bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing Hypertension Among Veterans in an Outpatient Screening Program
Authors: Abel Elizabeth , Darby Ann Lynn , Ramachandran Rani
Published: May 2007

This report describes the outcomes of a hypertension screening and management program in an outpatient clinic for veterans (pharmacologic/nonpharmacologic subjects, N= 207) located in the Southeastern United States using a retrospective descriptive research approach. Health care was provided in the clinic by nurse practitioners and physicians in conjunction with classes that emphasize lifestyle changes. Weight was a major risk factor on admission and at subsequent visits. Quetelet Index values indicated pharmacologic patients were significantly more overweight (>30% over ideal weight) than nonpharmacologic patients (>20% over ideal weight). Significant reductions in blood pressure were obtained for both groups between admission readings and readings taken at 12 and 24 months (p= .0001). No significant differences in blood pressure were noted between the nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic groups. Reported lifestyle behavior changes incorporating exercise from first to last visit were more significant for the nonpharmacologic group; however, this group also reported increased alcohol consumption during this time. The pharmacologic group reported overall beneficial improvement in both exercise and decreased use of alcohol. The nonpharmacologic group on average required fewer clinic visits. Interventions targeted toward lifestyle behaviors, a common element in the treatment plans for both groups, appear to have therapeutic benefit.
Characteristics Associated with the Risk of Unintended Pregnancy Among Urban Homeless Women: Use of the Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model in Research
Authors: Shuler Pamela A. , Gelberg Lillian , Davis Jean E.
Published: May 2007

In this pilot study, family planning practices and risk for unintended pregnancy among 50 homeless women residing in the downtown area of Los Angeles were investigated through the retrospective analysis of data collected through a wholistic clinic intake questionnaire. Those women who were least likely to use a birth control method in this study were Black, used cocaine daily, had multiple sources of emotional support, were satisfied with their sex lives, and reported access problems to family planning services (p≤ .05). Furthermore, over half of the total sample was at risk for unintended pregnancy. These at risk women were more likely to be separated from their children (p≤ .05), report current (p≤ .05) and past (p≤ .01) drug problems, have multiple sex partners (p≤ .001), engage in prostitution (p≤ .01), have a past history of sexually transmitted diseases (p≤ .05), and were least likely to be satisfied with their sex lives (p≤ .05). The findings suggest that homeless women are in great need of family planning health services, and that such services should be combined with vocational, social service, and drug treatment programs.
High‐Quality Mammography: Information for Referring Providers
Authors:   Quality Determinants of Mammography Guideline Panel
Published: May 2007

This Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians contains highlights from Quality Determinants of Mammography, Clinical Practice Guideline No. 13 of interest to health care providers who refer women for mammography. The Quality Determinants of Mammography Guideline Panel, a private‐sector panel of health care professionals and consumers, developed the guideline after comprehensively analyzing the research literature and current scientific knowledge concerning elements necessary for high‐quality mammography. Specific recommendations are made in the following areas: components of complete breast cancer screening; responsibilities of women, mammography facilities, and referring providers as to screening and follow‐up care; communication of results; limitations of mammography; and certification of mammography facilities.

This Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians presents information on mammography of interest to health care providers who refer women for mammography. The Clinical Practice Guideline is intended for the entire spectrum of health care professionals involved in mammography services: the referring health care provider, the interpreting physician, the radiologic technologist, and the medical physicist. Additional information is provided for the mammography facility, the facility scheduler and receptionist, the equipment service person, and the woman who goes for mammography. The Clinical Practice Guideline provides more detailed analysis and discussion of the available research, health care decision making, critical evaluation of the assumptions and knowledge of the field, considerations for women with special needs, and references. Decisions to adopt particular recommendations from any publication must be made by practitioners in light of available resources and circumstances of individual cases.
A Family Care Approach for Managing Childhood Asthma
Authors: Horner Sharon D.
Published: May 2007

Asthma is the most common chronic illness in childhood, affecting more than 2 million children annually. Although families have always been responsible for daily maintenance care, management of acute exacerbations of asthma are now coming within the province of home care management. The comprehensive family care approach discussed in this article incorporates environmental therapy, psychoeducational therapy, and medication therapy in a three‐pronged approach to promote successful management of asthma episodes while working to reduce their incidence.
Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians
Authors:   Pressure Ulcer Treatment Guideline Panel
Published: May 2007

This Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians contains highlights from the Treatment of Pressure Ulcers, Clinical Practice Guideline No. 15, which was developed by a private‐sector panel of health care providers and a consumer. Selected aspects of pressure ulcer assessment and treatment are presented. Topics covered include assessment of the patient and pressure ulcer(s), tissue load management, ulcer care, management of bacterial colonization and infection, operative repair of the pressure ulcer, and education and quality improvement. Algorithms are included to show the sequence of events related to the overall care of the individual with a pressure ulcer, nutritional assessment and support, management of tissue loads, ulcer care, and management of bacterial colonization and infection. Tables and forms are included as aids for selecting irrigation devices, cleansing solutions, support surfaces, and assessing the pressure ulcer and the patient's nutritional status.
Improved Management of Depression Through Nursing Model Application and Critical Thinking
Authors: Hassell Janet S.
Published: May 2007

