bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VECTOR MESON PRODUCTION AT HERA
Authors:   ON BEHALF OF THE H1 AND ZEUS COLLABORATIONS., SZUBA DOROTA
Published: March 2005

The diffractive production of vector mesons ep→eVMY, with VM=ρ0, ω, ϕ, J/ψ, ψ′ or ϒ and with Y being either the scattered proton or a low mass hadronic system, has been extensively investigated at HERA.

HERA offers a unique opportunity to study the dependences of diffractive processes on different scales: the mass of the vector meson, mVM, the centre-of-mass energy of the γp system, W, the photon virtuality, Q2 and the four-momentum transfer squared at the proton vertex, |t|. Strong interactions can be investigated in the transition from the hard to the soft regime, where the confinement of quarks and gluons occurs.
DILEPTON ANALYSIS IN THE HADES SPECTROMETER FOR 12C+12C AT 2 AGEV
Authors:   FOR THE HADES COLLABORATION., OTWINOWSKI J. , AGAKICHIEV G. , AGODI C. , ALVAREZ-POLL H. , BALANDA A. , BELLIA G. , BIELCIK J. , BÖMER M. , BOKEMEYER H. , BOYARD J. , BRAUN-MUNZINGER P. , CHERNENKO S. , CHRIST T. , CONIGLIONE R. , DJERIDI R. , DOHRMANN F. , DURÁN I. , EBERL T. , FABBIETTI L. , FATEEV O. , FINOCCHIARO P. , FRIESE J. , FRÖHLICH I. , GARZÓN J. , GERNHÄUSER R. , GOLUBEVA M. , GONZALEZ D. , GROSSE E. , GRUBER F. , HENNINO T. , HLAVAC S. , HOLZMANN R. , IERUSALIMOV A. , IORI I. , JASKUŁA M. , JURKOVIC M. , KÄMPFER B. , KANAKI K. , KARAVICHEVA T. , KOENIG I. , KOENIG W. , KOLB B. , KOPF U. , KOTTE R. , KOTULIC-BUNTA J. , KRÜCKEN R. , KUGLER A. , KÜHN W. , KULESSA R. , KUREPIN A. , LANG S. , LEHNERT J. , MAIOLINO C. , MARKET J. , METAG V. , MOUSA J. , MÜNCH M. , MÜNTZ C. , NAUMANN L. , NOVOTNY J. , NOVOTNÝ J. , PACHMAYER Y. , PANT L. M. , PECHENOV V. , PÉREZ T. , PIETRASZKO J. , PLESKAČ R. , POSPÍŠIL V. , PRZYGODA W. , RABIN N. , RAMSTEIN B. , RESHETIN A. , RITMAN J. , ROY-STEPHAN M. , RUSTAMOV A. , SADOVSKY A. , SAILER B. , SALABURA P. , SÁNCHEZ M. , SAPIENZA P. , SCHMAH A. , SIMON R. , SMOLYANIKIN V. , SMYKOV L. , SPATARO S. , STROEBELE H. , STROTH J. , STURM C. , SUDOL M. , TLUSTÝ P. , TOIA A. , TRAXLER M. , TSERTOS H. , WAGNER V. , WIŚNIOWSKI M. , WÓJCIK T. , WÜSTENFELD J. , ZANEVSKY Y. , ŽOVINIEC D. , ZUMBRUCH P.
Published: March 2005

The identification of the light mesons in the HADES spectrometer is based on an invariant mass reconstruction of their decay into e+e- pairs. In the dilepton (e+e-) signal reconstruction, particularly important is the reduction of a huge combinatorial background arising from wrong combinations of e+ and e- to unlike sign pairs. Methods of the dilepton signal and combinatorial background reconstruction in the HADES spectrometer will be presented.
TWO-PION PRODUCTION IN pp COLLISIONS FROM THRESHOLD UP TO THE ΔΔ REGION AND THE ASPECT OF BOSE-EINSTEIN CORRELATIONS
Authors:   FOR THE CELSIUS-WASA COLLABORATION., SKORODKO T. , BASHKANOV M. , CLEMENT H. , DOROSHKEVICH E. , KASKULOV M. , MEIER R. , WAGNER G. J.
Published: March 2005

The pp→ppπ+π- and pp→ppπ0π0 reactions have been measured at CELSIUS in the energy range Tp=775-1360 MeV using the WASA 4π detector. For Tp<1 GeV the data are in accordance with Roper excitation and σ correlations in the ππ system, respectively. For Tp>1 GeV they agree with ΔΔ excitation in the special configuration (ΔΔ)0+. For the π0π0 channel an enhancement at low Mπ0π0 masses is observed, which possibly points to Bose-Einstein correlations.
Modelling lake sediment geochemical distribution using principal component, indicator kriging and multifractal power-spectrum analysis: a case study from Gowganda, Ontario
Authors: Panahi Alireza , Cheng Qiuming , Bonham-Carter Graeme F.
Published: March 2005

