bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CCS: A Railway Corridor Control System Utilizing Ultra Wideband Radio Technology
Authors: Flaherty Paul A.
Published: November 2008

Ultra Wide Band (UWB) radio is a unique technology which combines a megabit wireless local area network with a centimeter-resolution radiolocation (RADAR) capability over distances less than 100 meters. A linear chain of UWB nodes can be used to create a hop-by-hop data transmission network, which also forms a RADAR “corridor” along the chain. By co-locating such a chain of nodes along a railroad right-of-way, precise information on the location and velocity of trains could be distributed throughout the corridor. In addition, the radar corridor would detect the introduction of track obstacles such as rocks, people, and automobiles, as well as shifted loads and other high-wide train defects. Finally, the network of nodes would enable off-train communications with payload sensors, locomotive computers, and could also provide wireless connectivity for passenger service.
Implementing Optical Speed Measurement (OSMES) for Communications Based Train Control
Authors: Mortlock Edwin A. , Hubbs Geoff
Published: November 2008

New York City Transit is installing communications-based train control (CBTC) as part of its signal modernization program starting with the Canarsie Line. CBTC requires a higher accuracy of speed and distance measurement than conventional signal systems. An optical speed and position measurement system (OSMES) that is independent of the wheel-rail interface is being used on this project. An accelerated program to develop this system into a production device had to be undertaken as well as solving many application obstacles, including severe clearance and environmental restrictions. Implementing an unproven subsystem on an operating transit system with tight project budget and schedule constraints presents many challenges.
An Overview of Interface Management
Authors: Harrison Peter
Published: November 2008

Major factors affecting the reliability of railroad or transit systems are assigned at the design stage of a project. After the design of the system has been finalized changes that can be implemented to improve the reliability are generally of the second order level and subsequently have a lesser effect. An area that has traditionally been a source of unreliable operation for railroad and transit systems has been the interfaces between the various systems. The system-to-system interfaces cover the whole of the range of areas in a railroad or transit system and are often visible to the passengers using the railroad or transit system. The interfaces to be controlled have a wide variety of characteristics and features. These interfaces can consist of mechanical issues like for the platform and vehicle interface. The interfaces can also be mainly electrical in nature as with the control of conducted interference currents at the vehicle power supply interface to achieve compatibility. Interfaces may also be a mixture of mechanical and electrical characteristics. Railroad and transit systems are becoming more sophisticated, it is now common for a rail vehicle to have multiple microprocessors on board to control the various systems needed for a modern rail vehicle. Similar technologies are also being applied to different systems of a railroad or transit system. For example the technology required to control a vehicle propulsion system is very similar to that required by the modern regenerative substation. Modern integrated systems are also spreading across the traditional system boundaries. For example an integrated passenger information system for an LRT or Metro system would span vehicles, stations, train control and communication systems. A key factor to improving the reliability of a railroad or transit system is early and effective control of the system interfaces and having the appropriate organization(s) responsible for the interface. This paper will explore the factors that would need to be considered for appropriate management of the interfaces. It will relate the management of the interfaces to the types of contract mechanisms that can be used for procurement of equipment and consider the associated advantages and risks.
Linear Synchronous Motor Propulsion of Small Transit Vehicles
Authors: Thornton Richard D. , Clark Tracy , Perreault Brian
Published: November 2008

The Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) has been used for several high speed maglev applications but only recently have developers applied it to urban transit. MagneMotion has worked with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), as part of their Urban Maglev Project, to develop an LSM propelled maglev transit system called M3. The top speed is only half that of the Transrapid maglev trains now operational in China but by using small vehicles with short headway and rapid acceleration it is possible to achieve outstanding performance at much lower cost. The combination of LSM technology and small vehicles is a cost effective replacement for rotary motor and Linear Induction Motor (LIM) powered trains for all transit applications, including conventional rail and monorail. LSM is the enabling technology that makes it economically and technically feasible to achieve high capacity with short vehicles and, conversely, the use of small vehicles makes LSM propulsion economically attractive. Small vehicles operating with short headway and organized in clusters can achieve high capacity without offline loading. Very precise position sensing and guideway based propulsion and control make short headways safe and affordable. This paper describes the objectives of the MagneMotion LSM development, discusses some of the design features, and presents 3 examples. The examples are based on operational speeds up to 60 m/s (134 mph), accelerations up to 0.16 g, vehicle headways down to 4 seconds, and capacities up to 12,000 passengers per hour per direction (pphpd). Examples include a 1 mile high capacity shuttle, a 4 km unidirectional loop with several stations, and a 30 km high-speed airport connector. Calculations show that an LSM propelled transit system has lower capital cost than conventional transit systems using vehicle-based electric propulsion with either rotary motors or LIMs. Vehicles are simplified, the cost of energy and maintenance is reduced and, most important, users of the transit system experience major reductions in trip times.
Investigation of the Longitudinal Dynamic Effects Before and After the Derailment of a Freight Train
Authors: Plainer Markus , Kral Christian , Singer Gu¨nter
Published: November 2008