Nurse practitioners need to integrate nursing and medical models as they practice. This paper explores the application of the Neuman systems model and critical thinking to synthesize, analyze, and evaluate the complex and multidimensional aspects of depression from nursing and medical perspectives. An integrative approach using this model and critical thinking facilitates appropriate management. Multiple nursing diagnoses for depression are derived by Neuman systems model variables. Primary, secondary, and tertiary interventions appropriate to both this model and critical thinking are recommended.
Impacting Maternal and Child Nutrition in Rural Vietnam: Experiences of an American Nurse–Consultant
Authors: Updike Phyllis
Published: May 2007

This article describes a pilot project undertaken by the author, her physician husband and a Vietnamese physician partner in a rural Vietnamese community on the Mekong Delta approximately 80 kilometers from Saigon. The project was focused on reducing malnutrition in a community of approximately 11,000 people. Successful steps were taken, based on earlier research, to help the members of this rural community to get involved in developing a solution for maternal and infant malnutrition in their community.
Psychotropic Prescriptive Patterns Among Nurse Practitioners in Nonpsychiatric Settings
Authors: Flenniken Maureen Campesino
Published: May 2007

This study explores mental health care treatment among primary care nurse practitioners. Forty‐two nurse practitioners from a variety of specialty practice areas responded to a questionnaire focusing on mental health care management in their practice setting. Results showed that 95% of the nurse practitioners encountered clients with mental illness in their practices. The most common psychiatric disorders seen among the nurse practitioners were depression and anxiety disorders. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder was the most frequently encountered mental illness among the pediatric nurse practitioners. Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia were also encountered by nurse practitioners in a variety of settings, though with less frequency. Seventy‐six percent of the nurse practitioners reported prescribing psychotropic medications. Details of the nurse practitioners' prescriptive patterns are described. Recommendations for further research are discussed, and the need for continuing education in psychopharmacology among primary care nurse practitioners is highlighted.
Professional Autonomy: Essential for Nurse Practitioner Survival in the 21st Century
Authors: Brush Barbara L. , Capezuti Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2007

This article examines nurse practitioners' (NPs) professional autonomy as a critical component of future practice success and survival. Professional autonomy provides the basis for defining and negotiating NPs' work and worth in primary care. Outcome data and analyses that delineate the unique and overlapping practice roles and responsibilities of physicians and NPs will help determine the relative value of their work. Nurse practitioners practicing as physician “substitutes” risk professional survival. Nurse practitioners need to identify nursing as their practice paradigm and nurses as their professional identity.
Migraine Headache
Authors: Durham Carol F. , Dalton Jo Ann , Carlson John , Neelon Virginia , Alden Kathy R. , Englebardt Sheila
Published: May 2007

EDITOR'S NOTE: The manuscript featured in this month's Search and Research is an example of nurse practitioner research that may be funded by a pharmaceutical company. While not specifically related to a given pharmaceutical agent, such research can give insights into behavioral patterns of patients (in this case RNs) that can affect treatment outcomes, management styles, and marketing strategies in the pharmaceutical industry as well as shed insight into nurse practitioner practice.
Using the Transtheoretical Model to Facilitate Behavior Change in Patients with Chronic Illness
Authors: Cassidy Catherine A.
Published: May 2007

Nurse practitioners spend a considerable amount of time encouraging patients with chronic illness to acquire positive behaviors such as exercising and self‐monitoring, and to stop negative behaviors like smoking and intake of foods high in fat. These lifestyle changes can be facilitated through use of the transtheoretical model of stages and processes of behavior change. The significance is that it assists health care providers in developing interventions that are specifically focused for the patient depending on stage of readiness to change. The application of the model in the practice setting is discussed, and a specific example of activities developed for use in patients with asthma is given. The protocols can be adapted for any patient who needs to make lifestyle behavior changes.
Ten Years After the Financial Crisis in Thailand: What Has Been Learned or Not Learned?
Authors: SUSSANGKARN Chalongphob , VICHYANOND Pakorn
Published: May 2007

The 1997 financial crisis provided many lessons about the weaknesses of Thailand's economic and financial system before the crisis, weaknesses that eventually led to the crisis. Since then, these lessons have led to many economic and financial reforms. This paper reviews the lessons and reforms that have been carried out. These include improvements to the data system needed for adequate macroeconomic monitoring, changes to the macroeconomic management framework and monetary policy regime, and various aspects of financial sector reforms. This paper also indicates the lessons that might not yet have been sufficiently learned and new risks to future economic stability. These include political interference in financial institutions, leading to inappropriate or excessive lending, and lack of transparency in fiscal liabilities that could mislead macroeconomic management.
Two Buddha Relic Traditions
Authors: Strong John S.
Published: May 2007

This article surveys some recent work on Buddhist relics, but with a particular focus. Starting with the observation that the distribution of the Buddha's relics in the Mahparinirva sūtra violates the Buddha's own injunction to keep his remains together in a single stūpa, it goes on to examine the fluctuation, in Buddhist legend, between traditions that assert the togetherness of the Buddha's relics and traditions that assert their dispersal. It then relates this polarity to buddhological issues concerning the uniqueness and multiplicity of buddhas and questions about their overlap.
Vitamin and mineral status in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Andersson Ingalill , Grönberg AnneMarie , Slinde Frode , Bosaeus Ingvar , Larsson Sven
Published: May 2007

Introduction:  Eating problems are common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and intake of micronutrients might be lower than recommended.

