bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Intake of Calcium and Phosphorus and Serum Concentration in Relation to the Risk of Coronary Artery Calcification in Asymptomatic Adults
Authors: Kwak Sang Mi , Kim Jong Sung , Choi Yuni , Chang Yoosoo , Kwon Min-Jung , Jung Jin-Gyu , Jeong Chul , Ahn Jiin , Kim Hyun Soo , Shin Hocheol , Ryu Seungho
Published: June 2014

Objective—

The current data regarding the association between calcium and phosphorus and cardiovascular disease are lacking. The aim of this study was to explore whether dietary calcium and phosphorus intake and their serum levels are associated with the prevalence of coronary artery calcification (CAC) using cardiac computed tomography in asymptomatic participants without a history of chronic kidney disease or cardiovascular disease.

Approach and Results—

A cross-sectional study was performed in 23 652 Korean participants (40.8±7.3 years, male 83.5%) without chronic kidney disease (estimated glomerular filtration rate≥60 mL/min per 1.73 m
2
) or clinically overt cardiovascular disease, who underwent cardiac computed tomographic estimation of CAC scores as part of a general health checkup in addition to completing a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. We assessed the relationship of dietary calcium and phosphorus intake and serum levels with CAC scores using both multivariate-adjusted Tobit models and multinomial logistic regression models. Neither dietary calcium nor phosphorus intake was consistently associated with CAC scores. However, the serum calcium, phosphorus, and calcium–phosphorus product levels were significantly associated with the CAC score ratios. In multivariable-adjusted models, the CAC score ratios (95% confidence intervals) comparing the highest quartiles of serum calcium, phosphorus, and calcium–phosphorus product levels to the lowest quartiles were 1.89 (1.36–2.64), 3.33 (2.55–4.35), and 3.98 (3.00–5.28), respectively (
P
for trend <0.001).

Conclusions—

Elevated serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and calcium–phosphorus product, but not dietary consumption, are associated with increased CAC scores. Our findings should be explored in further research.
Nitric Oxide Prevents Aortic Neointimal Hyperplasia by Controlling Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Lavin Begoña , Gómez Monica , Pello Oscar M. , Castejon Borja , Piedras Maria J. , Saura Marta , Zaragoza Carlos
Published: June 2014

Objective—

Nitric oxide synthase 3 (NOS3) prevents neointima hyperplasia by still unknown mechanisms. To demonstrate the significance of endothelial nitric oxide in the polarization of infiltrated macrophages through the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 in neointima formation.

Approach and Results—

After aortic endothelial denudation, NOS3 null mice show elevated neointima formation, detecting increased mobilization of LSK (lineage-negative [Lin]-stem-cell antigen 1 [SCA1]+KIT+) progenitor cells, and high ratios of M1 (proinflammatory) to M2 (resolving) macrophages, accompanied by high expression of interleukin-5, interleukin-6, MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor), interleukin-1β, and interferon-γ. In conditional c-Myc knockout mice, in which M2 polarization is defective, denuded aortas showed extensive wall thickening as well. Conditioned medium from NOS3-deficient endothelium induced extensive repolarization of M2 macrophages to an M1 phenotype, and vascular smooth muscle cells proliferated and migrated faster in conditioned medium from M1 macrophages. Among the different proteins participating in cell migration, MMP-13 was preferentially expressed by M1 macrophages. M1-mediated vascular smooth muscle cell migration was inhibited when macrophages were isolated from MMP-13–deficient mice, whereas exogenous administration of MMP-13 to vascular smooth muscle cell fully restored migration. Excess vessel wall thickening in mice lacking NOS3 was partially reversed by simultaneous deletion of MMP-13, indicating that NOS3 prevents neointimal hyperplasia by preventing MMP-13 activity. An excess of M1-polarized macrophages that coexpress MMP-13 was also detected in human carotid samples from endarterectomized patients.

Conclusions—

These findings indicate that at least M1 macrophage-mediated expression of MMP-13 in NOS3 null mice induces neointima formation after vascular injury, suggesting that MMP-13 may represent a new promising target in vascular disease.
Epigenome-Wide Association Study of Fasting Blood Lipids in the Genetics of Lipid-Lowering Drugs and Diet Network Study
Authors: Irvin Marguerite R. , Zhi Degui , Joehanes Roby , Mendelson Michael , Aslibekyan Stella , Claas Steven A. , Thibeault Krista S. , Patel Nikita , Day Kenneth , Jones Lindsay Waite , Liang Liming , Chen Brian H. , Yao Chen , Tiwari Hemant K. , Ordovas Jose M. , Levy Daniel , Absher Devin , Arnett Donna K.
Published: June 2014

Background—

Genetic research regarding blood lipids has largely focused on DNA sequence variation; few studies have explored epigenetic effects. Genome-wide surveys of DNA methylation may uncover epigenetic factors influencing lipid metabolism.