So far, some freight cars have a detection device attached in order to be able to detect a derailed car. This work was carried out in order to investigate the possibility of the detection of derailments only by means of the evaluation of various signals at the locomotive. Several cases of short trains were examined, both by simulation and in reality. For each train configuration a derailed car at the end of the train and the normally running train were investigated. For these cases the longitudinal forces in the train were simulated and compared with the measured results. Also a long train consisting of 39 cars was examined, but only in simulation. Such a long train could not be derailed in reality. Experiments including the derailment have been carried out by the Austrian Federal Railways. Subsequently, several computer simulations have been performed to check if it is possible to detect a derailed freight car in any distance from the locomotive. Computer simulations have been performed by means of ITI-SIM PC [1]. This software is a block oriented tool for modelling, analysis and optimization of dynamically stressed complex nonlinear systems in the area of machinery and vehicular and mechanical transmission.
Optimization of Diesel Engine: Synchronous Alternator Group
Authors: Giˆrda Gelu F. , Moosajee Abdemusa
Published: November 2008

The paper describes the findings of an experiment that is a result of close collaboration among four companies. The paper discusses the experiment on one locomotive by using a microprocessor-based relay, Multiple Function Relay (MFR) SEL-701, for on-line measurement, control and optimization of a HEP (Head End Power) group. The HEP has a Diesel engine, 810 HP/908 HP, 1800 rpm, and a double wound three-phase self excited synchronous alternator, 625 kVA, 575 V. The HEP group is installed on the locomotive and supplies the electrical hotel power to the train’s coaches. The relay SEL-701 (Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories) measures the Diesel engine temperatures on 7 different points and the winding temperatures at 3 internal points, one per each phase. The SEL-701 monitors alternator output currents and voltages and controls one (or both) train lines when the Diesel engine’s hottest temperature equals the maximum admissible temperature. Amongst others the paper highlights the benefits derived by use of on-line measurements of the Diesel engine before and after relocation of a pre-existent engine shutdown temperature probe. In addition, the paper discusses the decrease in the numbers of Diesel engine shut downs due to the modified mode of protection and the increase in available electrical power supplied to the train lines together with the comparison of the HEP group efficiency before and after modification.
Suspension Dynamics and Design Optimization of a High Speed Railway Vehicle
Authors: Nishimura Kazuhiko , Perkins N. C. , Zhang Weiming
Published: November 2008

The design of suspension systems for high speed railway vehicles involves the simultaneous consideration of those requirements as suspension packaging, ride quality, stability, and cost. A design strategy is presented in this paper that enables an optimal design with respect to these competing requirements. The design strategy consists of four steps including the development of a lumped parameter vehicle model, the determination of vehicle parameters, the formulation of a design objective, and the minimization of the objective to optimize key suspension parameters. The design objective captures vehicle requirements including ride quality, suspension packaging, and wheel/rail holding. Power spectral densities (PSDs) are computed for the vertical vehicle body acceleration, suspension travel and dynamic wheel/rail interaction. The design objective function is calculated based on these PSDs and minimized to yield an optimum. An example suspension design is proposed that improves vehicle ride quality and wheel/rail holding without sacrificing other requirements.
Overview of the General Atomics Urban Maglev Technology Development Program
Authors: Gurol Sam , Baldi Bob
Published: November 2008

General Atomics is developing Urban Maglev technology sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration and funded under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). The system is levitated, propelled, and guided by electromagnetic forces. Levitation is achieved by using simple, passive permanent magnets arranged in a “Halbach” array configuration. Propulsion, and guidance are achieved by a linear synchronous motor mounted on the track. The uniqueness of the approach is its simplicity, ruggedness, and performance, including 10% grade, 18.3 m (60 ft.) turn radius, one-inch levitation gap, and quiet operation. Use of elevated guideways, coupled with the quiet operation of the system, eliminates the need to tunnel underground for noise-abatement, and can result in significantly lower system costs. We have built full-scale hardware to demonstrate the levitation, propulsion, guidance, and location detection systems. We are currently building a 120 m (400 ft.) test track with a full-scale chassis and power system at General Atomics in San Diego, CA. The chassis and power systems have already been built and are under-going initial testing. The track will be completed for dynamic testing in 2004. This paper reports on the overall program progress to date and description of the planned testing.
Hybrid Technology for the Rail Industry
Authors: Donnelly Frank W. , Cousineau Raymond L. , Horsley R. Nigel M.
Published: November 2008

A new type of battery-dominant hybrid technology has been developed for the rail industry. Switcher locomotive service is characterized by highly variable power output use. This variability in demand is exploited to allow the use of a significantly smaller, fuel efficient, Tier 2 certified, low maintenance engine and generator combination to supply energy to the traction motors and to the application-engineered battery pack. In the last three years, a demonstrator vehicle, the Green Goat®, has been designed, tested, constructed and put into field trials for 18 months in various locations and types of service, with impressive (performance and operational) results. The design, concept, field trials results, as well as applications of the technology to other types of service, are discussed.
Isolation of VanB-Type
Enterococcus faecalis
Strains from Nosocomial Infections: First Report of the Isolation and Identification of the Pheromone-Responsive Plasmids pMG2200, Encoding VanB-Type Vancomycin Resistance and a Bac41-Type Bacteriocin, and pMG2201, Encoding Erythromycin Resistance and Cytolysin (Hly/Bac)
Authors: Zheng Bo , Tomita Haruyoshi , Inoue Takako , Ike Yasuyoshi
Published: November 2008

