bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normal Modes of Oscillation for a Finite One-Dimensional Diatomic Lattice
Authors: Chaturvedi D. K. , Baijal J. S.
Published: September 2005

A simple matrix procedure of Louck has been used to derive the normal modes of oscillation of a linear diatomic chain of 2N atoms connected by identical springs, but with arbitrary springs connecting the end particles to rigid walls. Analytical results are obtained for the amplitudes of different particles which are oscillating in different modes of vibrations.
Adiabatic Assumption for Wave Propagation
Authors: Fletcher N. H.
Published: September 2005

The common assumption that the speed of sound in a gas is determined by the adiabatic compressibility because the pressure variations are so rapid that no heat flow can take place is shown to be incorrect. The criterion for applicability of the adiabatic assumption in a free wave is rather that the frequency be lower than a certain very high limit. The propagation of sound in tubes is also discussed and it is shown that the frequency must, in addition, lie above a certain low limit if the adiabatic assumption is to be valid.
Quantitative Evaluation of Musical Scale Tunings
Authors: Hall Donald E.
Published: September 2005

The acoustical and mathematical basis of the problem of how best to tune the twelve-tone chromatic scale is reviewed, with emphasis on understanding why there cannot exist any perfect solution. A quantitative measurement is devised to show how well any tuning succeeds in providing just intonation for any specific piece of music. Application of this measurement to a number of musical examples with a simple computer program is discussed, with results that clarify the reasons for certain historical tuning practices.
Resource Letter TPB-1: Theoretical Physics and Biology
Authors: MacDonald N.
Published: September 2005

Prepared at the request of the AAPT Committee on Resource Letters. This is one of a series of Resource Letters on different topics, intended to guide college physicists to some of the literature and other teaching aids that may help them improve course contents in specified fields of physics. No Resource Letter is meant to be exhaustive and complete; in time there may be more than one letter on some of the main subjects of interest. Comments and suggestions concerning the content and arrangement of letters as well as suggestions for future topics will be welcomed. Please send such communications to Professor Arthur Quinton, Chairman, Resource Letter Committee, Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01002.
Building an Extensive Liberal Arts Astronomy Program
Authors: Wertz James R.
Published: September 2005

During a three-year period eight new astronomy courses have been developed at Moorhead State College, all of which are aimed primarily at liberal arts students. This article briefly describes the astronomy program, physical facilities, and equipment; attempts to identify those factors which led to the program's popularity; and makes some suggestions for others interested in introducing new astronomy courses. A specific proposal is made whereby the AAPT or other groups interested in science education can, at very minimal cost, substantially facilitate the introduction of new liberal arts physics and astronomy courses.
Extrema and Rate of Change without Calculus
Authors: Baird L. C.
Published: September 2005

Many problems involving maxima-minima and rate of change can be solved algebraically without using the notion of small increments as in calculus. The inverse process corresponds to integration. The method, first introduced by Saletan, is only restricted by one's ability to solve certain algebraic equations.
Generalized Means: Properties and Applications
Authors: Pyun C. W.
Published: September 2005

Many different averages and means encountered in science and other fields may be regarded as special cases of the generalized mean of order a, which may be defined for all real valves of a. The property of the generalized mean that it is a monotonically increasing (nondecreasing) function of a has such wide applications as to show: (1) that the root mean square speed of the molecules in a gas, whether at equilibrium or not, is larger than the mean speed; (2) that the entropy change accompanying adiabatic temperature equilibration processes is always positive; (3) that the weight average polymer molecular weight is larger than the number average molecular weight.
Early Observations and Calculations on Light Pressure
Authors: Schagrin Morton L.
Published: September 2005

The existence of light pressure and its magnitude are of great importance for the various 18th century theories about the physical nature of light. This paper examines the observations and experiments conducted in the 18th century to detect and measure this pressure. The reception of these results reveals another scientific strategy besides confirmation and refutation, namely, estimation of parameters. The author proposes the notion of primary evidence, for phenomena that are taken to confirm or refute theories, and problematic phenomena, for phenomena to which accepted theories are applied.
Orientation for the new teaching assistant—A laboratory based program
Authors: Spears Jacqueline , Zollman Dean
Published: September 2005

A traditional part of the “education” of a physics graduate student is facing his first class as a teaching assistant. Unfortunately, the most the new teaching assistant learns from this encounter is how little he knows about teaching. The laboratory instructors orientation program at Kansas State University offers the instructors an opportunity to see some of the problems he will face and some methods for handling them before he begins teaching. The program, which includes introductions to Transactional Analysis and Piaget's theory of intellectual development, is based on laboratory experiences undertaken by the new instructor before classes begin.
The Determination of the Muon Magnetic Moment from Cosmic Rays
Authors: Amsler C.
Published: September 2005

A simple experiment suited for use in an advanced laboratory course in particle physics is described. The magnetic moment of cosmic ray muons which have some polarization is determined with an error of about ±5% after ten days of running.
Generalized Bernoulli Construction—A Heuristic Approach to the Equation of State
Authors: Del Rio Fernando , Martina Esteban , Leiva Miguel
Published: September 2005

