bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caffeine relaxes smooth muscle through actin depolymerization
Authors: Tazzeo Tracy , Bates Genevieve , Roman Horia Nicolae , Lauzon Anne-Marie , Khasnis Mukta D. , Eto Masumi , Janssen Luke J.
Published: June 2012

Caffeine is sometimes used in cell physiological studies to release internally stored Ca2+. We obtained evidence that caffeine may also act through a different mechanism that has not been previously described and sought to examine this in greater detail. We ruled out a role for phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibition, since the effect was 1) not reversed by inhibiting PKA or adenylate cyclase; 2) not exacerbated by inhibiting PDE4; and 3) not mimicked by submillimolar caffeine nor theophylline, both of which are sufficient to inhibit PDE. Although caffeine is an agonist of bitter taste receptors, which in turn mediate bronchodilation, its relaxant effect was not mimicked by quinine. After permeabilizing the membrane using β-escin and depleting the internal Ca2+store using A23187, we found that 10 mM caffeine reversed tone evoked by direct application of Ca2+, suggesting it functionally antagonizes the contractile apparatus. Using a variety of molecular techniques, we found that caffeine did not affect phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC) by MLC kinase, actin-filament motility catalyzed by MLC kinase, phosphorylation of CPI-17 by either protein kinase C or RhoA kinase, nor the activity of MLC-phosphatase. However, we did obtain evidence that caffeine decreased actin filament binding to phosphorylated myosin heads and increased the ratio of globular to filamentous actin in precontracted tissues. We conclude that, in addition to its other non-RyR targets, caffeine also interferes with actin function (decreased binding by myosin, possibly with depolymerization), an effect that should be borne in mind in studies using caffeine to probe excitation-contraction coupling in smooth muscle.
Hypoxia-induced migration in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells requires calcium-dependent upregulation of aquaporin 1
Authors: Leggett Kyle , Maylor Julie , Undem Clark , Lai Ning , Lu Wenju , Schweitzer Kelly , King Landon S. , Myers Allen C. , Sylvester J. T. , Sidhaye Venkataramana , Shimoda Larissa A.
Published: June 2012

Pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) migration is a key component of the vascular remodeling that occurs during the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, although the mechanisms governing this phenomenon remain poorly understood. Aquaporin-1 (AQP1), an integral membrane water channel protein, has recently been shown to aid in migration of endothelial cells. Since AQP1 is expressed in certain types of vascular smooth muscle, we hypothesized that AQP1 would be expressed in PASMCs and would be required for migration in response to hypoxia. Using PCR and immunoblot techniques, we determined the expression of AQPs in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle and the effect of hypoxia on AQP levels, and we examined the role of AQP1 in hypoxia-induced migration in rat PASMCs using Transwell filter assays. Moreover, since the cytoplasmic tail of AQP1 contains a putative calcium binding site and an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) is a hallmark of hypoxic exposure in PASMCs, we also determined whether the responses were Ca2+ dependent. Results were compared with those obtained in aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMCs). We found that although AQP1 was abundant in both PASMCs and AoSMCs, hypoxia selectively increased AQP1 protein levels, [Ca2+]i, and migration in PASMCs. Blockade of Ca2+ entry through voltage-dependent Ca2+ or nonselective cation channels prevented the hypoxia-induced increase in PASMC [Ca2+]i, AQP1 levels, and migration. Silencing AQP1 via siRNA also prevented hypoxia-induced migration of PASMCs. Our results suggest that hypoxia induces a PASMC-specific increase in [Ca2+]i that results in increased AQP1 protein levels and cell migration.
Neonatal mice genetically modified to express the elastase inhibitor elafin are protected against the adverse effects of mechanical ventilation on lung growth
Authors: Hilgendorff Anne , Parai Kakoli , Ertsey Robert , Juliana Rey-Parra G. , Thébaud Bernard , Tamosiuniene Rasa , Jain Noopur , Navarro Edwin F. , Starcher Barry C. , Nicolls Mark R. , Rabinovitch Marlene , Bland Richard D.
Published: June 2012

