bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salmonella typhimurium infection increases p53 acetylation in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Wu Shaoping , Ye Zhongde , Liu Xingyin , Zhao Yun , Xia Yinglin , Steiner Andrew , Petrof Elaine O. , Claud Erika C. , Sun Jun
Published: March 2010

The ability of Salmonella typhimurium to enter intestinal epithelial cells constitutes a crucial step in pathogenesis. Salmonella invasion of the intestinal epithelium requires bacterial type three secretion system. Type three secretion system is a transport device that injects virulence proteins, called effectors, to paralyze or reprogram the eukaryotic cells. Avirulence factor for Salmonella (AvrA) is a Salmonella effector that inhibits the host's inflammatory responses. The mechanism by which AvrA modulates host cell signaling is not entirely clear. p53 is situated at the crossroads of a network of signaling pathways that are essential for genotoxic and nongenotoxic stress responses. We hypothesized that Salmonella infection activates the p53 pathway. We demonstrated that Salmonella infection increased p53 acetylation. Cells infected with AvrA-sufficient Salmonella have increased p53 acetylation, whereas cells infected with AvrA-deficient Salmonella have less p53 acetylation. In a cell-free system, AvrA possessed acetyltransferase activity and used p53 as a substrate. AvrA expression increased p53 transcriptional activity and induced cell cycle arrest. HCT116 p53−/− cells had less inflammatory responses. In a mouse model of Salmonella infection, intestinal epithelial p53 acetylation was increased by AvrA expression. Our studies provide novel mechanistic evidence that Salmonella modulates the p53 pathway during intestinal inflammation and infection.
Measurement and analysis of sarcomere length in rat cardiomyocytes in situ and in vitro
Authors: Bub G. , Camelliti P. , Bollensdorff C. , Stuckey D. J. , Picton G. , Burton R. A. B. , Clarke K. , Kohl P.
Published: March 2010

Sarcomere length (SL) is an important determinant and indicator of cardiac mechanical function; however, techniques for measuring SL in living, intact tissue are limited. Here, we present a technique that uses two-photon microscopy to directly image striations of living cells in cardioplegic conditions, both in situ (Langendorff-perfused rat hearts and ventricular tissue slices, stained with the fluorescent marker di-4-ANEPPS) and in vitro (acutely isolated rat ventricular myocytes). Software was developed to extract SL from two-photon fluorescence image sets while accounting for measurement errors associated with motion artifact in raster-scanned images and uncertainty of the cell angle relative to the imaging plane. Monte-Carlo simulations were used to guide analysis of SL measurements by determining error bounds as a function of measurement path length. The mode of the distribution of SL measurements in resting Langendorff-perfused heart is 1.95 μm ( n = 167 measurements from N = 11 hearts) after correction for tissue orientation, which was significantly greater than that in isolated cells (1.71 μm, n = 346, N = 9 isolations) or ventricular slice preparations (1.79 μm, n = 79, N = 3 hearts) under our experimental conditions. Furthermore, we find that edema in arrested Langendorff-perfused heart is associated with a mean SL increase; this occurs as a function of time ex vivo and correlates with tissue volume changes determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Our results highlight that the proposed method can be used to monitor SL in living cells and that different experimental models from the same species may display significantly different SL values under otherwise comparable conditions, which has implications for experiment design, as well as comparison and interpretation of data.
Phenylephrine decreases frontal lobe oxygenation at rest but not during moderately intense exercise
Authors: Brassard Patrice , Seifert Thomas , Wissenberg Mads , Jensen Peter M. , Hansen Christian K. , Secher Niels H.
Published: March 2010

Whether sympathetic activity influences cerebral blood flow (CBF) and oxygenation remains controversial. The influence of sympathetic activity on CBF and oxygenation was evaluated by the effect of phenylephrine on middle cerebral artery (MCA) mean flow velocity ( Vmean) and the near-infrared spectroscopy-derived frontal lobe oxygenation (ScO2) at rest and during exercise. At rest, nine healthy male subjects received bolus injections of phenylephrine (0.1, 0.25, and 0.4 mg), and changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP), MCA Vmean, internal jugular venous O2 saturation (SjvO2), ScO2, and arterial Pco2 (PaCO2) were measured and the cerebral metabolic rate for O2 (CMRO2) was calculated. In randomized order, a bolus of saline or 0.3 mg of phenylephrine was then injected during semisupine cycling, eliciting a low (∼110 beats/min) or a high (∼150 beats/min) heart rate. At rest, MAP and MCA Vmean increased ∼20% ( P < 0.001) and ∼10% ( P < 0.001 for 0.25 mg of phenylephrine and P < 0.05 for 0.4 mg of phenylephrine), respectively. ScO2 then decreased ∼7% ( P < 0.001). Phenylephrine had no effect on SjvO2, PaCO2, or CMRO2. MAP increased after the administration of phenylephrine during low-intensity exercise (∼15%), but this was attenuated (∼10%) during high-intensity exercise ( P < 0.001). The reduction in ScO2 after administration of phenylephrine was attenuated during low-intensity exercise (−5%, P < 0.001) and abolished during high-intensity exercise (−3%, P = not significant), where PaCO2 decreased 7% ( P < 0.05) and CMRO2 increased 17% ( P < 0.05). These results suggest that the administration of phenylephrine reduced ScO2 but that the increased cerebral metabolism needed for moderately intense exercise eliminated that effect.
Deficits in lung alveolarization and function after systemic maternal inflammation and neonatal hyperoxia exposure
Authors: Velten Markus , Heyob Kathryn M. , Rogers Lynette K. , Welty Stephen E.
Published: March 2010

