bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Reactive Oxygen Species in Long-Term Potentiation in the Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn
Authors: Lee Kwan Yeop , Chung Kyungsoon , Chung Jin Mo
Published: November 2009

Recent studies suggest that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are functional messenger molecules in central sensitization, an underlying mechanism of persistent pain. Because spinal cord long-term potentiation (LTP) is the electrophysiological basis of central sensitization, this study investigates the effects of the increased or decreased spinal ROS levels on spinal cord LTP. Spinal cord LTP is induced by either brief, high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of a dorsal root at C-fiber intensity or superfusion of a ROS donor, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH), onto rat spinal cord slice preparations. Field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) evoked by dorsal root stimulations with either Aβ- or C-fiber intensity are recorded from the superficial dorsal horn. HFS significantly increases the slope of both Aβ- and C-fiber evoked fEPSPs, thus suggesting LTP development. The induction, not the maintenance, of HFS-induced LTP is blocked by a N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, d-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (d-AP5). Both the induction and maintenance of LTP of Aβ-fiber-evoked fEPSPs are inhibited by a ROS scavenger, either N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone or 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine- N-oxyl. A ROS donor, t-BOOH-induced LTP is inhibited by N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone but not by d-AP5. Furthermore, HFS-induced LTP and t-BOOH-induced LTP occlude each other. The data suggest that elevated ROS is a downstream event of NMDA receptor activation and an essential step for potentiation of synaptic excitability in the spinal dorsal horn.
Spatial and Temporal Features of Synaptic to Discharge Receptive Field Transformation in Cat Area 17
Authors: Nowak Lionel G. , Sanchez-Vives Maria V. , McCormick David A.
Published: November 2009

The aim of the present study was to characterize the spatial and temporal features of synaptic and discharge receptive fields (RFs), and to quantify their relationships, in cat area 17. For this purpose, neurons were recorded intracellularly while high-frequency flashing bars were used to generate RFs maps for synaptic and spiking responses. Comparison of the maps shows that some features of the discharge RFs depended strongly on those of the synaptic RFs, whereas others were less dependent. Spiking RF duration depended poorly and spiking RF amplitude depended moderately on those of the underlying synaptic RFs. At the other extreme, the optimal spatial frequency and phase of the discharge RFs in simple cells were almost entirely inherited from those of the synaptic RFs. Subfield width, in both simple and complex cells, was less for spiking responses compared with synaptic responses, but synaptic to discharge width ratio was relatively variable from cell to cell. When considering the whole RF of simple cells, additional variability in width ratio resulted from the presence of additional synaptic subfields that remained subthreshold. Due to these additional, subthreshold subfields, spatial frequency tuning predicted from synaptic RFs appears sharper than that predicted from spiking RFs. Excitatory subfield overlap in spiking RFs was well predicted by subfield overlap at the synaptic level. When examined in different regions of the RF, latencies appeared to be quite variable, but this variability showed negligible dependence on distance from the RF center. Nevertheless, spiking response latency faithfully reflected synaptic response latency.
Acute Ethanol Exposure Elevates Muscarinic Tone in the Septohippocampal System
Authors: Ericson Mia , Sama Michelle A , Yeh Hermes H.
Published: November 2009

The septohippocampal system has been implicated in the cognitive deficits associated with ethanol consumption, but the cellular basis of ethanol action awaits full elucidation. In the medial septum/diagonal band of Broca (MS/DB), a muscarinic tone, reflective of firing activity of resident cholinergic neurons, regulates that of their noncholinergic, putatively GABAergic, counterparts. Here we tested the hypothesis that ethanol alters this muscarinic tone. The spontaneous firing activity of cholinergic and noncholinergic MS/DB neurons were monitored in acute MS/DB slices from C57Bl/6 mice. Exposing the entire slice to ethanol increased firing in both cholinergic and noncholinergic neurons. However, applying ethanol focally to individual MS/DB neurons increased firing only in cholinergic neurons. The differential outcome suggested different mechanisms of ethanol action on cholinergic and noncholinergic neurons. Indeed, with bath-perfused ethanol, the muscarinic antagonist methyl scopolamine prevented the increase in firing in noncholinergic, but not cholinergic, MS/DB neurons. Thus, the effect on noncholinergic neuronal firing was secondary to ethanol's direct action of acutely increasing muscarinic tone. We propose that the acute ethanol-induced elevation of muscarinic tone in the MS/DB contributes to the altered net flow of neuronal activity in the septohippocampal system that underlies compromised cognitive function.
Retailer′s Optimal Pricing and Ordering Policies for Non‐Instantaneous Deteriorating Items with Price‐Dependent Demand and Partial Backlogging
Authors: Yang Chih-Te , Ouyang Liang-Yuh , Wu Hsing-Han
Published: November 2009

An inventory system for non‐instantaneous deteriorating items with
price‐dependent demand is formulated and solved. A model is developed in which shortages are allowed and partially backlogged, where the backlogging rate is variable and dependent on the waiting time for the next replenishment. The major objective is to determine the optimal selling price, the length of time in which there is no inventory shortage, and the replenishment cycle time simultaneously such that the total profit per unit time has a maximum value. An algorithm is developed to find the optimal solution, and numerical examples are provided to illustrate the theoretical results. A sensitivity analysis of the optimal solution with respect to major parameters is also carried out.
Evaluation of Subepithelial Abnormalities of the Appendix by Endoscopic Ultrasound
Authors: Uradomo Lance T. , Darwin Peter E.
Published: November 2009