Mechanical ventilation (MV) with O2-rich gas (MV-O2) offers life-saving treatment for newborn infants with respiratory failure, but it also can promote lung injury, which in neonates translates to defective alveolar formation and disordered lung elastin, a key determinant of lung growth and repair. Prior studies in preterm sheep and neonatal mice showed that MV-O2stimulated lung elastase activity, causing degradation and remodeling of matrix elastin. These changes yielded an inflammatory response, with TGF-β activation, scattered elastic fibers, and increased apoptosis, culminating in defective alveolar septation and arrested lung growth. To see whether sustained inhibition of elastase activity would prevent these adverse pulmonary effects of MV-O2, we did studies comparing wild-type (WT) and mutant neonatal mice genetically modified to express in their vascular endothelium the human serine elastase inhibitor elafin (Eexp). Five-day-old WT and Eexp mice received MV with 40% O2(MV-O2) for 24–36 h. WT and Eexp controls breathed 40% O2without MV. MV-O2increased lung elastase and MMP-9 activity, resulting in elastin degradation (urine desmosine doubled), TGF-β activation (pSmad-2 increased 6-fold), apoptosis (cleaved-caspase-3 increased 10-fold), and inflammation (NF-κB activation, influx of neutrophils and monocytes) in lungs of WT vs. unventilated controls. These changes were blocked or blunted during MV-O2of Eexp mice. Scattered lung elastin and emphysematous alveoli observed in WT mice after 36 h of MV-O2were attenuated in Eexp mice. Both WT and Eexp mice showed defective VEGF signaling (decreased lung VEGF-R2 protein) and loss of pulmonary microvessels after lengthy MV-O2, suggesting that elafin's beneficial effects during MV-O2derived primarily from preserving matrix elastin and suppressing lung inflammation, thereby enabling alveolar formation during MV-O2. These results suggest that degradation and remodeling of lung elastin can contribute to defective lung growth in response to MV-O2and might be targeted therapeutically to prevent ventilator-induced neonatal lung injury.
The Asymptotic Expansion Method via Symbolic Computation
Authors: Navarro Juan F.
Published: June 2012

This paper describes an algorithm for implementing a perturbation method based on an asymptotic expansion of the solution to a second‐order differential equation. We also introduce a new symbolic computation system which works with the so‐called modified quasipolynomials, as well as an implementation of the algorithm on it.
Protein Tau: Prime Cause of Synaptic and Neuronal Degeneration in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Crespo-Biel Natalia , Theunis Clara , Van Leuven Fred
Published: June 2012

The microtubule-associated protein Tau (MAPT) is a major component of the pathogenesis of a wide variety of brain-damaging disorders, known as tauopathies. These include Alzheimer's disease (AD), denoted as secondary tauopathy because of the obligatory combination with amyloid pathology. In all tauopathies, protein Tau becomes aberrantly phosphorylated, adopts abnormal conformations, and aggregates into fibrils that eventually accumulate as threads in neuropil and as tangles in soma. The argyrophilic neurofibrillary threads and tangles, together denoted as NFT, provide the postmortem pathological diagnosis for all tauopathies. In AD, neurofibrillary threads and tangles (NFTs) are codiagnostic with amyloid depositions but their separated and combined contributions to clinical symptoms remain elusive. Importantly, NFTs are now considered a late event and not directly responsible for early synaptic dysfunctions. Conversely, the biochemical and pathological timeline is not exactly known in human tauopathy, but experimental models point to smaller Tau-aggregates, termed oligomers or multimers, as synaptotoxic in early stages. The challenge is to molecularly define these Tau-isoforms that cause early cognitive and synaptic impairments. Here, we discuss relevant studies and data obtained in our mono- and bigenic validated preclinical models, with the perspective of Tau as a therapeutic target.
Molecular Hydrogen as an Emerging Therapeutic Medical Gas for Neurodegenerative and Other Diseases
Authors: Ohno Kinji , Ito Mikako , Ichihara Masatoshi , Ito Masafumi
Published: June 2012

Effects of molecular hydrogen on various diseases have been documented for 63 disease models and human diseases in the past four and a half years. Most studies have been performed on rodents including two models of Parkinson's disease and three models of Alzheimer's disease. Prominent effects are observed especially in oxidative stress-mediated diseases including neonatal cerebral hypoxia; Parkinson's disease; ischemia/reperfusion of spinal cord, heart, lung, liver, kidney, and intestine; transplantation of lung, heart, kidney, and intestine. Six human diseases have been studied to date: diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome, hemodialysis, inflammatory and mitochondrial myopathies, brain stem infarction, and radiation-induced adverse effects. Two enigmas, however, remain to be solved. First, no dose-response effect is observed. Rodents and humans are able to take a small amount of hydrogen by drinking hydrogen-rich water, but marked effects are observed. Second, intestinal bacteria in humans and rodents produce a large amount of hydrogen, but an addition of a small amount of hydrogen exhibits marked effects. Further studies are required to elucidate molecular bases of prominent hydrogen effects and to determine the optimal frequency, amount, and method of hydrogen administration for each human disease.
Some New Inequalities of Opial′s Type on Time Scales
Authors: Saker Samir H.
Published: June 2012

We will prove some new dynamic inequalities of Opial′s type on time scales. The results not only extend some results in the literature but also improve some of them. Some continuous and discrete inequalities are derived from the main results as special cases. The results can be applied on the study of distribution of generalized zeros of half‐linear dynamic equations on time scales.
Intracranial Pressure Monitoring: Invasive versus Non-Invasive Methods—A Review
Authors: Raboel P. H. , Bartek J. , Andresen M. , Bellander B. M. , Romner B.
Published: June 2012

Monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) has been used for decades in the fields of neurosurgery and neurology. There are multiple techniques: invasive as well as noninvasive. This paper aims to provide an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the most common and well-known methods as well as assess whether noninvasive techniques (transcranial Doppler, tympanic membrane displacement, optic nerve sheath diameter, CT scan/MRI and fundoscopy) can be used as reliable alternatives to the invasive techniques (ventriculostomy and microtransducers). Ventriculostomy is considered the gold standard in terms of accurate measurement of pressure, although microtransducers generally are just as accurate. Both invasive techniques are associated with a minor risk of complications such as hemorrhage and infection. Furthermore, zero drift is a problem with selected microtransducers. The non-invasive techniques are without the invasive methods' risk of complication, but fail to measure ICP accurately enough to be used as routine alternatives to invasive measurement. We conclude that invasive measurement is currently the only option for accurate measurement of ICP.
Use of Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators in a Population-Based Cohort Is Associated With a Significant Survival Benefit
Authors: Parkash Ratika , Sapp John L. , Basta Magdy , Doucette Steve , Thompson Kara , Gardner Martin , Gray Chris , Brownell Brenda , Kidwai Hena , Cox Jafna
Published: June 2012

Background—

Underuse of implantable defibrillators has been previously noted in patients at risk for sudden cardiac death, as well as for survivors of sudden cardiac death. We sought to determine the utilization rates in a primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)–eligible population and mortality in this group compared with a group that had undergone implantation of this therapy.

Methods and Results—

A retrospective cohort of patients from April 1, 2006, to December 31, 2009, was used to define a primary prevention ICD-eligible population. Two groups were compared on the basis of ICD implantation (no-ICD versus ICD). The primary outcome measure was mortality. Of the 717 patients found to be potentially eligible for a primary prevention ICD, 116 (16%) were referred. The remaining cohort of 601 patients were compared with an existing cohort of primary prevention ICD patients (n=290). A significant survival benefit was associated with primary prevention ICD implantation (hazard ratio, 0.46; 95% CI [0.33–0.64];
P
<0.0001). When adjusted for prespecified variables known to be associated with overall mortality and propensity score, a similar survival benefit was seen (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI [0.40–0.87];
P
=0.01). Appropriate ICD therapy occurred in 26% of those in the ICD group, during a mean follow-up of 2.7 years.

Conclusions—

A significant mortality benefit was observed for patients who underwent primary prevention ICD implantation compared with those who did not. Vigilance is required to ensure that patients eligible for primary prevention ICDs are appropriately referred and assessed to allow such patients to benefit from this life-saving therapy.
High Prevalence of Long QT Syndrome–Associated
SCN5A
Variants in Patients With Early-Onset Lone Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Olesen Morten S. , Yuan Lei , Liang Bo , Holst Anders G. , Nielsen Nikolaj , Nielsen Jonas B. , Hedley Paula L. , Christiansen Michael , Olesen Søren-Peter , Haunsø Stig , Schmitt Nicole , Jespersen Thomas , Svendsen Jesper H.
Published: June 2012

Background—

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. The cardiac sodium channel, Na
V
1.5, plays a pivotal role in setting the conduction velocity and the initial depolarization of the cardiac myocytes. We hypothesized that early-onset lone AF was associated with genetic variation in
SCN5A
.

Methods and Results—

The coding sequence of
SCN5A
was sequenced in 192 patients with early-onset lone AF. Eight nonsynonymous mutations (T220I, R340Q, T1304M, F1596I, R1626H, D1819N, R1897W, and V1951M) and 2 rare variants (S216L in 2 patients and F2004L) were identified. Of 11 genopositive probands, 6 (3.2% of the total population) had a variant previously associated with long QT syndrome type 3 (LQTS3). The prevalence of LQTS3-associated variants in the patients with lone AF was much higher than expected, compared with the prevalence in recent exome data (minor allele frequency, 1.6% versus 0.3%;
P
=0.003), mainly representing the general population. The functional effects of the mutations were analyzed by whole cell patch clamp in HEK293 cells; for 5 of the mutations previously associated with LQTS3, patch-clamp experiments showed an increased sustained sodium current, suggesting a mechanistic overlap between LQTS3 and early-onset lone AF. In 9 of 10 identified mutations and rare variants, we observed compromised biophysical properties affecting the transient peak current.

Conclusions—

In a cohort of patients with early-onset lone AF, we identified a high prevalence of
SCN5A
mutations previously associated with LQTS3. Functional investigations of the mutations revealed both compromised transient peak current and increased sustained current.
Cardiac Microinjury Measured by Troponin T Predicts Collagen Metabolism in Adults Aged ≥65 Years With Heart Failure
Authors: Kop Willem J. , Gottdiener John S. , deFilippi Christopher R. , Barasch Eddy , Seliger Stephen L. , Jenny Nancy S. , Christenson Robert H.
Published: June 2012

Background—

Repeated myocardial microinjuries lead to collagen deposition and fibrosis, thereby increasing the risk of clinical heart failure. Little is known about the longitudinal association between increases in myocardial injury and the biology of collagen synthesis and deposition.

