bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Commentary: IFRS and the Domestic Standard Setter – Is the Mourning Period Over?
Authors: Stevenson Kevin M.
Published: September 2010

The introduction of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) has changed but not lessened the roles of domestic standard setters. After a grieving period, they are now coming to realise that they have fundamental roles supporting international standard setters and ongoing roles in the public and not‐for‐profit sectors.

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has focused on for‐profit reporting, and the International Public Sector Standards Board (IPSASB) is a developing standard setter in the public sector. Domestic standard setters can help fill the gaps, support the development of the international standard setters and assist at the coalface when standards are applied.
The Galilean limits of Maxwell’s equations
Authors: Heras José A.
Published: September 2010

We show that if Maxwell’s equations are expressed in a form independent of specific units, at least three Galilean limits can be extracted. The electric and magnetic limits can be regarded as nonrelativistic limits because they are obtained using the condition |v|⪡c and restrictions on the magnitudes of the sources and fields. The third limit is called the instantaneous limit and is introduced by letting c→∞. The electric and instantaneous limits have the same form, but their interpretation is different because the instantaneous limit cannot be considered as a nonrelativistic limit. We emphasize the double role that the speed of light c plays in Maxwell’s equations.
Resource Letter FuNP-1: The Future of Nuclear Power
Authors: Flanagan George , Kulynych George , Parks Cecil
Published: September 2010

This Resource Letter is intended to summarize the status of nuclear power in the world today, prospects of significant expansion of nuclear power over the next several decades, the planning of and forecasts for the addition of new power reactors, and issues surrounding the addition of these new reactors. Owing to the breadth of this subject, the list of references includes journal articles, web pages, and reports to guide the reader on the subject. The subject of nuclear power and its related issues are dynamic, so the most current information is likely to be found on reputable websites.
Executive function modifies the relationship between occupational lead exposure and complex figure test performance
Authors: Walsh Karin S , Celio Mark A , Vaughan Christopher G , Lindgren Karen N , Bleecker Margit L
Published: September 2010

Objectives

To determine if chronic lead exposure is associated with non-verbal memory performance and if this association is affected by organisation strategies, a component of executive functions.

Methods

We administered the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) test, both copy (ROCF-C) and 30-min delayed recall (ROCF-DR), to 358 current lead smelter workers with a mean (SD) age of 41 (9.1) years, education of 11 (2.7) years, and working lifetime-weighted average blood lead (TWA) of 39 (12.0) μg/dl. Copy and delay organisation scores, surrogates for executive functions, were developed for ROCF-C and ROCF-DR. We used multiple regression analyses to examine the relationship between TWA and ROCF performance, organisational scores, and the interaction of organisational scores and TWA after adjusting for relevant covariates.

Results

Organisational scores, while not associated with years of education, were significantly correlated with ROCF-C and ROCF-DR performance. We found a significant relationship between TWA and ROCF-DR but not with ROCF-C performance. The interactions of TWA by copy organisation and TWA by delay organisation were significant for ROCF-DR with a significant dose-effect relationship only in participants with lower organisational scores.

Conclusions

Chronic lead exposure was significantly associated with complex figure test delayed recall but not copy performance. Organisational strategies, a component of executive functions, served as effect modifiers of the relationship between lead exposure and non-verbal memory. With increasing TWA exposure workers with good organisational strategies maintained performance on the complex figure test while workers with poor organisational strategies demonstrated decreasing performance.
FAST FUZZY MODELING USING A NEW INCREMENTAL SVR
Authors: LI WEI , YANG YUPU
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to fast fuzzy modeling based on a new incremental support vector regression (SVR). Firstly a candidate support vectors selection strategy based on kernel Mahalanobis distance measurement is proposed. This strategy is further used to develop a new incremental learning algorithm to speed up the training process of SVR. Then a hybrid kernel function is utilized to represent an SVR model as a TS fuzzy model. Finally a set of fuzzy rules can be directly extracted from the learning results of SVR. Experimental results of two benchmark examples show that the proposed model not only possesses satisfactory accuracy and generalization ability but also costs less computational time.
COMPARISON OF OPTIMAL PATH PLANNING ALGORITHMS FOR INTELLIGENT CONTROL OF ROBOTIC PART ASSEMBLY TASK
Authors: SON CHANGMAN
Published: September 2010

Two intelligent part-bringing (path planning or finding) algorithms, to bring a part from an initial position to an assembly hole or a receptacle (target or destination) for a purpose of part mating, related to a robotic part assembly task are introduced. These algorithms are then compared through simulations and several criteria. An entropy function, which is a useful measure of the variability and the information in terms of uncertainty, is introduced to measure its overall performance of a task execution related to the part-bringing task. Fuzzy set theory, well-suited to a management of uncertainty, is introduced to address an uncertainty associated with the part-bringing procedure. A degree of uncertainty associated with a part-bringing is used as an optimality criterion, or cost function, e.g. minimum fuzzy entropy, for a specific task execution. It is shown that the machine organizer using a sensor system can intelligently determine an optimal control value, based on explicit performance criteria, to overcome environmental uncertainty. The algorithms use knowledge processing functions such as machine reasoning, planning, inferencing, learning, and decision-making. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
INTERVAL METHODS IN KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION
Authors: Kreinovich Vladik
Published: September 2010

