bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Axl and Growth Arrest–Specific Gene 6 Are Frequently Overexpressed in Human Gliomas and Predict Poor Prognosis in Patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Hutterer Markus , Knyazev Pjotr , Abate Ariane , Reschke Markus , Maier Hans , Stefanova Nadia , Knyazeva Tatjana , Barbieri Verena , Reindl Markus , Muigg Armin , Kostron Herwig , Stockhammer Guenther , Ullrich Axel
Published: January 2008

Purpose: The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl has recently been identified as a critical element in the invasive properties of glioma cell lines. However, the effect of Axl and its ligand growth arrest–specific gene 6 (Gas6) in human gliomas is still unknown.

Experimental Design: Axl and Gas6 expression was studied in 42 fresh-frozen and 79 paraffin-embedded glioma specimens by means of reverse transcription-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The prognostic value of Axl and Gas6 expression was evaluated using a population-based tissue microarray derived from a cohort of 55 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients.

Results: Axl and Gas6 were detectable in gliomas of malignancy grades WHO 2 to 4. Moderate to high Axl mRNA expression was found in 61%, Axl protein in 55%, Gas6 mRNA in 81%, and Gas6 protein in 74% of GBM samples, respectively. GBM patients with high Axl expression and Axl/Gas6 coexpression showed a significantly shorter time to tumor progression and an association with poorer overall survival. Comparative immunohistochemical studies showed that Axl staining was most pronounced in glioma cells of pseudopalisades and reactive astrocytes. Additionally, Axl/Gas6 coexpression was observed in glioma cells and tumor vessels. In contrast, Axl staining was not detectable in nonneoplastic brain tissue and Gas6 was strongly expressed in neurons.

Conclusions: In human gliomas, Axl and Gas6 are frequently overexpressed in both glioma and vascular cells and predict poor prognosis in GBM patients. Our results indicate that specific targeting of the Axl/Gas6 signaling pathway may represent a potential new approach for glioma treatment.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Gene Polymorphisms Associated with Prognosis for Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kim Jong Gwang , Chae Yee Soo , Sohn Sang Kyun , Cho Yoon Young , Moon Joon Ho , Park Jae Yong , Jeon Seoung Woo , Lee In Taek , Choi Gyu Seog , Jun Soo-Han
Published: January 2008

Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or its family may be considered to play an important role in lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic tumor spread, thereby affecting prognosis of colorectal cancer. Accordingly, the present study analyzed VEGF gene polymorphisms and their effect on the prognosis for patients with colorectal cancer.

Experimental Design: Four hundred and forty-five consecutive patients with surgically treated colorectal adenocarcinoma were enrolled in the present study. The genomic DNA was extracted from fresh colorectal tissue and three VEGF (−2578C>A, −634G>C, and +936C>T) gene polymorphisms were determined using a PCR/denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography assay.

Results: Multivariate survival analysis showed that the survival for the patients with the −634 G/C genotype [overall survival (OS): hazard ratio (HR), 0.158; P < 0.001] or C/C genotype (OS: HR, 0.188; P < 0.001) were better than for the patients with the −634G/G genotype, whereas the +936 C/T genotype (OS: HR, 12.809; P < 0.001) or T/T genotype (OS: HR, 37.260; P < 0.001) was associated with a worse survival compared with the +936 C/C genotype. In haplotype analysis, the −2578A/−634G/+936T haplotype exhibited a significantly worse survival when compared with the wild −2578C/−634G/+936C haplotype (OS: HR, 3.866; P < 0.001).

Conclusions: VEGF gene polymorphisms were found to be an independent prognostic marker for patients with colorectal cancer. Accordingly, the analysis of VEGF gene polymorphisms can help identify patient subgroups at high risk of a poor disease outcome.
WNT5AExhibits Tumor-Suppressive Activity through Antagonizing the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling, and Is Frequently Methylated in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ying Jianming , Li Hongyu , Yu Jun , Ng Ka Man , Poon Fan Fong , Wong Sze Chuen Cesar , Chan Anthony T.C. , Sung Joseph J.Y. , Tao Qian
Published: January 2008

Purpose: Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is associated with multiple tumors including colorectal cancer (CRC). WNT5A is a member of the nontransforming Wnt protein family, whose role in tumorigenesis is still ambiguous. We investigated its epigenetic alteration in CRCs.

Experimental Design: We examined its expression and methylation in normal colon, CRC cell lines, and tumors. We also evaluated its tumor-suppressive function and its modulation to Wnt signaling in CRC cells.

Results: WNT5A is silenced in most CRC cell lines due to promoter methylation, but is expressed in most normal tissues including the colon, and is unmethylated in normal colon epithelial cells. WNT5A expression could be reactivated by pharmacologic or genetic demethylation, indicating that methylation directly mediates its silencing. WNT5A methylation was frequently detected in CRC tumors (14 of 29, 48%), but only occasionally in paired normal colon tissues (2 of 15, 13%; P = 0.025). Ectopic expression of WNT5A, but not its nonfunctional short-isoform with the WNT domain deleted, in silenced CRC cells resulted in substantial inhibition of tumor cell clonogenicity, which is associated with down-regulated intracellular β-catenin protein level and concomitant decrease in β-catenin activity.

