bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auxin and strigolactones in shoot branching: intimately connected?
Authors: Stirnberg Petra , Ward Sally , Leyser Ottoline
Published: March 2010

Axillary meristems form in the axils of leaves. After an initial phase of meristematic activity during which a small axillary bud is produced, they often enter a state of suspended growth from which they may be released to form a shoot branch. This post-embryonic growth plasticity is typical of plants and allows them to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The shoot architecture of genotypically identical plants may display completely contrasting phenotypes when grown in distinct environmental niches, with one having only a primary inflorescence and many arrested axillary meristems and the other displaying higher orders of branches. In order to cease and resume growth as required, the plant must co-ordinate its intrinsic developmental programme with the responses to environmental cues. It is thought that information from the environment is integrated throughout the plant using plant hormones as long-distance signals. In the present review, we focus primarily on how two of these hormones, auxin and strigolactones, may be acting to regulate shoot branching.
Investigation of the physical origins of etching LiNbO3 during Ti in-diffusion
Authors: Sivan Vijay , Holland Anthony , O’Mullane Anthony P. , Mitchell Arnan
Published: March 2010

We investigate the physical origins of etching observed during Ti diffusion. The relationship between observed etch depth and water vapor content in the annealing environment is quantified. The dynamics of the etching process are also identified. It is discovered that water vapor content is essential for etching and that there is a characteristic delay before etching is observed. From these observations we can conclude that the process is electrochemical in nature with ionic defects diffusing into the Ti strip from the lithium niobate and these defects catalyzing the dissociation of water into reactive ions.
Hearing a Point-Light Talker: An Auditory Influence on a Visual Motion Detection Task
Authors: Kim Jeesun , Kroos Christian , Davis Chris
Published: March 2010

Parsing of information from the world into objects and events occurs in both the visual and auditory modalities. It has been suggested that visual and auditory scene perceptions involve similar principles of perceptual organisation. We investigated here cross-modal scene perception by determining whether an auditory stimulus could facilitate visual object segregation. Specifically, we examined whether the presentation of matched auditory speech would facilitate the detection of a point-light talking face amid point-light distractors. An adaptive staircase procedure (3-up–1-down rule) was used to estimate the 79% correct threshold in a two-alternative forced-choice procedure. To determine if different degrees of speech motion would show auditory influence of different sizes, two speech modes were tested (in quiet and Lombard speech). A facilitatory auditory effect on talking-face detection was found; the size of this effect did not differ between the different speech modes.
Additional Oscillation Can Facilitate Visually Induced Self-Motion Perception: The Effects of its Coherence and Amplitude Gradient
Authors: Nakamura Shinji
Published: March 2010

It has been suggested that the addition of oscillating motion components can facilitate visually induced self-motion perception (vection), even though they generate substantial conflicts between visual and vestibular information about self-motion. In the psychophysical experiments reported here, attributes of sinusoidal oscillation, such as consistency in phases or amplitudes, were varied in order to investigate the perceptual mechanism underlying the facilitative effects of additional oscillation. The results show that coherent oscillation in the orthogonal direction of the main visual motion can facilitate vection strength, whereas variation in the phases or nonuniform amplitude impairs it. Furthermore, the strength of self-motion perception and the perceived rigidity of the visual pattern covaried as a function of stimulus attributes. These results suggest that uniform oscillation first enhances the perceived rigidity of the visual pattern, and then the visual pattern that is perceived as being more rigid induces more compelling self-motion perception.
Estimating Aggression from Emotionally Neutral Faces: Which Facial Cues are Diagnostic?
Authors: Carré Justin M , Morrissey Mark D , Mondloch Catherine J , McCormick Cheryl M
Published: March 2010

The facial width-to-height ratio, a size-independent sexually dimorphic property of the human face, is correlated with aggressive behaviour in men. Furthermore, observers' estimates of aggression from emotionally neutral faces are accurate and are highly correlated with the facial width-to-height ratio. We investigated whether observers use the facial width-to-height ratio to estimate propensity for aggression. In experiments 1a–1c, estimates of aggression remained accurate when faces were blurred or cropped, manipulations that reduce featural cues but maintain the facial width-to-height ratio. Accuracy decreased when faces were scrambled, a manipulation that retains featural information but disrupts the facial width-to-height ratio. In experiment 2, computer-modeling software identified eight facial metrics that correlated with estimates of aggression; regression analyses revealed that the facial width-to-height ratio was the only metric that uniquely predicted these estimates. In experiment 3, we used a computer-generated set of faces varying in perceived threat (Oosterhof and Todorov, 2008 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA105 11087–11092) and found that as emotionally neutral faces became more ‘threatening’, the facial width-to-height ratio increased. Together, these experiments suggest that the facial width-to-height ratio is an honest signal of propensity for aggressive behaviour.
When You Turn the other Cheek: A Preference for Novel Viewpoints of Familiar Faces
Authors: Taubert Jessica , Marsh Pamela J , Shaw Tracey
Published: March 2010

