bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NON-COMMUTATIVE CONNECTIONS OF THE SECOND KIND
Authors: BRZEZIŃSKI TOMASZ
Published: October 2008

A connection-like objects, termed hom-connections are defined in the realm of non-commutative geometry. The definition is based on the use of homomorphisms rather than tensor products. It is shown that hom-connections arise naturally from (strong) connections in non-commutative principal bundles. The induction procedure of hom-connections via a map of differential graded algebras or a differentiable bimodule is described. The curvature for a hom-connection is defined, and it is shown that flat hom-connections give rise to a chain complex.
ON GROUP FACTORIZATIONS USING FREE MAPPINGS
Authors: BOŽOVIĆ VLADIMIR , PACE NICOLA
Published: October 2008

We say that a collection of subsets α = [B1,…, Bk] of a group G is a factorization if G = B1,…,Bk and each element of G is expressed in a unique way in this product. By using a special type of mappings between groups A and B, called free mappings, we exhibit an algorithmic way to construct nontrivial factorizations of a group G, such that G ≅ A × B. In Lemma 3.2 we give a simple way to construct free mappings. It turns out that this approach has greater importance when G is an abelian group. We give illustrative examples of this method in the cases ℤp × ℤp and ℤp × ℤq where p and q are different prime numbers. An interesting connection between free mappings and Rédei's theorem, with a number theoretic implication, is given.
ON HERMITIAN PFISTER FORMS
Authors: GRENIER-BOLEY NICOLAS , LEQUEU EMMANUEL , MAHMOUDI MOHAMMAD GHOLAMZADEH
Published: October 2008

Let K be a field of characteristic different from 2. It is known that a quadratic Pfister form over K is hyperbolic once it is isotropic. It is also known that the dimension of an anisotropic quadratic form over K belonging to a given power of the fundamental ideal of the Witt ring of K is lower bounded. In this paper, weak analogues of these two statements are proved for hermitian forms over a multiquaternion algebra with involution. Consequences for Pfister involutions are also drawn. An invariant uα of K with respect to a nonzero pure quaternion of a quaternion division algebra over K is defined. Upper bounds for this invariant are provided. In particular an analogue is obtained of a result of Elman and Lam concerning the u-invariant of a field of level at most 2.
BRAUER PAIRS OF VZ-GROUPS
Authors: NENCIU ADRIANA
Published: October 2008

Two non-isomorphic finite groups form a Brauer pair if there exist a bijection for the conjugacy classes and a bijection for the irreducible characters that preserve all the character values and the power map. A group is called a VZ-group if all its nonlinear irreducible characters vanish off the center. In this paper we give necessary and sufficient conditions for two non-isomorphic VZ-groups to form a Brauer pair.
NEAR-DIAGONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF CONJUGACY CLASSES OF ORTHOGONAL MATRICES
Authors: ĐOKOVIĆ DRAGOMIR Ž. , ZHAO KAIMING
Published: October 2008

Let F be an algebraically closed field of characteristic not 2. Define the orthogonal group, O n(F), as the subgroup of GL n(F) consisting of matrices X such that X-1 = X', the transpose of X. We prove that any A ∈ O n(F) having no elementary divisors (t ± 1)k, with k even, is conjugate to a direct sum of zigzag matrices. A zigzag matrix is a special kind of a band matrix with only five nonzero diagonals. We also propose a conjecture about the case excluded above.
GAUGE THEORY AND WILD RAMIFICATION
Authors: WITTEN EDWARD
Published: October 2008

The gauge theory approach to the geometric Langlands program is extended to the case of wild ramification. The new ingredients that are required, relative to the tamely ramified case, are differential operators with irregular singularities, Stokes phenomena, isomonodromic deformation, and, from a physical point of view, new surface operators associated with higher order singularities.
SPECTRAL FORMULATION OF THE TWO FLUID EULER EQUATIONS WITH A FREE INTERFACE AND LONG WAVE REDUCTIONS
Authors: ABLOWITZ M. J. , HAUT T. S.
Published: October 2008

A nonlocal spectral formulation of classic water waves is derived, and its connection to the classic water wave equations and the Dirichlet–Neumann operator is explored. The nonlocal spectral formulation is also extended to a two-fluid system with a free interface, from which long wave asymptotic reductions are obtained. Of particular interest is an asymptotically distinguished (2 + 1)-dimensional generalization of the intermediate long wave equation, which includes the Kadomtsev–Petviashvili equation and the Benjamin–Ono equation as limiting cases. Lump-type solutions to this (2 + 1)-dimensional ILW equation are obtained, and the speed versus amplitude relationship is shown to be linear in the shallow, intermediate, and deep water regimes.
A NEW INVARIANT IN PLANT PHYLLOTAXIS
Authors: NEWELL ALAN C. , SHIPMAN PATRICK D.
Published: October 2008

It has been known for centuries that the configurations of phylla (flowers, bracts) on plants have special properties. The difference in angular positions of successive phylla is locally constant (called the divergence angle) and is close to the golden angle; the radial positions are related by the locally constant plastichrone ratio. The phylla themselves lie on clockwise and counterclockwise families of spirals and the numbers in each family follow, for many plants, the regular Fibonacci sequence. We introduce a new invariant related to the self-similar nature of the phyllotactic pattern which essentially tells one about the shapes of the deformations from which the pattern is formed.
BILINEARIZATION AND SOLUTIONS OF THE KdV6 EQUATION
Authors: RAMANI A. , GRAMMATICOS B. , WILLOX R.
Published: October 2008

