bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depolarization of Mitochondria in Endothelial Cells Promotes Cerebral Artery Vasodilation by Activation of Nitric Oxide Synthase
Authors: Katakam Prasad V.G. , Wappler Edina A. , Katz Paige S. , Rutkai Ibolya , Institoris Adam , Domoki Ferenc , Gáspár Tamás , Grovenburg Samuel M. , Snipes James A. , Busija David W.
Published: January 2013

Objective—

Mitochondrial depolarization after ATP-sensitive potassium channel activation has been shown to induce cerebral vasodilation by the generation of calcium sparks in smooth muscle. It is unclear, however, whether mitochondrial depolarization in endothelial cells is capable of promoting vasodilation by releasing vasoactive factors. Therefore, we studied the effect of endothelial mitochondrial depolarization by mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel activators, BMS-191095 (BMS) and diazoxide, on endothelium-dependent vasodilation.

Approach and Results—

Diameter studies in isolated rat cerebral arteries showed BMS- and diazoxide-induced vasodilations that were diminished by endothelial denudation. Mitochondrial depolarization-induced vasodilation was reduced by inhibition of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels, phosphoinositide-3 kinase, or nitric oxide synthase. Scavenging of reactive oxygen species, however, diminished vasodilation induced by diazoxide, but not by BMS. Fluorescence studies in cultured rat brain microvascular endothelial cells showed that BMS elicited mitochondrial depolarization and enhanced nitric oxide production; diazoxide exhibited largely similar effects, but unlike BMS, increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production. Measurements of intracellular calcium ([Ca
2+
]
i
) in cultured rat brain microvascular endothelial cells and arteries showed that both diazoxide and BMS increased endothelial [Ca
2+
]
i
. Western blot analyses revealed increased phosphorylation of protein kinase B and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) by BMS and diazoxide. Increased phosphorylation of eNOS by diazoxide was abolished by phosphoinositide-3 kinase inhibition. Electron spin resonance spectroscopy confirmed vascular nitric oxide generation in response to diazoxide and BMS.

Conclusions—

Pharmacological depolarization of endothelial mitochondria promotes activation of eNOS by dual pathways involving increased [Ca
2+
]
i
as well as by phosphoinositide-3 kinase-protein kinase B–induced eNOS phosphorylation. Both mitochondrial reactive oxygen species–dependent and –independent mechanisms mediate activation of eNOS by endothelial mitochondrial depolarization.
Fenofibrate Inhibits Endothelin-1 Expression by Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor α–Dependent and Independent Mechanisms in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Glineur Corine , Gross Barbara , Neve Bernadette , Rommens Corinne , Chew Gerard T. , Martin-Nizard Françoise , Rodríguez-Pascual Fernando , Lamas Santiago , Watts Gerald F. , Staels Bart
Published: January 2013

Objective—

Dyslipidemia contributes to endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Fenofibrate (FF), a ligand of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α (PPARα), has beneficial effects on microvascular complications. FF may act on the endothelium by regulating vasoactive factors, including endothelin-1 (ET-1). In vitro, FF decreases ET-1 expression in human microvascular endothelial cells. We investigated the molecular mechanisms involved in the effect of FF treatment on plasma levels of ET-1 in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Methods and Results—

FF impaired the capacity of transforming growth factor-β to induce
ET-1
gene expression. PPARα activation by FF increased expression of the transcriptional repressor Krüppel-like factor 11 and its binding to the
ET-1
gene promoter. Knockdown of Krüppel-like factor 11 expression potentiated basal and transforming growth factor-β–stimulated ET-1 expression, suggesting that Krüppel-like factor 11 downregulates ET-1 expression. FF, in a PPARα-independent manner, and insulin enhanced glycogen synthase kinase-3β phosphorylation thus reducing glycogen synthase kinase-3 activity that contributes to the FF-mediated reduction of
ET-1
gene expression. In type 2 diabetes mellitus, improvement of flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery by FF was associated with a decrease in plasma ET-1.

Conclusion—

FF decreases ET-1 expression by a PPARα-dependent mechanism, via transcriptional induction of the Krüppel-like factor 11 repressor and by PPARα-independent actions via inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3 activity.
Acute Effects of Embolizing Systemic-to-Pulmonary Arterial Collaterals on Blood Flow in Patients With Superior Cavopulmonary Connections
Authors: Dori Yoav , Glatz Andrew C. , Hanna Brian D. , Gillespie Matthew J. , Harris Matthew A. , Keller Marc S. , Fogel Mark A. , Rome Jonathan J. , Whitehead Kevin K.
Published: January 2013

Background—

The significance and optimal treatment of systemic-to-pulmonary arterial collateral (SPC) vessels in single ventricle patients are poorly understood. The acute efficacy of SPC embolization has not been demonstrated in a quantifiable fashion. We sought to assess the acute efficacy of SPC embolization on blood flow as quantified by phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging and hypothesized that embolization acutely decreases SPC flow and increases systemic blood flow (
Q

S

).