Combined geostatistical and multifractal power-spectrum modelling of geochemical distributions can provide suitable indicators of metal dispersion, and is capable of analysing complex problems for targeting potential areas for mineral exploration. A case study analysing lake sediment geochemical data for the Gowganda area is presented and development of the methodology for spatial analysis of the data is described. The Gowganda-Cobalt area of northeastern Ontario is a textbook example of Co, Ag-Co vein-type deposit, which by 1984 had yielded one-half billion ounces of Ag. The area is also known for shear-zone-hosted Au mineralization. This paper uses the spatial and geometric distribution of lake sediment data to discriminate geochemical anomalies from background values. The application of two geostatistical techniques (spatial principal component analysis and indicator kriging) allows the estimation of geochemical distributions by utilizing their statistical and spatial properties. The newly developed multifractal power-spectrum method additionally allows for the geochemical distributions to be modelled by their multifractal Fourier-transformed power-spectrum characteristics. Verification of the estimates produced by these techniques has been enabled through spatial analysis of bedrock geology and mineral deposit occurrences in the area.
Pore-water and sediment geochemistry in the Marmara Sea (Turkey): early diagenesis and diffusive fluxes
Authors: Çagatay M. N. , Özcan M. , Güngör E.
Published: March 2005

Pore waters and sediments were analysed in two gravity cores from the Çinarcik Basin and the southern shelf of the Marmara Sea. The sediments are organic-rich (1.1 and 1.3 wt% C
org
) and have been deposited at rates of 1.9 and 0.45 m/ka, respectively. The oxic+suboxic zone is 0.50–0.80 m thick and the sulphate–methane interface (SMI; defined here as the depth at which pore-water sulphates diminish below 1 mM) is 3.4 and 2.4 metres below sea floor (mbsf) in the southern shelf and Çinarcik Basin cores, respectively. Changes in the phosphate and ammonium gradients suggest that the sulphate reduction occurs by simple microbial organic matter degradation. Steep sulphate gradients at both sites may suggest that a part of the sulphate reduction may occur by anaerobic methane oxidation.

The flux computations, assuming a steady-state situation, show that the fluxes of sulphate, alkalinity, ammonium, phosphate and manganese near the top of the sediment column in the Çinarcik Basin are
c
. 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 1.5 and 7.7 times greater than the respective fluxes in the southern shelf. In both cores, Mn
2+
ions are released at 0.03–0.5 mbsf, and diffuse mainly upward. In the Çinarcik Basin core, a significant amount of dissolved Mn reprecipitates as Mn(IV) oxyhydroxides near the sediment top. Fe(II) produced from reduction of reactive Fe(III) minerals is precipitated as Fe sulphides in the sulphate reduction zone.

Downward Mg flux into the sediments in the Çinarcik Basin is 2.5 times that in the southern shelf, whereas the Ca flux in both areas is similar, with a value of
c.
26 mM m
−2
a
−1
. The downward Ca and Mg fluxes are used in dolomite precipitation in the sediments near the SMI in both regions. The flux amounts and pore water profiles all indicate that the rates of early diagenetic reactions (sulphate reduction and probably AMO) in the Çinarcik Basin are considerably higher than those in the southern shelf. The differences between the two areas can be explained mainly by the considerably higher sedimentation rate in the former area.
Sex Hormone–Binding Globulin and the Free Androgen Index Are Related to Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Multiethnic Premenopausal and Perimenopausal Women Enrolled in the Study of Women Across the Nation (SWAN)
Authors: Sutton-Tyrrell Kim , Wildman Rachel P. , Matthews Karen A. , Chae Claudia , Lasley Bill L. , Brockwell Sarah , Pasternak Richard C. , Lloyd-Jones Donald , Sowers Mary Fran , Torréns Javier I.
Published: March 2005

Background—

Recent clinical trials have shifted attention away from estrogens and toward androgens and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) as potential mediators of increasing cardiovascular (CV) risk in women at midlife.

Methods and Results—

The correlation between reproductive hormones and CV risk factors was evaluated in a multiethnic (white, black, Hispanic, Chinese, and Japanese) sample of 3297 premenopausal and perimenopausal women. Testosterone and estradiol (E
2
) were evaluated along with SHBG and the free androgen index (FAI), the amount of testosterone not bound by SHBG. Low SHBG and high FAI were strongly and consistently related to elevated CV risk factors (higher insulin, glucose, and hemostatic and inflammatory markers and adverse lipids) even after controlling for body mass index (
P
<0.001 for all). Low levels of E
2
were associated with elevated CV risk factors to a lesser degree. These observations were consistent across the 5 ethnic groups. Compared with whites, blacks had higher levels of SHBG and lower levels of FAI, and Chinese had lower levels of SHBG and higher levels of FAI.

Conclusions—

Low SHBG and high FAI are strongly associated with CV risk factors in racially diverse women, and thus, androgens likely play a role in the CV risk profile of perimenopausal women.
Patient and Hospital Differences Underlying Racial Variation in Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Konety Suma H. , Vaughan Sarrazin Mary S. , Rosenthal Gary E.
Published: March 2005

Background—

Few studies have examined the association of race and outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery while controlling for both patient and hospital effects.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively analyzed data on a cohort of 566 785 white and 24 354 black Medicare beneficiaries 65 years old and older undergoing CABG in 1091 US hospitals from 1997 to 2000. Mortality and repeat revascularization rates were examined after sequential adjustment for patient and hospital differences by use of generalized estimating equations. Unadjusted mortality was higher (
P
<0.001) in black than in white patients at 30 (6.4% versus 5.2%), 90 (8.3% versus 6.6%), and 365 days (13.5% versus 9.8%) after surgery. Black patients were more likely (
P
<0.001) to undergo CABG at hospitals with the highest mortality (56% versus 47%) and at hospitals in the lowest volume quintile (24% versus 20%). Adjusted only for patient characteristics, mortality was 8%, 11%, and 25% higher in black patients at 30, 90, and 365 days. After adjustment for hospital effects, 30 and 90 day mortality was similar but 17% higher in black patients at 365 days. Racial differences in mortality were greater in men than in women. On adjustment for patient and hospital effects, repeat revascularization rates were similar in black and white patients.

