bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boosting Parallel Applications Performance on Applying DIM Technique in a Multiprocessing Environment
Authors: Rutzig Mateus B. , Beck Antonio C. S. , Madruga Felipe , Alves Marco A. , Freitas Henrique C. , Maillard Nicolas , Navaux Philippe O. A. , Carro Luigi
Published: April 2011

Limits of instruction-level parallelism and higher transistor density sustain the increasing need for multiprocessor systems: they are rapidly taking over both general-purpose and embedded processor domains. Current multiprocessing systems are composed either of many homogeneous and simple cores or of complex superscalar, simultaneous multithread processing elements. As parallel applications are becoming increasingly present in embedded and general-purpose domains and multiprocessing systems must handle a wide range of different application classes, there is no consensus over which are the best hardware solutions to better exploit instruction-level parallelism (TLP) and thread-level parallelism (TLP) together. Therefore, in this work, we have expanded the DIM (dynamic instruction merging) technique to be used in a multiprocessing scenario, proving the need for an adaptable ILP exploitation even in TLP architectures. We have successfully coupled a dynamic reconfigurable system to an SPARC-based multiprocessor and obtained performance gains of up to 40%, even for applications that show a great level of parallelism at thread level.
Silent Uterine Rupture with the Use of Misoprostol for Second Trimester Termination of Pregnancy : A Case Report
Authors: Cuellar Torriente Martin
Published: April 2011

Uterine rupture is an uncommon, but a life-threatening, complication following second trimester medical termination of pregnancy (TOP). The reported cases have been in both the scarred and unscarred uterus (Rajesh et al. 2002, Drey et al. 2006, and Dickinson). A 27-year-old with two previous deliveries, no previous caesarean section, no history of induced abortions, and no gynaecological operations. She presented with amenorrhoea, and according to her last normal menstruation, she was 10 weeks and 5 days. Ultrasound was done, and it reported 16 weeks and 5 days. She asked for TOP. According to the clinic's protocol, misoprostol 800 mcg (4 tabs) were given to be used vaginally as a loading dose and another three to be taken orally after that. In the following day when she attended the clinic for follow up, a manual vacuum aspiration (MVA). A manual vacuum aspiration was indicated as an incomplete abortion. During the procedure, a uterine rupture was found in the uterine lower segment. A laparotomy was done and a lineal uterine rupture was found and sutured. The patient had a good postoperative recovery and was discharged from hospital after four days. The clinician dealing with second trimester terminations should be aware of the possibility of having a uterine rupture, especially in patients with a uterine scar in order to make an early diagnosis.
C‐N Difference Schemes for Dissipative Symmetric Regularized Long Wave Equations with Damping Term
Authors: Hu Jinsong , Hu Bing , Xu Youcai
Published: April 2011

We study the initial‐boundary problem of dissipative symmetric regularized
long wave equations with damping term. Crank‐Nicolson nonlinear‐implicit finite difference
scheme is designed. Existence and uniqueness of numerical solutions are derived. It is proved
that the finite difference scheme is of second‐order convergence and unconditionally stable by the
discrete energy method. Numerical simulations verify the theoretical analysis.
Laser-Induced Defects in a Bulk GaAs Used as an Output Coupler in an Nd : YAG Laser Cavity
Authors: Payziyev Sh. , Bakhramov S. , Kasimov A. , Shayimov F.
Published: April 2011

By using bulk GaAs as an output coupler as well as a saturable absorber, with changing of concentration of defects inside the laser cavity, Q-switching of flashlamp-pumped Nd : YAG laser has been studied. It is shown that the formation of the laser pulses, in a wide range of duration, which were reported in a lot of previous papers is caused by the intracavity changes of the defect concentration in GaAs. The factor of increase in defect concentration is estimated by modeling of the pulse formation process.
Clinical Outcome of Intra-Arterial Embolization for Treatment of Patients with Pelvic Trauma
Authors: Barentsz M. W. , Vonken E. P. A. , van Herwaarden J. A. , Leenen L. P. H. , Mali W. P. Th. M. , van den Bosch M. A. A. J.
Published: April 2011

Purpose. To analyse the technical success of pelvic embolization in our institution and to assess periprocedural hemodynamic status and morbidity/mortality of all pelvic trauma patients who underwent pelvic embolization.Methods. A retrospective analysis of patients with a pelvic fracture due to trauma who underwent arterial embolization was performed. Clinical data, pelvic radiographs, contrast-enhanced CT-scans, and angiographic findings were reviewed. Subsequently, the technical success and peri-procedural hemodynamic status were evaluated and described.Results. 19 trauma patients with fractures of the pelvis underwent arterial embolization. Initially, 10/19 patients (53%) were hemodynamically unstable prior to embolization. Technical success of embolization was 100%. 14/19 patients (74%) were stable after embolization, and treatment success was high as 74%.Conclusion. Angiography with subsequent embolization should be performed in patients with a pelvic fracture due to trauma and hemodynamic instability, after surgical intervention or with a persistent arterial blush indicative of an active bleeding on CT.
Simplifying the Performance Analysis of the SPRT for GPS Acquisition
Authors: O'Mahony Niamh , Lachapelle Gérard , Murphy Colin C.
Published: April 2011

