bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Sectional Association between Blood Pressure, in vivo Insulin Sensitivity and Adiponectin in Overweight Adolescents
Authors: De Las Heras Javier , Lee Sojung , Bacha Fida , Tfayli Hala , Arslanian Silva
Published: September 2011

Aims: To examine the cross-sectional relationship between blood pressure (BP) and (1) in vivo insulin sensitivity (IS) and (2) circulating adiponectin levels in overweight adolescents, and to determine if these relationships are driven by adiposity. Methods: Sixty-five white pubertal overweight adolescents underwent a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp to measure IS. Body composition and abdominal adiposity were determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography scan. BP was measured by an automated sphygmomanometer every 10 min over 1 h, between 06:00 and 07:00 a.m. Results: In vivo IS was not associated with BP after adjustment for adiposity measurements (body mass index, percentage body fat or abdominal adiposity). However, adiponectin was inversely related to systolic BP independent of adiposity. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that in overweight adolescents the relationship between in vivo IS and systolic BP is mediated through adiposity. However, the association between adiponectin and BP is independent of adiposity suggestive of a potential modulatory role of adiponectin in BP regulation.
MyD88 Deficiency Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation Independent of Signaling Through Toll-Like Receptors 2 and 4
Authors: Owens A. Phillip , Rateri Debra L. , Howatt Deborah A. , Moore Kathryn J. , Tobias Peter S. , Curtiss Linda K. , Lu Hong , Cassis Lisa A. , Daugherty Alan
Published: September 2011

Objective—

The purpose of this study was to determine whether myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and its related Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2 and 4 contributed to the development of angiotensin II (AngII)-induced abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—

AngII was infused into either apoE
−/−
or LDL receptor (LDLR)
−/−
male mice that were either MyD88
+/+
or
−/−
. MyD88 deficiency profoundly reduced AngII-induced AAAs and atherosclerosis in both strains. To define whether deficiency of specific TLRs had similar effects, AngII was infused into LDLR
−/−
mice that were also deficient in either TLR2 or TLR4. TLR2 deficiency had no effect on AAA development but inhibited atherosclerosis. In contrast, TLR4 deficiency attenuated both AAAs and atherosclerosis. To resolve whether MyD88 and TLR4 exerted their effects through cells of hematopoietic lineage, LDLR
−/−
mice were lethally irradiated and repopulated with bone marrow-derived cells from either MyD88 or TLR4 strains. MyD88 deficiency in bone marrow-derived cells profoundly reduced both AngII-induced AAAs and atherosclerosis. However, TLR4 deficiency in bone marrow-derived cells had no effect on either pathology.

Conclusion—

These studies demonstrate that MyD88 deficiency in leukocytes profoundly reduces AngII-induced AAAs and atherosclerosis via mechanisms independent of either TLR2 or TLR4.
Histone Deacetylase 3 Regulates Smooth Muscle Differentiation in Neural Crest Cells and Development of the Cardiac Outflow Tract
Authors: Singh Nikhil , Trivedi Chinmay M. , Lu MinMin , Mullican Shannon E. , Lazar Mitchell A. , Epstein Jonathan A.
Published: September 2011

Rationale:

The development of the cardiac outflow tract (OFT) and great vessels is a complex process that involves coordinated regulation of multiple progenitor cell populations. Among these populations, neural crest cells make important contributions to OFT formation and aortic arch remodeling. Although numerous signaling pathways, including Notch, have been implicated in this process, the role of epigenetics in OFT development remains largely unexplored.

Objective:

Because histone deacetylases (Hdacs) play important roles in the epigenetic regulation of mammalian development, we have investigated the function of Hdac3, a class I Hdac, during cardiac neural crest development in mouse.

Methods and Results:

Using 2 neural crest drivers,
Wnt1-Cre
and

Pax3
Cre

, we show that loss of Hdac3 in neural crest results in perinatal lethality and cardiovascular abnormalities, including interrupted aortic arch type B, aortic arch hypoplasia, double-outlet right ventricle, and ventricular septal defect. Affected embryos are deficient in aortic arch artery smooth muscle during midgestation, despite intact neural crest cell migration and preserved development of other cardiac and truncal neural crest derivatives. The Hdac3-dependent block in smooth muscle differentiation is cell autonomous and is associated with downregulation of the Notch ligand Jagged1, a key driver of smooth muscle differentiation in the aortic arch arteries.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that Hdac3 plays a critical and specific regulatory role in the neural crest-derived smooth muscle lineage and in formation of the OFT.
Body Weight After Stroke
Authors: Scherbakov Nadja , Dirnagl Ulrich , Doehner Wolfram
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—

Outcome after acute stroke is determined to a large extent by poststroke complications. Nutritional status and metabolic balance may substantially contribute to outcome after stroke. Key mechanisms of stroke pathophysiology can induce systemic catabolic imbalance with impaired metabolic efficiency and degradation of body tissues.

