bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Speech-Smile’, ‘Speech-Laugh’, ‘Laughter’ and Their Sequencing in Dialogic Interaction
Authors: Kohler Klaus J.
Published: June 2008

Laughing is examined auditorily and acoustico-graphically, on the basis of exemplary speech data from spontaneous German dialogues, as pulmonic air stream modulation for communicative functions, paying attention to fine phonetic detail in interactional context. These phonetic case descriptions of laughing phenomena in speaker interaction in a small corpus have as their goal to create an awareness of the phonetic and functional parameters that need to be considered in the future acquisition, acoustic analysis and statistical evaluation of large spontaneous databases.
Spectral Integration of Dynamic Cues in the Perception of Syllable-Initial Stops
Authors: Fox Robert Allen , Jacewicz Ewa , Feth Lawrence L.
Published: June 2008

The present experiments examine the potential role of auditory spectral integration and spectral center of gravity (COG) effects in the perception of initial formant transitions in the syllables [da]-[ga] and [tha]-[kha]. Of interest is whether the place distinction for stops in these syllables can be cued by a ‘virtual F3 transition’ in which the percept of a frequency transition is produced by a dynamically changing COG. Listeners perceived the virtual F3 transitions comparably with actual F3 transitions although the former were less salient a cue. However, in a separate experiment, static ‘virtual F3 bursts’ were not as effective as actual F3 bursts in cueing the alveolar-velar place distinction. These results indicate that virtual F3 transitions can provide phonetic information to the perceptual system and that auditory spectral integration (completed by the central auditory system) may play a significant role in speech perception.
Endothelial Function in Patients with Proteinuric Primary Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Mackinnon Bruce , Deighan Christopher J. , Ferrell William R. , Sattar Naveed , Fox Jonathan G.
Published: June 2008

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the commonest cause of mortality among patients with end-stage renal disease. Endothelial function and inflammation have previously been shown to be abnormal among such individuals, and are known to be important factors in the progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess endothelial function early in the natural history of renal disease. Methods: Patients with primary glomerulonephritis, and healthy controls were recruited. In addition to routine laboratory assessment of renal function and proteinuria, assays were undertaken to measure CRP, vWF, VCAM and ICAM. Furthermore, a direct assessment of microvascular endothelial function was undertaken, using laser Doppler imaging to measure perfusion to areas of skin under the influence of transdermally delivered vasodilator agents. Results: Data were collected from 39 patients and 22 controls. No patient was taking anti-platelet agents, statins or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors at the time of endothelial function assessment. All 3 biomarkers of endothelial function were significantly elevated in the patient group compared to controls: ICAM 455 versus 359 ng/ml (p = 0.009), VCAM 1,101 versus 771 ng/ml (p = 0.007) and vWF 184 versus 125 IU/ml (p < 0.001). These differences remained significant after adjusting for blood pressure and body mass index. Endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vascular responses were blunted in the patient group, compared to controls (AUC: 2,204 vs. 3,721 PU for dependent and 2,190 vs. 3,555 PU for independent responses). Conclusions: Microvascular endothelial and vascular smooth muscle function is abnormal in patients with primary glomerulonephritis and moderate proteinuria but well-maintained renal function. We believe these findings to be of particular importance as they compare 2 well-matched groups in the absence of the confounding influence of drugs known to affect endothelial function.
Development of Screening Guidelines and Clinical Criteria for Predementia Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Visser P.J. , Verhey F.R.J. , Boada M. , Bullock R. , De Deyn P.P. , Frisoni G.B. , Frölich L. , Hampel H. , Jolles J. , Jones R. , Minthon L. , Nobili F. , Olde Rikkert M. , Ousset P.-J. , Rigaud A.-S. , Scheltens P. , Soininen H. , Spiru L. , Touchon J. , Tsolaki M. , Vellas B. , Wahlund L.-O. , Wilcock G. , Winblad B.
Published: June 2008

Background: There is an urgent need to identify subjects with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the predementia phase, but validated diagnostic approaches are currently lacking. In this paper, we present the background, design and methods of a study, which aims to develop clinical criteria for predementia AD. We also present baseline characteristics of the subjects included. The study was part of the multicentre DESCRIPA project, which is being conducted within the network of the European Alzheimer’s Disease Consortium. Methods: Clinical criteria will be based on a prospective cohort study of non-demented subjects older than 55 years and referred to a memory clinic. At baseline, a number of markers and risk factors for AD were collected, including demographic variables, measures of performance in activities of daily living, cognitive, neuroimaging and genetic markers, and serum and cerebrospinal fluid markers. Subjects will be reassessed annually for 2–3 years, and we will evaluate which combination of variables best predicts AD-type dementia at follow-up. Results: Between 2003 and 2005, 881 subjects were included from 20 memory clinics. Subjects were on average 70.3 years old, and had 10.4 years of education. The average score on the Mini-Mental State Examination was 27.4.
Cerebral Hemodynamics and Oxygen Metabolism in Patients with Moyamoya Syndrome Associated with Atherosclerotic Steno-Occlusive Arterial Lesions
Authors: Kato Hiroki , Shimosegawa Eku , Oku Naohiko , Kimura Yasuyuki , Kajimoto Katsufumi , Tanaka Makiko , Hori Masatsugu , Kitagawa Kazuo , Hatazawa Jun
Published: June 2008