Conclusions: WNT5A is frequently inactivated in CRC by tumor-specific methylation, and thus, is a potential biomarker. WNT5A could act as a tumor suppressor for CRC by antagonizing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Angiotensin II Activates Signal Transducer and Activators of Transcription 3 via Rac1 in Atrial Myocytes and Fibroblasts
Authors: Tsai Chia-Ti , Lai Ling-Ping , Kuo Kuan-Ting , Hwang Juey-Jen , Hsieh Chia-Shan , Hsu Kuan-Lih , Tseng Chuen-Den , Tseng Yung-Zu , Chiang Fu-Tien , Lin Jiunn-Lee
Published: January 2008

Background—

Recently, activation of the local renin-angiotensin system and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in atrial myocardium has been found to play an important role in atrial structural remodeling related to atrial fibrillation. Another important mediator of the angiotensin II (Ang II) effect is the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway, which has never been characterized in the atrium.

Methods and Results—

In cultured atrial myocytes and fibroblasts, Ang II induced tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3 through a Rac1-dependent mechanism, which was inhibited by dominant-negative Rac1, losartan, and simvastatin. In atrial myocytes, activation of STAT3 by Rac1 was mediated by direct association of Rac1 with STAT3; however, in atrial fibroblasts, it was mediated by an indirect paracrine effect. Constitutively active STAT3 increased protein synthesis, and dominant-negative STAT3 abrogated Ang II–induced protein synthesis in atrial myocytes and fibroblasts. Rats infused long term with Ang II exhibited higher levels of activated Rac1, phospho-STAT3, collagen synthesis, and atrial fibrosis in the atria, all of which were attenuated by oral losartan and simvastatin. In human atrial tissues from patients with atrial fibrillation, Ang II and phospho-STAT3 levels were also elevated.

Conclusions—

The Ang II/Rac1/STAT3 pathway is an important signaling pathway in the atrial myocardium to mediate atrial structural remodeling, and losartan and statin may be able to reverse Ang II–induced atrial structural remodeling in atrial fibrillation.
Mayo Clinic Risk Score for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Predicts In-Hospital Mortality in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Singh Mandeep , Gersh Bernard J. , Li Shuang , Rumsfeld John S. , Spertus John A. , O’Brien Sean M. , Suri Rakesh M. , Peterson Eric D.
Published: January 2008

Background—

Current risk models predict in-hospital mortality after either coronary artery bypass graft surgery or percutaneous coronary interventions separately, yet the overlap suggests that the same variables can define the risks of alternative coronary reperfusion therapies. Our goal was to seek a preprocedure risk model that can predict in-hospital mortality after either percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Methods and Results—

We tested the ability of the recently validated, integer-based Mayo Clinic Risk Score (MCRS) for percutaneous coronary intervention, which is based solely on preprocedure variables (age, creatinine, ejection fraction, myocardial infarction ≤24 hours, shock, congestive heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease), to predict in-hospital mortality among 370 793 patients in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery from 2004 to 2006. For the Society of Thoracic Surgeons coronary artery bypass graft surgery population studied, the median age was 66 years (quartiles 1 to 3, 57 to 74 years), with 37.2% of patients ≥70 years old. A high prevalence of comorbid conditions, including diabetes mellitus (37.1%), hypertension (80.5%), peripheral vascular disease (15.3%), and renal disease (creatinine ≥1.4 mg/dL; 11.8%), was present. A strong association existed between the MCRS and the observed mortality in the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database. The in-hospital mortality ranged between 0.3% (95% confidence interval 0.3% to 0.4%) with a score of 0 on the MCRS and 33.8% (95% confidence interval 27.3% to 40.3%) with an MCRS score of 20 to 24. The discriminatory ability of the MCRS was moderate, as measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (C-statistic=0.715 to 0.784 among various subgroups); performance was inferior to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons model for most categories tested.

Conclusions—

This model, which is based on 7 preprocedure risk variables, may be useful for providing patients with individualized, evidence-based estimates of procedural risk as part of the informed consent process before percutaneous or surgical revascularization.
Renal Vasodilatory Action of Dopamine in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Elkayam Uri , Ng Tien M.H. , Hatamizadeh Parta , Janmohamed Munir , Mehra Anilkumar
Published: January 2008

Background—

A “renal dose” of dopamine is often used to increase renal blood flow; however, data on the magnitude of effect and site of action in patients with heart failure are scarce.

Methods and Results—

Renal effects of intravenous dopamine (1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 μg · kg
−1
· min
−1
) were evaluated in 13 patients with chronic heart failure. Renal blood flow was calculated from renal artery cross-sectional area measured with intravascular ultrasound and renal blood flow velocity-time integral measured by the intravascular Doppler technique. Cross-sectional area increased and was significantly higher than baseline (0.30±0.04 cm
2
) at 5 μg · kg
−1
· min
−1
(0.36±0.05 cm
2
) and 10 μg · kg
−1
· min
−1
(0.38±0.06 cm
2
). The velocity-time integral was significantly higher than baseline (22±3 cm) at doses of 3 and 5 μg · kg
−1
· min
−1
(both 31±4 cm). Renal blood flow increased, whereas renal vascular resistance decreased, reaching statistical significance at 2 μg · kg
−1
· min
−1
through 10 μg · kg
−1
· min
−1
. Cardiac output gradually increased, reaching statistical significance at doses of 5 and 10 μg · kg
−1
· min
−1
(5.5±0.5 and 6.1±0.7 versus 4.5±5.2 L/min at baseline), but the increase in renal blood flow appeared proportionately larger than corresponding increases in cardiac output.

