bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meteorological and Intelligence Evidence of Long-Distance Transit of Chemical Weapons Fallout from Bombing Early in the 1991 Persian Gulf War
Authors: Tuite James J. , Haley Robert W.
Published: December 2012

Background: Coalition bombings on the night of 18–19 January 1991, early in the Gulf War, targeted the Iraqi chemical weapons infrastructure. On 19 January 1991, nerve agent alarms sounded within Coalition positions hundreds of kilometers to the south, and the trace presence of sarin vapor was identified by multiple technologies. Considering only surface dispersion of plumes from explosions, officials concluded that the absence of casualties around bombed sites precluded long-distance transit of debris to US troop positions to explain the alarms and detections. Consequently, they were discounted as false positives, and low-level nerve agent exposure early in the air war was disregarded in epidemiologic investigations of chronic illnesses. Intelligence Data: Newly assembled evidence indicates that plumes from those nighttime bombings of Iraqi chemical facilities would have traversed the stable nocturnal boundary layer and penetrated the residual layer where they would be susceptible to rapid transit by supergeostrophic winds. This explanation is supported by plume height predictions, available weather charts, weather satellite images showing transit of a hot air mass, effects of solar mixing of atmospheric layers, and observations of a stationary weather front and thermal inversion in the region. Conclusions: Current evidence supports long-distance transit. Epidemiologic studies of chronic postwar illness should be reassessed using veterans’ reports of hearing nerve agent alarms as the measure of exposure.
Helmholtz and Goethe – Controversies at the Birth of Modern Neuroscience
Authors: Kesselring Jürg
Published: December 2012

Hermann von Helmholtz (1821–1894), a great German scientist and philosopher, made his mark during the exciting twilight period from the Enlightenment and Romanticism to the beginnings of modern neuroscience and offered new perspectives through his work. His early inclination was for physics, which he found more attractive than purely geometric and algebraic studies, but his father was not able to make it possible for him to study physics, and so he studied medicine in order to earn a living. His lecture before the Physical Society in Berlin on July 23, 1847, ‘about the conservation of the force’ marked an epochal turn, even though his intention had been to deliver ‘merely, some critical investigations and arrangement of facts in favor of the physiologists’ as well as good arguments for the refusal of the theory of ‘vitality’. Even though these new concepts were at first dismissed as fantastic speculation by some of the authorities in physics and philosophy of the day, they were enthusiastically welcomed by younger students of philosophy and the older men soon had to allow themselves to be persuaded that the effectiveness of vitality, though great and beautiful, is actually always dependent on some source of energy. Helmholtz critically assessed Goethe as a physical scientist but he did not dispute his great importance as a poet.
High-Definition Optical Coherence Tomography for the in vivo Detection of Demodex Mites
Authors: Maier T. , Sattler E. , Braun-Falco M. , Ruzicka T. , Berking C.
Published: December 2012

Background: Demodex mites are involved in different skin diseases and are commonly detected by skin scrape tests or superficial biopsies. A new high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT) with high lateral and axial resolution in a horizontal (en-face) and vertical (slice) imaging mode might offer the possibility of noninvasive and fast in vivo examination of demodex mites. Methods: Twenty patients with demodex-related skin diseases and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were examined by HD-OCT. Mites per follicle and follicles per field of view were counted and compared to skin scrape tests. Results: HD-OCT images depicted mites in the en-face mode as bright round dots in groups of 3–5 mites per hair follicle. In the patients with demodex-related disease, a mean number of 3.4 mites per follicle were detected with a mean number of 2.9 infested follicles per area of view compared to a mean of 0.6 mites in 0.4 infested follicles in the controls. The skin scrape tests were negative in 21% of the patients. Conclusion: The innovative HD-OCT enables fast and noninvasive in vivo recognition of demodex mites and might become a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment monitoring of demodex-related skin diseases.
Urethral Reconstruction Using Allogenic Frozen-Thawed Bladder Mucosa: An Experimental Study
Authors: Li Bingkun , Lu Yong , Liu Chunxiao , Zheng Shaobo , Li Hulin , Pu Jinxian , Wang Xiang , Li Liping
Published: December 2012

Objective: To determine the feasibility and effectivity of allogenic frozen-thawed bladder mucosa for urethroplasty. Methods: Bladder mucosa was harvested from 6 New Zealand rabbits. Changes in the bladder mucosa as seen by histological and electron microscope examination were compared between the frozen-thawed and fresh groups. Twelve urethral stricture models were established and randomly divided into two groups. In the test group, we performed urethroplasty with allogenic frozen-thawed bladder mucosa, and the same operation was done in the control group, but using fresh bladder mucosa. The result of retrograde urethrography and histological changes of the urethral sample were compared postoperatively. Results: No obvious changes on histological and electron microscope examination were observed in the frozen-thawed bladder mucosa. Inflammation reaction of the surgical site in the test group was milder than that of the controls 2 weeks after surgery. The urethral epithelial cells grew well 2 weeks after surgery, but lots of epithelia were necrotic in the control group. The urethra of all rabbits in the test group had good continuity and the urethral lumen was large in the test group 2 months after surgery. There was a layer of urethral epithelium in the test group 2 months after surgery, whereas scar tissue was found in the control group. Conclusions: The freeze-thaw technique can maintain bladder mucosa structure and biological function. Frozen-thawed allogenic bladder mucosa may be a potential material for urethroplasty.
Phase II prospective open-label trial of recombinant interleukin-11 in desmopressin-unresponsive von Willebrand disease and mild or moderate haemophilia A
Authors: Novelli Enrico , Murshed Anila , Merricks Elizabeth , Kloos Mark , Nichols Timothy , Ragni Margaret
Published: December 2012

