bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Physical Carrier Sense Based Backbone Maintenance in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Deval Sapna , Ritchie Luke , Reisslein Martin , Richa Andrea W.
Published: July 2009

Physical carrier sensing has to date mainly been exploited for improving medium access control in wireless networks. Recently, a parallel algorithm striving to extensively exploit physical carrier sensing
for constructing and maintaining a connected dominating set (CDS), which is also known as spanner,
backbone, or overlay network in wireless ad hoc networks with interference ranges larger than transmission
ranges has been proposed. Existing evaluations of this algorithm are limited to theoretical asymptotic
bounds and simulations of static networks. In this paper, we evaluate the physical carrier sensing-based
CDS maintenance for mobile ad hoc networks through discrete event simulations. For a wide range of
node speeds and node densities, we evaluate the CDS characteristics and message exchanges required for
maintaining the CDS. We find that the algorithm maintains a stable leader set dominating all nodes in the
network for a wide range of mobility levels but struggles to maintain connectivity at high mobility levels.
We also quantify the portions of the control messages for CDS maintenance that are exchanged through
physical carrier sensing. We find that the parallel algorithm manages to greatly reduce the reliance on
intact message receptions.
Curcumin Decreased Oxidative Stress, Inhibited NF‐κB Activation, and Improved Liver Pathology in Ethanol‐Induced Liver Injury in Rats
Authors: Samuhasaneeto Suchittra , Thong-Ngam Duangporn , Kulaputana Onanong , Suyasunanont Doungsamon , Klaikeaw Naruemon
Published: July 2009

To study the mechanism of curcumin‐attenuated inflammation and liver pathology in early stage of alcoholic liver disease, female Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into four groups and treated with ethanol or curcumin via an intragastric tube for 4 weeks. A control group treated with distilled water, and an ethanol group was treated with ethanol (7.5 g/kg bw). Treatment groups were fed with ethanol supplemented with curcumin (400 or 1 200 mg/kg bw). The liver histopathology in ethanol group revealed mild‐to‐moderate steatosis and mild necroinflammation. Hepatic MDA, hepatocyte apoptosis, and NF‐κB activation increased significantly in ethanol‐treated group when compared with control. Curcumin treatments resulted in improving
of liver pathology, decreasing the elevation of hepatic MDA, and inhibition of NF‐κB activation. The 400 mg/kg bw of curcumin treatment revealed only a trend of decreased hepatocyte apoptosis. However, the results of SOD activity, PPARγ protein expression showed no difference among the groups. In conclusion, curcumin improved liver histopathology in early stage of ethanol‐induced liver injury by reduction of oxidative stress and inhibition of NF‐κB activation.
Oral Contraceptive Use and BRCA Penetrance: A Case-Only Study
Authors: Pasanisi Patrizia , Hédelin Guy , Berrino Jacopo , Chang-Claude Jenny , Hermann Silke , Steel Michael , Haites Neva , Hart Jacob , Peled Ronit , Gafà Lorenzo , Leggio Laura , Traina Adele , Amodio Rosalba , Primic-Zakelj Maja , Zadnik Vesna , Veidebaum Toomas , Tekkel Mare , Berrino Franco
Published: July 2009

Background: Women with deleterious mutations in BRCA genes are at increased risk of breast cancer. However, the penetrance of the genetic trait may be regulated through environmental factors. This multinational case-only study tested the interaction between oral contraceptive use and genetic susceptibility in the occurrence of breast cancer.

Methods: We recruited 3,123 patients diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 45 years. Participants were classified according to their probability of carrying a BRCA mutation on the basis of their family history of breast and ovarian cancer. According to a case-only approach, the frequency of relevant exposures among breast cancer cases with high probability of BRCA mutation (“genetic cases”) was compared with the frequency of the same exposures among breast cancer cases with a low probability of BRCA mutation (“sporadic cases”). The interaction odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for oral contraceptive use were estimated by unconditional logistic regression, after controlling for potentially confounding variables.

Results: The analysis was carried out comparing 382 “genetic” and 1,333 “sporadic” cases. We found a borderline significant interaction between genetic breast cancer and oral contraceptive use for ever users compared with never users (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-1.7). The greatest interaction OR was found for women who started using pill at 18 to 20 years (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3).