Conclusions—

Dopamine is associated with an increase in renal blood flow in patients with heart failure. This effect is due to dilation of both the large conductance and small resistance renal blood vessels. Further evaluation of the efficacy and safety of dopamine for improvement of renal function in hospitalized patients with heart failure is warranted.
Determination of Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity From Waveform Decomposition of the Central Aortic Pressure Pulse
Authors: Qasem Ahmed , Avolio Alberto
Published: January 2008

Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), calculated from pulse transit time (PTT) using 2 separate pulse recordings over a known distance, is a significant biomarker of cardiovascular risk. This study evaluates a novel method of determining PTT from waveform decomposition of central aortic pressure using a single pulse measurement. Aortic pressure was estimated from a transformed radial pulse and decomposed into forward and backward waves using a triangular flow wave. Pulse transit time was determined from cross-correlation of forward and backward waves. Pulse transit time, representing twice the PTT between 2 specific sites, was compared with independent measurements of carotid-femoral PTT in a cohort of 46 subjects (23 females; age 57±14 years). Linear regression between measured PTT (y; milliseconds) and calculated PTT (x; milliseconds) was y=1.05x−2.1 (
r
=0.67;
P
<0.001). This model was tested in a separate group of 44 subjects (21 females; age 55±14 years) by comparing measured carotid-femoral PWV (y; meters per second) and PWV calculated using the estimated value of PTT (eTR/2) and carotid femoral distance (x; meters per second; y=1.21x−2.5;
r
=0.82;
P
<0.001). Findings indicate that the time lag between the forward and backward waves obtained from the decomposition of aortic pressure wave can be used to determine PWV along the aortic trunk and shows good agreement with carotid-femoral PWV. This technique can be used as a noninvasive and nonintrusive method for measurement of aortic PWV using a single pressure recording.
Racial Differences in Microalbumin Excretion in Healthy Adolescents
Authors: Hanevold Coral D. , Pollock Jennifer S. , Harshfield Gregory A.
Published: January 2008

It has been suggested that “normal” levels of urine albumin excretion rate (AER) may be predictive of an increased risk for progression of hypertension, cardiovascular morbidity, and mortality. No data are available on the effect of race and gender on AER in normal youth. We evaluated AER in timed urine samples in subjects participating in a study of stress-induced pressure natriuresis. A total of 317 healthy, normotensive adolescents aged 15 to 18 years (155 males and 162 females; 216 blacks and 101 whites) participated in a 5-hour testing protocol, which included a 1-hour period of mental stress preceded and followed by a 2-hour rest period. AER (micrograms per minute) was determined after 60 minutes of rest, and log transformation was used to normalize the data. AER was significantly higher in blacks as compared with whites (
P
=0.006). We also found a race-by-sex interaction, which was driven by the low albumin excretion in white females (
P
=0.036). Indexing urine albumin to creatinine excretion revealed the same pattern. Among blacks, AER was also higher in subjects who demonstrated impaired stress-induced pressure natriuresis versus those with normal sodium excretion (
P
=0.024). AER was related to blood pressure only in African-American males. The relative elevation of AER in normotensive black adolescents and the association with impaired pressure natriuresis and blood pressure is noteworthy. These findings suggest that albumin excretion may be a marker for a population at increased risk for the development of vascular and renal injury even before the manifestation of hypertension.
Effects of Candesartan Compared With Amlodipine in Hypertensive Patients With High Cardiovascular Risks
Authors: Ogihara Toshio , Nakao Kazuwa , Fukui Tsuguya , Fukiyama Kohshiro , Ueshima Kenji , Oba Koji , Sato Tosiya , Saruta Takao
Published: January 2008

The Candesartan Antihypertensive Survival Evaluation in Japan Trial was designed to compare the long-term effects of the angiotensin II receptor blocker candesartan and the calcium channel blocker amlodipine on the incidence of cardiovascular events, represented as a composite of sudden death and cerebrovascular, cardiac, renal, and vascular events in high-risk Japanese hypertensive patients. We conducted a prospective, randomized, open-label study with blinded assessment of the end point in 4728 Japanese hypertensive patients (mean age: 63.8 years; mean body mass index: 24.6 kg/m
2
). Patients were followed for an average of 3.2 years. Blood pressure was well controlled with both treatment-based regimens (systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure: 136.1/77.3 mm Hg for candesartan-based regimens and 134.4/76.7 mm Hg for amlodipine-based regimens after 3 years). Primary cardiovascular events occurred in 134 patients with both the candesartan- and amlodipine-based regimens. The 2 treatment-based regimens produced no significant differences in cardiovascular morbidity or mortality in the high-risk Japanese hypertensive patients (hazard ratio: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.79 to 1.28;
P
=0.969). In each primary end point category, there was no significant difference between the 2 treatment-based regimens. New-onset diabetes occurred in fewer patients taking candesartan (8.7/1000 person-years) than in those taking amlodipine (13.6/1000 person-years), which resulted in a 36% relative risk reduction (hazard ratio: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.97;
P
=0.033). We disclosed that candesartan-based and amlodipine-based regimens produced no statistical differences in terms of the primary cardiovascular end point, whereas candesartan prevented new-onset diabetes more effectively than amlodipine.
Attenuation of NADPH Oxidase Activation and Glomerular Filtration Barrier Remodeling With Statin Treatment
Authors: Whaley-Connell Adam , Habibi Javad , Nistala Ravi , Cooper Shawna A. , Karuparthi Poorna R. , Hayden Melvin R. , Rehmer Nathan , DeMarco Vincent G. , Andresen Bradley T. , Wei Yongzhong , Ferrario Carlos , Sowers James R.
Published: January 2008

