bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microvascular Resistance Predicts Myocardial Salvage and Infarct Characteristics in ST‐Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Payne Alexander R. , Berry Colin , Doolin Orla , McEntegart Margaret , Petrie Mark C. , Lindsay M. Mitchell , Hood Stuart , Carrick David , Tzemos Niko , Weale Peter , McComb Christie , Foster John , Ford Ian , Oldroyd Keith G.
Published: September 2012

Background

The pathophysiology of myocardial injury and repair in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction is incompletely understood. We investigated the relationships among culprit artery microvascular resistance, myocardial salvage, and ventricular function.

Methods and Results

The index of microvascular resistance (IMR) was measured by means of a pressure‐ and temperature‐sensitive coronary guidewire in 108 patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (83% male) at the end of primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Paired cardiac MRI (cardiac magnetic resonance) scans were performed early (2 days; n=108) and late (3 months; n=96) after myocardial infarction. T
2
‐weighted‐ and late gadolinium–enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance delineated the ischemic area at risk and infarct size, respectively. Myocardial salvage was calculated by subtracting infarct size from area at risk. Univariable and multivariable models were constructed to determine the impact of IMR on cardiac magnetic resonance–derived surrogate outcomes. The median (interquartile range) IMR was 28 (17–42) mm Hg/s. The median (interquartile range) area at risk was 32% (24%–41%) of left ventricular mass, and the myocardial salvage index was 21% (11%–43%). IMR was a significant multivariable predictor of early myocardial salvage, with a multiplicative effect of 0.87 (95% confidence interval 0.82 to 0.92) per 20% increase in IMR;
P
<0.001. In patients with anterior myocardial infarction, IMR was a multivariable predictor of early and late myocardial salvage, with multiplicative effects of 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.75 to 0.90;
P
<0.001) and 0.92 (95% confidence interval 0.88 to 0.96;
P
<0.001), respectively. IMR also predicted the presence and extent of microvascular obstruction and myocardial hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Microvascular resistance measured during primary percutaneous coronary intervention significantly predicts myocardial salvage, infarct characteristics, and left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction.

(
J Am Heart Assoc
. 2012;1:e002246 doi

:
10.1161/JAHA.112.002246
)
Patterns, Predictors, Variations, and Temporal Trends in Emergency Medical Service Hospital Prenotification for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lin Cheryl B. , Peterson Eric D. , Smith Eric E. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Liang Li , Xian Ying , Olson DaiWai M. , Shah Bimal R. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Schwamm Lee H. , Fonarow Gregg C.
Published: September 2012

Background

Emergency medical services (
EMS
) hospital prenotification of an incoming stroke patient is guideline recommended as a means of increasing the timeliness with which stroke patients are evaluated and treated. Still, data are limited with regard to national use of, variations in, and temporal trends in
EMS
prenotification and associated predictors of its use.

Methods and Results

We examined 371 988 patients with acute ischemic stroke who were transported by
EMS
and enrolled in 1585 hospitals participating in Get With The Guidelines—Stroke from April 1, 2003, through March 31, 2011. Prenotification occurred in 249 197
EMS
‐transported patients (67.0%) and varied widely by hospital (range, 0% to 100%). Substantial variations by geographic regions and by state, ranging from 19.7% in Washington,
DC
, to 93.4% in Montana, also were noted. Patient factors associated with lower use of prenotification included older age, diabetes mellitus, and peripheral vascular disease. Prenotification was less likely for black patients than for white patients (adjusted odds ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.92–0.97,
P<
0.0001). Hospital factors associated with greater
EMS
prenotification use were absence of academic affiliation, higher annual volume of tissue plasminogen activator administration, and geographic location outside the Northeast. Temporal improvements in prenotification rates showed a modest general increase, from 58.0% in 2003 to 67.3% in 2011 (
P
temporal trend
<
0.0001).

Conclusions

EMS
hospital prenotification is guideline recommended, yet among patients transported to Get With The Guidelines— Stroke hospitals it is not provided for 1 in 3
EMS
‐arriving patients with acute ischemic stroke and varies substantially by hospital, state, and region. These results support the need for enhanced implementation of stroke systems of care. (

J Am Heart Assoc.

2012;1:e002345 doi: 10.1161/
JAHA
.112.002345.)
Association of Coronary Wall Shear Stress With Atherosclerotic Plaque Burden, Composition, and Distribution in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Eshtehardi Parham , McDaniel Michael C. , Suo Jin , Dhawan Saurabh S. , Timmins Lucas H. , Binongo José Nilo G. , Golub Lucas J. , Corban Michel T. , Finn Aloke V. , Oshinsk John N. , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Giddens Don P. , Samady Habib
Published: September 2012

Background

Extremes of wall shear stress (
WSS
) have been associated with plaque progression and transformation, which has raised interest in the clinical assessment of
WSS
. We hypothesized that calculated coronary
WSS
is predicted only partially by luminal geometry and that
WSS
is related to plaque composition.