Methods and Results—

Repeated measures of highly sensitive cardiac troponin T (cTnT) were obtained in participants of the Cardiovascular Health Study (N=353; mean age, 74±6 years; 52% women) at baseline and at 3 years follow-up. Biomarkers of collagen metabolism were obtained at follow-up and included carboxyterminal propeptide of procollagen type I, carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen, and aminoterminal propeptide of procollagen III. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between baseline cTnT and changes in cTnT with collagen metabolism markers at follow-up adjusting for demographics, heart failure status, and cardiovascular risk factors. Results indicated that cTnT increases over 3-years were significantly associated with higher levels of carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β=0.22,
P
<0.001) and aminoterminal propeptide of procollagen III (β=0.12,
P
=0.035) at follow-up when adjusting for demographic, clinical, and biochemical covariates including baseline cTnT. These associations were stronger in patients with heart failure than in control subjects.

Conclusions—

Increases in myocardial microinjury measured by changes in cTnT adversely affect markers of collagen metabolism. These findings are important to the biology of myocardial fibrosis and tissue repair. Serial evaluation of cTnT combined with collagen metabolism markers may further elucidate the pathophysiology of heart failure.
Modeling Study of Ice Formation in Warm-Based Precipitating Shallow Cumulus Clouds
Authors: Sun Jiming , Ariya Parisa A. , Leighton Henry G. , Yau Man Kong
Published: June 2012

Observations of large concentrations of ice particles in the dissipating stage of warm-based precipitating shallow cumulus clouds point to the limitations of scientists’ understanding of the physics of such clouds and the possible role of cloud dynamics. The most commonly accepted mechanisms of ice splinter production in the riming process have limitations to properly explain the rapid production of ice bursts. A more detailed description of the temporal and spatial evolution of hydrometeors and their interaction with cloud condensation nuclei and ice nuclei is needed to understand this phenomenon. A cloud model with bin-resolved microphysics can describe the time-dependent evolution of liquid droplets and ice particles and provide insights into how the physics and dynamics and their interaction may result in ice initiation and ice multiplication. The authors developed a 1.5-dimensional nonhydrostatic convective cloud and aerosol interaction model with spectral (bin) microphysics. The number and mass concentrations of aerosols, including ice nuclei and cloud condensation nuclei, were explicitly followed. Since both in situ observations of bioaerosols and laboratory experiments pointed to efficient nucleation capabilities at relative warm temperatures, it was assumed that ice-nucleating bioaerosols are involved in primary ice particle formation in condensation and immersion modes. Results show that bioaerosols can be the source of primary ice pellets, which in turn lead to high ice concentrations.
Midlatitude Eddies, Storm-Track Diffusivity, and Poleward Moisture Transport in Warm Climates
Authors: Caballero Rodrigo , Hanley John
Published: June 2012

Recent work using both simplified and comprehensive GCMs has shown that poleward moisture transport across midlatitudes follows Clausius–Clapeyron scaling at temperatures close to modern, but that it reaches a maximum at sufficiently elevated temperatures and then decreases with further warming. This study explores the reasons for this nonmonotonic behavior using a sequence of NCAR Community Atmosphere Model, version 3 (CAM3) simulations in an aquaplanet configuration spanning a broad range of climates. No significant change is found in the scale, structure, or organization of midlatitude eddies across these simulations. Instead, the high-temperature decrease in poleward moisture transport is attributed to the combined effect of decreasing eddy velocities and contracting mixing lengths. The contraction in mixing length is, in turn, a consequence of the decreasing eddy velocities in combination with constant eddy decorrelation time scales.
Tornadogenesis in a Simulated Mesovortex within a Mesoscale Convective System
Authors: Schenkman Alexander D. , Xue Ming , Shapiro Alan
Published: June 2012

The Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) is used to simulate a tornadic mesovortex with the aim of understanding the associated tornadogenesis processes. The mesovortex was one of two tornadic mesovortices spawned by a mesoscale convective system (MCS) that traversed southwestern and central Oklahoma on 8–9 May 2007. The simulation used 100-m horizontal grid spacing, and is nested within two outer grids with 400-m and 2-km grid spacing, respectively. Both outer grids assimilate radar, upper-air, and surface observations via 5-min three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) cycles. The 100-m grid is initialized from a 40-min forecast on the 400-m grid.

Results from the 100-m simulation provide a detailed picture of the development of a mesovortex that produces a submesovortex-scale tornado-like vortex (TLV). Closer examination of the genesis of the TLV suggests that a strong low-level updraft is critical in converging and amplifying vertical vorticity associated with the mesovortex. Vertical cross sections and backward trajectory analyses from this low-level updraft reveal that the updraft is the upward branch of a strong rotor that forms just northwest of the simulated TLV. The horizontal vorticity in this rotor originates in the near-surface inflow and is caused by surface friction. An additional simulation with surface friction turned off does not produce a rotor, strong low-level updraft, or TLV. Comparison with previous two-dimensional numerical studies of rotors in the lee of mountains shows striking similarities to the rotor formation presented herein.