Background. The use of through-the-scope (TTS) miniprobe catheter endoscopic ultrasound is a valuable technique for evaluating subepithelial lesions in the proximal colon. Few reports include the evaluation of the appendix by EUS. Objective. To describe endoscopic and endosonographic characteristics of subepithelial lesions of the appendix. Methods. Retrospective case series in a single academic medical center. Adult patients referred for evaluation of subepithelial lesions of the appendix identified by colonoscopy between April 1, 2003 to February 29, 2008. Data were abstracted from an electronic endoscopic database for all patients undergoing miniprobe endoscopic ultrasound examination of the appendix. Medical records were reviewed for patient followup and outcomes. Results. Nine cases were identified. Seven (78%) patients were female. Seven (78%) utilized the 12 MHz miniprobe device and two (22%) used the 20 MHz device. Three mucoceles were described and confirmed by surgical resection. Cases also included one inverted appendix, one gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and one lipoma. In three cases, no abnormality was found. Conclusions. EUS evaluation of the appendix is feasible with standard miniprobe devices and may assist in the selection of patients who may benefit from surgical management.
Schottky Diodes and Thin Films Based on Copolymer: Poly(aniline‐co‐toluidine)
Authors: Elmansouri A. , Hadik N. , Outzourhit A. , Lachkar A. , Abouelaoualim A. , Achour M. E. , Oueriagli A. , Ameziane E. L.
Published: November 2009

Poly(aniline‐co‐o‐toluidine) (PANI‐co‐POT) thin films were deposited on indium tin oxide‐ (ITO‐) coated glass substrates by electrochemical polymerization under cyclic voltammetric conditions from aniline‐co‐o‐toluidine monomer in an aqueous solution of HCl as a supporting electrolyte. These measurements showed that the optical band gap of the copolymer films is on the order of 2.65 eV. On the other hand, ITO/PANI‐co‐POT/Al devices were fabricated by thermal evaporation of Aluminum circular electrodes on the as‐deposited PANI‐co‐POT films. The Current‐Voltage characteristics of these devices are nonlinear. The diode parameters were calculated from I‐V characteristics using the modified Shockley equation. The C‐F characteristics were also measured.
Mammary Fat Can Adjust Prolactin Effect on Mammary Epithelial Cells via Leptin and Estrogen
Authors: Feuermann Yonatan , Mabjeesh Sameer J. , Shamay Avi
Published: November 2009

Leptin, like estrogen, is one of the endo/paracrine factors, which are synthesized in and secreted from mature adipocytes. The roles of the mammary fat pad and mammary adipocytes in the initiation of lactation are not clear. In this study, we showed that combination of prolactin, leptin and estrogen elevated the expression of the milk protein beta‐lactoglobulin. We also showed that after prolactin stimulate the secretion of leptin from the mammary fat, leptin upregulated the expression of estrogen receptor alpha in the mammary epithelial cells. Also, prolactin affected aromatase mRNA expression in the bovine mammary fat and we demonstrated that leptin and prolactin can affect cholesterol secretion from explants in culture to the medium. Therefore, we suggest that prolactin initiates estrogen expression (as represented by aromatase mRNA) in the mammary fat pad, whereas leptin stimulates estrogen receptor alpha expression in the mammary epithelial cells. We hypothesize that leptin and estrogen, secreted from the mammary fat regulate lactation after stimulation of prolactin.
Chitosan‐Alginate Sponge: Preparation and Application in Curcumin Delivery for Dermal Wound Healing in Rat
Authors: Dai Mei , Zheng XiuLing , Xu Xu , Kong XiangYe , Li XingYi , Guo Gang , Luo Feng , Zhao Xia , Wei YuQuan , Qian Zhiyong
Published: November 2009

A biodegradable sponge, composed of chitosan (CS) and sodium alginate (SA), was successfully obtained in this work. The sponge was ethereal and pliable. The chemical structure and morphology of the sponges was characterized by FTIR and SEM. The swelling ability, in vitro drug release and degradation behaviors, and an in vivo animal test were employed to confirm the applicability of this sponge as a wound dressing material. As the chitosan content in the sponge decreased, the swelling ability decreased. All types of the sponges exhibited biodegradable properties. The release of curcumin from the sponges could be controlled by the crosslinking degree. Curcumin could be released from the sponges in an extended period for up to 20 days. An in vivo animal test using SD rat showed that sponge had better effect than cotton gauze, and adding curcumin into the sponge enhanced the therapeutic healing effect.
Abrasion Behavior of High Manganese Steel under Low Impact Energy and Corrosive Conditions
Authors: Xiaodong Du , Guodong Sun , Yifei Wang , Jianfeng Wang , Haoyu Yang
Published: November 2009

