bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perfecting the practice notice board
Authors: Shield Christine
Published: October 2010

THE practice notice board tends to get taken for granted, but it is worth a few minutes' thought to make sure that you are getting the best out of it. Christine Shield suggests ways of making the most of this valuable space.
Making work experience a practice success
Authors: Lean Melanie
Published: October 2010

REQUESTS for work experience can put fear into many employers' minds, but this need not be the case, says Melanie Lean. Work experience can offer students an insight into the type of work a life in practice can involve, be that as a vet, veterinary nurse, technician, pharmacist, farrier or radiographer, to name but a few. Here, she outlines the work experience programme in place at Rossdale & Partners, which is now in its 20th year.
The role of loyalty schemes in veterinary practice
Authors: Riches Louise
Published: October 2010

THE current economic climate makes it all the more important to retain satisfied, committed clients. Over the past decade, a range of businesses have launched loyalty schemes with the aim of establishing bonded, committed relationships with their customers. Loyalty schemes have enabled large organisations such as supermarkets to monitor individual customer buying behaviour, individualise marketing programmes and increase customer spending. Louise Riches examines their role in veterinary practice.
Suspected Organised Dog Fight
Authors: Kerr Annie
Published: October 2010

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved. In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐and‐dried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, entitled ‘Suspected organised dog fight’, is presented and discussed by Annie Kerr. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue. Discussion of the dilemma ‘Dog needs a new home?’, which was published in the March issue of In Practice, appears on page 199.

The series is being coordinated by Siobhan Mullan, of the University of Bristol. It is hoped it will provide a framework that will help practices find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Practical approach to digital radiography
Authors: Caine Abby
Published: October 2010

THE advantages and disadvantages of moving to digital radiography have been widely described, and many practices have consequently take the plunge and invested in a digital system. However, the transition to this form of imaging requires more than investment; new opportunities for use arise that must be understood to maximise the information that can be obtained from the images, and new pitfalls crop up that must be avoided. This article discusses how to obtain and manipulate digital images, and describes some of the more common artefacts that need to be recognised and dealt with.
Recovery from anaesthesia in horses
Authors: Auckburally Adam , Flaherty Derek
Published: October 2010

GENERAL anaesthesia of horses carries a significant risk, with the recovery period being a time of particular concern. Over the years, a number of different drugs and techniques have been suggested in order to make the transition from unconsciousness to standing as smooth as possible. However, as yet, there is no single generally accepted method of ensuring that the recovery period will proceed uneventfully. This article, the first of two, will review the factors implicated in potentially poor‐quality recovery from anaesthesia in horses, and discuss the complications that may arise, together with how to manage them. The second article, to be published in the next issue of In Practice, will highlight some of the techniques that have been suggested in order to minimise the complications.
Turning green: assessing carbon footprints
Authors: Farley Sarah
Published: October 2010

ASSESSING and reducing carbon footprints – that is, how much carbon dioxide a building or business produces, directly and indirectly – is a hot topic, but what does it actually mean for practitioners? Here, Sarah Farley discusses how the University of Liverpool's Small Animal Teaching Hospital went about calculating its carbon footprint and identifying areas where emissions were high – with both environmental and economic benefits.
Practical update on canine lymphoma
Authors: Gear Robyn
Published: October 2010

LYMPHOMAS are one of the most common systemic neoplasms affecting companion animals, accounting for 7 to 24 per cent of all neoplasms and 83 per cent of haematopoietic tumours. Lymphomas are generally responsive to multiagent chemotherapy and, although patients are rarely cured, they can enjoy a good quality of life during remission. Although survival times and treatment regimens have not improved significantly over the past 20 years, some progress has been made recently with regard to chemotherapy protocols for lymphomas and their diagnosis and monitoring. This article describes the classification of lymphomas commonly seen in dogs and outlines the approach to diagnosis. An article in the next issue will discuss the treatment options for canine lymphoma.
Communicating with deaf clients
Authors: Capner Colin
Published: October 2010

TEN years ago, Colin Capner lost the hearing in one ear. Although his hearing gradually returned, the experience left him with an impression of the difficulties experienced by those with hearing loss, and he developed an interest in the problems encountered in the practical interactions between deaf and hearing people. Here, he suggests how to manage consultations with deaf clients to make the experience as easy as possible for all involved.
How much information?, Research involving animals
Authors: Fawcett Anne
Published: October 2010

THIS series gives readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved. In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐anddried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, entitled ‘How much information?’, is presented and discussed by Anne Fawcett. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue. Discussion of the dilemma ‘Research involving animals’, which was published in the July/August issue of In Practice, appears on page 410.