We examine the recently proposed KdV6 integrable evolution equation. Starting from solutions suggested by singularity analysis and using the auto-Bäcklund transformation, we construct solutions of the KdV6 which involve one arbitrary function of time. Next, we proceed to bilinearize the equation and derive a new, simpler, auto-Bäcklund transformation. Starting from the solutions of the KdV equation we construct those of the KdV6 in the form of M kinks and N poles and which indeed involve an arbitrary function of time.
RATIONAL SOLUTIONS OF THE BOUSSINESQ EQUATION
Authors: CLARKSON PETER A.
Published: October 2008

Rational solutions of the Boussinesq equation are expressed in terms of special polynomials associated with rational solutions of the second and fourth Painlevé equations, which arise as symmetry reductions of the Boussinesq equation. Further generalized rational solutions of the Boussinesq equation, which involve an infinite number of arbitrary constants, are derived. The generalized rational solutions are analogs of such solutions for the Korteweg–de Vries and nonlinear Schrödinger equations.
Timing and nature of Quaternary fluvial incision in the Ouarzazate foreland basin, Morocco
Authors: ARBOLEYA MARIA-LUISA , BABAULT JULIEN , OWEN LEWIS A. , TEIXELL ANTONIO , FINKEL ROBERT C.
Published: October 2008

The history of alluvial fan and terrace formation within a stretch of the Ouarzazate basin along the southern margin of the Central High Atlas is reconstructed using geomorphological and
10
Be terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide (TCN) methods. Alluvial fan and terrace incision was controlled partially by a drop in base level during the Pliocene or early Pleistocene as the outlet channel, the Draa river, progressively cut through the Anti-Atlas to the south of the Ouarzazate foreland basin, the drainage of which started to become external after a long period of internal drained conditions. The alluvial fans and terrace surfaces have abandonment ages that date to at least the past four glacial cycles. Their formation was strongly modulated by climate on glacial–interglacial time scales as base level dropped. This demonstrates a strong climatic control on sediment transfer and landscape denudation during the Quaternary and provides a model for understanding sediment transfer in other intracontinental mountain belts. Furthermore, these data show that mean rates of fluvial incision in this region range between 0.3 and 1.0 mm a
−1
for the latter part of the Quaternary. This study provides the first comprehensive TCN chronology for the Atlas Mountains, and it illustrates the applicability and limitations of TCN methods.
Characterizing the Mesozoic extension direction in the northern Iberian plate margin by anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS)
Authors: SOTO RUTH , CASAS-SAINZ ANTONIO M. , VILLALAíN JUAN J. , GIL-IMAZ ANDRÉS , FERNÁNDEZ-GONZÁLEZ GUILLERMO , DEL RÍO PEDRO , CALVO MANUEL , MOCHALES TANIA
Published: October 2008

We present the results of anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) analyses carried out on weakly deformed Triassic red beds, Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous limestones, sandstones and shales from several northern Iberian Mesozoic basins located near the northern Iberian plate margin (Santander, Cabuérniga and Polientes basins in the western part of the Basque–Cantabrian basin, and Bilbao and Aralar basins in the central–eastern part; Cameros basin in the northernmost part of the Iberian chain). A well-defined magnetic lineation of tectonic origin is found at most of the sampled sites, and is interpreted as the stretching direction resulting from the extensional deformation characterizing this period. During the Mesozoic, the northern margin of the Iberian plate underwent two rifting stages, the Triassic and Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (Kimmeridgian–Albian) rifting events. Both the Triassic and the period of the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous rifting event with maximum subsidence rates (i.e. until the Barremian) are characterized by a NE–SW extensional direction in the main subsidence areas. This indicates that NW–SE master faults controlled basin subsidence and sedimentation through these periods in the northern Iberia plate margin basins. Conversely, during Jurassic and Aptian times a lower activity of NW–SE faults, together with more important extension along a NW–SE direction can be inferred from AMS analysis. This study indicates the power of AMS analysis in basin analysis and geodynamic reconstructions even in subsequently inverted basins.
Vertical ductile thinning and its contribution to the exhumation of high-pressure rocks: the Cycladic blueschist unit in the Aegean
Authors: RING UWE , KUMERICS CHRISTINE
Published: October 2008

The contribution of vertical ductile thinning to the exhumation of high-pressure rocks is evaluated by estimating finite strain in 75 exhumed high-pressure rocks of the Cycladic blueschist unit in the Aegean Sea, Greece, and western Turkey. Strain data indicate heterogeneous deformation; principal stretches are 1.24–5.03 for
S

X

, 0.63–2.53 for
S

Y

and 0.10–0.81 for
S

Z

, with a tensor average of
S

X

:
S

Y

:
S

Z

=1.52:1.28:0.51. A 1D numerical model, which integrates velocity gradients along a vertical flow path with a steady-state orogen, is used to estimate the contribution of ductile thinning of the overburden of the high-pressure rocks to exhumation. Using a strain-rate law that is proportional to depth, averaged results show that ductile flow contributed
c
. 20% to exhumation. A major implication is that the vertical strain in the exhumed rocks is an overestimate of the contribution that ductile flow makes to the total exhumation. A proportional strain-rate law that scales linearly with depth implies that material points rising towards the surface move quickly out of the more rapidly deforming part of the orogen. Therefore, very large vertical strains >90% in deeply exhumed rocks are needed for vertical ductile thinning to be a major exhumation process.
Jury Systems Around the World
Authors: Hans Valerie P.
Published: October 2008