Desmopressin (DDAVP) is the treatment of choice in those with mild von Willebrand disease (VWD), yet 20% are unresponsive to DDAVP, and among the 80% who respond, the response is transient, as endothelial stores are depleted after three days. We, therefore, conducted a single-center Phase II clinical trial to determine safety and biologic efficacy of recombinant interleukin-11 (rhIL-11, Neumega®) in patients with VWD unresponsive or allergic to DDAVP, or mild or moderate haemophilia A (HA). Increases in VWF:RCo were observed by 48 hours after rhIL-11, with a 1.54-fold increase by Day 4, 1.30-fold in VWD and 1.73-fold in HA. Similarly, by 48 hours, increases in VIII:C were observed, with a 1.65-fold increase by Day 4, 1.86-fold in VWD and 1.48-fold in HA. Platelet VWFmRNA expression by qPCR increased 0.81-fold but did not correlate with plasma VWF:Ag responses. rhIL-11 was well tolerated, with grade 1 or less fluid retention, flushing, conjunctival erythema, except for transient grade 3 hyponatraemia in one subject after excess fluid intake for diabetic hyperglycaemia, which resolved with fluid restriction. In summary, rhIL-11 increases VWF levels in two of four DDAVP-unresponsive or allergic VWD and F.VIII levels in four of five mild or moderate haemophilia A subjects, suggesting its potential use in treatment of these disorders.
High on treatment platelet reactivity against aspirin by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – pharmacological mechanisms and clinical relevance
Authors: Saxena Aaruni , Schrör Karsten , Hohlfeld Thomas
Published: December 2012

Inhibition of platelet function by aspirin results from irreversible inhibition of platelet cyclooxygenase (COX)-1. While sufficient inhibition is obtained at antiplatelet doses (75–325 mg/day) in most (≥95%) treated patients, the antiplatelet effect of aspirin and subsequent cardiovascular risk reduction is much less in clinical settings and disease-dependent. Several reasons for this “high on treatment platelet reactivity” are known. This paper reviews the evidence for an interaction between aspirin and other COX inhibitors, namely non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Numerous experimental studies demonstrated a pharmacodynamic interaction between aspirin and NSAIDs. This likely occurs within the hydrophobic substrate channel of platelet COX-1 and might be explained by molecular competition between inhibitor drugs and substrate (arachidonic acid) at overlapping binding sites. This interaction is found with some compounds, notably ibuprofen and dipyrone (metamizole), but not with others, such as diclofenac and acetaminophen (paracetamol). Hence, this interaction is not a class effect of NSAIDs and/or non-steroidal analgesics but rather due to specific structural requirements which still remain to be defined. In vivo studies on healthy subjects and patients tend to confirm this type of interaction as well as large differences between NSAIDs and non-steroidal analgesics, respectively. These interactions may be clinically relevant and may increase the cardiovascular risk in long-term treatment for primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention in patients with chronic inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis. These patients have an elevated risk for myocardial infarctions and may require chronic antiplatelet treatment by aspirin in addition to treatment of inflammatory pain.
Fibrinopeptide A release is necessary for effective B:b interactions in polymerisation of variant fibrinogens with impaired A:a interactions
Authors: Soya Keisuke , Terasawa Fumiko , Okumura Nobuo
Published: December 2012

Fibrin polymerisation is mediated by interactions between knobs ‘A’ and ‘B’ exposed by thrombin cleavage, and holes ‘a’ and ‘b’. We demonstrated markedly delayed thrombin-catalysed fibrin polymerisation, through B:b interactions alone, of recombinant γD364H-fibrinogen with impaired hole ‘a’. To determine whether recombinant variant fibrinogens with no release of fibrinopeptide A (FpA) polymerise similarly to γD364H-fibrinogen, we examined two variant fibrinogens with substitutions altering knob ‘A’, Aα17A- and Aα17C-fibrinogen. We examined thrombin- or batroxobin-catalysed fibrinopeptide release by HPLC, fibrin clot formation by turbidity and fibrin clot structure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and compared the results of the variants with those for γD364H-fibrinogen. Thrombin-catalysed FpA release of Aα17A-fibrinogen was substantially delayed and none observed for Aα17C-fibrinogen; fibrinopeptide B (FpB) release was delayed for all variants. All variant fibrinogens showed substantially impaired thrombin-catalysed polymerisation; for Aα17A-fibrinogen it was delayed less, and for Aα17C more than for γD364H-fibrinogen. No variants polymerised with batroxobin, which exposed only knob ‘A’. The inhibition of variant fibrinogens’ polymerisation was dose-dependent on the concentration of either GPRP or GHRP, and both peptides that block holes ‘b’. SEM showed that the variant clots from Aα17A- and γD364H-fibrinogen had uniform, ordered fibres, thicker than normal, whereas Aα17C-fibrinogen formed less organised clots with shorter, thinner, and tapered ends. These results demonstrate that FpA release per se is necessary for effective B:b interactions during polymerisation of variant fibrinogens with impaired A:a interactions.
Plaque-Associated Vasa Vasorum in Aged Apolipoprotein E–Deficient Mice Exhibit Proatherogenic Functional Features In Vivo
Authors: Rademakers Timo , Douma Kim , Hackeng Tilman M. , Post Mark J. , Sluimer Judith C. , Daemen Mat J. A. P. , Biessen Erik A. L. , Heeneman Sylvia , van Zandvoort Marc A. M. J.
Published: December 2012