The series is being coordinated by Siobhan Mullan, of the University of Bristol. It is hoped it will provide a framework that will help practices find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Feline inflammatory liver disease: diagnosis and management
Authors: Harvey Andrea
Published: October 2010

FELINE inflammatory liver disease is the most common primary hepatic disorder of cats encountered in the UK but, despite this, there is still much confusion surrounding its diagnosis and management. In the past, this has been partly due to inconsistency in the terminology used for describing and classifying feline inflammatory liver disease, making it difficult to compare cases described in the literature and hard to relate that information to all clinical cases. As a result, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) recently established a Liver Standardization Group, which has re‐evaluated and redefined the histological criteria for both canine and feline liver diseases. This article describes how to recognise variations in the clinical characteristics of different types of feline liver disease in order to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate management.
Practical update on canine lymphoma
Authors: Gear Robyn
Published: October 2010

LYMPHOMA is the most rewarding cancer to treat with chemotherapy. Although a cure is hardly ever achieved and rarely the primary goal, chemotherapy can provide a good quality of life for the patient for a prolonged period of time. This article discusses the treatment options for managing lymphoma in dogs. An article published in the September issue (In Practice, volume 31, pp 380‐384) described the classification of canine lymphomas and outlined how they may be diagnosed.
Veterinary nurses and continuing professional development
Authors: Fraser Claire
Published: October 2010

IN light of the non‐statutory register, currently in place for all qualified small animal and equine veterinary nurses in the UK, the availability of good‐quality and affordable CPD is now even more important than ever. Claire Fraser suggests various ways in which veterinary nurses can keep their CPD up to date.
STUDY ON CHEMOTAXIS BEHAVIORS OF C. ELEGANS USING DYNAMIC NEURAL NETWORK MODELS: FROM ARTIFICIAL TO BIOLOGICAL MODEL
Authors: XU JIAN-XIN , DENG XIN
Published: October 2010

With the anatomical understanding of the neural connection of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), its chemotaxis behaviors are investigated in this paper through the association with the biological nerve connections. The chemotaxis behaviors include food attraction, toxin avoidance and mixed-behaviors (finding food and avoiding toxin concurrently). Eight dynamic neural network (DNN) models, two artifical models and six biological models, are used to learn and implement the chemotaxis behaviors of C. elegans. The eight DNN models are classified into two classes with either single sensory neuron or dual sensory neurons. The DNN models are trained to learn certain switching logics according to different chemotaxis behaviors using real time recurrent learning algorithm (RTRL). First we show the good performance of the two artifical models in food attraction, toxin avoidance and the mixed-behaviors. Next, six neural wire diagrams from sensory neurons to motor neurons are extracted from the anatomical nerve connection of C. elegans. Then the extracted biological wire diagrams are trained using RTRL directly, which is the first time in this field of research by associating chemotaxis behaviors with biological neural models. An interesting discovery is the need for a memory neuron when single-sensory models are used, which is consistent with the anatomical understanding on a specific neuron that functions as a memory. In the simulations, the chemotaxis behaviors of C. elegans can be depicted by several switch logical functions which can be learned by RTRL for both artifical and biological models.
ANALYSIS OF A CLASS OF RECURRENT NEURAL NETWORKS WITH ARBITRARY EXPONENTS
Authors: Xu Fang , Yi Zhang
Published: October 2010

This paper deals with problems of stability and travelling waves for a class of recurrent neural networks with arbitrary exponents k and m. A novel model which is not only nonlinear but also coupled is proposed. This paper makes the following contributions: (1) Conditions for local stablility of 1-D networks and 2-D networks are established with a series of mathematical arguments. (2) Completely convergence of 1-D neural networks is proved by constructing a suitable energy function. (3) The nonuniform solution of the networks is obtained when the connectivity is Gaussian profile. (4) Travelling waves of the networks are analyzed with the connectivity profile. Finally, simulation examples are employed to illustrate the obtained results.
N-body Monte Carlo Simulation on High Contrast Biology Transmission Electron Microscope
Authors: Li Wenping , Han Li
Published: October 2010

Inner and outer diameters of the phase plate limit the number of electrons passing and can affect the high-resolution information in the phase contrast image. A more practical column model including the First Condenser Lens CL1, Second Condenser Lens CL2, Mini-condenser Lens CM and Objective Lens(OL) was first built to obtain the beam performance at the upper surface of the phase plate. N -body Monte Carlo simulation was used to avoid error caused by big defocus from the Guassian image plane where a lens field exists. In building the motion equation in a practical field, second order finite element method and Hermite function interpolation were applied to get the axial field and its arbitrary order derivative. N motion equations were then solved by fifth-order Runge-Kutta algorithm and the performance of un-scattered and scattered electrons was given for a 200kV TEM. Results show that the beam spots are 2.7µm and 39µm for un-scattered and scattered electrons respectively. N -body Monte Carlo simulation can obtain both positions and velocities of un-scattered and scattered electrons at the arbitrary plane with aberrations being considered, which effectively avoids error from the defocus distance in classic aberration integrated methods.
Subducted Precambrian oceanic crust: geochemical and Sr–Nd isotopic evidence from metabasalts of the Aksu blueschist, NW China
Authors: Zheng Bihai , Zhu Wenbin , Jahn Bor-Ming , Shu Liangshu , Zhang Zhiyong , Su Jinbao
Published: October 2010

