bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GHG Targets asInsuranceAgainstCatastrophicClimateDamages
Authors: WEITZMAN MARTIN L.
Published: March 2012

The climate system is an angry beast and we are poking it with sticks†.

A critical issue in climate change economics is the specification of the so‐called “damages function” and its interaction with the unknown uncertainty of catastrophic outcomes. This paper asks how much we might be misled by our economic assessment of climate change when we employ a conventional quadratic damages function and/or a thin‐tailed probability distribution for extreme temperatures. The paper gives some numerical examples of the indirect value of various greenhouse gas (GHG) concentration targets as insurance against catastrophic climate change temperatures and damages. These numerical exercises suggest that we might be underestimating considerably the welfare losses from uncertainty by using a quadratic damages function and/or a thin‐tailed temperature distribution. In these examples, the primary reason for keeping GHG levels down is to insure against high‐temperature catastrophic climate risks.
Ecological Intuition versus Economic “Reason”
Authors: GUÉANT OLIVIER , GUESNERIE ROGER , LASRY JEAN‐MICHEL
Published: March 2012

This paper discusses the discount rate to be used in projects aimed at preserving the environment. The model has two different goods: one is the usual consumption good whose production may increase exponentially, and the other is an environmental good whose quality remains limited. The stylized world we describe is fully determined by four parameters, reflecting basic preferences, “ecological” and intergenerational concerns, and feasibility constraints. We define an ecological discount rate and examine its connections with the usual interest rate and the optimized growth rate. We discuss, in this simple world, different forms of the precautionary principle.
Sharing and Ascribing Goals
Authors: JACOB PIERRE
Published: March 2012

This paper assesses the scope and limits of a widely influential model of goal‐ascription by human infants: the shared‐intentionality model. It derives much of its appeal from its ability to integrate behavioral evidence from developmental psychology with cognitive neuroscientific evidence about the role of mirror neuron activity in non‐human primates. The central question raised by this model is whether sharing a goal with an agent is necessary and sufficient for ascribing it to that agent. I argue that advocates of the shared‐intentionality model underestimate both the distinction between the target and the goal of a goal‐directed action and the gap between sharing and ascribing a goal.
SCIENCE AS SALVATION: GEORGE LAKOFF AND STEVEN PINKER AS SECULAR POLITICAL THEOLOGIANS
Authors: RASMUSSON ARNE
Published: March 2012

This article critically analyzes two leading cognitive scientists, George Lakoff and Steven Pinker, as competing secular political “theologians”. The idea of Science as savior is at the heart of the set of stories modernity tells about itself. The modern world, it is assumed, has left the age of religion and reached the age of Science. Lakoff and Pinker, who advocate opposing moral and political worldviews, make their claims on the basis of their scientific work, but it is implicit narratives and ontologies that give force to their broader views about morality and politics.
SOURCES AS CANONS: THE QUESTION OF CANONICAL COHERENCE
Authors: LONG D. STEPHEN
Published: March 2012

“Canonical coherence” is necessary for reading, hearing and interpreting any text. It is not only something for which a theological interpreter of Scripture should aim, but also something that every interpreter of Scripture assumes. Irenaeus recognized that sources function as canons authorizing diverse readings. This essay assumes the truth of his Source and reads it against other sources by which biblical scholars and theologians interpret Scripture. It uses Hebrews 4: 14‐16 to examine the “Source” found in Gnostic, anti‐Platonic and Apocalyptic orderings of the Bible.
THE LITERAL SENSE OF SCRIPTURE ACCORDING TO HENRI DE LUBAC: INSIGHTS FROM PATRISTIC EXEGESIS OF THE TRANSFIGURATION
Authors: WRIGHT IV WILLIAM M.
Published: March 2012

This essay explicates Henri de Lubac's account of Scripture's literal sense as illumined by three patristic interpretations of the Transfiguration. Origen's exegesis highlights de Lubac's deployment of the Incarnational analogy in which history contains, veils, and discloses divine mystery. Similar to Jerome, de Lubac distinguishes the realities of biblical history (as revelatory loci) from their textual articulation. Augustine illustrates the hermeneutical influence of the interpreter's presupposed account of history, to which de Lubac, following Blondel, attributes great importance in approaching the biblical letter. De Lubac's account of the literal sense is thoroughly theological and an underexplored resource for thinking about this topic.
KARL BARTH AND ISLAM
Authors: CHESTNUTT GLENN A.
Published: March 2012

Karl Barth comments briefly, sporadically and polemically on Islam as a false religion. He views it as a threat to Christendom, using it as a cipher for National Socialism, as an example of absolute monotheism, and finally as a “paganised” form of rabbinic Judaism. But an examination and critique of Barth's understanding of Judaism, which is central to his understanding of Islam, recognises the interdependency of Church and Synagogue for Barth. This article argues that this mutual dependency should also be extended to include Islam. While Barth never developed a theology of Islam per se, this new understanding gives his theology the potential to be of use to the new encounter between Christianity and Islam.
DIGGING IT: ON UNDERSTANDING THEOLOGY AS BRICKLAYING
Authors: MUERS RACHEL
Published: March 2012