Methods and Results—

Six superior cavopulmonary connection patients underwent SPC flow quantification by phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging, including quantification of superior and inferior caval, total pulmonary artery, total pulmonary vein, ascending and descending aortic flows (
Q

SVC

,
Q

IVC

,
Q

PA

,
Q

PV

,
Q

Ao

, and
Q

Dao

, respectively), both immediately before and after cardiac catheterization with coil and particle embolization of angiographically evident SPC vessels. All studies were performed under a single anesthetic. After embolization, we found a significant decrease in SPC flow of 0.9 (range, 0.6–1.3) L/(min·m
2
) (
P
=0.03); a median reduction of 47% (range, 32–60). There was a significant decrease in the median
Q

P

:
Q

S

from 1.3 before to 0.8 after embolization (
P
=0.03), and an increase in
Q

S

from a median of 3.4 to 4.4 L/(min·m
2
) (
P
<0.05), and
Q

SVC

from a median of 1.7 to 2.3 L/(min·m
2
) (
P
=0.03).

Conclusions—

We report on the acute efficacy of SPC embolization, demonstrating a significant decrease in SPC flow and
Q

P

:
Q

S

and increase in
Q

SVC

and
Q

S

. Further studies are needed to assess the durability of the procedure and the effect on Fontan and longer-term outcomes.
Predictors for Recurrent Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Huhtakangas Juha , Löppönen Pekka , Tetri Sami , Juvela Seppo , Saloheimo Pertti , Bode Michaela K. , Hillbom Matti
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—

Underlying comorbidities, previous strokes, and medication may increase the risk for primary intracerebral hemorrhage (PICH) and its recurrence. The aim of this study was to determine the independent predictors for recurrent PICH.

Methods—

We identified 961 subjects with first-ever PICH from 1993 to 2008 among the population of Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland. Hospital and death records were reviewed and data on drug use were obtained from the national register of prescribed medicines. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to demonstrate predictors for recurrence of PICH.

Results—

Total follow-up time of the 961 patients was 3481 person-years. During the follow-up time, 58 subjects had altogether 68 recurrent PICHs. The annual average incidence of first recurrence was 1.67%. Cumulative 5- and 10-year incidence rates were 9.6% and 14.2%, respectively. In univariable analysis, history of ischemic stroke, diabetes mellitus, and aspirin use were associated with a higher recurrence rate. In multivariable analysis, only previous ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–4.05;
P
=0.009) independently predicted PICH recurrence. Diabetes mellitus tended to increase (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.98–5.80;
P
=0.056), whereas treated hypertension tended to decrease (0.45, 0.20–1.01;
P
=0.054) the risk for fatal recurrent PICH.

Conclusions—

Previous ischemic stroke independent of confounding factors may increase the risk for PICH recurrence.
Impact of Early Blood Pressure Variability on Stroke Outcomes After Thrombolysis
Authors: Endo Kaoru , Kario Kazuomi , Koga Masatoshi , Nakagawara Jyoji , Shiokawa Yoshiaki , Yamagami Hiroshi , Furui Eisuke , Kimura Kazumi , Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Okada Yasushi , Okuda Satoshi , Namekawa Michito , Miyagi Tetsuya , Osaki Masato , Minematsu Kazuo , Toyoda Kazunori
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—

The present study determines associations between early blood pressure (BP) variability and stroke outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis.

Methods—

In 527 stroke patients receiving intravenous alteplase (0.6 mg/kg), BP was measured 8 times within the first 25 hours. BP variability was determined as ΔBP (maximum-minimum), standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation, and successive variation.

Results—

The systolic BP course was lower among patients with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0 to 1 than those without (
P
<0.001). Most of systolic BP variability profiles were significantly associated with outcomes. Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) per 10 mm Hg (or 10% for coefficient of variation) on symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage were as follows: ΔBP, 1.33 (1.08–1.66); SD, 2.52 (1.26–5.12); coefficient of variation, 3.15 (1.12–8.84); and successive variation, 1.82 (1.04–3.10). The respective values were 0.88 (0.77–0.99), 0.73 (0.48–1.09), 0.77 (0.43–1.34), and 0.76 (0.56–1.03) for 3-month mRS 0 to 1; and 1.40 (1.14–1.75), 2.85 (1.47–5.65), 4.67 (1.78–12.6), and 1.99 (1.20–3.25) for death. Initial BP values before thrombolysis were not associated with any outcomes.

Conclusions—

Early systolic BP variability was positively associated with symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and death after intravenous thrombolysis.
A Tree-Ring-Based Reconstruction of Delaware River Basin Streamflow Using Hierarchical Bayesian Regression
Authors: Devineni Naresh , Lall Upmanu , Pederson Neil , Cook Edward
Published: January 2013

