bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunoneutralization of Inhibin in Cycling Rats Increases Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Secretion, Stimulates the Ovary and Attenuates Progesterone Receptor-Dependent Preovulatory Luteinizing Hormone Secretion
Authors: Gordon Ana , Aguilar Rafaela , Garrido-Gracia José C. , Guil-Luna Silvia , Sánchez Cespedes Raquel , Millán Yolanda , Watanabe Gen , Taya Kazuyoshi , Martín de las Mulas Juana , Sánchez-Criado José E.
Published: May 2010

Passive immunization against inhibin with an anti-inhibin serum (AIS) during the diestrous phase in cycling rats increased follicle-stimulating hormone secretion, stimulated the ovaries and reduced the magnitude of the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in the afternoon of proestrus. The involvement of gonadotrope progesterone receptor (PR) expression/action in the inhibitory effects of the follicle-stimulating hormone-dependent putative ovarian factor gonadotropin surge-attenuating factor on preovulatory LH secretion was studied in the absence of circulating free inhibin. Proestrous pituitaries from rats injected with AIS or a non-immune serum (NIS) were studied for determination of PR-AB and PR-B mRNAs by RT-PCR and PR-B and PR-A isoform proteins by Western blot. In addition, pituitaries from AIS- and NIS-injected rats were incubated and studied for PR-dependent LH secretion parameters: LH-releasing hormone (LHRH)-stimulated LH secretion, progesterone-potentiated LHRH-stimulated LH secretion and LHRH self-priming. Also, the effects of the antiprogestagen RU486 on these LH secretion parameters were evaluated and compared with those of AIS. Finally, gonadotrope PR phosphorylation was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results showed that the hyperstimulated ovaries of AIS-injected rats produce a factor, different from inhibin, that blocked LHRH self-priming and P-potentiation of LHRH-stimulated LH secretion. These effects were not due to decreased pituitary PR mRNAs, PR protein expression or PR protein B/A ratio. The inhibitory effect of AIS on PR-dependent LH secretion seemed to be due to gonadotrope PR dephosphorylation. Taken together, the findings indicated that the putative gonadotropin surge-attenuating factor affected LH surge through an inhibition of PR phosphorylation/action but not PR expression.
Association of AHSG Gene Polymorphisms and Aortic Stiffness in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Jung Ji Yong , Hwang Young-Hwan , Lee Hajeong , Ro Han , Lee Hankyu , Chung Wookyung , Chae Dong-Wan , Joo Kwon Wook , Ahn Curie , Oh Kook-Hwan
Published: May 2010

Background/Aims: Fetuin-A is a negative acute-phase reactant and extraosseous calcification inhibitor. Decreased serum concentration of fetuin-A is independently related to all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients. Our aim is to investigate the association between the genetic polymorphism of α2-Heremans-Schmid-glycoprotein (AHSG) encoding fetuin-A and its serum concentration, vascular calcification, and aortic stiffness in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Method: A total of six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the AHSG gene were genotyped and evaluated for association with serum fetuin-A level, quantitative measures of vascular calcification and aortic stiffness represented by heart-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (hfPWV). Results: Five SNPs in the AHSG gene were nominally associated with the serum fetuin-A level in our PD patients. In haplotype analyses, there were haplotypes positively (H1; AGCA, H2; CC) and inversely (H1; TTCG, H2; TT) related with the serum fetuin-A level. The serum fetuin-A level inversely and independently correlated with hfPWV. Moreover, the serum fetuin-A concentration was a determinant for the simple vascular calcification score (SVCS), which subsequently was associated with hfPWV. Conclusions: Our study showed an association between AHSG polymorphism and its serum concentration, and also revealed an association of the serum fetuin-A level with SVCS and aortic stiffness in PD patients.
Alcohol Consumption in Southern Sweden after Major Decreases in Danish Spirits Taxes and Increases in Swedish Travellers’ Quotas
Authors: Gustafsson Nina-Katri J.
Published: May 2010

Background: In 2003, Denmark lowered its tax on spirits, and in 2004, Sweden increased its traveller import quotas. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine whether these two changes increased self-reported alcohol consumption in southern Sweden, which is located near Denmark. Method: Data were collected through telephone interviews with the general population between 2003 and 2006. Individuals aged 16–80 years were interviewed. Some lived in southern Sweden, others in the northern region, which was assumed to be unaffected by the policy changes and was thus used as a control site. Analyses were performed for the total population as well as by sex, age, socio-economic group and consumption pattern. Results: The expected results were not found: alcohol consumption in southern Sweden had not changed. The few statistically significant changes found in southern Sweden indicated decreases. In the north, however, consumption seemed to have increased. Conclusion: In addition to the two policy changes mentioned above, other changes seem to have affected alcohol consumption in Sweden. It is possible, however, that the policy changes have affected population groups not reached by the survey, and thus other types of data need to be analysed before drawing any far-reaching conclusions.
Emerging Role of IL-17 in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Chen Shuang , Crother Timothy R. , Arditi Moshe
Published: May 2010

