bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of IS
1016
with the
hia
Adhesin Gene and Biotypes V and I in Invasive Nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Satola Sarah W. , Napier Brooke , Farley Monica M.
Published: September 2008

A subset of invasive nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
(NTHI) strains has evidence of IS
1016
, an insertion element associated with division I
H. influenzae
capsule serotypes. We examined IS
1016
-positive invasive NTHI isolates collected as part of Active Bacterial Core Surveillance within the Georgia Emerging Infections Program for the presence or absence of
hmw1
and
hmw2
(two related adhesin genes that are common in NTHI but absent in encapsulated
H. influenzae
) and
hia
(homologue of
hsf
, an encapsulated
H. influenzae
adhesin gene). Isolates were serotyped using slide agglutination, confirmed as NTHI strains using PCR capsule typing, and biotyped. Two hundred twenty-nine invasive NTHI isolates collected between August 1998 and December 2006 were screened for IS
1016
; 22/229 (9.6%) were positive. Nineteen of 201 previously identified IS
1016
-positive invasive NTHI isolates collected between January 1989 and July 1998 were also examined. Forty-one IS
1016
-positive and 56 randomly selected IS
1016
-negative invasive NTHI strains were examined. The
hia
adhesin was present in 39 of 41 (95%) IS
1016
-positive NTHI strains and 1 of 56 (1.8%) IS
1016
-negative NTHI strains tested;
hmw
(
hmw1
,
hmw2
, or both) was present in 50 of 56 (89%) IS
1016
-negative NTHI isolates but in only 5 of 41 (12%; all
hmw2
) IS
1016
-positive NTHI isolates. IS
1016
-positive NTHI strains were more often biotype V (
P
< 0.001) or biotype I (
P
= 0.04) than IS
1016
-negative NTHI strains, which were most often biotype II. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed the expected genetic diversity of NTHI with some clustering based on IS
1016
,
hmw
or
hia
, and biotypes. A significant association of IS
1016
with biotypes V and I and the presence of
hia
adhesins was found among invasive NTHI. IS
1016
-positive NTHI strains may represent a unique subset of NTHI strains, with characteristics more closely resembling those of encapsulated
H. influenzae
.
Cell Surface O-Glycans LimitStaphylococcus aureusAdherence to Corneal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ricciuto Jessica , Heimer Susan R. , Gilmore Michael S. , Argüeso Pablo
Published: September 2008

The mucin-rich environment of the intact corneal epithelium is thought to contribute to the prevention ofStaphylococcus aureusinfection. This study examined whether O-glycans, which constitute the majority of the mucin mass of epithelial cell glycocalyces, prevented bacterial adhesion and growth. Abrogation of mucin O glycosylation using the chemical primer benzyl-α-GalNAc resulted in increased adherence of parental strain RN6390 to apical human corneal-limbal epithelial (HCLE) cells and to biotinylated cell surface protein in static and liquid phase adhesion assays, consistent with a role of mucin O-glycans in preventing bacterial adhesion. Comparable results were found with ALC135, an isogenic mutant strain defective in the accessory gene regulatorsagrandsar, indicating that theagr- and/orsar-regulated virulence factors did not play a major role in mediating adhesion to the corneal cell surface after mucin O-glycan truncation. In exoglycosidase digestion studies, treatment with sialidase fromArthrobacter ureafaciens—which hydrolyzed mucin-associatedO-acetyl sialic acid—but not fromClostridium perfringensresulted in an increase in RN6390 and ALC135 adhesion. Abrogation of mucin O glycosylation in HCLE cell cultures did not affect bacterial growth. Overall, these data indicate that mucin O-glycans contribute to the prevention of bacterial adherence to the apical surface of corneal epithelial cells and suggest that alteration of cell surface glycosylation from disease or trauma, including that stemming from contact lens wear, could contribute to a higher risk of infection.
Pathology of twin placentas with special attention to monochorionic twin placentas
Authors: Nikkels P G J , Hack K E A , van Gemert M J C
Published: September 2008

The risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality in twins is 3–7 times higher than in singletons. In comparison to dichorionic twins, monochorionic twins are at increased risk for perinatal mortality and serious morbidity. In both type of twins growth discordance can occur. Discordant growth of dichorionic twins could be due to differences in placental mass or differences in placental parenchymal lesions, whereas birth weight discordancy in monochorionic twins is caused by placental vascular anastomoses. In this review the different types of complications (acardiac twins, acute and chronic twin–twin transfusion syndrome) due to different combinations of vascular anastomoses are discussed in relation to a computer model developed to gain more insight into the development of the twin–twin transfusion syndrome. The angioarchitecture of 395 monochorionic twin placentas was studied. Mortality was highest in the absence of an arterio-arterial anastomosis (42%) and lowest in the presence of an arterio-arterial anastomosis (15%). If mortality occurred, pregnancies with double mortality usually had an arterio-arterial anastomosis. If pregnancies were complicated by one death, a veno-venous anastomosis is more likely to be present. In conclusion, monochorionic twin pregnancies are a high risk pregnancy with a high chance of both mortality and morbidity; placental characteristics are a major contributor to adverse outcome in these pregnancies.
Retracted: Immunohistochemical prognostic markers in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: validation of tissue microarray as a prerequisite for broad clinical applications (a study from the Lunenburg Lymphoma Biomarker Consortium)
Authors: de Jong D , Xie W , Rosenwald A , Chhanabhai M , Gaulard P , Klapper W , Lee A , Sander B , Thorns C , Campo E , Molina T , Hagenbeek A , Horning S , Lister A , Raemaekers J , Salles G , Gascoyne R D , Weller E
Published: September 2008