Inferences about the psychobiological processes that underlie face perception have been drawn from the spontaneous behaviour of eyes. Using a visual paired-comparison task, we recorded the eye movements of twenty adults as they viewed pairs of faces that differed in their relative familiarity. The results indicate an advantage for novel viewpoints of familiar faces over familiar viewpoints of familiar faces and novel faces. We conclude that this preference serves the face recognition system by collecting the variation necessary to build robust representations of identity.
Revealing the Superior Perceptibility of Words in Arabic
Authors: Jordan Timothy R , Paterson Kevin B , Almabruk Abubaker A A
Published: March 2010

When alphabetic stimuli are presented very briefly, people perceive real words better than nonwords. It is generally accepted that this word superiority effect reflects the efficiency of visual word perception. However, much of what is known about this effect comes from research conducted in languages using the Latin alphabet (eg English, French, Italian), and little is known about whether alphabetic languages with visual properties fundamentally different from Latinate languages also produce word superiority effects. We report an experiment in which stimuli (words, illegal nonwords, and pseudowords) were presented in Arabic, which is a cursive script, read from right to left. The findings revealed advantages for words over pseudowords and illegal nonwords, and for pseudowords over illegal nonwords, indicating that the superiority effects reported for Latinate languages are also observed in Arabic. Implications of these findings for understanding the processes involved in word recognition are discussed.
Treating an unhealthy organisational culture: the implications of the Bundaberg Hospital Inquiry for managerial ethical decision making
Authors: Casali Gian Luca , Day Gary E.
Published: March 2010

This paper explores the interplay between individual values, espoused organisational values and the values of the organisational culture in practice in light of a recent Royal Commission in Queensland, Australia, which highlighted systematic failures in patient care. The lack of congruence among values at these levels impacts upon the ethical decision making of health managers. The presence of institutional ethics regimes such as the Public Sector Ethics Act 1994 (Qld) and agency codes of conduct are not sufficient to counteract the negative influence of informal codes of practice that undermine espoused organisational values and community standards. The ethical decision-making capacity of health care managers remains at the front line in the battle against unethical and unprofessional practice. What is known about the topic?Value congruence theory focusses on the conflicts between individual and organisational values. Congruence between individual values, espoused values and values expressed in everyday practice can only be achieved by ensuring that such shared values are an ever-present factor in managerial decision making. What does this paper add?The importance of value congruence in building and sustaining a healthy organisational culture is confirmed by the evidence presented in the Bundaberg Hospital Inquiry. The presence of strong individual values among staff and strong espoused values in line with community expectations and backed up by legislation and ethics regimes were not, in themselves, sufficient to ensure a healthy organisational culture and prevent unethical, and possibly illegal, behaviour. What are the implications for practitioners?Managers must incorporate ethics in decision making to establish and maintain the nexus between individual and organisational values that is a vital component of a healthy organisational culture.
Recognising potential for preventing hospitalisation
Authors: Banham David , Woollacott Tony , Gray John , Humphrys Brett , Mihnev Angel , McDermott Robyn
Published: March 2010

To identify the incidence and distribution of public hospital admissions in South Australia that could potentially be prevented with appropriate use of primary care services, analysis was completed of all public hospital separations from July 2006 to June 2008 in SA. This included those classified as potentially preventable using the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare criteria for selected potentially preventable hospitalisations (SPPH), by events and by individual, with statistical local area geocoding and allocation of relative socioeconomic disadvantage quintile. A total of 744 723 public hospital separations were recorded, of which 79 424 (10.7%) were classified as potentially preventable. Of these, 59% were for chronic conditions, and 29% were derived from the bottom socioeconomic status (SES) quintile. Individuals in the lowest SES quintile were 2.5 times more likely to be admitted for a potentially preventable condition than those from the top SES quintile. Older individuals, males, those in the most disadvantaged quintiles, non-metropolitan areas and Indigenous people were more likely to have more than one preventable admission.
People living in more disadvantaged areas in SA appear to have poorer utilisation of effective primary care, resulting in preventable hospital admissions, than those in higher SES groups. The SA Health Care Plan, 2007–2016 is aimed at investing in improved access to primary care in those areas of most disadvantage. The inclusion of SPPHs in future routine reporting should identify if this has occurred.
What is known about the topic?Ambulatory care sensitive conditions, or selected potentially preventable hospitalisation separations (SPPH), are an indicator of the availability and effectiveness of primary health care. SPPHs are increasingly reported by area level disadvantage.
What does this paper add?This paper offers analysis by individuals. It shows around three-quarters of individuals had one potentially preventable public hospital separation. The rate among those living in the most disadvantaged areas was more than twice that of lowest disadvantage areas.
What are the implications for practitioners?Realising the potential for preventing potentially avoidable hospitalisation may involve focus on particular target areas and subpopulations. Potentially preventable separations by area of disadvantage can assist with monitoring performance and evaluating policy and program initiatives. Analysis by numbers of individuals will enhance this further.
The effectiveness of hair traps for surveying mammals: results of a study in sandstone caves in the Tasmanian southern midlands
Authors: Harris Rachel L. , Nicol Stewart C.
Published: March 2010