A hierarchical Bayesian regression model is presented for reconstructing the average summer streamflow at five gauges in the Delaware River basin using eight regional tree-ring chronologies. The model provides estimates of the posterior probability distribution of each reconstructed streamflow series considering parameter uncertainty. The vectors of regression coefficients are modeled as draws from a common multivariate normal distribution with unknown parameters estimated as part of the analysis. This leads to a multilevel structure. The covariance structure of the streamflow residuals across sites is explicitly modeled. The resulting partial pooling of information across multiple stations leads to a reduction in parameter uncertainty. The effect of no pooling and full pooling of station information, as end points of the method, is explored. The no-pooling model considers independent estimation of the regression coefficients for each streamflow gauge with respect to each tree-ring chronology. The full-pooling model considers that the same regression coefficients apply across all streamflow sites for a particular tree-ring chronology. The cross-site correlation of residuals is modeled in all cases. Performance on metrics typically used by tree-ring reconstruction experts, such as reduction of error, coefficient of efficiency, and coverage rates under credible intervals is comparable to, or better, for the partial-pooling model relative to the no-pooling model, and streamflow estimation uncertainty is reduced. Long record simulations from reconstructions are used to develop estimates of the probability of duration and severity of droughts in the region. Analysis of monotonic trends in the reconstructed drought events do not reject the null hypothesis of no trend at the 90% significance over 1754–2000.
Comparison of Moist Static Energy and Budget between the GCM-Simulated Madden–Julian Oscillation and Observations over the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific
Authors: Wu Xiaoqing , Deng Liping
Published: January 2013

The moist static energy (MSE) anomalies and MSE budget associated with the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) simulated in the Iowa State University General Circulation Model (ISUGCM) over the Indian and Pacific Oceans are compared with observations. Different phase relationships between MJO 850-hPa zonal wind, precipitation, and surface latent heat flux are simulated over the Indian Ocean and western Pacific, which are greatly influenced by the convection closure, trigger conditions, and convective momentum transport (CMT). The moist static energy builds up from the lower troposphere 15–20 days before the peak of MJO precipitation, and reaches the maximum in the middle troposphere (500–600 hPa) near the peak of MJO precipitation. The gradual lower-tropospheric heating and moistening and the upward transport of moist static energy are important aspects of MJO events, which are documented in observational studies but poorly simulated in most GCMs. The trigger conditions for deep convection, obtained from the year-long cloud-resolving model (CRM) simulations, contribute to the striking difference between ISUGCM simulations with the original and modified convection schemes and play the major role in the improved MJO simulation in ISUGCM. Additionally, the budget analysis with the ISUGCM simulations shows the increase in MJO MSE is in phase with the horizontal advection of MSE over the western Pacific, while out of phase with the horizontal advection of MSE over the Indian Ocean. However, the NCEP analysis shows that the tendency of MJO MSE is in phase with the horizontal advection of MSE over both oceans.
Impact of Convective Organization on the Response of Tropical Precipitation Extremes to Warming
Authors: Muller Caroline
Published: January 2013

In this study the response of tropical precipitation extremes to warming in organized convection is examined using a cloud-resolving model. Vertical shear is imposed to organize the convection into squall lines. Earlier studies show that in disorganized convection, the fractional increase of precipitation extremes is similar to that of surface water vapor, which is substantially smaller than the increase in column water vapor. It has been suggested that organized convection could lead to stronger amplifications.

Regardless of the strength of the shear, amplifications of precipitation extremes in the cloud-resolving simulations are comparable to those of surface water vapor and are substantially less than increases in column water vapor. The results without shear and with critical shear, for which the squall lines are perpendicular to the shear, are surprisingly similar with a fractional rate of increase of precipitation extremes slightly smaller than that of surface water vapor. Interestingly, the dependence on shear is nonmonotonic, and stronger supercritical shear yields larger rates, close to or slightly larger than surface humidity.

A scaling is used to evaluate the thermodynamic and dynamic contributions to precipitation extreme changes. To first order, they are dominated by the thermodynamic component, which has the same magnitude for all shears, close to the change in surface water vapor. The dynamic contribution plays a secondary role and tends to weaken extremes without shear and with critical shear, while it strengthens extremes with supercritical shear. These different dynamic contributions for different shears are due to different responses of convective mass fluxes in individual updrafts to warming.
Changepoint Detection in Climate Time Series with Long-Term Trends
Authors: Gallagher Colin , Lund Robert , Robbins Michael
Published: January 2013

Climate time series often have artificial shifts induced by instrumentation changes, station relocations, observer changes, etc. Climate time series also often exhibit long-term trends. Much of the recent literature has focused on identifying the structural breakpoint time(s) of climate time series—the so-called changepoint problem. Unfortunately, application of rudimentary mean-shift changepoint tests to scenarios with trends often leads to the erroneous conclusion that a mean shift occurred near the series' center. This paper examines this problem in detail, constructing some simple homogeneity tests for series with trends. The asymptotic distribution of the proposed statistic is derived; en route, an attempt is made to unify the asymptotic properties of the changepoint methods used in today's climate literature. The tests presented here are linked to the ubiquitous t test. Application is made to two temperature records: 1) the continental United States record and 2) a local record from Jacksonville, Illinois.
ENSO and Short-Term Variability of the South Equatorial Current Entering the Coral Sea
Authors: Kessler William S. , Cravatte Sophie
Published: January 2013

