bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRE-EQUILIBRIUM EFFECTS IN THE SECONDARY PARTICLE SPECTRA IN THE REACTIONS WITH HEAVY IONS
Authors: FOTINA O. V. , EREMENKO D. O. , PARFENOVA YU. L. , PLATONOV S. YU. , YUMINOV O. A. , KRAVCHUK V. L. , GRAMEGNA F. , BARLINI S. , CASINI G. , BRUNO M. , D'AGOSTINO M. , WIELAND O. , BRACCO A. , CAMERA F.
Published: June 2010

Theoretical description of the experimentally obtained spectra for protons and α-particles and model calculations for the neutron spectra in the reactions with heavy ions has been presented. The hybrid model of non-equilibrium processes was used. Equilibrium evaporation process was analyzed in the framework of the statistical theory of nuclear reactions with Monte-Carlo simulation including certain dynamical and kinematical characteristics. This approach was included in PACE code, which permits to simulate Monte-Carlo de-excitation nuclear process. The Fermi-gas model and level-density phenomenological model for the variation of the nuclear level density parameters was used. In this approach data on 16 O +116 Sn reaction with Ebeam = 130, 250 MeV were analyzed. Double-differential light charged particle spectra for this reaction were measured using the GARFIELD apparatus in coincidence with evaporation residues. The experimental data were collected in four angular ranges from 29 to 41, 41 to 53, 53 to 67 and 67 to 82 degrees in the laboratory system. The results of the calculations are shown and discussed for these four angular ranges. The contributions from the evaporative and pre-equilibrium processes were analyzed in connection with different nucleus equilibration mechanisms.
STUDY OF THE nd BREAKUP REACTION AT NEUTRON ENERGY OF 40-60 MeV
Authors: KONOBEEVSKI E. , MORDOVSKOY M. , POTASHEV S. , SERGEEV V. , ZUYEV S.
Published: June 2010

We report the first results of a kinematically complete experiment on measurement of nd breakup reaction yield at neutron beam RADEX of Institute for Nuclear Research. In the experiment two neutrons are detected in geometry of neutron-neutron final-state interaction which allow one to determine the 1S0 neutron-neutron scattering length ann. Experimental dependence of the reaction yield on relative energy of two secondary neutrons was compared with predictions of Watson-Migdal theory. For ∆Θ=6° and En=40 MeV the value of neutron-neutron scattering length ann = -17.9 ± 1.0 fm is obtained. The further improving of experimental uncertainty will allow one to remove the existing difference of results obtained in various experiments.
DYNAMICAL AND THERMODYNAMICAL PROPERTIES OF INCOMPLETE FUSION EVENTS AT 25 MeV/NUCLEON
Authors: LOMBARDO I. , AGODI C. , ALBA R. , AMORINI F. , ANZALONE A. , BERCEANU I. , CARDELLA G. , CAVALLARO S. , CHATTERJEE M. B. , CONIGLIONE R. , DEFILIPPO E. , DIPIETRO A. , FIGUERA P. , GERACI E. , GIULIANI G. , GRASSI L. , GRZESZCZUK A. , LA GUIDARA E. , LANZALONE G. , LE NEINDRE N. , MAIOLINO C. , PAGANO A. , PAPA M. , PIRRONE S. , POLITI G. , POP A. , PORTO F. , RIZZO F. , RUSSOTTO P. , SANTONOCITO D. , SAPIENZA P. , VERDE G.
Published: June 2010

Various aspects observed in the reactions 40Ca+40,48 Ca,46Ti at E =25 MeV / nucleon , studied by means of the CHIMERA detector, will be discussed. An isospin effect on the competition between heavy residue production and binary-like channels has been observed in incomplete fusion events. From the thermodynamical point of view, kinetic energy spectra of protons emitted in fusion-evaporation events were fitted with two maxwellian functions. Despite of the different neutron richness of the populated sources, the average temperatures obtained for the quasi-fused systems are similar ( T ≃5.2 MeV ). We also performed a preliminary reconstruction of the excitation energy reached by quasi-fusion sources populated in the studied reactions.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TUNNELING AND TIME ANALYSIS OF LOW-ENERGY NUCLEAR PROCESSES
Authors: OLKHOVSKY V. S. , DOLINSKA M. E. , OMELCHENKO S. A. , ROMANIUK M. V.
Published: June 2010

The new applications of the three-dimensional tunnelling and time analysis to low-energy nuclear processes are presented. The three-dimensional tunnelling is strictly quantum-mechanical and considers the internal multiple reflections. The time analysis of the nucleon-nucleons scattering near a resonance, distorted by the non-resonant background, does show the solution in the L -system of the paradox of the delay-advance in the C -system.
DECAY PROPERTIES OF SHORT LIVED RESONANCES OF LIGHT NUCLEI IN MANY-PARTICLE NUCLEAR REACTIONS
Authors: PAVLENKO YU. N. , DOBRIKOV V. N. , DOROSHKO N. L. , GORPINICH O. K. , KORZINA T. A. , KYVA V. O. , SHABLOV V. L. , TYRAS I. A.
Published: June 2010

The decay properties of nuclear unbound states formed in the reactions with three particles in the final state are reviewed. The modification of resonance parameters observed in these reactions and caused by the influence of the Coulomb field of accompanied particles is analyzed for the resonances with excitation energy near and far from the decay threshold.
FISSION TIME OF α-INDUCED REACTIONS MEASURED BY THE CRYSTAL BLOCKING TECHNIQUE
Authors: DROZDOV V. A. , EREMENKO D. O. , FOTINA O. V. , PLATONOV S. Yu. , YUMINOV O. A. , GIARDINA G. , FAZIO G. , MALAGUTI F. , OLIVO P. , TOGO V.
Published: June 2010