Objective:  To study dietary intake, serum and urinary concentration of trace elements and vitamins in elderly underweight patients with established severe COPD.

Methods:  Outpatients at a university clinic for lung medicine, with COPD, 70–85 years old, with no other serious disease, and with a body mass index (BMI) of ≤20 kg/m2 and an FEV1of <50 % predicted were recruited. Body composition and bone density were evaluated with dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Dietary intake was studied by a trained dietitian using diet‐history interview. Blood and urine samples were analysed for various vitamins and trace elements.

Results:  Seventeen of 30 recruited patients took part. Osteoporosis or osteopaenia was found in 16 patients. Dietary intake of energy and macronutrients was in line with recommendations for healthy individuals. Intake of protein did not meet recommendations for COPD patients. Intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids was lower than recommended and intake of saturated fatty acids was higher than recommended. Mean intake of vitamin D and folic acid was far below recommendations. Serum concentrations for folic acid and methylmalonate and plasma concentrations for homocysteine were below normal in several patients.

Conclusion:  Intake of vitamin D and calcium is often low in older COPD patients, which might contribute to osteoporosis. Low intake of folic acid might also be a problem. The results support prophylaxis with calcium, vitamin D and folic acid.

Please cite this paper as: Andersson I, Grönberg A, Slinde F, Bosaeus I and Larsson S. Vitamin and mineral status in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2007;1:23–29.
Hospital doctors' attitudes toward giving their patients smoking cessation help
Authors: Thy Thy , Boker Tordis , Gallefoss Frode , Bakke Per Sigvald
Published: May 2007

Background and Aims:  While guidelines recommend all doctors to ask their patients about their smoking habits and, in case they smoke, offer cessation advice, limited data are available about hospital doctors' attitudes toward these recommendations. We aimed to examine hospital doctors' attitudes toward asking their patients about their smoking habits, informing about the health benefits of stopping, and offering help to quit smoking.

Materials and Methods:  A random sample (n = 1025) of Norwegian hospital doctors was mailed a questionnaire on this topic. After two reminders, 76% responded.

Results:  Among the respondents 23% of the doctors found it too time consuming to ask if the patient smoked, and approximately 35% found it too time consuming to inform or offer help on smoking cessation. About 25% of the doctors felt that they did not possess enough knowledge to help the patient to stop smoking, and 65% of the doctors preferred to refer to a specialist for this. Twenty‐eight per cent of the doctors did not see it as their task to help the patient to stop smoking, while 32% did not think it is worth the effort to offer the patient help to stop smoking. Twice as many non‐internists as internists regarded it as not their task to ask about smoking and advised on smoking cessation.

Conclusion:  In conclusion, about one‐quarter to one‐third of Norwegian hospital doctors seem to disagree with current guidelines that all doctors should address their patients' smoking habits.

Please cite this paper as: Thy T, Boker T, Gallefoss F and Bakke PS. Hospital doctors' attitudes toward giving their patients smoking cessation help. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2007;1:30–36.
Estimating a founder’s genomic proportion for each descendant in an outbred pedigree
Authors: Williams Claire G. , Reyes-Valdés M. Humberto
Published: May 2007

The question of how to estimate a founder’s proportion of a single descendant’s genome has renewed relevance for outbred pedigrees, given the abundant DNA sequence data for model and nonmodel eukaryotes alike. Here we show that a donor-recurrent shortcut method can provide a robust estimation of founder proportions. In addition, we define the theoretical variance and estimate confidence intervals using a nonparameteric bootstrap method. Using actual marker data from a highly heterozygous outbred Pinus taeda pedigree, it was found that each founder’s genomic proportion varied widely for each descendant, ranging from 8.8% to 38.7%. In 1 case, skewed transmission of a founder’s genome could be statistically detected. Its founder proportions ranged from 1.54% to 48.46%, and its mean value was 17.59%, well below the expected value of 25%. Two-thirds of its 91 descendants had 1 or the other founder haplotype, despite 2 successive meioses. The donor-recurrent method was robust; variation for estimated founder’s proportions was also wide for simulated high-density datasets whether markers were dispersed or clustered. Estimating founder contributions using this computational shortcut has broad application for highly heterozygous outbred pedigrees characterized by large sibships, low population differentiation, and shallow physical mapping resources. The relevance of this computational shortcut for outbred populations used for conservation, domestication, and evolutionary biology research is discussed.
ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF INTERACTING FERMIONS OVER SINGLE-PARTICLE QUANTUM STATES
Authors: MIKHAILOV S. A.
Published: May 2007