The Aksu Proterozoic blueschist terrane in northwestern China is regarded as one of the oldest well-substantiated Precambrian blueschist terranes in the world. Previous work has focused on the high-pressure metamorphism: both the age and
P
–
T
conditions of the metamorphic event have been well discussed. However, little attention has been paid to protolith identification of the blueschist terrane. In this paper, we present geochemical and Sr–Nd analyses of metabasalt samples from the blueschist terrane. The results show that the protoliths of these mafic schists were enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt (E-MORB). Crystal fractionation has led to differentiation of trace element concentrations. This provides the opportunity to obtain a protolith Sm–Nd isochron age of 890 ± 23 Ma (MSWD = 0.68). We conclude that the Aksu blueschist terrane represents part of an ocean crust at the NW edge of Rodinia around Tarim at
c
. 890 Ma. It experienced subduction and exhumation followed by accretion to the Tarim craton. If the north margin of present Tarim faced outboard of Rodinia during subduction, it might form one section of the arcuate subduction zone around the supercontinent. Alternatively, the subduction zone may have been located between Tarim and Australia and would later be closed.
Comparison of computing programs at the level of intent
Authors: Jovanovic Vladan , Reichgelt Han
Published: October 2010

In this paper, we compare and contrast accreditation criteria and curricular recommendations of four different computing programs, namely Computer Science (CS), Information Systems (IS), Software Engineering (SE) and Information Technology (IT). The paper presents analysis at a level of program intentions in an effort to highlight the similarities and differences among programs in computing. A better understanding of the programs in computing can lead to more principled answers to the questions about possible standardization of relevant coursework.
Register-relocation
Authors: Kim Jungwook , Jhang Seong Tae , Moon Seung-Jin , Jhon Chu Shik
Published: October 2010

The manufacturing process of microprocessors becomes increasingly fine and the clock frequency is rapidly growing. Since the corresponding power consumption, however, is not reduced, power density is increased dramatically. The generated heat by the power density induces high temperature. The high temperature causes many problems: calculation errors, aging, leakage power, and cooling costs. Register file produces the highest temperature in a microprocessor because of extremely high access frequency and its small area. We demonstrated that the existing renaming unit causes high temperature since it allocates registers imbalanced. Our idea is to redistribute evenly register allocations and accesses across the full range of the register file; consequently, the overall power density is reduced and then the temperature is lowered. The proposed method can be implemented by adding a small logic to the traditional renaming unit with around 1.5% overheads. As a result, temperature drop was up to 10.4°C (11%) on average 4.6°C (6%). We also achieved leakage power savings and performance improvements by the temperature drop.
Regulation of the Pulmonary Circulation in the Fetus and Newborn
Authors: Gao Yuansheng , Raj J. Usha
Published: October 2010

During the development of the pulmonary vasculature in the fetus, many structural and functional changes occur to prepare the lung for the transition to air breathing. The development of the pulmonary circulation is genetically controlled by an array of mitogenic factors in a temporo-spatial order. With advancing gestation, pulmonary vessels acquire increased vasoreactivity. The fetal pulmonary vasculature is exposed to a low oxygen tension environment that promotes high intrinsic myogenic tone and high vasocontractility. At birth, a dramatic reduction in pulmonary arterial pressure and resistance occurs with an increase in oxygen tension and blood flow. The striking hemodynamic differences in the pulmonary circulation of the fetus and newborn are regulated by various factors and vasoactive agents. Among them, nitric oxide, endothelin-1, and prostaglandin I2are mainly derived from endothelial cells and exert their effects via cGMP, cAMP, and Rho kinase signaling pathways. Alterations in these signaling pathways may lead to vascular remodeling, high vasocontractility, and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling in the Heart: Angels Versus Demons in a Heart-Breaking Tale
Authors: Rose Beth A. , Force Thomas , Wang Yibin
Published: October 2010

Among the myriad of intracellular signaling networks that govern the cardiac development and pathogenesis, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are prominent players that have been the focus of extensive investigations in the past decades. The four best characterized MAPK subfamilies, ERK1/2, JNK, p38, and ERK5, are the targets of pharmacological and genetic manipulations to uncover their roles in cardiac development, function, and diseases. However, information reported in the literature from these efforts has not yet resulted in a clear view about the roles of specific MAPK pathways in heart. Rather, controversies from contradictive results have led to a perception that MAPKs are ambiguous characters in heart with both protective and detrimental effects. The primary object of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current progress, in an effort to highlight the areas where consensus is established verses the ones where controversy remains. MAPKs in cardiac development, cardiac hypertrophy, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and pathological remodeling are the main focuses of this review as these represent the most critical issues for evaluating MAPKs as viable targets of therapeutic development. The studies presented in this review will help to reveal the major challenges in the field and the limitations of current approaches and point to a critical need in future studies to gain better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of MAPK function and regulation in the heart.
The β Subunit of Voltage-Gated Ca2+Channels
Authors: Buraei Zafir , Yang Jian
Published: October 2010