A large set of experimental observables for the 232 Th , 235 U (α, xnf ) reactions has been analyzed within the dynamic-statistical approach with allowance for the nuclear dissipation phenomenon, the double humped structure of fission barrier, and also the temperature damping of shell effects. The energy dependences of the lifetime effect (experimentally measured by the crystal blocking technique) along the corresponding data on the fission fragment angular anisotropy and also fission probabilities of U and Pu isotopes produced in the reactions were chosen for the analysis. Reliable information on the nuclear viscosity at the low excitation energies (< 30 MeV) was obtained.
STRUCTURE EFFECTS IN COLLISIONS INDUCED BY HALO AND WEAKLY BOUND NUCLEI AROUND THE COULOMB BARRIER
Authors: SCUDERI V. , DI PIETRO A. , ACOSTA L. , AMORINI F. , BORGE M. J. G. , FIGUERA P. , FISICHELLA M. , FRAILE L. M. , GOMEZ-CAMACHO J. , JEPPESEN H. , LATTUADA M. , MARTEL I. , MILIN M. , MUSUMARRA A. , PAPA M. , PELLEGRITI M. G. , RAABE R. , RANDISI G. , RIZZO F. , SANTONOCITO D. , SANCHEZ E. M. R. , SCALIA G. , TENGBLAD O. , TORRESI D. , VIDAL A. M. , ZADRO M.
Published: June 2010

In this contribution, results concerning different reaction channels for the collisions induced by the three Be isotopes, 9,10,11 Be , on a 64 Zn target at energies around the Coulomb barrier will be presented. The experiments with the radioactive 10,11 Be beams were performed at REX-ISOLDE (CERN) whereas the experiment with the stable weakly bound 9 Be beam was performed at LNS Catania. Elastic scattering angular distributions have been measured for the three systems 9,10,11 Be + 64 Zn at the same center of mass energy. The angular distributions were analyzed with optical potentials and reaction cross sections were obtained from optical model calculations, performed with the code PTOLEMY. For the 11 Be + 64 Zn reaction, the break-up angular distribution was also measured.
DYNAMIC-STATISTICAL APPROACH TO THE DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUCED FISSION IN WIDE EXCITATION ENERGY RANGE
Authors: DROZDOV V. A. , EREMENKO D. O. , FOTINA O. V. , PLATONOV S. Yu. , YUMINOV O. A. , MANDAGLIO G. , MANGANARO M. , ROMANIUK M. V.
Published: June 2010

It is developed a new approach to analyze the induced fission of heavy nuclei, which takes into account the nuclear dissipation phenomenon and the shell structure of nuclei in determination of fission barriers. The approach is based on the combined dynamical and statistical simulations. In the framework of this approach the method of calculation the fission fragment angular distributions in a wide energy range is discussed. The ability of the method is demonstrated in the simultaneous description of the experimental data of the fission probabilities on the Am and Pu nuclei, yields of the spontaneous fission of isomers for the α + 238 U reaction at E α = (20 - 32) MeV and the d + 242,240 Pu reactions at E d = (20 - 30) MeV , the fission times for the α + 238 U reaction and angular distribution of fission fragments for the α + 238 U , 237 Np reactions at E α = (20 - 100) MeV . A further information on the value of the nuclear dissipation at low excitation energies is obtained. In addition, it is demonstrated that the influence of the shell effects on the deformation potential energy holds up to excitation energies of about (50 - 60) MeV.
miR-802 regulates human angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression in intestinal epithelial C2BBe1 cells
Authors: Sansom Sarah E. , Nuovo Gerard J. , Martin Mickey M. , Kotha Sainath R. , Parinandi Narasimham L. , Elton Terry S.
Published: June 2010

Studies have demonstrated that angiotensin II (Ang II) can regulate intestinal fluid and electrolyte transport and control intestinal wall muscular activity. Ang II is also a proinflammatory mediator that participates in inflammatory responses such as apoptosis, angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling; accumulating evidence suggests that this hormone may be involved in gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation and carcinogenesis. Ang II binds to two distinct G protein-coupled receptor subtypes, the AT1R and AT2R, which are widely expressed in the GI system. Together these studies suggest that Ang II-AT1R/-AT2R actions may play an important role in GI tract physiology and pathophysiology. Currently it is not known whether miRNAs can regulate the expression of the human AT1R (hAT1R) in the GI system. PCR and in situ hybridization experiments demonstrated that miR-802 was abundantly expressed in human colon and intestine. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-802 could directly interact with the bioinformatics-predicted target site harbored within the 3′-untranslated region of the hAT1R mRNA. To validate that the levels of miR-802 were physiologically relevant in the GI system, we demonstrated that miR-802 “loss-of-function” experiments resulted in augmented hAT1R levels and enhanced Ang II-induced signaling in a human intestinal epithelial cell line. These results suggest that miR-802 can modulate the expression of the hAT1R in the GI tract and ultimately play a role in regulating the biological efficacy of Ang II in this system.
Effect of increased preload on the synthesized aortic blood pressure waveform
Authors: Heffernan Kevin S. , Sharman James E. , Yoon Eun Sun , Kim Eui Jin , Jung Su Jin , Jae Sae Young
Published: June 2010