Eighteen identical VanB-type
Enterococcus faecalis
isolates that were obtained from different hospitalized patients were examined for their drug resistance and plasmid DNAs. Of the 18 strains, 12 strains exhibited resistance to erythromycin (Em), gentamicin (Gm), kanamycin (Km), tetracycline (Tc), and vancomycin (Van) and produced cytolysin (Hly/Bac) and a bacteriocin (Bac) active against
E. faecalis
strains. Another six of the strains exhibited resistance to Gm, Km, Tc, and Van and produced a bacteriocin. Em and Van resistance was transferred individually to
E. faecalis
FA2-2 strains at a frequency of about 10
−4
per donor cell by broth mating. The Em-resistant transconjugants and the Van-resistant transconjugants harbored a 65.7-kbp plasmid and a 106-kbp plasmid, respectively. The 106-kbp and 65.7-kbp plasmids isolated from the representative
E. faecalis
NKH15 strains were designated pMG2200 and pMG2201, respectively. pMG2200 conferred vancomycin resistance and bacteriocin activity on the host strain and responded to the synthetic pheromone cCF10 for pCF10, while pMG2201 conferred erythromycin resistance and cytolysin activity on its host strain and responded to the synthetic pheromone cAD1 for pAD1. The complete DNA sequence of pMG2200 (106,527 bp) showed that the plasmid carried a Tn
1549
-like element encoding
vanB2
-type resistance and the Bac41-like bacteriocin genes of pheromone-responsive plasmid pYI14. The plasmid contained the regulatory region found in pheromone-responsive plasmids and encoded the genes
prgX
and
prgQ
, which are the key negative regulatory elements for plasmid pCF10. pMG2200 also encoded TraE1, a key positive regulator of plasmid pAD1, indicating that pMG2200 is a naturally occurring chimeric plasmid that has a resulting
prgX-prgQ
-
traE1
genetic organization in the regulatory region of the pheromone response. The functional
oriT
region and the putative relaxase gene of pMG2200 were identified and found to differ from those of pCF10 and pAD1. The putative relaxase of pMG2200 was classified as a member of the MOB
MG
family, which is found in pheromone-independent plasmid pHTβ of the pMG1-like plasmids. This is the first report of the isolation and characterization of a pheromone-responsive highly conjugative plasmid encoding
vanB
resistance.
Erythromycin- and Chloramphenicol-Induced Ribosomal Assembly Defects Are Secondary Effects of Protein Synthesis Inhibition
Authors: Siibak Triinu , Peil Lauri , Xiong Liqun , Mankin Alexander , Remme Jaanus , Tenson Tanel
Published: November 2008

Several protein synthesis inhibitors are known to inhibit ribosome assembly. This may be a consequence of direct binding of the antibiotic to ribosome precursor particles, or it could result indirectly from loss of coordination in the production of ribosomal components due to the inhibition of protein synthesis. Here we demonstrate that erythromycin and chloramphenicol, inhibitors of the large ribosomal subunit, affect the assembly of both the large and small subunits. Expression of a small erythromycin resistance peptide acting incison mature ribosomes relieves the erythromycin-mediated assembly defect for both subunits. Erythromycin treatment of bacteria expressing a mixture of erythromycin-sensitive and -resistant ribosomes produced comparable effects on subunit assembly. These results argue in favor of the view that erythromycin and chloramphenicol affect the assembly of the large ribosomal subunit indirectly.
CTX-M Expression and Selection of Ertapenem Resistance in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
and
Escherichia coli
Authors: Girlich Delphine , Poirel Laurent , Nordmann Patrice
Published: November 2008

In vitro selection of mutants with decreased susceptibility to ertapenem was performed using
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
clinical strains producing either the
bla
CTX-M-2
,
bla
CTX-M-3
,
bla
CTX-M-9
, or
bla
CTX-M-15
gene. Frequencies of mutants with decreased susceptibilities to ertapenem were similar for all β-lactamases expressed.
Antifungal Activity of Caspofungin in Combination with Amphotericin B against
Candida glabrata
: Comparison of Disk Diffusion, Etest, and Time-Kill Methods
Authors: Kiraz Nuri , Dağ Ilknur , Yamac Mustafa , Kiremitci Abdurrahman , Kaşifoğlu Nilgun , Akgun Yurdanur
Published: November 2008