The connections Stanley Hauerwas draws between his theological work and the craft of bricklaying, which he learned from his father, invites comparison with Seamus Heaney's depiction of poetry as digging. Both men understand their task of writing as hard and precise labour that pays close attention to given materials and that honours the complexities of the past. I consider how the characterisation of theology as bricklaying‐like work, integral to Hauerwas’ professional and personal self‐understanding, may shape his theological approaches and priorities, and ask how this might contrast with other possible approaches formed from other historical contexts.
STANLEY HAUERWAS AND THE LIBERAL PROTESTANT PROJECT
Authors: RENO R. R.
Published: March 2012

Stanley Hauerwas has been seen as a staunch opponent of liberal Protestantism. However his upbringing, education, and theological points of emphasis suggest that his work is best understood as in internal critique of liberal Protestantism, one that follows in a tradition of twentieth‐century theological renewals.
Women Scientists and Engineers in European Companies: Putting Motherhood under the Microscope
Authors: Herman Clem , Lewis Suzan , Humbert Anne Laure
Published: March 2012

Unlike the rise in women's participation in other professional sectors, women still form a minority of professional scientists and engineers, especially in multinational companies. Moreover, embedded gendered cultures in the science, engineering and technology (SET) sectors continue to affect the career progression of professional women, with few women reaching senior management positions and many leaving and failing to return. This article examines the experiences of women SET professionals in three European companies based in France, The Netherlands and Italy and illustrates how the careers of SET professionals in industry are shaped not only by corporate cultures and practices but also by the specific national contexts in which they live and work. In particular, we look at how motherhood rather than gender alone is constructed as problematic and propose a model of strategies that women adopt in doing motherhood and SET, including assimilation, cul‐de‐sac, breaking the mould and lying low.
At the bottom of a global commodity chain––how different really are hourly wage rates and piece rates?
Authors: Chand Anand
Published: March 2012

Employers have a number of different ways in which they can pay their employees. Discussions of the forms of wage payment were once very fashionable and they still remain important in terms of practice, but in theoretical terms, they have disappeared from the radar and been less central to recent analysis of work. On the surface, without any theoretical analysis and primarily empirical evidence, it appears that there is a major difference between ‘time wage’ rate and ‘piece wage’ rate. This article via Marxist theoretical analysis and primarily empirical evidence from Australian, New Zealand, Chinese and Fiji garment firms argued that there is a high level of similarity between time rate and piece rate. The empirical research findings of the Fiji garment industry shows that a time rate is not really much different from a piece rate, and in fact, a time rate is a disguised form of piece rate because workers are required to meet their targets per hour via very close monitoring of output and performance. The article further argued that there exist greater work intensification and exploitation via strict management control systems such as close supervision and punitive factory rules. The article also highlighted some of the limitations of existing social science theories because they can not account for what is going on garment firms in Fiji (especially Chinese firms). The article argues that we must either expand the earlier social science theories or move beyond and developed new theories to fully capture the new emerging trends of contemporary capitalist global production system.
The influence of time elapsed after milking and lactation stage on the lactoperoxidase system of milk in Sahiwal cattle and Nili‐Ravi buffaloes
Authors: YAQUB TAHIR , SADAF SUMARA , MUKHTAR NADIA , ZANEB HAFSA , SHABBIR MUHAMMAD ZUBAIR , AHMAD ARFAN , ASLAM ASIM , ASHRAF KAMRAN , AHMAD NISAR , REHMAN HABIB‐U
Published: March 2012

The effects of time elapsed after milking and lactation stage were assessed on the lactoperoxidase (LP) enzyme activity and concentrations of thiocyanate in Sahiwal cattle (N = 15) and Nili‐Ravi buffaloes (N = 15). The LP activity and thiocyanate concentrations decreased as the time elapsed after milking (P < 0.05) but the concentration of these components increased as the lactation advanced. The LP enzyme activity was sufficient until 12 h post milking but the thiocyanate concentration after 8 h decreased to an insufficient level to activate the LP System, hence additional thiocyanate would be beneficial from external sources. No difference was noted regarding the LPS activity in cattle and buffaloes at the time of collection and subsequently after storage. However, at the end of lactation, the thiocyanate concentration was lower in buffaloes than that in cattle. (P < 0.05).
Therapeutic efficiency of everolimus and lapatinib in xenograft model of human colorectal carcinoma with KRAS mutation
Authors: Chu Céline , Noël‐Hudson Marie‐Sophie , Boige Valérie , Goéré Diane , Marion Sylvie , Polrot Mélanie , Bigot Ludovic , Gonin Patrick , Farinotti Robert , Bonhomme‐Faivre Laurence
Published: March 2012

KRAS mutation is a negative predictive prognostic factor during metastatic colorectal cancer treatment with antiepidermal growth factor receptor antibodies. For affected patients, new therapeutics must be explored. Our objective was to study efficacy of two drugs with different mechanisms of action, everolimus (mTOR inhibitor) and lapatinib (tyrosine kinase inhibitor), in a mouse xenograft model. We chose a model obtained after engraftment of a tumor originating from a human tumor collection. The patient was affected by a metastasis colorectal carcinoma resistant to cetuximab with KRAS mutation. From a previous study in mice, we know that everolimus is a P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) substrate and that a lapatinib pretreatment increases significantly (2.6‐fold) everolimus AUC by inhibiting its intestinal P‐gp efflux. We hence tested the effect of these drugs alone or combined. Mice bearing the xenografts were divided in four groups: control, lapatinib, everolimus, and L/E group (L/E: 2 days of lapatinib 200 mg/kg and then 3 days of everolimus 1 mg/kg). Tumor volumes and treatment toxicities were evaluated. Sixteen days after treatment initiation, the group L/E was the first one in which tumor volume average was significantly lower than the one of control group (193 ± 90 vs. 395 ± 171 mm3; P = 0.0025). After 4 weeks of treatment, inhibition of tumor growth in lapatinib, everolimus, and L/E groups reached, respectively, 49, 53, and 57%. Each drug showed significant antitumor activity. Only moderate hematologic toxicity signs were observed. These results lead to new perspectives for new oral drugs in metastatic KRAS‐mutated colorectal cancer resistant to standard chemotherapy.
Coase Rules OK? Exploring Prospects for Private Sector Environmental Protection
Authors: BENNETT JEFF
Published: March 2012

