bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clashing Taboos: Danish Cartoons, the Life of Brian and Public Diplomacy
Authors: Rolfe Mark
Published: October 2009

The Danish cartoons' controversy of 2006-2008 was not a unique storm that has fortunately passed over the world into history. It exhibited reactions that had much in common with previous transnational disputes involving satire, such as the movie Life of Brian and Holocaust cartoons, but there is now the potential for global communications to accelerate and exacerbate such clashes. The media amplify clashes between the various actors and the taboos involved in such disputes. There is also a 'dialogue of the deaf', in which political elites are more concerned with speaking to their own constituencies or refuse to withdraw from problematic statements and policies rather than engaging in dialogue. Such discursive conflict has implications for transnational democracy and public diplomacy.
Using 'Pace' in Diplomatic Analysis
Authors: Rancatore Jason
Published: October 2009

This article explores the concept of pace in social interaction in order to gain traction for explaining the conditions and consequences of diplomatic activity. Two recent analyses related to diplomacy and pace are reconsidered. In the First World War case, the different environments in which Maurice Paléologue and Wilhelm von Schoen were socialized regarding the pace of diplomatic activity explain the selection of particular activities and objectives. In the 2001 EP-3 case, the mediation of tension between the United States and China is explained through the interpretive process of understanding diplomatic action, which includes particular notions of pace. Because this article specifies the continuities that make identification of accommodation and resistance possible, it is part of a growing body of literature that urges researchers to consider normal practice and what meanings are constituted by them.
Intercomparison of Rainfall Estimates from Radar, Satellite, Gauge, and Combinations for a Season of Record Rainfall
Authors: Gourley Jonathan J. , Hong Yang , Flamig Zachary L. , Li Li , Wang Jiahu
Published: October 2009

Rainfall products from radar, satellite, rain gauges, and combinations have been evaluated for a season of record rainfall in a heavily instrumented study domain in Oklahoma. Algorithm performance is evaluated in terms of spatial scale, temporal scale, and rainfall intensity. Results from this study will help users of rainfall products to understand their errors. Moreover, it is intended that developers of rainfall algorithms will use the results presented herein to optimize the contribution from available sensors to yield the most skillful multisensor rainfall products.
Bayesian Changepoint Analysis for Extreme Events (Typhoons, Heavy Rainfall, and Heat Waves): An RJMCMC Approach
Authors: Zhao Xin , Chu Pao-Shin
Published: October 2009

A hierarchical Bayesian framework is developed to identify multiple abrupt regime shifts in an extreme event series. Specifically, extreme events are modeled as a Poisson process with a gamma-distributed rate. Multiple candidate hypotheses are considered, under each of which there presumably exist a certain number of abrupt shifts of the rate. A Bayesian network involving three layers—data, parameter, and hypothesis—is formulated. A reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo (RJMCMC) algorithm is developed to calculate posterior probability for each hypothesis as well its associated within-hypothesis parameters. Based on the proposed RJMCMC algorithm, a simulated example is designed to illustrate the effectiveness of the method. Subsequently, the algorithm is applied to three real, rare event time series: the annual typhoon counts over the western North Pacific (WNP), the annual extreme heavy rainfall event counts at the Honolulu airport, and the annual heat wave frequency in the Chicago area. Results indicate that the typhoon activity over the WNP is very likely to have undergone a decadal variation, with two change points occurring around 1972 and 1989 characterized by the active 1960–71 epoch, the inactive 1972–88 epoch, and the moderately active 1989–2006 epoch. For the extreme rainfall case, only one shift around 1970 is found and heavy rainfall frequency has remained stationary since then. There is no evidence that the rate of the annual heat wave counts in the Chicago area has had any abrupt change during the past 50 years.
An Evaluation of the Statistics of Rainfall Extremes in Rain Gauge Observations, and Satellite-Based and Reanalysis Products Using Universal Multifractals
Authors: Sun Xiaoming , Barros Ana P.
Published: October 2009

Confidence in the estimation of variations in the frequency of extreme events, and specifically extreme precipitation, in response to climate variability and change is key to the development of adaptation strategies. One challenge to establishing a statistical baseline of rainfall extremes is the disparity among the types of datasets (observations versus model simulations) and their specific spatial and temporal resolutions. In this context, a multifractal framework was applied to three distinct types of rainfall data to assess the statistical differences among time series corresponding to individual rain gauge measurements alone—National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), model-based reanalysis [North America Regional Reanalysis (NARR) grid points], and satellite-based precipitation products [Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) pixels]—for the western United States (west of 105°W). Multifractal analysis provides general objective metrics that are especially adept at describing the statistics of extremes of time series. This study shows that, as expected, multifractal parameters estimated from the NCDC rain gauge dataset map the geography of known hydrometeorological phenomena in the major climatic regions, including the strong orographic gradients from west to east; whereas the NARR parameters reproduce the spatial patterns of NCDC parameters, but the frequency of large rainfall events, the magnitude of maximum rainfall, and the mean intermittency are underestimated. That is, the statistics of the NARR climatology suggest milder extremes than those derived from rain gauge measurements. The spatial distributions of GPCP parameters closely match the NCDC parameters over arid and semiarid regions (i.e., the Southwest), but there are large discrepancies in all parameters in the midlatitudes above 40°N because of reduced sampling. This study provides an alternative independent backdrop to benchmark the use of reanalysis products and satellite datasets to assess the effect of climate change on extreme rainfall.
Using Fractal Downscaling of Satellite Precipitation Products for Hydrometeorological Applications
Authors: Tao Kun , Barros Ana P.
Published: October 2009