The equation of state (ES) is a subject of the greatest interest in Statistical Mechanics and Chemical Physics. In this paper we present a simple and rigorous method by which the ES of simple systems can be obtained. The derivation requires at most the knowledge of the Maxwell distribution. The well known formula for the ES of a one-dimensional system of hard rods is derived exactly, as an illustration. The method can be generalized to higher dimensionality and to include other types of potential.
GENERATIVE AND ADAPTIVE METHODS IN PERFORMANCE PROGRAMMING
Authors: KELLY PAUL H. J. , BECKMANN OLAV
Published: September 2005

Performance programming is characterized by the need to structure software components to exploit the context of use. Relevant context includes the target processor architecture, the available resources (number of processors, network capacity), prevailing resource contention, the values and shapes of input and intermediate data structures, the schedule and distribution of input data delivery, and the way the results are to be used. This paper concerns adapting to dynamic context: adaptive algorithms, malleable and migrating tasks, and application structures based on dynamic component composition. Adaptive computations use metadata associated with software components — performance models, dependence information, data size and shape. Computation itself is interwoven with planning and optimizing the computation process, using this metadata. This reflective nature motivates metaprogramming techniques. We present a research agenda aimed at developing a modelling framework which allows us to characterize both computation and dynamic adaptation in a way that allows systematic optimization.
GENERATING MESSAGE-PASSING PROGRAMS FROM ABSTRACT SPECIFICATIONS BY PARTIAL EVALUATION
Authors: HERRMANN CHRISTOPH A.
Published: September 2005

This paper demonstrates how parallel programs with message-passing can be generated from abstract specifications embedded in the functional language MetaOCaml. The functional style permits to design parallel programs with a high degree of parameterization, so-called skeletons. Programmers who are unexperienced in parallelism can take such skeletons for a simple and safe generation of parallel applications. Since MetaOCaml also has efficient imperative features and an MPI interface, the entire program can be written in one language, without the need to use a language interface restricting the set of data objects which could be exchanged.

The semantics of abstract specifications is expressed by an interpreter written in MetaOCaml. A cost model is defined by abstract interpretation of the specification. Partial evaluation of the interpreter with a specification, a feature which MetaOCaml provides, yields a parallel program. The partial evaluation process takes time on each MPI process directly before the execution of the application program, exploiting knowledge of the number of processes, the current process identifier and the communication structure. Our example is the specification of a divide-and-conquer skeleton which is used to compute the multiplication of multi-digit numbers using Karatsuba's algorithm.
NONCLASSICAL EFFECTS OF THE STATES GENERATED BY EXCITATIONS ON A COHERENT STATE OF A HARMONIC OSCILLATOR IN A FINITE-DIMENSIONAL HILBERT SPACE
Authors: LI YUAN-XING , WANG QIN-MEI , XU JING-BO
Published: September 2005

The mathematical and physical properties of the states which are generated by excitations on the coherent state of a harmonic oscillator in a finite-dimensional Hilbert space are studied. It is shown that the state exhibits squeezing in one of the quadratures of the field and sub-Poissonian photon statistics.
Reactive oxygen species production via NADPH oxidase mediates TGF-β-induced cytoskeletal alterations in endothelial cells
Authors: Hu Taishan , RamachandraRao Satish P. , Siva Senthuran , Valancius Cathryn , Zhu Yanqing , Mahadev Kalyankar , Toh Irene , Goldstein Barry J. , Woolkalis Marilyn , Sharma Kumar
Published: September 2005

Cytoskeletal alterations in endothelial cells have been linked to nitric oxide generation and cell-cell interactions. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β has been described to affect cytoskeletal rearrangement in numerous cell types; however, the underlying pathway is unclear. In the present study, we found that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) have marked cytoskeletal alterations with short-term TGF-β treatment resulting in filipodia formation and F-actin assembly. The cytoskeletal alterations were blocked by the novel TGF-β type I receptor/ALK5 kinase inhibitor (SB-505124) but not by the p38 kinase inhibitor (SB-203580). TGF-β also induced marked stimulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within 5 min of TGF-β exposure. TGF-β stimulation of ROS was mediated by the NAPDH oxidase homolog Nox4 as DPI, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, and dominant-negative Nox4 adenovirus blocked ROS production. Finally, inhibition of ROS with ROS scavengers or dominant-negative Nox4 blocked the TGF-β effect on cytoskeleton changes in endothelial cells. In conclusion, our studies show for the first time that TGF-β-induced ROS production in human endothelial cells is via Nox4 and that TGF-β alteration of cytoskeleton in HUVEC is mediated via a Nox4-dependent pathway.
Excess weight and sleep-disordered breathing
Authors: Young Terry , Peppard Paul E. , Taheri Shahrad
Published: September 2005

