bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triaging Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus Patients in the Emergency Department: Do All Patients Require Referral?
Authors: Adam Robert S. , Vale Noah , Bona Mark D. , Hasanee Khalid , Farrokhyar Forough
Published: November 2010

Objectives:  The objective was to assess the predictive value of clinical signs and symptoms of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) for development of moderate to severe eye disease.

Methods:  This was a prospective cohort multicenter study of 54 patients referred to the ophthalmology service after presenting to the emergency department (ED) or primary care clinic with a zosteriform rash of less than 10 days’ duration. Upon referral to ophthalmology, easily assessable clinical signs and symptoms were documented. A complete ocular exam was then performed. Patients were followed for 2 months.

Results:  Twenty‐three patients (43%) developed moderate to severe disease as defined by corneal or intraocular involvement. Eye redness and rash in the supratrochlear nerve distribution had a statistically significant association with clinically relevant eye disease. All 23 patients who developed moderate to severe eye disease presented with a red eye. Hutchinson’s sign (nasociliary nerve involvement) was not predictive of clinically relevant eye disease.

Conclusions:  Eye redness was 100% sensitive for predicting moderate to severe eye disease in this sample of patients and should necessitate immediate referral for ophthalmologic assessment. Patients lacking eye redness, even with a positive Hutchinson’s sign, may not require immediate specialist consultation. All patients not being referred require careful instructions to seek further care should they develop any concerning eye symptoms such as redness, pain, photophobia, or visual disturbance.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1183–1188 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Use of Intranasal Fentanyl for the Relief of Pediatric Orthopedic Trauma Pain
Authors: Saunders Mary , Adelgais Kathleen , Nelson Douglas
Published: November 2010

Objectives:  The objective was to evaluate the use of a single 2 μg/kg dose of intranasal fentanyl as analgesia for painful orthopedic injuries in children presenting to a pediatric emergency department (ED).

Methods:  This was a prospective, nonblinded interventional trial, in a convenience sample of patients 3 to 18 years of age seen in a tertiary care pediatric ED. All had clinically suspected fractures and were treated between July and November 2006. Eligible patients had moderate to severe pain based on initial pain scores using the Wong Baker Faces Scale (WBS) for patients aged 3–8 years or the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for patients aged 9–18 years. All enrolled patients received fentanyl via intranasal atomization. Pain scores were obtained at baseline and at 10, 20, and 30 minutes after intranasal fentanyl administration. Satisfaction scores were obtained using a 100‐mm VAS. Vital signs and adverse events were recorded.

Results:  Eighty‐one patients were enrolled, 28 in the VAS group and 53 in the WBS group. The mean patient age was 8 years. Fracture locations included forearm, 38 (47%); supracondylar, 16 (20%); clavicle, 7 (9%); tibia/fibula, 5 (6%); and other, 15 (18%). In the WBS group, the median pain scores decreased from five faces (interquartile range [IQR] = 4–6) at baseline to three faces (IQR = 2–5) at 10 minutes, two faces (IQR = 1–4) at 20 minutes, and two faces (IQR = 1–3) at 30 minutes. The mean pain score in the VAS group at baseline was 70 mm (95% confidence interval [CI] = 63 to 77 mm). In this group, the pain scores decreased by a mean of 21 mm (95% CI = 14 to 28 mm) at 10 minutes, 25 mm (95% CI = 15 to 34 mm) at 20 minutes, and 27 mm (95% CI = 16 to 37 mm) at 30 minutes. Mean satisfaction scores were 79 mm for providers, 74 mm for parents, and 62 mm for patients. No adverse events were recorded.

Conclusions:  Intranasal fentanyl at a dose of 2 μg/kg provides effective analgesia for pediatric ED patients with painful orthopedic trauma within 10 minutes of administration.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1155–1161 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Tissue Doppler of Early Mitral Filling Correlates With Simulated Volume Loss in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Moore Christopher L. , Tham Edward T. , Samuels Kathleen J. , McNamara Robert L. , Galante Nicholas J. , Stachenfeld Nina , Shelley Kirk , Dziura James , Silverman David G.
Published: November 2010

Objectives:  The accurate noninvasive assessment of preload in emergency department (ED) patients remains elusive. Point‐of‐care ultrasound (US) imaging, particularly evaluation of the inferior vena cava (IVC), has been shown to be qualitatively helpful. Doppler and tissue Doppler are now routinely available on ED US equipment, but few studies have looked at the correlation of dynamic changes in these parameters in a controlled model of hypovolemia. Our objective was to examine the correlation of Doppler parameters to simulated volume loss in healthy subjects using a lower‐body negative pressure (LBNP) model and to compare these measurements to commonly used IVC measurements of preload.

Methods:  Twelve paid volunteers with no known cardiovascular disease between the ages of 23 and 31 years old (mean ± SD = 25.5 ± 2.5 years old) were recruited. Hypovolemia was simulated using graduated LBNP levels with measurements taken at 0, −30, and −60 mm Hg and lower pressures as tolerated. Vital signs were monitored in all patients. US measurements recorded at each negative pressure level included IVC maximum (IVCmax) and minimum (IVCmin) dimensions; early (E) and late (A) transmitral filling velocities using pulsed‐wave spectral Doppler; and early (E′) and late (A′) tissue Doppler velocities at the septal (sep) and lateral (lat) mitral annulus, using pulsed‐wave tissue Doppler.