Background: Patients with major cerebral artery steno-occlusion and the formation of the moyamoya-like vessels associated with some other disorders have been distinguished from moyamoya disease and classified as moyamoya syndrome. The hemodynamic and metabolic backgrounds of the moyamoya syndrome associated with atherosclerosis have not yet been investigated. We aimed to elucidate the hemodynamic and metabolic characteristics associated with the development of basal moyamoya-like vessels in moyamoya syndrome with atherosclerosis. Methods: Twenty-one patients with chronic unilateral atherosclerotic steno-occlusive lesions of the internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery (MCA) were enrolled in the study. Based on the angiographic findings, the patients were classified into 2 groups: the moyamoya syndrome group (n = 7) and the non-moyamoya-syndrome group (n = 14). We conducted angiographic evaluations of the extent of the development of basal moyamoya-like vessels in the moyamoya syndrome group. The cerebral blood flow, cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen, oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral blood volume were measured using PET in the ipsilateral MCA area in the patients and in normal controls (n = 6). Results: The OEF in the ipsilateral MCA area, except in the basal ganglia, was significantly higher in the moyamoya syndrome group than in the non-moyamoya-syndrome group (p < 0.001). The extent of the development of basal moyamoya-like vessels was closely correlated with the elevation of the OEF (r > 0.999, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The basal moyamoya-like vessels are evidence of misery perfusion in patients with unilateral chronic atherosclerotic steno-occlusive lesions of major cerebral artery trunks.
When More Is Not Better
Authors: Heisler Michele , Hogan Mary M. , Hofer Timothy P. , Schmittdiel Julie A. , Pladevall Manel , Kerr Eve A.
Published: May 2008

Background—

Hypertension may be poorly controlled because patients do not take their medications (poor adherence) or because providers do not increase medication when appropriate (lack of medication intensification, or “clinical inertia”). We examined the prevalence of and relationship between patient adherence and provider treatment intensification.

Methods and Results—

We used a retrospective cohort study of hypertensive patients who had filled prescriptions for 1 or more blood pressure (BP) medications at Veterans’ Affairs (VA) healthcare facilities in a Midwestern VA administrative region. Our sample included all patients who received at least 2 outpatient BP medication refills during 2004 and had 1 or more outpatient primary care visits with an elevated systolic BP >140 but <200 mm Hg or diastolic BP >90 mm Hg during 2005 (n=38 327). For each episode of elevated BP during 2005 (68 610 events), we used electronic pharmacy refill data to examine patients’ BP medication adherence over the prior 12 months and whether providers increased doses or added BP medications (“intensification”). Multivariate analyses accounted for the clustering of elevated BP events within patients and adjusted for patient age, comorbidities, number of BP medications, encounter systolic BP, and average systolic BP over the prior year. Providers intensified medications in 30% of the 68 610 elevated BP events, with almost no variation in intensification regardless of whether patients had good or poor BP medication adherence. After adjustment, intensification rates were 31% among patients who had “gaps” of <20% (days on which patients should have had medication but no medication was available because medications had not been refilled), 34% among patients with refill gaps of 20% to 59%, and 32% among patients with gaps of 60% or more.

Conclusions—

Intensification of medications occurred in fewer than one third of visits in which patients had an elevated BP. Patients’ prior medication adherence had little impact on providers’ decisions about intensifying medications, even at very high levels of poor adherence. Addressing both patient adherence and provider intensification simultaneously would most likely result in better BP control.
Reduction in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Group X Secretory Phospholipase A
2
–Deficient Mice
Authors: Fujioka Daisuke , Saito Yukio , Kobayashi Tsuyoshi , Yano Toshiaki , Tezuka Hideo , Ishimoto Yoshikazu , Suzuki Noriko , Yokota Yasunori , Nakamura Takamitsu , Obata Jyun-ei , Kanazawa Masaki , Kawabata Ken-ichi , Hanasaki Kohji , Kugiyama Kiyotaka
Published: May 2008

Background—

Group X secretory phospholipase A
2
(sPLA
2
-X) has the most potent hydrolyzing activity toward phosphatidylcholine and elicits a marked release of arachidonic acid among several types of sPLA
2
. sPLA
2
-X is expressed in neutrophils, but its pathogenic role remains unclear.

