bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dusty, albeit ultraviolet bright, infancy of galaxies
Authors: Devriendt J. , Rimes C. , Pichon C. , Teyssier R. , Le Borgne D. , Aubert D. , Audit E. , Colombi S. , Courty S. , Dubois Y. , Prunet S. , Rasera Y. , Slyz A. , Tweed D.
Published: February 2010

The largest galaxies acquire their mass early on, when the Universe is still youthful. Cold streams violently feed these young galaxies a vast amount of fresh gas, resulting in very efficient star formation. Using a well resolved hydrodynamical simulation of galaxy formation, we demonstrate that these mammoth galaxies are already in place a couple of billion years after the big bang. Contrary to local star-forming galaxies, where dust re-emits a large part of the stellar ultraviolet (UV) light at infrared and sub-millimetre wavelengths, our self-consistent modelling of dust extinction predicts that a substantial fraction of UV photons should escape from primordial galaxies. Such a model allows us to compute reliably the number of high-redshift objects as a function of luminosity, and yields galaxies whose UV luminosities closely match those measured in the deepest observational surveys available. This agreement is remarkably good considering our admittedly still simple modelling of the interstellar medium physics. The luminosity functions of virtual UV luminous galaxies coincide with the existing data over the whole redshift range from 4 to 7, provided cosmological parameters are set to their currently favoured values. Despite their considerable emission at short wavelengths, we anticipate that the counterparts of the brightest UV galaxies will be detected by future sub-millimetre facilities like ALMA.
Multiplex assay to identify Korean vectors of malaria
Authors: JOSHI D. , PARK M. H. , SAEUNG A. , CHOOCHOTE W. , MIN G. S.
Published: February 2010

Following the recent emergence of malaria in South Korea, vector control has been an important task. For this, vector identification is very important. Earlier, two PCR‐based assays have been described. But, poor species resolution and their ability to include only 4–5 species limit their use. Thus, it has now become important to revise the assay identifying these members. In this study, a new assay based on internal transcribed spacer 2 and 28S of ribosomal DNA has been described. The assay successfully identified all the Korean malaria vector mosquitoes. Therefore, it is an indispensable tool to study ecology, abundance and biology of these species.
The Strength of Silicate Glasses: What Do We Know, What Do We Need to Know?
Authors: Kurkjian Charles R. , Gupta Prabhat K. , Brow Richard K.
Published: February 2010

In the last few years, there has been increased interest in methods to improve the practical strength of inorganic glasses. During this same time period, new theoretical and experimental techniques have appeared. In this paper, we discuss this interest and indicate how and where these new techniques may help us to achieve our objective to increase the practical strength of glass. Our ability to measure the intrinsic inert strength of glass fibers as well as the development of stresses around indentations and scratches now allows us to attack these two important issues experimentally. Likewise, major advances have been made in techniques for the modeling glass structure and mechanical properties. The advances in these three areas give us indications of how changes in glass composition and processing can influence the final strength as well as its robustness.
Properties of Rikkunshi-to (TJ-43)-induced relaxation of rat gastric fundus smooth muscles
Authors: Kito Yoshihiko , Suzuki Hikaru
Published: February 2010

The relaxant effects of Rikkunshi-to (TJ-43), a gastroprotective herbal medicine, on rat gastric fundus were investigated. Experiments were carried out using standard tension and intracellular microelectrode recording techniques. During contraction induced by enprostil (0.5 μM), a prostaglandin E2 analog, TJ-43, produced relaxation dose dependently (0.1–5.0 mg/ml) in the rat fundic circular smooth muscle (CSM) strips. The relaxant effects of TJ-43 were not affected by tetrodotoxin or 1 H[1, 2, 4] oxadiazolo [4, 3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (10 μM), an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase. TJ-43 inhibited enprostil-induced membrane depolarization. Apamin (1 μM), a blocker of small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channel, inhibited T-43-induced membrane repolarization. TJ-43-induced relaxation was biphasic, comprising of an initial fast followed by a second slow relaxation. The fast relaxation was abolished by apamin. Application of high K+ (29.4 mM [K+]o) also abolished the fast relaxation induced by TJ-43. In diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rat fundic CSM strips, the relaxant responses of TJ-43 during enprostil-induced contraction were increased compared with control rat strips. These results indicate that TJ-43 elicited fast muscle relaxation through membrane hyperpolarization induced by the activation of SK channels; the time-dependent slow relaxation reflects an additional direct of TJ-43 on CSM in the rat gastric fundus. Because TJ-43-evoked relaxation of fundic CSM strips was more potent in diabetic GK rat than in control rat, further analysis of this herb could lead to better treatments of diabetic gastroparesis.
Estrogen Replacement Reverses Olanzapine-Induced Weight Gain and Hepatic Insulin Resistance in Ovariectomized Diabetic Rats
Authors: Park Sunmin , Hong Sang Mee , Ahn I.L. Sung , Kim Da Sol , Kim Sung Hoon
Published: February 2010