Conclusions—

Racial disparities in CABG outcomes are sensitive to the effects of sex and duration of postsurgical follow-up. The increasing disparity in outcomes as follow-up increased is consistent with the hypothesis that black patients have less access to secondary prevention and rehabilitation services after surgery.
Racial Profiling
Authors: Werner Rachel M. , Asch David A. , Polsky Daniel
Published: March 2005

Background—

Although public release of quality information through report cards is intended to improve health care, there may be unintended consequences of report cards, such as physicians avoiding high-risk patients to improve their ratings. If physicians believe that racial and ethnic minorities are at higher risk for poor outcomes, report cards could worsen existing racial and ethnic disparities in health care.

Methods and Results—

To investigate the impact of New York’s CABG report card on racial and ethnic disparities in cardiac care, we estimated differences in the use of CABG, PTCA, and cardiac catheterization between white versus black and Hispanic patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction in New York before and after New York’s first CABG report card was released, adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics and national changes in racial and ethnic disparities in cardiac care. The racial and ethnic disparity in CABG use significantly increased in New York immediately after New York’s CABG report card was released, whereas disparities did not change significantly in the comparison states. There was no differential change in racial and ethnic disparities between New York and the comparison states in the use of cardiac catheterization or PTCA after the CABG report card was released. Over time, this increase in racial and ethnic disparities decreased to levels similar to those before the release of report cards.

Conclusions—

The release of CABG report cards in New York was associated with a widening of the disparity in CABG use between white versus black and Hispanic patients.
Ethnic Differences in Coronary Calcification
Authors: Bild Diane E. , Detrano Robert , Peterson Do , Guerci Alan , Liu Kiang , Shahar Eyal , Ouyang Pamela , Jackson Sharon , Saad Mohammed F.
Published: March 2005

Background—

There is substantial evidence that coronary calcification, a marker for the presence and quantity of coronary atherosclerosis, is higher in US whites than blacks; however, there have been no large population-based studies comparing coronary calcification among US ethnic groups.

Methods and Results—

Using computed tomography, we measured coronary calcification in 6814 white, black, Hispanic, and Chinese men and women aged 45 to 84 years with no clinical cardiovascular disease who participated in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). The prevalence of coronary calcification (Agatston score >0) in these 4 ethnic groups was 70.4%, 52.1%, 56.5%, and 59.2%, respectively, in men (
P
<0.001) and 44.6%, 36.5%, 34.9%, and 41.9%, respectively, (
P
<0.001) in women. After adjustment for age, education, lipids, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, treatment for hypercholesterolemia, gender, and scanning center, compared with whites, the relative risks for having coronary calcification were 0.78 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.82) in blacks, 0.85 (95% CI 0.79 to 0.91) in Hispanics, and 0.92 (95% CI 0.85 to 0.99) in Chinese. After similar adjustments, the amount of coronary calcification among those with an Agatston score >0 was greatest among whites, followed by Chinese (77% that of whites; 95% CI 62% to 96%), Hispanics (74%; 95% CI 61% to 90%), and blacks (69%; 95% CI 59% to 80%).

Conclusions—

We observed ethnic differences in the presence and quantity of coronary calcification that were not explained by coronary risk factors. Identification of the mechanism underlying these differences would further our understanding of the pathophysiology of coronary calcification and its clinical significance. Data on the predictive value of coronary calcium in different ethnic groups are needed.
Influence of Race on Death and Ischemic Complications in Patients With Non–ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes Despite Modern, Protocol-Guided Treatment
Authors: Sabatine Marc S. , Blake Gavin J. , Drazner Mark H. , Morrow David A. , Scirica Benjamin M. , Murphy Sabina A. , McCabe Carolyn H. , Weintraub William S. , Gibson C. Michael , Cannon Christopher P.
Published: March 2005

Background—

In the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), nonwhite patients are less likely to undergo invasive cardiac procedures and may have worse clinical outcomes than white patients. Whether the disparate outcomes exist independently of potential biases in treatment patterns remains unclear.

Methods and Results—

We examined the association between race and outcome in the Treat Angina with Aggrastat and Determine Cost of Therapy With an Invasive or Conservative Strategy–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 18 study (TACTICS-TIMI 18), a randomized trial of invasive versus conservative treatment strategy in patients with non–ST-elevation ACS. There were 1722 white and 461 nonwhite patients. After adjustment for differences in medical characteristics, nonwhite patients were at significantly increased risk for death, MI, or rehospitalization for ACS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.54;
P
=0.003). Rates of protocol-guided angiography and revascularization were similar in both groups. For non–protocol-guided care, however, we found significant disparities, with nonwhite patients less likely to be taking their cardiac medications at follow-up (odds ratio [OR], 0.59;
P
=0.0002), to undergo non–protocol-mandated angiography (OR, 0.40;
P
=0.03), to receive a stent if undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (OR, 0.55;
P
=0.045), and to have less procedural success after percutaneous coronary intervention (acute gain, 1.40±0.83 versus 1.81±0.92 mm;
P
=0.004). Nonetheless, an invasive strategy was similarly efficacious in white (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.88) and nonwhite (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.52 to 1.39) patients (
P
interaction
=0.52), especially in those with troponin elevation or ST deviation.