We compared detection success of hair tubes and funnels with tape and Velcro adhesives as part of a small-scale mammal survey in sand-bottomed caves in the southern midlands of Tasmania. In order to detect small mammals entering traps but not leaving hair samples behind, a new type of funnel design was tested. In total, 19 species were detected throughout the survey period using a combination of hair traps and track and scat analysis. When tracks were observed inside funnel entrances no hairs were found on the adhesive tapes in 71% of cases. Hairs from several species were found in traps although there were no tracks of these species in the caves. These results further emphasise the importance of using multiple techniques when conducting general mammal surveys. Appropriate hair trap design is an important factor to be considered when conducting mammal surveys, as it has the potential to strongly influence survey efficiency and overall results.
Activity patterns of the southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) (Marsupialia:Vombatidae) in the South Australian Murraylands
Authors: Finlayson G. R. , White C. R. , Dibben R. , Shimmin G. A. , Taggart D. A.
Published: March 2010

The southern hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) is a large, semifossorial, herbivorous marsupial, adapted to a harsh and unpredictable environment in semi-arid Australia. Limited information is available on the biology and general behaviour of the species. The present study examines monthly variability in ‘nocturnal’ activity patterns. Data-loggers were used to investigate the effect of climate on 57 months of activity patterns of 18 wombats between 1999 and 2004. The average period of activity across the study was 6.27 ± 0.24 h in duration across the study. Multiple excursions above ground were more common in September and significantly correlated with both available water and median temperature. Periods of activity were strongly correlated with temperature across the entire study.
Coherent amygdalocortical theta promotes fear memory consolidation during paradoxical sleep
Authors: Popa Daniela , Duvarci Sevil , Popescu Andrei T. , Léna Clément , Paré Denis
Published: March 2010

Brain activity in sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation, an offline process that determines the long-term strength of memory traces. Consolidation efficacy differs across individuals, but the brain activity dynamics underlying these differences remain unknown. Here, we studied how interindividual variability in fear memory consolidation relates to neural activity in brain structures that participate in Pavlovian fear learning. From the end of training to testing 24 h later, some rats showed increased and others decreased conditioned fear responses. We found that overnight bidirectional changes in fear memory were selectively correlated with modifications in theta coherence between the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus during paradoxical sleep. Thus, our results suggest that theta coordination in the limbic system may influence interindividual differences in memory consolidation of aversive experiences.
Structure and function of an iterative polyketide synthase thioesterase domain catalyzing Claisen cyclization in aflatoxin biosynthesis
Authors: Korman Tyler Paz , Crawford Jason M. , Labonte Jason W. , Newman Adam G. , Wong Justin , Townsend Craig A. , Tsai Shiou-Chuan
Published: March 2010

Polyketide natural products possess diverse architectures and biological functions and share a subset of biosynthetic steps with fatty acid synthesis. The final transformation catalyzed by both polyketide synthases (PKSs) and fatty acid synthases is most often carried out by a thioesterase (TE). The synthetic versatility of TE domains in fungal nonreducing, iterative PKSs (NR-PKSs) has been shown to extend to Claisen cyclase (CLC) chemistry by catalyzing C–C ring closure reactions as opposed to thioester hydrolysis or O–C/N–C macrocyclization observed in previously reported TE structures. Catalysis of C–C bond formation as a product release mechanism dramatically expands the synthetic potential of PKSs, but how this activity was acquired has remained a mystery. We report the biochemical and structural analyses of the TE/CLC domain in polyketide synthase A, the multidomain PKS central to the biosynthesis of aflatoxin B
1
, a potent environmental carcinogen. Mutagenesis experiments confirm the predicted identity of the catalytic triad and its role in catalyzing the final Claisen-type cyclization to the aflatoxin precursor, norsolorinic acid anthrone. The 1.7 Å crystal structure displays an α/β-hydrolase fold in the catalytic closed form with a distinct hydrophobic substrate-binding chamber. We propose that a key rotation of the substrate side chain coupled to a protein conformational change from the open to closed form spatially governs substrate positioning and C–C cyclization. The biochemical studies, the 1.7 Å crystal structure of the TE/CLC domain, and intermediate modeling afford the first mechanistic insights into this widely distributed C–C bond-forming class of TEs.
Golgi-modifying properties of macfarlandin E and the synthesis and evaluation of its 2,7-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one core
Authors: Schnermann Martin J. , Beaudry Christopher M. , Egorova Anastasia V. , Polishchuk Roman S. , Sütterlin Christine , Overman Larry E.
Published: March 2010