Calcium regulates a wide spectrum of physiological processes such as heartbeat, muscle contraction, neuronal communication, hormone release, cell division, and gene transcription. Major entryways for Ca2+in excitable cells are high-voltage activated (HVA) Ca2+channels. These are plasma membrane proteins composed of several subunits, including α1, α2δ, β, and γ. Although the principal α1subunit (Cavα1) contains the channel pore, gating machinery and most drug binding sites, the cytosolic auxiliary β subunit (Cavβ) plays an essential role in regulating the surface expression and gating properties of HVA Ca2+channels. Cavβ is also crucial for the modulation of HVA Ca2+channels by G proteins, kinases, and the Ras-related RGK GTPases. New proteins have emerged in recent years that modulate HVA Ca2+channels by binding to Cavβ. There are also indications that Cavβ may carry out Ca2+channel-independent functions, including directly regulating gene transcription. All four subtypes of Cavβ, encoded by different genes, have a modular organization, consisting of three variable regions, a conserved guanylate kinase (GK) domain, and a conserved Src-homology 3 (SH3) domain, placing them into the membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) protein family. Crystal structures of Cavβs reveal how they interact with Cavα1, open new research avenues, and prompt new inquiries. In this article, we review the structure and various biological functions of Cavβ, with both a historical perspective as well as an emphasis on recent advances.
The Effects of Forodesine in Murine and Human Multiple Myeloma Cells
Authors: Bieghs Liesbeth , Caers Jo , De Bruyne Elke , Van Valckenborgh Els , Higginbotham Fiona , Vanderkerken Karin , Menu Eline
Published: October 2010

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most commonly diagnosed hematological malignancy, characterized by a monoclonal proliferation of malignant cells in the bone marrow. Despite recent advances in treatment strategies, MM remains incurable and new therapeutical targets are needed. Recently forodesine, a purine nucleoside phosphorylase inhibitor, was found to induce apoptosis in leukemic cells of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients by increasing the dGTP levels. We therefore tested whether forodesine was able to inhibit proliferation and/or induce apoptosis in both murine and human MM cells through a similar pathway. We found that after 48 hours of treatment with forodesine there was a slight dGTP increase in 5T33MM and RPMI-8226 MM cells associated with partial inhibition of proliferation and a limited induction of apoptosis. When investigating the pathways leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, we observed an upregulation of p27, caspase 3, and BIM. We can conclude that forodesine has some effects on MM cells but not as impressive as the known effects in leukemic cells. Forodesine might be however potentiating towards other established cytotoxic drugs in MM.
Gene Expression Changes Induced by PPAR Gamma Agonists in Animal and Human Liver
Authors: Rogue Alexandra , Spire Catherine , Brun Manuel , Claude Nancy , Guillouzo André
Published: October 2010

Thiazolidinediones are a class of Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptorγ(PPARγ) agonists that reduce insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic patients. Although no detectable hepatic toxicity has been evidenced in animal studies during preclinical trials, these molecules have nevertheless induced hepatic adverse effects in some treated patients. The mechanism(s) of hepatotoxicity remains equivocal. Several studies have been conducted using PCR analysis and microarray technology to identify possible target genes and here we review the data obtained from variousin vivoandin vitroexperimental models. Although PPARγis expressed at a much lower level in liver than in adipose tissue, PPARγagonists exert various PPARγ-dependent effects in liver in addition to PPARγ-independent effects. Differences in effects are dependent on the choice of agonist and experimental conditions in rodent animal studies and in rodent and human liver cell cultures. These effects are much more pronounced in obese and diabetic liver. Moreover, our own recent studies have shown major interindividual variability in the response of primary human hepatocyte populations to troglitazone treatment, supporting the occurrence of hepatotoxicity in only some individuals.
Causes and Mechanisms of Intrauterine Hypoxia and Its Impact on the Fetal Cardiovascular System: A Review
Authors: Hutter Damian , Kingdom John , Jaeggi Edgar
Published: October 2010

Until today the role of oxygen in the development of the fetus remains controversially discussed. It is still believed that lack of oxygen in utero might be responsible for some of the known congenital cardiovascular malformations. Over the last two decades detailed research has given us new insights and a better understanding of embryogenesis and fetal growth. But most importantly it has repeatedly demonstrated that oxygen only plays a minor role in the early intrauterine development. After organogenesis has taken place hypoxia becomes more important during the second and third trimester of pregnancy when fetal growth occurs. This review will briefly adress causes and mechanisms leading to intrauterine hypoxia and their impact on the fetal cardiovascular system.
Urine Metabolite Analysis Offers Potential Early Diagnosis of Ovarian and Breast Cancers
Authors: Slupsky Carolyn M. , Steed Helen , Wells Tiffany H. , Dabbs Kelly , Schepansky Alexandra , Capstick Valerie , Faught Wylam , Sawyer Michael B.
Published: October 2010

Purpose: Metabolomics is a new, rapidly expanding field dedicated to the global study of metabolites in biological systems. In this article metabolomics is applied to find urinary biomarkers for breast and ovarian cancer.