Conclusions—

After adjustment for baseline characteristics, nonwhite patients had a significantly worse prognosis than white patients, regardless of treatment approach. In the absence of protocol guidance, important disparities emerged between the care given the 2 groups. An early invasive strategy is beneficial in and should be considered for all patients, regardless of race.
Ischemic Stroke Subtype Incidence Among Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics
Authors: White Halina , Boden-Albala Bernadette , Wang Cuiling , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Rundek Tanja , Wright Clinton B. , Sacco Ralph L.
Published: March 2005

Background—

Stroke incidence is greater in blacks than in whites; data on Hispanics are limited. Comparing subtype-specific ischemic stroke incidence rates may help to explain race-ethnic differences in stroke risk. The aim of this population-based study was to determine ischemic stroke subtype incidence rates for whites, blacks, and Hispanics living in one community.

Methods and Results—

A comprehensive stroke surveillance system incorporating multiple overlapping strategies was used to identify all cases of first ischemic stroke occurring between July 1, 1993, and June 30, 1997, in northern Manhattan. Ischemic stroke subtypes were determined according to a modified NINDS scheme, and age-adjusted, race-specific incidence rates calculated. The annual age-adjusted incidence of first ischemic stroke per 100 000 was 88 (95% CI, 75 to 101) in whites, 149 (95% CI, 132 to 165) in Hispanics, and 191 (95% CI, 160 to 221) in blacks. Among blacks compared with whites, the relative rate of intracranial atherosclerotic stroke was 5.85 (95% CI, 1.82 to 18.73); extracranial atherosclerotic stroke, 3.18 (95% CI, 1.42 to 7.13); lacunar stroke, 3.09 (95% CI, 1.86 to 5.11); and cardioembolic stroke, 1.58 (95% CI, 0.99 to 2.52). Among Hispanics compared with whites, the relative rate of intracranial atherosclerotic stroke was 5.00 (95% CI, 1.69 to 14.76); extracranial atherosclerotic stroke, 1.71 (95% CI, 0.80 to 3.63); lacunar stroke, 2.32 (95% CI, 1.48 to 3.63); and cardioembolic stroke, 1.42 (95% CI, 0.97 to 2.09).

Conclusions—

The high ischemic stroke incidence among blacks and Hispanics compared with whites is due to higher rates of all ischemic stroke subtypes.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Care
Authors: Lurie Nicole , Fremont Allen , Jain Arvind K. , Taylor Stephanie L. , McLaughlin Rebecca , Peterson Eric , Kong B. Waine , Ferguson T. Bruce
Published: March 2005

Background—

Despite extensive documentation of racial and ethnic disparities in care, provider awareness of disparities has been thought to be low. To be effective, educational efforts for physicians must consider providers’ knowledge and beliefs about what causes disparities and what can be done about them.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a Web-based survey of 344 cardiologists to determine their level of awareness of disparities and views of underlying causes. Responses were assessed by means of 5-point Likert scales. Thirty-four percent of cardiologists agreed that disparities existed in care overall in the US healthcare system, and 33% agreed that disparities existed in cardiovascular care. Only 12% felt disparities existed in their own hospital setting, and even fewer, 5%, thought disparities existed in the care of their own patients. Despite this, most respondents rated the strength of the evidence about disparities as “very strong” or “strong.” Respondents identified many potential causes for disparities in care but were more likely to endorse patient and system level factors (eg, insurance status or adherence) rather than provider level factors.

Conclusions—

Cardiologists’ awareness of disparities in care remains low, and awareness is inversely proportional to proximity to their own practice setting.
Race and Renal Impairment in Heart Failure
Authors: Smith Grace L. , Shlipak Michael G. , Havranek Edward P. , Masoudi Frederick A. , McClellan William M. , Foody JoAnne M. , Rathore Saif S. , Krumholz Harlan M.
Published: March 2005

Background—

Renal impairment is an emerging prognostic indicator in heart failure (HF) patients. Despite known racial differences in the progression of both HF and renal disease, it is unclear whether the prognosis for renal impairment in HF patients differs by race. We sought to determine in HF patients the 1-year mortality risks associated with elevated creatinine and impaired estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and to quantify racial differences in mortality.

Methods and Results—

We retrospectively evaluated the National Heart Care Project nationally representative cohort of 53 640 Medicare patients hospitalized with HF. Among 5669 black patients, mean creatinine was 1.6±0.9 mg/dL, and 54% had an eGFR ≤60, compared with creatinine 1.5±0.7 mg/dL and 68% eGFR ≤60 in 47 971 white patients. Higher creatinine predicted increased mortality risk, although the magnitude of risk differed by race (interaction
P
=0.0001). Every increase in creatinine of 0.5 mg/dL was associated with a >10% increased risk in adjusted mortality for blacks, compared with >15% increased risk in whites (interaction
P
=0.0001), with the most striking racial disparities at the highest levels of renal impairment. Depressed eGFR showed similar racial differences (interaction
P
=0.0001).