Historical section data extending to 1985 are used to estimate the interannual variability of transport entering the Coral Sea between New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands. Typical magnitudes of this variability are ±5–8 Sv (Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) in the 0–400-m layer relative to 400 m, and ±8–12 Sv in the 0–2000-m layer relative to 2000 m, on a mean of close to −30 Sv (relative to 2000 m). Transport increases a few months after an El Niño event and decreases following a La Niña. Interannual transport variability is well simulated by a reduced-gravity long Rossby wave model. Vigorous westward-propagating mesoscale eddies can yield substantial aliasing on individual ship or glider surveys. Since transport variability is surface intensified and well correlated with satellite-derived surface geostrophic currents, a simple index of South Equatorial Current transport based on satellite altimetry is developed.
The Canadian Seasonal to Interannual Prediction System. Part I: Models and Initialization
Authors: Merryfield William J. , Lee Woo-Sung , Boer George J. , Kharin Viatcheslav V. , Scinocca John F. , Flato Gregory M. , Ajayamohan R. S. , Fyfe John C. , Tang Youmin , Polavarapu Saroja
Published: January 2013

The Canadian Seasonal to Interannual Prediction System (CanSIPS) became operational at Environment Canada's Canadian Meteorological Centre (CMC) in December 2011, replacing CMC's previous two-tier system. CanSIPS is a two-model forecasting system that combines ensemble forecasts from the Canadian Centre for Climate Modeling and Analysis (CCCma) Coupled Climate Model, versions 3 and 4 (CanCM3 and CanCM4, respectively). Mean climate as well as climate trends and variability in these models are evaluated in freely running historical simulations. Initial conditions for CanSIPS forecasts are obtained from an ensemble of coupled assimilation runs. These runs assimilate gridded atmospheric analyses by means of a procedure that resembles the incremental analysis update technique, but introduces only a fraction of the analysis increment in order that differences between ensemble members reflect the magnitude of observational uncertainties. The land surface is initialized through its response to the assimilative meteorology, whereas sea ice concentration and sea surface temperature are relaxed toward gridded observational values. The subsurface ocean is initialized through surface forcing provided by the assimilation run, together with an offline variational assimilation of gridded observational temperatures followed by an adjustment of the salinity field to preserve static stability. The performance of CanSIPS historical forecasts initialized every month over the period 1981–2010 is documented in a companion paper. The CanCM4 model and the initialization procedures developed for CanSIPS have been employed as well for decadal forecasts, including those contributing to phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project.
Diagnosis and Dynamics of Forecast Error Growth
Authors: Davies Huw C. , Didone Marco
Published: January 2013

Consideration is given to the diagnosis and dynamics of synoptic and subsynoptic forecast error from a potential vorticity (PV) perspective. A depiction of the extratropical “forecast minus analysis” PV pattern on a cross-tropopause isentropic surface serves to illustrate characteristic features of the PV-error field, and these features relate both to the instigation, development, and breaking of Rossby waves at the tropopause, and to surface cyclones and anticyclones. An outline is provided of a three-component diagnostic approach for studying PV forecast error. The approach exploits the quintessential PV concepts of quasi conservation, inversion, and attribution, and its essence is illustrated qualitatively by reference to one particular synoptic sequence over the North Atlantic. It also provides a framework for assessing the dynamics of possible mechanisms for generating realized PV-error features. The approach offers a conceptually attractive and diagnostically useful method of analyzing, assessing, and understanding the dynamics of forecast error growth.
Atlantic Hurricane Database Uncertainty and Presentation of a New Database Format
Authors: Landsea Christopher W. , Franklin James L.
Published: January 2013

“Best tracks” are National Hurricane Center (NHC) poststorm analyses of the intensity, central pressure, position, and size of Atlantic and eastern North Pacific basin tropical and subtropical cyclones. This paper estimates the uncertainty (average error) for Atlantic basin best track parameters through a survey of the NHC Hurricane Specialists who maintain and update the Atlantic hurricane database. A comparison is then made with a survey conducted over a decade ago to qualitatively assess changes in the uncertainties. Finally, the implications of the uncertainty estimates for NHC analysis and forecast products as well as for the prediction goals of the Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program are discussed.
Between Copper, Silver and Gold: Japanese Banks of Issue in Taiwan, Northeast China and Korea, 1879–1937
Authors: Horesh Niv
Published: January 2013

This article provides the first comparative overview in English of Japanese colonial banks before World War II with an emphasis on their roles as banks of issue in Taiwan, Korea and Northeast China. It discusses at length similarities and differences in these banks’ note circulation patterns, in their note-reserve requirements and their actual application, and in their geographical spread and respective colonial mandates. There was some variation in Japanese bank note issuance in the colonial setting of Korea and Taiwan, in ‘Manchukuo’ and in those parts of China that remained nominally sovereign. But all Japanese colonial banks seem, in one way or another, to have astutely adjusted the spread of their note issue in order to control for flagging demand due to nationalist boycotts, or to conversely cash in on demand spurts for notes resulting from crises in the indigenous financial sector. The banks of issue under review here were theoretically subject to a 100 per cent reserve requirement, but the make-up of their metallic bullion reserve and the degree of their notes’ convertibility were very dissimilar, reflecting varying local conditions. Both in terms of reserve ratios, and note denominations—the banks prudently followed charter obligations that were devised by the Japanese Treasury but, at the same time, were reminiscent of the obligations that British overseas banks also had to abide by. Thus, the findings discussed here shed light on the inception and adaptability of Japanese colonial policy in the lead-up to the Pacific War.
Aftermath of the Revolution: Experiments in Western-style Democratic Politics in Early Republican China
Authors: Chaoguang Wang
Published: January 2013