Methods and Results—

We generated mice that lack sPLA
2
-X and studied their response to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. The sPLA
2
-X
−/−
mice had a significant reduction in myocardial infarct size and a decrease in myocardial myeloperoxidase activity compared with sPLA
2
-X
+/+
mice. Myocardial infarct size was also significantly reduced in lethally irradiated sPLA
2
-X
+/+
mice reconstituted with sPLA
2
-X
−/−
bone marrow compared with sPLA
2
-X
+/+
bone marrow. The extent of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury was comparable between sPLA
2
-X
−/−
and sPLA
2
-X
+/+
mice in Langendorff experiments using isolated hearts and blood-free perfusion buffer, supporting a potential role of sPLA
2
-X in blood in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. In the infarcted myocardium of sPLA
2
-X
+/+
mice, sPLA
2
-X was released from neutrophils but not myocardial tissues and platelets and was undetectable in the peripheral serum. The sPLA
2
-X
−/−
mice had lower accumulation of neutrophils in ischemic myocardium, and the isolated sPLA
2
-X
−/−
neutrophils had lower release of arachidonic acid and attenuated cytotoxic activities including respiratory burst compared with sPLA
2
-X
+/+
neutrophils. The attenuated functions of sPLA
2
-X
−/−
neutrophils were reversible by the exogenous addition of sPLA
2
-X protein. Furthermore, administration of a sPLA
2
inhibitor reduced myocardial infarct size and suppressed the cytotoxic activity of sPLA
2
-X
+/+
neutrophils.

Conclusions—

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury was attenuated in sPLA
2
-X
−/−
mice partly through the suppression of neutrophil cytotoxic activities.
Multidrug Resistance Protein-1 Affects Oxidative Stress, Endothelial Dysfunction, and Atherogenesis via Leukotriene C
4
Export
Authors: Mueller Cornelius F.H. , Wassmann Kerstin , Widder Julian D. , Wassmann Sven , Chen Chia Hui , Keuler Barbara , Kudin Alexey , Kunz Wolfram S. , Nickenig Georg
Published: May 2008

Background—

We recently showed that the multidrug resistance related protein-1 (MRP1) is important for the management of oxidative stress in vascular cells. However, the underlying mechanism and the in vivo relevance of these findings remain elusive. We hypothesize that inside-outside transport of leukotriene C
4
(LTC
4
) via MRP1 is a substantial proatherogenic mechanism in the vasculature. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of MRP1 inhibition and LTC
4
receptor blockade (Cys-LT1 receptor) in vitro and in vivo.

Methods and Results—

MRP1 is expressed abundantly in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Pharmacological inhibition of MRP1 via MK571 reduces angiotensin II–induced reactive oxygen species release by 59% (L012 fluorescence) in VSMCs. The release of reactive oxygen species after angiotensin II stimulation also is inhibited by blockade of the Cys-LT1 receptor with montelukast. Incubation of VSMCs with recombined LTC
4
causes enhanced rates of reactive oxygen species and proliferation in wild-type and MRP1
−/−
VSMCs. Accordingly, the LTC
4
release in the cell culture supernatant of MRP1
−/−
VSMCs is significantly decreased compared with wild-type cells. To extend our observations to the in vivo situation, atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E–deficient mice on a high-cholesterol diet were treated with placebo, the MRP1 inhibitor MK571, or the Cys-LT1 receptor inhibitor montelukast for 6 weeks. Treatment with MK571 or montelukast reduced vascular reactive oxygen species production, significantly improved endothelial function, and ameliorated atherosclerotic plaque generation by 52% and 61%, respectively.

Conclusions—

These findings indicate that MRP1 and LTC
4
exert proatherosclerotic effects and that both MRP1 and LTC
4
are potentially promising targets for atheroprotective therapy.
Contribution of Macromolecular Structure to the Retention of Low-Density Lipoprotein at Arterial Branch Points
Authors: Kwon Gina P. , Schroeder Jamie L. , Amar Marcelo J. , Remaley Alan T. , Balaban Robert S.
Published: May 2008

Background—

Extracellular deposition of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the arterial wall is an essential early step in atherosclerosis. This process preferentially occurs at arterial branch points, reflecting a regional variation in lipoprotein–arterial wall interactions. In this study, we characterized the submicron microstructure of arterial wall collagen and elastin to evaluate its potential role in regional LDL deposition.

Methods and Results—

With 2-photon microscopy, we used the intrinsic optical properties of collagen and elastin to determine the arterial wall macromolecular microstructure in fresh porcine and murine arteries. This optical approach generated unique nondestructive en face 3-dimensional views of the wall. The collagen/elastin microstructure was found to vary with the topology of the arterial bed. A nearly confluent elastin surface layer was present throughout but was missing at atherosclerosis-susceptible branch points, exposing dense collagen-proteoglycan complexes. In LDL binding studies, this luminal elastin layer limited LDL penetration, whereas its absence at the branches resulted in extensive LDL binding. Furthermore, LDL colocalized with proteoglycans with a sigmoidal dose dependence (inflection point, ≈130 mg LDL/dL). Ionic strength and competing anions studies were consistent with the initial interaction of LDL with proteoglycans to be electrostatic in nature.