The objective of spatial downscaling strategies is to increase the information content of coarse datasets at smaller scales. In the case of quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) for hydrological applications, the goal is to close the scale gap between the spatial resolution of coarse datasets (e.g., gridded satellite precipitation products at resolution L × L) and the high resolution (l × l; L ≫ l) necessary to capture the spatial features that determine spatial variability of water flows and water stores in the landscape. In essence, the downscaling process consists of weaving subgrid-scale heterogeneity over a desired range of wavelengths in the original field. The defining question is, which properties, statistical and otherwise, of the target field (the known observable at the desired spatial resolution) should be matched, with the caveat that downscaling methods be as a general as possible and therefore ideally without case-specific constraints and/or calibration requirements? Here, the attention is focused on two simple fractal downscaling methods using iterated functions systems (IFS) and fractal Brownian surfaces (FBS) that meet this requirement. The two methods were applied to disaggregate spatially 27 summertime convective storms in the central United States during 2007 at three consecutive times (1800, 2100, and 0000 UTC, thus 81 fields overall) from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) version 6 (V6) 3B42 precipitation product (∼25-km grid spacing) to the same resolution as the NCEP stage IV products (∼4-km grid spacing). Results from bilinear interpolation are used as the control. A fundamental distinction between IFS and FBS is that the latter implies a distribution of downscaled fields and thus an ensemble solution, whereas the former provides a single solution. The downscaling effectiveness is assessed using fractal measures (the spectral exponent β, fractal dimension D, Hurst coefficient H, and roughness amplitude R) and traditional operational scores statistics scores [false alarm rate (FR), probability of detection (PD), threat score (TS), and Heidke skill score (HSS)], as well as bias and the root-mean-square error (RMSE). The results show that both IFS and FBS fractal interpolation perform well with regard to operational skill scores, and they meet the additional requirement of generating structurally consistent fields. Furthermore, confidence intervals can be directly generated from the FBS ensemble. The results were used to diagnose errors relevant for hydrometeorological applications, in particular a spatial displacement with characteristic length of at least 50 km (2500 km2) in the location of peak rainfall intensities for the cases studied.
Tropospheric Water Vapor Profiles Retrieved from Pressure-Broadened Emission Spectra at 22 GHz
Authors: Haefele Alexander , Kämpfer Niklaus
Published: October 2009

The authors present the analysis and the evaluation of the retrieval of tropospheric water vapor profiles from pressure-broadened emission spectra at 22 GHz measured with a ground-based microwave spectroradiometer. The spectra have a bandwidth of 1 GHz with a resolution of 20 MHz and are centered at 22.235 GHz. Because of the small bandwidth, the retrieval is insensitive to clouds and measurements are possible under almost all nonprecipitating weather conditions. The retrieved profiles are evaluated with a set of 200 coincident balloon soundings with RS92 sensors. The correlation coefficient between the microwave retrievals and the RS92 measurements lies above 0.7 km, up to 8 km, and the retrievals show a wet bias compared to RS92 of 10% at 2 km, increasing to 30% at 6 km.
A Particle Filter for Inverse Lagrangian Prediction Problems
Authors: Chin T. Mike , Mariano Arthur J.
Published: October 2009

The authors present a numerical method for the inverse Lagrangian prediction problem, which addresses retrospective estimation of drifter trajectories through a turbulent flow, given their final positions and some knowledge of the flow field. Of particular interest is probabilistic estimation of the origin (or launch site) of drifters for practical applications in search and rescue operations, drifting sensor array design, and biochemical source location. A typical solution involves a Monte Carlo simulation of an ensemble of Lagrangian trajectories backward in time using the known final locations, a set of velocity estimates, and a stochastic model for the unresolved flow components. Because of the exponential dispersion of the trajectories, however, the distribution of the drifter locations tends to be too diffuse to be able to reliably locate the launch site. A particle filter that constrains the drifter ensemble according to the empirical dispersion characteristics of the flow field is examined. Using the filtering method, launch-site prediction cases with and without a dispersion constraint are compared in idealized as well as realistic scenarios. It is shown that the ensemble with the dispersion constraint can locate the launch site more specifically and accurately than the unconstrained ensemble.
Sensitivity of Simulated Tropical Cyclone Structure and Intensity to Horizontal Resolution
Authors: Gentry Megan S. , Lackmann Gary M.
Published: October 2009

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to test the sensitivity of simulations of Hurricane Ivan (2004) to changes in horizontal grid spacing for grid lengths from 8 to 1 km. As resolution is increased, minimum central pressure decreases significantly (by 30 hPa from 8- to 1-km grid spacing), although this increase in intensity is not uniform across similar reductions in grid spacing, even when pressure fields are interpolated to a common grid. This implies that the additional strengthening of the simulated tropical cyclone (TC) at higher resolution is not attributable to sampling, but is due to changes in the representation of physical processes important to TC intensity.

