bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postero‐Lateral Scar Tissue Resulting in Non‐Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: BLEEKER GABE B. , SCHALIJ MARTIN J. , VAN DER WALL ERNST E. , BAX JEROEN J.
Published: May 2006

In large cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) trials, approximately 20–30% of patients did not respond to CRT. Recent studies indicated that left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony is needed for response to CRT. However, the presence of LV dyssynchrony may not be the only determinant of response, because some patients with LV dyssynchrony do not benefit from CRT.

In the current case report, we present a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy, NYHA class III heart failure symptoms, and substantial LV dyssynchrony on tissue Doppler imaging who underwent CRT implantation but did not respond. Following CRT, LV dyssynchrony was not reduced and the patient did not improve in clinical symptoms or LV function. The lack of LV resynchronization was explained by the presence of extensive scar tissue in the region of the tip of the LV pacing lead resulting in ineffective LV pacing. In patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and history of previous infarction, assessment of scar tissue should be considered before CRT implantation.
Risk Stratification in Patients with Brugada Syndrome: Analysis of Daily Fluctuations in 12‐Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Signal‐Averaged Electrocardiogram (SAECG)
Authors: TATSUMI HIROAKI , TAKAGI MASAHIKO , NAKAGAWA EIICHIRO , YAMASHITA HAJIME , YOSHIYAMA MINORU
Published: May 2006

Introduction: Risk stratification between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with Brugada syndrome is not yet established. We compared daily fluctuations in 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and signal‐averaged ECG (SAECG) characteristics between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with Brugada syndrome to identify new markers for distinguishing between high‐ and low‐risk patients.

Methods and Results: Thirty‐five patients with Brugada syndrome underwent ECG and SAECG simultaneously at least 4 times every 3 months. We evaluated daily fluctuations (differences between maximum and minimum values) in ECG and SAECG characteristics and compared them between symptomatic (N = 11), and asymptomatic (N = 24) patients. On ECG, the daily fluctuations in r‐J interval (interval from QRS onset to J point) in leads V1, V2, and V6 were significantly larger in symptomatic than in asymptomatic patients (V1; 20 ± 6 vs 10 ± 8 msec, P < 0.01, V2; 22 ± 8 vs 11 ± 4 msec, P < 0.01, and V6; 24 ± 7 vs 14 ± 7 msec, P < 0.01). On SAECG, daily fluctuations in filtered QRS (f‐QRS) duration and LAS40 were significantly larger in symptomatic than in asymptomatic patients (f‐QRS; 15 ± 7 vs 9 ± 4 msec, P < 0.05, and LAS40; 21 ± 7 vs 10 ± 6 msec, P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Instability of depolarization appears to be related to the risk of fatal ventricular arrhythmias in patients with Brugada syndrome. Daily fluctuations in ECG and SAECG characteristics could be useful for distinguishing between high‐ and low‐risk patients with Brugada syndrome.
Uremic syndrome and end‐stage renal disease: Physical manifestations and beyond
Authors: Chikotas Noreen , Gunderman Annette , Oman Terina
Published: May 2006

Purpose: This review summarizes data concerning the incidence, definition, pathophysiology, and physical manifestations of patients with uremic syndrome.

Data sources: Data sources utilized in writing this article included the National Kidney Foundation Guidelines, the United States Renal Data System, textbooks of medicine and pathophysiology, and medical care and nursing journals.

Conclusions: Early identification of kidney disease in the early stages is essential to preserving kidney function for as long as possible. The progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the manifestations of uremic syndrome leading to end‐stage renal failure (ESRF) are often not addressed in the literature for nurse practitioners.

Implications for practice: Patients with progressing CKD and ESRF often present in the primary care setting for treatment of acute and chronic conditions not pertaining to their renal status (e.g., viral upper respiratory infections, diabetes, hypertension). Nurse practitioners need to be knowledgeable about the subtle early presentation of uremic syndrome and ESRF, risk factors for kidney disease, assessment tools to make the diagnosis and stage the disease, treatment of this disease, as well as psychological, economic, and the social impact that ESRF imposes on individuals, families, communities, and the healthcare system as a whole when the chronic disease has progressed to end stage.
Metabolism of perfused pig intercostal muscles evaluated by 31P‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Pedersen Brian Lindegaard , Arendrup Henrik , Secher Niels H. , Quistorff Bjørn
Published: May 2006

This study presents a perfused preparation for evaluation of metabolism in pig intercostal muscle in vitro. Preserved vessels and nerves to an intercostal segment including two adjacent ribs allowed for tissue perfusion and electrical stimulation with measurement of contraction force, oxygen consumption and 31P‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P‐MRS). When perfused at rest with Krebs–Ringer buffer, the preparation maintained physiological levels of phosphocreatine (PCr), inorganic phosphate (Pi), ATP and pH at a stable oxygen consumption of 0.51 ± 0.01 μmol min−1 g−1 for more than 2 h. Tonic stimulation of the nerve caused anaerobic energy consumption as PCr and pH decreased, and both variables recovered after the contraction with half‐time values of ∼7 min. Force increased to 0.040 N g−1 (range, 0.031–0.103 N g−1) and it gradually decreased by about 70% during the subsequent 5 min of stimulation. The calculated free ADP concentration increased from 7.4 ± 2.1 nmol g−1 at rest to 28 ± 12 nmol g−1 (mean ±s.d.) by the end of the stimulation. Thus anaerobic ATP turnover was zero at rest, 6.1 ± 2 μmol min−1 g−1 during the first minute of stimulation and 3.5 ± 0.5 μmol min−1 g−1 during the two last minutes, corresponding to the drop in force. When the preparation was left unperfused, anaerobic ATP turnover averaged 0.40 ± 0.15 μmol min−1 g−1 for the first 10 min. The preparation can also be applied to human intercostal muscles, as demonstrated in one preliminary experiment. The results demonstrate a stable and functional in vitro preparation of intact perfused intercostal muscles in the pig.
l‐Arginine supplementation or arginase inhibition augments reflex cutaneous vasodilatation in aged human skin
Authors: Holowatz Lacy A. , Thompson Caitlin S. , Kenney W. Larry
Published: May 2006