Conclusions—

This optical sectioning approach provided a robust 3-dimensional collagen/elastin microstructure of the arterial wall in fresh samples. At atherosclerosis-susceptible vascular branch points, the absence of a luminal elastin barrier and the presence of a dense collagen/proteoglycan matrix contribute to increased retention of LDL.
Sensitivity of Low-Level Winds Simulated by the WRF Model in California’s Central Valley to Uncertainties in the Large-Scale Forcing and Soil Initialization
Authors: Michelson Sara A. , Bao Jian-Wen
Published: May 2008

The sensitivity of the Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) model-simulated low-level winds in the Central Valley (CV) of California to uncertainties in the atmospheric forcing and soil initialization is investigated using scatter diagrams for a 5-day period in which meteorological conditions are typical of those associated with poor-air-quality events during the summer in the CV. It is assumed that these uncertainties can be approximated by two independent operational analyses. First, the sensitivity is illustrated using scatter diagrams and is measured in terms of the linear regression of the output from two simulations that differ in either the atmospheric forcing or the soil initialization. The spatial variation of the sensitivity is then investigated and is linked to the dominant low-level flows within the CV. The results from this case study suggest that the WRF-simulated low-level winds in the northern CV [i.e., the Sacramento Valley (SV)] are more sensitive to the uncertainties in the atmospheric forcing than to those in the soil initialization in the typical weather conditions during the summer that are prone to poor air quality in the CV. The simulated low-level winds in the southernmost part of the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) are more sensitive to the uncertainties in the soil initialization than they are in the SV. In the northern SJV, the simulated low-level winds are overall more sensitive to the uncertainties in the large-scale upper-level atmospheric forcing than to those in the soil initialization. This spatial variation in sensitivity reflects the important roles that the large-scale forcing, specified by the lateral boundary conditions and the local forcing associated with the soil state, play in controlling the low-level winds in the CV.
Tropical Pacific Forcing of North American Medieval Megadroughts: Testing the Concept with an Atmosphere Model Forced by Coral-Reconstructed SSTs*
Authors: Seager Richard , Burgman Robert , Kushnir Yochanan , Clement Amy , Cook Ed , Naik Naomi , Miller Jennifer
Published: May 2008

The possible role that tropical Pacific SSTs played in driving the megadroughts over North America during the medieval period is addressed. Fossil coral records from the Palmyra Atoll are used to derive tropical Pacific SSTs for the period from a.d. 1320 to a.d. 1462 and show overall colder conditions as well as extended multidecadal La Niña–like states. The reconstructed SSTs are used to force a 16-member ensemble of atmosphere GCM simulations, each with different initial conditions, with the atmosphere coupled to a mixed layer ocean outside of the tropical Pacific. Model results are verified against North American tree ring reconstructions of the Palmer Drought Severity Index. A singular value decomposition analysis is performed using the soil moisture anomaly simulated by another 16-member ensemble of simulations forced by global observed SSTs for 1856–2004 and tree ring reconstructions of the Palmer Drought Severity Index for the same period. This relationship is used to transfer the modeled medieval soil moisture anomaly (relative to the modern simulation) into a model-estimated Palmer Drought Severity Index. The model-estimated Palmer Drought Severity Index reproduces many aspects of both the interannual and decadal variations of the tree ring reconstructions, in addition to an overall drier climate that is drier than the tree ring records suggest. The model-estimated Palmer Drought Severity Index simulates two previously identified “megadroughts,” a.d. 1360–1400 and a.d. 1430–60, with a realistic spatial pattern and amplitude. In contrast, the model fails to produce a period of more normal conditions in the early fifteenth century that separated these two megadroughts. The dynamical link between tropical SSTs and the North American megadroughts is akin to that operating in modern droughts. The model results are used to argue that the tropical Pacific played an active role in driving the megadroughts. However, the match between simulated and reconstructed hydroclimate is such that it is likely that both the coral-reconstructed SST anomalies contain significant errors and that SST anomalies in other basins also played a role in driving hydroclimate variations over North America during the late medieval period.
The Importance of High-Frequency Sea Surface Temperature Variability to the Intraseasonal Oscillation of Indian Monsoon Rainfall
Authors: Klingaman Nicholas P. , Inness Peter M. , Weller Hilary , Slingo Julia M.
Published: June 2008

While the Indian monsoon exhibits substantial variability on interannual time scales, its intraseasonal variability (ISV) is of greater magnitude and hence of critical importance for monsoon predictability. This ISV comprises a 30–50-day northward-propagating oscillation (NPISO) between active and break events of enhanced and reduced rainfall, respectively, over the subcontinent. Recent studies have implied that coupled general circulation models (CGCMs) were better able to simulate the NPISO than their atmosphere-only counterparts (AGCMs). These studies have forced their AGCMs with SSTs from coupled integrations or observations from satellite-based infrared sounders, both of which underestimate the ISV of tropical SSTs.

The authors have forced the 1.25° × 0.83° Hadley Centre Atmospheric Model (HadAM3) with a daily, high-resolution, observed SST analysis from the United Kingdom National Center for Ocean Forecasting that contains greater ISV in the Indian Ocean than past products. One ensemble of simulations was forced by daily SSTs, a second with monthly means, and a third with 5-day means. The ensemble with daily SSTs displayed significantly greater variability in 30–50-day rainfall across the monsoon domain than the ensemble with monthly mean SSTs, variability similar to satellite-derived precipitation analyses. Individual ensemble members with daily SSTs contained intraseasonal events with a strength, a propagation speed, and an organization that closely matched observed events. When ensemble members with monthly mean SSTs displayed power in intraseasonal rainfall, the events were weak and disorganized, and they propagated too quickly. The ensemble with 5-day means had less intraseasonal rainfall variability than the ensemble with daily SSTs but still produced coherent NPISO-like events, indicating that SST variability at frequencies higher than 5 days contributes to but is not critical for simulations of the NPISO.

