bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Femoral Bone Strength and Its Relation to Cortical and Trabecular Changes After Treatment With PTH, Alendronate, and Their Combination as Assessed by Finite Element Analysis of Quantitative CT Scans
Authors: Keaveny Tony M , Hoffmann Paul F , Singh Mandeep , Palermo Lisa , Bilezikian John P , Greenspan Susan L , Black Dennis M
Published: August 2008

The “PTH and Alendronate” or “PaTH” study compared the effects of PTH(1-84) and/or alendronate (ALN) in 238 postmenopausal, osteoporotic women. We performed finite element analysis on the QCT scans of 162 of these subjects to provide insight into femoral strength changes associated with these treatments and the relative roles of changes in the cortical and trabecular compartments on such strength changes. Patients were assigned to either PTH, ALN, or their combination (CMB) in year 1 and were switched to either ALN or placebo (PLB) treatment in year 2: PTH-PLB, PTH-ALN, CMB-ALN, and ALN-ALN (year 1-year 2) treatments. Femoral strength was simulated for a sideways fall using nonlinear finite element analysis of the quantitative CT exams. At year 1, the strength change from baseline was statistically significant for PTH (mean, 2.08%) and ALN (3.60%), and at year 2, significant changes were seen for the PTH-ALN (7.74%), CMB-ALN (4.18%), and ALN-ALN (4.83%) treatment groups but not for PTH-PLB (1.17%). Strength increases were primarily caused by changes in the trabecular density regardless of treatment group, but changes in cortical density and mass also played a significant role, the degree of which depended on treatment. For PTH treatment at year 1 and for ALN-ALN treatment at year 2, there were significant negative and positive strength effects, respectively, associated with a change in external bone geometry. Average changes in strength per treatment group were somewhat consistent with average changes in total hip areal BMD as measured by DXA, except for the PTH group at year 1. The relation between change in femoral strength and change in areal BMD was weak (r2 = 0.14, pooled, year 2). We conclude that femoral strength changes with these various treatments were dominated by trabecular changes, and although changes in the cortical bone and overall bone geometry did contribute to femoral strength changes, the extent of these latter effects depended on the type of treatment.
Disruption of BMP Signaling in Osteoblasts Through Type IA Receptor (BMPRIA) Increases Bone Mass
Authors: Kamiya Nobuhiro , Ye Ling , Kobayashi Tatsuya , Lucas Donald J , Mochida Yoshiyuki , Yamauchi Mitsuo , Kronenberg Henry M , Feng Jian Q , Mishina Yuji
Published: August 2008

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are known as ectopic bone inducers. The FDA approved BMPs (BMP2 and BMP7) for clinical use. However, direct effects of BMPs on endogenous bone metabolism are not yet well known. We conditionally disrupted BMP receptor type IA (BMPRIA) in osteoblasts during weanling and adult stages to show the impact of BMP signaling on endogenous bone modeling and remodeling. Cre recombination was detected in immature osteoblasts in the periosteum, osteoblasts, and osteocytes but not in chondrocytes and osteoclasts after tamoxifen administration. Bmpr1a conditional knockout mice (cKO) showed increased bone mass primarily in trabecular bone at P21 and 22 wk as determined by H&E staining. Vertebrae, tails, and ribs showed increased radiodensity at 22 wk, consistent with a significant increase in BMD. Both μCT and histomorphometry showed an increase in trabecular BV/TV and thickness of cKO adult bones, whereas osteoclast number, bone formation rate, and mineral apposition rate were decreased. Expression levels of bone formation markers (Runx2 and Bsp), resorption markers (Mmp9, Ctsk, and Tracp), and Rankl were decreased, and Opg was increased in adult bones, resulting in a reduction in the ratio of Rankl to osteoprotegerin (Opg). The reduction in osteoclastogenesis through the RANKL–OPG pathway was also observed in weanling stages and reproduced in newborn calvaria culture. These results suggest that Bmpr1a cKO increased endogenous bone mass primarily in trabecular bone with decreased osteoclastogenesis through the RANKL–OPG pathway. We conclude that BMPRIA signaling in osteoblasts affects both bone formation and resorption to reduce endogenous bone mass in vivo.
Quantification of vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin-8, and basic fibroblast growth factor in plasma of cancer patients and healthy volunteers – comparison of ELISA and microsphere-based multiplexed immunoassay
Authors: Kornacker Martin , Roth Angelika , Christensen Olaf , Krätzschmar Jörn , Wensing Georg
Published: August 2008

: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and basic fibroblast growth factor (basic FGF) are angiogenic growth factors which may be useful as biomarkers in drug development, where they could give early information on the antiangiogenic activity of novel anticancer compounds.

: We compared two commercially available assays, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a multiplexed bead-based immunoassay (xMAP), for the quantification of these factors in plasma samples from more than 100 cancer patients and healthy individuals.

: For VEGF and IL-8, but not for basic FGF, xMAP was more sensitive than the respective ELISA. This was true for healthy subjects as well as for cancer patients. Intraassay precision was comparable between both assay formats. Linear regression analysis of VEGF concentrations demonstrated a good correlation between ELISA and xMAP. Bland-Altman analysis showed a systematic difference between both assays, with ELISA giving higher concentration values. VEGF levels were higher in female volunteers, and both assays were able to detect this difference.

