bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drug-Dependent Boys Are More Depressed Compared to Girls: A Comorbidity Study of Substance Dependence and Mental Disorders
Authors: Ilomäki Risto , Södervall Jonna , Ilomäki Essi , Hakko Helinä , Räsänen Pirkko
Published: June 2008

The present study investigated the comorbidity of alcohol and drug dependence with psychiatric disorders by gender in a clinical sample of 300 girls and 208 boys (age 12–17) admitted to psychiatric inpatient hospitalization between April 2001 and March 2006. Information on alcohol and drug dependence, psychiatric diagnoses and age at onset of these disorders was obtained from the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children – Present and Lifetime. The results of logistic regression models revealed that behavioral disorders were associated with alcohol dependence among girls (odds ratio [OR] 7.1) and boys (OR 4.6). In addition, behavioral disorders were associated with drug dependence, the ORs being 18.4 in girls and 9.1 in boys. Although depressive disorders were associated with both alcohol (OR 3.1) and drug dependence (OR 3.8) among boys, no corresponding association was seen in girls. Our results suggest that physicians treating substance-dependent adolescents should focus not only on behavioral disorders, but also on the screening and treatment of underlying depressive disorders, especially among substance-dependent boys.
No Evidence of an Association between Norepinephrine Transporter Gene Polymorphisms and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Cho Soo-Churl , Kim Jae-Won , Kim Boong-Nyun , Hwang Jun-Won , Park Mira , Kim Soon Ae , Cho Dae-Yeon , Yoo Hee-Jeong , Chung Un-Sun , Son Jung-Woo , Park Tae-Won
Published: June 2008

Neurobiological and pharmacological research has suggested that dysregulation of the central noradrenergic systems might be involved in the pathophysiology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Previous studies have demonstrated that the norepinephrine transporter gene (SLC6A2) is associated with ADHD. The aims of this study were to examine the association of the SLC6A2 G1287A and –3081(A/T) polymorphisms with ADHD in Korean children and adolescents, and to determine the relationships of the genotypes of these two polymorphisms with continuous performance test results and the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory profiles of ADHD. In a case-control study, we assessed 186 ADHD probands and 150 normal controls; 109 trios were studied in a family-based association analysis. There were no significant differences in the genotype or allele frequencies of the SLC6A2 G1287A and –3081(A/T) polymorphisms between the ADHD and control groups (p > 0.05). In the transmission disequilibrium test analyses, there was no evidence for biased transmission of any of the alleles of the SLC6A2 G1287A and –3081(A/T) polymorphisms. In the haplotype analyses of these two polymorphisms, the global and individual χ2 tests showed no significant associations between any of the haplotypes and ADHD. There were no significant differences with respect to the continuous performance test results and the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory profiles in the ADHD probands according to the genotypes of the SLC6A2 G1287A and –3081(A/T) polymorphisms. Our findings do not support SLC6A2 as a major genetic susceptibility factor in ADHD.
HTLV-I Production Based on Activation of Integrin/Ligand Signaling in HTLV-I-Infected T Cell Lines Derived from HAM/TSP Patients
Authors: Fukushima Naomi , Nakamura Tatsufumi , Nishiura Yoshihiro , Ida Hiroaki , Aramaki Toshiyuki , Eguchi Katsumi
Published: June 2008

Objective: Activity of integrin/ligand signaling leading to activation of small GTPases might regulate the efficiency of cell-to-cell spread of human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I) through the virological synapse. We compared both activity of small GTPases and involvement of integrin/ligand signaling in extracellular release of HTLV-I virions between each three HTLV-I-infected T cell lines derived from HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) patients and from other origins as a control. Methods: Activity of small GTPases (Rho, Rac and Cdc42) was analyzed by pull-down assay with suppressive effect of both HTLV-I production and HTLV-I tax mRNA expression by anti-integrin-blocking antibodies. Results: All small GTPases were strongly activated in all cell lines derived from HAM/TSP patients, but not in control cell lines except one cell line. Treatment of all cell lines derived from HAM/TSP patients, but not all control cell lines, with anti-integrin-blocking antibodies significantly suppressed the level of HTLV-I p19 antigen in culture supernatants without downregulation of HTLV-I tax mRNA expression. Conclusion: Significant involvement with integrin/ligand signaling in extracellular release of HTLV-I virions in cell lines derived from HAM/TSP patients suggests that HTLV-I-infected cells in HAM/TSP patients have the potential for the efficient spread of HTLV-I to uninfected cells.
Vascular Effects of FGF-2 and VEGF-B in Rabbits with Bilateral Hind Limb Ischemia
Authors: Wafai Rafif , Tudor Elizabeth M. , Angus James A. , Wright Christine E.
Published: June 2008