This section is maintained by Vladik Kreinovich. Please send your abstracts (or copies of papers that you want to see reviewed here) to vladik@utep.edu, or by regular mail to: Vladik Kreinovich, Department of Computer Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
Simplifying Thromboprophylaxis Could Improve Outcomes in Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Friedman Richard J.
Published: September 2010

Venous thromboembolism is a serious complication after total hip or knee surgery, and there is a well-established clinical need for thromboprophylaxis. However, in a large number of cases adequate administration of thromboprophylaxis does not seem to occur after total joint arthroplasty. A major challenge in the management of thromboprophylaxis is to balance the benefits of treatment with the risks, including bleeding complications. Another potential barrier to the optimal use of thromboprophylaxis could be the inconvenience of currently available agents. Many surgeons therefore adopt a conservative approach towards thromboprophylaxis. Simplifying therapy with more convenient, efficacious, and safe anticoagulants could change attitudes to anticoagulant use and improve adherence to thromboprophylactic guidelines.
Strong Convergence Theorems for Strict Pseudocontractions in Uniformly Convex Banach Spaces
Authors: Hu Liang-Gen , Lin Wei-Wei , Wang Jin-Ping
Published: September 2010

The viscosity approximation methods are employed to establish strong convergence theorems of the modified Mann iteration scheme to "Equation missing"-strict pseudocontractions in "Equation missing"-uniformly convex Banach spaces with a uniformly Gâteaux differentiable norm. The main result improves and extends many nice results existing in the current literature.
Characterizing Growth and Form of Fractal Cities with Allometric Scaling Exponents
Authors: Chen Yanguang
Published: September 2010

Fractal growth is a kind of allometric growth, and the allometric scaling exponents can be employed to describe growing fractal phenomena such as cities. The spatial features of the regular fractals can be characterized by fractal dimension. However, for the real systems with statistical fractality, it is incomplete to measure the structure of scaling invariance only by fractal dimension. Sometimes, we need to know the ratio of different dimensions rather than the fractal dimensions themselves. A fractal‐dimension ratio can make an allometric scaling exponent (ASE). As compared with fractal dimension, ASEs have three advantages. First, the values of ASEs are easy to be estimated in practice; second, ASEs can reflect the dynamical characters of system′s evolution; third, the analysis of ASEs can be made through prefractal structure with limited scale. Therefore, the ASEs based on fractal dimensions are more functional than fractal dimensions for real fractal systems. In this paper, the definition and calculation method of ASEs are illustrated by starting from mathematical fractals, and, then, China′s cities are taken as examples to show how to apply ASEs to depiction of growth and form of fractal cities.
Articulating Factors Defining RMS Delay Spread in LV PLC Networks
Authors: Güzelgöz Sabih , Çelebi Hasan Basri , Arslan Hüseyin
Published: September 2010

Communication over the power line network (PLN) referred as power line communication (PLC) has a long history of narrowband applications. With the recent developments in the field of digital communications, current interest is to exploit this medium for wideband communications for several applications such as Internet access, home networking, and in-vehicle data communication. In line with this recently emerging interest which envisions the conversion of a power transmission network into a communication network, understanding the root-mean-squared (RMS) delay spread is essential for multipath PLC channels for the establishment of reliable communication systems. In this paper, factors that play a role on the RMS delay spread value of low voltage (LV) PLC channels are articulated. Among these factors, dependency of the RMS delay spread on attenuation, loading, and physical characteristics of the communication channel in the PLNs is investigated.
Transgenic Rice Plants Expressing Human P450 Genes Involved in Xenobiotic Metabolism for Phytoremediation
Authors: Kawahigashi Hiroyuki , Hirose Sakiko , Ohkawa Hideo , Ohkawa Yasunobu
Published: September 2010

Phytoremediation is the use of plants to remove xenobiotic compounds from the environment. Plants have the inherent ability to detoxify xenobiotic pollutants, but they are generally poor at degrading them. The introduction of genes involved in xenobiotic degradation is aimed at enhancing plants’ potential further. Rice (Oryza sativa) is a good candidate for this purpose and has been transformed with genes encoding cytochrome P450 monooxygenases CYP1A1, CYP2B6, and CYP2C19. The transgenic plants were more tolerant to various herbicides than nontransgenic Nipponbare rice plants, owing to enhanced metabolism by the introduced P450 enzymes. Transgenic plants were able to remove atrazine and metolachlor from soil. Field testing and risk assessment are very important for developing transgenic plants for phytoremediation. Transgenic rice plants should become useful as herbicide-tolerant crops and for phytoremediation of xenobiotic pollutants in future.
Pituitary Surgery for Cushing’s Disease
Authors: Buchfelder Michael , Schlaffer Sven
Published: September 2010