Methods and Results

Twenty‐seven patients with coronary artery disease underwent virtual histology intravascular ultrasound and Doppler velocity measurement for computational fluid dynamics modeling for
WSS
calculation in each virtual histology intravascular ultrasound segment (N=3581 segments). We assessed the association of
WSS
with plaque burden and distribution and with plaque composition.
WSS
remained relatively constant across the lower 3 quartiles of plaque burden (
P
=0.08) but increased in the highest quartile of plaque burden (
P<
0.001). Segments distal to lesions or within bifurcations were more likely to have low
WSS
(
P<
0.001). However, the majority of segments distal to lesions (80%) and within bifurcations (89%) did not exhibit low
WSS
. After adjustment for plaque burden, there was a negative association between
WSS
and percent necrotic core and calcium. For every 10 dynes/cm
2
increase in
WSS
, percent necrotic core decreased by 17% (
P
=0.01), and percent dense calcium decreased by 17% (
P<
0.001). There was no significant association between
WSS
and percent of fibrous or fibrofatty plaque components (
P
=
NS
).

Conclusions

In patients with coronary artery disease: (1) Luminal geometry predicts calculated
WSS
only partially, which suggests that detailed computational techniques must be used to calculate
WSS
. (2) Low
WSS
is associated with plaque necrotic core and calcium, independent of plaque burden, which suggests a link between
WSS
and coronary plaque phenotype. (

J Am Heart Assoc.

2012;1:e002543 doi: 10.1161/
JAHA
.112.002543.)
Renalase Lowers Ambulatory Blood Pressure by Metabolizing Circulating Adrenaline
Authors: Desir Gary V. , Tang LieQi , Wang Peili , Li Guoyong , Sampaio‐Maia Benedita , Quelhas‐Santos Janete , Pestana Manuel , Velazquez Heino
Published: September 2012

Background

Blood pressure is acutely regulated by the sympathetic nervous system through the action of vasoactive hormones such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Renalase, a recently described, secreted flavoprotein, acutely decreases systemic pressure when administered in vivo. Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms present in the gene are associated with hypertension, cardiac disease, and diabetes. Although renalase's crystal structure was recently solved, its natural substrate(s) remains undefined.

Methods and Results

Using in vitro enzymatic assays and in vivo administration of recombinant renalase, we show that the protein functions as a flavin adenine dinucleotide– and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide–dependent oxidase that lowers blood pressure by degrading plasma epinephrine. The enzyme also metabolizes the dopamine precursor L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine but has low activity against dopamine and does not metabolize norepinephrine. To test if epinephrine and L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine were renalase's only substrates, 17 246 unique small molecules were screened. Although the search revealed no additional, naturally occurring compounds, it identified dobutamine, isoproterenol, and α‐methyldopa as substrates of renalase. Mutational analysis was used to test if renalase's hypotensive effect correlated with its enzymatic activity. Single–amino acid mutations that decrease its enzymatic activity to varying degrees comparably reduce its hypotensive effect.

Conclusions

Renalase metabolizes circulating epinephrine and L‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine, and its capacity to decrease blood pressure is directly correlated to its enzymatic activity. These findings highlight a previously unrecognized mechanism for epinephrine metabolism and blood pressure regulation, expand our understanding of the sympathetic nervous system, and could lead to the development of novel therapeutic modalities for the treatment of hypertension. (
J Am Heart Assoc
. 2012;1:e002634 doi: 10.1161/
JAHA
.112.002634.)
Association Between Depression and Peripheral Artery Disease: Insights From the Heart and Soul Study
Authors: Grenon S. Marlene , Hiramoto Jade , Smolderen Kim G. , Vittinghoff Eric , Whooley Mary A. , Cohen Beth E.
Published: September 2012

Background

Depression is known to increase the risk of coronary artery disease, but few studies have evaluated the association between depression and peripheral artery disease (
PAD
). We examined the association of depression with
PAD
and evaluated potential mediators of this association.

Methods and Results

We used data from the Heart and Soul Study, a prospective cohort of 1024 men and women with coronary artery disease recruited in 2000–2002 and followed for a mean of 7.2±2.6 years. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the validated 9‐item Patient Health Questionnaire. Prevalent PAD at baseline was determined by self‐report. Prospective PAD events were adjudicated on the basis of review of medical records. We used logistic regression and Cox proportional‐hazards models to estimate the independent associations of depressive symptoms with prevalent PAD and subsequent PAD events. At baseline, 199 patients (19%) had depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire ≥10). Prevalent PAD was reported by 12% of patients with depression and 7% of those without depression (base model adjusted for age and sex: odds ratio 1.79, 95% confidence interval 1.06–3.04,
P
=0.03; full model adjusted for comorbidities, medications, PAD risk factors, inflammation, and health behaviors: odds ratio 1.59, 95% confidence interval 0.90–2.83,
P
=0.11). During follow‐up, PAD events occurred in 7% of patients with depression and 5% of those without depression (base model adjusted for age and sex: hazard ratio 2.09, 95% confidence interval 1.09–4.00,
P
=0.03; full model adjusted for comorbidities, medications, PAD risk factors, inflammation, and health behaviors: hazard ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 0.65–2.71,
P
=0.44). Factors explaining >5% of the association between depression and incident PAD events included race/ethnicity, diabetes, congestive heart failure, high‐density lipoprotein, triglyceride levels, serum creatinine, inflammation, smoking, and levels of physical activity.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms were associated with a greater risk of PAD. Because the association was explained partly by modifiable risk factors, our findings suggest that more aggressive treatment of these risk factors could reduce the excess risk of PAD associated with depression.
Treatment of Small Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: Comparison of Surgical and Endovascular Options
Authors: Chalouhi Nohra , Penn David L. , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Jabbour Pascal , Gonzalez L. Fernando , Starke Robert M. , Ali Muhammad S. , Rosenwasser Robert , Dumont Aaron S.
Published: September 2012

Background

Small intracranial aneurysms pose significant challenges to endovascular therapy. Surgical clipping is considered by many to be the preferred treatment for these lesions. We present the results of the first study comparing the 2 treatment modalities in small ruptured aneurysms.