In the present study, we examined the influence of preload augmentation via passive leg elevation (PLE) on synthesized aortic blood pressure, aortic augmentation index (AIx), and aortic capacitance (a reflection of aortic reservoir function). Central and peripheral hemodynamics were measured via tonometry with a generalized transfer function in 14 young, healthy men (age = 24 yr). Aortic blood flow was calculated from the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) velocity-time integral (VTI) using standard two-dimensional echocardiographic-Doppler techniques. Measures were made in the supine position at rest (Pre), during PLE, and during recovery (Post). There was a significant increase in LVOT-VTI, synthesized aortic systolic blood pressure (BP) and AIx from Pre to PLE, with values returning to baseline Post ( P < 0.05). There was a reduction in aortic capacitance from Pre to PLE, with values returning to baseline Post ( P < 0.05). There was no change in heart rate, systemic arterial compliance, aortic elastance, aortic wave travel timing, or vascular resistance ( P > 0.05). Change in AIx from Pre to PLE was associated with change in LVOT-VTI ( r = 0.66, P < 0.05) and inversely associated with change in aortic capacitance ( r = −0.73, P < 0.05). These data suggest that in a setting of isolated augmented preload with minimal changes in other potential confounders, the morphology of the synthesized aortic BP waveform and AIx may be related to changes in aortic reservoir function.
Cutaneous vascular and sudomotor responses in human skin grafts
Authors: Crandall Craig G. , Davis Scott L.
Published: June 2010

Each year millions of individuals sustain burns. Within the US 40,000–70,000 individuals are hospitalized for burn-related injuries, some of which are quite severe, requiring skin grafting. The grafting procedure disrupts neural and vascular connections between the host site and the graft, both of which are necessary for that region of skin to contribute to temperature regulation. With the use of relatively modern techniques such as laser-Doppler flowmetry and intradermal microdialysis, a wealth of information has become available regarding the consequences of skin grafting on heat dissipation and heat conservation mechanisms. The prevailing data suggest that cutaneous vasodilator capacity to an indirect heat stress (i.e., heating the individual but not the evaluated graft area) and a local heating stimulus (i.e., directly heating the graft area) is impaired in grafted skin. These impairments persist for ≥4 yr following the grafting procedures and are perhaps permanent. The capacity for grafted skin to vasodilate to an endothelial-dependent vasodilator is likewise impaired, whereas its capacity to vasodilate to an endothelial-independent vasodilator is generally preserved. Sweating responsiveness is minimal to nonexistent in grafted skin to both a whole body heat stress and local administration of the primary neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating sweat glands (i.e., acetylcholine). Likewise, there is no evidence that this absence of sweat gland responsiveness improves as the graft matures. In contrast to the heating stimuli, cutaneous vasoconstrictor responses to both indirect whole body cooling (i.e., exposing the individual to a cold stress but not at the evaluated graft area) and direct local cooling (i.e., directly cooling the graft area) are preserved in grafted skin as early as 5–9 mo postgrafting. If uninjured skin does not compensate for impaired heat dissipation of grafted skin, individuals having skin grafts encompassing significant fractions of their body surface area will be at a greater risk for a hyperthermic-related injury. Conversely, the prevailing data suggest that such individuals will not be at a greater risk of hypothermia upon exposure to cold environmental conditions.
A Novel Transdermal Plasmid-Dimethylsulfoxide Delivery Technique for Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Jiong , Liu Chang-Yong , Zhou Xi-Kun , Qiu Ji , Zhang Yin-Bing , Huang Nong-Yu , Li You , Chen Xiang-Jun , Li Xiao-Lei , Wang Yong-Sheng , Yang Han-Suo , Chen Xian-Cheng , Kan Bing , Mao Yong-Qiu , Deng Hong-Xin , Yang Li , Wen Yan-Jun , Zhao Xia , Wei Yu-Quan
Published: June 2010

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease associated with various immunologic abnormalities. Repeated subcutaneous injection of interleukin-4 (IL-4) has been established as an effective treatment to counteract psoriasis. Objective: We investigated whether gene therapy using IL-4 expression plasmid (pIL-4) via transdermal delivery was an alternative treatment for psoriasis. In our experiment, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was used as a penetration enhancer. Methods: At first, the penetration efficiency of the complex of reporter plasmid accompanied by DMSO was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Then, the antipsoriasis efficiency of the treatment with pIL-4-DMSO was tested in mice. Results: The expression of the reporter gene was detected in epidermis and dermis both in vitro and in vivo. More importantly, the psoriasis symptoms were relieved, and significant reductions in some psoriasis-associated factors were observed after pIL-4-DMSO treatment. Conclusion: We conclude that the topical application of pIL-4-DMSO can treat psoriasis to a significant extent.
Phantom Rhinitis
Authors: Myles Ian A.
Published: June 2010

Sensitivity to strong odors has a broad differential diagnosis. A presentation is made of a 60-year-old man with lifelong mild allergic rhinitis and a superimposed 4-year history of sensitivity to smells. He had no response to medical treatments or allergic immunotherapy. His physical examination was unremarkable. After obtaining a detailed history, a definitive imaging study was performed and the patient underwent corrective treatment for his potentially life-threatening disorder. A detailed differential and strong clinical history is sometimes required to uncover the etiology of non-allergic rhinitis. Overwhelming sensations of strong odors may be a sign of a more serious condition and require investigation. This presentation discusses the differential diagnosis and suggested evaluation for patients with abnormalities in olfaction.
The Autoinducer-2 Exporter Superfamily
Authors: Rettner Rachael E. , Saier Jr. Milton H.
Published: June 2010