Excess weight is a well-established predictor of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Clinical observations and population studies throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia have consistently shown a graded increase in the prevalence of SDB as body mass index, neck girth, or other measures of body habitus increases. Clinical studies of weight loss and longitudinal population studies provide strong support for a causal association. The role of excess body weight, a modifiable risk factor, with SDB raises many questions relevant to clinical practice and public health. The topic takes on added importance with the alarming rate of weight gain in children as well as adults in industrialized nations. Among adults ages 30–69 yr, averaging over the estimated United States 2003 age, sex, and BMI distributions, we estimate that ∼17% of adults have mild or worse SDB (apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 5) and that 41% of those adults have SDB “attributable” to having a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2. Similarly, we estimate that ∼5.7% of adults have moderate or worse SDB (apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15) and that 58% of those adults have SDB attributable to excess weight. Clearly, if the expanding epidemic of obesity seen in the United States continues, the prevalence of SDB will almost certainly increase, along with the proportion of SDB attributable to obesity.
Flow-mediated dilatation revisited
Authors: Joannides Robinson , Bellien Jeremy
Published: September 2005

This letter is in response to the Point:Counterpoint series “Flow-mediated dilation does/does not reflect nitric oxide-mediated endothelial function” that appeared in the September issue (vol. 99: 1233–1238, 2005; doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00601.2005; http://jap.physiology.org/content/vol99/issue3/2005 ).
Cyclic AMP Mediates Serotonin-Induced Synaptic Enhancement of Lateral Giant Interneuron of the Crayfish
Authors: Araki Makoto , Nagayama Toshiki , Sprayberry Jordanna
Published: September 2005

The lateral giant (LG)-mediated escape behavior of the crayfish habituates readily on repetitive sensory stimulation. Recent studies suggested that the biogenic amines serotonin and octopamine modulate the time course of recovery and/or re-depression of the LG response after habituation. However, little is known of how serotonin and octopamine effect LG habituation and what second-messenger cascades they may activate. To investigate the effect of biogenic amines on LG habituation, serotonin and octopamine were superfused before presenting repetitive sensory stimulation. Serotonin and octopamine increased the number of stimuli needed to habituate the LG response. Their effects were mimicked by mixed application of a cAMP analogue [8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cAMP (CPT-cAMP)] and a phosphodiesterase inhibitor [3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)] but not by a cGMP analogue (8-bromoguanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate). Perfusion of the adenylate cyclase inhibitor (SQ22536) abolished the effect of serotonin but not that of octopamine. To investigate the site of action of each biogenic amines in the neural circuit meditating LG escape, the effect of drugs on directly and indirectly elicited postsynaptic potentials in LG was investigated. Serotonin, octopamine, and a mixture of CPT-cAMP and IBMX increased both the direct and indirect synaptic inputs. Simultaneous application of SQ22536 abolished the effect of serotonin on both inputs but did not block the effect of octopamine. Direct injection of the cAMP analogue (Sp-isomer of adenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphorothioate) into LG increased both the direct and indirect inputs to LG. These results indicate that serotonin mediates an increase in cAMP levels in LG, but octopamine acts independently of cAMP and cGMP.
Dynamic-Clamp Analysis of the Effects of Convergence on Spike Timing. I. Many Synaptic Inputs
Authors: Xu-Friedman Matthew A. , Regehr Wade G.
Published: September 2005

Precise action potential timing is crucial in sensory acuity and motor control. Convergence of many synaptic inputs is thought to provide a means of decreasing spike-timing variability (“jitter”), but its effectiveness has never been tested in real neurons. We used the dynamic-clamp technique in mouse auditory brain stem slices to examine how convergence controls spike timing. We tested the roles of several synaptic properties that are influenced by ongoing activity in vivo: the number of active inputs ( N), their total synaptic conductance ( Gtot), and their timing, which can resemble an alpha or a Gaussian distribution. Jitter was reduced most with large N, up to a factor of over 20. Variability in N is likely to occur in vivo, but this added little jitter. Jitter reduction also depended on the timing of inputs: alpha-distributed inputs were more effective than Gaussian-distributed inputs. Furthermore, the two distributions differed in their sensitivity to synaptic conductance: for Gaussian-distributed inputs, jitter was most reduced when Gtot was 2–3 times threshold, whereas alpha-distributed inputs showed continued jitter reduction with higher Gtot. However, very high Gtot caused the postsynaptic cell to fire multiple times, particularly when the input jitter outlasted the cell's refractory period, which interfered with jitter reduction. Gtot also greatly affected the response latency, which could influence downstream computations. Changes in Gtot are likely to arise in vivo through activity-dependent changes in synaptic strength. High rates of postsynaptic activity increased the number of synaptic inputs required to evoke a postsynaptic response. Despite this, jitter was still effectively reduced, particularly in cases when this increased threshold eliminated secondary spikes. Thus these studies provide insight into how specific features of converging inputs control spike timing.
Scattering of SH‐waves by a Griffith crack in along strip at asymmetric position
Authors: Ghosh S. , Manna S. , Mandal S. C.
Published: September 2005

The scattering of SH‐waves by a Griffith crack in an infinitely
long elastic strip situated at an asymmetric position
has been analyzed. Applying Fourier transform, the mixed boundary
value problem has been reduced to the solution of dual integral
equations which finally has been reduced to the solution of a
Fredholm integral equation of second kind. The numerical
values of stress intensity factor, crack opening displacement, and
scattered field outside the crack have been illustrated
graphically to show the effect of asymmetry of the crack position.
c-Src–Dependent Nongenomic Signaling Responses to Aldosterone Are Increased in Vascular Myocytes From Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Callera Glaucia E. , Montezano Augusto C. I. , Yogi Alvaro , Tostes Rita C. , He Ying , Schiffrin Ernesto L. , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: September 2005