A new approximation for the distribution of the probability ratio in a sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) using noncoherent integration across a full code period is presented. The new approximation is valid for the carrier-to-noise power ratios (C/N0) typically encountered in GPS acquisition (20 dB-Hz ≤ C/N0 ≤ 50 dB-Hz), and it allows accurate theoretical performance analysis of the SPRT to be carried
out for signals in this C/N0 range, eliminating the need for lengthy simulations for each scenario under
investigation. Thus, the SPRT performance can be readily compared to that of other acquisition strategies
for receiver design. Previous approximations in the literature are not valid in the range 20 dB-Hz ≤ C/N0 ≤ 50 dB-Hz.
Combining Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Vorinostat with Aurora Kinase Inhibitors Enhances Lymphoma Cell Killing with Repression of c-Myc, hTERT, and microRNA Levels
Authors: Kretzner Leo , Scuto Anna , Dino Pamela M. , Kowolik Claudia M. , Wu Jun , Ventura Patrick , Jove Richard , Forman Stephen J. , Yen Yun , Kirschbaum Mark H.
Published: April 2011

MK-0457 and MK-5108 are novel aurora kinase inhibitors (AKi) leading to G2–M cell-cycle arrest. Growth and survival of multiple lymphoma cell lines were studied with either drug alone or in combination with vorinostat, a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), using MTS and Annexin V assays, followed by molecular studies. Either of the AKi alone at 100 to 500 nmol/L resulted in approximately 50% reduced cell growth and 10% to 40% apoptosis. Addition of vorinostat reactivated proapoptotic genes and enhanced lymphoma cell death. Quantitative PCR and immunoblotting revealed that epigenetic and protein acetylation mechanisms were responsible for this activity. The prosurvival genes Bcl-XL and hTERT were downregulated 5-fold by combination drug treatment, whereas the proapoptotic BAD and BID genes were upregulated 3-fold. The p53 tumor suppressor was stabilized by an increased acetylation in response to vorinostat and a reduced Ser315 phosphorylation in response to aurora kinase A. Vorinostat or trichostatin A decreased MYC mRNA and protein as well as c-Myc-regulated microRNAs. MYC is a critical gene in these responses, as MYC knockdown combined with the expression of the c-Myc antagonist MXD1 raised cell sensitivity to the effects of either AKi. Thus, the HDACi vorinostat leads to both transcriptional and posttranscriptional changes to create a proapoptotic milieu, sensitizing cells to mitosis-specific agents such as AKis. Cancer Res; 71(11); 3912–20. ©2011 AACR.
A Requirement of STAT3 DNA Binding Precludes Th-1 Immunostimulatory Gene Expression by NF-κB in Tumors
Authors: Lee Heehyoung , Deng Jiehui , Xin Hong , Liu Yong , Pardoll Drew , Yu Hua
Published: April 2011

Both STAT3 and NF-κB are persistently activated in diverse cancers and promote tumor cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis through transcriptional activation of multiple common genes. Paradoxically, STAT3 also suppresses many NF-κB–inducible genes involved in innate and adaptive antitumor immunity in spite of elevated levels of NF-κB in tumors. In this study, we show that expression of many NF-κB downstream target genes in tumors depends on STAT3 DNA binding. When STAT3 is elevated in tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells, persistently activated NF-κB interacts with STAT3 and preferentially binds to genes with STAT3-binding site(s) in promoters. A large number of NF-κB downstream genes associated with oncogenesis and chronic inflammation contain STAT3 DNA-binding site(s). However, in contrast, many genes frequently associated with antitumor immunity lack STAT3 DNA-binding site(s) and can only be activated by NF-κB when STAT3 is inhibited in tumors. The introduction of STAT3 DNA-binding sequences by site-specific mutagenesis in an immunostimulatory gene promoter allows its transcriptional activation by NF-κB in tumor cells. Furthermore, STAT3 facilitates NF-κB binding to genes that are important for tumor growth while inhibiting its binding to Th-1 immunostimulatory genes in growing tumors, including in tumor-infiltrating immune cells. The results of this study provide insight into how some of the oncogenic/inflammatory and Th-1 immunostimulatory genes are differentially regulated in cancer. Cancer Res; 71(11); 3772–80. ©2011 AACR.
Aminoguanidine Improves Epididymal Sperm Parameters in Varicocelized Rats
Authors: Abbasi M. , Alizadeh R. , Abolhassani F. , Amidi F. , Hassanzadeh G. , Ejtemaei Mehr S. , Dehpour A.R.
Published: April 2011

Introduction:Increased levels of nitric oxide (NO) in the spermatic veins of men affected by varicocele have already been reported. But there is no study to discriminate the subtype of catalytic enzyme for synthesis of NO. In this study, aminoguanidine (AG), an inducible NO synthase inhibitor, has been used to investigate its effect on sperm parameters. Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. In groups A and B, left experimental varicocele was induced by a 20-gauge needle. Group C (sham) underwent a similar procedure to groups A and B, but the spermatic vein was left intact, and group D served as control group. The animals in group A were killed 10 weeks later and their sperm count, motility, morphology and vitality were evaluated. Group B received 50 mg/kg AG with i.p. injection daily for 10 weeks. Results: Sperm count, motility, morphology and vitality were significantly decreased in group A in comparison to control group (p ≤ 0.05). In group B, sperm parameters improved in comparison to group A (p ≤ 0.01). Group C did not show any significant alterations in sperm parameters compared with control group. Conclusion: These findings may support the concept that AG can improve the sperm count, motility, morphology and vitality in infertile rats with varicocele.
Association between Affective Temperaments and Bipolar Spectrum Disorders: Preliminary Perspectives from a Controlled Family Study
Authors: Gandotra Sachin , Ram Daya , Kour Jatinder , Praharaj Samir Kumar
Published: April 2011