Environmental policy in Australia, and internationally, has been characterised by taxes, subsidies, regulations and direct state provision. These Pigouvian‐inspired measures have paid little attention to the institutional drivers (Coasian rules) that underpin environmental issues. A re‐orientation towards environmental protection initiatives driven by institutions that are endogenous to society offers the potential to lower transaction costs and release exchange efficiency improvements of the type demonstrated by Ostrom in the context of common property resources and Williamson in the case of firm organisation. Australian examples of private sector nature protection initiatives are used to demonstrate this potential.
Blood pressure response to angiotensin II is enhanced in obese Zucker rats and is attributed to an aldosterone‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Müller‐Fielitz Helge , Lau Margot , Jöhren Olaf , Stellmacher Florian , Schwaninger Markus , Raasch Walter
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Plasma aldosterone levels correlate positively with obesity, suggesting a link between the hypertension associated with obesity and increased mineralocorticoid levels. We tested the hypothesis that aldosterone is involved in the BP response to angiotensin II (AngII) in obese rats.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Lean (LZR) and obese (OZR) Zucker rats were treated with AngII (9 µg·h−1; 4 weeks), and BP and plasma AngII and aldosterone were determined.

KEY RESULTS Chronic AngII increased the BP in OZR markedly more so than in LZR. Plasma AngII levels in LZR and OZR were similar after AngII treatment. The AngII stimulated a rise in plasma aldosterone that was sixfold more in OZR than in LZR. The thickness of the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal glands was selectively increased by AngII in OZR. Adrenal mRNA levels of CYP11B2 aldosterone synthase and the AT1B receptor were selectively increased in AngII‐treated OZR. The BP response to chronic AngII stimulation was diminished in OZR after adrenalectomy when plasma aldosterone was absent. Acute bolus injections of AngII did not increase the BP response or aldosterone release in OZR.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The AngII‐induced BP response is enhanced in obesity and this is associated with a specific increase in circulating aldosterone. Due to the AngII‐induced growth of the zona glomerulosa in OZR, the AT1B receptors and aldosterone synthase may be selectively enhanced in obesity under concomitant AngII stimulation, increasing the adrenal synthesis of aldosterone. Our results confirm functionally that aldosterone plays a major role in obesity‐related hypertension.
Myocardial β2‐adrenoceptor gene delivery promotes coordinated cardiac adaptive remodelling and angiogenesis in heart failure
Authors: Rengo G , Zincarelli C , Femminella GD , Liccardo D , Pagano G , de Lucia C , Altobelli GG , Cimini V , Ruggiero D , Perrone‐Filardi P , Gao E , Ferrara N , Lymperopoulos A , Koch WJ , Leosco D
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We investigated whether β2‐adrenoceptor overexpression could promote angiogenesis and improve blood perfusion and left ventricular (LV) remodeling of the failing heart.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We explored the angiogenic effects of β2‐adrenoceptor overexpression in a rat model of post‐myocardial infarction (MI) heart failure (HF). Cardiac adenoviral‐mediated β2‐adrenoceptor overexpression was obtained via direct intramyocardial injection 4‐weeks post‐MI. Adenovirus(Ad)‐GFP and saline injected rats served as controls. Furthermore, we extended our observation to β2‐adrenoceptor −/− mice undergoing MI.

KEY RESULTS Transgenes were robustly expressed in the LV at 2 weeks post‐gene therapy, whereas their expression was minimal at 4‐weeks post‐gene delivery. In HF rats, cardiac β2‐adrenoceptor overexpression resulted in enhanced basal and isoprenaline‐stimulated cardiac contractility at 2‐weeks post‐gene delivery. At 4 weeks post‐gene transfer, Ad‐β2‐adrenoceptor HF rats showed improved LV remodeling and cardiac function. Importantly, β2‐adrenoceptor overexpression was associated with a markedly increased capillary and arteriolar length density and enhanced in vivo myocardial blood flow and coronary reserve. At the molecular level, cardiac β2‐adrenoceptor gene transfer induced the activation of the VEGF/PKB/eNOS pro‐angiogenic pathway. In β2‐adrenoceptor−/− mice, we found a ∼25% reduction in cardiac capillary density compared with β2‐adrenoceptor+/+ mice. The lack of β2‐adrenoceptors was associated with a higher mortality rate at 30 days and LV dilatation, and a worse global cardiac contractility compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATION β2‐Adrenoceptors play an important role in the regulation of the angiogenic response in HF. The activation of VEGF/PKB/eNOS pathway seems to be strongly involved in this mechanism.
Acreage Response to Whole Farm Income Stabilisation Programmes
Authors: Bakhshi Samira , Gray Richard S.
Published: March 2012