Full expression of reflex cutaneous vasodilatation is dependent on nitric oxide (NO) and vasodilatation is attenuated in healthy older humans. NO bioavailability in aged skin may be decreased by an age‐related upregulation of arginase, which reciprocally regulates the NO‐synthase (NOS) substrate l‐arginine (l‐Arg). We hypothesized that increased arginase activity contributes to attenuated vasodilatation in aged skin by limiting l‐Arg for NOS‐mediated NO synthesis. Five microdialysis fibres were placed in forearm skin of 10 young (Y, 23 ± 1 years) and 9 older (O, 68 ± 1 years) human subjects, serving as control (C, Ringer solution), NOS‐inhibited (10.0 mmNG‐nitro‐l‐arginine), arginase‐inhibited (5.0 mm (S)‐(2‐boronoethyl)‐l‐cysteine + 5.0 mmNω‐hydroxy‐nor‐l‐arginine), l‐arg supplemented (l‐Arg; 10.0 mml‐arginine) and combined arginase‐inhibited +l‐Arg sites. After 20 min thermoneutral baseline, cutaneous vasodilatation was induced by passive whole‐body heating to increase oral temperature (Tor) by 1.0°C. Red blood cell flux was measured by laser‐Doppler flowmetry over each microdialysis site. Cutaneous vascular conductance was calculated (CVC = flux/mean arterial pressure) and normalized to maximal CVC (CVCmax, 28.0 mm sodium nitroprusside + local heating to 43°C). Cutaneous vasodilatation during heating was attenuated in O (Y, 42 ± 1, versus O, 30 ± 1%CVCmax, P < 0.001) at control sites. NOS inhibition decreased vasodilatation in both age groups compared to C (Y, 22 ± 2; O, 18 ± 2%CVCmax; P < 0.001). Arginase inhibition, l‐Arg supplementation, and arginase inhibition +l‐Arg supplementation augmented vasodilatation in O (arginase‐inhibited, 46 ± 4; l‐Arg, 44 ± 4; arginase‐inhibited +l‐arg, 46 ± 5%CVCmax; P < 0.001 versus C) but not in Y (arginase‐inhibited, 46 ± 4; l‐Arg, 38 ± 4; arginase‐inhibited +l‐Arg, 44 ± 4%CVCmax; P > 0.05 versus C). Increasing l‐Arg for NO synthesis by either arginase inhibition or direct l‐Arg supplementation restores the age‐related deficit in reflex cutaneous vasodilatation.
STUDIES OF SODIUM CUPRATE(III) STABILITY
Authors: Magee Jr. J. S. , Wood R. H.
Published: May 2006

not available
ANOMALOUS REACTIONS IN ATTEMPTS TO PREPARE 3-ALKYLTHIOINDOLES
Authors: Jardine R. V. , Brown R. K.
Published: May 2006

Indole magnesium bromide reacting with ethanesulfenyl chloride produces ethyl mercaptan, diethyl disulfide, indole, 3-ethylindole, 3-ethylthioindole, and 3,3′-diindolyl sulfide, along with at least three compounds not yet identified.The reaction of ethyl mercaptan with N-benzoyl-3-bromoindole in dimethylformamide containing potassium carbonate produces indole, 3-bromoindole, ethyl thiolobenzoate, 3-ethylindole, diethyl disulfide, and 3-ethylthioindole.In both of these reactions a substance (or substances) which caused strong allergenic reactions in persons exposed to the reaction mixtures was produced. 3,3′-Diindolyl disulfide was found to be allergenic in minute amounts.
AZASTEROIDAL HORMONE ANALOGUES RELATED TO DOISYNOLIC ACID
Authors: Nelson Norman A. , Schuck James M.
Published: May 2006

Condensation of β-m-methoxyphenethylamine with methyl coumalate followed by saponification of the ester gave N-(m-methoxyphenethyl)-5-carboxy-2-pyridone (I). Cyclization of the pyridone using phosphorus oxychloride gave 3-carboxy-6,7-dihydro-9-methoxybenzo[a]-quinolizinium chloride (IIe), which, on catalytic reduction, afforded the two possible racemic 3-carboxy-1,3,4,6,7,11b-hexahydro-9-methoxy-2H-benzo[a]quinolizines (IIIb and IVb). The corresponding ethyl esters were prepared in an analogous manner and their stereochemistry was assigned on the basis of equilibration experiments. Mercuric acetate oxidation of the racemic esters gave 3-carbethoxy-1,2,3,4,6,7-hexahydro-9-methoxybenzo[a]quinolizinium perchlorate (V).
THE ELECTRON-SPIN RESONANCE SPECTRA OF SOME METHYLATED ANTHRASEMIQUINONES: EVIDENCE FOR RESTRICTED ROTATION
Authors: Elofson R. M. , Schulz K. F. , Galbraith B. E. , Newton R.
Published: May 2006

