bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute ST segment elevation during exercise stress echocardiography due to severe pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Nguyen Tung H , Clavijo Leonardo C , Naqvi Tasneem Z
Published: June 2011

A 51-year-old female undergoing an outpatient stress echocardiogram to evaluate atypical chest pain developed acute ST elevation in the anterior precordial leads on electrocardiogram following exercise. Echocardiography revealed a severe rise in pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) with marked right ventricular (RV) enlargement and interventricular septum flattening. Subsequently, cardiac catherization confirmed an exercise-induced elevation in PASP and diagnosed pulmonary arterial hypertension without evidence of coronary artery disease. This case suggests that an acute elevation in pulmonary artery pressure with RV dilation may be a potential cause of acute ST elevation during stress testing.
Investigation of utilization of nanosuspension formulation to enhance exposure of 1,3-dicyclohexylurea in rats: Preparation for PK/PD study via subcutaneous route of nanosuspension drug delivery
Authors: Chiang Po-Chang , Ran Yingqing , Chou Kang-Jye , Cui Yong , Wong Harvey
Published: June 2011

1,3-Dicyclohexylurea (DCU), a potent soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitor has been reported to lower systemic blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. One limitation of continual administration of DCU for in vivo studies is the compound's poor oral bioavailability. This phenomenon is mainly attributed to its poor dissolution rate and low aqueous solubility. Previously, wet-milled DCU nanosuspension has been reported to enhance the bioavailability of DCU. However, the prosperities and limitations of wet-milled nanosuspension have not been fully evaluated. Furthermore, the oral pharmacokinetics of DCU in rodent are such that the use of DCU to understand PK/PD relationships of sEH inhibitors in preclinical efficacy model is less than ideal. In this study, the limitation of orally delivered DCU nanosuspension was assessed by a surface area sensitive absorption model and pharmacokinetic modeling. It was found that dosing DCU nanosuspension did not provide the desired plasma profile needed for PK/PD investigation. Based on the model and in vivo data, a subcutaneous route of delivery of nanosuspension of DCU was evaluated and demonstrated to be appropriate for future PK/PD studies.
Molecular epidemiology of novel swine origin influenza virus (S-OIV) from Gwalior, India, 2009
Authors: Sharma Shashi , Parida Manmohan , Shukla Jyoti , Rao PVL
Published: June 2011

Background

The H1N1pandemic virus is a newly emergent human influenza A virus that is closely related to a number of currently circulating pig viruses in the 'classic North American' and 'Eurasian' swine influenza virus lineages and thus referred as S-OIV. Since the first reports of the virus in humans in April 2009, H1N1 virus has spread to 168 countries and overseas territories. India also witnessed severe H1N1 pandemic virus epidemic with considerable morbidity and mortality in different parts starting from May 2009.

Findings

The suspected swine flu outbreak from Gwalior India during October- December 2009 was confirmed through S-OIV HA gene specific RT-LAMP and real time RT-PCR. Positive samples through CDC real time and Lamp assay were further processed for isolation of the virus. Full HA gene sequencing of the H1N1 isolates of Gwalior, India revealed 99% homology with California and other circulating novel swine flu viruses. Three major changes were observed at nucleotide level, while two major amino acid shifts were observed at the position C9W and I30M corresponding to the ORF with prototype strain. The HA gene sequence phylogeny revealed the circulation of two genetically distinct lineages belonging to Clade VII and Clade I of S-OIV.

Conclusions

Our findings also supported the earlier report about circulation of mixed genogroups of S-OIV in India. Therefore continuous monitoring of the genetic makeup of this newly emergent virus is essential to understand its evolution within the country.
The Analgesic Effect of Electroacupuncture on Acute Thermal Pain Perception-a Central Neural Correlate Study with fMRI
Authors: Shukla Shivshil , Torossian Artour , Duann Jeng-Ren , Leung Albert
Published: June 2011

Background:

Electrical acupuncture (EA) has been utilized in acute pain management. However, the neuronal mechanisms that lead to the analgesic effect are still not well defined. The current study assessed the intensity [optimal EA (OI-EA) vs. minimal EA (MI-EA)] effect of non-noxious EA on supraspinal regions related to noxious heat pain (HP) stimulation utilizing an EA treatment protocol for acute pain and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with correlation in behavioral changes. Subjects underwent five fMRI scanning paradigms: one with heat pain (HP), two with OI-EA and MI-EA, and two with OI-EA and HP, and MI-EA and HP.

Results:

While HP resulted in activations (excitatory effect) in supraspinal areas known for pain processing and perception, EA paradigms primarily resulted in deactivations (suppressive effect) in most of these corresponding areas. In addition, OI-EA resulted in a more robust supraspinal sedative effect in comparison to MI-EA. As a result, OI-EA is more effective than MI-EA in suppressing the excitatory effect of HP in supraspinal areas related to both pain processing and perception.

Conclusion:

Intensities of EA plays an important role in modulating central pain perception.
A comparison of dose-response characteristics of four NTCP models using outcomes of radiation-induced optic neuropathy and retinopathy
Authors: Moiseenko Vitali , Song William Y , Mell Loren K , Bhandare Niranjan
Published: June 2011

Background

Biological models are used to relate the outcome of radiation therapy to dose distribution. As use of biological models in treatment planning expands, uncertainties associated with the use of specific models for predicting outcomes should be understood and quantified. In particular, the question to what extent model predictions are data-driven or dependent on the choice of the model has to be explored.

