bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuromuscular Response to Cyclic Lumbar Twisting
Authors: Li Li , Patel Nirav , Solomonow Deborah , Le Peter , Hoops Heather , Gerhardt David , Johnson Kyle , Zhou Bing He , Lu Yun , Solomonow Moshe
Published: August 2007

Objective: To study the influence of 10 min of cyclic twisting motion on abdominal and back muscle activities. Background: Repetitive (cyclic) occupational activity was identified by many epidemiological reports to be a risk factor for the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Biomechanical and physiological confirmation, however, is lacking. Methods: Trunk muscle electromyography (EMG) was recorded while participants performed a continuous 10-min maximum lumbar cyclic twisting to the left, and maximum isometric twist to the left and right sides was measured before and after the exercise. Results: Abdominal muscles contracted symmetrically, independent of twisting direction. The left posterior muscles' integrated EMG (IEMG) decreased during the exercise, whereas the IEMG of the right posterior muscle increased. Simultaneously with increased antagonist coactivity level of the right posterior muscles after the exercise, decrease in maximal isometric left twisting torque was observed. The abdominal muscles did not exhibit any significant changes during the exercise. After the exercise, the right abdominals demonstrated a significant increase in effort, which was independent of the direction of the maximal effort isometric test. Conclusions: The change in muscle activity is attributed to neuromuscular compensation for the development of laxity and microdamage in the soft tissue (ligaments, discs, facet capsules, etc.) of the lumbar spine. Application: The results of this study increase understanding of the risk factors associated with low back disorder induced by labor-intensive occupations that involve cyclic lateral twisting.
Dual-Task Performance Consequences of Imperfect Alerting Associated With a Cockpit Display of Traffic Information
Authors: Wickens Christopher , Colcombe Angela
Published: August 2007

Objective: Performance consequences related to integrating an imperfect alert within a complex task domain were examined in two experiments. Background: Cockpit displays of traffic information (CDTIs) are being designed for use in airplane cockpits as responsibility for safe separation becomes shared between pilots and controllers. Of interest in this work is how characteristics of the alarm system such as threshold, modality, and number of alert levels impact concurrent task (flight control) performance and response to potential conflicts. Methods: Student pilots performed a tracking task analogous to flight control while simultaneously monitoring for air traffic conflicts with the aid of a CDTI alert as the threshold, modality, and level of alert was varied. Results: As the alerting system became more prone to false alerts, pilot compliance decreased and concurrent performance improved. There was some evidence of auditory preemption with auditory alerts as the false alarm rate increased. Finally, there was no benefit to a three-level system over a two-level system. Conclusion: There is justification for increased false alarm rates, as miss-prone systems appear to be costly. The 4:1 false alarm to miss ratio employed here improved accuracy and concurrent task performance. More research needs to address the potential benefits of likelihood alerting. Application: The issues addressed in this research can be applied to any imperfect alerting system such as in aviation, driving, or air traffic control. It is crucial to understand the performance consequences of new technology and the efficacy of potential mitigating design features within the specific context desired.
Temporal Limitations in Multiple Target Detection in a Dynamic Monitoring Task
Authors: Boot Walter R. , Becic Ensar , Kramer Arthur F.
Published: August 2007

Objective: Two experiments examined the detectability of multiple transient changes within a cluttered and dynamic display (a simulated sonar display). Background: Research suggests that there are severe limitations when multiple targets must be detected within close temporal proximity. The present research explored whether these limitations influence performance in a dynamic monitoring task. Method: Participants monitored a cluttered and dynamic display and reported the number of new objects that appeared (one to four objects). The time between onset events was varied. A blinking cue sometimes accompanied each new object, giving observers multiple opportunities to detect it. Results: A large decrease in performance was observed when participants were asked to detect multiple targets within a short period of time. Performance was worse than predicted based on the attention literature. Performance suffered when observers were asked to detect more than two or three targets. The blinking cue greatly attenuated this performance deficit, even for short-duration blinking cues (one blink). Conclusion: Operators can easily become overwhelmed when asked to respond to even a small number of events when these events occur close in time. Extending transient events in time improves performance, but some attentional limitations may be difficult or impossible to overcome. Application: These results have important implications for systems in which important events may occur within close temporal proximity (e.g., when a sonar operator is tasked with detecting threats in the battle space). Situations in which these limitations may or may not influence performance are discussed.
Lateral Control Assistance for Car Drivers: A Comparison of Motor Priming and Warning Systems
Authors: Navarro Jordan , Mars Franck , Hoc Jean-Michel
Published: August 2007

Objective: This paper's first objective is to determine whether motor priming assistance (consisting of directional steering wheel vibrations) can be of some benefit compared with more traditional auditory (lateralized sound) or vibratory (symmetric steering wheel oscillation) warning devices. We hypothesize that warning devices favor driving situation diagnosis, whereas motor priming can improve the initiation of action even further. Another objective is to assess the possible benefits of using multimodal information by combining auditory warning with simple steering wheel vibration or motor priming. Background: Within the context of active safety devices, the experiment dealt with moderately intrusive driving assistance devices that intervene when a certain level of risk in terms of lane departure is reached. Method: An analysis of the steering behavior of 20 participants following episodes of visual occlusion was carried out. Five warning and motor priming devices were compared. Results: All tested devices improved the drivers' steering performance, although their effects were modulated by the drivers' risk assessment. However, performance improvements were found to be greater with a motor priming device. No additional performance enhancement was observed when auditory warning was added to steering wheel vibration or motor priming devices. Conclusion: This study confirms the hypothesis that the direct intervention of motor priming at the action level is more effective than a simple warning, which intervenes upstream in situation diagnosis. Multimodal information did not seem to improve driver performance. Application: This study proposes a new kind of lateral control assistance, which acts at a sensorimotor level, in contrast with traditional warning devices.
Susceptibility Genes and the Question of Embodied Identity
Authors: Lock Margaret , Freeman Julia , Chilibeck Gillian , Beveridge Briony , Padolsky Miriam
Published: August 2007