Objectives: We investigated whether estrogen replacement modulated energy and glucose metabolic changes induced by olanzapine (OZP) and risperidone (RPD) in 90% pancreatectomized diabetic rats, some of whom had also been ovariectomized (OVX) and some of whom had not (sham). Methods: OVX diabetic rats were subcutaneously injected with estrogen replacement (17β-estradiol, 30 µg/kg/day) or a vehicle. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups, and each subgroup was orally either given a placebo, RPD (0.5 mg/kg body weight/day) or OZP (2 mg/kg body weight/day) for 8 weeks. Sham rats were also divided into 3 subgroups and given drugs in the same manner as the OVX rats were. All rats were fed high-fat diets. Results: OZP increased body weight and epididymal fat pads more than the control (vehicle) in sham and OVX rats. Increased body weight in OZP-treated sham and OVX rats was due to the increment in food intake, which was associated with potentiating the phosphorylation of hypothalamic adenosine-monophosphate-activated protein kinase. At euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamping, OZP decreased glucose infusion rates and increased hepatic glucose output in OVX diabetic rats. In sham rats, OZP increased hepatic glucose output but not as much as in OVX rats. Hepatic insulin signaling and glucose sensing were attenuated in OZP-treated OVX rats, and the attenuation increased hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase expression to induce gluconeogenesis. These negative and harmful effects noted among OZP-treated OVX rats were reversed by estrogen replacement treatment. However, RPD did not alter body weight and peripheral insulin sensitivity in sham and OVX rats. Conclusions: OZP treatment should be avoided when treating diabetic and schizophrenic women, especially those in their postmenopausal period.
Role of the Left DLPFC in Endogenous Task Preparation: Experimental Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Study
Authors: Vanderhasselt Marie-Anne , De Raedt Rudi , Leyman Lemke , Baeken Chris
Published: February 2010

The precise role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in attentional set activation is still not entirely clear. Hence, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can be applied to interfere with neural processing to determine whether a specific brain area is required in task performance. In this study, the influence of one session of high-frequency (HF)-rTMS of the left DLPFC on a reaction task using visual and auditory trials was investigated. Participants were instructed to pay constant attention to the visual stimuli, and they were informed that distracting auditory stimuli could also appear. Participants had to respond to both stimuli. Results indicate that after one session of HF-rTMS of the left DLPFC, performance was improved for the primary task, but not for the distracters. Specifically, we found decreased response time for an endogenous component of attentional control which embodies the online representations of task-relevant information. To conclude, the current results highlight a specific role of the left DLPFC in actively preparing for a specific task in the presence of a distracting task.
Clinical Outcome and Prognosis of Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis in Japan
Authors: Itabashi Mitsuyo , Takei Takashi , Yabuki Yasuko , Suzuki Hitoe , Ando Minoru , Akamatsu Mayuko , Yamazaki Mayuko , Mitobe Michihiro , Watanabe Yoshihiko , Mochizuki Takahiro , Nitta Kosaku
Published: February 2010

Background/Aims: We conducted a broad survey of 99 patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis and investigated both prognosis and outcomes. Methods: Clinical data evaluated were age, sex, patient survival, renal survival, serum albumin, serum creatinine, urinary protein, hematuria, C-reactive protein (CRP), ANCA titer, IgG and the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS). Results: The patient survival rate at 6 months after onset was 84.8%, and that at 2 years after onset was 82.0%. Most deaths were within 6 months of onset. Infection accounted for 9 deaths (60.0%). Infection together with pulmonary involvement of active vasculitis accounted for 2 deaths (13.3%). Organ-specific involvement of active vasculitis alone caused 3 deaths (20.0%). Others died of cardiac events. At 1 and 3 months after onset, BVAS (p < 0.0001, p = 0.002), albumin (p = 0.006, p = 0.0004) and CRP (p = 0.04, p = 0.0002) were also associated with patient death. Conclusion: To improve the prognosis of those with ANCA-associated vasculitis, the intensity of initial treatment should be aimed at disease severity. Employing BVAS improved the ability to evaluate therapeutic responses. Finally, prescription with sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim during the induction therapy with immunosuppressive agents may be advised.
Predictors of Declining Glomerular Filtration Rate in a Population-Based Chronic Kidney Disease Cohort
Authors: Eriksen Bjørn O. , Tomtum Janne , Ingebretsen Ole C.
Published: February 2010

Background/Aim: A high percentage of patients with chronic kidney disease has nonprogressive disease. Classification with respect to rate of change in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) would permit a more targeted approach to these patients. The aim of this study was to study predictors of rate of change in GFR in a population-based cohort. Methods: All prevalent patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3 in a well-defined population in Northern Europe between 1994 and 2003 were included. Clinical and biochemical data were collected from primary care and hospital medical records. GFR was estimated from creatinine with the recalibrated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation. Rate of change in GFR were explored in two-level multivariate linear regression models. Results: A total of 1,224 patients were included. The mean age (76.5 years) was higher and mean rate of decline in GFR slower (1.5 ml/min/1.73 m2/year) than in studies of selected patient groups. A total of 60% of the patients suffered from comorbid conditions, 90% had hypertension. Male gender, diabetes, proteinuria and higher mean arterial pressure were independent predictors of a faster decline in GFR. Conclusion: The similarity of the identified predictors with those found in clinical trials of more selected patients may indicate the potential for improved treatment of older chronic kidney disease patients with multiple comorbidities by better adherence to existing guidelines.
Calcium-Corrected Intact PTH: A Clinically Useful Parameter for Quantifying Parathyroid Function in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Yano Shozo , Brown Edward M. , Takase Hirofumi , Wada Akihiko , Suzuki Keiko , Kobayashi Akira , Sugimoto Toshitsugu
Published: February 2010