Background: The study aimed at determining the temperamental underpinnings of bipolar spectrum disorders (BSD) in the first-degree relatives (FDR) of patients with bipolar I disorder in comparison with control subjects. Sampling and Methods: The sample consisted of 198 subjects: 33 bipolar I probands and their 33 FDR in the experimental group, 33 schizophrenia probands and their 33 FDR in the patient control group, and 33 normal healthy controls and their 33 FDR. The affective temperament and the BSD were assessed using the Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire and the criteria of Ghaemi et al. [Can J Psychiatry 2002;47:125–134], respectively. Results: Among the FDR of bipolar I probands, 27.3% satisfied the diagnosis of BSD, which was significantly higher than in the other groups (relative risk = 6, 95% CI = 1.74–20.69). Bipolar probands were significantly more hyperthymic as compared to controls (relative risk = 2, 95% CI = 1.34–2.98), and both the FDR of the bipolar and the FDR of the patient control groups were significantly more hyperthymic as compared to the FDR of the normal controls (relative risk = 1.52, 95% CI = 0.93–2.51). FDR (of bipolar patients) with BSD had a significantly higher total irritable temperament score as compared to FDR (of bipolar patients) without BSD (mean difference = 2.07, 95% CI = 0.64–3.50). Conclusions: Our findings support the fact that the whole spectrum of bipolarity is transmitted in susceptible families. The graded distribution of hyperthymia suggests it to be a milder expression of bipolarity in the FDR of bipolar patients. The irritable temperament appears to be a specific vulnerability marker for the development of BSD.
The Impact of Decreased Environmental Reward in Predicting Depression Severity: Support for Behavioral Theories of Depression
Authors: Carvalho John , Trent Lindsay R. , Hopko Derek R.
Published: April 2011

Insufficient response-contingent positive reinforcement and decreased environmental reward have been hypothesized to directly contribute to the onset and persistence of depression. The present study examined whether decreased environmental reward was significantly associated with self-reported depression and diagnosed major depression relative to other well-established risk factors that included gender, stressful life events, traumatic life events, childhood maltreatment, and cognitive vulnerability. Based on hierarchical regression analyses, all variables except gender were significantly associated with self-reported depression, and stressful life events, cognitive vulnerability, and decreased environmental reward were associated with diagnosed depression. Of all variables, decreased environmental reward was most strongly related to both self-reported depression and diagnosed clinical depression. The incremental validity of environmental reward in predicting self-reported depression and clinical depression was established, accounting for significant unique variance (12%) in each regression equation. Implications for conceptualizing and treating depression are discussed.
Persecution-Induced Reduction in Earning Capacity of Holocaust Victims: Influence of Psychiatric and Somatic Aspects
Authors: Müller Helge , Seifert Frank , Asemann Rita , Schütz Patricia , Maler Juan-Manuel , Sperling Wolfgang
Published: April 2011

The incidence of mental and somatic sequelae is very high in the group of persons damaged by the Holocaust. Based on the sociomedical criteria prevailing in Germany, the assessment of persecution-induced reduction in earning capacity of Holocaust victims (vMdE) is mainly orientated towards direct Holocaust-induced somatic and mental sequelae but must also take into account the interaction of direct Holocaust-induced damage with subsequently acquired physical, mental, and psychosocial factors. The current medical evaluation is focused on the question whether persecution-induced symptoms are exacerbated by endogenous factors like mental or somatic diseases and/or exogenous factors like life events. In that case the grade of vMdE could be increased. Based on the synopsis of 56 Holocaust victims, we ascertained in this study that newly acquired somatic diseases and psychic morbidities contribute to an increase in persecution-induced mental complaints.
Clinical Significance of T-Cadherin Tissue Expression in Patients with Bladder Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Lin YingLi , Sun Guang , Liu XiaoQiang , Chen YeGang , Zhang ChunTing
Published: April 2011

Objective: To investigate the clinical significance of T-cadherin (T-cad) tissue expression in patients with bladder transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). Materials and Methods: T-cad expression in 113 bladder TCC specimens and 37 normal controls were examined by immunohistochemical staining, and the results were correlated with clinicopathologic parameters. The χ2 test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard model were used for statistical analysis. Results: T-cad expression in bladder TCC samples was lower than in the controls. Decreased T-cad expression was correlated with advanced stage (p = 0.0027), high grade (p = 0.0078), large tumor size (p = 0.0262), and tumor relapse (p = 0.0293), but no association was found among T-cad expression and age (p = 0.1265), gender (p = 0.4236), tumor number (p = 0.0595) or tumor shape (p = 0.1779). Moreover, decreased T-cad expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival (p = 0.0168), even though it is not an independent prognostic marker (p = 0.2005). Conclusions: Decreased T-cad expression in tumor tissues is closely associated with malignancy in bladder TCC.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Inhibitor LY294002 Suppresses Proliferation and Sensitizes Doxorubicin Chemotherapy in Bladder Cancer Cells
Authors: Wu Deyao , Tao Jun , Xu Bin , Qing Weijie , Li Pengchao , Lu Qiang , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2011

