bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Praxis der Infusionstherapie und parenteralen Ernährung
Authors: Gofferje H. , Lang E.
Published: May 2009

Das ständig wachsende Angebot industriell hergestellter Infusionsund Nährlösungen ist von dem klinisch tätigen Arzt heute kaum noch überschaubar. Um so wichtiger ist es, daβ er sich auf eine Reihe moderner, klinisch bewährter Lösungen beschränkt, deren Zusammensetzungen, maximale Infusionsgeschwindigkeiten, Indikationen, Kontraindikationen und Nebenwirkungen ihm geläufig sind. Eine erfolgreiche Infusionstherapie und parenterale Ernährung setzt auβerdem die Beherrschung der modernen Infusionstechnik voraus.
Zur Frage der Toxizität von Xylitinfusionen bei Kaninchen
Authors: Wang Y.-M. , Oshinsky R.J. , Lantin E. , Ukab W. , van Eys J.
Published: May 2009

An Kaninchen wurde die Toxizität von Xylit bei Dauerinfusionen mit verschiedenen Dosen an Xylit geprüft. Die Toxizität wurde nach der Bildung von Intermediärprodukten und Oxalat bewertet. Die Oxalat -bildung wurde verglichen bei Verabreichung von Xylit und Glukose in Dosen von jeweils 2 g/kg Körpergewicht mit einer Infusionsrate von 40 mg/kg x min. Die Oxalatspiegel in Plasma- und Urinfraktionen hungernder normaler, Oxythiamin-behandelter (20 mg/kg) und 4-Desoxypyridoxin-behandelter (300 mg/kg) Tiere wurden bestimmt. Bei Infusionen von U-14C-Xylit und U-14C-Glukose an 4-Des-oxypyridoxin-behandelte Kaninchen fand sich ein Einbau von zugeführtem radioaktivem Kohlenstoff in Oxalat von weniger als 0,01 % mit einer mehr als 25fachen Verdünnung. Alle Ergebnisse lassen den Schluβ zu, daβ die Oxalatbildung aus Xylit und aus Glukose in einer ähnlichen Gröβenordnung liegt und zu vernachlässigen ist. Xylit verursacht nur geringe Veränderungen der Spiegel an anorganischem Phosphat. α-Glyzerophosphat, L-Milchsäure und Allantoin. Die Veränderungen der Blutspiegel dieser Substanzen hängen von der Infusionsrate ab. Die Auflösung verschiedener Mengen Substanz in Serumproben führt bei Xylit zu einer Osmolalität gleicher Gröβenordnung wie bei Glukose oder Harnstoff. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daβ eine Toxizität von Xylit nicht die Folge einer Oxalatproduktion ist. Die Beeinflussung des intrazellulären Stoffwechsels und die osmolaren Effekte sind von Infusionsgeschwindigkeit und Dosis abhängig. Es existiert eine breite Sicherheitsspanne für Xylit beim Kaninchen.
Hämatologische Untersuchungen über Veränderungen durch Bluterwärmung mit Mikrowellen
Authors: Kägi P. , Rüegg R. , Straub P.W. , Hossli G.
Published: May 2009

Unsere Untersuchung hat gezeigt, daß das Aufwärmen von Blutkonserven mit dem Mikrowellen-Gerät »Haemotherm« zu keinen klinisch bedeutenden hämatologischen Veränderungen führt. Das »Haemotherm« kann deshalb als nützliches und gefahrloses Gerät zur Aufwärmung von Blutkonserven in den üblichen Plastikbeuteln bei Massivtransfusionen angesehen werden.
The Influence of Dietary Purines and Pyrimidines on Purine and Pyrimidine Biosynthesis in Man
Authors: Gröbner W.
Published: May 2009

Allopurinol-induced orotaciduria is reduced by dietary ribonucleic acid (RNA), RNA hydrolysate and different nucleotides. These findings are compatible with feedback regulation of pyrimidine biosynthesis by dietary nucleotides. Serum uric acid and urinary uric acid excretion on a purine-free isoenergetic diet reach a minimum after about 10 days and remain constant thereafter. When purines from different biochemical sources are added to such a diet there is always a linear relationship between dietary purines and serum uric acid level and urinary uric acid excretion. The findings suggest that dietary purines play a minor role if any in the regulation of purine biosynthesis in man.
Ist Äthylalkohol als Energieträger für die Infusionstherapie geeignet?
Authors: Förster H. , Hartmann H.
Published: May 2009