Background/Aims: Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration provides a rough index of the severity of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) due to chronic renal failure. Since serum PTH inversely related to calcium (Ca) level, we attempted to create a new index based on the relationship. Methods: Our subjects were 70 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (HD) in a single facility. Using multiple pairs of serum Ca corrected for albumin (cCa) and intact PTH (iPTH) values drawn simultaneously, we determined the steepest slope of cCa-iPTH relationship for each individual patient to get a line closely resembling the cCa-PTH sigmoidal curve. Results: Based on the slopes, the following equation was obtained: iPTH2 = iPTH1 + (cCa1 – cCa2) × (43 + 0.47 × iPTH1), where the PTH values at any 2 arbitrary values of cCa1 and cCa2 were assumed to be iPTH1 and iPTH2, respectively. When ‘corrected PTH’ is defined as the predicted value of iPTH at cCa = 9.0 mg/dl, its correlation was better than iPTH with the total volume of the parathyroid glands estimated by ultrasonography. Similar results were found in 30 parathyroidectomized patients at other facilities. Conclusion: ‘Corrected PTH’ may represent a useful parameter for assessing the severity of SHPT from single determinations of cCa and iPTH drawn at the same time.
Administration of Intravenous Albumin around the Time of Oocyte Retrieval Reduces Pregnancy Rate without Preventing Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jee Byung Chul , Suh Chang Suk , Kim Yong Beom , Kim Seok Hyun , Choi Young Min , Kim Jung Gu , Moon Shin Yong
Published: February 2010

Background/Aim: The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate whether IV albumin infusion around the time of oocyte retrieval prevents ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and affects the pregnancy rate. Methods: A meta-analysis of data from 9 randomized controlled trials including 1,613 women at high risk for developing OHSS in in vitro fertilization cycles was performed. Results: The combined incidence of severe OHSS was 6.0% in the IV albumin group and 7.9% in saline or no treatment groups. These rates were statistically not different (RR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.57–1.12). Treatment with IV albumin significantly lowered the pregnancy rates (RR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.74–0.98). Conclusions: The combined data presented in this meta-analysis do not support a benefit for IV albumin around the time of oocyte retrieval in preventing OHSS and even showed a deleterious effect on the pregnancy rate.
Skin exposure to micro- and nano-particles can cause haemostasis in zebrafish larvae
Authors: McLeish Jennifer , Chico Timothy , Taylor Harriet , Tucker Carl , Donaldson Ken , Brown Simon
Published: February 2010

Low mass ambient exposure to airborne particles is associated with atherothrombotic events that may be a consequence of the combustion-derived nanoparticle content. There is concern also over the potential cardiovascular impact of manufactured nanoparticles. To better understand the mechanism by which toxic airborne particles can affect cardiovascular function we utilised zebrafish as a genetically tractable model. Using light and confocal fluorescence video-microscopy, we measured heart-rate and blood flow in the dorsal aorta and caudal artery of zebrafish larvae that had been exposed to a number of toxic and non-toxic microparticles and nanoparticles. Diesel exhaust particles (DEP), carboxy-charged LatexTM beads (carboxy-beads) and toxic alumina (Taimicron TM300), but not non-toxic alumina (Baikalox A125), were found to promote both skin and gut cell damage, increased leukocyte invasion into the epidermis, tail muscle ischaemia and hae-mostasis within the caudal artery of free swimming zebrafish larvae. The presence of sodium sulfite, a reducing agent, or warfarin, an anticoagulant, within the system water abrogated the effects of both toxic alumina and carboxy-beads but not DEP. Genetic manipulation of skin barrier function augmented skin damage and haemostasis, even for the non-toxic alumina. The toxic effects of carboxy-beads were still apparent after leukocyte numbers were depleted with anti-Pu.1 morpholino. We conclude that particle uptake across skin epithelium and gut mucosal barriers, or the presence of leukocytes, is not required for particle-induced haemostasis while a compromised skin barrier function accentuated tissue injury and haemostasis.
Comparison of efficacy of antiplatelet treatments for patients with claudication
Authors: Basili Stefania , Raparelli Valeria , Vestri Annarita , Tanna Gian Luca Di , Violi Francesco
Published: February 2010