Using an exact diagonalization technique, we calculate the distribution of electrons nν over single-particle quantum states in few-electron parabolic quantum dots. We show that nν is a function of quantum numbers ν, but not of the energy of the states Eν, nν≠n(Eν). The common property nν=n(Eν) remains valid only if electron-electron interaction is neglected. For certain cases in the strong interaction regime, the occupation numbers of higher-energy levels may be larger than those of the lower-energy states: nν> nν' at Eν > Eν'.
INFLUENCE OF THE MAGNETIC FIELD ON THE TRANSVERSE RUNAWAY THRESHOLD
Authors: METREVELI NANA , KACHLISHVILI ZAUR , BOCHORISHVILI BEKA
Published: May 2007

The transverse runaway (TR) is a phenomenon whereby for a certain combination of energy and momentum scattering mechanisms of hot electrons, and for a certain threshold of the applied electric field, the internal (total) field tends to infinity. In this work, the effect of the magnetic field on the transverse runaway threshold is considered. It is shown that with increasing magnetic field, the applied critical electric fields relevant to TR decrease.

The obtained results are important for practical applications of the TR effect as well as for the investigation of possible nonlinear oscillations that may occur near the TR threshold.
ANOMALOUS STRESS RELAXATION BEHAVIOR OF POLYCRYSTALLINE ALUMINUM AT LOW TEMPERATURE
Authors: GHAURI I. M. , AFZAL NAVEED , ANWAR M. , SIDDIQUE S. A.
Published: May 2007

The tensile deformation of polycrystalline aluminum (99.999%) was studied between 18 and 300 K. The stress-relaxation at constant strain was determined at strain intervals of about 0.5% with total strain exceeding about 3%. Stress-relaxation curves were logarithmic except at large "t" where they flatten. The relaxation rate "s" was determined by using equation s=d(Δσ)/d ln t, where Δσ(t)=σ0-σ(t) is the amount of stress relaxed at any instant of time "t" from the initial stress level σ0 at which relaxation was allowed to start. The slope ds/dσ0 was observed to attain maxima at about 30 K and minima at about 60 K. The undulation in the temperature dependence of stress relaxation rate in the range 18–60 K is an outcome of changes in the substructures of dislocations which have developed during the deformation process. These changes then require stresses higher than that applied in the basic equations which describe the kinetics of the mode of deformation. The average intrinsic height of potential barrier U0, estimated by means of the single barrier model of stress relaxation, was 1.2±0.3 eV. These values appeared to be compatible with the dislocation-dislocation intersection, controlling the rate processes in polycrystalline aluminum.
EFFECT OF OXYGEN CONTENT ON THE CRYSTAL STRUCTURE AND SUPERCONDUCTIVITY IN Fe-DOPED YBCO SYSTEM
Authors: QIN XIAOLING , LI LINGWEI , CAO SHIXUN , ZHANG JINCANG
Published: May 2007

The YBa 2 Cu 3-x Fe x O y(x=0, 0.1, 0.2) with different oxygen content has been studied through microstructure analysis and transport property measurements. The results show that the oxygen content has significant influence on the structure and superconductivity. Structure analysis shows that the microstructures of the YBCO system are dependent on the order of the Cu – O chains region. For Fe doped at Cu (1) site, the order of Cu – O chains have a close relation with the oxygen content y at low dopant concentration; when the dopant concentration is large enough (x≥0.2), the order of the chains could be destroyed, the structure becomes tetragonal and there seems to be no direct correlation with y. The suppression of superconducting transition temperature Tc caused by Cu (1) site substitution could be weakened by the increase in oxygen content to some extent. That is to say, Tc decreases with the decrease in y. The decrease in y not only makes the carrier density at the Cu – O chains region decrease but also forces the O (4) shifts to the Cu (1) site causing the enhancement of carrier localization at the Cu – O chains region which prevents charge transfer between the chains and planes, resulting in the decrease in Tc.
PARTITION FUNCTION ZEROS OF A RESTRICTED POTTS MODEL ON SELF-DUAL STRIPS OF THE SQUARE LATTICE
Authors: CHANG SHU-CHIUAN , SHROCK ROBERT
Published: May 2007

We calculate the partition function Z(G, Q, v) of the Q-state Potts model exactly for self-dual cyclic square-lattice strips of various widths Ly and arbitrarily large lengths Lx, with Q and v restricted to satisfy the relation Q=v2. From these calculations, in the limit Lx→∞, we determine the continuous accumulation locus [Formula: see text] of the partition function zeros in the v and Q planes. A number of interesting features of this locus are discussed and a conjecture is given for properties applicable to arbitrarily large width. Relations with the loci [Formula: see text] for general Q and v are analyzed.
BIFURCATION ANALYSIS OF HOPPING BEHAVIOR IN CELLULAR PATTERN-FORMING SYSTEMS
Authors: PALACIOS ANTONIO , BLOMGREN PETER , GASNER SCOTT
Published: May 2007