The hyperfine electron-spin resonance spectra of a number of methyl-substituted 9,10-anthrasemiquinones have been determined. The spectra have been analyzed by computer techniques, and splitting constants have been assigned for all protons. The results indicate that, while the parent quinones are essentially free of steric hindrance, the methyl groups in the α position of the reduced quinones are not free to rotate. The methyl groups in the β position of the semiquinones show normal hyperconjugative behavior. These results are consistent with the different redox potentials of these compounds revealed in a previous study.
1,4-DIARYLPHTHALAZINES AND 1,3-DIARYLISOBENZOFURANS
Authors: Zajac Jr. Walter W. , Pichler Donald E.
Published: May 2006

not available
THE STUDY OF HYDROGEN BONDING AND RELATED PHENOMENA BY SPECTROSCOPIC METHODS: PART IX. THE ULTRAVIOLET ABSORPTION SPECTRUM OF 3-TRIFLUOROMETHYL-2- NITROPHENOL
Authors: Balasubramanian A. , Forbes W. F. , Dearden J. C.
Published: May 2006

The ultraviolet and infrared spectra of 3-trifluoromethyl-2-nitrophenol (I) and of a number of reference compounds have been determined. The transitions which give rise to the observed absorption bands, as well as the effect of steric and electronic interactions on these transitions, are discussed.Remarkable spectral changes are observed for compound I on altering the solvent from cyclohexane to polar solvents such as ether, ethanol, and water. In cyclohexane solution, there is evidence for steric interactions and for relatively weak intramolecular hydrogen bonding. In polar solvents, rupture of the intramolecular hydrogen bond occurs because solvent molecules attach themselves to the functional groups, and particularly to the phenolic OH group. This, in turn, causes the NO2group to be twisted out of the plane of the benzene ring.
REACTION OF N2(A3∑U+) WITH ATOMIC NITROGEN
Authors: Young Robert A.
Published: May 2006

Attempts to measure the actual lifetime of N2(A3∑u+) in active nitrogen resulted only in a very small upper limit of ≈5 × 10−4 s. This result is consistent with quenching of the A3∑u+state by atomic nitrogen in an atom–atom interchange process,[Formula: see text]having a rate coefficient of [Formula: see text] It is suggested that similar processes are involved in determining the distribution of excited states observed in atom association.
FREE RADICALS BY MASS SPECTROMETRY: XXXV. THE HEAT OF FORMATION OF ALLYL RADICAL FROM BIALLYL PYROLYSIS
Authors: Homer J. B. , Lossing F. P.
Published: May 2006

The thermal decomposition of biallyl has been investigated from 977 – 1 070 °K at helium carrier gas pressures of 10–50 Torr. Under these conditions the rate of central C—C bond fission to give two allyl radicals can be measured without interference from secondary reactions. The reaction at the pressures employed is first order with respect to biallyl, but between first and second order in the total pressure. The temperature dependence of the rate constants, extrapolated to infinite pressure, and corrected to 298 °K, gives an activation energy of 45.7 kcal/mole for the reaction, corresponding to ΔHf(allyl) = 33.0 kcal/mole.
STEROIDS AND STEROIDASES: III. DICYCLOHEXYLCARBODIIMIDE–DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE OXIDATIONS OF ALCOHOLS AND THIOLS
Authors: Jones J. Bryan , Wigfield Donald C.
Published: May 2006

A survey of methods for the preparation of acid- and base-labile steroid Δ5-3-ketones showed that oxidation of the appropriate Δ5-3β-alcohols with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide–dimethyl sulfoxide (Moffatt reagent) was the most satisfactory, giving yields of 60–70% of the required ketones with little or no isomerization to the corresponding Δ4-3-ketones. From the oxidation of 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one, the product of a Pummerer rearrangement, 3β-(methylthiomethoxy)-androst-5-en-17-one, was isolated. The Moffatt reagent also was convenient for the oxidation of thiols to the corresponding disulfides.
A comparison of the acidity and basicity of aromatic amines
Authors: Stewart Ross , Dolman Douglas
Published: May 2006

The acidities of a series of anilines and diphenylamines are compared with their basicities. A plot of the acidity versus the basicity (pKHA on ordinate versus

[Formula: see text]) of nine diphenylamines yields a straight line with a slope of 1.30. In a similar plot for 33 substituted anilines and diphenylamines, two types of behavior are observed. Those anilines and diphenylamines without an ortho- or para-nitro group fall about the line with a slope of 1.30, whereas those amines with at least one nitro group in the ortho or para position fall on a different, curved line with a slope of less than unity. The first conjugating nitro group thus has an anomalously large effect on the acidity, but not on the basicity, of aromatic amines. The reasons for this are discussed.An estimate of 33.5 is obtained for the pKHA of ammonia.
Acetonation of D-xylose diethyl dithioacetal
Authors: Lance D. G. , Jones J. K. N.
Published: May 2006

The acetonation of d-xylose diethyl dithioacetal yields the 2,3;4,5-di-O-isopropylidene derivative. Partial acetonation yields the 4,5-, 3,4-, 2,3-, and 2,4-O-isopropylidene derivatives, the structures of which have been proved. The acetonation of the 2,4-O-isopropylidene derivative gives the 2,4;3,5-di-O-isopropylidene derivative. New preparations of 2,3- and 2,5-di-O-methyl-d-xylose, and the preparation of crystalline methyl 2,3-di-O-methyl-α-d-xylofuranoside, are described.
Dipole moments of glycerol, isopropyl alcohol, and isobutyl alcohol
Authors: Rizk H. A. , Elanwar I. M.
Published: May 2006