The IL-23-IL-17 axis is emerging as a critical regulatory system that bridges the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Th17 cells have been linked to the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, the role of Th17 cells and IL-17 in various stages of atherogenesis remains poorly understood and is only beginning to be elucidated. While IL-17 is a predominantly proinflammatory cytokine, it has a pleiotropic function and it has been implicated both as an instigator in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory disorders as well as being protective in certain inflammatory disease models. Therefore, it is not surprising that the current literature is conflicting on the role of IL-17 during atherosclerotic lesion development. Various approaches have been used by several groups to discern the involvement of IL-17 in atherosclerosis. While one study found that IL-17 is protective against atherosclerosis, several other recent studies have suggested that IL-17 plays a proatherogenic role. Thus, the function of IL-17 remains controversial and awaits more direct studies to address the issue. In this review, we will highlight all the latest studies involving IL-17 and atherosclerosis, including both clinical and experimental research.
Malignancies in Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases – A Mini-Review
Authors: Szekanecz Zoltán , Szekanecz Éva , Bakó Gyula , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: May 2010

Paraneoplastic symptoms, caused by a malignancy, but not directly related to invasion by the tumor or its metastases, are the result of a wide variety of tumor-derived biologic mediators like hormones, peptides, antibodies, cytotoxic lymphocytes, autocrine and paracrine mediators. Systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma or dermatomyositis, may increase the risk for the development of malignancies, predominantly lymphoproliferative disorders. Immunosuppressive drugs and biological agents may also be carcinogenic. However, sustained inflammatory activity seems to be the primary risk factor for malignancies in autoimmune diseases. Tumor-associated antigens may be produced by inflammatory cells and their production may be increased in rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
Vascular Potential of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Iacobas Ionela , Vats Archana , Hirschi Karen K.
Published: May 2010

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death and disability in the US. Understanding the biological activity of stem and progenitor cells, and their ability to contribute to the repair, regeneration and remodeling of the heart and blood vessels affected by pathological processes is an essential part of the paradigm in enabling us to achieve a reduction in related deaths. Both human embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are promising sources of cells for clinical cardiovascular therapies. Additional in vitro studies are needed, however, to understand their relative phenotypes and molecular regulation toward cardiovascular cell fates. Further studies in translational animal models are also needed to gain insights into the potential and function of both human ES- and iPS-derived cardiovascular cells, and enable translation from experimental and preclinical studies to human trials.
Is Endothelium the Origin of Endothelial Progenitor Cells?
Authors: Yoder Mervin C.
Published: May 2010

Endothelial cells provide the dynamic lining of blood vessels throughout the body and provide many tissue-specific functions, in addition to providing a nonthrombogenic surface for blood cells and conduit for oxygen and nutrient delivery. As might be expected, some endothelial cells are injured or become senescent and are sloughed into the bloodstream, and most circulating endothelial cells display evidence of undergoing apoptosis or necrosis. However, there are rare viable circulating endothelial cells that display properties consistent with those of a progenitor cell for the endothelial lineage. This article reviews historical and current literature to present some evidence that the endothelial lining of blood vessels may serve as a source for rare endothelial colony-forming cells that display clonal proliferative potential, self-renewal, and in vivo vessel forming ability. The article also discusses the current gaps in our knowledge to prove whether the colony-forming cells are in fact derived from vascular endothelium.
Nocturnal Cold-Air Intrusions into a Closed Basin: Observational Evidence and Conceptual Model
Authors: Whiteman C. David , Hoch Sebastian W. , Lehner Manuela , Haiden Thomas
Published: May 2010

Observations are analyzed to explain an unusual feature of the nighttime atmospheric structure inside Arizona’s idealized, basin-shaped Meteor Crater. The upper 75%–80% of the crater’s atmosphere, which overlies an intense surface-based inversion on the crater’s floor, maintains a near-isothermal lapse rate during the entire night, even while continuing to cool. Evidence is presented to show that this near-isothermal layer is produced by cold-air intrusions that come over the crater’s rim. The intrusions are driven by a regional-scale drainage flow that develops over the surrounding inclined Colorado Plateau. Cold air from the drainage flow builds up on the upwind side of the crater and splits around the crater at low levels. A shallow layer of cold air, however, spills over the 30–60-m-high rim and descends partway down the crater’s upwind inner sidewall until reaching its buoyancy equilibrium level. Detrainment of cold air during its katabatic descent and compensatory rising motions in the crater atmosphere destabilize the basin atmosphere, producing the observed near-isothermal lapse rate. A conceptual model of this phenomenon is presented.
The Response of Simulated Nocturnal Convective Systems to a Developing Low-Level Jet
Authors: French Adam J. , Parker Matthew D.
Published: May 2010

Some recent numerical experiments have examined the dynamics of initially surface-based squall lines that encounter an increasingly stable boundary layer, akin to what occurs with the onset of nocturnal cooling. The present study builds on that work by investigating the added effect of a developing nocturnal low-level jet (LLJ) on the convective-scale dynamics of a simulated squall line. The characteristics of the simulated LLJ atop a simulated stable boundary layer are based on past climatological studies of the LLJ in the central United States. A variety of jet orientations are tested, and sensitivities to jet height and the presence of low-level cooling are explored.