Conclusion: These results suggest that BRCA mutation carriers, as well as women with a significant family history of breast and ovarian cancer are more vulnerable to exogenous hormones in oral contraceptives. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(7):2107–13)
Test Sensitivity in the European Prostate Cancer Screening Trial: Results from Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands
Authors: Auvinen Anssi , Raitanen Jani , Moss Sue , de Koning Harry J. , Hugosson Jonas , Tammela Teuvo , Roobol Monique , Lilja Hans , Hakama Matti
Published: July 2009

Test sensitivity pertains to the ability of a test to identify subjects with the target disorder. In cancer screening, test sensitivity can be estimated using interval cancer incidence as an indicator of false-negative result. A randomized trial provides the optimal approach for estimating test sensitivity, as the control arm provides the expected rates. We estimated the sensitivity of the prostate-specific antigen test using incidence method, i.e., based on incidence of interval cancer among subjects with negative screening results, compared with that in the control arm. Data from three centers in the European randomized screening trial were used to estimate interval cancer incidence (II) among 39,389 men with negative screening tests. This was compared with incidence among the 79,525 men in the control arm of the trial (Ic) to estimate test sensitivity (S = 1 − II / IC). Confidence intervals were calculated using simulations, assuming that the number of cases follows a Poisson distribution. The estimated test sensitivity following the first screen was 0.87 (0.83-0.92) in Finland, 0.87 (0.62-1.00) in Sweden, and 0.93 (95% confidence interval, 0.90-0.96) in the Netherlands. There was some indication of a higher test sensitivity for aggressive cancers (0.85-0.98 for non–organ-confined cases or Gleason 8-10) and for the second screening round (approximately 0.85-0.95). Test sensitivity varied to some extent between the three centers in the European trial, probably reflecting variation in screening protocols, but was acceptable in the first screening round, and may be better for aggressive cancers and in the second screening round. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(7):2000–5)
Salivary Cortisol for Assessment of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Function
Authors: Törnhage Carl-Johan
Published: July 2009

Objective: Cortisol is an important hormone/steroid in the regulation of intermediate metabolism and stress. It exists in free (unbound) and protein-bound forms in serum but only in a free form in saliva. The free form is the biologically active one. There is an advanced biofeedback system regulating the cortisol secretion/concentration by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Methods: There are many different methods to collect saliva, either directly from the mouth as an expectorate or indirectly by using swabs, capillary tubes or paper foams. The swab may be cotton-based, synthetic, with or without a plastic sheath. There are different methods for analysis – immunological, radioisotopic, mass fragmentographic and chromatographic. Results: The diurnal variation in salivary cortisol concentrations in healthy school-aged boys and girls are described and show dependence to different degrees of age and sex. Conclusion: Sampling for salivary cortisol determination is a sensitive, specific and pain-free procedure and it is therefore very useful for following healthy and sick children before, during and after pharmacological interventions. Different conditions as time for sampling, interaction with other endogenous and exogenous steroids, and physical and psychological activity interact with the salivary cortisol concentration.
RUNX3 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis by TGF-β-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms in Human Colon Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Tong Dan-dan , Jiang Ying , Li Ming , Kong Dan , Meng Xiang-nin , Zhao Yu-zhen , Jin Yan , Bai Jing , Fu Song-bin , Geng Jing-shu
Published: July 2009

Background: Genes involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway are often altered in several types of cancers. The TGF-β-resistant human colon cancer cell line HT-29 has inactivated TβRII and deficient expression of RUNX3 and Smad4, which are involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway. Methods: Western blot and immunocytochemistry were performed to confirm gene expression, the MTT assay to detect cell growth, flow cytometry to investigate the cell cycle and the TUNEL to detect cell apoptosis. Results: In the absence of TGF-β, Bim was upregulated, cell growth was inhibited and apoptosis was induced. TGF-β treatment did not affect RUNX3 expression; however, the increase in Bim expression was significant and time dependent. Interestingly, Smad4 but not Smad2/3 was also upregulated upon exposure to TGF-β. This was not the case after TGF-β treatment of parent HT-29 cells. As expected, TGF-β further inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in HT-29/RUNX3+ cells. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that RUNX3 is involved in TGF-β-dependent and -independent cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction pathways.
Isolated Lymphocytic Infiltration of Pituitary Stalk Preceding the Diagnosis of Germinoma in 2 Prepubertal Children Treated with Growth Hormone
Authors: Edouard T. , Stafford D.E.J. , Oliver I. , Jesuran M. , Bertozzi A.I. , Cances C. , Boetto S. , Guilbeau-Frugier C. , Delisle B. , Tauber M.
Published: July 2009

We report the clinical course of 2 patients with central diabetes insipidus and evolving to panyhypopituitarism which prompted the diagnosis of an isolated pituitary stalk thickening (PST). In both patients, all etiological investigations were normal and the first biopsy revealed an isolated lymphocytic infiltrate with no sign of malignancy. Close clinical follow-up accompanied by serial brain MRIs was proposed to determine a precise diagnosis and for early detection and treatment of neoplastic disease. In our first case, the diagnosis of germinoma was made 9 months after the PST diagnosis owing to tumor progression. In the second case, the time course was even longer with the diagnosis of germinoma 6 years following initial presentation. In these cases, it is speculated that the lymphocytic infiltrates represent the first sign of a host reaction to an occult germinoma. To our knowledge, this is the third case reported of lymphocytic infiltrates preceding a germinoma in a prepubertal girl, and the only case reported in a prepubertal boy. These cases underline the difficulties in establishing the diagnosis of germinoma in a patient with isolated PST.
Advanced Glycation End Products Induce Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells through RAGE/p38 MAPK
Authors: Tanikawa Takahisa , Okada Yosuke , Tanikawa Rena , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: July 2009

