bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NONDIMENSIONALIZED ANALYSIS ON SURFACE TEMPERATURE CONTROL OF AN INSULATED VERTICAL WALL
Authors: KANG BYUNG HA , PI CHANG HUN , KIM SUKHYUN
Published: July 2011

Procedures for estimation of insulation thickness for surface temperature control of low- and high-temperature vertical wall has been investigated. Design logic for insulation thickness was generalized into a simple dimensionless equation. For the case of condensation control, Bi takes a relatively large value of 8, indicating that the insulation material side controls the transport processes, while the case of personnel protection requires a correct understanding of the surface phenomena. Insulation thickness increases drastically with surface emissivity for the former case and vice versa for the latter. Adequate revision of official technical data to include new material and development of finishing material has been also suggested.
THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION OF SOLAR ENERGY HIGH TEMPERATURE HEAT STORAGE TECHNOLOGY BASED ON METAL HYDRIDES
Authors: MENG XIANG-YU , BAO ZE-WEI , YANG FU-SHENG , ZHANG ZAO-XIAO
Published: July 2011

A solar energy storage system based on metal hydrides was proposed in this paper. The numerical simulation of processes of energy storage and thermal release were carried out. The dynamic behavior of heat and mass transfer in the metal hydride energy system were reported. Some factors which influence the whole system performance were discussed. The paper also made an economic analysis of the system, the results proved that the large amounts of metal hydride materials and the configurations of metal hydrides energy storage system involve a critical situation from an economical point of view. Then further analysis, particularly regarding the performance optimization and new plant arrangement of the metal hydrides energy storage system, has to be developed in order to attain the economical feasibility of the proposal.
Dual effects of interleukin-18: inhibiting hepatitis B virus replication in HepG2.2.15 cells and promoting hepatoma cells metastasis
Authors: Zhang Yijuan , Li Yunbo , Ma Yifan , Liu Shuhui , She Yinglong , Zhao Peng , Jing Mingzhen , Han Tao , Yan Chao , Wu Zhenghui , Gao Jinrong , Ye Linbai
Published: July 2011

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) has been reported to inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in the liver of HBV transgenic mice; however, the molecular mechanism of its antiviral effect has not been fully understood. In the present study, it was shown that IL-18 and its receptors (IL-18R) were constitutively expressed in hepatoma cell lines HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 as well as normal liver cell line HL-7702. We demonstrated that IL-18 directly inhibited HBV replication in HepG2.2.15 cells via downregulating the activities of HBV core and X gene promoters. The suppressed HBV replication by IL-18 could be rescued by the administration of BAY11-7082, an inhibitor of transcription factor NF-κB. On the other hand, it was of interest that IL-18 promoted HepG2 cell metastasis and migration dose dependently in both wound-healing assays and Transwell assays. The underlying mechanism could be partially attributable to the increased activities of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, MMP-3, and MMP-2 by IL-18, which upregulated the mRNA levels of MMP-3 and MMP-9 in a NF-κB-dependent manner. Furthermore, it was confirmed that expression of IL-18/IL-18R and most MMPs were remarkably upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) liver cancer tissue specimens, suggesting that IL-18/IL-18R-triggered signaling pathway was closely related to HCC metastasis in vivo. Therefore, we revealed the dual effects of IL-18 in human hepatocytes: it not only inhibited HBV replication but also promoted hepatoma cells metastasis and migration. NF-κB played a critical role in both effects. Our work contributed to a deeper understanding of the biological function of IL-18 in human hepatocytes.
Physiological stress exacerbates murine colitis by enhancing proinflammatory cytokine expression that is dependent on IL-18
Authors: Matsunaga Hisayuki , Hokari Ryota , Ueda Toshihide , Kurihara Chie , Hozumi Hideaki , Higashiyama Masaaki , Okada Yoshikiyo , Watanabe Chikako , Komoto Shunsuke , Nakamura Mitsuyasu , Kawaguchi Atsushi , Nagao Shigeaki , Sekiyama Atsuo , Miura Soichiro
Published: July 2011

Psychological stress is an environmental factor considered to be a precipitating factor of inflammatory bowel disease. Interleukin (IL)-18 plays a role in stress-induced aggravation in some diseases. The aim of this study was to establish a model of murine colitis exacerbated by psychological stress and to clarify the role of IL-18 in this model. Male C57Bl/6 mice and IL-18−/−mice were used for this study. The mice received dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for induction of colitis. Some mice were exposed to psychological stress using a communication box. Body weight, colonic length, and histological inflammation were measured for assessment of colitis. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-18 expression in the colon and IL-18 expression in the adrenal gland were analyzed using real-time PCR. The effect of anti-IL-18 antibody was also investigated. Effects of TNF-α and IL-18 on cytokine expressions were studied using the colonic epithelial cell line LS174T. Induction of psychological stress in DSS-treated wild-type mice significantly exacerbated colitis with enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokines and IL-18. However, induction of psychological stress in DSS-treated IL-18−/−mice did not aggravate colitis compared with that in the IL-18−/−group given only DSS treatment. Stress-induced aggravation of colitis was ameliorated significantly by anti-IL-18 antibody treatment. IL-18 did not enhance TNF-α-induced expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 or IL-8 in LS174T. We established a model of colitis exacerbated by psychological stress. Psychological stress enhanced IL-18 expression and plays a proinflammatory role in stress-induced aggravation of colitis.
Insignificant response of the fetal placental circulation to arterial hypotension in sheep
Authors: Faber J. J. , Anderson D. F. , Louey S. , Thornburg K. L. , Giraud G. D.
Published: July 2011