Systemic maternal inflammation contributes to preterm birth and is associated with development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Infants with BPD exhibit decreased alveolarization, diffuse interstitial fibrosis with thickened alveolar septa, and impaired pulmonary function. We tested the hypothesis that systemic prenatal LPS administration to pregnant mice followed by postnatal hyperoxia exposure is associated with prolonged alterations in pulmonary structure and function after return to room air (RA) that are more severe than hyperoxia exposure alone. Timed-pregnant C3H/HeN mice were dosed with LPS (80 μg/kg) or saline on gestation day 16. Newborn pups were exposed to RA or 85% O2 for 14 days and then to RA for an additional 14 days. Data were collected and analyzed on postnatal days 14 and 28. The combination of prenatal LPS and postnatal hyperoxia exposure generated a phenotype with more inflammation (measured as no. of macrophages per high-power field) than either insult alone at day 28. The combined exposures were associated with a diffuse fibrotic response [measured as hydroxyproline content (μg)] but did not induce a more severe developmental arrest than hyperoxia alone. Pulmonary function tests indicated that hyperoxia, independent of maternal exposure, induced compliance decreases on day 14 that did not persist after RA recovery. Either treatment alone or combined induced an increase in resistance on day 14, but the increase persisted on day 28 only in pups receiving the combined treatment. In conclusion, the combination of systemic maternal inflammation and neonatal hyperoxia induced a prolonged phenotype of arrested alveolarization, diffuse fibrosis, and impaired lung mechanics that mimics human BPD. This new model should be useful in designing studies of specific mechanisms and interventions that could ultimately be utilized to define therapies to prevent BPD in premature infants.
Supine cycling plus volume loading prevent cardiovascular deconditioning during bed rest
Authors: Shibata Shigeki , Perhonen Merja , Levine Benjamin D.
Published: March 2010

There are two possible mechanisms contributing to the excessive fall of stroke volume (and its contribution to orthostatic intolerance) in the upright position after bed rest or spaceflight: reduced cardiac filling due to hypovolemia and/or a less distensible heart due to cardiac atrophy. We hypothesized that preservation of cardiac mechanical function by exercise training, plus normalization of cardiac filling with volume infusion, would prevent orthostatic intolerance after bed rest. Eighteen men and three women were assigned to 1) exercise countermeasure ( n = 14) and 2) no exercise countermeasure ( n = 7) groups during bed rest. Bed rest occurred in the 6° head-down tilt position for 18 days. The exercise regimen was prescribed to compensate for the estimated cardiac work reduction between bed rest and ambulatory periods. At the end of bed rest, the subjects were further divided into two additional groups for post-bed rest testing: 1) volume loading with intravenous dextran to normalize cardiac filling pressure and 2) no volume loading. Dextran infusion was given to half of the exercise group and all of the sedentary group after bed rest, leading ultimately to three groups: 1) exercise plus volume infusion; 2) exercise alone; and 3) volume infusion alone. Exercise training alone preserved left ventricular mass and distensibility as well as upright exercise capacity, but lower body negative pressure (LBNP) tolerance was still depressed. LBNP tolerance was maintained only when exercise training was accompanied by dextran infusion. Dextran infusion alone following bed rest without exercise maintained neither orthostatic tolerance nor upright exercise capacity. We conclude that daily supine cycle exercise sufficient to prevent cardiac atrophy can prevent orthostatic intolerance after bed rest only when combined with plasma volume restoration. This maintenance of orthostatic tolerance was achieved by neither exercise nor dextran infusion alone. Cardiac atrophy and hypovolemia are likely to contribute independently to orthostatic intolerance after bed rest.
Physical Mapping of Immune Genes in the Tammar Wallaby (Macropus eugenii)
Authors: Sanderson C.E. , Belov K. , Deakin J.E.
Published: March 2010

The tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) is a model marsupial that has recently had its genome sequenced to a depth of 2-fold coverage. Although this is a great resource for comparative genomic studies, information on gene location is essential if this resource is to be used to its full potential. In this study, tammar wallaby bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) containing key immune genes were isolated from the tammar wallaby BAC library. BACs containing T cell receptor (TCR) and immunoglobulin (Ig) genes were physically mapped using fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) to tammar wallaby chromosomes. Congruence between the locations of these immune genes in the tammar wallaby genome, with those predicted from chromosome painting data, highlights the conservation of genomic context of these important immune genes in marsupials. The isolation and mapping of these key immune genes in the tammar wallaby will aid in the assembly of the recently sequenced light coverage genome and assignment of sequence to chromosomes.
17q21.31 Microdeletion Syndrome: Further Expanding the Clinical Phenotype
Authors: Sharkey F.H. , Morrison N. , Murray R. , Iremonger J. , Stephen J. , Maher E. , Tolmie J. , Jackson A.P.
Published: March 2010