Methods and Results—

To identify whether differential methylation of cytosine-(phosphate)-guanine dinucleotides (CpGs) correlated with lipid phenotypes, we isolated DNA from CD4+ T cells and quantified the proportion of sample methylation at >450 000 CpGs by using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 Beadchip in 991 participants of the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network. We modeled the percentage of methylation at individual CpGs as a function of fasting very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides (TGs) by using mixed linear regression adjusted for age, sex, study site, cell purity, and family structure. Four CpGs (cg00574958, cg17058475, cg01082498, and cg09737197) in intron 1 of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (
CPT1A
) were strongly associated with very-low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (
P
=1.8×10
–21
to 1.6×10
–8
) and TG (
P
=1.6×10
–26
to 1.5×10
–9
). Array findings were validated by bisulfite sequencing. We performed quantitative polymerase chain reaction experiments demonstrating that methylation of the top CpG (cg00574958) was correlated with
CPT1A
expression. The association of cg00574958 with TG and
CPT1A
expression were replicated in the Framingham Heart Study (
P
=4.1×10
–14
and 3.1×10
–13
, respectively). DNA methylation at
CPT1A
cg00574958 explained 11.6% and 5.5% of the variation in TG in the discovery and replication cohorts, respectively.

Conclusions—

This genome-wide epigenomic study identified
CPT1A
methylation as strongly and robustly associated with fasting very-low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and TG. Identifying novel epigenetic contributions to lipid traits may inform future efforts to identify new treatment targets and biomarkers of disease risk.
The American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 and Incident Cognitive Impairment: The REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study
Authors: Thacker Evan L. , Gillett Sarah R. , Wadley Virginia G. , Unverzagt Frederick W. , Judd Suzanne E. , McClure Leslie A. , Howard Virginia J. , Cushman Mary
Published: June 2014

Background

Life's Simple 7 is a new metric based on modifiable health behaviors and factors that the American Heart Association uses to promote improvements to cardiovascular health (
CVH
). We hypothesized that better Life's Simple 7 scores are associated with lower incidence of cognitive impairment.

Methods and Results

For this prospective cohort study, we included
RE
asons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (
REGARDS
) participants aged 45+ who had normal global cognitive status at baseline and no history of stroke (N=17 761). We calculated baseline Life's Simple 7 score (range, 0 to 14) based on smoking, diet, physical activity, body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fasting glucose. We identified incident cognitive impairment using a 3‐test measure of verbal learning, memory, and fluency obtained a mean of 4 years after baseline. Relative to the lowest tertile of Life's Simple 7 score (0 to 6 points), odds ratios of incident cognitive impairment were 0.65 (0.52, 0.81) in the middle tertile (7 to 8 points) and 0.63 (0.51, 0.79) in the highest tertile (9 to 14 points). The association was similar in blacks and whites, as well as outside and within the Southeastern stroke belt region of the United States.

Conclusions

Compared with low
CVH
, intermediate and high
CVH
were both associated with substantially lower incidence of cognitive impairment. We did not observe a dose‐response pattern; people with intermediate and high levels of
CVH
had similar incidence of cognitive impairment. This suggests that even when high
CVH
is not achieved, intermediate levels of
CVH
are preferable to low
CVH
.
A Critical Role for the Vascular Endothelium in Functional Neurovascular Coupling in the Brain
Authors: Chen Brenda R. , Kozberg Mariel G. , Bouchard Matthew B. , Shaik Mohammed A. , Hillman Elizabeth M. C.
Published: June 2014

Background

The functional modulation of blood flow in the brain is critical for brain health and is the basis of contrast in functional magnetic resonance imaging. There is evident coupling between increases in neuronal activity and increases in local blood flow; however, many aspects of this neurovascular coupling remain unexplained by current models. Based on the rapid dilation of distant pial arteries during cortical functional hyperemia, we hypothesized that endothelial signaling may play a key role in the long‐range propagation of vasodilation during functional hyperemia in the brain. Although well characterized in the peripheral vasculature, endothelial involvement in functional neurovascular coupling has not been demonstrated.

Methods and Results

We combined in vivo exposed‐cortex multispectral optical intrinsic signal imaging (
MS
‐
OISI
) with a novel in vivo implementation of the light‐dye technique to record the cortical hemodynamic response to somatosensory stimulus in rats before and after spatially selective endothelial disruption. We demonstrate that discrete interruption of endothelial signaling halts propagation of stimulus‐evoked vasodilation in pial arteries, and that wide‐field endothelial disruption in pial arteries significantly attenuates the hemodynamic response to stimulus, particularly the early, rapid increase and peak in hyperemia.