Methods and Results

Between 2004 and 2011, 151 patients with small ruptured aneurysms (≤3 mm) were treated in our institution: 91 (60.3%) with endovascular therapy and 60 (39.7%) with surgical clipping. The surgical and endovascular groups were generally comparable with regard to baseline demographics, with the exception of larger mean aneurysm size in the endovascular group versus the surgical group (2.8 versus 2.5 mm, respectively;
P
<0.001) and a higher proportion of posterior circulation aneurysms in the endovascular group. Endovascular treatment failed in 9.9% of patients. Procedure‐related complications occurred in 23.3% of surgical patients versus 9.8% of endovascular patients (
P
=0.01). Only 3.7% of patients undergoing endovascular therapy experienced an intraprocedural aneurysm rupture. There were no procedural deaths or rehemorrhages in either group. The rates of aneurysm recanalization and retreatment after endovascular therapy were 18.2% and 12.7%, respectively. Favorable outcomes (moderate, mild, or no disability) were not statistically different between the endovascular (67.1%) and surgical (56.7%) groups (
P
=0.3).

Conclusions

Surgical clipping was associated with a higher rate of periprocedural complications, but overall disability outcomes were similar. Endovascular therapy, if technically feasible, might be a preferred option in this setting. Inclusion of patients with small aneurysms in randomized controlled trials seems feasible and will be needed to provide definitive information on the best therapeutic approach.
Novel Therapy for Atherosclerosis Using Recombinant Immunotoxin Against Folate Receptor β–Expressing Macrophages
Authors: Furusho Yuko , Miyata Masaaki , Matsuyama Takami , Nagai Taku , Li Hua , Akasaki Yuichi , Hamada Narisato , Miyauchi Takahiro , Ikeda Yoshiyuki , Shirasawa Takahiro , Ide Kanako , Tei Chuwa
Published: September 2012

Background

Folate receptor β (
FR
β) is induced during macrophage activation. A recombinant immunotoxin consisting of the truncated

P
seudomonas

exotoxin A (
PE
38) conjugated to an anti‐
FR
β antibody (anti–
FR
β‐
PE
38) has been reported to kill activated macrophages in inflammatory diseases. To elucidate the effect of an immunotoxin targeting
FR
β on atherosclerosis, we determined the presence of
FR
β‐expressing macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions and administered the
FR
β immunotoxin in apolipoprotein E–deficient mice.

Methods and Results

The
FR
β‐expressing macrophages were observed in atherosclerotic lesions of apolipoprotein E–deficient mice. At 15 or 35 weeks of age, the apolipoprotein E–deficient mice were divided into 3 groups and were intravenously administered 0.1 mg/kg of anti–FRβ‐PE38 (immunotoxin group), 0.1 mg/kg of PE38 (toxin group), or 0.1 mL of saline (control group) every 3 days, for a total of 5 times for each age group. The mice were analyzed at 21 or 41 weeks of age. Treatment with the immunotoxin resulted in 31% and 22% reductions in atherosclerotic lesions of the 21‐ and 41‐week‐old mice, respectively (
P
<0.05). Administration of immunotoxin reduced the numbers of
FR
β‐ and tumor necrosis factor‐α–expressing macrophages, reduced cell proliferation, and increased the number of apoptotic cells (
P
<0.05). Real‐time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that the expression of
FR
β and tumor necrosis factor‐α
mRNA
was significantly decreased in the immunotoxin group (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest that
FR
β‐expressing macrophages exist in the atherosclerotic lesions of apolipoprotein E–deficient mice and that
FR
β immunotoxin administration reduces the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in younger and older individuals. The recombinant
FR
β immunotoxin targeting activated macrophages could provide a novel therapeutic tool for atherosclerosis.
External Counterpulsation Augments Blood Pressure and Cerebral Flow Velocities in Ischemic Stroke Patients With Cerebral Intracranial Large Artery Occlusive Disease
Authors: Lin Wenhua , Xiong Li , Han Jinghao , Leung Thomas Wai Hong , Soo Yannie Oi Yan , Chen Xiangyan , Wong Ka Sing Lawrence
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose—

External counterpulsation (ECP) is a novel noninvasive method used to improve the perfusion of vital organs, which may benefit ischemic stroke patients. We hypothesized that ECP may augment cerebral blood flow of ischemic stroke patients via induced hypertension.

Methods—

We recruited ischemic stroke patients with cerebral intracranial large artery occlusive disease and healthy elderly controls into this study. Bilateral middle cerebral arteries of subjects were monitored using transcranial Doppler. Flow velocity changes before, during, and after ECP were, respectively, recorded for 3 minutes while continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure data were recorded. Cerebral augmentation index was the increase in percentage of middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity during ECP compared with baseline. Transcranial Doppler data were analyzed based on ipsilateral or contralateral to the infarct side.