The primary impacts of adding the LLJ are that it alters the wind shear in the layers just above and below the jet and that it alters the magnitude of the storm-relative inflow in the jet layer. The changes to wind shear have an attendant impact on low-level lifting, in keeping with current theories for gust front lifting in squall lines. The changes to the system-relative inflow, in turn, impact total upward mass flux and precipitation output. Both are sensitive to the squall line–relative orientation of the LLJ.

The variations in updraft intensity and system-relative inflow are modulated by the progression of the low-level cooling, which mimics the development of a nocturnal boundary layer. While the system remains surface-based, the below-jet shear has the largest impact on lifting, whereas the above-jet shear begins to play a larger role as the system becomes elevated. Similarly, as the system becomes elevated, larger changes to system-relative inflow are observed because of the layer of potentially buoyant inflowing parcels becoming confined to the layer of the LLJ.
Convectively Coupled Waves in a Sheared Environment
Authors: Han Ying , Khouider Boualem
Published: May 2010

A linear stability analysis, about a radiative–convective equilibrium in a sheared environment, on an equatorial beta plane, for a simple multicloud model for organized tropical convection is presented here. Both vertical/baroclinic and meridional/barotropic zonal wind shears are considered separately in a parameter regime for which the shear-free multicloud model exhibits synoptic-scale instability of Kelvin and n = 0 eastward inertio-gravity [eastward mixed Rossby–gravity (MRG)] waves only, with moderate growth rates. The maximum growth rates appear to increase significantly with the strength of the background wind shear, and new wave instabilities appear and/or disappear depending on the strength and type of the wind shear. It is found here that both high- and low-level vertical shears have a strong impact on the stability of convectively coupled waves (CCWs), consistent with the fact that the multicloud instability mechanism is controlled by both stratiform heating and low-level moisture and congestus heating. Typically, vertical shears with high-level easterly wind destabilize westward moving waves and stabilize eastward waves, whereas westerly winds aloft and on bottom tend to destabilize eastward moving and stabilize westward moving waves. In the mixed situation of high-level easterlies and low-level westerlies both eastward and westward waves are unstable, while in the case of high-level westerlies and low-level easterlies only eastward waves are unstable. In the presence of a barotropic/meridional shear, synoptic-scale convectively coupled westward MRG and Rossby waves emerge, when the shear strength is large enough, due essentially to pure shear instability of the dry dynamics. The meridional shear has also an important impact on the horizontal structure of the waves. Owing to the meridional shear, the Kelvin wave displays a nonzero meridional velocity that induces a significant contribution toward the horizontal convergence. The two-day waves adopt a crescentlike shape while the westward MRG, and somewhat the Rossby waves, become less trapped in the vicinity of the equator.
Contrails of Small and Very Large Optical Depth
Authors: Atlas David , Wang Zhien
Published: May 2010

This work deals with two kinds of contrails. The first comprises a large number of optically thin contrails near the tropopause. They are mapped geographically using a lidar to obtain their height and a camera to obtain azimuth and elevation. These high-resolution maps provide the local contrail geometry and the amount of optically clear atmosphere. The second kind is a single trail of unprecedentedly large optical thickness that occurs at a lower height. The latter was observed fortuitously when an aircraft moving along the wind direction passed over the lidar, thus providing measurements for more than 3 h and an equivalent distance of 620 km. It was also observed by Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) sensors. The lidar measured an optical depth of 2.3. The corresponding extinction coefficient of 0.023 km−1 and ice water content of 0.063 g m−3 are close to the maximum values found for midlatitude cirrus. The associated large radar reflectivity compares to that measured by ultrasensitive radar, thus providing support for the reality of the large optical depth.
Decadal Variations of North Atlantic Sea Surface Temperature in Observations and CMIP3 Simulations*
Authors: Jamison Nathan , Kravtsov Sergey
Published: May 2010

This study evaluates the ability of the global climate models that compose phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) to simulate intrinsic decadal variations detected in the observed North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) record via multichannel singular spectrum analysis (M-SSA). M-SSA identifies statistically significant signals in the observed SSTs, with time scales of 5–10, 10–15, and 15–30 yr; all of these signals have distinctive spatiotemporal characteristics and are consistent with previous studies.

Many of the CMIP3 twentieth-century simulations are characterized by quasi-oscillatory behavior within one or more of the three observationally motivated frequency bands specified above; however, only a fraction of these models also capture the spatial patterns of the observed signals. The models best reproduce the observed quasi-regular SST variations in the high-frequency, 5–10-yr band, while the observed signals in the intermediate, 10–15-yr band have turned out to be most difficult to capture. A handful of models capture the patterns and, sometimes, the spectral character of the observed variability in the two or three bands simultaneously.

