bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Smoking a Risk Factor for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 1 Diabetes?
Authors: Gaedt Thorlund Mie , Borg Madsen Mette , Green Anders , Sjølie Anne Katrin , Grauslund Jakob
Published: June 2013

Aim: The aim was to evaluate if smoking was a risk factor for proliferative retinopathy (PDR) in a 25-year follow-up study. Methods: 201 persons from a population-based cohort of Danish type 1 diabetic patients were examined at baseline and again 25 years later. At both examinations the patients were asked about their smoking habits. The level of retinopathy was evaluated by ophthalmoscopy at baseline and by nine 45-degree colour field fundus photos at the follow-up. Results: In multivariate analyses there was a trend that current smokers at baseline were more likely to develop PDR at the follow-up (odds ratio 1.90, 95% confidence interval 0.88-4.11, p = 0.10). Neither smoking status at the follow-up nor pack-years of smoking were associated with PDR. Conclusions: We found neither a beneficial nor a harmful effect of smoking on long-term incidence. Selective mortality among smokers and patients with PDR at baseline might provide at least part of the explanation for this.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Patients With Severe Bicuspid Aortic Valve Stenosis
Authors: Hayashida Kentaro , Bouvier Erik , Lefèvre Thierry , Chevalier Bernard , Hovasse Thomas , Romano Mauro , Garot Philippe , Watanabe Yusuke , Farge Arnaud , Donzeau-Gouge Patrick , Cormier Bertrand , Morice Marie-Claude
Published: June 2013

Background—

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is regarded as a relative contraindication to transcatheter aortic valve implantation attributable to the risk of uneven expansion of the bioprosthesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with BAV.

Methods and Results—

Of 470 patients included in our prospective transcatheter aortic valve implantation database (October 2006–January 2012), 229 consecutive patients undergoing both echocardiography and multidetector computed tomography were analyzed. We compared clinical outcomes in patients with vs patients without BAV. In this series of 229 patients, BAV was detected by multidetector computed tomography in 21 patients (9.2%). BAV was identified by transthoracic and transoesophagal echocardiography in only 9 of these 21 patients. Patients were 83.1±6.6 years old, and European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation score was 20.0%±11.4%. The BAV group was similar to the non-BAV group except for diabetes mellitus (4.8% vs 24.0%;
P
=0.05). The aortic annulus diameter in BAV patients was not significantly larger by multidetector computed tomography (24.7±3.0 vs 23.7±1.9 mm;
P
=0.07). The CoreValve was used more frequently in the BAV group (47.6% vs 16.3%;
P
=0.002). There was no significant difference in device success (100% vs 92.8%;
P
=0.37), risk of annulus rupture (0% vs 1.4%;
P
=1.00), or valve migration (0% vs 1.4%;
P
=1.00) in BAV patients compared with non-BAV patients. Postprocedural mean gradient (10.0±3.4 vs 9.7±4.1 mm Hg;
P
=0.58), aortic regurgitation ≥2 of 4 (19.0% vs 14.9%;
P
=0.54), 30-day mortality (4.8% vs 8.2%;
P
=1.00), and 30-day combined safety end point (14.3% vs 13.5%;
P
=1.00) were also similar in both groups.

Conclusions—

In selected BAV patients, transcatheter aortic valve implantation may be associated with low complication rate, efficacy, and acceptable outcomes similar to those in non-BAV patients.
Feasibility and Utility of Screening for Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Celano Christopher M. , Suarez Laura , Mastromauro Carol , Januzzi James L. , Huffman Jeff C.
Published: June 2013

Background—

Depression and anxiety in patients with cardiac disease are common and independently associated with morbidity and mortality. We aimed to explore the use of a 3-step approach to identify inpatients with cardiac disease with depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or panic disorder; understand the predictive value of individual screening items in identifying these disorders; and assess the relative prevalence of these disorders in this cohort.

Methods and Results—

To identify depression and anxiety disorders in inpatients with cardiac disease as part of a care management trial, an iterative 3-step screening procedure was used. This included an existing 4-item (Coping Screen) tool in nursing data sets, a 5-item screen for positive Coping Screen patients (Patient Health Questionnaire-2 [PHQ-2], GAD-2, and an item about panic attacks), and a diagnostic evaluation using PHQ-9 and the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders anxiety disorder modules. Overall, 6210 inpatients received the Coping Screen, 581 completed portions of all 3 evaluation steps, and 210 received a diagnosis (143 depression, 129 GAD, 30 panic disorder). Controlling for age, sex, and the other screening items, PHQ-2 items independently predicted depression (little interest/pleasure: odds ratio [OR]=6.65,
P
<0.001; depression: OR=5.24,
P
=0.001), GAD-2 items predicted GAD (anxious: OR=4.09,
P
=0.003; unable to control worrying: OR=10.46,
P
<0.001), and the panic item predicted panic disorder (OR=49.61,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

GAD was nearly as prevalent as depression in this cohort, and GAD-2 was an effective screening tool; however, panic disorder was rare. These results support the use of 2-step screening for depression and GAD beginning with a 4-item scale (GAD-2 plus PHQ-2).