Im Tierversuch und bei freiwilligen Versuchspersonen wurde die Eignung von Äthylalkohol für die parenterale Ernährung geprüft. Als wesentlichster Nachteil erwies sich die verhältnismäßig geringe Umsatzkapazität für Äthanol. Im Tierversuch war lediglich bei niedriger Dosierung (0,2 g/kg ■ h) ein Fließgleichgewicht zu erreichen. Bei Versuchspersonen gelang dies bei einer Dosierung von 0,125 g/kg · h nicht. Nach den vorliegenden Untersuchungen bestehen keine Anhaltspunkte dafür, daß Äthanol zur Entstehung einer Laktatazidose beitragen könnte. Lediglich präfinal ist bei Ratten unter Alkoholinfusion eine Erhöhung der Laktatkonzentration festzustellen, welche jedoch auch auf einen Kreislaufkollaps zurückgeführt werden könnte. Auch die Wirkung von Äthanol auf den Purinstoffwechsel scheint nicht von wesentlicher Bedeutung zu sein. Weder im Tierversuch noch bei Versuchspersonen ließen sich starker ausgeprägte Effekte nachweisen. Eine für den Stoffwechsel von Äthanol charakteristische Wirkung scheint die starke Hemmung des Galaktoseabbaus zu sein. Trotz ähnlicher Umsatzmechanismen wird bei freiwilligen Versuchspersonen der Galaktoseabbau durch gleichzeitige Verabreichung von Sorbit oder von Xylit nicht beeinträchtigt. Diese Ergebmsse würden darauf hindeuten, daβ die Reduktion von NAD im Zytoplasma der Leberparenchymzellen durch Sorbitdehydrogenase eine andere Wertigkeit hat als diejenige durch Alkoholdehydrogenase. Nach den vorliegenden Ergebnissen verursacht Alkohol keine starker ausgeprägten akuten Stoffwechseleffekte. Die geringe Umsatzkapazität sollte allerdings neben der Hepatotoxizität zur Zurückhaltung bei seiner Verwendung in der Infusionstherapie mahnen.
Das Verhalten von Präalbumin, Retinol-bindendem Protein und der Immunglobuline unter dreiwöchiger Ernährungsrehabilitation
Authors: Gofferje H.
Published: May 2009

Bei zwölf Alterspatienten in schlechtem Eiweiβernährungszustand konnte durch dreiwöchige tägliche Supplementierung der Krankenhauskost mit 9 g essentiellen Aminosäuren (acht klassische essentielle Aminosäuren plus Histidin) eine signifikante Verbesserung des Proteinstatus erzielt werden. Dies zeigte sich insbesondere in einer Verdoppelung der Serumkonzentrationen von Präalbumin und Retinolbindendem Protein. Viel weniger ausgeprägt waren die Veränderungen von Gesamteiweiβ und Hämoglobin. Die Immunglobuline IgA, IgM und IgG blieben über den gesamten Beobachtungs zeitraum unverändert.
Information über industrielle Neuentwicklungen
Authors: Kopp K.F.
Published: May 2009

Im Nachfolgenden wird über 2 Neuentwicklungen zur Verbesserung intravenöser Infusionstechnik berichtet. Mit dem »Dial-A-Flow« wird erstmals eine sowohl einfache als auch präzise Regulierung der Fluβrate von Infusionsflüssigkeiten erreicht, ohne auf Infusionspumpen zurückgreifen zu müssen. Es handelt sich um einen Einmal-Artikel, der zwischen Infusionsleitung und Gefäβkatheter geschaltet wird. Der zweite Einmal-Artikel »lntraflo« verhindert sicher die thrombotische Verlegung von intravasalen Kathetern durch eine automatische Dauerspülung und gestattet gleichzeitig eine kontinuierliche Ableitung des an der Katheterspitze herrschenden Druckes. Das Hauptanwendungsgebiet ist die vereinfachte, direkte und kontinuierliche Druckmessung mit Hilfe intraarteriell liegender Katheter, da die Vorrichtung eine kontinuierliche Dauerspülung des Katheters gestattet, ohne gleichzeitig Druckregistrierung zu stören. Für die intravenöse Infusionstechnik kann jedoch das selbe Prinzip zur kontinuierlichen Überwachung des zentralvenösen Drucks bei gleichzeitiger Flüssigkeitszufuhr verwandt werden.
Genome-Wide Association Scan Identifies Variants near
Matrix Metalloproteinase
(
MMP
) Genes on Chromosome 11q21–22 Strongly Associated With Serum MMP-1 Levels
Authors: Cheng Yu-Ching , Kao Wen-Hong L. , Mitchell Braxton D. , O'Connell Jeffrey R. , Shen Haiqing , McArdle Patrick F. , Gibson Quince , Ryan Kathleen A. , Shuldiner Alan R. , Pollin Toni I.
Published: May 2009

Background—

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 may play a role in cardiovascular disease susceptibility by influencing plaque rupture via its ability to degrade extracellular collagens.

Methods and Results—

We performed a genome-wide association analysis of circulating MMP-1 levels using 500 K single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify genes influencing variation in serum MMP-1 levels in 778 healthy Amish adults. Serum MMP-1 levels, logarithm transformed, and adjusted for age and sex, were screened for association with SNPs using mixed-model variance components to account for familial relatedness. Median MMP-1 level was 3.05 ng/mL (interquartile range: 1.82 to 5.04 ng/mL) with an estimated heritability of 81% (
P
<0.0001). Serum MMP-1 levels were strongly associated with a cluster of 179 SNPs extending over an 11.5-megabase region on chromosome 11q. The peak association was with rs495366 (
P
=5.73�10
−34
), located within the region between
MMP-1
and
MMP-3
and having a minor allele frequency of 0.36. Two other SNPs within the 11q region, rs12289128 and rs11226373, were strongly associated with MMP-1 levels after accounting for rs495366 (
P
≤10
−7
). These 3 SNPs explained 31% of the variance in MMP-1 levels after adjusting for age and sex.

Conclusions—

This study provides strong evidence that the serum MMP-1 level is highly heritable and that SNPs near
MMPs
on chromosome 11q explain a significant portion of the variation in MMP-1 levels. Identification of the genetic variants that influence MMP-1 levels may provide insights into genetic mechanisms of cardiovascular disease.
Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Elevated γ-Glutamyltransferase in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Poelzl Gerhard , Eberl Christian , Achrainer Helene , Doerler Jakob , Pachinger Otmar , Frick Matthias , Ulmer Hanno
Published: May 2009

Background—

Serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is associated with incident cardiovascular diseases and is a potential risk factor for disease mortality. We investigated the relevance of circulating GGT in chronic heart failure.