Conclusions

Involvement of endothelial pathways in functional neurovascular coupling provides new explanations for the spatial and temporal features of the hemodynamic response to stimulus and could explain previous results that were interpreted as evidence for astrocyte‐mediated control of functional hyperemia. Our results unify many aspects of blood flow regulation in the brain and body and prompt new investigation of direct links between systemic cardiovascular disease and neural deficits.
A Nonparametric Clustering Algorithm with a Quantile-Based Likelihood Estimator
Authors: Hino Hideitsu , Murata Noboru
Published: June 2014

Clustering is a representative of unsupervised learning and one of the important approaches in exploratory data analysis. By its very nature, clustering without strong assumption on data distribution is desirable. Information-theoretic clustering is a class of clustering methods that optimize information-theoretic quantities such as entropy and mutual information. These quantities can be estimated in a nonparametric manner, and information-theoretic clustering algorithms are capable of capturing various intrinsic data structures. It is also possible to estimate information-theoretic quantities using a data set with sampling weight for each datum. Assuming the data set is sampled from a certain cluster and assigning different sampling weights depending on the clusters, the cluster-conditional information-theoretic quantities are estimated. In this letter, a simple iterative clustering algorithm is proposed based on a nonparametric estimator of the log likelihood for weighted data sets. The clustering algorithm is also derived from the principle of conditional entropy minimization with maximum entropy regularization. The proposed algorithm does not contain a tuning parameter. The algorithm is experimentally shown to be comparable to or outperform conventional nonparametric clustering methods.
Synchronization of Stochastic Competitive Neural Networks with Different Timescales and Reaction-Diffusion Terms
Authors: Shi Yanchao , Zhu Peiyong
Published: June 2014

We propose a feedback controller for the synchronization of stochastic competitive neural networks with different timescales and reaction-diffusion terms. By constructing a proper Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, as well as employing stochastic analysis theory, the LaShall-type invariance principle for stochastic differential delay equations, and a linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique, a feedback controller is designed to achieve the asymptotical synchronization of coupled stochastic competitive neural networks. A simulation example is given to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Sparseness, Antisparseness and Anything in Between: The Operating Point of a Neuron Determines Its Computational Repertoire
Authors: Elliott Terry
Published: June 2014

A recent model of intrinsic plasticity coupled to Hebbian synaptic plasticity proposes that adaptation of a neuron's threshold and gain in a sigmoidal response function to achieve a sparse, exponential output firing rate distribution facilitates the discovery of heavy-tailed or super- gaussian sources in the neuron's inputs. We show that the exponential output distribution is irrelevant to these dynamics and that, furthermore, while sparseness is sufficient, it is not necessary. The intrinsic plasticity mechanism drives the neuron's threshold large and positive, and we prove that in such a regime, the neuron will find supergaussian sources; equally, however, if the threshold is large and negative (an antisparse regime), it will also find supergaussian sources. Away from such extremes, the neuron can also discover subgaussian sources. By examining a neuron with a fixed sigmoidal nonlinearity and considering the synaptic strength fixed-point structure in the two-dimensional parameter space defined by the neuron's threshold and gain, we show that this space is carved up into sub- and supergaussian-input-finding regimes, possibly with regimes of simultaneous stability of sub- and supergaussian sources or regimes of instability of all sources; a single gaussian source may also be stabilized by the presence of a nongaussian source. A neuron's operating point (essentially its threshold and gain coupled with its input statistics) therefore critically determines its computational repertoire. Intrinsic plasticity mechanisms induce trajectories in this parameter space but do not fundamentally modify it. Unless the trajectories cross critical boundaries in this space, intrinsic plasticity is irrelevant and the neuron's nonlinearity may be frozen with identical receptive field refinement dynamics.
Bioprospecting in the High Seas: Existing Rights and Obligations in View of a New Legal Regime for Marine Areas beyond National Jurisdiction
Authors: Jørem Ane , Tvedt Morten Walløe
Published: June 2014

This article examines the law governing bioprospecting in the high seas and subsequent use of biological material. Seen in relation to the on-going debate on a new legal regime for marine areas beyond national jurisdiction, the authors explore the degree to which existing rights and obligations under the law of the sea and patent law could coincide with one of the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity, namely that of promoting benefit sharing. The activity of bioprospecting is examined in light of the different freedoms of the high seas, making the point that different interpretations give different indications of existing provisions on benefit sharing. In particular, the regime for marine scientific research under the law of the sea exemplifies different ways for sharing benefits, all of which run up against implementation challenges when seen in relation to rights awarded by patents to inventions resulting from bioprospecting.
Aquatic Oligochaeta (Annelida) of Dam Lakes Çatören and Kunduzlar (Turkey)
Authors: ARSLAN NAIME , KARA DENIZ , KÖKÇÜ CANSEV AKKAN , RÜZGAR MELIH
Published: June 2014

Çatören and Kunduzlar Dam Lakes, located on Seydi River, represent the main irrigation water resources of the Seyitgazi District (Eskişehir Province), in west-central Turkey. The river and the reservoirs are both under the threat of pollution primarily originating from several domestic point source discharges and land-based runoff. The numerical and proportional distributions of oligochaetes in Çatören and Kunduzlar Dam Lakes were surveyed seasonally in 2010 and 2011 at two stations on each lake. According to the results of this study, the benthic invertebrate fauna of Çatören Dam Lake consisted of Oligochaeta (40.2 %), Chironomidae larvae (32.2 %) and the varia (27.6 %); the benthic invertebrate fauna of Kunduzlar Dam Lake consisted of Oligochaeta (56.7 %), Chironomidae larvae (18.2 %) and the varia (25.1%). By evaluating the data via a Shannon-Wiener index it was found that the Çatören Dam Lake had an index of 2.32; while Kunduzlar Dam Lake had an index of 3.27. Several physicochemical water quality parameters were also analyzed during this study. The relationships between the dynamics of organisms and environmental parameters were supported by Pearson correlation index. It was determined that Çatören and Kunduzlar Dam Lakes waters were polluted and slightly polluted, respectively. The dominance and abundance of oligochaete species and low species richness showed that similar studies should be carried out periodically in Çatören and Kunduzlar Dam Lakes for the future monitoring of the dam lakes.
Preface: 12th International Symposium on Aquatic Oligochaeta
Authors: PINDER ADRIAN , WETZEL MARK , ARSLAN NAIME
Published: June 2014