Background: Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT signaling is a well-characterized pathway involved in control of cell proliferation, apoptosis and oncogenesis. LY294002 is a commonly used pharmacologic inhibitor which acts at the ATP-binding site of the PI3K enzyme, and thus selectively inhibits the PI3K-AKT nexus. The purpose of the study was to examine whether PI3K inhibited by LY294002 had effects in human bladder cancer cells. Methods: After treatment with LY294002, MTT assay, a chemosensitivity test, colony formation assay, apoptosis assay and Western blot analysis were conducted in EJ cells. Result: EJ cells treated with LY294002 showed significant AKT phosphorylation suppressing in a dose-response manner. Additionally, the PI3K/AKT signaling inhibitor LY294002 suppressed cell proliferation and enhanced chemosensitivity to doxorubicin in human bladder cancer EJ cells. Furthermore, LY294002 increased cell apoptosis to doxorubicin. Conclusion: The augmentation of doxorubicin with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 may resolve the multidrug resistance of bladder cancer, and this may be a new strategy for achieving tolerance for chemotherapeutic agents in bladder cancer therapy.
Vitamin D Receptor Genetic Polymorphisms and the Risk of Urolithiasis: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Yiwei , Mao Qiqi , Zheng Xiangyi , Chen Hong , Yang Kai , Xie Liping
Published: April 2011

Objective: Genetic variants of vitamin D receptor (VDR) were implicated in urolithiasis susceptibility in several case-control studies. However, these studies so far have provided conflicting results. In order to investigate the potential relationship, a meta-analysis was conducted. Methods: Eligible studies were retrieved via both computerized searches and review of references. The relation of VDR polymorphisms to urolithiasis was quantified on ApaI, BsmI, FokI and TaqI separately. Stratified analyses on regional characteristics and stone composition were also performed. Estimates of OR with 95% CI were summarized using the fixed- or random-effect models as appropriate. Results: A total of 17 studies were included in our analysis. There was no evidence showing significant associations between ApaI and BsmI polymorphisms and urolithiasis risk in overall estimates. However, f allele and ff+Ff genotype in the dominant model of FokI were related with an increase of urolithiasis risk. TaqI also presented with increased urolithiasis risk with t allele and tt+Tt genotype in the dominant model. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis indicated VDR polymorphisms could be potential biomarkers for urolithiasis susceptibility.
Could Iron Accumulation Be an Etiology of the White Matter Change in Alzheimer’s Disease: Using Phase Imaging to Detect White Matter Iron Deposition Based on Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Authors: Ling Hua-Wei , Ding Bei , Wang Tao , Zhang Huan , Chen Ke-Min
Published: April 2011

Background/Aims: To investigate if and where abnormal iron accumulation in white matter fibers occurs in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by phase imaging and to relate these findings to white matter tract degeneration assessed by diffusion tensor imaging. Methods: Twenty-five patients with AD and 20 normal controls underwent phase imaging and diffusion tensor imaging with a 3.0-tesla system. White matter fibers including fornix (Fx), genu of corpus callosum (GCC), splenium of corpus callosum (SCC), bilateral posterior cingulum (PC), superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) and frontal occipital fasciculus (IOF) were measured on a fractional anisotropy (FA) map, mean diffusivity (MD) map and phase map. Results: Significantly decreased phase values and FA values in the Fx and PC regions were found in the AD group. The phase value in Fx had a moderately positive correlation with the FA value (r = 0.666, p = 0.000) in the AD group. Meanwhile, phase values in PC showed positive correlation with FA values (right side: r = 0.436, p = 0.033; left side: r = 0.458, p = 0.022, respectively). Conclusion: Iron accumulation of Fx and PC regions was significantly positively correlated with FA value, indicating that abnormal iron deposition may be one of the causes of white matter disruption in AD.
Is It Always Necessary to Apply Botulinum Toxin into the Lower Facial Muscles in Hemifacial Spasm? A Randomized, Single-Blind, Crossover Trial
Authors: Colakoglu Beril Donmez , Cakmur Raif , Uzunel Fatma
Published: April 2011

Background: Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections are accepted as safe and efficacious in the treatment of hemifacial spasm (HFS), but it is still debated whether BTX treatment of lower facial muscles should be performed or not. Objective: The study aims to evaluate the necessity of BTX administration into lower facial muscles in patients with HFS. Methods: A randomized, single-blind, crossover, clinical trial was conducted. Twenty-three HFS patients were randomly allocated to two different application methods. The patients were administered BTX type A into both the orbicularis oculi and perioral muscles in the first method and BTX type A into the orbicularis oculi but placebo into the perioral muscles in the second method. Subjects were crossed over to the alternate method when they needed BTX injection with a minimum of 3 months’ duration. All the patients underwent both methods with no change in the total dose of BTX. Results: All the patients benefited from BTX treatment regardless of the methods. However, in the patients with severe lower facial muscle involvement, the application of BTX into both orbicularis oculi and lower facial muscles led to better results. Conclusion: Our data suggest that BTX application to lower facial muscles might not be necessary in patients with mild lower facial involvement.
Relationship Between Early Diastolic Dysfunction and Abnormal Microvolt T-Wave Alternans in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bonapace Stefano , Targher Giovanni , Molon Giulio , Rossi Andrea , Costa Alessandro , Zenari Luciano , Bertolini Lorenzo , Cian Debora , Lanzoni Laura , Barbieri Enrico
Published: April 2011

Background—

Abnormal microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA), a marker of ventricular arrhythmic risk, is a highly prevalent condition in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is correlated with glycemic control. However, there is uncertainty as to whether central or peripheral hemodynamic factors are associated with abnormal MTWA in T2DM individuals.