Microdeletions of the 17q21.31 region are associated with hypotonia, oromotor dyspraxia, an apparently characteristic face, moderate learning disability and have an estimated prevalence of approximately 1 in 16,000. Here we report 3 individuals who extend further the phenotypic spectrum observed with microdeletions of the 17q21.31 region. They all have learning disability, hypotonia, and craniofacial dysmorphism in keeping with previous reported cases. One case has iris-choroid coloboma and partial situs inversus, 2 features that are newly recorded phenotype abnormalities. These deletions were detected from a cohort of 600 individuals with learning disability and congenital anomalies, reflecting that 17q21.31 microdeletions are a common finding in such cases. FISH analysis demonstrated that each of the deletions occurred as de novo events. The deleted region in our cases encompasses the previously defined critical region for 17q21.31, and includes CRHR1 and MAPT, putative candidate genes for the 17q21.31 phenotype. The 17q21.31 microdeletion phenotype is perhaps more variable than previously described despite haploinsufficiency for the same genes in many cases.
Corpus Callosum Abnormalities and the Controversy about the Candidate Genes Located in 1q44
Authors: Orellana C. , Roselló M. , Monfort S. , Oltra S. , Quiroga R. , Ferrer I. , Martínez F.
Published: March 2010

Submicroscopic deletions of 1q44–qter cause severe mental retardation, profound growth retardation, microcephaly and corpus callosum hypo/agenesis in most patients. At least 3 intervals in 1q44 have been described as critical regions containing genes leading to corpus callosum abnormalities. In this report we describe a patient with a de novo small interstitial 1q44 deletion of 1,152 kb detected with 44K oligonucleotide array-CGH (44K Agilent Technologies) and a mild phenotype lacking corpus callosum abnormalities. The first deleted oligonucleotide was located at 242.638 Mb (within the ADSS gene), and the last deleted oligonucleotide at 243.791 Mb (within the KIF26B gene). The clinical and molecular findings of the patient here reported remain consistent with a role for the AKT3 or ZNF238 genes in corpus callosum development.
Nomenclature Evolution: Changes in the ISCN from the 2005 to the 2009 Edition
Authors: Brothman A.R. , Persons D.L. , Shaffer L.G.
Published: March 2010

The Committee for the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) has recently met and published a revised version, ISCN 2009. Multiple changes in nomenclature guidelines are presented in that updated version. This review will highlight changes to the idiograms and specific changes in respective chapters of the 2009 version compared with the previous version of the ISCN published in 2005. These highlights are meant as a guide for the cytogeneticist to assist in the transition in the use of this updated nomenclature for describing cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic findings in both clinical and research reports.
Unusual Chromosomal Distribution of a Major Satellite DNA from Discoglossus pictus (Amphibia, Anura)
Authors: Amor N. , Odierna G. , Chinali G. , Said K. , Picariello O.
Published: March 2010

A new highly abundant satellite DNA from Discoglossus pictus (Dp-sat1) was isolated and characterized. The repetitive unit (0.51 kb) has 2 HindIII sites and only one SpeI site: digestion of genomic DNA with HindIII produces 3 fragments: HA (0.17 kb), HB (0.34 kb), and HC = HA + HB (0.51 kb), while digestion with SpeI produces the whole repetitive unit (0.51 kb) that contains both HindIII sites. Sequence analysis of cloned repeats indicates an average A + T content of 71%, with many A- and T-runs. Southern blot analysis shows an arrangement of multiple bands of the 0.51 kb monomer in SpeI-digested DNA, while HindIII-digested DNA shows a ladder composed of all the possible combinations of the 3 digested fragments. Quantitative dot-blot indicates that Dp-sat1 accounts for about 6% of the D. pictus genome: this value represents about 1.5 × 106 copies of repetitive units per nucleus. This satellite DNA is also a major repetitive DNA in 4 other Discoglossus species, in which the repetitive unit presents the same size and restriction sites except in D. montalentii where it contains a unique HindIII site. This satellite DNA was absent in all the other tested archaeo- and neo-bratrachian species, as well as non-amphibian species. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis shows that Dp-sat1 is localized only in peri- and/or para-centromeric areas of the 7 small chromosome pairs, while no labeling was observed in the 7 large chromosome pairs. Remarkably, Dp-sat1 heterochromatin is found only at one pole of the nucleus, suggesting that during interphase all 7 small chromosome pairs are located in the same nuclear region.
Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress and Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Fujii Hideki , Kono Keiji , Nakai Kentaro , Goto Shunsuke , Komaba Hirotaka , Hamada Yasuhiro , Shinohara Masami , Kitazawa Riko , Kitazawa Sohei , Fukagawa Masafumi
Published: March 2010