Results—

ECP significantly increased mean blood pressure of stroke patients and controls. During ECP, middle cerebral artery mean flow velocities of stroke patients increased on both ipsilateral and contralateral sides when compared with baseline (ipsilateral cerebral augmentation index, 9.64%; contralateral cerebral augmentation index, 9%; both
P
<0.001), but there was no increase in difference between the 2 sides when compared with each other. Mean flow velocities of controls did not change under ECP. After ECP, blood pressure and flow velocity of stroke patients returned to baseline level.

Conclusion—

ECP provides a new method of cerebral blood flow augmentation in ischemic stroke by elevation of blood pressure. Flow augmentation induced by ECP suggests the improvement of cerebral perfusion and collateral supply from infarct ipsilateral and contralateral sides.
The Cerebral Autosomal-Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) Scale
Authors: Pescini Francesca , Nannucci Serena , Bertaccini Bruno , Salvadori Emilia , Bianchi Silvia , Ragno Michele , Sarti Cristina , Valenti Raffaella , Zicari Enza , Moretti Marco , Chiti Stefano , Stromillo Maria Laura , De Stefano Nicola , Dotti Maria Teresa , Federico Antonio , Inzitari Domenico , Pantoni Leonardo
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral autosomal-dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) phenotype is highly variable, and, although the full clinical–neuroimaging picture may be suggestive of the disease, no characteristic is pathognomonic. Thus, a genetic test remains the diagnostic gold standard, but because it is costly and time-consuming, a pregenetic screening appears desirable. We aimed at developing the CADASIL scale, a screening tool to be applied in the clinical setting.

Methods—

A preliminary scale was created assigning weighted scores to common disease features based on their frequencies obtained in a pooled analysis of selected international CADASIL series. The accuracy of the scale versus the genetic diagnosis was tested with receiver operating characteristic analysis after the application of this scale to 61 CADASIL and 54
NOTCH3
-negative patients (no pathogenic mutation on exons 2–23 of the
NOTCH3
gene). To improve the scale accuracy, we then developed an ad hoc optimization algorithm to detect the definitive scale. A third group of 39 patients affected by sporadic small-vessel disease was finally included in the algorithm to evaluate the stability of the scale.

Results—

The cutoff score of the definitive CADASIL scale had a sensitivity of 96.7% and a specificity of 74.2%. This scale was robust to contamination of patients with sporadic small-vessel disease.

Conclusions—

The CADASIL scale is a simple and sufficiently accurate screening tool to select patients with a high probability to be affected by the disease and therefore to be subjected to the genetic testing.
Immediate Hypothermia Is Not Neuroprotective After Severe Hypoxia-Ischemia and Is Deleterious When Delayed by 12 Hours in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Sabir Hemmen , Scull-Brown Emma , Liu Xun , Thoresen Marianne
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose—

Hypothermia (HT) for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is advised to start within the first 6 hours after birth. There is some clinical evidence that HT is more effective against moderate than against severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, but it is unknown whether delayed HT beyond 6 hours is effective or even injurious.

Methods—

One-hundred seven 7-day-old rat pups underwent unilateral hypoxia-ischemia of moderate severity. Pups were randomized to receive 5 hours of normothermia (NT) or HT starting immediately, 3 hours, 6 hours, or 12 hours after the 90-minute hypoxic period. One-hundred five 7-day-old rat pups underwent severe hypoxia-ischemia lasting 150 minutes, followed by the same group design as mentioned. Relative area loss of the left/right hemisphere was measured after 1 week of survival.

Results—

In the moderate NT group, the mean area loss of the left hemisphere was 40.5%. The area loss was significantly decreased to 24.8% with immediate HT (
P
<0.05) and increased linearly with the delay of HT by 1.788% per hour until at least 6 hours of delay (linear regression,
P
=0.026). After 12-hour delayed HT, the area loss was similar to the moderate NT group (41.1%). After severe NT, the mean area loss of the left hemisphere was 59.3%. Immediate HT, 3-hour delayed HT, and 6-hour delayed HT all resulted in similar area loss, whereas the 12-hour delayed-HT resulted in significantly increased area loss (69.5%;
P
=0.032).

Conclusions—

Immediate and delayed (≤6 hours) HT provides neuroprotection after moderate hypoxia-ischemia in neonatal rats. This neuroprotection decreases linearly with increasing delay. After severe insults, however, immediate or delayed HT ≤6 hours provides no neuroprotection. Twelve-hour delayed hypothermia increased brain injury after severe hypoxia-ischemia, which is of clinical concern.
Exploring a Global Multiresolution Modeling Approach Using Aquaplanet Simulations*
Authors: Rauscher Sara A. , Ringler Todd D. , Skamarock William C. , Mirin Arthur A.
Published: September 2012

Results from aquaplanet experiments performed using the Model for Prediction across Scales (MPAS) hydrostatic dynamical core implemented within the Department of Energy (DOE)–NCAR Community Atmosphere Model (CAM) are presented. MPAS is an unstructured-grid approach to climate system modeling that supports both quasi-uniform and variable-resolution meshing of the sphere based on conforming grids. Using quasi-uniform simulations at resolutions of 30, 60, 120, and 240 km, the authors evaluate the performance of CAM-MPAS via its kinetic energy spectra, general circulation, and precipitation characteristics. By analyzing an additional variable-resolution simulation with grid spacing that varies from 30 km in a spherical, continental-sized equatorial region to 240 km elsewhere, the CAM-MPAS’s potential for use as a regional climate simulation tool is explored.