Golgi-modifying properties of the spongian diterpene macfarlandin E (MacE) and a synthetic analog,t-Bu-MacE, containing its 2,7-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one moiety are reported. Natural product screening efforts identified MacE as inducing a novel morphological change in Golgi structure defined by ribbon fragmentation with maintenance of the resulting Golgi fragments in the pericentriolar region.t-Bu-MacE, which possesses the substituted 2,7-dioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-3-one but contains atert-butyl group in place of the hydroazulene subunit of MacE, was prepared by chemical synthesis. Examination of the Golgi-modifying properties of MacE,t-Bu-MacE, and several related structures revealed that the entire oxygen-rich bridged-bicyclic fragment is required for induction of this unique Golgi organization phenotype. Further characterization of MacE-induced Golgi modification showed that protein secretion is inhibited, with no effect on the actin or microtubule cytoskeleton being observed. The conversion oft-Bu-MacE and a structurally related des-acetoxy congener to substituted pyrroles in the presence of primary amines in protic solvent at ambient temperatures suggests that covalent modification might be involved in the Golgi-altering activity of MacE.
Inhibition of Return Exaggerates Change Blindness
Authors: Smith Daniel T. , Schenk Thomas
Published: March 2010

Peripheral cues trigger attention shifts, which facilitate perceptual processing and enhance visual awareness. However, this facilitation is superseded by an inhibition of return (IOR) effect, which biases attention away from the cued location. While the link between facilitatory effects of visual attention and awareness is well established, no study has reported negative effects of spatial cueing on visual awareness. This failure is puzzling, given the claim that attention is a necessary precondition for awareness. If attention is necessary for awareness, inhibiting attention should also inhibit awareness. This leads to a slightly counterintuitive prediction: Spatial cueing will inhibit awareness at long cue–target latencies. This study shows that subliminal peripheral cues exaggerate change blindness at long cue–change latencies, demonstrating that IOR can suppress visual awareness of changes and suggesting that IOR can directly affect the contents of consciousness.
Use of Diagnosis Codes and/or Wound Culture Results for Surveillance of
Surgical Site Infection after Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Olsen Margaret A. , Fraser Victoria J.
Published: March 2010

We compared surveillance of surgical site infection (SSI) after major breast
surgery by using a combination of International Classification of
Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnosis codes
and microbiology-based surveillance. The sensitivity of the coding algorithm for
identification of SSI was 87.5%, and the sensitivity of wound culture for
identification of SSI was 78.1%. Our results suggest that SSI surveillance can be
reliably performed using claims data.
Comparison of 4 Different Types of Surgical Gloves Used for Preventing Blood
Contact
Authors: Wittmann Andreas , Kralj Nenad , Köver Jan , Gasthaus Klaus , Lerch Hartmut , Hofmann Friedrich
Published: March 2010

Background.

Needlestick injuries are always associated with a risk of infection,
because these types of punctures may expose healthcare workers to a patient's
blood and/or body fluids.

Objective.

To compare the efficacy of 4 different types of surgical gloves for
preventing exposure to blood as a result of needlestick injury.

Methods.

For simulation of needlestick injury, a circular sample of pork skin was
tightened onto a bracket, and a single finger from a medical glove was
stretched over the sample. First, a powder-free surgical glove with a gel
coating was used to test blood contact. Second, a glove with a patented
puncture indication system was used to test blood contact with a double-gloved
hand. Third, 2 powder-free latex medical gloves of the same size and hand were
combined for double gloving, again to test blood contact. Finally, we tested a
glove with an integrated disinfectant on the inside. The punctures were carried
out using diverse sharp surgical devices that were contaminated with
99Tc-marked blood. The amount of blood contact was
determined from the transmitted radioactivity.

Results.

For the powder-free surgical glove with a gel coating, a mean volume of
0.048 μL of blood (standard error of the mean [SEM], 0.077 μL.) was transferred
in punctures with an automated lancet at a depth of 2.4 mm through 1 layer of
latex. For the glove with an integrated disinfectant on the inside, the mean
volume of blood transferred was 0.030 μL (SEM, 0.0056 μL) with a single glove
and was 0.024 μL (SEM, 0.003 μL) with 2 gloves. For the glove with the patented
puncture indication system, a mean volume of 0.024 μL, (SEM, 0.003 μL) of blood
was transferred.

Conclusions.

Double gloving or the use of a glove with disinfectant can result in a
decrease in the volume of blood transferred. Therefore, the use of either of
these gloving systems could help to minimize the risk of bloodborne infections
for medical staff.
Association between Patient Age and Influenza A Subtype during Influenza
Outbreaks
Authors: Lee Bonita E. , Mukhi Shamir N. , Drews Steven J.
Published: March 2010

The distribution of influenza A subtypes was studied in specimens recovered
from patients in long-term care facility (LTCF) outbreaks and in non-LTCF
outbreaks in Alberta, Canada, for 3 years before the influenza pandemic of 2009.
We found that H3 but not HI was associated with infection in older adults.
Therefore, H3 was more commonly found than HI in outbreaks in LTCFs.
Continued adventures in open access: 2009 perspective
Authors: BIRD Claire
Published: March 2010