By the application of a modified form of Onsager's equation to dilute solutions of glycerol in isopropyl alcohol and isobutyl alcohol, and conversely to dilute solutions of each of the latter two alcohols in glycerol, it is found that the apparent solution moments of these alcohols, at the condition of infinite dilution, are 2.68, 1.61, and 1.66 D respectively over the temperature range 30 to 50 °C.
Mercury-sensitized photolysis of perfluorocyclobutene and 1,3-perfluorobutadiene
Authors: Stuckey Wayne , Heicklen Julian
Published: May 2006

The mercury-sensitized photolyses of cyclo-C4F6 and 1,3-C4F6 were examined in the vapor phase. In the c-C4Fe system, the major product was 1,3-C4F6; in the 1,3-C4F6 system, c-C4F6. In both cases, an excited molecule is formed which can pass to a common intermediate structure. The intermediate reverts to 1,3-C4F6 about 86% of the time and to c-C4F6 about 14% of the time. The efficiencies of quenching the excited mercury atom, relative to N2O, are 0.71 and 1.38 for c-C4F6 and 1,3-C4F6 respectively.
The dienone–imine intermediate in the Fischer indole synthesis
Authors: Bajwa G. S. , Brown R. K.
Published: May 2006

Condensation of N′-methyl-2,6-dimethylphenylhydrazine hydrochloride with isobutyraldehyde in dry benzene gave the hydrochloride of a dienone–imine (7) considered to be obtained from the dienone–imine (6) which is believed to be an intermediate in the Fischer indole synthesis.
DEVELOPMENTS IN PERTURBATIVE QCD
Authors: SALAM GAVIN P.
Published: May 2006

A brief review of key recent developments and ongoing projects in perturbative QCD theory, with emphasis on conceptual advances that have the potential for impact on LHC studies. Topics covered include: twistors and new recursive calculational techniques; automation of one-loop predictions; developments concerning NNLO calculations; the status of Monte Carlo event generators and progress in matching to fixed order; analytical resummation including the push to NNLL, automation and gap between jets processes; and progress in the understanding of saturation at small x.
DOUBLE BETA DECAY: EXPERIMENT AND THEORY
Authors: CREMONESI OLIVIERO
Published: May 2006

The present status of experiments searching for neutrinoless double-beta decay (ββ(0ν)) is reviewed and the results of the most sensitive experiments discussed. Phenomenological aspects of ββ(0ν) are introduced and most relevant aspects for neutrino physics discussed. Given the observation of neutrino oscillations and the present knowledge of neutrino masses and mixing parameters, a possibility to observe ββ(0ν) at a neutrino mass scale mν ≈10-50 meV could actually exist. The achievement of the required experimental sensitivity is a real challenge faced by a number of new proposed projects. A review of the most relevant of them is given.
Increases in serum estrogen levels during major illness are caused by increased peripheral aromatization
Authors: Spratt Daniel I. , Morton Jeremy R. , Kramer Robert S. , Mayo Sara W. , Longcope Christopher , Vary Calvin P. H.
Published: May 2006

Although serum testosterone levels decrease acutely in critically ill patients, estrogen levels rise. We hypothesized that increased rates of aromatization of androgens to estrogens underlie the increase in serum estrogen levels. Eleven men and three women (age 42–69 yr) were prospectively studied before and again after elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Each patient received priming doses of [14C]androgen and [3H]estrogen that were immediately followed by peripheral infusions for 210 min. Eight men and three women received androstenedione (A4)/estrone (E1) and three men received testosterone (T)/estradiol (E2). Adipose tissue biopsies were obtained in another six men before and after CABG to evaluate levels of P450 aromatase mRNA. Serum T levels decreased postoperatively in all 17 men ( P < 0.001), whereas E1 levels rose ( P = 0.004), with a trend toward a rise in E2 ( P = 0.23). Peripheral aromatization rates of androgens to estrogens rose markedly in all 14 patients ( P < 0.0001). Estrogen clearance rates rose ( P < 0.002). Mean serum A4 levels increased slightly postoperatively ( P = 0.04), although no increase in A4 production rates (PRs) was observed. T PRs decreased in two of three men, whereas clearance rates increased in all three. Adipose tissue P450 aromatase mRNA content increased postoperatively ( P < 0.001). We conclude that the primary cause of increased estrogen levels in acute illness is increased aromatase P450 gene expression, resulting in enhanced aromatization of androgens to estrogens, a previously undescribed endocrine response to acute illness. Both increased T clearance and decreased T production contribute to decreased serum T levels. Animal studies suggest that these opposing changes in circulating estrogen and androgen levels may be important to reduce morbidity and mortality in critical illness.
Mechanical ventilation promotes redox status alterations in the diaphragm
Authors: Falk D. J. , DeRuisseau K. C. , Van Gammeren D. L. , Deering M. A. , Kavazis A. N. , Powers S. K.
Published: May 2006