The in vitro activities of caspofungin plus amphotericin B against 50
Candida glabrata
isolates were evaluated by the time-kill, disk diffusion, and Etest methods. In vitro experiments showed a positive interaction. Even though each of these methods uses different conditions and endpoints, the results of the different methods frequently agreed.
In Vitro Activity of the Quinolone WCK 771 against Recent U.S. Hospital and Community-Acquired
Staphylococcus aureus
Pathogens with Various Resistance Types
Authors: Bhagwat Sachin S. , McGhee Pamela , Kosowska-Shick Klaudia , Patel Mahesh V. , Appelbaum Peter C.
Published: November 2008

WCK 771 demonstrated MIC
50
and MIC
90
s of 0.03 and 1 μg/ml, respectively, against 297 recent U.S. community-acquired and hospital strains of
Staphylococcus aureus
, irrespective of quinolone or glycopeptide resistance. Against quinolone-resistant strains, MIC
90
s of WCK 771 and moxifloxacin were 1 and 16 μg/ml, respectively.
Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection by the Candidate Microbicide Dapivirine, a Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor
Authors: Fletcher P. , Harman S. , Azijn H. , Armanasco N. , Manlow P. , Perumal D. , de Bethune M.-P. , Nuttall J. , Romano J. , Shattock R.
Published: November 2008

Heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains the major route of infection worldwide; thus, there is an urgent need for additional prevention strategies, particularly strategies that could be controlled by women, such as topical microbicides. Potential microbicide candidates must be both safe and effective. Using cellular and tissue explant models, we have evaluated the activity of the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) dapivirine as a vaginal microbicide. In tissue compatibility studies, dapivirine was well tolerated by epithelial cells, T cells, macrophages, and cervical tissue explants. Dapivirine demonstrated potent dose-dependent inhibitory effects against a broad panel of HIV type 1 isolates from different clades. Furthermore, dapivirine demonstrated potent activity against a wide range of NNRTI-resistant isolates. In human cervical explant cultures, dapivirine was able not only to inhibit direct infection of mucosal tissue but also to prevent the dissemination of the virus by migratory cells. Activity was retained in the presence of semen or a cervical mucus simulant. Furthermore, dapivirine demonstrated prolonged inhibitory effects: it was able to prevent both localized and disseminated infection for as long as 6 days posttreatment. The prolonged protection observed following pretreatment of genital tissue and the lack of observable toxicity suggest that dapivirine has considerable promise as a potential microbicide candidate.
A sliding–consolidation model for flow slides
Authors: Hutchinson J. N.
Published: November 2008

A model is proposed for the behaviour of flow slides in loose, cohesionless materials in which the debris spreads out as a uniform sheet. Excess pore-fluid pressures are assumed to be generated, for example by undrained loading arising from the collapse of metastable structure, in the source area of the flow slide. Under the influence of these, the leading element of the debris moves downslope by basal sliding, consolidating as it does so by single, upward drainage. As a result, the pore pressure at the base of the element eventually decays to a value that brings the element to rest, hence defining the run-out of the flow slide. The model is applicable, in principle, to subaqueous and subaerial flow slides and to pore fluids consisting of water, gas, or both of these. The predictions of the model are tested against the observed behaviour and measured properties of the 1966 flow slide at Aberfan, South Wales. The results show that a sliding–consolidation model provides a possible mechanism for that event. Key words: Cohesionless material, loose metastable structure, partial liquefaction, excess pore-fluid pressure, basal sliding, consolidation, flow slide, acceleration, velocity, run-out.
Active slide in Tertiary bentonitic claystones, Upper Hat Creek, British Columbia
Authors: Rawlings G. E.
Published: November 2008

Potential exploitation of the 500 m thick coal deposit at Upper Hat Creek, British Columbia, required detailed investigation of the sequence of Tertiary tuffaceous rocks surrounding the coal and the overlying surficial materials. Studies have shown that extensive bentonitic slide deposits partially cover the coal body on the west side of Hat Creek valley; part of this area is currently active. A translational debris slide of approximately 17 × 106 m3 volume and 2 km length is moving across the northwest boundary of the proposed pit into the valley bottom.Detailed field investigations complemented by laboratory testing have defined the basal plane of sliding and permitted a back-analysis to be made. From measured piezometric pressures, the mobilized shear strength on the failure plane is calculated to be [Formula: see text], cr′ = 0, which is largely in accord with laboratory test results.Slope stability in thick montmorillonite-rich claystones/siltstones is known to present difficulties, as evidenced by the Panama Canal excavations. Consideration is given to the engineering significance of bentonitic slides and preventive measures that might be adopted in their control. Key words: active slide, Tertiary, claystone, montmorillonite, open pit, coal, monitoring, residual strength, piezometric pressures.
In situ and laboratory geotechnical tests of the Pierre Shale near Hayes, South Dakota—A characterization of engineering behavior
Authors: Nichols Jr. Thomas C. , Collins Donley S. , Davidson Richard R.
Published: November 2008

