bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Neuronal Apoptosis and Changes in Expression of the Proteins Related to the Mitochondrial Pathway after Aβ1–42 Injection in the Rat Hippocampus
Authors: Bao Juan , Yang Qi-dong , Zhou Lin , Luo Hong-bo
Published: December 2009

The objective was to study neuronal apoptosis and changes in the proteins related to the mitochondrial pathway in the hippocampus of a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and discuss its significance in AD. Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups: a normal group, a control group and an AD group. AD was established by injecting β-amyloid1–42 (Aβ1–42) into the hippocampus. Learning and memory ability was estimated with a Y maze at different times. The apoptotic neurons were detected by the TdT-mediated X-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. Cytochrome C and caspase-9 protein expression in the hippocampus was detected by Western blot. The results showed that there was obvious impairment of learning and memory in rats of the AD group after Aβ1–42 injection. The apoptotic neurons in the hippocampus of the rats in the AD group were significantly increased compared with the normal group and the control group (p < 0.01), and the expression of cytochrome C and caspase-9 in hippocampus in AD group was significantly increased too (p < 0.01). The results suggest that the mitochondrial pathway is one of the important neuronic apoptotic pathways induced by Aβ1–42 in the hippocampus, and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD.
Exercise Treatment for Bipolar Disorder: Potential Mechanisms of Action Mediated through Increased Neurogenesis and Decreased Allostatic Load
Authors: Sylvia Louisa G. , Ametrano Rebecca M. , Nierenberg Andrew A.
Published: December 2009

Outcomes are frequently suboptimal for patients with bipolar disorder who are treated with pharmacotherapy alone. Adjunct exercise has the potential to substantially improve acute and long-term outcomes, although how exercise would improve the course of bipolar disorder needs to be elucidated. We propose that exercise may improve mood and functioning by increasing neurogenesis and reducing allostatic load. We review data suggesting that exercise increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which in turn increases neurogenesis and decreases allostatic load. Exercise as a psychosocial adjunct for bipolar disorder should be assessed with rigorous randomized clinical trials.
A Case Study of Salami Slicing: Pooled Analyses of Duloxetine for Depression
Authors: Spielmans Glen I. , Biehn Tracey L. , Sawrey Dustin L.
Published: December 2009

Background: Publishing separate, yet very similar pieces of a single dataset across multiple papers is known as ‘salami slicing’. This practice may be motivated by researchers wishing to increase their publication counts and by the desire to increase exposure of their findings. ‘Salami slicing’ may also be used by the drug industry to help widely disseminate positive findings regarding its products. Journal editors across many scientific disciplines have bemoaned such duplicative publications on several occasions. However, little research has been conducted on the frequency of such publication practices, and findings have been inconsistent. No research has investigated whether ‘salami slicing’ may also occur in publications presenting results from pooled analyses of clinical trials. Methods: We examined the scientific literature on duloxetine as a treatment for depression, examining how data from clinical trials were reported across 43 pooled analyses. Results: The vast majority of pooled analyses (88%) had at least one author who was employed by the manufacturer of duloxetine. Several pooled analyses based on highly overlapping clinical trials presented efficacy and safety data that did not answer unique research questions, and thus appeared to qualify as salami publications. Six clinical trials had their data utilized as part of 20 or more separately published pooled analyses. Conclusions: Such redundant publications add little to scientific understanding and represent a poor use of peer reviewer and editorial resources.
On the Perception of Time
Authors: Bruss F. Thomas , Rüschendorf Ludger
Published: December 2009

In this article, we review scientific work and present new results on the perception of time, that is, on the feeling of time as perceived by individuals. The phenomenon of time being felt passing faster with growing age is well known, and there are numerous interesting studies to shed light on the question why this is so. Many of these are based on studies in psychology and social sciences. Others range from symptoms of the ageing process to related symptoms of decreasing memory capacities. Again other explanations, quite different in nature from the preceding ones, involve event intensities in the life of individuals. The relative decrease of interesting new events as one grows older is seen as an important factor contributing to the feeling that time is thinned out. The last type of possible explanations can be made more explicit in a mathematical model. Quantitative conclusions about the rate of decrease of the feeling of time can be drawn, and, interestingly, without restrictive assumptions. It is shown that under this model the feeling of time is thinned out at least logarithmically. Numerical constants will depend on specific hypotheses which we discuss but the lower-bound logarithmic character of the thinning-out phenomenon does not depend much on these. The presented model can be generalized in several ways. In particular we prove that there are, a priori, no logical incompatibilities in a model leading to the very same distribution of time perception for individuals with completely different pace and style of life. Our model is built to explain long-time perception. No claim is made that the feeling of time being thinned out is omnipresent for very individual. However, this is typically the case and we explain why.
Relative Plasma Volume Monitoring During Hemodialysis Aids the Assessment of Dry Weight
Authors: Sinha Arjun D. , Light Robert P. , Agarwal Rajiv
Published: December 2009