: Multiplexed microsphere-based immunoassays have the potential to substitute ELISA for the detection of proangiogenic growth factors in clinical studies. Their shorter assay times and their ability to quantify multiple analytes in a small sample volume are advantageous.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:1256–64.
Innocuous, Not Noxious, Input Activates PKCγ Interneurons of the Spinal Dorsal Horn via Myelinated Afferent Fibers
Authors: Neumann Simona , Braz Joao M. , Skinner Kate , Llewellyn-Smith Ida J. , Basbaum Allan I.
Published: August 2008

Protein kinase C γ (PKCγ), which is concentrated in interneurons of the inner part of lamina II of the dorsal horn, has been implicated in injury-induced allodynia, a condition wherein pain is produced by innocuous stimuli. Although it is generally assumed that these interneurons receive input from the nonpeptidergic, IB4-positive subset of nociceptors, the fact that PKCγ cells do not express Fos in response to noxious stimulation suggests otherwise. Here, we demonstrate that the terminal field of the nonpeptidergic population of nociceptors, in fact, lies dorsal to that of PKCγ interneurons. There was also no overlap between the PKCγ-expressing interneurons and the transganglionic tracer wheat germ agglutinin which, after sciatic nerve injection, labels all unmyelinated nociceptors. However, transganglionic transport of the β-subunit of cholera toxin, which marks the medium-diameter and large-diameter myelinated afferents that transmit non-noxious information, revealed extensive overlap with the layer of PKCγ interneurons. Furthermore, expression of a transneuronal tracer in myelinated afferents resulted in labeling of PKCγ interneurons. Light and electron microscopic double labeling further showed that the VGLUT1 subtype of vesicular glutamate transmitter, which is expressed in myelinated afferents, marks synapses that are presynaptic to the PKCγ interneurons. Finally, we demonstrate that a continuous non-noxious input, generated by walking on a rotarod, induces Fos in the PKCγ interneurons. These results establish that PKCγ interneurons are activated by myelinated afferents that respond to innocuous stimuli, which suggests that injury-induced mechanical allodynia is transmitted through a circuit that involves PKCγ interneurons and non-nociceptive, VGLUT1-expressing myelinated primary afferents.
Superior Colliculus Inactivation Causes Stable Offsets in Eye Position during Tracking
Authors: Hafed Ziad M. , Goffart Laurent , Krauzlis Richard J.
Published: August 2008

The primate superior colliculus (SC) is often viewed as composed of two distinct motor zones with complementary functions: a peripheral region that helps generate saccades to eccentric targets and a central one that maintains fixation by suppressing saccades. Here, we directly tested the alternative interpretation that topography in the SC is not strictly motor, nor does it form two distinct zones, but instead forms a single map of behaviorally relevant goal locations. Primates tracked the invisible midpoint between two moving stimuli, such that the stimuli guiding tracking were peripheral whereas the inferred movement goal was foveal and parafoveal. Temporary inactivation of neurons in the central portion of the topographic map of the SC, representing the invisible goal, caused stable offsets in eye position during tracking that were directed away from the retinotopic position encoded by the inactivated SC site. Critically, these offsets were not accompanied by a systematic inability to generate or suppress saccades, and they were not fully explained by motor deficits in saccades, smooth pursuit, or fixation. In addition, the magnitude of the offset depended on the eccentricity of the inactivated site as well as the degree of spatial uncertainty associated with the behavioral goal. These results indicate that gaze control depends on the balance of activity across a map of goal locations in the SC, and that by silencing some of the neurons in the normally active population representing the behavioral goal, focal inactivation causes a biased estimate of where to look.
Dopamine Signaling through D1-Like versus D2-Like Receptors in the Nucleus Accumbens Core versus Shell Differentially Modulates Nicotine Reward Sensitivity
Authors: Laviolette Steven R. , Lauzon Nicole M. , Bishop Stephanie F. , Sun Ninglei , Tan Huibing
Published: August 2008

Considerable evidence implicates the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system in the processing of nicotine's reinforcing properties, specifically the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the terminal fields of VTA DAergic projections to the “core” (NAcore) and “shell” (NAshell) subdivisions of the nucleus accumbens (NAc). However, the specific roles of DA D1-like and D2-like receptor subtypes in nicotine reward processing within these NAc subregions have not been elucidated. We report that microinfusions of DA D1-like or D2-like receptor-specific antagonists into NAcore or NAshell double dissociate the rewarding and aversive properties of systemic or intra-VTA nicotine, and differentially regulate sensitivity to the rewarding properties as well as the motivational valence of either intra-VTA or systemic nicotine administration. Using a place conditioning procedure, NAshell infusions of a D2-like receptor antagonist switched the motivational valence of intra-VTA nicotine from aversive to rewarding and potentiated nicotine reward sensitivity to sub-reward threshold intra-VTA nicotine doses. In contrast, NAcore infusions of a D1-like receptor antagonist switched intra-VTA nicotine aversion to reward, and potentiated reward sensitivity to sub-reward threshold nicotine doses. Thus, D1-like versus D2-like receptors in NAcore versus NAshell subdivisions play functionally dissociable roles in modulating systemic or intra-VTA nicotine motivational processing.
Early Alterations of AMPA Receptors Mediate Synaptic Potentiation Induced by Neonatal Seizures
Authors: Rakhade Sanjay N. , Zhou Chengwen , Aujla Paven K. , Fishman Rachel , Sucher Nikolaus J. , Jensen Frances E.
Published: August 2008