Many publishers have actively responded to the open access (OA) movement and have developed a variety of new models and policies as a result. Of those adopting OA models, the majority seek to cover costs through author‐side charges in the region of US$1,000–3,000. Optional or ‘hybrid’ OA models are increasingly commonplace, although most are experiencing uptake of below 10%, with some notable exceptions. Early evidence from these initiatives suggests that OA leads to an increase in online usage. Meanwhile numerous fully OA journals have launched, and a few subscription journals have made the transition to full OA. Several case studies indicate that fully OA models reliant upon author‐side charges are viable, depending on authors being able and willing to pay publication charges, and other influential factors including rejection rate. Most authors continue to rank other considerations, including speed of publication, quality of peer review, and impact factor, as more important than a journal's OA policies, although funder and university‐level mandates seem likely to have an increasing influence on an author's choice of where to publish. This article provides a number of case studies of gold OA journals – both hybrid and fully OA – with a particular focus on the sustainability of these models.
MLT-10 Defines a Family of DUF644 and Proline-rich Repeat Proteins Involved in the Molting Cycle ofCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Meli Vijaykumar S. , Osuna Beatriz , Ruvkun Gary , Frand Alison R.
Published: March 2010

The molting cycle of nematodes involves the periodic synthesis and removal of a collagen-rich exoskeleton, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we describe the mlt-10 gene of Caenorhabditis elegans, which emerged from a genetic screen for molting-defective mutants sensitized by low cholesterol. MLT-10 defines a large family of nematode-specific proteins comprised of DUF644 and tandem P-X2-L-(S/T)-P repeats. Conserved nuclear hormone receptors promote expression of the mlt-10 gene in the hypodermis whenever the exoskeleton is remade. Further, a MLT-10::mCherry fusion protein is released from the hypodermis to the surrounding matrices and fluids during molting. The fusion protein is also detected in strands near the surface of animals. Both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations of mlt-10 impede the removal of old cuticles. However, the substitution mutation mlt-10(mg364), which disrupts the proline-rich repeats, causes the most severe phenotype. Mutations of mlt-10 are also associated with abnormalities in the exoskeleton and improper development of the epidermis. Thus, mlt-10 encodes a secreted protein involved in three distinct but interconnected aspects of the molting cycle. We propose that the molting cycle of C. elegans involves the dynamic assembly and disassembly of MLT-10 and possibly the paralogs of MLT-10.
Effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy in mild congestive heart failure: systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Lubitz Steven A. , Leong‐Sit Peter , Fine Nowell , Kramer Daniel B. , Singh Jagmeet , Ellinor Patrick T.
Published: March 2010

Aims

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves echocardiographic parameters, symptoms, hospitalizations, and mortality in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV symptoms with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, sinus rhythm, and a prolonged QRS duration. The effectiveness of CRT in patients with mild heart failure symptoms has not been systematically reviewed.

Methods and results

Randomized controlled trials of CRT in patients with NYHA Class I or II heart failure were identified from MEDLINE and EMBASE. The effects of CRT on left ventricular remodelling at 1 year were systematically reviewed, and the effects of CRT on clinical outcomes at 1 year were meta‐analysed. Two studies met the pre‐specified search criteria, with a total of 2430 patients (REVERSE n = 610 and MADIT‐CRT n = 1820). CRT was associated with a reduction in heart failure events in both trials [combined OR 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.46–0.70], but not mortality (combined OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.67–1.36). The effect of CRT on the combined endpoint of heart failure events or death favoured CRT (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.51–0.77). CRT was also associated with improvement in left ventricular remodelling parameters in both studies, including a greater increase in left ventricular ejection fraction in the CRT group than in the control group, at 1 year after randomization. Serious adverse events were rare with CRT.

Conclusion

CRT reduces heart failure events in patients with mild heart failure symptoms, left ventricular dysfunction, sinus rhythm, and prolonged QRS duration.
Severe Dysphagia in Children With Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Esophageal Stricture: An Indication for Balloon Dilation?
Authors: Robles‐Medranda Carlos , Villard Florence , le Gall Catherine , Lukashok Hannah , Rivet Christine , Bouvier Raymonde , Dumortier Jerome , Lachaux Alain
Published: March 2010

Background:

Esophageal stricture is one of the most severe complications in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Clinical practice is based on limited data and some treatments are still considered controversial. We report on our experience in the treatment of severe dysphagia and esophageal strictures in EoE, especially using balloon dilation, showing the clinical practice in our pediatric population.

Patients and Methods:

This was a single‐center retrospective study between December 2002 to November 2007, identifying all of the pediatric patients with severe dysphagia in the context of EoE. Demographic data and the results of various treatment regimens were reviewed.

Results:

Severe dysphagia was identified in 13 cases (77% male, mean age 12.8 ± 4.4 years). Endoscopic findings were mucosal edema (62%), long segment strictures, esophagitis, and off‐white appearance in 31%. Histologically, >20 eosinophils per high‐power field were present in all of the patients. Medical treatment consisted of proton pump inhibitor PPI (77%), montelukast (31%), local corticosteroids (54%), systemic corticosteroids (8%), elemental diet (15%), and food elimination diet (61%). A combined therapeutic approach was performed in all of the cases, due to clinical relapse or no response to monotherapy. Good response was obtained clinically in 70%, endoscopically in 62%, and histologically in 75%. Relapses were observed in 46% of the cases. Balloon dilation was necessary in 31% of the cases (mean dilation sessions 3.3 ± 0.95), being effective in 100% of patients, without complications.