Conclusions—

Impaired renal function predicts increased mortality in elderly HF patients, although risks are more pronounced in whites. Distinct morbidity and mortality burdens in black versus white patients underscore the importance of improving patient risk-stratification, defining optimal therapies, and exploring physiological underpinnings of racial differences.
Stimulation of Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Bahlmann Ferdinand H. , de Groot Kirsten , Mueller Ottfried , Hertel Barbara , Haller Hermann , Fliser Danilo
Published: March 2005

The number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) correlates with endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk in humans. We explored whether angiotensin II receptor antagonist therapy affects the number of regenerative EPCs in patients with type 2 diabetes. In a prospective double-blind parallel group study, we randomly treated 18 type 2 diabetics with olmesartan (40 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks. We analyzed circulating CD34
+
hematopoietic progenitor cells (flow cytometry) and EPCs (in vitro assay) before and after therapy. We verified the results in a second open trial treating 20 type 2 diabetics with 300 mg of irbesartan for 12 weeks. The number of EPCs was significantly lower in diabetic patients as compared with 38 age-matched healthy subjects (210±10 versus 258±18 per high-power field;
P
<0.05), whereas there was no significant difference with respect to hematopoietic progenitor cells. Treatment with olmesartan (n=9) significantly increased EPCs from 231±24 to 465±71 per high-power field (
P
<0.05), but not hematopoietic progenitor cells. In contrast, placebo treatment (n=9) did not affect EPCs and hematopoietic progenitor cells. With irbesartan therapy, EPC number increased significantly from 196±15 to 300±23 per high-power field (
P
<0.05) already after 4 weeks of treatment. At the end of 12-week therapy, patients had 310±23 EPCs per high-power field (
P
<0.05 versus baseline). Angiotensin II receptor antagonists increase the number of regenerative EPCs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This action may be of therapeutic relevance contributing to their beneficial cardiovascular effects.
Angiotensin-(1–7) Acts as a Vasodepressor Agent Via Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptors in Conscious Rats
Authors: Walters Pia E. , Gaspari Tracey A. , Widdop Robert E.
Published: March 2005

Given that angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang-[1–7]) has been frequently reported to exert direct in vitro vascular effects but less often in vivo, we investigated whether a vasodepressor effect of Ang-(1–7) could be unmasked acutely in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) against a background of angiotensin II type 1 (AT
1
) receptor blockade. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate were measured over a 5-day protocol in various groups of rats randomized to receive the following drug combinations: saline, AT
1
receptor (AT
1
R) antagonist candesartan (0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg IV) alone, Ang-(1–7) (5 pmol/min) alone, candesartan plus Ang-(1–7), and candesartan plus Ang-(1–7) and angiotensin II type 2 (AT
2
) receptor (AT
2
R) antagonist PD123319 (50 μg/kg per minute). In Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, saline, Ang-(1–7), or candesartan alone caused no significant alteration in MAP, whereas Ang-(1–7) coadministered with candesartan caused a marked, sustained reduction in MAP. A similar unmasking of a vasodepressor response to Ang-(1–7) during AT
1
R blockade was observed in SHR. Moreover, the AT
2
R antagonist PD123319 markedly attenuated the enhanced depressor response evoked by the Ang-(1–7)/candesartan combination in SHR and WKY rats, whereas in other experiments, the putative Ang-(1–7) antagonist A-779 (5 and 50 pmol/min) did not attenuate this vasodepressor effect. In separate experiments, the bradykinin type 2 receptor antagonist HOE 140 (100 μg/kg IV) or the NO synthase inhibitor
N
ω-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester (1 mg/kg IV) abolished the depressor effect of Ang-(1–7) in the presence of candesartan. Collectively, these results suggest that Ang-(1–7) evoked a depressor response during AT
1
R blockade via activation of AT
2
R, which involves the bradykinin–NO cascade.
Theta Responses Are Involved in Lexical—Semantic Retrieval during Language Processing
Authors: Bastiaansen Marcel C.M. , Linden Marieke van der , Keurs Mariken ter , Dijkstra Ton , Hagoort Peter
Published: March 2005

Oscillatory neuronal dynamics, observed in the human electroencephalogram (EEG) during language processing, have been related to the dynamic formation of functionally coherent networks that serve the role of integrating the different sources of information needed for understanding the linguistic input. To further explore the functional role of oscillatory synchrony during language processing, we quantified event-related EEG power changes induced by the presentation of open-class (OC) words and closed-class (CC) words in a wide range of frequencies (from 1 to 30 Hz), while subjects read a short story. Word presentation induced three oscillatory components: a theta power increase (4–7 Hz), an alpha power decrease (10– 12 Hz), and a beta power decrease (16–21 Hz). Whereas the alpha and beta responses showed mainly quantitative differences between the two word classes, the theta responses showed qualitative differences between OC words and CC words: A theta power increase was found over left temporal areas for OC words, but not for CC words. The left temporal theta increase may index the activation of a network involved in retrieving the lexical semantic properties of the OC items.
Top-down Enhancement and Suppression of the Magnitude and Speed of Neural Activity
Authors: Gazzaley Adam , Cooney Jeffrey W. , McEvoy Kevin , Knight Robert T. , D'Esposito Mark
Published: March 2005