Clinical Trial Registration—

Unique Identifier: NCT01201967. URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01201967
.
Risks and Benefits of Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Cullen Michael W. , Kim Sunghee , Piccini Jonathan P. , Ansell Jack E. , Fonarow Greg C. , Hylek Elaine M. , Singer Daniel E. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Kowey Peter R. , Thomas Laine , Go Alan S. , Lopes Renato D. , Chang Paul , Peterson Eric D. , Gersh Bernard J.
Published: June 2013

Background—

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at the highest stroke risk derive the largest benefit from oral anticoagulation (OAC). Those with the highest stroke risk have been paradoxically less likely to receive OAC. This study assessed the association between stroke and bleeding risk on rates of OAC.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed OAC use among 10 098 patients with AF from 174 community-based outpatient practices enrolled in 2010–2011 in the Outcomes Registry for Better Informed Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (ORBIT-AF). OAC was defined as warfarin or dabigatran use at study enrollment. Stroke and bleeding risk were calculated using congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke (CHADS
2
), and anticoagulation and risk factors in AF (ATRIA) scores, respectively. The mean subject age was 73 years; 58% were men. Overall, 76% of patients received OAC (71% warfarin and 5% dabigatran). The use of OAC increased among those with higher CHADS
2
scores, from 53% for CHADS
2
=0 to 80% for CHADS
2
≥2 (
P
<0.001). OAC use fell slightly with increasing ATRIA bleeding risk score, from 81% for ATRIA=3 to 73% for ATRIA≥5 (
P
<0.001). A significant interaction existed between ATRIA and CHADS
2
scores (
P
=0.021). Among those with low bleeding risk, use of OAC increased significantly with increasing stroke risk. Among those with high bleeding risk, CHADS
2
stroke risk had a smaller impact on use of OAC.

Conclusions—

In community-based outpatients with AF, use of OAC was high and driven by not only predominantly stroke but also bleeding risk. Stroke risk significantly affects OAC use among those with low bleeding risk, whereas those with high bleeding risk demonstrate consistently lower use of OAC regardless of stroke risk.
Induction of Vascular Insulin Resistance and Endothelin-1 Expression and Acceleration of Atherosclerosis by the Overexpression of Protein Kinase C-β Isoform in the Endothelium
Authors: Li Qian , Park Kyoungmin , Li Chenzhong , Rask-Madsen Christian , Mima Akira , Qi Weier , Mizutani Koji , Huang Paul , King George L.
Published: June 2013

Rationale:

Loss of insulin action in the endothelium can cause endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Hyperglycemia and elevated fatty acids induced by diabetes mellitus can activate protein kinase C-β isoforms and selectively inhibit insulin signaling via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway to inhibit the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and metabolic actions.

Objective:

To demonstrate that overexpressing protein kinase C-β2 isoform in endothelial cells can cause selective insulin resistance and exacerbate atherosclerosis in the aorta.

Methods and Results:

Protein kinase C-β2 isoform was overexpressed in endothelial cells using a promoter of vascular endothelial cell cadherin. These mice were cross-bred with
apoE
−/−
mice [Tg (Prkcb)
apoE
−/−
]. On a Western diet, Tg(Prkcb)
apoE
−/−
and
apoE
−/−
mice did not differ in systemic insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, plasma lipid, or blood pressure. Insulin action in endothelial cells and femoral artery from Tg(Prkcb)
apoE
−/−
mice was impaired by ≈40% with respect to Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation, and leukocyte-endothelial cell binding increased in cultured lung endothelial cells from Tg(Prkcb)
apoE
−/−
mice compared with that from
apoE
−/−
mice. Basal and angiotensin-stimulated big endothelin-1 levels were elevated in Tg(Prkcb)
apoE
−/−
mice compared with
apoE
−/−
mice. The severity of atherosclerosis in the aorta from Tg(Prkcb)
apoE
−/−
mice increased by ≈70% as measured by en face fat staining and plaque content of the number of smooth muscle cells, macrophages, and extracellular matrix.

Conclusions:

Specific protein kinase C-β2 activation in the endothelial cells caused dysfunction and accelerated atherosclerosis because of loss of insulin-stimulated Akt/endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation and angiotensin-induced increases in endothelin-1 expression.
Intracoronary Delivery of Autologous Cardiac Stem Cells Improves Cardiac Function in a Porcine Model of Chronic Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Bolli Roberto , Tang Xian-Liang , Sanganalmath Santosh K. , Rimoldi Ornella , Mosna Federico , Abdel-Latif Ahmed , Jneid Hani , Rota Marcello , Leri Annarosa , Kajstura Jan
Published: June 2013

Background—

Relevant preclinical models are necessary for further mechanistic and translational studies of c-kit+ cardiac stem cells (CSCs). The present study was undertaken to determine whether intracoronary CSCs are beneficial in a porcine model of chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—

Pigs underwent a 90-minute coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion. Three months later, autologous CSCs (n=11) or vehicle (n=10) were infused into the infarct-related artery. At this time, all indices of left ventricular (LV) function were similar in control and CSC-treated pigs, indicating that the damage inflicted by the infarct in the 2 groups was similar; 1 month later, however, CSC-treated pigs exhibited significantly greater LV ejection fraction (echocardiography) (51.7±2.0% versus 42.9±2.3%,
P
<0.01), systolic thickening fraction in the infarcted LV wall, and maximum LV dP/dt, as well as lower LV end-diastolic pressure. Confocal microscopy showed clusters of small α-sarcomeric actin–positive cells expressing Ki67 in the scar of treated pigs, consistent with cardiac regeneration. The origin of these cycling myocytes from the injected cells was confirmed in 4 pigs that received enhanced green fluorescent protein –labeled CSCs, which were positive for the cardiac markers troponin I, troponin T, myosin heavy chain, and connexin-43. Some engrafted CSCs also formed vascular structures and expressed α-smooth muscle actin.