Results:  Lower‐body negative pressure correlated significantly and positively within subjects for all US parameters except for the A filling wave. E′lat and E′sep showed the strongest correlation with R2 values of 0.749 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.577 to 0.854) and 0.738 (95% CI = 0.579 to 0.875) respectively, followed by A′sep 0.674 (95% CI = 0.416 to 0.845), IVCmax 0.638 (95% CI = 0.425 to 0.806), A′lat 0.547 (95% CI = 0.280 to 0.802), IVCmin 0.512 (95% CI = 0.192 to 0.777), and E 0.478 (95% CI = 0.187 to 0.762). Ratios correlated only moderately with LBNP level, including E/ E′latR2 of 0.430 (95% CI = 0.131 to 0.706), E/ E′sep 0.416 (95% CI = 0.183 to 0.686), and IVC collapsibility index (IVCCI) 0.201 (95% CI = 0.003 to 0.681). Vital signs, including heart rate and blood pressure, did not vary significantly with LBNP levels.

Conclusions:  In this pilot study of healthy subjects, tissue Doppler assessment of early diastolic filling correlated most strongly with simulated hypovolemia.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1162–1168 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
The Learning Curve of Resident Physicians Using Emergency Ultrasonography for Cholelithiasis and Cholecystitis
Authors: Jang Timothy B. , Ruggeri Wendy , Dyne Pamela , Kaji Amy H.
Published: November 2010

Background:  Emergency department bedside ultrasonography (EUS) can expedite treatment for patients. However, it is unknown how much experience is required for competency in the sonographic diagnosis of cholelithiasis and cholecystitis.

Objectives:  The objective was to assess the learning curve of physicians training in right upper quadrant (RUQ) EUS.

Methods:  This was a prospective study at an urban, academic emergency department from August 1999 to July 2006. Patients with suspected biliary tract disease underwent RUQ EUS followed by abdominal ultra sonography (AUS) by the Department of Radiology. Results of EUS were compared to AUS using a predesigned, standardized data sheet.

Results:  A total of 1,837 patients underwent EUS by 127 physicians. The overall sensitivity and specificity of EUS for cholelithiasis were 84% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 81% to 86%) and 86% (95% CI = 83% to 88%), respectively. The overall sensitivity of EUS for ductal dilation, gallbladder wall thickening, pericholecystic fluid, and sludge were each < 60%. When analyzing the EUS test characteristics, for every increase in 10 examinations up to 50 examinations, there was no significant improvement in the sensitivity or specificity for any of these sonographic findings. Moreover, on probit regression analysis, accounting for clustering or correlation among the examinations performed by each of the operators, there was no improvement for detecting any of the sonographic findings except for pericholecystic fluid for every 10 additional examinations performed.

Conclusions:  When adjusting for operator dependence, performing up to 50 EUS examinations appears to have little effect on the accuracy of RUQ EUS. Rather than simply requiring an arbitrary number of examinations, another method of competency assessment may be necessary.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17: 1247–1252 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Vernakalant Hydrochloride: A NovelAtrial‐selective Agent for the Cardioversionof Recent‐onset Atrial Fibrillation in the Emergency Department
Authors: Stiell Ian G. , Dickinson Garth , Butterfield Noam N. , Clement Catherine M. , Perry Jeffrey J. , Vaillancourt Christian , Calder Lisa A.
Published: November 2010

Objectives:  Vernakalant is a relatively atrial‐selective antiarrhythmic agent that has been shown to successfully convert atrial fibrillation (AF) to normal sinus rhythm for some patients whose onset of dysrhythmia occurred less than 7 days previously. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vernakalant for patients with recent‐onset AF.

Methods:  This was a post hoc analysis of patients with recent‐onset AF (> 3 to ≤ 48 hours) enrolled in the double‐blind, placebo‐controlled Atrial arrhythmia Conversion Trial (ACT) I and the open‐label ACT IV trials. The studies enrolled adults presenting with AF to 78 emergency departments (ED) and cardiac clinics in six countries. Patients received a 10‐minute intravenous infusion of vernakalant or placebo, followed by an additional infusion if necessary. Efficacy assessments included conversion to sinus rhythm within 90 minutes and median time to conversion. Safety evaluations included telemetry, Holter monitoring, and adverse events (AEs).

Results:  Of the 290 patients, 229 received vernakalant, 61 received placebo, and the overall mean age was 59 years. The vernakalant and placebo groups were similar. Of all patients given vernakalant, 136 (59.4%) converted to sinus rhythm within 90 minutes, compared with three (4.9%) placebo patients. The median time to conversion with vernakalant was 12 minutes (interquartile range = 7–24.5 minutes). Clinically significant bradycardia and hypotension were uncommon, and no cases of torsade de pointes or ventricular fibrillation occurred.