Objective—

Neovascularization of human atherosclerotic plaques is implicated in plaque progression and destabilization, although its functional implications are yet unresolved. Here, we aimed to elucidate functional and morphological properties of plaque microvessels in mice in vivo.

Methods and Results—

Atherosclerotic carotid arteries from aged (>40 weeks) apolipoprotein E–deficient mice were imaged in vivo using multiphoton laser scanning microscopy. Two distinct groups of vasa vasorum microvessels were observed at sites of atherosclerosis development (median diameters of 18.5 and 5.9 μm, respectively), whereas microvessels within the plaque could only rarely be found. In vivo imaging showed ongoing angiogenic activity and injection of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran confirmed active perfusion. Plaque vasa vasorum showed increased microvascular leakage, combined with a loss of endothelial glycocalyx. Mean blood flow velocity in plaque-associated vasa vasorum was reduced by ±50% compared with diameter-matched control capillaries, whereas mean blood flow was reduced 8-fold. Leukocyte adhesion and extravasation were increased 6-fold in vasa vasorum versus control capillaries.

Conclusion—

Using a novel in vivo functional imaging strategy, we showed that plaque-associated vasa vasorum were angiogenically active and, albeit poorly, perfused. Moreover, plaque-associated vasa vasorum showed increased permeability, reduced blood flow, and increased leukocyte adhesion and extravasation (ie, characteristics that could contribute to plaque progression and destabilization).
Antioxidant Enzymes Reduce DNA Damage and Early Activation of Valvular Interstitial Cells in Aortic Valve Sclerosis
Authors: Branchetti Emanuela , Sainger Rachana , Poggio Paolo , Grau Juan B. , Patterson-Fortin Jeffrey , Bavaria Joseph E. , Chorny Michael , Lai Eric , Gorman Robert C. , Levy Robert J. , Ferrari Giovanni
Published: December 2012

Objective—

Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and remodeling of the microstructure of the cusp characterize aortic valve sclerosis, the early phase of calcific aortic valve disease. These events are associated with activation of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) toward an osteogenic-like phenotype. Because ROS cause DNA damage and transcriptional activation we investigated the relationship between ROS, DNA damage response, and transdifferentiation of VICs.

Methods and Results—

Human aortic valve cusps and patient-matched VICs were collected from 39 patients both with and without calcific aortic valve disease. VICs were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (0.1–1 mmol/L) after cell transduction with extracellular superoxide dismutase/catalase adenoviruses and characterized for DNA-damage response, osteogenic transdifferentiation, and calcification. ROS induce relocalization of phosphorylated γH2AX, MRE11, and XRCC1 proteins with expression of osteogenic signaling molecule RUNX2 via AKT. We report a sustained activation of γH2AX in aortic valve sclerosis-derived VICs suggesting their impaired ability to repair DNA damage. Adenovirus superoxide dismutase/catalase transduction decreases ROS-induced DNA damage and VIC transdifferentiation in aortic valve sclerosis-derived cells. Finally, adenoviral transduction with catalase reverts ROS-mediated calcification and cellular transdifferentiation.

Conclusion—

We conclude that the ROS-induced DNA damage response is dysfunctional in early asymptomatic stages of calcific aortic valve disease. We unveiled an association among ROS, DNA-damage response, and cellular transdifferentiation, reversible by antioxidant enzymes delivery.
Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Deficiency Enhances Intraplaque Neutrophil Recruitment in Atherosclerotic Mice
Authors: Lenglet Sébastien , Thomas Aurélien , Soehnlein Oliver , Montecucco Fabrizio , Burger Fabienne , Pelli Graziano , Galan Katia , Cravatt Benjamin , Staub Christian , Steffens Sabine
Published: December 2012

Objective—

Endocannabinoid levels are elevated in human and mouse atherosclerosis, but their causal role is not well understood. Therefore, we studied the involvement of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) deficiency, the major enzyme responsible for endocannabinoid anandamide degradation, in atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability.

