bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heart Failure, Oxidative Stress, and Ion Channel Modulation
Authors: Choudhary Gaurav , Dudley Samuel C.
Published: June 2007

The balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide, the cell redox state, appears to be important in the mechanisms of heart failure. This balance has significant impact on calcium‐handling proteins, affecting excitation‐contraction coupling. Both ROS and nitric oxide appear to be elevated in heart failure and are accompanied by significant impairments in the number and function of calcium‐handling proteins. These proteins contain sulfhydryl groups or disulfide linkages involving cysteine residues, making them susceptible to the action of oxidizing‐reducing agents and nitrosylation, thereby altering their properties. Initial increases in nitric oxide may be an adaptive response to myocardial dysfunction, elevated cytokines, and increases in ROS, while a further increase in nitric oxide and overwhelming ROS can be damaging. Abundant nitric oxide and ROS can cause formation of peroxynitrite, a strong oxidant, or nitric oxide can activate alternate pathways aiding the ROS, causing impaired calcium handling contributing to contractile dysfunction.
Carvedilol: A Nonselective β Blocking Agent With Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Book Wendy M.
Published: June 2007

Despite advances in therapy, congestive heart failure is a major public health problem with a high mortality and morbidity. The benefits of β blockers in slowing disease progression and decreasing mortality have recently been shown in large clinical trials. Oxidative stress contributes to disease progression in both post‐myocardial reperfusion injury and dilated cardiomyopathy. Several medications are known to have antioxidant effects, including some angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors. Carvedilol is a non‐selective β blocker with antioxidant properties approved for use in congestive heart failure.
CHF: Circulatory Homeostasis Gone Awry
Authors: Weber Karl T. , Burlew Brad S. , Davis Richard C. , Newman Kevin P. , D'Cruz Ivan A. , Hawkins Ralph G. , Wall Barry M. , Parker Robert B.
Published: June 2007

The role of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) is integral to salt and water retention, particularly by the kidneys. Over time, positive sodium balance leads first to intra‐ and then to extravascular volume expansion, with subsequent symptomatic heart failure. This report examines the role of the RAAS in regulating a less well recognized component essential to circulatory homeostasis—central blood volume. The regulation of central blood volume draws on integrative cardiorenal physiology and a key role played by the RAAS in its regulation. In presenting insights into the role of the RAAS in regulating central blood volume, this review also addresses other sodium‐retaining states with a predisposition to edema formation, such as cirrhosis and nephrosis.
Impact of Aldosterone on Vascular Pathophysiology
Authors: Struthers Allan D.
Published: June 2007

The fact that spironolactone reduces deaths in cardiac failure suggests that aldosterone promotes cardiac death in heart failure, which begs the question: What are the mechanisms whereby it does this? The mechanisms whereby aldosterone promotes cardiac death are likely to be a combination of its production of endothelial dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, and autonomic imbalance. It is quite possible that all three of these mechanisms actually stem from aldosterone's adverse effects on the endothelium. The term “aldosterone vasculopathy” has been coined to describe that the fundamentally adverse effect of aldosterone may well be on endothelial nitric oxide.
Immune and Neurohormonal Pathways in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Sharma Rakesh , Anker Stefan D.
Published: June 2007

Chronic heart failure is a complex disorder with interactions among the cardiovascular, immune, and neurohormonal systems. The concept that the progression of heart failure is due to neurohormonal abnormalities has received the greatest attention to date, leading to substantial therapeutic benefits. Although many current therapies are also thought to exert a variety of immunologic effects, this has been much less studied. In this review, the authors discuss a number of interactions among immune pathways and neurohormonal abnormalities relevant to heart failure. Cytokines, in particular tumor necrosis factor‐α, have tremendous interactive opportunities within a regulatory network of energy metabolism, immune function, and neuroendocrine and hormonal function. Inflammatory cytokines are known to contribute to the progression of heart failure, and have been related to patients' prognosis. Advanced heart failure can be considered a state of chronic (low‐grade) inflammation, and there are many reasons to suggest that anticytokine therapy could be successful in these patients. These novel approaches are certainly not without some risk, and many of them are very expensive, which may limit their application to certain subgroups of patients. In the future, it may not be enough to monitor cardiac function alone. Rather, the immune and neurohormonal status of patients may also need to be included in the performance of a complete assessment.
Improving Heart Failure Care in Outpatient Practices
Authors: Ramunno Lawrence D. , French Lisa L. , O'Brien Addie , Ligor Michelle L. , Havravek Edward P. , Taylor Jane P. , Ordin Diana L.
Published: June 2007

This column is the eighth in a series reporting on the efforts of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ([CMS], formerly known as the Health Care Financing Administration), to improve care for Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure. Previous columns have focused on the hospital‐based National Heart Failure project. An outpatient practice‐based project, the Heart Failure Practice Improvement Effort (HF PIE), was described in the fourth and sixth columns. This column reports experience from the HF PIE project at the practice level in three states.
Management of New‐Onset Congestive Heart Failure in a Patient With Complex Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Khan A. Nasser , Boatman James , Anderson Allen S.
Published: June 2007