Background: Mönckeberg’s calcification in diabetes, known as medial artery calcification, is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality. However, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains to be elucidated. We demonstrate that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) induce calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells through the receptor for AGE (RAGE)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Methods: We detected vascular calcification by von Kossa staining. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was determined by measuring p-nitrophenol. Osteocalcin concentrations were measured using ELISA. Western blotting for protein phosphorylation and real-time RT-PCR for expression of mRNA were used. Results: AGEs induced calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells. AGEs also induced the expression of Runx2 mRNA. In addition, AGEs increased ALP activity and osteocalcin secretion. Furthermore, AGEs induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, and this phosphorylation was inhibited by the anti-RAGE blocking antibody. Increased ALP activity was inhibited by the p38 MAPK inhibitor or anti-RAGE blocking antibody. Furthermore, the p38 MAPK inhibitor and anti-RAGE blocking antibody both inhibited AGE-induced calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells. Diabetic serum induced calcification of smooth muscle cells and the calcification was inhibited by RAGE blocking. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that AGEs induce calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells by osteoblast-like differentiation of smooth muscle cells through RAGE/p38 MAPK.
Early Signaling by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Placental Growth Factor in Human Bone Marrow-Derived Endothelial Cells Is Mediated by Superoxide
Authors: Dhar-Mascareno Manya , Mascareno Eduardo , Golde David W.
Published: July 2009

Aims: We investigated the role of superoxide O2– during the initiation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)- and placental growth factor (PlGF)-mediated signal transduction in bone marrow-derived endothelial cells. Methods: BMhTERT cells were treated with VEGF or PlGF in the presence or absence of antioxidants. The signaling pathways downstream were analyzed by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. Superoxide and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using Superluminol or 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein fluorescence measurements. Results: We show here that VEGF and PlGF generate extracellular and intracellular O2– that regulates their downstream signaling transduction pathways. Indeed, the extracellular O2– generated treatment of endothelial cells (using hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase) was sufficient to initiate receptor phosphorylation of VEGF receptor 2. The PlGF treatment of endothelial cells increased the generation of intracellular ROS in an extracellular O2– dependent manner. Quenching of intracellular ROS by resveratrol inhibits PlGF- and VEGF-dependent induction of MAP kinase phosphorylation. Additionally, we found that the interaction of VEGF and PlGF with their specific receptors generates O2– in a cell-free system. Endothelial cells treated with VEGF stop proliferation in the presence of extracellular catalase, superoxide dismutase or peroxiredoxin IV. Conclusion: Our studies underscore the role of O2– as a critical regulator of VEGF and PlGF signal transduction initiation in endothelial cells.
Dispersion of Horse Allergen from Stables and Areas with Horses into Homes
Authors: Emenius G. , Merritt A.-S. , Härfast B.
Published: July 2009

Background/Aim: To protect susceptible subjects from exposure to horse allergen, a Swedish national report recommended a distance of at least 500 m between homes and stables and other areas with horses. The aim of this project was to study indoor and outdoor levels of horse allergen in relation to distance from stables and horse tracks. Methods: Indoor and outdoorsamples were collected with Petri dishes at 49 sites in different housing areas and near to a track for trotting horses. In the apartments, Petri dishes were placed on a bookshelf in the living room at a height of approximately 1.5 m. Outdoors, cages containing Petri dishes were attached to tree branches at various distances from the horse track. Results: Six of 45 indoor samples had detectable levels of horse allergen, 3 of those despite the fact that no family member had had any contact with horses, and 16 of 26 outdoor samples were positive. Outdoors, allergen levels drop quickly when the distance from stables or horses increases. Further, the allergen level found at a distance of 45 m from a horse track was around 1% of the allergen level found at 1 m from the track. Conclusions: Allergens dispersed from horses decline rapidly outdoors and are barely found indoors in homes. We support the view that indirect exposure to horses such as exposure from clothing of horse riders, should be taken into account when measures to protect susceptible people from undesired exposure to horse allergens are taken.
Human Serum IgE Reacts with a Metarhizium anisopliae Fungal Catalase
Authors: Ward Marsha D.W. , Donohue Maura J. , Chung Yong Joo , Copeland Lisa B. , Shoemaker Jody A. , Vesper Stephen J. , Selgrade MaryJane K.
Published: July 2009