The most apparent changes in simulated TC structure with resolution occur near a grid length of 4 km. At 4-km grid spacing and below, polygonal eyewall segments appear, suggestive of breaking vortex Rossby waves. With sub-4-km grid lengths, localized, intense updraft cores within the eyewall are numerous and both polygonal and circular eyewall shapes appear regularly. Higher-resolution simulations produce a greater variety of shapes, transitioning more frequently between polygonal and circular eyewalls relative to lower-resolution simulations. It is hypothesized that this is because of the ability to resolve a greater range of wavenumbers in high-resolution simulations. Also, as resolution is increased, a broader range of updraft and downdraft velocities is present in the eyewall. These results suggest that grid spacing of 2 km or less is needed for representation of important physical processes in the TC eyewall. Grid-length and domain size suggestions for operational prediction are provided; for operational prediction, a grid length of 3 km or less is recommended.
The Impact of Tropical Storm Paul (1999) on the Motion and Rainfall Associated with Tropical Storm Rachel (1999) near Taiwan
Authors: Wu Chun-Chieh , Cheung Kevin K. W. , Chen Jan-Huey , Chang Cheng-Chuan
Published: October 2009

A heavy rainfall event associated with the passage of Tropical Storm Rachel (1999) over southern Taiwan was studied in which a conceptual model was proposed. In the model, Tropical Storm Paul (1999) plays an important role in impeding the movement of Rachel, thus becoming one of the key factors in enhancing the rainfall amount in southern Taiwan. To further quantify the above concept, a mesoscale numerical model is used to evaluate the influence of Paul on the simulated rainfall associated with Rachel near Taiwan. Sensitivity experiments are performed by removing the circulation of Paul, and/or the large-scale monsoon trough system, where Paul is imbedded. The potential vorticity diagnosis shows that the movement of Rachel is indeed affected by the presence of Paul. Nevertheless, a more detailed analysis shows that it is the presence of the entire monsoon trough that impedes the movement of Rachel and steers the storm toward southwestern Taiwan especially before its landfall. In all, these results generally support the conceptual model with regard to the heavy rainfall mechanism proposed in a previous study. Moreover, this study further points out that it is the circulation associated with both Paul and the entire monsoon trough that affects the movement of Rachel. In addition, the analyses based on the no-terrain simulation depict the relationships among the moisture-rich air from the South China Sea associated with Rachel, relatively dry air from South China, and the mechanism of forming a warm and dry region to the eastern side of the Taiwan terrain, which greatly influences the heavy rainfall distribution in the event.
Electrically Active Hot Towers in African Easterly Waves prior to Tropical Cyclogenesis
Authors: Leppert Kenneth D. , Petersen Walter A.
Published: October 2009

It has been hypothesized that intense convective-scale “hot” towers play a role in tropical cyclogenesis via dynamic and thermodynamic feedbacks on the larger-scale circulation. In this study the authors investigate the role that widespread and/or intense lightning-producing convection (i.e., electrically hot towers) present in African easterly waves (AEWs) may play in tropical cyclogenesis over the east Atlantic Ocean.

The 700-hPa meridional wind from the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis dataset was analyzed to divide the waves into northerly, southerly, trough, and ridge phases. The AEWs were subsequently divided into waves that developed into tropical storms (i.e., developing) and those that did not develop into tropical storms (i.e., nondeveloping). Finally, composites were created using various NCEP variables, lightning data gathered with the Zeus network and worldwide lightning location network (WWLLN), and brightness temperature data extracted from the NASA global-merged infrared brightness temperature dataset.

Results indicate that in all regions examined the developing waves seem to be associated with more widespread and/or intense lightning-producing convection. This increased convection associated with the developing waves might be related to the increased midlevel moisture, low-level vorticity, low-level convergence, upper-level divergence, and increased upward vertical motion found to be associated with the developing waves. In addition, the phasing of the convection with the AEWs as they move from East Africa to the central Atlantic shows some variability, which may have implications for tropical cyclogenesis.
A Numerical Study of the Evolving Convective Boundary Layer and Orographic Circulation around the Santa Catalina Mountains in Arizona. Part I: Circulation without Deep Convection
Authors: Demko J. Cory , Geerts Bart
Published: October 2009

The daytime evolution of the thermally forced boundary layer (BL) circulation over an isolated mountain, about 30 km in diameter and 2 km high, is examined by means of numerical simulations validated with data collected in the Cumulus Photogrammetric, In Situ, and Doppler Observations (CuPIDO) field campaign. Two cases are presented, one remains cloud free in the simulations, and the second produces orographic convection just deep enough to yield a trace of precipitation. The Weather Research and Forecasting version 3 simulations, at a resolution of 1 km, compare well with CuPIDO observations.