Conclusions:

In our pediatric series, combined medical (corticosteroids, elemental diet, and food elimination diet) and endoscopic approach (repeated balloon dilation) were effective and safe in patients with severe EoE and esophageal stricture.
Quality of Life in Children Managed for Extrahepatic Portal Venous Obstruction
Authors: Krishna Y Radha , Yachha Surender Kumar , Srivastava Anshu , Negi Deepa , Lal Richa , Poddar Ujjal
Published: March 2010

Objectives:

There are no studies on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO). The present study evaluated the QOL in children with EHPVO, prevariceal and postvariceal esophageal variceal eradication, and postsurgery in comparison with healthy controls.

Methods:

Children with EHPVO and variceal bleeding were divided into 3 groups: group A, before variceal eradication (n = 50); group B, after variceal eradication (n = 50); and group C, after surgery (n = 12). Group D comprised healthy children (n = 50). Clinical details and investigations were recorded. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory parent‐proxy HRQOL questionnaire was used for assessment of QOL.

Results:

Compared with controls, patients with EHPVO in groups A, B, and C had lower median QOL scores in physical, emotional, social, and school functioning health domains. Esophageal variceal eradication had no significant effect on QOL (median total QOL score pre‐ and postvariceal eradication of 87.5 vs 86.3). Increasing size of spleen (mild 92.5, moderate 88.2, and severe 76.2; P < 0.001), presence of hypersplenism (90 vs 73.7, P = 0.001), and growth retardation (90 vs 82.5, P = 0.04) caused significant reduction of the total QOL score. On multivariate regression analysis, splenic size and growth retardation were found to be independent predictors that affect the QOL. After surgery, a trend toward improvement in physical, psychosocial, and total QOL scores was present, but it was not significant.

Conclusions:

Children with EHPVO have a poor QOL that is not affected by variceal eradication. Splenomegaly and growth retardation significantly affect the HRQOL. A trend toward improvement of QOL scores is observed in the postsurgery group.
Cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in the human cranial subarachnoid space: an overlooked mediator of cerebral disease. II.
In vitro
arachnoid outflow model
Authors: Holman David W. , Kurtcuoglu Vartan , Grzybowski Deborah M.
Published: March 2010

The arachnoid membrane (AM) and granulations (AGs) are important in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) homeostasis, regulating intracranial pressure in health and disease. We offer a functional perspective of the human AM's transport mechanism to clarify the role of AM in the movement of CSF and metabolites. Using cultures of human AG cells and a specialized perfusion system, we have shown that this
in vitro
model mimics the
in vivo
characteristics of unidirectional fluid transport and we present the first report of serum-free permeability values (92.5 µl min
−1
mm Hg
−1
cm
−2
), which in turn are in agreement with the CSF outflow rates derived from a dynamic,
in vivo
magnetic resonance imaging-based computational model of the subarachnoid cranial space (130.9 µl min
−1
mm Hg
−1
cm
−2
). Lucifer yellow permeability experiments have verified the maintenance of tight junctions by the arachnoidal cells with a peak occurring around 21 days post-seeding, which is when all perfusion experiments were conducted. Addition of ruthenium red to the perfusate, and subsequent analysis of its distribution post-perfusion, has verified the passage of perfusate via both paracellular and transcellular mechanisms with intracellular vacuoles of approximately 1 µm in diameter being the predominant transport mechanism. The comparison of the computational and
in vitro
models is the first report to measure human CSF dynamics functionally and structurally, enabling the development of innovative approaches to modify CSF outflow and will change concepts and management of neurodegenerative diseases resulting from CSF stagnation.
Contagion in financial networks
Authors: Gai Prasanna , Kapadia Sujit
Published: March 2010

This paper develops an analytical model of contagion in financial networks with arbitrary structure. We explore how the probability and potential impact of contagion is influenced by aggregate and idiosyncratic shocks, changes in network structure and asset market liquidity. Our findings suggest that financial systems exhibit arobust-yet-fragiletendency: while the probability of contagion may be low, the effects can be extremely widespread when problems occur. And we suggest why the resilience of the system in withstanding fairly large shocks prior to 2007 should not have been taken as a reliable guide to its future robustness.
Darboux transformations for a twisted derivation and quasideterminant solutions to the super KdV equation
Authors: Li C. X. , Nimmo J. J. C.
Published: March 2010