Background: The role of nitric oxide (NO) is controversial in diabetes nephropathy progression and the mechanisms remain unknown, especially in non-obese type 2 diabetes. To examine mechanisms of nephropathy progression in non-obese type 2 diabetes, we used spontaneously diabetic Torii (SDT) rats, a newly established model of non-obese type 2 diabetes. Methods: Fourteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were used as a control (20 weeks, n = 6; 30 weeks, n = 8), and 20-week-old male SDT rats were divided into 2 groups: diabetic (DM, n = 8) and DM + insulin (n = 8) groups. Twenty- and 36-week-old rats were sacrificed, and blood, urine, and histomorphometric analyses, mRNA expression analysis of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and NADPH oxidase, and blood pressure measurement were performed. Results: At 36 weeks, NO metabolites, and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were significantly higher in the diabetic group than in the other 2 groups. Further renal studies showed increased glomerular volume and mesangial area, and intensified eNOS, 8-OHdG, and nitrotyrosine immunostaining in the diabetic group. Oxidative and nitrosative stress were positively associated with increased glomerular volume and mesangial area, which were mostly recovered by insulin therapy. Conclusions: NO and oxidative stress increased in SDT rats, suggesting that these play key roles in nephropathy progression in non-obese type 2 diabetes.
Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Deficiency Attenuates Neointima Formation in the Femoral Cuff Model of Hyperlipidemic Mice
Authors: Revermann Marc , Schloss Manuel , Barbosa-Sicard Eduardo , Mieth Anja , Liebner Stefan , Morisseau Christophe , Geisslinger Gerd , Schermuly Ralph T. , Fleming Ingrid , Hammock Bruce D. , Brandes Ralf P.
Published: March 2010

Objective—

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) have antiinflammatory effects and are required for normal endothelial function. The soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) metabolizes EETs to their less active diols. We hypothesized that knockout and inhibition of sEH prevents neointima formation in hyperlipidemic ApoE
−/−
mice.

Methods and Results—

Inhibition of sEH by 12-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido) dodecanoic acid or knockout of the enzyme significantly increased plasma EET levels. sEH activity was detectable in femoral and carotid arteries. sEH knockout or inhibition resulted in a significant reduction of neointima formation in the femoral artery cuff model but not following carotid artery ligation. Although macrophage infiltration occurred abundantly at the site of cuff placement in both sEH
+/+
and sEH
−/−
, the expression of proinflammatory genes was significantly reduced in femoral arteries from sEH
−/−
mice. Moreover, an in vivo 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine assay revealed that smooth muscle cell proliferation at the site of cuff placement was attenuated in sEH knockout and sEH inhibitor–treated animals.

Conclusion—

These observations suggest that inhibition of sEH prevents vascular remodeling in an inflammatory model but not in a blood flow–dependent model of neointima formation.
Improving Modified Rankin Scale Assessment With a Simplified Questionnaire
Authors: Bruno Askiel , Shah Neel , Lin Chen , Close Brian , Hess David C. , Davis Kristin , Baute Vanessa , Switzer Jeffrey A. , Waller Jennifer L. , Nichols Fenwick T.
Published: March 2010

Background and Purpose—

The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is a popular primary stroke outcome measure, but its usefulness is limited by suboptimal reliability (inter-rater agreement).

Methods—

We developed and tested the reliability of a simplified mRS questionnaire (smRSq) in 50 patients after stroke seen in outpatient clinics. Randomly chosen paired raters administered the smRSq within 20 minutes of each other and the ratings were blinded until the end of this study.

Results—

Agreement among the raters was 78%, the κ statistic was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.58–0.86), and the weighted κ
w
statistic taking into account the extent of disagreement was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.72–0.92). The average time to administer the smRSq was 1.67 minutes.

Conclusions—

The smRSq appears to have very good reliability that is similar to that of a structured interview mRS and is considerably less time-consuming.
Outcomes of Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Chinese Patients
Authors: Chao A-Ching , Hsu Hung-Yi , Chung Chih-Ping , Liu Chung-Hsiang , Chen Chih-Hung , Teng Michael Mu-Huo , Peng Giia-Sheun , Sheng Wen-Yung , Hu Han Hwa ,   the Taiwan Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TTT-AIS) Study Group
Published: March 2010

Background and Purpose—

The safety and efficacy of alteplase for ischemic stroke has not been examined in Chinese patients. We assessed the safety and efficacy of alteplase for acute ischemic stroke in daily clinical practice in Taiwan.

Methods—

A prospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted in Taiwan from December 2004 to July 2008. Eligible patients (241) receiving alteplase were recruited and divided into 2 groups: standard dose (0.90±0.02 mg/kg, n=125) and lower dose (0.72±0.07 mg/kg, n=116). Primary outcome measures were safety: symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage and death within 3 months. The secondary outcome measure was efficacy a modified Rankin scale of 0 to 2 after 3 months.

Results—

The standard-dose group had higher rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage using National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study, and Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke-Monitoring Study definitions (10.4% versus 5.2%, 8.0% versus 2.6%, and 5.6% versus 1.7%, respectively) and mortality within 3 months (12.8% versus 6.9%), twice that of the lower-dose group. This pattern was more prominent in older patients. Significantly higher rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage per European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (15.4% versus 3.3%,
P
=0.0257) and mortality (21.1% versus 5.0%,
P
=0.0099) and significantly lower independence rate (32.6% versus 53.6%,
P
=0.0311) were observed among patients ≥70 years old receiving the standard dose than those receiving the lower dose.