Summary—

Tissue wasting, sarcopenia, and cachexia may impair and delay poststroke rehabilitation and worsen the prognosis. Although current guidelines for secondary prevention after stroke recommend weight reduction, increasing evidence suggests that patients who are overweight and mildly obese may actually have a better outcome. An “obesity paradox” has been identified to describe the contrasting impact of being overweight in patients with chronic illness compared with healthy populations. We present an overview on the metabolic regulation in patients with stroke and evaluate current data on the impact of body weight and weight change after stroke. The emerging picture suggests that being overweight and obese may impact patients with stroke differently than it does healthy subjects.

Conclusions—

We propose that current knowledge on obesity and its management in primary prevention cannot be transferred to patients with established stroke. Systematic studies on changes in body composition after stroke and on treatment options are warranted to establish the pathophysiology and evidence-driven management of nutritional status in these patients.
Sea-Level Assessment of Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation Predicts Susceptibility to Acute Mountain Sickness at High Altitude
Authors: Cochand Nicholas J. , Wild Michael , Brugniaux Julien V. , Davies Peter J. , Evans Kevin A. , Wise Richard G. , Bailey Damian M.
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—

Dynamic cerebral autoregulation is impaired in subjects who develop acute mountain sickness (AMS), a neurological disorder characterized by headache. The present study examined if the normoxic sea-level measurement of dynamic cerebral autoregulation would predict subsequent susceptibility to AMS during rapid ascent to terrestrial high altitude.

Methods—

A dynamic cerebral autoregulation index was determined in 18 subjects at sea level from continuous recordings of middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (Doppler ultrasonography) and arterial blood pressure (finger photoplethysmography) after recovery from transiently induced hypotension. Six hours after passive ascent to 3800 m (Mt Elbrus, Russia), the Lake Louise and Environmental Symptoms Cerebral Symptoms questionnaires were used to assess AMS.

Results—

AMS scores increased markedly at high-altitude (Lake Louise: +3±2 points,
P
=0.001 and Environmental Symptoms Cerebral Symptoms: +0.6±0.9 points,
P
=0.0003 versus sea level). Inverse relationships were observed between the sea-level autoregulation index score and the high-altitude-induced increases in the Lake Louise (
r
=−0.62,
P
=0.007) and Environmental Symptoms Cerebral Symptoms (
r
=−0.78,
P
=0.01) scores. One subject with a history of high-altitude pulmonary and cerebral edema presented with the lowest sea-level autoregulation index score (3.7 versus group: 6.2±1.0 points) and later developed high-altitude cerebral edema at 4800 m during the summit bid.

Conclusions—

These findings suggest that a lower baseline autoregulation index may be considered a potential risk factor for AMS. This laboratory measurement may prove a useful screening tool for the expedition doctor when considering targeted pharmacological prophylaxis in individuals deemed “AMS-susceptible.”
Extent of Hypoattenuation on CT Angiography Source Images in Basilar Artery Occlusion
Authors: Puetz Volker , Khomenko Andrei , Hill Michael D. , Dzialowski Imanuel , Michel Patrik , Weimar Christian , Wijman Christine A.C. , Mattle Heinrich P. , Engelter Stefan T. , Muir Keith W. , Pfefferkorn Thomas , Tanne David , Szabo Kristina , Kappelle L. Jaap , Algra Ale , von Kummer Ruediger , Demchuk Andrew M. , Schonewille Wouter J.
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—

The posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) quantifies the extent of early ischemic changes in the posterior circulation with a 10-point grading system. We hypothesized that pc-ASPECTS applied to CT angiography source images predicts functional outcome of patients in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS).

Methods—

BASICS was a prospective, observational registry of consecutive patients with acute symptomatic basilar artery occlusion. Functional outcome was assessed at 1 month. We applied pc-ASPECTS to CT angiography source images of patients with CT angiography for confirmation of basilar artery occlusion. We calculated unadjusted and adjusted risk ratios (RRs) of pc-ASPECTS dichotomized at ≥8 versus <8. Primary outcome measure was favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale scores 0–3). Secondary outcome measures were mortality and functional independence (modified Rankin Scale scores 0–2).

Results—

Of 158 patients included, 78 patients had a CT angiography source images pc-ASPECTS ≥8. Patients with a pc-ASPECTS ≥8 more often had a favorable outcome than patients with a pc-ASPECTS <8 (crude RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 0.98–3.0). After adjustment for age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and thrombolysis, pc-ASPECTS ≥8 was not related to favorable outcome (RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.8–2.2), but it was related to reduced mortality (RR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5–0.98) and functional independence (RR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1–3.8). In post hoc analysis, pc-ASPECTS dichotomized at ≥6 versus <6 predicted a favorable outcome (adjusted RR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.2–7.5).

Conclusions—

pc-ASPECTS on CT angiography source images independently predicted death and functional independence at 1 month in the CT angiography subgroup of patients in the BASICS registry.
Extending the Time Window for Endovascular Procedures According to Collateral Pial Circulation
Authors: Ribo Marc , Flores Alan , Rubiera Marta , Pagola Jorge , Sargento-Freitas Joao , Rodriguez-Luna David , Coscojuela Pilar , Maisterra Olga , Piñeiro Socorro , Romero Francisco J. , Alvarez-Sabin Jose , Molina Carlos A.
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—

Good collateral pial circulation (CPC) predicts a favorable outcome in patients undergoing intra-arterial procedures. We aimed to determine if CPC status may be used to decide about pursuing recanalization efforts.