Lay citizens participate as decision makers in the legal systems of many countries. This review describes the different approaches that countries employ to integrate lay decision makers, contrasting in particular the use of juries composed of all citizens with mixed decision-making bodies of lay and law-trained judges. The review discusses research on the benefits and drawbacks of lay legal decision making as well as international support for the use of ordinary citizens as legal decision makers, with an eye to explaining a recent increase in new jury systems around the world. The review calls for more comparative work on diverse approaches to lay participation, examining how different methods of including lay participation promote or detract from fact finding, legal consciousness, civic engagement, and citizen power.
Organizations, Regulation, and Economic Behavior: Regulatory Dynamics and Forms from the Nineteenth to Twenty-First Century
Authors: Schneiberg Marc , Bartley Tim
Published: October 2008

Current scholarship suggests that instead of fueling deregulation and a race to the bottom, globalization and neoliberalism often go hand in hand with the expansion of regulatory rules and agents. We survey efforts to address this paradox. Building on analyses of nineteenth- and twentieth-century regulation, research on the current period has produced two critical analytical advances. It has developed new, multilevel conceptions of globalization, international interdependence, and their effects on regulation. Moreover, in grappling with new regulatory experiments, research has moved beyond command and control to reconceptualize regulation as an institutional form. Yet in its haste to understand the new century, this research has barely begun to produce systematic analyses of whether and how new forms are translated into practice and shape organizational behavior. It also assumes discontinuity between new forms and their bureaucratic predecessors, leaving unexplored how concepts developed for the new century can shed new light on pre-twenty-first-century forms. We propose strategies for future research on both these fronts.
The Political Economy of American Indian Gaming
Authors: Cornell Stephen
Published: October 2008

Since the late 1980s, the commercial gaming industry has grown rapidly on American Indian reservations. Today, more than 200 Indian nations own more than 400 gaming operations in 28 states, yielding revenues in 2006 of more than $25 billion. How did this come about and what are the effects on Indian nations and on non-Native communities? The organization of contemporary Indian gaming operations has its roots in tribal-state conflicts dating to the late 1970s. It is a governmental activity, carried out by tribal governments on the basis of the preexisting rights of Indian nations, although it has been substantially constrained by congressional legislation and federal court decisions. While gaming's effects are unevenly distributed across tribes, its political, economic, and social impacts on many Indian reservations have been significant and positive, and it has had positive economic effects on many non-Native communities as well, particularly in distressed areas. But our understanding of gaming's effects is hindered by a lack of comprehensive case studies of gaming-related tribal decision making and of gaming's effects on both Native and non-Native communities.
The Psychology of Confessions
Authors: Kassin Saul M.
Published: October 2008

Despite the potency of confession evidence in criminal law, recent DNA exonerations indicate that false confessions are a contributing factor in numerous wrongful convictions. After distinguishing between voluntary, compliant, and internalized false confessions, this article reviews research implicating a sequence of three processes responsible for false confessions and the adverse consequences of these confessions. First, police often target innocent people for interrogation because of erroneous judgments of truth and deception made during preinterrogation interviews. Second, innocent people are sometimes induced to confess as a function of certain police interrogation tactics, dispositional suspect vulnerabilities, and naive mental state that accompanies innocence. Third, people cannot readily distinguish between true and false confessions and often fail to discount those confessions they perceive to be coerced. At present, researchers are seeking ways to improve the accuracy of confession evidence and its evaluation in the courtroom.
XPS Study and Optical Properties of Si Films Electrodeposited in a Room-Temperature Ionic Liquid
Authors: Nishimura Yusaku , Fukunaka Yasuhiro , Nohira Toshiyuki , Goto Takuya , Hachiya Kan , Nishida Tetsuo , Hagiwara Rika
Published: October 2008

The binding state of Si in films electrodeposited in trimethyl-n-hexylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide containing 0.1 mol L−1 SiCl4 was investigated by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The bombardment of Ar+ mainly causes the transition of spectrum shape from bimodal to broad in XPS spectra of Si 2p core level when Ar+ etching is conducted. Angle-resolved XPS confirmed that the bimodal spectrum for the electrodeposited film surface is due to the oxidation in the air. The electrodeposited Si film was also characterized by reflectance and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. These measurements demonstrated that the electrodeposited film contains amorphous Si with the band gap of about 1.55 eV and a broad PL peak centered at the photon energy of 1.37 eV.
Electrodeposition of Ferromagnetic Materials from Air and Water Stable Ionic Liquids
Authors: Ispas Adriana , Bushbeck Mihaela , Uhlemann Margitta , Bund Andreas , Pitula Slawomir , Mudring Anja , Endres Frank
Published: October 2008