It is concluded that high-frequency SST anomalies not only increased variance in intraseasonal rainfall but helped to organize and maintain coherent NPISO-like convective events. Further, the results indicate that an AGCM can respond to realistic and frequent SST forcing to generate an NPISO that closely resembles observations. These results have important implications for simulating the NPISO in AGCMs and coupled climate models, as well as for predicting tropical ISV in short- and medium-range weather forecasts.
Global Decadal Upper-Ocean Heat Content as Viewed in Nine Analyses
Authors: Carton James A. , Santorelli Anthony
Published: May 2008

This paper examines nine analyses of global ocean 0-/700-m temperature and heat content during the 43-yr period of warming, 1960–2002. Among the analyses are two that are independent of any numerical model, six that rely on sequential data assimilation, including an ocean general circulation model, and one that uses four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVAR), including an ocean general circulation model and its adjoint. Most analyses show gradual warming of the global ocean with an ensemble trend of 0.77 × 108 J m−2 (10 yr)−1 (=0.24 W m−2) as the result of rapid warming in the early 1970s and again beginning around 1990. One proposed explanation for these variations is the effect of volcanic eruptions in 1963 and 1982. Examination of this hypothesis suggests that while there is an oceanic signal, it is insufficient to explain the observed heat content variations.

A second potential cause of decadal variations in global heat content is the uncorrelated contribution of heat content variations in individual ocean basins. The subtropical North Atlantic is warming at twice the global average, with accelerated warming in the 1960s and again beginning in the late 1980s and extending through the end of the record. The Barents Sea region of the Arctic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico have also warmed, while the western subpolar North Atlantic has cooled. Heat content variability in the North Pacific differs significantly from the North Atlantic. There the spatial and temporal patterns are consistent with the decadal variability previously identified through observational and modeling studies examining SST and surface winds. In the Southern Hemisphere large heat content anomalies are evident, and while there is substantial disagreement among analyses on average the band of latitudes at 30°–60°S contribute significantly to the global warming trend. Thus, the uncorrelated contributions of heat content variations in the individual basins are a major contributor to global heat content variations.

A third potential contributor to global heat content variations is the effect of time-dependent bias in the set of historical observations. This last possibility is examined by comparing the analyses to the unbiased salinity–temperature–depth dataset and finding a very substantial warm bias in all analyses in the 1970s relative to the latter decades. This warm bias may well explain the rapid increase in analysis heat content in the early 1970s, but not the more recent increase, which began in the early 1990s.

Finally, this study provides information about the similarities and differences between analyses that are independent of a model and those that use sequential assimilation and 4DVAR. The comparisons provide considerable encouragement for the use of the sequential analyses for climate research despite the presence of erroneous variability (also present in the no-model analyses) resulting from instrument bias. The strengths and weaknesses of each analysis need to be considered for a given application.
Changes in Water Vapor Transport and the Production of Precipitation in the Eastern Fertile Crescent as a Result of Global Warming
Authors: Evans J. P.
Published: May 2008

This study investigates changes in the types of storm events occurring in the Fertile Crescent as a result of global warming. Regional climate model [fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5)–Noah] simulations are run for the first and last five years of the twenty-first century following the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) A2 experiment. Then the precipitation events are classified according to the water vapor fluxes that created them. At present most of the region’s precipitation is from westerly water vapor fluxes. Results indicate that the region will increasingly get its precipitation from large events that are dominated by southerly water vapor fluxes. The increase in these events will occur in the transition seasons, especially autumn.
Correction of Angular Response Error in Brewer UV Irradiance Measurements
Authors: Antón Manuel , Serrano Antonio , Cancillo María L. , Vilaplana JoséM. , Cachorro Victoria E. , Gröbner Julian
Published: May 2008

Ultraviolet spectral irradiance measured by spectroradiometers usually presents high deviations from the ideal angular response due to imperfections in the entrance optics. In this paper a methodology to correct the angular error in the global UV spectral measurements of a Brewer MKIII spectroradiometer under all weather conditions is presented. This methodology calculates the global correction factor as a function of three variables: the direct irradiance correction factor, the diffuse irradiance correction factor, and a factor depending on the direct-to-global irradiance ratio. This work contributes to better measuring the UV radiation by improving the parameterization of the clouds effects.