Among hemodialysis patients, the assessment of dry weight remains a matter of clinical judgment because tests to assess dry weight have not been validated. The objective of this study was to evaluate and validate relative plasma volume (RPV) monitoring as a marker of dry weight. We performed RPV monitoring using the Crit-Line monitor at baseline and at 8 weeks in 150 patients participating in the Dry-Weight Reduction in Hypertensive Hemodialysis Patients Trial. The intervention group of 100 patients had dry weight probed, whereas 50 patients served as time controls. RPV slopes were defined as flat when they were less than the median (1.33% per hour) at the baseline visit. Among predominantly (87%) black hemodialysis patients, we found that flat RPV slopes suggest a volume-overloaded state for the following reasons: (1) probing dry weight in these patients led to steeper slopes; (2) those with flatter slopes at baseline had greater weight loss; (3) both baseline RPV slopes and the intensity of weight loss were found to be important for subsequent change in RPV slopes; and, most importantly, (4) RPV slopes predicted the subsequent reduction in interdialytic ambulatory systolic blood pressure. Those with the flattest slopes had the greatest decline in blood pressure on probing dry weight. Both baseline RPV slopes and the change in RPV slopes were important for subsequent changes in ambulatory systolic blood pressure. We conclude that RPV slope monitoring is a valid method to assess dry weight among hypertensive hemodialysis patients.
Chronic Hypertension Enhances Presynaptic Inhibition by Baclofen in the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract
Authors: Zhang Weirong , Mifflin Steve
Published: December 2009

The selective γ-aminobutyric acid B-subtype receptor agonist baclofen activates both presynaptic and postsynaptic receptors in the brain. Microinjection of baclofen into the nucleus of the solitary tract increases arterial pressure, heart rate, and sympathetic nerve discharge consistent with inhibition of the arterial baroreflex. The magnitude of these responses is enhanced in hypertension and is associated with increased postsynaptic GABA
B
receptor function. We tested whether a presynaptic mechanism contributes to the enhanced baclofen inhibition in hypertension. Whole-cell recordings of second-order baroreceptor neurons, identified by 4-(4-(dihexadecylamino)styryl)-
N
-methylpyridinium iodide labeling of aortic nerve, were obtained in brainstem slices from normotensive control and renal-wrap hypertensive rats. After 4 weeks, arterial blood pressure was 162±9 mm Hg in hypertensive (n=6) and 107±3 mm Hg in control rats (n=6/11;
P
<0.001). Baclofen reduced the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic currents evoked by solitary tract stimulation and the EC
50
of this inhibition was greater in control (1.5±0.5 μmol/L; n=6) than in hypertensive cells (0.6±0.1 μmol/L; n=9;
P
<0.05). Baclofen (1 μmol/L) elicited greater inhibition on evoked response in hypertensive (58±6%; n=9) than in control cells (40±6%; n=8;
P
<0.05). Another index of presynaptic inhibition, the paired-pulse ratio (ratio of second to first evoked response amplitudes at stimulus intervals of 40 ms), was greater in hypertensive (0.60±0.08; n=8) than in control cells (0.48±0.06; n=5;
P
<0.05). The results suggest that in renal-wrap hypertensive rats, baclofen causes an enhanced presynaptic inhibition of glutamate release from baroreceptor afferent terminals to second-order neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract. This enhanced presynaptic inhibition could contribute to altered baroreflex function in hypertension.
Validation of Satellite-Based High-Resolution Rainfall Products over the Korean Peninsula Using Data from a Dense Rain Gauge Network
Authors: Sohn B. J. , Han Hyo-Jin , Seo Eun-Kyoung
Published: December 2009

Four independently developed high-resolution precipitation products [HRPPs; the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA), the Climate Prediction Center Morphing Method (CMORPH), Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN), and the National Research Laboratory (NRL) blended precipitation dataset (NRL-blended)], with a spatial resolution of 0.25° and a temporal resolution of 3 h, were compared with surface rain measurements for the four summer seasons (June, July, and August) from 2003 to 2006. Surface measurements are 1-min rain gauge data from the Automated Weather Station (AWS) network operated by the Korean Meteorological Administration (KMA) over South Korea, which consists of about 520 sites. The summer mean rainfall and diurnal cycles of TMPA are comparable to those of the AWS, but with larger magnitudes. The closer agreement of TMPA with surface observations is due to the adjustment of the real-time version of TMPA products to monthly gauge measurements. However, the adjustment seems to result in significant overestimates for light or moderate rain events and thus increased RMS error. In the other three products (CMORPH, PERSIANN, and NRL-blended), significant underestimates are evident in the summer mean distribution and in scatterplots for the grid-by-grid comparison. The magnitudes of the diurnal cycles of the three products appear to be much smaller than those suggested by AWS, although CMORPH shows nearly the same diurnal phase as in AWS. Such underestimates by three methods are likely due to the deficiency of the passive microwave (PMW)-based rainfall retrievals over the South Korean region. More accurate PMW measurements (in particular by the improved land algorithm) seem to be a prerequisite for better estimates of the rain rate by HRPP algorithms. This paper further demonstrates the capability of the Korean AWS network data for validating satellite-based rain products.
Atmospheric Boundary Layer Response to Mesoscale SST Anomalies in the Kuroshio Extension
Authors: Koseki Shunya , Watanabe Masahiro
Published: December 2009

The atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) response to mesoscale eddies in sea surface temperature (SST) in the Kuroshio Extension was investigated using a high-resolution (T213L30) atmospheric general circulation model. A control run was performed first by integrating the model for 40 days, driven by the satellite-derived, eddy-resolving SST during January 2006. The spatial pattern of surface wind anomalies—that is, a deviation from large-scale winds—reveals a positive correlation with the spatial pattern of mesoscale SST anomalies. The momentum budget analysis of the anomalous zonal wind was performed to investigate the formation of the ABL response. The most dominant term was the pressure gradient force; the advection term was comparable but in the opposite sense. Vertical mixing acts to weaken the anomalous zonal wind near the surface; however, the downward (upward) vertical turbulent flux anomalies were dominant near the ABL top over the warm (cold) SST anomalies, suggesting that the vertical mixing mechanism is effective. The role of the vertical mixing was further examined by a sensitivity experiment in which the turbulent diffusion coefficient for momentum was spatially smoothed. While the pressure gradient force and the advection terms were almost unchanged in the momentum budgets, the deceleration due to turbulence was enhanced because of the absence of the momentum input from the free atmosphere. The result is a reduction in the amplitude of the surface zonal wind anomalies to approximately half in the sensitivity experiment.
Tropical South America–Atlantic Sector Convective Margins and Their Relationship to Low-Level Inflow
Authors: Lintner Benjamin R. , Neelin J. David
Published: December 2009

The edges or margins of tropical convective zones are hypothesized to be sensitive to low-level inflow conditions. The present study evaluates where and to what extent convective margin variability is sensitive to low-level inflow variability using observed precipitation and reanalysis wind and total precipitable water data over the tropical South America–Atlantic sector in austral summer. Composite analysis based on an inflow measure defined by projecting low-level monthly-mean atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) or lower free troposphere (LFT) winds onto either mean horizontal precipitation or precipitable water gradients shows widespread contraction of the edges of convection zones in the direction of stronger convection for anomalously strong low-level inflow; such behavior is consistent with enhanced import of relatively dry air along the edges of convection zones. However, the distinction between ABL and LFT winds may be significant regionally, for example, along the Atlantic ITCZ’s northern margin. Back trajectory analysis is employed to estimate source regions of low-level air masses arriving at margin points over time scales (2–4 days) during which low-level air masses are expected to retain some memory of initial moisture conditions while also undergoing diabatic modification. Probability distribution functions of mean precipitation values encountered along trajectories facilitate objective quantification of the frequency with which trajectories approach the margin from drier areas outside the convection zone. While margin points in the ABL are strongly dominated by inflow (i.e., trajectories originating outside of the convection zone), points in the LFT may show inflow, outflow, or mixed inflow–outflow conditions. LFT locations dominated by inflow trajectories generally correspond to regions with composites exhibiting the clearest signatures of LFT wind variability on precipitation.
Challenges in Combining Projections from Multiple Climate Models
Authors: Knutti Reto , Furrer Reinhard , Tebaldi Claudia , Cermak Jan , Meehl Gerald A.
Published: December 2009

Recent coordinated efforts, in which numerous general circulation climate models have been run for a common set of experiments, have produced large datasets of projections of future climate for various scenarios. Those multimodel ensembles sample initial conditions, parameters, and structural uncertainties in the model design, and they have prompted a variety of approaches to quantifying uncertainty in future climate change. International climate change assessments also rely heavily on these models. These assessments often provide equal-weighted averages as best-guess results, assuming that individual model biases will at least partly cancel and that a model average prediction is more likely to be correct than a prediction from a single model based on the result that a multimodel average of present-day climate generally outperforms any individual model. This study outlines the motivation for using multimodel ensembles and discusses various challenges in interpreting them. Among these challenges are that the number of models in these ensembles is usually small, their distribution in the model or parameter space is unclear, and that extreme behavior is often not sampled. Model skill in simulating present-day climate conditions is shown to relate only weakly to the magnitude of predicted change. It is thus unclear by how much the confidence in future projections should increase based on improvements in simulating present-day conditions, a reduction of intermodel spread, or a larger number of models. Averaging model output may further lead to a loss of signal—for example, for precipitation change where the predicted changes are spatially heterogeneous, such that the true expected change is very likely to be larger than suggested by a model average. Last, there is little agreement on metrics to separate “good” and “bad” models, and there is concern that model development, evaluation, and posterior weighting or ranking are all using the same datasets. While the multimodel average appears to still be useful in some situations, these results show that more quantitative methods to evaluate model performance are critical to maximize the value of climate change projections from global models.
The Mean Along-Isobath Heat and Salt Balances over the Middle Atlantic Bight Continental Shelf
Authors: Lentz Steven J.
Published: December 2009