This paper describes recent results from the authors' labs dealing with the electrodeposition of thin cobalt layers from 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([Py1,4] ¬TFSA) ionic liquid with tailor-made metal salts. We applied the electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) with damping monitoring for the in-situ determination of the mass-charge balance and of the current efficiency of the deposition process. Higher temperatures improved the quality of the deposited layers. Thus uniform deposits with a grain size of some tens of nm were obtained at 120 degrees Celsius whereas no Co layers could be electrodeposited at room temperature from the [Py1,4] ¬TFSA either by potentiostatic or galvanostatic control.
Ca2+-independent PLA2 controls endothelial store-operated Ca2+ entry and vascular tone in intact aorta
Authors: Boittin François-Xavier , Gribi Françoise , Serir Karima , Bény Jean-Louis
Published: October 2008

During an agonist stimulation of endothelial cells, the sustained Ca2+ entry occurring through store-operated channels has been shown to significantly contribute to smooth muscle relaxation through the release of relaxing factors such as nitric oxide (NO). However, the mechanisms linking Ca2+ stores depletion to the opening of such channels are still elusive. We have used Ca2+ and tension measurements in intact aortic strips to investigate the role of the Ca2+-independent isoform of phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) in endothelial store-operated Ca2+ entry and endothelium-dependent relaxation of smooth muscle. We provide evidence that iPLA2 is involved in the activation of endothelial store-operated Ca2+ entry when Ca2+ stores are artificially depleted. We also show that the sustained store-operated Ca2+ entry occurring during physiological stimulation of endothelial cells with the circulating hormone ATP is due to iPLA2 activation and significantly contributes to the amplitude and duration of ATP-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation. Consistently, both iPLA2 metabolites arachidonic acid and lysophosphatidylcholine were found to stimulate Ca2+ entry in native endothelial cells. However, only the latter triggered endothelium-dependent relaxation through NO release, suggesting that lysophosphatidylcholine produced by iPLA2 upon Ca2+ stores depletion may act as an intracellular messenger that stimulates store-operated Ca2+ entry and subsequent NO production in endothelial cells. Finally, we found that ACh-induced endothelium relaxation also depends on iPLA2 activation, suggesting that the iPLA2-dependent control of endothelial store-operated Ca2+ entry is a key physiological mechanism regulating arterial tone.
Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the IL‐18 Gene with Production of IL‐18 Protein by Mononuclear Cells from Healthy Donors
Authors: Pavlovna Khripko Olga , Sergeevna Sennikova Nadegda , Anatolievna Lopatnikova Julia , Ivanovich Khripko Jurii , Leonidovich Filipenko Maxim , Alexandrovich Khrapov Evgenii , L′vovich Gelfgat Evgenii , Vladimirovna Yakushenko Elena , Alexandrovich Kozlov Vladimir , Vitalievich Sennikov Sergei
Published: October 2008

IL‐18 has proinflammatory effects and participates in both innate and adaptive cellular and humoral immunity. A number of SNPs that influence IL‐18 production are found in the gene promoter region. We investigated the association of SNPs in the IL‐18 promoter at −607 and −137 with the level of IL‐18 protein production by PBMC from healthy donors from Southwestern Siberia. The genetic distribution of these SNPs in the promoter site was established by PCR. IL‐18 protein production was determined by ELISA. Our results showed that PBMC from donors carrying allele 137C have lower levels of both spontaneous and LPS‐stimulated IL‐18 production. In contrast, PBMC from donors carrying allele 607A showed significant increases in spontaneous and stimulated IL‐18 production compared to wild type. Our study suggests that the SNPs −607 and −137 in the promoter region of the IL‐18 gene influence the level of IL‐18 protein production by PBMC from healthy donors in Southwestern Siberia.
Implicit Iteration Process for Common Fixed Points of Strictly Asymptotically Pseudocontractive Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Tian You Xian , Chang Shih-sen , Huang Jialin , Wang Xiongrui , Kim J. K.
Published: October 2008

In this paper, a new implicit iteration process with errors for finite families of strictly asymptotically pseudocontractive mappings and nonexpansive mappings is introduced. By using the iterative process, some strong convergence theorems to approximating a common fixed point of strictly asymptotically pseudocontractive mappings and nonexpansive mappings are proved. The results presented in the paper are new which extend and improve some recent results of Osilike et al. (2007), Liu (1996), Osilike (2004), Su and Li (2006), Gu (2007), Xu and Ori (2001).
Existence of Monotone Solutions of a Difference Equation
Authors: Sun Taixiang , Xi Hongjian , Quan Weizhen
Published: October 2008

We consider the nonlinear difference equation
xn+1 = f(xn−k, xn−k+1, …, xn), n = 0, 1, …,
where k ∈ {1, 2, …} and the initial values x−k, x−k+1, …, x0 ∈ (0, +∞). We give sufficient conditions under which this equation has monotone positive solutions which converge to the equilibrium, extending and including in this way some results of the literature.
Testis Function in Prepubertal Boys and Young Men Born Small for Gestational Age
Authors: Boonstra V.H. , Weber R.F.A. , de Jong F.H. , Hokken-Koelega A.C.S.
Published: October 2008