The abrasion behavior of high manganese steel is investigated under three levels of impact energy in acid‐ironstone slurry. The wear test was carried out by an MLDF‐10 tester with impact energy of 0.7 J, 1.2 J, and 1.7 J. The impact abrasion property of high manganese steel in corrosive condition was compared according to the wear mass loss curves. The wear mechanism was analysed by the SEM analysis of the worn surface and the optical metallographic analysis of the vertical section to the wear surface. The results show that the impact energy has a great effect on the impact corrosion and abrasion properties of it. Its abrasion mechanism in corrosive condition is mainly microplough and breakage of plastic deformed ridges and wedges under the impact energy of 0.7 J. It is mainly the spelling of plastic deformed ridges and wedges under 1.2 J and the spalling of the work‐hardening layer under 1.7 J after a long time testing.
Improving Performance of InGaN/GaN Light‐Emitting Diodes and GaAs Solar Cells Using Luminescent Gold Nanoclusters
Authors: Yang M. D. , Wu S. W. , Shu G. W. , Wang J. S. , Shen J. L. , Wu C. H. , Lin C. A. J. , Chang W. H. , Lin T. Y. , Lu T. C. , Kuo H. C.
Published: November 2009

We studied the optoelectronic properties of the InGaN/GaN multiple‐quantum‐well light emitting diodes (LEDs) and single‐junction GaAs solar cells by introducing the luminescent Au nanoclusters. The electroluminescence intensity for InGaN/GaN LEDs increases after incorporation of the luminescent Au nanoclusters. An increase of 15.4% in energy conversion efficiency is obtained for the GaAs solar cells in which the luminescent Au nanoclusters have been incorporated. We suggest that the increased light coupling due to radiative scattering from nanoclusters is responsible for improving the performance of the LEDs and solar cells.
The Complete Parameters Analysis of the Asymptotic Behaviour of a Logistic Epidemic Model with Two Stochastic Perturbations
Authors: Fan Dejun , Wang Ke , Hong Ling
Published: November 2009

A simple model of the dynamics of an infectious disease, taking into account
environmental variability in the form of Gaussian white noise in the disease transmission rate
and the increase in mortality rate due to disease, has been investigated. The probability
distribution for the proportion of infected animals, plus its mean, mode, and variance, is found
explicitly.
Convergence of Path and Approximation of Common Element of Null Spaces of Countably Infinite Family of m‐Accretive Mappings in Uniformly Convex Banach Spaces
Authors: Ofoedu E. U. , Shehu Y.
Published: November 2009

We prove path convergence theorems and introduce
a new iterative sequence for a countably infinite family of m‐accretive mappings and prove strong convergence of the sequence to a common zero of these operators in uniformly convex real Banach space. Consequently, we obtain strong convergence theorems for a countably infinite family of pseudocontractive mappings. Our theorems extend and improve some important results which are announced recently by various authors.
Schatten Class Toeplitz Operators on the Bergman Space
Authors: Das Namita
Published: November 2009

We have shown that if the Toeplitz operator Tϕ on the
Bergman space belongs to the Schatten class Sp, 1 ≤ p < ∞, then , where is the Berezin transform of , and dA(z) is the normalized area measure on the open unit disk 𝔻. Further, if ϕ ∈ Lp(𝔻, dλ) then and Tϕ ∈ Sp. For certain
subclasses of L∞(𝔻), necessary and sufficient conditions characterizing
Schatten class Toeplitz operators are also obtained.
Mass Spectrometry-Based Label-Free Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Zhu Wenhong , Smith Jeffrey W. , Huang Chun-Ming
Published: November 2009

In order to study the differential protein expression in complex biological samples, strategies for rapid, highly reproducible and accurate quantification are necessary. Isotope labeling and fluorescent labeling techniques have been widely used in quantitative proteomics research. However, researchers are increasingly turning to label-free shotgun proteomics techniques for faster, cleaner, and simpler results. Mass spectrometry-based label-free quantitative proteomics falls into two general categories. In the first are the measurements of changes in chromatographic ion intensity such as peptide peak areas or peak heights. The second is based on the spectral counting of identified proteins. In this paper, we will discuss the technologies of these label-free quantitative methods, statistics, available computational software, and their applications in complex proteomics studies.
Nicotine Enhances the Antiapoptotic Function of Mcl-1 through Phosphorylation
Authors: Zhao Jinfeng , Xin Meiguo , Wang Ton , Zhang Yangde , Deng Xingming
Published: November 2009

Lung cancer has a strong etiologic association with cigarette smoking. Nicotine, a major component in tobacco smoke, functions as a survival agonist that inhibits apoptosis following various stresses. However, the mechanism of action remains elusive. Mcl-1, a major antiapoptotic protein of the Bcl2 family, is extensively expressed in both small cell and non–small cell lung cancer cells, suggesting that Mcl-1 may be a therapeutic target of patients with lung cancer. Here, we found that nicotine induces Mcl-1 phosphorylation through activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in association with increased chemoresistance of human lung cancer cells. Since nicotine stimulates Mcl-1 phosphorylation and survival in cells expressing wild-type but has no such effects in cells expressing T163A Mcl-1 mutant, this indicates that nicotine induces Mcl-1 phosphorylation exclusively at the T163 site and that phosphorylation of Mcl-1 at T163 is required for nicotine-induced survival. Mechanistically, nicotine-induced Mcl-1 phosphorylation significantly enhances the half-life of Mcl-1, which renders Mcl-1 a long-term survival activity. Specific depletion of Mcl-1 by RNA interference blocks nicotine-stimulated survival and enhances apoptotic cell death. Thus, nicotine-enhanced survival of lung cancer cells may occur through activation of Mcl-1 by phosphorylation at T163 site, which may contribute to development of human lung cancer and/or chemoresistance. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(12):1954–61)
The Association and Nuclear Translocation of the PIAS3-STAT3 Complex Is Ligand and Time Dependent
Authors: Dabir Snehal , Kluge Amy , Dowlati Afshin
Published: November 2009