Methods and Results—

We studied 50 consecutive, well-controlled T2DM outpatients without a history of ischemic heart disease and with normal systolic function. All patients underwent a complete echocardiographic Doppler evaluation with spectral tissue Doppler analysis. MTWA analysis was performed noninvasively during submaximal exercise. Effective arterial elastance, arterial compliance, and heart rate variability were also measured. Compared with patients with MTWA negativity (n=38), those with MTWA abnormality (n=12, 24%) had significantly lower e′ (7.6±1.3 versus 9.1±1.7 cm/s;
P
<0.01), a′ (10.2±1.6 versus 12.7±1.9 cm/s;
P
<0.001) and s′ velocities (8.7±1.1 versus 10.2±1.5 cm/s;
P
=0.001) and higher indexed left ventricular mass (121.3±16.4 versus 107.5±16.5 g/m
2
;
P
=0.016), indexed left atrial volume (33.5±11.9 versus 23.6±5.6 mL/m
2
;
P
<0.001), and E/e′ ratio (8.8±1.4 versus 6.5±1.3;
P
<0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that higher E/e′ ratio was the only independent correlate of abnormal MTWA (adjusted odds ratio, 3.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.19 to 10.6;
P
=0.02) after controlling for glycemic control and other potential confounders.

Conclusions—

In this pilot study, we found that early diastolic dysfunction, as measured by tissue Doppler imaging, is independently associated with MTWA abnormality in T2DM individuals with normal systolic function. Further larger studies are needed to examine the reproducibility of these results.
Randomized Trial of Atopaxar in the Treatment of Patients With Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Wiviott Stephen D. , Flather Marcus D. , O'Donoghue Michelle L. , Goto Shinya , Fitzgerald Desmond J. , Cura Fernando , Aylward Philip , Guetta Victor , Dudek Dariusz , Contant Charles F. , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Bhatt Deepak L.
Published: April 2011

Background—

Thrombin is a key mediator of platelet activation. Atopaxar is a reversible protease-activated receptor-1 antagonist that interferes with thrombin-mediated platelet effects. The phase II Lessons From Antagonizing the Cellular Effect of Thrombin–Coronary Artery Disease (LANCELOT–CAD) trial examined the safety and tolerability of prolonged therapy with atopaxar in subjects with CAD.

Methods and Results—

Subjects with a qualifying history were randomized in a double-blind fashion to 3 dosing regimens of atopaxar (50, 100, or 200 mg daily) or matching placebo for 24 weeks and followed up for an additional 4 weeks. The key safety end points were bleeding according to the Clopidogrel in Unstable Angina to Prevent Recurrent Events (CURE) and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) classifications. Secondary objectives included platelet aggregation and major adverse cardiac events. Seven hundred and twenty subjects were randomized. Overall bleeding rates tended to be higher with atopaxar compared with placebo by CURE criteria (placebo, 0.6%; atopaxar, 3.9%; relative risk, 6.82,
P
=0.03; 50 mg, 3.9%; 100 mg, 1.7%; 200 mg, 5.9%;
P
for trend=0.01) and TIMI criteria (placebo, 6.8%; atopaxar, 10.3%; relative risk, 1.52,
P
=0.17; 50 mg, 9.9%; 100 mg, 8.1%; 200 mg, 12.9%;
P
for trend=0.07). There was no difference in major bleeding. Major adverse cardiac events were numerically lower in the atopaxar subjects. All atopaxar regimens achieved high levels of platelet inhibition. A transient elevation in liver transaminases and dose-dependent QTc prolongation without apparent complications were observed in higher-dose atopaxar treatment groups.

Conclusions—

In this dose-ranging study of patients with CAD, treatment with atopaxar resulted in platelet inhibition, more minor bleeding, and numerically but not statistically fewer ischemic events. Larger-scale trials are needed to determine whether these patterns translate into clinically meaningful effects.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00312052.
Genetic Predictors of Fibrin D-Dimer Levels in Healthy Adults
Authors: Smith Nicholas L. , Huffman Jennifer E. , Strachan David P. , Huang Jie , Dehghan Abbas , Trompet Stella , Lopez Lorna M. , Shin So-Youn , Baumert Jens , Vitart Veronique , Bis Joshua C. , Wild Sarah H. , Rumley Ann , Yang Qiong , Uitterlinden Andre G. , Stott David. J. , Davies Gail , Carter Angela M. , Thorand Barbara , Polašek Ozren , McKnight Barbara , Campbell Harry , Rudnicka Alicja R. , Chen Ming-Huei , Buckley Brendan M. , Harris Sarah E. , Peters Annette , Pulanic Drazen , Lumley Thomas , de Craen Anton J.M. , Liewald David C. , Gieger Christian , Campbell Susan , Ford Ian , Gow Alan J. , Luciano Michelle , Porteous David J. , Guo Xiuqing , Sattar Naveed , Tenesa Albert , Cushman Mary , Slagboom P. Eline , Visscher Peter M. , Spector Tim D. , Illig Thomas , Rudan Igor , Bovill Edwin G. , Wright Alan F. , McArdle Wendy L. , Tofler Geoffrey , Hofman Albert , Westendorp Rudi G.J. , Starr John M. , Grant Peter J. , Karakas Mahir , Hastie Nicholas D. , Psaty Bruce M. , Wilson James F. , Lowe Gordon D.O. , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Witteman Jacqueline C.M. , Jukema J. Wouter , Deary Ian J. , Soranzo Nicole , Koenig Wolfgang , Hayward Caroline
Published: April 2011

Background—

Fibrin fragment D-dimer, one of several peptides produced when crosslinked fibrin is degraded by plasmin, is the most widely used clinical marker of activated blood coagulation. To identity genetic loci influencing D-dimer levels, we performed the first large-scale, genome-wide association search.