Background/Aims: Some studies reported an impaired gonadal function in males born small for gestational age (SGA). We investigated Sertoli cell function by measuring serum inhibin B and antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels in prepubertal boys and young men born SGA in comparison with age-matched controls born appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Methods: Inhibin B and AMH levels were determined in 73 prepubertal short SGA boys and in 72 age-matched AGA boys. In addition, 25 SGA boys were re-examined after 2 years of growth hormone (GH) treatment. Furthermore, inhibin B, AMH, testosterone, LH and FSH were studied in three groups of young men: 21 SGA men treated with GH, 15 SGA men with spontaneous catch-up growth and 25 young men born AGA. Results: Prepubertal short SGA boys and AGA boys had similar inhibin B (87.3 and 78.2 ng/ml) and AMH levels (75.6 and 63.6 µg/l, respectively). GH treatment did not result in different inhibin B and AMH levels. In young SGA men, inhibin B, testosterone, LH and FSH levels were similar compared to young AGA men. AMH levels were higher in the young SGA men (p = 0.03). Conclusions: Being born SGA does not impair Sertoli cell function. Young men born SGA have a normal hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis.
Primary and Secondary Care Consultations in Elderly Demented Individuals in France
Authors: Helmer Catherine , Pérès Karine , Pariente Antoine , Pasquier Florence , Auriacombe Sophie , Poncet Michel , Portet Florence , Rouaud Olivier , Ritchie Karen , Tzourio Christophe , Dartigues Jean-François
Published: October 2008

Background/Aims: Our purpose was to analyze consultations with primary- and secondary-care physicians by demented people and identify factors that hamper or facilitate consultation. Methods: In total, 498 demented subjects were evaluated within the Three-City Study, a population-based cohort of individuals aged ≧65 years.Primary- and secondary-care consultations (consultation with a specialist and/or treatment with anti-dementia drugs) were assessed by a neurologist or geriatrician. Results: Thirty-five percent of the demented subjects did not seek advice for their cognitive problems and only 31% consulted a specialist. Consultation for primary care was principally dependent on the subjects’ own awareness of the cognitive disorder and on their age. Factors associated with consultation for secondary care were younger age, higher education level, higher instrumental activities of daily living disability and awareness of the cognitive disorder by the subject, all of which predicted more frequent consultation. The level of cognitive performance had only a slight influence on primary care and none on secondary care. Conclusion: The failure to see a physician due to dementia, especially secondary-care practitioners, is frequent in the community, particularly in the oldest subjects.
Antidiuretic Hormone and Osmolality in Patients with Ménière’s Disease
Authors: Kakigi Akinobu , Takeda Taizo
Published: October 2008

Plasma antidiuretic hormone (p-ADH) and plasma osmolality (p-Osm) levels were studied in patients with Ménière’s disease. In 147 cases, the p-ADH levels were measured during remission and in the acute phase of the disease. In 100 of 147 cases, the p-Osm levels were determined both in remission and in the acute phase. In remission, the p-ADH and p-Osm levels were higher than the normal limits. In the acute phase, the p-ADH level was higher than that in remission, consistent with previous reports. Moreover, the p-Osm level was unchanged. Although the p-ADH level is regulated by that of p-Osm, the kidney must show an escape phenomenon from antidiuresis. Besides, other factors must increase the amount of p-ADH. Further study is needed to reveal the cause of the rise in p-ADH and p-Osm levels.
Case Fatality of Stroke and Day of the Week: Is the Weekend Effect an Artifact?
Authors: Turin Tanvir Chowdhury , Kita Yoshikuni , Rumana Nahid , Ichikawa Masaharu , Sugihara Hideki , Morita Yutaka , Tomioka Nobuyoshi , Okayama Akira , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Ueshima Hirotsugu
Published: October 2008

Background and Purpose: For stroke admissions, the ‘weekend effect’ has been associated with higher stroke fatality. However, it is unclear if stroke case fatality shows this pattern if the onset day is taken into account. Day of the week variation in stroke case fatality was examined using 16-year stroke registration data. Design and Methods: Data were obtained from Takashima Stroke Registry in central Japan. There were 1,578 registered first-ever cerebral infarction and cerebral hemorrhage stroke cases during 1988–2003. We divided the days into 2 groups: ‘weekend’ and ‘weekdays’. The 7-day and 28-day case fatality rates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated by gender, age and stroke subtype. Results: For all strokes, the 7-day case fatality rate based on the hospital admission day was 9.5% (95% CI: 6.8–13.1) for weekend admissions and 7.3% (95% CI: 6.0–8.9) for weekday admissions. However, case fatality rates based on the onset day were 7.2% (95% CI: 5.1–10.0) for weekend onset and 8.0% (95% CI: 6.6–9.8) for weekday onset. The 28-day case fatality rate for the weekend admission group was 14.7% (95% CI: 11.3–18.8) and for the weekday admission group it was 10.1% (95% CI: 8.5–11.9). In contrast, the 28-day case fatality rate for the weekend onset group was 11.3% (95% CI: 8.6–14.7) and for the weekday onset group it was 11.0% (95% CI: 9.3–13.0). This phenomenon was observed mainly for cerebral infarction and to some extent for cerebral hemorrhage. Conclusion: Stroke fatality rates based on the day of admission were higher during the weekend than weekdays, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. However, this trend disappeared when the fatality rate was based on the day of onset.
Surgical Outcome following Decompressive Craniectomy for Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Patients with Associated Massive Intracerebral or Sylvian Hematomas
Authors: Otani Naoki , Takasato Yoshio , Masaoka Hiroyuki , Hayakawa Takanori , Yoshino Yoshikazu , Yatsushige Hiroshi , Miyawaki Hiroki , Sumiyoshi Kyoko , Chikashi Aoyagi , Takeuchi Satoru , Suzuki Goh
Published: October 2008