Activation of reduced nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase by angiotensin II is integral to the formation of oxidative stress in the vasculature and the kidney. 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibition is associated with reductions of oxidative stress in the vasculature and kidney and associated decreases in albuminuria. Effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibition on oxidative stress in the kidney and filtration barrier integrity are poorly understood. To investigate, we used transgenic TG(mRen2)27 (Ren2) rats, which harbor the mouse renin transgene and renin-angiotensin system activation, and an immortalized murine podocyte cell line. We treated young, male Ren2 and Sprague-Dawley rats with rosuvastatin (20 mg/kg IP) or placebo for 21 days. Compared with controls, we observed increases in systolic blood pressure, albuminuria, renal NADPH oxidase activity, and 3-nitrotryosine staining, with reductions in the rosuvastatin-treated Ren2. Structural changes on light and transmission electron microscopy, consistent with periarteriolar fibrosis and podocyte foot-process effacement, were attenuated with statin treatment. Nephrin expression was diminished in the Ren2 kidney and trended to normalize with statin treatment. Angiotensin II–dependent increases in podocyte NADPH oxidase activity and subunit expression (NOX2, NOX4, Rac, and p22
phox
) and reactive oxygen species generation were decreased after in vitro statin treatment. These data support a role for increased NADPH oxidase activity and subunit expression with resultant reactive oxygen species formation in the kidney and podocyte. Furthermore, statin attenuation of NADPH oxidase activation and reactive oxygen species formation in the kidney/podocyte seems to play roles in the abrogation of oxidative stress-induced filtration barrier injury and consequent albuminuria.
Positron-Emission Tomography Imaging of the Angiotensin II Subtype 1 Receptor in Swine Renal Artery Stenosis
Authors: Xia Jinsong , Seckin Esen , Xiang Yan , Vranesic Melin , Mathews William B. , Hong Kelvin , Bluemke David A. , Lerman Lilach O. , Szabo Zsolt
Published: January 2008

The angiotensin II subtype 1 receptor (AT
1
R) has been linked to the development and progression of renovascular hypertension. In this study we applied a pig model of renovascular hypertension to investigate the AT
1
R in vivo with positron-emission tomography (PET) and in vitro with quantitative autoradiography. AT
1
R PET measurements were performed with the radioligand [
11
C]KR31173 in 11 control pigs and in 13 pigs with hemodynamically significant renal artery stenosis; 4 were treated with lisinopril for 2 weeks before PET imaging. The radioligand impulse response function was calculated by deconvolution analysis of the renal time-activity curves. Radioligand binding was quantified by the 80-minute retention of the impulse response function. Median values and interquartile ranges were used to illustrate group statistics. Radioligand retention was significantly increased (
P
=0.044) in hypoperfused kidneys of untreated (0.225; range: 0.150 to 0.373) and lisinopril-treated (0.237; range:0.224 to 0.272) animals compared with controls (0.142; range:0.096 to 0.156). Increased binding of [
11
C]KR31173 documented by PET in vivo was confirmed by in vitro autoradiography. Both in vivo and in vitro binding measurements showed that the effect of renal artery stenosis on the AT
1
R was not abolished by lisinopril treatment. These studies provide insight into kidney biology as the first in vivo/in vitro experimental evidence about AT
1
R regulation in response to reduced perfusion of the kidney. The findings support the concept of introducing AT
1
R PET as a diagnostic biomarker of renovascular disease.
Climate–Carbon Cycle Model Response to Freshwater Discharge into the North Atlantic
Authors: Obata Atsushi
Published: January 2008