The authors describe a 37‐year‐old African American female patient with congenital tricuspid stenosis, a secundum atrial septal defect, a ventricular septal defect, and subpulmonic stenosis whose only surgical intervention was a Glenn shunt procedure at the age of 11. She had been in reasonably good health for 26 years, but developed congestive heart failure. Her deteriorating clinical course was difficult to manage with only medical treatment, and cardiopulmonary transplantation is now being considered for the management of her complicated clinical condition.
Doxazosin and Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Sica Domenic A.
Published: June 2007

Doxazosin remains a commonly used antihypertensive medication, although its use has been tainted by recent findings from the Antihypertensive and Lipid‐Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT). ALLHAT was a large, simple trial, designed in a fashion to closely mimic clinical practice as it occurs in high‐risk hypertensive patients aged 55 years or older. Its goals were to determine whether the incidence of the primary outcome—a composite of fatal coronary heart disease and nonfatal myocardial infarction—differed between treatment with a diuretic (chlorthalidone) (12.5–25.0 mg/day) and treatment with each of three other types of antihypertensive drugs—a calcium‐channel blocker (amlodipine), an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (lisinopril), and a peripheral α‐adrenergic blocker (doxazosin) (2–8 mg/day). Doxazosin was recently withdrawn from this trial after an interim analysis showed the secondary end point of combined cardiovascular disease to be 25% greater in patients on doxazosin than in those assigned to treatment with chlorthalidone. This finding was largely driven by congestive heart failure. The practicing clinician should not abandon doxazosin completely because of the ALLHAT findings, although these findings are indisputably important. These results represent an interim analysis and their application to clinical practice needs to occur carefully. A valued member of our therapeutic armamentarium need not be laid entirely to rest; rather, doxazosin should now be viewed as a secondary or tertiary antihypertensive therapy pending a more complete review of the ALLHAT data.
Surrogate End Points in Heart Failure
Authors: Tepper David
Published: June 2007

Abstract. Because of the increasing number of pharmacologic strategies available for treatment of heart failure (HF), the time has come to reassess the adequacy of end points used to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. Interest in the use of surrogate end points in clinical studies is increasing. A surrogate end point is defined as a measurement that can substitute for a true end point for the purpose of comparing specific interventions or treatments in a clinical trial. A true end point is one that is of clinical importance to the patient (e.g., mortality or quality of life), whereas a surrogate end point is one biologically closer to the disease process (e.g., ejection fraction or left ventricular volume in HF). The prime motivation for the use of a surrogate end point concerns the possible reduction in sample size or trial duration. Such reductions have important cost implications and in some cases may influence trial feasibility. Another, perhaps more important, aspect of measuring surrogate end points is that they increase our understanding of the mechanism of action of drugs and thus may help physicians to take a more enlightened approach in managing their patients. In this article we have analyzed the possible potentials of the surrogate end points in clinical studies of patients with chronic HF. Other uses of possible surrogates are discussed, and the limitations in finding true surrogates are mentioned. At this time we conclude there is no well established surrogate in HF.—Anand IS, Florea VG, Fisher L. Surrogate end points in heart failure.
Surgical Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Gregoric Igor , Frazier O. H. , Couto Wilson J.
Published: June 2007

Cardiac transplantation is the definitive surgical treatment for patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction and congestive heart failure. Unfortunately, however, the supply of donor hearts remains severely limited, so transplantation is an option for only a minority of these patients. Even after being approved for a heart transplant, patients often have a long wait until a suitable donor heart can be found. This waiting period entails a significant mortality rate. Because the supply of donor hearts is not expected to increase, surgeons have introduced several alternatives to heart transplantation, including partial left ventriculectomy, mitral valve repair, myocardial revascularization, and endoventricular circular patch plasty. For maximal benefit, surgeons must refine the selection criteria for determining which patients are the best candidates for each of these procedures.
Endothelin and Endothelin Receptor Antagonists in Heart Failure
Authors: Greenberg Barry H.
Published: June 2007

Endothelin (ET) is a recently discovered 21‐amino acid peptide that has potent physiologic and pathophysiologic effects that appear to be involved in the development of heart failure. These include effects on arterial smooth muscle cells that cause intense peripheral vasoconstriction and stimulation of cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts. The latter promotes phenotypic changes in these cells that are consistent with cardiac remodeling. The effects of ET are mediated through interaction with two classes of cell surface receptors. The type A receptor (ET‐A) has been associated with vasoconstriction and cell growth while the type B receptor (ET‐B) has been associated with endothelial‐cell mediated vasodilation and with the release of other neurohormones, such as aldosterone. This review summarizes evidence supporting the potential role of ET in the pathogenesis of heart failure and the available information concerning the use of ET receptor antagonists in treating this condition.
The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Blockade in the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Lisman Kevin A. , Stetson Sonny J. , Koerner Michael M. , Farmer John A. , Torre‐Amione Guillermo
Published: June 2007