This article investigates whether Canadian whole farm programmes, which fall under the WTO category of Green Box subsidies, are truly production neutral. Theory suggests that with non‐constant risk aversion, risky decisions can be influenced by both the level of expected wealth (i.e. the wealth effect) and the variability of wealth (i.e. the insurance effect). Unlike previous approaches, this article is able to extend a framework developed by Chavas and Holt to formally incorporate the insurance effect into the acreage allocation decisions. By applying the theoretical model to acreage data in the Canadian Prairies, the results reveal that the whole farm income stabilisation programmes had large impacts on acreage choices through wealth and insurance effects. From a WTO perspective, the results underline the inherent difficulty in designing programmes that will reduce the risk faced by farmers without altering behaviour.
Association of Maturation Period Blood Pressure with Dialysis Access Patency
Authors: Wayne Erik J. , Brier Michael E. , Dwyer Amy C.
Published: March 2012

Problematic dialysis vascular access is a major health issue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate for potentially modifiable factors associated with access patency, particularly, the association of early postoperative, or maturation period, blood pressure with patency. A retrospective review was performed of patients who had undergone placement of an arteriovenous fistula or graft. Demographic, operative, and postoperative factors were evaluated for possible association with access primary patency using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Seventy‐three patients over a 3‐year review period were examined. Overall analysis showed a significant association of absence of peripheral vascular disease, aspirin use, and absence of previous permanent dialysis access with higher primary patency rates. Fistula subgroup analysis showed that higher blood pressure during the maturation period relative to preoperative blood pressure was associated with lower patency rates. For grafts, race was significantly associated with patency, with blacks having higher patency rates than whites. Multiple clinical factors were found to have a significant association with dialysis access primary patency. The finding of an association of maturation period blood pressure with fistula patency suggests that the maturation period environment, specifically hemodynamics during this time, may play an important role in dialysis access patency.
Symptomatic Intradialytic Hypotension and Mortality: An Opinionated Review
Authors: Henderson Lee W.
Published: March 2012

The unchanging rate of symptomatic hypotension that attends maintenance hemodialysis and its link to sodium/volume overload are explored. Correlations between interdialytic weight gain, ultrafiltration rate, hypertension, and mortality are found to be strong. Suggestions/opinions for correcting this unfortunate clinical reality are offered.
The challenges and beauty of peripheral nerve regrowth
Authors: Zochodne Douglas W.
Published: March 2012

This review provides an overview of selected aspects of peripheral nerve regeneration and potential avenues to explore therapeutically. The overall coordinated and orchestrated pattern of recovery from peripheral nerve injury has a beauty of execution and progress that rivals all other forms of neurobiology. It involves changes at the level of the perikaryon, coordination with important peripheral glial partners, the Schwann cells, a controlled inflammatory response, and growth that overcomes surprising intrinsic roadblocks. Both regenerative axon growth and collateral sprouting encompass fascinating aspects of this story. Better understanding of peripheral nerve regeneration may also lead to enhanced central nervous system recovery.
Assessment of Environmental Impacts of an Aging and Stagnating Water Supply Pipeline Network
Authors: Venkatesh G. , Brattebø Helge
Published: March 2012

Aging urban infrastructure is a common phenomenon in industrialized countries. The urban water supply pipeline network in the city of Oslo is an example. Even as it faces increasing operational, maintenance, and management challenges, it needs to better its environmental performance by reducing, for instance, the associated greenhouse gas emissions. In this article the authors examine the environmental life cycle performance of Oslo's water supply pipelines by analyzing annual resource consumption and emissions as well as life cycle assessment (LCA) impact potentials over a period of 16 years, taking into account the production/manufacture, installation, operation, maintenance, rehabilitation, and retirement of pipelines. It is seen that the water supply pipeline network of Oslo has already reached a state of saturation on a per capita basis, that is, it is not expanding any more relative to the population it serves, and the stock is now rapidly aging. This article is part of a total urban water cycle system analysis for Oslo, and analyzes more specifically the environmental impacts from the material flows in the water distribution network, examining six environmental impact categories using the SimaPro (version 7.1.8) software, Ecoinvent database, and the CML 2001 (version 2.04) methodology. The long‐term management of stocks calls for a strong focus on cost optimization, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness. Global warming and abiotic depletion emerge as the major impact categories from the water pipeline system, and the largest contribution is from the production and installation phases and the medium‐size pipelines in the network.
Meta‐Analysis of Life Cycle Assessment Studies on Electricity Generation with Carbon Capture and Storage
Authors: Schreiber Andrea , Zapp Petra , Marx Josefine
Published: March 2012

In the last decade, numerous life cycle assessments (LCAs) on environmental impacts of electricity generation with carbon capture and storage (CCS) have been conducted. This meta‐analysis comprises 15 LCAs of the three CCS technologies (postcombustion, oxyfuel, precombustion) with a focus on greenhouse gas reduction for different regions (Europe, United States, Japan, global), different fuels (hard coal, lignite, natural gas), and different time horizons (between the present and 2050). It presents a condensed overview of methodological variations, findings, and conclusions gathered from these LCAs.

All LCAs show the expected reduction in global warming potential but an increase in many other impact categories, regardless of capture technology, time horizon, or fuel considered. Three parameter sets have been identified that have a significant impact on the results: (1) power plant efficiency and energy penalty of the capture process, (2) carbon dioxide capture efficiency and purity, and (3) fuel origin and composition.