Methods and Results—

From 2000 to 2007 clinical and laboratory variables of 1033 consecutive outdoor patients with heart failure were evaluated. Follow-up (mean, 34.4 months) was available in 998 patients. The end point was defined as death from any cause or heart transplantation. A forward stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression model for sex-stratified data was used. Prevalence of elevated GGT was 42.9% in men (GGT >65 U/L) and 50.2% in women (GGT >38 U/L), which was higher than for sex- and age-matched healthy subjects (18.6% in men, 19.2% in women) derived from a large historical control group. GGT was associated with severity of heart failure as assessed by New York Heart Association class, left-ventricular ejection fraction, and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. The end point was recorded in 302 patients. Compared with the lowest GGT quintile, sex-stratified hazard ratios for patients in the highest quintile were 2.88 (1.99 to 4.17) in the univariate model and 1.87 (1.28 to 2.74) in the adjusted model (
P
<0.001). Corresponding 5-year cumulative event rates were 47% and 74%, respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios for elevated GGT was 2.9 (1.64 to 5.17) for patients in New York Heart Association I/II, and 1.2 (0.75 to 2.05) for patients in New York Heart Association III/IV, respectively (
P
=0.003, for the GGT–New York Heart Association class interaction).

Conclusions—

Prevalence of elevated GGT is high in patients with chronic heart failure. The GGT levels are associated with disease severity. Increased GGT is an independent predictor of death or heart transplantation. GGT may provide additional prognostic information, especially in patients with mild heart failure.
Milk Fat Globule Protein Epidermal Growth Factor-8
Authors: Fu Zongming , Wang Mingyi , Gucek Marjan , Zhang Jing , Wu James , Jiang Liqun , Monticone Robert E. , Khazan Benjamin , Telljohann Richard , Mattison Julie , Sheng Simon , Cole Robert N. , Spinetti Gaia , Pintus Gianfranco , Liu Lijuan , Kolodgie Frank D. , Virmani Renu , Spurgeon Harold , Ingram Donald K. , Everett Allen D. , Lakatta Edward G. , Van Eyk Jennifer E.
Published: May 2009

Advancing age induces aortic wall thickening that results from the concerted effects of numerous signaling proteins, many of which have yet to be identified. To search for novel proteins associated with aortic wall thickening, we have performed a comprehensive quantitative proteomic study to analyze aortic proteins from young (8 months) and old (30 months) rats and identified 50 proteins that significantly change in abundance with aging. One novel protein, the milk fat globule protein epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8), increases 2.3-fold in abundance in old aorta. Transcription and translation analysis demonstrated that aortic MFG-E8 mRNA and protein levels increase with aging in several mammalian species including humans. Dual immunolabeling shows that MFG-E8 colocalizes with both angiotensin II and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 within vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of the thickened aged aortic wall. Exposure of early passage VSMCs from young aorta to angiotensin II markedly increases MFG-E8 and enhances invasive capacity to levels observed in VSMCs from old rats. Treatment of VSMCs with MFG-E8 increases MCP-1 expression and VSMCs invasion that are inhibited by the MCP-1 receptor blocker vCCI. Silencing MFG-E8 RNA substantially reduces MFG-E8 expression and VSMCs invasion capacity. The data indicate that arterial MFG-E8 significantly increases with aging and is a pivotal relay element within the angiotensin II/MCP-1/VSMC invasion signaling cascade. Thus, targeting of MFG-E8 within this signaling axis pathway is a potential novel therapy for the prevention and treatment of the age-associated vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.
The Recovery Time Course of the Endothelial Cell Glycocalyx In Vivo and Its Implications In Vitro
Authors: Potter Daniel R. , Jiang John , Damiano Edward R.
Published: May 2009

Compelling evidence continues to emerge suggesting that the glycocalyx surface layer on vascular endothelial cells plays a determining role in numerous physiological processes including inflammation, microvascular permeability, and endothelial mechanotransduction. Previous research has shown that enzymes degrade the glycocalyx, whereas inflammation causes shedding of the layer. To track the endogenous recovery of the glycocalyx in vivo, we used fluorescent microparticle image velocimetry (μ-PIV) in mouse cremaster muscle venules to estimate the hydrodynamically relevant glycocalyx thickness 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after enzymatic or cytokine-mediated degradation of the layer. Results indicate that after acute degradation of the glycocalyx, 5 to 7 days are required for the layer to endogenously restore itself to its native hydrodynamically relevant thickness in vivo. In light of these findings, and because demonstrable evidence has emerged that standard cell culture conditions are not conducive to providing the environment and/or cellular conditions necessary to produce and maintain a physiologically relevant cell surface glycocalyx in vitro, we sought to determine whether merely the passage of time would be sufficient to promote the production of a hydrodynamically relevant glycocalyx on a confluent monolayer of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Using μ-PIV, we found that the hydrodynamically relevant glycocalyx was substantially absent 7 days postconfluence on HUVEC-lined cylindrical collagen microchannels maintained under standard culture conditions. Thus, it remains to be determined how a hydrodynamically relevant glycocalyx surface layer can be synthesized and maintained in culture before the endothelial cell culture model can be used to elucidate glycocalyx-mediated mechanisms of endothelial cell function.
Antiarrhythmic Drug-Induced Internalization of the Atrial-Specific K+Channel Kv1.5
Authors: Schumacher Sarah M. , McEwen Dyke P. , Zhang Lian , Arendt Kristin L. , Van Genderen Kristin M. , Martens Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2009

