and urinary incontinence in middle‐aged and older Japanese women. Further studies are required to define the role of alcohol as a contributing factor of this distressing condition.
Environmental factors determining ammonia‐oxidizing organism distribution and diversity in marine environments
Authors: Bouskill Nicholas J. , Eveillard Damien , Chien Diana , Jayakumar Amal , Ward Bess B.
Published: November 2011

Ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) play a vital role in bridging the input of fixed nitrogen, through N‐fixation and remineralization, to its loss by denitrification and anammox. Yet the major environmental factors determining AOB and AOA population dynamics are little understood, despite both groups having a wide environmental distribution. This study examined the relative abundance of both groups of ammonia‐oxidizing organisms (AOO) and the diversity of AOA across large‐scale gradients in temperature, salinity and substrate concentration and dissolved oxygen. The relative abundance of AOB and AOA varied across environments, with AOB dominating in the freshwater region of the Chesapeake Bay and AOA more abundant in the water column of the coastal and open ocean. The highest abundance of the AOA amoA gene was recorded in the oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) of the Eastern Tropical South Pacific (ETSP) and the Arabian Sea (AS). The ratio of AOA : AOB varied from 0.7 in the Chesapeake Bay to 1600 in the Sargasso Sea. Relative abundance of both groups strongly correlated with ammonium concentrations. AOA diversity, as determined by phylogenetic analysis of clone library sequences and archetype analysis from a functional gene DNA microarray, detected broad phylogenetic differences across the study sites. However, phylogenetic diversity within physicochemically congruent stations was more similar than would be expected by chance. This suggests that the prevailing geochemistry, rather than localized dispersal, is the major driving factor determining OTU distribution.
Asynchronous Evolution for Fully‐Implicit and Semi‐Implicit Time Integration
Authors: Schroeder Craig , Kwatra Nipun , Zheng Wen , Fedkiw Ron
Published: November 2011

We propose a series of techniques for hybridizing implicit and semi‐implicit time integration methods in a manner that retains much of the speed of the implicit method without sacrificing all of the higher quality vibrations one obtains with methods that handle elastic forces explicitly. We propose our scheme in the context of asynchronous methods, where different parts of the mesh are evolved at different time steps. Whereas traditional asynchronous methods evolve each element independently, we partition all of our elements into two groups: one group evolved at the frame rate using a fully implicit scheme, and another group which takes a number of substeps per frame using a scheme that is implicit on damping forces and explicit on the elastic forces. This allows for a straightforward coupling between the implicit and semi‐implicit methods at frame boundaries for added stability. As has been stressed by various authors, asynchronous schemes take some of the pressure off of mesh generation, allowing time evolution to remain efficient even in the face of sliver elements. Finally, we propose a force distributing projection method which allows one to redistribute the forces felt on boundaries between implicit and semi‐implicit regions of the mesh in a manner that yields improved visual quality.
Creating Fluid Animation from a Single Image using Video Database
Authors: Okabe Makoto , Anjyor Ken , Onai Rikio
Published: November 2011

We present a method for synthesizing fluid animation from a single image, using a fluid video database. The user inputs a target painting or photograph of a fluid scene along with its alpha matte that extracts the fluid region of interest in the scene. Our approach allows the user to generate a fluid animation from the input image and to enter a few additional commands about fluid orientation or speed. Employing the database of fluid examples, the core algorithm in our method then automatically assigns fluid videos for each part of the target image. Our method can therefore deal with various paintings and photographs of a river, waterfall, fire, and smoke. The resulting animations demonstrate that our method is more powerful and efficient than our prior work.
Interactive Indirect Illumination Using Voxel Cone Tracing
Authors: Crassin Cyril , Neyret Fabrice , Sainz Miguel , Green Simon , Eisemann Elmar
Published: November 2011

Indirect illumination is an important element for realistic image synthesis, but its computation is expensive and highly dependent on the complexity of the scene and of the BRDF of the involved surfaces. While off‐line computation and pre‐baking can be acceptable for some cases, many applications (games, simulators, etc.) require real‐time or interactive approaches to evaluate indirect illumination. We present a novel algorithm to compute indirect lighting in real‐time that avoids costly precomputation steps and is not restricted to low‐frequency illumination. It is based on a hierarchical voxel octree representation generated and updated on the fly from a regular scene mesh coupled with an approximate voxel cone tracing that allows for a fast estimation of the visibility and incoming energy. Our approach can manage two light bounces for both Lambertian and glossy materials at interactive framerates (25–70FPS). It exhibits an almost scene‐independent performance and can handle complex scenes with dynamic content thanks to an interactive octree‐voxelization scheme. In addition, we demonstrate that our voxel cone tracing can be used to efficiently estimate Ambient Occlusion.