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor activation of downstream signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of lung cancer. STAT3 transcriptional activity can be negatively regulated by protein inhibitor of activated STAT3 (PIAS3). We investigated the time-dependent PIAS3 shuffling and binding to STAT3 in an EGF-dependent model in lung cancer by using confocal microscopy, immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter assay, and protein analysis of segregated cellular components. We also explored the role of phosphorylation at Tyr705 of STAT3 in the formation and intracellular shuffling of the PIAS3-STAT3 complex. In a growth factor–free state, PIAS3 was localized to the cytoplasm and unbound to STAT3 in both H520 and A549 cells. On exposure to EGF, we observed STAT3 phosphorylation and rapid formation of the PIAS3-STAT3 complex. Within 5 minutes, there was a progressive translocation of the complex to the nucleus, and by 10 minutes, PIAS3 was uniquely localized to the nuclear compartment. After 30 minutes, PIAS3 returned to the cytoplasm. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we substituted Tyr705 of STAT3 with a phenylalanine. Despite EGF stimulation, we observed a significant decrease in PIAS3-STAT3 binding and a significant reduction in nuclear translocation of PIAS3. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in the capacity of PIAS3 to reduce STAT3-mediated gene transcription. In wild-type STAT3 cells, increasing concentrations of PIAS3 resulted in a proportional decrease in STAT3 phosphorylation. These data suggest an important role for the negative regulatory effect of PIAS3 on STAT3 in EGF-driven tumors. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(11):1854–60)
Costs of Inpatient Care Among Medicare Beneficiaries With Heart Failure, 2001 to 2004
Authors: Whellan David J. , Greiner Melissa A. , Schulman Kevin A. , Curtis Lesley H.
Published: November 2009

Background—

Inpatient care is the primary driver of costs for patients with heart failure. It is unclear whether recent advances in heart failure care have reduced the costs to Medicare for the care of inpatients with heart failure.

Methods and Results—

In a retrospective cohort study of 1 363 977 elderly Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized with heart failure between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2004, we examined costs to Medicare for all inpatient care, inpatient cardiovascular care, and inpatient heart failure care and the adjusted relationships between patient characteristics and costs. Among 1 363 977 Medicare beneficiaries with an index heart failure hospitalization, 901 885 (66%) had a subsequent inpatient claim during the following year. Noncardiovascular costs accounted for 57% of total inpatient costs, and costs associated with heart failure hospitalizations accounted for 15% of total inpatient costs. No significant changes occurred in total, cardiovascular, and heart failure inpatient costs over time.

Conclusions—

The costs of inpatient care for patients with heart failure are high, but most subsequent inpatient costs are attributable to noncardiovascular and non–heart failure admissions. Further research is needed to identify predictors of costs, so that patients can be stratified according to risk, and to evaluate strategies that target primary cost drivers for patients with heart failure.
Analysis of the Relationship between Banded Orographic Convection and Atmospheric Properties Using Factorial Discriminant Analysis and Neural Networks
Authors: Godart A. , Leblois E. , Anquetin S. , Freychet N.
Published: November 2009

The relationship between banded orographic convection and atmospheric properties is investigated for a region in the south of France where the associated rainfall events are thought to represent a significant portion of the hydrologic input. The purpose is to develop a method capable of producing an extensive database of banded orographic convection rainfall events from atmospheric sounding data for this region where insufficient rain gauge data and little or no suitable radar or satellite data are available. Two statistical methods—discriminant factorial analysis (DFA) and neural networks (NNs)—are used to determine 16 so-called elaborated nonlinear variables that best identify rainfall events related to banded orographic convection from atmospheric soundings. The approach takes rainfall information into account indirectly because it “learns” from the results of a previous study that explored meteorological and available rainfall databases, even if incomplete. The new variables include wind shear, low-level moisture fluxes, and gradients of the potential temperature in the lower layers of the atmosphere, and they were used to create an extensive database of banded orographic convection events from the archive of atmospheric soundings. Results of numerical simulations using the nonhydrostatic mesoscale (Méso-NH) meteorological model validate this approach and offer interesting perspectives for the understanding of the physical processes associated with banded orographic convection. DFA proves to be useful to determine the most discriminant factors with a physical meaning. Neural networks provide better results, but they do not allow for physical interpretation. The best solution is therefore to use the two methods together.
Multiple Equilibria of the Hadley Circulation in an Intermediate-Complexity Axisymmetric Model
Authors: Bellon Gilles , Sobel Adam H.
Published: November 2009

A model of intermediate complexity based on quasi-equilibrium theory—a version of the Quasi-Equilibrium Tropical Circulation Model with a prognostic atmospheric boundary layer, as well as two free-tropospheric modes in momentum, and one each in moisture and temperature—is used in a zonally symmetric aquaplanet configuration to study the sensitivity of the Hadley circulation to the sea surface temperature (SST) latitudinal distribution. For equatorially symmetric SST forcing with large SST gradients in the tropics, the model simulates the classical double Hadley cell with one equatorial intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). For small SST gradients in the tropics, the model exhibits multiple equilibria, with one equatorially symmetric equilibrium and two asymmetric equilibria (mirror images of each other) with an off-equatorial ITCZ.