Oxidative stress is an important mediator of diaphragm muscle atrophy and contractile dysfunction during prolonged periods of controlled mechanical ventilation (MV). To date, specific details related to the impact of MV on diaphragmatic redox status remain unknown. To fill this void, we tested the hypothesis that MV-induced diaphragmatic oxidative stress is the consequence of both an elevation in intracellular oxidant production in conjunction with a decrease in the antioxidant buffering capacity. Adult rats were assigned to one of two experimental groups: 1) control or 2) 12 h of MV. Compared with controls, diaphragms from MV animals demonstrated increased oxidant production, diminished total antioxidant capacity, and decreased glutathione levels. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA and protein levels increased (23.0- and 5.1-fold, respectively) following MV. Thioredoxin reductase-1 and manganese superoxide dismutase mRNA levels were also increased in the diaphragm following MV (2.4- and 1.6-fold, respectively), although no change was detected in the levels of either protein. Furthermore, copper-zinc superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase mRNA were not altered following MV, although protein content decreased −1.3- and −1.7-fold, respectively. We conclude that MV promotes increased oxidant production and impairment of key antioxidant defenses in the diaphragm; collectively, these changes contribute to the MV-induced oxidative stress in this key inspiratory muscle.
APP Processing and the APP-KPI Domain Involvement in the Amyloid Cascade
Authors: Menéndez-González M. , Pérez-Pinera P. , Martínez-Rivera M. , Calatayud M.T. , Blázquez Menes B.
Published: May 2006

Alternative APP mRNA splicing can generate isoforms of APP containing a Kunitz protease inhibitor (KPI) domain. KPI is one of the main serine protease inhibitors. Protein and mRNA KPI(+)APP levels are elevated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain and are associated with increased amyloid beta deposition. In the last years increasing evidence on multiple points in the amyloid cascade where KPI(+)APP is involved has been accumulated, admitting an outstanding position in the pathogenesis of AD to the KPI domain. This review focuses on the APP processing, the molecular activity of KPI and its physiological and pathological roles and the KPI involvement in the amyloid cascade through the nerve growth factor, the lipoprotein receptor-related protein, the tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme and the Notch1 protein.
The Use of Nerve Growth Factor in Surgical Wound Healing of the Cornea
Authors: Cellini M. , Bendo E. , Bravetti G.O. , Campos E.C.
Published: May 2006

Background: Recent studies have shown how the topical application of nerve growth factor (NGF) has led to the repair of neurotrophic corneal ulcers with recovery of corneal surface sensitivity. The biological effect of NGF, at a corneal level, is mediated by the presence of specific receptors localized on the surfaces of the corneal and conjunctival cells. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of NGF to promote corneal wound healing after cataract surgery. Methods: Thirty patients were divided into two groups (groups A and B) and underwent cataract surgery. After surgery patients in group A received 1 drop of NGF solution (10 µg of NGF dissolved in 50 µl of saline solution, 0.9% of sodium chloride) in the conjunctival fornix every 2 h (from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.) for 2 weeks and then 4 times a day for another week. The patients in group B received 1 drop of hyaluronic acid 0.2% eye drops in the conjunctival fornix every 2 h for 2 weeks and then 4 times a day for another week. With optical coherence tomography (OCT) we evaluated the corneal thickness at the side of the surgical wound, the endothelial cell count and the incision line in the stroma 1, 7 and 21 days after surgery. Results: Before surgery in group A and in group B, the endothelial cell count was 2,607.4 ± 261.0 versus 2,602.0 ± 266.6 (p < 0.991), and the temporal cornea edge thickness was 639.2 ± 24.7 versus 644.4 ± 31.9 µm (p < 0.605), respectively. At 24 h after surgery, the results were: 2,523.2 ± 280.5 versus 2,528.2 ± 235.7 (p < 0.988) and 804.4 ± 29.5 versus 802.6 ± 35.0 µm (p < 0.953). After 7 days the cell count values were: 2,511.4 ± 229.8 versus 2,490.0 ± 230.4 (p < 0.361) and corneal thickness 713.6 ± 16.5 versus 771.4 ± 36.5 µm (p < 0.047). Finally, 21 days after surgery, the number of endothelial cells was 2,540.2 ± 237.3 versus 2,503.4 ± 224.5 (p < 0.382) and corneal thickness 645.2 ± 22.6 versus 704.2 ± 11.8 µm (p < 0.002). In the patients treated with NGF, on day 21, we found with OCT a complete wound healing, and the stromal incision was not visible. Conclusions: This clinical experience shows that the topical administration of NGF is effective in accelerating the healing of surgical corneal wounds.
Intrinsic Fluorescence and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Identify Superficial Foam Cells in Coronary Plaques Prone to Erosion
Authors: Angheloiu George O. , Arendt Joseph T. , Müller Markus G. , Haka Abigail S. , Georgakoudi Irene , Motz Jason T. , Scepanovic Obrad R. , Kuban Barry D. , Myles Jonathan , Miller Frank , Podrez Eugene A. , Fitzmaurice Maryann , Kramer John R. , Feld Michael S.
Published: May 2006

Objective—

Foam cells perform critical functions in atherosclerosis. We hypothesize that coronary segments with superficial foam cells (SFCs) situated in a region of interest with a depth of 200 μm can be identified using intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy (IFS) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). This is a key step in our ongoing program to develop a spectroscopic technique for real-time in vivo diagnosis of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque.

Methods and Results—

We subjected 132 human coronary segments to in vitro IFS and DRS. We detected SFCs in 13 thick fibrous cap atheromas and 8 pathologic intimal thickening (PIT) lesions. SFCs colocalized with accumulations of smooth muscle cells and proteoglycans, including hyaluronan (
P
<0.001). Two spectroscopic parameters were generated from analysis of IFS at 480 nm excitation and DRS. A discriminatory algorithm using these parameters identified specimens with SFC area >40%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 2.5%, and 0% of the region of interest with 98%, 98%, 93%, 94%, 93%, and 90% accuracy, respectively.