Conventional antiarrhythmic drugs target the ion permeability of channels, but increasing evidence suggests that functional ion channel density can also be modified pharmacologically. Kv1.5 mediates the ultrarapid potassium current (IKur) that controls atrial action potential duration. Given the atrial-specific expression of Kv1.5 and its alterations in human atrial fibrillation, significant effort has been made to identify novel channel blockers. In this study, treatment of HL-1 atrial myocytes expressing Kv1.5-GFP with the class I antiarrhythmic agent quinidine resulted in a dose- and temperature-dependent internalization of Kv1.5, concomitant with channel block. This quinidine-induced channel internalization was confirmed in acutely dissociated neonatal myocytes. Channel internalization was subunit-dependent, activity-independent, stereospecific, and blocked by pharmacological disruption of the endocytic machinery. Pore block and channel internalization partially overlap in the structural requirements for drug binding. Surprisingly, quinidine-induced endocytosis was calcium-dependent and therefore unrecognized by previous biophysical studies focused on isolating channel–drug interactions. Importantly, whereas acute quinidine-induced internalization was reversible, chronic treatment led to channel degradation. Together, these data reveal a novel mechanism of antiarrhythmic drug action and highlight the possibility for new agents that selectively modulate the stability of channel protein in the membrane as an approach for treating cardiac arrhythmias.
Cardiac Dysfunction After Left Permanent Cerebral Focal Ischemia
Authors: Min Jiangyong , Farooq Muhammad U. , Greenberg Eric , Aloka Feras , Bhatt Archit , Kassab Mounzer , Morgan James P. , Majid Arshad
Published: May 2009

Background and Purpose—

Stroke can lead to cerebrogenic cardiac arrhythmias. We sought to investigate the effect of ischemic stroke on cardiac function in a mouse model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO).

Methods—

Twenty-four hours after the induction of focal ischemia, cardiac function was measured in mice by endovascular catheterization of the heart. Immediately after hemodynamic measurements, mice were euthanized and brains were excised and sectioned to measure infarct volume and the severity of insular cortex injury. Myocardial damage was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Serum and heart levels of norepinephrine (NE) were also determined.

Results—

Cardiac dysfunction occurred in 9 out of 14 mice that underwent left pMCAO. In these 9 mice, the severity of left insular cortex lesion was greater than the mice with normal heart function. The serum and heart levels of NE were significantly higher in left pMCAO mice with heart dysfunction. Liner regression analysis indicates significant inverse correlation between the severity of left insular cortex damage and heart dysfunction. Mice that underwent right pMCAO did not exhibit cardiac dysfunction.

Conclusions—

This study shows that left focal cerebral ischemia can produce cardiac dysfunction, which is associated with the extent of left insular cortex damage. Furthermore, mice exhibiting cardiac dysfunction had elevated levels of NE in the serum and heart.
Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormalities in Adult Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Silva Gisele Sampaio , Vicari Perla , Figueiredo Maria Stella , Carrete Henrique , Idagawa Marcos Hideki , Massaro Ayrton Roberto
Published: May 2009

Background and Purpose—

Brain imaging abnormalities were reported in up to 44% of children with sickle cell disease (SCD). The prevalence of neuroimaging abnormalities in adult patients with SCD and their relationship to transcranial Doppler is still unclear. Our objectives were to study the frequency of MRI and MR angiography abnormalities in adults with SCD and to define what transcranial Doppler velocities are associated with intracranial stenoses detected by MR angiography.

Methods—

We examined all adult patients (>16 years) with SCD followed in the hematology outpatient clinic at our university hospital with MRI, MR angiography, and transcranial Doppler.

Results—

We evaluated 50 patients. The overall prevalence of MRI abnormalities was 60%. Abnormal MRI findings were more frequent when vessel tortuosity or stenoses were present on MR angiography (
P
<0.01). Patients with intracranial stenoses had significantly higher time-averaged maximum mean velocities (
P
=0.01). A time-averaged maximum mean velocity of 123.5 cm/s allowed the diagnosis of middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery intracranial stenosis with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 73% with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.91 (CI, 0.79 to 1.00).

Conclusions—

The frequency of brain imaging abnormalities detected by MRI/MR angiography in adults with SCD was higher than that described for children. Transcranial Doppler velocities in adult patients with intracranial stenoses were lower than those described for the pediatric population with SCD.
Formation of Category Representations in Superior Temporal Sulcus
Authors: van der Linden Marieke , van Turennout Miranda , Indefrey Peter
Published: May 2009