Methods—

Pial collateral score (0–5) was determined on initial angiogram. We considered good CPC when pial collateral score <3, defined total time of ischemia (TTI) as onset-to-recanalization time, and clinical improvement >4-point decline in admission–discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale.

Results—

We studied CPC in 61 patients (31 middle cerebral artery, 30 internal carotid artery). Good CPC patients (n=21 [34%]) had lower discharge National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (7 versus 21;
P
=0.02) and smaller infarcts (56 mL versus 238 mL;
P
<0.001). In poor CPC patients, a receiver operating characteristic curve defined a TTI cutoff point <300 minutes (sensitivity 67%, specificity 75%) that better predicted clinical improvement (TTI <300: 66.7% versus TTI >300: 25%;
P
=0.05). For good CPC patients, no temporal cutoff point could be defined. Although clinical improvement was similar for patients recanalizing within 300 minutes (poor CPC: 60% versus good CPC: 85.7%;
P
=0.35), the likelihood of clinical improvement was 3-fold higher after 300 minutes only in good CPC patients (23.1% versus 90.1%;
P
=0.01). Similarly, infarct volume was reduced 7-fold in good as compared with poor CPC patients only when TTI >300 minutes (TTI <300: poor CPC: 145 mL versus good CPC: 93 mL;
P
=0.56 and TTI >300: poor CPC: 217 mL versus good CPC: 33 mL;
P
<0.01). After adjusting for age and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, TTI <300 emerged as an independent predictor of clinical improvement in poor CPC patients (OR, 6.6; 95% CI, 1.01–44.3;
P
=0.05) but not in good CPC patients. In a logistic regression, good CPC independently predicted clinical improvement after adjusting for TTI, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and age (OR, 12.5; 95% CI, 1.6–74.8;
P
=0.016).

Conclusions—

Good CPC predicts better clinical response to intra-arterial treatment beyond 5 hours from onset. In patients with stroke receiving endovascular treatment, identification of good CPC may help physicians when considering pursuing recanalization efforts in late time windows.
Effects of 24-Hour Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Recorded With Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring on Recovery From Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tomii Yasuhiro , Toyoda Kazunori , Suzuki Rieko , Naganuma Masaki , Fujinami Jun , Yokota Chiaki , Minematsu Kazuo
Published: September 2011

Background and Purpose—

This study used ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring to generate BP and heart rate (HR) profiles soon after stroke onset and evaluated the association between determined values and 3-month stroke outcomes.

Methods—

We analyzed 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring records from 104 patients with acute ischemic stroke. Ambulatory BP monitoring was attached at the second and eighth hospitalization days (Days 1 and 7). Both BP and HR were characterized using baseline, mean, maximum, and minimum values and coefficient of variation during 24-hour recording periods. Outcomes at 3 months were assessed as independence according to a modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2 and poor according to the score of ≥5.

Results—

Sixty-six (63%) patients achieved independence and 12 (11%) had poor outcomes. Mean ambulatory BP monitoring values changed from 150.5±19.5/85.7±11.3 mm Hg on Day 1 to 139.6±19.3/80.0±11.7 mm Hg on Day 7. After multivariate adjustment, mean values of systolic BP (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.45–0.85), diastolic BP (0.61; 0.37–0.98), pulse pressure (0.55; 0.33–0.85), and HR (0.61; 0.37–0.98) recorded on Day 1 as well as mean HR on Day 7 (0.47; 0.23–0.87) were inversely associated with independence and mean values of systolic BP (1.92; 1.15–3.68), diastolic BP (5.28; 1.92–22.85), and HR (4.07; 1.83–11.88) on Day 1 as well as mean HR on Day 7 (4.92; 1.36–36.99) were positively associated with a poor outcome.

Conclusions—

All of systolic BP, diastolic BP, pulse pressure, and HR on Day 1 and HR on Day 7 assessed using ambulatory BP monitoring were associated with outcomes of patients with stroke at 3 months.
Retrieval of Aerosol Optical Depth above Clouds from OMI Observations: Sensitivity Analysis and Case Studies
Authors: Torres Omar , Jethva Hiren , Bhartia P. K.
Published: September 2011