Conclusions—

Intracoronary infusion of autologous CSCs improves regional and global LV function and promotes cardiac and vascular regeneration in pigs with old myocardial infarction (scar). The results mimic those recently reported in humans (Stem Cell Infusion in Patients with Ischemic CardiOmyopathy [SCIPIO] trial) and establish this porcine model of ischemic cardiomyopathy as a useful and clinically relevant model for studying CSCs.
An Engineered Bivalent Neuregulin Protects Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity With Reduced Proneoplastic Potential
Authors: Jay Steven M. , Murthy Ashwin C. , Hawkins Jessica F. , Wortzel Joshua R. , Steinhauser Matthew L. , Alvarez Luis M. , Gannon Joseph , Macrae Calum A. , Griffith Linda G. , Lee Richard T.
Published: June 2013

Background—

Doxorubicin (DOXO) is an effective anthracycline chemotherapeutic, but its use is limited by cumulative dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Neuregulin-1β is an ErbB receptor family ligand that is effective against DOXO-induced cardiomyopathy in experimental models but is also proneoplastic. We previously showed that an engineered bivalent neuregulin-1β (NN) has reduced proneoplastic potential in comparison with the epidermal growth factor–like domain of neuregulin-1β (NRG), an effect mediated by receptor biasing toward ErbB3 homotypic interactions uncommonly formed by native neuregulin-1β. Here, we hypothesized that a newly formulated, covalent NN would be cardioprotective with reduced proneoplastic effects in comparison with NRG.

Methods and Results—

NN was expressed as a maltose-binding protein fusion in
Escherichia coli
. As established previously, NN stimulated antineoplastic or cytostatic signaling and phenotype in cancer cells, whereas NRG stimulated proneoplastic signaling and phenotype. In neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, NN and NRG induced similar downstream signaling. NN, like NRG, attenuated the double-stranded DNA breaks associated with DOXO exposure in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes and human cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. NN treatment significantly attenuated DOXO-induced decrease in fractional shortening as measured by blinded echocardiography in mice in a chronic cardiomyopathy model (57.7±0.6% versus 50.9±2.6%,
P
=0.004), whereas native NRG had no significant effect (49.4±3.7% versus 50.9±2.6%,
P
=0.813).

Conclusions—

NN is a cardioprotective agent that promotes cardiomyocyte survival and improves cardiac function in DOXO-induced cardiotoxicity. Given the reduced proneoplastic potential of NN versus NRG, NN has translational potential for cardioprotection in patients with cancer receiving anthracyclines.
Urgent Best Medical Therapy May Obviate the Need for Urgent Surgery in Patients With Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Shahidi Saeid , Owen-Falkenberg Alan , Hjerpsted Ulrik , Rai Amrit , Ellemann Karsten
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to analyze the 30-day outcome after introduction of a rapid carotid endarterectomy (CEA) program. Reasons for delay in CEA and the incidence of early recurrence neurological symptoms were recorded.

Methods—

This is a prospective population-based study of delays to CEA and 30-day outcome in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. Neurological recurrence (NR) rate was determined after initiation of urgent best medical treatment (loading dose aspirin/clopidogrel and duel therapy with aspirin plus clopidogrel with a statin) until CEA and compared with NR ≤90 days prior index event.

Results—

Of a total of 4905 (transient ischemic attack/ischemic stroke, and ocular events) patients, 115 symptomatic patients underwent CEA, 42% within 14 days of the index event and 99% within 14 days of surgical referral. The overall NR from index event to CEA in symptomatic carotid stenosis patients was significantly lower (2.5% [95% confidence interval, 1%–6%]) after best medical treatment when compared with NR ≤90 days in those before referral to a stroke clinic (29% [95% confidence interval, 22%–37%];
P
<0.00001). There were no significant differences in outcomes among 48 early (<14 days), 46 intermediate (14–30 days), and 21 delayed (>30 days) CEAs.

Conclusions—

CEA can be performed in the subacute period without significantly increasing the operative risk. The urgent best medical treatment was associated with significant reduction in the risk of early NR in CEA patients. It seems that urgent aggressive best medical treatment may obviate the need for urgent CEA.
Impact of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Lesion Volume on the Success of Endovascular Reperfusion Therapy
Authors: Olivot Jean-Marc , Mosimann Pascal J. , Labreuche Julien , Inoue Manabu , Meseguer Elena , Desilles Jean-Philippe , Rouchaud Aymeric , Klein Isabelle F. , Straka Matus , Bammer Roland , Mlynash Michael , Amarenco Pierre , Albers Gregory W. , Mazighi Mikael
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion volume is associated with poor outcome after thrombolysis, and it is unclear whether endovascular therapies are beneficial for large DWI lesion. Our aim was to assess the impact of pretreatment DWI lesion volume on outcomes after endovascular therapy, with a special emphasis on patients with complete recanalization.