The experimental evidence in support of the role of tumor necrosis factor in heart failure stems from the observations that tumor necrosis factor exerts negative inotropic effects and is capable of promoting fibrosis, hypertrophy, and cardiomyopathy in animal models. More importantly, cardiac specific tumor necrosis factor levels are regulated by pressure and volume load in animals and in humans. Therefore, a series of clinical small trials were conducted with etanercept, a highly specific anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐blocking agent that indicated a potential therapeutic role. However, two large randomized clinical trials powered to determine the effect of etanercept and infliximab on mortality have demonstrated no clinical benefit. The explanation of those findings are not clear; however, based on the strength of the experimental evidence one can conclude that perhaps other nonspecific approaches to manipulate the immune system may be of benefit.
Congestive Heart Failure: Potential Role of Arginine Vasopressin Antagonists in the Therapy of Heart Failure
Authors: Goldsmith Steven R.
Published: June 2007

Neurohormonal imbalances clearly contribute to the pathophysiology of chronic congestive heart failure. Agents that interfere with the generation or effects of angiotensin II and aldosterone, or which block the effects of excess sympathetic drive, all favorably affect mortality. Arginine vasopressin, through its V1Aand V2receptor‐mediated effects, could theoretically also contribute to progression of left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure by aggravating systolic and diastolic wall stress, and by directly stimulating myocardial hypertrophy. Arginine vasopressin levels are increased in congestive heart failure patients; acutely, both V1Aand V2antagonists produce beneficial hemodynamic responses in both clinical and experimental congestive heart failure. Experimental studies also indicate beneficial effects of V1Aand V2antagonists (alone or in combination) on hemodynamics and possibly ventricular remodeling after myocardial injury. Currently, there are no long‐term studies of any type of arginine vasopressin antagonist in human heart failure, but both the theoretical rationale and preclinical data would appear to justify such efforts.
Emergence of Laplace Therapeutics: Declaring an End to “End‐Stage” Heart Failure
Authors: Mehra Mandeep R. , Uber Patricia A.
Published: June 2007

A large number of chronic heart failure patients escape from the benefits of neurohormonal blockade only to transit into a discouragingly miserable state of what the physician often refers to as “end‐stage heart failure.” Conceptually, the designation of “end‐stage” as a description of a clinical scenario implies pessimism concerning recourse to a therapeutic avenue. A variety of surgical therapeutic techniques that take advantage of the law of Laplace, designed to effectively restore the cardiac shape from a spherical, mechanically inefficient pump to a more elliptical, structurally sound organ are now being employed. Additionally, the field of mechanical device implantation is surging ahead at a rapid pace. The weight of evidence regarding mechanical unloading using assist devices suggests that hemodynamic restoration is accompanied by regression of cellular hypertrophy, normalization of the neuroendocrine axis, improved expression of contractile proteins, enhanced cellular respiratory control, and decreases in markers of apoptosis and cellular stress. Thus, these lines of data point toward discarding the notion of “end‐stage” heart failure. We are at a new crossroad in our quest to tackle chronic heart failure. It is our contention that the use of antiremodeling strategies, including device approaches, will soon signal the end of “end‐stage” heart failure.
Angioedema in Heart Failure: Occurrence With ACE Inhibitors and Safety of Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Therapy
Authors: Sica Domenic A. , Black Henry R.
Published: June 2007

Angioedema is a well‐known side effect of treatment with an angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and one that we have been willing to accept in view of the incidence of the problem and the clear benefits of this class of agents in numerous clinical situations. Angioedema is also seen with angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy but much less frequently than with ACE inhibitors. The mechanism for angioedema with ARB therapy remains poorly defined. ACE inhibitor‐related angioedema occurs more commonly in black patients. The basis for an increased risk of angioedema in black patients remains unclear. Angioedema can be life‐threatening but more times than not it can be managed with conservative treatment measures including specifically the discontinuation of the medication and/or administration of an antihistamine and/or epinephrine. Occasionally, maneuvers to protect the integrity of the airway may be needed. In a heart failure patient having previously experienced ACE inhibitor‐related angioedema, ARBs should be used cautiously since angioedema has been reported with ARB therapy in heart failure patients. The need to reduce renin‐angiotensin aldosterone system activity in a heart failure patient would seem to justify the small risk of angioedema with ARB therapy in a patient having previously experienced ACE inhibitor‐related angioedema.
Diuretic Resistance and Strategies to Overcome Resistance in Patients With Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Ravnan Susan L. , Ravnan Marcus C. , Deedwania Prakash C.
Published: June 2007

Congestive heart failure is a complex clinical hemodynamic disorder characterized by chronic and progressive pump failure and fluid accumulation. Although the overall impact of diuretic therapy on congestive heart failure mortality remains unknown, diuretics remain a vital component of symptomatic congestive heart failure management. Over time, sodium and water excretion are equalized before adequate fluid elimination occurs. This phenomenon is thought to occur in one out of three patients with congestive heart failure on diuretic therapy and is termed diuretic resistance. In congestive heart failure, both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alterations are thought to be responsible for diuretic resistance. Due to disease chronicity, symptomatic management is vital to improved quality of life and enhancing diuretic response is therefore pivotal.
Behavioral and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Pediatric Epilepsy: Toward an Integrative Model
Authors: Austin Joan K. , Caplan Rochelle
Published: June 2007