Drawing on an assumption of the co‐construction of the material and the social, late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) is used as an illustrative example to assess claims for an emergent figure of the “individual genetically at risk.” Current medical understanding of the genetics of AD is discussed, followed by a summary of media and AD society materials that reveal an absence of gene hype in connection with this disease. Excerpts from interviews with first‐degree relatives of patients diagnosed with AD follow. Interviewees hold complex theories of causation. After genetic testing they exhibit few if any subjective changes in embodied identity or lifestyle. Family history is regarded by interviewees as a better indicator of future disease than is genetic testing. We argue that, even when molecular genetics are better understood, predictions about complex disease based on genotyping will be fraught with uncertainty, making problematic the concept of individuals as genetically at risk when applied to late‐onset complex disease.
A Rose by Any Other Name? Rethinking the Similarities and Differences between Male and Female Genital Cutting
Authors: Darby Robert , Svoboda J. Steven
Published: August 2007

In this article, we offer a critical examination of the tendency to segregate discussion of surgical alterations to the male and female genitals into separate compartments—the first known as circumcision, the second as genital mutilation. We argue that this fundamental problem of definition underlies the considerable controversy surrounding these procedures when carried out on minors, and that it hinders objective discussion of the alleged benefits, harms, and risks. We explore the variable effects of male and female genital surgeries, and we propose a scale of damage for male circumcision to complement the World Health Organization's categorization of female genital mutilation. The origins of the double standard identified are placed in historical perspective, and in a brief conclusion we make a plea for greater gender neutrality in the approach to this contentious issue.
Postnatal Expression and Androgen Regulation of HOXBES2 Homeoprotein in Rat Epididymis
Authors: Prabagaran Esakki , Hegde Uma C. , Moodbidri Sudhir B. , Bandivdekar Atmaram H. , Raghavan Vijaya P.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT:The multifunctional and androgen‐regulated epididymis is known to provide a conducive microenvironment for the maturation and storage of mature spermatozoa. HOXB2 homeodomain‐containing epididymis‐specific sperm protein (HOXBES2), a molecule first reported by our group, exhibits cell‐ and region‐specific expression. It was found in the cytoplasm of the principal epithelial cells with maximum in the distal segments of the rat epididymis. The present study was undertaken to determine whether HOXBES2 expression is regulated by androgens and postnatal epididymal development. Toward this, the epididymis was disallowed access to circulating androgens either by chemical or biologic castration. In bilaterally orchidectomized animals, the levels of immunoreactive HOXBES2 declined to <5 % of those seen in sham‐operated animals. Exogenous dihydrotestosterone (DHT) supplementation (250μg/kg body weight) for 7 days restored the expression levels to ≥ 90 % of that observed in intact animals. Ethylene dimethane sulfonate (EDS) administration completely abolished HOXBES2 expression in the epididymis, and supplementation with DHT or DHT + estradiol for 10 days re‐established HOXBES2 expression to near normalcy. However, in the estradiol alone‐supplemented EDS‐treated group, HOXBES2 remained undetected. The unaltered HOXBES2 expression following efferent duct ligation suggested that HOXBES2 is not critically dependent on testicular factors. During postnatal development, protein expression in the epididymis begins to appear from day 40 and 50 and increased from day 60 onward, coinciding with the mature levels of circulating androgens and the well‐differentiated epididymis. Thus, the data obtained from this study suggests that HOXBES2 expression could be regulated by androgens, and its expression level is closely associated with the postnatal development of the epididymis.
L859F Mutation in Androgen Receptor Gene Results in Complete Loss of Androgen Binding to the Receptor
Authors: Rajender Singh , Singh Lalji , Thangaraj Kumarasamy
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT: Androgens drive male secondary sexual differentiation and maturation. Mutations in the androgen receptor (AR) gene cause an array of abnormal sex differentiation phenotypes in humans, ranging from mild through partial to complete androgen insensitivity. Earlier, we reported a C3693T missense mutation in the AR gene in a familial case of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), resulting in the replacement of a highly conserved leucine residue with phenylalanine (L859F) in ligand‐binding domain (LBD) of the receptor. In silico analysis and the information from the crystal structure of AR‐LBD indicated that the residue L859, located in helix 10 of AR protein, plays a significant role in overall architecture of the ligand‐binding pocket. From this information we anticipated that the mutation might have resulted in the loss of the ligand binding to the receptor. In the present study, we have conducted the in vitro functional assays for this mutation. The mutation resulted in highly significant loss of the ligand binding to the receptor. The loss of ligand binding and subsequent AR function was confirmed by the transactivation assay, in which we observed very little activation of the reporter gene expressed under the control of the ligand‐AR complex.
Unilateral and Bilateral Effects of Nasal Septum Surgery Demonstrated with Acoustic Rhinometry, Rhinomanometry, and Subjective Assessment
Authors: Pirilä Tapio , Tikanto Jukka
Published: August 2007

