bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Mouse Model for Studying Dengue Virus Pathogenesis and Immune Response
Authors: Williams Katherine L. , Zompi Simona , Beatty P. Robert , Harris Eva
Published: September 2009

A small animal model for studying dengue disease is of critical importance to furthering many areas of dengue research, including host immunity, disease pathogenesis, and drug and vaccine development. Recent characterization of the AG129 mouse model has demonstrated it to be one of the only models at this time that permits infection by all four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV), supports replication in relevant cell and tissue types comparable to human infection, and allows antibody‐mediated protection and enhancement of DENV infection. Thus, this model enables testing hypotheses arising from epidemiological observations and in vitro experiments in an in vivo system with a functional adaptive immune response. This review provides a brief overview of the development of a mouse model of DENV infection, describes the work completed to date characterizing the AG129 model, and examines several of the unanswered questions remaining in the field.
ACCURATE ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL INTERCONNECTS IN NANO-FPGAs
Authors: FATHI DAVOOD , FOROUZANDEH BEHJAT
Published: September 2009

This paper introduces a new technique for analyzing the behavior of global interconnects in FPGAs, for nanoscale technologies. Using this new enhanced modeling method, new enhanced accurate expressions for calculating the propagation delay of global interconnects in nano-FPGAs have been derived. In order to verify the proposed model, we have performed the delay simulations in 45 nm, 65 nm, 90 nm, and 130 nm technology nodes, with our modeling method and the conventional Pi-model technique. Then, the results obtained from these two methods have been compared with HSPICE simulation results. The obtained results show a better match in the propagation delay computations for global interconnects between our proposed model and HSPICE simulations, with respect to the conventional techniques such as Pi-model. According to the obtained results, the difference between our model and HSPICE simulations in the mentioned technology nodes is (0.29–22.92)%, whereas this difference is (11.13–38.29)% for another model.
Various Half‐Eigenvalues of Scalar p‐Laplacian with Indefinite Integrable Weights
Authors: Li Wei , Yan Ping
Published: September 2009

Consider the half‐eigenvalue problem a.e.
t ∈ [0, 1], where 1 < p < ∞, ϕp(x) = |x|p−2x, x±(⋅) = max {±x(⋅), 0} for x ∈ 𝒞0 : = C([0, 1], ℝ), and a(t) and b(t) are indefinite integrable weights in the Lebesgue
space ℒγ : = Lγ([0, 1], ℝ), 1 ≤ γ ≤ ∞. We characterize the spectra structure under periodic, antiperiodic, Dirichlet, and Neumann boundary conditions, respectively. Furthermore, all these half‐eigenvalues are continuous in , where wγ denotes the weak topology in ℒγ space. The Dirichlet and the Neumann half‐eigenvalues are continuously Fréchet differentiable in , where ∥⋅∥γ is the Lγ norm of ℒγ.
Expansion ofCD8+CD57+T Cells in an Immunocompetent Patient with Acute Toxoplasmosis
Authors: García-Muñoz R. , Rodríguez-Otero P. , Galar A. , Merino J. , Beunza J. J. , Páramo J. A. , Lecumberri R.
Published: September 2009

CD57+T cells increase in several viral infections like cytomegalovirus, herpesvirus, parvovirus, HIV and hepatitis C virus and are associated with several clinical conditions related to immune dysfunction and ageing. We report for the first time an expansion of CD8+CD57+T cells in a young patient with an acute infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Our report supports the concept that CD8+CD57+T cells could be important in the control of chronic phase of intracellular microorganisms and that the high numbers of these cells may reflect the continuing survey of the immune system, searching for parasite proliferation in the tissues.
Isolated Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy due to Infected Impacted Tooth
Authors: Durrani Farhan , Singh Royana
Published: September 2009

Case of isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy is an extremely rare condition. There are several causes that can be attributed to it. We present a case where a patient presented herself with swelling on the right side of her cheek extending to the floor of the mouth, with unilateral right hypoglossal nerve palsy. Removal of the impacted tooth resulted in the improvement of function of the hypoglossal nerve. The transient isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy could have been due to the infected impacted tooth. Therefore, the dentist or doctors coming across with isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy should consider the infected impacted tooth as the differential diagnosis.
The Contribution of Home, Neighbourhood and School Environmental Factors in Explaining Physical Activity among Adolescents
Authors: Haerens Leen , Craeynest Mietje , Deforche Benedicte , Maes Lea , Cardon Greet , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse
Published: September 2009

The present study aimed at investigating the influence of home, neighbourhood and school environmental factors on adolescents' engagement in self-reported extracurricular physical activity and leisure time sports and on MVPA objectively measured by accelerometers. Environmental factors were assessed using questionnaires. Gender specific hierarchical regression analyses were conducted, with demographic variables entered in the first block, and environmental, psychosocial factors and interactions terms entered in the second block. Participation in extracurricular activities at school was positively related to the number of organized activities and the provision of supervision. Perceived accessibility of neighborhood facilities was not related to engagement in leisure time sports, whereas the availability of sedentary and physical activity equipment was. Findings were generally supportive of ecological theories stating that behaviors are influenced by personal and environmental factors that are constantly interacting.
Dissipation Effects in the Ratchetlike Fermi Acceleration
Authors: Manchein Cesar , Beims Marcus W.
Published: September 2009