Methods and Results—

A genome-wide investigation of the genomic correlates of plasma D-dimer levels was conducted among 21 052 European-ancestry adults. Plasma levels of D-dimer were measured independently in each of 13 cohorts. Each study analyzed the association between ≈2.6 million genotyped and imputed variants across the 22 autosomal chromosomes and natural-log–transformed D-dimer levels using linear regression in additive genetic models adjusted for age and sex. Among all variants, 74 exceeded the genome-wide significance threshold and marked 3 regions. At 1p22, rs12029080 (
P
=6.4×10
−52
) was 46.0 kb upstream from
F3
, coagulation factor III (tissue factor). At 1q24, rs6687813 (
P
=2.4×10
−14
) was 79.7 kb downstream of
F5
, coagulation factor V. At 4q32, rs13109457 (
P
=2.9×10
−18
) was located between 2 fibrinogen genes: 10.4 kb downstream from
FGG
and 3.0 kb upstream from
FGA
. Variants were associated with a 0.099-, 0.096-, and 0.061-unit difference, respectively, in natural-log–transformed D-dimer and together accounted for 1.8% of the total variance. When adjusted for nonsynonymous substitutions in
F5
and
FGA
loci known to be associated with D-dimer levels, there was no evidence of an additional association at either locus.

Conclusions—

Three genes were associated with fibrin D-dimer levels. Of these 3, the
F3
association was the strongest, and has not been previously reported.
Effects on Atrial Fibrillation in Aged Hypertensive Rats by Ca
2+
-Activated K
+
Channel Inhibition
Authors: Diness Jonas G. , Skibsbye Lasse , Jespersen Thomas , Bartels Emil D. , Sørensen Ulrik S. , Hansen Rie S. , Grunnet Morten
Published: April 2011

We have shown previously that inhibition of small conductance Ca
2+
-activated K
+
(SK) channels is antiarrhythmic in models of acutely induced atrial fibrillation (AF). These models, however, do not take into account that AF derives from a wide range of predisposing factors, the most prevalent being hypertension. In this study we assessed the effects of two different SK channel inhibitors, NS8593 and UCL1684, in aging, spontaneously hypertensive rats to examine their antiarrhythmic properties in a setting of hypertension-induced atrial remodeling. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats and the normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rat strain were divided in 2×3 groups of animals aged 3, 8, and 11 months, respectively. The animals were randomly assigned to treatment with NS8593, UCL1684, or vehicle, and open chest in vivo experiments including burst pacing–induced AF were performed. The aging spontaneously hypertensive rats were more vulnerable to AF induction both by S2 stimulation and burst pacing. Vehicle affected neither the atrial effective refractory period nor AF duration. SK channel inhibition with NS8593 and UCL1684 significantly increased the atrial effective refractory period and decreased AF duration in both the normotensive and hypertensive strains with no decline in efficacy as age increased. In conclusion, SK channel inhibition with NS8593 and UCL1684 possesses antiarrhythmic properties in a rat in vivo model of paroxysmal AF with hypertension-induced atrial remodeling. The present results support the notion that SK channels may offer a promising new therapeutic target in the treatment of AF.
Ghrelin Modulates Sympathetic Nervous System Activity and Stress Response in Lean and Overweight Men
Authors: Lambert Elisabeth , Lambert Gavin , Ika-Sari Carolina , Dawood Tye , Lee Katie , Chopra Reena , Straznicky Nora , Eikelis Nina , Drew Sara , Tilbrook Alan , Dixon John , Esler Murray , Schlaich Markus P.
Published: April 2011

Ghrelin is a growth hormone–releasing peptide secreted by the stomach with potent effects on appetite. Experimental and clinical studies indicate that ghrelin also influences cardiovascular regulation and metabolic function and mediates behavioral responses to stress. We investigated the effects of ghrelin on blood pressure (BP), sympathetic nervous system activity, and mental stress responses in lean (n=13) and overweight or obese (n=13) individuals. Subjects received an intravenous infusion of human ghrelin (5 pmol/kg per minute for 1 hour) and saline in a randomized fashion. Ghrelin decreased systolic (−6 and −11 mm Hg) and diastolic BP (−8 mm Hg for both), increased muscle sympathetic nervous system activity (18±2 to 28±3 bursts per min,
P
<0.05 and from 21±2 to 32±3 bursts per min,
P
<0.001) in lean and overweight or obese subjects, respectively, without a significant change in heart rate, calf blood flow, or vascular resistance. Ghrelin induced a rise in plasma glucose concentration in lean individuals (
P
<0.05) and increased cortisol levels in both groups (
P
<0.05). Stress induced a significant change in mean BP (+22 and +27 mm Hg), heart rate (+36 and +29 bpm), and muscle sympathetic nervous system activity (+6.1±1.6 and +6.8±2.7 bursts per min) during saline infusion in lean and overweight or obese subjects, respectively. During ghrelin infusion, the changes in BP and muscle sympathetic nerve activity in response to stress were significantly reduced in both groups (
P
<0.05). In conclusion, ghrelin exerts unique effects in that it reduces BP and increases muscle sympathetic nervous system activity and blunts cardiovascular responses to mental stress. These responses may represent a combination of peripheral (baroreflex-mediated) and central effects of ghrelin.
The One in Syrianus’ Teachings on the Parmenides: Syrianus on Parm., 137d and 139a1
Authors: Wear S. Klitenic
Published: April 2011