The findings of this study are summarized in a four-stage conceptual model for tornadogenesis in this case that describes the evolution of the event from mesovortexgenesis through rotor development and finally TLV genesis and intensification.
Multiplicative MJO Forcing of ENSO
Authors: Kapur Atul , Zhang Chidong
Published: June 2012

The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is parameterized to study the role of the feedback it receives from sea surface temperature (SST) in its influence on El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The parameterization describes MJO surface westerlies in terms of a few basic parameters that include amplitude, zonal propagation extent, propagation speed, and the interval between adjacent events. It is used to drive a coupled ocean–atmosphere model of intermediate complexity tuned to a marginally stable regime. The MJO parameters acquire values either additively (i.e., based on observed estimates of most probable value and stochasticity) or multiplicatively (i.e., modulated by an evolving model ENSO SST, albeit with some stochasticity). Simulations reveal that ENSO variance increases with the stochasticity of MJO amplitude but is insensitive to the stochasticity of zonal extent and speed, except that ENSO vanishes completely when the propagation speed is zero. Likewise, ENSO strengthens linearly with the SST modulation of MJO amplitude, but not of speed and zonal extent—even though the two are known to be significantly influenced by SST. Ensemble comparisons between simulations with and without SST feedback demonstrate that SST feedback to the MJO acting in a stable regime can be responsible for the observed ENSO variance. The multiplicative case has a larger ensemble spread than the additive case, which manifests in a larger interdecadal variability of ENSO. The results emphasize that ENSO reproduction in coupled models depends on correctly representing the MJO, especially its amplitude and SST feedback.
Homogenization of the Global Radiosonde Temperature Dataset through Combined Comparison with Reanalysis Background Series and Neighboring Stations
Authors: Haimberger Leopold , Tavolato Christina , Sperka Stefan
Published: June 2012

This article describes progress in the homogenization of global radiosonde temperatures with updated versions of the Radiosonde Observation Correction Using Reanalyses (RAOBCORE) and Radiosonde Innovation Composite Homogenization (RICH) software packages. These are automated methods to homogenize the global radiosonde temperature dataset back to 1958. The break dates are determined from analysis of time series of differences between radiosonde temperatures (obs) and background forecasts (bg) of climate data assimilation systems used for the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-40) and the ongoing interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim).

RAOBCORE uses the obs−bg time series also for estimating the break sizes. RICH determines the break sizes either by comparing the observations of a tested time series with observations of neighboring radiosonde time series (RICH-obs) or by comparing their background departures (RICH-τ). Consequently RAOBCORE results may be influenced by inhomogeneities in the bg, whereas break size estimation with RICH-obs is independent of the bg. The adjustment quality of RICH-obs, on the other hand, may suffer from large interpolation errors at remote stations. RICH-τ is a compromise that substantially reduces interpolation errors at the cost of slight dependence on the bg.

Adjustment uncertainty is estimated by comparing the three methods and also by varying parameters in RICH. The adjusted radiosonde time series are compared with recent temperature datasets based on (Advanced) Microwave Sounding Unit [(A)MSU] radiances. The overall spatiotemporal consistency of the homogenized dataset has improved compared to earlier versions, particularly in the presatellite era. Vertical profiles of temperature trends are more consistent with satellite data as well.
Mechanisms Maintaining Southern Ocean Meridional Heat Transport under Projected Wind Forcing
Authors: Spence Paul , Saenko Oleg A. , Dufour Carolina O. , Le Sommer Julien , England Matthew H.
Published: June 2012

Meridional heat transport (MHT) in the Southern Ocean (SO) and its components are analyzed with two eddy-permitting climate models. The two models present a consistent picture of the MHT response to projected twenty-first-century changes in SO winds. In agreement with a recent analysis based on an ocean data synthesis product, much of the MHT in the SO is found to be due to the time-mean fields of meridional velocity and temperature. The change in the net MHT tends to be small relative to the interannual variability at most SO latitudes. However, both models exhibit significant changes at most latitudes south of 30°S in individual components of MHT. A simple framework wherein changes in the eddy and mean heat transports tend to compensate each other is not supported by the authors’ results. Instead, the MHT response is composed of sizeable contributions from essentially all of the MHT components, with the eddy and mean heat transports often having the same sign.
Role of Rossby Waves in the Remote Effects of the North Indian Ocean Tropical Disturbances
Authors: Ratnam J. V. , Behera S. K. , Masumoto Y. , Yamagata T.
Published: June 2012

Remote effects due to the tropical disturbances in the north Indian Ocean are investigated by analyzing long-lasting (≥5 days) tropical disturbances, which reached at least the strength of tropical storms. The present analysis is carried out for both the pre- and postmonsoon periods. The spatial and temporal distribution of the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) during the premonsoon disturbances over the Bay of Bengal reveals several interesting features. Temporal distribution of the OLR anomalies shows that the intraseasonal oscillations play an important role in the formation of those disturbances. The spatial distribution of the OLR anomalies shows a dipole with negative OLR anomalies over the bay and positive OLR anomalies over the Indonesian region. The atmospheric response to the negative OLR anomalies results in positive temperature anomalies over northwest India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, remote from the disturbance; and the response to the positive anomalies causes slight increase in the sea surface temperature of the Arabian Sea. Negative OLR anomalies are also seen over western Japan due to the Rossby waves generated by the heating over the Bay of Bengal besides the enhancement of the so-called “Pacific–Japan” teleconnection pattern. However, the analysis shows that the postmonsoon disturbances over the Bay of Bengal and the disturbances formed over the Arabian Sea in both pre- and postmonsoon seasons do not develop remote teleconnections associated with the above type of Rossby wave mechanism. These results are significant for the short- to medium-range weather forecast over a wide range covering Japan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.
Racial Discrimination, Ethnic-Racial Socialization, and Crime
Authors: Burt Callie Harbin , Simons Ronald L. , Gibbons Frederick X.
Published: June 2012