Aldosterone plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. We previously demonstrated that nongenomic signaling by aldosterone in vascular smooth muscle cells occurs through c-Src–dependent pathways. Here we tested the hypothesis that upregulation of c-Src by aldosterone plays a role in increased mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation, [
3
H]-proline incorporation, and NADPH-driven generation of reactive oxygen species, thereby inducing cell growth, collagen production, and inflammation, respectively, in vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats. The time course of c-Src phosphorylation by aldosterone was shifted to the left in vascular myocytes from hypertensive animals. Aldosterone rapidly increased phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase and extracellular signal–regulated kinase with significantly greater effects in cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats versus control cells (
P
<0.05). Aldosterone increased NADPH oxidase activity with significantly greater responses in vascular smooth muscle cells from hypertensive animals (
P
<0.05). These events were associated with enhanced [
3
H]proline incorporation (index of collagen synthesis) in cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats (
P
<0.05). The NADPH oxidase activity increase, collagen synthesis, c-Src, and MAP kinase phosphorylation induced by aldosterone were significantly reduced by eplerenone (selective mineralocorticoid receptor blocker) and PP2 (selective c-Src inhibitor). In conclusion, nongenomic signaling by exogenous aldosterone, mediated through c-Src, is increased in vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats. Upregulation of c-Src signaling may be important in the profibrotic and proinflammatory actions of aldosterone in this genetic model of hypertension.
Repolarization Gradients in the Canine Left Ventricle Before and After Induction of Short-Term Cardiac Memory
Authors: Janse Michiel J. , Sosunov Eugene A. , Coronel Ruben , Opthof Tobias , Anyukhovsky Evgeny P. , de Bakker Jacques M.T. , Plotnikov Alexei N. , Shlapakova Iryna N. , Danilo Peter , Tijssen Jan G.P. , Rosen Michael R.
Published: September 2005

Background—

Questions remain about the contributions of transmural versus apicobasal repolarization gradients to the configuration of the T wave in control settings and after the induction of short-term cardiac memory.

Methods and Results—

Short-term cardiac memory is seen as T-wave changes induced by altered ventricular activation that persists after restoration of sinus rhythm. We studied cardiac memory in anesthetized, open-chest dogs paced from the ventricle for 2 hours. Unipolar electrograms were recorded from as many as 98 epicardial and 144 intramural sites, and activation times and activation-recovery intervals (ARIs) were measured. In separate experiments, epicardial monophasic action potentials were recorded. We found no appreciable left ventricular intramural gradients in repolarization times (activation time+ARI) in either control conditions or after the induction of memory. In controls, there was a left ventricular apicobasal gradient, with the shortest repolarization times in anterobasal regions and longest repolarization times posteroapically. After induction of memory, repolarization times shortened uniformly throughout the ventricular wall. Monophasic action potential duration at 90% repolarization decreased by ≈10 ms after induction of memory.

Conclusions—

In the intact canine left ventricle at physiological rates, there is no transmural gradient in repolarization. Apicobasal gradients in repolarization time, with shortest repolarization times in anterobasal areas and longest repolarization times in posteroapical regions, are important in the genesis of the T wave. Repolarization times and monophasic action potentials at the 90% repolarization level shorten after the induction of memory. The deeper T wave in the ECG after induction of memory may be explained by the more rapid phase 3 of the action potential.
Nontranscriptional Regulation of Cardiac Repolarization Currents by Testosterone
Authors: Bai Chang-Xi , Kurokawa Junko , Tamagawa Masaji , Nakaya Haruaki , Furukawa Tetsushi
Published: September 2005

Background—

Women have longer QT
c
intervals than men and are at greater risk for arrhythmias associated with long QT
c
intervals, such as drug-induced torsade de pointes. Recent clinical and experimental data suggest an important role of testosterone in sex-related differences in ventricular repolarization. However, studies on effects of testosterone on ionic currents in cardiac myocytes are limited.

Methods and Results—

We examined effects of testosterone on action potential duration (APD) and membrane currents in isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes using patch-clamp techniques. Testosterone rapidly shortened APD, with an EC
50
of 2.1 to 8.7 nmol/L, which is within the limits of physiological testosterone levels in men. APD shortening by testosterone was mainly due to enhancement of slowly activating delayed rectifier K
+
currents (
I
Ks
) and suppression of L-type Ca
2+
currents (
I
Ca,L
), because testosterone failed to shorten APD in the presence of an
I
Ks
inhibitor, chromanol 293B, and an
I
Ca,L
inhibitor, nisoldipine. A nitric oxide (NO) scavenger and an inhibitor of NO synthase 3 (NOS3) reversed the effects of testosterone on APD, which suggests that NO released from NOS3 is responsible for the electrophysiological effects of testosterone. Electrophysiological effects of testosterone were reversed by a blocker of testosterone receptors, a c-Src inhibitor, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, and an Akt inhibitor. Immunoblot analysis revealed that testosterone induced phosphorylation of Akt and NOS3.