Ac‐driven asymmetric pulses
can be used to control the Fermi
acceleration between three different
motions, A: the accelerated mode, D: the decelerated mode, and H: the hyperaccelerated mode. In this paper we show that dissipation strongly affects the particles velocity, reducing the possibility for an accurate control of the dynamics. The saturation time, where the mean velocity starts to be constant due to dissipation, decays with a power law ~γ−β, where γ is the dissipation parameter and β
is close to 1. The value of the saturated mean velocity also decays with a power law with exponent β~
0.6 for case H, and β~ 0.3 for case A. In case D this velocity is almost constant for small dissipations.
An Evolutionary Perspective of Animal MicroRNAs and Their Targets
Authors: Shomron Noam , Golan David , Hornstein Eran
Published: September 2009

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression through translational inhibition or mRNA degradation by binding to sequences on the target mRNA. miRNA regulation appears to be the most abundant mode of posttranscriptional regulation affecting ∼50% of the transcriptome. miRNA genes are often clustered and/or located in introns, and each targets a variable and often large number of mRNAs. Here we discuss the genomic architecture of animal miRNA genes and their evolving interaction with their target mRNAs.
Some ℓ(p)‐Type New Sequence Spaces and Their Geometric Properties
Authors: Savaş Ekrem , Karakaya Vatan , Şimşek Necip
Published: September 2009

We introduce an ℓ(p)‐type new sequence space and investigate its some topological properties including AK and AD properties. Besides, we examine some geometric properties of this space concerning
Banach‐Saks type p and Gurarii′s modulus of convexity.
Possible Measurable Effects of Dark Energy in Rotating Superconductors
Authors: de Matos Clovis Jacinto , Beck Christian
Published: September 2009

We discuss recent laboratory experiments with rotating superconductors and show that three so far unexplained experimentally observed effects (anomalous acceleration signals, anomalous gyroscope signals, Cooper pair mass excess) can be physically explained in terms of a possible interaction of dark energy with Cooper pairs. Our approach is based on a Ginzburg‐Landau‐like model of electromagnetic dark energy, where gravitationally active photons obtain mass in the superconductor. We show that this model can account simultaneously for the anomalous acceleration and anomalous gravitomagnetic fields around rotating superconductors measured by Tajmar et al. and for the anomalous Cooper pair mass in superconductive Niobium, measured by Cabrera and Tate. It is argued that these three different physical effects are ultimately different experimental manifestations of the simultaneous spontaneous breaking of gauge invariance and of the principle of general covariance in superconductive materials.
Unified Impact Theory for Velocity-Changing Effects and Speed Dependencies in Neutral Species Lineshapes
Authors: Herman Roger M.
Published: September 2009

A dipole correlation function which incorporates velocity-changing (motional narrowing) effects and the
effects of speed-dependent Lorentz relaxation rates into otherwise Voigt profile correlation functions is developed,
based partly upon previous work by the author. For the first time simple closed expressions, which lend themselves
to elementary calculation beginning only with the relevant parts of intermolecular interaction energies, are
developed for the cubic time-dependent term within the exponent describing the decay of the correlation function.
This term is of first order in perturber number density, as are the Lorentz parameters, and is complex, thereby
allowing for narrowing, changing in shape and asymmetry in the line profile. “Soft” and “hard” collisions play no explicit role, though both are variously present for each line. Quartic time dependencies are also discussed,
though they are thought to be negligible in nonhydrogen molecular spectroscopy. Finally, some comments are
added about a relevant technique for hydrogen spectra.
Parathyroid Hormone as a Mortality Predictor in Frail Aged Inpatients
Authors: Björkman Mikko , Sorva Antti , Tilvis Reijo
Published: September 2009

Background: Some prospective cohort studies have associated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels with survival independently of renal function, calcaemic and vitamin D status in the elderly. Objective: In order to further evaluate the prognostic significance of subtle elevation of PTH and the involvement of vitamin D status in bedridden aged inpatients, the participants of a 6-month vitamin D supplementation trial were followed for 2 years. Methods: Eligible patients (n = 218) of 4 long-term care hospitals (1,215 beds) were randomized to receive 0, 400 or 1,200 IU/day cholecalciferol for 6 months. In addition to routine analyses, plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), PTH and ionized calcium (Ca2+) levels were measured. Functional capacity was evaluated by activities of daily living (ADL) hierarchy scale and cognition was assessed by cognitive performance scale (CPS). Body mass index and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were calculated. Mortality data was collected from patient records. Results: The patients were aged (84.5 ± 7.5 years), vitamin D deficient (25-OHD = 23 ± 10 nmol/l) and frail (ADL 5.5, range 3–6; CPS 4.9, range 1–6). The PTH levels ranged from 12 to 268 ng/l, the cut points for IV quartile being 72 ng/l. The PTH levels in the IV quartile predicted a significant 1.58-fold over-mortality (95% CI 1.08–2.32, p = 0.020), resulting in a 9.1-month shortening (p = 0.019) in median life expectancy in patients with poorest renal function, but the prognostic significance of PTH was not explained by GFR. Furthermore, controlling for age, gender, body mass index, creatinine, 25-OHD, supplementation group, Ca2+ and albumin levels did not abolish this significance. Mortality was predicted neither by baseline 25-OHD nor vitamin D supplementation. Conclusions: Even a subtle elevation of PTH is a relatively independent predictor of increased 2-year mortality in severely frail older inpatients with poor overall survival prognosis. Further prospective studies on the involvement of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D status in the predictive value of PTH are needed.
Reactive Oxygen Species–Induced Stimulation of 5′AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Mediates Sevoflurane-Induced Cardioprotection
Authors: Lamberts Regis R. , Onderwater Geert , Hamdani Nazha , Vreden M. Jumoke A. , Steenhuisen Jeroen , Eringa Etto C. , Loer Stephan A. , Stienen Ger J.M. , Bouwman R. Arthur
Published: September 2009