The Revolution of 1911 in China not only put an end to the feudal monarchy that had lasted several centuries but also opened a new chapter, the era of republicanism in China. The founding of the Republic of China led to the proliferation of political parties, the thriving of legislative organs and the emergence of a cabinet system. However, historical evolution does not always conform to people’s expectations. Revolutionary ideals could not be fully realised in a country which had been dominated by authoritarianism for thousands of years. As a result, Western-style democracy failed to take root in Republican China. Instead of embarking on a journey towards democracy, prosperity and independence, China gradually descended into a state where warlords took control and plunged the whole country into conflict.
The Stages of Political Innovation in Rural China’s Local Democratisation: Four Cases of Villagers’ Political Innovations
Authors: Zhang Liyan
Published: January 2013

This article analyses the stages of evolution of local democratisation in rural China from the perspective of innovation, especially grassroots innovation studies. Based on an interpretation of four major cases of villagers’ political innovations over the past three decades in rural China, we argue that: (a) villagers’ collective action triggers political reform in rural China; (b) the interaction between villagers and the government/Party moves the process of rural political innovations forward; and (c) the innovation process model drawn from the field of grassroots innovation studies, consisting of four stages—problem/motivation, trigger, initiative/innovation and diffusion/impact—explains the trajectory of institutional change in rural politics just as it explains the trajectory of grassroots technological and economic institutional innovation.
Individual Differences in Multitasking Ability and Adaptability
Authors: Morgan Brent , D’Mello Sidney , Abbott Robert , Radvansky Gabriel , Haass Michael , Tamplin Andrea
Published: January 2013

Objective:

The aim of this study was to identify the cognitive factors that predictability and adaptability during multitasking with a flight simulator.

Background:

Multitasking has become increasingly prevalent as most professions require individuals to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Considerable research has been undertaken to identify the characteristics of people (i.e., individual differences) that predict multitasking ability. Although working memory is a reliable predictor of general multitasking ability (i.e., performance in normal conditions), there is the question of whether different cognitive faculties are needed to rapidly respond to changing task demands ( adaptability).

Method:

Participants first completed a battery of cognitive individual differences tests followed by multitasking sessions with a flight simulator. After a baseline condition, difficulty of the flight simulator was incrementally increased via four experimental manipulations, and performance metrics were collected to assess multitasking ability and adaptability.

Results:

Scholastic aptitude and working memory predicted general multitasking ability (i.e., performance at baseline difficulty), but spatial manipulation (in conjunction with working memory) was a major predictor of adaptability (performance in difficult conditions after accounting for baseline performance).

Conclusion:

Multitasking ability and adaptability may be overlapping but separate constructs that draw on overlapping (but not identical) sets of cognitive abilities.

Application:

The results of this study are applicable to practitioners and researchers in human factors to assess multitasking performance in real-world contexts and with realistic task constraints. We also present a framework for conceptualizing multitasking adaptability on the basis of five adaptability profiles derived from performance on tasks with consistent versus increased difficulty.
The Sacrality of Things: An Inquiry into Divine Materiality in the Christian Middle Ages
Authors: Bynum Caroline Walker
Published: January 2013

Students of comparative religion, cognitive scientists, art historians, and historians sometimes use paradigms from non-western religions to raise questions about the role of material objects in Christianity. Recently, such discussion has focused on images and controversies about them. This article argues that the most important material manifestation of the holy in the western European Middle Ages was the Eucharist and suggests both that understanding it is enhanced by the use of comparative material and that considering it as a case study of divine materiality leads to a more sophisticated formulation of comparative paradigms.
Jesus’ Cry of Lament: Towards a True Apophaticism
Authors: Novello Henry L.
Published: January 2013

The lament speech form is an integral part of Israel’s faith and liturgy, yet its significance has not been adequately accounted for in Christian liturgy and theology. This is astonishing given that Jesus’ resurrection is God’s response to his lament on the cross. Jesus’ cry radicalizes Israel’s practice of lament, yet at the same time his lament contains the distinct aspects of revealing a trinitarian kenosis of God and portraying the crucified one as the new locus of encounter with God, all of which highlights the need to give prominence to an apophatic theology. Given the saving significance of Jesus’ suffering, our suffering, as taken up into the history of God, is to be viewed as a mode of God’s presence; it is not only a condition from which to be delivered but the means by which the hope of a ‘new creation’ will be realized. Jesus’ cry also discloses a complex threefold character to his suffering, which calls for a radical discipleship conceived as participation in the kenosis of the crucified one, who is in complete solidarity with all aspects of suffering humanity.
Priests, Prophets, and Kings: The Mission of the Church According to John Paul II
Authors: McGregor Peter John
Published: January 2013