Conclusions:  Vernakalant rapidly converted recent‐onset AF to sinus rhythm in over half of patients, was well tolerated, and has the potential to offer an important therapeutic option for rhythm control of recent‐onset AF in the ED.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:1175–1182 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Hematological, hepatic, and renal evaluation in Aotus azarai infulatus
Authors: Takeshita R.S.C. , Monteiro F.O.B. , de Miranda Lins e Lins F.L. , da Silva G.A. , Faturi C. , Coutinho L.N. , Monteiro M.V.B. , Kugelmeier T. , de Castro P.H.G. , Muniz J.A.P.C.
Published: November 2010

Background  Knowing the physiological ranges of certain hematological and biochemical parameters is necessary for understanding the alterations caused by pathogenic agents and establishing differences between states of health and disease. Hematological evaluations and clinical chemistry were performed on livers and kidneys from owl monkeys with different sexes and age ranges.

Methods  Forty‐one healthy owl monkeys were evaluated (26 males and 15 females) in three different age groups (AG1 = 3 months to 1 year old; AG2 = 2–6 years old; AG3 = over 7 years old). The animals received physical exams, abdominal ultrasounds, and clinical laboratory tests.

Results and conclusions  Significant differences were observed in hematocrit and hemoglobin values between males and females. The levels of alkaline phosphatase in the tissues were significantly influenced by age. There was also a sex influence on blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. The results show that some hematological and clinical chemistry parameters in owl monkeys may be influenced by sex and age.
Living in the litter: the influence of tree leaf litter on wetland communities
Authors: Stoler Aaron B. , Relyea Rick A.
Published: November 2010

Empirical research in streams has demonstrated that terrestrial subsidies of tree leaf litter influence multiple community factors including composition, diversity and growth of individuals. However, little research has examined the importance of tree litter species on wetlands, which are ubiquitous across the landscape and serve as important habitats for a unique and diverse community of organisms. Using outdoor mesocosms, we assessed the impact of 12 litter monocultures and three litter mixtures (from both broadleaf and conifer trees) on pond communities containing gray tree frog tadpoles Hyla versicolor, periphyton, phytoplankton and zooplankton. We found that leaf litter species had substantial and differential impacts on all trophic groups in the community including effects on algal abundance, zooplankton density and amphibian growth. In many instances, patterns of responses were specific to individual litter species yet some responses, including both pH values and periphyton biomass, were generalizable to broad taxonomic groups. In addition, while most responses of litter mixtures were additive, we found evidence for antagonistic effects of litter mixing among responses of periphyton and amphibian body mass. Our results highlight the potential impact of human and naturally driven changes in forest composition on wetland communities through associated changes in leaf litter.
Composition and clumping of seeds deposited by frugivorous birds varies between forest microsites
Authors: Blendinger Pedro G. , Blake John G. , Loiselle Bette A.
Published: November 2010

More frequent deposition of seeds by frugivores beneath plants in fruit could impose spatial limits to the distribution of plants dispersed by animals and contribute to species coexistence. Also, differences in diet and use of microhabitats by seed dispersers could promote spatial variation in the combination of seed species deposited. We investigated patterns of seed deposition ofMiconia fosteriandMiconia serrulata(Melastomataceae) by birds in the Amazon. The goal was to determine how distribution and abundance of fruiting plants, both con‐ and hetero‐specifics, affect the spatial variability in clumping and composition of multi‐specific seed deposition. We established two 9‐ha plots in undisturbed terra‐firme understory in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Seed rain was sampled with seed traps located in four microsites: below plants of the focal species, belowAnthurium eminens(Araceae), and in randomly selected microsites. We examined seed deposition in these microsites in relation to habitat, fruiting neighborhood (fruit abundance, and distance to and density of plants of the target species), and crop size ofM. fosteriorM. serrulatato determine if microsites differed in abundance and species composition of seeds. Seed traps below plants in fruit received more seeds than did randomly located traps. Seeds of the target species were, moreover, more commonly deposited below con‐ rather than hetero‐specific plants. Seed aggregation below fruiting plants increased in forest neighborhoods where the abundance of fruits and the combination of fruiting plant species contributed to the arrival of seeds. Microsites differed notably in the combination of seeds deposited by frugivores, and differences were less pronounced among microsites that received seeds ofM. fosteriandM. serrulatathan among all microsites where at least some seed species were deposited by birds. We demonstrate that two closely related, ecologically similar species possess many similarities in their patterns of seed deposition and in the factors that affect those patterns. The combination of seed species deposited below foci of dispersal depended on the fruiting plant species, and the spatial patterns of seed deposition varied with the location of the microsite and the combination of co‐dispersed species in the neighborhood. Similar species that share the same dispersers were confronted with different combinations of seeds depending on the microsite where they arrived, which could promote forest heterogeneity in the combination of plant species.
Divorce, Religious Coping, and Depressive Symptoms in a Conservative Protestant Religious Group
Authors: Webb Amy Pieper , Ellison Christopher G. , McFarland Michael J. , Lee Jerry W. , Morton Kelly , Walters James
Published: November 2010

A long tradition of research demonstrates that divorce is a risk factor for depressive symptoms. Although a growing literature examines links between religious factors and marital quality and stability, researchers have neglected the role of religion in successful or problematic coping following divorce. Building on Pargament's seminal work on religious coping, we outline relevant theory concerning several specific religious coping styles. Hypotheses are then tested using data from a large sample of members of the Seventh‐day Adventist denomination. Results indicate that several types of religious coping bear a direct inverse association with depressive symptoms and also buffer the deleterious effects of divorce on this outcome. Several promising future directions and suggestions for practitioners are identified.
An Interactive Web‐Based Program for Stepfamilies: Development and Evaluation of Efficacy
Authors: Gelatt Vicky A. , Adler‐Baeder Francesca , Seeley John R.
Published: November 2010

