bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purkinje Cell Loss in the Cerebellar Flocculus in Patients with Ataxia with Ocular Motor Apraxia Type 1/Early-Onset Ataxia with Ocular Motor Apraxia and Hypoalbuminemia
Authors: Sugawara Masashiro , Wada Chizu , Okawa Satoshi , Kobayashi Michio , Sageshima Masato , Imota Tsuyoshi , Toyoshima Itaru
Published: October 2007

We genetically screened patients with ataxia with ocular motor apraxia type 1 (AOA1)/early-onset ataxia with ocular motor apraxia and hypoalbuminemia (EAOH), with a Japanese variant form of Friedreich’s ataxia. Three patients were found to have a homozygous insertion mutation of the aprataxin gene (689insT). An elder sister of a patient in this series died of cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 45, and underwent autopsy. In her cerebellar cortex, the mean density of Purkinje cells in the flocculus had predominantly decreased to 6.7% of normal controls, whereas the Purkinje cells in the other areas of the cerebellar hemisphere had decreased to 78.2%. This suggests that the cerebellar flocculus is the primary affected lesion in AOA1/EAOH, which should be associated with ocular motor apraxia.
Relationship between Detectability of Ischemic Lesions by Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Embolic Sources in Transient Ischemic Attacks
Authors: Uno Hisakazu , Taguchi Akihiko , Oe Hiroshi , Nagano Keiko , Yamada Naoaki , Moriwaki Hiroshi , Naritomi Hiroaki
Published: October 2007

Background/Aims: The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between lesion detectability by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) and the etiology of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 72 patients with carotid TIAs who underwent DWI studies within 2 weeks after the last episode. Results: Lesions were detected in 24 of 72 patients (33%). The detectability of lesions was 12% (3/25) in the large-artery atherosclerosis (LA) group, 57% (8/14) in the cardioembolism (CE) group, 8% (1/13) in the small-artery occlusion (SA) group, and 60% (12/20) in the other etiology or undetermined etiology (UD) group. Detectabilities in the CE group and the UD group were higher than those in the LA and SA groups. Of 24 patients with DWI-positive lesions, 17 (71%) had embolic sources in the heart; 9 were classified in the UD group because they had embolic sources both in the heart and large artery. Conclusion: Ischemic DWI lesions in TIAs are most likely caused by a cardioembolic mechanism. In TIA patients showing lesions on DWI, heart disease should be surveyed as the possible embolic source.
Multiple Sclerosis: Relapses and Timing of Remissions
Authors: Iuliano Gerardo , Napoletano Rosa , Esposito Antonio
Published: October 2007

Background: Relapse is a relatively sudden worsening of neurological status in multiple sclerosis patients. The aim of this paper is to describe the frequency and timing of the subsequent clinical remission, and factors linked to a possible lack of recovery. Methods: Two hundred and twenty-three relapses in 62 multiple sclerosis patients were examined retrospectively. Kurtzke’s Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were calculated every 3 months from 1 year before to 1 year after. Remission was defined as improvement vs. the EDSS as scored during the relapse. Recovery was defined as return to the EDSS as scored before the relapse. Results: The frequency of improvement was 78% at 3 months, 86% at 6, and lower in males (65 vs. 81%). The frequency of recovery was 55% at 3 months, 71% at 6. Kaplan-Meier curves showed stabilization after 6 months, with improvement in 90% of patients, 100% without further relapses. Relapses without recovery were only 30%; 15% excluding short-term relapses. Conclusions: Incomplete remissions do not appear to be linked to the evolution of the relapse, but to further relapses in the following months; in other words, to the short-term relapse rate.
Cognitive Dysfunctions in Mild Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: Comparison with Patients Having Mild Alzheimer’s Disease and Normal Controls
Authors: Song In-Uk , Kim Joong-Seok , Yoo Ji-Yeon , Song Hyun-Joo , Lee Kwang-Soo
Published: October 2007

Objective: Although the neuropsychological differences between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) have been scrutinized in several studies, no study to date has directly compared the cognitive impairment profiles of patients with mild PDD and those with mild AD. In this study, we investigated the cognitive changes of mild PDD patients as compared with age- and education-matched normal controls and matched mild AD patients. Methods: Thirty-one patients with PDD, 24 patients with probable AD (pAD), and 50 controls were recruited prospectively. All the subjects were evaluated with a battery of detailed neuropsychological tests for the assessment of attention, memory, language, and the visuospatial and frontal executive functions. Results: The PDD and pAD groups demonstrated significant impairments in all cognitive domains compared with the control group. These cognitive declines attributable to dementia were similar in the PDD and pAD patients, but they were not identical. In the subdomain analysis, the pAD group demonstrated more marked changes in delayed memory performance than did the PDD group. Conclusions: Our result showed that the cognitive changes in mild PDD patients did not differ from those in the mild pAD patients, except for delayed memory items. We concluded that it is difficult to sharply distinguish between mild PDD and mild AD.
Serial Assessments of Delayed Encephalopathy after Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Diffusion Tensor Imaging on 3.0T System
Authors: Terajima Kenshi , Igarashi Hironaka , Hirose Masaki , Matsuzawa Hitoshi , Nishizawa Masatoyo , Nakada Tsutomu
Published: October 2007