The simulations reveal a solenoidal circulation mostly contained within the convective BL, but this circulation and especially its upper-level return flow branch are not immediately apparent since they are overwhelmed by BL thermals. A warm anomaly forms over the high terrain during the day, but it is rather shallow and does not extend over the depth of the convective BL, which bulges over the mountain. Low-level mountain-scale convergence (MSC), driven by an anabatic pressure gradient, deepens during the day. Even relatively shallow and relatively small cumulus convection can temporarily overwhelm surface MSC by cloud shading and convective downdraft dynamics. In the evening drainage flow develops near the surface before the anabatic forcing ceases, and anabatic flow is still present in the residual mixed layer, decoupled from the surface. The interaction of the boundary layer circulation with deep orographic convection is examined in Part II of this study.
Seasonal Ensemble Predictions of West African Monsoon Precipitation in the ECMWF System 3 with a Focus on the AMMA Special Observing Period in 2006
Authors: Tompkins Adrian M. , Feudale Laura
Published: October 2009

The West Africa monsoon precipitation of the ECMWF operational Seasonal Forecast System (SYS3) is evaluated at a lead time of 2–4 months in a 49-yr hindcast dataset, with special attention paid to the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis (AMMA) special observation period during 2006. In both the climatology and the year 2006 the SYS3 reproduces the progression of the West Africa monsoon but with a number of differences, most notably a southerly shift of the precipitation in the main monsoon months of July and August and the lack of preonset rainfall suppression and sudden onset jump. The model skill at predicting summer monsoon rainfall anomalies has increased in recent years indicating improvements in the ocean analysis since the 1990s.

Examination of other model fields shows a widespread warm sea surface temperature (SST) bias exceeding 1.5 K in the Gulf of Guinea throughout the monsoon months in addition to a cold bias in the North Atlantic, which would both tend to enhance rainfall over the Gulf of Guinea coast at the expense of the monsoon rainfall over the Sahel. Seasonal forecasts were repeated for 2006 using the same release of the atmospheric forecast model forced by observed SSTs, and the monsoon rainfall reverts to its observed position, indicating the importance of the SST biases.

A lack of stratocumulus off the west coast of Africa in SYS3 was hypothesized as a possible cause of the systematic rain and SST biases. Two more sets of ensembles were thus conducted with atmospheric model upgrades designed to tackle radiation, deep convection, and turbulence deficiencies. While these enhancements improve the simulation of stratocumulus significantly, it is found that the improvement in the warm SST bias is limited in scope to the southern cold tongue region. In contrast, the changes to the representation of convection cause an increase in surface downwelling shortwave radiation that, combined with latent heat flux changes associated with the wind stress field, increases the SST warm bias on and to the north of the equator. Thus, while the precipitation shortfall in the Sahel is reduced with the new physics, the overestimated rainfall of SYS3 in the coastal region is further enhanced, degrading the model systematic errors overall in the West Africa region. Finally, the difference in the systematic biases between the coupled and uncoupled systems was noted to be an impediment to the development of seamless forecasting systems.
Applications of remote sensing in geomorphology
Authors: Smith M.J. , Pain C.F.
Published: October 2009

Remotely sensed imagery has been used extensively in geomorphology since the availability of early Landsat data, with its value measurable by the extent to which it can meet the investigative requirements of geomorphologists. Geomorphology focuses upon landform description/classification, process characterization and the association between landforms and processes, while remote sensing is able to provide information on the location/distribution of landforms, surface/subsurface composition and surface elevation. The current context for the application of remote sensing in geomorphology is presented with a particular focus upon the impact of new technologies, in particular: (1) the wide availability of digital elevation models; and (2) the introduction of hyperspectral imaging, radiometrics and electromagnetics. Remote sensing is also beginning to offer capacity in terms of close-range (<200 m) techniques for very high-resolution imaging. This paper reviews the primary sources for DEMs from satellite and airborne platforms, as well as briefly reviewing more traditional multispectral scanners, and radiometric and electromagnetic systems. Examples of the applications of these techniques are summarized and presented within the context of geomorphometric analysis and spectral modelling. Finally, the wider issues of access to geographic information and data distribution are discussed.
Remote sensing: hydrology
Authors: Tang Qiuhong , Gao Huilin , Lu Hui , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: October 2009