Conclusions—

This study suggests that the standard dose of 0.9 mg/kg alteplase may not be optimal for treating aged Chinese patients. However, the dose of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for ischemic stroke in Chinese patients should be based on more broad and convincing evidences and randomized trials of lower versus higher doses are needed.
Building Blocks of Tropical Diabatic Heating
Authors: Hagos Samson
Published: March 2010

Rotated EOF analyses are used to study the composition and variability of large-scale tropical diabatic heating profiles estimated from eight field campaigns. The results show that the profiles are composed of a pair of building blocks. These are the stratiform heating with peak heating near 400 hPa and a cooling peak near 700 hPa and the convective heating with a heating maximum near 700 hPa. Variations in the contributions of these building blocks account for the evolution of the large-scale heating profile. Instantaneous top-heavy (bottom-heavy) large-scale heating profiles associated with excess of stratiform (convective) heating evolve toward a stationary mean profile due to exponential decay of the excess stratiform (convective) heating.
Evaluating Boundary Layer–Based Mass Flux Closures Using Cloud-Resolving Model Simulations of Deep Convection
Authors: Fletcher Jennifer K. , Bretherton Christopher S.
Published: March 2010

High-resolution three-dimensional cloud resolving model simulations of deep cumulus convection under a wide range of large-scale forcings are used to evaluate a mass flux closure based on boundary layer convective inhibition (CIN) that has previously been applied in parameterizations of shallow cumulus convection. With minor modifications, it is also found to perform well for deep oceanic and continental cumulus convection, and it matches simulated cloud-base mass flux much better than a closure based only on the boundary layer convective velocity scale. CIN closure maintains an important feedback among cumulus base mass flux, compensating subsidence, and CIN that keeps the boundary layer top close to cloud base. For deep convection, the proposed CIN closure requires prediction of a boundary layer mean turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and a horizontal moisture variance, both of which are strongly correlated with precipitation. For our cases, CIN closure predicts cloud-base mass flux in deep convective environments as well as the best possible bulk entraining CAPE closure, but unlike the latter, CIN closure also works well for shallow cumulus convection without retuning of parameters.
Climate Change Impacts on Jordan River Flow: Downscaling Application from a Regional Climate Model
Authors: Samuels Rana , Rimmer Alon , Hartmann Andreas , Krichak Simon , Alpert Pinhas
Published: March 2010

The integration of climate change projections into hydrological and other response models used for water resource planning and management is challenging given the varying spatial resolutions of the different models. In general, climate models are generated at spatial ranges of hundreds of kilometers, while hydrological models are generally watershed specific and based on input at the station or local level. This paper focuses on techniques applied to downscale large-scale climate model simulations to the spatial scale required by local response models (hydrological, agricultural, soil). Specifically, results were extracted from a regional climate model (RegCM) simulation focused on the Middle East, which was downscaled to a scale appropriate for input into a local watershed model [the Hydrological Model for Karst Environment (HYMKE)] calibrated for the upper Jordan River catchment. With this application, the authors evaluated the effect of future climate change on the amount and form of precipitation (rain or snow) and its effect on streamflow in the Jordan River and its tributaries—the major water resources in the region. They found that the expected changes in the form of precipitation are nearly insignificant in terms of changing the timing of streamflow. Additionally, the results suggest a future increase in evaporation and decrease in average annual rainfall, supporting expected changes based on global models in this region.
Analog Sky Condition Forecasting Based on a k-nn Algorithm
Authors: Hall Timothy J. , Thessin Rachel N. , Bloy Greg J. , Mutchler Carl N.
Published: March 2010

Very short-range, cloudy–clear sky condition forecasts are important for a variety of military, civil, and commercial activities. In this investigation, an approach based on a k-nearest neighbors (k-nn) algorithm was developed and implemented to query a historical database to identify historical analogs matching the features of a specific instance. This ensemble of analogs was then used to make a probabilistic, clear-sky condition forecast for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 h into the future, for local and regional target types in two geographically distinct regions within the continental United States. The analogs were identified in a database comprised of a multiyear, half-hourly time series of atmospheric features that included cloud features identified in weather satellite imagery and meteorological variables extracted or derived from data-assimilation-based model analyses generated by NCEP’s Eta Data Assimilation System. The analog forecast scheme’s performance exceeded persistence at all five forecast intervals for both target types in both regimes based on a group of metrics including the relative operating characteristic (ROC) score, sharpness, accuracy, skill, expected normalized best cost, and reliability.
Investigating the Potential of Using Radar Echo Reflectivity to Nowcast Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Initiation over Southern Ontario
Authors: Yang Y. Helen , King Patrick
Published: March 2010