The TqsA (YdgG) protein of Escherichia coli has been shown to export the autoinducer-2 (AI-2) molecule, a furanosyl borate diester that bears little resemblance to previously characterized biological molecules. TqsA belongs to a large superfamily, the AI-2 exporter (AI-2E) superfamily, of putative transporters with no other functionally characterized members. These proteins derive exclusively from bacteria. Many different bacterial kingdoms contain them, although several kingdoms do not. These proteins exhibit a uniform topology with 8 putative transmembrane segments (TMSs) which we show probably arose from a 4-TMS precursor in a process that involved at least one and possibly two intragenic duplication event(s). The first halves of these proteins are more diverse in sequence than the second halves, suggesting that the first halves may serve substrate-specific functions while the second halves serve family-specific functions. Conserved residues and motifs in these proteins are identified. Some homologues include extra catalytic domains including those involved in purine nucleotide biosynthesis, ATP and GTP binding, and molecular signaling. The results presented provide guides for future functional studies on members of this superfamily of bacterial transporters.
Genetic Modification of Teredinibacter turnerae, an Endosymbiont with Biotechnological Potential
Authors: Senra Marcus V.X. , Vizzoni Vinicius F. , Trindade-Silva Amaro E. , Giannini Ana L.M. , Soares Carlos A.G.
Published: June 2010

Teredinibacter turnerae belongs to a group of biotechnologically relevant bacteria. Gene transfer into T. turnerae was achieved by using pPROBE′-gfp[ASV] derived plasmids through conjugative mating with Escherichia coli DH5α pRK2073. Transferred plasmids were stably maintained and T. turnerae could also act as a donor to transfer these mobilizable plasmids. Constructs for both constitutive and IPTG-inducible gene expression were obtained, representing new tools for gene overexpression in T. turnerae.
Antiallergic Cromones Inhibit Neutrophil Recruitment Onto Vascular Endothelium via Annexin-A1 Mobilization
Authors: Yazid Samia , Leoni Giovanna , Getting Stephen J. , Cooper Dianne , Solito Egle , Perretti Mauro , Flower Roderick J.
Published: June 2010

Objective—

To determine whether the inhibitory action of the antiallergic cromone “mast cell stabilizing” drugs on polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) trafficking is mediated through an annexin-A1 (Anx-A1) dependent mechanism.

Methods and Results—

Intravital microscopy was used to monitor the actions of cromones in the inflamed microcirculation. Reperfusion injury provoked a dramatic increase in adherent and emigrated leukocytes in the mesenteric vascular bed, associated with augmented tissue levels of myeloperoxidase. Nedocromil, 2 to 20 mg/kg, significantly (
P
<0.05) inhibited cell adhesion and emigration, as well as myeloperoxidase release, in wild-type but not Anx-A1
−/−
mice. Short pretreatment of human PMNs with nedocromil, 10 nmol/L, inhibited cell adhesion (
P
<0.05) in the flow chamber assay, and this effect was reversed by specific anti-AnxA1 or a combination of antiformyl peptide receptors 1 and 2, but not irrelevant control, antibodies. Western blotting experiments revealed that cromones stimulate protein kinase C–dependent phosphorylation and release Anx-A1 in human PMNs.

Conclusion—

We propose a novel mechanism to explain the antiinflammatory actions of cromones on PMN trafficking, an effect that has long puzzled investigators.
Role of the Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor in Mediating Impaired Efferocytosis of Anti-SSA/Ro–Bound Apoptotic Cardiocytes
Authors: Briassouli Paraskevi , Komissarova Elena V. , Clancy Robert M. , Buyon Jill P.
Published: June 2010

Rationale
:

Binding of maternal anti-Ro/La antibodies to cognate antigen expressed on apoptotic cardiocytes decreases clearance by healthy cardiocytes, which may contribute to the development of autoimmune associated congenital heart block and fatal cardiomyopathy.

Objective
:

Given recent evidence implicating the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) as a “don't eat me” signal during efferocytosis, experiments addressed whether surface bound anti-Ro antibodies inhibit apoptotic cell removal via an effect on the expression/function of the urokinase-type plasminogen activator protease uPA/uPAR system.

Methods and Results
:

As assessed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, uPAR colocalizes and interacts with Ro60 on the surface of apoptotic human fetal cardiocytes. Blocking of uPAR enhances phagocytosis of apoptotic cardiocytes by healthy cardiocytes and reverses the anti-Ro60–dependent impaired clearance of apoptotic cardiocytes. Binding of anti-Ro60 antibodies to apoptotic cardiocytes results in increased uPAR expression, as well as enhanced uPA activity. The binding of anti-Ro60 did not alter other surface molecules involved in cell recognition (calreticulin, CD31, or CD47).

Conclusions
:

These data suggest that increased uPAR expression and uPA activity induced by anti-Ro60 binding to the apoptotic fetal cardiocyte provide a molecular basis by which these antibodies inhibit efferocytosis and ultimately lead to scar of the fetal conduction system and working myocardium.
Reporter-Based Isolation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell– and Embryonic Stem Cell–Derived Cardiac Progenitors Reveals Limited Gene Expression Variance
Authors: van Laake Linda W. , Qian Li , Cheng Paul , Huang Yu , Hsiao Edward C. , Conklin Bruce R. , Srivastava Deepak
Published: June 2010

Rationale:

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can differentiate into multiple cell types, including cardiomyocytes and have tremendous potential for drug discovery and regenerative therapies. However, it is unknown how much variability exists between differentiated lineages from independent iPS cell lines and, specifically, how similar iPS cell–derived cardiomyocytes (iPS-CMs) are to embryonic stem (ES) cell–derived cardiomyocytes (ES-CMs).