Background: Patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) presenting with large intracerebral (ICH) or sylvian hematomas (SylH) have poor outcomes due to the mass effect of significant brain stem compression following mass effect. On the other hand, decompressive craniectomy (DC) can reduce morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients with massive ischemic infarction and severe head injury. However, the role of DC in SAH patients is not fully understood. We investigated the outcome of DC in poor-grade SAH presenting with large ICH or SylH. Methods: 110 consecutive patients with poor-grade SAH (Hunt & Kosnik (H&K) grades IV and V, and Fisher group 4) were admitted to our hospital between April 1, 1993, and July 30, 2004. We treated 57 of those who presented with large ICH or SylH using DC. We retrospectively reviewed medical charts, radiological findings, operative notes, and video records. Results: Among the 57 patients (mean age 57.8, male 29, female 28), 25 were classified as H&K grade IV and 32 as grade V. Ruptured aneurysms were located on the internal carotid artery in 11 and the middle cerebral artery in 46 patients. 50 of the aneurysms were small, 5 were medium, and 2 were large. Rerupture was preoperatively confirmed in 13 (22.8%). Hypothermia was applied to 17 (29.8%). The Glasgow Outcome Scale on discharge showed good recovery, moderate recovery, severe disability, vegetative state, and death in 8 (14.0%), 13 (22.8%), 16 (28.1%), 8 (14.0%), and 12 (21.1%), respectively. The outcomes of grade IV patients were favorable and poor in 14 (56.0%) and 10 (40.0%), respectively, and 1 (4.0%) died. Conclusion: Several experimental studies have also indicated that DC significantly improves outcome due to reduced intracranial pressure or increased perfusion pressure. Urgent DC for poor-grade SAH with space-occupying hematoma can lead to survival with good recovery in some patients.
Vascular Parkinsonism: A Clinical Review
Authors: Benamer Hani T.S. , Grosset Donald G.
Published: October 2008

Over the last 75 years there has been continuous debate about the existence of vascular parkinsonism (VP). The condition has been named and renamed several times, with terms such as arteriosclerotic parkinsonism, arteriosclerotic pseudo-parkinsonism and lower-body parkinsonism. Despite the progress in our understanding of other parkinsonian syndromes, such as progressive supranuclear palsy and multiple-system atrophy, and significant developments in neuroimaging techniques, the concept of VP is still unclear and the clinical diagnosis is often difficult. There are no widely agreed diagnostic criteria. This article reviews the current literature relating to VP in particular to identify the different clinical presentations that have been described.
Sleep Architecture in Stroke and Relation to Outcome
Authors: Terzoudi A. , Vorvolakos T. , Heliopoulos I. , Livaditis M. , Vadikolias K. , Piperidou H.
Published: October 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate sleep architecture in stroke patients, and correlate possible disturbances with the topography, severity and outcome of stroke and the presence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). In total, 62 acute stroke patients and 16 age- and gender-matched hospitalised controls underwent polysomnographic studies. Sleep architecture was analysed according to the topography of lesion, severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) and outcome (Barthel Index) of stroke. We found that sleep architecture is disturbed in stroke patients, regardless of SDB. Stroke patients (without SDB) have reductions in total sleep time and sleep efficiency, reduced stage II and slow wave sleep, increased wakefulness during sleep and increased sleep latency. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is reduced when SDB is also present. REM sleep is relatively preserved in cerebellar strokes, as opposed to other topographies. Sleep stages I and REM are negatively associated with stroke severity, and the latency to REM sleep is positively correlated with a good outcome. Sleep architecture is impaired in stroke patients (with fragmentation, increased wakefulness and reduced slow wave sleep), and this correlates with severity and outcome. Sleep disturbances should be investigated and addressed in these patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and assess the clinical and therapeutic implications.
Exercise Increases the Plasma Antioxidant Capacity of Adolescent Athletes
Authors: Carlsohn Anja , Rohn Sascha , Bittmann Frank , Raila Jens , Mayer Frank , Schweigert Florian J.
Published: October 2008

Background: The reactive oxygen species produced as a result of exercise might exceed an individual’s antioxidant defence system. Various endogenous antioxidants are elevated in adult athletes, resulting in an improved antioxidant capacity. However, little is known about antioxidant defence in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to examine presumed adaptations of antioxidant capacity in exercising adolescents. Methods: Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), uric acid and nutritional antioxidants were measured in the plasma of 91 male and 98 female athletes (mean age 15.9 ± 2.0 years) and compared to those of 18 male and 22 female sedentary controls (mean age 16.3 ± 2.1 years). Antioxidant intake was calculated using 4-day dietary records. Results: Neither male nor female athletes showed differences in α-tocopherol, β-carotene or ascorbate intake compared to controls. Plasma levels of α-tocopherol and carotenoids in athletes and controls did not differ either. Nevertheless, athletes of both sexes had higher TEAC values than their respective controls (male athletes 1.48 ± 0.22 mmol/l vs. male controls 1.23 ± 0.19 mmol/l, female athletes 1.47 ± 0.20 mmol/l vs. female controls 1.15 ± 0.04 mmol/l, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Regular exercise enhances antioxidant capacity in adolescent athletes, independently of their dietary antioxidant intake, which indicates activity-related adaptations.
Changes of Plasma Lipids during Weight Reduction in Females Depends on APOA5 Variants
Authors: Suchanek P. , Lorenzova A. , Poledne R. , Hubacek J.A.
Published: October 2008