Conclusions—

The nontranscriptional regulation of
I
Ks
and
I
Ca,L
by testosterone is a novel regulatory mechanism of cardiac repolarization that can potentially contribute to the control of QT
c
intervals by androgen.
Plasma Adiponectin, Body Mass Index, and Mortality in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Kistorp Caroline , Faber Jens , Galatius Søren , Gustafsson Finn , Frystyk Jan , Flyvbjerg Allan , Hildebrandt Per
Published: September 2005

Background—

Recent studies have suggested that higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with improved prognosis in chronic heart failure (CHF). The adipocytokine adiponectin is inversely associated with BMI, and in healthy subjects, low adiponectin is a predictor of mortality. In a prospective study, we therefore evaluated the association between plasma adiponectin levels and mortality among patients with CHF.

Methods and Results—

In 195 CHF patients (age 69.3±10.2 years, BMI 27.3±5.2 kg/m
2
, left ventricular ejection fraction 30±8.9%, mean±SD), plasma adiponectin and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured at baseline. Adiponectin was positively associated with NT-proBNP (β=0.47,
P
<0.001), and both biomarkers were negatively associated with BMI (β=−0.43,
P
<0.001 for adiponectin and β=−0.38,
P
<0.001 for NT-proBNP, respectively) During a median follow-up of 2.6 years, 46 (23.5%) of the patients died. After adjustment for clinical variables associated with CHF severity (age, systolic blood pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction <25%, duration of CHF, and creatinine clearance) and for NT-proBNP, the hazard ratio of mortality for values in the 2 upper tertiles relative to the lowest tertile of adiponectin was 3.23 (
P
=0.032). BMI predicted mortality independently of clinical parameters of CHF severity (hazard ratio=0.63,
P
=0.012), but this association became insignificant after additional adjustment for NT-proBNP (hazard ratio=0.74,
P
=0.13).

Conclusions—

A high adiponectin level was a predictor of mortality, independent of risk markers of CHF severity, presumably because of its role as a marker for wasting. BMI was also associated with mortality, but a part of this relation may be mediated by adiponectin and NT-proBNP levels.
Uniform Scale-Independent Gene Transfer to Striated Muscle After Transvenular Extravasation of Vector
Authors: Su Leonard T. , Gopal Kapil , Wang Zhonglin , Yin Xiaoqing , Nelson Anthony , Kozyak Benjamin W. , Burkman James M. , Mitchell Marilyn A. , Low David W. , Bridges Charles R. , Stedman Hansell H.
Published: September 2005

Background—

The muscular dystrophies exemplify a class of systemic disorders for which widespread protein replacement in situ is essential for treatment of the underlying genetic disorder. Somatic gene therapy will require efficient, scale-independent transport of DNA-containing macromolecular complexes too large to cross the continuous endothelia under physiological conditions. Previous studies in large-animal models have revealed a trade-off between the efficiency of gene transfer and the inherent safety of the required surgical and pharmacological interventions to achieve this.

Methods and Results—

Rats and dogs underwent limb or hemibody isolation via atraumatic tourniquet placement or myocardial isolation via heterotopic transplantation. Recombinant adenovirus (10
13
particles per kilogram) or recombinant adeno-associated virus (10
14
genome copies/kg) encoding the lacZ transgene was delivered through pressurized venous infusion without pharmacological mediators. Muscle exhibited almost 100% myofiber transduction in rats and dogs by X-galactosidase staining and significantly higher β-galactosidase levels compared with nonpressurized delivery. No significant difference was seen in β-galactosidase levels between 100- or 400-mm Hg groups. The <50-mm Hg group yielded inhomogeneous and significantly lower transgene expression.

Conclusions—

Uniform scale- and vector-independent skeletal and cardiac myofiber transduction is facilitated by pressurized venous infusion in anatomic domains isolated from the central circulation without pharmacological interference with cardiovascular homeostasis. We provide the first demonstration of uniform gene transfer to muscle fibers of an entire extremity in the dog, providing a firm foundation for further translational studies of efficacy in canine models for human diseases.
Relations of Insulin Sensitivity to Longitudinal Blood Pressure Tracking
Authors: Ärnlöv Johan , Pencina Michael J. , Nam Byung-Ho , Meigs James B. , Fox Caroline S. , Levy Daniel , D’Agostino Ralph B. , Vasan Ramachandran S.
Published: September 2005

Background—

The relations of insulin sensitivity (IS) to hypertension incidence may vary according to baseline age, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure (BP).