Further investigation of the feedbacks at play in the model shows that the assumed vertical structure of temperature variations is crucial to the existence and stability of the asymmetric equilibria. The free-tropospheric moisture–convection feedback must also be sufficiently strong to sustain asymmetric equilibria. Both results suggest that the specific physics of a given climate model condition determine the existence of multiple equilibria via the resulting sensitivity of the convection to free-tropospheric humidity and the vertical structure of adiabatic heating. The symmetry-breaking mechanism and resulting multiple equilibria have their origin in the local multiple equilibria that can be described by a single-column model using the weak temperature gradient approximation.

An additional experiment using an SST latitudinal distribution with a relative minimum at the equator shows that the feedbacks controlling these multiple equilibria might be relevant to the double-ITCZ problem.
Long-Range Propagation of the Semidiurnal Internal Tide from the Hawaiian Ridge
Authors: Zhao Zhongxiang , Alford Matthew H. , MacKinnon Jennifer A. , Pinkel Rob
Published: November 2009

The northeastward progression of the semidiurnal internal tide from French Frigate Shoals (FFS), Hawaii, is studied with an array of six simultaneous profiling moorings spanning 25.5°–37.1°N (≈1400 km) and 13-yr-long Ocean Topography Experiment (TOPEX)/Poseidon (T/P) altimeter data processed by a new technique. The moorings have excellent temporal and vertical resolutions, while the altimeter offers broad spatial coverage of the surface manifestation of the internal tide’s coherent portion. Together these two approaches provide a unique view of the internal tide’s long-range propagation in a complex ocean environment. The moored observations reveal a rich, time-variable, and multimodal internal tide field, with higher-mode motions contributing significantly to velocity, displacement, and energy. In spite of these contributions, the coherent mode-1 internal tide dominates the northeastward energy flux, and is detectable in both moored and altimetric data over the entire array. Phase and group propagation measured independently from moorings and altimetry agree well with theoretical values. Sea surface height anomalies (SSHAs) measured from moorings and altimetry agree well in amplitude and phase until the northern end of the array, where phase differences arise presumably from refraction by mesoscale flows. Observed variations in SSHA, energy flux, and kinetic-to-potential energy ratio indicate an interference pattern resulting from superposed northeastward radiation from Hawaii and southeastward from the Aleutian Ridge. A simple model of two plane waves explains most of these features.
The Effects of Tides and Oscillatory Winds on the Subtidal Inner-Shelf Cross-Shelf Circulation
Authors: Castelao Renato , Chant Robert , Glenn Scott , Schofield Oscar
Published: November 2009

A two-dimensional numerical model is used to investigate the effects of tidal forcing and oscillatory winds on the subtidal cross-shelf circulation on the inner shelf. Bottom topography and initial stratification are representative of the South and Middle Atlantic Bights along the U.S. east coast. Results from simulations forced by upwelling winds and no tides are consistent with previous studies of inner-shelf circulation. The inclusion of tidal forcing leads to increased mixing, larger eddy viscosity coefficients, and reduced stratification over the shallow regions, effectively reducing the wind efficiency to drive cross-shelf currents on the inner shelf. Tidally averaged cross-shelf currents are weaker compared to when no tides are considered. There is an increase in the width of the region of surface wind-driven transport divergence, which changes the cross-shelf location where upwelling occurs. Lagrangian analyses indicate that tidal forcing substantially reduces the transport of offshore waters toward the coast and increases the residence time over the inner shelf by up to 70%. Fluctuating winds with zero mean lead to a rectification of the cross-shelf flow on the inner shelf, resulting in net upwelling. The rectification occurs because the cross-shelf transport is nonzero during upwelling wind forcing (since dense water is brought to the inner shelf maintaining the stratification), but is approximately zero during downwelling winds (since surface water is forced under near-bottom water, destroying the stratification). The rectification is more clearly observed when stratification is strong, when tidal forcing is weak or absent, and when the wind fluctuates at low frequency.
Annual Reversal of the Equatorial Intermediate Current in the Pacific: Observations and Model Diagnostics
Authors: Marin Frédéric , Kestenare Elodie , Delcroix Thierry , Durand Fabien , Cravatte Sophie , Eldin Gérard , Bourdallé-Badie Romain
Published: November 2009