The mean heat and salt balances over the Middle Atlantic Bight continental shelf are investigated by testing the hypothesis that surface fluxes of heat or freshwater are balanced by along-isobath fluxes resulting from the mean, depth-averaged, along-isobath flow acting on the mean, depth-averaged, along-isobath temperature or salinity gradient. This hypothesized balance is equivalent in a Lagrangian frame to a column of water, for example, warming because of surface heating as it is advected southward along isobath by the mean flow.

Mean depth-averaged temperatures increase from north to south along isobath at a rate of 2°C (1000 km)−1 at midshelf, which is consistent with the hypothesized balance and mean surface heat flux estimates from the 50-yr NCEP Reanalysis. However, mean surface heat flux estimates from the higher-resolution 20-yr Objectively Analyzed Air–Sea Fluxes (OAFlux) reanalysis are too small to balance the along-isobath heat flux divergence implying a cross-shelf heat flux convergence. It is unclear which surface heat flux estimate, NCEP or OAFlux, is more accurate. The cross-shelf heat flux convergence resulting from the mean cross-shelf circulation is too small to balance the along-isobath heat flux divergence.

Mean depth-averaged salinities increase from north to south along isobath at a rate of 1 (psu) (1000 km)−1 at midshelf. Mean precipitation and evaporation rates nearly balance so that the net freshwater flux is too small by more than an order of magnitude to account for the observed along-isobath increase in salinity. The cross-shelf salt flux divergence resulting from the mean cross-shelf circulation has the wrong sign to balance the divergence in the along-isobath salt flux. These results imply there must be an onshore “eddy” salt flux resulting from the time-dependent current and salinity variability.

The along-isobath temperature and salinity gradients compensate for each other so that the mean, depth-averaged, along-isobath density gradient is approximately zero. This suggests that there may be a feedback between the along-isobath density gradient and the onshore salt and heat fluxes that maintains the density gradient near zero.
An Inexpensive Method for Measurements of Static Pressure Fluctuations
Authors: Liberzon Dan , Shemer Lev
Published: December 2009

An application of a commercially available and inexpensive pressure probe and transducer, originally designed for pressure drop measurements in air conditioning conduits, is suggested for accurate and reliable measurements of static pressure fluctuations in airflow, with a particular application to wind interaction with water waves. It is demonstrated that this static pressure probe is a robust instrument that offers efficient dynamic pressure elimination while having low directional sensitivity and sufficiently high dynamic response. A series of measurements in a wind-wave flume was carried out to validate the characteristics of the sensor and of the pressure transducer.
A Novel Lightweight Low-Power Dual-Beam Ozone Photometer Utilizing Solid-State Optoelectronics
Authors: Kalnajs Lars E. , Avallone Linnea M.
Published: December 2009

Recent advances in semiconductor materials and fabrication techniques have allowed the development of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with wavelengths extending down into the UV-C region (λ < 280 nm). A new ozone photometer has been developed utilizing these novel light sources. The application of solid-state technology to the proven dual-beam UV absorption technique has improved instrument performance while reducing power consumption and weight compared to existing instrumentation. The newly developed instrument is expected to have an accuracy of 1% at surface level pressure, a resolution better than 1 ppb, and measurement rates up to 1 Hz over the range of ozone mixing ratios encountered from the earth’s surface to the middle stratosphere. Size, weight, and power consumption have also been significantly reduced, with a mass of 3 kg and a power consumption of less than 5 W. Initial development is focused on an instrument suitable for measurements from autonomous platforms and in harsh environments; however, the technology is highly adaptable to other applications.
Estimation and Assessment of Errors Related to Antenna Pattern Distortion in CODAR SeaSonde High-Frequency Radar Ocean Current Measurements
Authors: Laws Kenneth , Paduan Jeffrey D. , Vesecky John
Published: December 2009