Summary: It is well recognized that children with epilepsy are at heightened risk for developing behavior problems and psychiatric disorders. Studies identifying factors associated with child behavior were reviewed and findings were placed into two broad categories for review and critique: illness‐related variables and psychosocial variables. Illness‐related variables were seizure frequency and seizure control, type of epilepsy, age of onset, duration of illness, and antiepileptic drugs. Psychosocial variables were reviewed using a family stress framework: stressors, perceptions, adaptive resources, coping, and family adjustment. After the literature on each category is reviewed, an integrated heuristic model that includes key illness‐related and psychosocial variables is presented.
Link between Epilepsy and Malnutrition in a Rural Area of Benin
Authors: Crepin Sabrina , Houinato Dismand , Nawana Brice , Avode Gilbert Dossou , Preux Pierre‐Marie , Desport Jean‐Claude
Published: June 2007

Summary:  Purpose: Epilepsy and malnutrition are both important public health problems in sub‐Saharan Africa. A relationship between epilepsy and malnutrition has been suspected for many years. Our objective was to investigate the association between epilepsy and malnutrition in Djidja, Benin.

Methods: A matched population‐based cross‐sectional case–control survey was performed: cases (patients with epilepsy) were matched to controls according to sex, age ± 5 years, and village of residence. The World Health Organization's criteria for malnutrition was used. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, mid arm upper circumference, triceps skinfold thickness) were taken. Bioelectrical impedance analysis, a standardized food and social questionnaire and a clinical examination were done. Statistical analysis (conditional logistic regression) was performed using SAS 8.0.

Results: A total of 131 cases and 262 controls were included. The prevalence of malnutrition was higher in cases than in controls (22.1% vs. 9.2%, p = 0.0006). Social factors were significantly different between cases and controls. Feeding difficulties were more frequent and health status was worse in cases. Seven variables were associated with epilepsy: (i) nutritional factors: mid arm upper circumference (prevalence odds ratio (pOR) = 0.7, CI: 0.6–0.9), cereal consumption <3 times during the 3 days before the study (pOR = 4.2, CI: 1.8–10.0), <3 meals/day (pOR = 4.2, CI: 1.6–10.9), tooth decay (pOR = 2.9, CI: 1.1–7.4), food taboos (pOR = 25.0, CI: 8.3–100.0), (ii) social factors: surrogate respondent (pOR = 16.8, CI: 3.1–90.3) and no second job (pOR = 7.1, CI: 2.3–22.3).

Conclusion: Epilepsy and nutritional status are linked in sub‐Saharan Africa. Programs to improve the nutritional status of people with epilepsy are needed.
Bayesian Model Averaging for Spatial Econometric Models
Authors: LeSage James P. , Parent Olivier
Published: June 2007

We extend the literature on Bayesian model comparison for ordinary least‐squares regression models to include spatial autoregressive and spatial error models. Our focus is on comparing models that consist of different matrices of explanatory variables. A Markov Chain Monte Carlo model composition methodology labeled MC3 by Madigan and York is developed for two types of spatial econometric models that are frequently used in the literature. The methodology deals with cases where the number of possible models based on different combinations of candidate explanatory variables is large enough such that calculation of posterior probabilities for all models is difficult or infeasible. Estimates and inferences are produced by averaging over models using the posterior model probabilities as weights, a procedure known as Bayesian model averaging. We illustrate the methods using a spatial econometric model of origin–destination population migration flows between the 48 U.S. states and the District of Columbia during the 1990–2000 period.
Local Indicators of Network‐Constrained Clusters in Spatial Point Patterns
Authors: Yamada Ikuho , Thill Jean‐Claude
Published: June 2007

The detection of clustering in a spatial phenomenon of interest is an important issue in spatial pattern analysis. While traditional methods mostly rely on the planar space assumption, many spatial phenomena defy the logic of this assumption. For instance, certain spatial phenomena related to human activities are inherently constrained by a transportation network because of our strong dependence on the transportation system. This article thus introduces an exploratory spatial data analysis method namedlocalindicators ofnetwork‐constrainedclusters(LINCS), for detecting local‐scale clustering in a spatial phenomenon that is constrained by a network space. The LINCS method presented here applies to a set of point events distributed over the network space. It is based on the networkK‐function, which is designed to determine whether an event distribution has a significant clustering tendency with respect to the network space. First, an incrementalK‐function is developed so as to identify cluster size more explicitly than the originalK‐function does. Second, to enable identification of cluster locations, a localK‐function is derived by decomposing and modifying the original networkK‐function. The localK‐function LINCS, which is referred to as KLINCS, is tested on the distribution of 1997 highway vehicle crashes in the Buffalo, NY area. Also discussed is an adjustment of the KLINCS method for the nonuniformity of the population at risk over the network. As traffic volume can be seen as a surrogate of the population exposed to a risk of vehicle crashes, the spatial distribution of vehicle crashes is examined in relation to that of traffic volumes on the network. The results of the KLINCS analysis are validated through a comparison with priority investigation locations (PILs) designated by the New York State Department of Transportation.
Loglinear Residual Tests of Moran'sIAutocorrelation and their Applications to Kentucky Breast Cancer Data
Authors: Lin Ge , Zhang Tonglin
Published: June 2007