Little is known of what happens after an operative correction of nasal septum deviation in the cavity contralateral to the major septum deviation. We studied the effects of septoplasty on the objective and subjective unilateral and bilateral nasal airway in 117 consecutive patients presenting for septoplasty due to a clinically obstructing septum deviation. Significant median increases in nasal flow and cross-sectional areas were noted postoperatively on the deviation side, whereas on the contralateral side the nasal flow and the cross-sectional area at the nasal valve (MCA1) decreased significantly, the median decreases being 19% (p = 0.022) in the flow and 22% (p = 0.0001) in MCA1 before decongestion and correspondingly 22% (p = 0.004) and 21% (p = 0.0001) after decongestion. Only slight median increases were noted in the bilateral assessment postoperatively in these parameters. In the subjective assessment 40% of patients were totally free from nasal obstruction postoperatively and the sensation of obstruction was low in 35%. An inverse correlation was found between the postoperative satisfaction and the decrease in MCA1 on the wide side (r = -0.21, p = 0.03) and positive correlations between the postoperative satisfaction and the increase in MCA1 on the deviation side (r = 0.26, p = 0.0042) and with the bilateral increase in MCA1 (r = 0.20, p = 0.02). The preoperative subjective sensation of nasal obstruction correlated significantly with the objective parameters on the deviation side, but not with the bilateral parameters. In conclusion, it was demonstrated with an objective and subjective assessment that correction of a septum deviation may induce harmful effects to the valve area on the side contralateral to a deviation. However, postoperatively the overall relief of nasal obstruction was good and the satisfaction high in most patients.
Change in Tissue Kallikrein Level in Nasal Wash after the Administration of Oxatomide in Patients with Nasal Allergy
Authors: Nishiyama Koichiro , Yao Kazuo , Iguci Yoshiaki , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Suzuki Tatuhiro , Sato Kentaro , Okamoto Makito , Majima Masataka
Published: August 2007

The tissue kallikrein level in the nasal wash was measured before and after 4-week administration of oxatomide (30 mg per day) in 9 patients with perennial allergy. It was found that tissue kallikrein level in the nasal wash obtained following provocation tests significantly decreased from 6.05 ± 4.43 (10-10 mol/hour/L)to 1.84 ± 0.93 (10-10 mol/hour/L) after the administration of oxatomide. Improvement in subjective symptoms was also observed in all patients after the administration. These results would indicate that kinin in the system is actively involved in the pathogenesis of nasal allergy.
Cost Analysis of Computer-Aided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Gibbons Mark D. , Gunn Christopher G. , Niwas Santosh , Sillers Michael J.
Published: August 2007

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is a common otolaryngologic procedure, with over 250,000 operations performed annually. Computerized surgical navigation systems are available to assist the rhinologic surgeon in the complex dissection required for FESS. Our objective was to determine whether this system provided quantifiable benefits in FESS. We retrospectively reviewed 203 patients with chronic sinusitis who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery, and divided them into two groups based on whether or not computerized surgical navigation was used. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of surgery duration, extent of surgery, percent of complementary procedures, percent of supplementary procedures, complexity of surgery, and percent revision surgery. Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) was 6.7% more expensive than sinus surgery without computerized surgical navigation (p = 0.01). However, the intangible benefits of CAS may outweigh the added expense.
Nasal Septal Cross-Over Flap Technique: A Choanal Atresia Micro-Endoscopic Surgical Repair
Authors: Stamm Aldo Cassol , Pignatari Shirley Shizue Nagata
Published: August 2007

Choanal atresia is a congenital malformation of the posterior portion of the nasal cavity, which is usually unilateral. The incidence is estimated to be 1 in 5,000 to 8,000 live births. Several surgical approaches have been described to correct choanal atresia since Emmert's initial trocar perforation in 1853, including transnasal, transpalatal, transseptal, sublabial transseptal, transantral, and external rhinoplasty. Although the micro-endoscopic transnasal access is a more conservative technique, it allows greater surgical precision, and is currently recommended by many authors; choanal atresia repair is still considered a challenge, with risks of intraoperative and postoperative complications and re-stenosis. This paper reports the results of a series of 33 patients operated via the transnasal micro-endoscopic surgical approach, and describes a new endoscopic technique that the authors call “nasal septal cross-over flap technique.”
Nasal Hyperreactivity among Teachers in a School with a Long History of Moisture Problems
Authors: Rudblad Stig , Andersson Kjell , Stridh Göran , Bodin Lennart , Juto Jan-Erik
Published: August 2007

Upper airway symptoms have frequently been reported in people working or residing in damp buildings. However, little information has been available on objective pathophysiologic findings in relation to these environments. Twenty-eight teachers, who had worked for at least five years in a recently renovated school that had had severe moisture problems for years, were randomly selected for this study. Eighteen teachers, who had worked in another school that had no moisture problems, were randomly selected to serve as the control group. Although remedial measures had been taken, an increase in the prevalence of mucous membrane irritations was still reported by the teachers in the target school. We used a nasal challenge test with three concentrations of histamine (1, 2 and 4 mg/mL). Recordings of swelling of the nasal mucosa were made with rhinostereometry, a very accurate optical non-invasive method. The growth curves of mucosal swelling induced by the three concentrations of histamine differed significantly between the two groups (p < 0.01). The frequencies of atopy, evaluated with the skin-prick test, were almost identical in both groups. The study indicates that long-term exposure to indoor environments with moisture problems may contribute to mucosal hyperreactivity of the upper airways. Such hyperreactivity also seems to persist for at least one year after remedial measures have been taken.
Primary Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea and Obesity
Authors: Badia Lydia , Loughran Sean , Lund Valerie
Published: August 2007