Background—

5′AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a well-known regulator of cellular energy status, is also implicated in ischemic preconditioning leading to cardioprotection. We hypothesized that AMPK is involved in anesthetic-induced cardioprotection and that this activation is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Methods and Results—

Isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts were subjected to 35 minutes of global ischemia (I) followed by 120 minutes of reperfusion (I/R). Hearts were assigned to a control group (Con) or a sevoflurane (Sevo) group receiving 3 times 5-minute episodes of sevoflurane (2.5vol%) before I/R. Phosphorylation of both AMPK and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were determined by Western blot analysis. Cardioprotection was assessed after I/R from recovery of left ventricular pressure and from infarct size (triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining). In the control group, ischemia resulted in a 2-fold increase in phosphorylation levels of AMPK (Con 0.13±0.01 versus Con-I 0.28±0.05,
P
<0.05), which was sustained after 120 minutes of reperfusion (Con-I/R 0.26±0.02,
P
<0.05). Sevoflurane preconditioning had no affect on AMPK phosphorylation before ischemia (Sevo 0.12±0.03,
P
>0.05), but almost doubled the increase in AMPK phosphorylation relative to control after ischemia (Sevo-I 0.48±0.09,
P
<0.05), an effect that was sustained after reperfusion (Sevo-I/R 0.49±0.12,
P
<0.05). The AMPK-inhibitor compound C (10 μmol/L) reduced the sevoflurane-mediated increase in phosphorylation of AMPK and its target eNOS and abolished cardioprotection. The ROS-scavenger n-(2-mercaptopropionyl)-glycine (1 mmol/L) blunted the sevoflurane-mediated increase in AMPK and eNOS phosphorylation and prevented cardioprotection.

Conclusions—

Sevoflurane-induced AMPK activation protects the heart against ischemia and reperfusion injury and relies on upstream production of ROS.
Identification of Risk Factors Related to Poor Angiogenic Potency of Bone Marrow Cells From Different Patients
Authors: Li Tao-Sheng , Kubo Masayuki , Ueda Kazuhiro , Murakami Masanori , Ohshima Mako , Kobayashi Toshiro , Tanaka Toshiki , Shirasawa Bungo , Mikamo Akihito , Hamano Kimikazu
Published: September 2009

Background—

Therapeutic angiogenesis induced by the implantation of autologous bone marrow–derived cells has been used for the treatment of ischemic diseases. However, as the outcomes of cell implantation obviously vary among patients, it is essential to identify patients that would benefit the most from this treatment.

Methods and Results—

We collected clinical and laboratory data from 25 patients scheduled to undergo sternotomy for various surgical procedures. Then, we aspirated bone marrow cells from the sternum during the operation and investigated the cell quality in vitro by cultivation, and their angiogenic potency in vivo using an ischemic limb model of mice. The angiogenic potency of bone marrow cells differed among patients. Aging, renal failure, anemia, and high serum levels of triglyceride, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and type I collagen cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTX) significantly correlated with poor angiogenic potency of bone marrow cells. We assigned scores to these risk factors, and found a strong correlation between the risk scores of patients and the angiogenic potency of their bone marrow cells (
r
=−0.883,
P
<0.001). These risk scores can predict the angiogenic potency of bone marrow cells for inducing therapeutic angiogenesis with an accuracy of 80%.

Conclusions—

We have identified the risk factors related to poor angiogenic potency of bone marrow cells and developed a new scoring system to predict their angiogenic potency for the treatment of ischemic diseases. Our results may help select patients for this treatment in future clinical trials.
Novel Minicircle Vector for Gene Therapy in Murine Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Huang Mei , Chen ZhiYing , Hu Shijun , Jia Fangjun , Li Zongjin , Hoyt Grant , Robbins Robert C. , Kay Mark A. , Wu Joseph C.
Published: September 2009

Background—

Conventional plasmids for gene therapy produce low-level and short-term gene expression. In this study, we develop a novel nonviral vector that robustly and persistently expresses the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) therapeutic gene in the heart, leading to functional benefits after myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

We first created minicircles (MC) carrying double-fusion reporter gene consisting of firefly luciferase and enhanced green fluorescent protein (Fluc-eGFP) for noninvasive measurement of transfection efficiency. Mouse C2C12 myoblasts and normal FVB/N mice were used for in vitro and in vivo confirmation, respectively. Bioluminescence imaging showed stable MC gene expression in the heart for >12 weeks and the activity level was 5.6±1.2-fold stronger than regular plasmid at day 4 (
P
<0.01). Next, we created MC carrying HIF-1α (MC-HIF-1α) therapeutic gene for treatment of myocardial infarction. Adult FVB/N mice underwent left anterior descending ligation and were injected intramyocardially with: (1) MC-HIF-1α; (2) regular plasmid carrying HIF-1α (PL-HIF-1α) as positive control; and (3) PBS as negative control (n=10/group). Echocardiographic study showed a significantly greater improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction in the MC group (51.3%±3.6%) compared to regular plasmid group (42.3%±4.1%) and saline group (30.5%±2.8%) at week 4 (
P
<0.05 for both). Histology demonstrated increased neoangiogenesis in both treatment groups. Finally, Western blot showed MC express >50% higher HIF-1α level than regular plasmid.