Experimental Design: Urine samples were collected from early- and late-stage breast and ovarian cancer patients during presurgical examinations and randomly from females with no known cancer. After quantitatively measuring a set of metabolites using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were employed to determine significant differences.

Results: Metabolic phenotypes of breast and ovarian cancers in comparison with normal urine and with each other revealed significance at Bonferroni-corrected significance levels resulting in unique metabolite patterns for breast and ovarian cancer. Intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle and metabolites relating to energy metabolism, amino acids, and gut microbial metabolism were perturbed.

Conclusions: The results presented here illustrate that urinary metabolomics may be useful for detecting early-stage breast and ovarian cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 16(23); 5835–41. ©2010 AACR.
Protection of Mice by a λ-Based Therapeutic Vaccine against Cancer Associated with Human Papillomavirus Type 16
Authors: Ghaemi Amir , Soleimanjahi Hoorieh , Gill Pooria , Hassan Zuhair M. , Razeghi Soodeh , Fazeli Maryam , Razavinikoo Seyed Mohammad H.
Published: October 2010

Objective: Human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoproteins (i.e. E6 and E7) are constitutively expressed in cervical cancer cells. The proteins are ideal targets to be used for developing therapeutic vaccines against existing HPV-associated carcinomas. To date, whole bacteriophage (‘phage’)-λ particles, rather than purified ‘naked’ DNA, have been described as highly efficient delivery vehicles for a DNA vaccine. Methods: In this study, a safe and efficient λ-based therapeutic cancer vaccine, recombinant λ-ZAP E7 phage, was developed by inserting a HPV16 E7 gene into the Lambda ZAP® cytomegalovirus vector. λ-ZAP E7 phages were employed to immunize mice against the E7-expressing murine tumor cell line (TC-1), which is used as a tumor model in an H-2b murine system. Results: The tumor-bearing mice indicated a significant inhibition of tumor growth after 3 injections of 2 × 1012 particles of recombinant phages. Released lactate dehydrogenase, interferon-γ and granzyme B from spleen cells and lymphocyte proliferation of spleen cells, which all demonstrate the enhancement of cell-mediated immunity, suggested the phages could be a potent gene delivery system in animal models. Conclusion: Our results suggest the recombinant phages can be used as effective biological tools for inducing E7-specific protective immune responses. Hence, the study introduces a possible therapeutic strategy against cervical cancer and other HPV-related neoplasia.
Prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Its Subtypes in the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study Cohort
Authors: Dlugaj Martha , Weimar Christian , Wege Natalia , Verde Pablo Emilio , Gerwig Marcus , Dragano Nico , Moebus Susanne , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Erbel Raimund , Siegrist Johannes
Published: October 2010

Aims: We investigated the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and its subtypes according to the original (MCI-original) and modified (MCI-modified; neglecting cognitive complaints) Petersen criteria. Methods: 4,145 subjects (aged 50–80 years) from a German population-based study completed a cognitive screening test and were poststratified into 2 groups with sample sizes of 1,125 for impaired and 3,020 for age-appropriate performance. Random samples of 445 impaired participants and 211 age-appropriate participants received a detailed neuropsychological evaluation. The prevalence of MCI was estimated by a bias correction estimator based on stratum weights. The association between MCI and age, gender and education was analyzed in a logistic regression model. Results: The estimated MCI prevalence was 7.8% (95% CI: 5.7–9.9%) for the original, and 12.1% (95% CI: 9.8–14.4%) for the modified criteria. In the MCI-original group, amnestic MCI subtypes were slightly less common than non-amnestic MCI subtypes (3.5 vs. 4.3%). MCI-original was associated with lower education and older age. In the MCI-modified group, the amnestic subtypes were more common than the non-amnestic MCI subtypes (7.8 vs. 4.3%), and MCI was associated with age, gender and education. Conclusions: Prevalence rates of MCI are high in the general population and vary considerably according to the criteria applied.
Acetaminophen Increases Blood Pressure in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Sudano Isabella , Flammer Andreas J. , Périat Daniel , Enseleit Frank , Hermann Matthias , Wolfrum Mathias , Hirt Astrid , Kaiser Priska , Hurlimann David , Neidhart Michel , Gay Steffen , Holzmeister Johannes , Nussberger Juerg , Mocharla Pavani , Landmesser Ulf , Haile Sarah R. , Corti Roberto , Vanhoutte Paul M. , Lüscher Thomas F. , Noll Georg , Ruschitzka Frank
Published: October 2010