Infusion of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor enalaprilat into fetal sheep caused a profound arterial hypotension within days. Five fetal lambs were infused with enalaprilat for 8 days starting at day 128 of gestation. Total accumulated dose was 0.30 ± 0.11 mg/kg. Arterial pressure decreased from 43.6 to 25.6 mmHg; venous pressure did not change. Biventricular output was not statistically significantly changed; placental blood flow decreased almost in proportion to the decrease in pressure but the increase in somatic flow was not statistically significant. There were no significant changes in pressure 30 min after the initial 50-μg loading dose of enalaprilat. However, the arterial pressure responses to test doses of ANG I were largely abolished. After 1 day, however, there was a significant decrease in somatic vascular resistance, which became stronger with time, but almost no decrease in the placental resistance. We conclude that the fetal somatic circulation exhibits a slow but strong decrease in resistance but that the response to hypotension is weak or absent in the fetal placenta, possibly because it is already fully relaxed.
β-Adrenergic receptors desensitization is not involved in exercise-induced cardiac fatigue: NADPH oxidase-induced oxidative stress as a new trigger
Authors: Vitiello Damien , Boissière Julien , Doucende Grégory , Gayrard Sandrine , Polge Anne , Faure Patrice , Goux Aurélie , Tanguy Stéphane , Obert Philippe , Reboul Cyril , Nottin Stéphane
Published: July 2011

Prolonged strenuous exercise (PSE) induces transient left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Previous studies suggest that β-adrenergic pathway desensitization could be involved in this phenomenon, but it remains to be confirmed. Moreover, other underlying mechanisms involving oxidative stress have been recently proposed. The present study aimed to evaluate the involvement of both the β-adrenergic pathway and NADPH oxidase (Nox) enzyme-induced oxidative stress in myocardial dysfunction in rats following PSE. Rats were divided into 4 groups: controls (Ctrl), 4-h exercised on treadmill (PSE), and 2 groups in which Nox enzyme was inhibited with apocynin treatment (Ctrl APO and PSE APO, respectively). We evaluated cardiac function in vivo and ex vivo during basal conditions and isoproterenol stress. GSH/GSSG ratio, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) release, and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were evaluated. PSE induced a decrease in LV developed pressure, intrinsic myocardial contractility, and relaxation associated with an increase in plasma cTnI release. Our in vivo and ex vivo results demonstrated no differences in myocardial response to isoproterenol and of effective dose 50 between control and PSE rats. Interestingly, the LV dysfunction was reversed by apocynin treatment. Moreover, apocynin prevented cellular oxidation [GSH/GSSG ratio: PSE APO rats vs. PSE rats in arbitrary units (au): 1.98 ± 0.07 vs. 1.35 ± 0.10; P < 0.001]. However, no differences in MDA were observed between groups. These data suggest that myocardial dysfunction observed after PSE was not due to β-adrenergic receptor desensitization but could be due to a signaling oxidative stress from the Nox enzyme.
MicroRNA 132 alters sleep and varies with time in brain
Authors: Davis Christopher J. , Clinton James M. , Taishi Ping , Bohnet Stewart G. , Honn Kimberly A. , Krueger James M.
Published: July 2011

MicroRNA (miRNA) levels in brain are altered by sleep deprivation; however, the direct effects of any miRNA on sleep have not heretofore been described. We report herein that intracerebroventricular application of a miRNA-132 mimetic (preMIR-132) decreased duration of non-rapid-eye-movement sleep (NREMS) while simultaneously increasing duration of rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) during the light phase. Further, preMIR-132 decreased electroencephalographic (EEG) slow-wave activity (SWA) during NREMS, an index of sleep intensity. In separate experiments unilateral supracortical application of preMIR-132 ipsilaterally decreased EEG SWA during NREMS but did not alter global sleep duration. In addition, after ventricular or supracortical injections of preMIR-132, the mimetic-induced effects were state specific, occurring only during NREMS. After local supracortical injections of the mimetic, cortical miRNA-132 levels were higher at the time sleep-related EEG effects were manifest. We also report that spontaneous cortical levels of miRNA-132 were lower at the end of the sleep-dominant light period compared with at the end of the dark period in rats. Results suggest that miRNAs play a regulatory role in sleep and provide a new tool for investigating sleep regulation.
In Vitro and In Vivo Selective Antitumor Activity of a Novel Orally Bioavailable Proteasome Inhibitor MLN9708 against Multiple Myeloma Cells
Authors: Chauhan Dharminder , Tian Ze , Zhou Bin , Kuhn Deborah , Orlowski Robert , Raje Noopur , Richardson Paul , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: July 2011

Purpose: The success of bortezomib therapy for treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) led to the development of structurally and pharmacologically distinct novel proteasome inhibitors. In the present study, we evaluated the efficacy of one such novel orally bioactive proteasome inhibitor MLN9708/MLN2238 in MM using well-established in vitro and in vivo models.