Conclusion—

Taken together, this is the first study to our knowledge to demonstrate that MC can significantly improve transfection efficiency, duration of transgene expression, and cardiac contractility. Given the serious drawbacks associated with most viral vectors, we believe this novel nonviral vector can be of great value for cardiac gene therapy protocols.
Effect of Hypercholesterolemia on Myocardial Necrosis and Apoptosis in the Setting of Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors: Osipov Robert M. , Bianchi Cesario , Feng Jun , Clements Richard T. , Liu Yuhong , Robich Michael P. , Glazer Hilary P. , Sodha Neel R. , Sellke Frank W.
Published: September 2009

Background—

Hypercholesterolemia is prevalent in patients who experience myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IR). We investigate the impact of dietary-induced hypercholesterolemia on the myocardium in the setting of acute IR.

Methods and Results—

In normocholesterolemic (NC, n=7) and hypercholesterolemic (HC, n=7) Yucatan male pigs, the left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded for 60 minutes, followed by reperfusion for 120 minutes. Hemodynamic values were recorded, and TTC staining was used to assess necrosis. Oxidative stress was measured. Specific cell death and survival signaling pathways were assessed by Western blot and TUNEL staining. Infarct size was 45% greater in HC versus NC (42% versus 61%,
P
<0.05), whereas the area at risk (AAR) was similar in both groups (
P
=0.61). Whereas global LV function (+dP/dt,
P
<0.05) was higher during entire period of IR in HC versus NC, regional function deteriorated more following reperfusion in HC (
P
<0.05). Ischemia increased indices of myocardial oxidative stress such as protein oxidation (
P
<0.05), lipid peroxidation (
P
<0.05), and nitrotyrosylation in HC versus NC, as well as the expression of phospho-eNOS (
P
<0.05). The expression of myeloperoxidase, p38 MAPK, and phospho-p38 MAPK was higher in HC versus NC (all
P
<05). Ischemia caused higher expression of the proapoptotic protein PARP (
P
<0.05), and lower expression of the prosurvival proteins Bcl2 (
P
<0.05), phospho-Akt, (
P
<0.05), and phospho-PKCε (
P
<0.05) in the HC versus NC. TUNEL-positive cell count was 3.8-fold (
P
<0.05) higher in the AAR of HC versus NC.

Conclusions—

This study demonstrates that experimental hypercholesterolemia is associated with increased myocardial oxidative stress and inflammation, attenuation of cell survival pathways, and induction of apoptosis in the ischemic territory, which together may account for the expansion of myocardial necrosis in the setting of acute IR.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor or Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Transfer Maximizes Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Based Myocardial Salvage After Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Deuse Tobias , Peter Christoph , Fedak Paul W.M. , Doyle Tim , Reichenspurner Hermann , Zimmermann Wolfram H. , Eschenhagen Thomas , Stein William , Wu Joseph C. , Robbins Robert C. , Schrepfer Sonja
Published: September 2009

Background—

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based regenerative strategies were investigated to treat acute myocardial infarction and improve left ventricular function.

Methods and Results—

Murine AMI was induced by coronary ligation with subsequent injection of MSCs, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), or MSCs +HGF/VEGF into the border zone. Left ventricular ejection fraction was calculated using micro–computed tomography imaging after 6 months. HGF and VEGF protein injection (with or without concomitant MSC injection) significantly and similarly improved the left ventricular ejection fraction and reduced scar size compared with the MSC group, suggesting that myocardial recovery was due to the cytokines rather than myocardial regeneration. To provide sustained paracrine effects, HGF or VEGF overexpressing MSCs were generated (MSC-HGF, MSC-VEGF). MSC-HGF and MSC-VEGF showed significantly increased in vitro proliferation and increased in vivo proliferation within the border zone. Cytokine production correlated with MSC survival. MSC-HGF– and MSC-VEGF–treated animals showed smaller scar sizes, increased peri-infarct vessel densities, and better preserved left ventricular function when compared with MSCs transfected with empty vector. Murine cardiomyocytes were exposed to hypoxic in vitro conditions. The LDH release was reduced, fewer cardiomyocytes were apoptotic, and
Akt
activity was increased if cardiomyocytes were maintained in conditioned medium obtained from MSC-HGF or MSC-VEGF cultures.

Conclusions—

This study showed that (1) elevating the tissue levels of HGF and VEGF after acute myocardial infarction seems to be a promising reparative therapeutic approach, (2) HGF and VEGF are cardioprotective by increasing the tolerance of cardiomyocytes to ischemia, reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis and increasing prosurvival
Akt
activation, and (3) MSC-HGF and MSC-VEGF are a valuable source for increased cytokine production and maximize the beneficial effect of MSC-based repair strategies.
Rate of Progression and Functional Significance of Aortic Root Calcification After Homograft Versus Freestyle Aortic Root Replacement
Authors: El-Hamamsy Ismail , Zaki Mohamed , Stevens Louis M. , Clark Lucy A. , Rubens Michael , Melina Giovanni , Yacoub Magdi H.
Published: September 2009

Background—

Calcification is an important limitation after aortic root replacement. The aims were to compare the long-term degree and rate of calcification of homografts versus Medtronic freestyle aortic roots to determine the functional consequences and predictive factors.