Top-down modulation underlies our ability to selectively attend to relevant stimuli and to ignore irrelevant stimuli. Theories addressing neural mechanisms of top-down modulation are driven by studies that reveal increased magnitude of neural activity in response to directed attention, but are limited by a lack of data reporting modulation of neural processing speed, as well as comparisons with a perceptual (passive view) baseline necessary to evaluate the presence of enhancement and suppression. Utilizing functional MRI (fMRI) and event-related potential recordings (ERPs), we provide converging evidence that both themagnitude of neural activity and thespeed of neural processing are modulated by top-down influences. Furthermore, bothenhancement andsuppression occur relative to a perceptual baseline depending on task instruction. These findings reveal the fine degree of influence that goal-directed attention exerts upon activity within the visual association cortex. We further document capacity limitations in top-down enhancement corresponding with working memory performance deficits.
Light-Field Rendering Using Colored Point Clouds—A Dual-Space Approach
Authors: Hofsetz Christian , Chen George , Max Nelson , Ng Kim C. , Liu Yang , Hong Li , McGuinness Peter
Published: March 2005

Most existing light-field rendering methods rely on images that record the color of the rays. In this paper, we present a new approach that instead uses colored point clouds, which are the source of the rays. Furthermore, we study the light field from a dual-space viewpoint, where 3D scene points appear as geometry hyperlines, and rays appear as hyperpoints located on the hyperlines. Rendering the light field reduces to finding and blending the closest hyperlines to the hyperpoints corresponding to the virtual rays. Occlusion is dealt with by clustering nearby hyperlines according to their slope. Hole filling is dealt with by increasing the range of contribution of the hyperlines by a given threshold. We also propose the concept of local ray space, and show that it improves the rendering quality and removes the restriction on virtual camera position that is associated with the global ray space scheme. Finally, we show how to deal with uncertain geometric information in our framework.
Brain-Based Devices for the Study of Nervous Systems and the Development of Intelligent Machines
Authors: Krichmar Jeffrey L. , Edelman Gerald M.
Published: March 2005

The simultaneous study of brain function at all levels of organization is difficult to undertake with current experimental tools. Present day electrophysiology only allows the recording of at most hundreds of neurons while an animal is performing a behavioral task. Because of this limitation and the sheer complexity of the nervous system, computational modeling has become essential in developing theories of brain function. Accordingly, our group has constructed a series of brain-based devices (BBDs), that is, physical devices with simulated nervous systems that guide behavior, to serve as a heuristic for testing theories of brain function. Unlike animal models, BBDs permit analysis of activity at all levels of the nervous system as the device behaves in its environment. Although the principal focus of developing BBDs has been to test theories of brain function, this type of modeling may also provide a basis for robotic design and practical applications.
How Hanafism Came to Originate in Kufa and Traditionalism in Medina
Authors: Melchert Christopher
Published: March 2005

The Hanafī and Mālikī personal schools of law are said to have derived from the earlier Kufan and Medinese regional schools. The regional stage of developing Mālikī jurisprudence is plain in works such as the Mudawwana, but early Hanafī works are already focused on Abū Hanīfa and his disciples, so that a regional stage is hard to make out. The biographical dictionaries of Khalīfa ibn Khayyāt and Ibn Sa'd show that there were active traditionists in Kufa equally with the Hijaz. Moreover, the Tabaqāt of Ibn Sa'd shows that he considered the Hanafī school Baghdadi, not Kufan.Kitāb al-Ma'rifa wa-al-tārīkh of Fasawī shows that the Kufan background to Hanafī jurisprudence, together more generally with the identification of Kufa with ra'y and Medina with hadīth, emerged only later in the ninth century.
Climate Downscaling over Nordeste, Brazil, Using the NCEP RSM97
Authors: Sun Liqiang , Moncunill David Ferran , Li Huilan , Moura Antonio Divino , Filho Franciscode Assisde Souza
Published: March 2005

The NCEP Regional Spectral Model (RSM), with horizontal resolution of 60 km, was used to downscale the ECHAM4.5 AGCM (T42) simulations forced with observed SSTs over northeast Brazil. An ensemble of 10 runs for the period January–June 1971–2000 was used in this study. The RSM can resolve the spatial patterns of observed seasonal precipitation and capture the interannual variability of observed seasonal precipitation as well. The AGCM bias in displacement of the Atlantic ITCZ is partially corrected in the RSM. The RSM probability distribution function of seasonal precipitation anomalies is in better agreement with observations than that of the driving AGCM. Good potential prediction skills are demonstrated by the RSM in predicting the interannual variability of regional seasonal precipitation. The RSM can also capture the interannual variability of observed precipitation at intraseasonal time scales, such as precipitation intensity distribution and dry spells. A drought index and a flooding index were adopted to indicate the severity of drought and flooding conditions, and their interannual variability was reproduced by the RSM. The overall RSM performance in the downscaled climate of the ECHAM4.5 AGCM is satisfactory over Nordeste. The primary deficiency is a systematic dry bias for precipitation simulation.
The Impact of SST Specification on ECMWF Surface Wind Stress Fields in the Eastern Tropical Pacific
Authors: Chelton Dudley B.
Published: March 2005