Dominant theoretical explanations of racial disparities in criminal offending overlook a key risk factor associated with race: interpersonal racial discrimination. Building on recent studies that analyze race and crime at the micro-level, we specify a social psychological model linking personal experiences with racial discrimination to an increased risk of offending. We add to this model a consideration of an adaptive facet of African American culture: ethnic-racial socialization, and explore whether two forms—cultural socialization and preparation for bias—provide resilience to the criminogenic effects of interpersonal racial discrimination. Using panel data from several hundred African American male youth from the Family and Community Health Study, we find that racial discrimination is positively associated with increased crime in large part by augmenting depression, hostile views of relationships, and disengagement from conventional norms. Results also indicate that preparation for bias significantly reduces the effects of discrimination on crime, primarily by reducing the effects of these social psychological mediators on offending. Cultural socialization has a less influential but beneficial effect. Finally, we show that the more general parenting context within which preparation for bias takes place influences its protective effects.
Economic crises, population aging and the electoral cycle: Explaining pension policy retrenchments in 19 OECD countries, 1981–2004
Authors: Fernández Juan J.
Published: June 2012

After decades of recurrent improvements in the generosity of public pension programs, since the early 1980s many pension reforms aimed to decelerate pension spending growth and strengthen the finances of these programs by retrenching the duration and/or value of pension entitlements. To understand this historical reversal in public pension provision, this article examines the forces affecting the enactment of contemporary pension retrenchments in 19 OECD countries. Based on a synthetic review of the pension policy literature, it identifies 90 pension retrenchments passed in these countries between 1981 and 2004. A growing literature on pension policy reform suggests that these policy events occur only when policy-makers can devise mechanisms to reduce their political blame. Building on this research, this article argues that the strategic consideration of economic and electoral cycles constitute two blame-avoidance strategies. First, by passing a pension retrenchment early in the electoral cycle, policy-makers can expect to face less electoral retaliation. Second, due to uncertainty in demographic projections, the demographic transition constitutes a weak discursive strategy to legitimate pension retrenchments. For this reason, population aging only affects the likelihood of reform by increasing the impact of economic crises. The article presents results from conditional frailty models for recurrent and sequential events that support this argument.
Family functioning in depressed and non-clinical control families
Authors: Wang Jikun , Mansfield Abigail K , Zhao Xudong , Keitner Gabor
Published: June 2012

Background:

Existing studies of depression and family functioning have used western samples to examine how depression and impaired family functioning are related, and to explore levels of discrepancy between depressed patients and their family members. The purpose of the current study is to explore these questions in a Chinese sample.

Method:

This study examined the association between family functioning and depression in a Chinese sample of 60 depressed patients and their family members and 60 non-clinical controls and their family members. The study evaluated levels of agreement between family members on a self-report measure of family functioning (Family Assessment Device) using reliability statistics. It also compared families’ self-reported family functioning to that of a trained observer using an observational rating scale (McMaster Clinical Rating Scale).

Results:

Results indicate poorer family functioning among Chinese families with a depressed family member, high to moderate agreement between patients and family members, moderate to low agreement between non-clinical participants and their family members, and moderate correlations between subjective and objective ratings of family functioning in a mainland Chinese sample.

Conclusions:

As in other cultures, depression is associated with impaired family functioning in Chinese families. There is good agreement between family members and a trained evaluator about the family impairments. The Family Assessment Device and the McMaster Clinical Rating Scale are useful for assessing family functioning in Chinese families.
Fatigue life modeling of short fiber reinforced metal matrix composites using mechanical and acoustic emission responses
Authors: Oh Kyung Seok , Han Kyung Seop
Published: June 2012

The cyclic fatigue behavior of short fiber reinforced metal matrix composites was studied. Three fatigue life prediction models were developed by monitoring the resultant maximum strain and counts of acoustic emission during cyclic fatigue. Their increasing trends with the number of fatigue cycles were studied using the assumption that they can be expressed as a power-law function of the fatigue cycle number. Post-fatigue static tension tests were conducted to examine the degradation of the damaged materials. The acoustic emission count accumulated during tension testing decreased as the applied fatigue cycles increased; this change was also used to formulate life prediction models. All the new models show a better agreement to experimental data than do the existing equations.
The Rotem failure criterion for fibrous laminated composite materials: Three-dimensional loading case
Authors: Rotem Assa
Published: June 2012