Methods—

We analyzed data collected between April 2007 and November 2011 in a prospective clinical registry. All acute ischemic stroke patients with complete occlusion of internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery treated by endovascular therapy were included. DWI lesion volumes were measured by the RAPID software. Favorable outcome was defined by modified Rankin Scale of 0 to 2 at 90 days.

Results—

A total of 139 acute ischemic stroke patients were included. Median DWI lesion volume was 14 cc (interquartile range, 5–43) after a median onset time to imaging of 110 minutes (interquartile range, 77–178). Higher volume was associated with less favorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.31–0.96). A complete recanalization was achieved in 65 (47%) patients after a median onset time of 238 minutes (interquartile range, 206–285). After adjustment for volume, complete recanalization was associated with more favorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 6.32; 95% confidence interval, 2.90–13.78). After stratification of volume by tertiles, complete recanalization was similarly associated with favorable outcome in the upper 2 tertiles (
P
<0.005).

Conclusions—

Our results emphasize the importance of initial DWI volume and recanalization on clinical outcome after endovascular treatment. Large DWI lesions may still benefit from recanalization in selected patients.
Protamine Does Not Increase Risk of Stroke in Patients With Elective Carotid Stenting
Authors: McDonald Jennifer S. , Kallmes David F. , Lanzino Giuseppe , Cloft Harry J.
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—

Reversal of anticoagulation with protamine might predispose to a higher risk of stroke in patients with carotid stenting. We evaluated a national, multihospital patient database to examine the risk of stroke in patients with carotid stenting receiving protamine compared with those who did not.

Methods—

The Premier Perspective database was used to identify patients who were electively hospitalized for carotid stenting from 2006 through 2011. The incidence of in-hospital mortality and morbidity was compared between patients who did and did not receive protamine after propensity score adjustment via 1:1 matching to reduce selection bias.

Results—

Of 6664 patients with carotid stenting treated at 193 hospitals, 556 (8%) received protamine on the day of the procedure. After matching by propensity score, patients who received protamine had a similar likelihood of stroke or transient ischemic attack (
P
=0.77), in-hospital mortality (
P
=0.12), discharge to long-term care (
P
=0.15), and access site complications (
P
=0.90) as compared with patients who did not receive protamine.

Conclusions—

Protamine administration is not associated with additional risk of adverse events after carotid stenting.
Geographic and Sex Difference in the Distribution of Intracranial Atherosclerosis in China
Authors: Pu Yuehua , Liu Liping , Wang Yilong , Zou Xinying , Pan Yuesong , Soo Yannie , Leung Thomas , Zhao Xingquan , Wong Ka Sing , Wang Yongjun
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—

Geographic variation and sex difference in the distribution of intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) have not been fully discussed before in Chinese patients with cerebral ischemia. We performed this study with the aim to investigate geographic and sex difference in the distribution of ICAS in China.

Methods—

In this prospective multicenter study, we evaluated 2864 consecutive patients who experienced an acute cerebral ischemia within 7 days of symptom onset in 22 hospitals in China. All the inclusive patients underwent 3-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography and duplex color Doppler ultrasound or contrast-enhanced MR angiography to document the presence of intracranial or extracranial stenosis. Intracranial large-artery atherosclerosis was defined as ≥50% diameter reduction on MR angiography.

Results—

The proportion of patients with ICAS was significantly higher in north China than in south China (50.22% versus 41.88%;
P
<0.0001). Patients in the north were likely to consume more alcohol and smoke more cigarettes and had significantly higher proportion of diabetes mellitus, family history of stroke, history of cerebral ischemia, heart disease, and higher body mass index. In patients aged >63 years, the percentage of ICAS in women was notably higher than in men (51.51% versus 45.40%;
P
=0.028). In elderly patients, women had higher proportion of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and heart disease than men.

Conclusions—

There exists geographic and sex difference in the distribution of symptomatic ICAS in China. Public health measures should strengthen improving social determinants of health and risk factor prevention/control in high-risk populations for decreasing stroke risk.
Homocysteine Improves Risk Stratification in Patients Undergoing Endarterectomy for Asymptomatic Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Duschek Nikolaus , Ghai Samarth , Sejkic Fahrudin , Falkensammer Jürgen , Skrinjar Edda , Huber Kurt , Wojta Johann , Waldhör Thomas , Hübl Wolfgang , Assadian Afshin
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—

A limited life expectancy reduces the benefit from carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for treatment of asymptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis. The aim of this study was to assess homocysteine as stratifying biomarker to improve prediction of postoperative survival.

Methods—

This was a single-center cohort study from 2003 to 2012. Two hundred and fourteen consecutive patients (<75 years, n=130; ≥75 years, n=84) undergoing CEA for their asymptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis were observed for 8.5 years for the occurrence of death after CEA as primary end point (EC-nr: 04-067-0604). Homocysteine and major cardiovascular risk factors were used for computation of prognostic indices. Cumulative survival of prognostic indices–based quintiles was estimated by Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results—

Total homocysteine had a significant effect on postoperative survival (
P
<0.0001). Total homocysteine–based quintiles of prognostic indices showed a better prediction of the survival of the patients than age alone. This caused reclassification of 17 patients (20.2%) >75 years as fit for surgery, but also indicated a high risk for 19 patients (14.6%) <75 years. In the majority (79.8%) of patients aged >75 years, statistically, CEA could not be advised because of a significantly reduced 5-year survival rate.