A geotechnical investigation of the Pierre Shale near Hayes, South Dakota, was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey as a basis for evaluating problems in deep excavations into that formation. The physical and mechanical properties of the shale were determined through use of core holes drilled to a maximum depth of 184 m. In situ borehole determinations included a gravimeter survey, pressuremeter testing, thermal profile measurements, and borehole velocity measurements. Onsite and offsite laboratory measurements included rebound measurements, sonic velocity measurements of shear and primary waves, X-ray mineralogy and major element determinations, size analyses, fracture analyses, fabric analyses, and determination of thermal properties.Below 15–22 m, the shale is an unweathered, saturated, overconsolidated, underpressured clay shale with a clay-mineral content ranging between 50 and 100%, dominantly composed of mixed-layer illitic smectites. The physical and mechanical properties vary widely. The variation is related to the clay mineral content (especially in bentonite zones), a large transverse mechanical anisotropy, and zones of fractures and microfractures, which may result from rebound caused by erosion. These may contribute to slope instability over large areas. The thermal and mechanical properties change markedly if the shale is permitted to dry out. The state of stress and overconsolidation appear to be functions of the depositional and erosional history of the deposit. Both are markedly affected by the large fracture zones. The properties of the clay shale indicate problems that may be encountered in excavation and use of deep underground facilities. Key words: anisotropy, characterization, clay shale, consolidation state, physical properties, rebound, relaxation, stress state, thermal properties.
Stress characteristics for bearing capacity in sand using a critical state model
Authors: Graham J. , Hovan J.-M.
Published: November 2008

A new stress characteristic solution has been developed for two-dimensional strip footings on the surface of a sand layer. The analysis uses sand properties defined by a critical state model. This analysis takes account of different stress levels, different placement densities, the sand compressibility, and the transition from strain softening to strain hardening behavior that accompanies increased stresses. The results show linear relationships between log (Nγ) and log (footing breadth) that depend on the details of the sand model used. The results have been compared with available summaries of laboratory- and field-scale results. Although the critical state models for the sands used in the experimental studies cannot be fully developed from published information, nevertheless the trend of the results is encouraging. Additional information on validations of the critical state sand model is needed. Key words: surface footings, stability, capacity coefficients, self-weight, plasticity, stress characteristics, critical state.
Utilisation du céléromètre ultrasonique sur des sols cohérents
Authors: Locat Jacques , Beauséjour Normand , Bérubé Marc-André
Published: November 2008

The recent developments in acoustical methods make it possible to obtain, in the laboratory, quick and simple measures of the speed of propagation of the compression (Vp) and shear (Vs) waves in cohesive saturated or nonsaturated soils. The ultrasonic celerometer has allowed the observation of a significant correlation between the speed of the shear waves and the shear strength measured with the Swedish cone in clayey soils with or without additives. This nondestructive test could be currently used in geotechnical practice. Key words: ustrasonic celerometer, dynamic-elastic constants, nondestructive test, laboratory test, acoustic method, Swedish cone shear strength, cohesive soils, shear wave speed, compression wave speed. [Journal translation]
Prime Ideals and Strongly Prime Ideals of Skew Laurent Polynomial Rings
Authors: Hashemi E.
Published: November 2008

We first study connections between α‐compatible ideals of R and related ideals of the skew Laurent polynomials ring R[x, x−1; α], where α is an automorphism of R. Also we investigate the relationship of P(R) and Nr(R) of R with the prime radical and the upper nil radical of the skew Laurent polynomial rings. Then by using
Jordan′s ring, we extend above results to the case where α is not surjective.
Assessment of Mercury-Polluted Soils Adjacent to an Old Mercury-Fulminate Production Plant
Authors: Arbestain M. Camps , Rodríguez-Lado L. , Bao M. , Macías F.
Published: November 2008

Mercury contamination of soils and vegetation close to an abandoned Hg-fulminate production plant was investigated. Maximum concentrations of Hg (>6.5 gkg−1soil) were found in the soils located in the area where the wastewater produced during the washing procedures carried out at the production plant used to be discharged. A few meters away from the discharge area, Hg concentrations decreased to levels ranging between 1 and 5 gkg−1, whereas about 0.5 ha of the surrounding soil to the NE (following the dominant surface flow direction) contained between 0.1 and 1 gkg−1. Mercury contamination of soils was attributed (in addition to spills from Hg containers) to (i) Hg volatilization with subsequent condensation in cooler areas of the production plant and in the surrounding forest stands, and (ii) movement of water either by lateral subsurface flow through the contaminated soils or by heavy runoff to surface waters.
Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Inhibitor Torcetrapib and Off-Target Toxicity
Authors: Vergeer Menno , Bots Michiel L. , van Leuven Sander I. , Basart Dick C. , Sijbrands Eric J. , Evans Gregory W. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Visseren Frank L. , Stalenhoef Anton F. , Stroes Erik S. , Kastelein John J.P.
Published: November 2008

Background—

Torcetrapib, an inhibitor of cholesteryl ester transfer protein, has been shown to increase the cardiovascular event rate despite conferring a significant high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increase. Using data from the Rating Atherosclerotic Disease Change by Imaging with a New CETP Inhibitor (RADIANCE) trials, which assessed the impact of torcetrapib on carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), we sought to explore potential mechanisms underlying this adverse outcome.