The present article describes the application of Rotem failure criterion to solve 12 test cases employed in the Second World-Wide Failure Exercise (WWFE-II). The criterion distinguishes between fiber failure and matrix failures (transverse-isotropic strength and the square of the deviatory and shear strengths). Effect of hydrostatic pressure is taken into account for the matrix dominated failure. The nonlinear progressive model is used to predict three-dimensional failure envelopes and stress strain curves for all 12 test cases, which involved isotropic, unidirectional lamina and multi-directional laminates loaded both through-thickness and in-plane directions. The calculation technique and the final results are given in the article.
The background to the Second World-Wide Failure Exercise
Authors: Hinton MJ , Kaddour AS
Published: June 2012

In 2004, the authors completed the First World-Wide Failure Exercise dealing with benchmarking recognised failure criteria under two-dimensional, in-plane loadings. Based on the success and the lessons learnt, and using the same strategy, the authors have organised the ‘Second World-Wide Failure Exercise’. It aims at filling key gaps identified and establishing the status of 12 theoretical methods for predicting failure in fibre-reinforced composite materials subjected to three-dimensional or (triaxial) states of stress. This paper gives an account of the background to the Second World-Wide Failure Exercise, the process of completing the first part (Part A) and a summary of key conclusions.
Input data for test cases used in benchmarking triaxial failure theories of composites
Authors: Kaddour AS , Hinton MJ
Published: June 2012

This article gives details of the input data provided for use in the Second World-Wide Failure Exercise (WWFE-II) for benchmarking triaxial failure criteria. It includes (a) three-dimensional elastic constants, ultimate strains and strengths and the nonlinear stress–strain curves for five unidirectional laminae and their constituents and (b) a description of 12 challenging test cases of 5 composite laminates, the lay-ups, layer thicknesses, stacking sequences and the loading conditions. The originators of 3D failure theories were requested to use the exact data provided here in their blind predictions of the test cases. The instructions issued to the contributors are also presented at the end of this article.
Prediction of three-dimensional composite laminate response using micromechanics of failure
Authors: Huang Yuanchen , Xu Lei , Kyu Ha Sung
Published: June 2012

A three-dimensional micromechanics of failure model was developed and applied in order to predict triaxial failure envelopes and stress–strain curves for 12 test cases in the Second World-Wide Failure Exercise (WWFE-II), which involves five continuous fiber–matrix laminates and multi-axial loadings, including those in through-thickness direction. The micromechanics of failure is based on micromechanical unit cell models, which characterize the microstructure of composites, and consists of independent constituent failure criteria and a progressive damage model for the matrix. Nonlinear ply behavior in the matrix-dominant directions was successfully simulated. Thermal stresses were also considered. Results of prediction were presented together with an explanation of the phenomena.
Comparison of Brain Activation via Tooth Stimulation
Authors: Shimazaki T. , Otsuka T. , Akimoto S. , Kubo K.Y. , Sato S. , Sasaguri K.
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensation of each tooth type at the cortical level. The tactical sensation from teeth plays an important role in controlling the masticatory system. However, the role of each tooth type has not been determined. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to detect changes in cerebral blood flow in the somatosensory cortex of 12 healthy volunteers. Painless vibrotactile stimuli were applied to 8 teeth (left maxillary and mandibular incisors, canines, 1st premolars, or 1st molars). The somatosensory cortex was activated during stimulation of all teeth. A comparison of cortical activation revealed significantly greater activation during stimulation of the maxillary and mandibular first molars. However, no significant differences were seen between any other teeth. These results indicate that the first molar is the most sensitive tooth type at the cortical level, and provide basic data on the relationship between input from individual tooth type and brain activation. These data could be useful for understanding the neural mechanisms of individual tooth types.
Parenteral ω‐3 Fatty Acid Lipid Emulsions for Children With Intestinal Failure and Other Conditions
Authors: Seida Jennifer C. , Mager Diana R. , Hartling Lisa , Vandermeer Ben , Turner Justine M.
Published: June 2012

Background: There is growing interest in the use of ω‐3 fatty acid (n‐3FA) lipid emulsions to prevent complications associated with parenteral nutrition. The authors systematically reviewed the evidence on the benefits and safety of n‐3FA compared with standard lipid emulsions in children with intestinal disease, critical illness, trauma, or postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: The authors searched 4 bibliographic databases from their inception to March 2011, conference proceedings, trial registries, and reference lists. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed methodological quality, and rated the strength of the evidence. One reviewer extracted and a second reviewer verified data. The authors summarized findings qualitatively and conducted meta‐analysis when appropriate. Results: Five randomized controlled trials with unclear risk of bias and 3 high‐quality prospective cohort studies were included. The studies examined premature, low birth weight infants (n = 6) and children with heart disease (n = 1) or intestinal failure (n = 1). The strength of evidence was consistently low or very low across all lipid emulsion comparisons and outcomes. In young children, n‐3FA emulsions resulted in improvement in some biochemical outcomes of intestinal failure–associated liver disease but no difference in mortality. Few studies examined patient‐important outcomes, such as length of hospital and intensive care stay; need for transplantation, growth, and cognitive development; or the long‐term effects and potential harms associated with these therapies. Conclusions: Currently, there is a lack of sufficient high‐quality data to support the use of parenteral n‐3FA lipid emulsions in children. Future trials examining long‐term clinical outcomes and harms are needed.
Developmental differences in structure of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) between childhood and adulthood
Authors: Martel Michelle M. , von Eye Alexander , Nigg Joel
Published: June 2012