This article bridges the permutation test of Moran'sIto the residuals of a loglinear model under the asymptotic normality assumption. It provides the versions of Moran'sIbased on Pearson residuals (IPR) and deviance residuals (IDR) so that they can be used to test for spatial clustering while at the same time account for potential covariates and heterogeneous population sizes. Our simulations showed that bothIPRandIDRare effective to account for heterogeneous population sizes. The tests based onIPRandIDRare applied to a set of log‐rate models for early‐stage and late‐stage breast cancer with socioeconomic and access‐to‐care data in Kentucky. The results showed that socioeconomic and access‐to‐care variables can sufficiently explain spatial clustering of early‐stage breast carcinomas, but these factors cannot explain that for the late stage. For this reason, we used local spatial association terms and located four late‐stage breast cancer clusters that could not be explained. The results also confirmed our expectation that a high screening level would be associated with a high incidence rate of early‐stage disease, which in turn would reduce late‐stage incidence rates.
Persistent Left‐Sided Superior Vena Cava: Integrated Noninvasive Diagnosis
Authors: Recupero Antonino , Pugliatti Pietro , Rizzo Fabrizio , Carerj Scipione , Cavalli Giovanni , de Gregorio Cesare , Di Bella Gianluca , Minutoli Fabio , Arrigo Francesco , Oreto Giuseppe , Coglitore Sebastiano
Published: June 2007

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare finding. We describe 5 patients with PLSVC diagnosed by a noninvasive approach, including two‐dimensional (2D) echocardiogram, nuclear magnetic resonance and multislice computed tomography (MCT). In 4 cases the PLSVC was isolated (“alone PLSVC”), and in 1 case associated with a right superior vena cava.
Flow‐Mediated Dilation and Gender in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: Arterial Size Influences Gender Differences in Flow‐Mediated Dilation
Authors: Mizia‐Stec Katarzyna , Gąsior Zbigniew , Mizia Magdalena , Haberka Maciej , Holecki Michał , Zwolińska Weronika , Katarzyna Kańczuga , Skowerski Mariusz
Published: June 2007

Background: The risk of atherosclerosis and its complications differs between male and female subjects. This is probably associated with gender differences in endothelial function as reflected by endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. The aim of the study was to compare flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) in males and females with coronary artery disease (CAD), and to determine factors that might potentially influence FMD.
Methods: Ninety‐six patients with stable CAD (CCS II–III): 76 males (mean age: 57.7 ± 10 years) and 20 postmenopausal females (mean age: 60.1 ± 10 years) were included into the study. Clinical data, pharmacotherapy, concomitant diseases, and FMD were all assessed. FMD was measured with high‐resolution ultrasound as the percent change of brachial artery diameter (BAd) after a 3‐minute occlusion (%FMD), and following the administration of 0.4 mg sublingual nitroglycerin (%NTG‐MD).
Results: The percentage of FMD was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and BAd was significantly larger (P < 0.001) in males as compared to females. Clinical data, pharmacotherapy, and concomitant diseases were comparable in the study groups.
In all subjects examined, %FMD was related to BAd (r =−0.415, P < 0.001) and the percentage of ejection fraction (EF%) (r = 0.325, P < 0.01) in the univariate analysis, and to BAd only (r =−0.343, P < 0.01) in the multivariate analysis. The percentage of nitroglycerine‐mediated vasodilatation (NTG‐MD) correlated negatively with BAd (r =−0.430, P < 0.001), and positively with EF% (r = 0.334, P < 0.01) in the univariate analysis, and with BAd (r =−0.288, P < 0.05) in the multivariate analysis. Index %FMD × BAd was comparable for male and female subjects.
Conclusions: Males and postmenopausal females with CAD show differences in endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation that seem to secondarily result from differences in the BAd. Objective comparison of %FMD is only possible between patients with the same brachial artery size.
An Example of Lambl's Excrescences by Transesophageal Echocardiogram: A Commonly Misinterpreted Lesion
Authors: Jaffe William , Figueredo Vincent M.
Published: June 2007

Lambl's excrescences are thin, mobile, filiform structures, often referred to as valvular strands in the echocardiography literature. These valvular strands may occur as a single strand, in rows, or clusters. The differential diagnosis for these excrescences includes fibroelastoma, myxoma, thrombi, vegetations, and cardiac neoplasms and metastases. Most difficult is the distinction between Lambl's excrescences and fibroelastomas. Studies regarding the clinical importance of these valvular strands are contradictory. Surgical intervention versus conservative observation should be determined on a case‐by‐case basis. The transesophageal views of Lambl's excrescences in this case report are meant to serve as a classic example of this commonly misinterpreted lesion.
Sub‐Surface Oxidation at the Aluminum–Sapphire Interface During Low‐Temperature Annealing
Authors: Dutta Sreya , Chan Helen M. , Vinci Richard P.
Published: June 2007