Methods and Results—

We assessed atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE
–/–
) and ApoE
–/–
FAAH
–/–
mice. Before and after 5, 10, and 15 weeks on high-cholesterol diet, we analyzed weight, serum cholesterol, and endocannabinoid levels, and atherosclerotic lesions in thoracoabdominal aortas and aortic sinuses. Serum levels of FAAH substrates anandamide, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and oleoylethanolamide (OEA) were 1.4- to 2-fold higher in case of FAAH deficiency. ApoE
–/–
FAAH
–/–
mice had smaller plaques with significantly lower content of smooth muscle cells, increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression, and neutrophil content. Circulating and bone marrow neutrophil counts were comparable between both genotypes, whereas CXC ligand1 levels were locally elevated in aortas of FAAH-deficient mice. We observed enhanced recruitment of neutrophils, but not monocytes, to large arteries of ApoE
–/–
mice treated with FAAH inhibitor URB597. Spleens of ApoE
–/–
FAAH
–/–
mice had reduced CD4+FoxP3+regulatory T-cell content, and in vitro stimulation of splenocytes revealed significantly elevated interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α production in case of FAAH deficiency.

Conclusion—

Increased anandamide and related FAAH substrate levels are associated with the development of smaller atherosclerotic plaques with high neutrophil content, accompanied by an increased proinflammatory immune response.
Intramural Coronary Arterial Course Is Associated With Coronary Arterial Stenosis and Prognosis of Major Cardiac Events
Authors: Wang Yibo , Lv Bin , Chen Jinxing , Zhang Yu , Luo Fang , Lu Na , Sun Kai , Hou Zhihui , Cao Huili , Zeb Irfan , Budoff Matthew , Hui Rutai
Published: December 2012

Objective—

The clinical significance of an intramural course (or bridging) of the coronary artery remains controversial. We investigated the relationship between intramural coronary arteries (ICAs) and coronary stenosis and prognosis of subjects with ICA.

Methods and Results—

ICA and coronary stenosis were assessed by multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography. ICAs in the left anterior descending artery were studied, which were further classified as superficial (≤2 mm) or deep type (>2 mm). Coronary stenosis was classified as nonstenosis, insignificant stenosis (<50%), and significant stenosis (≥50%). A total of 261 subjects with ICA in left anterior descending artery were identified from 2318 enrolled subjects. Most of the ICAs (66.3%) were superficial. ICA was positively associated with insignificant stenosis, and the odds ratios were 2.055 (95% confidence interval, 1.405–3.007), 3.314 (1.818–6.039), and 1.640 (1.036–2.597) for overall, deep, and superficial ICA (all
P
<0.05), respectively. In the case of significant stenosis, ICA was negatively associated, and the odds ratios were 0.555 (0.416–0.739) and 0.413 (0.288–0.590) for overall and superficial ICA (both
P
<0.05), respectively, and 0.985 (0.611–1.588;
P
>0.05) for deep ICA type. The depth and location of ICA correlated with stenosis. The major cardiac events, including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and revascularization, were recorded during 3-year follow-up. ICA predicted a lower incidence of major cardiac events, especially superficial type; the adjusted hazard ratios were 0.585 (0.375–0.911;
P
=0.018) and 0.535 (0.300–0.954;
P
=0.034) for total and superficial type, respectively.

Conclusion—

ICA, especially deep type, is positively associated with insignificant stenosis proximal to ICA. Meanwhile, ICA, especially superficial type, is negatively associated with significant stenosis proximal to ICA and predicts a better prognosis not only in normal subjects but also in patients with coronary artery disease.
Molecular Imaging of Inflammation and Platelet Adhesion in Advanced Atherosclerosis Effects of Antioxidant Therapy With NADPH Oxidase Inhibition
Authors: Liu Yani , Davidson Brian P. , Yue Qi , Belcik Todd , Xie Aris , Inaba Yoichi , McCarty Owen J. T. , Tormoen Garth W. , Zhao Yan , Ruggeri Zaverio M. , Kaufmann Beat A. , Lindner Jonathan R.
Published: December 2012

Background—

In atherosclerosis, local generation of reactive oxygen species amplifies the inflammatory response and contributes to plaque vulnerability. We used molecular imaging to test whether inhibition of NADPH oxidase with apocynin would reduce endothelial inflammatory activation and endothelial–platelet interactions, thereby interrupting progression to high-risk plaque phenotype.

Methods and Results—

Mice deficient for both the low-density lipoprotein receptor and Apobec-1 were studied at 30 weeks of age and again after 10 weeks with or without apocynin treatment (10 or 50 mg/kg per day orally). In vivo molecular imaging of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM 1) P-selectin, and platelet glycoprotein-1bα (GPIbα) in the thoracic aorta was performed with targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound molecular imaging. Arterial elastic modulus and pulse wave transit time were assessed using ultrahigh frequency ultrasound and invasive hemodynamic measurements. Plaque size and composition were assessed by histology. Molecular imaging in nontreated mice detected a 2-fold increase in P-selectin expression, VCAM-1 expression, and platelet adhesion between 30 and 40 weeks of age. Apocynin reduced all of these endothelial events in a dose-dependent fashion (25% and 50% reduction in signal at 40 weeks for low- and high-dose apocynin). Apocynin also decreased aortic elastic modulus and increased the pulse transit time. On histology, apocynin reduced total monocyte accumulation in a dose-dependent manner as well as platelet adhesion, although total plaque area was reduced in only the high-dose apocynin treatment group.