Depending mainly on wavelength, solar zenith angle, and cloud optical thickness, the angular correction obtained ranges from 2% to 9%. The accuracy of this correction is limited by the uncertainties in the measured angular response and in the ratio of direct to global radiation. The original and the corrected Brewer measurements are compared with simultaneous values of the transportable Quality Assurance of Spectral Ultraviolet Measurements in Europe through the Development of a Transportable Unit (QASUME) reference spectroradiometer. A notable decrease (about a factor higher than 2) in the relative differences between the two instruments is obtained when Brewer-corrected measurements are considered.
An Alternative Tropical Cyclone Intensity Forecast Verification Technique
Authors: Aberson Sim D.
Published: May 2008

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) does not verify official or model forecasts if those forecasts call for a tropical cyclone to dissipate or if the real tropical cyclone dissipates. A new technique in which these forecasts are included in a contingency table with all other forecasts is presented. Skill scores and probabilities are calculated. Forecast verifications with the currently used technique have shown a slight improvement in intensity forecasts. The new technique, taking into account all forecasts, suggests that the probability of a forecast having a large (>30 kt) error is decreasing, and the likelihood of the error being less than about 10 kt is increasing in time, at all forecast lead times except 12 h when the forecasts are already quite good.
The Road From Obesity to Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ioannidis Ioannis
Published: May 2008

It is well known that the relative risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus increases with increasing body mass index. The presence of not only excessive body fat but also the pattern of fat distribution (central obesity) is important for other metabolic abnormalities included in the metabolic syndrome. The possible mechanisms linking obesity to type 2 diabetes including high concentrations of free fatty acids, altered adipokines expression (low adiponectin levels and high expression of tumor necrosis factor-α), and low-grade inflammation are reviewed. Finally, the author refers to the theory that the primary defect is β-cell failure that leads to diabetes as well as to obesity.
Use of the Rapid Antigenic Test to Determine the Duration of Isolation in Infants Hospitalized for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections
Authors: Myers Catherine , Wagner Noemie , Kaiser Laurent , Posfay-Barbe Klara , Gervaix Alain
Published: May 2008

Infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis associated with respiratory syncytial virus are isolated for the duration of their hospitalization. This article reviews whether a negative rapid antigenic test could be used to shorten the duration of isolation measures. Rapid respiratory syncytial virus tests were performed from day 3 on alternate days in all patients hospitalized for bronchiolitis. Isolation measures were removed when the test result was negative. The result of the antigenic test was confirmed by viral culture and polymerase chain reaction. Surveillance of nosocomial cases was performed daily. Forty-one patients were analyzed. On day 3, 51.2% of patients were negative by viral culture and 56.1% were negative by rapid testing. On day 5, a further 26.8% were negative by viral culture and 31.7% by rapid testing. The rapid antigen test had a low sensitivity at 60% and a specificity of 76% compared with viral cultures; therefore this test alone cannot be used to lift isolation measures.
An Overview of Recent Scholarly Literature on Philippians
Authors: Still Todd D.
Published: May 2008

In 1991 the Expository Times published an article by I. H. Marshall entitled `Which Is the Best Commentary? . . . Philippians'. In his essay Marshall noted and evaluated Philippians commentaries available in English that had appeared in print since the middle of the twentieth century (see vol. 103, pp. 39—42). In addition to bringing Marshall's earlier commentary survey up-to-date, this bibliographic essay considers academic studies on various aspects of the letter that have been published over the course of the last twenty or so years.
The Social and Emotional Context of Childhood and Adolescent Animal Cruelty
Authors: Tallichet Suzanne E. , Hensley Christopher
Published: May 2008

The link between early animal abuse and later violence toward humans may depend on how acts of animal cruelty are experienced by those whose behavior demonstrates this graduation. Unfortunately, the research investigating the social and emotional context for the youthful commission of animal cruelty as it escalates to adult interpersonal violence is relatively nonexistent. Using 112 cases from a larger sample of 261 inmates surveyed at both medium and maximum security prisons in a southern state, the present study examined the effects of age of onset and frequency of animal cruelty, the covertness of animal cruelty, the commission of animal cruelty within a group or in isolation, and empathy for the abused animals. Inmates who had covered up their childhood and adolescent animal cruelty were more likely to have been convicted of repeated acts of interpersonal violence, demonstrating that the role of empathy and individuals present during acts of animal cruelty were less important than concealing those acts.
Public Health, Patronage and National Culture
Authors: Collins John F.
Published: May 2008

This article examines state and citizens' reliance on patron—client relations during neoliberal restructuring. It contends that neoliberalism is not an objectively apparent set of processes but an ideology. Building on this insight that emphasizes contradictory power relations, I focus on residents of a historical center, the Pelourinho, and their interpretations of the packaging of their practices as patrimony. As a result of their experience with institutions and patronage networks, these people have cobbled together surprising approaches to their state and its production of value from their habits and themselves. Thus, even as the state structures its attempt to commodify habits around a mix of techniques and patronage, residents employ related idioms to make demands on that state. I develop this argument in relation to an earlier period that was influential in putting together the lineaments of the national culture that is commodified today to argue that a double-bound debunking takes place in the Pelourinho, due to the workings of patronage and an ostensibly objective social science. Such a relational engagement with state attempts to sanitize vernacular habits suggests ways of understanding state institutions and NGOs that are so much a part of ideologies and their contestations under neoliberalism.
Is China Becoming Neoliberal?
Authors: Nonini Donald M.
Published: May 2008