Background: Apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) is a determinant of plasma lipids, and its role in body mass index (BMI) determination is discussed. This study was aimed at the investigation of the relationship between common APOA5 gene variants and body weight/plasma lipid decrease in overweight females. Methods: We analyzed 98 unrelated overweight and obese nondiabetic Czech females (BMI >27.5). APOA5 T-1131→C and Ser19→Trp variants were genotyped. Before and after 9 weeks of lifestyle modification, biochemical and anthropometrical measurements and assessment of nutritional intake were performed. The lifestyle modification program consisted of a reduction in energy intake and an exercise program (aerobic exercise 4 times per week, 60 min each). Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.7 ± 3.7 years, the mean BMI before the intervention was 31.4 ± 3.8 and the weight loss was 5.9 ± 2.5 kg (7 ± 3%). There were 86 T-1131T homozygotes and 12 carriers of the C-1131 allele and 82 Ser19Ser homozygotes and 16 carriers of the Trp19 allele, respectively; 72 females had the commonest T-1131T/Ser19Ser haplotype. No significant association between BMI decrease and APOA5 variants was found, but T-1131T carriers have a significantly higher body weight both before and after the intervention (p < 0.05; p = not significant for BMI). The fasting glycemia was significantly higher in Trp19 carriers both before and after the intervention (p < 0.01). Further, plasma triglyceride levels decreased in Ser19Ser homozygotes but increased in Trp19 carriers (1.42 ± 0.62 to 1.28 ± 0.48 vs. 1.15 ± 0.47 to 1.41 ± 0.80 mmol/l; p < 0.05 for differences between the groups). Similarly, in carriers of at least 1 less common APOA5 allele (n = 26), plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels did not decrease as they did in T-1131T/Ser19Ser carriers (3.11 ± 0.70 to 3.27 ± 0.81 vs. 3.39 ± 0.81 to 3.16 ± 0.86 mmol/l; p < 0.05 for differences between the groups). Conclusions: APOA5 gene variants have effects on the decrease in plasma triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level in females in a model combining their dietary habits and physical activity changes.
Serum Leptin as a Predictor of Fatty Liver in 7-Year-Old Korean Children
Authors: Kim In Kyoung , Kim Jihye , Kang Jae Heon , Song Jihyun
Published: October 2008

Aim: This study investigated the usefulness of serum leptin as a predictor of fatty liver disease in Korean children. Methods: One hundred and twenty-four children were recruited from urban areas in Korea. Anthropometrical parameters and clinical variables, such as the levels of serum lipids, insulin and leptin, were measured. Fatty liver disease was detected via hepatic sonogram. We also collected dietary intake data using a 24-hour dietary recall for 3 days. Overweight children were identified using the standards established by the International Obesity Task Force. Results: The prevalence of fatty liver disease was 12.1% among all children and was significantly higher in overweight than in normal children (22.5 vs. 7.1%, respectively; p < 0.05). Within normal weight children, children with fatty livers showed a 2-fold increase in serum leptin levels compared with children with healthy livers (6.2 vs. 2.9 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.05). Within overweight children, elevated serum leptin levels were observed in children with fatty livers. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that serum leptin was strongly associated with fatty liver disease, independent of the body mass index. Energy and fat intake, the frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption, and the frequency of physical activity did not differ among children with or without fatty livers. Conclusion: Elevated serum leptin may be a useful parameter when screening for early fatty liver disease among children.
Massive platelet transfusion is a rapidly effective emergency treatment in patients with refractory autoimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Kiesewetter Holger , Kalus Ulrich , Movassaghi Kamran , Meyer Oliver , Salama Abdulgabar
Published: October 2008

Patients with refractory autoimmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) may develop life-threatening bleeding that cannot be immediately controlled by drug administration. To date, there have been no studies conducted to evaluate the efficacy of platelet transfusion alone in such cases. Ten patients with refractory ITP and bleeding or a high bleeding risk were consecutively transfused (one unit/30 min) with apheresis platelet concentrates (APC) without the administration of new drugs. The used APCs (average 3 – 7 units) contained 2.7 × 1011 (medium) platelets and were leukodepleted (≤1 × 106 leukocytes/unit).Platelet serology was performed using standard techniques. Platelet transfusion resulted in an increase in the platelet count to 84 – 157 × 103/µl, and the cessation of bleeding in all patients without any serious adverse effects. Although platelet counts gradually decreased within a few days post-transfusion, bleeding was stopped in all cases. These findings indicate that consecutive platelet transfusion using APCs is a rapidly effective emergency treatment in patients with refractory ITP.
Heart Failure Is a Risk Factor for Orthopedic Fracture
Authors: van Diepen Sean , Majumdar Sumit R. , Bakal Jeffrey A. , McAlister Finlay A. , Ezekowitz Justin A.
Published: October 2008

Background—

Heart failure (HF) is associated with factors that may contribute to accelerated bone loss and subsequent fractures. Whether it leads to an increased fracture risk is unknown.