To elucidate the still unclear mechanism of delayed encephalopathy after carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, we serially performed single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) on a 3.0T system and intelligence tests in 2 patients, while they were undergoing hyperbaric oxygenation therapy. The chronological changes in 1H-MRS- and DTI-derived parameters indicated the following: (1) White matter demyelination, aerobic metabolism inhibition, and cytotoxic edema persisted for at least 3 months even after starting the hyperbaric oxygenation therapy; (2) the axonal function and structural integrity of the white matter were initially severely impaired and then gradually and partially improved for 5 months, showing changes similar to those in the scores of the intelligence tests. The results demonstrated that brain damage after CO poisoning may persist longer than expected, and that the 1H-MRS- and DTI-derived parameters are good indicators of the clinical progress of a patient. The combination of 1H-MRS and DTI on a 3.0T system is useful for monitoring the changes in brain damage and the clinical symptoms of patients with delayed encephalopathy after CO poisoning.
Retrocollis: Classification, Clinical Phenotype, Treatment Outcomes and Risk Factors
Authors: Papapetropoulos Spiridon , Baez Sheila , Zitser Jennifer , Sengun Cenk , Singer Carlos
Published: October 2007

Retrocollis (RC) is a form of cervical dystonia (CD) that produces patterned, repetitive muscle contractions that result in neck extension. We performed a review of consecutive CD patients seen in our Division over a 15-year period. Out of 399 CD patients, 59 (14.8%) had features of RC. Pain was very frequently reported among patients (∼80%). RC was frequently associated with neuroleptic exposure (20.3%) and a history of head/neck trauma (23.7%). Of patients injected with botulinum toxin type A, 24.5% reported excellent, 32.1% moderate, 16.9% mild and 24.5% no response to injections. Oral antidystonic medications had limited contribution to symptom relief.
Detrended Fluctuation Analysis of Heart Rate Variability in Normal and Growth-Restricted Fetuses
Authors: Kikuchi Akihiko , Unno Nobuya , Kozuma Shiro , Taketani Yuji
Published: October 2007

Background: Detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) has recently been validated as an excellent method by which to analyze heart rate variability and distinguish healthy subjects from patients with various types of the cardiac nervous system dysfunction. Methods: One hundred and nineteen fetal heart rate (FHR) recordings obtained from healthy normal fetuses and 68 recordings obtained from small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetuses were analyzed by DFA to examine gestational and pathologic changes of the scaling exponent, α. Results: In normal fetuses, a significant increase was observed in both the short-term (≤30 s) α1 and long-term (>30 s) α2 scaling exponents according to gestational age. The α1 values of SGA fetuses were not significantly different from those of healthy normal fetuses; however, the α2 values of the former group (0.955 ± 0.152) were significantly higher than those of normal subjects (0.887 ± 0.128; p = 0.001). Conclusion: The α2 exponent appears to be a sensitive probe for detecting subtle, and possibly important, changes that occur in fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction, and may be helpful in the early and noninvasive detection of placental insufficiency or incipient intrauterine growth restriction. The use of DFA techniques offers great promise for understanding FHR behavior.
Possible Pitfalls in the Interpretation of Microcirculatory Measurements
Authors: Düchs R. , Foitzik T.
Published: October 2007

Background: Microcirculation and tissue oxygenation play key roles in many diseases and have been studied in various settings. Comparison and interpretation of measurements at the capillary level, however, is difficult when different techniques are employed and when data on systemic parameters are missing. Aim: To investigate (a) how changes in systemic parameters influence microcirculation and tissue oxygenation; (b) if these changes are detectable at the capillary level, and (c) which systemic parameters must be monitored for reliable interpretation of microcirculatory parameters. Methods: Assessment of capillary blood flow (CBF) and mucosal oxygen supply (HbSatO2, pmucO2) of the colon in rats by (i) intravital microscopy (IVM), (ii) micro-light guide spectroscopy (EMPHO), and (iii) polarographic micro-catheter probe (LICOX) under (a) physiological conditions, (b) hypovolaemia, and (c) hypoxia. Results: CBF (IVM), HbSatO2 (EMPHO) and pmucO2 (LICOX) changed significantly under hypovolaemia, but with different extents. Under hypoxia, CBF did not change, whereas HbSatO2 and pmucO2 decreased significantly to 52 and 67% of baseline. Correlation of IVM/EMPHO and IVM/LICOX was poor (r = 0.12; r = 0.03). Conclusion: Changes of systemic parameters have significant effects on peripheral tissue oxygenation but may not always be detected at the capillary level. MAP, blood gases and haematocrit must be analysed to correctly interpret microcirculatory parameters.
Influence of Temporary Abdominal Wall Repair on the Intestinal Integrity: An Experimental Study in the Rat
Authors: Overhaus M. , Schaefer N. , Hirner A. , Kalff J.C. , Tolba R.H.
Published: October 2007