This volume is the proceedings for the 12th International Symposium on Aquatic Oligochaeta (ISAO), held inFremantle Western Australia from the 10th to the 13th of September 2012. This was the latest in a series oftriennial symposia that began in May 1979 when 31 researchers met for four days in Sidney, BritishColumbia, Canada, hosted by Ralph Brinkhurst, then of the Institute of Ocean Sciences who has played apivotal role in the field of oligochaete research for many decades. That first meeting set the scene for regularcollegiate gatherings of oligochaetologists that have spawned many collaborations and scientific advancesover the past 35 years. Continuity in the oligochaete research community is shown by the fact that four of theresearchers that attended the 1979 symposium joined us in Fremantle.
Profundal oligochaete faunas (Annelida, Clitellata) in Japanese lakes
Authors: OHTAKA AKIFUMI
Published: June 2014

Thirty-eight species of oligochaetes (Annelida, Clitellata) belonging to five families were recorded from profundal bottoms of 50 freshwater lakes on Japanese islands. They were mostly widely distributed species, and the composition of fauna is basically explained by the scheme of Timm (2012), with parallel replacement of European species. Oxygen, temperature and surrounding fauna could be main factors determining the profundal fauna in the lakes. The lumbriculids (Styloscolex japonicus, Yamaguchia toyensis and Lumbriculus variegatus), haplotaxids (Haplotaxis gordioides) and enchytraeids (Marionina klaskisharum) were restricted to several deep and oligotrophic lakes located in Hokkaido and northern Honshu, where Rhyacodrilus komarovi often accompanied them. Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri was the commonest species, occurring irrespective of the trophic status and bottom temperature of the lake. Tubifex tubifex also occurred in wide trophic scale, but it has never been found in shallow eutrophic lakes where the bottom temperature exceeds 15°C, where L. hoffmeisteri, Branchiura sowerbyi and several Aulodrilus species were the main representatives.
Cebudonus poppeorum, a new genus and new species of eumedonine crab (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Pilumnidae) from the Philippines
Authors: NG PETER K. L.
Published: June 2014

A new genus and new species of eumedonine crab, Cebudonus poppeorum, is described from the central Philippines. Superficially similar to Eumedonus H. Milne Edwards, 1834, Gonatonotus White, 1847, Zebrida White, 1847, Zebridonus Chia, Ng & Castro, 1995, and Tiaramedon Chia & Ng, 1998, Cebudonus n. gen. is easily characterised by possessing two long pseudorostral spines, a gently convex and unarmed dorsal carapace surface, elongated chelipeds that have the chela and merus unarmed and not cristate, elongated and slender ambulatory legs in which the merus is not cristate, a relatively narrow anterior male thoracic sternum, and a proportionately broader male abdomen. The general structure and colour pattern (with longitudinal stripes) suggests Cebudonus n. gen. is an obligate symbiont with echinoids.
Two new species of Lasiopa (Diptera, Stratiomyidae) from Turkey
Authors: ÜSTÜNER TURGAY , HASBENLİ ABDULLAH
Published: June 2014

Two new species, Lasiopa aksarayiensis sp. n. and Lasiopa aktasii sp. n. are described from the Central Anatolian stepe in Turkey. All diagnostic characters are illustrated and possible relationships of both taxa are briefly discussed. The first record of Lasiopa pseudovillosa (Rozkošný, 1983) from Turkey is presented and additional Turkish localities of Lasiopa caucasica (Pleske, 1901) are recorded and an identification key to all the Palaearctic species of Lasiopa is given.
A new species of the pontoniine shrimp genus Hamopontonia Bruce, 1970 associated with caryophyllid coral Euphyllia glabrescens (Chamisso & Eysenhardt, 1821) in Nhatrang Bay, Vietnam
Authors: MARIN IVAN
Published: June 2014

Hamopontonia nhatrangensis sp. nov. (Crustacea, Decapoda, Palaemonidae, Pontoniinae) is described from Nhatrang Bay, Vietnam, in association with caryophyllid coral Euphyllia glabrescens (Chamisso & Eysenhardt, 1821) (Hexacorallia, Scleractinia, Caryophyllidae). The new species clearly differs from congeners by morphological features, distinctive coloration and ecologically. Renewed differential key to all known species of the genus Hamopontonia Bruce, 1970 is provided.
Precipitation Estimation from the ARM Distributed Radar Network during the MC3E Campaign
Authors: Giangrande Scott E. , Collis Scott , Theisen Adam K. , Tokay Ali
Published: June 2014