It was the aim of the present study to investigate if antiplatelet treatment reduced cardiovascular events in patients with claudication and/ or an ankle/brachial index (ABI) ≤0.99 and to analyse if specific antiplatelet treatment had a different impact on clinical outcome. We performed a meta-analysis of 29 clinical randomized trials on antiplatelet therapy for prevention of vascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke in 10,735 peripheral artery disease patients. The primary end-point utilizing in the meta-analysis construction was Cardiovascular Adverse Event. We found 1,900 (17.70%) patients in trials with aspirin, 5,326 (49.61%) in those with thienopyridines, 2,324 (21.65%) in those with picotamide and 1,185 (11.04 %) in those with others antiplatelet drugs. A statistically significant effect of antiplatelet treatment [odds ratio (OR) 0.839; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.729–0.965; p=0.014] was observed. There was a statistically significant reduction of clinical outcome [OR 0.779; 95% CI 0.639–0.950; p=0.014] in the thienopyridine-treated group vs. control. Patients treated with picotamide [OR 0.785; 95% CI 0.495–1.243; p=0.302] or aspirin [OR 0.847; 95%CI 0.653–1.097; p=0.084] showed reduced cardiovascular outcomes, that, however, did not reach significance. The study confirms that anti-platelet treatment reduces vascular outcome in claudicants. Significant reduction was observed with thienopyridines while data regarding aspirin and picotamide were inconclusive.
Impact of gender on the clinical presentation and diagnosis of deep-vein thrombosis
Authors: Riess Hanno , Hach-Wunderle Viola , Gerlach Horst , Carnarius Heike , Eberle Sonja , Rabe Eberhard , Schellong Sebastian , Bauersachs Rupert
Published: February 2010

It is uncertain whether gender influences the clinical presentation of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and the discriminative value of the Wells diagnostic pretest probability score. The aim of the study was to determine whether gender impacts the clinical presentation and diagnosis of DVT. The study analysed a cohort of 4,976 outpatients with clinically suspected DVT of the leg prospectively recruited by 326 vascular medicine physicians in the German ambulatory care sector between October and December 2005. The diagnosis of DVT was based on compression ultrasonography in 96% of patients. Among 4,777 patients who had a diagnostic work-up for DVT there were more women (n=2,998) than men (n=1,779). However, the prevalence of confirmed DVT was 37.0% (658/1779) in men vs. 24.3% (730/2,998) in women (p<0.001). Among patients with confirmed DVT, proximal DVT was more common in men (59.6% vs. 44.5% in women, p<0.001). Swelling of the leg, pitting oedema and dilated superficial veins were more frequently reported by men (p<0.001). The percentage of patients with a high probability Wells clinical pretest score was higher in men than in women (67.0% vs. 57.0%, p<0.001). However, overall, the score equally discriminated risk groups for DVT in both sexes. In conclusion, women were more frequently referred for a diagnostic work-up for DVT than men, but the prevalence of DVT was higher in men and their thrombotic events were more severe. Nevertheless, the Wells clinical pretest probability score correctly identified low- and high-risk groups in both genders.
Evidence That Niacin Inhibits Acute Vascular Inflammation and Improves Endothelial Dysfunction Independent of Changes in Plasma Lipids
Authors: Wu Ben J. , Yan Ling , Charlton Francesca , Witting Paul , Barter Philip J. , Rye Kerry-Anne
Published: February 2010

Objective—

To determine if niacin can confer cardiovascular benefit by inhibiting vascular inflammation and improving endothelial function independent of changes in plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels.

Methods and Results—

New Zealand white rabbits received normal chow or chow supplemented with 0.6% or 1.2% (wt/wt) niacin. This regimen had no effect on plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, or high-density lipoprotein levels. Acute vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were induced in the animals with a periarterial carotid collar. At the 24-hour postcollar implantation, the endothelial expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 was markedly decreased in the niacin-supplemented animals compared with controls. Niacin also inhibited intima-media neutrophil recruitment and myeloperoxidase accumulation, enhanced endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation and cyclic guanosine monophosphate production, increased vascular reduced glutathione content, and protected against hypochlorous acid–induced endothelial dysfunction and tumor necrosis factor α–induced vascular inflammation.

Conclusion—

Previous human intervention studies have demonstrated that niacin inhibits coronary artery disease. This benefit is thought to be because of its ability to reduce low-density lipoprotein and plasma triglyceride levels and increase high-density lipoprotein levels. The present study showed that niacin inhibits vascular inflammation and protects against endothelial dysfunction independent of these changes in plasma lipid levels.
Inhibition of Glycosphingolipid Synthesis Induces a Profound Reduction of Plasma Cholesterol and Inhibits Atherosclerosis Development in APOE*3 Leiden and Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor−/− Mice
Authors: Bietrix Florence , Lombardo Elisa , van Roomen Cindy P.A.A. , Ottenhoff Roelof , Vos Mariska , Rensen Patrick C.N. , Verhoeven Arthur J. , Aerts Johannes M. , Groen Albert K.
Published: February 2010

Objective—

The iminosugar
N
-(5′-adamantane-1′-yl-methoxy)-pentyl-1-deoxynoijirimycin (AMP-DNM), an inhibitor of the enzyme glucosylceramide synthase catalyzing glycosphingolipid (GSL) biosynthesis, ameliorates diabetes and reduces liver steatosis in ob/ob mice. Because an accumulation of sphingolipids, including sphingomyelin and GSLs, has been reported in atherosclerotic lesions in animal models and in humans, the objective of this study was to determine whether AMP-DNM also exerts beneficial effects on the development of atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results—

APOE*3 Leiden mice, maintained on a high-cholesterol diet, were treated for up to 18 weeks with AMP-DNM. The iminosugar prevented hyperlipidemia, generated a less atherogenic lipid profile, and induced a dramatic reduction in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. At the highest dose, no lesions were detectable. The effect of AMP-DNM was associated with a decrease in liver cholesterol, an increase in bile secretion, and enhanced excretion of cholesterol in the feces. Similar effects of AMP-DNM were observed in mice deficient for the low-density lipoprotein receptor.