Similar to other quasi-uniform aquaplanet simulations, tropical precipitation increases with resolution, indicating the resolution sensitivity of the physical parameterizations. Comparison with the finite volume (FV) dynamical core suggests a weaker tropical circulation in the CAM-MPAS simulations, which is evident in reduced tropical precipitation and a weaker Hadley circulation. In the variable-resolution simulation, the kinetic energy spectrum within the high-resolution region closely resembles the quasi-uniform 30-km simulation, indicating a robust simulation of the fluid dynamics. As suggested by the quasi-uniform simulations, the CAM4 physics behave differently in the high and low resolution regions. A positive precipitation anomaly occurs on the western edge of the high-resolution region, exciting a Gill-type response; this zonal asymmetry represents the errors incurred in a variable resolution setting. When paired with a multiresolution mesh, the aquaplanet test case offers an exceptional opportunity to examine the response of physical parameterizations to grid resolution.
Diurnal Cycle in Different Weather Regimes and Rainfall Variability over Borneo Associated with ENSO
Authors: Qian Jian-Hua , Robertson Andrew W. , Moron Vincent
Published: September 2012

The interannual variability of precipitation over the island of Borneo in association with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has been studied by using the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) gridded rain gauge precipitation, the NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Morphing Technique (CMORPH) satellite estimated precipitation, the Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) satellite estimated sea winds, and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) reanalysis data. Analysis of the GPCC precipitation shows a dipolar structure of wet southwest versus dry central and northeast in precipitation anomalies associated with El Niño over Borneo Island during the austral summer [December–February (DJF)]. By using the 0.25° and 3-hourly CMORPH precipitation, it is found that rainfall over Borneo is strongly affected by the diurnal cycle of land–sea breezes. The spatial distribution of rainfall over Borneo depends on the direction of monsoonal winds. Weather typing analysis indicates that the dipolar structure of rainfall anomalies associated with ENSO is caused by the variability in the frequency of occurrence of different weather types. Rainfall is enhanced in the coastal region where sea breezes head against off-shore synoptic-scale low-level winds (i.e., in the lee side or wake area of the island), which is referred to here as the “wake effect.” In DJF of El Niño years, the northwesterly austral summer monsoon in southern Borneo is weaker than normal over the Maritime Continent and easterly winds are more frequent than normal over Borneo, acting to enhance rainfall over the southwest coast of the island. This coastal rainfall generation mechanism in different weather types explains the dipole pattern of a wet southwest versus dry northeast in the rainfall anomalies over Borneo Island in the El Niño years.
Metrics and Diagnostics for Precipitation-Related Processes in Climate Model Short-Range Hindcasts
Authors: Ma H.-Y. , Xie S. , Boyle J. S. , Klein S. A. , Zhang Y.
Published: September 2012

In this study, several metrics and diagnostics are proposed and implemented to systematically explore and diagnose climate model biases in short-range hindcasts and quantify how fast hindcast biases approach to climate biases with an emphasis on tropical precipitation and associated moist processes. A series of 6-day hindcasts with NCAR and the U.S. Department of Energy Community Atmosphere Model, version 4 (CAM4) and version 5 (CAM5), were performed and initialized with ECMWF operational analysis every day at 0000 UTC during the Year of Tropical Convection (YOTC). An Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) type of ensemble climate simulations was also conducted for the same period. The analyses indicate that initial drifts in precipitation and associated moisture processes (“fast processes”) can be identified in the hindcasts, and the biases share great resemblance to those in the climate runs. Comparing to Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) observations, model hindcasts produce too high a probability of low- to intermediate-intensity precipitation at daily time scales during northern summers, which is consistent with too frequently triggered convection by its deep convection scheme. For intense precipitation events (>25 mm day−1), however, the model produces a much lower probability partially because the model requires a much higher column relative humidity than observations to produce similar precipitation intensity as indicated by the proposed diagnostics. Regional analysis on precipitation bias in the hindcasts is also performed for two selected locations where most contemporary climate models show the same sign of bias. Based on moist static energy diagnostics, the results suggest that the biases in the moisture and temperature fields near the surface and in the lower and middle troposphere are primarily responsible for precipitation biases. These analyses demonstrate the usefulness of these metrics and diagnostics to diagnose climate model biases.
Expansion of the Hadley Cell under Global Warming: Winter versus Summer
Authors: Kang Sarah M. , Lu Jian
Published: September 2012