Conclusions—

High plasma homocysteine levels suggest that older patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis might rather benefit from intensive medical therapy than from CEA.
Association of Prestroke Statin Use and Lipid Levels With Outcome of Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Mustanoja Satu , Strbian Daniel , Putaala Jukka , Meretoja Atte , Curtze Sami , Haapaniemi Elena , Sairanen Tiina , Hietikko Ronja , Sirén Joonas , Kaste Markku , Tatlisumak Turgut
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose—

It is unclear whether blood lipid profiles and statin use before intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are associated with its outcome.

Methods—

The Helsinki ICH Study, a single-center observational registry of consecutive ICH patients, was used to study the associations between premorbid statin use, baseline lipid levels, and clinical outcome.

Results—

The registry includes 964 ICH patients. Statin users (n=187; 19%) were significantly older, had more frequent comorbidities and medication, lower lipid levels, and higher admission Glasgow Coma Scale compared with nonusers. Modified Rankin Scale at discharge or mortality did not differ between statin users and nonusers. Compared with survivors, significantly lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were observed in patients who died in hospital (median, 4.1 mmol/L [interquartile range, 3.6–4.4] versus 4.5 [3.8–5.1];
P
<0.01; 1.9 mmol/L [1.4–2.5] versus 2.4 [1.8–3.0];
P
<0.001, respectively), at 3 or 12 months. After adjusting for known ICH prognostic factors based on univariate analysis that is, age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale, ICH volume, and intraventricular location, lower low-density lipoprotein levels were independently associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0.54 [95% confidence interval, 0.31–0.93];
P
=0.028).

Conclusions—

Premorbid statin use did not affect the outcome of ICH, but lower low-density lipoprotein levels were associated with higher in-hospital mortality.
Persönliche Frömmigkeit und religiöses Erlebnis Wesenszüge der griechischen Religion am Beispiel von Heilkulten
Authors: Rubel Alexander
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Ancient Greek healing cults can be studied in the context of “personal piety.” This article emphasizes personal aspects of the Greek religion. It shows that the concept of “polis religion” does not embrace major aspects of ancient Greek piety. I analyze the direct and personal relation of worshippers in healing cults, especially that of Apollo, with the deity. By doing so, I put forward a new reading of Greek religion in the context of the concept of “personal piety” developed in Egyptology. The well-known “embeddedness” of religion in the structures of the Ancient Greek city-state led to a one-sided view of ancient Greek religion, as well as to aspects of ritual and “cult” predominating in research. Simultaneously, aspects of “belief ” are often labelled as inadequate in describing Greek (and Roman) religion. Religion as ritual and cult is simply one side of the coin. Personal aspects of religion, and direct contact with the deity, based on “belief,” are thus the other side of the coin. It follows that they are also the fundament of ritual. It is necessary to combine “polis religion” with “personal piety” to display a complete picture of Greek religion. The Isyllos inscription from Epidaurus is presented here as a final and striking example for this view. It reports the foundation of a cult of the polis on behalf of a personal religious experience.
The Relevance of Age and Gender for Public Attitudes to Brown Bears (Ursus arctos), Black Bears (Ursus americanus), and Cougars (Puma concolor) in Kamloops, British Columbia
Authors: Campbell Michael O’Neal
Published: June 2013

Abstract

In British Columbia, brown bears (Ursus arctos), black bears (Ursus americanus), and cougars (Puma concolor) must relate to growing human populations. This study examines age- and gender-related attitudes to these animals in the urbanizing, agriculturally significant, intermontane city of Kamloops. Most respondents, especially women, feared cougars and bears, saw bears as more troublesome than cougars, and were concerned for child and adult safety. More middle-aged and older participants perceived brown bears as dangerous to companion animals, and black bears as troublesome, than did younger participants, and more middle-aged participants perceived brown bears as troublesome than did younger and older participants. Opinions favored trapping and removal of animals rather than shooting or toleration, but more younger participants opted for shooting, whereas more middle-aged and older participants opted for toleration and removal. Majorities agreed that the animals serve useful functions, women more than men for cougars, middle-aged more than old or young for bears, but saw only cougars as increasing their quality of life. These findings contribute to knowledge about human-wildlife relations, an important first step toward more efficient local and more general conservation policy.
The Origins of Fossil Capital: From Water to Steam in the British Cotton Industry
Authors: Malm Andreas
Published: June 2013

Abstract

The process commonly referred to as business-as-usual has given rise to dangerous climate change, but its social history remains strangely unexplored. A key moment in its onset was the transition to steam power as a source of rotary motion in commodity production, in Britain and, first of all, in its cotton industry. This article tries to approach the dynamics of the fossil economy by examining the causes of the transition from water to steam in the British cotton industry in the second quarter of the nineteenth century. Common perceptions of the shift as driven by scarcity are refuted, and it is shown that the choice of steam was motivated by a rather different concern: power over labour. Turning away from standard interpretations of the role of energy in the industrial revolution, this article opens a dialogue with Marx on matters of carbon and outlines a theory of fossil capital, better suited for understanding the drivers of business-as-usual as it continues to this day.
Defined by a Hollow: Essays on Utopia, Science Fiction and Political Epistemology, Darko Suvin, Oxford: Peter Lang, 2010
Authors: Canavan Gerry
Published: June 2013