This paper is concerned with a generalized type of Darboux transformations defined in terms of a twisted derivation
D
satisfying
D
(
AB
)=
D
(
A
)+
σ
(
A
)
B
where
σ
is a homomorphism. Such twisted derivations include regular derivations, difference and
q
-difference operators and superderivatives as special cases. Remarkably, the formulae for the iteration of Darboux transformations are identical with those in the standard case of a regular derivation and are expressed in terms of quasideterminants. As an example, we revisit the Darboux transformations for the Manin–Radul super KdV equation, studied in Liu and Mañas (Liu & Mañas 1997
a
Phys. Lett. B
396
, 133–140 (
doi:10.1016/S0370-2693(97)00134-2
)). The new approach we take enables us to derive a unified expression for solution formulae in terms of quasideterminants, covering all cases at once, rather than using several subcases. Then, by using a known relationship between quasideterminants and superdeterminants, we obtain expressions for these solutions as ratios of superdeterminants. This coincides with the results of Liu and Mañas in all the cases they considered but also deals with the one subcase in which they did not obtain such an expression. Finally, we obtain another type of quasideterminant solution to the Manin–Radul super KdV equation constructed from its binary Darboux transformations. These can also be expressed as ratios of superdeterminants and are a substantial generalization of the solutions constructed using binary Darboux transformations in earlier work on this topic.
Periodic frameworks and flexibility
Authors: Borcea Ciprian S. , Streinu Ileana
Published: March 2010

We formulate a concise deformation theory for periodic bar-and-joint frameworks in
R

d

and illustrate our algebraic–geometric approach on frameworks related to various crystalline structures. Particular attention is given to periodic frameworks modelled on silica, zeolites and perovskites. For frameworks akin to tectosilicates, which are made of one-skeleta of
d
-dimensional simplices, with each vertex common to exactly two simplices, we prove the existence of a space of periodicity-preserving infinitesimal flexes of dimension at least

. However, these infinitesimal flexes need not come from genuine flexibility, as shown by rigid examples. The changes implicated in passing from a given lattice of periods to a sublattice of periods are illustrated with frameworks modelled on perovskites.
A common perceptual temporal limit of binding synchronous inputs across different sensory attributes and modalities
Authors: Fujisaki Waka , Nishida Shin'ya
Published: March 2010

The human brain processes different aspects of the surrounding environment through multiple sensory modalities, and each modality can be subdivided into multiple attribute-specific channels. When the brain rebinds sensory content information (‘what’) across different channels, temporal coincidence (‘when’) along with spatial coincidence (‘where’) provides a critical clue. It however remains unknown whether neural mechanisms for binding synchronous attributes are specific to each attribute combination, or universal and central. In human psychophysical experiments, we examined how combinations of visual, auditory and tactile attributes affect the temporal frequency limit of synchrony-based binding. The results indicated that the upper limits of cross-attribute binding were lower than those of within-attribute binding, and surprisingly similar for any combination of visual, auditory and tactile attributes (2–3 Hz). They are unlikely to be the limits for judging synchrony, since the temporal limit of a cross-attribute synchrony judgement was higher and varied with the modality combination (4–9 Hz). These findings suggest that cross-attribute temporal binding is mediated by a slow central process that combines separately processed ‘what’ and ‘when’ properties of a single event. While the synchrony performance reflects temporal bottlenecks existing in ‘when’ processing, the binding performance reflects the central temporal limit of integrating ‘when’ and ‘what’ properties.
Suppressing the morning rise in cortisol impairs free recall
Authors: Rimmele Ulrike , Meier Flurina , Lange Tanja , Born Jan
Published: March 2010

Elevated glucocorticoid levels impair memory retrieval. We investigated whether retrieval under naturally elevated glucocorticoid levels, i.e., during the morning rise in cortisol can be improved by suppressing cortisol. In a crossover study 16 men retrieved emotional and neutral texts and pictures (learned 3 d earlier) 30 min after morning awakening, following administration of the cortisol synthesis inhibitor metyrapone or placebo. Unexpectedly, the metyrapone-induced cortisol suppression significantly impaired free recall of both materials. Recognition remained unaffected. Thus, not only high, but also very low glucocorticoid levels impair retrieval, with the latter effect possibly reflecting insufficient occupation of hippocampal/amygdalar mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs).
Morphology of polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) micelles in aqueous dimethyl sulfoxide solutions
Authors: Aizawa Hideki
Published: March 2010

The structures of micelles of the surfactant polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) in 0–50% aqueous dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solutions (pH 7.2, ionic strength 2.44 mM) were investigated by means of small-angle X-ray scattering. At DMSO concentrations of 0–20%, core–shell cylinder micelles formed, and at 30–50% DMSO, core–shell discus micelles formed, that is, changing the hydrophobicity of the DMSO solvent mixture changed the micelles from core–shell cylinder micelles to core–shell discus micelles.
Modeling of Microwave Scattering From Cloud Ice Crystal Aggregates and Melting Aggregates: A New Approach
Authors: Botta Giovanni , Aydin Kültegin , Verlinde Johannes
Published: March 2010