Methods

Four dose-response models--logistic, log-logistic, Poisson-based and probit--were tested for their ability and consistency in describing dose-response data for radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RION) and retinopathy (RIRP). Dose to the optic nerves was specified as the minimum dose, D

min
, received by any segment of the organ to which the damage was diagnosed by ophthalmologic evaluation. For retinopathy, the dose to the retina was specified as the highest isodose covering at least 1/3 of the retinal surface (D

33%
) that geometrically covered the observed retinal damage. Data on both complications were modeled separately for patients treated once daily and twice daily. Model parameters D

50
and γ and corresponding confidence intervals were obtained using maximum-likelihood method.

Results

Model parameters were reasonably consistent for RION data for patients treated once daily, D

50
ranging from 94.2 to 104.7 Gy and γ from 0.88 to 1.41. Similar consistency was seen for RIRP data which span a broad range of complication incidence, with D

50
from 72.2 to 75.0 Gy and γ from 1.51 to 2.16 for patients treated twice daily; 72.2-74.0 Gy and 0.84-1.20 for patients treated once daily. However, large variations were observed for RION in patients treated twice daily, D50 from 96.3 to 125.2 Gy and γ from 0.80 to 1.56. Complication incidence in this dataset in any dose group did not exceed 20%.

Conclusions

For the considered data sets, the log-logistic model tends to lead to larger D

50
and lower γ compared to other models for all datasets. Statements regarding normal tissue radiosensitivity and steepness of dose-response, based on model parameters, should be made with caution as the latter are not only model-dependent but also sensitive to the range of complication incidence exhibited by clinical data.
Characterization of a synthetic bacterial self-destruction device for programmed cell death and for recombinant proteins release
Authors: Pasotti Lorenzo , Zucca Susanna , Lupotto Manuel , Cusella De Angelis Maria Gabriella , Magni Paolo
Published: June 2011

Background

Bacterial cell lysis is a widely studied mechanism that can be achieved through the intracellular expression of phage native lytic proteins. This mechanism can be exploited for programmed cell death and for gentle cell disruption to release recombinant proteins when in vivo secretion is not feasible. Several genetic parts for cell lysis have been developed and their quantitative characterization is an essential step to enable the engineering of synthetic lytic systems with predictable behavior.

Results

Here, a BioBrick™ lysis device present in the Registry of Standard Biological Parts has been quantitatively characterized. Its activity has been measured in E. coli by assembling the device under the control of a well characterized N-3-oxohexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (HSL) -inducible promoter and the transfer function, lysis dynamics, protein release capability and genotypic and phenotypic stability of the device have been evaluated. Finally, its modularity was tested by assembling the device to a different inducible promoter, which can be triggered by heat induction.

Conclusions

The studied device is suitable for recombinant protein release as 96% of the total amount of the intracellular proteins was successfully released into the medium. Furthermore, it has been shown that the device can be assembled to different input devices to trigger cell lysis in response to a user-defined signal. For this reason, this lysis device can be a useful tool for the rational design and construction of complex synthetic biological systems composed by biological parts with known and well characterized function. Conversely, the onset of mutants makes this device unsuitable for the programmed cell death of a bacterial population.
Is simulation training effective in increasing podiatrists’ confidence in foot ulcer management?
Authors: Lazzarini Peter A , Mackenroth Elizabeth L , Régo Patricia M , Boyle Frances M , Jen Scott , Kinnear Ewan M , PerryHaines Graham M , Kamp Maarten
Published: June 2011

Background

Foot ulcers are a frequent reason for diabetes‐related hospitalisation. Clinical training is known to have a beneficial impact on foot ulcer outcomes. Clinical training using simulation techniques has rarely been used in the management of diabetes‐related foot complications or chronic wounds. Simulation can be defined as a device or environment that attempts to replicate the real world. The few non‐web‐based foot‐related simulation courses have focused solely on training for a single skill or “part task” (for example, practicing ingrown toenail procedures on models). This pilot study aimed to primarily investigate the effect of a training program using multiple methods of simulation on participants’ clinical confidence in the management of foot ulcers.

Methods

Sixteen podiatrists participated in a two‐day Foot Ulcer Simulation Training (FUST) course. The course included pre‐requisite web‐based learning modules, practicing individual foot ulcer management part tasks (for example, debriding a model foot ulcer), and participating in replicated clinical consultation scenarios (for example, treating a standardised patient (actor) with a model foot ulcer). The primary outcome measure of the course was participants’ pre‐ and post completion of confidence surveys, using a five‐point Likert scale (1 = Unacceptable‐5 = Proficient). Participants’ knowledge, satisfaction and their perception of the relevance and fidelity (realism) of a range of course elements were also investigated. Parametric statistics were used to analyse the data. Pearson's r was used for correlation, ANOVA for testing the differences between groups, and a paired‐sample t‐test to determine the significance between pre‐ and post‐workshop scores. A minimum significance level of p < 0.05 was used.