Methods and Results—

We investigated the relations of IS (insulin sensitivity index, ISI
0,120
) to 4-year incidence of hypertension and BP progression in 1933 nonhypertensive Framingham Study participants (median age, 51 years; 56% women). Analyses were stratified by age (less than versus greater than or equal to median), BMI (<25 [normal], 25 to <30 [overweight], ≥30 kg/m
2
[obese]), and BP category (systolic BP≥130 or diastolic BP≥85, “high normal” per the sixth report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High BP [JNC-VI] versus BP<130/85 mm Hg). On follow-up, 41% of participants had BP progression (≥1 BP stage increase) and 18% had development of hypertension (systolic BP≥140 or diastolic BP≥90 mm Hg or antihypertensive medication use). In younger (<51 years) people with normal BMI and baseline BP<130/85 mm Hg, the second-to-fourth ISI
0,120
quartiles were associated with lower multivariable-adjusted odds for hypertension incidence (0.27; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.83;
P
<0.05) and BP progression (0.37; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.77;
P
<0.01) relative to the lowest (most insulin resistant) quartile. IS was not related to BP progression or hypertension incidence in older individuals, in obese participants, or in people with BP≥130/85 mm Hg.

Conclusions—

In our large community-based sample, reduced IS predicted BP tracking principally in younger people with normal BMI and BP<130/85 mm Hg. Effect modification by age, BMI, and baseline BP may explain variation in the results of prior clinical investigations relating IS to hypertension incidence.
Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in Men and Women
Authors: Mukamal Kenneth J. , Tolstrup Janne S. , Friberg Jens , Jensen Gorm , Grønbæk Morten
Published: September 2005

Background—

The relationship of the full range of alcohol consumption with risk of incident atrial fibrillation has been inconsistent in previous, mainly case-control studies.

Methods and Results—

In a prospective cohort study, we studied the association between self-reported alcohol use and incident atrial fibrillation among 16 415 women and men enrolled in the Copenhagen City Heart Study. We ascertained use of beer, wine, and spirits individually at up to 3 study visits with a structured questionnaire. We identified cases of atrial fibrillation by routine study ECGs and a validated nationwide registry of all hospitalizations. A total of 1071 cases occurred during follow-up. Among both women and men, alcohol consumption throughout the moderate range was not associated with risk of atrial fibrillation. However, consumption of 35 or more drinks per week among men was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.45 (95% CI 1.02 to 2.04); few women consumed this amount of alcohol. Approximately 5% of cases of atrial fibrillation among men were attributable to heavy alcohol use. Further adjustment for blood pressure and incident coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure did not attenuate the association (hazard ratio 1.63; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.31).

Conclusions—

Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, at least among men. This relationship does not appear to be related to the adverse effects of heavy drinking on coronary heart disease or blood pressure.
Gender Differences in the Risk of Ischemic Stroke and Peripheral Embolism in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Fang Margaret C. , Singer Daniel E. , Chang Yuchiao , Hylek Elaine M. , Henault Lori E. , Jensvold Nancy G. , Go Alan S.
Published: September 2005

Background—

Previous studies provide conflicting results about whether women are at higher risk than men for thromboembolism in the setting of atrial fibrillation (AF). We examined data from a large contemporary cohort of AF patients to address this question.

Methods and Results—

We prospectively studied 13 559 adults with AF and recorded data on patients’ clinical characteristics and the occurrence of incident hospitalizations for ischemic stroke, peripheral embolism, and major hemorrhagic events through searching validated computerized databases and medical record review. We compared event rates by patient sex using multivariable log-linear regression, adjusting for clinical risk factors for stroke, and stratifying by warfarin use. We identified 394 ischemic stroke and peripheral embolic events during 15 494 person-years of follow-up off warfarin. After multivariable analysis, women had higher annual rates of thromboembolism off warfarin than did men (3.5% versus 1.8%; adjusted rate ratio [RR], 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3 to 1.9). There was no significant difference by sex in 30-day mortality after thromboembolism (23% for both). Warfarin use was associated with significantly lower adjusted thromboembolism rates for both women and men (RR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.3 to 0.5; and RR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5 to 0.8, respectively), with similar annual rates of major hemorrhage (1.0% and 1.1%, respectively).

Conclusions—

Women are at higher risk than men for AF-related thromboembolism off warfarin. Warfarin therapy appears be as effective in women, if not more so, than in men, with similar rates of major hemorrhage. Female sex is an independent risk factor for thromboembolism and should influence the decision to use anticoagulant therapy in persons with AF.
The Predictive Value of the Extensor Grip Test for the Effectiveness of Bracing for Tennis Elbow
Authors: Struijs Peter A. A. , Assendelft Willem J. J. , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J. , Souer Sebastiaan , van Dijk C. Niek
Published: September 2005

Background

Tennis elbow is a common complaint. Several treatment strategies, such as corticosteroid injections and physical therapy and braces, have been described.

Hypothesis

The extensor grip test has predictive value in assessing the effectiveness of bracing in tennis elbow.

Study Design

Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 1.

Methods

Patients with tennis elbow complaints were randomized into 3 groups: brace only, physical therapy, and combination brace and physical therapy. The extensor grip test was performed before randomization on all patients. Outcome measures at 6-week follow-up were success rate, severity of complaints, pain, disability, inconvenience during daily life, and satisfaction.

Results

In the brace-only group, significant differences were identified between patients with a positive test result and patients with a negative test result for 3 outcome measures. The success rate in the test-negative group was 23% (5/22) compared to 47% (21/45) in the test-positive group. Mean decrease in pain was 23 (95% confidence interval, -3 to 49) in the test-positive group compared to 11 (95% confidence interval, -6 to 28) in the test-negative group, and mean satisfaction in the test-positive group was 71 (95% confidence interval, 48 to 94) compared to 51 (95% confidence interval, 24 to 78) in the test-negative group. In the physical therapy and combination groups, no differences were identified between test-positive and test-negative patients.