Objective:

We investigated how much variability exists between differentiated lineages from independent iPS cell lines and how similar iPS-CMs are to ES-CMs.

Methods and Results:

We generated mouse iPS cells in which expression of NKX2-5, an early cardiac transcription factor, was marked by transgenic green fluorescent protein (GFP). Isolation of iPS- and ES-derived NKX2-5–GFP
+
cardiac progenitor pools, marked by identical reporters, revealed unexpectedly high similarity in genome-wide mRNA expression levels. Furthermore, the variability between cardiac progenitors derived from independent iPS lines was minimal. The NKX2-5–GFP
+
iPS cells formed cardiomyocytes by numerous induction protocols and could survive upon transplantation into the infarcted mouse heart without formation of teratomas.

Conclusions:

Despite the line-to-line variability of gene expression in the undifferentiated state of ES and iPS cells, the variance narrows significantly in lineage-specific iPS-derived cardiac progenitors, and these progenitor cells can be isolated and used for transplantation without generation of unwanted cell types.
Nitro-Oleic Acid Inhibits Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension
Authors: Zhang Jifeng , Villacorta Luis , Chang Lin , Fan Zhenzhen , Hamblin Milton , Zhu Tianqing , Chen Chen S. , Cole Marsha P. , Schopfer Francisco J. , Deng Cheri X. , Garcia-Barrio Minerva T. , Feng Ying-Hong , Freeman Bruce A. , Chen Y. Eugene
Published: June 2010

Rationale:

Nitro-oleic acid (OA-NO2) is a bioactive, nitric-oxide derived fatty acid with physiologically relevant vasculoprotective properties in vivo. OA-NO2exerts cell signaling actions as a result of its strong electrophilic nature and mediates pleiotropic cell responses in the vasculature.

Objective:

The present study sought to investigate the protective role of OA-NO2in angiotensin (Ang) II–induced hypertension.

Methods and Results:

We show that systemic administration of OA-NO2results in a sustained reduction of Ang II–induced hypertension in mice and exerts a significant blood pressure lowering effect on preexisting hypertension established by Ang II infusion. OA-NO2significantly inhibits Ang II contractile response as compared to oleic acid (OA) in mesenteric vessels. The improved vasoconstriction is specific for the Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R)-mediated signaling because vascular contraction by other G-protein–coupled receptors is not altered in response to OA-NO2treatment. From the mechanistic viewpoint, OA-NO2lowers Ang II–induced hypertension independently of peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor (PPAR)γ activation. Rather, OA-NO2, but not OA, specifically binds to the AT1R, reduces heterotrimeric G-protein coupling, and inhibits IP3(inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate) and calcium mobilization, without inhibiting Ang II binding to the receptor.

Conclusions:

These results demonstrate that OA-NO2diminishes the pressor response to Ang II and inhibits AT1R-dependent vasoconstriction, revealing OA-NO2as a novel antagonist of Ang II–induced hypertension.
P-Selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1 Regulates Adhesive Properties of the Endothelium and Leukocyte Trafficking Into Adipose Tissue
Authors: Russo Hana M. , Wickenheiser Kevin J. , Luo Wei , Öhman Miina K. , Franchi Luigi , Wright Andrew P. , Bodary Peter F. , Núñez Gabriel , Eitzman Daniel T.
Published: June 2010

Rationale
:

Adhesive interactions between endothelial cells and leukocytes affect leukocyte trafficking in adipose tissue. The role of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (Psgl-1) in this process is unclear.

Objective
:

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of Psgl-1 deficiency on adhesive properties of the endothelium and on leukocyte recruitment into obese adipose depots.

Methods and Results
:

A genetic model of obesity was generated to study the effects of Psgl-1 deficiency on leukocyte trafficking. Leukocyte-endothelial interactions were increased in obese leptin receptor mutant mice (

Lepr
db/db

,Psgl-1
+/+
) but not obese Psgl-1–deficient mice (

Lepr
db/db

,Psgl-1
−/−
), when compared with lean mice (

Lepr
+/+

,Psgl-1
+/+
). This effect of Psgl-1 deficiency was due to indirect effects of Psgl-1, because
Psgl-1
+/+
adoptively transferred leukocytes did not exhibit enhanced rolling in
Lepr

db/db

,Psgl-1
−/−
mice. Additionally, circulating levels of P-selectin, E-selectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and macrophage content of visceral adipose tissue were reduced in

Lepr
db/db

,Psgl-1
−/−
compared with

Lepr
db/db

,Psgl-1
+/+
mice. Reduced leukocyte-endothelial interactions and macrophage content of visceral adipose tissue due to Psgl-1 deficiency was also observed in a diet-induced obese mouse model.
Psgl-1
−/−
mice were resistant to the endothelial effects of exogenous IL-1β, suggesting that defective cytokine signaling contributes to the effect of Psgl-1 deficiency on leukocyte-endothelial interactions. Mice deficient in the IL-1 receptor also had reduced levels of circulating P-selectin, similar to those observed in
Psgl-1
−/−
mice.