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze intestinal integrity after temporary abdominal wall repair with absorbable mesh. Methods: Rats underwent abdominal wall repair with absorbable mesh or sham operation. Myeloperoxidase-positive cells in the intestinal muscularis were histochemically quantified. Intestinal transit was visualized 48 h after surgery. Local and systemic inflammatory response was measured with TNF-α and IL-6 ELISA as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) expression in serum and peritoneal fluid. Results: Neutrophil count of the intestinal muscularis revealed that infiltration in the mesh-implanted and in the mesh-free animals 48 h postoperatively was similar. Gastrointestinal transit was similarly unaffected 48 h after surgery, with or without mesh implantation. TNF-α, IL-6 and MDA concentration in serum and peritoneal fluid showed no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion: Intestinal contractility and local and systemic inflammatory response remained unaffected. Therefore, absorbable mesh augmentation is a safe and reliable method for temporary repair of the abdominal wall without affecting the intestinal integrity.
Enriched Environmental Conditions Ameliorate Age-Dependent Alterations in the Somatosensory System, but Do Not Affect the Motor System of the Rat Spinal Cord
Authors: Hilbig Heidegard , Beier Verena , Köster Kirsten , Stoll Cindy , Richter Denise , Dinse Hubert R.
Published: October 2007

At the behavioral level, old rats are known to show a number of age-related changes such as characteristic impairments in the sensorimotor system, which is most strikingly expressed in a walking impairment involving the hind limbs. We have previously shown that sensorimotor impairments involving the hind limbs are in part reversible following housing in an enriched environment. The question arises as to whether these effects are accompanied by cytological alterations in the spinal cord. During aging, we found an increase in cyclooxygenase with nitrotyrosine in the fasciculus gracilis and lateral funiculus. The somatosensory tracts and dorsal horn were more affected by myelin-degrading processes than the other parts of the spinal cord. The accumulation of lipofuscin seemed to depend on age, but independent of the environment. In contrast, the age-related calretinin immunoreactivity loss in the substantia gelatinosa from both the cervical and the lumbar enlargements was significantly reduced in stimulating environmental conditions. Morphologically, the lectin binding sites of the perineuronal nets seemed to be decreased. The results provide evidence that the somatosensory system of the spinal cord is affected by age-dependent alterations independently of the motor system.
Prenatal and Postnatal Development of GABAergic Neurons in the Spinal Cord Revealed by Green Fluorescence Protein Expression in the GAD67-GFP Knock-In Mouse
Authors: Huang Jing , Feng Feng , Tamamaki Nobuaki , Yanagawa Yuchio , Obata Kunihiko , Li Yun-Qing , Wu Sheng-Xi
Published: October 2007

To gain better insight into the ontogenic function of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the mouse spinal cord, it is necessary to know the developmental pattern of GABAergic neurons. In the present study, we examined the temporal and spatial developmental changes of GABAergic neurons at the cervical level of the spinal cord by using a glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67)-green fluorescence protein (GFP) knock-in mouse. We found that GFP-positive GABAergic neurons appeared at embryonic day (E) 11.5 in the ventral region of the spinal cord and became abundant in the whole future gray matter at E12. Thereafter, GFP-positive neurons increased progressively in number and extended from ventral to dorsal regions. The intensity of GFP-positive neurons in the dorsal horn peaked at E17. After birth, GFP-positive neurons were mainly restricted to the dorsal gray matter and also decreased in the staining intensity. At postnatal day 14, the distribution pattern of GFP immunoreactivity was similar to that of GABAergic neurons in adult spinal cord. Taken together, the present results suggest that the GFP immunoreactivity, and thus the expression of GABA, undergoes a ventral-to-dorsal shift in the spinal cord during development. The functional significance of GFP-positive GABAergic neurons in the developing spinal cord is discussed.
Differential and Critical Roles of Reactive Oxygen Species and Reactive Nitrogen Species in Alcohol-Induced Gene Dysregulations and Birth Defects in Xenopus Embryos
Authors: Ng Samuel S. , Yang Pai-Hao , Cheng Yuanyuan , Peng Ying , Kung Hsiang-Fu , Lin Marie C.
Published: October 2007

Alcohol is the most common teratogen in humans. Excessive alcohol consumption in pregnant women may lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which is characterized by microcephaly, growth retardation, facial dysmorphology, and abnormalities in the central nervous system. Despite extensive studies, the molecular mechanisms underlying FAS remain unclear. To this end, we established a Xenopus laevis embryo model to study the effects of alcohol on fetal development. We will discuss the relationship between alcohol-induced oxidative and nitrosative stresses and their differential and critical roles in the downregulation of key developmental genes and birth defects in the X. laevis embryo model.
Acute Stress-Related Gastrointestinal Ischemia
Authors: Veenstra R.P. , Geelkerken R.H. , Verhorst P.M. , Huisman A.B. , Kolkman J.J.
Published: October 2007