Pope John Paul II understood the mission of the Church to be a participation in the priestly, prophetic, and royal mission of Christ. This essay follows the development of this understanding from his time as Archbishop of Cracow though to Evangelium vitae. It examines, in particular, evangelization and its relationship to the threefold mission. It traces its development through his integration of the teaching of Lumen gentium on the threefold office of Christians and the teaching on evangelization in Evangelii nuntiandi. Noting that the Lineamenta of the Synod on New Evangelization makes little reference to the threefold office, it, finally, offers some ideas as to how we might develop our understanding of the threefold mission and apply it to ‘new evangelization.’
Ageing effect on morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of impact modified LDPE/PP blends from virgin and recycled materials
Authors: Borovanska Irena , Krastev Rumen , Benavente Rosario , Pradas Manuel Monleón , Lluch Ana Vallés , Samichkov Vasil , Iliev Mario
Published: January 2013

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the influence of ageing on the morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of virgin and two types of recycled (from technological and postconsumer wastes) modified polyolefin blends. Immiscible blends of virgin low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP) in weight ratio 1:1 were modified with the ethylene–propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber impact modifier. The efficiency of modification was investigated as a function of modifier content in the range from 7 to 15 wt%. The blends were prepared by extrusion using a corotating twin screw extruder Brabender DSE35/17D at melt temperature in the range from 150 to 200°C and a screw speed of 20 rpm. Compression-molded samples were subjected to natural and accelerated ageing and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mechanical testing.

The experiments show that the ageing process deteriorates the mechanical properties of the PP/LDPE blends, and this is more clearly expressed in the blends of virgin material. The results show that the presence of the EPDM modifier delays the process of ageing in PP/LDPE blends. The DSC and SEM investigations confirm the structural changes in the examined compositions.
The Government and Governance of Ohio
Authors: Vogelsang-Coombs Vera , Keller Lawrence F.
Published: January 2013

Besides serving as a bellwether in national politics, Ohio illuminates governance issues when public administration functions in highly partisan states. Our analysis of democratic governance emphasizes the role of integrative institutions, those driven by normative public administration. We argue that Ohio has diminished governance capacity because the state lacks a system of integrative political institutions. Thus, the two major parties control all aspects of state government, including its public administration. A case study of Cuyahoga County reform illustrates the adverse effect on citizens when partisan dominance of Ohio’s political institutions overpowers the state’s capacity for integrative governance.
Arbitrary Allegory, Typical Typology, or Intertextual Interpretation? Paul's Use of the Pentateuch in Galatians 4:21–31
Authors: Emerson Matthew Y.
Published: January 2013

This article begins by surveying the modern history of interpretation of Galatians 4:21–31, and in doing so demonstrates that virtually no commentator from the time of Calvin has concluded that Paul accurately conveys the message of the Pentateuch's narratives to which he alludes in his “allegory.” It then provides an alternate approach to the analysis of Paul's interpretation of the Pentateuch in this passage, relying on the hermeneutical tool of intertextuality. It demonstrates, through four sets of intertextual connections within the Pentateuch, that the Hagar and Sinai narratives are intricately related and therefore appropriately read by Paul. It concludes that, instead of viewing Paul's interpretation in Galatians 4:21–31 as arbitrary allegory, modern commentators should give Paul a bit more grace in their analysis of his hermeneutic.
Enteral L‐Arginine Supplementation for Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Very Low Birth Weight Neonates
Authors: Polycarpou Elena , Zachaki Sophia , Tsolia Maria , Papaevangelou Vasiliki , Polycarpou Nicodemos , Briana Despina D. , Gavrili Stavroula , Kostalos Christos , Kafetzis Dimitrios
Published: January 2013

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common acquired gastrointestinal disease in premature infants and has high mortality and morbidity. Endothelial nitric oxide is an important regulator of vascular perfusion and is synthetized from the amino acid L‐arginine. Hypoargininemia is frequently observed in preterm neonates and may predispose them to NEC. Our objective was to determine the effect of enteral L‐arginine supplementation on the incidence and severity of NEC in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. Materials and Methods: We conducted a parallel blind randomized pilot study, comprising VLBW neonates with birth weight ≤1500 g and gestational age ≤34 weeks. VLBW neonates were randomly assigned to receive enteral L‐arginine supplementation (1.5 mmol/kg/d bid) between the 3rd and 28th day of life or placebo. Diagnosis and classification of NEC were done according to modified Bell's criteria. Results: Eighty‐three neonates were randomized to the arginine (n = 40) or placebo (n = 43) group. No adverse effects were observed in neonates receiving L‐arginine supplementation. The incidence of NEC stage III was significantly lower in the arginine‐supplemented group (2.5% vs 18.6%, P = .030). Conclusions: Enteral L‐arginine supplementation of 1.5 mmol/kg/d bid can be safely administered in VLBW neonates from the 3rd to the 28th day of life. Enteral L‐arginine supplementation appears to reduce the incidence of stage III NEC in VLBW infants. Larger studies are needed to further evaluate the effect of L‐arginine supplementation in preventing NEC in VLBW infants.
Supervisory Responsiveness and Employee Self-Perceived Status and Voice Behavior
Authors: Janssen Onne , Gao Liping
Published: January 2013