This article describes Syrianus’ teachings on the One, as found in his testimonia on the Parmenides. In order to preserve the transcendence of the One, while still providing a fluid universe connected to the One, Syrianus shows how the nature of the One is seen in the structure of the Parmenides itself: the first hypothesis of the Parmenides outlines the primal God, while the intelligible universe is the subject of the second hypothesis, in so far as the intelligible universe is a product of the One. Thus, whatever is negated of the One in the first hypothesis contains a positive analogue in the second hypothesis. With this description of the One in the Parmenides, Syrianus is able to create a complete, fluid universe. Readings of two lemmata, in particular, illuminate Syrianus’ manner of interpreting the Parmenides to show how the One is both transcendent and connected to the universe. In his interpretations of Parmenides 137d and 138a, Syrianus shows how the One is partless with respect to itself, but contains parts with respect to the rest of the universe; and that the One is in itself and in another, again, with respect to itself and with respect to the rest of the universe. With his interpretation of the Parmenides, moreover, one can see how Syrianus differs from the interpretations of Porphyry and Iamblichus, and how he paves the way for Proclus’ reading of the dialogue.
SPLIDHOM: A Method for Homogenization of Daily Temperature Observations
Authors: Mestre Olivier , Gruber Christine , Prieur Clémentine , Caussinus Henri , Jourdain Sylvie
Published: April 2011

One major concern of climate change is the possible rise of temperature extreme events, in terms of occurrence and intensity. To study this phenomenon, reliable daily series are required, for instance to compute daily-based indices: high-order quantiles, annual extrema, number of days exceeding thresholds, and so on. Because observed series are likely to be affected by changes in the measurement conditions, adapted homogenization procedures are required. Although a very large number of procedures have been proposed for adjustment of observed series at a monthly time scale, few have been proposed for adjustment of daily temperature series. This article proposes a new adjustment method for temperature series at a daily time scale. This method, called spline daily homogenization (SPLIDHOM), relies on an indirect nonlinear regression method. Estimation of the regression functions is performed by cubic smoothing splines. This method is able to adjust the mean of the series as well as high-order quantiles and moments of the series. When using well-correlated series, SPLIDHOM improves the results of two widely used methods, as a result of an optimal selection of the smoothing parameter. Applications to the Toulouse, France, temperature series are shown as a real example.
Vegetation Feedbacks to Climate in the Global Monsoon Regions*
Authors: Notaro Michael , Chen Guangshan , Liu Zhengyu
Published: April 2011

Vegetation feedbacks on climate, on the subannual time scale, are examined across six monsoon regions with a fully coupled atmosphere–ocean–ice–land model with dynamic vegetation. Initial value ensemble experiments are run in which the total vegetation cover fraction across the six monsoon regions is reduced and the climatic response assessed. Consistent responses among the regions include reductions in leaf area index, turbulent fluxes, and atmospheric moisture; enhanced subsidence; and increases in ground and surface air temperature. The most distinct changes in vertical motion, precipitable water, and precipitation occur along the flanks of the monsoon season, with small changes in midmonsoon rainfall. Unique responses to reduced vegetation cover are noted among the monsoon regions. While the monsoon is delayed and weaker over north Australia owing to diminished leaf area, it occurs earlier over China and the southwest United States. The subtropical monsoon regions are characterized by a larger decrease in sensible heat than latent heat flux, while the opposite is true for tropical monsoon regions. North Australia experiences the most substantial decline in both moisture flux convergence and precipitation.
Comparing NWS PoP Forecasts to Third-Party Providers
Authors: Bickel J. Eric , Floehr Eric , Kim Seong Dae
Published: April 2011

In this paper, the authors verify probability of precipitation (PoP) forecasts provided by the National Weather Service (NWS), The Weather Channel (TWC), and CustomWeather (CW). The n-day-ahead forecasts, where n ranges from 1 to 3 for the NWS, from 1 to 9 for TWC, and from 1 to 14 for CW, are analyzed. The dataset includes almost 13 million PoP forecasts, or about 500 000 PoPs per provider per day of lead time. Data were collected over a 2-yr period (1 November 2008–31 October 2010) at 734 observation stations across the contiguous United States. In addition to verifying these PoP forecasts in an absolute sense, relative comparisons are made between the providers. It is found that, in most cases, TWC does not add skill to NWS forecasts. Perhaps most interestingly, it is also found that CW does have the ability to forecast PoPs at a resolution of 0.01.
Investigation of Thermodynamic Properties of SIS, SEBS, and Naphthenic Oil by Inverse Gas Chromatography
Authors: Peng Wu  , Shuhua Qi  , Nailiang Liu  , Kangqing Deng  , Haiying Nie
Published: April 2011

The thermodynamic properties of styrene-b-butene/ethylene-b-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, and naphthenic oil, were investigated by means of inverse gas chromatography using 13 different kinds of solvents as the probes. Some thermodynamic parameters such as specific retention volume, weight fraction activity coefficient, Flory—Huggins interaction parameter, partial molar heats of mixing and solubility parameter, etc. were obtained to judge the interactions and the solubility between the polymer and solvents and the solubility of the polymers in these solvents. The results indicated that n-pentane, n-hexane, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, and diethyl ether were good solvents for these polymers at experimental temperatures. The solubility parameter of styrene-b-butene/ethylene-b-styrene, styrene-isoprene-styrene, and naphthenic oil were calculated to be 16.99, 16.84, 14.39 (J/cm3)1/2 at 298.15 K by inverse gas chromatography, respectively, which were consistent with that obtained by intrinsic viscosity method, small group contribution method, or solubility parameter-surface tension method.
Endangered childhoods: how consumerism is impacting child and youth identity
Authors: Hill Jennifer Ann
Published: April 2011