In this article, the present status of neurosurgical operations for Cushing’s disease is briefly reviewed. Transsphenoidal surgery is considered the treatment of choice in most patients with Cushing’s disease once the diagnosis has been established. In a considerable proportion of patients, even sophisticated imaging does not directly depict the tiny microadenoma. The search for the tumor is technically difficult, particularly when the sella turcica is small, the dura vascularized and the sphenoid sinus poorly pneumatized. Thus, even in expert hands, microadenomas cannot always be identified intraoperatively. Usually, a selective adenomectomy is attempted, preserving pituitary functions. There is a huge variation of surgical outcomes reported. As an estimate, a remission rate of some 75% can be expected 5 years after surgery. Almost all data available to date derive from microsurgical operations. Unfortunately, even in patients who initially remit, recurrences may occur. Low postoperative serum cortisol levels and a long-lasting adrenocortical insufficiency seem to be factors associated with a favorable long-term outcome. When no distinct microadenoma can be identified intraoperatively, partial or even total hypophysectomy has been suggested. However, the outcome of these procedures is less favorable than with selective resections of distinct adenomas. Less than 10% of pituitary adenomas associated with Cushing’s disease are macroadenomas. These also bear a less favorable outcome than microadenomas. Only for selected patients with mainly extrasellar tumor localizations are craniotomies recommended. A close cooperation with the endocrinologist is mandatory for a neurosurgeon operating on patients with Cushing’s disease, namely for the pre- and perioperative care and for long-term follow-up.
Management of Dyslipidemia in Cushing’s Syndrome
Authors: Greenman Yona
Published: September 2010

Cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia and glucose intolerance are highly prevalent in Cushing’s syndrome. Lipid abnormalities have been reported in 40–70% of patients, including those with ‘subclinical’ disease. Surgical cure is associated with significant amelioration of lipid profile in the majority of patients. Treatment of persistent hyperlipidemia should be conducted according to the accepted general principles in use for other medical conditions. Nevertheless, patients requiring medical treatment for persistent hypercortisolism present specific challenges, according to the selected therapeutic agent. For example, treatment with the adrenolytic drug o,p’DDD is associated with a prominent increase in cholesterol levels that necessitates intensive use of lipid lowering agents. The use of ketoconazole, a potent inhibitor of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), may significantly increase plasma concentrations of certain statins (such as simvastatin and atorvastatin) that undergo metabolism by the same pathway, thus increasing the risk of complications and side effects. Therefore, preference should be given to HMG-CoA inhibitors that are metabolized by different pathways, such as pravastatin. In summary, hyperlipidemia should be aggressively treated in patients with Cushing’s syndrome in view of the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with this disorder.
Role of the PPAR-γ System in Normal and Tumoral Pituitary Corticotropic Cells and Adrenal Cells
Authors: Mannelli Massimo , Cantini Giulia , Poli Giada , Mangoni Monica , Nesi Gabriella , Canu Letizia , Rapizzi Elena , Borgogni Elisa , Ercolino Tonino , Piccini Valentina , Luconi Michaela
Published: September 2010

PPAR-γ is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of transcription factors, whose thiazolidinedione ligands (TZD) have been recently demonstrated to also possess anticancer properties in addition to their well-known insulin-sensitizer and glucose/lipid regulation activity. In this minireview, we summarize the current knowledge on PPAR-γ in normal and tumoral corticotropic pituitary and adrenal cells. The receptor expression has been shown in ACTH-secreting cells in both normal and adenomal pituitary as well as in normal and tumor adrenal cortex. Preclinical studies conducted both in vitro on tumor cells and in vivo on xenograft tumor models obtained by subcutaneous injection of cancer cells have evidenced the anticancer properties of TZD, in particular rosiglitazone (RGZ) and pioglitazone (PIO). In both pituitary and adrenocortical cancer, RGZ treatment results in inhibition of cell proliferation, through G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest and induction of cell apoptosis, leading to significant inhibition of tumor growth in the xenograft tumor models. In addition, since RGZ can reduce ACTH and corticosterone secretion in mouse corticotropic pituitary tumors, both RGZ and PIO have been used in the treatment of Cushing’s disease with variable but generally unsatisfactory results. Discrepancies in the antitumor effects of TZD observed between successful preclinical and unsuccessful clinical studies may be particularly due to differences in treatment duration and doses used.
Medical Treatment of Cushing’s Disease: Somatostatin Analogues and Pasireotide
Authors: Pedroncelli Alberto M.
Published: September 2010