Conclusions—

Inhibition of NADPH oxidase in advanced atherosclerosis reduces endothelial activation and platelet adhesion, which are likely responsible for the arrest of plaque growth and improvement of vascular mechanical properties.
Cardiovascular Outcomes After the Arterial Switch Operation for D-Transposition of the Great Arteries
Authors: Khairy Paul , Clair Mathieu , Fernandes Susan M. , Blume Elizabeth D. , Powell Andrew J. , Newburger Jane W. , Landzberg Michael J. , Mayer John E.
Published: December 2012

Background—

Data regarding long-term outcomes after the arterial switch operation for D-transposition of the great arteries are scarce.

Methods and Results—

A single-institution retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess cardiovascular outcomes after an arterial switch operation between 1983 and 1999. Patients without follow-up visits within 3 years were contacted and secondary sources of information obtained. Overall, 400 patients, 154 (38.3%) with a ventricular septal defect, 238 (59.5%) with an intact septum, and 9 (2.3%) with a Taussig-Bing anomaly, were followed for a median of 18.7 years. In perioperative survivors, overall and arrhythmia-free survival rates at 25 years were 96.7±1.8% and 96.6±0.1%, respectively. Late mortality was predominantly a result of sudden deaths and myocardial infarction. At 25 years, 75.5±2.5% remained free from surgical or catheter-based reintervention. Freedom from an adverse cardiovascular event was 92.9±1.9% at 25 years. Independent predictors were a single right coronary artery (hazard ratio, 4.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-15.90),
P
=0.0166) and postoperative heart failure (hazard ratio, 6.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.57-30.62;
P
=0.0107). At last follow-up, the left ventricular ejection fraction was 60.3±8.9%, 97.3% had class I symptoms, and 5.2% obstructive coronary artery disease. Peak oxygen uptake was 35.1±7.6 mL/kg/min (86.1±15.1% predicted), with a chronotropic index <80% in 34.2%. At least moderate neoaortic and pulmonary regurgitation were present in 3.4% and 6.6%, respectively, and more than mild neoaortic and pulmonary stenosis in 3.2% and 10.3%.

Conclusions—

Long-term and arrhythmia-free survival is excellent after arterial switch operation. Although sequelae include chronotropic incompetence and neoaortic, pulmonary, and coronary artery complications, most patients maintain normal systolic function and exercise capacity.
Human Dental Pulp-Derived Stem Cells Protect Against Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury in Neonatal Mice
Authors: Yamagata Mari , Yamamoto Akihito , Kako Eisuke , Kaneko Naoko , Matsubara Kohki , Sakai Kiyoshi , Sawamoto Kazunobu , Ueda Minoru
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose—

Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) has high rates of neurological deficits and mortality. So far, no effective treatment for HI brain injury has been developed. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) for the treatment of neonatal HI brain injury.

Methods—

Unilateral HI was induced in postnatal day 5 (P5) mice. Twenty-four hours later, SHED, human skin fibroblasts, or serum-free conditioned medium derived from these cells was injected into the injured brain. The effects of cell transplantation or conditioned medium injection on the animals’ neurological and pathophysiological recovery were evaluated.

Results—

Transplanted SHED, but not fibroblasts, significantly reduced the HI-induced brain-tissue loss and improved neurological function. SHED also improved the survival of the HI mice. The engrafted SHED rarely differentiated into neural lineages; however, their transplantation inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, increased the expression of anti-inflammatory ones, and significantly reduced apoptosis. Notably, the intracerebral administration of SHED-conditioned medium also significantly improved the neurological outcome, inhibited apoptosis, and reduced tissue loss.

Conclusions—

SHED transplantation into the HI-injured brain resulted in remarkable neurological and pathophysiological recovery. Our findings indicate that paracrine factors derived from SHED support a neuroprotective microenvironment in the HI brain. SHED graft and SHED-conditioned medium may provide a novel neuroprotective therapy for HI.
Psychosocial Distress and Stroke Risk in Older Adults
Authors: Henderson Kimberly M. , Clark Cari J. , Lewis Tené T. , Aggarwal Neelum T. , Beck Todd , Guo Hongfei , Lunos Scott , Brearley Ann , Mendes de Leon Carlos F. , Evans Denis A. , Everson-Rose Susan A.
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose—

To investigate the association of psychosocial distress with risk of stroke mortality and incident stroke in older adults.

Methods—

Data were from the Chicago Health and Aging Project, a longitudinal population-based study conducted in 3 contiguous neighborhoods on the south side of Chicago, IL. Participants were community-dwelling black and non-Hispanic white adults, aged 65 years and older (n=4120 for stroke mortality; n=2649 for incident stroke). Psychosocial distress was an analytically derived composite measure of depressive symptoms, perceived stress, neuroticism, and life dissatisfaction. Cox proportional hazards models examined the association of distress with stroke mortality and incident stroke over 6 years of follow-up.