Ice crystal aggregates and their melting process are modeled with a new approach for determining their microwave scattering characteristics and are compared with those obtained using effective dielectric constant representations. The aggregates are constructed from columnar crystals of random lengths (with the width being a function of the length), which are composed of a string of touching ice spheres with diameters equal to the column's width. The aggregates are melted using a model that incorporates the primary aspects of experimentally observed features of the melting process. The generalized multiparticle Mie method is used for computing the scattering cross sections of the dry and melting aggregates. The T-matrix method is used for computations involving a bulk representation of each aggregate with an effective dielectric constant model and an oblate spheroidal shape. The 3- and 35.6-GHz backscattering cross sections show significant differences between the two methods for both dry and melting aggregates. For sizes larger than 3 mm, these differences range from several decibels at 3 GHz to well over 7 dB at 35.6 GHz. Significant differences are also observed in the extinction cross sections during the melting process. It is concluded that the effective dielectric constant models of dry and melting ice crystal aggregates do not represent the interactions between the constituent crystals (and water droplets during melting) of the aggregates very well. Hence, bulk models must be used with caution particularly at millimeter wavelengths.
From tears to words: the development of language to express pain in young children with everyday minor illnesses and injuries
Authors: Franck L. , Noble G. , Liossi C.
Published: March 2010

Background  Little is known about the development of language to express pain in the young or how children and parents verbally communicate when young children have everyday minor illnesses and injuries.

Methods  UK parents of children between the ages of 1 and 6 were invited to complete an Internet survey on children's pain language during everyday situations of minor illness or injury.

Results  Of the 1716 parents completing the survey, 45% reported their child had at least one word to express pain by 17 months of age, increasing to 81% by 23 months of age. Children used different words based on their age and in the contexts of minor illnesses and injuries, with words for expressing pain related to illness emerging slightly later. Children's language was purposeful in describing causes of pain and requesting specific forms of assistance from parents even in the very youngest age groups. Parents' communicated with their children primarily to gain further information about the source and nature of pain and to direct children's behaviour.

Conclusions  Children rapidly develop an extensive vocabulary to describe pain between 12 and 30 months of age, with words for pain from injury emerging first and reflecting the development of normal speech acquisition. The differences in verbal expressions in the context of minor illnesses and injuries suggest that children make a cognitive distinction between the origins and sensory aspects of pain. These findings can help parents, childcare and healthcare professionals to appreciate the early communication capabilities of young children and to engage in more effective pain assessment and management for young children.
The origin of herbicide‐resistant Chenopodium album: analysis of genetic variation and population structure
Authors: APER J , DE RIEK J , MECHANT E , DE CAUWER B , BULCKE R , REHEUL D
Published: March 2010

Aper J, De Riek J, Mechant E, De Cauwer B, Bulcke R & Reheul D (2010). The origin of herbicide‐resistant Chenopodium album: analysis of genetic variation and population structure. Weed Research50, 235–244.

Chenopodium album is a predominantly self‐fertilising weed species common in temperate regions of the world that has developed resistance to photosystem II inhibitors. The genetic variation and population structure of eight populations from North West Europe were investigated using 416 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. The populations were checked for their level of herbicide resistance by pot experiments and the investigated plants were genotyped for the Ser264 to Gly mutation by cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence. Five populations were sampled in sugar beet, one population from a maize monoculture served as a triazine‐resistant reference and the two other populations were susceptible reference populations. Nei’s gene diversity within populations for the whole dataset was low (0.073), whereas, the differentiation among populations was significant (ΦST = 0.26, amova, P < 0.001). There was no correlation between geographical and genetic distance of population pairs. The allelic richness (estimated by ‘band richness’ and percentage of polymorphic loci) was lowest in the two populations with a complete set of herbicide‐resistant plants and in one population with a mixture of herbicide‐resistant and ‐susceptible plants, giving evidence for a historical bottleneck. However, the loss in genetic variation was not that large, indicating that herbicide‐resistant populations may maintain their adaptive capacity. Furthermore, this study shows that different techniques can be used to extract information from AFLP markers for the investigation of the genetic background of weed populations. Knowledge about the origin and spread of herbicide‐resistant weed populations may give opportunities to manage the resistance problem, with its associated ecological and economic consequences.
Chronic vulvitis in pre‐pubertal girls
Authors: Fischer Gayle
Published: March 2010

Pre‐pubertal girls with inflammatory chronic vulval disease excluding lichen sclerosus are often described as having ‘non‐specific vulvovaginitis’. The aim of this retrospective case series was to determine the aetiology of chronic vulvovaginitis in pre‐pubertal (Tanner Stage 1) girls, with particular reference to candidiasis. A chart review recorded and compared the characteristics of 38 girls and 68 post‐menarchal adolescents and pre‐menopausal women with chronic vulvitis. Nineteen (50%) of the pre‐pubertal children had been previously diagnosed with candidiasis and 21 (55%) had been treated unsuccessfully with topical antifungal agents. Candida albicans was isolated in two (5%) of the children and 37 (54%) of the adults (P < 0.001). A positive Candida culture was causally associated with chronic vulvovaginitis in 50% of the adults but in none of the children (P < 0.001). In 28 (74%) of the children and 28 (41%) of the adults, no pathogens were isolated on microbiological testing. General skin examination of the girls revealed signs of psoriasis in 27 (71%) and atopic dermatitis in nine (24%). Symptoms were controlled with topical anti‐inflammatory treatment and environmental modification, including cessation of topical antifungals. Pre‐pubertal girls with chronic vulvitis are likely to have either psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Chronic vulvovaginal candidiasis is not seen in Tanner Stage 1 girls.