Background—

Because traditional nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs are associated with increased risk for acute cardiovascular events, current guidelines recommend acetaminophen as the first-line analgesic of choice on the assumption of its greater cardiovascular safety. Data from randomized clinical trials prospectively addressing cardiovascular safety of acetaminophen, however, are still lacking, particularly in patients at increased cardiovascular risk. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of acetaminophen in patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods and Results—

The 33 patients with coronary artery disease included in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study received acetaminophen (1 g TID) on top of standard cardiovascular therapy for 2 weeks. Ambulatory blood pressure, heart rate, endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilatation, platelet function, endothelial progenitor cells, markers of the renin-angiotensin system, inflammation, and oxidative stress were determined at baseline and after each treatment period. Treatment with acetaminophen resulted in a significant increase in mean systolic (from 122.4±11.9 to 125.3±12.0 mm HgP=0.02 versus placebo) and diastolic (from 73.2±6.9 to 75.4±7.9 mm HgP=0.02 versus placebo) ambulatory blood pressures. On the other hand, heart rate, endothelial function, early endothelial progenitor cells, and platelet function did not change.

Conclusions—

This study demonstrates for the first time that acetaminophen induces a significant increase in ambulatory blood pressure in patients with coronary artery disease. Thus, the use of acetaminophen should be evaluated as rigorously as traditional nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, particularly in patients at increased cardiovascular risk.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00534651.
Modulation of Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels Induces Cardiogenesis of Pluripotent Stem Cells and Enrichment of Pacemaker-Like Cells
Authors: Kleger Alexander , Seufferlein Thomas , Malan Daniela , Tischendorf Michael , Storch Alexander , Wolheim Anne , Latz Stephan , Protze Stephanie , Porzner Marc , Proepper Christian , Brunner Cornelia , Katz Sarah-Fee , Varma Pusapati Ganesh , Bullinger Lars , Franz Wolfgang-Michael , Koehntop Ralf , Giehl Klaudia , Spyrantis Andreas , Wittekindt Oliver , Lin Quiong , Zenke Martin , Fleischmann Bernd K. , Wartenberg Maria , Wobus Anna M. , Boeckers Tobias M. , Liebau Stefan
Published: October 2010

Background—

Ion channels are key determinants for the function of excitable cells, but little is known about their role and involvement during cardiac development. Earlier work identified Ca
2+
-activated potassium channels of small and intermediate conductance (SKCas) as important regulators of neural stem cell fate. Here we have investigated their impact on the differentiation of pluripotent cells toward the cardiac lineage.

Methods and Results—

We have applied the SKCa activator 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone on embryonic stem cells and identified this particular ion channel family as a new critical target involved in the generation of cardiac pacemaker-like cells: SKCa activation led to rapid remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, inhibition of proliferation, induction of differentiation, and diminished teratoma formation. Time-restricted SKCa activation induced cardiac mesoderm and commitment to the cardiac lineage as shown by gene regulation, protein, and functional electrophysiological studies. In addition, the differentiation into cardiomyocytes was modulated in a qualitative fashion, resulting in a strong enrichment of pacemaker-like cells. This was accompanied by induction of the sino-atrial gene program and in parallel by a loss of the chamber-specific myocardium. In addition, SKCa activity induced activation of the Ras-Mek-Erk signaling cascade, a signaling pathway involved in the 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone–induced effects.

Conclusions—

SKCa activation drives the fate of pluripotent cells toward mesoderm commitment and cardiomyocyte specification, preferentially into nodal-like cardiomyocytes. This provides a novel strategy for the enrichment of cardiomyocytes and in particular, the generation of a specific subtype of cardiomyocytes, pacemaker-like cells, without genetic modification.
Cardiovascular Effects of 1 Year of Progressive and Vigorous Exercise Training in Previously Sedentary Individuals Older Than 65 Years of Age
Authors: Fujimoto Naoki , Prasad Anand , Hastings Jeffrey L. , Arbab-Zadeh Armin , Bhella Paul S. , Shibata Shigeki , Palmer Dean , Levine Benjamin D.
Published: October 2010

Background—

Healthy but sedentary aging leads to cardiovascular stiffening, whereas life-long endurance training preserves left ventricular (LV) compliance. However, it is unknown whether exercise training started later in life can reverse the effects of sedentary behavior on the heart.

Methods and Results—

Twelve sedentary seniors and 12 Masters athletes were thoroughly screened for comorbidities. Subjects underwent invasive hemodynamic measurements with pulmonary artery catheterization to define Starling and LV pressure-volume curves; secondary functional outcomes included Doppler echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging assessment of cardiac morphology, arterial stiffness (total aortic compliance and arterial elastance), and maximal exercise testing. Nine of 12 sedentary seniors (70.6±3 years; 6 male, 3 female) completed 1 year of endurance training followed by repeat measurements. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressures and LV end-diastolic volumes were measured at baseline, during decreased cardiac filling with lower-body negative pressure, and increased filling with saline infusion. LV compliance was assessed by the slope of the pressure-volume curve. Before training, V̇
o
2
max, LV mass, LV end-diastolic volume, and stroke volume were significantly smaller and the LV was less compliant in sedentary seniors than Masters athletes. One year of exercise training had little effect on cardiac compliance. However, it reduced arterial elastance and improved V̇
o
2
max by 19% (22.8±3.4 versus 27.2±4.3 mL/kg/mL;
P
<0.001). LV mass increased (10%, 64.5±7.9 versus 71.2±12.3 g/m
2
;
P
=0.037) with no change in the mass-volume ratio.