We report a case of acute gastrointestinal ischemia during a very stressful event in whom the diagnosis was made by 24-hour tonometry. This case report unequivocally links a stressful event with increased catecholamine release and subsequent severe symptomatic gastrointestinal ischemia. The role of ischemia as potential pathophysiological mechanism has never been studied in detail. The clinical significance of finding such an association is underscored by this case report, where a vasoactive drug normally used for hypertension treatment resulted in greatly improved abdominal symptoms.
Impact of Male Takeover on Intra-Unit Sexual Interactions and Subsequent Interbirth Interval in Wild Rhinopithecus roxellana
Authors: Zhao Dapeng , Li Baoguo , Groves Colin P. , Watanabe Kunio
Published: October 2007

Data were collected on sexual interactions before and after a male takeover of a one-male unit (OMU) of Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) in the Qinling Mountains, China. The original unit consisted of an adult male, 2 adult and 2 subadult females, 2 female juveniles and a single infant. Following the takeover, the new resident male copulated with 1 adult female, which was not lactating. Subsequent to the disappearance of her infant, the second (lactating female) entered breeding condition and began to solicit copulation with the new resident male. The subadult females also engaged in matings with the new male. The new resident male was observed mating, on 3 occasions, with females in 2 other OMUs. These are the first observations of sexual behaviour in free-ranging Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys after an OMU takeover. Sexual interactions play an important role in establishing relationships between the new male and resident females in the OMU.
Lost Life Years Attributable to Stroke among Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Nationwide Population-Based Follow-Up Study
Authors: Frost Lars , Vukelic Andersen Ljubica , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Mortensen Leif Spange
Published: October 2007

Aim: We assessed the number of lost life years attributable to stroke among patients with a hospital diagnosis of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Methods: We identified all patients, aged 40–89 years, with an incident hospital diagnosis of atrial fibrillation or flutter in the Danish National Registry of Patients from calendar year 1980 to 2002, and no previous or concomitant diagnosis of stroke or heart valve disease. All patients were followed in the Danish National Registry of Patients for occurrence of an incident diagnosis of stroke of any type (ischemic and/or hemorrhagic) and in the Danish Civil Registration System for emigration or change in vital status. We used multivariate Cox regression analysis with stroke as a time dependent covariate to estimate excess mortality associated with incident stroke. The baseline hazard function for mortality was computed and used for modeling lost life years by sex, age, and time to incident stroke after diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, adjusted for conditions of comorbidity and calendar year of diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. Results: The mean loss of life years attributable to incident stroke within 20 years after a first diagnosis of atrial fibrillation was most frequently less than 5 years, but a mean of up to 10 years of lost life years was observed. The largest number of lost life years was observed in women, in younger patients, and in those who had a stroke early after the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. The relative loss of life years was up to 90% of the estimated expected remaining lifetime without stroke within 20 years after the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, and was highest in the elderly. Conclusion: Stroke causes a substantial loss of life years in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Prevalence of Delayed Neurodevelopment in Children from Bogotá, Colombia, South America
Authors: Velez van Meerbeke Alberto , Talero-Gutierrez Claudia , Gonzalez-Reyes Rodrigo
Published: October 2007

Background: Undiagnosed children with neurodevelopment delay disorders (NDD) frequently experience school difficulties, leading to school desertion or academic failure with subsequent familial, social and work-related problems. Methods: In 2004–2005, we conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of developmental delay among preschoolers in Bogotá (Colombia); convenience samples in several socioeconomic areas of the city were screened to define the prevalence of NDD. Parents and teachers were interviewed to identify children with possible NDD. Selected children were evaluated with a neurodevelopmental abbreviated scale (EAD-1). Results: We screened 2,043 preschool children aged <60 months; 288 suspected cases were examined individually using the EAD-1 scale. One or more abnormal items (alert category) were found in 67 (23.3%) children, for an estimated prevalence of 32.8‰ children <5 years of age, including deficits in gross motor function (9.3‰), personal-social interactions (9.8‰), fine motor skills (10.3‰), auditory language delay (18.6‰) and overall delay (10.8‰). Conclusions: There is limited information regarding the prevalence of neurodevelopmental delay in nonindustrialized countries. The prevalence obtained in Bogotá, Colombia, is within the expected range; however, we identified NDD among apparently healthy children from nurseries and kindergartens, who had previously been undiagnosed and untreated. Lack of evaluation of developmental milestones in children in Colombia is a substantial public health problem that will require effective intervention.
Hospital Admissions for Guillain-Barré Syndrome in the United States, 1993–2004
Authors: Frenzen P.D.
Published: October 2007

Background: The hospitalization rate for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in the USA has recently decreased. This study examined which demographic groups were affected and whether there were any changes in medical care that might explain the decrease. Methods: Information about hospitalizations for GBS was obtained from the 1993–2004 annual Nationwide Inpatient Sample and used to estimate hospitalization rates and the medical characteristics of hospitalized GBS patients. Results: The GBS hospitalization rate decreased 20.1% (95% CI 18.3–21.9%) between 1993 and 2004. Most groups were affected by the decrease except persons aged 18–44 years. There were several changes in medical care during the period, including a reduction in interhospital transfers and a shift from plasmapheresis to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy. Conclusions: The reduction in transfers accounted for about one-fourth of the decrease in the GBS hospitalization rate, and may have been related to the shift from plasmapheresis to IVIg therapy. The other causes of the decrease are unknown.
Seasonal Variation in Incidence of Pediatric Medulloblastoma in the United States, 1995–2001
Authors: Hoffman Sara , Schellinger Kate A. , Propp Jennifer M. , McCarthy Bridget J. , Campbell Richard T. , Davis Faith G.
Published: October 2007