A large fraction of the atmospheric aerosol load reaching the free troposphere is frequently located above low clouds. Most commonly observed aerosols above clouds are carbonaceous particles generally associated with biomass burning and boreal forest fires, and mineral aerosols originating in arid and semiarid regions and transported across large distances, often above clouds. Because these aerosols absorb solar radiation, their role in the radiative transfer balance of the earth–atmosphere system is especially important. The generally negative (cooling) top-of-the-atmosphere direct effect of absorbing aerosols may turn into warming when the light-absorbing particles are located above clouds. The actual effect depends on the aerosol load and the single scattering albedo, and on the geometric cloud fraction. In spite of its potential significance, the role of aerosols above clouds is not adequately accounted for in the assessment of aerosol radiative forcing effects due to the lack of measurements. This paper discusses the basis of a simple technique that uses near-UV observations to simultaneously derive the optical depth of both the aerosol layer and the underlying cloud for overcast conditions. The two-parameter retrieval method described here makes use of the UV aerosol index and reflectance measurements at 388 nm. A detailed sensitivity analysis indicates that the measured radiances depend mainly on the aerosol absorption exponent and aerosol–cloud separation. The technique was applied to above-cloud aerosol events over the southern Atlantic Ocean, yielding realistic results as indicated by indirect evaluation methods. An error analysis indicates that for typical overcast cloudy conditions and aerosol loads, the aerosol optical depth can be retrieved with an accuracy of approximately 54% whereas the cloud optical depth can be derived within 17% of the true value.
Family-Centered Rounds
Authors: Rappaport David I. , Ketterer Tara A. , Nilforoshan Vahideh , Sharif Iman
Published: September 2011

Objective. To study the impact of family-centered rounds for general pediatrics inpatients. Methods. An observation tool and participant surveys was developed. The authors analyzed rounding time and rounds participants. Associations between family presence and participants’ satisfaction were analyzed. Results. Data were collected on 295 patients and from 257 staff members. Average rounding time was reduced with increased family and nurse presence (8.7 minutes with both, 12.7 minutes without family, P = .0001). Families reported high satisfaction regardless of participants. Families present on rounds reported increased knowledge of team members’ roles (54% vs 35%, P = .04). Attending physicians more often reported ease in managing rounds with families present. Senior residents perceived decreased autonomy with high family participation (11%) versus low family participation (70%; P = .02). Improved nurse satisfaction was associated with increased family and nurse participation. Conclusion. Family participation may shorten inpatient rounds. Families and staff were satisfied with family-centered rounds, though senior resident autonomy requires attention.
Ternary Phase Diagram of Model Dentin Adhesive Exposed to Over-wet Environments
Authors: Ye Q. , Park J. , Laurence J.S. , Parthasarathy R. , Misra A. , Spencer P.
Published: September 2011

When adhesives and/or composites are bonded to the tooth, water in the environment can interfere with proper interface formation. Formation of water blisters and phase separation at the adhesive/dentin interface have appeared as new types of bond defects. To better understand this problem, we determined the near-equilibrium partition of the hydrophobic/hydrophilic components when exposed to over-wet environments. Model methacrylate-based adhesives were mixed with different amounts of water to yield well-separated aqueous and resin phases. It was found that less than 0.1% BisGMA but nearly one-third of the HEMA diffused into the aqueous phase, leaving the remaining resin phase relatively hydrophobic. A partial phase diagram was created for the ternary BisGMA/HEMA/water system. All the experimental phase partitioning data were plotted, and the points lay on a binodal curve that separated the single-phase region from the two-phase region. We obtained the 3 tie lines by connecting the 2 points of each conjugate pair of the phase partitioning data from the 3 sets of tripartite mixtures. Information about solubility, water miscibility, distribution ratio, and phase partitioning behavior could be obtained quantitatively. This type of phase diagram will provide a more thorough understanding of current adhesive performance and elucidate directions for further improvement.
Gay-Straight Alliances, Social Justice Involvement, and School Victimization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Youth
Authors: Toomey Russell B. , Russell Stephen T.
Published: September 2011

Few studies have investigated school-based, positive development for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) youth, despite knowledge of their heightened negative school experiences compared to heterosexual youth (e.g., school victimization). This study examines associations among participation in Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)–related social justice activities, GSA presence, and GSA membership with victimization based on sexual orientation and school-based well-being (i.e., school safety, school belongingness, grade point average [GPA]) and future plans to vote. Using data from the Preventing School Harassment Study, a survey of 230 LGBQ students in 7th through 12th grades, the study finds that participation in GSA-related social justice activities and the presence of a GSA are positively associated with school belongingness and GPA. GSA membership is also positively associated with school belongingness. However, moderation analyses suggest that the positive benefits of GSA-related social justice involvement and the presence of a GSA dissipate at high levels of school victimization. Implications for schools are discussed.
Rethinking ‘tribe’ identities
Authors: Khan Suan H. Kham
Published: September 2011

The encounter between the state and disparate tribal groups in India’s north-east or elsewhere not only affirms the state’s monopoly of material and symbolic power but also opens up a complex and shifting discursive space. This article examines how the state’s practice of recognising ‘tribes’ legitimises fixed and legible ‘locational dialectal identities’ among the ‘Zo’ in India’s north-east and successfully transforms them into receivers of the state’s largesse. At the same time, these practices also reveal the unsettled nature and fuzziness of ‘tribe’ identities as clans, dialects, and languages overlap and cross-cut each other. Although enlisting tribes among the Zo fits the state’s ‘classificatory’ and ‘serial-isation’ grid, it also highlights the ‘narcissism of minor differences’ among them. While such enlisting helps expedite the integration of ‘tribes’ into the Indian state–nation building projects, it also unleashes contentious politics that prevent the emergence of larger frameworks of unity and solidarity across ‘tribes’. Against this backdrop, the article ex-amines ongoing attempts among the Zo to redefine and rethink ‘tribe’ identities to tran-scend their ‘locational dialectal identities’.
Efficacy of perceptive rehabilitation in the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain through a new tool: a randomized clinical study
Authors: Morone Giovanni , Iosa Marco , Paolucci Teresa , Fusco Augusto , Alcuri Rosaria , Spadini Ennio , Saraceni Vincenzo Maria , Paolucci Stefano
Published: September 2011

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a perceptive rehabilitative approach, based on a new device, with regard to pain and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Design: Single blind, randomized, controlled trial.