A large reversal of zonal transport below the thermocline was observed over a period of 6 months in the western Pacific Ocean between 2°S and the equator [from 26.2 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) eastward in October 1999 to 28.6 Sv westward in April 2000]. To document this reversal and assess its origin, an unprecedented collection of ADCP observations of zonal currents (2004–06), together with a realistic OGCM simulation of the tropical Pacific, was analyzed. The results of this study indicate that this reversal is the signature of intense annual variability in the subsurface zonal circulation at the equator, at the level of the Equatorial Intermediate Current (EIC) and the Lower Equatorial Intermediate Current (L-EIC). In this study, the EIC and the L-EIC are both shown to reverse seasonally to eastward currents in boreal spring (and winter for the L-EIC) over a large depth range extending from 300 m to at least 1200 m. The peak-to-peak amplitude of the annual cycle of subthermocline zonal currents at 165°E in the model is ∼30 cm s−1 at the depth of the EIC, and ∼20 cm s−1 at the depth of the L-EIC, corresponding to a mass transport change as large as ∼100 Sv for the annual cycle of near-equatorial zonal transport integrated between 2°S and 2°N and between 410- and 1340-m depths. Zonal circulations on both sides of the equator (roughly within 2° and 5.5° in latitude) partially compensate for the large transport variability. The main characteristics of the annual variability of middepth modeled currents and subsurface temperature (e.g., zonal and vertical phase velocities, meridional structure) are consistent, in the OGCM simulation, with the presence, beneath the thermocline, of a vertically propagating equatorial Rossby wave forced by the westward-propagating component of the annual equatorial zonal wind stress. Interannual modulation of the annual variability in subthermocline equatorial transport is discussed.
Bias Correction and Bayesian Model Averaging for Ensemble Forecasts of Surface Wind Direction
Authors: Bao Le , Gneiting Tilmann , Grimit Eric P. , Guttorp Peter , Raftery Adrian E.
Published: November 2009

Wind direction is an angular variable, as opposed to weather quantities such as temperature, quantitative precipitation, or wind speed, which are linear variables. Consequently, traditional model output statistics and ensemble postprocessing methods become ineffective, or do not apply at all. This paper proposes an effective bias correction technique for wind direction forecasts from numerical weather prediction models, which is based on a state-of-the-art circular–circular regression approach. To calibrate forecast ensembles, a Bayesian model averaging scheme for directional variables is introduced, where the component distributions are von Mises densities centered at the individually bias-corrected ensemble member forecasts. These techniques are applied to 48-h forecasts of surface wind direction over the Pacific Northwest, using the University of Washington mesoscale ensemble, where they yield consistent improvements in forecast performance.
The Sino-Japan Disputes and the Principle of Subsidiarity
Authors: Chaocheng Yao
Published: November 2009

Regional economic unification must overcome some economic obstacles, such as how to remove the trade and non-trade barriers, how to realise monetary stability in the region and how to develop a regional market, dominated by internal demand. However, in the long run, social obstacles will be more troublesome than the economic obstacles and could also be counterproductive. The integration process in Asia has been lagging behind the other continents of Europe and North America for many reasons. One of them is that the Asian unification process has mainly been a top-down approach by politicians and leaderships in this region, without wider and broader participation from the societies and civil groups. Nonetheless, there are strong trends favouring the ongoing regional cooperation in Asia. While envisioning bright prospects, the Asian economic integration process, however, is destined to encounter social obstacles. One of them is clearly the Sino-Japan dispute. The article argues, that the principle of subsidiarity (bottom-up approaches) (Horst Rolly 2003) being applied in European unification, may serve as the key solution—and strategic approach—to improve Sino-Japan relations. Asian nations, especially China and Japan, could draw on the lessons and experiences of European countries and adapt from their principle of subsidarity, which may serve to overcome the impending obstructions. Otherwise, the Sino-Japan dispute may become the largest barrier in building up the regional cooperation structure in Asia.
Negotiating the Pathways Into Care in a Globalizing World: Help-Seeking Behaviour of Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Parents
Authors: Schnitzer Gila , Loots Gerrit , Escudero Valentin , Schechter Isaac
Published: November 2009

Background: The study of the pathways into care as a social process subject to a wide range of influences is needed to build appropriate and effective mental health services for culturally diverse societies.

Material: Grounded theory and situational analysis of 21 in-depth interviews explores the help-seeking behaviour of ultra-Orthodox Jewish parents: which help-seeking pathways parents follow and how they make the decision to consult regular services for their child.

Discussion: Three help-seeking pathways are influenced by glob/calization dynamics and gender: parents draw on diverse parenting discourses and strategies, socio-religious frameworks and cultural realities.