Conclusion

The extensor grip test seems valuable as a predictive factor for the effectiveness of bracing as treatment for tennis elbow over the short term.
Contact Area, Contact Pressure, and Pressure Patterns of the Tendon-Bone Interface after Rotator Cuff Repair
Authors: Tuoheti Yilihamu , Itoi Eiji , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Seki Nobutoshi , Abe Hidekazu , Minagawa Hiroshi , Okada Kyoji , Shimada Yoichi
Published: September 2005

Background

The contact pressure and contact area at the tendon-bone interface after the most commonly used rotator cuff repair methods have not been investigated.

Hypothesis

There are no significant differences among the transosseous, the single-row suture anchor, and the double-row suture anchor techniques in terms of contact pressure, contact area, and pressure patterns at the tendon-bone interface.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

After creating a full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear in 10 cadaveric shoulder specimens, we inserted pressure-sensitive film between the tendon stump and the bone, and we repaired the tear by (1) transosseous, (2) single-row suture anchor, and (3) double-row suture anchor techniques.

Results

The contact area of the double-row technique was 42% greater than that of the transosseous technique (P <. 0001) and 60% greater than that of the single-row technique. The contact area of the transosseous technique was 31% greater than that of the single-row technique (P =. 0015). The average pressures of the single-row and double-row techniques were 18% (P =. 014) and 16% (P =. 03) greater, respectively, than that of the transosseous technique, but there was no significant difference between the single-row and double-row techniques (P =. 915).

Conclusions

The double-row technique produced the greatest contact area and the second-highest contact pressure, whereas the single-row technique created the highest contact pressure and the least contact area. The transosseous technique produced the second-greatest contact area and the least contact pressure.

Clinical Relevance

The double-row suture anchor technique and the transosseous technique may provide a better environment for tendon healing.
Thermal Capsulorrhaphy for Isolated Posterior Instability of the Glenohumeral Joint without Labral Detachment
Authors: Bisson Leslie J.
Published: September 2005

Background

Posterior instability of the glenohumeral joint is uncommon, and a minimally invasive, technically easy method of treatment with consistent results has not been reported.

Hypothesis

Thermal capsulorrhaphy for posterior instability with a period of postoperative immobilization will satisfactorily reestablish shoulder stability.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

A total of 15 shoulders (13 patients) with isolated posterior instability without labral detachment were treated with thermal capsulorrhaphy. Eleven shoulders were immobilized for 6 weeks after surgery; 14 shoulders were clinically evaluated at a mean of 36 months (range, 26-53 months) after surgery. Of these patients, 2 (3 shoulders) had declined postoperative immobilization.

Results

Eleven shoulders were rated as excellent or good, and 3 experienced recurrent instability and were considered failures. The 3 failures occurred in 1 of 11 shoulders that were immobilized and 2 of 3 (in the same patient) that were not immobilized postoperatively.

Conclusion

Thermal capsulorrhaphy for posterior instability of the glenohumeral joint, followed by 6 weeks of postoperative immobilization, restored glenohumeral stability in this group of patients.
Long-term Outcome for Large Meniscal Defects Treated with Small Intestinal Submucosa in a Dog Model
Authors: Cook James L. , Fox Derek B. , Malaviya Prasanna , Tomlinson James L. , Kuroki Keiichi , Cook Cristi Reeves , Kladakis Stephanie
Published: September 2005

Background

Large meniscal defects are a common problem for which current treatment options are limited.

Hypothesis

Treatment of posterior medial meniscal defects in dogs with small intestinal submucosa is superior to partial meniscectomy in terms of clinical limb function, chondroprotection, and amount and type of new tissue in the defect.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

A total of 51 mongrel dogs underwent medial arthrotomy with creation of standardized meniscal defects. The dogs were divided into groups based on defect treatment: small intestinal submucosa meniscal implant (n = 29) or meniscectomy (n = 22). The dogs were assessed for lameness by subjective scoring after surgery and sacrificed at 3, 6, or 12 months and assessed for articular cartilage damage, gross and histologic appearance of the operated meniscus, amount of new tissue in the defect, equilibrium compressive modulus of meniscal tissue, and relative compressive stiffness of articular cartilage.

Results

Dogs in the meniscectomy groups were significantly (P <. 001) more lame than dogs treated with small intestinal submucosa. Joints treated with small intestinal submucosa had significantly (P <. 001) less articular cartilage damage, based on india ink staining, than did those treated with meniscectomy. Menisci receiving small intestinal submucosa had more tissue filling in the defects than did menisci receiving no implants, and this new tissue was more mature and meniscus-like and better integrated with remaining meniscus.

Conclusion

Small intestinal submucosa scaffolds placed in large meniscal defects resulted in production of meniscus-like replacement tissue, which was consistently superior to meniscectomy in amount, type, and integration of new tissue; chondroprotection; and limb function in the long term.