Conclusion—

Our combined IFS and DRS technique accurately detects SFCs in thick fibrous cap atheromas and PIT lesions. Because SFCs are associated with histological markers of plaque erosion, our spectroscopic technique could prove useful in identifying vulnerable plaques.
Stroke Information Reported on Local Television News
Authors: Pribble James M. , Goldstein Kenneth M. , Majersik Jennifer J. , Barsan William G. , Brown Devin L. , Morgenstern Lewis B.
Published: May 2006

Background and Purpose—

Local television news commonly reports on health. This study aimed to characterize local TV news stroke reporting in America.

Methods—

Content analysis of stroke stories reported on 122 US local television stations. All stroke stories were coded for main focus and discussion of risk factors, stroke signs and symptoms, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, treatment within 3 hours, or recommendation to call 911.

Results—

Of the 1799 health stories, only 13 stroke stories aired, and the median story length was 24 seconds (interquartile range 21 to 48). Stroke was the 22nd most common health topic. Few stroke stories discussed useful information about prevention or treatment of stroke.

Conclusion—

Stroke stories were nearly nonexistent in our sample, and those reported failed to discuss important messages needed to improve stroke prevention and treatment.
Classification of Cause of Death After Stroke in Clinical Research
Authors: Halkes Patricia H.A. , van Gijn Jan , Kappelle L. Jaap , Koudstaal Peter J. , Algra Ale
Published: May 2006

Background and Purpose—

Classification of outcome events is essential in clinical research. The Executive Committee of the European/Australasian Stroke Prevention in Reversible Ischaemia Trial (ESPRIT), a secondary prevention trial in patients with cerebral ischemia, repeatedly encountered problems in classifying the cause of death after a stroke if the interval between these events was relatively long. We aimed to develop guidelines for classifying such events.

Methods—

Twenty-nine neurologists with a special interest in stroke filled out a questionnaire and audited 5 case vignettes. On the basis of this information, we developed a proposal for classifying causes of death after stroke. This proposal was evaluated in an interobserver analysis in which 10 neurologists or residents in neurology assessed 20 of 100 case vignettes.

Results—

Initially, there was great variation in classifications of the case vignettes, mainly because the correspondents strongly disagreed about the relative importance of the interval between stroke and death, the degree of disability after stroke, the discharge destination (home or institutional care), and the coexistence of infection. In the new proposal, the main criteria were “interval after stroke” (cutoff point at 1 month) and “best Rankin grade after stroke” (cutoff at 3). In the interobserver analysis, good agreement was obtained among the 5 pairs of neurologists who assessed the 20 case vignettes (κ 0.80 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.92).

Conclusions—

In the absence of guidelines, neurologists show striking variation in the classification of causes of death in patients who die after a stroke. With precise rules, agreement in the classification of death after stroke strongly improved.
Vision Change in a Governmental R&D Organization
Authors: Landau Dana , Drori Israel , Porras Jerry
Published: May 2006

The present research demonstrates how a defense R&D organization wishing to deal effectively with a changing reality developed a vision that accommodated somewhat contradictory sets of aspirations and goals: the old and nationalistic together with the new, economically motivated, and market oriented. The novelty of the claim made in this article rests on recognition of the role of vision in organizational survival and change. Whereas the respective dynamics have usually been portrayed in normative terms, guided by the assumption that vision is a prerequisite for change, the conceptual approach applied in this article challenges the one-sidedness of this view. This new perspective dictates the careful scrutiny of the circumstances under which vision might influence change in enabling as well as disabling ways.
Action Research as a Burnout Intervention
Authors: Halbesleben Jonathon R. B. , Osburn Holly K. , Mumford Michael D.
Published: May 2006

Despite a rapidly growing body of work on the nature of stress and burnout in organizations, relatively little research has been conducted to develop strategies for reducing burnout. In this article, we discuss collaborative action research as a mechanism for the reduction of burnout. The authors demonstrate the efficacy of this approach in the context of a federal fire department. Findings suggest that action research has potential as a mechanism for the reduction of burnout, particularly because it is a more holistic approach that can be tailored to fit the needs of an organization.
Stigma Associated With Ghanaian Caregivers of AIDS Patients
Authors: Mwinituo Prudence P. , Mill Judy E.
Published: May 2006

This study explores the experiences of informal caregivers of AIDS patients in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Fifteen interviews were completed in 2002 with 11 informal caregivers, including wives, mothers, boyfriends, daughters, sons and brothers of AIDS patients. Three major themes emerge in the analysis of the interviews with caregivers: stigma, caregiver burden, and caregiver commitment. In this article, the authors focus on the theme of stigma by documenting its presence and highlighting its impact on caregiving activities. Caregivers go to great effort to not only “hide” their patients but also their care giving activities, resulting in the social isolation of both patients and their caregivers. Many caregivers live in secrecy, not sharing their family member’s diagnosis with extended family members. As a result, they receive limited support from the extended family. Stigma results in negative attitudes of neighbors, relatives, and health care workers toward caregivers and their patients.
California Civilization: Beyond the United States of America?
Authors: Chytry Josef
Published: May 2006

Although California is often regarded as a regional civilization within the United States of America, this article argues that California justifies being considered a major civilization in itself, indeed the only genuinely 21stcentury civilization, if only because of its top ranking among world economies. The article traces the varied facets of California natural and social history to show the overriding importance of biodiversity as a perennially unifying theme for an understanding of that civilization, and it confronts the varied challenges to this biodiversity that constitute more recent California history and politics.
The South as Tragic Landscape
Authors: Ruprecht Louis A.
Published: May 2006