Conclusions—

Although 1 year of vigorous exercise training did not appear to favorably reverse cardiac stiffening in sedentary seniors, it nonetheless induced physiological LV remodeling and imparted favorable effects on arterial function and aerobic exercise capacity.
Learning From the Placenta
Authors: Staff Anne Cathrine , Dechend Ralf , Pijnenborg Robert
Published: October 2010

Preeclampsia is a common and potentially lethal pregnancy complication for women and offspring. Women who develop preeclampsia also run a long-term augmented risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death, and two theories are discussed. Women developing preeclampsia and persons developing cardiovascular disease may have common risk factors, which are unmasked by the “stress” of pregnancy. Alternatively, a new risk factor might occur de novo during the preeclamptic pregnancy. In preeclampsia, lipid deposition in walls of the maternal uterine arteries leading to the placenta, named spiral arteries, regularly occurs. These vascular lesions resemble early stages of atherosclerosis and are named “acute atherosis” and is thought to regress after delivery. The mechanisms that contribute to acute atherosis in preeclampsia are largely unknown, but are related to the impaired vascular remodeling of the spiral arteries in the first half of pregnancy. One striking feature is that the development of these “atherosclerosis-like” lesions requires a few months in pregnancy and may be partly linked to invasion of trophoblasts (specialized fetally derived placenta cells). We summarize normal and pathological vessel remodeling in pregnancy and discuss similarities and differences between preeclampsia and arteriosclerosis. The transient appearance of acute atherosis of uterine wall spiral arteries seen in pregnancy complications and the molecular interaction between trophoblast, smooth muscle and vascular cells could add important elements to explain arteriosclerosis and stenosis in cardiovascular disease. Further understanding of the process underlying spiral artery atherosis in the months of pregnancy may cast light on development of cardiovascular disease later in life.
Using Tree Rings to Predict the Response of Tree Growth to Climate Change in the Continental United States during the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Williams A. Park , Michaelsen Joel , Leavitt Steven W. , Still Christopher J.
Published: October 2010

In the early 1900s, tree-ring scientists began analyzing the relative widths of annual growth rings preserved in the cross sections of trees to infer past climate variations. Now, many ring-width index (RWI) chronologies, each representing a specific site and species, are archived online within the International Tree-Ring Data Bank (ITRDB). Comparing annual tree-ring-width data from 1097 sites in the continental United States to climate data, the authors quantitatively evaluated how trees at each site have historically responded to interannual climate variations. For each site, they developed a climate-driven statistical growth equation that uses regional climate variables to model RWI values. The authors applied these growth models to predict how tree growth will respond to twenty-first-century climate change, considering four climate projections. Although caution should be taken when extrapolating past relationships with climate into the future, the authors observed several clear and interesting patterns in the growth projections that seem likely if warming continues. Most notably, the models project that productivity of dominant tree species in the southwestern United States will decrease substantially during this century, especially in warmer and drier areas. In the northwest, nonlinear growth relationships with temperature may lead to warming-induced declines in growth for many trees that historically responded positively to warmer temperatures. This work takes advantage of the unmatched temporal length and spatial breath of annual growth data available within the ITRDB and exemplifies the potential of this ever-growing archive of tree-ring data to serve in meta-analyses of large-scale forest ecology.
The MJO and Convectively Coupled Waves in a Coarse-Resolution GCM with a Simple Multicloud Parameterization
Authors: Khouider Boualem , St-Cyr Amik , Majda Andrew J. , Tribbia Joseph
Published: October 2010

The adequate representation of the dominant intraseasonal and synoptic-scale variability in the tropics, characterized by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and convectively coupled waves, is still problematic in current operational general circulation models (GCMs). Here results are presented using the next-generation NCAR GCM—the High-Order Methods Modeling Environment (HOMME)—as a dry dynamical core at a coarse resolution of about 167 km, coupled to a simple multicloud parameterization. The coupling is performed through a judicious choice of heating vertical profiles for the three cloud types—congestus, deep, and stratiform—that characterize organized tropical convection.