Conclusion—

By lowering plasma cholesterol, the iminosugar AMP-DNM dramatically reduces the development of atherosclerosis in APOE*3 Leiden and low-density lipoprotein receptor −/− mice. Thus, targeting GSL synthesis may be a new treatment modality to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Zac1 Is an Essential Transcription Factor for Cardiac Morphogenesis
Authors: Yuasa Shinsuke , Onizuka Takeshi , Shimoji Kenichiro , Ohno Yohei , Kageyama Toshimi , Yoon Sung Han , Egashira Toru , Seki Tomohisa , Hashimoto Hisayuki , Nishiyama Takahiko , Kaneda Ruri , Murata Mitsushige , Hattori Fumiyuki , Makino Shinji , Sano Motoaki , Ogawa Satoshi , Prall Owen W.J. , Harvey Richard P. , Fukuda Keiichi
Published: February 2010

Rationale
:

The transcriptional networks guiding heart development remain poorly understood, despite the identification of several essential cardiac transcription factors.

Objective
:

To isolate novel cardiac transcription factors, we performed gene chip analysis and found that
Zac1
, a zinc finger-type transcription factor, was strongly expressed in the developing heart. This study was designed to investigate the molecular and functional role of Zac1 as a cardiac transcription factor.

Methods and Results
:

Zac1 was strongly expressed in the heart from cardiac crescent stages and in the looping heart showed a chamber-restricted pattern. Zac1 stimulated luciferase reporter constructs driven by
ANF, BNP
, or α
MHC
promoters. Strong functional synergy was seen between Zac1 and Nkx2-5 on the
ANF
promoter, which carries adjacent Zac1 and Nkx2-5 DNA-binding sites. Zac1 directly associated with the
ANF
promoter in vitro and in vivo, and Zac1 and Nkx2-5 physically associated through zinc fingers 5 and 6 in Zac1, and the homeodomain in Nkx2-5.
Zac1
is a maternally imprinted gene and is the first such gene found to be involved in heart development. Homozygous and paternally derived heterozygous mice carrying an interruption in the
Zac1
locus showed decreased levels of chamber and myofilament genes, increased apoptotic cells, partially penetrant lethality and morphological defects including atrial and ventricular septal defects, and thin ventricular walls.

Conclusions
:

Zac1 plays an essential role in the cardiac gene regulatory network. Our data provide a potential mechanistic link between Zac1 in cardiogenesis and congenital heart disease manifestations associated with genetic or epigenetic defects in an imprinted gene network.
A Novel Loss-of-Function
DDAH1
Promoter Polymorphism Is Associated With Increased Susceptibility to Thrombosis Stroke and Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Ding Hu , Wu Bin , Wang Hu , Lu Zhilan , Yan Jiangtao , Wang Xiaojing , Shaffer John R. , Hui Rutai , Wang Dao Wen
Published: February 2010

Rationale
:

Asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous arginine analogue, inhibits nitric oxide synthases and plays an important role in endothelial dysfunction.

Objective
:

In the present study, we tested whether a novel genetic variant in dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (
DDAH1
), an important ADMA hydrolyzing gene, was associated with stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) susceptibility in the Chinese Han population.

Methods and Results
:

By resequencing, we identified a novel 4-nucleotide deletion/insertion variant in the
DDAH1
promoter. The insertion allele disrupted binding of metal-regulatory transcription factor 1, which resulted in significant reduction of in vitro
DDAH1
transcriptional activity and in vivo DDAH1 mRNA level, and in turn, increased plasma ADMA level and the ratio of ADMA to
l
-arginine. We initially genotyped the polymorphism in 1388 stroke patients and 1027 controls as well as 576 CHD patients and 557 controls and then replicated our study in additional independent case-control cohorts comprising 961 stroke patients and 822 controls and 482 CHD patients and 1072 controls. We identified that the −396 4N ins allele was significantly associated with increased risk of thrombosis stroke and CHD after adjusting for environmental factors in both samples for both diseases (thrombosis stroke discovery set: odds ratio [OR]=1.35,
P
=0.032; replication set: OR=1.51,
P
=0.006; CHD discovery set: OR=1.45,
P
=0.035; replication set: OR=1.47,
P
=0.003).

Conclusions
:

Our results suggest that the
DDAH1
loss-of-function polymorphism is associated with both increased risk of thrombosis stroke and CHD.
Diagnostic Criteria and Yield of Real-Time Transcranial Doppler Monitoring of Intra-Arterial Reperfusion Procedures
Authors: Rubiera Marta , Cava Luis , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Patterson Damon E. , Zhao Limin , Zhang Yi , Anderson Aaron M. , Robinson Alice , Harrigan Mark R. , Underwood Edward , Horton Joseph , Alexandrov Andrei V.
Published: February 2010

Background and Purpose—

Intra-arterial (IA) rescue procedures are increasingly used to treat acute ischemic stroke. We implemented continuous transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring during these procedures to detect any potentially harmful flow changes. Here, we report diagnostic criteria and yield of TCD monitoring.