Experimental Design: MM cell lines, primary patient cells, and the human MM xenograft animal model were used to study the antitumor activity of MN2238.

Results: Treatment of MM cells with MLN2238 predominantly inhibits chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome and induces accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. MLN2238 inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in MM cells resistant to conventional and bortezomib therapies without affecting the viability of normal cells. In animal tumor model studies, MLN2238 is well tolerated and inhibits tumor growth with significantly reduced tumor recurrence. A head-to-head analysis of MLN2238 versus bortezomib showed a significantly longer survival time in mice treated with MLN2238 than mice receiving bortezomib. Immununostaining of MM tumors from MLN2238-treated mice showed growth inhibition, apoptosis, and a decrease in associated angiogenesis. Mechanistic studies showed that MLN2238-triggered apoptosis is associated with activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9; increase in p53, p21, NOXA, PUMA, and E2F; induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response proteins Bip, phospho-eIF2-α, and CHOP; and inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B. Finally, combining MLN2238 with lenalidomide, histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, or dexamethasone triggers synergistic anti-MM activity.

Conclusion: Our preclinical study supports clinical evaluation of MLN9708, alone or in combination, as a potential MM therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 17(16); 5311–21. ©2011 AACR.
Breast Cancer Cells Proliferation Is Regulated by Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP1 through c-jun N-Terminal Kinase and Cooperative Induction of RFX-1 and AP-4 Transcription Factors
Authors: Amin Shahreen , Kumar Ashok , Nilchi Ladan , Wright Kathryn , Kozlowski Maya
Published: July 2011

In this study, we show that proliferation of breast cancer cells is suppressed by IGF-1–activated JNK MAPK pathway. The molecular mechanism by which c-jun-NH,-kinase (JNK) activation induces antiproliferative signals in IGF-1–stimulated breast cancer cells remains unknown. Tyrosine phosphatase SHP1 is known to negatively regulate signal transduction pathways activated by cell surface receptors including IGF-1. Moreover, SHP1 transcript and protein levels are increased in epithelial tumors. Therefore, we hypothesized that IGF-activated JNK induces expression of SHP1 in breast cancer cells. To further clarify the role of SHP1 in tumor growth, we correlated the proliferation rates of breast adenocarcinoma cells with SHP1 expression and JNK activation. We show that proliferation of serum- or IGF-1–stimulated breast adenocarcinoma cells is negatively regulated by SHP1 and show for the first time that IGF-1–activated JNK induces SHP1 expression in MCF-7 cells used as experimental model. In an attempt to understand the mechanism by which serum- or IGF-1–activated JNK induces SHP1 expression resulting in suppression of cell proliferation, we reveal for the first time that in serum- or IGF-1–stimulated breast cancer MCF-7 cells, JNK induces SHP1 expression through the binding of AP-4 and RFX-1 transcription factors to the epithelial tissue–specific SHP1 promoter. Overall, we show for the first time that IGF-1–stimulated proliferation of breast adenocarcinoma cells is negatively regulated by SHP1 through activation of JNK. Mol Cancer Res; 9(8); 1112–25. ©2011 AACR.
Effects of Supplemental Vitamin D and Calcium on Biomarkers of Inflammation in Colorectal Adenoma Patients: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Hopkins Myfanwy H. , Owen Joy , Ahearn Thomas , Fedirko Veronika , Flanders W. Dana , Jones Dean P. , Bostick Roberd M.
Published: July 2011

Vitamin D and calcium affect several pathways involved in inflammation, tumor growth, and immune surveillance relevant to carcinogenesis. Also, epidemiologic evidence indicates that calcium and vitamin D may reduce risk for developing colorectal adenomas and cancer. To investigate the effects of calcium and vitamin D on biomarkers of inflammation in colorectal adenoma patients, we conducted a pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2 × 2 factorial clinical trial (n = 92) of 2 g/d calcium and/or 800 IU/d vitamin D3 supplementation versus placebo over 6 months. Plasma concentrations of proinflammatory markers [C-reactive protein (CRP), TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-8] and an anti-inflammatory marker (IL-10) were measured using ELISAs. After 6 months of treatment, in the vitamin D3 supplementation group, CRP decreased 32% overall (P = 0.11), 37% in men (P = 0.05), and 41% among non–nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) users (P = 0.05) relative to placebo. In the vitamin D3 supplementation group, TNF-α decreased 13%, IL-6 32%, IL-1β 50%, and IL-8 15%; in the calcium supplementation group, IL-6 decreased 37%, IL-8 11%, and IL-1β 27%. Although these changes were not statistically significant, a combined inflammatory markers z-score decreased 77% (P = 0.003) in the vitamin D3 treatment group overall, 83% (P = 0.01) among men, and 48% among non-NSAID users (P = 0.01). There was no evidence of synergy between vitamin D3 and calcium or effects on IL-10. These preliminary results are consistent with a pattern of reduction in tumor-promoting inflammation biomarkers with vitamin D3 or calcium supplementation alone and support further investigation of vitamin D3 as a chemopreventive agent against inflammation and colorectal neoplasms. Cancer Prev Res; 4(10); 1645–54. ©2011 AACR.
Certain Imidazotetrazines Escape O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase and Mismatch Repair
Authors: Zhang Jihong , Stevens Malcolm F.G. , Hummersone Marc , Madhusudan Srinivasan , Laughton Charles A. , Bradshaw Tracey D.
Published: July 2011