Much has been made of the ‘Southern difference’ in cultural and sociological images of the North American landscape. Everything isdifferent there: the cuisine, the music, the religion, and the politics. Moreover, the South was the crucible in which two of the definitive North American experiences were formed: the Civil War (1861–5) and the Civil Rights Movement a century later. This article poses another important category, in addition to ‘race and space’ – namely, the concept of tragedy, and the correlative rendering of the South as ‘America's tragic landscape’.
Levosimendan for Low Cardiac Output: A Pediatric Experience
Authors: Egan Jonathan R. , Clarke Andrew J. B. , Williams Stephen , Cole Andrew D. , Ayer Julian , Jacobe Stephen , Chard Richard B. , Winlaw David S.
Published: May 2006

This was a retrospective observational study in a pediatric intensive care unit, in which 19 patients received levosimendan. There were no adverse events attributable to levosimendan and no instances where the clinical condition worsened after administration. Arterial lactate levels decreased significantly following levosimendan administration during cardiopulmonary bypass for anticipated low cardiac output. In those with established low cardiac output, trends toward improved hemodynamics were seen, with heart rate reduction, an increase in mean blood pressure, a reduction in arterial lactate, and reduced conventional inotrope use. Levosimendan was safely used in a small number of pediatric patients with established low cardiac output state who demonstrated improved hemodynamics and tissue perfusion, with a tendency to reduced conventional inotrope usage, and this warrants its evaluation as an inotrope in the pediatric population.
The PCF, the Surrealists, Clarté and the Rif War
Authors: Drake David
Published: May 2006

The French war in the mountainous Moroccan region of the Rif lasted from spring 1925 until spring 1926. Considered from a perspective of the anti-colonial struggle within France, the Rif War presents a number of important features. It was the first attempt by the newly formed French Communist Party (PCF) to initiate a mass mobilisation in France, culminating in a general strike on 12 October 1925. It also coincided with a rapprochement between the surrealists and the militants grouped around the review Clarté, providing them with a shared practical focus for political action. This article traces the relationships between the PCF, the surrealists and the Clarté group during the period of the Rif War.
Bourdieu in the Field
Authors: Grenfell Michael
Published: May 2006

This article considers the early work of the French social theorist Pierre Bourdieu as an ‘intellectual response’ to two primary life experiences: one in the Béarn and the other in Algeria. It draws attention to the structural homologies between the two areas: in particular, the way that temporal features offered a basis to a theory of practice which was extended and applied subsequently throughout Bourdieu's career. It includes a discussion of ‘time’ in his work, its ramifications, and the consequences the approach has for understanding social theory, and therefore action, in Bourdieusian terms. It illuminates the problems of each area and the solutions implied by this approach.
Environmental Reform in Asia
Authors: Sonnenfeld David A. , Mol Arthur P. J.
Published: May 2006

Most comparative studies of environmental reform have focused on the experiences of advanced, industrialized societies in Europe and the Americas. But can these research traditions be applied when studying processes of environmental reform in Asia, a continent of crucial importance for the global environment? Significant methodological challenges exist in operationalizing and measuring environmental reform in Asia and elsewhere. This article explores possibilities and requirements for addressing such questions and challenges through an analysis of data from official and other sources on trends in environmental performance in 11 market-oriented, industrialized, and industrializing states in Asia during the past several decades. What evidence is there of improvement (or deterioration) in environmental quality? How can changes be explained? To what extent can improvements be attributed to innovations in environmental policy and practice? Preliminary findings, interpretations, and assessments, along with a call for new comparative analyses of environmental reform in Asia, are presented.
Reforms for Managing Urban Environmental Infrastructure and Services in Asia
Authors: Memon Mushtaq Ahmed , Imura Hidefumi , Shirakawa Hiroaki
Published: May 2006

Most Asian countries are undergoing reforms to bring improvements in local environmental governance. Decentralization, private-sector participation, and community participation are the major reforms contributing toward good governance, including in urban environmental management. Increasing demand for adequate environmental services and effective natural resource protection, because of rapid urbanization and economic growth, is pushing national and local agencies to accelerate reform. This article reviews environmental reforms and their practical applications in solid waste management, water supply and wastewater management, and air quality management in 14 Asian cities. There have been considerable improvements in the quality and coverage of urban environmental infrastructure and services in these cities. These improvements can be further optimized by improving the combination of reforms for the targeted service: building the capacity of local government institutions, community enterprises, and civil society; and modifying initiatives and programs to address diversified needs and characteristics within the same city.
Opportunities for Environmental Management in the Mining Sector in Asia
Authors: Burke Gill
Published: May 2006

The mining sector in Asia has often been characterized more by poor rather than by good environmental management. Thus, “mining and the environment” occupy contested terrain. This article focuses mainly on the small-scale mining sector, with examples drawn from the region. Small-scale artisanal mining is frequently depicted as environmentally harmful; however, even with large mining operations there are areas where environmental mismanagement may occur. Tailings disposal and reclamation following mine closure are the most frequent examples. Sometimes the nexus between large-scale mines and national or regional government makes environmental regulation enforcement problematic. Links between local government and small-scale mining operations can bring similar regulatory problems. In some countries, small-scale mining’s illegality makes regulation a near impossibility. Although acknowledging that little actually has been achieved so far, the article suggests that nonetheless good environmental management might be easier to establish in this sector.
Two-, Three-, and Four-Factor PCL-R Models in Applied Sex Offender Risk Assessments
Authors: Weaver Christopher M. , Meyer Robert G. , Van Nort James J. , Tristan Luciano
Published: May 2006