Methods—

We studied consecutive acute stroke patients who underwent IA reperfusion procedures. TCD flow signatures during these procedures were analyzed and any abnormal findings were documented.

Results—

Patients were included only if there was successful insonation through the skull; of 56 eligible patients, 51 were included. IA procedures included IA tissue plasminogen activator, use of the Merci retriever, the Penumbra system, balloon angioplasty, and stenting. On TCD monitoring, contrast injections produced high-intensity signals and increased the mean flow velocity (MFV). Deployment of the Merci device appeared as high-intensity, short-duration signals with a transient MFV decrease of 11.5%. The Penumbra system produced lower-intensity signals with a greater transient decrease in MFV during aspiration. IA tissue plasminogen activator significantly increased MFV by 7.5% over Merci and Penumbra flow velocity changes. Power motion Doppler–TCD detected reocclusion in 13 patients, artery-to-artery embolization in 2 patients, air embolism in 2 patients, and hyperperfusion in 6 patients. Overall, the yield of TCD monitoring was positive in 23 (49%) patients who received IA reperfusion procedures.

Conclusions—

Our velocity, intensity, and flow signatures criteria for TCD monitoring of IA reperfusion procedures detect reocclusion, hyperperfusion, or thromboembolism and air embolism in nearly half of all procedures. This hemodynamic information can be particularly helpful when neurological assessment is limited or delayed.
Presence of Finger Extension and Shoulder Abduction Within 72 Hours After Stroke Predicts Functional Recovery
Authors: Nijland Rinske H.M. , van Wegen Erwin E.H. , Harmeling-van der Wel Barbara C. , Kwakkel Gert
Published: February 2010

Background and Purpose—

The aim of the present study was to determine if outcome in terms of upper limb function at 6 months after stroke can be predicted in hospital stroke units using clinical parameters measured within 72 hours after stroke. In addition, the effect of the timing of assessment after stroke on the accuracy of prediction was investigated by measurements on days 5 and 9.

Methods—

Candidate determinants were measured in 188 stroke patients within 72 hours and at 5 and 9 days after stroke. Logistic regression analysis was used for model development to predict upper limb function at 6 months measured with the action research arm test (ARAT).

Results—

Patients with an upper limb motor deficit who exhibit some voluntary extension of the fingers and some abduction of the hemiplegic shoulder on day 2 have a probability of 0.98 to regain some dexterity at 6 months, whereas the probability was 0.25 for those without this voluntary motor activity. Sixty percent of patients with some early finger extension achieved full recovery at 6 months in terms of action research arm test score. Retesting the model on days 5 and 9 resulted in a gradual decline in probability from 0.25 to 0.14 for those without voluntary motor activity of shoulder abduction and finger extension, whereas the probability remained 0.98 for those with this motor activity.

Conclusions—

Based on 2 simple bedside tests, finger extension and shoulder abduction, functional recovery of the hemiplegic arm at 6 months can be predicted early in a hospital stroke unit within 72 hours after stroke onset.
Radiological Investigation of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Cordonnier Charlotte , Klijn Catharina J.M. , van Beijnum Janneke , Al-Shahi Salman Rustam
Published: February 2010

Background and Purpose—

It is not always clear whether, how, and when to undertake further radiological investigation of spontaneous (nontraumatic) intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods—

We systematically reviewed Ovid MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for studies of the diagnostic utility of radiological investigations of the cause(s) of ICH. We sent a structured survey to neurologists, stroke specialists, neurosurgeons, and neuroradiologists in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France to assess whether, how, and when they would investigate supratentorial ICH.

Results—

This systematic review detected 20 relevant studies (including 1933 patients), which either quantified the yield of a radiological investigation/imaging strategy (n=15) or compared 2 imaging techniques (n=5). Six hundred ninety-two (49%) physicians responded to the survey. Further investigation would have been undertaken by the following: 99% of respondents, for younger (38 to 43 years), normotensive adults with lobar or deep ICH; 76%, for older (age 72 to 83 years), normotensive adults with deep ICH; and 31%, for older adults with deep ICH and prestroke hypertension. Younger patient age was the strongest influence on the decision to further investigate ICH (odds ratio=16; 95% confidence interval, 13 to 20), followed by the absence of prestroke hypertension (odds ratio=5; 95% confidence interval, 4 to 6) and lobar ICH location (odds ratio=2; 95% confidence interval, 1 to 2).

Conclusions—

The paucity of studies on the diagnostic utility of imaging investigations of the cause(s) of ICH may contribute to the variation observed in when and how and which patients are investigated in current clinical practice. Studies comparing different types of diagnostic strategies are required.
Urinary Tract Infections Complicating Stroke
Authors: Poisson Sharon N. , Johnston S. Claiborne , Josephson S. Andrew
Published: February 2010

Background and Purpose—

Hospital-acquired urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common complication in hospitalized patients. Recently, catheter-associated UTI has been identified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as a preventable condition, and additional payments to hospitals for its treatment are now declined, increasing the need for prevention of this important complication.