Important control parameters that affect the types of waves that emerge are the background vertical gradient of the moisture and the stratiform fraction in the multicloud parameterization, which set the strength of large-scale moisture convergence and unsaturated downdrafts in the wake of deep convection, respectively. Three numerical simulations using different moisture gradients and different stratiform fractions are considered. The first experiment uses a large moisture gradient and a small stratiform fraction and provides an MJO-like example. It results in an intraseasonal oscillation of zonal wavenumber 2, moving eastward at a constant speed of roughly 5 m s−1. The second uses a weaker background moisture gradient and a large stratiform fraction and yields convectively coupled Rossby, Kelvin, and two-day waves, embedded in and interacting with each other; and the third experiment combines the small stratiform fraction and the weak background moisture gradient to yield a planetary-scale (wavenumber 1) second baroclinic Kelvin wave. While the first two experiments provide two benchmark examples that reproduce several key features of the observational record, the third is more of a demonstration of a bad MJO model solution that exhibits very unrealistic features.
Surface Mass Balance and Runoff Modeling Using HIRHAM4 RCM at Kangerlussuaq (Søndre Strømfjord), West Greenland, 1950–2080
Authors: Mernild Sebastian H. , Liston Glen E. , Hiemstra Christopher A. , Christensen Jens H. , Stendel Martin , Hasholt Bent
Published: October 2010

A regional atmospheric model, the HIRHAM4 regional climate model (RCM) using boundary conditions from the ECHAM5 atmosphere–ocean general circulation model (AOGCM), was downscaled to a 500-m gridcell increment using SnowModel to simulate 131 yr (1950–2080) of hydrologic cycle evolution in west Greenland’s Kangerlussuaq drainage. Projected changes in the Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) surface mass balance (SMB) and runoff are relevant for potential hydropower production and prediction of ecosystem changes in sensitive Kangerlussuaq Fjord systems. Mean annual surface air temperatures and precipitation in the Kangerlussuaq area were simulated to increase by 3.4°C and 95 mm water equivalent (w.eq.), respectively, between 1950 and 2080. The local Kangerlussuaq warming was less than the average warming of 4.8°C simulated for the entire GrIS. The Kangerlussuaq SMB loss increased by an average of 0.3 km3 because of a 0.4 km3 rise in precipitation, 0.1 km3 rise in evaporation and sublimation, and 0.6 km3 gain in runoff (1950–2080). By 2080, the spring runoff season begins approximately three weeks earlier. The average modeled SMB and runoff is approximately −0.1 and 1.2 km3 yr−1, respectively, indicating that ∼10% of the Kangerlussuaq runoff is explained by the GrIS SMB net loss. The cumulative net volume loss (1950–2080) from SMB was 15.9 km3, and runoff was 151.2 km3 w.eq. This runoff volume is expected to have important hydrodynamic and ecological impacts on the stratified salinity in the Kangerlussuaq Fjord and on the transport of freshwater to the ocean.
Assessing Crime as a Problem
Authors: Hipp John R.
Published: October 2010

This study compares the relationship between official crime rates in census tracts and resident perceptions of crime. Using a unique data set that links household-level data from the American Housing Survey metro samples over 25 years (1976-1999) with official crime rate data for census tracts in selected cities during selected years, this study finds that tract violent crime is the strongest predictor of residents’ perception of crime. This standardized coefficient was .71 on average over the seven waves. Models simultaneously taking into account both violent and property crime found a consistently strong positive effect for violent crime but a consistently negative effect for property crime. Among types of violent crime, robbery and aggravated assault have the strongest effect on the perception of crime in the tract. Burglary showed a stronger effect on perceptions of crime in the 1970s but a steadily weakening effect since then. There was little evidence that the racial/ethnic composition of the tract affected these perceptions.
When values collide: Finding common ground for social work education in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Holtzhausen Leon
Published: October 2010

In this article the periphery between indigenous cultural beliefs and values of Emirate social work students in the United Arab Emirates and the often cited default Western social work values and beliefs used to teach social work to others is explored. The aim is to contribute to a better understanding of the significance of indigenous belief and value systems in the formulation of social work education approaches and discourse situated in local cultural beliefs and values rather than the Western or Eurocentric approach.
UK Unemployment in the Great Recession
Authors: Bell David N.F. , Blanchflower David G.
Published: October 2010

This paper considers some of the implications of the increase in UK unemployment since the beginning of the Great Recession. The major finding is that the sharp increase in unemployment and decrease in employment is largely concentrated on the young. This has occurred at a time when the size of the youth cohort is large. As a response to a lack of jobs there has been a substantial increase in applications to university, although there has only been a small rise in the number of places available. Further we find evidence that the unemployed have particularly low levels of well-being, are depressed, have low levels of life satisfaction, have difficulties paying their bills and are especially likely to be in financial difficulties.
Unemployment and Real Wages in the Great Depression
Authors: Solomou Solomos , Weale Martin
Published: October 2010

This article uses a dataset covering ten advanced economies (Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States) to explore the role of real wages as an influence on employment and unemployment in the Great Depression and more generally in the 1920s and 1930s. The distinction between employment and unemployment movements during the Great Depression helps to clarify the role of supply side influences on the national heterogeneity of unemployment increases during the Great Depression. We find little general econometric evidence for the idea that movements in product wages had strong influences on employment either during the period of rising unemployment associated with the depression of the 1930s or more generally with the data which exist for the 1920s and 1930s.