The human brain contains cortical areas specialized in representing object categories. Visual experience is known to change the responses in these category-selective areas of the brain. However, little is known about how category training specifically affects cortical category selectivity. Here, we investigated the experience-dependent formation of object categories using an fMRI adaptation paradigm. Outside the scanner, subjects were trained to categorize artificial bird types into arbitrary categories (jungle birds and desert birds). After training, neuronal populations in the occipito-temporal cortex, such as the fusiform and the lateral occipital gyrus, were highly sensitive to perceptual stimulus differences. This sensitivity was not present for novel birds, indicating experience-related changes in neuronal representations. Neurons in STS showed category selectivity. A release from adaptation in STS was only observed when two birds in a pair crossed the category boundary. This dissociation could not be explained by perceptual similarities because the physical difference between birds from the same side of the category boundary and between birds from opposite sides of the category boundary was equal. Together, the occipito-temporal cortex and the STS have the properties suitable for a system that can both generalize across stimuli and discriminate between them.
Modeling Mesoscale Cellular Structures and Drizzle in Marine Stratocumulus. Part I: Impact of Drizzle on the Formation and Evolution of Open Cells
Authors: Wang Hailong , Feingold Graham
Published: May 2009

A new modeling framework is used to investigate aerosol–cloud–precipitation interactions and dynamical feedbacks at the mesoscale. The focus is on simulation of the formation and evolution of cellular structures that are commonly seen in satellite images of marine stratocumulus clouds. Simulations are performed at moderate resolution in a 60 × 60 km2 domain for 16 h to adequately represent the mesoscale organization associated with open cells and precipitation. Results support the emerging understanding that precipitation plays a critical role in the formation and evolution of open cells. Evaporation of raindrops generates a dynamic response that manifests itself in cellular organization of updrafts and downdrafts and promotes and sustains the formation of an open cellular structure in cloud fields. Vertical motion in open-cell centers with thin clouds is minimal. It is shown that a mean surface rain rate as low as 0.02 mm day−1 is, for the case considered, sufficient to promote the formation of open cells. The maximum dimension of individual open cells ranges between 5 and 30 km. Individual cells grow at a mean rate of between 5 and 10 km h−1. Irregularity in the shape of open cells is caused by formation of new precipitating regions at the cell walls and interference with neighboring cells, which erode, and eventually eliminate, the old cells. The typical lifetime of large individual open cells is about 2 h, close to that observed by radar, although a collection of open cells as a whole may last for tens of hours.
Understanding the Importance of Microphysics and Macrophysics for Warm Rain in Marine Low Clouds. Part I: Satellite Observations
Authors: Kubar Terence L. , Hartmann Dennis L. , Wood Robert
Published: May 2009

The importance of macrophysical variables [cloud thickness, liquid water path (LWP)] and microphysical variables (effective radius re, effective droplet concentration Neff) on warm drizzle intensity and frequency across the tropics and subtropics is studied. In this first part of a two-part study, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) optical and CloudSat cloud radar data are used to understand warm rain in marine clouds. Part II uses simple heuristic models. Cloud-top height and LWP substantially increase as drizzle intensity increases. Droplet radius estimated from MODIS also increases with cloud radar reflectivity (dBZ) but levels off as dBZ > 0, except where the influence of continental pollution is present, in which case a monotonic increase of re with drizzle intensity occurs. Off the Asian coast and over the Gulf of Mexico, re values are smaller (by several μm) and Neff values are larger compared to more remote marine regions. For heavy drizzle intensity, both re and Neff values off the Asian coast and over the Gulf of Mexico approach re and Neff values in more remote marine regions.

Drizzle frequency, defined as profiles in which maximum dBZ > −15, increases dramatically and nearly uniformly when cloud tops grow from 1 to 2 km. Drizzle frequencies exceed 90% in all regions when LWPs exceed 250 g m−2 and Neff values are below 50 cm−3, even in regions where drizzle occurs infrequently on the whole. The fact that the relationship among drizzle frequency, LWP, and Neff is essentially the same for all regions suggests a near universality among tropical and subtropical regions.
Detecting Multiple Ground Contacts in Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Flashes
Authors: Stall Christina A. , Cummins Kenneth L. , Krider E. Philip , Cramer John A.
Published: May 2009

Video recordings of cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flashes have been analyzed in conjunction with correlated stroke reports from the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) to determine whether the NLDN is capable of identifying the different ground contacts in CG flashes. For 39 negative CG flashes that were recorded on video near Tucson, Arizona, the NLDN-based horizontal distances between the first stroke and the 62 subsequent strokes remaining in a preexisting channel had a mean and standard deviation of 0.9 ± 0.8 km and a median of 0.7 km. The horizontal distances between the first stroke and the 59 new ground contacts (NGCs) had a mean and standard deviation of 2.3 ± 1.7 km and a median of 2.1 km. These results are in good agreement with prior measurements of the random errors in NLDN positions in southern Arizona as well as video- and thunder-based measurements of the distances between all ground contacts in Florida. In cases where the distances between ground contacts are small and obscured by random errors in the NLDN locations, measurements of the stroke rise time, estimated peak current, and stroke order can be utilized to enhance the ability of the NLDN to identify strokes that produce new ground terminations.
Dialectics in a global software team: Negotiating tensions across time, space, and culture
Authors: Gibbs Jennifer
Published: May 2009

This study examines dialectical tensions in global virtual teams, and the ways in which tensions are negotiated through communicative practices of team members. Drawing on ethnographic data from a global software team, the analysis revealed three main tensions in global team interaction: autonomy—connectedness, inclusion— exclusion, and empowerment—disempowerment. These tensions were composed of layers of subdialectics, which were either productive or detrimental depending on how they were managed. Team members engaged in selection, transcendence, and withdrawal strategies to negotiate these dialectics. Managers were more likely to treat tensions productively as complementary dialectics which enabled them to transcend oppositions, whereas lower-level foreign assignees were less able to cope with tensions, experiencing them as simple contradictions or paradoxes which constrained and disempowered them. This research contributes a tension-centered model of global team interaction that challenges dominant assumptions of clarity and consensus characterizing the virtual teams literature and has implications for global organizing more broadly.
The Effect of Etoricoxib on the Pharmacokinetics of Oral Contraceptives in Healthy Participants
Authors: Schwartz Jules , Hunt Thomas , Smith William B. , Wong Peggy , Larson Patrick , Crumley Tami , Mehta Anish , Gottesdiener Keith , Agrawal Nancy
Published: May 2009