The authors compared 2-, 3-, 4-factor, and 2-factor/4-facet Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) models in a previously unpublished sample of 1,566 adult male sex offenders assessed under applied clinical conditions as part of a comprehensive state-mandated community notification risk assessment procedure. “Testlets” significantly improved the performance of all models. The 3-factor model provided the best fit to the current data, followed by the 2-factor/4-facet model. The 2-factor model was not supported.
Custodial Sentencing of Children: Prospects for Reversing the Tide
Authors: Bateman Tim
Published: May 2006

This article examines the extent of custodial sentencing of children in England and Wales and locates it within the context of Article 37 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Drawing on a recent survey, undertaken by NACRO on behalf of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales, the evidence for the existence of ‘justice by geography’ in terms of the use of custody is reviewed, and factors which might account for variations in sentencing practice are explored. Finally, an assessment is given of the prospects for reversing the recent trend to deprive increasing numbers of children of their liberty, in the light of current developments in policy and practice.
Korrectional Karaoke: New Labour and the Zombification of Youth Justice
Authors: Pitts John
Published: May 2006

This article examines the strategies developed within and around government to achieve a homogeneous youth justice service in England and Wales. It examines the ways in which political imperatives have shaped the theories and ideas which have informed the development of the service, its administration, the goals to which professionals are required to strive and the methods they must employ. It argues that this has had a limiting effect upon both thinking about, and practice within, the service and has generated tension which may well undermine its stated goals.
Who are these Youths? Language in the Service of Policy
Authors: Piper Christine
Published: May 2006

In the 1990s policy relating to children and young people who offend developed as a result of the interplay of political imperatives and populist demands. The ‘responsibilisation’ of young offenders and the ‘no excuses’ culture of youth justice have been ‘marketed’ through a discourse which evidences linguistic changes. This article focuses on one particular area of policy change, that relating to the prosecutorial decision, to show how particular images of children were both reflected and constructed through a changing selection of words to describe the non-adult suspect and offender. In such minutiae of discourse can be found not only the signifiers of public attitudinal and policy change, but also the means by which undesirable policy developments can be challenged.
Youth Justice and Social Inclusion
Authors: Rutherford Andrew
Published: May 2006

In this article three phases of youth justice policy and practice in England and Wales are considered and the attempt is made to draw out implications for other jurisdictions. The first two phases are broadly the 1980s, a period characterised by minimal intervention, and the 1990s a period in which a hardening of criminal justice rhetoric and policy was evident (or to be a little more precise 1982-1991 and 1992 through to present times). Attaching dates to the third phase is much more speculative but by mid-2002 there were indications that it may have been in embryonic form. To the extent that Phase Three is in the making, its contours and substance of course remain matters of choice by policy-makers and practitioners, but there are some indications that an emphasis on social inclusion promises a more progressive set of policy and practice responses for youth justice.
Dispersal of Rights: A Critical Comment on Specified Provisions of the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill
Authors: Walsh Charlotte
Published: May 2006

This short paper offers critical commentary on the provisions for dispersal of groups contained within the recent Anti-Social Behaviour Bill. The desirability of these proposals becoming legislation is questioned, both on the basis of their potential incursions into the rights of children and young people, and in light of the numerous overlapping powers that already exist in this area. Finally, the likelihood of these new measures achieving their desired effect - namely, addressing fear of crime - is queried.
New Labour, Youth Justice and the Question of ‘Respect’
Authors: Jamieson Janet
Published: May 2006

The launch of the ‘Respect Task Force’, on 2 September 2005, signals the New Labour government's ongoing electoral preoccupation with the behaviour of young people. Reflecting on how the ‘respect’ agenda fits into New Labour's overall youth justice project, in England and Wales, this paper argues that the government's willingness to define, legislate and sanction with regard to those responsibilities it deems essential to the membership rights of ‘law-abiding’ society is unlikely to engender positive outcomes. Rather it is contended that the continuing commitment to authoritarian penal populism within youth justice rhetoric and policy is likely to prove alienating, damaging and ultimately counterproductive.
Acquisition of the V617F mutation of JAK2 is a late genetic event in a subset of patients with myeloproliferative disorders
Authors: Kralovics Robert , Teo Soon-Siong , Li Sai , Theocharides Alexandre , Buser Andreas S. , Tichelli Andre , Skoda Radek C.
Published: May 2006

An acquired gain-of-function mutation in the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2-V617F) is frequently found in patients with myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs). To test the hypothesis that JAK2-V617F is the disease-initiating mutation, we examined whether all cells of clonal origin carry the JAK2-V617F mutation. Using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for the JAK2 mutation and for the X-chromosomal clonality markers IDS and MPP1, we found that the percentage of granulocytes and platelets with JAK2-V617F was often markedly lower than the percentage of clonal granulocytes determined by IDS or MPP1 clonality assays in female patients. Using deletions of chromosome 20q (del20q) as an autosomal, X-chromosome–independent clonality marker, we found a similar discrepancy between the percentage of cells carrying JAK2-V617F and del20q. Our results suggest that in a proportion of patients with MPDs, JAK2-V617F occurs on the background of clonal hematopoiesis caused by a somatic mutation in an as-yet-unknown gene.