The objective of this paper is to determine whether there is a relationship among obesity, gender, and the risk of development of primary spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea. A retrospective case review of all the patients with CSF rhinorrhea treated at our unit over a 10-year period is presented. From a series of 20 patients, we studied 9 cases of primary spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea; 6 patients were female (mean age 50 ± 10 years) and 3 male (mean age 61 ± 7 years). All the female patients were clinically obese, i.e., they had a body mass index >30 kg/m2. All the male patients had a body mass index within normal parameters. We review the postulated etiologic factors of this uncommon condition and study the pathophysiologic basis for obese patients to have CSF rhinorrhea. This study suggests a relationship between obese females and the risk of developing a primary spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea.
Dichotomous Physiological Effects of Nocturnal External Nasal Dilation in Heavy Snorers: The Answer to a Rhinologic Controversy?
Authors: Djupesland Per Gisle , Skatvedt Olav , Borgersen Anne Kari
Published: August 2007

The purpose of this article was to study the impact of external dilation on nasal airway dimensions, sleep architecture, and snoring. Eighteen heavy snorers without severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) 9.3) reporting nocturnal nasal obstruction were enrolled in a randomized (controlled) cross-over study, evaluating subjective and objective effects of external nasal dilation (Breathe Right, 3M). The active dilator was also worn during a one-week pretrial run-in period. Polysomnography, recording of snoring sounds, and repeated acoustic rhinometry were performed on two consecutive nights, one with the active dilator and one with a placebo strip. The significant subjective improvement reported during the run-in period compared to the preceding period without dilator (p < 0.01), remained only for nasal patency (p < 0.05) when comparing the two nights in the sleep laboratory. The nasal dimensions increased significantly (p < 0.001) with the active dilator compared to placebo, both in the evening and the next morning. In a subgroup (n = 6) of habitual snorers (AHI < 10) with severe morning obstruction (combined minimal cross-sectional area < 0.6 cm2), external dilation significantly improved the mean sleep PaSO2 (92.4 å 96.7) and the percentage of sleep with a PaSO2 < 95% (49.9% å 4.9%) (p < 0.05). In this subgroup there was a trend toward reduction in (7.4 å 5.4) (p = 0.06), whereas the AHI increased significantly in the group of 12 with larger nocturnal nasal dimensions (p < 0.05). Duration and intensity of snoring remained unchanged regardless of the subgrouping. Objective beneficial effects were restricted to nocturnal oxygen saturation and AHI in a subgroup of habitual heavy snorers identified by repeated acoustic rhinometry, in whom external dilation objectively relieved marked nocturnal nasal obstruction. This finding may provide a logical explanation for the conflicting results of medical, surgical, and mechanical expansion of the nasal dimensions on snoring and sleep disturbances.
Bony Abnormalities of the Paranasal Sinuses in Patients with Wegener's Granulomatosis
Authors: Yang Caroline , Talbot J. Michael , Hwang Peter H.
Published: August 2007

Wegener's granulomatosis is a systemic vasculitis that can affect any organ system. but primarily involves the upper and lower respiratory tracts and the kidneys. Chronic sinusitis is a well-known clinical feature of the disease. Mucosal abnormalities of the nose and paranasal sinuses have been well-characterized and range from granulomatous lesions to diffuse mucosal thickening. In contrast, abnormalities of the underlying bone of the paranasal sinuses in this disease have not been well-described, and reports have been limited. To characterize bony abnormalities of the nose and paranasal sinuses in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis, we performed a retrospective review of all patients with Wegener's granulomatosis who underwent a sinus CT scan at our institution between 1989 and 1999. Nine patients were identified. A total of 22 distinct bony abnormalities were identified in 5 patients. Specific bony findings included bony erosion and destruction of the septum and turbinates; erosion of the ethmoid sinuses; neo-osteogenesis of the maxillary. frontal, and sphenoid sinuses; and complete bony obliteration of the maxillary, frontal, and sphenoid sinuses. Although these findings are suggestive of Wegener's granulomatosis, they are not pathognomonic. Bony changes on sinus CT scan may provide radiologic evidence of underlying Wegener's granulomatosis when clinical Suspicion is high.
Comparative Oral and Topical Decongestant Effects of Phenylpropanolamine and d-Pseudoephedrine
Authors: Erickson Christine H. , McLeod Robbie L , Mingo Garfield G. , Egan Robert W. , Pedersen Ole F. , Hey John A.
Published: August 2007