A study of the solid‐state oxidation of evaporated aluminum (Al) films on c‐plane sapphire was undertaken. The thickness of the films ranged from 100 to 1000 nm, and the samples were subjected to isothermal annealing in air, at temperatures from 350° to 650°C. For heat‐treated samples, the removal of remnant metallic Al using a 45% KOH etch revealed the formation of novel, sub‐surface oxidation features at the Al–sapphire interface. These features were associated with the hillocking of the Al film, and consisted of hollow, truncated pyramidal structures. Low ridge‐like walls were observed around the periphery of the bases of these structures. The ridges exhibited a crystallographic relationship with the sapphire substrate; a corresponding relationship with the overlying Al film, due to its highly textured nature, was inferred. Transmission electron microscopy of sections through the ridges revealed that they consisted of α‐alumina. It is believed that during heat treatment, voids develop in the Al in order to relieve the strain energy due to compressive stresses, and that faceting of the voids subsequently takes place due to surface energy considerations. The walls of the pyramidal structures are thought to have formed by the oxidation of the surfaces of the mentioned facetted voids.
Trace Element Fingerprinting of Australian Ocher Using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) for the Provenance Establishment and Authentication of Indigenous Art*
Authors: Green Rachel L. , Watling R. John
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  The expansion of indigenous art and the interest it has generated both at a domestic and international level means large monetary transactions are taking place between art galleries or centers and purchasers. As such, an accurate and conclusive method for provenance determination of traditional indigenous artistic materials must be established that can, if necessary, be used to assist in authentication of artworks. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was utilized for elemental differentiation and provenance establishment of ocher samples. This research was used to develop a robust scientific protocol which facilitates definitive and accurate determination of provenance of Australian ochers and the artworks created using them. Analysis of the results obtained through this study show that the trace metal distribution patterns alone appear to be sufficient evidence to establish provenance of specific ochers, although additional differentiation between ocher samples, using major element distribution patterns, was achieved through the utilization of X‐ray analytical techniques.
Population Substructure Can Significantly Affect Reliability of a DNA‐led Process of Identification of Mass Fatality Victims
Authors: Kračun Stjepan Krešimir , Ćurić Goran , Biruš Ivan , Džijan Snježana , Lauc Gordan
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Aiming to evaluate the effects of population substructure on the reliability of a DNA correspondence in the process of human identification, we used the model of “in silico” constructed populations with and without substructure. Effects of population substructure were evaluated at the level of locus heterozygosity, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and mini‐haplotype distribution. Inbreeding in a subpopulation of 100 individuals through 10 generations did not significantly alter the level of heterozygosity and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. However, analysis of mini‐haplotype distribution revealed a significant homogenization in separated subpopulations. Average observed mini‐haplotype frequency (fo) increased to threefold from expected values (fe), and the number of mini‐haplotypes with fo/fe above 10 increased over sixfold, suggesting that the effects of population substructure on calculated likelihood ratios (LR) might be larger than previously estimated. In most criminal cases, this would not represent a problem, whereas for identifications in large‐scale mass fatality events, population substructure might considerably increase the risk of false identification.
Comparison of transmission abilities of four Cicadulina species vectors of maize streak virus from Nigeria
Authors: Oluwafemi Sunday , Jackai L. E. N. , Alegbejo M. D.
Published: June 2007

Four Cicadulina species [Cicadulina arachidis China, Cicadulina dabrowskii Webb, Cicadulina mbila (Naude), and Cicadulina storeyi China (Homoptera: Cicadellidae)] found during field surveys in 1997–1999 across five ecological zones in Nigeria were reared in screenhouses and females were used in a study to compare their abilities to transmit Maize streak virus (Geminiviridae: genus Mastrevirus) from maize to maize using the susceptible variety Pool 16. The results showed that for both acquisition access feeding periods (AAP) and inoculation access feeding periods (IAP), transmission efficiencies decreased in the following order: C. storeyi > C. mbila > C. arachidis > C. dabrowskii. The transmission efficiencies of these vectors increased with longer feeding periods, as the means of susceptible test plants that showed Mastrevirus symptoms for both acquisition and IAPs were higher for 24 and 48 h than for 1 and 2 h for all four species studied. The epidemiological implications of these differences in transmission abilities are discussed.
Carotenoid‐based colour polyphenism in a moth species: search for fitness correlates
Authors: Sandre Siiri‐Lii , Tammaru Toomas , Esperk Toomas , Julkunen‐Tiitto Riitta , Mappes Johanna
Published: June 2007