Resistance to temozolomide (TMZ), conferred by O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) or mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency, presents obstacles to successful glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treatment. Activities of novel TMZ analogs, designed to overcome resistance, were tested against isogenic SNB19 and U373 GBM cell lines (V = vector control, low MGMT; M = MGMT overexpression). TMZ and triazene MTIC demonstrated >9-fold resistance in SNB19M cells (cf SNB19V). N-3 methyl ester analog 11 and corresponding triazene 12 inhibited growth of TMZ-sensitive (V) and TMZ-resistant (M) cells (GI50 <50 µM). Ethyl ester 13 and triazene 14 gave similar profiles. MMR-deficient colorectal carcinoma cells, resistant to TMZ (GI50 >500 µM), responded to analog 11 and 13 treatment. Cross-resistance to these agents was not observed in cell lines possessing acquired TMZ resistance (SNB19VR; U373VR). Methyl ester 11 blocked SNB19V, SNB19M and SNB19VR cells in S and G2/M, causing dose- and time-dependent apoptosis. DNA damage, recruiting excision repair was detected by alkaline comet assay; H2AX phosphorylation indicated a lethal DNA double-strand break formation following analog 11 exposure. Compounds 11 and 13 demonstrated 3.7- and 5.1-fold enhanced activity in base excision repair-deficient Chinese hamster ovary cells; furthermore, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 inhibition potentiated HCT-116 cells’ sensitivity to analog 11. In conclusion, analogs 11 and 13 exert anticancer activity irrespective of MGMT and MMR.
Osthol, a Coumarin Isolated from Common Cnidium Fruit, Enhances the Differentiation and Maturation of Osteoblasts in vitro
Authors: Ming Lei-Guo , Zhou Jian , Cheng Guo-Zheng , Ma Hui-Ping , Chen Ke-Ming
Published: July 2011

The effect of osthol on osteoblasts was investigated in primary osteoblastic cells isolated from newborn Wistar rats. Osthol was supplemented into cultured medium at 10–7, 10–6, 10–5 and 10–4 mol/l, respectively. No stimulating effect was found on cell proliferation, but 10–5 mol/l osthol caused a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Osteogenic differentiation markers were examined over a period of time at this concentration, and compared with control cells that were not supplemented with osthol. The results showed that the ALP activity, osteocalcin secretion and calcium deposition level in cells treated with osthol were 1.52, 2.74 and 2.0 times higher, respectively, than in the control cells. Results of ALP histochemical staining and mineralized bone nodule assays both showed that the number and area achieved in osthol-treated cells were 1.53-fold higher than in control cells. The gene expression of the growth and transcription factors basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor I, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), runt-related gene 2 (Runx-2) and osterix, which are associated with bone development, were also investigated. The increase in mRNA expression was 1.94, 1.74, 1.68, 1.83 and 2.31 times, respectively, higher compared to the control. Furthermore, osthol increased the protein expression of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and type I collagen. p38MAPK protein and collagen in osthol-treated cells were 1.42 and 1.58 times higher in osthol-treated cells compared to the control. The results of these studies support the conclusion that osthol significantly enhances the osteogenic differentiation of cultured osteoblasts. The results also indicated that osthol could stimulate the osteoblastic differentiation of rat calvarial osteoblast cultures by the BMP-2/p38MAPK/Runx-2/osterix pathway and that osthol may be used as an important compound in the development of new antiosteoporosis drugs.
Plasminogen Regulates Stromal Cell–Derived Factor-1/CXCR4–Mediated Hematopoietic Stem Cell Mobilization by Activation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9
Authors: Gong Yanqing , Fan Yi , Hoover-Plow Jane
Published: July 2011

Objective—

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a widespread therapeutic agent for stimulation of hematopoietic progenitor and stem cell (HPSC) mobilization from bone marrow (BM). Plasminogen (Plg) has been shown to be critical for HPSC mobilization. Here, we investigated the role of Plg in G-CSF-induced HPSC mobilization and the underlying mechanism.

Methods and Results—

By using gene-targeted mice, our data show that Plg is required for G-CSF-induced HPSC egress to sinusoidal capillaries in BM and subsequent mobilization to peripheral circulation. G-CSF induced Plg-dependent activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in BM, and MMP-9 neutralization or deficiency suppressed HPSC migration and mobilization. Reconstitution of MMP-9 activity by BM transplantation after lentiviral overexpression rescued HPSC mobilization in Plg-deficient mice, indicating that MMP-9 activation is required for Plg-mediated HPSC mobilization. Interestingly, after G-CSF simulation, Plg downregulated stromal cell–derived factor-1 in BM and spatiotemporally regulated the expression of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) on mobilized HPSCs, and reconstitution of MMP-9 activity in Plg-deficient mice reversed CXCR4 expression on HPSCs in plasma and BM, suggesting that CXCR4 serves as a new downstream signal of Plg/MMP-9 in HPSC mobilization.