The response of a coupled climate–carbon cycle model to discharge of freshwater into the North Atlantic is investigated with regard to cold reversals caused by meltwater from northern continental ice sheets such as the Younger Dryas during the last deglaciation. The extreme case in which the North Atlantic thermohaline circulation ceases in several decades is discussed. In the preindustrial case, northern severe cooling is reproduced by the collapse of the Atlantic northward heat transport, and land carbon decreases because of a decrease in net primary production (NPP) by the cooling or precipitation decrease, resulting in a decrease in global air temperature and an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration. The atmospheric CO2 increase by the land carbon decrease is consistent with a previous terrestrial vegetation model study and a minimum in ice core δ13CO2 during the Younger Dryas. The atmospheric CO2 increase in this model is less than 10 ppmv, consistent with the paleoclimatic records at the beginning of the Younger Dryas. This small increase results from the compensation between changes in CO2 sources and sinks of the land and ocean carbon cycles, such as the decrease in both NPP and soil respiration by the cooling. In the postindustrial case with fossil fuel CO2 emission, the same anomalies as the preindustrial case are found in the climate and the land carbon cycle in comparison with the control experiment without the freshwater discharge. After the termination of the freshwater discharge, the cold anomaly is globally reduced by the intense greenhouse effect of the increasing atmospheric CO2 on the order of 2000 ppmv, despite the weak thermohaline circulation in the North Atlantic. In contrast to the preindustrial case, the atmospheric CO2 concentration about 90 ppmv higher than the control experiment is caused mostly by the decrease in the ocean carbon uptake, which results from the decrease in the transport of anthropogenic carbon into the deep ocean by the collapse of the North Atlantic thermohaline circulation. The model results show the fact that there can be a case in the earth system where a decoupling can be seen between two environmental variables, air temperature and atmospheric CO2, that normally correlate with each other.
A Fuzzy Logic–Based Analog Forecasting System for Ceiling and Visibility
Authors: Hansen Bjarne
Published: January 2008

WIND-3 is an application for aviation weather forecasting that uses the analog method to produce deterministic predictions of cloud ceiling height and horizontal visibility at airports. For data, it uses historical and current airport observations [routine aviation weather reports (METARs)], and model-based guidance. It uses the perfect prognosis assumption as it is designed to use any model-based predictions of wind direction and speed, temperature and humidity, and precipitation occurrence and type to specify conditions in the 1–24-h projection period. To identify and rank analogs, according to their degree of similarity with the present situation, it uses a fuzzy logic–based algorithm to measure similarity between past situations, which are complete series of METARs, and current situations, which are a composite of recent METARs and model-based guidance. It uses the retrieved analog ensemble, the set of most similar analogs, to make predictions of ceiling and visibility in the 1–24-h projection period. WIND-3 has been tested by being run continuously in real time for 1 yr, producing forecasts for 190 major Canadian airports. It produces accurate forecasts, based on summaries of Heidke skill score (HSS) statistics, and compared to two benchmarks, persistence and official aerodrome forecasts [terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs)]. WIND-3 predictions of instrument flight regulation (IFR) conditions in the 0–6-h period have an HSS of 0.56, and in the 7–24-h period have an HSS of about 0.40, compared to respective HSS scores for persistence forecasts of 0.53 and less than 0.20.
Calibration of Probabilistic Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts with an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Yuan Huiling , Gao Xiaogang , Mullen Steven L. , Sorooshian Soroosh , Du Jun , Juang Hann-Ming Henry
Published: January 2008

A feed-forward neural network is configured to calibrate the bias of a high-resolution probabilistic quantitative precipitation forecast (PQPF) produced by a 12-km version of the NCEP Regional Spectral Model (RSM) ensemble forecast system. Twice-daily forecasts during the 2002–2003 cool season (1 November–31 March, inclusive) are run over four U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) hydrologic unit regions of the southwest United States. Calibration is performed via a cross-validation procedure, where four months are used for training and the excluded month is used for testing. The PQPFs before and after the calibration over a hydrological unit region are evaluated by comparing the joint probability distribution of forecasts and observations. Verification is performed on the 4-km stage IV grid, which is used as “truth.” The calibration procedure improves the Brier score (BrS), conditional bias (reliability) and forecast skill, such as the Brier skill score (BrSS) and the ranked probability skill score (RPSS), relative to the sample frequency for all geographic regions and most precipitation thresholds. However, the procedure degrades the resolution of the PQPFs by systematically producing more forecasts with low nonzero forecast probabilities that drive the forecast distribution closer to the climatology of the training sample. The problem of degrading the resolution is most severe over the Colorado River basin and the Great Basin for relatively high precipitation thresholds where the sample of observed events is relatively small.
Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Tornado Fatalities in the United States: 1880–2005
Authors: Ashley Walker S.
Published: January 2008

A dataset of killer tornadoes is compiled and analyzed spatially in order to assess region-specific vulnerabilities in the United States from 1880 to 2005. Results reveal that most tornado fatalities occur in the lower–Arkansas, Tennessee, and lower–Mississippi River valleys of the southeastern United States—a region outside of traditional “tornado alley.” Analysis of variables including tornado frequency, land cover, mobile home density, population density, and nocturnal tornado probabilities demonstrates that the relative maximum of fatalities in the Deep South and minimum in the Great Plains may be due to the unique juxtaposition of both physical and social vulnerabilities. The spatial distribution of these killer tornadoes suggests that the above the national average mobile home density in the Southeast may be a key reason for the fatality maximum found in this area. A demographic analysis of fatalities during the latter part of the database record illustrates that the middle aged and elderly are at a much greater risk than are younger people during these events. Data issues discovered during this investigation reveal the need for a concerted effort to obtain critical information about how and where all casualties occur during future tornado and hazardous weather events. These new, enhanced data, combined with results of spatially explicit studies exploring the human sociology and psychology of these hazardous events, could be utilized to improve future warning dissemination and mitigation techniques.
Counseling Psychology and Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Elliott Timothy R. , Johnson Mallory O.
Published: January 2008