Methods and Results—

Data from the RADIANCE 1 and 2 studies, which examined cIMT in 904 subjects with familial hypercholesterolemia and in 752 subjects with mixed dyslipidemia, were pooled. Subjects were randomized to either atorvastatin or torcetrapib combined with atorvastatin. Mean common cIMT progression was increased in subjects receiving torcetrapib plus atorvastatin compared with subjects receiving atorvastatin alone (0.0076±0.0011 versus 0.0025±0.0011 mm/y;
P
=0.0014). Subjects treated with torcetrapib plus atorvastatin displayed higher postrandomization systolic blood pressure and plasma sodium and bicarbonate levels in conjunction with lower potassium levels. The decrease in potassium levels was associated with the blood pressure increase. Markedly, the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors tended to aggravate the blood pressure increase. Subjects receiving torcetrapib plus atorvastatin with the strongest low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction showed the smallest cIMT progression, whereas subjects with the highest systolic blood pressure increase showed the largest cIMT progression. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol increase was not associated with cIMT change.

Conclusions—

These analyses support mineralocorticoid-mediated off-target toxicity in patients receiving torcetrapib as a contributing factor to an adverse outcome. The absence of an inverse relationship between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol change and cIMT progression suggests that torcetrapib-induced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increase does not mediate atheroprotection. Future studies with cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors without off-target toxicity are needed to settle this issue.
Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Stimulation
Authors: Kaschina Elena , Grzesiak Aleksandra , Li Jun , Foryst-Ludwig Anna , Timm Melanie , Rompe Franziska , Sommerfeld Manuela , Kemnitz U. Rudolf , Curato Caterina , Namsolleck Pawel , Tschöpe Carsten , Hallberg Anders , Alterman Mathias , Hucko Thomas , Paetsch Ingo , Dietrich Thore , Schnackenburg Bernhard , Graf Kristof , Dahlöf Björn , Kintscher Ulrich , Unger Thomas , Steckelings U. Muscha
Published: November 2008

Background—

This study is the first to examine the effect of direct angiotensin II type 2 (AT
2
) receptor stimulation on postinfarct cardiac function with the use of the novel nonpeptide AT
2
receptor agonist compound 21 (C21).

Methods and Results—

Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced in Wistar rats by permanent ligation of the left coronary artery. Treatment with C21 (0.01, 0.03, 0.3 mg/kg per day IP) was started 24 hours after MI and was continued until euthanasia (7 days after MI). Infarct size was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging, and hemodynamic measurements were performed via transthoracic Doppler echocardiography and intracardiac Millar catheter. Cardiac tissues were analyzed for inflammation and apoptosis markers with immunoblotting and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. C21 significantly improved systolic and diastolic ventricular function. Scar size was smallest in the C21-treated rats. In regard to underlying mechanisms, C21 diminished MI-induced Fas-ligand and caspase-3 expression in the peri-infarct zone, indicating an antiapoptotic effect. Phosphorylation of the p44/42 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases, both involved in the regulation of cell survival, was strongly reduced after MI but almost completely rescued by C21 treatment. Furthermore, C21 decreased MI-induced serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and myeloperoxidase as well as cardiac interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-2 expression, suggesting an antiinflammatory effect.

Conclusions—

Direct AT
2
receptor stimulation may be a novel therapeutic approach to improve post-MI systolic and diastolic function by antiapoptotic and antiinflammatory mechanisms.
Activation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase by a Vanadium Compound Ameliorates Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Injury in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Bhuiyan Md. Shenuarin , Shioda Norifumi , Shibuya Masatoshi , Iwabuchi Yoshiharu , Fukunaga Kohji
Published: November 2008

We here investigated the effect of bis(1-oxy-2-pyridinethiolato) oxovanadium (IV), [VO(OPT)], against myocardial hypertrophy and cardiac functional recovery in pressure overload–induced hypertrophy in ovariectomized female rats and defined mechanisms underlying its cardioprotective action. Wistar rats subjected to bilateral ovariectomy were further treated with abdominal aortic stenosis. VO(OPT) (containing 1.25 and 2.50 mg of vanadium per kg) was administered orally once a day for 14 days starting from 2 weeks after aortic banding. Treatment with VO(OPT) significantly inhibited pressure overload–induced increase both in the heart weight:body weight ratio and the lung weight:body weight ratio. VO(OPT) also attenuated hypertrophy-induced impaired left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, left ventricular developed pressure, and left ventricular contractility (±dp/dtmax). VO(OPT) treatment significantly restored pressure overload–induced impaired endothelial NO synthase activity with concomitant increased phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase (Ser1179). Moreover, VO(OPT) treatment significantly restored pressure overload–induced reduced Akt activity, as indicated by increased phosphorylation at Ser473 and at Thr308. Treatment with VO(OPT) also secondarily inhibited calpastatin and dystrophin breakdown and decreased myosin light chain phosphorylation. Finally, VO(OPT) treatment significantly attenuated mortality after repeated isoproterenol administration in pressure overloaded–ovariectomized rats. Taken together, VO(OPT) attenuates cardiac myocytes hypertrophy in vivo in pressure overload–induced hypertrophy in ovariectomized rats and prevents the process from hypertrophy to heart failure. These effects are mediated by inhibition of calpastatin and dystrophin breakdown in addition to increased Akt and endothelial NO synthase activities.
Tonic Glutamatergic Input in the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla Is Increased in Rats With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Wang Wei-Zhong , Gao Lie , Wang Han-Jun , Zucker Irving H. , Wang Wei
Published: November 2008