Background: Previous studies have demonstrated that Metarhizium anisopliae extract can induce responses characteristic of human allergic asthma in a mouse model. The study objectives were (1) to identify and characterize the M. anisopliae mycelia extract (MYC) proteins that are recognized by mouse serum IgE, (2) to determine if human serum IgE reacts with these proteins, and (3) to determine if these IgE-reactive proteins are found in other fungi. Methods: Asthmatic human serum IgE, M. anisopliae crude antigen (MACA) immunized mouse serum IgE, and anti-catalase antibodies were used to probe one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis blots of MYC. Results: Mass spectrometry analysis identified catalase as a mouse IgE-reactive protein. This identification was confirmed by assaying catalase activity in the extract and extract immunoblots probed with anti-catalase antibody. Six adult asthmatic sera contained IgE, but not IgG, that was reactive with mycelia extract proteins. A similar protein profile was seen when blots were probed with either mouse anti-MACA IgE or anti-bovine liver catalase antibodies. Furthermore, these mouse anti-MACA and anti-catalase antibodies were cross-reactive with other mold extracts (skin prick testing mix) and Aspergillus niger catalase. Conclusions: Some human asthmatics have developed IgE that reacts with an M. anisopliae catalase, most likely due to cross-reactivity (minimal IgG development). The cross-reactivity among fungal catalases suggests that IgE-reactive catalase might be useful for exposure assessment. Additionally, the similarity of protein profiles visualized with both human and mouse serum IgE suggests that allergy hazard identification can be facilitated using a mouse model.
A TLR2 Ligand Suppresses Allergic Inflammatory Reactions by Acting Directly on Mast Cells
Authors: Kasakura Kazumi , Takahashi Kyoko , Aizawa Tomoyuki , Hosono Akira , Kaminogawa Shuichi
Published: July 2009

Background: Although much attention has been focused on the anti-allergic effects of probiotics, their mode of action is not fully understood. Mast cells, which play a central role in inducing allergic inflammation, are potential targets of probiotics given the recent discovery that they express Toll-like receptors (TLRs), the pattern recognition receptors for microbial components. In this study, we examined whether allergic reactions of mast cells are modulated by stimulation through TLR2. Methods: The effects on mast cells of the synthetic TLR2 ligand Pam3CSK4 and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum JCM 7041 were evaluated in vitro. Furthermore, the effects of Pam3CSK4 on mast cell-induced increase in vascular permeability in vivo were investigated by employing mast cell-deficient W/Wv mice into which IgE-sensitized mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells were transferred. Results: Pam3CSK4 and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum JCM 7041 suppressed degranulation of IgE-sensitized mast cells upon antigen stimulation in vitro. Pam3CSK4 also suppressed leukotriene C4 production triggered by engagement of the high-affinity IgE receptor, FcεRI. Intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and phosphorylation of Erk were suppressed by pretreatment with Pam3CSK4, suggesting that the TLR2 ligand suppresses activation of mast cells by interrupting FcεRI-mediated intracellular signaling. Pam3CSK4 treatment of bone marrow-derived mast cells reduced the increase in vascular permeability in recipient W/Wv mice upon intravenous injection of antigen; the decrease was by about half, in a TLR-dependent manner. Conclusion: Collectively, these results demonstrate that the FcεRI-mediated inflammatory responses of mast cells are suppressed by stimulation through TLR2, suggesting that probiotics exert potential anti-allergic effects, at least in part, through direct effects on mast cells.
Alagille Syndrome Associated with Myelinated Retinal Nerve Fibers
Authors: Voykov Bogomil , Guenova Emmanuella , Sturm Ekkehard , Deuter Christoph
Published: July 2009

Purpose: Alagille syndrome is frequently associated with optic disc anomalies. This is the first report of a patient with Alagille syndrome and myelinated retinal nerve fibers. Methods: A 5-year-old female patient was referred to the Centre for Ophthalmology before a liver transplantation. Ocular examinations including slit lamp examination and funduscopy as well as anterior segment and fundus images were performed. Results: We observed myelinated retinal nerve fibers in both eyes of a 5-year-old female patient with Alagille syndrome. Conclusions: A broad spectrum of ocular anomalies is associated with Alagille syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of myelinated retinal nerve fibers in a patient with Alagille syndrome.
Encoding in the Visual Word Form Area: An fMRI Adaptation Study of Words versus Handwriting
Authors: Barton Jason J. S. , Fox Christopher J. , Sekunova Alla , Iaria Giuseppe
Published: July 2009