Setting: An outpatient academic hospital.

Patients: Seventy-five patients with chronic low back pain.

Interventions: Patients were randomized into three groups. Twenty-five subjects received 10 sessions in one month, based on specific perceptive exercises that were performed on a suitably developed device. Twenty-five patients entered a Back School programme. Twenty-five patients comprised a control group that received the same medical and pharmacological assistance as the other groups.

Main outcome measures: Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale and McGill Pain Questionnaire. Disability was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index and Waddell Disability Index. All measurements were recorded before treatment, at the end of the study, and at 12 and 24 weeks.

Results: General pain relief was recorded in all the groups, which was elicited more quickly in the perceptive treatment group; significant differences in pain scores were observed at the end of treatment ( P < 0.001 for visual analogue scale and P = 0.001 for Questionnaire) versus the other groups. Disability scores in the perceptive group did not differ significantly from those in the other group, whereas these scores significantly differed between Back School and control groups at the follow-ups ( P < 0.01 for both scales).

Conclusion: Perceptive rehabilitation has immediate positive effects on pain. Back School reduces disabilities at follow-up.
Sleep disturbance in euthymic bipolar patients
Authors: Sylvia Louisa G , Dupuy Jamie M , Ostacher Michael J , Cowperthwait Colleen M , Hay Aleena C , Sachs Gary S , Nierenberg Andrew A , Perlis Roy H
Published: September 2011

Sleep disturbance is a common feature during mood episodes in bipolar disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of such symptoms among euthymic bipolar patients, and their association with risk for mood episode recurrence. A cohort of bipolar I and II subjects participating in the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder who were euthymic for at least 8 weeks were included in this analysis. Survival analysis was used to examine the association between sleep disturbance on the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and recurrence risk. A total of 73/483 bipolar I and II subjects reported at least mild sleep disturbance (MADRS sleep item ≥2) for the week prior to study entry. The presence of sleep problems was associated with a history of psychosis, number of previous suicide attempts, and anticonvulsant use. Sleep disturbance at study entry was significantly associated with risk for mood episode recurrence. Sleep disturbance is not uncommon between episodes for individuals with bipolar disorder and may be associated with a more severe course of illness. This suggests that sleep disturbance is an important prodromal symptom of bipolar disorder and should be considered a target for pharmacologic or psychosocial maintenance treatment.
Primary headache syndromes in systemic mastocytosis
Authors: Smith Jonathan H , Butterfield Joseph H , Cutrer F Michael
Published: September 2011

Aim: To investigate the relationship between clinical mast cell activity and primary headache syndromes.

Methods: We surveyed individuals with systemic mastocytosis, an uncommon disorder associated with increased mast cell activity. Diagnoses of primary headache syndromes in addition to the relationship of headache and symptoms of mastocytosis were ascertained.

Results: A response rate of 64/148 (43.2%) was achieved. Headache diagnoses in our respondents (n = 64) were largely migraine (37.5%) and tension-type headaches (17.2%). Typical aura with and without migraine headache was highly represented in our patient population (n = 25, 39%). Three individuals met criteria for primary cough headache (4.7%). Symptoms reflective of mast cell activity were significantly greater in individuals reporting headaches. Patients experiencing headache concurrently with mastocytosis flairs were more likely to be male (p = 0.002), have histaminergic symptoms, such as itching (p = 0.02) and runny nose (p = 0.03), and have unilateral cranial autonomic features (p = 0.04). However, using standardized International Headache Society criteria, we did not identify individuals with cluster headache or other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias in this population.

Conclusions: Our observational survey-based data supports a clinical relationship between mast cell activity and primary headache syndromes. Generalizability of our results is limited by the low response rate and possible tertiary referral bias.
Prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia and persistent idiopathic facial pain: A population-based study
Authors: Mueller Daniel , Obermann Mark , Yoon Min-Suk , Poitz Franziska , Hansen Niels , Slomke Marc-Andre , Dommes Peter , Gizewski Elke , Diener Hans-Christoph , Katsarava Zaza
Published: September 2011

Objective: To estimate the lifetime prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and persistent idiopathic facial pain (PIFP) in a population-based sample in Germany.