These results imply that the decadal prediction skill of the models considered—to be estimated within the CMIP5 framework—would be stratified according to the models’ performance in capturing the time scales and patterns of the observed decadal SST variations. They also warrant further research into the dynamical causes of the observed and simulated decadal variability, as well as into apparent differences in the representation of these variations by individual CMIP3 models.
The Influence of Assimilating Dropsonde Data on Typhoon Track and Midlatitude Forecasts
Authors: Weissmann Martin , Harnisch Florian , Wu Chun-Chieh , Lin Po-Hsiung , Ohta Yoichiro , Yamashita Koji , Kim Yeon-Hee , Jeon Eun-Hee , Nakazawa Tetsuo , Aberson Sim
Published: May 2010

A unique dataset of targeted dropsonde observations was collected during The Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment (THORPEX) Pacific Asian Regional Campaign (T-PARC) in the autumn of 2008. The campaign was supplemented by an enhancement of the operational Dropsonde Observations for Typhoon Surveillance near the Taiwan Region (DOTSTAR) program. For the first time, up to four different aircraft were available for typhoon observations and over 1500 additional soundings were collected.

This study investigates the influence of assimilating additional observations during the two major typhoon events of T-PARC on the typhoon track forecast by the global models of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), and the limited-area Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Additionally, the influence of T-PARC observations on ECMWF midlatitude forecasts is investigated.

All models show an improving tendency of typhoon track forecasts, but the degree of improvement varied from about 20% to 40% in NCEP and WRF to a comparably low influence in ECMWF and JMA. This is likely related to lower track forecast errors without dropsondes in the latter two models, presumably caused by a more extensive use of satellite data and four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4D-Var) of ECMWF and JMA compared to three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3D-Var) of NCEP and WRF. The different behavior of the models emphasizes that the benefit gained strongly depends on the quality of the first-guess field and the assimilation system.
Locally Engaged Education Institutions: Four Principles for Engaging the Urban Environment
Authors: See Geoffrey K.
Published: May 2010

Urban life comes with diverse social, environmental, health care, and education problems. However, for many of the people seeking better economic, social, and education opportunities, the big city still holds a special allure. Jazz singer Frank Sinatra sings in “New York, New York” that he wants to “wake up in a city that never sleeps/and find I’m King of the Hill/ top of the heap.” The question then is whether there is a general solution capable of contributing in some small way toward alleviating these complex and diverse problems, bringing us one small step closer toward building an ideal city. As a youth activist, the author desires a solution that can be implemented at the grassroots level, which taps the entrepreneurship and enthusiasm of youths.
Slogging and Stumbling Toward Social Justice in a Private Elementary School: The Complicated Case of St. Malachy
Authors: Scanlan Martin
Published: May 2010

This case study examines St. Malachy, an urban Catholic elementary school primarily serving children traditionally marginalized by race, class, linguistic heritage, and disability. As a private school, St. Malachy serves the public good by recruiting and retaining such traditionally marginalized students. As empirical studies involving Catholic schools frequently juxtapose them with public schools, the author presents this examination from a different tack. Neither vilifying nor glorifying Catholic schooling, this study critically examines the pursuit of social justice in this school context. Data gathered through a 1-year study show that formal and informal leaders in St. Malachy adapted their governance, aggressively sought community resources, and focused their professional development to build the capacity to serve their increasingly pluralistic student population. The analysis confirms the deepening realization that striving toward social justice is a messy, contradictory, and complicated pursuit, and that schools in both public and private sectors are allies in this pursuit.
Sustaining Youth Participation in a Long-term Tobacco Control Initiative: Consideration of a Social Justice Perspective
Authors: Ross Laurie
Published: May 2010

This article presents an in-depth case study of the Healthy Options for Prevention and Education Coalition’s Teens Tackle Tobacco initiative, a 3-year community-based participatory research (CBPR) project about the distribution of tobacco vendors and tobacco advertising in Worcester, Massachusetts. Using two theoretical frameworks, positive youth development (PYD) and social justice youth development (SJYD), the case reveals personal and community conditions that drove youth to get engaged in this project, how CBPR guided the group’s research and action strategy, and results of the work to date. Analysis of this case highlights factors that facilitate and pose barriers to active youth involvement in a long-term, tobacco-related community change initiative. Specifically, to affect oppressive community conditions, a blend of PYD’s focus on individual skill building, participation, and empowerment— joined with SJYD emphasis on community organizing and building youth’s self-awareness of how race, class, and other dimensions of power affect their lives on a daily basis—is needed.
Psychosocial Distress and Substance Use Among Adolescents in Four Countries
Authors: Page Randy M. , Dennis Megan , Lindsay Gordon B. , Merrill Ray M.
Published: May 2010