Nonselective adrenergic α-agonists such as phenylpropanolamine and d-pseudoephedrine are widely used as decongestants to treat nasal congestion associated with a variety of nasal diseases. Although the activity of these drugs is well established in clinical studies, a direct comparison of their nasal decongestant effect as determined by changes in nasal cavity dimensions and nasal architecture has not been studied. Using acoustic rhinometry, we evaluated the effects of these drugs on nasal cavity volume, minimum cross-sectional area (Amin), and the distance from the nosepiece to the Amin (Dmin) in a feline, pharmacological model of nasal congestion. Administration of topical compound 48/80 (1%), a mast cell histamine liberator, into the left nasal passageway decreased nasal volume by 66%, reduced Amin by 51%, and increased Dmin by 116%. The congestive responses to compound 48/80 (1%) were reproducible through six weeks. In a subset of cats, the nasal cavity volume effect of repetitive exposure to compound 48/80, given once every two weeks for six weeks, was not different from the nasal responses after the initial exposure to compound 48/80. Pretreatment with oral phenylpropanolamine (10 mg/kg) or oral d-pseudoephedrine (10 mg/kg) attenuated the nasal effects of compound 48/80, but were associated with a pronounced increase in systolic blood pressure of +51 and +82 mmHg, respectively. A similar decongestant profile was observed with phenylpropanolamine (1%) and d-pseudoephedrine (1%) when given topically. Topical phenylpropanolamine (1%) and d-pseudoephedrine (1%) 45 minutes after dosing increased blood pressure +44 and +17 mmHg, respectively, over control animals. We conclude that oral and topical phenylpropanolamine and d-pseudoephedrine display equieffective nasal decongestant activity and produce similar cardiovascular profiles characterized by significant increases in blood pressure.
Scanning Electron Microscopy of Hydroxylated Polyvinyl Acetal and Conventional Gauze Strip Nasal Packing Materials
Authors: Uslu S. Sabri , İleri Fikret , Köybaşıoğlu Ahmet , Çelik Hamdi , Sargon Mustafa , Özbilen Suat
Published: August 2007

The application of nasal packing is one of the most commonly performed procedures in rhinology. Various materials have been used as nasal packing, including conventional gauze strips and hydroxylated polyvinyl acetal. Complications related to nasal packing may cause problems that lead to increased morbidity. Among those complications, infectious ones range from localized infection in the nasal cavity to toxic shock syndrome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate conventional gauze strips and hydroxylated polyvinyl acetal nasal packing materials by scanning electron microscopy to reveal their surface characteristics that would promote or prevent the development of infectious complications. The two types of materials were examined before and after application into the nasal cavity. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that hydroxylated polyvinyl acetal material had a smooth surface, whereas conventional gauze strips had an irregular surface with fibers projecting, thus increasing the surface area for bacterial adherence and allowing possible evasion of bacteria from the elements of the immune system within this fibrillar structure.
The Porcine and Lagomorph Septal Cartilages: Models for Tissue Engineering and Morphologic Cartilage Research
Authors: Wong Brian J. F. , Chao Kenneth K. H. , Kim Hong K. , Chu Eugene A. , Dao Xavier , Gaon Mark , Sun Chung-Ho , Nelson J. Stuart
Published: August 2007

Interest in reconstruction and modification of the facial cartilaginous frameworks using advanced technology and instrumentation is growing rapidly. Despite this maturing interest, no animal model has been established to provide morphologic cartilage tissue with similar characteristics to human septum in suitable quantities. The objective of this study was to characterize porcine and lagomorph (rabbit) nasal septal cartilage tissue. Both models share great similarity with their human counterpart and provide a low-cost, high-volume, and easily obtained source of bulk cartilage tissue. We present a technique for harvesting intact septal cartilages from these species, and characterize select cellular, metabolic, and physical properties using pulse-chase radiolabeling, flow cytometry, and mechanical analysis. Our selective evaluation of key tissue properties establishes these species as appropriate animal models for nasal septal cartilaginous surgery.
Interface Pressures Produced by Two Different Types of Lymphedema Therapy Devices
Authors: Mayrovitz Harvey N
Published: August 2007

Background and Purpose

Sequential compression is used to manage lymphedema, but little is known about pressures delivered to the therapeutic targets. This study characterized actual pressures delivered by a traditional compression pump (Lympha Press [LP]) and one using an alternate compression pattern (Flexitouch [FT]).

Subjects

Ten adults who were healthy volunteered to participate in the study.

Methods

Pressure-time along the forearm was measured using a 256–pressure sensor array during the pressure cycling of each device. Device assessments were separated by at least 48 hours.

Results

Pressure patterns and magnitudes produced by the 2 devices differed considerably. The FT pressure pattern displayed a rapid rise and fall, progressing from the wrist toward the elbow. The LP pressure rose slower and was sustained at a higher level during its inflation cycle. Pressures delivered with the LP were significantly greater than those delivered with the FT.

Discussion and Conclusion

The pressure patterns and magnitudes on treated limbs depend on the device. These differences should be considered before selecting a device for a specific patient.
Technology and performances of silicon oxynitride waveguides for optomechanical sensors fabricated by plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Sabac A. , Gorecki C. , Jozwik M. , Nieradko L. , Meunier C. , Gut K.
Published: August 2007

The technology and performance of micromachined channel waveguides, based on plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) of silicon oxynitride thin films, are presented. The deposition parameters of PECVD are studied in connection with their optical, mechanical and chemical properties. The design of the waveguide is optimised for single mode operation, low loss propagation and high efficiency of coupling to single mode optical fibers. This technology is applied to fabricate the pigtailed Mach-Zehnder interferometers, where the coupling from the optical fiber to the waveguide is based on U-groove etch, supporting fibers in the same substrate as the waveguide substrate.
Who Teaches and Where They Choose to Teach: College Graduates of the 1990s
Authors: Bacolod Marigee
Published: August 2007