This study evaluated the efficacy of a family life education program for stepfamilies that is self‐administered, interactive, and web‐based. The program uses behavior‐modeling videos to demonstrate effective couple, parenting, and stepparenting practices. A diverse sample of 300 parents/stepparents of a child aged 11–15 years were randomized into either treatment or delayed‐access control groups. Findings suggest that participation in the stepfamily education program positively influenced several key areas of parenting and family functioning at postprogram and follow‐up. No gender differences were noted in the findings.
Diabetes Distress and Depressive Symptoms: A Dyadic Investigation of Older Patients and Their Spouses
Authors: Franks Melissa M. , Lucas Todd , Stephens Mary Ann Parris , Rook Karen S. , Gonzalez Richard
Published: November 2010

In this dyadic study, we examined diabetes distress experienced by male and female patients and their spouses (N =185 couples), and its association with depressive symptoms using the Actor‐Partner Interdependence Model. Diabetes‐related distress reported by both patients and spouses was associated with each partner's own depressive symptoms (actor effects) but generally was not associated with the other's depressive symptoms (partner effects). Moreover, diabetes distress was associated with depressive symptoms more strongly for male than for female patients, but this association did not differ between female and male spouses. Findings underscore the dyadic nature of managing chronic illness in that disease‐related distress was experienced by patients and by their spouses and consistently was associated with poorer affective well‐being.
Roles of prolactin‐releasing peptide and RFamide related peptides in the control of stress and food intake
Authors: Takayanagi Yuki , Onaka Tatsushi
Published: November 2010

Subsequent to the isolation of the first recognized RFamide neuropeptide, FMRFamide, from the clam, a large number of these peptides have been identified. There are now five groups of RFamide peptides identified in mammals. RFamide peptides show diversity with respect to their N‐terminal sequence and biological activity. RFamide peptides have been implicated in a variety of roles, including energy metabolism, stress and pain modulation, as well as effects in the neuroendocrine and cardiovascular systems. In the present minireview, we focus on prolactin‐releasing peptide (PrRP) and RFamide related peptide (RFRP) with respect to their roles in the control of energy metabolism and stress responses. Both food intake and stressful stimuli activate PrRP neurons. The administration of PrRP affects energy metabolism and neuroendocrine systems. PrRP‐deficient or PrRP receptor‐deficient mice show abnormal energy metabolism and/or stress responses. On the other hand, RFRP neurons are activated by stressful stimuli and the administration of RFRP induces neuroendocrine and behavioral stress responses. Taken together, these data suggests that PrRP and RFRP neurons play a role in the control of energy metabolism and/or stress responses.
Galanin‐like peptide and the regulation of feeding behavior and energy metabolism
Authors: Shiba Kanako , Kageyama Haruaki , Takenoya Fumiko , Shioda Seiji
Published: November 2010

The hypothalamic neuropeptides modulate physiological activity via G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). Galanin‐like peptide (GALP) is a 60 amino acid neuropeptide that was originally isolated from porcine hypothalamus using a binding assay for galanin receptors, which belong to the GPCR family. GALP is mainly produced in neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. GALP‐containing neurons form neuronal networks with several other types of peptide‐containing neurons and then regulate feeding behavior and energy metabolism. In rats, the central injection of GALP produces a dichotomous action that involves transient hyperphasia followed by hypophasia and a reduction in body weight, whereas, in mice, it has only one action that reduces both food intake and body weight. In the present minireview, we discuss current evidence regarding the function of GALP, particularly in relation to feeding and energy metabolism. We also examine the effects of GALP activity on food intake, body weight and locomotor activity after intranasal infusion, a clinically viable mode of delivery. We conclude that GALP may be of therapeutic value for obesity and life‐style‐related diseases in the near future.
PERCEIVED INGROUP AND OUTGROUP PREFERENCE: A LONGITUDINAL CAUSAL INVESTIGATION
Authors: MERRITT STEPHANIE M. , RYAN ANN MARIE , MACK MURRAY J. , LEEDS J. PETER , SCHMITT NEAL
Published: November 2010

Although there has been substantial research on perceptions of preference in hiring, there is considerably less focus on perceptions of preference in organizational activities more generally. Researchers seldom assess perceptions of preference for both historically high‐ and low‐status groups and for both one's own group and others. Using a three‐wave longitudinal survey of 1,094 employees, the causal direction between perceived preference and satisfaction with management, moderators of that relationship, and whether responses to perceived preference differed by group were examined. On average, groups perceived more outgroup than ingroup preference. The satisfaction to perceived preference causal direction was significantly stronger than the reverse for outgroup preference, suggesting that increased satisfaction with management leads to decreased future perceptions of outgroup preference more so than vice versa. The relationship between satisfaction with management and perceived outgroup preference was moderated by perceived organizational tolerance of discrimination, suggesting that positive diversity climate can alleviate the negative effects of dissatisfaction with management on perceived outgroup preference.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG LEADER AND FOLLOWER PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL, SERVICE CLIMATE, AND JOB PERFORMANCE
Authors: WALUMBWA FRED O. , PETERSON SUZANNE J. , AVOLIO BRUCE J. , HARTNELL CHAD A.
Published: November 2010