Carotenoid‐based integumental coloration is often associated with individual performance in various animals. This is because the limited amount of the pigment has to be allocated to different vital functions. However, most of the evidence for the carotenoid‐based trade‐off comes from vertebrate studies, and it is unclear if this principle can be applied to insects. This possibility was investigated in Orgyia antiqua L. (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae). The larvae of this species are polyphenic in their coloration, varying from a highly conspicuous combination of yellow hair tufts on black background to cryptic appearance with brown hair tufts. The conspicuous larvae are aposematic, advertising their aversive hairiness. The maintenance of different colour morphs in O. antiqua requires explanation, as an aposematic signal is expected to evolve towards monomorphism. Chromatographic analysis showed that the yellow coloration of the hair is based on the carotenoid pigment lutein (α‐carotene‐3,3’‐diol). The colour of hair tufts was dependent on their carotenoid content. This justifies an expectation of carotenoid‐based physiological trade‐offs between aposematic coloration and individual performance. To test this hypothesis, we monitored life histories of differently coloured larvae reared on various host plants, recording their body sizes, growth rates, and mortalities in each instar. There was a significant but relatively low heritability of tuft coloration, which allowed us to expect environmental effects. We found no phenotypic associations between hair tuft colour and performance indices in O. antiqua larvae, neither did the quality of host plant affect the frequency of colour morphs. However, the frequency of colour morphs differed between larval instars. Our results suggest that carotenoid‐mediated physiological trade‐offs are not involved in the maintenance of colour morphs in O. antiqua larvae, and factors other than individual condition should be responsible for the observed variability.
Sex pheromone production and response in Korean populations of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella
Authors: Yang Chang Yeol , Lee Suk , Choi Kyung San , Jeon Heung Yong , Boo Kyung Saeng
Published: June 2007

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae), is a worldwide pest of cruciferous crops. We examined the female pheromone production and male response to various pheromone blends in two Korean populations. Gas chromatography (GC) and GC‐mass spectrometry (MS) analyses of pheromone gland extracts revealed that females produce (Z)‐11‐hexadecenal (Z11‐16:Ald), (Z)‐11‐hexadecenyl acetate (Z11‐16:OAc), and (Z)‐11‐hexadecen‐1‐ol (Z11‐16:OH) in a ratio of 8:100:18. However, (Z)‐9‐tetradecenyl acetate (Z9‐14:OAc), a previously reported component of the sex attractant of a Canadian P. xylostella population was not detected in gland extracts of the Korean one. Field tests showed that Z11‐16:Ald and Z11‐16:OAc are essential for attraction of male moths, and the highest attraction is obtained with a 10:90 blend mimicking the blend found in gland extracts. Addition of 1 or 10% of Z11‐16:OH to the 10:90 blend of Z11‐16:Ald and Z11‐16:OAc significantly increased attraction. However, attraction was strongly antagonized by the addition of as little as 0.1% of Z9‐14:OAc to the most attractive ternary blend. The ternary blend of Z11‐16:Ald, Z11‐16:OAc, and Z11‐16:OH at a ratio of 10:90:1 was more effective at catching P. xylostella males than the Japanese three‐component blend or the Canadian four‐component blend in Korea. These results suggest that there is geographical variation in the pheromone systems of this species.
Thermoperiodic response and effect of photoperiod on thermoperiodic induction of diapause in Colaphellus bowringi
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Ping , Xue Fang‐Sen , Zhou Xing‐Miao , Lei Chao‐Liang
Published: June 2007

The effects of thermoperiods on diapause induction under continuous darkness (DD), continuous light (LL), and an L12:D12 photoperiod were investigated in the cabbage beetle, Colaphellus bowringi Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a short‐day species. Diapause could be induced by thermoperiod under both LL and DD; however, in the range of 24–30 °C, lower incidences of diapause were observed under LL than under DD. The critical cryophase was found to be dependent on the mean temperature of the thermoperiod applied. Although the thermoperiodic response pattern was similar under LL and DD, the incidence of diapause was higher under LL when the duration of the cryophase did not exceed 12 h. In contrast, when the duration of the cryophase was longer than 12 h, the incidence of diapause under LL was lower or equal to that under DD. When a thermoperiod of 24 °C (cryophase) and 28 °C (thermophase) was applied, the incidence of diapause was higher under LL than under DD, regardless of the duration of the cryophase. Thermoperiodic responses under a photoperiod of L12:D12 and under DD further revealed that induction of diapause was strongly influenced by the photophase temperature. Moreover, the incidence of diapause was lower when the thermophase coincided with the photophase than when the cryophase coincided with the photophase.
Bacterial challenge and eicosanoids act in plasmatocyte spreading
Authors: Kwon Hyeog Sun , Stanley David W. , Miller Jon S.
Published: June 2007

We report on experiments designed to more thoroughly document the roles of eicosanoids as crucial elements in cell spreading and on experiments designed to test the hypothesis that in vivo bacterial infections influence cell spreading on glass surfaces. We used hemocytes prepared from tobacco hornworms, Manduca sexta (L.) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) and four species of bacteria (Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Micrococcus luteus) in each experiment. Our protocols yielded several important points: (i) hemocytes prepared from hornworms at 15 and 60 min following infection with, separately, each of the four bacterial species were fundamentally altered in size (all less than the 15‐µm counting cut‐off) and none of the hemocytes exhibited cell‐spreading behavior; (ii) the influence of bacterial challenge on cell spreading declined with incubation time post‐challenge; (iii) conditioned medium (CM) prepared by exposing hemocytes to bacterial cells in vitro exerted a strong dose‐dependent influence on cell spreading. Specifically, plasmatocytes increased in length from about 38 µm with 2.5% CM to a maximum of about 54 µm at 100% CM; and (iv) the retarding influence of dexamethasone (an eicosanoid biosynthesis inhibitor) on cell spreading was reversed by arachidonic acid, prostaglandin H2, and CM. Taken together, these findings indicate that both bacterial infection and eicosanoids influence hemocyte‐spreading processes.
Effects of transgenic Bt cotton on insecticide use and abundance of two generalist predators
Authors: Sisterson Mark S. , Biggs Robert W. , Manhardt Nancy M. , Carrière Yves , Dennehy Timothy J. , Tabashnik Bruce E.
Published: June 2007