Satellite remote sensing is a viable source of observations of land surface hydrologic fluxes and state variables, particularly in regions where in situ networks are sparse. Over the last 10 years, the study of land surface hydrology using remote sensing techniques has advanced greatly with the launch of NASA’s Earth Observing System (EOS) and other research satellite platforms, and with the development of more sophisticated retrieval algorithms. Most of the constituent variables in the land surface water balance (eg, precipitation, evapotranspiration, snow and ice, soil moisture, and terrestrial water storage variations) are now observable at varying spatial and temporal resolutions and accuracy via remote sensing. We evaluate the current status of estimates of each of these variables, as well as river discharge, the direct estimation of which is not yet possible. Although most of the constituent variables are observable by remote sensing, attempts to close the surface water budget from remote sensing alone have generally been unsuccessful, suggesting that current generation sensors and platforms are not yet able to provide hydrologically consistent observations of the land surface water budget at any spatial scale.
Progress in satellite remote sensing of ice sheets
Authors: Quincey D.J. , Luckman A.
Published: October 2009

Understanding the changing mass balance and surface dynamics of the Earth’s major ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica is of fundamental importance for accurate predictions of future sea-level rise. In this review, the remote sensing data sources available to ice-sheet studies are considered and the range of information that can be gained from remote sensing is examined. The review demonstrates that the integration of a range of remote sensing data sets can provide information on ice-sheet dynamics and volume changes, melt patterns and formation and drainage of supra- and subglacial lakes. Such data are highly complementary to field investigations by providing a regional-scale, synoptic perspective. The review concludes that emerging remote sensing techniques such as SAR interferometry, feature tracking, scatterometry, altimetry and gravimetry provide vital information without which an understanding of ice sheets would be far less advanced. It also concludes that there remain several key challenges for remote sensing, in particular relating to the observation of rapid dynamical changes that are characteristic of contemporary ice-sheet response to continued climatic warming.
Internationalization of U.K. University Business Schools
Authors: Bennett Roger , Kane Suzanne
Published: October 2009

A questionnaire was sent to the heads of internationalization in the business schools of all U.K. universities. Sixty-five replies were received. The document covered, inter alia, the internationalization activities undertaken by the respondents’ schools, the intensities with which internationalization had been implemented, motives for internationalizing, approaches adopted (gradualistic vs. simultaneous), possible links with graduate employability, and the role of innate predilections toward internationalization held by senior business school managers. A schematic model intended to explain the speed, extent, and intensity of a business school’s internationalization was developed and tested. It transpired that levels of internationalization activity within the sample institutions were substantial. The degree and/or speed of internationalization within a business school appeared to depend significantly on the financial situation of the host university, managerial inclinations favoring internationalization, financial dependence on foreign students, the desire to attract greater numbers of students from overseas, the size of the business school and the age of its host university, and the belief among senior managers that an internationalized curriculum improved the employment and career prospects of British born as well as foreign students.
Sexual Assault and Current Mental Health: The Role of Help-Seeking and Police Response
Authors: Kaukinen Catherine , DeMaris Alfred
Published: October 2009

We examine the extent to which seeking help from social service agencies, family and friends, reporting to the police, or responses by the police might buffer or exacerbate the impact of sexual assault on mental health outcomes among sexual assault victims.The trend in many cases was for help-seeking and police response to exacerbate the impact of sexual assault victimization. With respect to depression, we found that the association of rape penetration was greater among those seeking help from social services and those reporting their victimization to the police. Although arresting the offender appears to be associated with higher levels of depression, it actually results in a lower probability of heavy episodic drinking.
Nutritional Effects of Mechanically Deboned Chicken Meat and Soybean Proteins Cross-linking by Microbial Transglutaminase
Authors: Volken de Souza C.F. , Guimarães Venzke J. , Hickmann Flôres S. , Záchia Ayub M.A.
Published: October 2009

This work studied the nutritional effects of protein cross-linking as mediated by microbial transglutaminase (TGase) using rats as biological models. Rats were divided into six groups that received diets containing casein (standard protein diet), cross-linked meat protein (CMP), meat protein (MP), cross-linked soy protein, or soy protein (SP) as the protein sources of their diets, which were compared against an aproteic diet (basal diet). The cross-linking process showed a significant (p < 0.05) impact on the true digestibility (TD) of meat and SPs, decreasing it for the first and increasing it for the second. As a consequence, the TD of modified SP became similar to that observed for CMP, although, the biological value, net protein utilization, net protein ratio, and protein retention efficiency values of meat and SPs were not affected in the process. These results suggest that the use of TGase for the reticulation of isolated SP can improve its nutritional quality.
Shared and Nonshared Symptoms in Youth-Onset Psychosis and ADHD
Authors: Karatekin Canan , White Tonya , Bingham Christopher
Published: October 2009