This meta‐analysis proves that LCA is a helpful tool to investigate the variety of environmental consequences associated with CCS. However, there are differences in the underlying assumptions of the LCAs as well as methodological shortcomings that yield heterogeneity of results. Without a better understanding of the technology, it is not possible to give a comprehensive picture. There also remains a wide field of subjects and technologies that have not yet been covered.
A Simplified Life Cycle Approach for Assessing Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Wind Electricity
Authors: Padey Pierryves , Blanc Isabelle , Le Boulch Denis , Xiusheng Zhao
Published: March 2012

A full life cycle assessment (LCA) is usually a time, energy, and data‐intensive process requiring sophisticated methodology. Our meta‐analysis of life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of wind electricity highlights several key, sensitive parameters to provide a better understanding of the variability in LCA results, and then proposes a methodology to establish a simplified, streamlined approach based on regressions built on these key parameters. Wind electricity's environmental performance can be linked to three essential components: technological (e.g., manufacturing), geographical (e.g., wind speed), and LCA methodology (e.g., product lifetime).

A regression has been derived based on detailed LCA results from a representative sample of 17 industrial wind turbines manufactured and recently installed in Europe on average land configurations. Simple GHG performance (i.e., emissions) curves depending on average on‐site wind speed and wind turbine lifetime are proposed. Whatever the system power, considering the full range of possible wind speeds in Europe (4 to 9 meters per second [m/s]) and a lifetime of 10 to 30 years, emissions vary from 8.7 to 76.7 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt‐hour (g CO2‐eq/kWh) when the wind speed is less than 6.5 m/s, and from 4.5 to 22.2 g CO2‐eq/kWh when the wind speed is 6.5 m/s or greater. This second situation with a turbine lifetime of 20 years is assumed to be most realistic based on economic criteria.

This research presents simplified models as an alternative to detailed LCA. The methodology has been applied as a first trial to wind electricity and could be applied to other energy pathways.
Opioid‐Free Perioperative Analgesia for Hemicolectomy in a Patient With Opioid‐Induced Delirium: A Case Report and Review of the Analgesic Efficacy of the Alpha‐2 Agonist Agents
Authors: Patil Sheetal K. , Anitescu Magdalena
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Surgical pain in patients with documented opioid‐induced delirium can be difficult to treat. We present a case of a patient undergoing laparoscopic hemicolectomy effectively treated with an opioid‐free, alpha‐2 adrenoreceptor agonist analgesic regimen.

Case report: A 21‐year‐old woman with persistent abdominal pain presented to the operating room for laparoscopic hemicolectomy for redundant right colon. Her medical history included a recently diagnosed postoperative opioid‐induced delirium. Epidural infusion with local anesthetic offered partial pain relief with sensory levels of T9‐L2. With the addition of dexmedetomidine infusion in the immediate postoperative period, the patient was comfortable with pain scores of 1 to 2/10 on Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). On postoperative day 1, the infusion was discontinued and the clonidine, 12 μg/hours was added to the epidural bupivacaine. With increased sedation 48 hours later, neuraxial clonidine was discontinued in favor to transdermal clonidine 0.1 mg/week, which was maintained until hospital discharge. Pain scores were maintained at 2 to 3/10 on NRS for the next 3 days when increased abdominal distention because of abscess formation rendered a new surgical intervention. The analgesia for the exploratory laparoscopy was maintained using epidural clonidine and bupivacaine infusion as well as intravenous dexmedetomidine, which were maintained another 2 days. Pain scores remained minimal until discharged home 3 day later. Discussion: Nonopioid analgesic regimens are beneficial in patients at risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction attributable to opioids. Successful postoperative analgesia was achieved in our patient by alternating various routes of administration of alpha‐2 adrenoreceptor agonists.
Impact of transfusion of autologous 7‐ versus 42‐day‐old AS‐3 red blood cells on tissue oxygenation and the microcirculation in healthy volunteers
Authors: Roberson Russell S. , Lockhart Evelyn , Shapiro Nathan I. , Bandarenko Nicholas , McMahon Timothy J. , Massey Michael J. , White William D. , Bennett‐Guerrero Elliott
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: Stored red blood cells (RBCs) accumulate biochemical and biophysical changes. Maximum storage duration is based on acceptable in vitro characteristics and 24‐hour survival, but not RBC function. Relatively little is known about the impact of RBC storage duration on oxygenation and the microcirculation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Eight healthy subjects donated a double RBC apheresis, which were prestorage leukoreduced and processed in AS‐3. Subjects were transfused 1 unit of RBCs at 7 and 42 days after blood collection. Measurements of percentage of tissue oxygenation in the thenar eminence muscle (StO2) and brain (SctO2) were recorded with Food and Drug Administration–cleared noninvasive devices. Sublingual microvascular blood flow (microcirculatory flow index [MFI]) was quantified before and after RBC transfusion using a video microscope. Raw electronic data for all measurements were analyzed by a blinded observer at a core laboratory.

RESULTS: The only pre‐ versus posttransfusion change observed in measurements of SctO2, StO2, or MFI was a very small increase in SctO2, from 70.4 to 71.8 (means, p = 0.032) at 7 days. There was no significant difference in the amount of pre–post change at 7 days versus 42 days for any of the measures.