Conclusion—

Our data elucidated a novel mechanism that Plg regulates MMP-9-dependent CXCR4 expression to facilitate HPSC mobilization in response to G-CSF.
Dual Manganese-Enhanced and Delayed Gadolinium-Enhanced MRI Detects Myocardial Border Zone Injury in a Pig Ischemia-Reperfusion Model
Authors: Dash Rajesh , Chung Jaehoon , Ikeno Fumiaki , Hahn-Windgassen Annett , Matsuura Yuka , Bennett Mihoko V. , Lyons Jennifer K. , Teramoto Tomohiko , Robbins Robert C. , McConnell Michael V. , Yeung Alan C. , Brinton Todd J. , Harnish Phillip P. , Yang Phillip C.
Published: July 2011

Background—

Gadolinium (Gd)-based delayed-enhancement MRI (DEMRI) identifies nonviable myocardium but is nonspecific and may overestimate nonviable territory. Manganese (Mn
2+
)-enhanced MRI (MEMRI) denotes specific Mn
2+
uptake into viable cardiomyocytes. We performed a dual-contrast myocardial assessment in a porcine ischemia-reperfusion (IR) model to test the hypothesis that combined DEMRI and MEMRI identifies viable infarct border zone (BZ) myocardium in vivo.

Methods and Results—

Sixty-minute left anterior descending coronary artery IR injury was induced in 13 adult swine. Twenty-one days post-IR, 3-T cardiac MRI was performed. MEMRI was obtained after injection of 0.7 mL/kg Mn
2+
contrast agent. DEMRI was then acquired after injection of 0.2 mmol/kg Gd. Left ventricular (LV) mass, infarct, and function were analyzed. Subtraction of MEMRI defect from DEMRI signal identified injured BZ myocardium. Explanted hearts were analyzed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride stain and tissue electron microscopy to compare infarct, BZ, and remote myocardium. Average LV ejection fraction was reduced (30±7%). MEMRI and DEMRI infarct volumes correlated with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride stain analysis (MEMRI,
r
=0.78; DEMRI,
r
=0.75;
P
<0.004). MEMRI infarct volume percentage was significantly lower than that of DEMRI (14±4% versus 23±4%;
P
<0.05). BZ MEMRI signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was intermediate to remote and core infarct SNR (7.5±2.8 versus 13.2±3.4 and 2.9±1.6;
P
<0.0001), and DEMRI BZ SNR tended to be intermediate to remote and core infarct SNR (8.4±5.4 versus 3.3±0.6 and 14.3±6.6;
P
>0.05). Tissue electron microscopy analysis exhibited preserved cell structure in BZ cardiomyocytes despite transmural DEMRI enhancement.

Conclusions—

The dual-contrast MEMRI-DEMRI detects BZ viability within DEMRI infarct zones. This approach may identify injured, at-risk myocardium in ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Withdrawal of Antithrombotic Agents and Its Impact on Ischemic Stroke Occurrence
Authors: Broderick Joseph P. , Bonomo Jordan B. , Kissela Brett M. , Khoury Jane C. , Moomaw Charles J. , Alwell Kathleen , Woo Daniel , Flaherty Matthew L. , Khatri Pooja , Adeoye Opeolu , Ferioli Simona , Kleindorfer Dawn O.
Published: July 2011

Background and Purpose—

Antithrombotic medications (anticoagulants and antiplatelets) are often withheld in the periprocedural period and after bleeding complications to limit the risk of new or recurrent bleeding. These medications are also stopped by patients for various reasons such as cost, side effects, or unwillingness to take medication.

Methods—

Patient records from the population-based Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study were reviewed to identify cases of ischemic stroke in 2005 and determine the temporal association of strokes with withdrawal of antithrombotic medication. Ischemic strokes and reasons for medication withdrawal were identified by study nurses for subsequent physician review.

Results—

In 2005, 2197 cases of ischemic stroke among residents of the region were identified through hospital discharge records. Of the 2197 ischemic strokes, 114 (5.2%) occurred within 60 days of an antithrombotic medication withdrawal, 61 (53.5%) of these after stoppage of warfarin and the remainder after stoppage of an antiplatelet medication. Of the strokes after withdrawal, 71 (62.3%) were first-ever and 43 (37.7%) were recurrent; 54 (47.4%) occurred after withdrawal of medication by a physician in the periprocedural period.

Conclusions—

The withdrawal of antiplatelet and antithrombotic medications in the 60 days preceding an acute ischemic stroke was associated with 5.2% of ischemic strokes in our study population. This finding emphasizes the need for thoughtful decision-making concerning antithrombotic medication use in the periprocedural period and efforts to improve patient compliance.
Hierarchical Cluster Analysis of a Convection-Allowing Ensemble during the Hazardous Weather Testbed 2009 Spring Experiment. Part I: Development of the Object-Oriented Cluster Analysis Method for Precipitation Fields
Authors: Johnson Aaron , Wang Xuguang , Kong Fanyou , Xue Ming
Published: July 2011

Convection-allowing ensemble forecasts with perturbations to model physics, dynamics, and initial (IC) and lateral boundary conditions (LBC) generated by the Center for the Analysis and Prediction of Storms for the NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT) Spring Experiments provide a unique opportunity to understand the relative impact of different sources of perturbation on convection-allowing ensemble diversity. Such impacts are explored in this two-part study through an object-oriented hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) technique.