This study presents radar-based precipitation estimates collected during the 2-month U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (ARM)–NASA Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E). Emphasis is on the usefulness of radar observations from the C-band and X-band scanning ARM precipitation radars (CSAPR and XSAPR, respectively) for rainfall estimation products to distances within 100 km of the Lamont, Oklahoma, ARM facility. The study utilizes a dense collection of collocated ARM, NASA Global Precipitation Measurement, and nearby surface Oklahoma Mesonet gauge records to evaluate radar-based hourly rainfall products and campaign-optimized methods over individual gauges and for areal rainfall characterizations. Rainfall products are also evaluated against the performance of a regional NWS Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) S-band dual-polarization radar product. Results indicate that the CSAPR system may achieve similar point– and areal–gauge bias and root-mean-square (RMS) error performance to a WSR-88D reference for the variety of MC3E deep convective events sampled. The best campaign rainfall performance was achieved when using radar relations capitalizing on estimates of the specific attenuation from the CSAPR system. The XSAPRs demonstrate limited capabilities, having modest success in comparison with the WSR-88D reference for hourly rainfall accumulations that are under 10 mm. All rainfall estimation methods exhibit a reduction by a factor of 1.5–2.5 in RMS errors for areal accumulations over a 15-km2 NASA dense gauge network, with the smallest errors typically associated with dual-polarization radar methods.
Impacts of Projected Climate Change over the Lake Champlain Basin in Vermont
Authors: Guilbert Justin , Beckage Brian , Winter Jonathan M. , Horton Radley M. , Perkins Timothy , Bomblies Arne
Published: June 2014

The Lake Champlain basin is a critical ecological and socioeconomic resource of the northeastern United States and southern Quebec, Canada. While general circulation models (GCMs) provide an overview of climate change in the region, they lack the spatial and temporal resolution necessary to fully anticipate the effects of rising global temperatures associated with increasing greenhouse gas concentrations. Observed trends in precipitation and temperature were assessed across the Lake Champlain basin to bridge the gap between global climate change and local impacts. Future shifts in precipitation and temperature were evaluated as well as derived indices, including maple syrup production, days above 32.2°C (90°F), and snowfall, relevant to managing the natural and human environments in the region. Four statistically downscaled, bias-corrected GCM simulations were evaluated from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) forced by two representative concentration pathways (RCPs) to sample the uncertainty in future climate simulations. Precipitation is projected to increase by between 9.1 and 12.8 mm yr−1 decade−1 during the twenty-first century while daily temperatures are projected to increase between 0.43° and 0.49°C decade−1. Annual snowfall at six major ski resorts in the region is projected to decrease between 46.9% and 52.4% by the late twenty-first century. In the month of July, the number of days above 32.2°C in Burlington, Vermont, is projected to increase by over 10 days during the twenty-first century.
Impact of Soil Moisture–Atmosphere Interactions on Surface Temperature Distribution
Authors: Berg Alexis , Lintner Benjamin R. , Findell Kirsten L. , Malyshev Sergey , Loikith Paul C. , Gentine Pierre
Published: June 2014

Understanding how different physical processes can shape the probability distribution function (PDF) of surface temperature, in particular the tails of the distribution, is essential for the attribution and projection of future extreme temperature events. In this study, the contribution of soil moisture–atmosphere interactions to surface temperature PDFs is investigated. Soil moisture represents a key variable in the coupling of the land and atmosphere, since it controls the partitioning of available energy between sensible and latent heat flux at the surface. Consequently, soil moisture variability driven by the atmosphere may feed back onto the near-surface climate—in particular, temperature. In this study, two simulations of the current-generation Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) Earth System Model, with and without interactive soil moisture, are analyzed in order to assess how soil moisture dynamics impact the simulated climate. Comparison of these simulations shows that soil moisture dynamics enhance both temperature mean and variance over regional “hotspots” of land–atmosphere coupling. Moreover, higher-order distribution moments, such as skewness and kurtosis, are also significantly impacted, suggesting an asymmetric impact on the positive and negative extremes of the temperature PDF. Such changes are interpreted in the context of altered distributions of the surface turbulent and radiative fluxes. That the moments of the temperature distribution may respond differentially to soil moisture dynamics underscores the importance of analyzing moments beyond the mean and variance to characterize fully the interplay of soil moisture and near-surface temperature. In addition, it is shown that soil moisture dynamics impacts daily temperature variability at different time scales over different regions in the model.
A Description of Local and Nonlocal Eddy–Mean Flow Interaction in a Global Eddy-Permitting State Estimate
Authors: Chen Ru , Flierl Glenn R. , Wunsch Carl
Published: June 2014