Using a sample of 79 police leaders and their direct reports (264 police followers), this study investigated the relationships of leader and follower psychological capital, service climate, and job performance. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) results revealed that leader psychological capital was positively related to follower performance, with this relationship mediated by follower psychological capital. We also found that the follower psychological capital‐performance relationship was moderated by service climate such that the relationship was stronger when service climate was perceived to be high versus low. Finally, exploratory HLM analyses indicated that leader and follower psychological capital interacted to positively predict rated performance. We discuss implications of these findings, limitations, and directions for future research.
PREDICTING LONG‐TERM FIREFIGHTER PERFORMANCE FROM COGNITIVE AND PHYSICAL ABILITY MEASURES
Authors: HENDERSON NORMAN D.
Published: November 2010

Firefighters from 1 academy training class were observed for 23 years, beginning with their selection test consisting of a g‐saturated written exam (GCA) and firefighting simulations loaded on a strength/endurance (SE) factor. Operational validity coefficients for both GCA and SE were high for training success and remained consistently high for job performance ratings throughout the study. The operational validity for combined GCA and SE predictors was .86 for a composite job rating measure covering 21 years of service. A structural model produced similar results for more broadly defined GCA and SE latent variables. Both analyses suggested approximately equal weighting for GCA and SE for a fire service selection test. Results indicate considerable latitude in choosing cognitive and physical predictors for firefighter screening if the predictors are highly loaded on GCA and SE.
AN EXPERIMENTAL FIELD STUDY OF INTERPERSONAL DISCRIMINATION TOWARD MUSLIM JOB APPLICANTS
Authors: KING EDEN B. , AHMAD AFRA S.
Published: November 2010

Integrating justification‐suppression and stereotype content models of prejudice, this research examines religious discrimination in employment settings. In the first study, confederates dressed in either Muslim‐identified or nonreligious attire, who either did or did not provide stereotype‐inconsistent information, applied for retail jobs. No differences emerged with regard to interview offers between job applicants dressed in traditional Muslim attire and those in the control condition. However, interactions were shorter and rated (by confederates, observers, and naïve coders) as more interpersonally negative when applicants wore Muslim attire and did not provide stereotype‐inconsistent information than when applicants wore nonreligious attire. Similarly, results from a second experimental study in which participants rated fictitious Muslim or non‐Muslim job applicants suggest that reactions were most negative toward Muslim applicants who did not provide stereotype‐inconsistent information. Together, these findings suggest that justification‐suppression and stereotype content models are complementary, and that Muslims may face challenges to employment that reflect a lack of acceptance of this religious identity.
Macromolecular Crowding Effects on Reactions of TePixD (Tll0078)†
Authors: Toyooka Tsuguyoshi , Tanaka Keisuke , Okajima Koji , Ikeuchi Masahiko , Tokutomi Satoru , Terazima Masahide
Published: November 2010

To reveal macromolecular crowding effects on a chemical reaction of a BLUF (sensors of blue light using FAD) protein (PixD from a thermophilic cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP‐1 [TePixD, Tll0078]), the photoreaction was studied at various concentrations of the macromolecule Ficoll‐70 by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy and the pulsed laser‐induced transient grating (TG) method. The absorption spectrum did not change with varying concentration of Ficoll‐70. The crowding did not affect the quantum yield of the spectral red shift reaction, recovery rate of the product, rate constant of the volume change reaction and the magnitude of the volume change. However, the magnitude of the TG signal representing the diffusion‐sensitive conformation change significantly increased on addition of Ficoll‐70. This dependence was attributed to the crowding effect on the TePixD decamer–pentamer equilibrium in the solution. This result indicates that the TePixD reaction is more efficient in cellular than in in vitro conditions.
The Influence of Oxygen Depletion and Photosensitizer Triplet‐state Dynamics During Photodynamic Therapy on Accurate Singlet Oxygen Luminescence Monitoring and Analysis of Treatment Dose Response
Authors: Jarvi Mark T. , Niedre Mark J. , Patterson Michael S. , Wilson Brian C.
Published: November 2010

To date, singlet oxygen (1O2) luminescence (SOL) detection was predictive of photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment responses both in vitro and in vivo, but accurate quantification is challenging. In particular, the early and strongest part of the time‐resolved signal (500–2000 ns) is difficult to separate from confounding sources of luminescence and system noise, and so is normally gated out. However, the signal dynamics change with oxygen depletion during PDT, so that this time gating biases the 1O2 measurements. Here, the impact of gating was investigated in detail, determining the rate constants from SOL and direct pO2 measurements during meso‐tetra(hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (mTHPC)‐mediated PDT of cells in vitro under well‐controlled conditions. With these data as input, numerical simulations were used to examine PDT and SOL dynamics, and the influence of various time gates on cumulative SOL signals. It is shown that gating can underestimate the SOL at early treatment time points by ∼40% and underestimate the cumulative SOL signal by 20–25%, representing significant errors. In vitro studies with both mTHPC and aminolevulinic acid‐photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX demonstrate that rigorous analysis of SOL signal kinetics is then crucial in order to use SOL as an accurate and quantitative PDT dose metric.
Interpretation of RNFLT values in multiple sclerosis‐associated acute optic neuritis using high‐resolution SD‐OCT device
Authors: Serbecic Nermin , Beutelspacher Sven C. , Kircher Karl , Reitner Andreas , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula
Published: November 2010