This article investigates the key determinants of entry into the teaching profession and the subsequent sorting of new teachers across urban, suburban, and rural schools. Of particular interest is the relative importance of teacher salaries, alternative labor market opportunities, and nonpecuniary job attributes or working conditions to this decision process. Results from a nested logit model applied to the Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study show that working conditions play a relatively more important role in determining where new teachers end up choosing to teach, rather than differences in teacher salaries. This is especially true for women. Meanwhile, wages play a relatively more important role in the occupational entry decision. In addition, there is significant variation in teacher quality indicators across these school locations.
Why do captive tufted capuchins (Cebus apella) urine wash?
Authors: Miller Kimran E. , Laszlo Katalin , Suomi Stephen J.
Published: August 2007

Urine washing (UW) has been observed in numerous species of prosimians and New World monkeys. The functional significance of UW in Cebidae, specifically, Cebus apella, has not been determined. The objective of our study was to test two major hypotheses related to the function of UW: (1) UW functions as a thermoregulatory mechanism, and (2) UW functions as a means of social communication related to (a) territoriality, (b) sexual encounters, or (c) intragroup aggression/agitation. We collected focal data on a captive group of 28 tufted capuchins (C. apella; July–October 2004 and February–July 2005). We found no significant correlation between UW rates and temperature, at a constant, moderate humidity level. Rates of UW were significantly greater outdoors (no conspecific neighbors) vs. indoors (conspecific neighbors). Qualitative evidence suggests a relationship between UW by the alpha male and sexual solicitations from females. UW rates associated with aggression received were significantly higher than UW rates associated with aggression given and UW rates associated with potential fear/stress. There was also a significant negative correlation between cortisol measures and UW frequencies. Our results suggest that UW does not function in thermoregulation or in territorial communication. Alternatively, our results suggest that UW may be associated with sexual encounters and receiving aggression. Additionally, further investigation is warranted to determine whether UW is used as an appeasement mechanism or as a stress reliever or as both. Am. J. Primatol. 70:119–126, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alcohol consumption and risk for stroke among Chinese men
Authors: Bazzano Lydia A. , Gu Dongfeng , Reynolds Kristi , Wu Xiqui , Chen Chiung‐Shiuan , Duan Xiufang , Chen Jing , Wildman Rachel P. , Klag Michael J. , He Jiang
Published: August 2007

Objective

Stroke is a leading cause of death and long‐term disability in China. The objective of this study was to examine the relation between alcohol consumption and risk for stroke among Chinese men.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study among 64,338 Chinese men aged ≥40 years who were free of stroke at baseline. Data on frequency and type of alcohol consumed were collected at the baseline examination in 1991 using a standard protocol. Follow‐up evaluation was conducted in 1999 to 2000, which included determining vital status, interviewing participants or proxies, and obtaining hospital and medical records for incident and fatal strokes.

Results

Over the course of 493,351 person‐years of follow‐up, we documented 3,434 incident strokes (1,848 stroke deaths). After adjustment for age, body mass index, physical activity, urbanization (urban vs rural), geographic variation (north vs south), cigarette smoking, history of diabetes, and education, compared with nondrinkers, relative risk (95% confidence interval) of incident stroke was 0.92 (0.80–1.06) for participants consuming 1 to 6 drinks/week, 1.02 (0.93–1.13) for those consuming 7 to 20 drinks/week, 1.22 (1.07–1.38) for those consuming 21 to 34 drinks/week, and 1.22 (1.08–1.37) for those consuming 35 or more drinks per week (p for linear trend < 0.0001). The corresponding relative risks for stroke mortality were 0.93 (0.76–1.14), 0.98 (0.85–1.13), 1.15 (0.95–1.38), and 1.30 (1.11–1.52), respectively (p for linear trend = 0.0004; p for quadratic trend = 0.03).

Interpretation

These results suggest that heavy alcohol drinking may increase the risk for stroke in Chinese men and should be the target of strategies for prevention. Ann Neurol 2007
LBT: Its Instrumentation and Key Science Projects
Authors: Herbst Tom , Strassmeier Klaus G.
Published: August 2007

B25 The site testing for the Thirty Meter Telescope and its potential role in developing the shortterm forecasting of observing conditions

B34 LUCIFER: a NIR Spectrograph and Imager for the LBT

B41 PEPSI: the Potsdam Echelle Polarimetric and Spectroscopic Instrument for the Large Binocular Telescope

B44 LUCIFER: High Redshift Science Cases

B49 Feedback in galaxy cores: a LBT Key Science Project proposal

B52 SERPIL/LIINUS: a design study for a Near‐Infrared Interferometric Integral Field Spectrometer for the LBT

B64 The Construction of the Large Binocular Telescope

B73 Operating the LUCIFER Instrument

B85 M92 – a crucial testbed for atomic diffusion and mixing in stars

B142 The Large Binocular Camera at LBT

B148 LUCIFER and its Exposure‐Time‐Calculator

B196 The Multi‐Object Double Spectrograph and Nulling Interferometer for the Large Binocular Telescope

B199 The Laser Guide Star Facility for the LBT

B231 The PEPSI “deep spectrum” project

B236 Zeeman‐Doppler imaging from Stokes IQUV line profiles

B257 D3Dnet: getting ready for MUSE, a 2nd Generation Instrument for the VLT
The Evolution of the Interstellar Medium over Cosmic Time
Authors: Walter Fabian , Bertoldi Frank
Published: August 2007