Clinical Relevance

Small intestinal submucosa implants might be useful for treatment of large posterior vascular meniscal defects in humans.
Providing Care and Facing Death: Nursing During Ebola Outbreaks in Central Africa
Authors: Hewlett Bonnie L. , Hewlett Barry S.
Published: September 2005

Few studies have focused on describing the experiences of health care workers during rapid killing epidemics. In this article, the views and experiences of nurses during three outbreaks of Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) in Central Africa are examined. These three outbreaks occurred in Kikwit, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC, 1995); Gulu, Uganda (2000-2001); and Republic of Congo (ROC, 2003). Open-ended and semistructured interviews with individuals and small groups were conducted during the outbreaks in Uganda and ROC; data from DRC are extracted from published sources. Three key themes emerged from the interviews: (a) lack of protective gear, basic equipment, and other resources necessary to provide care, especially during the early phases of the outbreaks; (b) stigmatization by family, coworkers, and community; and (c) exceptional commitment to the nursing profession in a context where the lives of the health care workers were in jeopardy.
Latino Parents’ Accounts of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Perry Cynthia E. , Hatton Diane , Kendall Judy
Published: September 2005

Although researchers have conducted a vast amount of research about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), few have addressed how Latino families experience ADHD. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how Latino parents managed their child’s ADHD within the sociocultural context of their everyday lives. This article presents a grounded theory of how Latino parents ( N = 24 families) managed their child’s ADHD. The following five themes emerged from the data analysis: (a) finding out about ADHD, (b) taking on a biomedical meaning, (c) living between two cultures, (d) caring for a child with ADHD, and (e) looking toward the future with ADHD. Although some of the circumstances encountered by Latino parents resemble those typically found in the literature about ADHD and families, their experience is rendered inordinately complex by multiple overlapping sociocultural, linguistic, and parental circumstances.
Emelda’s Story: Applying Ethnographic Insights to Cultural Assessment and Cervical Cancer Control
Authors: Hunter Jennifer L.
Published: September 2005

This article builds a bridge between cultural research and clinical practice by applying insights from an ethnographic study of cervical cancer in Iquitos, Peru, to a cervical cancer focused cultural assessment tool and teaching guide for use with immigrant patients. This application is grounded in Campinha-Bacote’s model of cultural competency. Ethnographic research is recommended as a source of knowledge from which insights can be drawn to build assessment skill in cross-cultural clinical encounters—insights into asking the right questions.
Indigenous Women’s Voices: Marginalization and Health
Authors: Dodgson Joan E. , Struthers Roxanne
Published: September 2005

Marginalization may affect health care delivery. Ways in which indigenous women experienced marginalization were examined. Data from 57 indigenous women (18 to 65 years) were analyzed for themes. Three themes emerged: historical trauma as lived marginalization, biculturalism experienced as marginalization, and interacting within a complex health care system. Experienced marginalization reflected participants’ unique perspective and were congruent with previous research. It is necessary for health care providers to assess the detrimental impact of marginalization on the health status of individuals and/or communities.
From Hospital to Home and Back Again: A Study in Hospital Admissions and Deaths for Home Care Patients
Authors: Taft Susan H. , Pierce Christine A. , Gallo Carrie L.
Published: September 2005

In this study, the authors examined causes of deaths or hospitalizations of adult home care patients during an 18-month period using a retrospective medical record audit. The site of the study was the home care program of a three-hospital system. Of 4,303 cases, 101 adult patients met study criteria of hospitalization or death. The death rate in the sample was 0.48%, and the hospitalization rate was 1.9%. Wound deterioration and falling accidents were principal causes for rehospitalizing patients. Increasing age and number of medications were significantly correlated with falls resulting in hospitalization. Patients who died were found to suffer from terminal illnesses and frailty, with care providers having little influence over outcomes. Opportunities to improve clinical care processes (e.g., discharge planning, patient status monitoring, signs and symptoms reporting, interdisciplinary communicating and coordinating) were also identified. The authors concluded that nearly 21% of hospitalizations were potentially preventable.
Further Education of Health Care Staff
Authors: Dimitrios-Aristidis Alexiadis
Published: September 2005

In recent years, the health care sector has faced considerable problems, which have yielded widespread public disbelief and frustration. Among these lies the complete lack of further education of health care professionals, with the exception of those in the medical profession (e.g., doctors, nurses, paramedics). Unfortunately, this situation has resulted in a considerable knowledge gap with health care staff, those who must carry out a particular mission, the success of which is highly dependent on the acquisition of specialized knowledge. The state, to deal with this problem, has established special educational studies for the staff of the health sector (Law 2683/1999). However, despite this constructive governmental action and the apparent interest in further education by young professionals, further education is nevertheless highly problematic.
How to Complete a Multifaceted Project—On Time!
Authors: Niewenhous Susan S.
Published: September 2005

Home care managers today have to answer to many masters. Someone always wants something!—yesterday!! This article discusses some techniques that can be used to help control the many demands on the manager’s time and demonstrates how to plan and organize the completion of a multifaceted project by its due date in spite of the demands of day-to-day operations. In essence, this article reviews the basics of project management.