The pharmacokinetics of oral contraceptive (OC) components, ethinyl estradiol (EE) and norethindrone (NET), were evaluated after coadministration with etoricoxib in 3 double‐blind, randomized, 2‐period crossover studies of healthy women. There were 16, 39, and 24 participants enrolled in studies 1 (part I, part II), and 2, respectively. Each participant received triphasic OC (EE 35 μg/NET 0.5 mg × 7 days, 0.75 mg × 7 days, 1.0 mg × 7 days) throughout each 28‐day period. OC was coadministered with 21 days of etoricoxib daily followed by placebo for 7 days; the alternate period followed the reverse regimen (placebo to etoricoxib). Study 1 (part I) examined concurrent (morning) administration of OC/etoricoxib 120 mg, study 1 (part II) examined staggered (morning/night) administration of OC/etoricoxib 120 mg, and study 2 examined concurrent (morning) administration of OC/etoricoxib 60 mg. Coadministration of OC and etoricoxib 120 mg once daily was associated with a ∼50% to 60% increase in EE concentrations, whereas etoricoxib 60 mg once daily was associated with a ∼37% increase in EE concentrations. Coadministration of OC and etoricoxib was generally well tolerated. A clinically important change in NET AUC0–24 h was not observed. Adverse events included dyspepsia, diarrhea, headache, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and taste disturbance.
Comparison of Everyday and Every-Fourth-Day Probe Sessions With the Simultaneous Prompting Procedure
Authors: Reichow Brian , Wolery Mark
Published: May 2009

Simultaneous prompting is a response-prompting procedure requiring two daily sessions: an instructional session in which a controlling prompt is provided on all trials, and a probe session in which no prompt is provided on any trials. In this study, two schedules of conducting the probe sessions (daily vs. every fourth day) were compared using the adapted alternating treatments design. Four children enrolled in an inclusive preschool program participated in the study and were taught two sets of behavior. The results showed that 3 of 4 participants acquired the target behaviors under both probing conditions, and 1 participant acquired the target behaviors only in the every-fourth-day probing condition.
Social Choice in a Computer-Assisted Simulation
Authors: Thavikulwat Precha
Published: May 2009

Pursuing a line of inquiry suggested by Crookall, Martin, Saunders, and Coote, the author applied, within the framework of design science, an optimal-design approach to incorporate into a computer-assisted simulation two innovative social choice processes: the multiple period double auction and continuous voting. Expectations that the multiple-period-double-auction market would be bustling, that the continuous voting process would be adaptive, and that the simulation would be a suitable candidate for the assessment of learning were met in an administration of the simulation involving about 87 participants. The author suggests that the technology is ready for computer-assisted simulations to be much more widely used than they are today, but that progress may nevertheless be slow because a great deal of personal investment of time and energy is needed to do good work.
Colonic Carcinoma Metastatic to the Endometrium
Authors: Zannoni Gian Franco , Vellone Valerio Gaetano , Fadda Guido , Petrillo Marco , Scambia Giovanni
Published: May 2009

Metastases to endometrium are a rare event. A case of a 53-year-old woman with a previous colon cancer presenting with a dysfunctional uterine bleeding is reported. The curettage specimens consisted of multiple fragments of proliferative endometrial tissue mixed with irregular glands, focally amputated, lined by very cells with elongated, hyperchromatic nuclei and solid sheets of neoplastic cells often filled with necrotic debris and inflammatory cells, resembling endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Neoplastic cells resulted positive at immunohistochemical reaction for CK20, CDX2, p53 and negative for CK7, vimentin, ER, and PR suggesting a metastatic colon adenocarcinoma. Absence of premalignant changes, such as hyperplasia, besides frankly malignant glands in an endometrial curette should be regarded as an alarming feature for a secondary nature mostly from large bowel. In these cases clinical history is crucial and an immunohistochemical panel made up of CK7, CK20, CDX2, p53, vimentin, ER, and PR is useful for the correct diagnosis.
Towards Europeanization of Wage Policy
Authors: Traxler Franz , Brandl Bernd
Published: May 2009

Conventional wisdom regards wage regulation as uncoordinated across Europe. In relation to advanced economic integration, this implies a `suboptimal' wage area, which led to many conjectures about its consequences, ranging from disorganization of collective bargaining to adverse macro-economic effects. This article tests the wage linkages between Germany and the Nordic countries on time series data for the metal industry. The findings show that organized, transnationally coordinated wage policies characterize these countries: Convergence in pay rates results from both economic developments and coordination of transnational bargaining through the pattern-setting role of the German bargainers. These transnational wage policies require the consequences of European integration to be reconsidered for wage regulation and its economic effects.
Is My Crown Better than Your Euro?
Authors: Binzer Hobolt Sara , Leblond Patrick
Published: May 2009