Cushing’s disease is Cushing’s syndrome caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma and, in the absence of adequate treatment, can be fatal. Cushing’s disease represents an unmet medical need, with no approved medical therapies. Pasireotide is a novel multi-receptor-targeted somatostatin analogue with high affinity for sst1,2,3 and sst5. Compared with octreotide, pasireotide has an in vitro binding affinity 40-, 30- and 5-fold higher for sst5, sst1 and sst3, respectively, and 2-fold lower for sst2. Adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas predominantly express sst5, followed by sst2 and sst1, suggesting that pasireotide may be effective in the treatment of Cushing’s disease. In a 15-day phase II trial of pasireotide 600 µg s.c. b.i.d. in patients with de novo or persistent/recurrent Cushing’s disease, 22 of 29 patients (76%) achieved reduced urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels, 5 of whom (17%) achieved normalized UFC. Patients who achieved normalized UFC had a significantly greater reduction in serum cortisol than those who did not (p = 0.04), and minimum pasireotide plasma concentrations appeared to be higher in responders. Based on these results, a randomized, double-blind phase III study comparing pasireotide 600 µg b.i.d. and 900 µg b.i.d. was initiated and is ongoing. This is the largest ever phase III study in patients with Cushing’s disease. The primary end point of this study is normalization of UFC after 6 months of treatment. Finally, preliminary results from a study on 17 patients with Cushing’s disease suggest that the combined use of pasireotide, cabergoline and low-dose ketoconazole may have additive beneficial effects in the medical treatment of Cushing’s disease.
Nonpharmacological Therapies in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review of Efficacy
Authors: Olazarán Javier , Reisberg Barry , Clare Linda , Cruz Isabel , Peña-Casanova Jordi , del Ser Teodoro , Woods Bob , Beck Cornelia , Auer Stefanie , Lai Claudia , Spector Aimee , Fazio Sam , Bond John , Kivipelto Miia , Brodaty Henry , Rojo José Manuel , Collins Helen , Teri Linda , Mittelman Mary , Orrell Martin , Feldman Howard H. , Muñiz Ruben
Published: September 2010

Introduction: Nonpharmacological therapies (NPTs) can improve the quality of life (QoL) of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and their carers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the best evidence on the effects of NPTs in AD and related disorders (ADRD) by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of the entire field. Methods: Existing reviews and major electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The deadline for study inclusion was September 15, 2008. Intervention categories and outcome domains were predefined by consensus. Two researchers working together detected 1,313 candidate studies of which 179 RCTs belonging to 26 intervention categories were selected. Cognitive deterioration had to be documented in all participants, and degenerative etiology (indicating dementia) had to be present or presumed in at least 80% of the subjects. Evidence tables, meta-analysis and summaries of results were elaborated by the first author and reviewed by author subgroups. Methods for rating level of evidence and grading practice recommendations were adapted from the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine. Results: Grade A treatment recommendation was achieved for institutionalization delay (multicomponent interventions for the caregiver, CG). Grade B recommendation was reached for the person with dementia (PWD) for: improvement in cognition (cognitive training, cognitive stimulation, multicomponent interventions for the PWD); activities of daily living (ADL) (ADL training, multicomponent interventions for the PWD); behavior (cognitive stimulation, multicomponent interventions for the PWD, behavioral interventions, professional CG training); mood (multicomponent interventions for the PWD); QoL (multicomponent interventions for PWD and CG) and restraint prevention (professional CG training); for the CG, grade B was also reached for: CG mood (CG education, CG support, multicomponent interventions for the CG); CG psychological well-being (cognitive stimulation, multicomponent interventions for the CG); CG QoL (multicomponent interventions for PWD and CG). Conclusion: NPTs emerge as a useful, versatile and potentially cost-effective approach to improve outcomes and QoL in ADRD for both the PWD and CG.
Free Radicals, Antioxidants and Eye Diseases: Evidence from Epidemiological Studies on Cataract and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Fletcher A.E.
Published: September 2010

Cataract and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are the major causes of vision impairment and blindness worldwide. Both conditions are strongly age related with earlier signs (usually asymptomatic) occurring in middle age and becoming severer and more prevalent with increasing age. The aetiology of these conditions is thought to fit with the ‘free radical theory’ of ageing which postulates that ageing and age-related diseases result from the accumulation of cellular damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mitochondrial energy production is a major source of endogenous ROS. External sources of ROS include environmental sources especially solar radiation, biomass fuels and tobacco smoking. There is strong evidence from epidemiological studies that smoking is a risk factor for both cataract and AMD. There is moderate evidence for an association with sunlight and cataract but weak evidence for sunlight and AMD. The few studies that have investigated this suggest an adverse effect of biomass fuels on cataract risk. The antioxidant defence system of the lens and retina include antioxidant vitamins C and E and the carotenoids lutein and zinc, and there is mixed evidence on their associations with cataract and AMD from epidemiological studies. Most epidemiological studies have been conducted in well-nourished western populations but evidence is now emerging from other populations with different dietary patterns and antioxidant levels.
The Importance of Mitochondria in Age-Related and Inherited Eye Disorders
Authors: Jarrett Stuart G. , Lewin Alfred S. , Boulton Michael E.
Published: September 2010

Mitochondria are critical for ocular function as they represent the major source of a cell’s supply of energy and play an important role in cell differentiation and survival. Mitochondrial dysfunction can occur as a result of inherited mitochondrial mutations (e.g. Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy and chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia) or stochastic oxidative damage which leads to cumulative mitochondrial damage and is an important factor in age-related disorders (e.g. age-related macular degeneration, cataract and diabetic retinopathy). Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) instability is an important factor in mitochondrial impairment culminating in age-related changes and pathology, and in all regions of the eye mtDNA damage is increased as a consequence of aging and age-related disease. It is now apparent that the mitochondrial genome is a weak link in the defenses of ocular cells since it is susceptible to oxidative damage and it lacks some of the systems that protect the nuclear genome, such as nucleotide excision repair. Accumulation of mitochondrial mutations leads to cellular dysfunction and increased susceptibility to adverse events which contribute to the pathogenesis of numerous sporadic and chronic disorders in the eye.
Efficacy of Chlorhexidine, Polihexanide and Tissue-Tolerable Plasma against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms Grown on Polystyrene and Silicone Materials
Authors: Hübner N.-O. , Matthes R. , Koban I. , Rändler C. , Müller G. , Bender C. , Kindel E. , Kocher T. , Kramer A.
Published: September 2010