The potential for using radar echo reflectivity to forecast cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning initiation in the 0–1-h time frame was investigated in southern Ontario, Canada. The main purpose of this investigation was to determine a reflectivity threshold at an isothermal altitude and a threshold for echo tops that best predict CG lightning initiation. The study examined lightning, radar, and upper-air sounding data for only airmass-type convection during the summer of 2008. The best predictor of the onset of CG lightning was found to be a 40-dBZ reflectivity level detected at an altitude with an environmental temperature of −10°C, with an average lead time of 17 min. Echo tops reaching or exceeding 7 km were a necessary condition prior to or at the time of the first CG lightning occurrence. Also, certain differences were observed depending on the polarity of the initial lightning flashes. Positive lightning flashes, when compared to negative ones, tended to deliver stronger electric currents and to be farther away from the locations of highest reflectivity on maximum reflectivity (MAXR) radar products. Lead times were observed to be shorter for positive lightning, which might suggest that positive-lightning-producing storm clouds became strongly electrified faster than their negative counterparts. Findings indicate the potential to develop a lightning nowcast algorithm suitable for Canadian forecast operational use.
An Examination of the Role of Attachment and Efficacy in Life Satisfaction
Authors: Wright Stephen L. , Perrone Kristin M.
Published: March 2010

The study examined interrelationships between attachment, social self-efficacy, career decision-making self-efficacy, and life satisfaction. Social cognitive career theory and attachment theory were integrated to provide a framework for this study. A conceptual model was proposed and tested to determine if social self-efficacy and career decision self-efficacy were full or partial mediators between attachment and life satisfaction. Structural equation modeling methods were utilized to test the model. Findings indicated that social self-efficacy and career decision self-efficacy partially mediated between attachment and life satisfaction among college students, the majority of whom were Caucasian females. This lends support to the idea that adult attachment is a fundamental source of efficacy information and operates as a critical component in college students’ perceptions of their efficacy in the domains of close relationships and career decisions, both of which impact life satisfaction. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Aggressive and Tender Navigations: Teacher Educators Confront Whiteness in Their Practice
Authors: Galman Sally , Pica-Smith Cinzia , Rosenberger Cynthia
Published: March 2010

Although attention has been focused on transforming preservice teachers’ beliefs and developing practice with antiracist pedagogy, this study suggests that similar attention should be paid to teacher educators’ beliefs and practice. This article combines self-study of teacher education practices and focus group research to examine three elementary-level teacher educators’ treatment of antiracist pedagogy. The findings paint a frank portrait of what happens when scholars fail to interrogate whiteness in teacher education. Lessons learned from the authors’ struggle may provide illumination for teacher educators grappling with similar challenges.
Polymolecular Layer Adsorption Model and Mathematical Simulation of Moisture Adsorption of Fabrics
Authors: Yingchun Du  , Jin Li  , Lingjie Liu
Published: March 2010

By referring to the BET polymolecular layer adsorption model, this paper has built up the polymolecular layer adsorption model for the moisture adsorption of fabrics. For polyester—cotton fabrics of different warp and weft densities and different weave structures, in this paper we have carried out moisture adsorption experiments at 20—45°C and within a relative humidity range of 20—95%. Based on the experimental data of equilibrium dry-basis water content of moisture adsorption, in this paper we estimate the value of three parameters of the BET model with Mathematica software, and obtain the numerical value of each parameter in the model, namely the number of moisture adsorption layers in fabric ( n), the moisture adsorption performance parameter of materials ( C), the saturated equilibrium adsorption dry-basis water content ( Ym), and then the equilibrium dry-basis water content of materials after moisture adsorption under a certain temperature and relative humidity can be calculated from this model. According to the result, the simulated value tallies well with the experimental value and this shows that polymolecular layer adsorption theory could describe the moisture adsorption mechanism of fabrics well. In addition, we compare and analyze the differences in moisture adsorption performance among fabrics of different warp and weft densities and different weave structures.
Investigation of the Effect of Yarn Locations on Color Properties of Polyester Automotive Upholstery Woven Fabrics after Abrasion
Authors: Akgun Mine , Becerir Behcet , Alpay Halil Rifat , Karaaslan Seda , Eke Aysin
Published: March 2010

Automobile upholstery fabrics are regularly exposed to various deformations because of their usage conditions in the cars. Abrasion, being one of these deformations, occurs by various rubbing forces such as sitting, cleaning, etc. In addition to the physical deformations occurring in the structure of fabrics, such as fiber and yarn breakage, pilling or rupture by force, changes in appearance and consequently color differences are possible results of rubbing. In this study, polyester woven fabrics that are used in the automotive industry as car interior furnishing were investigated at different abrasion levels (500, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000) and changes in color and percentage reflectance values were determined. The polyester fabrics differed from each other by their warp and weft densities, warp and weft yarn counts and fabric weave patterns. The fabric that has been abraded in each level was compared with its original state and reflectance and color difference values were determined. It was observed that surface color coordinates changed as the yarn float length of the different weave patterns changed and color differences increased as the yarn float lengths increased. Compact fabric structures with high yarn crossing numbers (yarn intersections) were found resistant to the effects of abrasion in color terms. It was concluded that the fiber ends which occurred on the fabric surfaces after abrasion affected the reflectance behavior of the surfaces in different manners regarding the compactness of woven structures.
Orientation Density Function of Ply yarn
Authors: Boong Soo Jeon  , Young Jun Kim
Published: March 2010