Results

An overall 42% improvement in clinical confidence was observed following completion of FUST (mean scores 3.10 compared to 4.40, p < 0.05). The lack of an overall significant change in knowledge scores reflected the participant populations’ high baseline knowledge and pre‐requisite completion of web‐based modules. Satisfaction, relevance and fidelity of all course elements were rated highly.

Conclusions

This pilot study suggests simulation training programs can improve participants’ clinical confidence in the management of foot ulcers. The approach has the potential to enhance clinical training in diabetes‐related foot complications and chronic wounds in general.
Effects of the airwave in time-domain marine controlled-source electromagnetics
Authors: Hunziker Jürg , Slob Evert , Mulder Wim
Published: June 2011

In marine time-domain controlled-source electromagnetics (CSEM), there are two different acquisition methods: with horizontal sources for fast and simple data acquisition or with vertical sources for minimizing the effects of the airwave. Illustrations of the electric field as a function of space and time for various source antenna orientations, based on analytical formulation of the electric field in two half-spaces, provide insights into the properties of the airwave and the nature of diffuse electric fields. Observing the development of the electric field over time and space reveals that diffusive fields exhibit directionality. Therefore, techniques that have thus far mostly been applied to wavefields can be adapted for CSEM. Examples range from the well-known up-down decomposition to beam steering. Vertical sources have the advantage of not creating an airwave. On the other hand, it is quite difficult to achieve perfect verticality of the source antenna. Results, using a numerically modeled data set to analyze the impact of the airwave on a signal from a subsurface reservoir in the case of a slightly dipping vertical source, indicate that already for a dip of [Formula: see text], the airwave contributes 20% to the complete electric field in our configuration of reservoir depth, water thickness, and conductivity values.
Impact of Young Age on Treatment Efficacy and Safety in Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of Patients From Nine First-Line Phase III Chemotherapy Trials
Authors: Blanke Charles D. , Bot Brian M. , Thomas David M. , Bleyer Archie , Kohne Claus-Henning , Seymour Matthew T. , de Gramont Aimery , Goldberg Richard M. , Sargent Daniel J.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Colorectal cancer predominantly occurs in the elderly, but approximately 5% of patients are 50 years old or younger. We sought to determine whether young age is prognostic, or whether it influences efficacy/toxicity of chemotherapy, in patients with advanced disease.

Methods

We analyzed individual data on 6,284 patients from nine phase III trials of advanced colorectal cancer (aCRC) that used fluorouracil-based single-agent and combination chemotherapy. End points included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), response rate (RR), and grade 3 or worse adverse events. Stratified Cox and adjusted logistic-regression models were used to test for age effects and age-treatment interactions.

Results

A total of 793 patients (13%) were younger than 50 years old; 188 of these patients (3% of total patients) were younger than 40 years old. Grade 3 or worse nausea (10% v 7%; P = .01) was more common, and severe diarrhea (11% v 14%; P = .001) and neutropenia (23% v 26%; P < .001) were less common in young (younger than 50 years) than in older (older than 50 years) patients. Age was prognostic for PFS, with poorer outcomes occurring in those younger than 50 years (median, 6.0 v 7.5 months; hazard ratio, 1.10; P = .02), but it did not affect RR or OS. In the subset of monotherapy versus combination chemotherapy trials, the relative benefits of multiagent chemotherapy were similar for young and older patients. Results were comparable when utilizing an age cut point of 40 years.

Conclusion

Young age is modestly associated with poorer PFS but not OS or RR in treated patients with aCRC, and young patients have more nausea but less diarrhea and neutropenia with chemotherapy in general. Young versus older patients derive the same benefits from combination chemotherapy. Absent results of a clinical trial, standard combination chemotherapy approaches are appropriate for young patients with aCRC.
Evolutionary crossroads in developmental biology: sea urchins
Authors: McClay David R.
Published: June 2011

Embryos of the echinoderms, especially those of sea urchins and sea stars, have been studied as model organisms for over 100 years. The simplicity of their early development, and the ease of experimentally perturbing this development, provides an excellent platform for mechanistic studies of cell specification and morphogenesis. As a result, echinoderms have contributed significantly to our understanding of many developmental mechanisms, including those that govern the structure and design of gene regulatory networks, those that direct cell lineage specification, and those that regulate the dynamic morphogenetic events that shape the early embryo.
The WASp-based actin polymerization machinery is required in somatic support cells for spermatid maturation and release
Authors: Rotkopf Shay , Hamberg Yuval , Aigaki Toshiro , Snapper Scott B. , Shilo Ben-Zion , Schejter Eyal D.
Published: June 2011