The highest incidence of seizures during lifetime is found in the neonatal period and neonatal seizures lead to a propensity for epilepsy and long-term cognitive deficits. Here, we identify potential mechanisms that elucidate a critical role for AMPA receptors (AMPARs) in epileptogenesis during this critical period in the developing brain. In a rodent model of neonatal seizures, we have shown previously that administration of antagonists of the AMPARs during the 48 h after seizures prevents long-term increases in seizure susceptibility and seizure-induced neuronal injury. Hypoxia-induced seizures in postnatal day 10 rats induce rapid and reversible alterations in AMPAR signaling resembling changes implicated previously in models of synaptic potentiationin vitro. Hippocampal slices removed after hypoxic seizures exhibited potentiation of AMPAR-mediated synaptic currents, including an increase in the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous and miniature EPSCs as well as increased synaptic potency. This increased excitability was temporally associated with a rapid increase in phosphorylation at GluR1 S845/S831 and GluR2 S880 sites and increased activity of the protein kinases CaMKII (calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II), PKA, and PKC, which mediate the phosphorylation of these AMPAR subunits. Postseizure administration of AMPAR antagonists NBQX (2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfonyl-benzo[f]quinoxaline), topiramate, or GYKI-53773 [(1)-1-(4-aminophenyl)-3-acetyl-4-methyl-7,8-methylenedioxy-3,4-dihydro-5H-2,3-benzodiazepine] attenuated the AMPAR potentiation, phosphorylation, and kinase activation and prevented the concurrent increase inin vivoseizure susceptibility. Thus, the potentiation of AMPAR-containing synapses is a reversible, early step in epileptogenesis that offers a novel therapeutic target in the highly seizure-prone developing brain.
Electrophysiology and Pharmacology of Striatal Neuronal Dysfunction Induced by Mitochondrial Complex I Inhibition
Authors: Costa Cinzia , Belcastro Vincenzo , Tozzi Alessandro , Di Filippo Massimiliano , Tantucci Michela , Siliquini Sabrina , Autuori Alessia , Picconi Barbara , Spillantini Maria Grazia , Fedele Ernesto , Pittaluga Anna , Raiteri Maurizio , Calabresi Paolo
Published: August 2008

Reduced activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and in particular of complex I is implicated not only in the etiology of Parkinson's disease but also in other forms of parkinsonism in which striatal neurodegeneration occurs, such as progressive supranuclear palsy.

The pesticide rotenone inhibits mitochondrial complex I and reproduces features of these basal ganglia neurological disorders in animal models. We have characterized the electrophysiological effects of rotenone in the striatum as well as potential neuroprotective strategies to counteract the detrimental effects of this neurotoxin. We found that rotenone causes a dose-dependent and irreversible loss of the corticostriatal field potential amplitude, which was related to the development of a membrane depolarization/inward current in striatal spiny neurons, coupled to an increased release of both excitatory amino acids and dopamine (DA).

In particular, we have investigated whether glutamate, DA, and GABA systems might represent possible targets for neuroprotection against rotenone-induced striatal neuronal dysfunction. Interestingly, whereas modulation of glutamatergic transmission was not neuroprotective, blockade of D2-like but not D1-like DA receptors significantly reduced the rotenone-induced effects via a GABA-mediated mechanism. In addition, because antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) modulate multiple transmitter systems, we have analyzed the possible neuroprotective effects of some AEDs against rotenone. We found that carbamazepine, unlike other tested AEDs, exerts a potent neuroprotective action against rotenone-induced striatal neuronal dysfunction. This neuroprotection was observed at therapeutically relevant concentrations requiring endogenous GABA. Differential targeting of GABAergic transmission may represent a possible therapeutic strategy against basal ganglia neurodegenerative disorders involving mitochondrial complex I dysfunction.
Cross-Correlation in the Auditory Coincidence Detectors of Owls
Authors: Fischer Brian J. , Christianson G. Björn , Peña José Luis
Published: August 2008

Interaural time difference (ITD) plays a central role in many auditory functions, most importantly in sound localization. The classic model for how ITD is computed was put forth by Jeffress (1948). One of the predictions of the Jeffress model is that the neurons that compute ITD should behave as cross-correlators. Whereas cross-correlation-like properties of the ITD-computing neurons have been reported, attempts to show that the shape of the ITD response function is determined by the spectral tuning of the neuron, a core prediction of cross-correlation, have been unsuccessful. Using reverse correlation analysis, we demonstrate in the barn owl that the relationship between the spectral tuning and the ITD response of the ITD-computing neurons is that predicted by cross-correlation. Moreover, we show that a model of coincidence detector responses derived from responses to binaurally uncorrelated noise is consistent with binaural interaction based on cross-correlation. These results are thus consistent with one of the key tenets of the Jeffress model. Our work sets forth both the methodology to answer whether cross-correlation describes coincidence detector responses and a demonstration that in the barn owl, the result is that expected by theory.
Presynaptic Release Probability and Readily Releasable Pool Size Are Regulated by Two Independent Mechanisms during Posttetanic Potentiation at the Calyx of Held Synapse
Authors: Lee Jae Sung , Kim Myoung-Hwan , Ho Won-Kyung , Lee Suk-Ho
Published: August 2008