Background/Aims: Brain tumors are the second most common pediatric malignancy. The literature suggests that one of the most common subtypes of malignant childhood brain tumor, medulloblastoma, has some seasonal variation in incidence by month of birth. Methods: Data from cases in the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States, including primary brain tumor cases diagnosed in children (0–19 years) between the years 1995 and 2001 from 13 state cancer registries, were analyzed to determine whether there was seasonal variation. Analyses were performed using Edwards’ test for sinusoidal variation, which uses case frequencies per month, and tests whether frequencies follow a sine function over 12 months. Results: Seasonal variation in incidence by month of birth was highly statistically significant for medulloblastoma, not otherwise specified (NOS) (p = 0.016), with the peak occurring in October. Medulloblastoma, NOS also demonstrated seasonal variation in incidence by month of birth in children aged 5–19 (p = 0.041), especially females aged 5–19 (p = 0.034), with the peak in October. There were no significant results for brain tumors overall, or for the other most common pediatric tumor subtypes (pilocytic astrocytoma, other astrocytoma, and ependymoma). Conclusion: These preliminary results indicate seasonal variation unique to medulloblastoma incidence by month of birth and may provide evidence for an environmental exposure etiology, though further studies are needed to explore specific hypotheses.
Screening for Myocardial Infarction and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Brown Devin L. , Lisabeth Lynda D. , Chetcuti Stanley J. , Grossman P. Michael , Alexander Thomas , Pappas J. Douglas , Moscucci Mauro , Eagle Kim A. , Garcia Nelda M. , Smith Melinda A. , Morgenstern Lewis B.
Published: October 2007

Studies that accurately identify myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke within populations would provide valuable epidemiological information as well as data on vascular disease prevention. We performed a pilot study to assess the feasibility of adding MI surveillance to an ongoing population-based stroke surveillance study, the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) Project. We also tested two screening methods for MI ascertainment: discharge International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes and cardiac biomarker screening. This pilot study suggests that the addition of MI surveillance to community-based stroke surveillance studies is feasible. Screening for abnormal cardiac biomarkers to identify potential MI cases may be more accurate and efficient than using ICD-9 codes.
Endothelial Function and Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients with Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: de la Peña Mónica , Barceló Antonia , Barbe Ferran , Piérola Javier , Pons Jaume , Rimbau Enric , Ayllón Olga , Agustí Alvar G.N.
Published: October 2007

Background: Endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases are frequent in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to repair dysfunctional endothelium and have been related to increased cardiovascular risk. Objectives: We tested the hypothesis that the number of circulating EPCs may be altered in OSA patients. Methods: EPCs (CD34+ VEGF-R2+) were isolated and quantified from peripheral blood samples of OSA patients (n = 13) and healthy controls (n = 13) matched for age and sex. All subjects were free of any other known cardiovascular risk factors. The plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were also determined, and the endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vascular function was assessed in all subjects. Results: Patients with OSA had lower levels of EPCs (p < 0.05) and higher plasma levels of VEGF (p < 0.05) than controls. Endothelial function was not different between OSA and controls. Conclusions: Patients with OSA free of any other known cardiovascular risk factor show a reduced number of circulating EPCs and an increase in plasma VEGF levels. These alterations may contribute to future endothelial dysfunction in these patients.
A Multicenter Retrospective Study Investigating the Role of Interventional Bronchoscopic Techniques in the Management of Endobronchial Lipomas
Authors: Nassiri A.H. , Dutau H. , Breen D. , Colchen A. , Quiot J.J. , Nguyen B. , Vergnon J.M.
Published: October 2007

Background: Pulmonary lipomas are rare benign tumors that are usually found endobronchially. Undiagnosed, they can lead to the serious late sequelae associated with endobronchial obstruction. In the majority of cases, they are located in the first three subdivisions of the tracheobronchial tree, and therefore, they are amenable to endoscopic techniques for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Objectives: It was our aim to retrospectively study the bronchoscopic management and follow-up of a large series of endobronchial lipomas, as well as defining the demographic and endoscopic characteristics of patients. Methods: A retrospective multicenter study was performed to identify all cases of lipomas that were treated endoscopically in 4 institutions in the period from 1981 to 2002. Demographic, radiological, endoscopic and histological data were collected. Results: Thirty-eight patients were included in the study; 81.6% of cases were males and the average age was 63.5 ± 15.2 years. The majority of the patients were symptomatic (63.2%). Lipomas were located proximally in 18 cases (47.4%) and distally in 20 subjects (52.6%). Specimens obtained by rigid bronchoscopy were diagnostic in all cases. Thirty-six out of 38 patients underwent therapeutic rigid bronchoscopy. Laser and mechanical debulking was performed in 29 cases (76.3%), cryotherapy and mechanical debulking in 7 subjects (18.4%), and mechanical debulking alone in 2 cases (5.3%). No cases of recurrence occurred during the follow-up period. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that endoscopic techniques are effective for the diagnosis and treatment of endobronchial lipomas when there is no evidence of severe distal bronchiectasis. This should be the treatment of choice after a full clinicoradiological evaluation.
Quantitative Ice Accretion Information from the Automated Surface Observing System
Authors: Ryerson Charles C. , Ramsay Allan C.
Published: October 2007