We use symmetry-based arguments to derive normal form equations for studying the temporal behavior of a particular spatio-temporal dynamic cellular pattern, called "hopping" state, which we have recently discovered in computer simulations of a generic example of an extended, deterministic, pattern-forming system in a circular domain. Hopping states are characterized by cellular structures that sequentially make abrupt changes in their angular positions while they rotate, collectively, about the center of the circular domain. A mode decomposition analysis suggests that these patterns are created from the interaction of three steady-state modes. A bifurcation analysis of associated normal form equations, which govern the time-evolution of the steady-state modes, helps us quantify the complexity of hopping patterns. Conditions for their existence and their stability are also derived from the bifurcation analysis. The overall ideas and methods are generic, so they can be readily applied to study other type of spatio-temporal pattern-forming dynamical systems with similar symmetry properties.
EXPERIMENTAL REALIZATIONS OF HIGHER DIMENSIONAL CHAOTIC CIRCUITS INCLUDING BOTH FLOATING AND GROUNDED INDUCTORS
Authors: KILIÇ RECAI , YILDIRIM FATMA
Published: May 2007

This paper deals with the experimental studies on higher dimensional chaotic circuits implemented by using both floating and grounded inductance simulators. The aim of this study is to give some practical design ideas to the readers studying higher dimensional chaotic circuits that include both floating and grounded inductor elements.
Reactivity of Synthetic SAG1 (p30) Peptide Sequences with RH, S273 and Beverley Strain-Induced Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies
Authors: Kato M. , Claveria F.G. , Maki Y. , Sanda K. , Tanaka T. , Omata Y. , Nagasawa H. , Suzuki N.
Published: May 2007

Objectives: We compared the reactivity of IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies in mouse sera after infection with virulent RH and low-virulent S273 and Beverley strains of Toxoplasma gondii against RH SAG1 recombinant p30 (rp30) and synthetic SAG1 peptides. Methods: Infected mouse serum samples were collected 9 days after infection, and the level of total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a against the RH SAG1 rp30 protein and twenty peptides of the RH SAG1 protein were assessed. The glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) modification site, the hydrophilic-hydrophobic structure, the transmembrane region and the secondary structure of the SAG1 sequence of virulent and low-virulent strains were analyzed using software. Results: The virulent strain-infected mice produced a higher level of IgG1 but a lower IgG2a against the rp30 antigen, while the low-virulent strain-infected mice produced a higher level of IgG2a than the virulent strain. The difference in the secondary structure of SAG1 protein between the virulent and low-virulent strain was largely confined to amino acid positions 291–336, showing mutations and GPI anchor site. Conclusion:The difference in the reactivity of IgG against the rp30 antigen and synthetic peptides between virulent and low-virulent strains points to the importance of the primary and secondary structure assumed by antigens in the activation of Th cells and, subsequently, in the induction of IgG and its subclasses.
Vocal Responses of Captive Gibbon Groups to a Mate Change in a Pair of White-Cheeked Gibbons (Nomascus leucogenys)
Authors: Dooley Helen , Judge Debra
Published: May 2007

The singing behaviour of 3 pairs of white-cheeked gibbons (Nomascus leucogenys) held at the Perth Zoo was observed for 6 months in 2005. These groups included a family (mated pair and 2 immature offspring) and a pair without offspring. During the study, the female without offspring was exchanged for an unpaired female from New Zealand. After the new pair had been released onto the island enclosure and began to duet, the duetting rate of the white-cheeked gibbon family increased. The increased singing began after the new female had started to sing solo female great calls. These observations support the hypothesis that duets have an intergroup communication function in white-cheeked gibbons. The pair that duetted most frequently also copulated most frequently but allogroomed the least. We suggest that duetting may be more important to intergroup relations than to pair bond maintenance in this species.
Some Physiological Aspects of the Basal Ganglia
Authors: Ueki Akira , Yoshida Mitsuo
Published: May 2007

The caudate efferent fibers to the globus pallidus are inhibitory in nature. The pallidothalamic fibers are also inhibitory, exerting monosynaptic IPSPs on the thalamic cells located anteroventrally to the ventrolateral nucleus. Therefore, these two inhibitory neuronal circuits make a double inhibitory chain. To operate the inhibitory circuit, excitatory input to the pallidum is necessary. Stimulation of the ipsilateral brain stem including lemniscus medialis, mesencephalic reticular formation and some other structures, produces short latency excitation of the pallidal cells.
Chemical Aspect of the Thalamus of the Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Nakatani Susumu
Published: May 2007

Thalamic lesions failed to affect the biosynthesis and storage of monoamines on the lesion side of the striatum of normal monkeys and of monkeys with ventromedial tegmental lesions. Distribution of cholinesterase in histochemical coronal, horizontal and sagittal sections suggest a strong chemical modulation of thalamic activity from basal ganglia and related structures projecting to neo- and paleostriatum. It is suggested that the thalamus is the second or third order modulator of the brain.
Sustained Virological Response in the Antiviral Therapy of Chronic Hepatitis C: Is There a Predictive Value of Interferon-Induced Depression?
Authors: Schäfer Arne , Scheurlen Michael , Weissbrich Benedikt , Schöttker Katrin , Kraus Michael R.
Published: May 2007