Background and Aims:

The results of class prediction and the determination of prognostic markers in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have been variably reported. Apart from biological variations, this may be caused by differences in laboratory techniques, scoring definitions and inter- and intra-observer variation. In this study, an international collaboration of clinical lymphoma research groups has concentrated on validation and standardisation of immunohistochemistry of the currently potentially interesting prognostic markers in DLBCL.

Methods:

Sections of a tissue microarray with 36 cases of DLBCL were stained in eight laboratories with antibodies to CD20, CD5, bcl-2, bcl-6, CD10, HLA-DR, MUM-1 and Ki-67 according to local methods. The study was performed in two rounds, firstly focused on the evaluation of laboratory staining variation, and secondly on the scoring variation.

Results:

Different techniques resulted in highly variable results and poor reproducibility for almost all markers. Reproducibility of the nuclear markers was highly sensitive to technical variations, including immunological enhancement techniques (agreements 34%). With elimination of variation due to staining and uniformly agreed on scoring criteria, significant improvement was seen; however less so for bcl-6 and Ki-67 (agreement 53–58%). Absence of internal controls that preclude scoring, significantly influenced the results for CD10 and bcl-6.

Conclusion:

Semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry for subclassification of DLBCL is feasible, but with varying rates of concordance for different markers and only using optimised techniques and strict scoring criteria. These findings may explain the wide variation in prognostic impact reported in the literature. Harmonisation of techniques and centralised consensus review appears mandatory when using immunohistochemical biomarkers for treatment stratification.
Oestrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer: towards bridging histopathological and molecular classifications
Authors: Badve S , Nakshatri H
Published: September 2008

The oestrogen receptor (ER) pathway is key for survival and progression in a significant proportion of breast cancers. The ER can be activated by oestrogen or activated due to “crosstalk” with growth factor receptor pathways. Activated ER signals through transcriptional and non-transcriptional mechanisms. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), in spite of the shortcomings, remains the method of choice as it provides for in situ assessment of ER expression within the tumour cells. This capability is lost in tissue grinding methods that assess oestrogen-binding activity or messenger RNAs in tumours. IHC is also not influenced by the presence of non-tumoural cells or low amounts of tumour cells within samples examined. It is clear that ER-positive tumours do not represent a single entity. Irrespective of the terminology used, low-grade ER-positive (also known as luminal A) tumours need to be differentiated from high-grade/highly proliferative ER-positive tumours. This can be done in a variety of ways including but not limited to analysis of FOXA1 and GATA-3 by IHC, and limited molecular profiling by Oncotype DX, MGH2-gene signature, intrinsic gene signature or MapQuant Dx. Several areas of ER biology are still poorly understood; these include: its function in the cytoplasm/plasma membrane, its role in the differentiation to proliferation switch, and pathways associated with resistance to hormonal therapy. A detailed understanding of these areas will permit better classification and a personalised approach to management of ER-positive breast cancers.
COOPERATIVE SELF-COMPOSITION AND DISCOVERY OF GRID SERVICES IN P2P NETWORKS
Authors: ZIMEO EUGENIO , TROISI ALBERTO , PAPADAKIS HARRIS , FRAGOPOULOU PARASKEVI , FORESTIERO AGOSTINO , MASTROIANNI CARLO
Published: September 2008

The desirable global scalability of Grid systems has steered the research towards the employment of the peer-to-peer (P2P) paradigm for the development of new resource discovery systems. As Grid systems mature, the requirements for such a mechanism have grown from simply locating the desired service to compose more than one service to achieve a goal. In Semantic Grid, resource discovery systems should also be able to automatically construct any desired service if it is not already present in the system, by using other, already existing services. In this paper, we present a novel system for the automatic discovery and composition of services, based on the P2P paradigm, having in mind (but not limited to) a Grid environment for the application. The paper improves composition and discovery by exploiting a novel network partitioning scheme for the decoupling of services that belong to different domains and an ant-inspired algorithm that places co-used services in neighbouring peers.
NONLINEAR FEATURE EXTRACTION USING FISHER CRITERION
Authors: BUSTOS MATÍAS A. , DUARTE-MERMOUD MANUEL A. , BELTRÁN NICOLÁS H.
Published: September 2008

In this paper the problem of nonlinear feature extraction based on the optimization of the Fisher criterion is analyzed. A new nonlinear feature extraction method is proposed. The method does not make use of numerical algorithms and it has an analytical (closed-form) solution. Moreover, no assumptions on the class probability distribution functions are imposed. The proposed method is applied to some standard pattern recognition problems and compared with other classical methodologies already proposed in the literature. The performance of the proposed method turned out to be superior when compared with the other methods studied.
A WALKING GUIDANCE SYSTEM FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Authors: LEE SANG-WOONG , KANG SEONGHOON , LEE SEONG-WHAN
Published: September 2008