Freezing precipitation is a persistent winter weather problem that costs the United States millions of dollars annually. Costs and infrastructure disruption may be greatly reduced by ice-storm warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), and by the development of climatologies that allow improved design of infrastructure elements. However, neither the NWS nor developers of climatologies have had direct measurements of ice-storm accumulations as a basis for issuing warnings and developing storm design standards. This paper describes the development of an aviation routine/special weather report (METAR/SPECI) remark that will report quantitative ice thickness at over 650 locations during ice storms using new algorithms developed for the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS). Characteristics of the ASOS icing sensor, a field program to develop the algorithms, tests of accuracy, application of the algorithms, and sources of error are described, as is the implementation of an ice-thickness METAR/SPECI remark. The algorithms will potentially allow freezing precipitation events to be tracked with regard to ice accumulation in near–real time as they progress across the United States.
Uncertainties in Air Toxics Calculated by the Dispersion Models AERMOD and ISCST3 in the Houston Ship Channel Area
Authors: Hanna Steven R. , Paine Robert , Heinold David , Kintigh Elizabeth , Baker Dan
Published: October 2007

The uncertainties in simulations of annually averaged concentrations of two air toxics (benzene and 1,3-butadiene) are estimated for two widely used U.S. air quality models, the Industrial Source Complex Short-Term, version 3, (ISCST3) model and the American Meteorological Society–Environmental Protection Agency Model (AERMOD). The effects of uncertainties in emissions input, meteorological input, and dispersion model parameters are investigated using Monte Carlo probabilistic uncertainty methods, which involve simultaneous random and independent perturbations of all inputs. The focus is on a 15 km × 15 km domain in the Houston, Texas, ship channel area. Concentrations are calculated at hypothetical receptors located at the centroids of population census tracts. The model outputs that are analyzed are the maximum annually averaged maximum concentration at any single census tract or monitor as well as the annually averaged concentration averaged over the census tracts. The input emissions uncertainties are estimated to be about a factor of 3 (i.e., covering the 95% range) for each of several major categories. The uncertainties in meteorological inputs (such as wind speed) and dispersion model parameters (such as the vertical dispersion coefficient σz) also are estimated. The results show that the 95% range in predicted annually averaged concentrations is about a factor of 2–3 for the air toxics, with little variation by model. The input variables whose variations have the strongest effect on the predicted concentrations are on-road mobile sources and some industrial sources (dependent on chemical), as well as wind speed, surface roughness, and σz. In most scenarios, the uncertainties of the emissions input group contribute more to the total uncertainty than do the uncertainties of the meteorological/dispersion input group.
A Robust Numerical Solution of the Stochastic Collection–Breakup Equation for Warm Rain
Authors: Prat Olivier P. , Barros Ana P.
Published: October 2007

The focus of this paper is on the numerical solution of the stochastic collection equation–stochastic breakup equation (SCE–SBE) describing the evolution of raindrop spectra in warm rain. The drop size distribution (DSD) is discretized using the fixed-pivot scheme proposed by Kumar and Ramkrishna, and new discrete equations for solving collision breakup are presented. The model is evaluated using established coalescence and breakup parameterizations (kernels) available in the literature, and in that regard this paper provides a substantial review of the relevant science. The challenges posed by the need to achieve stable and accurate numerical solutions of the SCE–SBE are examined in detail. In particular, this paper focuses on the impact of varying the shape of the initial DSD on the equilibrium solution of the SCE–SBE for a wide range of rain rates and breakup kernels. The results show that, although there is no dependence of the equilibrium DSD on initial conditions for the same rain rate and breakup kernel, there is large variation in the time that it takes to reach steady state. This result suggests that, in coupled simulations of in-cloud motions and microphysics and for short time scales (<30 min) for which transient conditions prevail, the equilibrium DSD may not be attainable except for very heavy rainfall. Furthermore, simulations for the same initial conditions show a strong dependence of the dynamic evolution of the DSD on the breakup parameterization. The implication of this result is that, before the debate on the uniqueness of the shape of the equilibrium DSD can be settled, there is critical need for fundamental research including laboratory experiments to improve understanding of collisional mechanisms in DSD evolution.
Sensitivity of a Mesoscale Model to Microphysical Parameterizations in the MAP SOP Events IOP2b and IOP8
Authors: Serafin Stefano , Ferretti Rossella
Published: October 2007