Background: The study objective was to determine the contribution of cytokine-induced depression to a predictive model of sustained virological response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C. Methods: One hundred and one therapy-naïve hepatitis C virus (HCV) outpatients received treatment with peginterferon alfa-2b and ribavirin. Neuropsychiatric side effects were monitored prospectively (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, DSM-IV criteria for major depression). SVR was defined as a failure to detect HCV by PCR 24 weeks after therapy. Results: SVR rate was 72.3% (73 of 101 patients). Classification data and the extent of interferon-induced depression were not significantly linked to SVR. Virus genotype (p = 0.045) and gender (p = 0.016) contributed significantly to a logistic regression model. Mean (p = 0.811) and maximum (p = 0.744) depression increases were no significant predictors of SVR. Major depression rates (DSM-IV criteria) were 12.3% (9 of 73 patients) in the subgroup with SVR and 10.7% (3 of 28) in patients without SVR. Conclusions: We found no significant association between depression and the efficacy of antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis C. Interferon-induced depressive symptoms are important to be monitored and treated if necessary; however, they cannot be used to predict therapy success.
Sodium Nitroprusside Regulates mRNA Expressions of LTC4 Synthesis Enzymes in Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Rats via NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yang Shu-Long , Chen Li-jun , Kong Yin , Xu Dan , Lou Yi-Jia
Published: May 2007

Leukotriene (LT) C4 (LTC4) synthesis enzymes including LTC4 synthase (LTC4S), microsomal glutathione S-transferase (MGST) 2 and MGST3 can all conjugate LTA4 and reduced glutathione (GSH) to form LTC4, which is related to hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The relationship between nitric oxide (NO) and cysteinyl LTs has been shown in previous studies. However, the mechanisms of NO action on gene expression of LTC4 synthesis enzymes are still largely unclear during hepatic I/R. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups: a sham group (control), an I/R group, and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 2.5, 5 and 10 µg/kg/min) + I/R groups. Livers were subjected to 60 min of partial hepatic ischemia followed by 5 h of reperfusion, saline or SNP (2.5, 5 and 10 µg/kg/min) administered intravenously. The mRNA levels of LTC4 synthesis enzymes, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and endothelial No synthase (eNOS) in rat liver tissue were examined by RT-PCR; the protein expressions of NF-ĸB p65, p50 and IĸBα in liver cell lysates and nuclear extracts were detected by Western blot analysis, and serum NO2· levels were also evaluated. Serum NO2· levels, the protein expressions of NF-ĸB p65 and p50 in the nucleus extract, and hepatic mRNA expressions of LTC4S and iNOS were decreased while hepatic mRNA of eNOS was increased in the SNP (5 and 10 µg/kg/min) + I/R groups when compared with those in the I/R group. SNP (2.5 µg/kg/min) promoted the mRNA expressions of both MGST2 and MGST3, whereas SNP (10 µg/kg/min) increased MGST2 mRNA but decreased MGST3 mRNA compared to those in I/R group. Compared with control, the mRNA expression of MGST2 and MGST3 were elevated in SNP (2.5 µg/kg/min) + I/R group, MGST3 mRNA was significantly declined in the SNP (5 and 10 µg/kg/min) + I/R groups. Immunohistochemistry staining revealed that I/R liver exhibited strong cytoplasmic and nuclear staining for NF-ĸB p65, but the livers of the SNP (2.5 µg/kg/min) + I/R group presented slight cytoplasmic and nuclear staining. But IĸBα protein in all groups remains unchanged. It was concluded that SNP downregulated LTC4S mRNA expression by inhibiting NF-ĸB activation independent of IĸBα, but appeared to have a dual influence on the mRNA expressions of MGST2 and MGST3 by other signaling pathways during hepatic I/R injury.
Multiple Sclerosis with Impaired Neuromuscular Transmission
Authors: Chaco J.
Published: May 2007

Neuromuscular transmission was examined in six patients with multiple sclerosis but without any clinical signs of myasthenia. Impaired transmission, which was cleared by Tensilon, was found in two patients. The connection between multiple sclerosis and myasthenia gravis is discussed.
Stereotactic Evaluation of Bitemporal Epilepsy with Electrodes and Lesions
Authors: Nashold Jr. B.S. , Flanigin Jr. H. , Wilson W.P. , Stewart B.
Published: May 2007

The authors have presented 5 cases of bitemporal epilepsy which were investigated by stereotactic electrode implantation and subsequent treating by stereotactic lesioning. The treated patients showed either relief from seizures or improvement in their seizure control. It is anticipated that further application of this technique will prove beneficial to a segment of epileptics who previously have been uncontrolled by medication and excluded from surgical intervention.
An Analysis of a Trigemino-Facial Reflex in Normal Humans
Authors: Broggi G. , Caraceni T. , Negri S.
Published: May 2007

This paper studies the excitability cycle of the early response to the blink reflex evoked in normal humans by the paired stimuli technique. The results show the presence of a period of early facilitation of the conditioned response lasting for intervals of 1–9 msec between the paired stimuli, followed by a period of inhibition of the response. A late facilitation is also present in some subjects. The late response of the constant blink reflex shows habituation. The proprioceptive nature of the early response of the reflex is discussed.
Sleep Recordings from Limbic Structures in Man
Authors: Giaquinto Salvatore
Published: May 2007