In this paper, we present a walking guidance system for the visually impaired pedestrians. The system has been designed to help the visually impaired by responding intelligently to various situations that can occur in unrestricted natural outdoor environments when walking and finding the destinations. It involves the main functions of people detection, text recognition, face recognition. In addition, added sophisticated functions of walking path guidance using Differential Global Positioning System, obstacle detection using a stereo camera and voice user, interface are included. In order to operate all functions concurrently, we develop approaches in real situations and integrate them. Finally, we experiment on a prototype system under natural environments in order to verify our approaches. The results show that our approaches are applicable to real situations.
HYBRID AND INCREMENTAL FUZZY LEARNING FOR HUMAN SKIN DETECTION
Authors: BONVENTI WALDEMAR , COSTA ANNA HELENA REALI
Published: September 2008

In this paper, a framework for detection of human skin in digital images is proposed. This framework is composed of a training phase and a detection phase. A skin class model is learned during the training phase by processing several training images in a hybrid and incremental fuzzy learning scheme. This scheme combines unsupervised- and supervised-learning: unsupervised, by fuzzy clustering, to obtain clusters of color groups from training images; and supervised to select groups that represent skin color. At the end of the training phase, aggregation operators are used to provide combinations of selected groups into a skin model. In the detection phase, the learned skin model is used to detect human skin in an efficient way. Experimental results show robust and accurate human skin detection performed by the proposed framework.
HIDING IMAGES USING MODIFIED SEARCH-ORDER CODING AND MODULUS FUNCTION
Authors: CHANG YU-JIE , WANG RAN-ZAN , LIN JA-CHEN
Published: September 2008

This paper proposes a method for hiding an important image in a cover image whose size is limited. In this method, in order to save space, a modified search-order coding (MSOC) technique first transforms the important image, then, a randomization procedure permutes the transformed image to further increase the security. Finally, a modulus function embeds the permuted code in a cover image; notably, in the modules function, the modulus base used for a pixel is determined according to the variance of its neighboring pixels. Experimental results show that the images are of high quality. Comparisons with reported methods are provided.
SHAPE-BASED INDIVIDUAL/GROUP DETECTION FOR SPORT VIDEOS CATEGORIZATION
Authors: PANAGIOTAKIS COSTAS , RAMASSO EMMANUEL , TZIRITAS GEORGIOS , ROMBAUT MICHÈLE , PELLERIN DENIS
Published: September 2008

We present a shape-based method for automatic people detection and counting without any assumption concerning camera motion. In order to evaluate the robustness of the proposed method, we apply it for classifying athletics videos into two classes: videos of individual and videos of team sports. The videos used are real and characterized by dynamic and unconstrained environment. Moreover, in the case of team sport, we propose a shape deformations based method for running/hurdling discrimination (activity recognition). Robust, adaptive and independent from color, illumination changes and the camera motion, the proposed features are combined in the Transferable Belief Model (TBM) framework providing a two-level (frames and shot) video categorization. Experimental results of 97% of accuracy for individual/team sport categorization using a dataset of 252 real videos of athletic meetings, acquired by moving cameras under varying view angles, indicate the stability and the good performance of the proposed scheme.
Optimal maintenance of a spanning tree
Authors: Awerbuch Baruch , Cidon Israel , Kutten Shay
Published: September 2008

In this article, we show that keeping track of history enables significant improvements in the communication complexity of dynamic network protocols. We present a communication optimal maintenance of a spanning tree in a dynamic network. The amortized (on the number of topological changes) message complexity isO(V), whereVis the number of nodes in the network. The message size used by the algorithm isO(log |ID|) where |ID| is the size of the name space of the nodes. Typically, log |ID| =O(logV).

Previous algorithms that adapt to dynamic networks involved Ω (E) messages per topological change—inherently paying for re-computation of the tree from scratch.

Spanning trees are essential components in many distributed algorithms. Some examples includebroadcast(dissemination of messages to all network nodes),multicast, reset(general adaptation of static algorithms to dynamic networks), routing,termination detection, and more. Thus, our efficient maintenance of a spanning tree implies the improvement of algorithms for these tasks. Our results are obtained using a novel technique to save communication. A node uses information received in the past in order to deduce present information from the fact that certain messages were NOT sent by the node's neighbor. This technique is one of our main contributions.
Transmembrane signaling pathway mediates oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Sangle Ganesh V. , Zhao Ruozhi , Shen Garry X.
Published: September 2008