Written texts are not just words but complex multidimensional stimuli, including aspects such as case, font, and handwriting style, for example. Neuropsychological reports suggest that left fusiform lesions can impair the reading of text for word (lexical) content, being associated with alexia, whereas right-sided lesions may impair handwriting recognition. We used fMRI adaptation in 13 healthy participants to determine if repetition–suppression occurred for words but not handwriting in the left visual word form area (VWFA) and the reverse in the right fusiform gyrus. Contrary to these expectations, we found adaptation for handwriting but not for words in both the left VWFA and the right VWFA homologue. A trend to adaptation for words but not handwriting was seen only in the left middle temporal gyrus. An analysis of anterior and posterior subdivisions of the left VWFA also failed to show any adaptation for words. We conclude that the right and the left fusiform gyri show similar patterns of adaptation for handwriting, consistent with a predominantly perceptual contribution to text processing.
Electrophysiological Evidence for Endogenous Control of Attention in Switching between Languages in Overt Picture Naming
Authors: Verhoef Kim M. W. , Roelofs Ardi , Chwilla Dorothee J.
Published: July 2009

Language switching in bilingual speakers requires attentional control to select the appropriate language, for example, in picture naming. Previous language-switch studies used the color of pictures to indicate the required language thereby confounding endogenous and exogenous control. To investigate endogenous language control, our language cues preceded picture stimuli by 750 msec. Cue-locked event-related potentials (ERPs) were measured while Dutch–English bilingual speakers overtly named pictures. The response language on consecutive trials could be the same (repeat trials) or different (switch trials). Naming latencies were longer on switch than on repeat trials, independent of the response language. Cue-locked ERPs showed an early posterior negativity for switch compared to repeat trials for L2 but not for L1, and a late anterior negativity for switch compared to repeat trials for both languages. The early switch–repeat effect might reflect disengaging from the nontarget native language, whereas the late switch–repeat effect reflects engaging in the target language. Implications for models of bilingual word production are discussed.
Fifty Years of the Indonesian Throughflow*
Authors: Tillinger Debra , Gordon Arnold L.
Published: July 2009

Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA) reanalysis data are used to produce a 50-yr record of flow through the Makassar Strait, the primary conduit for the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF). Two time series are constructed for comparison to the flow through the Makassar Strait as observed during 1997–98 and 2004–06: SODA along-channel speed within the Makassar Strait and Pacific to Indian Ocean interocean pressure difference calculated on isopycnal layers from SODA hydrology. These derived time series are compared to the total ITF as well as to the vertical distribution and frequency bands of ITF variability. The pressure difference method displays higher skill in replicating the observed Makassar ITF time series at periods longer than 9 months, particularly within the thermocline layer (50–200 m), the location of maximum flow. This is attributed to the connection between the thermocline layer and large-scale wind forcing, which affects the hydrology of the ITF inflow and outflow regions. In contrast, the surface layer (0–50 m) is more strongly correlated with local wind flow, and it is better predicted by SODA along-channel velocity. The pressure difference time series is extended over the 50-yr period of SODA and displays a strong correlation with ENSO as well as a correlation at the decadal scale with the island rule.
Clouds in Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Houze Robert A.
Published: July 2009

Clouds within the inner regions of tropical cyclones are unlike those anywhere else in the atmosphere. Convective clouds contributing to cyclogenesis have rotational and deep intense updrafts but tend to have relatively weak downdrafts. Within the eyes of mature tropical cyclones, stratus clouds top a boundary layer capped by subsidence. An outward-sloping eyewall cloud is controlled by adjustment of the vortex toward gradient-wind balance, which is maintained by a slantwise current transporting boundary layer air upward in a nearly conditionally symmetric neutral state. This balance is intermittently upset by buoyancy arising from high-moist-static-energy air entering the base of the eyewall because of the radial influx of low-level air from the far environment, supergradient wind in the eyewall zone, and/or small-scale intense subvortices. The latter contain strong, erect updrafts. Graupel particles and large raindrops produced in the eyewall fall out relatively quickly while ice splinters left aloft surround the eyewall, and aggregates are advected radially outward and azimuthally up to 1.5 times around the cyclone before melting and falling as stratiform precipitation. Electrification of the eyewall cloud is controlled by its outward-sloping circulation. Outside the eyewall, a quasi-stationary principal rainband contains convective cells with overturning updrafts and two types of downdrafts, including a deep downdraft on the band’s inner edge. Transient secondary rainbands exhibit propagation characteristics of vortex Rossby waves. Rainbands can coalesce into a secondary eyewall separated from the primary eyewall by a moat that takes on the structure of an eye. Distant rainbands, outside the region dominated by vortex dynamics, consist of cumulonimbus clouds similar to non–tropical storm convection.
Introduction of the GSI into the NCEP Global Data Assimilation System
Authors: Kleist Daryl T. , Parrish David F. , Derber John C. , Treadon Russ , Wu Wan-Shu , Lord Stephen
Published: July 2009

At the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), a new three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) analysis system was implemented into the operational Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) on 1 May 2007. The new analysis system, the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation (GSI), replaced the Spectral Statistical Interpolation (SSI) 3DVAR system, which had been operational since 1991. The GSI was developed at the Environmental Modeling Center at NCEP as part of an effort to create a more unified, robust, and efficient analysis scheme. The key aspect of the GSI is that it formulates the analysis in model grid space, which allows for more flexibility in the application of the background error covariances and makes it straightforward for a single analysis system to be used across a broad range of applications, including both global and regional modeling systems and domains.