Methods: A total of 3336 responders of 6000 contacted inhabitants of the city of Essen in Germany were screened using a self-assessment questionnaire. 327 individuals, who reported recurrent facial pain and randomly selected 150 (5% of 3009) screening negative subjects, received a phone interview by one of six neurologists and if necessary a face-to-face examination. Those with suspected TN or PIFP following the phone interview underwent neurological examination by two neurologists who were unaware of the presumed diagnosis. A random group of 25 (10% of 247) phone interview negative subjects was examined face-to-face. All suspected cases of PIFP received otorhinolaryngological examination and diagnostic cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In TN patients the number of vessel-nerve contacts was determined by thin-slice cranial MRI.

Results: Lifetime prevalence of TN was estimated to be 0.3% [10 of 3336; 95% CI 0.1–0.5%], of PIFP 0.03% [1 of 3336; 95% CI < 0.08%]. Thin-slice cranial MRI detected five vessel-nerve contacts and no symptomatic lesions in the 10 TN patients.

Conclusions: This large population-based study revealed that TN and PIFP are rare facial pain disorders.
Phenobarbital and Temperature Profile During Hypothermia for Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Sant’Anna Guilherme , Laptook Abbot R. , Shankaran Seetha , Bara Rebecca , McDonald Scott A. , Higgins Rosemary D. , Tyson Jon E. , Ehrenkranz Richard A. , Das Abhik , Goldberg Ronald N. , Walsh Michele C.
Published: September 2011

Data from the whole-body hypothermia trial was analyzed to examine the effects of phenobarbital administration prior to cooling (+PB) on the esophageal temperature ( Te) profile, during the induction phase of hypothermia. A total of 98 infants were analyzed. At enrollment, +PB infants had a higher rate of severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and clinical seizures and lower Te and cord pH than infants that have not received phenobarbital (–PB). There was a significant effect of phenobarbital itself and an interaction between phenobarbital and time in the Te profile. Mean Te in the +PB group was lower than in the –PB group, and the differences decreased over time. In +PB infants, the time to surpass target Te of 33.5°C and to reach the minimum Te during overshoot were shorter. In conclusion, the administration of phenobarbital before cooling was associated with changes that may reflect a reduced thermogenic response associated with barbiturates.
Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Childhood Ischemic Stroke in a Single Korean Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Lee Eun Hye , Yum Mi-Sun , Ko Tae-Sung
Published: September 2011

A 10-year, retrospective review of the risk factors and clinical outcome of childhood ischemic stroke treated in a single tertiary care center was conducted. Sixty-two children were identified (33 boys and 29 girls), ages 1 month to 17 years. Risk factors included vasculopathy (35.5%), cardiac disease (17.4%), metabolic disorder (14.5%), infection (14.5%), and coagulopathy (1.6%). Nine patients (14.5%) had no identifiable cause of stroke and 1 patient had 2 risk factors. Hemiplegia (69.3%) and seizures (32.3%) were the most common presenting features, and seizures were significantly more frequent in children <12 months of age than in older children (71.4% vs 20.8%, P = .001). Recurrence of stroke occurred in 55.6% of patients with metabolic disorder, 33.3% of those with cardiac disease, and 19.0% of those with vasculopathy. Vasculopathy including moyamoya disease was the most important risk factor for ischemic stroke in Korea, and their prognosis were varied with the etiology of stroke.
On the stability of pseudo-shocks in transonic flows from an asymptotic viewpoint
Authors: Meyer G , Kluwick A
Published: September 2011

The global stability properties of weak pseudo-shocks in transonic diffusers are discussed based on a mathematically consistent treatment of strong shock–boundary layer interaction. The equations governing the viscous–inviscid interactions taking place are obtained by matched asymptotic expansions starting from first principles of fluid dynamics. The global stability analysis reveals that the interaction of the pseudo-shock with a shock-induced separation bubble is at the root of self-sustained shock oscillations widely known from technical transonic diffuser flows. It is thus demonstrated that the resulting problem conserves essential properties of transonic flows through diffusers even under the restrictive set of assumptions needed in course of the problem formulation like assumption of laminar boundary flow. Therefore, the presented problem could serve as a suitable starting point to obtain a deeper theoretical insight into the problem of shock oscillations by a suitable generalization of the global linear stability analysis to the weakly non-linear case in future efforts.
Numerical simulation of supersonic jet instability modes of plane and notched rectangular nozzles
Authors: Han S Y , Taghavi R R , Farokhi S
Published: September 2011

The effect of exit geometry of a rectangular nozzle on the instability modes and mixing characteristics of under-expanded supersonic jets is computationally investigated. The unsteady three-dimensional viscous simulation is based on the Proteus code developed at NASA Glenn Research Center. A shock adaptive grid generator was developed to enhance the shock simulation. The nozzle aspect ratio for both plane and notched rectangular nozzles in this study is 5.0 and the fully expanded jet Mach number is 1.526. For the case of a plane rectangular nozzle, the ‘flapping’ oscillations, which are extensively observed in schlieren flow visualization and reported in acoustic measurements, are also captured in the presented computations. The flapping frequency in experimental measurements (7400 Hz) is closely predicted in the presented computations (7500 Hz). The symmetrical instability mode is also observed as viewed from the nozzle’s small and large dimensions at twice the flapping frequency. For the notched rectangular nozzle, the flapping oscillations ceased and instead a spanwise oscillation mode was observed as viewed from the nozzle’s large dimension. The instantaneous mass flowrate at nine jet widths downstream of the nozzle exit showed an increase of 8.5 per cent in mass flowrate in the jet emerging from the notched as compared to the plane rectangular nozzle.
Stability analyses of inclined rotor bearing system based on non-linear oil film force models
Authors: Liu Z S , Qian D S , Sun L Q , Wang Y L
Published: September 2011