Methods and Results—

One hundred sixty-six patients were prospectively randomized to undergo homograft versus freestyle total aortic root replacement. Of those, 98 patients underwent a total of 248 electron beam computed tomography studies at 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 8 years. All patients underwent yearly clinical and echocardiographic follow-up. Calcium scores were measured using Agatston scoring. Mixed effects models demonstrate significantly higher calcium scores in homograft roots than freestyle at 1.5 years (
P
=0.02), 2 years (
P
=0.02), and 3 years (
P
=0.01), with a trend at 1 year (
P
=0.06) and 8 years (
P
=0.1). Homograft calcification occurs significantly faster than in freestyle prostheses between 6 months and 3 years after surgery (
P
=0.02). Calcification occurs at a similar rate thereafter up to 8 years (
P
=0.3). At 8 years, freedom from aortic valve dysfunction was lower in homografts than freestyle roots (
P
=0.06). Freedom from reoperation was 93±4% in the homograft group versus 100±0% in the freestyle group at 8 years (
P
=0.01). On multivariate analysis, redo surgery (
P
<0.001), smoking (
P
<0.01), atrial fibrillation (
P
=0.001), family history of coronary artery disease (
P
<0.01), and a degenerative etiology (
P
=0.02) were predictive of higher calcium scores.

Conclusion—

Homograft roots exhibit significantly higher calcium scores than freestyle roots because of faster early calcification.
The Functional Intraoperative Pulmonary Blood Flow Study Is a More Sensitive Predictor Than Preoperative Anatomy for Right Ventricular Pressure and Physiologic Tolerance of Ventricular Septal Defect Closure After Complete Unifocalization in Patients With Pulmonary Atresia, Ventricular Septal Defect, and Major Aortopulmonary Collaterals
Authors: Honjo Osami , Al-Radi Osman O. , MacDonald Cathy , Tran Kim-Chi D. , Sapra Priya , Davey Lisa D. , Chaturvedi Rajiu R. , Caldarone Christopher A. , Van Arsdell Glen S.
Published: September 2009

Background—

The objective was to determine if intraoperative pulmonary artery (PA) flow studies after complete unifocalization correlate with postrepair hemodynamics for pulmonary atresia (PA), ventricular septal defects (VSD), and major aortopulmonary collaterals.

Methods and Results—

Twenty patients (median age, 8 months; weight, 7.9 kg) underwent unifocalization between 2003 and 2008. A functional PA flow study was achieved by cannulating the unifocalized central PA before intracardiac repair and increasing flow incrementally to 2.5 L/min per m
2
. Mean PA pressure (mPAP) was measured. The intent was to close the VSD for a mPAP of <30 mm Hg. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and systemic systolic pressure were recorded. Total incorporated pulmonary segments, pulmonary segment artery ratio (ratio of incorporated segments to 18), and total neopulmonary artery index (the sum of major aortopulmonary collaterals and native PA index) were calculated. The VSD was successfully closed in 18 patients (90%). One attempted closure required an intraoperative fenestration. The study mPAP correlated with RVSP (ρ=0.72;
P
=0.0027) and RVSP/systemic systolic pressure (ρ=0.67;
P
=0.0063). Total neopulmonary artery index had a nonsignificant negative correlation with RVSP (ρ=−0.42;
P
=0.079). Total incorporated pulmonary segments and pulmonary segment artery ratio were not correlated. Flow study mPAP had the highest accuracy in predicting successful VSD closure: area under the receiver-operator curve (0.83) versus total neopulmonary artery index (0.42), pulmonary segments (0.35), and pulmonary segment artery ratio (0.33).

Conclusions—

The intraoperative pulmonary flow study predicted postoperative physiology significantly better than did standard anatomic measures. Conventional measures should be used with caution when determining the possibility for complete repair.
The Vulnerability of Religious Liberty in Liberal States
Authors: Ahdar Rex Tauati
Published: September 2009

Religious liberty enjoys a large measure of protection in liberal democratic states. This historically hard-won right will nevertheless always remain somewhat vulnerable. This article examines the relationship between liberalism and religionists who challenge key liberal tenets. The limits of liberal tolerance are seen when the state confronts those devout believers who behave or speak in the public domain in a manner that secular liberals perceive to be intolerant or bigoted. The courts and legislatures cannot be relied upon to protect the exercise of religion in situations where fundamental liberal premises are at stake.
The Influence of Air Temperature Inversions on Snowmelt and Glacier Mass Balance Simulations, Ammassalik Island, Southeast Greenland
Authors: Mernild Sebastian H. , Liston Glen E.
Published: September 2009