Due to the constraints of working with an operational system, the final GDAS package included many changes other than just a simple replacing of the SSI with the new GSI. The new GDAS package contained an upgrade to the Global Forecast System model, including a new vertical coordinate, as well as new features in the GSI that were never developed for the SSI. Some of these new features included changes to the observation selection, quality control, minimization algorithm, dynamic balance constraint, and assimilation of new observation types. The evaluation of the new system relative to the SSI-based system was performed for nearly an entire year of analyses and forecasts. The objective and subjective evaluations showed that the new package exhibited superior forecast performance relative to the old SSI-based system. The new system has been shown to improve forecast skill in the tropics and substantially reduce the short-term forecast error in the extratropics. This implementation has laid the groundwork for future scientific advancements in data assimilation at NCEP.
Evaluation of WRF Model Output for Severe Weather Forecasting from the 2008 NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Experiment
Authors: Coniglio Michael C. , Elmore Kimberly L. , Kain John S. , Weiss Steven J. , Xue Ming , Weisman Morris L.
Published: July 2009

This study assesses forecasts of the preconvective and near-storm environments from the convection-allowing models run for the 2008 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hazardous Weather Testbed (HWT) spring experiment. Evaluating the performance of convection-allowing models (CAMs) is important for encouraging their appropriate use and development for both research and operations. Systematic errors in the CAM forecasts included a cold bias in mean 2-m and 850-hPa temperatures over most of the United States and smaller than observed vertical wind shear and 850-hPa moisture over the high plains. The placement of airmass boundaries was similar in forecasts from the CAMs and the operational North American Mesoscale (NAM) model that provided the initial and boundary conditions. This correspondence contributed to similar characteristics for spatial and temporal mean error patterns. However, substantial errors were found in the CAM forecasts away from airmass boundaries. The result is that the deterministic CAMs do not predict the environment as well as the NAM. It is suggested that parameterized processes used at convection-allowing grid lengths, particularly in the boundary layer, may be contributing to these errors.

It is also shown that mean forecasts from an ensemble of CAMs were substantially more accurate than forecasts from deterministic CAMs. If the improvement seen in the CAM forecasts when going from a deterministic framework to an ensemble framework is comparable to improvements in mesoscale model forecasts when going from a deterministic to an ensemble framework, then an ensemble of mesoscale model forecasts could predict the environment even better than an ensemble of CAMs. Therefore, it is suggested that the combination of mesoscale (convection parameterizing) and CAM configurations is an appropriate avenue to explore for optimizing the use of limited computer resources for severe weather forecasting applications.
Sergii Bulgakov and the Task of Theology
Authors: Louth Andrew
Published: July 2009

Bulgakov's theology is not only a continuation of a tradition of Russian religious philosophy that he inherited, but is also an attempt to reconceive the task of theology in the West, where others (Barth and some Catholic theologians) also felt the need to break away from traditional patterns. Bulgakov's conception of theology is ecclesial, even priestly, rooted in his (at times, daily) celebration of the Divine Liturgy, and based on his reading of the Fathers of the Church. Theology grows out of a relationship with God experienced in prayer, especially liturgical prayer, and provides a `personalist' approach in contrast to the traditional `cosmological' approach and the modern `anthropological' approach (to use Balthasar's terms), but based on a notion of person as shaped by community, rather than person as individual. Finally this approach to theology is related to the notion of the Wisdom of God, `Sophia,' which throughout remained important to Bulgakov.
The Importance of Divine Designations in Old Testament Theology
Authors: Byrne Máire
Published: July 2009

The divine designations in the Old Testament have long been a source of interest for Biblical scholars who have studied them as a means of understanding the Ancient Israelites' developing ideas of their God. A more systematic approach to the study of the designations through an acknowledgment of the complexity of the naming process in earthly and divine terms is outstanding. Taking Linguistics, the Philosophy of Language, and Tryggve Mettinger's research on `name theology,' this study of the designations (names, titles and epithets) as used in the biblical context allows the reader a deeper insight into the theology behind the text.
Geography, Rebel Capability, and the Duration of Civil Conflict
Authors: Buhaug Halvard , Gates Scott , Lujala Päivi
Published: July 2009