The sensitivity of a mesoscale model to different microphysical parameterizations is investigated for two events of precipitation in the Mediterranean region, that is, the Mesoscale Alpine Program (MAP) intensive observation periods (IOP) 2b (19–21 September 1999) and 8 (20–22 October 1999). Simulations are performed with the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5); the most commonly used bulk microphysical parameterization schemes are evaluated, with a particular focus on their impact on the forecast of rainfall. To evaluate the forecast skill, the verification is carried out quantitatively by using the observations recorded by a high-resolution rain gauge network during the MAP campaign. The results show that, for the surface rainfall forecast, all microphysical schemes produce a similar precipitation field and none of them perform significantly better than the others. The ability of different schemes to reproduce events with different ongoing microphysical processes is briefly discussed by comparing model simulations and knowledge of hydrometeor fields from radar observations. The vertical profiles of hydrometeors from two of the analyzed schemes show gross similarities with available radar observations. Last, the role of one of the parameterizations appearing in a typical bulk microphysical scheme, that is, the one of the snowfall speed, is evaluated in detail. Adjustments in the semiempirical relationships describing the fall speed of snow particles have a large impact, because a reduced snowfall speed enhances precipitation on the lee side of mountain ridges and diminishes it on the windward side. Anyway, this effect does not appear to be able to largely improve or reduce the forecast skill of the MM5 systematically; the impact of changes in the parameterization of the snow deposition velocity very likely depends on the dynamics of the event under investigation.
Diagnosis of the Forcing and Structure of the Coastal Jet near Cape Mendocino Using In Situ Observations and Numerical Simulations
Authors: Rahn David A. , Parish Thomas R.
Published: October 2007

Several flights were conducted by the University of Wyoming King Air near Cape Mendocino, California, during June 2004 to examine finescale features of the coastal low-level jet (CJ) that frequently forms during summer over the ocean off the West Coast of the United States. The primary goal of these flights was to measure the horizontal pressure gradient force (PGF) and hence to determine the forcing of the CJ directly. By flying a series of redundant legs on an isobaric surface, heights of the pressure surface can be obtained from radar altimeter measurements and refined position estimates from an onboard global positioning system receiver. The slope of the isobaric surface height is proportional to the PGF. Results are shown for the 22 June 2004 case study conducted to the south of Cape Mendocino. The forcing of a CJ under weak synoptic forcing and the role of the elevated terrain near Cape Mendocino are explored. Ten isobaric legs approximately 70 km in length and directed east–west were conducted near the level of the maximum CJ wind speed. The vertical structure of the CJ was obtained from sawtooth legs conducted along an east–west flight leg. Numerical simulations have been performed for this case using the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) for comparison with in situ measurements. Model simulations show pressure perturbations in the vicinity of the cape as the northerly winds associated with the CJ interact with the coastal topography. Close agreement is found between in situ measurements and MM5 analyses of the various state parameters and the PGF along the east–west flight track in the lee of Cape Mendocino. Strong variation in the PGF is observed along the flight path. Large ageostrophic accelerations are present in response to the adjustment of the CJ with Cape Mendocino, reflecting the force imbalance between the observed PGF and Coriolis force.
Wind Profiler Observations over the Central Equatorial Pacific: Optimizing Processing to Improve Quality and Height Coverage
Authors: Schafer Robert , Avery Susan K. , Gage Kenneth S. , Kiladis George N.
Published: October 2007

UHF (boundary layer) and VHF (troposphere–stratosphere) wind profilers have operated at Christmas Island (2°N, 157°W) in the central equatorial Pacific from 1986 to 2002. Observed profiles of winds are sparse over the tropical oceans, but these are critical for understanding convective organization and the interaction of convection and waves. While the zonal winds below about 10 km have previously shown good agreement with the National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP–NCAR) reanalysis (RI), significant differences were found above a height of 10 km that were attributed to the low detectability of the wind signal in the profiler observations. Meridional winds at all levels show less agreement, with differences attributed to errors of representativeness and the sparseness of observations in the region. This paper builds on previous work using the Christmas Island wind profilers and presents the results of reprocessing the 17-yr profiler record with techniques that enhance the detectability of the signal at upper heights. The results are compared with nearby rawinsonde soundings obtained during a special campaign at Christmas Island and the RI, NCEP–Department of Energy (DOE) reanalysis (RII), and the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-40). The newly processed profiler zonal and meridional wind observations show good agreement with rawinsonde observations from 0.5 to 19 km above sea level, with difference statistics similar to other studies. There is also significant improvement in the agreement of RI and RII reanalysis and profiler upper-level zonal and meridional winds from previous studies. A comparison of RII and ERA-40 reanalysis shows that difference statistics between the reanalyses are similar in magnitude to differences between the profiler and the individual reanalyses.
IAPSO Standard Seawater: Definition of the Uncertainty in the Calibration Procedure, and Stability of Recent Batches
Authors: Bacon Sheldon , Culkin Fred , Higgs Nigel , Ridout Paul
Published: October 2007