Abstract

This review considers Darko Suvin’s recent career anthology Defined by a Hollow with respect to debates about the relevance of Marxism and utopian critique in the context of a global neoliberal hegemony that (twenty years after Fukuyama) still imagines itself as the ‘end of history’. Suvin’s work suggests that the relationship between Marxism and aesthetics in such times is not simply a quirk of the academy, but is in fact a politically necessary conjoining of materialist praxis and quasi-religious inspiration.
The Philosophical Leninism and Eastern ‘Western Marxism’ of Georg Lukács
Authors: Fracchia Joseph
Published: June 2013

Abstract

This essay centres on the English translation (2000) of Georg Lukács’s Tailism and the Dialectic (written in either 1925 or 1926). Lukács is generally heralded as a founding theoretician of a ‘Western Marxism’, in opposition to ‘Eastern’ Soviet Marxism, and his most impressive and most influential work, History and Class Consciousness (1923), is generally treated as having rehabilitated Marxist concern with questions of subjectivity. It might therefore come as a surprise when Lukács in Tailism states that the purpose of History and Class Consciousness was to demonstrate ‘that the organisation and tactics of Bolshevism are the only possible consequence of Marxism’. In my view, however, this should already be abundantly clear from History and Class Consciousness. For Lukács’s absorption with proletarian subjectivity was motivated by an obsession with what he saw as its immaturity. And he coined the category of ‘reification’ in order to explain his disappointed expectations, to explain, that is, why the proletariat did not make a ‘socialist’ revolution in the ‘objectively ripe’ situation of an ‘imperialist war’ created by ‘moribund capitalism’. In short, Lukács did raise anew the question of the subjective, but only to then declare that workers, not even ‘the most revolutionary among them’, could never attain proper class consciousness, which he attributed instead to the ‘revolutionary party’ bearing the properly revolutionary theory. For this reason I agree with Slavoj Žižek’s characterisation of Lukács as the ‘ultimate philosopher [my emphasis] of Leninism’ – although I do think that Lenin himself would have found, as he did in connection with one of Lukács’s other works, Marxism ‘present only at a verbal level’. My concern is two-fold: with a critique of the methodological short-cuts that Lukács made in his purely conceptual derivation of the concept of reification, and his purely conceptual attribution of it as the necessary form of working-class consciousness ‘in its immediacy’; and with the dangerous political consequences that Lukács derived from his assessment of the reified character of working-class subjectivity, mainly a theoretical guarantee that the party with the proper revolutionary theory must always be right, or at least more right than anyone else.
Ruled, Creedal, and Located: The Theological Interpretation of John Goldingay
Authors: Bennett Thomas Andrew
Published: June 2013

Abstract

John Goldingay has tried to distance his exegetical practice from theological interpretation. Close readings of Goldingay’s own pronouncements and interpretive practice, in combination with insights from philosophical hermeneutics, however, indicate that he may be protesting too much. The present essay demonstrates that Goldingay’s working method operates under the rule of faith, in accordance with the creeds, and from an ideological location. It recommends Goldingay’s working method as an exemplar for those who wish to practice fresh, theologically informed, and exegetically sensitive readings of Scripture.
Got Milk? Lactation and Purification among Covenanters
Authors: Straus Lisa M.
Published: June 2013

Abstract

This paper examines texts in 4Q266.6.ii in the Dead Sea Scrolls that regulated impurities attributed to parturient women living among the Covenanters. It contrasts how the regulations of 4Q266 differed from those in Leviticus 12. The thesis of the paper is that the Covenanters regarded new mothers as impure, but excluded and protected newborns from the impurities of their mothers. In particular, the paper will examine the possibility that a lactating mother was required to hire a wet-nurse to feed her infant during the first seven days of life if the baby were male or fourteen days of life if the baby were female, lest the mother’s impurity from childbirth render the infant impure. Once the 7-14 days of impurity passed, new mothers were no longer impure to the touch and could therefore resume care for their infants. They were however still impure with regard to the sancta, or holy things, including the sanctuary. This paper will use texts outside of the Qumran community to interpret possible explanations for the Covenanters’ understanding of the impurity of parturient women and the purity of their newborns. These texts will include: Mishnah, Talmud, Soranus’ Gynecology, Galen’s Method of Medicine, Tertullian’s De Carne Christi, Protevangelium Jacobi, and Cyrene Cathartic Law.
Accentuation and Causes for the Obscurity in the Divine Scriptures: Polychronius’ Prologue to Job
Authors: Wayman Benjamin D.
Published: June 2013

Abstract

This article examines the work of the fifth-century bishop and brother of Theodore of Mopsuestia, Polychronius of Apamea (d. ca. 430), in light of extant writings from the second-century Greek grammarian, Aelius Herodianus. It studies a fragment from Polychronius’ prologue to his commentary on Job titled Causes for the Obscurity in the Divine Scriptures, identifies a philological analogue in the work of Herodian, and in so doing, highlights their grammatical training and shared concern with τόνοι (accents) in the interpretation of a text. The analysis shows that Polychronius’ employment of grammatical technique in understanding Christian scripture is of no less value to the Christian bishop than it is to the Greek grammarian, Herodian, in his understanding of Greek classics. For Polychronius, the “obscurity in the divine scriptures” can be resolved with the tools of Greek grammatical theory.
The Peruvian species of Cristaria (Malveae, Malvaceae): taxonomic revision, chromosome counts, and breeding system
Authors: SCHNEIDER JULIO V.
Published: June 2013