Conclusions
:

Deficiency of Psgl-1 is associated with reduced IL-1 receptor-mediated adhesive properties of the endothelium and is protective against visceral fat inflammation in obese mice.
Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor-A Controls Myofibroblast Activation and Fibrosis in Response to Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Small Eric M. , Thatcher Jeffrey E. , Sutherland Lillian B. , Kinoshita Hideyuki , Gerard Robert D. , Richardson James A. , DiMaio J. Michael , Sadek Hesham , Kuwahara Koichiro , Olson Eric N.
Published: June 2010

Rationale
:

Myocardial infarction (MI) results in loss of cardiac myocytes in the ischemic zone of the heart, followed by fibrosis and scar formation, which diminish cardiac contractility and impede angiogenesis and repair. Myofibroblasts, a specialized cell type that switches from a fibroblast-like state to a contractile, smooth muscle-like state, are believed to be primarily responsible for fibrosis of the injured heart and other tissues, although the transcriptional mediators of fibrosis and myofibroblast activation remain poorly defined. Myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs) are serum response factor (SRF) cofactors that promote a smooth muscle phenotype and are emerging as components of stress-responsive signaling.

Objective
:

We aimed to examine the effect of MRTF-A on cardiac remodeling and fibrosis.

Methods and Results
:

Here, we show that MRTF-A controls the expression of a fibrotic gene program that includes genes involved in extracellular matrix production and smooth muscle cell differentiation in the heart. In MRTF-A–null mice, fibrosis and scar formation following MI or angiotensin II treatment are dramatically diminished compared with wild-type littermates. This protective effect of MRTF-A deletion is associated with a reduction in expression of fibrosis-associated genes, including collagen 1a2, a direct transcriptional target of SRF/MRTF-A.

Conclusions
:

We conclude that MRTF-A regulates myofibroblast activation and fibrosis in response to the renin–angiotensin system and post-MI remodeling.
Trade Liberalization and Institutional Reform
Authors: Zhao Minyuan , Fogel Kathy , Morck Randall , Yeung Bernard
Published: June 2010

Opening up to global trade and investment is often thought to trigger institutional improvement by raising the expected benefits of institutional reform and reducing incumbents' incentives and ability to preserve the status quo. However, recent experience is not entirely consistent with this conventional wisdom. We suggest an explanation based on variation across countries in firms' reliance on ambient institutions. Large, well-established firms depend less on an economy's institutions than do small and incipient firms. Multinational firms likewise can use their global organizations to sidestep weak local institutions. Firm heterogeneity of this sort can thus contribute to markedly different institutional responses to liberalization—institutional development is better in locations where firms and potential entrants benefit more from such development. Our framework also suggests that institutional development might occur in stages. In an economy whose basic institutions are sound, individuals rationally invest in entrepreneurial capability and firms rationally invest less in institution substitutes. Economies with firms that rely more on ambient institutions or with more potential entrants who would rely on those institutions are more likely to experience further institutional improvement following accession to the global economy. Economies with fewer firms or potential entrants dependent on sound institutions, in acceding to the global economy, may exhibit scant institutional improvement, and perhaps even institutional deterioration. Political rent-seeking is not necessary for the latter outcome, but expands the range of conditions under which it ensues.
Is It Worth Taxing Pirated Products? The Case of Optical Media Discs in the Philippines
Authors: Desierto Desiree A. , Lazaro Karen Annette D. , Cruz Kevin Thomas G.
Published: June 2010

This paper questions the conventional argument that the existence of a black market provides negative externalities in the form of foregone tax revenues that could otherwise be used to increase social welfare. It is not enough to estimate the size of the black market, one should also show how much of this can be eradicated, and how much of what is eradicated can be replaced by legitimate (taxable) goods, and how much of what is replaced can generate actual tax revenue. When all these are taken into account, the actual tax loss from piracy may be trivial. We illustrate this point using time-series data on optical media disc piracy in the Philippines.
Will Science and Technology Solve China's Unemployment Problem?
Authors: Sjöholm Fredrik , Lundin Nannan
Published: June 2010

China needs a substantial growth of modern-sector employment to absorb its huge supply of underemployed people and new labor market entrants. The present crisis with its massive layoffs of workers makes the issue even more pressing. Although the government has announced large public investments to deal with the business cycle downturn, less attention has been paid to the structural aspects of Chinese underemployment. One exception is the recent emphasis of technology development. However, science and technology (S&T) can have both positive and negative effects on employment. Using information from a large sample of manufacturing firms in China between 1996 and 2004, we analyze how S&T affects employment. Our results suggest that S&T does not promote employment growth.
The Religion of the Qur’ānic Pagans: God and the Lesser Deities
Authors: Crone Patricia
Published: June 2010

This article (in two parts) is devoted to the first step of an attempted reconstruction of the religion of the Qur’ānic mušrikūn on the basis of the Qur’ān and indisputably earlier evidence alone. The first part concludes that the mušrikūn believed in the same Biblical God as the messenger and that their lesser beings, indiscriminately called gods and angels, functioned much like (dead) saints in later Islam and Christianity. This is not exactly new since it is more or less what Ibn ‘Abd al-Wahhāb concluded three hundred years ago. The second part examines the high God hypothesis and tries to relate the beliefs of the mušrikūn to those of other monotheists in late antiquity, with indeterminate results: in terms of their views on God and the lesser beings, the mušrikūn could equally well be pagan monotheists and Jews (or Judaisers).
Dévots et Renonçants: L’autre Catégorie de Forgeurs de Hadiths
Authors: Daaïf Lahcen
Published: June 2010