The assumption that local baroclinic instability dominates eddy–mean flow interactions is tested on a global scale using a dynamically consistent eddy-permitting state estimate. Interactions are divided into local and nonlocal. If all the energy released from the mean flow through eddy–mean flow interaction is used to support eddy growth in the same region, or if all the energy released from eddies through eddy–mean flow interaction is used to feed back to the mean flow in the same region, eddy–mean flow interaction is local; otherwise, it is nonlocal. Different regions have different characters: in the subtropical region studied in detail, interactions are dominantly local. In the Southern Ocean and Kuroshio and Gulf Stream Extension regions, they are mainly nonlocal. Geographical variability of dominant eddy–eddy and eddy–mean flow processes is a dominant factor in understanding ocean energetics.
Weather, Climate, and Resource Information Should Meet the Needs of Sahelian Pastoralists
Authors: Rasmussen Laura Vang , Mertz Ole , Rasmussen Kjeld , Nieto Hector , Ali Abdou , Maiga Idrissa
Published: June 2014

There has been an increasing focus on providing better weather, climate, and resource information for decision making in drylands. This study explores what kind of information pastoralists in the Sahel received in 2013 and how they responded to this information. Moreover, the study assesses whether the disseminated information corresponds to the actual needs of pastoralists. The overall objective is thus to identify the outcome of providing weather, climate, and resource information to pastoralists and thereby to explore whether and how various products may guide their mobility and decision-making patterns. The results show that few of the interviewed pastoralists receive the seasonal rainfall forecasts, which have been produced since 1998 by the Climate Outlook Forum for West Africa. The pastoralists who did receive the forecasts used the information to adjust their crop cultivation strategies rather than to support livestock management decisions. To do the latter, pastoralists need information pertaining to the availability of grazing resources in various areas, the onset date of the rains, flooding events, and finescale information on rainfall amount during the first weeks of the rainy season. Such information could be used to adjust the purchase of supplementary fodder, to make qualified choices on transhumance destinations, and to make changes in herd composition. As pastoralists primarily acquire this information by calling friends and family in nearby areas, the results point to a strong disconnect between the parameters and scale of information that pastoralists need and those currently provided.
Standard and trace-dose lithium: A systematic review of dementia prevention and other behavioral benefits
Authors: Mauer Sivan , Vergne Derick , Ghaemi S Nassir
Published: June 2014

Objective:

Dementia is a major public health issue, with notably high rates in persons with mood illnesses. Lithium has been shown to have considerable neuroprotective effects, even in trace or low doses. The aim of this review is to summarize the current understanding of lithium benefits in trace or low doses in dementia prevention and for other behavioral or medical benefits.

Methods:

A systematic review identified 24 clinical, epidemiological, and biological reports that met inclusion criteria of assessing lithium in standard or low doses for dementia or other behavioral or medical benefits.

Results:

Five out of seven epidemiological studies found an association between standard-dose lithium and low dementia rates. Nine out of 11 epidemiological studies, usually of drinking water sources, found an association between trace-dose lithium and low suicide/homicide/mortality and crime rates. All four small randomized clinical trials of lithium for Alzheimer’s dementia have found at least some clinical or biological benefits versus placebo. Only one small randomized clinical trial (RCT) of trace lithium has been conducted, assessing mood symptoms in former substance abusers, and found benefit with lithium versus placebo.

Conclusions:

Lithium, in both standard and trace doses, appears to have biological benefits for dementia, suicide, and other behavioral outcomes. Further RCT research of trace lithium in dementia is warranted.
A Note on the Specification of Error Structures in Latent Interaction Models
Authors: Mao Xiulin , Harring Jeffrey R. , Hancock Gregory R.
Published: June 2014

Latent interaction models have motivated a great deal of methodological research, mainly in the area of estimating such models. Product-indicator methods have been shown to be competitive with other methods of estimation in terms of parameter bias and standard error accuracy, and their continued popularity in empirical studies is due, in part, to their straightforward implementation and relative ease of estimation in mainstream structural equation modeling software. In recent years, the impact of different specifications of the mean structure of the structural model has been the focus of a fair amount of investigation in this area. Yet the effects of misspecification of the error structure of the observed variables implied by the model have not been investigated. In this study, the authors demonstrate algebraically the ramifications of misspecifying these error structures for the unconstrained product-indicator approach. Recommendations to practitioners based on these results are discussed.
Assessing the Validity of the Self-Appraisal Questionnaire in Differentiating High-Risk and Violent Female Offenders
Authors: Kubiak Sheryl Pimlott , Kim Woo Jong , Bybee Deborah , Eshelman Lee
Published: June 2014

The Self-Appraisal Questionnaire (SAQ) holds promise as a self-report measure that predicts the risk of recidivism and assesses treatment needs for incarcerated populations. However, its validity has been questioned for use with females. Using a random sample of 543 incarcerated women, we assessed the validity of the SAQ by examining differences in scale scores and Receiver Operating Characteristic curves using multiple measures of violent behavior among women. Self-reported violence, versus a violent conviction, was a strong predictor of SAQ scores, but many of those in the most violent group did not meet the published cut scores that indicate treatment need, suggesting the need for adjusting these thresholds for women.
Synchronisation and commonalities in metropolitan housing market cycles
Authors: Akimov Alexey , Stevenson Simon , Young James
Published: June 2014