The authors support the assertion that counseling psychology expertise should be present at all levels of therapeutic activity that may benefit persons who live with chronic health conditions. They consider the impact of the increasing rates of chronic health conditions on health care systems, society, and health service professions. In order for the field to have an influential role in service delivery and policy formation that benefit individuals with chronic health conditions, the authors offer four recommendations: (a) Participate in, promote, and reward interdisciplinary research and service; (b) conduct, promote, and reward policy-relevant research programs; (c) promote and utilize participatory research methods; and (d) consider the implications of these activities for our training programs.
Process-structure Relationships in PCL Foaming
Authors: Marrazzo Carlo , Di Maio Ernesto , Iannace Salvatore , Nicolais Luigi
Published: January 2008

The foaming behavior of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with nitrogen as the foaming agent has been investigated. By using a uniquely designed and instrumented batch foaming apparatus it is possible to study the correlation between the foam structure (i.e., foam density and mean cell diameter) and the main processing variables (i.e., foaming temperature, foaming agent concentration, and pressure drop rate). A narrow experimental range has been used to describe the complex dependencies by a simple model. In particular, linear algebraic functions have been used to describe the effect of the processing variables on both the foam density and the mean cell diameter. With the aim to better depict these relationships, 3D graphs are also reported. This visualization/ parametrization allows the rapid selection of the proper process parameters to obtain PCL foams with the desired density and morphology.
The Prevalence of Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder Among Persons With Albinism
Authors: Kutzbach Beth , Summers C. Gail , Holleschau Ann M. , King Richard A. , MacDonald John T.
Published: January 2008

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common diagnosis in children and adults. Human albinism is an uncommon genetic condition associated with visual impairment that may affect behavior. To determine if there is a relationship between albinism and ADHD, the prevalence of ADHD was examined among 78 children (age range, 4-18 years) and among 44 adults (age range, 19-79 years) with ocular or oculocutaneous albinism. ADHD was diagnosed in the pediatric population using a combination of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) criteria, Conners' Parent Rating Scale, and physician observation. Adults were diagnosed using the Utah criteria for ADHD as confirmed by physician history and interview. Seventeen children (22.7% [17 of 75]) (3 children with existing diagnoses of pervasive developmental disorder were identified but were not included in the data analysis) and 3 adults (6.8%) met the criteria for ADHD. The combined hyperactivity and impulsivity subtype of ADHD was most common, accounting for 50% of the diagnoses. Binocular best-corrected visual acuity and genetic type of albinism were not found to correlate with a diagnosis of ADHD. The prevalence of ADHD among children and adults with albinism is more frequent than that reported among the general population and is not related to binocular best-corrected visual acuity.
Homocysteine Levels in Epileptic Children Receiving Antiepileptic Drugs
Authors: Kurul Semra , Ünalp Aycan , Yiş Uluç
Published: January 2008

The aim of this study is to investigate the homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels in epileptic children receiving antiepileptic drugs. A total of 25 children with idiopathic epilepsy (8 valproate, 11 carbamazepine, and 6 oxcarbazepine) and 10 healthy children were included in the study. The mean homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels in the study group were 7.57 ± 3.78 µmol/L (normal = 5-15 µmol/L), 10.19 ± 4.05 ng/mL (normal = 3.0-17 ng/mL), and 428.20 ± 256.12 pg/mL (normal = 193-983 pg/mL), respectively. The differences between the mean plasma homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels of the study and control groups were not significant ( P = .522; P = .855; P = .798, respectively). However, plasma homocysteine levels were higher than the normal cutoff point accepted for childhood in 4 (16%) of the study patients. Out of these 4 children, 3 were from the carbamazepine group and 1 was from the valproate group. Although the number of the study patients is limited, the authors recommend assessment of plasma homocysteine, serum vitamin B12, and folic acid levels in children receiving enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs.
Cholesterol Ester Storage Disease With Unusual Neurological Manifestations in Two Siblings: A Report From South India
Authors: Bindu P.S. , Taly A.B. , Christopher R. , BharatKumar P.V. , Panda S. , Netravathi M. , Ravishankar S. , Mahadevan A. , Yasha T.C. , Gayathri N.
Published: January 2008

Cholesterol ester storage disease is a rare autosomal recessive storage disorder resulting from lysosomal acid lipase deficiency. Two siblings manifested with hepatosplenomegaly, ptosis, and bilateral external ophthalmoplegia. Evaluation revealed hyperlipidemia and bilateral adrenal calcifications. Leukocyte acid lipase levels were significantly low in both the patients, compared with controls, suggesting a diagnosis of cholesterol ester storage disease. Ptosis and external ophthalmoplegia have hitherto not been reported in cholesterol ester storage disease.
Infant Botulism: 20 Years' Experience at a Single Institution
Authors: Tseng-Ong Linda , Mitchell Wendy G.
Published: January 2008