Why do some armed civil conflicts last longer than others? Drawing on a contest success function model, we show that geographic factors (such as location, terrain, and natural resources) interact with rebel fighting capacity and together play a crucial role in determining the duration of conflict. Using precisely dated duration data in event history models and geographic data for the conflict location, we find that conflicts located at considerable distance from the main government stronghold, along remote international borders and in regions with valuable minerals last substantially longer. In addition, we find that rebel military capacity in its own right increases the prospects of a civil conflict ending within a short time period. Our findings imply that the distances an army must travel to project power, rebel fighting capacity, and characteristics of conflict region affect how a civil war is fought and who will prevail.
A Retrospective Examination of Urban Education
Authors: Blanchett Wanda J.
Published: July 2009

Despite the fact that African American and other students of color, students labeled as having disabilities, and poor students in urban schools are indisputably linked in terms of the quality of schooling they have experienced, few attempts have been made to examine the relationship between special education and urban education. Both students placed in special education and those who attend urban schools have a long history of being miseducated, under-educated, and treated inequitably by the American educational system, with the American educational system at times excluding these students altogether from receiving a free and appropriate public education. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide (a) a historical analysis of special education and the treatment of students with disabilities prior to the Brown decision; (b) an analysis of the challenges that students with disabilities, African American and students of color, poor students in urban schools, and students affected by all three have historically experienced in their quest to receive a free and appropriate education in the American educational system; (c) a discussion that illustrates that special education is the new tool for the resegregation of African American and other students of color in special education; (d) a discussion of who the real beneficiaries of failed urban schools are and why they resist providing an equitable education to all children; and (e) specific examples of what it means to go for broke in calling out educational inequities and advocating for African American and other students of color, poor students, students with disabilities, students in urban settings, and students affected by all of these factors and issues.
Do Europeans View their Homes as Castles? Homeownership and Poverty Perception throughout Europe
Authors: Watson Duncan , Webb Robert
Published: July 2009

The paper investigates the notion that homeownership affects poverty perception. This is investigated by utilising a logit model to analyse various characteristics of homeowners in 11 different European nations. Overall, the analysis fails to reject the notion that homeowners throughout Europe are less likely to perceive themselves as living in poverty, but no evidence is found that homeownership is more valued in nations with high owner-occupancy rates. However, support is found for the notion that homeownership is used as a form of security in countries that experience greater income inequality.
Psychopathy, Homicide, and the Courts
Authors: Häkkänen-Nyholm Helinä , Hare Robert D.
Published: July 2009

This study investigated the effects of psychopathy on homicidal postoffense behavior, denying the charges at court, appealing the lower court conviction, and final sentencing. A sample of 546 offenders prosecuted for a homicide and convicted in Finland during the 1995—2004 period was examined. Their postoffense behavior, self-reported reasons for the killing, charges, sentences, and psychopathic traits, as measured by the Psychopathy Checklist—Revised, were coded from official file information. Offenders with high scores were more likely than others to leave the crime scene without informing anyone of the killing, to deny the charges, to be convicted for involuntary manslaughter rather than manslaughter or murder, and to receive permission from the Supreme Court to appeal their lower court sentence. Given the risk that psychopathic offenders pose for violent crime, the finding that they are able to manipulate the criminal justice system is cause for concern.
Associations Between Father-Daughter Relationship Quality and the Academic Engagement of African American Adolescent Girls: Self-Esteem as a Mediator?
Authors: Cooper Shauna M.
Published: July 2009

Positive social interactions and relationships may play an influential role in the academic success of African American adolescent girls. Though studies have suggested that the paternal relationships are particularly consequential to girls’ outcomes, few studies exist that have explored how aspects of the father-daughter relationship contribute to their academic-related outcomes. Using a sample of 122 African American adolescent girls (M = 12.2 years; SD = 1.02), this study examined how father-daughter relationship quality was associated with academic engagement. An equally important goal of this investigation was to explore self-esteem (global and academic self-esteem) as a mediator of girls’ academic engagement. Findings indicated that quality of the father-daughter relationship was positively related to girls’ academic engagement. Also, both global and academic self-esteem mediated the link between father-daughter relationship quality and academic engagement. These findings suggest the importance of father-daughter relationship quality in both the academic engagement and self-esteem of African American adolescent girls.
Social Theory, Aging, and Health and Welfare Professionals
Authors: Powell Jason L.
Published: July 2009

Health and welfare have emerged as pivotal drivers used to position the identities that older people adopt in contemporary Western societies. Both contain continually changing technologies that function to mediate relations between older people and care professionals. However, they also represent an increase in professional control that can be exerted on lifestyles in old age, and thus, the wider social meanings associated with that part of the life course. The article presents a theoretical analysis of gerontology based on a critical reading of the work of Michel Foucault. It identifies the interrelationship between managerialism and older people in terms of a conceptual toolkit of (a) “medical power,” and (b) “assessment,” “surveillance,” and “resistance”; the key point is that they are relevant in theorizing power relations between health and welfare professionals and user groups such as older people.
Corporate Logo Tattoos and the Commodification of the Body
Authors: Orend Angela , Gagné Patricia
Published: July 2009