This article examines the influence of exchange rate fluctuations on public support for the euro. Existing studies of the two euro referendums in Denmark and Sweden have explained the outcomes primarily in terms of static factors, thereby ignoring the fact that support fluctuates over time. This article provides an analysis of the short-term dynamics in public support for the euro in the period leading up to the referendums. We argue that exchange rate fluctuations matter, because people attach symbolic value to their national currency and are less likely to surrender a strong currency. They are also less willing to accept the euro when it is seen as weak vis-à-vis other world currencies. Our case-study and time-series analyses of the two euro campaigns corroborate these propositions.
Diplomacy and desired pasts
Authors: Scham Sandra
Published: May 2009

The following article addresses the question of how desired pasts function in cultural diplomatic relations, why they constitute a largely unacknowledged barrier in achieving cultural understanding and why they persist in both scholarly literature and in the popular imagination. Four desired pasts are considered in this context as represented by the institutions that sustain them. The Israeli desired past is represented primarily by the Israeli Government and, secondarily, by Jewish organizations in the United States. The Conservative Christian desired past is supported primarily by Christian fundamentalist organizations and, in part, by the American Schools of Oriental Research and the Biblical Archaeology Society. The Palestinian desired past is promoted by Palestinian rights organizations but, to some extent, is supported by Palestinian archaeologists and intellectuals. Finally, the `diplomatic' desired past is represented by appointed officials of the US Department of State. The analysis includes an examination of relevant materials issued by the organizations supporting each of these desired pasts including speeches, interviews, publications and websites.
The Uber Archaeologist
Authors: Wickstead Helen
Published: May 2009

This article emerges from collaboration with visual artist Janet Hodgson on excavations around Stonehenge. Experiencing Hodgson at work led me to re-examine how archaeologists think about visuality, particularly in criticism of the male gaze. Ideas of the gaze have significantly influenced the directions taken in studies of landscape and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) over the last 15 years. In this article I expand on and develop theoretical debate surrounding the gaze, using Hodgson's practice to illustrate my argument. I argue for a renewed critique of the politics of vision and cartographic method that assimilates recent theoretical developments. I review accounts of the gaze, and discuss recent theories of knowledge as applied to mapping and GIS. I suggest that new theories have the potential to move the gaze critique towards further exploration of the contextual complexities of visualities. I use Hodgson's artistic projects at Stonehenge to illustrate this complexity.
Integrative Literature Review: Ethical Business Cultures: A Literature Review and Implications for HRD
Authors: Ardichvili Alexandre , Jondle Douglas
Published: May 2009

This literature review identifies characteristics of ethical business cultures, describes factors, considered to be important in developing such cultures, describes current practices of developing ethical culture programs, and discusses the role of HRD in developing ethical business cultures. We argue that ethical thinking and behavior can be learned and internalized as a result of work-based interpretive interactions, and this learning process constitutes an important part of organizational learning. Therefore, to help the organization develop an ethical culture, HRD needs to play a key role in several interrelated activities which include: culture change efforts, focused on the creation of conditions, conducive to ethical behaviors; creation of a dynamic program of ethical training for employees on all levels of the organization; and development of up-to-date codes of ethics.
Laparoscopic Circular Biomesh Hiatoplasty During Paraesophageal Hernia Repair
Authors: Varela J. Esteban , Jacks Samuel P.
Published: May 2009

Laparoscopic approaches for paraesophageal hernia repair and the use of prosthetic reinforcement materials during crural repair have become standard. However, the search for the optimal prosthetic material and techniques for placement and fixation methods are still controversial and under investigation. The authors aimed to determine the technical feasibility of the use of human acellular dermal matrix for hiatoplasty in a circular fashion during paraesophageal hernia repair in a small series of patients. The short-term outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of large paraesophageal hernias with biomesh circular hiatal reinforcement were analyzed. Laparoscopic circular hiatal reinforcement with acellular dermal matrix is feasible and reproducible with no associated short-term morbidity. The acellular dermal matrix mesh is very elastic and has excellent intracorporeal handling characteristics during hiatoplasty.
Value of adding a polyvalent mechanical bacterial lysate to therapy of COPD patients under regular treatment with salmeterol/fluticasone
Authors: Cazzola Mario , Noschese Paolo , Di Perna Felice
Published: May 2009

Background: This study investigated the value of adding Ismigen®, a polyvalent mechanical bacterial lysate, to therapy of COPD patients (FEV1 <60% predicted) under regular treatment with salmeterol/fluticasone (SFC).

Methods: 63 patients enrolled from September to December 2007 were randomly divided into two groups (A and B). All patients were treated with salmeterol/fluticasone (SFC) 50/500 μg BID. Thirty-three subjects also received Ismigen one capsule daily the first 10 days of three consecutive months (group B). This treatment was reaped three months after the end of the first course. We assessed at inclusion and at scheduled (every 2 months) or intercurrent visit: symptoms (amount and colour of sputum, severity of dyspnoea, frequency of cough, fever), diagnosis of exacerbation, concomitant medications (antibiotics and oral corticosteroids) and hospitalization.