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is characterized by increased sympathetic tone. The glutamatergic input in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), which is a key region involved in sympathetic outflow, seems not to be involved in the generation of sympathetic tone in the normal state. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the RVLM glutamate receptors in the generation of sympathetic tone in CHF. CHF was produced by coronary artery ligation. Bilateral microinjection of the glutamate receptor antagonist kynurenic acid, theN-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist D-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoate, or the non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione into the RVLM dose-dependently reduced resting blood pressure and renal sympathetic nerve activity in CHF but not in sham rats. Picoinjection of kynurenic acid (100 pmol in 5 nL) significantly decreased the basal discharge by 47% in 25 RVLM presympathetic neurons in CHF rats. In contrast, kynurenic acid had no effect on the discharge in all 22 of the RVLM presympathetic neurons tested in sham rats. These data suggest that upregulated glutamate receptors, including NMDA and non-NMDA, in the RVLM are involved in tonic control of elevated sympathetic tone in CHF.
Visualizing the Large-Scale Patterns of ENSO-Related Climate Anomalies in North America
Authors: Shinker Jacqueline J. , Bartlein Patrick J.
Published: November 2008

The variations of large-scale climatic controls and surface responses through the annual cycle during strong positive (El Niño) and negative (La Niña) phase ENSO events are analyzed to assess the within-year and among-year variations of climate anomalies. Data from the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis project are presented as small-multiple maps to illustrate the spatial and temporal variability in North American climate associated with extreme phases of ENSO. Temperature, mean sea level pressure, 500-mb geopotential heights, and 850-mb specific humidity have composite-anomaly patterns that exhibit the greatest degree of spatial and temporal coherence. In general, the composite-anomaly patterns for El Niño and La Niña events are of opposite sign, with stronger, more spatially coherent anomalies occurring during El Niño events than during La Niña events. However, the strength and coherency of the precipitation anomaly patterns are reduced in the interior intermountain west during both positive and negative phase of ENSO. The variations in precipitation anomalies are compared to the 500-mb omega and 850-mb specific humidity composite-anomaly patterns, which provide information on the controls of precipitation by large-scale vertical motions and moisture availability thus providing information on the specific mechanisms associated with precipitation variability during ENSO events.
Characteristics of Rain Integral Parameters during Tropical Convective, Transition, and Stratiform Rain at Gadanki and Its Application in Rain Retrieval
Authors: Sharma Sanjay , Konwar Mahen , Sarma Diganta Kumar , Kalapureddy M. C. R. , Jain A. R.
Published: November 2008

In the present study the characteristics of rain integral parameters during tropical convective (C), transition (T), and stratiform (S) types of rain are studied with the help of Joss–Waldvogel disdrometer (JWD), L-band, and very-high-frequency wind profilers at Gadanki (13.5°N, 79.20°E). The classifications of three regimes are made with the help of an L-band wind profiler. For rain rate R < 10 mm h−1 larger drops are found in S type of rain relative to C and T rain, and for R ≥ 10 mm h−1 larger drops are found in convective rain. Empirical relations are developed for Dm–R, Dm–Z, N*0–R, Z–R, and Z/Dm–R by fitting the power-law equations. Event to event, no systematic variation of the coefficients and exponents could be found for Z–R and Z/Dm–R relations during the three types of rain. Overall, the C and S events are found to be number controlled, and T events are size controlled. During C type of rain, bigger mean raindrops are found during the presence of strong updrafts. During S type of rain, bigger mean raindrops are found to be associated with the higher mean thickness of the bright band and strong velocity gradient. For each of the developed empirical relations, the correlation coefficients are found in the order of T > C > S rain. During the three types of rain, correlations are found in the order of Z/Dm–R > Z–R > Dm–Z > Dm–R. Significant improvement is observed in rain retrieval by using the Z/Dm–R relation relative to the conventional Z–R relation. By utilizing the Z/Dm–R relations, the root-mean-square error was reduced by 19%–46%.
Testing Lagrangian Theories of Internal Wave Spectra. Part I: Varying the Amplitude and Wavenumbers
Authors: Klaassen G. P.
Published: November 2008

A growing body of literature has been built on the premise that kinematic advection produced by linear superpositions of sinusoidal Lagrangian gravity waves confined to lower vertical wavenumbers can provide an explanation for quasi-universal Eulerian spectral tails commonly found in the oceans and the atmosphere. Recently, Hines has established criteria delineating the circumstances in which Eulerian and Lagrangian spectra differ. For conditions in which Hines claims Lagrangian linearity and the production of quasi-universal Eulerian m−3 spectra, a kinematic advection model based on ensembles of seven nonstanding Lagrangian waves reveals the presence of gross violations of continuity and adiabaticity as well as severe departures from hydrostatic balance. Similar infractions are found for other seven-wave ensembles having a broad range of amplitudes and wavenumbers typical of saturated wave fields in the middle atmosphere. Furthermore, m−3 spectra are found only as the Lagrangian wave field approaches a singular state.