This paper examines the degree of commonalities present in the cyclical behaviour of the eight largest metropolitan housing markets in Australia. Using two techniques originally proposed in the business cycle literature we firstly consider the degree of synchronisation present and secondly decompose the series into their permanent and cyclical components. Both empirical approaches reveal similar results. Sydney and Melbourne are closely related to each other and are relatively segmented from the smaller metropolitan areas. In contrast, there is substantial evidence of commonalities in the cyclical behaviour of the remaining cities, especially those on the eastern and southern coasts of Australia.
Cyber Victimization and Perceived Stress
Authors: Wright Michelle F.
Published: June 2014

The present study examined multiple sources of strain, particular cyber victimization, and perceived stress from parents, peers, and academics, in relation to late adolescents’ (ages 16-18; N = 423) cyber aggression, anxiety, and depression, each assessed 1 year later (Time 2). Three-way interactions revealed that the relationship between Time 1 cyber victimization and later depression was more positive when adolescents experienced high perceived stress (i.e., parents, peers, academics) and engaged in high cyber aggression. However, Time 2 anxiety and Time 1 cyber victimization were more strongly associated at higher levels of Time 1 perceived peer stress such that cyber aggression did not have the same joint role in these associations as it did with depression. These findings indicate that dual sources of strain combined with aggressive behaviors might negatively affect adolescents’ well-being, particularly their depression.
Overcoming the Limits to Change and Adapting to Future Challenges
Authors: Pforr Christof , Pechlaner Harald , Volgger Michael , Thompson Graham
Published: June 2014

This article presents a study that investigates the organizational transformation of regional tourism in Western Australia in order to make it fit for future. In principle, it explores how the past influences adaptation to upcoming challenges in the Asia-Pacific region (and beyond), such as for example reorganizing territorial dimensions in destination management. Specifically, the article considers how an imposed merger of two previously separate tourism regions affects the established communication and collaboration structures among stakeholders. To analyze the inhibiting force of historically grown destination network structures and the potential for changing these networks, the article combines the concepts of path dependence/path creation and stasis-based/change-based momentum with a quantitative social network analysis. The study provides evidence of remarkable persistence of destination networks. However, the study exhibits also path-creating processes: A transformation of destination networks to meet future challenges in tourism seems to depend largely on an effective governance of informal communication.
Modified robust external force control with disturbance rejection with application to piezoelectric actuators
Authors: Ghafarirad Hamed , Rezaei Seyed Mehdi , Sarhan Ahmed Aly Diaa Mohammed , Mardi Noor Azizi
Published: June 2014

In micromanipulation applications, controlling the force exerted on the object is of great importance. In such cases, any uncontrolled forces may damage the object or cause system failure. However, the presence of disturbances such as impedance uncertainties and hysteresis can strongly degrade force control performance and even lead to instability. Therefore, accurate force control when internal and external disturbances occur is a significant challenge. Conventional control methods usually have a number of restrictive conditions especially on the disturbance bounds. To rectify those issues, a modified robust disturbance rejection-based force control approach is proposed in this paper. For this purpose, an appropriate disturbance observer is utilized to estimate the disturbance effect regardless of amplitude. Then a robust control method is employed to achieve the disturbance-free desired dynamic. A modification is also performed to rectify the need for acceleration measurement in the control design. Finally, the force control for an unknown environment in the presence of disturbances is accomplished. The efficiency of the proposed approach is evaluated through simulation studies and compared with the well-known PI method. The experimental results validate the force control performance for the micropositioning piezoelectric actuator.
Delay decomposition approach to robust delay-dependent H∞ filtering of uncertain stochastic systems with time-varying delays
Authors: Hua Mingang , Zhang Jianyong , Chen Junfeng , Fei Juntao
Published: June 2014

This paper presents the robust delay-dependent [Formula: see text] filter design for uncertain stochastic systems with time-varying delay. The systems under consideration are subject to time-varying norm-bounded parameter uncertainties and time-varying delays in both the state and measurement equations. The aim is to design a stable full-order linear filter assuring robustly asymptotical stability in mean-square and a prescribed [Formula: see text] performance level for the filtering error systems. Based on the delay decomposition approach and a new integral inequality, delay-dependent sufficient conditions for the existence of [Formula: see text] filters are proposed in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, two numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed approaches are effective and are an improvement over existing ones.
Improved cascade controller design methodology based on outer-loop decomposition
Authors: Çakıroğlu Osman , Güzelkaya Müjde , Eksin İbrahim
Published: June 2014

In this study, a new serial cascade controller design methodology is proposed. The inner-loop process is taken as a stable first-order process with time delay and the outer-loop process as an integrating or non-integrating nth-order stable process with time delay. Classical Smith predictors are used to compensate for the time delay in each loop. In the outer loop when the process order is greater than 1, the process model transfer function is decomposed into first-order transfer functions of the required quantity. Next, for each first-order transfer function, a control loop is established and then for each loop an appropriate controller is built up. The controllers are designed to provide a simplified closed-loop transfer function for the existing loop using zero pole cancellation. The decomposed first-order transfer functions results in either an integrator form or a transfer function with one real pole. The resulting controller evolves to be a proportional-type controller for the loops involving the integrator and they appear as a PI-type of controller for the loops involving the real stable pole. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, it is compared with another method given in the literature via simulations.
Preliminary report on a new concept stent prototype designed for venous implant
Authors: Lugli M , Maleti O
Published: June 2014