Results: During the course of the study two patients died. At the end of the observation period (12 months), another six patients could not be visited because they had withdrawn. Compared with SFC, adding on Ismigen reduced the total number of exacerbations (23 out of 30 patients in group A and 21 out of 33 patients in group B), the number (rate) of exacerbations per patient per year (18 out of 27 patients [0.67] in group A and 15 out of 28 patients [0.54] in group B), the number of exacerbations that needed treatment with oral corticosteroids (12 out of 23 [52%] in group A and 9 out of 21 [43%] in group B) and the total number (rate) of hospitalizations (4/30 [0.13] in group A and 3/33 [0.09] in group B). There were no significant differences between treatments with respect to their effect on the symptoms of exacerbations. A decrease in the need for antibiotics was also observed in group B.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that COPD patients benefit from the addition of Ismigen on top of the routine maintenance treatment with SFC.
Evaluation of a 24-hour emergency bronchoscopy service in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Fuehner Thomas , Lueders Detlef , Niedermeyer Jost , Ziesing Stefan , Welte Tobias , Hoeper Marius M.
Published: May 2009

Background: Flexible bronchoscopy has become an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the management of patients with various diseases of the chest. Availability of a 24-hour bronchoscopy service equipped with experienced personnel is becoming increasingly important especially for intensive care patients. However, such services have been implemented only in a few medical centres. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usage of a 24-hour emergency service in a large university hospital with a 1 year prospective analysis of emergency bronchoscopy service in a tertiary care centre.

Methods: Frequencies, indications and efficiency of therapeutic interventions were evaluated after each bronchoscopy using a specially designed questionnaire. All bronchoscopies were performed as emergency procedures out of operational schedule. A total of 614 emergency bronchoscopies were performed, 88% of them in intensive care units.

Results: The vast majority (84.5%) of the procedures were necessary for therapeutic interventions; that is, atelectasis, airway secretion, aspiration or bronchopulmonary bleeding. According to prespecified criteria, 37.6% ( n = 195) of therapeutic procedures were assessed as 'very helpful' and 3.9% ( n = 20) as 'life saving'. Diagnostic bronchoscopies were performed mainly to collect airway material for microbiological evaluations in immunocompromised patients. In these cases, the diagnostic yield was approximately 50%.

Conclusion: The availability of a 24-hour bronchoscopy service has been found to improve patient care and was occasionally considered life saving. Thus, comparable services should be made more widely available.
Global reduction of the epigenetic H3K79 methylation mark and increased chromosomal instability in CALM-AF10–positive leukemias
Authors: Lin Yi-Hui , Kakadia Purvi M. , Chen Ying , Li Ya-Qiang , Deshpande Aniruddha J. , Buske Christian , Zhang Kang-Ling , Zhang Yi , Xu Guo-Liang , Bohlander Stefan K.
Published: May 2009

Chromosomal translocations generating fusion proteins are frequently found in human leukemias. The fusion proteins play an important role in leukemogenesis by subverting the function of one or both partner proteins. The leukemogenic CALM-AF10 fusion protein is capable of interacting with the histone H3 lysine 79 (H3K79)–specific methyltransferase hDOT1L through the fused AF10 moiety. This interaction leads to local H3K79 hypermethylation on Hoxa5 loci, which up-regulates the expression of Hoxa5 and contributes to leukemogenesis. However, the long latency of leukemogenesis of CALM-AF10 transgenic mice suggests that the direct effects of fusion oncogene are not sufficient for the induction of leukemia. In this study, we show that the CALM-AF10 fusion protein can also greatly reduce global H3K79 methylation in both human and murine leukemic cells by disrupting the AF10-mediated association of hDOT1L with chromatin. Cells with reduced H3K79 methylation are more sensitive to γ-irradiation and display increased chromosomal instability. Consistently, leukemia patients harboring CALM-AF10 fusion have more secondary chromosomal aberrations. These findings suggest that chromosomal instability associated with global epigenetic alteration contributes to malignant transformation in certain leukemias, and that leukemias with this type of epigenetic alteration might benefit from treatment regimens containing DNA-damaging agents. This study is registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00266136.
Etanercept, mycophenolate, denileukin, or pentostatin plus corticosteroids for acute graft-versus-host disease: a randomized phase 2 trial from the Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network
Authors: Alousi Amin M. , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Logan Brent R. , Bolaños-Meade Javier , Carter Shelly , DiFronzo Nancy , Pasquini Marcelo , Goldstein Steven C. , Ho Vincent T. , Hayes-Lattin Brandon , Wingard John R. , Horowitz Mary M. , Levine John E.
Published: May 2009

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is the primary limitation of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Corticosteroids remain the standard initial therapy, yet only 25% to 41% of patients completely respond. This randomized, 4-arm, phase 2 trial was designed to identify the most promising agent(s) for initial therapy for aGVHD. Patients were randomized to receive methylprednisolone 2 mg/kg per day plus etanercept, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), denileukin diftitox (denileukin), or pentostatin. Patients (n = 180) were randomized; their median age was 50 years (range, 7.5-70 years). Myeloablative conditioning represented 66% of transplants. Grafts were peripheral blood (61%), bone marrow (25%), or umbilical cord blood (14%); 53% were from unrelated donors. Patients who received MMF for prophylaxis (24%) were randomized to a non-MMF arm. At randomization, aGVHD was grade I to II (68%), III to IV (32%), and (53%) had visceral organ involvement. Day 28 complete response rates were etanercept 26%, MMF 60%, denileukin 53%, and pentostatin 38%. Corresponding 9-month overall survival was 47%, 64%, 49%, and 47%, respectively. Cumulative incidences of severe infections were as follows: etanercept 48%, MMF 44%, denileukin 62%, and pentostatin 57%. Efficacy and toxicity data suggest the use of MMF plus corticosteroids is the most promising regimen to compare against corticosteroids alone in a definitive phase 3 trial. This study is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00224874.