A simulation-based investigation of errors in HF radar–derived, near-surface ocean current measurements is presented. The simulation model is specific to Coastal Ocean Dynamics Application Radar (CODAR) SeaSonde radar systems that employ a compact, collocated antenna geometry. In this study, radial current retrievals are obtained by processing simulated data using unmodified CODAR data processing software. To avoid limiting the results to specific ocean current and wind wave scenarios, the analyses employ large ensembles of randomly varying simulated environmental conditions. The effect of antenna pattern distortion on the accuracy of retrievals is investigated using 40 different antenna sensitivity patterns of varying levels of distortion. A single parameter is derived to describe the level of the antenna pattern distortion. This parameter is found to be highly correlated with the rms error of the simulated radial currents (r = 0.94) and therefore can be used as a basis for evaluating the severity of site-specific antenna pattern distortions. Ensemble averages of the subperiod simulated current retrieval standard deviations are found to be highly correlated with the antenna pattern distortion parameter (r = 0.92). Simulations without distortions of the antenna pattern indicate that an rms radial current error of 2.9 cm s−1 is a minimum bound on the error of a SeaSonde ocean radar system, given a typical set of operating parameters and a generalized ensemble of ocean conditions.
Enhancements of Satellite Data Assimilation over Antarctica
Authors: Bouchard Aurélie , Rabier Florence , Guidard Vincent , Karbou Fatima
Published: December 2009

The Concordiasi field experiment, which is taking place in Antarctica, involves the launching of radiosoundings and stratospheric balloons. One of the main goals of this campaign is the validation of the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) radiance assimilation. Prior to the campaign, it was necessary to improve satellite data assimilation at high latitudes. Two types of sensors, microwave and infrared, have been considered to help with this issue. A major problem associated with microwave satellite data is the calculation of the surface emissivity. An innovative approach, based on satellite observations, improves the surface emissivity modeling over land and sea ice within the constraints of the four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4D-VAR) system. With this new calculation of emissivity, it has been possible to include many more microwave observations during the assimilation. In this study, this method has been applied to high latitudes, after some adjustments have been made to assimilate additional Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-A/B (AMSU-A/B) data over sea ice and snow. The use of additional data from IASI and the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) sensors over land and sea ice has also been tested. The use of the microwave and infrared data over this polar area has modified the dynamical and thermodynamical model fields such as the snow precipitation quantity. Additional data have been found to have a positive impact on the skill of a model specially tuned for Antarctica.
Improving the Prediction of Winter Precipitation and Temperature over the Continental United States: Role of the ENSO State in Developing Multimodel Combinations
Authors: Devineni Naresh , Sankarasubramanian A.
Published: December 2009

Recent research into seasonal climate prediction has focused on combining multiple atmospheric general circulation models (GCMs) to develop multimodel ensembles. A new approach to combining multiple GCMs is proposed by analyzing the skill levels of candidate models contingent on the relevant predictor(s) state. To demonstrate this approach, historical simulations of winter (December–February, DJF) precipitation and temperature from seven GCMs were combined by evaluating their skill—represented by mean square error (MSE)—over similar predictor (DJF Niño-3.4) conditions. The MSE estimates are converted into weights for each GCM for developing multimodel tercile probabilities. A total of six multimodel schemes are considered that include combinations based on pooling of ensembles as well as on the long-term skill of the models. To ensure the improved skill exhibited by the multimodel scheme is statistically significant, rigorous hypothesis tests were performed comparing the skill of multimodels with each individual model’s skill. The multimodel combination contingent on Niño-3.4 shows improved skill particularly for regions whose winter precipitation and temperature exhibit significant correlation with Niño-3.4. Analyses of these weights also show that the proposed multimodel combination methodology assigns higher weights for GCMs and lesser weights for climatology during El Niño and La Niña conditions. On the other hand, because of the limited skill of GCMs during neutral Niño-3.4 conditions, the methodology assigns higher weights for climatology resulting in improved skill from the multimodel combinations. Thus, analyzing GCMs’ skill contingent on the relevant predictor state provides an alternate approach for multimodel combinations such that years with limited skill could be replaced with climatology.
Improving Seasonal Forecast Skill of North American Surface Air Temperature in Fall Using a Postprocessing Method
Authors: Jia XiaoJing , Lin Hai , Derome Jacques
Published: December 2009

A statistical postprocessing approach is applied to seasonal forecasts of surface air temperatures (SAT) over North America in fall, when the original uncalibrated predictions have little skill. The data used are ensemble-mean seasonal forecasts from four atmospheric general circulation models (GCMs) in the Canadian Historical Forecasting Project (HFP2) during the period 1969–2001. The statistical postprocessing uses the relationship between the predicted 500-hPa geopotential height (Z500) and the observed SAT to calibrate the SAT forecasts. The dimensions of the predicted Z500 fields are reduced to three modes with fixed spatial structures but time-dependent amplitudes. The latter are obtained through a singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis linking the variability of the ensemble-mean predicted Z500 to the tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs). Results show that the postprocessing significantly improves the predictive skill of North American SAT in fall. The distributions of the SAT temporal standard deviation and the skill of the postprocessed ensemble forecasts are consistent among the GCMs, indicating that the approach is effective in reducing the model-dependent part of the errors associated with GCMs.
A Mass-Conserving Quasi-Monotonic Filter for Use in Semi-Lagrangian Models
Authors: Kaas Eigil , Nielsen Joakim R.
Published: December 2009

A new mass-conserving and quasi-monotonic antidiffusive filter has been designed for application in semi-Lagrangian-type models. The filter redistributes local mass such that the resulting values are brought closer to target values. The target values, in turn, are specified from a nonlinear antidiffusion of the original nonfiltered forecast. To achieve quasi-monotonicity, the target values are constrained to a certain interval, defined by the minimum and maximum value of the upstream grid cells surrounding the semi-Lagrangian departure point. Allowing a less local reorganization of mass the filter can be made fully monotonic and positive definite.