Conclusion: Strategies are suggested to enhance the accessibility of services.
Dynamic Mechanical Characteristics of Expanded Polypropylene Foams
Authors: Yeon Soo Lee  , Nam Hoon Park  , Hi Seak Yoon
Published: November 2009

Expanded polypropylene (EPP) foams have been widely used as protective materials in automotive bumpers, safety helmets, etc., but their dynamic behavior is not well defined. In the current study, quasi-static compression tests and dynamic tests using a split Hopkinson pressure bar were performed to investigate the effect of material density on the absorption of impact energy and the stress—strain curve. Three kinds of EPP specimen with densities of 20, 30, and 60 kg/m3 were tested. With the increase in the strain rate from 0.17 to 1857 s-1, the stiffness of the 20 kg/m3 specimen remarkably increased, whereas that of the 60 kg/m3 specimen did not. It is also shown that when the strain rate increased from 0.17 to 1857 s-1, the energy absorption became 3.7 times in 20 kg/m3 specimens whereas 2 times in 60 kg/m 3 specimens. A higher density of EPP foam resulted in a greater absorption of energy. The energy that is absorbed during dynamic loading is much higher than that during static loading. These results are important in the development of a protective structure with polymer foams in views of the service energy and the level of service stress.
Detecting Children With Arithmetic Disabilities From Kindergarten: Evidence From a 3-Year Longitudinal Study on the Role of Preparatory Arithmetic Abilities
Authors: Stock Pieter , Desoete Annemie , Roeyers Herbert
Published: November 2009

In a 3-year longitudinal study, 471 children were classified, based on their performances on arithmetic tests in first and second grade, as having persistent arithmetic disabilities (AD), persistent low achieving (LA), persistent typical achieving, inconsistent arithmetic disabilities (DF1), or inconsistent low achieving in arithmetic. Significant differences in the performances on the magnitude comparison in kindergarten (at age 5—6) were found between the AD and LA and between the AD and DF1 groups. Furthermore, the percentage of true-positive AD children (at age 7—8) correctly diagnosed in kindergarten by combination of procedural counting, conceptual counting, and magnitude comparison tasks was 87.50%. When composing clinical samples, researchers should pay attention when stipulating restrictive or lenient cutoffs for arithmetic disabilities and select children based on their scores in 2 consecutive years, because the results of studies on persistent low achievers or children with inconsistent disabilities cannot be generalized to children with persistent arithmetic disabilities.
Implications of Reflected Appraisals of Interpersonal Insecurity for Suspicion and Power
Authors: Lemay Edward P. , Dudley Kari L.
Published: November 2009

In three studies, the authors tested a model positing that chronically insecure individuals often believe that their relationship partners view them as highly insecure. In turn, because of expectations regarding the social consequences of expressing insecurities, these reflected appraisals of insecurity are thought to predict suspicion of partners’ authenticity and feelings of powerlessness within relationships. Results supported these predictions. Self-esteem, attachment anxiety, neuroticism, proclivity for anger, and proclivity for hurt feelings predicted reflected appraisals of insecurity independently of whether partners detected insecurity. In turn, chronically insecure participants were suspicious of their partners’ authenticity and felt powerless in their relationships partly because they believed they were viewed as insecure. This research suggests that beliefs that one is perceived as insecure, even when they are misguided, can partially explain interpersonal cognitions associated with actually being insecure.
Review article: Ethical issues in the study of second language acquisition: resources for researchers
Authors: Thomas Margaret
Published: November 2009

Two recent books provide varied resources for exploring ethical issues in the social sciences. Reflection on ethical issues aims to sensitize scholars to a range of consequences of their research, and to scholars’ responsibilities to their discipline, their colleagues, and the public. This review article assesses the utility of these texts (and of other materials available in print and online) to research on second language acquisition.
Outcomes comparison of 5 coated cardiopulmonary bypass circuits versus an uncoated control group of patients undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Marcoux J. , Sohn N. , McNair E. , Rosin M. , Smith G. , Lim H. , Mycyk T. , Meng Q.
Published: November 2009

Attenuated inflammatory response and decreased platelet activation have been claimed repeatedly when biocompatible circuits are used for cardiopulmonary bypass. We evaluated five Health Canada approved biocompatible circuit coatings (BCC) against an un-coated control group to determine their effectiveness in improving post-operative outcomes.

Patients were assigned to the Control group or one of the 5 coated circuit groups: 40 Control; 33 Trillium; 32 Phisio; 34 Bioline; 33 X; and 11 GBS. Measured outcomes included: ventilator time; ICU time; post-operative chest tube drainage and transfusion volume; high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP); tau protein; and pre- and 72-hour post-operative anti-saccadic eye movement test comparisons.

Results: 183 patients were enlisted into the study. One arm of the study (GBS) was abandoned after 11 patients on account of inconsistent pressure excursions within the oxygenator and the excessive consumption of platelets necessitating transfusion. Patients in the X-coated group had significantly longer ventilator and intensive care unit (ICU) time compared to the three remaining coated circuit study groups. Though not significant, patients in the X group also demonstrated the highest post-operative chest tube losses, the most platelet transfusions, the highest tau protein levels and the lowest post-operative anti-saccadic eye movement test (ASEMT) results compared to the three remaining coated groups. The patients in the Trillium, Bioline and Phisio groups showed an improvement in ventilator and ICU time relative to the Control group. The diabetic patients in the Trillium, Bioline and Phisio groups showed an improvement in bleeding relative to the diabetic patients in the Control group.