Objective: We compared ratings of behavior and attention problems between youth-onset psychosis and ADHD, two disorders in which attentional impairments play a key role, and examined the effect of psychostimulant use on age of onset in psychosis. Method: Parent and teacher ratings of behavioral problems and ADHD symptoms were collected using the Achenbach CBCL, TRF, and SNAP-IV Teacher Rating Scales on 42 participants with psychosis, 36 with ADHD and 57 controls (ages 8-19). Results and Conclusions: Results suggested that academic, externalizing, and attention problems reflect symptoms shared between the disorders, whereas internalizing, social and thought problems reflect factors that differ between disorders. Furthermore, participants with psychosis who had been prescribed psychostimulants had a younger age of onset of psychotic symptoms than those who had not. This difference could reflect dissimilarities in symptom severity symptom between subgroups or potentially harmful effects of psychostimulants in individuals predisposed to develop psychosis.
Attention Training for School-Aged Children With ADHD: Results of an Open Trial
Authors: Tamm Leanne , Hughes Carroll , Ames Laure , Pickering Joyce , Silver Cheryl H. , Stavinoha Peter , Castillo Christine L. , Rintelmann Jeanne , Moore Jarrette , Foxwell Aleksandra , Bolanos S. Gina , Hines Tabatha , Nakonezny Paul A. , Emslie Graham
Published: October 2009

Objective: The article discusses a feasibility study conducted to examine whether Pay Attention!, an intervention training sustained, selective, alternating, and divided attention, could be utilized in a clinical setting with children diagnosed with ADHD, and whether children who received the intervention made attention and executive functioning gains. Method: After a diagnostic and baseline evaluation, 23 school-aged children with ADHD participate in up to 16 sessions of Pay Attention! and the outcomes are evaluated. Results: Results show the intervention is feasible to administer and acceptable to participants. Parents and clinicians rate fewer ADHD symptoms following the intervention and report improvements in executive function. Child performance on neuropsychological tests showed improvements in fluid reasoning and cognitive flexibility and working memory. Conclusion: The findings suggest that a randomized clinical trial of Pay Attention! is warranted to investigate its viability as a treatment for attention and executive functioning deficits in ADHD. (J. of Att. Dis. 2010; 14(1) 86-94)
The Living Application: a Self-Organizing System for Complex Grid Tasks
Authors: Groen Derek , Harfst Stefan , Portegies Zwart Simon
Published: October 2009

We present the living application, a method to autonomously manage applications on the grid. During its execution on the grid, the living application makes choices on the resources to use in order to complete its tasks. These choices can be based on the internal state, or on autonomously acquired knowledge from external sensors. By giving limited user capabilities to a living application, the living application is able to port itself from one resource topology to another. The application performs these actions at run-time without depending on users or external workflow tools. We demonstrate this new concept in a special case of a living application: the living simulation. Today, many simulations require a wide range of numerical solvers and run most efficiently if specialized nodes are matched to the solvers. The idea of the living simulation is that it decides itself which grid machines to use based on the numerical solver currently in use. In this paper we apply the living simulation to modeling the collision between two galaxies in a test setup with two specialized computers. This simulation switches at run-time between a GPU-enabled computer in the Netherlands and a GRAPE-enabled machine that resides in the United States, using an oct-tree N-body code whenever it runs in the Netherlands and a direct N-body solver in the United States.
High prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the Swedish county of Värmland
Authors: Boström Inger , Callander Margarita , Kurtzke John F , Landtblom Anne-Marie
Published: October 2009

Previous epidemiological studies have indicated that the county of Värmland in western Sweden may be a high-risk zone for multiple sclerosis (MS). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence in the area. Hospital and general practice medical files were scrutinized. The diagnostic criteria of Poser were used, with 31 December 2002 as prevalence day. The prevalence was 170.07 per 100,000 inhabitants. The average annual incidence was 6.39 to 6.46 per 100,000 (1991—1995, 1996—2000). Multiple sclerosis was 2.3 times more common among women than men. There was a variation in prevalence among the 16 municipalities, however it was not statistically significant. The rates seemed highest in the southwestern part of the county, roughly similar in location to findings some 70 years earlier. When the prevalence ratios by geographical units for the county in 1933 were applied to the current prevalence, the distribution from these estimated cases differed from homogeneity with very high significance (p < 0.00001 ). In conclusion, this study supports previous reports indicating that Värmland continues to be a high-risk zone for MS and shares in the diffusion of the disease at the county level which we had presented for the country as a whole.
Fear of the Political Consultant
Authors: Karlsen Rune
Published: October 2009

In the digital age it is claimed that political parties do not have the capacity to deliver the advanced technical services that modern campaigning demands, and that much of the campaign work is better handled by political consultants. Based on the ‘hybridization’ view of campaign change, the article explores to what extent ICTs increase the need for campaign professionals, and what type of professional the technology creates a demand for. A typology of four types of campaign professionals is developed and applied to the Norwegian case. The article finds that in-house professionals are involved concerning both technical and strategy assistance, while external campaign professionals are mostly involved concerning technical assistance. The external campaign professional is a generalist specializing in his or her field, not in political communication. The in-house campaign professional seems more of a political specialist, trusted to play a role in developing campaign strategy. Parties approach the increasing prominence of ICTs in campaigning based on these existing practices: expertise is integrated in the party organization while at the same time external professionals are used for technical assistance.
Design of the multicenter standardized supervised exercise training intervention for the ‘CLaudication: Exercise Vs Endoluminal Revascularization (CLEVER) study’
Authors: Bronas Ulf G , Hirsch Alan T , Murphy Timothy , Badenhop Dalynn , Collins Tracie C , Ehrman Jonathan K , Ershow Abby G , Lewis Beth , Treat-Jacobson Diane J , Walsh M Eileen , Oldenburg Niki , Regensteiner Judith G
Published: October 2009