In this paper, an object-oriented HCA algorithm, where the dissimilarity of precipitation forecasts is quantified with a nontraditional object-based threat score (OTS), is developed. The advantages of OTS-based HCA relative to HCA using traditional Euclidean distance and neighborhood probability-based Euclidean distance (NED) as dissimilarity measures are illustrated by hourly accumulated precipitation ensemble forecasts during a representative severe weather event.

Clusters based on OTS and NED are more consistent with subjective evaluation than clusters based on traditional Euclidean distance because of the sensitivity of Euclidean distance to small spatial displacements. OTS improves the clustering further compared to NED. Only OTS accounts for important features of precipitation areas, such as shape, size, and orientation, and OTS is less sensitive than NED to precise spatial location and precipitation amount. OTS is further improved by using a fuzzy matching method. Application of OTS-based HCA for regional subdomains is also introduced. Part II uses the HCA method developed in this paper to explore systematic clustering of the convection-allowing ensemble during the full 2009 HWT Spring Experiment period.
Hierarchical Cluster Analysis of a Convection-Allowing Ensemble during the Hazardous Weather Testbed 2009 Spring Experiment. Part II: Ensemble Clustering over the Whole Experiment Period
Authors: Johnson Aaron , Wang Xuguang , Xue Ming , Kong Fanyou
Published: July 2011

Twenty-member real-time convection-allowing storm-scale ensemble forecasts with perturbations to model physics, dynamics, initial conditions (IC), and lateral boundary conditions (LBC) during the NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Experiment provide a unique opportunity to study the relative impact of different sources of perturbation on convection-allowing ensemble diversity. In Part II of this two-part study, systematic similarity/dissimilarity of hourly precipitation forecasts among ensemble members from the spring season of 2009 are identified using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) with a fuzzy object-based threat score (OTS), developed in Part I. In addition to precipitation, HCA is also performed on ensemble forecasts using the traditional Euclidean distance for wind speed at 10 m and 850 hPa, and temperature at 500 hPa.

At early lead times (3 h, valid at 0300 UTC) precipitation forecasts cluster primarily by data assimilation and model dynamic core, indicating a dominating impact of models, with secondary clustering by microphysics. There is an increasing impact of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) scheme on clustering relative to the microphysics scheme at later lead times. Forecasts of 10-m wind speed cluster primarily by the PBL scheme at early lead times, with an increasing impact of LBC at later lead times. Forecasts of midtropospheric variables cluster primarily by IC at early lead times and LBC at later lead times. The radar and Mesonet data assimilation (DA) show its impact, with members without DA in a distinct cluster, through the 12-h lead time (valid at 1200 UTC) for both precipitation and nonprecipitation variables. The implication for optimal ensemble design for storm-scale forecasts is also discussed.
A Direct Method for Constructing Refined Regions in Unstructured Conforming Triangular–Hexagonal Computational Grids: Application to OLAM
Authors: Walko Robert L. , Avissar Roni
Published: July 2011

A scheme is presented for constructing refined regions of 2D unstructured computational meshes composed of triangular cells. The method preserves the conforming property of the original unrefined mesh and does not produce hanging nodes. The procedure consists of 1) doubling the resolution of triangles inside a specified closed region by adding three edges inside each triangle that connect the midpoints of its three edges; and 2) constructing one or more transition rows immediately outside the refined area by removing and adding edges in order to maintain the conforming property, to regulate the abruptness of the change in resolution, and to keep triangle shapes as close as possible to equilateral. The latter requirement is met partly by restricting the number of edges that meet at any vertex to values of 5, 6, or 7. The method for constructing the transition rows is the main new contribution of this work. Two variants of the construction are described, and for one variant, the number of transition rows is varied from 1 to 5. All construction is noniterative and is therefore extremely rapid, making the method suitable for dynamic mesh refinement. Final adjustment of gridcell shapes is performed iteratively, but this can be limited to only the transition rows and then converges very rapidly. A suitable constraint on triangle shapes that is applied in the adjustment process and satisfies the criterion for a Delaunay mesh naturally extends the mesh refinement algorithm to its dual-Voronoi diagram, which is composed primarily of hexagons plus a few pentagons and heptagons. The refinement method is tested on both Delaunay and Voronoi meshes in the Ocean–Land–Atmosphere Model (OLAM) using shallow-water test case 5. A choice of two or three transition rows is found to be optimal, although using five can increase accuracy slightly.
Hindcasting the January 2009 Arctic Sudden Stratospheric Warming with Unified Parameterization of Orographic Drag in NOGAPS. Part II: Short-Range Data-Assimilated Forecast and the Impacts of Calibrated Radiance Bias Correction
Authors: Kim Young-Joon , Campbell William , Ruston Benjamin
Published: July 2011

This study is Part II of the effort to improve the forecasting of sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events by using a version of the Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS) that covers the full stratosphere. In Part I, extended-range (3 week) hindcast experiments (without data assimilation) for the January 2009 Arctic major SSW were performed using NOGAPS with a unified orographic drag parameterization that consists of the schemes employed by Webster et al., as well as Kim and Arakawa and Kim and Doyle. Part I demonstrated that the model with upgraded middle-atmospheric orographic drag physics better forecasts the magnitude and evolution of the SSW and better simulates the trend of the Arctic Oscillation (AO) index. In this study (Part II), a series of 5-day hindcast experiments is performed with cycling data assimilation using the Naval Research Laboratory Atmospheric Variational Data Assimilation System-Accelerated Representer (NAVDAS-AR), a four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVAR) system. Further efforts are made to improve the hindcasting of SSW by improving the satellite radiance bias correction process that strongly affects the data assimilation. The innovation (observation minus background) limit is optimally determined to reduce the rejection of useful radiance data. It is found that when the innovation limit is properly set, both the analysis and forecast of the SSW event can be improved, and that the orographic drag helps improve the SSW forecast.
Application of the WRF Hybrid ETKF–3DVAR Data Assimilation System for Hurricane Track Forecasts
Authors: Wang Xuguang
Published: July 2011