The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between adolescent substance use and psychosocial distress indicators among 30,851 adolescents aged 11 to 16 in four countries (Philippines, China, Chile, and Namibia). Global School-Based Student Health Survey data from these countries provided information about frequency and lifetime use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs as well as items about early adolescents’ feelings of loneliness, worry, hopelessness, suicide, and number of close friends. Overall, there were significant relationships between adolescent substance-use behaviors and a measure of “global” psychosocial distress for both boys and girls in all four countries and for four of the five items of psychosocial distress (often lonely, often worry, sad/hopeless, and having a suicide plan). The association between substance use and psychosocial distress was also consistent in both genders and across the four countries. These results have important implications for professionals who work with adolescent populations.
The Stuff of Change: General Extenders in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Tagliamonte Sali A. , Denis Derek
Published: May 2010

This article examines general extenders (GEs) in the English spoken in Toronto, Canada, using a 1.2-million-word corpus stratified by age, sex, and education. Employing quantitative techniques, the authors assess the nature of the system, particularly the possibility that it has undergone recent grammaticalization. Diagnostic tests for phonetic reduction, decategorization, semantic change, and pragmatic shift reveal that only decategorization is visible in apparent time. Otherwise, older and younger speakers share most of the same patterns. Yet there is a dramatic shift happening in that the form stuff is rapidly becoming the predominant GE.The authors conclude that in contrast to the United Kingdom, the GEs in Toronto are not grammaticalizing but are undergoing lexical replacement. These findings suggest that discourse-pragmatic features may differ markedly across varieties and further that putative indicators of grammaticalization may not always operate in tandem. GEs provide a unique opportunity to study social and linguistic influences on discourse-pragmatic variation.
When Do Acquisitions Facilitate Technological Exploration and Exploitation?
Authors: Phene Anupama , Tallman Stephen , Almeida Paul
Published: May 2010

Previous research has suggested that firms need to balance exploitation and exploration. Acquisitions can be used as a way to explore (i.e., develop new areas of technological expertise) or exploit (i.e., reinforce existing technological capabilities). This article examines acquisitions in the semiconductor industry to answer the following question: Under what conditions do acquisitions facilitate exploitation and/or exploratory activity by the acquirer firm? The authors posit that an acquirer firm’s ability to develop such exploratory innovation is a function of three key factors: opportunity available to the acquirer firm for exploration, ability of the acquirer firm to effectively assimilate and establish innovations in new technologies, and extent of control of target firm postacquisition. The results demonstrate strong support for the hypotheses indicating the benefits of target technological uniqueness and for the moderating effects of commonality between acquirer and target firms in geographic bases for exploration. However, the findings contradict expectations about the effects of mergers and suggest that merger enables the acquirer to engage in effective exploration. For exploitation, the authors find negative effects of target technological uniqueness and positive effects of commonality of geographic bases.
Vacuolation of Sensory Ganglion Neuron Cytoplasm in Rats with Long-term Exposure to Organophosphates
Authors: Rogers-Cotrone T. , Burgess M. P. , Hancock S. H. , Hinckley J. , Lowe K. , Ehrich M. F. , Jortner B. S.
Published: May 2010

Cytoplasmic vacuolation of sensory neurons has been reported to occur within the dorsal root ganglia in studies investigating various neuropathic conditions including the effects of neurotoxic chemicals. In this study, we investigated this lesion in adult (98–119 days old) male Long-Evans rats, after multiple exposures to two organophosphates (tri-ortho-tolyl phosphate [TOTP] and chlorpyrifos) and the modifying effects of concurrent corticosterone. Tri-ortho-tolyl phosphate was administered by gavage (75, 150, or 300 mg/kg) every other day between days 14 and 28 and between days 49 and 63, chlorpyrifos (60 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously on days 7 and 42, and corticosterone was provided in the drinking water throughout the study at a concentration of 400 µg/mL. Although relatively uncommon, there was an increase in frequency of cytoplasmic vacuoles seen in treatment groups having multiple exposures to TOTP. They were characterized as peripherally located, single-limiting membrane-bound structures in the neuronal perikarya. There was no associated cell death, even when vacuoles were large. This is the initial report of an association of this change following exposure to neurotoxic organophosphates.
View-based Maps
Authors: Konolige Kurt , Bowman James , Chen J.D. , Mihelich Patrick , Calonder Michael , Lepetit Vincent , Fua Pascal
Published: May 2010

Robotic systems that can create and use visual maps in real-time have obvious advantages in many applications, from automatic driving to mobile manipulation in the home. In this paper we describe a mapping system based on retaining stereo views of the environment that are collected as the robot moves. Connections among the views are formed by consistent geometric matching of their features. Out-of-sequence matching is the key problem: how to find connections from the current view to other corresponding views in the map. Our approach uses a vocabulary tree to propose candidate views, and a strong geometric filter to eliminate false positives: essentially, the robot continually re-recognizes where it is. We present experiments showing the utility of the approach on video data, including incremental map building in large indoor and outdoor environments, map building without localization, and re-localization when lost.
Ten years of chronic cluster – attacks still cluster
Authors: Jürgens Tim P , Koch Horst J , May Arne
Published: May 2010