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for adults in Western society. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), the major physiological inhibitor of plasminogen activators, has been implicated in both thrombogenesis and atherogenesis. Previous studies demonstrated that copper-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (C-oLDL) stimulated production of PAI-1 in vascular endothelial cells (EC). The present study examined the involvement of lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) and Ras/Raf-1/ERK1/2 pathway in the upregulation of PAI-1 in cultured EC induced by oxidized LDLs. The results demonstrated that C-oLDL or FeSO4-oxidized LDL (F-oLDL) increased the expression of PAI-1 or LOX-1 in human umbilical vein EC (HUVEC) or coronary artery EC (HCAEC). Treatment with C-oLDL significantly increased the levels of H-Ras mRNA, protein, and the translocation of H-Ras to membrane fraction in EC. LOX-1 blocking antibody, Ras farnesylation inhibitor (FTI-277), or small interference RNA against H-Ras significantly reduced C-oLDL or LDL-induced expression of H-Ras and PAI-1 in EC. Incubation with C-oLDL or F-oLDL increased the phosphorylation of Raf-1 and ERK1/2 in EC compared with LDL or vehicle. Treatment with Raf-1 inhibitor blocked Raf-1 phosphorylation and the elevation of PAI-1 mRNA level in EC induced by C-oLDL or LDL. Treatment with PD-98059, an ERK1/2 inhibitor, blocked C-oLDL or LDL-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation or PAI-1 expression in EC. The results suggest that LOX-1, H-Ras, and Raf-1/ERK1/2 are implicated in PAI-1 expression induced by oxidized LDLs or LDL in cultured EC.
The Long‐Run Dynamic of the Nexus between Military Strength and National Power: An Econometric Analysis
Authors: Casetti Emilio
Published: September 2008

A number of literatures suggest that military strength has been losing centrality and importance to nonmilitary factors of national power. In this paper, logistic regressions and data from the Correlates of War (COW) project are used to investigate whether over the 1820_2000 time horizon, for the great powers and their proximate contenders, the importance of military capabilities to national power has declined vis‐_‐vis that of economic capabilities. Estimation was carried out using generalized estimating equations (GEEs). The overall picture that emerges from the analysis is that of a transition in progress from a systemic state in which military capabilities were the dominant determinants of national power to a state in which economic capabilities will become the dominant ones. The analysis is concerned with
long‐run trends, and its results are not necessarily applicable to specific countries and circumstances.
Mineral and Protein‐Bound Water and Latching Action Control Mechanical Behavior at Protein‐Mineral Interfaces in Biological Nanocomposites
Authors: Ghosh Pijush , Katti Dinesh R. , Katti Kalpana S.
Published: September 2008

The nacre structure consists of laminated interlocked mineral platelets separated by nanoscale organic layers. Here, the role of close proximity of mineral to the proteins on mechanical behavior of the protein is investigated through steered molecular dynamics simulations. Our simulations indicate that energy required for unfolding protein in the proximity of mineral aragonite is several times higher than that for isolated protein in the absence of the mineral. Here, we present details of specific mechanisms which result in higher energy for protein unfolding in the proximity of mineral. At the early stage of pulling, peaks in the load‐displacement (LD) plot at mineral proximity are quantitatively correlated to the interaction energy between atoms involved in the latching phenomenon of amino acid side chain to aragonite surface. Water plays an important role during mineral and protein interaction and water molecules closer to the mineral surface are highly oriented and remain rigidly attached as the protein strand is pulled. Also, the high magnitude of load for a given displacement originates from attractive interactions between the protein, protein‐bound water, and mineral. This study provides an insight into mineral‐protein interactions that are predominant in biological nanocomposites and also provides guidelines towards design of biomimetic nanocomposites.
Polarization Insensibility of Columnar Quantum Dot Structure Emitting at λ = 1.55 μm: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Even J. , Pedesseau L.
Published: September 2008

Vertically stacked InAs/InP columnar quantum dots (CQDs) for polarization insensitive semiconductor amplifier in telecommunications applications are studied theoretically. An axial model is used to predict mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of these CQDs. A crossover from a dominant transverse electric (TE) optical ground state absorption to a dominant transverse magnetic (TM) absorption is predicted for a number of layers equal to about 9 in good agreement with the experiment. The weight of the light hole component of the valence band ground state increases as a function of the number of layers. The change of the TE/TM polarization ratio is also associated to a symmetry change of the heavy hole component. A modification of the aspect ratio of the CQD seems to be the most important factor to explain the change of the electronic states configuration as a function of the strain distribution.
Bifurcation Results for a Class of Perturbed Fredholm Maps
Authors: Benevieri Pierluigi , Calamai Alessandro
Published: September 2008

We prove a global bifurcation result for an equation of the type "Equation missing", where "Equation missing" is a linear Fredholm operator of index zero between Banach spaces, and, given an open subset "Equation missing" of "Equation missing", "Equation missing" are "Equation missing" and continuous, respectively. Under suitable conditions, we prove the existence of an unbounded connected set of nontrivial solutions of the above equation, that is, solutions "Equation missing" with "Equation missing", whose closure contains a trivial solution "Equation missing". The proof is based on a degree theory for a special class of noncompact perturbations of Fredholm maps of index zero, called "Equation missing"-Fredholm maps, which has been recently developed by the authors in collaboration with M. Furi.
Device-Guided Paced Breathing in the Home Setting
Authors: Parati Gianfranco , Malfatto Gabriella , Boarin Simona , Branzi Giovanna , Caldara Gianluca , Giglio Alessia , Bilo Grzegorz , Ongaro Guido , Alter Ariela , Gavish Benjamin , Mancia Giuseppe
Published: September 2008

Background—

Regular slow breathing is known to improve autonomic cardiac regulation and reduce chemoreflex sensitivity in heart failure. We explored the acceptability and usefulness of a device for paced slow breathing at the home setting.