In many applications, a realistic description of air temperature inversions is essential for accurate snow and glacier ice melt, and glacier mass-balance simulations. A physically based snow evolution modeling system (SnowModel) was used to simulate 8 yr (1998/99–2005/06) of snow accumulation and snow and glacier ice ablation from numerous small coastal marginal glaciers on the SW part of Ammassalik Island in SE Greenland. These glaciers are regularly influenced by inversions and sea breezes associated with the adjacent relatively low temperature and frequently ice-choked fjords and ocean. To account for the influence of these inversions on the spatiotemporal variation of air temperature and snow and glacier melt rates, temperature inversion routines were added to MircoMet, the meteorological distribution submodel used in SnowModel. The inversions were observed and modeled to occur during 84% of the simulation period. Modeled inversions were defined not to occur during days with strong winds and high precipitation rates because of the potential of inversion breakup. Field observations showed inversions to extend from sea level to approximately 300 m MSL, and this inversion level was prescribed in the model simulations. Simulations with and without the inversion routines were compared. The inversion model produced air temperature distributions with warmer lower-elevation areas and cooler higher-elevation areas than without inversion routines because of the use of cold sea-breeze-based temperature data from underneath the inversion. This yielded an up to 2 weeks earlier snowmelt in the lower areas and up to 1–3 weeks later snowmelt in the higher-elevation areas of the simulation domain. Averaged mean annual modeled surface mass balance for all glaciers (mainly located above the inversion layer) was −720 ± 620 mm w.eq. yr−1 (w.eq. is water equivalent) for inversion simulations, and −880 ± 620 mm w.eq. yr−1 without the inversion routines, a difference of 160 mm w.eq. yr−1. The annual glacier loss for the two simulations was 50.7 × 106 and 64.4 × 106 m3 yr−1 for all glaciers—a difference of ∼21%. The average equilibrium line altitude (ELA) for all glaciers in the simulation domain was located at 875 and 900 m MSL for simulations with or without inversion routines, respectively.
Influences of the Kuroshio/Oyashio Extensions on Air–Sea Heat Exchanges and Storm-Track Activity as Revealed in Regional Atmospheric Model Simulations for the 2003/04 Cold Season*
Authors: Taguchi Bunmei , Nakamura Hisashi , Nonaka Masami , Xie Shang-Ping
Published: September 2009

Influences of oceanic fronts in the Kuroshio and Oyashio Extension (KOE) region on the overlying atmosphere are investigated by comparing a pair of atmospheric regional model hindcast experiments for the 2003/04 cold season, one with the observed finescale frontal structures in sea surface temperature (SST) prescribed at the model lower boundary and the other with an artificially smoothed SST distribution. The comparison reveals the locally enhanced meridional gradient of turbulent fluxes of heat and moisture and surface air temperature (SAT) across the oceanic frontal zone, which favors the storm-track development both in winter and spring. Distinct seasonal dependency is found, however, in how dominantly the storm-track activity influences the time-mean distribution of the heat and moisture supply from the ocean.

In spring the mean surface sensible heat flux (SHF) is upward (downward) on the warmer (cooler) side of the subarctic SST front. This sharp cross-frontal contrast is a manifestation of intermittent heat release (cooling) induced by cool northerlies (warm southerlies) on the warmer (cooler) side of the front in association with migratory cyclones and anticyclones. The oceanic frontal zone is thus marked as both the largest variability in SHF and the cross-frontal sign reversal of the SHF skewness. The cross-frontal SHF contrasts in air–sea heat exchanges counteract poleward heat transport by those atmospheric eddies, to restore the sharp meridional gradient of SAT effectively for the recurrent development of atmospheric disturbances. Lacking this oceanic baroclinic adjustment associated with the SST front, the experiment with the smoothed SST distribution underestimates storm-track activity in the KOE region.

In winter the prevailing cold, dry continental airflow associated with the Asian winter monsoon induces a large amount of heat and moisture release even from the cooler ocean to the north of the frontal zone. The persistent advective effects of the monsoonal wind weaken the SAT gradient and smear out the sign reversal of the SHF skewness, leading to weaker influences of the oceanic fronts on the atmosphere in winter than in spring.
Changes in Streamflow Dynamics in the Rhine Basin under Three High-Resolution Regional Climate Scenarios
Authors: Hurkmans Ruud , Terink Wilco , Uijlenhoet Remko , Torfs Paul , Jacob Daniela , Troch Peter A.
Published: September 2009

Because of global warming, the hydrologic behavior of the Rhine basin is expected to shift from a combined snowmelt- and rainfall-driven regime to a more rainfall-dominated regime. Previous impact assessments have indicated that this leads, on average, to increasing streamflow by ∼30% in winter and spring and decreasing streamflow by a similar value in summer. In this study, high-resolution (0.088°) regional climate scenarios conducted with the regional climate model REMO (REgional MOdel) for the Rhine basin are used to force a macroscale hydrological model. These climate scenarios are based on model output from the ECHAM5–Max Planck Institute Ocean Model (MPI-OM) global climate model, which is in turn forced by three Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) emission scenarios: A2, A1B, and B1. The Variable Infiltration Capacity model (VIC; version 4.0.5) is used to examine changes in streamflow at various locations throughout the Rhine basin. Average streamflow, peak flows, low flows, and several water balance terms are evaluated for both the first and second half of the twenty-first century. The results reveal a distinct contrast between those periods. The first half is dominated by increased precipitation, causing increased streamflow throughout the year. During the second half of the century, a streamflow increase in winter/spring and a decrease in summer is found, similar to previous studies. This is caused by 1) temperature and evapotranspiration, which are considerably higher during the second half of the century; 2) decreased precipitation in summer; and 3) an earlier start of the snowmelt season. Magnitudes of peak flows increase during both periods, and the magnitudes of streamflow droughts increase only during the second half of the century.
Prediction of Monthly-Mean Temperature: The Roles of Atmospheric and Land Initial Conditions and Sea Surface Temperature
Authors: Chen Mingyue , Wang Wanqiu , Kumar Arun
Published: September 2009