Methods and Results—

A population-based cohort of consecutive patients ≥65 years of age with cardiovascular disease presenting to all emergency rooms between 1998 and 2001 in Alberta, Canada (n=16294 patients), was used. The 2041 patients with a new diagnosis of HF were compared with a control group of 14 253 patients with non-HF cardiovascular diagnoses. The primary outcome was any orthopedic fracture requiring hospital admission in the year after the emergency room visit. Patients with HF had a median age of 78 years (interquartile range, 72 to 84 years), and 51.9% were female; control subjects had a median age of 73 years (interquartile range, 68 to 79 years), and 53.2% were female. In the first year after the emergency room visit, 4.6% of the HF cohort (n=93) and 1.0% of patients without HF (n=147) sustained an orthopedic fracture (
P
<0.001). Hip fractures occurred in 26 HF patients (1.3%) and 18 patients (0.1%) without HF (
P
<0.001). After multivariable adjustment, HF was independently associated with a greater risk of any orthopedic fracture (adjusted odds ratio, 4.0; 95% CI, 2.9 to 5.3) or hip fracture (adjusted odds ratio, 6.3; 95% CI, 3.4 to 11.8).

Conclusions—

HF is associated with an increased risk of subsequent orthopedic fracture, particularly hip fracture. This suggests that screening for and treatment of osteoporosis to reduce fracture risk need to be considered in those with HF.
Repetitive Ischemia by Coronary Stenosis Induces a Novel Window of Ischemic Preconditioning
Authors: Shen You-Tang , Depre Christophe , Yan Lin , Park Ji Yeon , Tian Bin , Jain Komal , Chen Li , Zhang Yan , Kudej Raymond K. , Zhao Xin , Sadoshima Junichi , Vatner Dorothy E. , Vatner Stephen F.
Published: October 2008

Background—

The hypothesis of the present study was that molecular mechanisms differ markedly when mediating ischemic preconditioning induced by repetitive episodes of ischemia versus classic first- or second-window preconditioning.

Methods and Results—

To test this, chronically instrumented conscious pigs were subjected to either repetitive coronary stenosis (RCS) or a traditional protocol of second-window ischemic preconditioning (SWIPC). Lethal ischemia, induced by 60 minutes of coronary artery occlusion followed by reperfusion, resulted in an infarct size/area at risk of 6±3% after RCS and 16±3% after SWIPC (both groups
P
<0.05, less than shams 42±4%). Two molecular signatures of SWIPC, the increased expression of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase and the translocation of protein kinase Cε to the plasma membrane, were observed with SWIPC but not with RCS. Confirming this, pretreatment with a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor prevented the protection conferred by SWIPC but not by RCS. Microarray analysis revealed a qualitatively different genomic profile of cardioprotection between ischemic preconditioning induced by RCS and that induced by SWIPC. The number of genes significantly regulated was greater in RCS (5739) than in SWIPC (2394) animals. Of the 5739 genes regulated in RCS, only 31% were also regulated in SWIPC. Broad categories of genes induced by RCS but not SWIPC included those involved in autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. The upregulation of these pathways was confirmed by Western blotting.

Conclusions—

RCS induces cardioprotection against lethal myocardial ischemia that is at least as powerful as traditional ischemic preconditioning but is mediated through radically different mechanisms.
Cardiac-Specific Overexpression of Caveolin-3 Induces Endogenous Cardiac Protection by Mimicking Ischemic Preconditioning
Authors: Tsutsumi Yasuo M. , Horikawa Yousuke T. , Jennings Michelle M. , Kidd Michael W. , Niesman Ingrid R. , Yokoyama Utako , Head Brian P. , Hagiwara Yasuko , Ishikawa Yoshihiro , Miyanohara Atsushi , Patel Piyush M. , Insel Paul A. , Patel Hemal H. , Roth David M.
Published: October 2008

Background—

Caveolae, lipid-rich microdomains of the sarcolemma, localize and enrich cardiac-protective signaling molecules. Caveolin-3 (Cav-3), the dominant isoform in cardiac myocytes, is a determinant of caveolar formation. We hypothesized that cardiac myocyte–specific overexpression of Cav-3 would enhance the formation of caveolae and augment cardiac protection in vivo.

Methods and Results—

Ischemic preconditioning in vivo increased the formation of caveolae. Adenovirus for Cav-3 increased caveolar formation and phosphorylation of survival kinases in cardiac myocytes. A transgenic mouse with cardiac myocyte–specific overexpression of Cav-3 (Cav-3 OE) showed enhanced formation of caveolae on the sarcolemma. Cav-3 OE mice subjected to ischemia/reperfusion injury had a significantly reduced infarct size relative to transgene-negative mice. Endogenous cardiac protection in Cav-3 OE mice was similar to wild-type mice undergoing ischemic preconditioning; no increased protection was observed in preconditioned Cav-3 OE mice. Cav-3 knockout mice did not show endogenous protection and showed no protection in response to ischemic preconditioning. Cav-3 OE mouse hearts had increased basal Akt and glycogen synthase kinase-3β phosphorylation comparable to wild-type mice exposed to ischemic preconditioning. Wortmannin, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor, attenuated basal phosphorylation of Akt and glycogen synthase kinase-3β and blocked cardiac protection in Cav-3 OE mice. Cav-3 OE mice had improved functional recovery and reduced apoptosis at 24 hours of reperfusion.

Conclusions—

Expression of caveolin-3 is both necessary and sufficient for cardiac protection, a conclusion that unites long-standing ultrastructural and molecular observations in the ischemic heart. The present results indicate that increased expression of caveolins, apparently via actions that depend on phosphoinositide 3-kinase, has the potential to protect hearts exposed to ischemia/reperfusion injury.