Background: The formation of biofilms is crucial in the pathogenesis of many acute and subacute microbial infections, including chronic wounds and foreign-body-related infections. Topical antimicrobial therapy with chemical antiseptics or physical treatment with tissue-tolerable plasma (TTP) may be promising to control bacterial infection. Methods: We assessed the efficacy of 0.1% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), 0.02 and 0.04% polihexanide (polyhexamethylene biguanide, PHMB) and of TTP against Pseudomonas aeruginosa SG81 biofilm grown in microtitre plates (polystyrene) and on silicone materials in an artificial wound fluid. Results: Overall, PHMB was as effective as CHX in reducing the total amount of biofilm (gentian violet assay) and in reducing the bacterial metabolism in biofilms (XTT assay). TTP also led to a significant reduction in colony-forming units. Conclusion: The antimicrobial activity of PHMB in biofilms is comparable to that of CHX. TTP could become an interesting physical alternative to chemical antisepsis in the future.
Effect Size Measures in Genetic Association Studies and Age-Conditional Risk Prediction
Authors: So Hon-Cheong , Sham Pak C.
Published: September 2010

The interest in risk prediction using genomic profiles has surged recently. A proper interpretation of effect size measures in association studies is crucial to accurate risk prediction. In this study, we clarified the relationship between the odds ratio (OR), relative risk and incidence rate ratios in the context of genetic association studies. We demonstrated that under the common practice of sampling prevalent cases and controls, the resulting ORs approximate the incidence rate ratios. Based on this result, we presented a framework to compute the disease risk given the current age and follow-up period (including lifetime risk), with consideration of competing risks of mortality. We considered two extensions. One is correcting the incidence rate to reflect the person-years alive and disease-free, the other is converting prevalence to incidence estimates. The methodology was applied to an example of breast cancer prediction. We observed that simply multiplying the OR by the average lifetime risk estimates yielded a final estimate >100% (101%), while using our method that accounts for competing risks produces an estimate of 63% only. We also applied the method to risk prediction of Alzheimer’s disease in Hong Kong. We recommend that companies offering direct-to-consumer genetic testing employ more rigorous prediction algorithms considering competing risks.
Oxidative Imbalance in Different Neurodegenerative Diseases with Memory Impairment
Authors: Gironi M. , Bianchi A. , Russo A. , Alberoni M. , Ceresa L. , Angelini A. , Cursano C. , Mariani E. , Nemni R. , Kullmann C. , Farina E. , Martinelli Boneschi F.
Published: September 2010

Background: Byproducts of oxidative metabolic reactions could play a role in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases (ND) including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We designed a study aimed at investigating a large set of oxidative and antioxidant markers in a sample of patients affected by different forms of dementia or memory impairment. Methods: Serum levels of coenzyme Q10, malondialdehyde (MDA), the total, oxidized and reduced forms of glutathione (GStot, GSSG and GSH, respectively), reactive oxygen species, anti-oxidized low-density lipoprotein antibodies and antioxidant power (PAO) were investigated in patients affected by AD, mild cognitive impairment, dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease with dementia. The patient sample (n = 66) was compared with healthy subjects (HC; n = 62), and a comparison across pathological subgroups was also performed. A multivariate logistic regression model was implemented in order to calculate an algorithm model for predicting the risk of developing a neurodegenerative disorder. Results: The comparison between the memory deficit (MD) group and HC showed a significant difference for MDA (MD: 6.3 ± 2.8 µg/l; HC: 9.1 ± 4.9 µg/l; p = 1.7 × 10–6), GStot (MD: 260.4 ± 62.6 mg/l; HC: 306.5 ± 60.7 mg/l; p = 2.2 × 10–5), GSH (MD: 208.9 ± 68.4 mg/l; HC: 295.3 ± 101.3 mg/l; p = 2.2 × 10–7) and PAO (MD: 1,066.5 ± 247.7 µmol; HC: 954.9 ± 200.4 µmol; p = 0.8 × 10–3). By contrast, no differences in the levels of the studied markers were detected across the different forms of ND. An older age, higher levels of PAO, lower levels of GSH and MDA and the use of cardiovascular or antidepressant drugs were the most important factors associated with the carrier ship of neurodegenerative disorder. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting similar oxidative imbalance in different forms of memory impairment, regardless of the specific etiology. Low GSH levels could be considered as a favorable factor in ND; at the same time it could be suggested that higher levels of PAO represent a counteracting mechanism against an increased oxidative stress. The association between vascular risk factors, depressive status and cognitive impairment is in line with findings in the literature.
Development of a Completely Autologous Valved Conduit With the Sinus of Valsalva Using In-Body Tissue Architecture Technology
Authors: Yamanami Masashi , Yahata Yuki , Uechi Masami , Fujiwara Megumi , Ishibashi-Ueda Hatsue , Kanda Keiichi , Watanabe Taiji , Tajikawa Tsutomu , Ohba Kenkichi , Yaku Hitoshi , Nakayama Yasuhide
Published: September 2010

Background—

We developed autologous prosthetic implants by simple and safe in-body tissue architecture technology. We present the first report on the development of autologous valved conduit with the sinus of Valsalva (BIOVALVE) by using this unique technology and its subsequent implantation in the pulmonary valves in a beagle model.