Electrical activity from limbic structures was recorded in epileptic patients carrying chronically implanted electrodes. Power spectra and ‘compressed spectral arrays’ were also calculated. Low frequencies are dominant in the limbic structures. During slow sleep, in all structures, their EEG amplitude and spectral intensity increase. A clear decrease occurs when REM stage is scored. Stages 2–4 are not sharply distinguishable. EEG and spectral differences are found between the neocortex and the limbic structures among the limbic structures and within the same structure. Frequencies from the hippocampal pes during REM stage are completely different from those obtained during wakefulness and slow sleep. On the contrary, the spectrum of the uncus shows the least variations with the time. Fast activity and spindles are mainly seen in the hippocampal pes. Spindles appear during stage 1 and REM. Steady activity at 5 cps similar to the classical Θ-rhythm was seen in a patient, 4 mm above the hippocampal pes. In one single sleep cycle a typical power spectrum was obtained upon occurrence of REM.
Optimum Target for Tremor Arrest
Authors: Driollet R. , Schvarcz J.R. , Orlando J.
Published: May 2007

In an attempt to further define the optimum target for abolishing tremor, 25 cases out of a series of 1,000 consecutive thalamotomies for Parkinson''s disease were selected on the basis that mere impact of electrode placement had suddenly arrested tremor. These sites were carefully plotted, and correlated with the available data from physiological exploration. They were grouped in a relatively restricted area, extended from 2 to 8 mm in front of PC, from 8 mm above to 2 mm below the AC-PC line in the sagittal plane, and from 13 to 15 mm laterally, but densely in its posterio-inferior part. There is a soma-totopic arrangement, since tremor is sometimes exclusively arrested in one limb. These sites correspond to the area from where Gillingham and others reported rhythmic bursting activity synchronous with tremor. Stimulation with low frequency produced an increase or activation of tremor, and with higher frequencies, amelioration or suppressive response. In all cases, the radiofrequency lesion at this site produced a long-lasting relief of tremor, with no side effects. This area corresponded to the prelemniscal radiation and lemniscal sector of V.c.p., V.i.m. and posterior-basal part of V.o.p
Environmental Impacts of Conventional and Sustainable Investment Funds Compared Using Input‐Output Life‐Cycle Assessment
Authors: Koellner Thomas , Suh Sangwon , Weber Olaf , Moser Corinne , Scholz Roland W.
Published: May 2007

This study compares equity funds that are managed according to sustainability goals with conventionally managed funds with respect to their environmental impacts. Overlap in the portfolios of sustainable equity funds and conventional equity funds can be very large. Further, the sector allocation of both types of funds is generally very similar, because portfolio managers follow a chosen benchmark to minimize risk. These two effects may result in no difference existing between the two types of funds in terms of their environmental impact and damage (null hypothesis of this research). This study comparatively assesses the environmental impact of portfolios of 26 investment funds: 13 sustainable investment funds and 13 conventional funds, which are managed according to the benchmark MSCI World. The study applies input–output life‐cycle assessment (IO‐LCA) in combination with a simulation of company‐specific environmental performance. The environmental impact is evaluated per functional unit for each fund, measured as the risk‐adjusted financial performance. The statistical analysis showed that the analyzed sustainable investment funds performed better with respect to environmental impact assessment but worse in economic risk‐adjusted performance (RAP) over the period 2000‐2004. In 2004, however, the RAP of the selected sustainable investment funds showed better performance. Both samples considerably overlap for the environmental and economic parameters. The results suggest that the environmental impact of sustainable investment funds in the sample is slightly less than that of conventional funds.
Radiative Transfer Simulations Using Mesoscale Cloud Model Outputs: Comparisons with Passive Microwave and Infrared Satellite Observations for Midlatitudes
Authors: Meirold-Mautner Ingo , Prigent Catherine , Defer Eric , Pardo Juan R. , Chaboureau Jean-Pierre , Pinty Jean-Pierre , Mech Mario , Crewell Susanne
Published: May 2007

Real midlatitude meteorological cases are simulated over western Europe with the cloud mesoscale model Méso-NH, and the outputs are used to calculate brightness temperatures at microwave frequencies with the Atmospheric Transmission at Microwave (ATM) radiative transfer model. Satellite-observed brightness temperatures (TBs) from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Unit B (AMSU-B) and the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) are compared to the simulated ones. In this paper, one specific situation is examined in detail. The infrared responses have also been calculated and compared to the Meteosat coincident observations. Overall agreement is obtained between the simulated and the observed brightness temperatures in the microwave and in the infrared. The large-scale dynamical structure of the cloud system is well captured by Méso-NH. However, in regions with large quantities of frozen hydrometeors, the comparison shows that the simulated microwave TBs are higher than the measured ones in the window channels at high frequencies, indicating that the calculation does not predict enough scattering. The factors responsible for the scattering (frozen particle distribution, calculation of particle dielectric properties, and nonsphericity of the particles) are analyzed. To assess the quality of the cloud and precipitation simulations by Méso-NH, the microphysical fields predicted by the German Lokal-Modell are also considered. Results show that in these midlatitude situations, the treatment of the snow category has a high impact on the simulated brightness temperatures. The snow scattering parameters are tuned to match the discrete dipole approximation calculations and to obtain a good agreement between simulations and observations even in the areas with significant frozen particles. Analysis of the other meteorological simulations confirms these results. Comparing simulations and observations in the microwave provides a powerful evaluation of resolved clouds in mesoscale models, especially the precipitating ice phase.
Modeling Backscatter Properties of Snowfall at Millimeter Wavelengths
Authors: Matrosov Sergey Y.
Published: May 2007