C23 UV spectroscopy of the PG1159‐type star NGC7094

C26 Variations of the radio synchrotron spectral index in the interstellar medium of M33

C38 Angular Momentum Evolution of Young Brown Dwarfs and Low Mass Stars

C48 The radio halo of the nearby starburst galaxy NGC 253

C95 Signatures of early metal enrichment in Damped‐Lyman Alpha systems

C113 CO 4 → 3 and [CI] 1 → 0 in the centers of NGC4945 and Circinus

C115 Ratio of atomic and molecular gas and gravitational stabilty in the disk of M51

C130 The Interstellar Mediumat Early Cosmic Times: Molecular Gas in Distant Quasar Host Galaxies

C188 Probing the interstellar medium in distant galaxies with SPICA/ESI

C191 The evolution of spectral energy distributions of galaxies over cosmic times

C197 Observations of 60Fe in the Galaxy with INTEGRAL/SPI

C204 Evolution of Interstellar Clouds in a hot Gas Environment

C205 The effect of clouds in a galactic wind on the evolution of gas‐rich dwarf galaxies

C206 Energy and element deposit into the interstellar medium during the lives of massive stars

C209 The distribution and kinematics of massive stars in the inner Galaxy mapped with SPI/INTEGRAL 26Al 1.8 MeV line observations

C213 PDR modelling of the Galactic FIR line emission

C239 Towards a complete picture of the molecular ISM in local Luminous Infrared Galaxies: first results from the JCMT/IRAM line survey

C242 The Search for the Very High‐redshift Tail of Submillimeter Galaxies
Numerical Astrophysics
Authors: Klingenberg Christian
Published: August 2007

E119 3D Simulations of Weakly Magnetized Accretion Disks

E147 The MRI in stratified accretion discs

E212 Comparison between observed and simulated globular clusters

E219 Presentation of simulation results of our 3D PIC Code

E244 MAGMA: A 3D Lagrangian hydrodynamics code

E254 FEARLESS – A new modelling approach for turbulent astrophysical flows

E256 Cosmic ray transport in MHD turbulence: Numerical calculation of Dμμ (μ) and Dμμ (p)

E261 FEARLESS modeling of turbulent flows applied to numerical simulations of galaxy clusters

E264 FEARLESS – Subgrid Scale Turbulence modeling and Applications to Star Formation
Active Galactic Nuclei
Authors: Haas Martin , Biermann Peter , Chini Rolf , Heidt Jochen , Kollatschny Wolfram , Meusinger Helmut , Siebenmorgen Ralf
Published: August 2007

F11 Jets, supernovae, gammabursts – more light for theory?

F35 A Direct Comparison of the QSO Samples from VPMS and SDSS

F36 Gravitational Microlensing Simulations and Ensemble Broad‐Band Variability of the QSOs from VPMS

F42 Luminosity function of low redshift quasars

F43 Star Formation around Active Galactic Nuclei – Results from near infrared observations

F58 High‐Redshift Quasars as Probes of Early Star Formation

F66 On the dust emission of Seyfert nuclei

F72 Propagation of Very Light MHD Jets

F78 Giant Outflows in MassiveHigh‐z Radio Galaxies: Direct Evidence for AGNFeedback in the Early Universe

F89 Lowfrequency mapping of ‘normal’ FR II radio galaxies: Resolving the puzzle of X‐shaped radio sources

F90 Nature of X‐shaped radio sources: A statistical approach

F100 Cosmological growth of Supermassive Black Holes: constraints on kinetic and radiative energy feedback

F107 Molecular Tori in AGN

F136 Electron‐Ion Recombination Rate Coefficients of Iron M‐Shell Ions for X‐Ray Astronomy

F139 Hydrodynamic models of obscuring tori

F145 The unique BL Lac Object S5 0716+714

F158 On the Cluster Environment of the BL Lac Object OJ 287

F179 The circumnuclear dust in nearby AGN resolved by mid‐infrared interferometry

F184 NIR‐imaging of SDSS BL Lac objects

F190 Blazar Observations in the TeV energy range with the MAGIC Telescope

F198 Gas Inflow Rates in Nearby AGN Galaxies

F202 Two zone SSC model for blazar jets

F215 Long‐termVHE γ ‐ray monitoring of bright blazars with a dedicated telescope

F218 Long termmonitoring of bright TeV Blazars with the MAGIC telescope

F220 Fifteen Blazars in Very‐High Energy Gamma Rays: A Comparative Study

F229 Numerical calculation of blazar spectra. Application to 1 ES 1218+30.4

F230 Blazar spectral energy distributions corrected for gamma ray attenuation

F240 Observation of PG 1553+113 with the MAGIC Telescope

F243 VHE Gamma‐Ray Flare of PKS2155‐304 detected by the MAGIC telescope

F245 Observations of 3C279 with the MAGIC Telescope

F258 Diffraction limited near infrared imaging spectroscopy of the NLR of NGC4151
Dark Matter and Neutrinos
Authors: Jochum Josef
Published: August 2007