CONCLUSION: Transfusion of 1 unit of 42‐day‐stored RBCs to healthy subjects has no overt detrimental effect on tissue oxygenation or the microcirculation assessed by clinically available monitors.
A rest period does not affect in vitro storage properties in apheresis platelets collected from the buffy coat layer
Authors: Wagner Stephen J. , Seetharaman Shalini , Kurtz James
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: A previous study demonstrated that several in vitro storage properties of apheresis platelets (PLTs) that are isolated by sedimentation against the collection container and subsequently resuspended can benefit from a rest period before continuous agitation. This study examines whether the in vitro storage properties of apheresis PLTs isolated by collection from the buffy coat layer benefit from a rest period before agitation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Freshly collected apheresis PLTs (Trima, GambroBCT) were divided into five 60‐mL aliquots. One aliquot was immediately placed on a flat‐bed agitator; the other aliquots were held on a laboratory bench for 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours before continuous agitation. Samples were obtained on Days 1, 5, and 7 for standard in vitro PLT assays. The experiment was repeated 12 times.

RESULTS: For each sampling day, no significant differences were observed in aliquots held with or without a rest period for any of the following PLT properties: PLT content, mean PLT volume, pH, pCO2, bicarbonate, glucose, lactate, hypotonic shock response, extent of shape change, aggregation, morphology, CD62P, CD63, and CD42b. Although regression analysis identified several in vitro properties whose mean levels appeared to improve with increasing length of the rest period, maximum differences in mean levels were small (<6%).

CONCLUSION: The in vitro storage properties of Trima apheresis PLTs isolated from the buffy coat layer do not benefit from a rest period.
Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Stroke Prevention in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: HAN JIANGLI , CHENG JIE , MATHURIA NILESH
Published: March 2012

Thromboembolism is the crucial cause of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Anticoagulation therapy with vitamin K antagonists, such as warfarin, have been proven to be effective for stroke prevention in AF. Nonetheless, the use of warfarin may be limited due to increased risk of bleeding, the potential interaction with multiple foods and drugs, and the need for routine coagulation monitoring. Over the last decade anticoagulants, such as dabigatran and rivaroxaban, have been developed and have shown superiority compared to warfarin for preventing stroke in patients with nonvalvular AF in large randomized trials. In addition, on account of the risk of thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage (LAA), many nonpharmacologic approaches have been developed to reduce stroke risk in patients with AF who are not candidates for anticoagulant therapy. Surgical, epicardial, and endovascular techniques for LAA closure are being investigated currently. Both novel pharmacotherapy and nonpharmacologic approaches for stroke prevention will be detailed in this review.

(PACE 2012;XX:1–11)
Reentrant Ventricular Outflow Tract Tachycardia Arising from Focal Scar Detected by Delayed Enhancement Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: YAMASHINA YOSHIHIRO , YAGI TETSUO , NAMEKAWA AKIO , ISHIDA AKIHIKO , SATO HIROKAZU , NAKAGAWA TAKASHI , SAKURAMOTO MANJIROU , SATO EIJI , YAMBE TOMOYUKI
Published: March 2012

A 58‐year‐old man was referred to our emergency room with hemodynamically unstable sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). The morphology of the VT exhibited a left bundle branch block and inferior axis deviation. He had no past history of cardiovascular disease. Echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, cardiac biopsy, gallium scintigram, myocardial scintigram, T1,T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and gadolinium‐enhanced cine MRI did not detect any structural heart disease or abnormal cardiac function. However, delayed‐enhancement MRI (DE‐MRI) detected a focal intramural scar within the septal ventricular outflow tract. An electrophysiological study revealed a sustained VT with several morphologies and the entrainment phenomenon. Radiofrequency catheter ablation to the site corresponding to the focal scar detected by DE‐MRI successfully eliminated the VT. (PACE 2012;35:e349–e352)
Effect of Bioimpedance Body Composition Analysis on Function of Implanted Cardiac Devices
Authors: BUCH ERIC , BRADFIELD JASON , LARSON TIANNE , HORWICH TAMARA
Published: March 2012

Background:

It is routinely recommended that patients with pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), and cardiac resynchronization therapy‐defibrillators (CRT‐D) avoid bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)—a commonly used method to estimate body composition—because of the concern for the potential for BIA interference with pacemaker or ICD function. However, the prevalence of such interference is not known.

Objective:

Assess for incidence of interference between BIA and ICD or CRT‐D devices.

Methods and Results:

Twenty patients with heart failure and cardiac implanted electronic devices (50% ICD, 50% CRT‐D) underwent BIA during real‐time device interrogation to detect interference. Study patients were 90% male, with mean age 54 ±14 years, and mean LVEF 23 ± 11%. Devices from all four leading cardiac device manufacturers were included. Device therapies were temporarily disabled to prevent inappropriate shocks. During body composition testing using BIA, no evidence of interference with ICD function was seen in any patient, including no telemetry disruption, no oversensing on any lead, and no patient symptoms.

Conclusions:

Despite the manufacturers’ recommendation to avoid BIA in patients with ICDs, this study showed no evidence of any interference in 20 patients. Bioimpedance analysis might be safe in such patients, but further confirmatory studies are required. (PACE 2012; 35:681–684)
Impact of a Recent Lead Recall on Utilization of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators: Data from the NCDR ICD Registry™
Authors: BHATT PARAS , CURTIS JEPTHA , WANG YONGFEI , LAMPERT RACHEL
Published: March 2012

Impact of Recalls on ICD Utilization. Introduction: Underutilization of ICDs is well documented. It has been hypothesized that device recalls, and the resultant negative publicity, may contribute.