The filter has been applied to the recently developed locally mass-conserving semi-Lagrangian (LMCSL) scheme. A number of idealized test simulations in one and two dimensions demonstrates that the combined scheme is stable and quasi monotonic. Furthermore, the accuracy is enhanced considerably as compared to the original LMCSL scheme, particularly near sharp changes in gradients. When tested in the geophysical flow environment of a shallow-water model, the proposed filter, in practice, ensures monotonicity and positive definiteness without generation of spurious features. In its present implementation the computational cost of the combined scheme is approximately twice the cost of the LMCSL scheme.
Causes and Effects of Employee Downsizing: A Review and Synthesis
Authors: Datta Deepak K. , Guthrie James P. , Basuil Dynah , Pandey Alankrita
Published: December 2009

As employee downsizing has become increasingly ubiquitous in recent years, the study of this phenomenon has assumed greater significance. This article develops an integrative framework that incorporates environmental and organizational antecedents as well as the implications of downsizing for individuals and organizations. Key empirical studies are reviewed and major patterns and contradictions are identified. The authors identify and discuss theoretical and methodological concerns related to the extant literature and provide recommendations for future research aimed at developing a better understanding of employee downsizing.
The Whole Is More Than the Sum of Its Parts— Or Is It? A Review of the Empirical Literature on Complementarities in Organizations
Authors: Ennen Edgar , Richter Ansgar
Published: December 2009

The concept of complementarity denotes the beneficial interplay of the elements of a system where the presence of one element increases the value of others. However, the conceptual work on complementarities to date has not progressed sufficiently to constitute a theory that would offer specific predictions regarding the nature of the elements that form complementary relationships or the conditions for their emergence. To advance our understanding of complementarities, the authors provide a synoptic review of the empirical studies on this concept in leading journals in management, economics, and related disciplines over the period 1988-2008. The authors find that whether a study provides evidence of complementarities in organizations is at least partially driven by its investigative approach. On the basis of the findings, the authors argue that complementarities are most likely to materialize among multiple, heterogeneous factors in complex systems. Therefore, the absence of complementary relationships between a limited set of individual factors may not negate the possibility of complementarities, but rather point to the need for including further systems-specific factors in the analysis. The authors conclude by providing directions for future theoretical and empirical research and outlining managerial implications of the work.
Dynamic Capabilities: A Review of Past Research and an Agenda for the Future
Authors: Barreto Ilídio
Published: December 2009

The dynamic capabilities view, by addressing the question of how firms can cope with changing environments, has gained increasing attention in the management literature in recent years, not only in the concept’s original domain (strategic management) but also in many other areas within business administration. However, such remarkable growth has been associated with a proliferation of definitions of the focal construct as well as the emergence of a complex and disconnected body of research. In addition, the approach has also received some recurring criticisms. In this study, the author reviews the diverse research streams on dynamic capabilities, identifies main limitations and challenges, suggests a new conceptualization of dynamic capability as an aggregate multidimensional construct, and provides guidance about promising avenues for future research.
The Relevance and Viability of Subconscious Goals in the Workplace
Authors: Latham Gary P. , Stajkovic Alexander D. , Locke Edwin A.
Published: December 2009

This article examines the relevance and viability of pursuing empirical research on subconscious goals and applying the findings in the workplace. Five topics are addressed: First, reasons why management scholars have eschewed the study of the subconscious are given. Second, a brief overview of social psychology experiments on subconscious goals is provided. Critical issues that have yet to be addressed in these experiments are identified and discussed. Third, organizational psychology experiments on subconscious goals that have attempted to overcome several of these shortcomings and provide new findings are described. Fourth, research avenues that have yet to be explored are suggested. Finally, the implications of this stream for management practice are discussed.
Longitudinal Research: The Theory, Design, and Analysis of Change
Authors: Ployhart Robert E. , Vandenberg Robert J.
Published: December 2009

The purpose of this article is to present cutting-edge research on issues relating to the theory, design, and analysis of change. Rather than a highly technical review, our goal is to provide management scholars with a relatively nontechnical single source useful for helping them develop and evaluate longitudinal research. Toward that end, we provide readers with “checklists” of issues to consider when theorizing and designing a longitudinal study. We also discuss the trade-offs among analytic strategies (repeated measures general linear model, random coefficient modeling, and latent growth modeling), circumstances in which such methods are most appropriate, and ways to analyze data when one is using each approach.
A Review of Acculturation Measures and Their Utility in Studies Promoting Latino Health
Authors: Wallace Phyllis M. , Pomery Elizabeth A. , Latimer Amy E. , Martinez Josefa L. , Salovey Peter
Published: December 2009