Admissions from January 1, 1985, to December 31, 2005, with the diagnosis of infant botulism were reviewed to describe the clinical presentation, course, outcome, and changes related to the availability of botulism immune globulin treatment. Botulism diagnoses were confirmed by the finding of toxin or Clostridium botulinum organisms in stool samples (type A, 14; type B, 25; type not noted, 5). Twenty-four patients were admitted from 1985-1994 and 20 from 1995-2004. Infants in the two decades were similar in age, demographics, and presenting features. Ventilator support was needed in 13 of 24 (54%) in 1985-1994 and in 15 of 20 (75%) in 1995-2005; 43 required nasogastric feeding. Seventeen patients were treated with botulism immune globulin. Length of stay was shorter in infants treated with botulism immune globulin (13.5 vs 23 days, P = .009), with a trend toward reduced need for nasogastric feeding and in shorter duration of tracheal intubation. All patients recovered fully. Even with the availability of botulism immune globulin, meticulous supportive care remained essential for recovery.
Rett Syndrome: North American Database
Authors: Percy Alan K. , Lane Jane B. , Childers Jerry , Skinner Steve , Annese Fran , Barrish Judy , Caeg Erwin , Glaze Daniel G. , MacLeod Patrick
Published: January 2008

The International Rett Syndrome Association (IRSA) North American database is the first comprehensive compilation of information in the United States and Canada on individuals with Rett syndrome or with another diagnosis in association with MECP2 mutations. The database contains specific information by diagnosis, mutation status, and mutation type and frequency on 1928 participants. Among the 1928 participants, 85.5% were typical, 13.4% were atypical, and 1.1% had MECP2 mutations but did not have Rett syndrome. MECP2 mutations were identified in 914 of 1059 participants (86%): 799 of 870 (92%) participants with typical Rett syndrome had an MECP2 mutation, 94 of 162 (58%) with atypical Rett syndrome had a mutation, and all 21 individuals diagnosed as Not Rett syndrome had a mutation. Missense-type mutations (39.0%) were slightly more common than nonsense type (35.1%). Individual mutation frequency for the 8 common mutations varied from 11.9% for T158M to 4.4% for R106W; large deletions accounted for 6.4% and C-terminal truncations occurred in 8.8%. The remaining mutations (14.3%) occurred singly or in small numbers. This database provides a unique resource for expanding our understanding of Rett syndrome, for comparison with other national databases, and for future study including organization of clinical trials based on the expected emergence of fundamental therapies.
Losing One's Memory in Early Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Parsons-Suhl Karen , Johnson Mary E. , McCann Judy J. , Solberg Shirley
Published: January 2008

A Heideggerian hermeneutical phenomenological research method was used to investigate the experience of memory loss in twelve individuals with early Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. Data analysis proceeded as described by Diekelmann, Allen, and Tanner (1989), and incorporated the methods of Benner (1994), Thomas and Pollio (2002), and van Manen (1990). Three constitutive patterns with relational themes were identified. The first pattern, experiencing breakdown, consisted of two themes: awakening to breakdown and living with forgetting. The second pattern, temporality, consisted of three themes: being in the nothing, forgetting the past, and looking ahead. The third pattern, managing forgetting, consisted of the themes: remembering with cues, writing things down, recognizing what made remembering better or worse, and using laughter. The finding show that early Alzheimer's disease is more than an illness of cognitive losses and that forgetting is significant in light of the meaning that it has within everyday life.
Participatory Change in a Campaign Led by Sex Workers: Connecting Resistance to Action-Oriented Agency
Authors: Basu Ambar , Dutta Mohan J.
Published: January 2008

Studies predict that the number of HIV infections among commercial sex workers (CSWers) in India may rise to 3.93 million. Efforts have been made to stem the tide. But most campaigns have been designed to ensure condom compliance among CSWers by spreading awareness and increasing availability. Absent from the discursive space of such campaigns are the agency of CSWers and their ability to resist dominant social structures. The authors respond to this lacuna in health communication by foregrounding voices of CSWers participating in two HIV/AIDS interventions in India. Based on the culture-centered approach to health communication and subaltern studies theory, it examines data from two sites to analyze how communicative narratives of agency and resistance are enacted in the marginalized lives of sex workers.
Intimate Partner Acceptance, Parental Acceptance in Childhood, and Psychological Adjustment Among Japanese Adults
Authors: Rohner Ronald P. , Kamal Uddin Muhammad , Shamsunnaher Mussamat , Khaleque Abdul
Published: January 2008

This study explored gender differences in relationships between perceived partner acceptance and psychological adjustment in relation to remembrances of maternal and paternal acceptance in childhood. Eighty-two Japanese adults (58 women and 24 men) responded to five self-report questionnaires. Results of analyses showed that men's psychological adjustment was not significantly correlated with either perceived partner acceptance or remembrances of paternal acceptance in childhood, but it was significantly associated with remembrances of maternal acceptance. The psychological adjustment of Japanese women, on the other hand, was significantly correlated with both perceived partner acceptance and with remembrances of paternal acceptance but not with remembrances of maternal acceptance. Results of simple multiple regression showed, however, that only remembered paternal acceptance made an independent and significant contribution to women's adjustment, whereas only remembered maternal acceptance made an independent and significant contribution to men's adjustment.
Increased Incidence of In-Stent Thrombosis Related to Cocaine Use: Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Singh Sarabjeet , Arora Rohit , Khraisat Ahmad , Handa Kamna , Bahekar Amol , Trivedi Atul , Khosla Sandeep
Published: January 2008