Results—

Stroke deaths (151) and 452 incident strokes were identified. Adjusting for age, race, and sex, the hazard ratio (HR) for each 1-SD increase in distress was 1.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.28–1.70) for stroke mortality and 1.18 (95% CI=1.07–1.30) for incident stroke. Associations were reduced after adjustment for stroke risk factors and remained significant for stroke mortality (HR=1.29; 95% CI=1.10–1.52) but not for incident stroke (HR=1.09; 95% CI=0.98–1.21). Secondary analyses of stroke subtypes showed that distress was strongly related to incident hemorrhagic strokes (HR=1.70; 95% CI=1.28–2.25) but not ischemic strokes (HR=1.02; 95% CI=0.91–1.15) in fully adjusted models.

Conclusions—

Increasing levels of psychosocial distress are related to excess risk of both fatal and nonfatal stroke in older black and white adults. Additional research is needed to examine pathways linking psychosocial distress to cerebrovascular disease risk.
Polarimetric Radar Observations in the Ice Region of Precipitating Clouds at C-Band and X-Band Radar Frequencies
Authors: Bechini R. , Baldini L. , Chandrasekar V.
Published: December 2012

Data collected by C-band and X-band radars in northwestern Italy are analyzed to study the behavior of the polarimetric variables in the ice region of precipitating clouds, with special emphasis on the specific differential phase Kdp. It is found that stratiform precipitation, irrespective of the precipitation type at the ground and as opposed to convective systems, is characterized by well-pronounced positive differential reflectivity Zdr and Kdp values near the model-predicted −15°C isotherm. The regions of enhanced Zdr and Kdp are likely related to the growth of dendrite crystals in the region where the difference between the saturation vapor pressure over water and the saturation vapor pressure over ice is greatest. Coincident C-band and X-band measurements, in conjunction with electromagnetic scattering simulations, demonstrate that Kdp scales with frequency, indicating that the ice particles in the vapor deposition preferential growth zone are Rayleigh scatterers. Peak values around 2.0° and 3.5° km−1 are observed at C band and X band, respectively. Most noteworthy is that an extended analysis of hourly and daily vertical profiles of C-band data over 1 year has shown that Kdp observations around the −15°C temperature level in stratiform precipitation are well correlated (0.8) with the reflectivity in the underlying rain layer.
The Influence of Atlantic Tropical Cyclones on Drought over the Eastern United States (1980–2007)
Authors: Kam Jonghun , Sheffield Justin , Yuan Xing , Wood Eric F.
Published: December 2012

To assess the influence of Atlantic tropical cyclones (TCs) on the eastern U.S. drought regime, the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) land surface hydrologic model was run over the eastern United States forced by the North American Land Data Assimilation System phase 2 (NLDAS-2) analysis with and without TC-related precipitation for the period 1980–2007. A drought was defined in terms of soil moisture as a prolonged period below a percentile threshold. Different duration droughts were analyzed—short term (longer than 30 days) and long term (longer than 90 days)—as well as different drought severities corresponding to the 10th, 15th, and 20th percentiles of soil moisture depth. With TCs, droughts are shorter in duration and of a lesser spatial extent. Tropical cyclones variously impact soil moisture droughts via late drought initiation, weakened drought intensity, and early drought recovery. At regional scales, TCs decreased the average duration of moderately severe short-term and long-term droughts by less than 4 (10% of average drought duration per year) and more than 5 (15%) days yr−1, respectively. Also, they removed at least two short-term and one long-term drought events over 50% of the study region. Despite the damage inflicted directly by TCs, they play a crucial role in the alleviation and removal of drought for some years and seasons, with important implications for water resources and agriculture.
Intensification of Geostrophic Currents in the Canada Basin, Arctic Ocean
Authors: McPhee Miles G.
Published: December 2012

Continuous sampling of upper-ocean hydrographic data in the Canada Basin from various sources spanning from 2003 through 2011 provides an unprecedented opportunity to observe changes occurring in a major feature of the Arctic Ocean. In a 112-km-radius circle situated near the center of the traditional Beaufort Gyre, geopotential height referenced to 400 dbar increased by about 0.3 gpm from 2003 to 2011, and by the end of the period had increased by about 65% from the climatological value. Near the edges of the domain considered, the anomalies in dynamic height are much smaller, indicating steeper gradients. A rough dynamic topography constructed from profiles collected between 2008 and 2011 shows the center of the gyre to have shifted south by about 2° in latitude, along the 150°W meridian. Geostrophic currents are much stronger on the periphery of the gyre, reaching amplitudes 5–6 times higher than climatological values at grid points just offshore from the Beaufort and Chukchi shelf slopes. Estimates of residual buoy drift velocity after removing the expected wind-driven component are consistent with surface geostrophic currents calculated from hydrographic data. A three-decade time series of integrated ocean surface stress curl during late summer near the center of the Beaufort Gyre shows a large increase in downward Ekman pumping on decadal scales, emphasizing the importance of atmospheric forcing in the recent accumulation of freshwater in the Canada Basin. Geostrophic current intensification appears to have played a significant role in the recent disappearance of old ice in the Canada Basin.
Lines in the Sand
Authors: Trocki Karen F. , Michalak Laurence O. , Drabble Laurie
Published: December 2012