WASp family proteins serve as conserved regulators of branched microfilament array formation via the Arp2/3 actin polymerization machinery. We have identified a specific role during spermatogenesis for the Drosophila WASp homolog (Wsp) and associated elements. Spermatogenesis within the fly testis is carried out in cysts, where a pair of somatic cyst cells encloses differentiating sperm. The final phase of the process involves the attachment of matured cysts to a specialized epithelium at the base of the testis, followed by release of individual motile spermatids into the adjoining seminal vesicle. Wsp mutant cysts contain fully mature sperm, but spermatid release does not occur, resulting in male sterility. Our data suggest that the Wsp-Arp2/3-based machinery acts in the cyst cells to influence proper microfilament organization and to enable cyst attachment to the base of the testis. Wsp activity in this context is mediated by the small GTPase Cdc42. Involvement of the cell surface protein Sticks and stones and the Wsp adapter protein D-WIP (Vrp1) is also crucial. In parallel, we demonstrate that N-WASp (Wasl), the major mammalian WASp family protein, is required in the somatic Sertoli cells of the mouse testis for sperm maturation. A requirement for WASp-based activity in somatic support cells therefore appears to be a universal feature of spermatogenesis.
Protective effect of Dammarane Sapogenins against chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in mice
Authors: Yang Yanyan , Xu Shuping , Xu Qiuxia , Liu Xinmin , Gao Yue , Steinmetz Andre , Wang Ning , Wang Tianshan , Qiu Guosong
Published: June 2011

Chemotherapy is the most common way to treat malignancies, but myelosuppression, one of its common side-effects, is a formidable problem. The present study described the protective role of Dammarane Sapogenins (DS), an active fraction from oriental ginseng, on myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) in mice. DS was orally administered at different dosages (37.5, 75, and 150 mg/kg) for 10 d after CP administration (200 mg/kg intraperitoneally). The results showed that DS increased the number of white blood cells (WBC) on day 3 and day 7 ( P < 0.05), such that WBC levels were increased by 105.7 ± 29.5% at 75 mg/kg of DS on day 3 ( P < 0.05, compared with the CP group). Similar results were observed in red blood cells and platelets in DS-treated groups. The colony-forming assay demonstrated that the depressed numbers of CFU-GM (colony-forming unit-granulocyte and macrophage), CFU-E (colony-forming unit-erythroid), BFU-E (burst-forming unit-erythroid), CFU-Meg (colony-forming unit-megakaryocyte) and CFU-GEMM (colony-forming unit-granulocyte, -erythrocyte, -monocyte and -megakaryocyte) induced by CP were significantly reversed after DS treatment. Moreover, the ameliorative effect of DS on myelosuppression was also observed in the femur by hematoxylin/eosin staining. In DS-treated groups, ConA-induced splenocyte proliferation was enhanced significantly at all the doses (37.5, 75, 150 mg/kg) on day 3 at the rate of 50.3 ± 8.0%, 77.6 ± 8.5% and 44.5 ± 8.4%, respectively, while lipopolysaccharide-induced proliferation was increased mainly on day 7 ( P < 0.01), with an increased rate of 39.8 ± 5.6%, 34.9 ± 6.6% and 38.3 ± 7.3%, respectively. The thymus index was also markedly increased by 70.4% and 36.6% at 75 mg/kg on days 3 and 7, respectively, as compared with the CP group. In summary, DS has a protective function against CP-induced myelosuppression. Its mechanism might be related to stimulating hematopoiesis recovery, as well as enhancing the immunological function.
Cystic adventitial disease of the popliteal artery: is there a consensus in management?
Authors: Baxter Andrew R , Garg Karan , Lamparello Patrick J , Mussa Firas F , Cayne Neal S , Berland Todd
Published: June 2011

Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is a well described disease entity that commonly affects the popliteal artery, presenting as a rare cause of non-atherosclerotic claudication. The traditional surgical approaches are cyst resection and bypass, or cyst evacuation or aspiration. We report the case of a 58-year-old female with CAD of the popliteal artery treated successfully with cyst resection and bypass using an autologous graft. We reviewed the literature over the last 25 years on management and outcomes of CAD of the popliteal artery. We identified a total of 123 cases; most cases were treated using a traditional repair, while 3 cases used an endovascular approach. The overall success rate using bypass was 93.3%, compared to 85% in the evacuation/aspiration cohort. All cases treated endovascularly resulted in failure. While no consensus exists regarding the preferred modality to treat CAD, we believe that resection of the cyst and bypass affords the best outcomes.
Recurrent collapse of a Gore TAG endograft in treating an aortoesophageal fistula
Authors: Zaporteza Kris , Anaya-Ayala Javier E , Davies Mark G , Peden Eric K , Lumsden Alan B
Published: June 2011

As the utility of the Gore TAG endograft expands in an off-label fashion to include various aortic pathologies like aortoesophageal fistulas (AEFs), more TAG endograft collapses are being described in the literature. We report a case of a recurrent endograft collapse in a patient with a right-sided aortic arch, who was treated for a hemorrhage from an AEF. One month following the initial endograft placement, angiography detected infolding of the endograft, which was then re-expanded with another endograft. Four months later, the patient developed an acute biventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction (EF) less than 20%. Cardiac catheterization revealed that the patient had an 80 mmHg pressure gradient across the endograft suggesting another collapse. A balloon-expandable stent was used to re-expand the endografts and restore the EF. On follow-up, the patient's endograft has remained patent without evidence of further collapse.
Long-term outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair for challenging aortic necks using the Talent endograft
Authors: Jim Jeffrey , Rubin Brian G , Geraghty Patrick J , Sanchez Luis A
Published: June 2011