Cristaria (Malvaceae) contains about 20 species distributed in Chile, Argentina, and Peru. Most of the species are confined to the Chilean Atacama desert, two species are shared with Argentina, and three species had been reported for Peru. Of the three species previously cited for Peru, only Cristaria multifida is recognized here. One new subspecies is described (Cristaria multifida subsp. moquipana) and a lectotype for Sida pterosperma is here designated. Nomenclatoral and taxonomic notes as well as a key to the two subspecies of Cristaria multifida are presented. Additionally, chromosome numbers for Cristaria multifida (2n = 12) are reported for the first time. Based on pollen-ovule ratios, C. multifida is considered facultatively autogamous to facultatively xenogamous.
Taxonomic notes in Microlicia (Melastomataceae, Microlicieae)
Authors: ROMERO ROSANA
Published: June 2013

The genus Microlicia comprises approximately 130 species, the characters that define the species are very often tenuous, making delimitation between closely related species difficult. As a result of a taxonomic study on Microlicia, 14 new synonyms are proposed here and 10 lectotypes are designated.
A new species of Sonerila Roxb. (Melastomataceae) from Kerala, India
Authors: NARAYANAN M. K. RATHEESH , MINI V. , SHAJU T. , SUJANA K. A. , JOSEPH JAYESH P. , ALFARHAN AHMED H. , SIVADASAN M.
Published: June 2013

Sonerila veldkampiana, a new species of Melastomataceae collected from an exposed, high-elevation rocky grassland in Kerala, India is described and illustrated. It resembles S. rotundifolia, but differs in having several important characters like pilose leaf-lamina, terete and glabrous peduncle, inflorescence with 10–35 flowers in branched or unbranched scorpioid cymes, an obscurely ridged hypanthium, long acuminate anthers with a deeply cordate base, and seeds with a sub-excurrent raphe.
First records of the genus Hishimonus Ishihara from Thailand (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Opsiini) including description of three new species
Authors: DAI WU , FLETCHER MURRAY J. , ZHANG YALIN
Published: June 2013

Seven species of Hishimonus Ishihara are recorded in Thailand, four of which were previously recorded from neighbour-ing countries and three new species described herein: Hishimonus pallidus sp. nov., H. diffractus sp. nov. and H. gillespiei sp. nov. The other four species are H. concavus Knight, previously known from the Philippines, H. subtilis Knight record-ed from Singapore, H. aberrans Knight recorded from Taiwan and H. phycitis (Distant), which is widespread in Asia from the Middle East to China. These species are all newly recorded from Thailand and represent the first records of the genus Hishimonus in that country.
A new fairy shrimp Phallocryptus tserensodnomi (Branchiopoda: Anostraca) from Mongolia
Authors: ALONSO MIGUEL , VENTURA MARC
Published: June 2013

A new species of Phallocryptus Biraben 1951 (Branchiopoda, Anostraca) from Mongolia is described. Phallocryptus tse-rensodnomi sp. nov. is close to P. spinosa (Milne-Edwards 1840), but both morphological and molecular analyses (Cyto-chrome Oxidase I, COI) indicate that they represent separate species. Most relevant differential features of the new species include: (1) frontal appendage provided with small ventral conical outgrowths; (2) second antennamere evenly curved, sickle-shaped; (3) distal fleshy process on labrum evenly curved forwards and tapering; (4) short stout acute spine-like projections present at each side of basal portion of gonopods; (5) female second antennae shorter and wider than in P. spinosa, tapering. Based on morphological comparisons the new species appears to be a Mongolian endemic, although some genotypes of presumed P. spinosa from Africa are similar to the new species, suggesting P. tserensodnomi might have a wider distribution.
Simulating the Impact of Climate Change on Rice Phenology and Grain Yield in Irrigated Drylands of Central Asia
Authors: Devkota K. P. , Manschadi A. M. , Devkota M. , Lamers J. P. A. , Ruzibaev E. , Egamberdiev O. , Amiri E. , Vlek P. L. G.
Published: June 2013

Rice is the second major food crop in central Asia. Climate change may greatly affect the rice production in the region. This study quantifies the effects of projected increases in temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentration on the phenological development and grain yield of rice using the “ORYZA2000” simulation model. The model was parameterized and validated on the basis of datasets from three field experiments with three widely cultivated rice varieties under various seeding dates in the 2008–09 growing seasons in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan. The selected rice varieties represent short-duration (SD), medium-duration (MD), and long-duration (LD) maturity types. The model was linked with historical climate data (1970–99) and temperatures and CO2 concentrations projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for the B1 and A1F1 scenarios for the period 2040–69 to explore rice growth and yield formation at eight emergence dates from early May to mid-July. Simulation results with historical daily weather data reveal a close relationship between seeding date and rice grain yield. Optimal emergence dates were 25 June for SD, 5 June for MD, and 26 May for LD varieties. Under both climate change scenarios, the seeding dates could be delayed by 10 days. Increased temperature and CO2 concentration resulted in higher rice grain yields. However, seeding rice before and after the optimal seeding dates reduced crop yield and yield stability significantly because of spikelet sterility induced by both high and low temperatures. As the grain yield of SD varieties could be adversely affected by climate change, rice breeding programs for central Asia should focus on developing appropriate heat-tolerant MD and LD varieties.
A Case Study of Nearshore Drag Coefficient Behavior during Hurricane Ike (2008)
Authors: Zachry Brian C. , Schroeder John L. , Kennedy Andrew B. , Westerink Joannes J. , Letchford Chris W. , Hope Mark E.
Published: June 2013