The authors reviewed the acculturation literature with the goal of identifying measures used to assess acculturation in Hispanic populations in the context of studies of health knowledge, attitudes, and behavior change. Twenty-six acculturation measures were identified and summarized. As the Hispanic population continues to grow in the United States, there is a need to develop rigorous acculturation measures that include health indicators. Findings suggest that multidimensional acculturation scales are robust measurement tools when assessing nationality, cultural awareness, media and language preferences, and health status. Furthermore, aspects of Hispanic cultural lifestyle, such as beliefs about nutrition and physical activity, affect health care utilization, treatment, and prevention. Health communication researchers should consider aspects of cultural values and beliefs, and their impact on health status, for future research and health promotion interventions.
Respiratory Symptoms and Acute Painful Episodes in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Jacob Eufemia , Sockrider Marianna M. , Dinu Marlen , Acosta Monica , Mueller Brigitta U.
Published: December 2009

The authors examined the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and determined whether respiratory symptoms were associated with prevalence of chest pain and number of acute painful episodes in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease. Participants ( N = 93; 44 females, 49 males; mean age 9.8 ± 4.3 years) reported coughing in the morning (21.5%), at night (31.2%), and during exercise (30.1%). Wheezing occurred both when they had a cold or infection (29.0%) and when they did not have (23.7%) a cold or infection. Sleep was disturbed by wheezing in 20.4%. Among the 76 patients who were school-age (>5 years), 19.7% of patients missed more than 4 days of school because of respiratory symptoms. The majority of patients reported having acute painful episodes (82.8%), and most (66.7%) reported having chest pain during acute painful episodes in the previous 12 months. Participants with acute pain episodes greater than 3 during the previous 12 months had significantly higher reports of breathing difficulties ( P = .01) and chest pain ( P = .002). The high number of respiratory symptoms (cough and wheeze) among patients with sickle cell disease may trigger acute painful episodes. Early screening and recognition, ongoing monitoring, and proactive management of respiratory symptoms may minimize the number of acute painful episodes.
Exploring the Evidence in Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Nursing Through the “Article of the Month”
Authors: Linder Lauri
Published: December 2009

As the scope of pediatric hematology and oncology nursing expands, nurses are challenged with staying current in the evidence guiding their practice. Nurse-reported barriers to accessing and utilizing research include lack of time as well as difficulty in accessing, understanding, and synthesizing findings. Journal clubs provide a process to guide nurses in the review of current literature related to their practice and promote utilization of research and evidence-based practice among nurses. This article describes the transition of an in-person journal club to an electronically delivered “Article of the Month.” The “Article of the Month” is offered six times each year and is posted on the service line’s password-protected intranet website. Oversight of the “Article of the Month” is provided by the service line clinical nurse specialist who selects articles based on an annual learning needs assessment and develops a quiz to assess learning and promote critical thinking among nursing staff. Outcomes include anecdotal reports of increased staff confidence in managing emergent patient care needs and greater appreciation of nursing care issues for children with cancer. Areas for future development include exploring options for increasing in-person discussion of issues addressed in the “Article of the Month” among staff members, extending the “Article of the Month” to nurses in other service areas who care for children with cancer, and increasing staff participation in article selection and quiz item development. An ultimate goal is to develop formal evaluation strategies to link this educational strategy to clinical outcomes.
Chronic Health Care
Authors: Scruggs Brenda
Published: December 2009

The traditional acute health care model works well for acute injuries and illnesses but is unlikely to achieve good outcomes in managing chronic health care conditions. Positive outcomes in chronic illness management requires multiple referrals from the primary care provider for a multidisciplinary team, relinquished control by the health care providers as they coach the patient into the active role of self-care life skills and daily management of their health, and active learning, participation, and accountability of the patient.
Energy Conservation
Authors: Dreiling Diann
Published: December 2009

Managing fatigue can be supported by incorporating energy conservation and work simplification strategies into daily routines. Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by people with various chronic diseases, such as, but not exclusively, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or fibromyalgia. This type fatigue is not linked to activity level or rest patterns. It can have an effect on a person’s ability to complete the various daily tasks to maintain their lifestyle. This article addresses approaches and tips for integrating energy conservation and work simplification into daily activities.
Demands of Immigration, Health Literacy, and Depression in Recent Latino Immigrants
Authors: Coffman Maren J. , Norton Cynthia K.
Published: December 2009