The chronic variant can be found in 10–20% of all cluster headache patients. While circadian and circannual rhythmicity are characteristic of the episodic variant, little is known on chronobiology in chronic cluster headache. We report a patient with chronic cluster evolved from episodic who recorded a total of 5447 attacks over 10 years. After spectral analysis, cosinor models were calculated within the frequency ranges of 23–25 h (circadian) and 11–13 months (circannual), respectively. Significant results ( P < 0.01) were found for 24-h periods, but not for circannual intervals (12 months). However, with regard to circannual periodicity, a semi-circannual rhythm (5–7 months) was suitable for curve fit and yielded significant results in the cosinor analysis at 6 months ( P < 0.05). This remarkable long observation period of 10 years shows that, at least for secondary chronic cluster headache which evolved from the episodic form, a typical circadian and circannual rhythmicity comparable to that of episodic cluster headache exists.
Commentary: Back-End Users: The Unrecognized Stakeholders in Demand-Driven Sanitation
Authors: Murray Ashley , Ray Isha
Published: May 2010

Inadequate wastewater and fecal sludge treatment, disposal, and end use systems are arguably the greatest obstacles to achieving sustainable urban sanitation in unserved regions. Strategies for planning and implementing urban sanitation are continually evolving. Demand-driven sanitation with household and community participation is broadly thought to be the way forward. We are skeptical that more time and resources spent garnering household and community demand for sanitation will amount to the much-needed improvements in the treatment and end use components of sanitation systems. We propose shifting the incentives for sanitation from “front-end users” to “back-end users,” thereby leveraging demand for the products of sanitation (e.g., treated wastewater, fertilizer, alternative fuel) to motivate robust operation and maintenance of complete sanitation systems. Leveraging the resource value of wastewater and fecal sludge demands a reuse-oriented planning approach to sanitation, an example of which is the Design for Service approach presented in this commentary.
The Use of Anti-Xa Assay to Monitor Intravenous Unfractionated Heparin Therapy
Authors: Rosenberg Amy Fann , Zumberg Marc , Taylor Lisa , LeClaire Aimée , Harris Neil
Published: May 2010

Continuous infusion unfractionated heparin (UH) has traditionally been monitored using the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). The use of this test to monitor heparin therapy is not based on randomized controlled clinical trials, and the test is associated with significant intra- and inter-patient variability that is not related to circulating blood heparin activity. Due to these and other limitations, the use of aPTT alone to monitor UF has been questioned. Many laboratories are now transitioning to monitoring actual heparin activity (by anti-factor Xa analysis). In this review, we discuss the limitations of using the aPTT to monitor UH therapy and additionally the limitations of solely using heparin activity to monitor therapy. We also include a discussion of the challenges with monitoring heparin therapy in the pediatric population.
Patient Factors That Influence Warfarin Dose Response
Authors: White Pamela J.
Published: May 2010

Warfarin has long been the mainstay of oral anticoagulation therapy for the treatment and prevention of venous and arterial thrombosis. The narrow therapeutic index of warfarin, and the complex number of factors that influence international normalized ratio (INR) response, makes optimization of warfarin therapy challenging. Determination of the appropriate warfarin dose during initiation and maintenance therapy requires an understanding of patient factors that influence dose response: age, body weight, nutritional status, acute and chronic disease states, and changes in concomitant drug therapy and diet. This review will examine specific clinical factors that can affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin, as well as the role of pharmacogenetics in optimizing warfarin therapy.
A Clinician’s Guide to Perioperative Bridging for Patients on Oral Anticoagulation
Authors: Martin Michelle T. , Kuchta Ann M. , Nutescu Edith A.
Published: May 2010

Updates in recent clinical guidelines have led to a change in the management of perioperative anticoagulation for patients on oral anticoagulant therapy. No standardized bridging consensus exists in the literature. The necessity for bridging therapy is determined based on careful consideration of the thrombosis risk versus the bleeding risk of the procedure. Risk stratification will aid the decision to bridge or not to bridge. Patients are bridged with agents with appropriate kinetics to allow for their elimination prior to the time of the procedure in order to decrease the risk of hemorrhage during invasive procedures. This intent of this article is to discuss perioperative bridging therapy and provide a practical guide for the clinician.
Skin Cancer Knowledge and Prevention Counseling Among Arizona Pharmacists
Authors: Armstrong Edward P. , Campbell Charlotte , Van Allen Ashley , Vincent Erin
Published: May 2010