Methods and Results: To determine if the October 2007 recall of the Medtronic Fidelis lead was associated with a decrease in volume of ICD procedures in the United States, we analyzed data submitted to the ICD Registry™ between July 2006 and December 2008. Time‐series analyses were performed comparing actual and predicted implant volumes following the recall, using monthly data from July 2006 to September 2007 to establish a trend line. Observed data points falling outside the 95% CIs from the trend line were considered statistically significant. The study cohort includes 173,616 implantations in 658 hospitals. Before October 2007, an average of 5,952 devices, 4,910 for primary prevention, were implanted per month. Following the recall, the average monthly number of implants was modestly lower at 5,623 (P = 0.05), 4,601 for primary prevention (P = 0.01.) However, as volume was decreasing prior, in time‐series analysis, the observed monthly implant volume for primary prevention devices differed from expected based on the trend line for only 1 month. The proportion of Medtronic implants declined from 51.1% in the 15 months prior to the recall to 45.8% in the 15 months of the recall or after (P < 0.01), falling outside the 95% CI of the trend line for 3 months in time‐series analysis.

Conclusions:
A recent well‐publicized lead recall had minimal impact on ICD utilization either overall or for primary prevention. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 861‐865, August 2012)
Redescription of Rhizodomus tagatzi (Ciliophora: Spirotrichea: Tintinnida), Based on Morphology and Small Subunit Ribosomal RNA Gene Sequence
Authors: Saccà Alessandro , Strüder‐Kypke Michaela C. , Lynn Denis H.
Published: March 2012

Herein, we redescribe a tintinnid ciliate that is most commonly known as Tintinnopsis corniger Hada, 1964; but it has been described several times with different names, specifically Tintinnopsis nudicauda Paulmier, 1997 and Rhizodomus tagatzi Strelkow & Wirketis, 1950. Neotype material was collected from the water column of the coastal saline Lake Faro, a meromictic basin connected to the Straits of Messina, Central Mediterranean. The Lake Faro population is characterized by a hyaline or sparsely agglomerated lorica, which made it possible to observe in detail the basal layer structure, usually concealed by abundant incrusting particles. Along with an improved description of the lorica, we provide novel information, such as the general zooid morphology, the ciliary pattern, and the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene sequence. Our phylogenetic analysis, based on the SSU rRNA, groups this species with Tintinnopsis radix, while the first taxonomic study designated it as R. tagatzi, introducing a new genus due to peculiarities in lorica morphology. We conclude that the species should be known as R. tagatzi, the senior synonym for the species. However, we do not transfer any other species to this genus, despite strong molecular similarities. Although it is obvious that the genus Tintinnopsis is in need of a thorough revision, current molecular and cytological information for this genus is too sparse, and the type species has not yet been redescribed with modern methods.
Stacking of Ceramic Inverse Opals with Different Lattice Constants
Authors: Kubrin Roman , Lee Hooi S. , Zierold Robert , Yu. Petrov Alexander , Janssen Rolf , Nielsch Kornelius , Eich Manfred , Schneider Gerold A.
Published: March 2012

The feasibility of stacking of thin ceramic inverse opals with incommensurable periodicity constants was investigated. Inverse opals with photonic stopgaps in the infrared range were prepared by the vertical convective self‐assembly from aqueous suspensions of monodisperse polystyrene (PS) particles with the sizes of 476, 608, and 756 nm. The opal templates were infiltrated with TiO2 by a low‐temperature atomic layer deposition process using titanium isopropoxide and water as precursors. The second PS template could be deposited on top of the infiltrated opal layer after exposing the latter to the UV‐light, which rendered its surface hydrophilic. Finally, the sacrificial PS templates were removed by calcination at 500°C. It is shown that smoothness of the surface of the inverse opals is crucial for the photonic performance of the heterostructures. Two well‐defined stopgaps could be observed in the spectra of reflectance of the stacked inverse opals with improved surface morphology.
Alternative plants for development of picture‐winged fly pests of maize
Authors: Goyal Gaurav , Nuessly Gregg S. , Seal Dakshina R. , Steck Gary J. , Capinera John L. , Boote Kenneth J.
Published: March 2012

Eleven species of picture‐winged flies (Diptera: Ulidiidae: Lipsanini) have been reported attacking maize [Zea mays L. (Poaceae)] ears in the Americas. Four of these species are sweet corn pests in America north of Mexico: Chaetopsis massyla (Walker), Euxesta annonae (Fabricius), E. eluta Loew, and E. stigmatias Loew. Adults of these four species appear at the beginning of each season following maize‐free periods, suggesting other plants act as food sources for maintenance and development of these flies. Studies were conducted in Florida, USA, to evaluate the suitability of several crop and non‐crop plants commonly occurring near maize plantings as developmental hosts for these flies. Laboratory trials were conducted using laboratory colonies of C. massyla, E. eluta, and E. stigmatias to determine their developmental rates and pupal survivorship on roots, stems, leaves, or fruits of 14 crop and weed species. All three fly species completed development on all tested crops (Brassica oleracea L., Capsicum chinense Jacquin, Capsicum annum L., Carica papaya L., Persea americana Mill., Raphanus sativus L., Saccharum officinarum L., and Solanum lycopersicum L.) and weed species [Amaranthus spinosus L., Portulaca oleracea L., Sorghum halepense (L.), and Typha spp.], except for Daucus carota L. roots and Solanum tuberosum L. tubers. Findings of the current study suggest that the presence of multiple host crops in areas surrounding maize fields may help explain the occurrence of these maize‐infesting ulidiids immediately after prolonged absences of maize.
Farm households and nonfarm activities in Ethiopia: does clustering influence entry and exit?
Authors: Ali Merima , Peerlings Jack
Published: March 2012