The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for challenging aortic necks. Subgroup analyses were performed on 156 patients from the prospective multicenter Talent eLPS (enhanced Low Profile Stent Graft System) trial. Patients with high-risk aortic necks (length < 15 mm or diameter ≥28 mm) were compared with the remaining patients. Patients with high-risk ( n = 86) and low-risk necks ( n = 70) had similar age and gender distribution. Despite similar prevalences of co-morbidities, the high-risk group had higher Society for Vascular Surgery scores. The high-risk group also had larger maximum aneurysm diameters (56.6 versus 53.0 mm, P < 0.02). There were lower freedoms from major adverse events (MAEs) for the high-risk group at 30 days (84.9 versus 95.7%; P < 0.04) and 365 days (73.4 versus 89.2%; P = 0.02). Effectiveness endpoints at 12 m showed no significant differences. Freedom from all-cause mortality at 30 days (96.5 versus 100%) and aneurysm-related mortality at 365 days (96.0 versus 100%) were similar. At five years, there were no differences in endoleaks or change in aneurysm diameter. All migrations occurred in the high-risk group. The five-year freedom from aneurysm-related mortality for the high- and low-risk groups was 93.2 and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, despite a higher rate of MAEs within the first year and higher migration rates at five years, EVAR in aneurysms with challenging aortic necks can be treated with acceptable long-term results.
Social Learning and Dynamic Pricing of Durable Goods
Authors: Jing Bing
Published: June 2011

We analyze the impacts of social learning (SL) on the dynamic pricing and consumer adoption of durable goods in a two-period monopoly. Consumers can make either early, uninformed purchases or late but potentially informed purchases as a result of social learning. Several results are derived. First, we identify the market conditions under which ex ante homogeneous consumers may choose to purchase at different times. Second, equilibrium adoption may demonstrate inertia (where all adopt late) or frenzy (where all adopt early). In particular, adoption inertia appears when SL intensity is reasonably high but may vanish when SL intensity exceeds a certain threshold. Third, firm profits and social welfare first weakly decrease in SL intensity and may then jump up by a lump-sum amount at the threshold SL intensity level mentioned above. Last, we show that the firm potentially benefits from informative advertising or investing to cultivate more social learning.
Structural Workshop Paper—Data Selection and Procurement
Authors: Mela Carl F.
Published: June 2011

In this note I overview the data selection and procurement process in the context of structural models. Data selection for structural models presents unique challenges because data and structure often substitute and because it is imperative to consider what information identifies causal effects of interest.

I further discuss three types of field data on which to build empirical models: (i) data that are proprietary to firms, (ii) data that can come from the public domain, or (iii) data that can be purchased from private research firms, and I discuss the benefits and limits of each. I then detail a process for obtaining proprietary data and the potential pitfalls inherent in the process.
Novel inactivating mutations in the GH secretagogue receptor gene in patients with constitutional delay of growth and puberty
Authors: Pugliese-Pires Patricia N , Fortin Jean-Philippe , Arthur Thais , Latronico Ana Claudia , Mendonca Berenice B , Villares Sandra Mara F , Arnhold Ivo J P , Kopin Alan S , Jorge Alexander A L
Published: June 2011

Background

A limited number of mutations in the GH secretagogue receptor gene (GHSR) have been described in patients with short stature.

Objective

To analyze GHSR in idiopathic short stature (ISS) children including a subgroup of constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) patients.

Subjects and methods

The GHSR coding region was directly sequenced in 96 independent patients with ISS, 31 of them with CDGP, in 150 adults, and in 197 children with normal stature. The pharmacological consequences of GHSR non-synonymous variations were established using in vitro cell-based assays.

Results

Five different heterozygous point variations in GHSR were identified (c.−6 G>C, c.251G>T (p.Ser84Ile), c.505G>A (p.Ala169Thr), c.545 T>C (p.Val182Ala), and c.1072G>A (p.Ala358Thr)), all in patients with CDGP. Neither these allelic variants nor any other mutations were found in 694 alleles from controls. Functional studies revealed that two of these variations (p.Ser84Ile and p.Val182Ala) result in a decrease in basal activity that was in part explained by a reduction in cell surface expression. The p.Ser84Ile mutation was also associated with a defect in ghrelin potency. These mutations were identified in two female patients with CDGP (at the age of 13 years, their height SDS were −2.4 and −2.3). Both patients had normal progression of puberty and reached normal adult height (height SDS of −0.7 and −1.4) without treatment.

Conclusion

This is the first report of GHSR mutations in patients with CDGP. Our data raise the intriguing possibility that abnormalities in ghrelin receptor function may influence the phenotype of individuals with CDGP.
Neonatal Graves' Disease Associated With Severe Metabolic Abnormalities
Authors: Lewis Katherine A. , Engle William , Hainline Bryan E. , Johnson Nancy , Corkins Mark , Eugster Erica A.
Published: June 2011

Neonatal Graves' disease is a rare condition that is sometimes associated with multisystem abnormalities that can mimic infection or inborn errors of metabolism. Here we describe the cases of 2 infants who had serious metabolic derangements including conjugated hyperbilirubinemia and hyperammonemia.
Children With Asthma Hospitalized With Seasonal or Pandemic Influenza, 2003–2009
Authors: Dawood Fatimah S. , Kamimoto Laurie , D'Mello Tiffany A. , Reingold Arthur , Gershman Ken , Meek James , Arnold Kathryn E. , Farley Monica , Ryan Patricia , Lynfield Ruth , Morin Craig , Baumbach Joan , Zansky Shelley , Bennett Nancy , Thomas Ann , Schaffner William , Kirschke David , Finelli Lyn ,   the Emerging Infections Program Network
Published: June 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the characteristics and clinical courses of asthmatic children hospitalized with seasonal or 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza and compare complications by influenza type.