Summary of Review—

This article explores in-depth the pathophysiology, risk factors for, and consequences of UTI after stroke and possible methods to reduce its incidence in the stroke population. Patients with stroke are particularly vulnerable to UTI due to increased risk from immunosuppression, bladder dysfunction, and increased Foley catheter use; and the fever and systemic inflammatory response associated with UTI may impair stroke recovery. UTI is associated with poorer neurological outcomes, longer hospital stays, and increased cost of care after stroke. Intervention strategies previously attempted in this and other populations include prophylactic antibiotics, antiseptic-impregnated catheters, and quality improvement interventions to reduce inappropriate catheterization.

Conclusion—

Patients with stroke have different risks for, consequences of, and barriers to reducing UTI than other hospitalized patients. Further research is needed to develop an effective approach to decreasing this important complication in the stroke population.
Reducing Problems of Sociability in Online Communities: Integrating Online Communication With Offline Interaction
Authors: Matzat Uwe
Published: February 2010

Social network researchers have claimed that relations offline affect relations online; however, it is unclear which characteristics of online interaction are affected by the existence of offline relations. This article examines whether a mixture of virtual and real-life interaction—in contrast to purely virtual interaction—among some members of knowledge-sharing online communities reduces the prevalence of problems that the whole community faces. Typical problems of sociability that increase risk of failure in knowledge sharing include a lack of trust between members, free rider behavior, and a lack of stable membership. This analysis uses survey data from 26 online communities that are part of a virtual organization that hosts communities for teachers. The findings provide evidence for the existence of more trust and less free riding in mixed communities but not for greater membership stability. Results contribute to knowledge of how offline networks influence online relations; namely, offline networks reduce problems of sociability, thereby facilitating online knowledge sharing. Moreover, the results modify earlier claims about the integration of online communication with offline interaction by showing that complete integration is unnecessary.
The Tensile Fatigue Behavior of a Glass-fiber Reinforced Plastic Composite Using a Hybrid-toughened Epoxy Matrix
Authors: Manjunatha C.M. , Sprenger S. , Taylor A.C. , Kinloch A.J.
Published: February 2010

A thermosetting epoxy-polymer was modified by incorporating 9 wt% of carboxyl-terminated butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber microparticles and 10 wt% of silica nanoparticles. The tensile fatigue behavior at a stress ratio, R = 0.1 for both the neat-epoxy polymer (i.e., unmodified) and the hybrid-epoxy polymer was first investigated. The fatigue life of the hybrid-epoxy polymer was about six to ten times higher than that of the neat-epoxy polymer. Secondly, the neat- and the hybrid-epoxy resins were infused into a quasi-isotropic lay-up, E-glass fiber fabric via a ‘Resin Infusion under Flexible Tooling’ set-up to fabricate glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composite panels. The tensile fatigue tests at a stress ratio, R = 0.1 were performed on both of these GFRP composites during which the matrix cracking and stiffness degradation were routinely monitored. The fatigue life of the GFRP composite increased by about six to ten times due to employing the hybrid-epoxy matrix, compared to employing the neat-epoxy matrix. Suppressed matrix cracking and a reduced crack propagation rate were observed in the hybrid-epoxy matrix, which resulted from the various toughening micromechanisms induced by the presence of both the rubber microparticles and silica nanoparticles. These factors were considered to contribute towards the enhanced fatigue life which was observed for the GFRP composite employing the hybrid-epoxy matrix.
The Experience of Retirement in Second Modernity
Authors: Jones Ian Rees , Leontowitsch Miranda , Higgs Paul
Published: February 2010

Retirement and later life are taking on new forms and these may be related to what Ulrich Beck and others have referred to as the birth of the ‘quasi-subject’. This article addresses the ways in which retirement, for some, is actively constructed as a lifestyle option or choice. We present findings from a study based on 20 qualitative interviews with UK men and women who had previously worked in executive and higher management posts and who had recently taken early retirement as a matter of choice. Our aim was to explore the experiences of retirement, changes in lifestyle and social roles and the meanings associated with retirement. We focused on the extent to which the attitudes and beliefs of retired people resonated with the idealized ‘quasi-subject’. Our article concludes by considering the extent to which these reported experiences and understandings reflected a generational habitus in retirement.
The Emotionalization of Reflexivity
Authors: Holmes Mary
Published: February 2010

Reflexivity refers to the practices of altering one’s life as a response to knowledge about one’s circumstances. While theories of reflexivity have not entirely ignored emotions, attention to them has been insufficient. These theories need emotionalizing and this article proposes that emotions have become central to a subjectivity and sociality that is relationally constructed. The emotionalization of reflexivity not only refers to a theoretical endeavour but is a phrase used to begin to explore whether individuals are increasingly drawing on emotions in assessing themselves and their lives. It is argued that dislocation from tradition produces a reflexivity that can be very dependent on comparing experiences and can move others to reflect and reorder their own relations to self and others. Thus, emotions are crucial to how the social is reproduced and to enduring within a complex social world.
The ‘Other’ Laughs Back: Humour and Resistance in Anti-racist Comedy
Authors: Weaver Simon
Published: February 2010