At the immature calyx of Held, the fast decay phase of a Ca2+transient induced by tetanic stimulation (TS) was followed by a period of elevated [Ca2+]ifor tens of seconds, referred to as posttetanic residual calcium (Cares). We investigated the source of Caresand its contribution to posttetanic potentiation (PTP). After TS (100 Hz for 4 s), posttetanic Caresat the calyx of Held was largely abolished by tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP+) or Ru360, which inhibit mitochondrial Na+-dependent Ca2+efflux and Ca2+uniporter, respectively. Whereas the control PTP lasted longer than Cares, inhibition of Caresby TPP+resulted in preferential suppression of the early phase of PTP, the decay time course of which well matched with that of Cares. TS induced significant increases in release probability (Pr) and the size of the readily releasable pool (RRP), which were estimated from plots of cumulative EPSC amplitudes. TPP+or Ru360 suppressed the posttetanic increase inPr, whereas it had little effect on the increase in RRP size. Moreover, the posttetanic increase inPr, but not in RRP size, showed a linear correlation with the amount of Cares. In contrast, myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) inhibitors and blebbistatin reduced the posttetanic increase in RRP size with no effect on the increase inPr. Application of TPP+in the presence of MLCK inhibitor peptide caused further suppression of PTP. These findings suggest that Caresreleased from mitochondria and activation of MLCK are primarily responsible for the increase inPrand that in the RRP size, respectively.
Impaired Fear Extinction Learning and Cortico-Amygdala Circuit Abnormalities in a Common Genetic Mouse Strain
Authors: Hefner Kathryn , Whittle Nigel , Juhasz Jaynann , Norcross Maxine , Karlsson Rose-Marie , Saksida Lisa M. , Bussey Timothy J. , Singewald Nicolas , Holmes Andrew
Published: August 2008

Fear extinction is a form of new learning that results in the inhibition of conditioned fear. Trait deficits in fear extinction are a risk factor for anxiety disorders. There are few examples of naturally occurring animal models of impaired extinction. The present study compared fear extinction in a panel of inbred mouse strains. This strain survey revealed an impairment in fear extinction in 129/SvImJ (129S1). The phenotypic specificity of this deficit was evaluated by comparing 129S1 and C57BL/6J for one-trial and multitrial fear conditioning, nociception, and extinction of conditioned taste aversion and an appetitive instrumental response. 129S1 were tested for sensitivity to the extinction-facilitating effects of extended training, as well asd-cycloserine and yohimbine treatment. To elucidate the neural basis of impaired 129S1 fear extinction, c-Fos and Zif268 expression was mapped after extinction recall. Results showed that impaired fear extinction in 129S1 was unrelated to altered fear conditioning or nociception, and was dissociable from intact appetitive extinction. Yohimbine treatment facilitated extinction in 129S1, but neither extended extinction training nord-cycloserine treatment improved 129S1 extinction. After extinction recall, 129S1 showed reduced c-Fos and Zif268 expression in the infralimbic cortex and basolateral amygdala, and elevated c-Fos or Zif268 expression in central nucleus of the amygdala and medial paracapsular intercalated cell mass, relative to C57BL/6J. Collectively, these data demonstrate a deficit in fear extinction in 129S1 associated with a failure to properly engage corticolimbic extinction circuitry. This common inbred strain provides a novel model for studying impaired fear extinction in anxiety disorders.
Ovarian cryopreservation for fertility preservation: indications and outcomes
Authors: Anderson R A , Wallace W H B , Baird D T
Published: August 2008

Female fertility preservation provides significantly different challenges to that for the male, with the only established method being cryopreservation of embryos thus necessitating the involvement of a male. Other, experimental, options include oocyte or ovarian tissue cryopreservation. The latter has been regarded as a potential method for more than a decade, but has resulted in the birth of only five babies. It is not possible to be certain how many women have had ovarian tissue cryopreserved. Oocyte cryopreservation also remains experimental, but ∼100-fold more babies have been born through this technique over the last two decades. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has the potential advantages of preservation of a large number of oocytes within primordial follicles, it does not require hormonal stimulation when time is short and indeed may be appropriate for the pre-pubertal. Disadvantages include the need for an invasive procedure, and the uncertain risk of ovarian contamination in haematological and other malignancies. We here review this approach in the context of our own experience of 36 women, highlighting issues of patient selection especially in the young, and uncertainties over the effects of cancer treatments on subsequent fertility. Of these 36 women, 11 have died but 5 have had spontaneous pregnancies. So far, none have requested reimplantation of their stored ovarian tissue. Ovarian cryopreservation appears to be a potentially valuable method for fertility preservation, but the indications and approaches best used remain unclear.
Design, implementation and testing of a fuzzy control scheme for laser welding
Authors: Jauregui J. M. , Aalderink B. J. , Aarts R. G. K. M. , Benneker J. Olde , Meijer J.
Published: August 2008