METHODS:

During the 2003–2009 influenza seasons and the 2009 pandemic, we conducted surveillance of 5.3 million children aged 17 years or younger for hospitalization with laboratory-confirmed influenza and identified those with asthma (defined as those aged 2–17 years with a history of asthma in their medical record or a discharge code for acute asthma exacerbation or status asthmaticus). We collected data from medical records on medical history and clinical course; data on asthma severity and control were not routinely collected.

RESULTS:

During the 2003–2009 influenza seasons, 701 (32%) of 2165 children hospitalized with influenza had asthma; during the 2009 pandemic, 733 (44%) of 1660 children had asthma. The median age of the asthmatic children was 7 years, and 73% had no additional medical conditions. Compared with asthmatic children with seasonal influenza, a higher proportion with 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza required intensive care (16% vs 22%; P = .01) and were diagnosed with pneumonia (40% vs 46%; P = .04), whereas equal proportions had respiratory failure (5% vs 5%; P = .8) and died (1% vs 1%; P = .4). More asthmatic children with influenza A (seasonal or pandemic) had diagnoses of asthma exacerbations compared with those with influenza B (51% vs 29%; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS:

The majority of asthmatic children hospitalized with influenza have no additional medical conditions. Complications such as pneumonia and need for intensive care occur in a substantial proportion, highlighting the importance of influenza prevention through vaccination among asthmatic children.
Staphylococcus aureus Colonization and Infection Among Drug Users: Identification of Hidden Networks
Authors: Gwizdala Robert A. , Miller Maureen , Bhat Meera , Vavagiakis Peter , Henry Christopher , Neaigus Alan , Shi Qiuhu , Lowy Franklin D.
Published: June 2011

Objectives. We combined social-network analysis and molecular epidemiology to investigate Staphylococcus aureus among drug users.

Methods. From 2003 through 2005, we recruited adult drug users in Brooklyn, New York. Of 501 individuals recruited, 485 participated. Participants were screened for HIV infection and S. aureus carriage, and they answered a questionnaire assessing risk factors for S. aureus. Participants were asked to nominate up to 10 members of their social networks, and they were invited to recruit nominees to participate.

Results. We identified 89 sociocentric risk networks, 1 of which contained 327 (67%) members. One third of participants were either colonized (20%) or infected (19%) with S. aureus. Overall strain similarity was unusually high, suggesting spread within and across networks. In multivariate analysis, 7 health-related and drug-use variables remained independently associated with infection. Moreover, 27% of nominees were not drug users.

Conclusions. We found a large, linked, hidden network among participants, with no discernible clustering of closely related strains. Our results suggest that once a pathogen is introduced into a sociocentric network of active drug users, an identifiable community S. aureus reservoir is likely created, with significant linkages to the general population.
Improved Lost Circulation Treatment Design and Testing Techniques Minimize Formation Damage
Authors: Savari Sharath , Kumar Arunesh , Whitfill Donald L. , Jamison Dale E.
Published: June 2011

Most subterranean rocks contain natural fractures. Fluid loss severity in reservoir sections increases with increasing width of the fractures. Apart from the economics of lost drilling fluids, preventing formation damage in the reservoir section is of paramount importance. The application of non-damaging lost circulation material (LCM) has been the traditional solution to control losses in these scenarios. The performance of such LCM mixtures is usually determined with a Particle Plugging Apparatus (PPA), using aloxide discs for evaluating fluid loss. These discs more closely emulate a permeable sandstone, with varying pore throat sizes, than a natural fracture. The formation of an impermeable plug which can sustain higher wellbore pressure is desirable when treating a fracture, but in a producing formation the plug is removed by the produced fluid or by a remedial treatment.

To better emulate both natural and induced fracture geometry, slotted discs of constant width were introduced; however these slots represent only the face of the fracture where LCM forms the bridge. The bridge may become eroded due to shear stress of the drilling fluid, leading to reestablishment of lost circulation. To remove these limitations, a new tapered slot was designed in which the fracture opening size varies from its face to its endpoint over a certain length, more closely resembling a fracture.

Different combinations of ground marble (acid-soluble) were tested using the tapered slot. Many times it was observed that although the slot was completely filled with LCM, there was continued fluid loss. Considering this, components of high fluid loss pills for such application need to be redesigned. Cellulosic and polylactide (PLA) fibres (5-15% V/V of LCM) were used in combination with particulates resulting in significant improvement in fluid loss control. Other mechanical properties of particulate material were also studied and their importance in controlling lost circulation control established. This paper reviews the application of this testing equipment and methodology with non-damaging fibers for lost circulation control to minimize formation damage in reservoir sections.
Taking Advantage of Fines-Migration-Induced Formation Damage for Improved Waterflooding (Reservoir Simulation using Polymer Flood Option)
Authors: Zeinijahromi Abbas , Phuong Thi Nguyen , Bedrikovetsky Pavel
Published: June 2011

Permeability decline during corefloods with varying water composition, especially with low salinity water, has been widely reported in the literature. It has often been explained by the lifting, migration and subsequent plugging of pores by fine particles, which has been observed in numerous core flood tests with altered water composition. This effect can be considered to provide a relatively simple method for mobility control during waterflooding.