Purpose:  Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has emerged as the technique of choice in measuring the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) quantitatively. It is suggested that RNFL reduction may correlate with lesion burden and diffuse axonal degeneration in the whole CNS of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, RNFL changes because of optic neuritis (ON) must be taken into account.

Methods:  Twenty‐three patients with acute ON (46 eyes) associated with clinical definite MS (23 ON eyes, 23 fellow eyes) and 23 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls were studied. Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFLT) was measured at baseline, using a high‐resolution spectral domain OCT (SD‐OCT) applying circular, peripapillary OCT scans with a novel eye‐tracking mechanism.

Results:  The internal OCT software was able to identify RNFL atrophy in three out of five of the acute ON eyes and one out of four of the fellow eyes with previous ON episodes. Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness of two ON (8.7%) and five fellow eyes (21.7%) was overestimated, thus located within the 95% and 5% confidence interval of the company standard values (not marked pathologic). In contrast, our comparison with age‐ and sex‐matched controls revealed RNFL atrophy suggestive of prior, clinically silent RNFL loss in ON and fellow eyes (30.4%).

Conclusion:  Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness measurements at a single time‐point seem to have a limited role in detecting prior clinically silent optic nerve injury. Our data suggest that affected eyes should be compared with the fellow eyes and a sufficient number of age‐ and sex‐matched controls to allow the detection of even subtle RNFL changes at baseline. The role of OCT for disease monitoring of MS must be evaluated in detail, as ON is often the initial symptom of MS.
A rabbit model of age‐dependant ocular hypertensive response to topical corticosteroids
Authors: Qin Yi , Lam Shi , Yam Gary Hin Fai , Choy Kwong Wai , Liu David Tai Li , Chiu Thomas Yee Hang , Li Wai Ying , Lam Dennis Shun Chiu , Pang Chi Pui , Fan Dorothy Shu Ping
Published: November 2010

Objective:  To investigate the ocular hypertensive response to topical dexamethasone (DEX), rimexolone (RIM), loteprednol etabonate (LOT) and fluorometholone (FML) in rabbits of different ages.

Methods:  Seventy‐five rabbits of three age groups (7 weeks, 6 months and 1‐year old) received topical administration of 0.1% DEX, 1% RIM, 0.5% LOT, 0.1% FML or balanced salt solution four times daily for 1 month. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was monitored at regular time intervals. After a month, eyes were harvested for histological study with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid Schiff and Masson trichrome staining. Trabecular meshwork changes were graded by masked ocular pathologists.

Results:  Topical DEX caused the greatest increase in IOP, followed by RIM and FML. LOT caused the least IOP increase. Similar pattern of IOP response to the four corticosteroids was observed in the three studied age groups. Young rabbits (7 week) were the most responsive to corticosteroids among the age groups. Extracellular matrix thickening in the trabecular meshwork region and loss of trabecular meshwork cells were observed after DEX, FML or RIM treatments.

Conclusion:  Young rabbits are more susceptible to steroid induced increase in IOP, even for milder steroids such as fluorometholone and rimexolone.
Three‐dimensional shapes and Fe contents of Stardust impact tracks: A track formation model and estimation of comet Wild 2 coma dust particle densities
Authors: IIDA Yosuke , TSUCHIYAMA Akira , KADONO Toshihiko , SAKAMOTO Kanako , NAKAMURA Tomoki , UESUGI Kentaro , NAKANO Tsukasa , ZOLENSKY Michael E.
Published: November 2010

Abstract– We investigated three‐dimensional structures of comet Wild 2 coma particle impact tracks using synchrotron radiation (SR) X‐ray microtomography at SPring‐8 to elucidate the nature of comet Wild 2 coma dust particles captured in aerogel by understanding the capture process. All tracks have a similar entrance morphology, indicating a common track formation process near the entrance by impact shock propagation irrespective of impactor materials. Distributions of elements along the tracks were simultaneously measured using SR‐XRF. Iron is distributed throughout the tracks, but it tends to concentrate in the terminal grains and at the bottoms of bulbs. Based on these results, we propose an impact track formation process. We estimate the densities of cometary dust particles based on the hypothesis that the kinetic energy of impacting dust particles is proportional to the track volume. The density of 148 cometary dust particles we investigated ranges from 0.80 to 5.96 g cm−3 with an average of 1.01 (±0.25) g cm−3. Moreover, we suggest that less fragile crystalline particles account for approximately 5 vol% (20 wt%) of impacting particles. This value of crystalline particles corresponds to that of chondrules and CAIs, which were transported from the inner region of the solar system to the outer comet‐forming region. Our results also suggest the presence of volatile components, such as organic material and perhaps ice, in some bulbous tracks (type‐C).
A Method for the Numerical Integration of the Equations of Motion Arising From a Finite-Element Analysis
Authors: Fu C. C.
Published: November 2010