Ground-based vertically pointing and airborne/spaceborne nadir-pointing millimeter-wavelength radars are being increasingly used worldwide. Though such radars are primarily designed for cloud remote sensing, they can also be used for precipitation measurements including snowfall estimates. In this study, modeling of snowfall radar properties is performed for the common frequencies of millimeter-wavelength radars such as those used by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (Ka and W bands) and the CloudSat mission (W band). Realistic snowflake models including aggregates and single dendrite crystals were used. The model input included appropriate mass–size and terminal fall velocity–size relations and snowflake orientation and shape assumptions. It was shown that unlike in the Rayleigh scattering regime, which is often applicable for longer radar wavelengths, the spherical model does not generally satisfactorily describe scattering of larger snowflakes at millimeter wavelengths. This is especially true when, due to aerodynamic forcing, these snowflakes are oriented primarily with their major dimensions in the horizontal plane and the zenith/nadir radar pointing geometry is used. As a result of modeling using the experimental snowflake size distributions, radar reflectivity–liquid equivalent snowfall rates (Ze–S) relations are suggested for “dry” snowfalls that consist of mostly unrimed snowflakes containing negligible amounts of liquid water. Owing to uncertainties in the model assumptions, these relations, which are derived for the common Ka- and W-band radar frequencies, have significant variability in their coefficients that can exceed a factor of 2 or so. Modeling snowfall attenuation suggests that the attenuation effects in “dry” snowfall can be neglected at the Ka band for most practical cases, while at the W band attenuation may need to be accounted for in heavier snowfalls observed at longer ranges.
The Convective Cold Top and Quasi Equilibrium*
Authors: Holloway Christopher E. , Neelin J. David
Published: May 2007

To investigate dominant vertical structures of observed temperature perturbations, and to test the temperature implications of the convective quasi-equilibrium hypothesis, the relationship of the tropical temperature profile to the average free-tropospheric temperature is examined in Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) satellite data, radiosonde observations, and National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP–NCAR) reanalysis. The spatial scales analyzed extend from the entire Tropics down to a single reanalysis grid point or radiosonde station, with monthly to daily time scales. There is very high vertical coherence of free-tropospheric temperature perturbations. There is also fairly good agreement throughout the free troposphere between observations and a theoretical quasi-equilibrium perturbation profile calculated from a distribution of moist adiabats. The boundary layer is fairly independent from the free troposphere, especially for smaller scales.

A third vertical feature of the temperature perturbation profile is here termed the “convective cold top”—a robust negative correlation between temperature perturbations of the vertically averaged free troposphere and those of the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. The convective cold top is found for observations and reanalysis at many temporal and spatial scales. Given this prevalence, the literature is reviewed for previous examples of what is likely a single phenomenon. One simple explanation is proposed: hydrostatic pressure gradients from tropospheric warming extend above the heating, forcing ascent and adiabatic cooling. The negative temperature anomalies thus created are necessary for anomalous pressure gradients to diminish with height.
A Sensitivity Study of the Effect of Horizontal Photon Transport on the Radiative Forcing of Contrails
Authors: Gounou Amanda , Hogan Robin J.
Published: May 2007

With the rapid growth in air travel, there is concern over the radiative impact of contrails and aircraft-induced cirrus on climate. Previous radiation calculations on contrails have almost all used the independent column approximation, which neglects the transport of photons through the sides of the contrail, but in this study the 3D effects are quantified using the Spherical Harmonic Discrete Ordinate Method (SHDOM). The authors have investigated the dependence of shortwave and longwave radiative forcing on contrail aspect ratio, optical depth, solar zenith angle, solar azimuth angle relative to contrail orientation, particle size, particle habit, surface albedo, and surface temperature. It is found that inclusion of 3D transport results in an increase in the positive longwave radiative forcing of the contrail and either an increase or a decrease in the magnitude of the negative shortwave radiative forcing depending on the orientation of the contrail with respect to the sun. Although these two effects are individually quite modest (of order 10%), the fact that the total shortwave and longwave forcings largely cancel during the day means that the relative change in the net radiative forcing due to the 3D effect is substantial; in some cases this results in a doubling of the net forcing of the contrail, in other cases changing its sign. On a more general note, the relatively simple geometry of contrail cirrus provides an ideal test case for explaining the various mechanisms by which 3D photon transport can change the radiative effect of clouds, which can be rather difficult to visualize for more complex cloud scenarios.