Stability characteristics of inclined rotor bearing system are investigated by numerical and experimental research. The dynamic equation is established based on finite element method. To describe the oil film force of journal bearing, Capone’s short bearing model and a variational approximate finite bearing model are employed separately and compared. Different inclination states are considered as different radial loads on journal bearing. Newmark method employed to solve the dynamic equation and stability characteristics are discussed. The numerical results show that the short and finite bearing models have differences on describing the oil force induced oil whirl and whip. Compared with the short bearing model results, unstable zones given by finite bearing model have larger breadth and larger whirl/whip amplitude. With the development of rotor inclination, the unstable threshold decreases and the unstable zone become wider. Influences of parameters on unstable thresholds are also affected by rotor inclination. Comparisons of numerical and experimental results show that the finite bearing model results are more close to the test results.
Soft impact dynamics of a cantilever beam: equivalent SDOF model versus infinite-dimensional system
Authors: Andreaus U , Placidi L , Rega G
Published: September 2011

Non-smooth dynamics of a cantilever beam subjected to a transverse harmonic force and impacting onto a soft obstacle is studied. Upon formulating the equations of motion of the beam, proper attention is paid to identifying the mechanical properties of an equivalent single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) piecewise linear impacting model. A multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) model of the impacting beam is also derived via standard finite elements. An ‘optimal’ identification curve of the obstacle spring rigidities in the two models is obtained by comparing the relevant pseudo-resonance frequencies. The identification is then exploited in the non-linear dynamic regime to get hints on some main, mostly regular, features of non-linear dynamic response of the impacting beam by the actual investigation of the behaviour of the sole equivalent SDOF model, with a definitely lower computational effort. Sample regular and non-regular responses of the MDOF model are also presented where the identification does not work. Overall, useful points are made as regards the possibility and the limitations of referring to an SDOF impacting model to investigate the non-linear response of the underlying infinite-dimensional system.
Constrained functional knowledge modelling and clustering to support conceptual design
Authors: Hu X , Hu J , Peng Y , Cao Z
Published: September 2011

This article presents a functional knowledge modelling and clustering scheme that supports conceptual design process. First, a general framework is introduced. Second, a new constrained functional knowledge model (CFKM) is presented. The details of the model include functional knowledge-related definitions, construction process of CFKM, concept of function relevancy, and structure relevancy. Finally, the proposed functional knowledge modelling method is applied to conceptual design of ‘sealing’ function in a hydraulic cylinder, which demonstrates the possibility in utilizing the functional knowledge with a unified systematic modelling scheme. The construction of CFKMs and the corresponding functional knowledge base is also contributed to intelligent conceptual design system in the future.
Research on the biomechanics friction characteristics based on the typical bus–pedestrian accident
Authors: Xiaoyun Z , Xianlong J , Xianghai C , Xinyi H
Published: September 2011

The simulation precision of the vehicle–pedestrian accident is influenced by the numerous pre-impact parameters. Among them, the biomechanics friction characteristics of pedestrian exert direct influence on the reconstruction of vehicle–pedestrian accident. Given the complicacy of human body and the traffic accident, it is difficult to chase down the pedestrian–vehicle and pedestrian–road contact characteristics in the accident merely through experiments. The analysis on biomechanics friction characteristics in vehicle–pedestrian accident based on the design of experiment method are discussed in this article. The reliability of the friction characteristics can be verified by the optimization method. Finally, the method is applied to reconstruct a real typical case of a bus–pedestrian accident. The numerical reconstruction results gained by the method have high accuracy and credibility. The study also provides a new way to analyse the vehicle–pedestrian accident cause.
Finite element implementation of the eigenfunction series solution for transient heat conduction problems with low Biot number
Authors: Al-Shabibi A , Barber J R
Published: September 2011

Analytical solutions to transient heat conduction problems are often obtained by superposition of a particular solution (often the steady-state solution) and an eigenfunction series, representing the terms that decay exponentially with time. Here, a finite element realization of this method is presented in which conventional finite element discretization is used for the spatial distribution of temperature and analytical methods for the time dependence. This leads to a linear eigenvalue problem whose solution then enables a general numerical model of the transient system to be created. The method is an attractive alternative to conventional time-marching schemes, particularly in cases where it is desired to explore the effect of a wide range of operating parameters. The method can be applied to any transient heat conduction problem, but particular attention is paid to the case where the Biot number is small compared with unity and where the evolution of the system is very close to that with zero heat loss from the exposed surfaces. This situation arises commonly in machines such as brakes and clutches which experience occasional short periods of intense heating. Numerical examples show that with typical parameter values, the simpler zero heat loss solution provides very good accuracy. One also shows that good approximations can be achieved using a relatively small subset of the eigenvectors of the problem.
An entropy generation and genetic algorithm optimization of two-bed adsorption cooling cycle
Authors: Myat A , Thu K , Ng K C , Kim Y-D
Published: September 2011