Methods and Results—

A mold of BIOVALVE organization was assembled using 2 types of specially designed silicone rods with a small aperture in a trileaflet shape between them. The concave rods had 3 projections that resembled the protrusions of the sinus of Valsalva. The molds were placed in the dorsal subcutaneous spaces of beagle dogs for 4 weeks. The molds were covered with autologous connective tissues. BIOVALVEs with 3 leaflets in the inner side of the conduit with the sinus of Valsalva were obtained after removing the molds. These valves had adequate burst strength, similar to that of native valves. Tight valvular coaptation and sufficient open orifice area were observed in vitro. These BIOVALVEs were implanted to the main pulmonary arteries as allogenic conduit valves (n=3). Postoperative echocardiography demonstrated smooth movement of the leaflets with trivial regurgitation. Histological examination of specimens obtained at 84 days showed that the surface of the leaflet was covered by endothelial cells and neointima, including an elastin fiber network, and was formed at the anastomosis sides on the luminal surface of the conduit.

Conclusion—

We developed the first completely autologous BIOVALVE and successfully implanted these BIOVALVEs in a beagle model in a pilot study.
Echocardiographic Definition and Surgical Decision-Making in Unbalanced Atrioventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Jegatheeswaran Anusha , Pizarro Christian , Caldarone Christopher A. , Cohen Meryl S. , Baffa Jeanne M. , Gremmels David B. , Mertens Luc , Morell Victor O. , Williams William G. , Blackstone Eugene H. , McCrindle Brian W. , Overman David M.
Published: September 2010

Background—

Although identification of unbalanced atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is obvious when extreme, exact criteria to define the limits of unbalanced are not available. We sought to validate an atrioventricular valve index (AVVI) (left atrioventricular valve area/total atrioventricular valve area, centimeters squared) as a discriminator of balanced and unbalanced forms of complete AVSD and to characterize the association of AVVI with surgical strategies and outcomes.

Methods and Results—

Diagnostic echocardiograms and hospital records of 356 infants with complete AVSD at 4 Congenital Heart Surgeons’ Society (CHSS) institutions (2000–2006) were reviewed and AVVI measured (n=315). Patients were classified as unbalanced if AVVI≤0.4 (right dominant) or ≥0.6 (left dominant). Surgical strategy and outcomes were examined across the range of AVVI. Competing risks analysis until the time of commitment to a surgical strategy examined 4 end states: biventricular repair (BVR), univentricular repair (UVR), pulmonary artery banding (PAB), and death before surgery. A prediction nomogram for surgical strategy based on AVVI was developed.

The majority of patients had balanced AVSD (0.4<AVVI<0.6) and underwent BVR. Patients with AVVI<0.19 uniformly underwent UVR. Heterogeneous repair strategies were found when 0.19≤AVVI≤0.39 (UVR and BVR), with a disproportionate number of deaths in this range. AVVI≥0.6 (left dominant) was less common. The proportion of subjects predicted for the end states at 12 months after diagnosis are: BVR, 86%; UVR, 7%; PAB, 1%; death without surgery, 1%; alive without surgery, 5%.

Conclusions—

AVVI effectively characterizes the transition between balanced and unbalanced AVSD with important correlation to anatomic substrate and selected surgical strategy.
Impact of New Development of Ulcer-Like Projection on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Type B Aortic Dissection With Closed and Thrombosed False Lumen
Authors: Kitai Takeshi , Kaji Shuichiro , Yamamuro Atsushi , Tani Tomoko , Kinoshita Makoto , Ehara Natsuhiko , Kobori Atsushi , Kita Toru , Furukawa Yutaka
Published: September 2010

Background—

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical importance of newly developed ulcer-like projection (ULP) in patients with type B aortic dissection with closed and thrombosed false lumen (AD with CTFL), which is better known as aortic intramural hematoma.

Methods and Results—

A total of 170 patients with acute type B AD with CTFL were admitted to our institution from 1986 to 2008 and treated initially with medical therapy. There were 31 late deaths, including 9 cases of aortic rupture. The actuarial survival rates of all patients were 99%, 89%, 83% at 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. A total of 62 (36%) patients showed new ULP development within 30 days from the onset. Patients who had ULP showed significantly poorer survival rates than patients who did not have ULP (
P
=0.037). Development of ULP was also associated with a significant increase in adverse aorta-related events (
P
<0.001). In addition, patients with ULP in the proximal descending thoracic aorta (PD) showed significantly higher aorta-related event rates than patients without ULP in the PD (
P
<0.001). Initial aortic diameter (hazard ratio, 3.55;
P
<0.001) and development of ULP in PD (hazard ratio, 3.79;
P
=0.003) were the strongest predictors of adverse aorta-related events.