A hybrid ensemble transform Kalman filter (ETKF)–three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) system developed for the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) was studied for the forecasts of the tracks of two major hurricanes, Ike and Gustav, in 2008 over the Gulf of Mexico. The impacts of the flow-dependent ensemble covariance generated by the ETKF were revealed by comparing the forecasts, analyses, and analysis increments generated by the hybrid data assimilation method with those generated by the 3DVAR that used the static background covariance. The root-mean-square errors of the track forecasts by the hybrid data assimilation (DA) method were smaller than those by the 3DVAR for both Ike and Gustav. Experiments showed that such improvements were due to the use of the flow-dependent covariance provided by the ETKF ensemble in the hybrid DA system. Detailed diagnostics further revealed that the increments produced by the hybrid and the 3DVAR were different for both the analyses of the hurricane itself and its environment. In particular, it was found that the hybrid, using the flow-dependent covariance that gave the hurricane-specific error covariance estimates, was able to systematically adjust the position of the hurricane during the assimilation whereas the 3DVAR was not. The study served as a pilot study to explore and understand the potential of the hybrid method for hurricane data assimilation and forecasts. Caution needs to be taken to extrapolate the results to operational forecast settings.
Outworkings: Urban Mission in Mark 4
Authors: Vincent John J.
Published: July 2011

Gospel Practice Interpretation continues in the early chapters of Mark's Gospel in reflections by contemporary inner city urban ministers and community workers on the variety of ways in which their Gospel practice and witness are received in their experience. Such varied “reception” seems to be like the early disciples' experiences, and even to suggest proper and expected ways in which faithful gospel embodiment produces “results”, as Jesus experienced.
An Examination of the Relationships Between Ego Development, Dabrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration, and the Behavioral Characteristics of Gifted Adolescents
Authors: Bailey Carrie Lynn
Published: July 2011

Literature exploring the experiences of gifted individuals has often focused on asynchronous development, particularly during childhood and adolescence. Also discussed in the literature are the unique social, emotional, and behavioral characteristics associated with giftedness. However, there is still an unclear picture concerning the implications of this work as related to the specific counseling needs of gifted students, and little empirical support is provided. This study seeks to build, through a developmental lens, a more comprehensive base from which to design counseling and teaching approaches with gifted students. Findings indicate that the ego levels of gifted students are slightly higher than those of typical adolescents. Empirical evidence of the level of development related to Dabrowski’s theory of positive disintegration for gifted adolescents is provided, with the majority of respondents (70%) falling within Dabrowski’s Level II–Unilevel Disintegration stage. Results also indicated that the gifted students studied are relatively well adjusted and that the behaviors exhibited by gifted adolescents are normally distributed. Study results are interpreted as indicating that although ego development and Dabrowski’s theory of positive disintegration may share similarities, they are different constructs, and further investigation is needed to best use these theories in designing appropriate and effective counseling and teaching intervention strategies for working with gifted adolescents. Limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are presented.
Student Response to a Small-Group Affective Curriculum in a School for Gifted Children
Authors: Peterson Jean Sunde , Lorimer Michelle R.
Published: July 2011

A 5-year longitudinal study of the implementation of an affective curriculum in a school for gifted children, in the form of weekly development-oriented, teacher-led small-group discussions for all students in Grades 5 through 8, found that initial resistance changed to receptivity and gains over time. Analysis of Likert-type responses and brief comments from the students offered guidance for curriculum development and delivery. Differences in a positive direction reflected institutionalization of the group program and support for continuation. However, findings also underscored the need to clarify the purpose of the program to students, select discussion topics carefully, consider gender when forming groups, provide adequate time for group meetings, and provide adequate training for group facilitators.
Soul Behind the Skill, Heart Behind the Technique
Authors: Garces-Bacsal Rhoda Myra , Cohen Libby , Tan Liang See
Published: July 2011

Case studies of students enrolled in a specialized secondary school in Singapore describe the experiences of flow among 14 teacher-nominated adolescents talented both in the arts and in academics. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with the respondents to discern whether they experience flow as they each engage in their respective art forms (visual arts, dance, music, and theater). Qualitative analysis of the interview transcripts reveals elements of the flow state (clear goals, intense concentration, enjoyment, loss of self-consciousness, transformation of time) highly evident among the talented teenagers. Environmental supports that enable expressions of artistic inclinations and identities within the Singapore context were likewise in conjunction with implications for arts-educators and artist-practitioners.
Casting despots in Dutch drama
Authors: Kuruppath Manjusha
Published: July 2011