The singularities in the Lagrangian to Eulerian transformation are induced by stretching deformation fields that form during the superposition of sinusoidal waves with nonparallel wave vectors. Such deformation fields are known to be unstable with respect to three-dimensional vortices. The results strongly suggest that saturated middle atmosphere wave fields are frequently accompanied by small-scale turbulent eddies.
The Role of Tropospheric Rossby Wave Breaking in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation
Authors: Strong Courtenay , Magnusdottir Gudrun
Published: November 2008

The leading pattern of extratropical Pacific sea surface temperature variability [the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO)] is shown to depend on observed variability in the spatiotemporal distribution of tropospheric Rossby wave breaking (RWB), where RWB is the irreversible overturning of potential vorticity on isentropic surfaces. Composite analyses based on hundreds of RWB cases show that anticyclonic (cyclonic) RWB is associated with a warm, moist (cool, dry) column that extends down to a surface anticyclonic (cyclonic) circulation, and that the moisture and temperature advection associated with the surface circulation patterns force turbulent heat flux anomalies that project onto the spatial pattern of the PDO. The RWB patterns that are relevant to the PDO are closely tied to El Niño–Southern Oscillation, the Pacific–North American pattern, and the northern annular mode. These results explain the free troposphere-to-surface segment of the atmospheric bridge concept wherein El Niño anomalies emerge in summer and modify circulation patterns that act over several months to force sea surface temperature anomalies in the extratropical Pacific during late winter or early spring. Leading patterns of RWB account for a significant fraction of PDO interannual variability for any month of the year. A multilinear model is developed in which the January mean PDO index for 1958–2006 is regressed upon the leading principal components of cyclonic and anticyclonic RWB from the immediately preceding winter and summer months (four indexes in all), accounting for more than two-thirds of the variance.
Time, Music, and Reverie
Authors: Lombardi Riccardo
Published: November 2008

Time is an important source of containment vis-à-vis the pressure of affects and the nondimensional immensity of mental space experienced by difficult patients. A more articulated spatiotemporal integration can be facilitated by the analyst's musical “reverie” during intense emotional exchanges in analytic sessions. This reverie can be visual, olfactory, kinaesthetic, etc., no less than auditory or musical. Music is indeed connected with both the concrete world of bodily sensations and the symbolic expressions of culture, and may be an important transitional phenomenon in analytic communication on both unconscious and conscious levels. Two clinical cases are presented in which the patient's awareness of the passage of time, associated with the analyst's internal musical experiences, made it possible in one case to reduce intense panic attacks and, in the other, to overcome the patient's rigid obsessive defenses, giving him access to fluid and unforeseen emotions. In these two instances of working through, the perception of time helped establish confidence in the creative contribution of the “unheard melodies” (Keats) of affects to the functioning of thought.
The Ecological Dimension of Psychoanalysis and the Concept of Inner Sustainability
Authors: Ley Wolfgang
Published: November 2008

An “ecological-cum-psychoanalytic” perspective elucidates the innate kinship between modern, critical ecological thinking and the assumptions on the nature of the human animal underlying Freudian psychoanalysis. “Critical ecology” engages with the issues posed by a meaningful, “sustainable” design for the relationship between nature and culture; psychoanalysis investigates and engages therapeutically with human self-relations in the field of tension existing between the culture-imprinted and culture-productive “ego,” on the one hand, and the independent, naturally established motivational sides of the psyche subsumed by Freud under the term “id” on the other. Against an ecological-cum-psychoanalytic backdrop, modern developments in object relations theory and self psychology can be understood in a way that places them in a conceptual framework corresponding to Freud's central concern with the balance or integration—successful or unsuccessful—of the motivational (interactional) strivings of “internal nature” and the requirements posed by human “self-production” via culture. Psychoanalysis and critical ecology, it is argued, stand to profit from one another.
Growth and Predictors of Parental Knowledge of Youth Behavior During Early Adolescence
Authors: Moilanen Kristin L. , Shaw Daniel S. , Criss Michael M. , Dishion Thomas J.
Published: November 2008

The current study examines latent growth models of parental knowledge of boys’ behavior from ages 10 to 15, and whether earlier child or family characteristics are related to intercept and growth in parental knowledge. As part of an ongoing longitudinal study on the precursors of antisocial behavior, 288 boys completed interviews at ages 10, 11, 12, and 15 years. Boys’ reports started low, increased and plateaued at age 12. High levels of maternal responsivity in early childhood were associated with a high initial status in knowledge. Growth was predicted only by high levels of boys’ prior externalizing problems. Results are discussed with respect to differences in factors that predict initial status versus growth in parental knowledge during the transition to adolescence.