This paper describes an extended de Vogelaere method which can be used to integrate numerically the equations of motion arising from a finite-element analysis. The method has a truncation error of fifth order in the integration step length, and can be easily programmed for a digital computer. More important is that the method requires a minimum amount of computer storage and computer run time compared with other methods commonly used in numerical analysis and, therefore, is particularly useful in solving a large system of equations. The integration technique has been used to study two-dimensional wave propagation in axisymmetric and plane-strain problems. Results are compared with those of the finite difference and the method of characteristics.
Axisymmetric Behavior of an Elastic Spherical Shell Compressed Between Rigid Plates
Authors: Updike D. P. , Kalnins A.
Published: November 2010

This paper presents the first phase in the analysis of the deformation of a shell of revolution when it is being crushed by a rigid wall. In this paper, the analysis accounts for finite deflections and rotations but assumes that the material remains linearly elastic. The load-deflection behavior is obtained for a hemispherical shell, and it shows that the shell cannot collapse with a flat contact region. The conditions for the buckling of the contact region are determined.
Correlation Parameters for Eliminating the Effect of Pulse Shape on Dynamic Plastic Deformation
Authors: Youngdahl C. K.
Published: November 2010

The solutions to four classical problems in dynamic plasticity—the circular plate under uniform pressure, the reinforced circular cylindrical shell under uniform pressure, the free-free beam with a central concentrated force, and the circular cylindrical shell with a ring load—are examined to determine the effect of pulse shape on final plastic deformation. It is found that there is a strong dependence on pulse shape for pulses which have the same total impulse and maximum load; however, the effect of the pulse shape is virtually eliminated if the pulses have the same total impulse and “effective load.” The “effective load” is defined as the impulse divided by twice the mean time of the pulse, where the mean time is the interval between the onset of plastic deformation and the centroid of the pulse.
One-Dimensional Pulse Propagation in an Obliquely Laminated Half Space
Authors: Sve C. , Whittier J. S.
Published: November 2010

A solution is presented for the response of a periodically laminated half space to a suddenly applied surface pressure. The lamination angle is arbitrary. Dispersion due to the structure of the composite is included by using a continuum theory that approximately models such behavior. The predominant long-time far-field solution is obtained using the head-of-the-pulse technique. This solution is contrasted with the first-order approximation obtained when the composite is represented by an equivalent homogeneous anisotropic elastic medium. Both theories yield a response to the step load consisting of two pulses, each traveling with a separate velocity. For the anisotropic elasticity theory, the pulses are simple steps, while for the dispersive theory, oscillations are superposed on the steps. The character of these oscillations is highly dependent on the lamination angle and other properties of the composite, particularly for the slower pulse. Representative numerical examples are presented.
Normal Shock Waves Structured by Nonequilibrium Radiative and Collisional Ionization
Authors: Clarke Joseph H. , Onorato Michele
Published: November 2010

Normal shock waves structured by nonequilibrium radiative and collisional ionization are solved analytically on the basis of a generalized radiation model. Just downstream of the interior embedded discontinuity, it is assumed and justified a posteriori that electron-atom collisional ionization to local thermodynamic equilibrium occurs over a length that is sufficiently small compared with the relevant one-step photon path. It is discovered that the appropriate emission-convection ratio is also a rather small quantity. Both small quantities lead to iterations studied to second approximation. The resulting shock morphology consists of a strong precursor, the embedded discontinuity, an inner collisional tail, and an outer radiative tail. Relevant calculations for helium are presented for a downstream degree of ionization of 0.8, an upstream temperature of 300 deg K, and upstream pressures of 10−3, 10−4, and 10−5 atm.
The Effect of Couple-Stress on Maximum Stress and Its Location Around Spherical Inclusions
Authors: Wang T. T.
Published: November 2010

It is shown that, within the linear theory of elasticity, the couple-stresses not only affect the maximum stress in a medium containing a spherical inclusion but also tend to shift the location of the maximum stress from inside the medium to the interface.
An Exact Analysis of the Transient Interaction of Acoustic Plane Waves With a Cylindrical Elastic Shell
Authors: Huang H.
Published: November 2010

The governing system of differential equations for the linear problem of the transient interaction of plane acoustic waves and a submerged elastic cylindrical shell is transformed into a system of Volterra integral equations of the second kind. The integral equations are solved by a step-by-step integration scheme and numerical results to the problem are obtained exactly within the limit of series solution imposed by the Gibb’s phenomenon and within the limit of numerical truncation and roundoff errors. Detailed features of the transient response of the shell were revealed.
Elastic/Viscoplastic Theory Examined Using Radial Cylindrical Stress Waves
Authors: Swift R. P. , Fyfe I. M.
Published: November 2010