A fuzzy logic controller (FLC) scheme has been developed for laser welding. Process light emissions are measured and combined to determine the current status of the welding process. If the process is not in a desired welding state, the FLC will adapt the laser power. The FLC has been demonstrated for the laser welding of zinc coated steel sheets in an overlap configuration. Experiments showed that the controller is capable of steering the process towards full penetration keyhole welding, avoiding both blowholes as well as lack of penetration. Under the presence of different process disturbances, like changes in focal position and material thickness, the controller proved to be able to maintain full penetration keyhole welding. The architecture of the controller is generic, thus facilitating an implementation for the laser welding process of other materials or configurations.
Expression of Metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 in Antrochoanal Polyps
Authors: Topal Ozgul , Erbek Selim S. , Kiyici Halil , Cakmak Ozcan
Published: August 2008

Background

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and MMP-9 are known to cleave specifically type 4 collagen, which is a major structural component of basement membrane. This is an early step of inflammation. Because of this property they have been studied in chronic sinonasal disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions in an antrochoanal polyp (ACP).

Methods

We examined tissue samples from 10 ACPs, 10 diffuse nasal polyps, and 10 control nasal mucosa (CM) by immunohisto-chemistry for MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression.

Results

Most of epithelial and endothelial cells showed positive immunostaining for MMP-2 and MMP-9 in all tissue samples. MMP-2 staining of inflammatory cells showed no difference among the groups (p > 0.05). On the other hand, MMP-9+ inflammatory cells were found to be significantly increased in ACP and diffuse nasal polyps when compared with CM (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

MMP-9–expressing inflammatory cells could play a role in the pathophysiology of ACP as well as nasal polyps.
Glycoconjugate Expression of Sinus Mucosa in Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Lectin Histochemical Study
Authors: Berger Gilead , Kogan Tatiana , Ophir Dov , Skutelsky Ehud , Pitaro Koby
Published: August 2008

Background

Glycoproteins are responsible for the rheological properties of the mucus. Changes in mucus viscosity may interfere with mucociliary clearance, leading to stasis and aggravation of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The purpose of this study was to assess the composition and concentration of various sinus mucosa glycoproteins in normal and chronically inflamed sinuses.

Methods

A semiquantitative scoring system was used to express the binding intensity of 10 lectins to 6 carbohydrates (galactose, sialic acid, N- acetylglucosamine, N- acetylgalactosamine [GalNAc], fucose, mannose) residing in the sinus mucosa of patients with CRS (N = 20) and normal controls (N = 10).

Results

The mean CT score, compatible with extensive sinus disease, was 13.9 ± 6.7. All six carbohydrates were found in the epithelium and submucosal glands of patients and controls. Peanut agglutinin staining showed significantly higher concentration of disaccharide galactose beta 1,3 GalNAc in epithelial goblet cells and in submucosal mucous and mixed glands of patients compared with that of controls (p = 0.01, p = 0.03, and p = 0.018, respectively). The epithelial glycocalyx of patients was also significantly more abundant in fucose and in GalNAc (p = 0.015, and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Glycoconjugate expression of the sinus mucosa in CRS is markedly altered in extensive inflammatory conditions. The increased concentration of galactose beta 1,3 GalNAc in CRS probably contributes to the high viscosity of the nasal mucus and interferes with normal mucociliary clearance. Exposed peripheral galactose residues may serve as attachment receptor sites for pathogenic bacteria. Means interfering with the ability of bacteria to adhere to specific receptors on host tissues warrant additional research.
The Effects of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery on Level of Fatigue in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Sautter Nathan B. , Mace Jess , Chester Alexander C. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: August 2008

Background

Fatigue is a common symptom of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), but the response of fatigue to endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is rarely studied.

Methods

A prospective, open cohort of adult patients undergoing ESS for CRS was studied using 10-cm fatigue visual analog scales (VASs), Lund-MacKay computed tomography (CT), and Lund-Kennedy nasal endoscopy scoring.

Results

Two hundred seventy-two patients, followed for a mean (±SD) of 16.5 ± 8.5 months after ESS, noted significant fatigue improvement with an effect size defined as large by Cohen (0.8 [95% CI, 0.5–1.3]). Neither preoperative CT scores nor preoperative endoscopy scores correlated with preoperative fatigue severity. Compared with the mean preoperative fatigue score (6.1 ± 2.9 cm), preoperative fatigue was more severe in women (6.9 ± 2.6 cm; p < 0.001) patients with depression (7.7 ± 2.4 cm; p < 0.001) and patients with fibromyalgia (7.9 ± 2.2 cm; p = 0.013), but less severe in patients with nasal polyposis (5.4 ± 3.2 cm; p = 0.009). Significantly greater postoperative reduction in fatigue was noted in patients with fibromyalgia when compared with study patients without fibromyalgia (effect size = 1.8 [95% CI, 1.6–2.2]; p > 0.001) with final fatigue severity scores similar to the entire study group. Similarly, patients with severe fatigue (n = 112; mean VAS score, 8.8 ± 0.8 cm) showed a more pronounced improvement than patients less severely fatigued (n = 160; mean VAS score 4.2 ± 2.4 cm; effect size = 2.2 [95% CI, 2.0–2.9]; p > 0.001).