Methods and Results—

In this open pilot study, 24 patients with chronic heart failure (61% males, mean age, 64�9 years; New York Heart Association class, 2.81�0.01) were randomized to a control group receiving conventional treatment (n=12) or to a group receiving conventional treatment and device-guided paced breathing (n=12). Groups were comparable for age, therapies, and clinical characteristics. They were evaluated at baseline and again after 10 weeks by Doppler echocardiography, pulmonary function, cardiopulmonary stress test, and quality of life (Minnesota Quality of Life questionnaire). The treatment group was instructed to use the equipment for 18 minutes twice daily. The device is a computerized box connected to a belt-type respiration sensor and to headphones; it generates musical tones (based on the user’s breathing rate and inspiration ratio), which guide the user to progressively and effortlessly slow his or her breathing rate <10 breaths/min. The treatment group showed high compliance to the device (90% of the prescribed sessions were completed). Blinded analysis of data demonstrated increased ejection fraction and decreased estimated pulmonary pressure in the echocardiograms of the treated group versus controls and favorable changes in New York Heart Association class, V
e
/V
co
2
, FEV
1
, and a quality of life measure, as well (all
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

This pilot investigation demonstrates that device-guided paced breathing at home is feasible and results in an improvement in clinically relevant parameters for patients with heart failure and systolic dysfunction.
Retinal Vascular Imaging
Authors: Liew Gerald , Wang Jie Jin , Mitchell Paul , Wong Tien Y.
Published: September 2008

The microcirculation is relatively inaccessible to direct visualization and investigation. Recent methods have been developed which use advanced retinal photographic imaging techniques and computer-assisted image analysis to characterize, measure and quantify subtle variations and abnormalities in the retinal vasculature. These quantitative and qualitative assessments demonstrate a close association of retinal vascular signs to both clinical and subclinical cerebrovascular, cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes. Retinal vascular imaging may thus offer potential as a noninvasive research tool to probe the role and pathophysiology of the microvasculature, and as a cardiovascular risk prediction tool. Key areas where retinal vascular imaging has contributed to increased understanding of microvascular pathology and major areas of current and new research are discussed in this review.
Role of Crosstalk Between Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways in Artery–Vein Specification
Authors: Hong Charles C. , Kume Tsutomu , Peterson Randall T.
Published: September 2008

Functional and structural differences between arteries and veins lie at the core of the circulatory system, both in health and disease. Therefore, understanding how artery and vein cell identities are established is a fundamental biological challenge with significant clinical implications. Molecular genetic studies in zebrafish and other vertebrates in the past decade have begun to reveal in detail the complex network of molecular pathways that specify artery and vein cell fates during embryonic development. Recently, a chemical genetic approach has revealed evidence that artery–vein specification is governed by cross talk between phosphoinositide 3-kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) signaling in artery–vein specification. We discuss recent findings on the signaling pathways involved in artery–vein specification during zebrafish development and compare and contrast these results to those from mammalian systems. It is anticipated that the complementary approaches of genetics and chemical biology, involving a variety of model organisms and systems, will lead to a better understanding of artery–vein specification and possibly to novel therapeutic approaches to treat vascular diseases.
Two-Year Survival and Mental and Psychomotor Outcomes After the Norwood Procedure
Authors: Atallah Joseph , Dinu Irina A. , Joffe Ari R. , Robertson Charlene M.T. , Sauve Reg S. , Dyck John D. , Ross David B. , Rebeyka Ivan M. ,   the Western Canadian Complex Pediatric Therapies Follow-Up Group
Published: September 2008

Background—

The Norwood procedure for stage 1 palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome is performed with either the modified Blalock-Taussig (MBTS) or the right ventricle–to–pulmonary artery (RVPA) shunt. In our institution, surgical practice changed from use of the MBTS to use of the RVPA shunt in 2002. We analyzed survival and mental and psychomotor outcomes of the 2 consecutive surgical eras.

Methods and Results—

Between September 1996 and July 2005, 94 neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome underwent the Norwood procedure. Patients were recruited as neonates and followed up prospectively. Health, mental, and psychomotor outcomes (Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II) were assessed at 2 years. The study subjects were from the Norwood-MBTS era (n=62; 1996 to 2002) or the Norwood-RVPA era (n=32; 2002 to 2005). In the MBTS era, early and 2-year mortality rates were 23% (14/62) and 52% (32/62); the mean (SD) mental and psychomotor developmental indices were 79 (18) and 67 (19). In the RVPA era, early and 2-year mortality rates were 6% (2/32) and 19% (6/32); the mean (SD) mental and psychomotor developmental indices were 85 (18) and 78 (18). The 2-year mortality rate (
P
=0.002) and the psychomotor developmental index (
P
=0.029) were improved in the more recent surgical era. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, postoperative highest serum lactate independently predicted 2-year mortality in the MBTS and RVPA eras.