The purpose of this article was to determine the incidence of in-stent thrombosis (IST) after coronary stent implantation in patients with cocaine abuse. A retrospective review was done of medical records of consecutive patients who underwent coronary stent implantation for obstructive coronary artery disease at a single inner-city institution from January 1997 to October 2006. Patients with temporal cocaine use were identified by positive urine drug screen. IST was confirmed angiographically. Of the 81 patients with active cocaine use that underwent coronary stent implantation, 4 (5%) suffered IST (mean period from stent implantation, 28.5 ± 14 days). All procedures were performed successfully and received intravenous IIb/IIIa antagonist intraprocedurally. All patients were prescribed dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel at discharge; however, all 4 patients that suffered from IST continued cocaine abuse were noncompliant with the prescribed dual antiplatelet therapy. Of these 4 patients, 2 presented with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (50%), whereas 2 presented with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (50%). One was managed medically. Two received repeat percutaneous coronary intervention, and 1 underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. The patient that underwent surgery died in the postoperative period. The remaining 3 patients survived. Patients with active cocaine abuse who undergo successful coronary stent revascularization have a high (5%) incidence of stent thrombosis. A majority of patients that suffer stent thrombosis continue cocaine abuse and are noncompliant with antiplatelet therapy.
Longitudinal Analysis of Repeated Child Abuse Reporting and Victimization: Multistate Analysis of Associated Factors
Authors: Fluke John D. , Shusterman Gila R. , Hollinshead Dana M. , Yuan Ying-Ying T.
Published: January 2008

Most child subjects of maltreatment reports to child protective services (CPS) are involved just once, whereas other children experience repeated investigations and victimizations. This study examines individual, maltreatment, and service-related factors associated with maltreatment rereporting and substantiated rereporting in a multistate context. Case-level National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System data (505,621 children) were analyzed. Within 24 months, 22% of children were rereported, and 7% were rereported with substantiation. Younger and White and mixed race children, those with disabilities, and those whose caregivers abused alcohol were more likely to be rereported and rereported and substantiated. Service provision, including foster care placement, was associated with increased likelihood of subsequent events. When CPS agency performance is assessed using measures of reentry, separate measures may be necessary for children who receive services, so that improvements in safety can be appropriately recognized. Reentry into CPS is a complex interaction of risks to children and systemic factors tied to the intervention they receive.
Development of Collaboration in Multiproblem Cases
Authors: Huotari Risto
Published: January 2008

• Summary: This article sketches guidelines for development of collaboration in multiproblem cases. For this purpose, an adoption process of a new model of activity in work community is outlined from the viewpoint of activity theory. Also the theme of open dialogue is studied in order to outline the challenge of polyphony (multi-voicedness).

• Findings: The adoption of a new, more collaborative approach in work community is a relatively long cycle of expansive transformation in which the workers should get oriented collectively in the history of the activity and its objects, in the resolving of contradictions, in the modelling and evaluation of a new solution, and in the internalization of open dialogue culture where also the power relations are taken in account. In order to take on account the multiple perspectives in the network, it is recommendable to apply a set of methods called Anticipation Dialogues, where the basis of coordination is sought in the life world of the clients instead of the professionals' specialized tasks.

• Applications : The presented framework gives a constructive perspective on the challenges and possibilities in inter-organizational learning in multiactor network.
Brain activation in paediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder during tasks of inhibitory control
Authors: Woolley James , Heyman Isobel , Brammer Mick , Frampton Ian , McGuire Philip K. , Rubia Katya
Published: January 2008

Background

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be related to a dysfunction in frontostriatal pathways mediating inhibitory control. However, no functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study has tested this in children.

Aims

To test whether adolescents with OCD in partial remission would show abnormal frontostriatal brain activation during tasks of inhibition.

Method

Event-related fMRI was used to compare brain activation in 10 adolescent boys with OCD with that of 9 matched controls during three different tasks of inhibitory control.

Results

During a ‘stop’ task, participants with OCD showed reduced activation in right orbitofrontal cortex, thalamus and basal ganglia; inhibition failure elicited mesial frontal underactivation. Task switching and interference inhibition were associated with attenuated activation in frontal, temporoparietal and cerebellar regions.

Conclusions

These preliminary findings support the hypothesis that paediatric OCD is characterised by a dysregulation of frontostriatothalamic brain regions necessary for motor inhibition, and also demonstrate dysfunction of temporoparietal and frontocerebellar attention networks during more cognitive forms of inhibition.
Psychosocial interventions for the prevention of relapse in
bipolar disorder: systematic review of controlled trials
Authors: Beynon Suzanne , Soares-Weiser Karla , Woolacott Nerys , Duffy Steven , Geddes John R.
Published: January 2008

Background

Pharmacological interventions alone do not provide sufficient benefit for
some individuals with bipolar disorder.

Aims

To determine the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for the
prevention of relapse in bipolar disorder.

Method

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised or quasi-randomised
controlled trials were conducted.

Results

Cognitive-behavioural therapy or group psychoeducation may be effective
for relapse prevention in stable individuals. Family therapy was no more
or less effective than individual psychosocial therapy or crisis
management. There is no evidence that care management or integrated group
therapy is effective in the prevention of relapse.

Conclusions

Cognitive-behavioural therapy, group psychoeducation and possibly family
therapy may be beneficial as adjuncts to pharmacological maintenance
treatments.