Conclusion: We compared all 5 coated circuits approved for clinical use in Canada against an uncoated control circuit. Three of the 5 coated circuits (Trillium, Phisio and Bioline BCC) were found to improve ventilator and ICU time compared to Control. Further studies are indicated to validate these results and their impact upon approval criteria, purchasing choices and safe clinical practice, especially as applied to higher risk diabetic patients.
Fear of falling, fall-related self-efficacy, anxiety and depression in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Hellström Karin , Vahlberg Birgit , Urell Charlotte , Emtner Margareta
Published: November 2009

Objective: To examine the risk and frequency of falls, prevalence of fear of falling and activity avoidance, the magnitude of fall-related self-efficacy, and anxiety and depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Design and settings: A cross-sectional study in patients with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who visited a lung clinic at a university hospital in Sweden.

Subjects: Successive inclusion from autumn 2005 to spring 2006 of 80 patients with a mean age of 65 years.

Intervention: Nil.

Main measures: A questionnaire about fall history and consequences of fall, The Falls Efficacy Scale, Swedish version, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used.

Results: Twenty patients (25%) reported at least one fall in the last year and 29% displayed fear of falling. Odds ratio for falling was 4—5 times higher in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Older patients, women and patients with previous falls had a higher rate of fear of falling, and those with fear of falling had lower fall-related self-efficacy, increased level of anxiety and depression, more activity avoidance and use of assistive device.

Conclusion: The increased risk of falls in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease warrants attention in order to reduce serious and adverse health consequences of falls.
The effect of eating utensil weight on functional arm movement in people with Parkinson’s disease: a controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ma Hui-Ing , Hwang Wen-Juh , Tsai Pei-Luen , Hsu Yung-Wen
Published: November 2009

Objective: To investigate the effect of eating utensil weight on kinematic performance in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Design: A counterbalanced repeated-measures design.

Setting: A motor control laboratory in a university setting.

Subjects: Eighteen adults with Parkinson’s disease and 18 age-matched controls.

Experimental conditions: Each participant performed a food transfer task using spoons of three different weights: lightweight (35 g), control (85 g) and weighted (135 g). Kinematic variables of arm movement were derived and compared between conditions.

Main measures: Kinematic variables of arm movement, including movement time, peak velocity and number of movement units.

Results: Utensil weights significantly affected the movement kinematics

of all participants. Both groups had fewer movement units in the lightweight condition (Parkinson’s disease group: 22.18, controls: 19.89) than in the weighted condition (Parkinson’s disease group: 22.68, controls: 21.36), suggesting smoother movement in the former condition. In addition, both groups had higher peak velocity in the lightweight than in the weighted condition.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a lightweight utensil may facilitate smoother and higher-velocity arm movement than a weighted one in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Toward a Better Understanding of Volunteering for Nonprofit Organizations: Explaining Volunteers’ Pro-Social Attitudes
Authors: Briggs Elten , Peterson Mark , Gregory Gary
Published: November 2009

In addition to currently fueling the nonprofit sector of the economy, volunteering is a key ingredient in community-based or cooperative models of economic exchange, including customer coproduction. The purpose of this study is to develop knowledge about pro-social attitudes of volunteers. Behavioral Reasoning Theory (BRT) provides a framework for understanding how volunteers’ values and reasons for volunteering influence volunteers’ pro-social attitudes. Gender, experience, and age are controlled for in the analysis. Using large-scale survey data from four distinct nonprofit organizations in Australia, structural equation modeling results suggest that the BRT framework is a valuable one for understanding important influencers of volunteers’ pro-social attitudes. In sum, values and reasons that are other-oriented appear to be much more influential than values and reasons for volunteering that are self-focused. Additionally, our results suggest that being a younger volunteer is positively correlated with higher levels of values and reasons for volunteering that are self-focused.
Work Without End?
Authors: Blair‐Loy Mary
Published: November 2009

The common finding in the work–family literature that workplace scheduling flexibility reduces work‐to‐family conflict may not be generalizable to service occupations with intense client demands. This qualitative analysis of stockbrokers finds that brokers in firms granting scheduling flexibility experience more work‐to‐family conflict than those in the firm with scheduling rigidity. Although brokers in the latter firm lose autonomy from their employer (and earning potential), bureaucratic rigidity buffers them from client pressures that intrude on family life. This finding should be tested in other occupations requiring extensive client interactions in a 24‐hour economy.
Images of Crime and Justice in Early Commercial Radio—1932 to 1958
Authors: Cheatwood Derral
Published: November 2009

Between 1929 and 1962, radio reached audiences comparable to those of contemporaneous pulp magazines or motion pictures and was one of the most significant mass media in the construction of America’s fundamental values and attitudes. This study examined radio logs and over 200 hours of radio programming drawn from 97 crime-related programs broadcast between 1932 and 1958 and confirmed that crime-related programs were a significant portion of radio programming to the American public. An analysis of the programs themselves found that three subgenres dominated crime radio: Outsider or Detective programs (over 50% of the total), Police or Criminal Justice Dramas, and Mystery programs. Radio programs continued a tradition derived from pulp magazines and dime novels and distorted the actual nature of crime and criminal justice. In the programs, the criminal justice system was presented as strongly front end loaded, with police work being the sum of crime fighting. The characteristics of crime and criminals were inverted in radio (as in older pulp magazines and more recent visual media), with murders planned and carried out by middle-to-upper class White males being common. These images were repetitive and stereotypical, as were images of race and gender, in early commercial radio.