This article examines how clustering affects the entry and exit decisions of farm households into and from nonfarm enterprises in rural Ethiopia. We find that the existence of clusters of microenterprises in the same district increases the likelihood of a rural household to start a nonfarm enterprise. Similarly, clustering of big manufacturing firms in the same zone is found to increase the likelihood of farm households to start a nonfarm enterprise. Nonfarm enterprises operating in clusters are also found to have a lower probability of exit than those operating outside of clusters. The study further investigates the impact of entry and exit into and from nonfarm enterprises on farm household's well‐being using as indicators total household income, the food security status of a household, and the household's ability to raise enough money in case of emergency. Using propensity score matching to account for selection bias, we find that entry into nonfarm enterprises significantly increases household's income and food security status. Exit from nonfarm enterprises, on the other hand, is found to significantly reduce household's income.
The effects of nutritional labels on obesity
Authors: Loureiro Maria L. , Yen Steven T. , Nayga, Jr Rodolfo M.
Published: March 2012

This study examines the relationship between nutritional label use and obesity using switching regression. Results for treatment effect show that nutritional labels play a role in reducing obesity among users of nutritional labels, notably among women. The average body mass index (BMI) for men who read nutritional labels is 0.12 point lower than men who do not read them, while women who are users of nutritional labels have 1.49 points lower BMI than women who do not read labels. These findings imply that health education campaigns can employ nutritional labels as one of the instruments for reducing obesity.
Cellular microRNA let‐7c inhibits M1 protein expression of the H1N1 influenza A virus in infected human lung epithelial cells
Authors: Ma Yong‐Jie , Yang Jing , Fan Xing‐Liang , Zhao Hai‐Bao , Hu Wei , Li Zhen‐Peng , Yu Guang‐Chuang , Ding Xiao‐Ran , Wang Jun‐Zhi , Bo Xiao‐Chen , Zheng Xiao‐Fei , Zhou Zhe , Wang Sheng‐Qi
Published: March 2012

The influenza virus (IV) triggers a series of signalling events inside host cells and induces complex cellular responses. Studies have suggested that host factors play an essential role in IV replication. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of small non‐coding RNAs that target mRNAs, triggering either translation repression or RNA degradation. Emerging research suggests that host‐derived cellular miRNAs are involved in mediating the host–IV interaction. Using miRNA microarrays, we identified several miRNAs aberrantly expressed in IV‐infected human lung epithelial cells (A549). Specifically, miR‐let‐7c was highly up‐regulated in IV‐infected A549 cells. PITA and miRanda database screening indicated that the let‐7c seed sequence is a perfect complementary sequence match to the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of viral gene M1 (+) cRNA, but not to PB2 and PA. As detected by a luciferase reporter system, let‐7c directly targeted the 3′‐UTR of M1 (+) cRNA, but not PB2 and PA. To experimentally identify the function of cellular let‐7c, precursor let‐7c was transfected into A549 cells. Let‐7c down‐regulated IV M1 expression at both the (+) cRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, transfection with a let‐7c inhibitor enhanced the expression of M1. Therefore, let‐7c may reduce IV replication by degrading M1 (+) cRNA. This is the first report indicating that cellular miRNA regulates IV replication through the degradation of viral gene (+) cRNA by matching the 3′‐UTR of the viral cRNA. These findings suggest that let‐7c plays a role in protecting host cells from the virus in addition to its known cellular functions.
Expression of microRNA‐122 contributes to apoptosis in H9C2 myocytes
Authors: Huang Xiaoyan , Huang Fang , Yang Deye , Dong Fengquan , Shi Xiangxiang , Wang Hongyu , Zhou Xi , Wang Suyun , Dai Shengchuan
Published: March 2012

The microRNAs (miRNAs) can post‐transcriptionally regulate gene expression and heart development. The Pax‐8 gene knockout mice have apparent heart abnormalities. This study investigated the role of miRNAs in regulation of cardiac apoptosis and development in the knockout mice. MicroRNAmicroarrays demonstrated differential expression of microRNAs between Pax‐8−/−and Pax‐8+/−mice, confirmed by real‐timePCR. The miR‐122 was up‐regulated by 1.92 folds in Pax‐8−/−mice. There were ventricular septum defects in Pax‐8−/−mice, and increased numbers of apoptotic cells in the left ventricular wall and interventricular septum in Pax‐8−/−mice. In H9C2 myocytes, treatment with miR‐122 mimics or miR‐122 inhibitor affects the expression ofCCK‐8 and activity of Caspase‐3. The miR‐122 is up‐regulated in the myocytes of Pax‐8−/−mice and may participate in the apoptotic gene expression and pathogenesis of heart development defect.