Conclusions—

Analysis of 2 consecutive surgical eras of hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients undergoing the Norwood procedure showed a significant improvement in 2-year survival and psychomotor development in the more recent era. Adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in this patient population remains a concern.
Cerebrovascular Thromboprophylaxis in Mice by Erythrocyte-Coupled Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator
Authors: Danielyan Kristina , Ganguly Kumkum , Ding Bi-Sen , Atochin Dmitriy , Zaitsev Sergei , Murciano Juan-Carlos , Huang Paul L. , Kasner Scott E. , Cines Douglas B. , Muzykantov Vladimir R.
Published: September 2008

Background—

Cerebrovascular thrombosis is a major source of morbidity and mortality after surgery, but thromboprophylaxis in this setting is limited because of the formidable risk of perioperative bleeding. Thrombolytics (eg, tissue-type plasminogen activator [tPA]) cannot be used prophylactically in this high-risk setting because of their short duration of action and risk of causing hemorrhage and central nervous system damage. We found that coupling tPA to carrier red blood cells (RBCs) prolongs and localizes tPA activity within the bloodstream and converts it into a thromboprophylactic agent, RBC/tPA. To evaluate the utility of this new approach for preventing cerebrovascular thrombosis, we examined the effect of RBC/tPA in animal models of cerebrovascular thromboembolism and ischemia.

Methods and Results—

Preformed fibrin microemboli were injected into the middle carotid artery of mice, occluding downstream perfusion and causing severe infarction and 50% mortality within 48 hours. Preinjected RBC/tPA rapidly lysed nascent cerebral thromboemboli, providing rapid, durable reperfusion and reducing morbidity and mortality. These beneficial effects were not achieved by preinjection of tPA, even at a 10-fold higher dose, which increased mortality from 50% to 90% by 10 hours after embolization. RBC/tPA injected 10 minutes after tail amputation to simulate postsurgical hemostasis did not cause bleeding from the wound, whereas soluble tPA caused profuse bleeding. RBC/tPA neither aggravated brain damage caused by focal ischemia in a filament model of middle carotid artery occlusion nor caused postthrombotic hemorrhage in hypertensive rats.

Conclusions—

These results suggest a potential RBC/tPA utility as thromboprophylaxis in patients who are at risk for acute cerebrovascular thromboembolism.
Pilot Trial on Determinants of Progenitor Cell Recruitment to the Infarcted Human Myocardium
Authors: Schächinger Volker , Aicher Alexandra , Döbert Natascha , Röver Rainer , Diener Jürgen , Fichtlscherer Stephan , Assmus Birgit , Seeger Florian H. , Menzel Christian , Brenner Winfried , Dimmeler Stefanie , Zeiher Andreas M.
Published: September 2008

Background—

Clinical trials indicate a beneficial effect of intracoronary infusion of progenitor cells on myocardial function in patients with ischemic heart disease. The extent and potential determinants of proangiogenic progenitor cell homing into the damaged myocardium after intracoronary infusion and the underlying mechanisms are still unknown.

Method and Results—

Circulating proangiogenic progenitor cells isolated from peripheral blood and cultivated for 3 days were labeled with radioactive indium oxine (
111
In-oxine). Radiolabeled proangiogenic progenitor cells (7.6±3.0 MBq, mean±SD) were administered to patients with previous myocardial infarction and a revascularized infarct vessel at various stages after infarction (5 days to 17 years). Viability of the infarcted myocardium was determined by
18
F-fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography and microcirculatory function by intracoronary Doppler measurements. One hour after application of progenitor cells, a mean of 6.9±4.7% (range, 1% to 19%; n=17) of total radioactivity was detected in the heart, which declined to 2±1% after 3 to 4 days. Average activity within the first 24 hours was highest among patients with acute myocardial infarction (≤14 days; 6.3±2.9%; n=8) and progressively decreased in patients treated in an intermediate phase (>14 days to 1 year; 4.5±3.2%; n=4) or a chronic stage (infarct age >1 year; 2.5±1.6%; n=5). Low viability of the infarcted myocardium and reduced coronary flow reserve were significant (
P
<0.05) predictors of proangiogenic progenitor cell homing.

Conclusions—

In patients after myocardial infarction undergoing intracoronary infusion of
111
In-oxine–labeled proangiogenic progenitor cells, a substantial amount of radioactivity is detected for several days in the heart, indicating homing of progenitor cells to the myocardium. The amount of proangiogenic progenitor cells retained in the heart decreased progressively with time after the acute myocardial infarction. Proangiogenic progenitor cells preferentially home to extensive acute myocardial infarcts characterized by low viability and reduced coronary flow reserve.
Aortic Valve Bypass Surgery
Authors: Gammie James S. , Krowsoski Leandra S. , Brown James M. , Odonkor Patrick N. , Young Cindi A. , Santos Mary J. , Gottdiener John S. , Griffith Bartley P.
Published: September 2008

Background—

Aortic valve bypass (AVB; apicoaortic conduit) surgery relieves aortic stenosis (AS) by shunting blood from the apex of the left ventricle to the descending thoracic aorta through a valved conduit. We have performed AVB surgery as an alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement for high-risk AS patients.