Using the retrospective forecasts from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) coupled atmosphere–ocean Climate Forecast System (CFS) and the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) simulations from its uncoupled atmospheric component, the NCEP Global Forecast System (GFS), the relative roles of atmospheric and land initial conditions and the lower boundary condition of sea surface temperatures (SSTs) for the prediction of monthly-mean temperature are investigated. The analysis focuses on the lead-time dependence of monthly-mean prediction skill and its asymptotic value for longer lead times, which could be attributed the atmospheric response to the slowly varying SST. The results show that the observed atmospheric and land initial conditions improve the skill of monthly-mean prediction in the extratropics but have little influence in the tropics. However, the influence of initial atmospheric and land conditions in the extratropics decays rapidly. For 30-day-lead predictions, the global-mean forecast skill of monthly means is found to reach an asymptotic value that is primarily determined by the SST anomalies. The lead time at which initial conditions lose their influence varies spatially. In addition, the initial atmospheric and land conditions are found to have longer impacts in northern winter and spring than in summer and fall. The relevance of the results for constructing lagged ensemble forecasts is discussed.
Diagnosing the Droughts and Floods in Equatorial East Africa during Boreal Autumn 2005–08
Authors: Hastenrath Stefan , Polzin Dierk , Mutai Charles
Published: September 2009

Building on an earlier report on the 2005 drought in equatorial East Africa, this short note examines the circulation mechanisms of the anomalies in the boreal autumn “short rains” season in the subsequent three years. Westerlies during this season are the surface manifestation of a powerful zonal–vertical circulation cell along the Indian Ocean equator. The surface equatorial westerlies were fast during the 2005 and 2008 droughts, near average during the near-average 2007 short rains, and slack during the 2006 floods, consistent with the known circulation diagnostics.
Observation of a Fast Continental Shelf Wave Generated by a Storm Impacting Newfoundland Using Wavelet and Cross-Wavelet Analyses
Authors: Thiebaut Severin , Vennell Ross
Published: September 2009

Wavelet and cross-wavelet power spectra of sea level records from tide gauges along the Atlantic coast of Canada showed a low-frequency barotropic response after Hurricane Florence crossed the Newfoundland shelf in September 2006. In comparison with two other storms, the results showed that Florence was the only one that excited a propagating sea level disturbance with a period range similar to the passage time of the storm over the shelf (26–30 h) and phase shifts consistent with a barotropic continental shelf wave (CSW). The high amplitude of the oscillations generated by Florence along the shore diminished from approximately 45 to 12 cm as the CSW propagated from the south coast of Newfoundland to the southern Nova Scotia seaboard. This paper presents the first direct measurement of a remarkably high alongshore group speed (11.4 ± 5.9 m s−1), in the manner of free-barotropic CSW, by examination of sea level wavelet power spectra at different locations. Furthermore, using cross-wavelet analysis of pairs of stations, an exceptional phase speed of 16.0 ± 5.1 m s−1 has been found, greater than had been previously observed for a free CSW. The results were consistent with dispersion curves for the first-mode barotropic CSW.
Incorporating Values in a Bottom-Line Ecological Economy
Authors: Daly Herman E.
Published: September 2009

The search for a social goodness function in economic systems is reviewed, especially in light of the fact that the economy is a subsystem of a biosphere that has its own rules for determining success, or at least for limiting feasibility. The frequent perversity of reductionist quantitative success indicators in economics (profit, quotas, GDP) is mainly attributed to the preanalytic vision of the economy as an isolated circular flow, and of homo economicus as an atomistic individual isolated from community, both social and biological. Specific examples of such perversity are considered.
Evaluating Differential Item Functioning of the CES-D Scale According to Caregiver Status and Cultural Context in Korean Women
Authors: Choi Heeseung , Fogg Louis , Lee Eunice E. , Choi Wu Michelle
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: Proper evaluation of the generalizability of an instrument is critical for its use across different social contexts such as caregiver status. OBJECTIVE: To examine the differential item functioning of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale, patterns of response to each item of the CES-D Scale attributable to caregiver status was assessed. STUDY DESIGN: Using a cross-study comparison method, a sample of 58 matched pairs of Korean American caregivers and noncaregivers was used for matched moderated regression analysis on the CES-D Scale. RESULTS: The authors identified three items that vary according to caregiver status in the present study: Item 2 (My appetite was poor), Item 4 (I felt that I was as good as other people), and Item 14 (I felt lonely). CONCLUSIONS: Beyond assessing the level of depression through total CES-D scores, it is important to examine variations in the items of the CES-D Scale across different social contexts. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc, 2009; 15(4), 240-248. DOI: 10.1177/1078390309343713
Room-temperature Synthesis of Monodispersed SnO2 Nanoparticles by Liquid Phase Deposition
Authors: Mizuhata Minoru , Umekage Yuki , Nakata Akiyoshi , Kumaresan Ramanujam , Deki Shigehito
Published: September 2009