Conclusion

Fatigue improves after ESS, with significantly greater improvement in patients with fibromyalgia and in patients that are more severely fatigued at presentation.
Rhinitis Medicamentosa: Therapeutic Effect of Diode Laser Inferior Turbinate Reduction on Nasal Obstruction and Decongestant Abuse
Authors: Caffier Philipp P. , Frieler Katja , Scherer Hans , Sedlmaier Benedikt , Göktas Önder
Published: August 2008

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes of an outpatient-based diode laser inferior turbinate reduction (ITR) in therapy-refractory rhinitis medicamentosa (RM).

Methods

In a prospective clinical investigation, 42 consecutive RM patients underwent videoendoscopic ITR with a diode laser after topical anesthetic preparation. Intra- and perioperative details were recorded including the occurrence of bleeding, crusting, pain, or discomfort. Treatment efficiency was assessed by follow-ups 1 and 6 weeks as well as 6 and 12 months after surgery. Subjective pre- and posttherapeutic nasal airflow (NA) and patient satisfaction were rated on visual analog scales (VASs). Assessment of the long-term objective clinical effectiveness was based on rhinomanometry, IT photodocumentation, and the recurrent need for decongestants.

Results

Preoperative addiction to decongestants lasted 5 ± 2 years (mean ± SD). There was no major bleeding requiring nasal packing, and there were no other perioperative complications. Postoperative edema disappeared within the 1st week and crusting within 6 weeks after surgery. VAS was characterized by very low values for intraoperative pain and discomfort and high postoperative patient satisfaction. After 6 months, NA data revealed a significant improvement of subjective VAS and objective rhinomanometry (250.4–413.9 cm3/s inspiration at 150 Pa). A total of 88% of patients managed to successfully stop decongestant abuse after 6 months (74% after 1 year).

Conclusion

In therapy-refractory RM, outpatient diode laser ITR of hyperplastic IT represents a highly effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment option that provides long-lasting recovery by markedly improving NA and stopping addiction to nasal decongestants.
Assessing the issue of instability due to Michael adduct formation in novel chemical entities possessing a carbon–carbon double bond during early drug development— applicability of common laboratory analytical protocols
Authors: Polepally Akshanth Reddy , Kumar Venkata V. Pavan , Bhamidipati Ravikanth , Kota Jagannath , Naveed Shaik Abdul , Reddy Karnati Harinder , Mamidi Rao N.V.S. , Selvakumar N. , Mullangi Ramesh , Srinivas Nuggehally R.
Published: August 2008

The discovery of small‐molecule novel chemical entities (NCEs) is often a complex play between appropriate structural requirements and optimization of the desired efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic properties. One of the typical structural variants such as having an active carbon–carbon double bond (α, β‐unsaturated carbonyl group) in xenobiotics may lead to stability issues. Such functionalities are extremely reactive, paving way to nucleophilic attack by endogenously occurring and ubiquitous nucleophiles like thiols. While it is easy to make a unilateral decision to not pursue the development of xenobiotics with such functionalities, we question the wisdom of such a decision. In this report, we present in vitro methodologies with appropriate examples to illustrate the ease of assessing the reactivity of the xenobiotics containing double bonds with a known nucleophile. The protocols involve simple reaction procedures followed by measurements using standard laboratory equipments (UV spectrophotometer, HPLC and LC‐MS). Our data suggests that not all xenobiotics with carbon–carbon double bonds readily form a Michael's adduct product with glutathione. Hence, the criterion for dropping discovery compounds because of α,β‐unsaturated double bonds needs to be reconsidered. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic skin deformation with characteristic curves
Authors: You L. H. , Yang Xiaosong , Zhang Jian J.
Published: August 2008

By simulating motion and deformation of a set of 3D characteristic curves defining surfaces, we introduce a new skin deformation technique to animate skin deformation of character models. This technique consists of two parts, representation of characteristic curves and dynamic skin deformation. The first part is to extract characteristic curves of an existing model, that is a polygon model or a NURBS model, represent the characteristic curves with time‐dependent 3D trigonometric curves, and relate the surface points of the model to these trigonometric curves. The advantage of such a treatment is that it can transform an original 3D problem into a 2D problem, making it much quicker and easier to process and compute. In the second part, a vector‐valued dynamic fourth‐order differential equation is employed to govern the behaviour of the time‐dependent 3D trigonometric curves. These dynamic differential equations incorporate both the time component and the physical properties of the material, which are given by the user. Thus, the character model can be made to animate (deform) following the user‐specified behaviour parameters. Our experiments demonstrate that this technique is able to produce realistic skin deformations efficiently and avoid the undesirable skinning problems suffered by some existing skinning techniques. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physiologically correct animation of the heart
Authors: Park Kyoungju
Published: August 2008