Dès le premier siècle de l’hégire, pour s’imposer comme la seule voie légitime qui représente fidèlement l’islam contre les familles religieuses rivales, notamment le šī‘isme et le āriğisme, le sunnisme, comme ces derniers, a dû largement user des traditions prophétiques. Néanmoins, les règles qu’il érigera pour fonder cette nouvelle matière de connaissance religieuse ne verront le jour qu’un siècle plus tard. Suite aux rivalités politico-religieuses qui les avaient suscitées en partie, une fois développées et réorganisées progressivement en système de contrôle, ces règles allaient s’appliquer à toutes transmissions de traditions, sans en excepter celle de garants sunnites eux-mêmes. Au sein de celle-ci, certains rapporteurs de hadiths, d’une prolixité impressionnante, particulièrement versés dans le renoncement (zuhhād) et la dévotion cultuelle (ubbād), se sont révélés de peu de foi, voire des menteurs notoires; raisons suffisamment convaincantes pour qu’ils soient catalogués, par des critiques farouchement fidèles au traditionnisme, comme une catégorie distincte de transmetteurs indigne de confiance. Leurs hadiths, tant au niveau des matns qu’au niveau des isnāds, tout au long des trois générations successives des salafs, ont été scrutés de très près, puis évalués et enfin décrétés impropres à la transmission (matrūk). En effet, la « forgerie » des hadiths, qui était de mise dans ce milieu, ne laissait pas de s’accentuer pour devenir un art de subterfuge dont se réclamaient ouvertement, dans la noble intention de servir la communauté sunnite, de notoires ‘renonçants’.
Comments on “Plotting Positions in Extreme Value Analysis”
Authors: Cook Nicholas
Published: June 2010

This comment addresses the role of sampling error in extreme value analysis. A note published in this journal claimed that Weibull’s 1939 estimator for sample probability has a unique status that invalidates all other estimators and renders invalid all of the developments of unbiased distribution-dependent estimators made since 1939. The note concluded that the use of distribution-dependent estimators should be abandoned and that many estimates of the weather-related risks should be reevaluated and the related building codes and other related regulations updated. This comment uses rigorous statistical proofs to make the diametrically opposite case: namely, that development of distribution-dependent estimators has resulted in an improvement in accuracy over the past half century and that no changes are required to the basis of weather-related building codes and regulations. These rigorous proofs are supplemented by sampling experiments that demonstrate their validity. This comment provides an introduction to the basic statistical concepts of the statistical modeling of extremes, including unbiased estimators for the model parameters.
Reply
Authors: Makkonen Lasse
Published: June 2010

This reply addresses the use of order statistics in extreme value analysis. The author has previously proposed in this journal that the distribution-dependent estimators of plotting position in extreme value analysis should be abandoned and replaced by the Weibull formula. It was also demonstrated that the use of the wrong plotting positions has resulted in underestimation of the probability of extreme-weather events. Cook’s comments challenge these developments and defend the previously presented plotting methods. In this reply it is outlined that the Weibull formula provides the exact probability PI of nonexceedance in order-ranked data. Hence, there is no sampling error related to PI. This renders Cook’s primary arguments invalid. The specific critical comments by Cook are also replied to and are shown to be unfounded.
Mechanisms of Jet Formation on the Giant Planets
Authors: Liu Junjun , Schneider Tapio
Published: June 2010

The giant planet atmospheres exhibit alternating prograde (eastward) and retrograde (westward) jets of different speeds and widths, with an equatorial jet that is prograde on Jupiter and Saturn and retrograde on Uranus and Neptune. The jets are variously thought to be driven by differential radiative heating of the upper atmosphere or by intrinsic heat fluxes emanating from the deep interior. However, existing models cannot account for the different flow configurations on the giant planets in an energetically consistent manner. Here a three-dimensional general circulation model is used to show that the different flow configurations can be reproduced by mechanisms universal across the giant planets if differences in their radiative heating and intrinsic heat fluxes are taken into account. Whether the equatorial jet is prograde or retrograde depends on whether the deep intrinsic heat fluxes are strong enough that convection penetrates into the upper troposphere and generates strong equatorial Rossby waves there. Prograde equatorial jets result if convective Rossby wave generation is strong and low-latitude angular momentum flux divergence owing to baroclinic eddies generated off the equator is sufficiently weak (Jupiter and Saturn). Retrograde equatorial jets result if either convective Rossby wave generation is weak or absent (Uranus) or low-latitude angular momentum flux divergence owing to baroclinic eddies is sufficiently strong (Neptune). The different speeds and widths of the off-equatorial jets depend, among other factors, on the differential radiative heating of the atmosphere and the altitude of the jets, which are vertically sheared. The simulations have closed energy and angular momentum balances that are consistent with observations of the giant planets. They exhibit temperature structures closely resembling those observed and make predictions about as yet unobserved aspects of flow and temperature structures.
ENSO Model Validation Using Wavelet Probability Analysis
Authors: Stevenson Samantha , Fox-Kemper Baylor , Jochum Markus , Rajagopalan Balaji , Yeager Stephen G.
Published: June 2010