This study identifies social representations in interviews about alcohol and substance use in the discourse of 129 young adults, who were interviewed for 2.5 to 3.5 hr each for their life histories and use or nonuse of alcoholic beverages and drugs. Respondents spontaneously delineated their substance use boundaries, creating a continuum of behaviors with boundary points separating acceptable from unacceptable behaviors. They used signaling expressions to indicate go and stop signs and movement along the substance use continuum and reported negotiating substance use boundaries both internally and with peers. A ubiquitous narrative element was the cautionary tale, in which a negative exemplar goes too far with alcohol and/or drugs, providing an example of the possible negative outcomes of transgressing boundaries. In general, the narratives revealed complex relationships to alcohol and other drugs that may be useful in refining messages for more effective communication in prevention and intervention programs.
Individual Differences in Discrimination Expectations Moderate the Impact of Target Stereotypically Black Physical Features on Racism-Related Responses in Blacks
Authors: Johnson James D. , Ashburn-Nardo Leslie , Lecci Len
Published: December 2012

Two experiments assess the extent that targets’ stereotypically Black physical features and individual differences in perceiver discrimination expectations influence racism-related responses. In Experiment 1, a total of 115 Black college students read about an ambiguously racist workplace situation. Participants reported their hostile emotions and racism attributions. In Experiment 2, a total of 121 Black college students read about two White police officers who physically harm a Black male. Participants reported their experience of empathy for the Black target. In both experiments, stereotypically Black physical features of the Black target were experimentally manipulated, and individual differences in discrimination expectations were assessed. More stereotypically Black physical features elicited greater racism attributions, greater hostile emotions, and more empathy for the target; and in all cases, the impact was stronger for Blacks with low discrimination expectations relative to those with high discrimination expectations. When person-related variables are especially salient, the influence of situational factors is necessarily reduced. Specifically, our findings demonstrate the insensitivity to racism-related situational cues that may be most pervasive for Blacks with high discrimination expectations.
Heating and cooling load frequency distributions implied by monthly building energy use models
Authors: Hitchin Roger
Published: December 2012

Monthly building thermal energy demand calculation procedures such as the utilisation method described in EN ISO 13790 and the monthly degree-day procedure contain parameters that reflect the variation of heating and cooling demands within a particular month. The frequency distribution of the loads is, however, neither explicit nor visible. This frequency information is important when calculating seasonal system efficiency and when apportioning load between the different fuels used in bivalent systems. This paper extracts the distributions embedded in the two procedures and examines the similarities and differences between them. It also illustrates how the distributions vary with the effective thermal capacity of the building. The report proposes appropriate areas of application for these methodologies, bearing in mind the levels of generalisation on which they are based.
Desirability or Feasibility
Authors: Lu Jingyi , Xie Xiaofei , Xu Jingzhe
Published: December 2012

Making decisions for the self and providing advice to others are common in daily life. The current research examines the differences in weight that people attach to desirability and feasibility when deciding for themselves versus others. Based on construal level theory, we propose that in a decision-making process, individuals who decide for others tend to focus more on desirability than on feasibility compared with those who decide for themselves. Across five experiments, the predicted self–other differences were observed in preference in the decision stage (Experiments 1a and 1b), information seeking in the predecision stage (Experiment 2), and information recall in the postdecision stage (Experiments 3a and 3b). These findings show that decision behaviors are determined by the decision target (i.e., for whom such decisions are made).
How Fair Values and Accounting Structures Allow Triple-Counting Income
Authors: Bryan Stephen , Lilien Steven
Published: December 2012

The legal and economic rationales for using off-balance sheet structures for securitizations of receivables are compelling. However, accounting standards enabled self-interested parties to participate in the securitizations in nontransparent ways. For instance, securitizing firms set up the off-balance sheet structures, sold tranches to these structures, and often booked gains on these sales based on internally determined valuations. In addition, the tranches retained by the firm were marked to market, again based on internally determined valuations. In the wake of the financial crisis, the accounting standards changed and began requiring most off-balance sheet structures to be reconsolidated. However, the standards continued to allow nontransparent treatments. Namely, the securitized assets, which had largely become nonperforming, were written down in a way to avoid income recognition, providing incentives to overaccrue allowances, which are now being released as gains in income. We provide a case study to illustrate the issues in detail, and we expand our study to the group of the largest credit card securitizers. We highlight the implications of triple-counting income for research analysts, academicians, and policy makers.
Redesigning and Reforming European Regional Policy
Authors: McCann Philip , Ortega-Argilés Raquel
Published: December 2012

This article discusses the reforms to European Union (EU) regional development policy, or more precisely EU Cohesion Policy, which have been taking place over recent years. Following a discussion of the evolution of the policy, the changes in the rationale, the logic, the architecture, and the outcomes of the policy are examined from the start of the reform process in 2008 right up to the current context. The implications of these changes for the future functioning of the policy are examined in the context of wider impacts of globalization, institutional reform, and changing thinking in economic geography and development economics.
The IFLA–UNESCO partnership 1947–2012
Authors: Lor Peter Johan
Published: December 2012