We investigated the role of employees’ status appraisals within their work group in relation to their challenging-promotive voice behavior. We argued that fair and respectful treatment of their voice input by the authority figure of the group (i.e., supervisory responsiveness) enhances employees’ self-perceived status, thereby motivating them to engage in subsequent voice behavior. Using a sample of 337 supervisor-subordinate dyads collected in manufacturing industry organizations in China, we found that self-perceived status mediated the relationship between supervisory responsiveness and voice behavior. We further identified employees’ self-efficacy for voice as a moderator in this mediational chain for the path from supervisory responsiveness to self-perceived status. The indirect relationship between supervisory responsiveness and voice behavior through self-perceived status was more pronounced when self-efficacy for voice was higher rather than lower.
Modes of naturalization
Authors: Lettow Susanne
Published: January 2013

Strategies of naturalization have pervaded throughout the course of modernity. In order to understand both the stability and the discontinuities of modes of naturalization that refer to the knowledge of the life sciences, it is worth going back to the time when biology and related forms of naturalizing sex and race first emerged. The article explores philosophical articulations of biological knowledge at the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th centuries. Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling and Georg Friedrich Wilhelm Hegel not only conceptualize ‘sex’ and ‘race’ in different ways but they also attribute a different status to biological knowledge. In order to understand how ‘naturalization’ works, I argue, the modes of making references to ‘biological’ knowledge and their underlying assumptions about science and philosophy must be scrutinized.
Dividing Locke from God
Authors: Tate John William
Published: January 2013

A “recent consensus” has emerged in Locke studies that has sought to place theology at the center of Locke's political philosophy, insisting that the validity and cogency of Locke's political conclusions cannot be substantiated independently of the theology that resides at their foundation. This paper argues for the need to distance Locke from God, claiming that not only can we “bracket” the normative conclusions of Locke's political philosophy from their theological foundations, but that this was in fact Locke's own intention, intent as he was to justify these conclusions to a diverse political audience often divided by faith. In other words, this “recent consensus” in Locke studies is premised on an erroneous understanding of Locke's political philosophy, even as advanced by Locke himself. Locke's own philosophical discourse bears witness to the very “bracketing” of his political conclusions from their theological foundations that these Locke scholars claim is impossible.
Indigeneity and the Settler Contract today
Authors: Nichols Robert
Published: January 2013

This article examines the application of social contract theorizing to questions pertaining to the rights of indigenous peoples today, with particular reference to recent work by Jeremy Waldron. It is argued that such theorizing must be examined with reference not only to the content of its claims, but also with respect to its general mode of argumentation and its political function in specific contexts. Read in this light, social contract theory may function to unduly deny the claims of indigenous peoples, oftentimes by shifting the register of debate to a relatively abstract and counter-factual level and relieving settler-colonial societies of the burden of proof. Insofar as social contract theory operates to this effect, it is analysed in terms of a ‘Settler Contract’.
Thermal imaging and stress analysis for predicting the behaviour and long-term performance of flare tips
Authors: Abolghasemi Sobhan , Williamson Jim , Lindley Trevor C , Ward R Mark , Lee Peter D
Published: January 2013

A combination of computational and imaging tools was developed to characterise the performance and assess the lifetime of flare tips, the top portion of stacks used to burn off excess gas in the gas and petroleum industry. Integrating the use of (1) an infrared imaging study to obtain temperature profiles of flare tips in operation and (2) finite element modelling of stress distributions based on temperature profiles allowed lifetime prediction for creep and fatigue failure. The techniques were successfully applied to a complex flare tip design that included a venturi shaped windshield. It was concluded that in this instance, the flare tip lifetime would be limited by a combination of creep and fatigue of the support brackets and by plastic deformation at the top of the windshield. Design methodologies for producing flare tips with improved lifetimes are suggested, including the use of computational fluid dynamics modelling to assess the combined effects of gas flow rates and wind conditions on combustion behaviour. Thus, the prediction prior to installation, of both the performance of a new design and the long-term behaviour, can be a valuable assessment process for a proposed flare tip assembly.
A micromechanical model of the evolution of stress and strain fields in ultrafine-grained metal structures under tension
Authors: Collini Luca , Bonardi Alessandra
Published: January 2013

In this study, the authors present a micromechanical finite element modelling approach to the analysis of a set of ultrafine-grained polycrystalline copper structures. The models take into account both realistic grain distribution and the number of refinement passes of the microstructure. The grain size effect is successfully predicted, with non-uniform deformation and shear localization reproduced during global plastic flow in agreement with experimental observations. The models provide a useful tool with which to interpret damage and fracture mechanisms occurring in ultrafine-grained structures.
Analytical solution for a cylindrical contact with reverse slip
Authors: Vázquez Jesús , Navarro Carlos , Domínguez Jaime
Published: January 2013