A scaling relationship is introduced to explain the seasonality in the outer boundary of the Hadley cell in both climatology and trend in the simulations of phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3). In the climatological state, the summer cell reaches higher latitudes than the winter cell since the Hadley cell in summer deviates more from the angular momentum conserving state, resulting in weaker upper-level zonal winds, which enables the Hadley cell to extend farther poleward before becoming baroclinically unstable. The Hadley cell can also reach farther poleward as the ITCZ gets farther away from the equator; hence, the Hadley cell extends farther poleward in solstices than in equinoxes. In terms of trend, a robust poleward expansion of the Hadley cell is diagnosed in all seasons with global warming. The scaling analysis indicates this is mostly due to an increase in the subtropical static stability, which pushes poleward the baroclinically unstable zone and hence the poleward edge of the Hadley cell. The relation between the trends in the Hadley cell edge and the ITCZ is also discussed.
Effects of the Cold Core Eddy on Tropical Cyclone Intensity and Structure under Idealized Air–Sea Interaction Conditions
Authors: Ma Zhanhong , Fei Jianfang , Liu Lei , Huang Xiaogang , Cheng Xiaoping
Published: September 2012

The impacts of ocean feedback on tropical cyclones (TCs) are investigated using a coupled atmosphere–ocean model under idealized TC and cold core eddy (CCE) conditions. Results reveal negative impacts of the ocean coupling on TC development. The cold wake induced by a TC not only weakens the TC intensity but also limits the expansion of the storm circulation. The presence of CCE has boosted the TC-induced sea surface temperature cooling, which conversely inhibits the TC development. The TC appears to be weakened as it encounters the CCE edge. The intensity reduction attains a maximum shortly after the TC passes over the CCE center, and simultaneously the CCE-induced asymmetry of the storm structure is most significant as well. The TC undergoes a period of recovery after departure from the CCE, lasting about 36–48 h. During this time the residual asymmetry caused by the CCE is smoothed gradually by storm axisymmetrization. The CCE has induced smaller TC size throughout the simulation even after the TC intensity has completely recovered, an indication of longer recovery time for the TC size. Notably cooler and moister eye air in the lower troposphere, just under the warm-core height, is found in the experiment with CCE. The water vapor mixing ratio budget analysis indicates that it is primarily attributed to changes in vertical advection that occurred in the eye, that is, the undermined eye subsidence associated with the suppressed eyewall convection. The horizontal patterns of vertical motion in the boundary layer are also distinctly changed by the CCE.
Plasticization of polylactide foams for tissue engineering
Authors: Cuénoud Matthieu , Bourban Pierre-Etienne , Plummer Christopher John G , Månson Jan-Anders E
Published: September 2012

Supercritical CO2 foaming of amorphous and semicrystalline polylactides plasticized by blending with 20 wt% polyethylene glycol has been investigated as a means of producing low-stiffness bioresorbable scaffolds for tissue engineering. For a given set of foaming parameters, the presence of polyethylene glycol generally resulted in a significant reduction in foam density and increased cell diameters, effects that could be accounted for by a large decrease in melt viscosity with respect to that of the pure polylactides. The compression moduli of plasticized foams under simulated physiological conditions (immersion in deionized water at 37°C) were also substantially lower than those of the neat foams. This was attributed primarily to a decrease in the glass transition temperature from about 60°C for the pure polylactides to about 30°C on addition of the polyethylene glycol, implying the blends to be in the rubbery state at the test temperature of 37°C. Under the conditions investigated, the processing window for homogeneous foams was found to be wider for blends based on semicrystalline polylactides than for blends based on amorphous polylactides. However, by tailoring the processing parameters, open cell architectures with porosities of more than 75% and cell diameters in the range 200 to 700 µm could be achieved in both types of blend. Such morphologies have already been shown to be suitable for bone repair and, when combined with a low-stiffness matrix, may offer exciting new possibilities for applications in soft tissue engineering, such as cartilage repair.
Cellular biocomposites from polylactide and microfibrillated cellulose
Authors: Boissard Carole IR , Bourban Pierre-Etienne , Plummer Christopher John G , Neagu Razvan Cristian , Månson Jan-Anders E
Published: September 2012

This paper describes the production of “green” microfibrillated cellulose-reinforced polylactide cellular biocomposites using a wet mixing technique combined with supercritical carbon dioxide foaming. The effect of composition on the morphology, density and compression modulus of foams was investigated for different processing parameters, along with the use of a chain extender to modify the melt elasticity. Foams with mean densities ranging from 0.18 to 0.32 g/cm3 were obtained for the neat polylactide and polylactide/5 wt% microfibrillated cellulose, respectively, and there was a corresponding increase in compressive modulus from 25 to 47 MPa. The addition of the chain extender is argued to compensate the molar mass loss induced by the different processing steps, promoting more uniform foam structures and allowing a density reduction of up to 75%.
Morphology and thermal properties of foams prepared via thermally induced phase separation based on polylactic acid blends
Authors: Pavia Francesco Carfì , La Carrubba Vincenzo , Brucato Valerio
Published: September 2012