This research explores the sociological factors underlying the increasing popularity of corporate logo tattoos. The authors draw upon critical theory, sociology of the body, and consumption to analyze data from in-depth interviews with a small sample of subjects with a corporate logo tattoo. Findings suggest that the increasing popularity of logo tattoos is a product of the commodification of culture via the culture industry. Findings show that the majority of the sample was motivated by brand loyalty and self-identification with a brand philosophy or lifestyle, while a small minority attempted to alter the intended meaning of the logo by appropriating it into a simulated meaning. This research suggests that corporate logo tattoos are one way that corporations have inscribed themselves onto the bodies and into the identities of many of those who acquire them, while others attempt to use such body modifications as a way to play with postmodern images.
Principles of Ethical Practice
Authors: Skinner Michael E. , Gurganus Susan P. , Watson Silvana M.R.
Published: July 2009

In July 2007, a revised version of the Council for Learning Disabilities’ principles of ethical practice was approved by CLD’s Board of Trustees. Subsequently, the new standards were published in the January 8 issue of LD Forum. Using a case study approach, this article highlights the application of these principles to situations confronted by learning disability professionals. Six cases are presented. Although fictionalized for the sake of confidentiality, the cases are based on actual situations witnessed by the authors. Each of the cases illustrates a minimum of two ethical principles. Questions for reflection and analysis follow each case with the intention of stimulating discussion. The article concludes with a discussion of professionalism and the importance of a commitment to the ongoing emphasis on ethical practice in the field of learning disabilities.
Effect of Axial Force on the Free Vibration of Reddy—Bickford Multi-span Beam Carrying Multiple Spring—mass Systems
Authors: Yesilce Yusuf
Published: July 2009

Structural elements supporting motors or engines are frequently seen in technological applications. The operation of a machine may introduce additional dynamic stresses on the beam. It is important to know the natural frequencies of the coupled beam—mass system for a proper design of the structural elements. There is plenty of literature regarding the free vibration analysis of Bernoulli—Euler single-span beams carrying a number of spring—mass system and Bernoulli—Euler multi-span beams carrying multiple spring—mass systems, but less is available regarding Reddy—Bickford multi-span beam carrying multiple spring—mass systems with/without axial force effect. This paper aims at determining the exact solutions for the first five natural frequencies and mode shapes of Reddy—Bickford beams. The model allows the influence of the shear effect and spring—mass systems on the dynamic behavior of the beams to be analyzed by using Reddy—Bickford beam theory. The effects of the attached spring—mass systems on the free vibration characteristics of one to four span beams are studied. The calculated natural frequencies of Reddy—Bickford and Timoshenko multi-span beams using a secant method for nontrivial solution of the different values of axial force are given. The mode shapes of Reddy—Bickford multi-span beams are also presented.
Life below a `Language Threshold'?
Authors: Liversage Anika
Published: July 2009

In many immigrant groups, women gain less command of the host country language than the men. Using life story interviews with marriage migrants from Turkey, now living in Denmark, this article investigates this limited language learning, linking it to these women's lives as they primarily unfold in three social locations: households, workplaces and language schools. During their first years in Denmark a gendered division of work may relegate the women to the Turkish- or Kurdish-speaking home environment. When they subsequently enter work, their poor Danish skills only allow them access into jobs with little host country interaction. The available language education becomes fragmented after childbirth and often remains inadequate to substantially raise the women's command of Danish. Furthermore, national legislation may unintentionally impede language learning. As a result, even women with expressed ambitions of acquiring Danish may continue living below a `language threshold' that precludes them from gaining broader access to host country resources.
Daylight Ratio, Luminance, and Visual Comfort Assessments in Typical Malaysian Hostels
Authors: Dahlan N.D. , Jones P.J. , Alexander D.K. , Salleh E. , Alias J.
Published: July 2009

Conventional tropical building designs are experiencing a new paradigm in their environmental response to improve lighting ambiance and occupants’ visual comfort through the exploitation of daylighting. However, it is important for architects to understand that flaws in daylighting strategies could lead to disadvantages as they could hinder vision, cause discomfort, increase interior heat gain, and result in excessive energy demands. The objective of this study was to assess how occupants’ perceived their visual conditions through daylight ratio and luminance level measurements. Measurements were conducted throughout a 2-month period starting from 12th May to 3rd July 2007. Three case studies were conducted at typical Malaysian hostels located in the Klang Valley. Those selected were: the Twelfth Residential College, Universiti Malaya (H1); the Eleventh Residential College, Universiti Putra Malaysia (H2); and Murni Student Apartments, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (H3). The daylighting source in all these case studies were from side-lit windows. Overall, the findings suggested that occupants were at ease with the level of daylighting available in their rooms even though rooms that were shaded by projecting balconies (i.e.,: H1) were dimmer than the rooms that were not shaded (i.e.,: H2 and H3).