In this work, basic equations for waterflooding with salinity variation causing detachment of fine particles, their migration and straining are derived. It is shown that in the large scale approximation the model is equivalent to the adsorption-free polymer flood model, which allows taking advantage of polymer flood simulator for modelling of the waterflood with fines. The modelling showed that permeability decline in the water swept zone, caused by the alteration of the injected water composition and induced fines migration, may be able to improve waterflood performance by delaying water breakthrough and reducing the water cut.
Gender Differences in Predictors of Mental Health among Older Adults in South Korea
Authors: Lee Eun-Kyoung Othelia , Lee Jungui
Published: June 2011

As aging is occurring at a rate never before seen in South Korea, the present study examines the predictors of mental health in a nationally representative sample of older adults ( n = 4,155), drawn from Wave I of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Aging. Findings show that sociodemographic factors, chronic health conditions, level of cognition, and social activities contribute to life satisfaction and mental health among older adults in South Korea. Life satisfaction is mainly determined by sociodemographic factors for both women and men. Compared to women, men's levels of depression and life satisfaction appear to be more influenced by their health, cognitive functioning, and social activity participation. Implications for practice and policy are discussed.
Distinctive Features of Spatial Perspective-Taking in the Elderly
Authors: Watanabe Masayuki
Published: June 2011

This study aimed to ascertain the characteristics of spatial perspective-taking ability—assumed to be a form of imaginary body movement in three-dimensional space—in the elderly. A new task was devised to evaluate the development of this function: 20 children, 20 university students, and 20 elderly people (each group comprising 10 men and 10 women) were asked to locate themselves in different vantage points. The relationship between angular deviations from the participants to the points from which perspectives were to be obtained did not differ between the elderly and university students. However, the performance of the elderly and children was inferior to that of the university students with respect to the general response time and percentage of correct responses, which indicates that imaginary body movement can be maintained in normal aging, and an apparent decline in the spatial perspective-taking ability of the elderly may arise from other cognitive information processes.
A Nuanced Approach to the Privatization Debate
Authors: Fisher Talia
Published: June 2011

Current framing of the debate over the privatization of the States legislative and adjudicative functions masks the fact that there are distinct and conflicting versions of privatization of law. The different privatization models diverge on fundamental questions relating to the ontology of law, the role of social cooperation mechanisms in the lives of people, as well as the types of private legislative and adjudicative institutions that ought to replace the States legal system. In light of such conflicting normative premises, the distinct models of the privatization of law pose different kinds of challenges to both proponents and opponents of the privatization of law. At the outset, the Article juxtaposes two distinct visions regarding the privatization of law and adjudicationthe market-based privatization model versus the community-based model. This analytical framework is then used to offer a fresh look at the privatization of law debate. The Article shows that the distinctions between the privatization models, especially with respect to the depiction of the social agents that are to replace the states lawmaking capacity, have great bearing on the advantages and disadvantages associated with privatization of law, and generate different types of costs and benefits. More specifically, the Article shows that the market-based model has greater susceptibility to market failures and to the under-provision of the public goods associated with the enterprise of law than the community-based paradigm. In addition, the market-based model runs a higher risk of corrupting the prevailing understanding of law as a collective, meaning-creating enterprise. The community-based model, on the other hand, has a greater vulnerability for coercion and is also more prone to political failures and public choice problems.
Analytical investigation of various regimes of retrograde trafficking of neurotropic viruses in axons
Authors: Kuznetsov Andrey
Published: June 2011

A model of retrograde axonal transport of neurotropic viruses is developed. The model accounts for active viral transport by dynein motors as well as for passive transport by diffusion; the destruction of the virus as it propagates toward the neuron soma is modeled utilizing a first-order decay rate process. The effect of a limited time during which the axonal synapse is exposed to the virus is incorporated. An analytical solution is obtained. The obtained solution makes it possible to identify four different regimes of viral transport in the axon that correspond to the following situations: (1) Small viral diffusivity and small rate of viral destruction; (2) Large viral diffusivity and small rate of viral destruction; (3) Small viral diffusivity and large rate of viral destruction; (4) Large viral diffusivity and large rate of viral destruction. Characteristic features of these regimes are discussed.
Effect of Long-Term N, P, and K Fertilizer Application on the Grain Yield of Spring Barley Grown in Different Soil and Climate Conditions: Results from Čáslav, Lukavec and Ivanovice 2005-2008
Authors: Šrek Petr , Kunzová Eva
Published: June 2011

Effect of Long-Term N, P, and K Fertilizer Application on the Grain Yield of Spring Barley Grown in Different Soil and Climate Conditions: Results from Čáslav, Lukavec and Ivanovice 2005-2008