Venous obstruction at iliocaval level in both forms, primary and secondary, is a significant cause of severe chronic venous insufficiency. A new therapeutic approach to this pathology emerged with the introduction of stenting procedures that proved effective, leading to good long-term results. However, at present, the majority of implanted stents have been designed for arterial implant and this can pose a limit in particular districts. The purpose of this preliminary acute study was to verify the deliverability and safety of a new stent specially designed for venous-vessel implant. We assess the safety and deliverability of two braided, self-expanding, nickel–titanium stents (Jotec GmbH, Hechingen, Germany) specially designed for endovascular implant in veins. The two stents, despite being based on the same concept, have a different design: stent A presents a proximal tapering shape specially designed to reduce migration, while stent B does not. Both of them are enlarged at their distal extremity and present variable radial force the length of the stent itself, the said force becoming very high in the intermediate segment. Stents were implanted in the internal jugular vein of a sheep, showing optimal deliverability. The completion venography showed the migration of stent B into the right atrium. Stent A maintained its location, confirmed by intravascular ultrasound examination. No scaffolding effect was detected and an adequate adherence and adaptability to the vein wall was obtained. In conclusions, the stent A design matches the characteristics required by vein implants. Stability is achieved even where difficult anatomical conditions apply, such as in the jugular vein. Deployment is easy and precise in a given landing zone. Radial resistive force is very high, as required in specific vein districts, but is also associated with good flexibility. Following this preliminary acute report, further studies are required.
Plurality of anxiety and depression alteration mechanism by oleanolic acid
Authors: Fajemiroye James O , Galdino Pablinny M , Florentino Iziara F , Da Rocha Fabio F , Ghedini Paulo C , Polepally Prabhakar R , Zjawiony Jordan K , Costa Elson A
Published: June 2014

Our study sought to evaluate the anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of oleanolic acid as well as the neural mechanisms involved. Animal models such as barbiturate sleep-induction, light–dark box, elevated plus maze, forced swimming test, tail suspension test and open field test were conducted. Male Albino Swiss mice were treated orally with vehicle 10 mL/kg, fluoxetine 20 mg/kg, imipramine 15 mg/kg, diazepam 1 mg/kg or oleanolic acid 5–40 mg/kg. Pretreatment (intraperitoneal) of animals with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) 20 mg/kg, 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-[4- (2-phthalimido) butyl]piperazine hydrobromide (NAN-190) 0.5 mg/kg, p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (PCPA) 100 mg/kg or α-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT) 100 mg/kg, WAY100635 (WAY) 0.3 mg/kg, prazosin (PRAZ) 1 mg/kg, yohimbine 2 mg/kg as well as monoamine oxidase assay and hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) quantification were carried out. Oleanolic acid potentiated the hypnotic effect of barbiturate and demonstrated an anxiolytic effect in both the light–dark box and elevated plus maze. This effect was not reversed by PTZ. Acute and/or chronic oral treatment of mice with oleanolic acid (5−20 mg/kg) elicited an antidepressant effect in the forced swimming test and the tail suspension test without interfering with the locomotor activity. The antidepressant effect of oleanolic acid was attenuated by NAN-190, AMPT, PCPA, WAY and PRAZ. Although monoamine oxidase activity remained unaltered by oleanolic acid, chronic administration of oleanolic acid augmented hippocampal BDNF level. These findings demonstrate multiple mechanisms of the anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of oleanolic acid.
Needle path planning and steering in a three-dimensional non-static environment using two-dimensional ultrasound images
Authors: Vrooijink Gustaaf J. , Abayazid Momen , Patil Sachin , Alterovitz Ron , Misra Sarthak
Published: June 2014

Needle insertion is commonly performed in minimally invasive medical procedures such as biopsy and radiation cancer treatment. During such procedures, accurate needle tip placement is critical for correct diagnosis or successful treatment. Accurate placement of the needle tip inside tissue is challenging, especially when the target moves and anatomical obstacles must be avoided. We develop a needle steering system capable of autonomously and accurately guiding a steerable needle using two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound images. The needle is steered to a moving target while avoiding moving obstacles in a three-dimensional (3D) non-static environment. Using a 2D ultrasound imaging device, our system accurately tracks the needle tip motion in 3D space in order to estimate the tip pose. The needle tip pose is used by a rapidly exploring random tree-based motion planner to compute a feasible needle path to the target. The motion planner is sufficiently fast such that replanning can be performed repeatedly in a closed-loop manner. This enables the system to correct for perturbations in needle motion, and movement in obstacle and target locations. Our needle steering experiments in a soft-tissue phantom achieves maximum targeting errors of 0.86 ± 0.35 mm (without obstacles) and 2.16 ± 0.88 mm (with a moving obstacle).