Contemporary China has recently been seen as in the throes of `neoliberal restructuring'. This claim is contested on theoretical and methodological grounds. During the period of economic liberalization since the death of Mao, China has shown a hybrid governance that has combined earlier Maoist socialist, nationalist and developmentalist practices and discourses of the Communist Party with the more recent market logic of `market socialism'. A new cadre-capitalist class has emerged during liberalization, while large numbers of farmers, urban workers and a `floating population' of urban migrants have been dispossessed of land, employment and political rights. Reactions by many higher-level Party cadres against dispossession show a residual commitment to socialist values. Guanxi personalist ties within the new cadre-capitalist class simultaneously blur the `state'/`market' boundary, lead to dispossession and create conditions for accelerated capitalist growth. The conclusion is that contemporary China is not becoming `neoliberal' in either a strong or weak sense, nor undergoing a process of neoliberalization, but instead shows the emergence of an oligarchic corporate state and Party whose legitimacy is being challenged by disenfranchised classes, but is still in control through its efforts at modernization.
Culturally Competent Feminist Social Work
Authors: Gentlewarrior Sabrina , Martin-Jearld Anna , Skok Alyson , Sweetser Katelyn
Published: May 2008

Feminist social work seeks to identify and redress oppression and its aftereffects. Models of culturally competent practice have been proposed to aid in these efforts. Yet it is not clear whether members of marginalized groups agree with feminist social workers' ideas regarding cultural competence. This article presents recommendations for culturally competent social work services that are based on in-depth interviews with 40 members of a range of oppressed groups. The recommendations support theoretical work in this area and offer achievable standards for feminist social workers who are seeking to enhance cultural competence that is grounded in the words of disenfranchised individuals.
Nanotechnology's Controversial Role for the South
Authors: Invernizzi Noela , Foladori Guillermo , Maclurcan Donald
Published: May 2008

The possibility that nanotechnology will turn into an instrument to aid development or alleviate poverty has been discussed explicitly in academic circles, at meetings held by international bodies, and in non-governmental organisations since 1997. The different positions on the role that it can play in the process reflect particular interpretations of the relationship between science, technology and society. We divide the arguments expressed in this discussion in two broad groups. One can be identified as the instrumental position, which emphasises the technical capacity of nanotechnologies to solve poverty problems and spur development. The other group of arguments can be identified as the contextual position by emphasising the social context wherein technology is produced, used and adapted. We summarise and analyse the main arguments in the debate on nanotechnologies, development and poverty. We consider the most influent opinions from organisations, institutions and meetings, presenting their main ideas in chronological order. The outline covers the period from 1997 to late 2007, and reviews the documents that most directly address the issue. Afterwards, we highlight and analyse the main issues at stake in this controversy.
Self-rated physical health predicts change in disability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Drulovic J , Riise T , Nortvedt M , Pekmezovic T , Manigoda M
Published: May 2008

Objective

To examine whether self-rated physical health, as measured by the Physical Functioning Scale (PF) and the Role-physical Scale (RF) of the SF-36 Health Survey, could predict change in disability measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) over a follow-up period of 3 years.

Methods

A group of 156 clinically definite MS patients (Poser criteria), who had never been treated with disease-modifying therapies, were recruited consecutively from an outpatient clinic setting at the Institute of Neurology, Belgrade. The self-rated physical health was measured by using PF and RF of the SF-36.

Results

At follow-up, 33 out of 156 patients (21%) had dropped out. The mean EDSS score had increased from 3.7 to 4.5. Multiple regression analyses using change in EDSS as the dependent variable and baseline scores of EDSS and RF as independent variables showed a significant effect for RF (standardized beta = –0.21). A similar but non-significant effect was found for PF. Dichotomizing change in disability according to clinically meaningful deterioration and using logistic regression, an odds ratio of 1.27 (95% confidence interval 1.01–1.62) was found for the smallest unit of change in the self-rated scale. This means that patients who rated their own physical health as poor had a higher increase in disability compared with patients with the same level of disability at baseline who rated their physical health better.

Conclusions

MS patients’ perception of their health comprises information predictive for disease development not included in the more objective measure of disability status.
Reduction of free radicals in multiple sclerosis: effect of glatiramer acetate (Copaxone®)
Authors: Iarlori C , Gambi D , Lugaresi A , Patruno A , Felaco M , Salvatore M , Speranza L , Reale M
Published: May 2008