Skin cancer is particularly prevalent in Arizona, with incidence rates ranking number 2 worldwide. This study assessed pharmacists’ knowledge of skin cancer and factors that impacted skin cancer prevention patient counseling. Participants were recruited using a listserv of pharmacists that were members of the Arizona Pharmacy Alliance (AzPA) or preceptors of the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy. Subjects completed an online questionnaire consisting of knowledge-based questions, questions about patient counseling preferences, and subject demographics. The mean correct score on the Skin Cancer and Sun Exposure Knowledge Indicator was 5.8 ± 1.9. Pharmacists living in Arizona for longer duration were more likely to know the minimum recommended sunscreen sun protection factor (SPF) for adults when outdoors ( P = .003) and factors associated with malignant melanoma prognosis/survival ( P = .004) but were less likely to know the definition of ABCD acronym ( P = .027). Having a family or friend diagnosed with any form of skin cancer or precancerous skin condition led to more pharmacists knowing the risk factors for developing melanoma ( P = .046) and knowing how often to apply water resistant sunscreen ( P = .035). In conclusion, the length of pharmacy practice in Arizona and having a family member or close friend affected by skin cancer significantly impacted a pharmacists’ knowledge of skin cancer.
Sex Differences in the Level and Rate of Change of Physical Function and Grip Strength in the Danish 1905-Cohort Study
Authors: Oksuzyan Anna , Maier Heiner , McGue Matt , Vaupel James W. , Christensen Kaare
Published: May 2010

Objectives: The study was conducted to examine sex differences in the initial level and rate of change in physical function and grip strength. Method: The baseline survey included 2,262 Danes born in 1905 and alive in 1998 and followed-up in 2000, 2003, and 2005. Hence, the authors fully used the power of having a cohort with multiple assessments in late life and virtually complete follow-up of lifespan (through December 2008). Latent growth curve modeling was used. Results: Men had higher initial levels and rates of decline in strength score and grip strength. Lifespan was positively correlated with intercepts and slopes. Discussion: The Danish data suggested that the longest-living individuals have higher initial levels of strength score and grip strength and smaller rate of change. The data further suggested that the initial level of strength score and grip strength was more predictive of mortality than the rate of change was, and the predictive effects were similar in men and women.
Decision Making in Partnerships for Development
Authors: Elbers Willem , Schulpen Lau
Published: May 2010

This article examines decision making in the partnerships between three private aid agencies and their local partners in Ghana, India, and Nicaragua. Drawing upon a mixed methodology, the article maps the relative influence of these partners vis-à-vis the agencies and reveals the processes underlying decision-making outcomes. Three main findings are advanced: (a) Institutional rules regulate per topic the extent in which partners can participate in the decision making, ranging from exclusion to full decision-making authority; (b) four clusters of decision-making topics were identified reflecting the different degrees to which partners are allowed to participate in the decision making; and (c) while partners’ ability to influence decisions above all is affected by the institutional rules, some have more influence than others depending on their organizational capacity and their respective project-officer.
In Times of Need: An Examination of Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief Service Volunteers
Authors: Rotolo Thomas , Berg Justin Allen
Published: May 2010

Significant concentrations of people in areas have led scholars to argue that humans will be inevitably affected by disasters. A primary component of preparation for and recovery from disasters is the volunteer. Building on prior studies, this research uses nationally representative data from the Current Population Survey to examine volunteering for emergency preparedness and disaster relief (EPR) service. The results indicate that, compared to those who perform more general volunteering tasks, volunteers for disaster relief tasks are likely to be younger and less educated. Additional analyses show that relief volunteers are more likely than general volunteers to be asked to volunteer directly by someone in an organization, underscoring the importance of network ties to recruitment for this type of volunteering.
Fabrication and Properties of Polyamide-6,6-functionalized Carboxylic Multi-walled Carbon Nanotube Composite Fibers
Authors: Meng Qing-Jie , Wang Zhi-Miao , Zhang Xing-Xiang , Wang Xue-Chen , Bai Shi-He
Published: May 2010

Polyamide-6,6 (PA66)-functionalized carboxylic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CMWNTs) were fabricated by in situ polymerization. The composite was melt-spun into fibers. The structures and properties of the PA66-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PFNTs) were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), etc. CMWNTs were seen to be uniformly scattered throughout the matrix. Aggregation of CMWNTs was not observed in the fracture surface of the composite fiber. The CMWNTs were not completely pulled out from the matrix, implying strong interactions as a result of functionalization. The incorporation of CMWNTs into PA66 did not have a significant effect on the thermal decomposition temperature of the composites. The effect of CMWNT was on the crystallographic form of the composite. The grain sizes of crystals increased as the CMWNT content increased. The storage modulus significantly increased with the increase in CMWNT content. The tensile strength and modulus of the fibers were significantly improved whereas the strain on the fiber decreased with the increased content of CMWNT.
Multi-functional Epoxy Resins Performing High Thermal Resistance with Good Flow-ability based on Dimeric Naphthols
Authors: Ogura Ichiro , Takahashi Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2010