This article details the equations describing the contact between a cylindrical punch and a half plane when the punch is initially pressed against the medium with a constant normal force, N, followed by the simultaneous application of a tangential force, Q, and a bulk stress parallel to the surface, σ, with a ratio among loads such that it produces reverse slip at the edge of the contact. Both bodies were assumed to be elastic and made of the same material. Additionally, the contact semi-width, a, was assumed to be small relative to the radius, R, of the indenter, and as a result, the two bodies behaved as half planes. Elastic plane strain conditions have been considered. The equations describing surface stress are graphically illustrated for easy interpretation.
Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis With Platelet-Rich Plasma, Glucocorticoid, or Saline
Authors: Krogh Thøger Persson , Fredberg Ulrich , Stengaard-Pedersen Kristian , Christensen Robin , Jensen Pia , Ellingsen Torkell
Published: January 2013

Background:

Lateral epicondylitis (LE) is a common musculoskeletal disorder for which an effective treatment strategy remains unknown.

Purpose:

To examine whether a single injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is more effective than placebo (saline) or glucocorticoid in reducing pain in adults with LE after 3 months.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

A total of 60 patients with chronic LE were randomized (1:1:1) to receive either a blinded injection of PRP, saline, or glucocorticoid. The primary end point was a change in pain using the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) questionnaire at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were ultrasonographic changes in tendon thickness and color Doppler activity.

Results:

Pain reduction at 3 months (primary end point) was observed in all 3 groups, with no statistically significant difference between the groups; mean differences were the following: glucocorticoid versus saline: −3.8 (95% CI, −9.9 to 2.4); PRP versus saline: −2.7 (95% CI, −8.8 to 3.5); and glucocorticoid versus PRP: −1.1 (95% CI, −7.2 to 5.0). At 1 month, however, glucocorticoid reduced pain more effectively than did both saline and PRP; mean differences were the following: glucocorticoid versus saline: −8.1 (95% CI, −14.3 to −1.9); and glucocorticoid versus PRP: −9.3 (95% CI, −15.4 to −3.2). Among the secondary outcomes, at 3 months, glucocorticoid was more effective than PRP and saline in reducing color Doppler activity and tendon thickness. For color Doppler activity, mean differences were the following: glucocorticoid versus PRP: −2.6 (95% CI, −3.1 to −2.2); and glucocorticoid versus saline: −2.0 (95% CI, −2.5 to −1.6). For tendon thickness, mean differences were the following: glucocorticoid versus PRP: −0.5 (95% CI, −0.8 to −0.2); and glucocorticoid versus saline: −0.8 (95% CI, −1.2 to −0.5).

Conclusion:

Neither injection of PRP nor glucocorticoid was superior to saline with regard to pain reduction in LE at the primary end point at 3 months. However, injection of glucocorticoid had a short-term pain-reducing effect at 1 month in contrast to the other therapies. Injection of glucocorticoid in LE reduces both color Doppler activity and tendon thickness compared with PRP and saline.
Assessment of Elder Mistreatment in Two American Indian Samples
Authors: Jervis Lori L. , Fickenscher Alexandra , Beals Janette ,   the Shielding American Indian Elders Project Team
Published: January 2013

Although elder mistreatment among ethnic minorities is increasingly gaining attention, our empirical knowledge of this phenomenon among American Indians remains quite limited, especially with respect to measurement. The Shielding American Indian Elders (SAIE) Project used a collaborative approach to explore culturally informed measurement of elder mistreatment in two American Indian elder samples (a Northern Plains reservation and a South Central metropolitan area). The project sought to investigate the performance characteristics of the commonly used Hwalek-Sengstock Elder Abuse Screening Test (HS-EAST), as well as to examine the psychometric properties of a new measure developed to capture culturally salient aspects of mistreatment in American Indian contexts—the Native Elder Life Scale (NELS). Using methods and samples comparable to those in the literature, the HS-EAST performed adequately in these Native samples. The NELS also shows promise for use with this population and assesses different aspects of elder mistreatment than does the HS-EAST.
Improving the Validity of Activity of Daily Living Dependency Risk Assessment
Authors: Clark Daniel O. , Stump Timothy E. , Tu Wanzhu , Miller Douglas K.
Published: January 2013

Objectives:

Efforts to prevent activity of daily living (ADL) dependency may be improved through models that assess older adults’ dependency risk. We evaluated whether cognition and gait speed measures improve the predictive validity of interview-based models.

Method:

Participants were 8,095 self-respondents in the 2006 Health and Retirement Survey who were aged 65 years or over and independent in five ADLs. Incident ADL dependency was determined from the 2008 interview. Models were developed using random 2/3rd cohorts and validated in the remaining 1/3rd.

Results:

Compared to a c-statistic of 0.79 in the best interview model, the model including cognitive measures had c-statistics of 0.82 and 0.80 while the best fitting gait speed model had c-statistics of 0.83 and 0.79 in the development and validation cohorts, respectively.

Conclusion:

Two relatively brief models, one that requires an in-person assessment and one that does not, had excellent validity for predicting incident ADL dependency but did not significantly improve the predictive validity of the best fitting interview-based models.