Over the past decade, numerous field campaigns and laboratory experiments have examined air–sea momentum exchange in the deep ocean. These studies have changed the understanding of drag coefficient behavior in hurricane force winds, with a general consensus that a limiting value is reached. Near the shore, wave conditions are markedly different than in deep water because of wave shoaling and breaking processes, but only very limited data exist to assess drag coefficient behavior. Yet, knowledge of the wind stress in this region is critical for storm surge forecasting, evaluating the low-level wind field across the coastal transition zone, and informing the wind load standard along the hurricane-prone coastline. During Hurricane Ike (2008), a Texas Tech University StickNet platform obtained wind measurements in marine exposure with a fetch across the Houston ship channel. These data were used to estimate drag coefficient dependence on wind speed. Wave conditions in the ship channel and surge level at the StickNet location were simulated using the Simulating Waves Nearshore Model coupled to the Advanced Circulation Model. The simulated waves were indicative of a fetch-limited condition with maximum significant wave heights reaching 1.5 m and peak periods of 4 s. A maximum surge depth of 0.6 m inundated the StickNet. Similar to deep water studies, findings indicate that the drag coefficient reaches a limiting value at wind speeds near hurricane force. However, at wind speeds below hurricane force, the drag coefficient is higher than that of deep water datasets, particularly at the slowest wind speeds.
Wind Conditions in a Fjordlike Bay and Predictions of Wind Speed Using Neighboring Stations Employing Neural Network Models
Authors: Currie Jens J. , Goulet Pierre J. , Ratsimandresy Andry W.
Published: June 2013

This paper evaluates the applicability of neural networks for estimating wind speeds at various target locations using neighboring reference locations along the south coast of Newfoundland, Canada. The stations were chosen to cover a variety of topographic features and span distances in excess of 100 km. The goal of the study is to provide a general description of the summer wind conditions along the south coast of Newfoundland and to assess the potential application of neural networks for wind speed predictions. Analysis of wind data from July to October showed the wind going dominantly toward the northeast with speeds ranging from 0 to 45 m s−1. The efficacy of neural networks to predict wind speeds varied among stations and was largely influenced by the presence/absence of wind barriers. Sensitivity analysis on neural network performance concluded that an absolute minimum of 3000 h of continuous monitoring is needed to effectively train neural networks to predict wind speeds. The conclusions of this study have implications for future work utilizing wind speed data where a generalization of uniform wind speeds is assumed.
Optimized Icosahedral Grids: Performance of Finite-Difference Operators and Multigrid Solver
Authors: Heikes Ross P. , Randall David A. , Konor Celal S.
Published: June 2013

This paper discusses the generation of icosahedral hexagonal–pentagonal grids, optimization of the grids, how optimization affects the accuracy of finite-difference Laplacian, Jacobian, and divergence operators, and a parallel multigrid solver that can be used to solve Poisson equations on the grids. Three different grid optimization methods are compared through an error convergence analysis. The optimization process increases the accuracy of the operators. Optimized grids up to 1-km grid spacing over the earth have been created. The accuracy, performance, and scalability of the multigrid solver are demonstrated.
Ensemble-Based Analysis of the May 2010 Extreme Rainfall in Tennessee and Kentucky
Authors: Lynch Samantha L. , Schumacher Russ S.
Published: June 2013

From 1 to 3 May 2010, persistent heavy rainfall occurred in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys due to two successive quasi-stationary mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), with locations in central Tennessee accumulating more than 483 mm of rain, and the city of Nashville experiencing a historic flash flood. This study uses operational global ensemble forecasts from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) to diagnose atmospheric processes and assess forecast uncertainty in this event. Several ensemble analysis methods are used to examine the processes that led to the development and maintenance of this precipitation system. Differences between ensemble members that correctly predicted heavy precipitation and those that did not were determined, in order to pinpoint the processes that were favorable or detrimental to the system's development. Statistical analysis was used to determine how synoptic-scale flows were correlated to 5-day area-averaged precipitation. The precipitation throughout Nashville and the surrounding areas occurred ahead of an upper-level trough located over the central United States. The distribution of precipitation was found to be closely related to the strength of this trough and an associated surface cyclone. In particular, when the upper-level trough was elongated, the surface cyclone remained weaker with a narrower low-level jet from the south. This caused the plume of moisture from the Caribbean Sea to be concentrated over Tennessee and Kentucky, where, in conjunction with focused ascent, heavy rain fell. Relatively small differences in the wind and pressure fields led to important differences in the precipitation forecasts and highlighted some of the uncertainties associated with predicting this extreme rainfall event.