Methods and Results—

Between 2003 and 2007, 31 high-risk AS patients were treated with AVB surgery. Twenty-two patients (71%) were undergoing reoperation with patent coronary bypass grafts, and 5 (16%) had a porcelain ascending aorta. The average age was 81 years. Cardiopulmonary bypass was used for 19 of 31 patients (61%); the median duration of cardiopulmonary bypass was 19 minutes. Cross-clamp time for all patients was 0 minutes. Perioperative mortality was 13% (4 of 31 patients); no perioperative deaths occurred in the last 16 consecutive patients. One patient experienced a stroke related to intraoperative hypotension. No strokes have occurred during follow-up. Renal function was unchanged after AVB (preoperative creatinine, 1.3±0.5 mg/dL; postoperative creatinine, 1.2±0.5 mg/dL). The mean gradient across the native aortic valve decreased from 43.5±15 to 10.4±5.4 mm Hg. Echocardiographically determined conduit flow expressed as a percentage of total cardiac output was 72±12%.

Conclusions—

AVB surgery is an important therapeutic option for high-risk patients with symptomatic AS. Ventricular outflow is distributed in a predictable fashion between the conduit and the left ventricular outflow tract, and AVB surgery reliably relieves AS. Stroke and renal dysfunction were uncommon.
Inhibition of Stearoyl-Coenzyme A Desaturase 1 Dissociates Insulin Resistance and Obesity From Atherosclerosis
Authors: Brown J. Mark , Chung Soonkyu , Sawyer Janet K. , Degirolamo Chiara , Alger Heather M. , Nguyen Tam , Zhu Xuewei , Duong My-Ngan , Wibley Amanda L. , Shah Ramesh , Davis Matthew A. , Kelley Kathryn , Wilson Martha D. , Kent Carol , Parks John S. , Rudel Lawrence L.
Published: September 2008

Background—

Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) is a well-known enhancer of the metabolic syndrome. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of SCD1 in lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis progression.

Methods and Results—

Antisense oligonucleotides were used to inhibit SCD1 in a mouse model of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis (LDLr
−/−
Apob
100/100
). In agreement with previous reports, inhibition of SCD1 protected against diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. Unexpectedly, however, SCD1 inhibition strongly promoted aortic atherosclerosis, which could not be reversed by dietary oleate. Further analyses revealed that SCD1 inhibition promoted accumulation of saturated fatty acids in plasma and tissues and reduced plasma triglyceride, yet had little impact on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Because dietary saturated fatty acids have been shown to promote inflammation through toll-like receptor 4, we examined macrophage toll-like receptor 4 function. Interestingly, SCD1 inhibition resulted in alterations in macrophage membrane lipid composition and marked hypersensitivity to toll-like receptor 4 agonists.

Conclusions—

This study demonstrates that atherosclerosis can occur independently of obesity and insulin resistance and argues against SCD1 inhibition as a safe therapeutic target for the metabolic syndrome.
Simultaneous Measurement of Beat-to-Beat Carotid Diameter and Pressure Changes to Assess Arterial Mechanical Properties
Authors: Giannattasio Cristina , Salvi Paolo , Valbusa Filippo , Kearney-Schwartz Anna , Capra Anna , Amigoni Maria , Failla Monica , Boffi Lucia , Madotto Fabiana , Benetos Athanasios , Mancia Giuseppe
Published: September 2008

Use of local arterial distensibility measurements by change in carotid artery diameter divided by pulse pressure has limitations because blood pressure is often taken in a vessel distant or at a time different from where and when change in diameter is taken. In 92 subjects (23 to 91 years of age), carotid artery diameter was continuously measured ecographically, whereas blood pressure was continuously measured simultaneously tonometrically on the contralateral artery, the 2 signals being synchronized via 2 EKGs. Within each cardiac cycle, there was a linear relationship between the changes in vessel diameter and the changes in blood pressure during either the protomesosystole or the diastole after the dicrotic notch. The diastolic slope was displaced upward and steeper than the systolic slope, the pressure-diameter loop showing a hysteresis. Both slopes showed a high reproducibility when data were averaged over a several-second period. There were small differences between consecutive cardiac cycles, suggesting that modulation of arterial mechanical response to continuous changes in intravascular pressure may undergo physiological variations. In the 92 subjects, systolic and diastolic slopes correlated significantly with distensibility values obtained by Reneman formula and exhibited a close inverse relationship with each subject’s age and systolic blood pressure, thereby showing the ability to reflect age- and pressure-dependent large artery stiffening. This method may allow precise assessment of man’s arterial mechanical properties within each cardiac cycle. This highly dynamic assessment may help to collect information on properties of normal and altered large elastic arteries and the mechanisms involved in disease.
Levinas and Maimonides: From Metaphysics to Ethical Negative Theology
Authors: Fagenblat Michael
Published: September 2008

After an initially sympathetic reading of Maimonides, Levinas develops an ambivalent attitude toward the Great Eagle, whom he views as a champion of intellectualist Judaism. Nevertheless, insights from the early engagement with Maimonides are carried forth into the central claims of Totality and Infinity regarding freedom, creation, particularity and transcendence. Levinas' arguments are directed at Heidegger but can also be seen as a phenomenological repetition of the medieval dispute about the eternity of the world. Later, Levinas continues this engagement with Maimonides by transforming the latter's negative theology into what I call ethical negative theology.
Utopia Pre-Empted: Kett's Rebellion, Commoning, and the Hysterical Sublime
Authors: Holstun Jim
Published: September 2008