Conclusions—

Initial aortic diameter and development of ULP in the PD are both strong predictors of adverse aorta-related events in patients with type B AD with CTFL. Patients with newly developed ULP should be more carefully followed up with close surveillance imaging than those without ULP.
Regression of Myocardial Hypertrophy After Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Petrov George , Regitz-Zagrosek Vera , Lehmkuhl Elke , Krabatsch Thomas , Dunkel Anne , Dandel Michael , Dworatzek Elke , Mahmoodzadeh Shokoufeh , Schubert Carola , Becher Eva , Hampl Hannah , Hetzer Roland
Published: September 2010

Background—

In patients with aortic stenosis, pressure overload induces cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Female sex and estrogens influence cardiac remodeling and fibrosis in animal models and in men. Sex differences and their molecular mechanisms in hypertrophy regression after aortic valve replacement have not yet been studied.

Methods and Results—

We prospectively obtained preoperative and early postoperative echocardiography in 92 patients, 53 women and 39 men, undergoing aortic valve replacement for isolated aortic stenosis. We analyzed in a subgroup of 10 patients matrix gene expression in left ventricular (LV) biopsies. In addition, we determined the effect of 17β-estradiol on collagen synthesis in isolated rat cardiac fibroblasts. Preoperatively, women and men had similar ejection fraction. Similar percentages of women and men had increased LV diameters (37% and 38%). Women more frequently exhibited LV hypertrophy than men (women: 86%; men: 56%;
P
<0.01). Postoperatively, increased LV diameters persisted in 34% of men but only in 12% of women (
P
<0.023). LV hypertrophy reversed more frequently in women than in men, leading to a similar prevalence of LV hypertrophy after surgery (women: 45%; men: 36%). In surgical biopsies, men had significantly higher collagen I and III and matrix metalloproteinase 2 gene expression than women. In isolated rat cardiac fibroblasts, 17β-estradiol significantly increased collagen I and III gene expressions in male cells but decreased it in female cells.

Conclusion—

Women adapt to pressure overload differently from men. Less fibrosis before surgery may enable faster regression after surgery.
Intramyocardial Peptide Nanofiber Injection Improves Postinfarction Ventricular Remodeling and Efficacy of Bone Marrow Cell Therapy in Pigs
Authors: Lin Yi-Dong , Yeh Ming-Long , Yang Yu-Jen , Tsai Da-Ching , Chu Ting-Yu , Shih Ya-Yun , Chang Min-Yao , Liu Yen-Wen , Tang Alan C.L. , Chen Tsai-Yun , Luo Chwan-Yau , Chang Kung-Chao , Chen Jyh-Hong , Wu Hua-Lin , Hung Tin-Kan , Hsieh Patrick C.H.
Published: September 2010

Background—

Growing evidence suggests that intramyocardial biomaterial injection improves cardiac functions after myocardial infarction (MI) in rodents. Cell therapy is another promising approach to treat MI, although poor retention of transplanted cells is a major challenge. In this study, we hypothesized that intramyocardial injection of self-assembling peptide nanofibers (NFs) thickens the infarcted myocardium and increases transplanted autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (MNC) retention to attenuate cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in a pig MI model.

Methods and Results—

A total of 40 mature minipigs were divided into 5 groups: sham, MI+normal saline, MI+NFs, MI+MNCs, and MI+MNCs/NFs. MI was induced by coronary occlusion followed by intramyocardial injection of 2 mL normal saline or 1% NFs with or without 1×10
8
isolated autologous MNCs. NF injection significantly improved diastolic function and reduced ventricular remodeling 28 days after treatment. Injection of MNCs alone ameliorated systolic function only, whereas injection of MNCs with NFs significantly improved both systolic and diastolic functions as indicated by +dP/dt and −dP/dt (1214.5±91.9 and −1109.7±91.2 mm Hg/s in MI+NS, 1693.7±84.7 and −1809.6±264.3 mm Hg/s in MI+MNCs/NFs, respectively), increased transplanted cell retention (29.3±4.5 cells/mm
2
in MI+MNCs and 229.4±41.4 cells/mm
2
in MI+MNCs/NFs) and promoted capillary density in the peri-infarct area.

Conclusions—

We demonstrated that NF injection alone prevents ventricular remodeling, whereas cell implantation with NFs improves cell retention and cardiac functions after MI in pigs. This unprecedented combined treatment in a large animal model has therapeutic effects, which can be translated to clinical applications in the foreseeable future.
Randomized Trial of Pulmonary Valve Replacement With and Without Right Ventricular Remodeling Surgery
Authors: Geva Tal , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Powell Andrew J. , Cecchin Frank , Rhodes Jonathan , Geva Judith , del Nido Pedro
Published: September 2010

Background—

Although pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) is effective in reducing right ventricular (RV) volume overload in patients with chronic pulmonary regurgitation, persistent RV dysfunction and subsequent adverse clinical outcomes have been reported. This trial was conducted to investigate whether the addition of surgical RV remodeling with exclusion of scar tissue to PVR would result in improved RV function and laboratory and clinical parameters, as compared with PVR alone.