Considerable effort has been expended to determine if crops genetically engineered to produce Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins harm non‐target arthropods. However, if Bt crops kill target pests and thereby reduce insecticide use, this could benefit some non‐target arthropods. We analyzed data from 21 commercial cotton fields in Arizona to test the effects of Bt cotton on insecticide use and abundance of two non‐target arthropods, the generalist predators Chrysoperla carnea Stephens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Orius tristicolor (White) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae). The number of insecticide sprays was more than double for non‐Bt cotton compared with Bt cotton that produced Cry1Ac. The abundance of both predators was negatively associated with the number of insecticide sprays, although significantly so for only one of two sampling periods for each species tested. With the effects of insecticides statistically removed, field type (Bt or non‐Bt cotton) did not affect the abundance of either predator. Accordingly, without adjusting for the effects of insecticide sprays, the abundance of C. carnea was higher in Bt cotton fields than in non‐Bt cotton fields, but significantly so during only one of two sampling periods. The abundance of O. tristicolor did not differ between field types, even without adjusting for effects of insecticide sprays. The results indicate that Bt crops can affect insecticide use, which in turn can affect the relative abundance of non‐target arthropods in Bt and non‐Bt fields. Thus, environmental impact assessment should incorporate analysis of the effects of transgenic crops on management practices, as well as evaluation of the direct effects of such crops.
Adolescent Mothers’ Perceptions of Fathers’ Parental Involvement: Satisfaction and Desire for Involvement*
Authors: Herzog Melissa J. , Umaña‐Taylor Adriana J. , Madden‐Derdich Debra A. , Leonard Stacie A.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:Grounded in family systems and ecological theories, this study examined teenage mothers’ perceptions of fathers’ parental involvement and the role of teenage mothers’ gatekeeping beliefs. Fathers’ involvement was perceived to be greater when teenage parents were romantically involved (n= 55). When they no longer shared a romantic relationship (n= 59), mothers’ satisfaction with and desire for fathers’ involvement (i.e., gatekeeping beliefs) mediated the association between mothers’ perceptions of developmental and contextual factors and their perceptions of fathers’ involvement. Overall, the proposed developmental‐contextual model was not significant for romantically involved teenage parents. Findings underscore the need to account for and incorporate issues related to relationship status, grandparent support, historical support, and maternal gatekeeping beliefs when developing programs for adolescent parents.
Mothers’ Perceptions of Barriers, Parenting Alliance, and Adolescent Fathers’ Engagement With their Children*
Authors: Futris Ted G. , Schoppe‐Sullivan Sarah J.
Published: June 2007

Abstract: The current study utilized a social exchange perspective to examine relations among 74 adolescent mothers’ perceptions of barriers to father engagement, parenting alliance strength, and nonresident fathers’ engagement in caregiving and nurturing activities with their children. Even after accounting for mothers’ perceptions of barrier strength, mothers who viewed the parenting alliance as strong also perceived fathers as more engaged in caregiving activities. A more complex pattern emerged for mothers’ perceptions of father engagement in nurturing activities, such that relations between barrier strength and fathers’ nurturing depended on the parents’ relationship status and parenting alliance strength. Our findings suggest the importance of helping young parents strengthen their coparenting relationship in order to foster fathers’ engagement with their children.
The Impact of Relationship Education on Adolescents of Diverse Backgrounds
Authors: Adler‐Baeder Francesca , Kerpelman Jennifer L. , Schramm David G. , Higginbotham Brian , Paulk Amber
Published: June 2007

Abstract: Adolescent‐focused marriage education is a relatively uncharted research area. Using a quasi‐experimental design, this study examined the effectiveness of an adapted version of the curriculum entitled, Love U2: Increasing Your Relationship Smarts with an economically, geographically, and racially diverse sample of 340 high school students. Findings suggest that participants showed increases in 5 dimensions of their relationship knowledge, including their ability to identify unhealthy relationship patterns. Participants also had more realistic beliefs about relationships/marriages and reported lower levels of verbal aggression use at postprogram compared to controls. Moreover, these findings existed across race, household income, and family structure type, with all participating students benefiting in similar ways. Implications for future programming and research are discussed.
Flexible Workplace Policies: Lessons From the Federal Alternative Work Schedules Act
Authors: Liechty Janet M. , Anderson Elaine A.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:This case study uses a feminist framework to examine the 7‐year process by which the Federal Alternative Work Schedules Act (1978 – 1985) became law and the reasons for reenergized implementation in the 1990s. We analyze the legislative discourse for rationale in support of and opposition to this policy, connect findings to current flexible work research, and identify criteria for evaluating the impact of flextime policies with attention to intersections of gender and socioeconomic status. Unexpectedly, traditional views on hierarchical manager‐worker relations figured more prominently than gender in the Congressional debates.