In 1549, on Mousehold Heath, outside Norwich, the campmen of Kett's Rebellion created the greatest practical utopian project of Tudor England. Using a commoning rhetoric and practice, they tried to restore the moral economy of the county community, ally themselves with the reforming regime of Protector Somerset, and create a Protestant monarchical republic of small producers. In opposition, Tudor gentlemen and their chroniclers used ‘the hysterical sublime’, a rhetoric and practice of pre-emptive decisionist violence, to crush the Norwich commune, overthrow Somerset, and accelerate capitalist primitive accumulation. These two visions of culture and society continued to clash in Tudor England, but the gentlemen had gained the upper hand.
Rowan Williams and Sharia: Defending the Secular
Authors: Higton Mike
Published: September 2008

The article that follows is in part based on a pair of long blog posts that I wrote on the 11 and 15 February 2008 (‘Rowan Williams and Sharia: A Guide for the Perplexed’ and ‘What is Enlightenment: More on Williams and Sharia’). They were simply intended as an explanatory guided tour through the lecture, though with an implicit interest in undermining some of the wilder misrepresentations that I had then read. These posts did not focus on questions of strategy—on the political wisdom of delivering the lecture, or the handling of the media by Williams and his staff (I dealt with those issues briefly in an intervening post, not reproduced here)—but simply with the content of the lecture itself. I have not attempted in this article to step beyond that original remit: this article remains an attempt above all to explain, without too much by way of my own explicit comment, what Williams said.
Legal Monism and Religious Pluralism: Rowan Williams on Religion, Loyalty and Law
Authors: Chaplin Jonathan
Published: September 2008

Archbishop Rowan Williams' lecture on ‘Civil and Religious Law in England’ in February 2008 provoked passionate critical responses, not only in Britain but around the world. While acknowledging ambiguities in the text of the lecture, this article seeks to clarify its central claims and to address some of the misrepresentations to which it was subjected. It defends the lecture as a constructive and profound theological contribution to the ongoing discussion about the proper scope and manner of the legal accommodation of religious minorities within liberal democratic states. It then probes further into the wider question raised by the lecture concerning the dilemma of the plural identities and loyalties of religious citizens in such states. The Archbishop's subtle critique of ‘unqualified secular legal monopoly’ can be heard to contain a timely warning against political hubris.
Philosophers, Politicians and Archbishops: Religious Reasons in the Public Sphere
Authors: McIntosh Esther
Published: September 2008

The Nicholas Wolterstorff-Robert Audi debate surrounding the role of religious reasons in public debate remains unresolved in the United States. Alternatively, but relatedly, when politicians and Archbishops in the UK mention God the media react with force. This article seeks a more balanced reaction to the faith of politicians and Archbishops and a solution to the Wolterstorff-Audi debate. First, this article teases out the extent to which John Macmurray's philosophy of community is or is not evident in New Labour politics; secondly, it expounds Macmurray's alternative ‘communitarianism’ by examining his account of church-state relations; thirdly, it introduces the philosophical notion of supervenience to provide a proper account of the relation between religious reasons and secular reasons in public debate and, finally, it provides an example of a ‘community’ that satisfies the essential criteria of Macmurray's definition. Thus, in addition to revealing the contemporary relevance of Macmurray's work and the misunderstandings surrounding the notion of community, this article engages with an ongoing international conversation on the ethics of religious voices in public places and proposes a solution to the Wolterstorff-Audi debate.
Law, Muslim Majority and the Implementation of Sharia in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Vroom Hendrik
Published: September 2008

This article introduces a valuable work of a thousand pages that describes and documents the implementation of Sharia law in twelve states in northern Nigeria. It describes the content of the volumes; it gives some examples of Sharia laws and where and how Sharia differs from the penal law of Nigeria; it discusses a number of aspects of two cases that resulted in the accused being sentenced to be stoned and considers the overturning of the verdicts in appeal proceedings. Hence, the article looks at the ‘hermeneutical space’ that judges have for leniency in applying the sometimes harsh rules, and it explores the question of whether freedom of religion also entails the freedom to establish religious laws or whether legal pluralism might put the freedom of religion at risk.
Charging Steeds or Maidens Doing Good Deeds? A Re-Interpretation of Qur'āan 100 (al-‘;ādiyāt)
Authors: Younes Munther
Published: September 2008

In A Challenge to Islam for Reformation, Gunter Lüling (2003) argues that about one-third of the Qur'ānic text is based on ancient Christian Arabic hymns that were reworked and given a new meaning by the Qur'ān editors after the Prophet's death. This was possible because the Uthmanic mushaf lacked dots, which allowed for different readings. In this essay, I reconstruct the first five verses of Koran 100 (wa-l-‘ādiyāt) by changing the dotting scheme of four words. Informed by a close examination of the syntactic structure and vocabulary of these verses and a comparison with cognates in Syriac and Hebrew, two languages with a clear influence on the Qur'ān, this reconstruction results in a narrative that is more coherent semantically and syntactically than the traditional interpretation. Whereas in the traditional interpretation these verses describe steeds charging into battle, in my reconstruction they refer to maidens bringing light to the world.