Free radicals have been found in high concentrations within inflammatory multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions. The superoxide anion (O2–) reacts rapidly with nitric oxide (NO), producing peroxynitrite (ONOO–). Glatiramer acetate (GA) is a specific MS immunomodulator that induces the synthesis of Th2 cytokines, and reduces the frequency of relapses and the formation of active brain lesions. Proinflammatory cytokines could play a role in free radicals production in the peripheral immune system as well as in the central nervous system (CNS). The effect of GA on iNOS, superoxide radicals (O2–) and 3-nitrotyrosine production by peripheral blood adherent mononuclear cells (PBAMs) was assessed. Our findings demonstrate that in vitro GA reduced spontaneous and LPS-induced iNOS, 3-nitrotyrosine, NO and O2– production, and that similar inhibition can be demonstrated ex vivo in mononuclear cells obtained from GA-treated patients. The inhibition of the production of free radicals in PBAMs may represent a new therapeutic mechanism against inflammation during MS.
Interferon-β stabilizes barrier characteristics of the blood–brain barrier in four different species in vitro
Authors: Kraus J , Voigt K , Schuller AM , Scholz M , Kim KS , Schilling M , Schäbitz WR , Oschmann P , Engelhardt B
Published: May 2008

Background

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown is an early event in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). In a previous study we have found a direct stabilization of barrier characteristics after treatment of bovine brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) with human recombinant interferon-β-1a (IFN-β-1a) in an in vitro BBB model. In the present study we examined the effect of human recombinant IFN-β-1a on the barrier properties of BCECs derived from four different species including humans to predict treatment efficacy of IFN-β-1a in MS patients.

Methods

We used primary bovine and porcine BCECs, as well as human and murine BCEC cell lines. We investigated the influence of human recombinant IFN-β-1a on the paracellular permeability for 3H-inulin and 14C-sucrose across monolayers of bovine, human, and murine BCECs. In addition, the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) was determined in in vitro systems applying porcine and murine BCECS.

Results

We found a stabilizing effect on the barrier characteristics of BCECs after pretreatment with IFN-β-1a in all applied in vitro models: addition of IFN-β-1a resulted in a significant decrease of the paracellular permeability across monolayers of human, bovine, and murine BCECs. Furthermore, the TEER was significantly increased after pretreatment of porcine and murine BCECs with IFN-β-1a.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that BBB stabilization by IFN-β-1a may contribute to its beneficial effects in the treatment of MS. A human in vitro BBB model might be useful as bioassay for testing the treatment efficacy of drugs in MS.
Involving Consumers in the Development of a Psychoeducational Booklet About Stigma for Black Mental Health Clients
Authors: Alvidrez Jennifer , Snowden Lonnie R. , Kaiser Dawn M.
Published: May 2008

Black individuals hold more negative views of mental illness and mental health treatment than do Whites, attitudes that are implicated in the underutilization of mental health services by Black populations. Psychoeducational interventions or materials may be one way to address attitudinal barriers to mental health treatment among Black adults, but only if the psychoeducational content is directly relevant to their beliefs and concerns. This article documents the process of developing a consumer-derived psychoeducational booklet for Black adults contemplating mental health treatment. Black mental health consumers provided the content for the booklet through qualitative interviews about their experiences and then provided feedback once it was developed. Results from this project suggest that the strategy of involving consumers is a feasible approach to develop psychoeducational materials that address treatment barriers in underserved populations.
Economics and the Summer Olympics
Authors: Rathke Alexander , Woitek Ulrich
Published: May 2008

Applying stochastic frontier analysis, we estimate distance to frontier of countries in the production of success at the Summer Olympic Games since the 1950s. Our measures of success are medal shares and a broader concept including Olympic diplomas. Following Bernard and Busse (2004), population and GDP are used as inputs. Although the impact of GDP is always positive, we show that the sign of the population effect depends on wealth and population size of a country. The results show that the spread of distance to frontier is very wide over time, across countries, gender, and sports: not only resource endowment matters but also utilization of resources. These differences can be seen as caused by differences in financial support, training methods, organization, or culture. Using a method proposed by Battese and Coelli (1995), the authors build on well-documented results in the literature and identify the channels through which planned economies and host countries generate Olympic success. The method allows shedding light on aspects of recent history, such as the consequences of the breakdown of the former Soviet Union.
Human Ovarian Carcinomas Detected by Specific Odor
Authors: Horvath György , Järverud Gunvor af Klinteberg , Järverud Sven , Horváth István
Published: May 2008

The high mortality rate associated with ovarian carcinoma is mainly owing to late diagnosis. It is thus essential to develop inexpensive and simple methods for early diagnosis. Papers on canine scent detection of malignancies such as melanoma and bladder, lung, and breast cancer have recently been published in peer-reviewed journals, indicating a new diagnostic tool for malignancies. However, in these studies the dogs may have responded to odors associated with cancer, such as inflammation or metabolic products, rather than specifically to cancer itself. Therefore, it is important to ascertain whether or not human cancers are characterized by specific odors. We hypothesized that if ovarian carcinoma emits a specific odor, dogs may be trained to detect it. Using our training method, we taught a dog to distinguish different histopathological types and grades of ovarian carcinomas, including borderline tumors, from healthy control samples. Double-blind tests showed 100% sensitivity and 97.5% specificity. Moreover, the odor of ovarian carcinomas seems to differ from those of other gynecological malignances such cervical, endometrial, and vulvar carcinomas. Our study strongly suggests that the most common ovarian carcinomas are characterized by a single specific odor.