The effect of N, P and K application on the grain yield of spring barley in 2005-2008 within three long-term field experiments (Čáslav, Ivanovice, Lukavec) was evaluated. In these experiments, nitrogen at rates of 50, 77.6, 105 and 132.5 kg N ha-1, phosphorus at rates of 14 and 29.4 kg P ha-1and potassium at 59 and 96.4 kg K ha-1was annually applied to the treat-ments during that period. Four years summarizing shows that the optimal application rate of fertilizers resulting in a grain yield above 6 t ha-1was 105 kg N ha-1, 14 kg P ha-1and 96.4 kg K ha-1in Čáslav and above 7 t ha-1was 78 kg N ha-1, 14 kg P ha-1and 59 kg K ha-1in Ivanovice. The rate of N 132.5 kg ha-1in Lukavec increased the grain yield more than three-fold (from 1.94 to 6.12 t ha-1) and probably was not sufficient to obtain the highest grain yield in this locality. No significant difference was recorded between grain yields in P and K fertilizing treatments in any of the three stations. The key result is that degraded chernozem (in Ivanovice) and greyic phaeozem (in Čáslav) demonstrate a high and long-term stable natural fertility, but yields of spring barley of low productive sandy-loamy Cambisol is strongly affected by high rates of nitrogen application.
Ultrasound Imaging and Muscle Function
Authors: Whittaker Jackie L. , Stokes Maria
Published: June 2011

Synopsis

There is a growing trend in the physical therapy profession to use conventional grayscale brightness (B-mode) ultrasound imaging (USI) as a tool to assess the morphological (form and structure) and morphometric (measures of form) characteristics of muscle, and to use these findings to draw conclusions regarding muscle function. This trend is reflected in numerous published investigations. As many physical therapists may lack training in the principles and instrumentation underlying USI use, it is critical that therapists gain a clear understanding of the information that USI can, and cannot, provide about muscle function before employing the technique for either research or clinical applications. Failure to do so may result in the propagation of inaccurate terminology and beliefs. This paper aims to clarify the role that USI has in the assessment of muscle function, first, by briefly reviewing how conventional grayscale B-mode ultrasound images and clips are generated, and second, by summarizing the types of information that these images can provide. It also discusses the various factors that need to be considered when interpreting a dynamic USI assessment of muscle specifically as it relates to the assessment of muscle function. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(8):572–580, Epub 7 June 2011. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3682
Toward a Genderful Pedagogy and the Teaching of Masculinity
Authors: Johnson Shaun P. , Weber Brenda R.
Published: June 2011

This article considers the following questions: How does good teaching build a knowledge of gender identity into its practice? How do we begin the slow process of creating a different ethos regarding masculinity? What are the mechanisms through which a new pedagogy of masculinity can operate? As two scholars teaching masculinity in separate public university spaces—one in a gender studies department at a research I school and the other in elementary education at a regional school—the authors address the ways in which masculinity is understood in their respective pedagogical situations. In so doing, the authors contend that the active construction of gender, masculinity in particular, can be integrated in and through a pedagogy emphasizing plurality and inclusivity that integrates principles of feminist pedagogy and gender justice.
Maximum Profit Configurations of Commercial Engines
Authors: Chen Yiran
Published: June 2011

An investigation of commercial engines with finite capacity low- and high-price economic subsystems and a generalized commodity transfer law [n ∝ Δ (P m)] in commodity flow processes, in which effects of the price elasticities of supply and demand are introduced, is presented in this paper. Optimal cycle configurations of commercial engines for maximum profit are obtained by applying optimal control theory. In some special cases, the eventual state—market equilibrium—is solely determined by the initial conditions and the inherent characteristics of two subsystems; while the different ways of transfer affect the model in respects of the specific forms of the paths of prices and the instantaneous commodity flow, i.e., the optimal configuration.
An Unstructured Phylogeographic Pattern with Extensive Gene Flow in an Endemic Bird of South China: Collared Finchbill (Spizixos semitorques)
Authors: Gao Bin , Yu Lijiang , Qu Yanhua , Song Gang , Dai Chuanyin , Zhang Ruiying , Yin Zuohua , Wang Kaifeng , Gao Xuebin , Li Shou-Hsien , Lei Fumin
Published: June 2011

Recent phylogeographical studies indicated that glacial oscillations played a key role on the phylogeographic pattern of extant species. As most studies have previously been carried out on heavily ice-covered regions, such as in European and North American regions, potential effects of climatic oscillations on species that are distributed on ice-free regions are less known. To address this, we investigated the phylogeographic pattern of an avian species endemic to South China, which was not glaciated during the Pleistocene glaciations. By using 2142 bp mitochondrial DNA, we identified 89 haplotypes defined by 39 polymorphic sites. A combination of high haplotype diversity (0.786–1.00) and low nucleotide diversity (0.00132–0.00252) was detected among geographic populations. Explicit genetic divergence was observed between S. s. semitorques and S. s. cinereicapillus but not detected among geographic populations of S. s. semitorques. Divergence time of the two subspecies was dated back to 87 Kyr which is congruent with the interglacial MIS 5. A weak phylogeographic structure due to strong gene flow among geographic populations was identified in this species, suggesting complex topography of South China has not formed barriers for this species.