The impact of SST specification on low-level winds in the operational ECMWF numerical weather prediction model is investigated in the eastern tropical Pacific from comparisons of ECMWF wind stress fields with QuikSCAT satellite scatterometer observations of wind stress during the August–December cold seasons of 2000 and 2001. These two time periods bracket the 9 May 2001 change from the Reynolds SST analyses to the Real-Time Global SST (RTG_SST) analyses as the ocean boundary condition in the ECMWF model. The ocean–atmosphere interaction in the eastern tropical Pacific that is clearly evident in QuikSCAT wind stress divergence and curl fields is also evident in the ECMWF winds, but is more than twice as strong in the 2001 cold season as in the 2000 cold season, due primarily to the improved spatial and temporal resolution of the RTG_SST analyses compared with the Reynolds SST analyses. While a significant improvement compared with 2000, the response of the 2001 ECMWF wind stress field to SST is only about half as strong as the coupling inferred from QuikSCAT data and satellite observations of SST from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI). It is concluded that the underrepresentation of the ocean–atmosphere coupling is attributable partly to underrepresentation of SST gradients in the RTG_SST fields and partly to inadequacies of the ECWMF model. The latter may be due to errors in the parameterization of boundary layer processes or to insufficient horizontal or vertical resolution in the model.
Coupled simulations for hygrothermal investigation of subterranean car parks and similar spaces
Authors: Pfrommer P , Lomas KJ
Published: March 2005

To investigate the hygrothermal conditions in subterranean car parks a twodimensional simulation procedure has been used, based on coupling the transient heat transfer programme HEAT with the dynamic thermal building simulation program TRNSYS. The likelihood of condensation and the rate of water deposition on surfaces were calculated with a new moisture model KOND. To estimate the consequence of moisture adsorption in materials in the hygroscopic range below saturation, the TRNSYS moisture capacitance model (buffer storage model) was used. A parametric study of the internal temperatures and the annual hours of condensation risk in underground car parks were conducted using German and UK climate data. The simulations indicate the relative risk of condensation occurring for different earth conditions, levels of insulation and air change rates, in spaces covered by earth and spaces covered by a heated building. It is shown that increased ventilation rates in summer can reduce condensation risk in underground car parks below heated buildings.

Practical application: In the design of cellars, storerooms and underground car parks etc., it is important to know whether condensation is likely to occur, how much moisture is likely to accumulate and whether such an accumulation could lead to damage. The designers of underground spaces need to know whether insulation measures, or ventilation controls are necessary. In addition, the wintertime temperature conditions in subterranian spaces below heated buildings are of particular interest when assessing the problem of heat bridges at the pillars and walls which support the overlying building.
Outdoor activity and performance status as predictors of survival in hypoxaemic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Authors: Ringbaek Thomas J , Lange Peter
Published: March 2005

Background: Performance status has been associated with survival in hypoxaemic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients on long-term oxygen therapy.

Objective: To determine whether self-reported outdoor activity and performance status are independent predictors of survival in hypoxaemic COPD patients on long-term oxygen therapy.

Design, subjects and main measure: In a prospective design, survival over an eight-year period was studied in 226 Danish patients on long-term oxygen therapy. They were subdivided according to self-reported mobility (±outdoor activity) and World Health Organization (WHO) performance status (score 0-4).

Results: A total of 148 patients (65.5%) reported outdoor activity. Compared to the immobile patients, those reporting outdoor activity had higher performance status, higher body mass index and lower duration of oxygen administration. In multivariate analyses adjusting for body mass index, gender and age, both poor performance status and lack of outdoor activity were associated with poor survival (p-levels 0.006 and 0.045, respectively). Lack of outdoor activity was associated with increased mortality (relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval of dying was 1.39 (1.01-1.91)) and significantly higher risk was found among those with age in the youngest tertile (less than 66.4 years), the relative risk of dying was 2.18 (1.20-3.95).

Conclusions: This study shows that self-reported performance status and outdoor activity are independent predictors of survival in hypoxaemic COPD patients on long-term oxygen therapy. However, our study suggests that in the most elderly patients, outdoor activity does not predicting survival. Further studies are needed to determine whether interventions that facilitate outdoor activity (e.g., pulmonary rehabilitation) have an effect on survival in this group of patients.
Psychological services for people with stroke: compliance with the UK National Clinical Guidelines
Authors: Bowen Audrey , Knapp Peter , Hoffman Alex , Lowe Derek
Published: March 2005

Background: The UK National Clinical Guidelines for Stroke (2000) include recommendations on psychological services. The third National Sentinel Audit of Stroke was completed in 2001-2002.

Objectives: To examine the extent to which UK stroke services complied with the national guidelines.

Design: Use of three retrospective case note audits of hospital admissions, covering the period from admission to six months after discharge, and audits of how stroke services were organized.

Setting: Hospitals within England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Subjects: Stroke patients admitted consecutively within a three-month time frame.

Main measures: Compliance with the guidelines on mood disorders and cognitive impairments, and changes between audits.

Results: The 2001-2002 audit provided data on 60% of possible participants, from 145 hospitals and 5152 patients. Compliance with the guideline to screen for mood disturbance was poor; the median patient compliance rate of hospitals was 50%. More hospitals (88%) had a locally agreed cognitive assessment protocol in 2001-2002 than in 1998 (68%) and in 1999 (82%). However, actual rates of screening for cognitive difficulties were lower than implied by the existence of a local protocol. There were no strong case-mix associates of mood and cognitive screening. Access to clinical psychologists was poor. Mood and cognitive assessment rates were not much better for stroke units with access to clinical psychologists than for units without access (mood: p = 0.6, cognition: p = 0.09).

Conclusions: Although compliance with some of the guidelines has improved, many areas in current psychological services for stroke urgently need attention.
The effects of progressive resistance training for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Morton Jan F , Brownlee Margaret , McFadyen Angus K
Published: March 2005

Objectives: To investigate the effects of progressive resistance training of quadriceps and hamstrings muscles in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Design: Pilot study using a repeated measures design with measurements at baseline, immediately after six weeks training then at four-week follow-up.