Blends of poly-l-lactic acid with two different types of polylactic acid with different average molecular weights (50,000 and 175,000 g/mol, respectively) in different proportions (90/10, 80/20 and 70/30) were utilized in order to produce biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolds for soft tissue engineering applications. The scaffolds were produced via thermally induced phase separation starting from ternary systems where dioxane was the solvent and water the non-solvent. Morphology (average pore size and interconnection) was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Foams apparent density was also evaluated (porosity ranges from 87% to 92%). Moreover, a differential scanning calorimetry analysis was carried out on the as-obtained scaffold, so as to obtain information about their thermal properties (enthalpy of melting and crystallization). The results showed that is possible to prepare scaffolds of poly-l-lactic acid/polylactic acid via thermally induced phase separation with both polylactic acids and to tune their average pore size (from 40 to 70 µm) by changing some experimental parameters (e.g. demixing temperature). Moreover, the average molecular weight of the polylactic acid in the blend seems to influence the thermally induced phase separation process in terms of demixing temperatures, which resulted higher than pure poly-l-lactic acid for the blends containing the high molecular weight polylactic acid, and lower for the blends containing the low molecular weight polylactic acid. Finally, a decrease in the crystallinity of the foams when increasing polylactic acid content in poly-l-lactic acid/polylactic acid blends was observed, as witnessed by a drop in the enthalpy of melting and crystallization. The results confirm that the morphology and the mechanical properties of the scaffold can be tuned up, starting from poly-l-lactic acid and blending it in different proportions with polylactic acid with different molecular weights.
Comparisons of microcellular polylactic acid parts injection molded with supercritical nitrogen and expandable thermoplastic microspheres: Surface roughness, tensile properties, and morphology
Authors: Peng Jun , Srithep Yottha , Wang Jian , Yu Emily , Turng Lih-Sheng , Peng Xiang-Fang
Published: September 2012

Microcellular injection molding is capable of fabricating light weight, dimensionally stable plastic parts while using less material and energy. Two kinds of blowing agents, namely, supercritical nitrogen and expandable thermoplastic microspheres, were employed to produce foamed polylactic acid parts. The surface characteristics were evaluated with a 2D surface roughness analyzer and a 3D white-light interferometer surface profiler. Through surface roughness comparisons, injection molded ASTM tensile test bars with expandable thermoplastic microspheres exhibited better surface quality than their supercritical nitrogen counterparts. The tensile properties of injection molded polylactic acid tensile bars with nitrogen and expandable thermoplastic microspheres at various weight concentrations were investigated. The results showed that the polylactic acid/nitrogen parts possessed a better Young’s modulus and tensile strength. The microstructure on the fractured cross-sectional surfaces was characterized using a scanning electron microscope. As reflected by the testing results, the cell microstructure—such as cell size and cell density, and multi-layered structure with a foamed core sandwiched by skin layers—played an important role in the surface quality and mechanical properties. In addition, while an appropriate expandable thermoplastic microsphere content had a positive effect on the cell microstructure and weight reduction, too high of a concentration of expandable thermoplastic microsphere adversely affected the tensile properties and surface roughness of the microcellular polylactic acid tensile test bars.
The Sweet Taste of Success
Authors: Hagger Martin S. , Chatzisarantis Nikos L. D.
Published: September 2012

According to the resource-depletion model, self-control is a limited resource that is depleted after a period of exertion. Evidence consistent with this model indicates that self-control relies on glucose metabolism and glucose supplementation to depleted individuals replenishes self-control resources. In five experiments, we tested an alternative hypothesis that glucose in the oral cavity counteracts the deleterious effects of self-control depletion. We predicted a glucose mouth rinse, as opposed to an artificially sweetened placebo rinse, would lead to better self-control after depletion. In Studies 1 to 3, participants engaging in a depleting task performed significantly better on a subsequent self-control task after receiving a glucose mouth rinse, as opposed to participants rinsing with a placebo. Studies 4 and 5 replicated these findings and demonstrated that the glucose mouth rinse had no effect on self-control in nondepleted participants. Results are consistent with a neural rather than metabolic mechanism for the effect of glucose supplementation on self-control.
A GIS-Investigation of Four Early Anglo-Saxon Cemeteries
Authors: Sayer Duncan , Wienhold Michelle
Published: September 2012

Archaeologists have often used their “eye” to interpret spatial patterns within cemetery sites. In this article, we will use Ripley’s K-function analysis to determine the proximity of statistically significant clusters within four early Anglo-Saxon cemetery sites: Wakerley, Norton, Berinsfield, and Lechlade. Using spatial and statistical methods supported by ArcGIS 10 we will explore the kernel density estimates of graves at the point of significance to discuss the organization of cemeteries as part of their chronological and social development. As a result of this investigation we will conclude that these sites were not organized into small clusters of nuclear family graves but large plots that contained the remains of varied, multivocational households.
How Feasible Was a Bed-Height Alert System?
Authors: Tzeng Huey-Ming , Prakash Atul , Brehob Mark , Anderson Allison , Devecsery David Andrew , Yin Chang-Yi
Published: September 2012

This qualitative and descriptive study examined the feasibility of a bed-height alert system as a fall-prevention strategy. The alpha prototype was developed to measure and record bed height, and to remind staff to keep patient beds in the lowest position. This pilot project was conducted in a 52-bed adult acute surgical inpatient care unit of a Michigan community hospital. Qualitative and quantitative information was gathered during semistructured interviews of nursing staff (18 RNs and 13 PCAs; January-April 2011). Descriptive content analysis and descriptive analyses were performed. The overall response rate was 44.9%. The mean values of the feasibility questions are all favorable. Staff’s comments also support the view that the alert system would promote patient safety and prevent falls. In short, this system was found to be somewhat useful, feasible, appropriate, and accurate. It has the potential to promote patient safety and prevent bed-associated injurious falls in inpatient care settings.
Immunohistochemical and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization Studies on Noninvasive and Invasive Extramammary Paget’s Disease
Authors: Hikita Tomonori , Ohtsuki Yuji , Maeda Toshiharu , Furihata Mutsuo
Published: September 2012