This article presents the performance analysis of adsorption cooling, shortly AD, system using a thermodynamic framework with an entropy generation analysis. The model captures the transient and the cyclic steady-state performances of the adsorption–desorption cycles operating under assorted heat source temperatures. Type-RD silica gel, with a pore surface area of 720 m2/g and diameters 0.4–0.7 mm, is used as an adsorbent and its high affinity for thewater vapour adsorbate gives a high equilibrium uptake. The key advantages of the AD are (a) it has no moving parts rendering less maintenance and (b) the energy efficient means of cooling by the adsorption process with a low-temperature heat source and (c) it is environmental friendly with low carbon footprint. By incorporating the genetic algorithm onto the entropy minimization technique, it is possible to locate the optimal system performance point or the global minima with respect to entropy generation using the system parameters such as coolant and heat source water temperatures, heat transfer areas, etc. The system analysis shows that the minimization of entropy generation in the AD cycle leads to the maximization of the coefficient of performance and this translates into a higher delivery of useful cooling effects at the particular input resource temperature.
Case study: Vortex amplifier assemblies for glovebox applications containing radiological hazard
Authors: Francis J , Zhang G , Parker D
Published: September 2011

Operation of gloveboxes containing radiological hazards relies on risks being broadly acceptable. Worker protection is maintained in the event of damage to the containment wall or gloves by a vortex amplifier (VXA). The most recent gloveboxes to be made active at the Sellafield site are protected by a ‘Mini-VXA’, which is a geometrically scaled down version of the previous standard version. This article describes the assembly that incorporates the mini-VXA. It traces the major innovations in VXA system technology that have been employed on alpha gloveboxes at Sellafield since 1970, culminating in the discovery of high levels of O2 in gloveboxes protected by the mini-VXA during commissioning of same. Laboratory tests and field trials are reported that were aimed at overcoming the unexpectedly high demand of the mini-VXA for inert gas; and the solution eventually adopted.
Emotion-Regulation Choice
Authors: Sheppes Gal , Scheibe Susanne , Suri Gaurav , Gross James J.
Published: September 2011

Despite centuries of speculation about how to manage negative emotions, little is actually known about which emotion-regulation strategies people choose to use when confronted with negative situations of varying intensity. On the basis of a new process conception of emotion regulation, we hypothesized that in low-intensity negative situations, people would show a relative preference to choose to regulate emotions by engagement reappraisal, which allows emotional processing. However, we expected people in high-intensity negative situations to show a relative preference to choose to regulate emotions by disengagement distraction, which blocks emotional processing at an early stage before it gathers force. In three experiments, we created emotional contexts that varied in intensity, using either emotional pictures (Experiments 1 and 2) or unpredictable electric stimulation (Experiment 3). In response to these emotional contexts, participants chose between using either reappraisal or distraction as an emotion-regulation strategy. Results in all experiments supported our hypothesis. This pattern in the choice of emotion-regulation strategies has important implications for the understanding of healthy adaptation.
Perspectives of Indian Women Managers in the Public Sector
Authors: Naqvi Farah
Published: September 2011

Women in India have struggled to establish an identity and create a space for themselves at their workplaces, especially in terms of leadership. This study explores and portrays women’s perceptions and dilemmas when confronted with the ideas and expectations of traditional society while conforming to a contemporary code of conduct at work. Women managers working in a leading public sector company were asked four key questions. Their responses highlight the values, attitudes and beliefs of the women and the challenges faced by them in their careers and within the family system, raising many issues and giving pointers for future research.
Literary Culture on the Burma–Manipur Frontier in the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries
Authors: Charney Michael W.
Published: September 2011

Intellectual exchange between South Asian and Southeast Asian societies before and outside of colonialism is still poorly understood, both because of the lingering cultural essentialism promoted by colonial scholarship and the national and regional politics that have dominated historical perspectives since. Certainly, the role of local literati in the Chindwin river area on the Burma–Manipur frontier as mediators in the movement of ideas and literature between the Indian subcontinent and Burma in the 18th and 19th centuries has been obscured by conventional political and intellectual history. This historiography has both partitioned and incor-porated the local, the transregional and the culturally diverse into national, regional and mono-cultural frameworks. The call by scholars of border-lands to reverse the way we examine border areas, taking a view from the periphery rather than the perspective of the centre, also invites the explora-tion of cultures that can complicate the state-centred narrative of literary history. The present article examines one precolonial scholarly network and the nature of its activities on what is conventionally viewed as the cultural and political periphery to raise questions about the central role attributed to the royal court in literary production, the neglect of the role of important women as patrons of local cultural activity, and the origins of Burma’s national literary heritage.