Physiologically correct animation of the heart should incorporate non‐homogeneous and nonlinear motions of the heart. Therefore, we introduce a methodology that estimates deformations from volume images and utilizes them for animation. Since volume images are acquired at regular slicing intervals, they miss information between slices and recover deformation on the slices. Therefore, the estimated finite element models (FEMs) result in coarse meshes with chunk elements the sizes of which depend on the slice intervals. Thus, we introduce a method of generating a detailed model using implicit surfaces and transferring a deformation from a FEM to implicit surfaces. An implicit surface heart model is reconstructed using contour data points and then cross‐parameterized to the heart FEM, the time‐varying deformation of which has been estimated by tracking the insights of the heart wall. The implicit surface heart models are composed of four heart walls that are blended into one model. A correspondence map between the source and the target meshes is made using the template fitting method. Deformation coupling transfers the deformation of a coarse heart FEM model to a detailed implicit model by factorizing linear equations. We demonstrate the system and show the resulting deformation of an implicit heart model. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
View‐dependent dynamics of articulated bodies
Authors: Kim Sujeong , Redon Stephane , Kim Young J.
Published: August 2008

We propose a method for view‐dependent simplification of articulated‐body dynamics, which enables an automatic trade‐off between visual precision and computational efficiency. We begin by discussing the problem of simplifying the simulation based on visual criteria, and show that it raises a number of challenging questions. We then focus on articulated‐body dynamics simulation, and propose a semi‐predictive approach which relies on a combination of exact, a priori error metrics computations, and visibility estimations. We suggest several variants of semi‐predictive metrics based on hierarchical data structures and the use of graphics hardware, and discuss their relative merits in terms of computational efficiency and precision. Finally, we present several benchmarks and demonstrate how our view‐dependent articulated‐body dynamics method allows an animator (or a physics engine) to finely tune the visual quality and obtain potentially significant speed‐ups during interactive or off‐line simulations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facial animation by optimized blendshapes from motion capture data
Authors: Liu Xuecheng , Mao Tianlu , Xia Shihong , Yu Yong , Wang Zhaoqi
Published: August 2008

This paper presents a labor‐saving method to construct optimal facial animation blendshapes from given blendshape sketches and facial motion capture data. At first, a mapping function is established between target “Marker Face” and performer's face by RBF interpolating selected feature points. Sketched blendshapes are transferred to performer's “Marker Face” by using motion vector adjustment technique. Then, the blendshapes of performer's “Marker Face” are optimized according to the facial motion capture data. At last, the optimized blendshapes are inversely transferred to target facial model. Apart from that, this paper also proposes a method of computing blendshape weights from facial motion capture data more accurately. Experiments show that expressive facial animation can be acquired. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A physically faithful multigrid method for fast cloth simulation
Authors: Oh SeungWoo , Noh Junyong , Wohn Kwangyun
Published: August 2008

We present an efficient multigrid algorithm that is adequate to solve a heavy linear system given in cloth simulation. Although a multigrid solver has been successfully employed to the Poisson problems, it is hard to apply the solver to complicated cloth deformations due to its lack of physical meaning in level construction. We address this problem by developing a physically faithful technique ensuring the conservation of all physical quantities across levels. The performance of our approach is demonstrated on a number of garment simulations implemented by the state of the art techniques: the implicit integration, the triangle‐based in‐plane energy model, and the curvature‐based bending energy model. Our multigrid algorithm is about four times faster than the preconditioned Conjugate Gradient method for a garment with 20K particles. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Snap: A time critical decision‐making framework for MOUT simulations
Authors: Ting Shang‐Ping , Zhou Suiping
Published: August 2008

Deliberative reasoning based on the rational analysis of various alternatives often requires too much information and may be too slow in time critical situations. In these situations, humans rely mainly on their intuitions rather than some structured decision‐making processes. An important and challenging problem in Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) simulations is how to generate realistic tactical behaviors for the non‐player characters (also known as bots), as these bots often need to make quick decisions in time‐critical and uncertain situations. In this paper, we describe our work on Snap, a time critical decision‐making framework for the bots in MOUT simulations. The novel features of Snap include case‐based reasoning (CBR) and thin slicing. CBR is used to make quick decisions by comparing the current situation with past experience cases. Thin slicing is used to model human's ability to quickly form up situation awareness under uncertain and complex situations using key cues from partial information. To assess the effectiveness of Snap, we have integrated it into Twilight City, a virtual environment for MOUT simulations. Experimental results show that Snap is very effective in generating quick decisions during time critical situations for MOUT simulations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forgotten pioneers of color order. Part II: Matthias Klotz (1748–1821)
Authors: Kuehni Rolf G.
Published: August 2008

The painter Matthias Klotz began to investigate the subject of color beginning circa 1780 and thereby during the same general time period as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Philipp Otto Runge, and Gaspard Grégoire. Like the others, he was an adherent of the theory of three fundamental colors, yellow, red, and blue. With Grégoire he had in common three perceptual color attributes and an implicit cylindrical ordering system that presaged the system of Munsell, developed nearly a century later. With Runge and Grégoire he had in common a balanced color chart in which opposites were presumed to neutralize each other in a common medium gray. Klotz's so‐called color canon is the most carefully executed in the early 19th century. He was unique in proposing a nine‐grade, geometrically stepped gray scale that would require a logarithmic mathematical model. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 341–345, 2008
Color memory in children
Authors: Pérez‐Carpinell Joaquín , Camps Vicente J. , Trottini Mario
Published: August 2008