Two distinct types of experiments are employed to examine an elastic/viscoplastic constitutive theory in a radial cylindrical configuration. One examines the plane-strain plastic response of hollow cylinders subjected to an internal finite-rise-time pressure pulse; the other examines the decay behavior of the cylindrical elastic precursor associated with high stress level impact loading. A linear and an exponential form of the viscoplastic strain-rate function are considered. For 1100-0 aluminum, solutions of the associated initial-boundary-value problems show that, of the two forms, only the exponential viscoplastic strain-rate function, based on an activation energy dislocation concept, can satisfy the results of both experiments.
Approximate Solution of High-Frequency-Factor Vibrations of Rigid Bodies on Elastic Media
Authors: Awojobi A. O.
Published: November 2010

The mixed boundary-value problems of the vibrations of rigid bodies on elastic media are generally considered in the low-frequency-factor range. It is first established that, quite apart from a consideration of resonance, the usual assumption that this range predominates in practice is erroneous. The present work, therefore, is concerned with vibrations at frequency factors which are much greater than unity. Five cases have been considered: torsional vibration of a rigid circular body on a semi-infinite elastic medium and on an infinitely wide elastic stratum on a rigid bed; vertical vibration of a rigid circular body and of an infinitely long rectangular body on a semi-infinite elastic medium; rocking of a long rectangular body on a semi-infinite elastic medium. An estimate of both the unknown dynamic stress distribution under the rigid bodies and their amplitude responses has been obtained by finding an approximate solution to the exact governing dual integral equations. It is shown that at high-frequency factors, stress distributions are approximately constant for vertical vibrations and vary linearly from the center for rotational vibrations as in a Winkler model of theoretical soil statics contrary to increasing stresses with infinite edge stresses for low-frequency and static stress distributions of rigid bodies on elastic half space. We also obtain the important conclusion for amplitude response that it is predominantly governed by the inertia of the bodies because the contribution due to the dispersion of waves in the elastic medium is generally of a lower order of frequency factor than the inertia term except for an incompressible medium which has been analyzed separately and found to be of the same order leading to expressions for equivalent inertia of the vibrating medium. The theoretical results are used to derive the “tails” of resonance curves for both half space and stratum cases where experimental results are available. The agreement is fair and improves with increasing frequency factor.
An Analysis Technique for Composite Structures Subject to Dynamic Loads
Authors: Edge B. L. , Mayer P. G. , Pierce G. A.
Published: November 2010

A technique has been developed to determine the response of space frames to dynamic forcing. The method is based on the normal mode approach. Essentially, each structural component is considered individually and then the system is coupled together. This procedure gives rise to a series of independent second-order differential equations, expressed in terms of the normal coordinates of the composite structure. It also represents the structure as a continuous mathematical model and allows the application of distributed forces which are allowed in turn to vary arbitrarily with time.
Response Bounds for Columns With Transient Loads
Authors: Holzer S. M.
Published: November 2010

Explicit bounds are established on the transverse motion of elastic columns with various end conditions loaded with a transient, variable, compressive force. The study is based on Movchan’s stability theorems of continuous systems, which permit the determination of stability directly from the partial differential equations of motion without knowledge of the solution. In two example problems, the bounds are compared with the results of a model analysis via Liapunov’s direct method.
A Continuum Theory of Fluid Saturated Porous Media
Authors: Bedford A. , Ingram J. D.
Published: November 2010

A continuum theory, for a heat-conducting, porous elastic solid saturated by a mixture of heat-conducting, viscous compressible fluids, is developed using the continuum theory of mixtures. Gradients of the fluid densities and the second deformation gradient of the solid constituent are included among the independent constitutive variables as proposed by Mu¨ller [17]. The Clausius-Duhem entropy inequality and the principle of material indifference are used to obtain rational constitutive relations for the medium. Linear constitutive equations are presented, and a theory equivalent to a generalization of the Biot equations is obtained.
The Turbulence Characteristics of Two-Dimensional Wall-Jet and Wall-Wake Flows
Authors: Kacker S. C. , Whitelaw J. H.
Published: November 2010

Measurements of mean and fluctuating hydrodynamic properties of two-dimensional, constant property, wall-jet and wall-wake flows are reported. The mean properties include static pressure, velocity and wall shear stress; the fluctuating properties include the three fluctuating components of velocity, the local turbulent shear stress, uv, and u-spectra. The measurements were carried out for four values of the velocity ratio, UC/UG, viz. 0.75, 0.91, 1.33, and 2.3; for values of the ratio of lip thickness to slot height, t/yC, of 0.126 and 1.14; and for values of nondimensional distance, x/yC, between zero and 150. The results demonstrate the difficulties involved in deriving a satisfactory prediction procedure for flows of this type. In the upstream region, normal pressure gradients and separated flow regimes imply the need for elliptic equations. Also in the upstream region, the u-spectra measurements reveal preferred frequencies although the energy contained at the preferred frequency is never more than 25 percent of the total energy. Prandtl mixing length and the Prandtl-Kolmogorov turbulence length scale are deduced from measurements and shown to be very nonsimilar for all values of x/yC. The measurements are reported in sufficient detail to permit the detailed testing of prediction procedures.
Note on the Thermoelastic Stress and Displacement in a Thin Rod of Finite Length Due to a Point Source of Heat Moving With a Constant Velocity Along the Rod
Authors: Choudhuri S. K. R.
Published: November 2010

This paper is concerned with the determination of thermoelastic stress and displacement in a thin rod of finite length due to a point source of heat moving with a constant velocity along the rod.