The current paper utilizes a bifactor modeling approach to evaluate the structure of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adulthood and assess developmental continuity of ADHD structure between childhood and adulthood. The study compared traditional one-factor, two-factor, three-factor, and second-order factor models of ADHD with a bifactor model of ADHD. Developmental differences in ADHD structure were examined using an extension of the bifactor model: a two-group model comparing children and adults. Participants were 406 adults (49% male; 145 of 406 with ADHD), (18 to 37) years old, and 548 children (58% male; 302 of 548 with ADHD), 6 to 18 years old. A bifactor model of ADHD exhibited the best fit in adults and children compared to traditional models, suggesting continuity in the ADHD latent construct across development. However, significant differences in the factor loadings were evident between children and adults in the two-group bifactor model, suggesting changes in the relative importance of particular symptoms over time. Namely, hyperactivity symptoms appear to decline in importance relative to the ADHD phenotype between childhood and adulthood.
I don’t want to get involved: Shyness, psychological control, and youth activities
Authors: Miller Scott R.
Published: June 2012

Although activity involvement has been associated with youths’ social adjustment, shy youth may be hesitant to get involved due to fear of negative evaluation, especially in the context of parents’ psychologically controlling behaviors. The present study assessed youths’ shyness and parents’ psychological control as predictors of youth activity involvement in a grade five Canadian sample ( N = 153). Females and youth reporting high parental control reported less sports involvement. Shyness especially attenuated boys’ sports involvement. Being male and parental control predicted less music involvement. Shy youth reporting high parental control were less involved in music and fewer types of activities. Results suggest the importance of parental autonomy-granting to encourage greater activity participation.
Nudging you behind your back: The influence of implicit friendship concepts on risk taking
Authors: Chan Kai Qin , Tong Eddie M.W. , Moh Teresa A.L.
Published: June 2012

Research has shown that people tend to take more risks when in the presence of their friends than when they are alone. The current research examined whether mere and nonconscious activation of friendship concepts is sufficient to increase risk taking. In Experiment 1, participants who were subliminally primed with their friend’s name showed higher risk-taking responses in a modified longshot paradigm. Experiments 2 and 3 conceptually replicated the findings of Experiment 1 using a behavioral measure of risk taking – the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). In addition, Experiment 3 revealed that the nonconscious friendship-risk taking effect remained even when implicit interpersonal threat expectancies were activated. The results also showed that mood did not mediate the friendship-risk taking effect.
Extension traction treatment for patients with discogenic lumbosacral radiculopathy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Moustafa Ibrahim M , Diab Aliaa A
Published: June 2012

Objective:

To investigate the effects of lumbar extension traction in patients with unilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy due to L5–S1 disc herniation.

Design:

A randomized controlled study with six-month follow-up.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Subjects:

Sixty-four patients with confirmed unilateral lumbosacral radiculopathy due to L5–S1 disc herniation and a lumbar lordotic angle less than 39°, randomly assigned to traction or control group.

Interventions:

The control group ( n = 32) received hot packs and interferential therapy, whereas the traction group ( n = 32) received lumbar extension traction in addition to hot packs and interferential therapy.

Main outcome measures:

Absolute rotatory angle, back and leg pain rating scale, Oswestry Disability Index, Modified Schober test, H-reflex (latency and amplitude) and intervertebral movements were measured for all patients three times (before treatment, after 10 weeks of treatment and at six-month follow-up).

Results:

There was a significant difference between the traction group and the control group adjusted to baseline values at 10 weeks post treatment with respect to: absolute rotatory angle ( P < 0.001), Oswestry Disability Index ( P = 0.002), back and leg pain ( P = 0.009, P = 0.005), Modified Schober test ( P = 0.002), latency and amplitude of H-reflex ( P = 0.01, P < 0.001), intervertebral movements ( P < 0.05). At six-month follow-up there were statistically significant differences between the study and control groups for all the previous variables ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The traction group receiving lumbar extension traction in addition to hot packs and interferential therapy had better effects than the control group with regard to pain, disability, H-reflex parameters and segmental intervertebral movements.
Anarchism out West: Some reflections on sources
Authors: Nugent Stephen
Published: June 2012

The ‘West’ of the title provides a hook for discussing three contacts with anarchist thought. The first contact is a personal one with Ammon Hennacy and Bruce Utah Phillips, two figures of the small world of Salt Lake City anarchism of the 1960s (way out West of the Rockies). The second contact is with an idealized conception of Amazonians as exemplars of a kind of anarchist sociality imagined as a retrievable model (way out in the interior of Brazil/South America). The third contact is with a strand of rationalist-naturalist thought closely associated with Chomsky, and its exclusion from anthropology (way out in the EthnoWest).