To determine useful immunohistochemical markers for tumor cells in extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD), immunohistochemical (IHC) examinations in 17 patients with EMPD, including 4 patients with dermal invasion, were performed. Among the antibodies examined, cytokeratin 7 (CK7) and CK19 were strongly positive for both intraepidermal and dermally invasive tumor cells in all patients. CAM5.2 and mucin 1 (MUC1) were also good markers. Although IHC examination revealed positive for HER-2 in 4 EMPD patients with dermal invasion, 4 out of 13 noninvasive patients were IHC negative. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) study revealed negative results for HER-2 gene amplification in 8 IHC positive patients, including each 4 patients of both noninvasive and dermal invasive cases. Our results show that besides CK7, CK19 is another favorable marker of tumor cells of EMPD. Four patients with dermal invasion were strongly positive for HER-2, although negative results were obtained in the FISH study. Further investigations are required to confirm the results of the FISH study.
The Role of Affect in Agenda Building for Public Relations
Authors: Kim Ji Young , Kiousis Spiro
Published: September 2012

Grounded in an agenda-building framework, this experiment manipulated two dimensions of affective attributes—valence and arousal—from a corporate blog message to examine their influence on corporate reputation and stakeholder engagement. Overall, the findings showed significant valence effects on reputation and engagement, while arousal effects were only present on corporate reputation. This study adds empirical evidence to the explication of agenda building by focusing on affective attributes and by testing the compelling-arguments hypothesis concerning the role of affective attributes’ (second level) impact on object salience (first level).
Physical Tactics of Female Partners Against Male Batterer Program Participants
Authors: Gondolf Edward W.
Published: September 2012

Descriptive and predictive analyses were conducted using a multisite database of batterer program participants to assess the nature and extent of their female partner’s violence, and implications for batterer program outcome ( N = 563). Approximately 40% of the women reported ever using “severe” conflict tactics on the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS; 17% used severe tactics in the arrest incident). Approximately 20% of the women reported using any type of physical tactic during a 15-month follow-up, and nearly all of these women were with men who physically attacked them during that period. These women were also highly likely to report acting out of fear or self-defense, and having sought a variety of services to deal with the men’s violence. Their male partners, furthermore, showed evidence of antisocial tendencies and alcohol problems. Overall, the findings suggest women’s “violent resistance” rather than “mutuality and symmetry.” Batterer programs appear more appropriate in this regard than couples counseling.
Portrayal of Women as Intimate Partner Domestic Violence Perpetrators
Authors: Hester Marianne
Published: September 2012

The article explores some of the ways heterosexual women are portrayed as perpetrators of intimate partner domestic violence (IPV) in police domestic violence records in England and is the first study in the United Kingdom to examine the issue of gender and domestic violence perpetrators in any detail and over time. The article is based on a study of 128 IPV cases tracked longitudinally over 6 years, including 32 cases where women were the sole perpetrators and a further 32 cases where women were “dual” perpetrators alongside men. Women were 3 times more likely than men to be arrested when they were construed as the perpetrator. However, Pence and Dasgupta’s category of “pathological violence” appeared more useful as an analytical category in the construction of women as “perpetrators” and men as “victims” than the notion of “battering.”
Self-Defense Among Women With Disabilities
Authors: Ballan Michelle S. , Freyer Molly Burke
Published: September 2012

Women with disabilities are frequent victims of domestic violence, yet scant research has examined self-protective mechanisms that could mitigate this abuse. This article reviews prevalence and types of intimate partner violence against women with disabilities and explores the factors that leave this population at higher risk for abuse than nondisabled women. Barriers to self-protection against domestic violence for women with diverse disabilities are highlighted and the use of nonfatal force as self-defense is explored. A case example and considerations for enhancing self-protection strategies for women with disabilities experiencing intimate partner violence are provided.
Adults With ADHD-Without Insomnia History Have Subclinical Sleep Disturbance but Not Circadian Delay
Authors: Fargason Rachel E. , Hollar Abigail Fernandez , White Samantha , Gamble Karen L.
Published: September 2012

Objective: To explore the potential ADHD phenotype of ADHD- without reported insomnia in comparison with controls and their tolerance of stimulants in a cohort rigorously screened for comorbidities. Method: Adults meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text rev.; DSM-IV-TR) criteria for ADHD-without insomnia and matched controls were administered a sleep/medication-timing questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results: Among 105 participants, ADHD participants scored in the mild insomnia range and showed reduced sleep quality compared with controls, F(3, 101) = 34.9, p < .05, but no delay in bedtime/mid-sleep-time circadian measures. Sleep quality was similar between stimulant, nonstimulant, and unmedicated groups, χ22 = 0.445, p = .80. However, later timing of stimulant dosing was correlated with later sleep times, p < .01. Conclusion: We isolated a potential phenotype of ADHD-without circadian delay in adults who demonstrated insomnia/sleep quality disturbance by sleep instrument, but lacked sleep- timing delay. Nevertheless, sleep delays were associated temporally with late-dosed stimulants in this group.