In 1947 IFLA signed a cooperation agreement with the newly created UNESCO. This article reviews the evolution of the relationship between IFLA and UNESCO since 1947, and evaluates what this relationship has contributed to the international library and information community. The review falls into three periods: (1) from 1947 to 1977, when IFLA worked closely with UNESCO’s Libraries Division (later the Department of Documentation, Libraries and Archives); (2) from 1977, when the General Information Programme was founded, to 2000, when this Programme was merged with the Intergovernmental Informatics Programme (IIP); and (3) from 2001 to the present time, with particular reference to the UNESCO Information for All Programme (IFAP). As UNESCO gradually shifted its attention away from libraries to documentation and later information society issues, UNESCO’s importance to IFLA as a source of support declined, but possibilities remain for fruitful, mutually beneficial relationships between them.
Digital preservation of cultural heritage resources and manuscripts: An Indian government initiative
Authors: Singh Anil
Published: December 2012

Cultural heritage is the symbolic presence that integrates the history, traditions and culture of a country, and while it is an irreplaceable source of pride for that country's people, it also possesses a universal value that can touch all people around the world. There are numerous properties of precious tangible and intangible cultural heritage currently placed at risk. This paper examines the potential for preserving Indian’s cultural heritage resources in a digital world and making it globally accessible. The paper discusses the initiatives taken by Indian government for digital preservation of cultural heritage resources and manuscripts.
Local studies centers: Transforming history, culture and heritage in the Philippines
Authors: Perez Martin Julius V. , Templanza Mariel R.
Published: December 2012

This paper is an exploratory study of the specialized information centers, referred to as local studies centers, in three regions of the Philippines, namely, Central Luzon, CALABARZON and MIMAROPA. It aims to identify and describe the nature, practices and status of these centers and to explore their innovative and transformative role in the fields of history, culture and heritage studies in the Philippines. It examines the impact of their programs, projects, services, and activities on the study, development and promotion of these three fields. Some of the outstanding features of local studies centers in the Philippines that were identified include: 1) they collect materials pertaining to ethnic groups, and make the materials available and accessible to potential users, mostly in one center; 2) their holdings include library materials, archives and museum artefacts; 3) they conduct research and publish books, relating to history, culture and heritage of the localities they serve and the Philippines. This paper may provide insights for the management (or future establishment) of local studies centers not just in the Philippines, but also in other countries. This paper received the IFLA LIS Student Paper Award 2012.
Marrying Out in the Sixteenth Century
Authors: Schutte Kimberly
Published: December 2012

Despite overwhelming social pressure, several well-born widows in Tudor Britain chose to marry well below themselves in terms of rank on their subsequent marriages. Their reasons for taking these decisions, which could be both socially and politically disastrous, are varied. For some it was as simple as romantic inclination, while others reached out for help to available and loyal men in times of acute personal crisis. Understanding these marriages and the circumstances surrounding these noble women’s decisions opens a window onto the nature of female agency in Tudor Britain.
Clear Liquid Diet vs Soft Diet as the Initial Meal in Patients With Mild Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Rajkumar Nagarajan , Karthikeyan Vilvapathy Senguttuvan , Ali Sheik Manwar , Sistla Sarath Chandra , Kate Vikram
Published: December 2012

Background: Patients recovering from mild acute pancreatitis are usually started on a liquid diet and advanced to a solid diet. Evidence suggests a soft diet as the initial meal is tolerated well by such patients. However, the results are controversial. Objectives: To assess the safety of starting an early soft diet compared with a liquid diet in patients with mild acute pancreatitis as the initial meal. Methods: We randomized 60 patients with mild acute pancreatitis into 2 groups to receive either a clear liquid diet (CLD) or a soft diet (SD) as the initial meal, and parameters such as tolerance to diet, recurrence of pain, length of hospitalization (LOH), need to stop feeding, post‐refeeding length of hospitalization (PRLOH), and postdischarge readmission rate within 30 days were analyzed. Results: The demographic and baseline parameters (amylase, total leucocyte count, Balthazar score) in the 2 groups were comparable. Patients in both groups tolerated the diet well except 1 patient in the SD group, who developed vomiting and diarrhea, not severe enough to stop feeding. LOH and PRLOH were significantly lower in the SD group (4.23 ± 2.08 and 1.96 ± 1.63 days, P < .0001) compared with the CLD group (6.91 ± 2.43 and 4.10 ± 1.64 days, P < .0001). PRLOH in the SD group was 2.14 days less when compared with the CLD group. Conclusion: In patients with mild acute pancreatitis, a soft diet as the initial meal is well tolerated and leads to a shorter total length of hospitalization.
Thiamine Deficiency Following Umbilical Cord Blood Transplant
Authors: Trueg Anne , Borho Teri , Srivastava Shivani , Kiel Patrick
Published: December 2012

A case of Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) in the setting of umbilical cord blood transplant is reported. The patient, originally diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia, proceeded to an umbilical cord blood transplant. He presented with altered mental status 149 days following transplant. Prompt magnetic resonance imaging, baseline thiamine level, and immediate intravenous replacement allowed for recovery of most symptoms. Accompanying this case is a review of the known cases of WE in hematopoietic cell transplants and their causative factors. This is the first known adult case of WE independent of parenteral nutrition use in the setting of umbilical cord transplant.