The methods of simultaneous and memory color matching have been studied for a set of five Munsell color samples by 50 children, 25 boys and 25 girls (ranging in age from 9 to 11 years). By comparison between this group and one of 50 young adult observers, we can deduce the following: (a) In children, as in young adults, the mean CIELAB total color difference, ΔE*ab, in simultaneous color matching is lower than the ΔE*ab by memory color matching. (b) Children matched reference test worse than young adults for orange, bluish green (only boys and men) and yellow green (only girls and women). (c) While men remember, independently of age and delay time, violet reference test worse than women (P = 0.02), boys remember, independently of delay time, reference test worse than girls for orange (P = 0.026) and pink (P = 0.049). (d) In short‐term memory, boys remember the reference test better than girls for bluish green (P = 0.022); girls remember yellow green reference test worse than women (P = 0.034). (e) Chroma is the perceptual color attribute that best explains sex differences, although that depends upon the reference color test considered. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 372–380, 2008
The emotional connotations of color: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Clarke Tom , Costall Alan
Published: August 2008

Typically, the research on the connotations of colors has presented isolated color samples to the participants, and/or restricted their responses to a limited set of alternatives (e.g., basic emotions). In the present study, the participants were asked to imagine their own examples of the target colors, thereby allowing the participants to select their own salient examples, including the context. In addition, a qualitative method, the semi‐structured interview, was employed, giving them freedom to choose their own terms of description, and also identify issues which they themselves regarded as relevant. To a large extent, the results were consistent with previous research about the emotional significance and arousing effects of different colors. But this alternative approach also threw light upon more subtle connotations of colors, the multiple meanings of a single color, and also the participants' reasons for these connotations, ranging from individual experiences to cultural conventions and stereotypes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 406–410, 2008
Checkpointing schemes for Grid workflow systems
Authors: Li Zhongwen , Xiang Yang
Published: August 2008

One of the major challenges in wide use of Grid workflow systems is fault tolerance and avoidance. Checkpointing schemes provide a way of fault detection and recovery. In our research, we focus on the performance optimization of checkpointing schemes and dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) for Grid workflow systems. We propose offline checkpointing schemes with DVS and online adaptive checkpointing schemes that dynamically adjust the checkpointing intervals by using store checkpoints and compare checkpoints. When combined with DVS, offline adaptive checkpointing schemes not only are fault tolerant but also lead to reduce average execution time of tasks. These schemes can efficiently utilize comparison and storage operations and significantly improve the performance. Further, these schemes can calculate the optimal numbers of checkpoints by which the mean execution time can be minimized. We also expand the online adaptive checkpointing schemes from single‐task execution scenarios to multi‐task execution scenarios. Simulation results show that these online schemes outstandingly increase the likelihood of timely task completion when faults occur. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimizing process allocation of parallel programs for heterogeneous clusters
Authors: Ichikawa Shuichi , Takahashi Sho , Kawai Yuu
Published: August 2008

The performance of a conventional parallel application is often degraded by load‐imbalance on heterogeneous clusters. Although it is simple to invoke multiple processes on fast processing elements to alleviate load‐imbalance, the optimal process allocation is not obvious. Kishimoto and Ichikawa presented performance models for high‐performance Linpack (HPL), with which the sub‐optimal configurations of heterogeneous clusters were actually estimated. Their results on HPL are encouraging, whereas their approach is not yet verified with other applications. This study presents some enhancements of Kishimoto's scheme, which are evaluated with four typical scientific applications: computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite‐element method (FEM), HPL (linear algebraic system), and fast Fourier transform (FFT). According to our experiments, our new models (NP‐T models) are superior to Kishimoto's models, particularly when the non‐negative least squares method is used for parameter extraction. The average errors of the derived models were 0.2% for the CFD benchmark, 2% for the FEM benchmark, 1% for HPL, and 28% for the FFT benchmark. This study also emphasizes the importance of predictability in clusters, listing practical examples derived from our study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grids challenged by a Web 2.0 and multicore sandwich
Authors: Fox Geoffrey , Pierce Marlon
Published: August 2008

We discuss the application of Web 2.0 to support scientific research (e‐Science) and related ‘e‐more or less anything’ applications. Web 2.0 offers interesting technical approaches (protocols, message formats, and programming tools) to build core e‐infrastructure (cyberinfrastructure) as well as many interesting services (Facebook, YouTube, Amazon S3/EC2, and Google maps) that can add value to e‐infrastructure projects. We discuss why some of the original Grid goals of linking the world's computer systems may not be so relevant today and that interoperability is needed at the data and not always at the infrastructure level. Web 2.0 may also support Parallel Programming 2.0—a better parallel computing software environment motivated by the need to run commodity applications on multicore chips. A ‘Grid on the chip’ will be a common use of future chips with tens or hundreds of cores. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.