Abstract

The CLaudication: Exercise Vs Endoluminal Revascularization (CLEVER) study is the first randomized, controlled, clinical, multicenter trial that is evaluating a supervised exercise program compared with revascularization procedures to treat claudication. In this report, the methods and dissemination techniques of the supervised exercise training intervention are described. A total of 217 participants are being recruited and randomized to one of three arms: (1) optimal medical care; (2) aortoiliac revascularization with stent; or (3) supervised exercise training. Of the enrolled patients, 84 will receive supervised exercise therapy. Supervised exercise will be administered according to a protocol designed by a central CLEVER exercise training committee based on validated methods previously used in single center randomized control trials. The protocol will be implemented at each site by an exercise committee member using training methods developed and standardized by the exercise training committee. The exercise training committee reviews progress and compliance with the protocol of each participant weekly. In conclusion, a multicenter approach to disseminate the supervised exercise training technique and to evaluate its efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness for patients with claudication due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is being evaluated for the first time in CLEVER. The CLEVER study will further establish the role of supervised exercise training in the treatment of claudication resulting from PAD and provide standardized methods for use of supervised exercise training in future PAD clinical trials as well as in clinical practice.
Relationship of heavy drinking, lipoprotein (a) and lipid profile to infrarenal aortic diameter
Authors: Wang Jian-an , Chen Xiao-feng , Yu Wei-fang , Chen Han , Lin Xian-fang , Xiang Mei-jiang , Fang Cong-feng , Du Yu-xi , Wang Bin
Published: October 2009

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the association of alcohol drinking and lipid profile with infrarenal aortic dimension. The diameter of the infrarenal aorta was measured using ultrasound in 395 individuals (mean 66.6 ± 10.3 years) with atherosclerotic diseases or risk factors. The associations between heavy drinking, serum lipoprotein (a) levels, lipid profile and infrarenal aorta diameters were examined. Heavy drinking and lipoprotein (a) were positively related with infrarenal aortic dimension, while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-C and total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C were negatively associated with infrarenal aortic diameter ( p < 0.05). In addition, there were negative associations of LDL-C/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C and positive associations of HDL-C and apolipoprotein AI (Apo AI) with heavy drinking ( p < 0.05). In conclusion, there was a positive association between infrarenal aortic diameters and heavy drinking, as well as lipoprotein (a) levels. Furthermore, the novel and unexpected inverse association between LDL-C/HDL-C, LDL-C, TC/HDL-C and abdominal aortic diameter may suggest a possible role for anti-atherogenic lipid profile (characterized by a higher level of HDL-C and lower level of LDL-C) in aortic dilatation processes, which need to be clarified by further studies.
Brachial artery diameter, blood flow and flow-mediated dilation in sleep-disordered breathing
Authors: Chami Hassan A , Keyes Michelle J , Vita Joseph A , Mitchell Gary F , Larson Martin G , Fan Shuxia , Vasan Ramachandran S , O’Connor George T , Benjamin Emelia J , Gottlieb Daniel J
Published: October 2009

Abstract

Clinic-based, case-control studies linked sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) to markers of endothelial dysfunction. We attempted to validate this association in a large community-based sample, and evaluate the relation of SDB to arterial diameter and peripheral blood flow. This community-based, cross-sectional observational study included 327 men and 355 women, aged 42–83 years, from the Framingham Heart Study site of the Sleep Heart Health Study. The polysomnographically derived apnea-hypopnea index and the hypoxemia index (percent sleep time with oxyhemoglobin saturation below 90%) were used to quantify the severity of SDB. Brachial artery ultrasound measurements included baseline diameter, percent flow-mediated dilation, and baseline and hyperemic flow velocity and volume. The baseline brachial artery diameter was significantly associated with both the apnea-hypopnea index and the hypoxemia index. The association was diminished by adjustment for body mass index, but remained significant for the apnea-hypopnea index. Age-, sex-, race- and body mass index-adjusted mean diameters were 4.32, 4.33, 4.33, 4.56, 4.53 mm for those with apnea-hypopnea index < 1.5, 1.5–4.9, 5–14.9, 15–29.9, ≥ 30, respectively; p = 0.03. Baseline flow measures were associated with the apnea-hypopnea index but this association was non-significant after adjusting for body mass index. No significant association was observed between measures of SDB and percent flow-mediated dilation or hyperemic flow in any model. In conclusion, this study supports a moderate association of SDB and larger baseline brachial artery diameter, which may reflect SDB-induced vascular remodeling. This study does not support a link between SDB and endothelial dysfunction as measured by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation.
Action research literature 2006—2008
Authors: Dick Bob
Published: October 2009