Modern-day children are immersed in cultures of consumption such that every aspect of their lives is touched by a buy-and-consume modality. In particular, children in North America are increasingly experiencing the effects of consumer culture at unprecedented levels of involvement. It becomes necessary, therefore, to examine the impact of consumerism in order to assess identity formation and development in youth. Young people are receiving an endless barrage of material messages encouraging purchasing behavior and consumption that impacts the self-image. Indeed, children from the ages of 4 to 12 have increasingly been defined and viewed by their spending capacity. Girls especially are targeted by marketers to sell them a whole line of products they ‘need’ to emulate a feminine ideal. There is mounting evidence to suggest that the structure of childhood is eroding and children are suffering from serious physical, emotional and social deficits directly related to consumerism.
A definition of journalistic objectivity as a performance
Authors: Boudana Sandrine
Published: April 2011

Historically, journalism as a profession emerged alongside the notion of objectivity. However, in the past decades, objectivity has been dismissed not only as an unattainable standard but also as an undesirable norm. Yet an analysis of the criticisms reveals that most scholars actually fail to define journalistic objectivity. This article tries to remedy this flaw and to suggest that journalistic objectivity is an evolving notion which can no longer be considered a synonym for neutrality or detachment. Objectivity is a standard that promotes truth, defined as a ‘correspondence, grounded in correctness, between thought and reality’ (Heidegger, 1943:1). Unlike alternative standards which are centered on personal moral values, objectivity conceives of journalism as a performance, with this term referring to three interrelated dimensions: the essential notion of practice, the existence of concrete and universal criteria of evaluation, and the openness to criticisms.
The border-crossing of habitus: media consumption, motives, and reading strategies among Asian immigrant women in South Korea
Authors: Yoon Tae-Il , Kim Kyung-Hee , Eom Han-Jin
Published: April 2011

Drawing on Bourdieu’s concepts of cultural capital and habitus, this study investigates media consumption, motives of media use, and reading strategies among Asian immigrant women in South Korea. The interview data from this study reveal that the total sum of media consumption among Asian immigrant informants tends to increase after immigration and that their media consumption can be regarded as omnivorous in style. Acquiring the host cultural capital and maintaining the home cultural capital are the major drives for their media use, resulting in three motives: the need for adaptation, the need for ethnic affirmation, and the need for relaxation. In response to the multicultural representation of the host media, the immigrant informants employ various reading strategies, such as empathetic reading, critical reading, distantiated reading, and avoidance of reading. The findings are discussed in light of the dialectic of habitus, the possibilities of multicultural capital, and the necessity for media education.
Inside, outside, and beyond media logic: journalistic creativity in climate reporting
Authors: Berglez Peter
Published: April 2011

In order to accomplish more multi-dimensional analyses of media logic one needs to study how journalists grapple with news issues in their expanding development, such as the revolutionary development of the climate issue in the news. The present analysis is based on interviews with 14 Swedish environmental journalists from various news media, who have been part of editorial concentrations on climate news. The results consist of three ways of conceptualizing the climate issue among the journalists: as inside, outside, and beyond media logic. These conceptualizations give rise to three conflicting types of journalistic creativity, more precisely, the ability to effectively insert the climate issue ‘into’ media logic; the ability to go as far ‘outside’ media logic as possible while remaining credible by arraying the climate issue in ‘scientific language’; and finally, the ability to think beyond the media-logic ‘box’ and do something about it (to change journalism).
The Complex Relationship Between Parental Divorce and the Sense of Control
Authors: Kim Joongbaeck , Woo Hyeyoung
Published: April 2011

How does parental divorce influence the sense of control in adult offspring? Numerous studies have examined the implications of parental divorce on adult psychological well-being. However, little attention has been paid to the long-term consequences of parental divorce for adult sense of control. Using data from the Survey of Aging, Status, and the Sense of Control, we investigate whether or not, and how, parental divorce is associated with offspring sense of control. The results show that parental divorce has mixed relationships with offspring sense of control, indicating both positive and negative mechanisms. On one hand, parental divorce significantly increases adult sense of control. This positive association holds even when we adjust for socioeconomic attainments and social relationships. On the other hand, parental divorce is associated with decreased levels of sense of control through higher economic hardship, lower educational attainment, and nonparticipation in volunteering. The authors discuss the implications of these results.
Will Marriage Matter? Effects of Marriage Anticipated by Same-Sex Couples
Authors: Shulman Julie L. , Gotta Gabrielle , Green Robert-Jay
Published: April 2011

The current study used an online survey to explore the anticipated impact of legalized marriage on partners in same-sex couples living in California. These data were gathered prior to the California Supreme Court decision in May 2008 legalizing same-sex marriage, which held sway for 5 months before California Proposition 8 eliminating same-sex marriage was passed by a voter referendum. In addition to administering three quantitative measures (Gay and Lesbian Acceptance & Social Support Index, Anticipated Impact of Marriage Scale, and The Couple Satisfaction Index), a qualitative approach to inquiry was used to derive themes in the reported experiences of the study participants. The principal theme emerging from participants’ responses involved a ubiquitous sense of security in all areas of their life, including increased permanence in their couple relationship as well as feeling protected as a unit by the larger society.