Methods and Results—

Between February 2004 and October 2008, 64 patients who underwent RV outflow tract procedures in early childhood had more than or equal to moderate pulmonary regurgitation, and fulfilled defined criteria for PVR were randomly assigned to undergo either PVR alone (n=34) or PVR with surgical RV remodeling (n=30). No significant difference was observed in the primary outcome (change in RV ejection fraction, −2±7% in the PVR alone group and −1±7% in the PVR with RV remodeling group;
P
=0.38) or in any of the secondary outcomes at 6-month postoperative follow-up. Multivariable analysis of the entire cohort identified preoperative RV end-systolic volume index <90 mL/m
2
and QRS duration <140 ms to be associated with optimal postoperative outcome (normal RV size and function), and RV ejection fraction <45% and QRS duration ≥160 ms to be associated with suboptimal postoperative outcome (RV dilatation and dysfunction).

Conclusion—

The addition of surgical remodeling of the RV to PVR in patients with chronic pulmonary regurgitation did not result in a measurable early benefit. Referral to PVR based on QRS duration, RV end-systolic volume, or RV ejection fraction may be beneficial.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00112320.
Evaluation of HOAPS-3 Ocean Surface Freshwater Flux Components
Authors: Andersson Axel , Klepp Christian , Fennig Karsten , Bakan Stephan , Grassl Hartmut , Schulz Jörg
Published: September 2010

Today, latent heat flux and precipitation over the global ocean surface can be determined from microwave satellite data as a basis for estimating the related fields of the ocean surface freshwater flux. The Hamburg Ocean Atmosphere Parameters and Fluxes from Satellite Data (HOAPS) is the only generally available satellite-based dataset with consistently derived global fields of both evaporation and precipitation and hence of freshwater flux for the period 1987–2005. This paper presents a comparison of the evaporation E, precipitation P, and the resulting freshwater flux E − P in HOAPS with recently available reference datasets from reanalysis and other satellite observation projects as well as in situ ship measurements. In addition, the humidity and wind speed input parameters for the evaporation are examined to identify sources for differences between the datasets. Results show that the general climatological patterns are reproduced by all datasets. Global mean time series often agree within about 10% of the individual products, while locally larger deviations may be found for all parameters. HOAPS often agrees better with the other satellite-derived datasets than with the in situ or the reanalysis data. The agreement usually improves in regions of good in situ sampling statistics. The biggest deviations of the evaporation parameter result from differences in the near-surface humidity estimates. The precipitation datasets exhibit large differences in highly variable regimes with the largest absolute differences in the ITCZ and the largest relative biases in the extratropical storm-track regions. The resulting freshwater flux estimates exhibit distinct differences in terms of global averages as well as regional biases. In comparison with long-term mean global river runoff data, the ocean surface freshwater balance is not closed by any of the compared fields. The datasets exhibit a positive bias in E − P of 0.2–0.5 mm day−1, which is on the order of 10% of the evaporation and precipitation estimates.
Climate Change: Anticipated Effects on High-Energy Laser Weapon Systems in Maritime Environments
Authors: Fiorino Steven T. , Randall Robb M. , Bartell Richard J. , Downs Adam D. , Chu Peter C. , Fan C. W.
Published: September 2010

This study quantifies the potential impacts on ship-defense high-energy-laser (HEL) performance due to atmospheric effects in the marine boundary layer driven by recent observations and analysis of worldwide sea surface temperatures (SSTs). The atmospheric effects are defined using the worldwide probabilistic climatic database available in the High Energy Laser End-to-End Operational Simulation (HELEEOS) model, which includes an SST database for the period 1854–1997. A more recent worldwide sea surface temperature database was provided by the Naval Postgraduate School for the period 1990–2008. Mean differences and trends between the two SST databases are used to deduce possible climate change impacts on simulated maritime HEL engagements. The anticipated effects on HEL propagation performance are assessed at an operating wavelength of 1.0642 μm across the world’s oceans and mapped onto a 1° × 1° grid. The scenario evaluated is near surface and nearly horizontal over a range of 5000 m in which anticipated clear-air maritime aerosols occur. Summer and winter scenarios are considered. In addition to realistic vertical profiles of molecular and aerosol absorption and scattering, correlated optical turbulence profiles in probabilistic (percentile) format are used.
Mammatus Clouds as a Response to Cloud-Base Radiative Heating
Authors: Garrett Timothy J. , Schmidt Clinton T. , Kihlgren Stina , Cornet Céline
Published: September 2010

Mammatus clouds are the pouchlike lobes seen hanging from mid- to high-level clouds. They can look quite dramatic, but they are also interesting because they provide clues to what controls anvil cirrus dynamic evolution. Thus far, the most commonly accepted explanation for observed subsidence of mammatus lobes is that they are driven by evaporative cooling of precipitation, accelerated by mixing with dry subcloud air. Here, an alternative explanation is proposed: radiative temperature contrasts between cloud base and the lower troposphere destabilize cloudy air to create a rapidly deepening mixed layer, which creates positively buoyant intrusions of dry air into the cloud interior; mammatus lobes are just the descending branch of the resulting circulations. In this regard, mammatus cloud fields might be considered an upside-down analog to the radiatively driven formation of “cloud holes” seen at the tops of stratocumulus layers.