Assuming that the individual fibers in a ply yarn have the form of a doubly wound helix, we simulate the paths of the individual fibers in the yarn. We show the fiber paths as a function of the fiber position in the single yarn, the number of twists of the single yarn and the ply yarn, and the direction of twist for the single yarn and the ply yarn. We also calculate the orientation angle, the orientation density function, and the mean of orientation angle in a ply yarn in order to predict the mechanical properties of ply yarn.
Unpacking Preference: How Previous Experience Affects Auto Ownership in the United States
Authors: Weinberger Rachel , Goetzke Frank
Published: March 2010

As environmental concerns mount alongside increasing auto dependence, research has been devoted to understanding the number of automobiles households own. The 2000 US census public use micro sample is used to demonstrate the importance of preference formation in auto ownership by studying auto ownership among recent movers. Using a multinomial probit model, the paper demonstrates that residents in the US transit cities who moved from major metropolitan areas are more likely to own fewer vehicles than counterparts who moved from smaller metropolitan areas and non-metropolitan areas. It is concluded that these results are due to learned preferences for levels of car ownership. Once the self-reinforcing ‘cultural knowledge’ of living without cars is lost, it could be difficult to regain. A focus on children and young adults, familiarising them with alternatives to the car may be an important approach to developing collective preferences for fewer cars.
Citizens’ Intermunicipal Political Orientations: Evidence from Swedish City-regions
Authors: Lidström Anders
Published: March 2010

Theories of public participation, such as the civic voluntarism model, typically assume that local participation takes place in the community where one resides. However, with an increasingly mobile population, this can no longer be taken for granted. Using survey data, this study analyses citizens’ intermunicipal political orientations in urban and suburban municipalities in seven Swedish city-regions. The civic voluntarism model turns out to be only partially applicable. In addition, it appears that having links across the urban—suburb divide—that is, working in a large urban region but dwelling in the suburbs rather than in the city—enhances one’s intermunicipal political orientation. The findings have practical implications that point to the need to reconsider how urban democracy is organised.
Land Leasing and Local Public Finance in China’s Regional Development: Evidence from Prefecture-level Cities
Authors: Ran Tao  , Fubing Su  , Mingxing Liu  , Guangzhong Cao
Published: March 2010

By analysing the evolution of local governments’ roles in different periods of China’s growth in transition, this paper explores local fiscal incentives to use subsidised land and infrastructure as key instruments in regional competition for manufacturing investment since the mid 1990s. Local land development behaviour is related to China’s current land use institutions and intergovernmental arrangements. On the basis of panel data covering prefectural-level cities from 1999 to 2003, the paper empirically identifies and compares the fiscal impacts of different forms of land leasing (by negotiation versus by auction/tender). Policy implications are drawn from this analysis, for the further reform of China’s urban land system and fiscal institutions.
Screening Tools Assessing Risk of Suicide and Self-Harm in Adult Offenders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Perry Amanda E. , Marandos Rania , Coulton Simon , Johnson Mathew
Published: March 2010

This systematic review assessed the validity of screening instruments to identify the risk of suicide and self-harm behaviour in offenders. A search of 11 electronic databases and grey literature resulted in the inclusion of five studies. The five studies revealed four screening instruments, including the Suicide Checklist, the Suicide Probability Scale, Suicide Concerns for Offenders in Prison Environment (SCOPE), and the Suicide Potential Scale. Two instruments, SCOPE and Suicide Potential Scale, shared promising levels of sensitivity and specificity. The reporting of information was generally varied across items on the Standards for the Reporting of Diagnostic accuracy (STARD). Research is needed to assess the predictive validity of tools for offender populations in the identification of those at risk, particularly those in probation and community settings.
N of One plus Some: An Alternative Strategy for Conducting Single Case Research
Authors: Mukhija Vinit
Published: March 2010

Case study researchers choose between single and multiple case research approaches. The literature recommends single cases for gaining in-depth understanding and multiple cases for acquiring broader understanding. This article presents the unconventional approach of a primary case informed by multiple secondary cases. It suggests that focusing on one case while following some additional secondary cases may, paradoxically and under certain conditions, be a better way of conducting in-depth, single case research. The secondary, or assisting, cases can help the researcher to identify issues to expect, questions to ask, and data to look for in the primary case.
Journey Toward Self-Determination
Authors: Ankeny Elizabeth Madson , Lehmann Jean P.
Published: March 2010

Four students with disabilities enrolled in a secondary transition program located at a community college were interviewed to learn more about their transition experiences. One of the issues they touched on was self-determination. This study is a part of the larger qualitative narrative effort but with a specific focus on exploring participants’ perceptions regarding their journey toward self-determination. Field and Hoffman’s model of self-determination (i.e., know yourself, value yourself, plan, act and experience outcomes, and learn) guided the data re-examination. Themes found in students’ stories were (a) personal factors associated with the construct of self-determination, (b) environments and experiences that foster self-determination, and (c) the individualized education program meeting as a significant tool for supporting students’ building of skills leading to self-determination. The journey toward self-determination for the four narrators was formative and complex and highlights the need to promote its practice. The authors conclude that the study’s methodology promoting joint recollection and reflection about significant life events can enhance students’ understanding and appreciation of their acquisition of self-determination skills.
Parental Involvement in the Prereferral Process
Authors: Chen Wei-Bing , Gregory Anne
Published: March 2010