In this, the third in a series of two-yearly reviews (see also Dick, 2004, and Dick, 2006), I identify some of the action research literature that has appeared in books and edited collections over approximately the past two years. After an overview of the general action research literature I gather together other relevant literature under the following headings: action learning; community-based participatory research; youth work; educational action research; appreciative inquiry; and action science. I conclude the review with a very brief look at action research journals and special issues, other literature of interest, and an attempt to divine present and emergent trends.
Book and Media Review: A Practical Guide to Program Evaluation Planning
Authors: Olson Sarah J.
Published: October 2009

For practitioners of health education and managers of health promotion programs, evaluation is consistently described as a challenge. Staff members often express the need for more expertise and guidance in evaluation. The newly published A Practical Guide to Program Evaluation Planning, edited by Debra J. Holden and Marc A. Zimmerman, is a compact and easily understood resource that promises to be of great value, especially to health promotion practitioners and students.
Treating type 2 diabetes: incretin mimetics and enhancers
Authors: Nori Janosz Katherine E. , Zalesin Kerstyn C. , Miller Wendy M. , McCullough Peter A.
Published: October 2009

As a consequence of excess abdominal adiposity and genetic predisposition, type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease, often diagnosed after metabolic dysfunction has taken hold of multiple organ systems. Insulin deficiency, insulin resistance and impaired glucose homeostasis resulting from beta-cell dysfunction characterize the disease. Current treatment goals are often unmet due to insufficient treatment modalities. Even when combined, these treatment modalities are frequently limited by safety, tolerability, weight gain, edema and gastrointestinal intolerance. Recently, new therapeutic classes have become available for treatment. This review will examine the new therapeutic classes of incretin mimetics and enhancers in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Depletion of the C3 component of complement enhances the ability of rituximab-coated target cells to activate human NK cells and improves the efficacy of monoclonal antibody therapy in an in vivo model
Authors: Wang Siao-Yi , Veeramani Suresh , Racila Emilian , Cagley Jeffrey , Fritzinger David C. , Vogel Carl-Wilhelm , St John William , Weiner George J.
Published: October 2009

Growing evidence indicates antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) contributes to the clinical response to monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy of lymphoma. Recent in vitro analysis suggests C3b can inhibit mAb-induced natural killer (NK)–cell activation and ADCC. Further studies were conducted to assess the effect of C3 depletion on mAb-induced NK activation and therapy of lymphoma. Normal human serum inhibited the ability of rituximab-coated lymphoma cells to activate NK cells as previously reported. Serum did not inhibit NK-cell activation when it was preincubated with cobra venom factor (CVF) to deplete C3. Similar results were found when transudative pleural fluid or nonmalignant ascites was used as surrogates for extravascular fluid, suggesting the inhibitory effect of complement may be present in the extravascular compartment, in which many malignant lymphocytes reside. In vivo, C3 was depleted before mAb treatment in a syngeneic murine model of lymphoma. Survival of lymphoma-bearing mice after treatment with CVF plus mAb and with a human C3 derivative with CVF-like functions (HC3-1496) plus mAb was both superior to that of mAb alone. These studies show that complement depletion enhances NK-cell activation induced by rituximab-coated target cells and improves the efficacy of mAb therapy in a murine lymphoma model.
β2 Glycoprotein I (β2GPI) binds platelet factor 4 (PF4): implications for the pathogenesis of antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Sikara Marina P. , Routsias John G. , Samiotaki Martina , Panayotou George , Moutsopoulos Haralampos M. , Vlachoyiannopoulos Panayiotis G.
Published: October 2009

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune thrombophilia characterized by arterial/venous thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies that mainly recognize β2 glycoprotein I (β2GPI). To investigate potential platelet ligands of β2GPI, platelet membrane proteins from healthy persons and patients with APS were passed through a β2GPI-affinity column. By using mass spectrometry, platelet factor 4 (PF4) appeared as the dominant β2GPI binding protein. PF4 could bind in vitro, with high-affinity, recombinant β2GPI, and the binding was abrogated by soluble β2GPI. Coprecipitation experiments further confirmed this interaction. In silico molecular docking showed that PF4 tetramers can bind 2 β2GPI molecules simultaneously. Size exclusion chromatography confirmed that anti-β2GPI antibodies selectively interact with complexes composed of (β2GPI)2–(PF4)4. In addition, as shown by the β2GPI antigenicity evaluation, the reactivity of APS sera was higher against PF4–β2GPI complex than against β2GPI alone. On complex formation, anti-β2GPI–β2GPI–PF4 significantly induced platelet p38MAPK phosphorylation and TXB2 production, mainly through F(ab′)2 fragments of antibodies. In summary, this study makes evident that β2GPI forms stable complexes with PF4, leading to the stabilization of β2GPI dimeric structure that facilitates the antibody recognition. This interaction can probably be involved in the procoagulant tendency of APS.