By 1745, the Persian ruler Nadir Shah (also known as Tahmasp Quli Khan) had made a name for himself as a conqueror in Asia. In the same year, the Dutch playwright Frans van Steenwyk scripted a play titled Thamas Koelikan in Amsterdam. The play not only chose Nadir for protagonist, but also identified his conquest of Mughal India as the backdrop to the drama. Just as Van Steenwyk’s drama reflected the curiosity of his peers in Nadir Shah, another image of Asian rulers circulating in Europe at the same time also featured in the play—the image of the Oriental Despot. Although the theme of Oriental Despotism was a generic appli-cation to Asian rulers, the relationship of this label with Nadir Shah was more intimate. From the late eighteenth century onwards, any mention of Nadir Shah meant a reference to Oriental Despotism. This article analyses the nature of representation of Nadir Shah in Van Steenwyk’s Thamas Koelikan. It studies the means by which the notion of Oriental Despotism features in the play. It argues that the observations made in this regard should be seen in the light of the sources that the playwright employed in penning his play. This related closely to the world of the Dutch East India Company in South Asia.
Effects of irrigation on the physico-chemical quality of water in irrigated areas
Authors: Adediji A. , Adewumi J.A. , Ologunorisa T.E.
Published: July 2011

High demand for water is driving potentially unsustainable practices and competition for water resources between various sectors in developing areas. As a result of improved quality of life and population growth, increase in demand for fresh water is anticipated in all African countries in all sectors, over the next 10 years. This study examines the effects of dry season irrigation farming (fadama) on the physical and chemical quality of the River Osin which receives both surface and subsurface flow from irrigated areas in the Upper Osin Catchment, Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 90 samples were obtained from Upstream (UPS), Irrigated area (IRG) and Downstream (DNS) segments of the river in the dry and rainy seasons. Water samples were analysed for pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), suspended solids, dissolved organic matter (DOM), pesticides (ionic basic type), Na+, K+, Mg2+,Cl-, NO3-, PO43-, Ca2+ and HCO3-. The results indicate that values of agricultural pollutants such as pesticides (CuSO4), NO3- and PO43- were significantly higher at IRG than at UPS, and decreased slightly at DNS, while all other anions and cations except DOM reached peak values at DNS. Agricultural pollutants (NO3-, PO43- and pesticides) contributed significantly to poor water quality observed at IRG and DNS segments but the values are within acceptable tolerance range at UPS. The findings further indicate that irrigation practice degrades the quality of water at IRG and DNS segments. As a result, a holistic approach to agriculture and water resource management is recommended to ensure sustainable water resources development in the catchment.
Change of Tipra Glacier in the Garhwal Himalaya, India, between 1962 and 2008
Authors: Mehta Manish , Dobhal D.P. , Bisht M.P.S.
Published: July 2011

Systematic observations of Himalayan glaciers over the last few decades provide reliable indications of continuous shrinkage of most of the glaciers. Changes in mass, volume, area and length of glaciers are reported, but an up-to-date regional assessment of glacier changes is lacking. In the present study, satellite data, maps and ground-based measurements have been used to obtain the snout retreat and surface changes of the Tipra Glacier in the Alaknanda river basin of the Garhwal Himalaya for the period 1962–2008. The study reveals that a large part of the glacier has been detached from the main trunk and separated into the Tipra (7.5 km2) and Rataban (7.4 km2) Glaciers as it had one outlet (snout) in 1987. Between 1962 and 2002 estimated surface area reduced by ~18% and snout retreat was ~535 m with an average rate of 13.4 m a−1. Measurement of snout positions of the Tipra and Rataban Glaciers from 2002 to 2008 indicates an enhanced annual retreat of 21.3 and 21.2 m a−1, respectively. Total frontal area vacated during this period was calculated to be 0.084 km2 for Tipra Glacier and 0.028 km2 for Rataban Glacier. The estimated Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) rise was 76 m for the Tipra Glacier and 57 m for the Rataban Glacier. Accumulation Area Ratio (AAR) was calculated as 0.47 for the Tipra Glacier and 0.49 for the Rataban Glacier, during the study period. The observations compared with the other studies carried out in the region show a significant reduction in glacier areas. The increased retreat rate of glacier snouts is probably a direct consequence of global warming. The present snouts of the Tipra and Rataban Glaciers are located at altitudes of 3865 and 4120 m, respectively.
Treatment of Infantile Spasms
Authors: Stafstrom Carl E. , Arnason Barry G. W. , Baram Tallie Z. , Catania Anna , Cortez Miguel A. , Glauser Tracy A. , Pranzatelli Michael R. , Riikonen Raili , Rogawski Michael A. , Shinnar Shlomo , Swann John W.
Published: July 2011

Infantile spasms is an epileptic encephalopathy of early infancy with specific clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) features, limited treatment options, and a poor prognosis. Efforts to develop improved treatment options have been hindered by the lack of experimental models in which to test prospective therapies. The neuropeptide adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is effective in many cases of infantile spasms, although its mechanism(s) of action is unknown. This review describes the emerging candidate mechanisms that can underlie the therapeutic effects of ACTH in infantile spasms. These mechanisms can ultimately help to improve understanding and treatment of the disease. An overview of current treatments of infantile spasms, novel conceptual and experimental approaches to infantile spasms treatment, and a perspective on remaining clinical challenges and current research questions are presented here. This summary derives from a meeting of specialists in infantile spasms clinical care and research held in New York City on June 14, 2010.