Latino immigrants have unique stressors that can influence mental health. The challenges of adapting to a new society include language barriers, separation from family, and feelings of loss, which can lead to depression. Low health literacy may make it difficult to obtain health care services, and depression may then go untreated. This secondary data analysis examined the relationships of immigration demands, health literacy, and depression in a sample of recent Latino immigrants. Depressive symptoms were a significant problem; 26% of the participants reported symptoms that were suggestive of depression. Furthermore, low health literacy and greater immigration demands predicted higher depression scores. The study suggests that recent Latino immigrants would benefit from health literacy training, education on depressive symptoms, and better access to mental health services. Latinos who do access health care services need to be screened for depression; furthermore, home health care nurses can promote access to support and health care services.
OASIS Update
Authors: Niewenhous Susan S.
Published: December 2009

The July release of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Q&As deals with questions ranging from performing the compressive assessment in an adult day care center to dealing with the technology involved with texting on a cell phone. This month’s Outcome and Assessment Information Set update covers some of the highlights.
Book and Media Review: The New World of Health Promotion: New Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation
Authors: Kiger Patti G.
Published: December 2009

The New World of Health Promotion: New Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation is devoted to the development and implementation of community health promotion programs that work. The book discusses prerequisites for a new health promotion initiative, explores some of the emerging priorities in health promotion programs, explains competencies that help achieve goals, includes examples of effective health promotion, and addresses program leadership partnerships, evidence-based programs, and economic evaluation.
Charting Your Career Path Through Clear Professional Values and Purpose
Authors: Cooper Hanna , Cottrell Randall R.
Published: December 2009

Clearly articulating one’s professional purpose and professional values can clarify career direction as well as provide inspiration and ongoing career motivation for emerging, established, and senior health education professionals. Through examples and exercises, this article provides a method for clarifying and using professional values and purpose statements for health education professionals.
Ethics and Community-Based Participatory Research: Perspectives From the Field
Authors: Bastida Elena M. , Tseng Tung-Sung , McKeever Corliss , Jack Leonard
Published: December 2009

Exploring the importance of ethical issues in the conduct of community-based participatory research (CBPR) continues to be an important topic for researchers and practitioners. This article uses the Beyond Sabor Project, a CBPR project implemented in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, as a case example to discuss ethical issues such as the importance of increasing community involvement in research, ensuring that communities benefit from the research, sharing leadership roles, and sensitive issues regarding data collection and sharing. Thereafter, this article concludes with a brief discussion of six principles that can inform the practice of ethical conduct when implementing CBPR studies. This article also lists additional reading resources on the importance of ethics in the conduct of CBPR.
Meeting the Challenge of Change
Authors: Jernigan David H.
Published: December 2009

Although the largest improvements in the health of the public are likely to come from changing the social and behavioral conditions that influence morbidity, mortality, and functioning, public health training continues to focus more on how to bring about individual behavioral change than how to change larger social conditions and factors. A search of the on-line course catalogs of the 10 leading public health schools reveals that only 1 offers the “trifecta” of courses devoted to policy advocacy, media advocacy, and community organizing, respectively. To meet the challenge of creating large-scale change, public health schools need to do a better job of equipping our students with theoretical and practical tools in these three areas.
Results and factors influencing outcome after fully haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with very high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia: impact of center size: an analysis on behalf of the Acute Leukemia and Pediatric Disease Working Parties of the European Blood and Marrow Transplant group
Authors: Klingebiel Thomas , Cornish Jacqueline , Labopin Myriam , Locatelli Franco , Darbyshire Philippe , Handgretinger Rupert , Balduzzi Adriana , Owoc-Lempach Joanna , Fagioli Franca , Or Reuven , Peters Christina , Aversa Franco , Polge Emmanuelle , Dini Giorgio , Rocha Vanderson
Published: December 2009

T cell–depleted haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haploHSCT) is an option to treat children with very high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) lacking an HLA-identical donor. We analyzed 127 children with ALL who underwent haploHSCT in first (n = 22), second (n = 48), or third (n = 32), complete remission or in relapse (n = 25). The 5-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) was 30%, 34%, 22%, and 0%, respectively. A risk-factor analysis was performed for patients who underwent transplantation in remission (n = 102). Five-year nonrelapse mortality (NRM), relapse incidence (RI), and LFS were 37%, 36%, and 27%, respectively. A trend of improved LFS rate and decreased RI was observed for children given a graft with higher number of CD34+ cells (adjusted P = .09 and P = .07, respectively). In a multivariate analysis, haploHSCT performed in larger centers (performing ≥ 231 allotransplantations in the studied period) was associated with improved LFS rate and decreased RI (adjusted P = .01 and P = .04, respectively), adjusting for different patient-, disease-, and transplant-related factors such as number of previous autotransplantations, cytomegalovirus serology status, type of T-cell depletion, and use of total body irradiation and antithymocyte globulin. In conclusion, higher CD34+ cell dose and better patient selection may improve outcomes of children with ALL who undergo a haploHSCT. Transplant centers initiating programs on haploHSCT for children may collaborate with more experienced centers.