Standard seawater (SSW) has been employed by oceanographers as a reference material in the determination of salinity for over a century. In all that time, this is the first study to determine the uncertainty of the SSW manufacturing process. SSW is calibrated in reference to carefully prepared solutions of potassium chloride (KCl). All uncertainties in the preparation and measurement of KCl solutions and of new SSW are calculated. The expanded uncertainty of the SSW conductivity ratio is found to be 1 × 10−5, based on a coverage factor of 2, at the time of manufacture. There is no discernible “within batch” variability. No significant variability of quality within or between batches of KCl is found. Measurement of SSW “offsets” from the label conductivity ratio as long as 5 yr after the SSW batch manufacture are reported, and no significant change in label conductivity ratio for SSW batches P130 through P144 outside the expanded uncertainty of 1 × 10−5 is found. This last result is in contrast to some other studies, and herein are suggestions as to why this may be the case.
Comparison of In Situ and Satellite-Derived Sea Surface Temperatures in the Gulf of Carpentaria
Authors: Barton Ian J.
Published: October 2007

During 30 days in May and June 2003, the R/V Southern Surveyor was operating in the Gulf of Carpentaria, northern Australia. Measurements of sea surface temperature (SST) were made with an accurate single-channel infrared radiometer as well as with the ship’s thermosalinograph. These ship-based measurements have been used to assess the quality of the SST derived from nine satellite-borne instruments. The satellite dataset compiled during this period also allows the intercomparison of satellite-derived SST fields in areas not covered by the ship’s track. An assessment of the SST quality from each satellite instrument is presented, and suggestions for blending ground and satellite measurements into a single product are made. These suggestions are directly applicable to the international Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment (GODAE) High Resolution SST Pilot Project (GHRSST-PP) that is currently developing an operational system to provide 6-hourly global fields of SST at a spatial resolution close to 10 km. The paper demonstrates how the Diagnostic Datasets (DDSs) and Matchup Database (MDB) of the GHRSST-PP can be used to monitor the quality of individual and blended SST datasets. Recommendations for future satellite missions that are critical to the long-term generation of accurate blended SST datasets are included.
An FPGA-Based Doppler Processor for a Spaceborne Precipitation Radar
Authors: Durden S. L. , Fischman M. A. , Johnson R. A. , Chu A. J. , Jourdan M. N. , Tanelli S.
Published: October 2007

Measurement of precipitation Doppler velocity by spaceborne radar is complicated by the large velocity of the satellite platform. Even if successive pulses are well correlated, the velocity measurement may be biased if the precipitation target does not uniformly fill the radar footprint. It has been previously shown that the bias in such situations can be reduced if full spectral processing is used. The authors present a processor based on field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology that can be used for spectral processing of data acquired by future spaceborne precipitation radars. The requirements for and design of the Doppler processor are addressed. Simulation and laboratory test results show that the processor can meet real-time constraints while easily fitting in a single FPGA.
Use of a Large Crane for Wind and Tracer Profiles in an Urban Setting
Authors: Gouveia Frank J. , Leach Martin J. , Shinn Joseph H. , Ralph William E.
Published: October 2007

Although measured vertical profiles of wind, turbulence, and tracer concentrations are critical for understanding the urban boundary layer, it is problematic to field a sounding system or a tall structure to support anemometers in a densely populated area. Anemometers mounted on an existing building may be measuring flow distorted by that building. During the Joint Urban 2003 field experiment in Oklahoma City, the authors solved these problems by using a large crane to support a cable and crossarm framework holding a vertical array of eight 3D sonic anemometers. The highest level was over 80 m above the surface; the lowest was just under 8 m. The open-lattice structure of the crane boom and skeletal array framework did not substantially alter the airflow to the sensors. Review of the spectra shows that there are no consistent oscillations in the wind data. Data were accepted from all azimuths, although the flow was from the south 80% of the time. Profiles of wind show pronounced curvature, indicating that the higher levels may be affected by rougher surfaces at a great distance from the crane. This crane-lofted system was safely erected and disassembled in a few hours, stood undisturbed for 34 days, and collected over 1500 separate profiles of 30-min averages.
Demographic, Educational, Employment, and Professional Characteristics of Counseling Psychologists
Authors: Munley Patrick H. , Pate William E. , Duncan Lonnie E.
Published: October 2007

Counseling psychologist members of Division 17 (n = 1,792) were compared with counseling psychologist nonmembers of Division 17 within the American Psychological Association (APA; n = 6,917) with respect to demographic, educational, and professional characteristics reported in the 2003 APA Directory Survey. Employment setting and work activities of both groups were also studied based on employment data from the 2000 APA Directory Survey (n = 3,908). Findings indicated a relatively lower percentage of newer counseling psychologists maintaining membership in Division 17 and reflected differences in the employment settings and professional activities of each group. With respect to APA division membership, a majority of counseling psychologists who did not belong to Division 17 also did not belong to any divisions within APA (67.8%). APA divisions most frequently joined by counseling psychologist nonmembers of Division 17 included Divisions 42, 29, 35, 43, and 40.