Little is known about parental involvement in the prereferral intervention team (PIT) process. To shed light on the role of parental involvement in PIT meetings and referred student outcomes, this study used a stratified sample of 88 PIT student records from 14 elementary schools within one district. The records were randomly selected and reliably coded. Analyses revealed that greater parental involvement, measured in two ways—parent presence at PIT meetings and parent implementation of PIT interventions—was associated with an indicator of the quality of the PIT process. Parent presence at PIT meetings was also linked with a student outcome. When parents attended more PIT meetings, there was a decreased likelihood of referral for special education evaluation. Practical implications about why and how parents may influence the PIT process and student outcomes are offered.
Evaluation of Spasticity in Children With Cerebral Palsy Using Ashworth and Tardieu Scales Compared With Laboratory Measures
Authors: Alhusaini Adel A. A. , Dean Catherine M. , Crosbie Jack , Shepherd Roberta B. , Lewis Jenny
Published: March 2010

The content validity of the Tardieu Scale and the Ashworth Scale was assessed in 27 independently ambulant children with cerebral palsy (gender: 17 males, 10 females; age: 5—9 years; Gross Motor Function Classification: level I and II). Ashworth and Tardieu Scale scores and laboratory measures of spasticity and contracture were collected from the plantarflexor muscles by 2 examiners who were blinded to the results. The Tardieu Scale was more effective than the Ashworth Scale in identifying the presence of spasticity (88.9%, kappa = 0.73; P = .000), the presence of contracture (77.8%, kappa = 0.503; P = .008) and the severity of contracture (r = 0.49; P = .009). However, neither scale was able to identify the severity of spasticity. The Tardieu Scale can provide useful information in children with cerebral palsy because it differentiates spasticity from contracture. However, a more comprehensive clinical method of testing neural and non-neural contributions to impairments and function is needed.
A Registry-Based Assessment of Cerebral Palsy and Cerebral Malformations
Authors: Self Lauren , Shevell Michael I. ,   REPACQ Consortium
Published: March 2010

Cerebral malformations are 1 of the many possible causes of cerebral palsy. In this study, a population-based comprehensive cerebral palsy registry was used to identify children whose cerebral palsy could be attributed to a cerebral malformation. The clinical features of these children were then compared with other children with cerebral palsy. Children with cerebral palsy and cerebral malformation did not differ from those without in terms of the neurological subtype of cerebral palsy or its functional severity as measured by the Gross Motor Function Classification System. There was a difference in the number of cumulative comorbidities experienced by the children with cerebral malformation. In addition, children with cerebral malformation tended to be of greater gestational age and birth weight, or the product of a twin gestation. Children with cerebral palsy attributable to a cerebral malformation represent a distinct clinical pathologic entity with respect to predisposing clinical features and associated comorbidities.
Inference for marginal linear models for clustered longitudinal data with potentially informative cluster sizes
Authors: Ming Wang  , Maiying Kong  , Datta Somnath
Published: March 2010

Clustered longitudinal data are often collected as repeated measures on subjects arising in clusters. Examples include periodontal disease study, where the measurements related to the disease status of each tooth are collected over time for each patient, which can be considered as a cluster. For such applications, the number of teeth for each patient may be related to the overall oral health of the individual and hence may influence the distribution of the outcome measure of interest leading to an informative cluster size. Under such situations, generalised estimating equations (GEE) may lead to invalid inferences. In this article, we investigate the performance of three competing proposals of fitting marginal linear models to clustered longitudinal data, namely, GEE, within-cluster resampling (WCR) and cluster-weighted generalised estimating equations (CWGEE). We show by simulations and theoretical calculations that, when the cluster size is informative, GEE provides biased estimators, while both WCR and CWGEE achieve unbiasedness under a variety of ‘working’ correlation structures for temporal measurements within each subject. Statistical properties of confidence intervals have been investigated using the probability—probability plots. Overall, CWGEE appears to be the recommended choice for marginal parametric inference with clustered longitudinal data that achieves similar parameter estimates and test statistics as WCR while avoiding Monte Carlo computation. The corresponding Wald tests have desirable power properties as well. We illustrate our analysis using a temporal data set on periodontal disease, which clearly demonstrates the need for CWGEE over GEE.
Inferences about a linear combination of proportions
Authors: Martín Andrés A. , Álvarez Hernández M. , Herranz Tejedor I.
Published: March 2010

Statistical methods for carrying out asymptotic inferences (tests or confidence intervals) relative to one or two independent binomial proportions are very frequent. However, inferences about a linear combination of K independent proportions L = Σβipi (in which the first two are special cases) have had very little attention paid to them (focused exclusively on the classic Wald method). In this article the authors approach the problem from the more efficient viewpoint of the score method, which can be solved using a free programme, which is available from the webpage quoted in the article. In addition the article offers approximate formulas that are easy to calculate, gives a general proof of Agresti’s heuristic method (consisting of adding a certain number of successes and failures to the original results before applying Wald’s method) and, finally, it proves that the score method (which verifies the desirable properties of spatial and parametric convexity) is the best option in comparison with other methods.