Two kinds of naphtols, 2, 7-dihydroxynaphthalene (2,7-DHN) and 2-hydroxy naphthalene (2-HN), were reacted with formaldehyde to produce dimeric naphtols. One of the products, designated as DN-a, was prepared only from 2-DHN and thus possessed tetra-functionality. Two other kinds of dimeric naphtols, DN-b and DN-c were prepared from the mixture of 2-DHN and 2-HN in different ratios providing hydroxyl functionalities of 3.0 and 2.6 for DN-b and DN-c, respectively. The epoxy resins, E-a, E-b, and E-c, were prepared by the reaction of the corresponding dimeric naphtol with epichlorohydrine. The melt viscosity of E-a was comparable with that of cresol novolac type epoxy resin (ECN), and those of E-b and E-c were sufficiently lower so as to provide better flow-ability in comparison with ECN making them potentially more useful. The cured epoxy resins in this report showed higher Tg values in comparison with that of ECN. In particular, the E-a cured resin showed a Tg of 328 °C, which is the highest Tg for epoxy resins reported so far.
Synthesis and Characterization of Copolymers of Poly(aryl ether ketone amide) and Poly(aryl ether ketone ketone)
Authors: Meihua Zhu  , Yongfeng Sun  , Mingzhong Cai
Published: May 2010

A new monomer containing amide linkages, N, N′-bis(4-phenoxybenzoyl)- p-phenylenediamine (BPBPPD), was prepared by condensation of p-phenylenediamine with 4-phenoxybenzoyl chloride in N, N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc). A series of novel copolymers of poly(ether ketone amide) (PEKA) and poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) were synthesized by electrophilic Friedel—Crafts solution copolycondensation of isophthaloyl chloride (IPC) with a mixture of BPBPPD and diphenyl ether (DPE), over a wide range of BPBPPD/DPE molar ratios, in the presence of anhydrous aluminum chloride and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) in 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE). The polymers obtained were characterized by different physico-chemical techniques. The crystallinity, melting temperatures, and glass transition temperatures of the polymers increased with increase in the BPBPPD content in the reaction system due to the existence of hydrogen bonding in the polymer, the copolymers with 50—90 mol% BPBPPD were semicrystalline. The copolymers with 50—60 mol% BPBPPD had high Tg values of 185—191 °C, moderate Tm values of 341—348 °C, tensile strengths of 102.4—104.6 MPa, Young’s moduli of 2.53—2.68 GPa, and elongations at break of 11—13%. The copolymers exhibited high thermal stability and good resistance to common organic solvents.
Preparation and Characterization of Rigid Polyimide-Clay-Polydimethylsiloxane Hybrid
Authors: Mominul Alam Shaikh Md. , Kawauchi Takehiro , Takeichi Tsutomu
Published: May 2010

A series of polyimide (PI)-clay-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) hybrid films were successfully prepared by using two different reactions, a sol—gel reaction of diethoxydimethylsilane and imidization of polyamide acid (PAA) prepared from 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and p-phenylenediamine (PDA), in the presence of 2 wt% of organically modified montmorillonite. X-ray diffraction of the hybrid films indicated that the clay layers were exfoliated and dispersed into PI. Scanning electron microscopy was used to confirm the dispersion of PDMS and to measure the particle size of the PDMS. Thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, viscoelastic analysis and stress— strain tests were used to evaluate the performance of the hybrid films. The addition of small amount of PDMS was found to overcome the brittle problem of PI-clay nanocomposites, and the PI-clay-PDMS hybrid showed excellent thermal and physical properties.
Formulation and Search of Assembly Sequence Design Spaces for Efficient Use of Assembly Plant Resources for New Products
Authors: Bomi Reddy Shilpitha , Siddique Zahed
Published: May 2010

Efficient procedures for generation of feasible assembly sequences and effective utilization of available assembly plant resources can greatly reduce the development time and cost of platforms for new product family members. This article presents a method to generate feasible assembly sequences and an approach to select an assembly process that reduces the existing plant modification cost. Assembly sequence design space is combinatorial in nature. Mathematical models to solve the effects of constraints on these spaces and algorithms to efficiently enumerate feasible spaces are explored in this research. Algorithms to search the feasible space to identify assembly process that can reduce the modification cost of the existing assembly plant can help increase utilization of existing resources. A software application that implements the method and algorithms has been developed. The algorithms use the concept of recursive partitioning of set of components to generate assembly sequence space. The assembly processes are then evaluated to determine the process that maximizes resource utilization for new platforms. The application of the proposed approach is demonstrated using automotive underbody front structure family.
Panel Composition and Voting on the U.S. Courts of Appeals over Time
Authors: Kastellec Jonathan P.
Published: May 2010

This article investigates two issues unexplored in studies of the relationship between panel composition and voting on three-judge panels of the Courts of Appeals: how often will panel composition influence case outcomes, and how has the relationship between panel composition and panel voting changed over time? The author shows that while long stretches of single-party control of the presidency in the first half of the twentieth century often produced a high rate of panels with three judges from the same party, frequent turnover of White House control in the past half century has helped ensure that a majority of panels are composed of at least one judge from each party. The author also presents the first systematic longitudinal analysis of panel composition and judicial behavior, showing that the relationship between the two is a relatively recent phenomenon. These findings have important implications for understanding collegial behavior on the Courts of Appeals.