H86 Core‐Collapse Supernovae: Neutrinos, Explosion Mechanism, and Pulsar Kicks

H141 Indirect Dark Matter Search In Dwarf Galaxies

H143 Electrostatic spectrometers of KATRIN

H144 The tritiumsource of KATRIN

H146 Status of the KATRIN experiment

H149 Axions in the CAST aera

H151 The EDELWEISS‐2 Dark Matter Search

H152 Simulation of muon‐induced neutron background in EDELWEISS

H155 CRESST Status

H161 A Trigger for the Double Chooz Reactor Neutrino Experiment

H162 Status of GERDA – Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay

H175 New Laboratory Experiments Searching for Axion‐Like Particles

H178 Cosmic ray induced background at the KATRIN experiment and its prevention

H201 The X‐ray telescope of the CAST experiment at CERN

H238 Structure formation close to the cut‐off in the matter power spectrum
Dark Energy in the Universe
Authors: Bartelmann Matthias
Published: August 2007

I 24 Studying the Nature of Dark Energy with Galaxy Clusters

I 50 Constraining Dark Energy via Baryon Acoustic Oscillations

I 65 Constraining Dark Energy with Redshift Surveys

I 103 Dark Energy: Necessity, Models and Expectations

I 177 Searching for galaxy clusters through weak lensing, X‐rays and the SZ observations

I 181 SNIa and Dark Energy
Special Colloquium on the History of Astronomy
Authors: Wolfschmidt Gudrun
Published: August 2007

J 17 Development of Radioastronomy – prehistory and the first decades

J 18 Hyades and Pleiades as a kind of “clock” in the astronomy of archaic cultures – The function and representation of these open clusters in prehistoric and protohistoric time as well as among indigenous people

J 19 A Pioneer of the Theory of Stellar Spectra – Radó von Kövesligethy

J 59 The Sky in the World View of the Australian Aborgines

J 60 X‐ray astronomy in Germany – the successful establishment of a new field of science

J 61 Erich Schoenberg (1882–1965) – Early Scientific Career in Tartu (Dorpat) (1907 to 1918)

J 62 IUE – Also Pioneering Observing and Archiving Strategies

J 63 The Bronze Age Astronomy – a hypothetical Model

J 67 Pre‐Euclidean geometry on the sky disk of Nebra?

J 68 Astronomical Orientation of aWest Hallstatt Burial Chamber

J 84 On the Orientation of Megalithic Tombs in Northern Germany

J 214 Astronomic‐statistical Analysis of Circular Symbols on Golden Hats (Bronze Age)
Comparison of four methods for the estimation of intracranial volume: A gold standard study
Authors: Sahin B. , Acer N. , Sonmez O.F. , Emirzeoglu M. , Basaloglu H. , Uzun A. , Bilgic S.
Published: August 2007

Investigators can infer how much reduction in volume has occurred since brain volume was at its peak, by combining measures of brain volume with measures of intracranial volume (ICV). Several methodologies have been proposed to asses the ICV. However, we have not seen a gold‐standard study evaluating the results of the methodologies for the assessment of ICV. In the present study, the actual intracranial volume of 20 dry skulls was measured using the water‐filling method, using this as a gold standard. Anthropometry, cephalometry, point‐counting, and planimetry techniques were applied to the same skulls to estimate the ICV. Anthropometric and cephalometric measurements were carried out directly on skulls and roentgenograms, respectively. Consecutive computed tomography sections at a thickness of 10 mm were used to estimate the ICV of the skulls by means of the point‐counting and planimetry methods. The mean (±SD) of the actual ICV measured by the water‐filling method was 1,262.0 ± 160.4 cm3 (1,389.5 ± 96.5 cm3 for males and 1,134.5 ± 94.3 cm3 for females, respectively). Our results showed that the estimated values obtained by all four methods differed from the actual volumes of the skulls (P < 0.05). The data obtained by anthropometry resulted in overestimation. However, cephalometry, point‐counting, and planimetry methods produced underestimation. After calibration, there were no significant differences between the actual volumes and the results of the four methods (P > 0.05). While the anthropometric method is easy and quick to apply, its result may deviate from the actual values. The optimized stereological techniques of point‐counting and planimetry methods may provide unbiased ICV results since they take the third dimension of the structures into account. Clin. Anat. 20:766–773, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preliminary observations on the microarchitecture of the human abdominal muscles
Authors: Woodley Stephanie J. , Duxson Marilyn J. , Mercer Susan R.
Published: August 2007

Precise knowledge of muscle architecture and innervation patterns is essential for the development of accurate clinical and biomechanical models. Although the gross anatomy of the human abdominal muscles has been investigated, the finer details of their microanatomy are not well described. Fascicles were systematically sampled from each of the human abdominal muscles, and small fiber bundles from selected fascicles stained with acetylcholinesterase to determine the location of motor endplate bands, myomyonal junctions, and myotendinous junctions. Statistical analysis was used to ascertain the association between fascicular length and number of endplate bands. The number of endplate bands along a fascicle was variable between different portions of each muscle, but was strongly correlated with fascicular length (r = 0.814). In fascicles less than 50 millimeters (mm) in length, only a single endplate band was generally present, while multiple endplate bands (usually two or three) were found in fascicles longer than 50 mm. The presence of myomyonal junctions throughout the longer (>50 mm) fascicles verified that they were composed of short, intrafascicularly terminating fibers, while shorter fascicles comprised fibers spanning the entire fascicular length. This preliminary study provides evidence that multiple endplate bands are contained in some regions of the abdominal muscles, an arrangement that differs from most human appendicular muscles. It is not clear whether the variations in the described fine architectural features reflect regional differences in muscle function. Clin. Anat. 20:808–813, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.