We have successfully tailored a soft solution process for the synthesis of monodispersed SnO2 nanoparticles, applying a liquid phase deposition technique from an aqueous reaction mixture without any post-annealing treatment. The synthesis was carried out by varying poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) content in the reaction mixture. The XRD patterns of the nanoparticles exhibited the formation of SnO2 cassiterite phase, irrespective of the PEG content in the composition of the reaction solution, the reaction time, and the reaction temperature. The mean size and the standard deviation of SnO2 nanoparticles exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing PEG concentration.
The impact of social influence on adolescent intention to smoke: Combining types and referents of influence
Authors: Vitória Paulo D. , Salgueiro M. Fátima , Silva Sílvia A. , De Vries H.
Published: September 2009

Objectives Theory and research suggest that the intention to smoke is the main determinant of smoking initiation and emphasizes the role of cognitive and social factors on the prediction of the intention to smoke. However, extended models such as the I‐Change and results from published studies reveal inconsistencies regarding the impact of social influence on the intention to smoke. Possible explanations for this may be the definition and measurement of the constructs that have been used.

Design and methods The current study was designed with two main goals: (i) to test a measurement model for social influence, combining different types of social influence (subjective norms, perceived behaviour, and direct pressure) with various referents of influence (parents, siblings, peers, and teachers); (ii) to investigate the impact of social influence on adolescent intention to smoke, controlling for smoking behaviour. LISREL was used to test these models. The sample includes 3,064 Portuguese adolescents, with a mean age of 13.5 years, at the beginning of the seventh school grade.

Results The hypothesized measurement model of social influence was supported by results and explained 29% of the variance of the intention to smoke. A more extended model, including attitude and self‐efficacy, explained 55% of the variance of the intention to smoke. Perceived behaviour of peers, parental norms, and perceived behaviour of parents were the social influence factors with impact on adolescent intention to smoke.

Conclusions Results suggest that different referents exert their influence through distinct types of social influence and recommend further work on the definition and measurement of social influence.
Hyponatremia-induced osteoporosis
Authors: Verbalis Joseph G , Barsony Julianna , Sugimura Yoshihisa , Tian Ying , Adams Douglas J , Carter Elizabeth A , Resnick Helaine E
Published: September 2009

There is a high prevalence of chronic hyponatremia in the elderly, frequently owing to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Recent reports have shown that even mild hyponatremia is associated with impaired gait stability and increased falls. An increased risk of falls among elderly hyponatremic patients represents a risk factor for fractures, which would be further amplified if hyponatremia also contributed metabolically to bone loss. To evaluate this possibility, we studied a rat model of SIADH and analyzed data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). In rats, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) analysis of excised femurs established that hyponatremia for 3 months significantly reduced bone mineral density by approximately 30% compared with normonatremic control rats. Moreover, micro-computed tomography (µCT) and histomorphometric analyses indicated that hyponatremia markedly reduced both trabecular and cortical bone via increased bone resorption and decreased bone formation. Analysis of data from adults in NHANES III by linear regression models showed that mild hyponatremia is associated with increased odds of osteoporosis (T-score –2.5 or less) at the hip [odds ratio (OR) = 2.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03–7.86; p < .01]; all models were adjusted for age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, history of diuretic use, history of smoking, and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels. Our results represent the first demonstration that chronic hyponatremia causes a substantial reduction of bone mass. Cross-sectional human data showing that hyponatremia is associated with significantly increased odds of osteoporosis are consistent with the experimental data in rodents. Our combined results suggest that bone quality should be assessed in all patients with chronic hyponatremia. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Symposium on Spectrochemical Analysis for Trace Elements
Authors: Committee E-2
Published: September 2009

Description

There are six papers in this volume including: Emission Spectrometric Determination of Oxygen in Metals; and four others
Symposium on Stress-Strain-Time-Temperature Relationships in Materials
Authors: ASTM Division of Materials Sciences
Published: September 2009

Description

A discussion of the extent to which knowledge gained from studies of one material is useful in understanding another. The question is answered through specific approaches covering idealized materials, ceramics, metals, and polymers.
Stress-Strain-Time-Temperature Relationships for Polymers
Authors: Smith TL
Published: September 2009

Rheological investigations aim to provide an understanding of the stress-strain-time-temperature relationships for materials; our current understanding results from numerous studies illustrating various approaches to the problem. Although each approach reflects the interests of the investigator, the nature of the materials being studied, and the general state of development of the field at the time, an underlying objective is to relate observed rheological behavior to molecular structure and molecular processes. Toward this end, the two general approaches mentioned by Professor Lazan are important: the phenomenological or macroanalytical, and the solid-state or micromechanistic. (When considering materials such as polymers the latter can be called the molecular theory approach.)
Effect of the Atmosphere on Masonry and Related Materials
Authors: McBurney JW
Published: September 2009

Except for corrosion of metals, rather little attention has been given to air as a possible factor in disintegration of structural materials. The common assumption has been that all the deleterious substances which in time produce disintegration or excessive volume change in masonry were present originally in the units or in the mortar ingredients as delivered and used. This paper considers the effect on masonry of such components of the air as carbon dioxide, alkali and alkaline earth salts, usually sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium compounds, sulfur dioxide, and moisture as vapor expressed as relative humidity.