Setting: The project was undertaken within the physiotherapy department of two special schools in Glasgow.

Subjects: A convenience sample of eight children aged between six and 12 years, with hypertonic CP.

Intervention: The subjects participated three times per week in a six-week, progressive, free-weight, strengthening programme.

Outcome measures: Maximum isometric muscle strength and resistance to passive stretch were measured with a hand-held myometer. The Gross Motor Function Measure and a 10-metre timed walking test, were used to assess function and gait parameters respectively.

Results: Muscle strength increased, with the quadriceps to hamstrings strength ratio moving towards normal. These changes were retained at follow-up. Muscle tone decreased and continued to decrease to follow-up. The standing (D) and walking, running and jumping (E) goal areas of the Gross Motor Function Measure showed improvement that continued towards follow-up. Walking speed and step rate increased.

Conclusions: A future large-scale randomized controlled study would be of value to substantiate these results as the small convenience sample and lack of control group limit this study. However, the finding that no adverse effect accompanied the positive outcomes in strength and function may encourage clinicians to consider resistance training alongside standard therapeutic interventions.
The effect of botulinum toxin type A treatment of the lower extremity on the level of functional abilities in children with cerebral palsy: evaluation with goal attainment scaling
Authors: Steenbeek Duco , Meester-Delver Anke , Becher Jules G , Lankhorst Gustaaf J
Published: March 2005

Objective: To measure the effect of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) treatment in children with cerebral palsy with regard to individual goals concerning functional abilities, using goal attainment scaling.

Design: A single-blind randomized multiple baseline/treatment phase design across subjects.

Setting: The paediatric department of a rehabilitation centre.

Subjects: Eleven children with cerebral palsy participated.

Intervention: BTX-A treatment of the lower extremity.

Main measures: A six-point goal attainment scaling of three individual treatment goals at the level of functional abilities. Standardized video-tapes of each goal were recorded weekly for a period of 14 weeks. Rating on the predetermined goal attainment scaling was blinded.

Results: Nine of the 11 subjects showed significant improvement in 18 out of 33 goals. Seven subjects showed clinically relevant improvement (at least 2 points on the goal attainment scaling) in 11 goals. Testing the difference between all medians of baseline measurements (after correction for improvement during baseline) and the medians of the treatment phase measurements for all goal attainment scaling scores (n < 33) resulted in significant improvement (p < 0.001). Tested at subject level (medians of the three goal attainment scaling scores per assessment, n < 11), a significant improvement was also found (p < 0.005). The change in goal attainment scaling score was related to the moment of treatment with BTX-A.

Conclusion: Clinically relevant improvement in individual rehabilitation goals at ability level, achieved with the treatment of BTX-A in children with cerebral palsy, were demonstrated using the goal attainment scaling method.
General practitioners (GPs) and palliative care: perceived tasks and barriers in daily practice
Authors: Groot Marieke M , Vernooij-Dassen Myrra JFJ , Crul Ben JP , Grol Richard PTM
Published: March 2005

Background: General practitioners (GPs) play a crucial part in palliative care. The quality of care can be improved by investigating and addressing barriers perceived by GPs in daily practice. The aim of this study was to investigate GPs' task perception and barriers involved in palliative care.

Methods: Qualitative focus group study. We gathered together a group of GPs representing a broad range of experience in palliative care. Content analysis was performed to derive a comprehensive view of tasks and barriers in daily palliative care.

Results: GPs described their palliative care tasks as satisfactory and varied, but burdensome. Palliative care tasks included somatic and psychosocial care. Opinions differed with respect to whether the coordination of care belonged to the primary GP tasks. Barriers were classified according to three levels: (1) personal: barriers related to knowledge, skills, emotions; (2) relational: barriers concerning communication and collaboration; (3) organizational: barriers related to the organization of care and compartmentalization in healthcare.

Conclusions: This study revealed a complex web of tasks and barriers. It may be possible to trace back a problem (lack of knowledge, for example) on the personal level to an isolated knowledge gap, but the problem may well have originated from communication or compartmentalization problems. To maintain GPs' feeling of being at ease with palliative care requires helping them acquire the appropriate balance between technical and organizational interventions and a compassionate orientation to their terminally ill patients.
Palliative care in children in Wales: a study of provision and need
Authors: Hain Richard D W
Published: March 2005

Aim: To establish incidence and prevalence of children needing palliative care in Wales. Patients and methods: Children were identified in three ways: (1) from paediatricians using the Welsh Paediatric Surveillance Unit (WPSU); (2) referrals to the specialist palliative medicine service based in Cardiff; and (3) children under the care of the two principal children's hospices serving Wales. All children referred or reported between January 2001 and December 2002 were included. Results: A total of 226 children were identified. Fifty (22%) were identified by paediatricians, 58 (26%) were referred to the specialist paediatric palliative medicine service, 158 (70%) had been under the care of a children's hospice, and 34 (15%) were identified by more than one source. This study identified approximately 3.75 per 10 000 children. This is about half the prevalence figures quoted in the ACT/ RCPCH document in 1997. Conclusions: The study may underestimate prevalence. Children needing palliative medicine are still under-recognized in Wales. The overlap between children's hospice care and specialist paediatric palliative medicine is relatively small.