A new method to quantify changes in El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability is presented, using the overlap between probability distributions of the wavelet spectrum as measured by the wavelet probability index (WPI). Examples are provided using long integrations of three coupled climate models. When subsets of Niño-3.4 time series are compared, the width of the confidence interval on WPI has an exponential dependence on the length of the subset used, with a statistically identical slope for all three models. This exponential relationship describes the rate at which the system converges toward equilibrium and may be used to determine the necessary simulation length for robust statistics. For the three models tested, a minimum of 250 model years is required to obtain 90% convergence for Niño-3.4, longer than typical Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) simulations. Applying the same decay relationship to observational data indicates that measuring ENSO variability with 90% confidence requires approximately 240 years of observations, which is substantially longer than the modern SST record. Applying hypothesis testing techniques to the WPI distributions from model subsets and from comparisons of model subsets to the historical Niño-3.4 index then allows statistically robust comparisons of relative model agreement with appropriate confidence levels given the length of the data record and model simulation.
Anisotropic Rotational and Isotropic Residual Isopycnal Mesoscale Eddy Fluxes
Authors: Eden Carsten
Published: June 2010

In the generalized temporal residual mean (TRM-G) framework, the diapycnal rotational eddy fluxes are defined such that the residual divergent diapycnal eddy flux is related to irreversible changes of buoyancy, that is, diapycnal mixing (or temporal changes of variance and higher order moments) only. Here, it is discussed that for the isopycnal eddy fluxes a similar physically meaningful property exists: rotational isopycnal eddy fluxes can be defined in TRM-G such that the residual divergent part of the flux is related to removal of mean available potential energy and transfer to eddy energy only, that is, to the classical picture of eddy activity. In two idealized eddying models, both featuring strong mesoscale eddy-driven zonal jets, large isopycnal eddy fluxes are circulating at the flanks of the jets. The residual isopycnal eddy fluxes, however, are predominantly meridional and thus downgradient, indicating vanishing anisotropic mixing of isopycnal thickness, consistent with the classical picture of eddy-driven overturning by baroclinic instability in jets. Using isotropic thickness mixing—standard in ocean models—appears therefore as sufficient in this model diagnosis.
Anthropogenic Moisture Effects on WRF Summertime Surface Temperature and Mixing Ratio Forecast Skill In Southern California
Authors: Coleman Rich F. , Drake James F. , McAtee Michael D. , Belsma Leslie O.
Published: June 2010

Mesoscale forecasts for the Los Angeles basin made with the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) exhibited a moderate to substantial warm temperature bias for extended periods in the summer months. A similar bias also was thought to exist in forecasts made using version 2.2 of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF v2.2). To address these biases, two sources of anthropogenic moisture were analyzed: commercial irrigation and outdoor domestic water use. These represent substantial amounts of equivalent precipitation that are not accounted for in normal WRF execution. This is especially true for the summer months when little or no precipitation occurs in the area. A method for estimating the temporal and spatial distributions of these two sources was developed and the resulting database was applied to model runs. The addition of these anthropogenic moisture sources is an important source of enthalpy, which results in significant cooling in WRF. However, in the course of the analysis it was determined that the biases in WRF were much smaller than had been thought. Also, despite producing significant cooling, the addition of anthropogenic moisture made only modest improvements in forecast skill, and only for some hours of the day, indicating that more research is necessary on how the physical processes are handled in WRF, and how the anthropogenic moisture is distributed during the forecast period.
Storm Surge and “Certain Death”: Interviews with Texas Coastal Residents following Hurricane Ike
Authors: Morss Rebecca E. , Hayden Mary H.
Published: June 2010

Hurricane Ike made landfall near Galveston, Texas, on 13 September 2008 as a large category 2 storm that generated significant storm surge and flooding. This article presents findings from an empirical case study of Texas coastal residents’ perceptions of hurricane risk, protective decision making, and opinions of hurricane forecasts related to Hurricane Ike. The results are based on data from interviews with 49 residents affected by Hurricane Ike, conducted approximately five weeks after landfall. While most interviewees were aware that Ike was potentially dangerous, many were surprised by how much coastal flooding the hurricane caused and the resulting damage. For many—even long-time residents—Ike was a learning experience. As the hurricane approached, interviewees and their households made complex, evolving preparation and evacuation decisions. Although evacuation orders were an important consideration for some interviewees, many obtained information about Ike frequently from multiple sources to evaluate their own risk and make protective decisions. Given the storm surge and damage Ike caused, a number of interviewees believed that Ike’s classification on the Saffir–Simpson scale did not adequately communicate the risk Ike posed. The “certain death” statement issued by the National Weather Service helped convince several interviewees to evacuate. However, others had strong negative opinions of the statement that may negatively influence their interpretation of and response to future warnings. As these findings indicate, empirical studies of how intended audiences obtain, interpret, and use hurricane forecasts and warnings provide valuable knowledge that can help design more effective ways to convey hurricane risk.
The Things They Carry
Authors: MacLean Alair
Published: June 2010

Sociologists have long recognized that historical events, such as wars, depressions, and natural disasters, influence trajectories of people’s lives and reproduce or alter social structures. This article extends that line of research. Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, I test three accounts regarding how combat exposure in war affects men’s ability to work. The direct cumulative disadvantage account posits that war negatively affects servicemen who see combat, regardless of their pre-combat characteristics. The moderated cumulative disadvantage account suggests that combat most negatively affects men who had lower status before they fought. The turning point account suggests the reverse: combat most negatively affects men who had greater status before they fought. Findings suggest that with regard to disability and unemployment, the effects of combat exposure in war are most consistent with the direct cumulative disadvantage account.