This article outlines the ‘reverse discourses’ of black, African-American and Afro-Caribbean comedians in the UK and USA. These reverse discourses appear in comic acts that employ the sign-systems of embodied and cultural racism but develop, or seek to develop, a reverse semantic effect. I argue the humour of reverse discourse is significant in relation to racism because it forms a type of resistance that can, first, act rhetorically against racist meaning and so attack racist truth claims and points of ambivalence. Second, and connected to this, it can rhetorically resolve the ambiguity of the reverse discourse itself. Alongside this, and paradoxically, reverse discourses also contain a polysemic element that can, at times, reproduce racism. The article seeks to develop a means of analysing the relationship between racist and non-racist meaning in such comedic performance.
A Bourdieusian Analysis of Class and Migration
Authors: Oliver Caroline , O'Reilly Karen
Published: February 2010

This article explores the phenomenon of lifestyle migration from Britain to Spain to interrogate, empirically, the continued relevance of class in the era of individualizing modernity (Beck, 1994). Lifestyle migrants articulate an anti-materialist rhetoric and their experiences of retirement or self-employment diminish the significance of class divisions. However, as researchers who independently studied similar populations in the Eastern and Western Costa del Sol, we found these societies less ‘classless’ than espoused. Despite attempts to rewrite their own history and to mould a different life trajectory through geographical mobility, migrants were bound by the significance of class through both cultural process and the reproduction of (economic) position. Bourdieu’s methodological approach and sociological concepts proved useful for understanding these processes. Employing his concepts throughout, we consider the (limited) possibilities for reinventing habitus, despite claims of an apparently egalitarian social field.
After the Bell
Authors: Covay Elizabeth , Carbonaro William
Published: February 2010

Prior research has not examined how much of the socioeconomic status (SES) advantage on schooling outcomes is related to participation in extracurricular activities. The authors explore the SES advantage and extracurricular participation in elementary school–aged children, with a focus on noncognitive skills. The authors argue that noncognitive skills mediate the influence of SES and extracurricular activities on academic skills. Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten Class of 1998–99, theauthors find that extracurricular participation explains a modest portion of the SES advantage in noncognitive and cognitive skills. In addition, the influence of extracurricular participation on both noncognitive and cognitive skills varies by children’s SES.
Parenting for Cognitive Development from 1950 to 2000
Authors: Schaub Maryellen
Published: February 2010

Over the second half of the twentieth century, changes occurred in parent reports of their engagement in cognitive activities with their young children in the United States. This article argues that the growing trend of parenting for cognitive development in young children in the latter half of the twentieth century is associated with the institutionalization of mass schooling and the legitimization of cognitive development as a central feature of early childhood. The results show that all parents increasingly spent more time engaging in activities related to cognitive development so that by 1991, it was normative behavior. In addition, the results show that mothers’ education became an increasingly better predictor of parenting for cognitive development over the second half of the twentieth century but in the last decade of the twentieth century, the association with mothers’ education remained constant or diminished slightly as all families increasingly engaged in cognitive development activities.
Compressor surge control using a variable area throttle and fuzzy logic control
Authors: Al-Mawali Salim , Jie Zhang
Published: February 2010

In this paper we present a new fuzzy control approach to compressor surge control. A variable area throttle is used in this strategy. The controller uses measurements of the mass flow rate and the change of mass flow rate to determine the control action. By using the change of mass flow rate, the controller does not need to know where the operating point is. One advantage of the proposed controller is that it does not need a mathematical model of the controlled compressor and it works on any centrifugal compressors. The fuzzy rules are transferable and only the scaling factor and the throttle capacity need to be changed when the controller is applied to another compressor of the same type. Simulation results show that the proposed controller gives good performance in various situations.
State observer design for non-linear uncertain time-varying delay systems with unmatched uncertainties
Authors: Liu Wen-Jeng
Published: February 2010

State feedback is a quite useful method in system control design; however, some of the system states cannot be directly measured. Thus, acquiring the desired properties of state feedback control is a barrier. Fortunately, the state observer could be an elegant solution to such a problem. In this paper, based on sliding mode control (SMC) theory, a new sliding mode observer (SMO) for a class of non-linear uncertain time-varying delay systems with unmatched uncertainties is proposed. As is well known, during the sliding mode, the system behaviour has an invariance property, which is independent of matched uncertainty, but it is not invariant to the unmatched uncertainty and this usually restricts the applications of the results. Therefore, we make an attempt to extend the famous Luenberger observer to generate a new SMO scheme. With the proposed SMO, the estimation errors asymptotically tend to zero if the matching condition is satisfied, and the effects of the unmatched parts on the estimation errors can be uniformly ultimately bounded if the matching condition is not satisfied. A numerical example with a series of simulation studies is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A new experimental set-up for control study
Authors: Fei M.R. , Zhao W.Q. , Yang T.C. , Yang S.
Published: February 2010

A new experimental set-up, two inverted pendulums on carts coupled by a spring, is presented in this brief paper. The plant to be controlled is modelled as an example of a large unstable nonlinear system consisting of two subsystems. Such an experimental system can be used for many control studies, in particular for the study of the control of non-linear systems with coupled unstable subsystems.