Aims: To assess fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-B (VEGF-B) effects on flow reserve and morphological adaptation in the rabbit ischemic hind limb. Methods: Following bilateral femoral artery ligation, calf blood pressure (CBP), flow reserve, collateral artery numbers and capillary numbers were assessed. Treatment consisted of rabbit serum albumin (RSA), FGF-2, VEGF-B or FGF-2 + VEGF-B. Results: Ligation decreased CBP; on day 14, a 48% deficit remained in the RSA group compared with a deficit of only 22% in FGF-2 and VEGF-B groups. On day 3, flow reserve was attenuated 60%, but recovered by day 14 (with no treatment effects). Collateral artery numbers increased with RSA (+28%), FGF-2 (+53%), VEGF-B (+47%) and FGF-2 + VEGF-B (+59%). Rectus femoris muscle total capillary profiles and fibers per cross-section were alike across groups. Tibialis anterior muscle cross-sectional area was lower with ligation and total capillary number was less in RSA and FGF-2 groups, providing evidence for angiogenesis with VEGF-B. Capillary/muscle fiber ratio was similar in each group. Conclusions: FGF-2 and VEGF-B enhanced lower limb perfusion as indicated by improved CBP and combined treatment increased collateral artery number. Flow reserve recovery was not enhanced by cytokine treatment. VEGF-B, but not FGF-2, caused angiogenesis in the tibialis anterior muscle. Overall, VEGF-B may have advantages over FGF-2 in this setting; however, their combination may further improve arteriogenesis.
Celecoxib Inhibits Serum Amyloid A-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-10 Expression in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zhao Yulan , Zhou Shuli , Heng Chew-Kiat
Published: June 2008

Background: Although serum amyloid A (SAA) is an established biomarker of coronary artery disease (CAD), its direct role in matrix degradation is obscure. This study investigated the effect of SAA on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-10 (MMP-10) in endothelial cells. The effect of celecoxib on SAA-dependent MMP-10 expression and its possible mediator were also investigated. Methods and Results: From our time course microarray screening, SAA (20 μg/ml) was found to increase MMP-10 mRNA expression over time (4–48 h) in human endothelial cells. Quantitative real-time PCR confirmed this transcriptional induction. Correspondingly, secreted MMP-10 protein was also markedly induced by SAA treatment for 24 h in a dose-dependent manner. We further examined cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and its major product, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), as possible mediators of MMP-10 induction. Direct PGE2 treatment could result in MMP-10 induction. Celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, suppressed MMP-10 secretion induced by SAA. Conclusions: SAA induced MMP-10 expression and celecoxib prevented its induction. MMP-10 induction was at least partly mediated by PGE2.
Structural, Functional and Developmental Convergence of the Insect Mushroom Bodies with Higher Brain Centers of Vertebrates
Authors: Farris Sarah M.
Published: June 2008

Convergence of higher processing centers has been proposed for insects and vertebrates, but the extent of these similarities remains controversial. The present study demonstrates that one higher brain center of insects, the mushroom bodies, displays a number of similarities with mammalian higher brain centers that are arguably the products of adaptation to common behavioral ecologies, despite their deeply divergent origins. Quantitative neuroanatomy, immunohistochemistry, fluorescent tract tracing and BrdU labeling are employed to investigate the relationships among behavioral ecology and mushroom body size, sensory input and mode of development in one taxon, the scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Comparisons are extended to a taxon in which similar mushroom body architectures have arisen independently, the cockroaches (Dictyoptera), and to published accounts of vertebrate brain evolution. This study demonstrates that evolutionary increases in higher brain center size and intrinsic neuron number are associated with flexibility in food acquisition behaviors in both vertebrates and insects. These evolutionarily expanded higher brain centers are divided into novel structural subcompartments that acquire novel processing functions. Increased numbers of neurons comprising enlarged higher brain centers are generated by expanded neural precursor pools, and the time for development of these brain centers is protracted. Taken together, these findings extend our understanding of how evolutionarily constrained neural substrates might converge under shared adaptive landscapes, even after 600 million years of divergence, and even at the level of higher brain centers that generate complex behaviors.
Arginine Transport Is Augmented, through Modulation of Cationic Amino Acid Transporter-1, in Obstructive Uropathy in Rats
Authors: Schwartz Idit F. , Davidovitz Aharon , Chernichovski Tamara , Levin-Iaina Nomi , Guzner-Gur Hanan , Levo Yoram , Schwartz Doron
Published: June 2008

Background: The decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is characteristic of obstructive uropathy, was suggested to be associated with attenuated nitric oxide (NO) generation. Since availability of L-arginine, the sole precursor for NO, governs NO synthesis, we aimed to determine the role of glomerular arginine transport in rats subjected to 24 h of bilateral ureteral ligation (BUO). Methods: Glomerular arginine transport was measured by uptake of radiolabeled arginine ([3H]-L-arginine), cationic amino acid transporters (CAT)-1 and -2 and arginases I and II mRNA expression were determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. CAT-1, arginase I, and arginase II protein contents were evaluated by Western blotting. Results:L-Arginine transport by freshly harvested glomeruli from BUO rats was significantly augmented than in controls. The aforementioned findings were associated with a significant increase in glomerular CAT-1 mRNA expression, while CAT-2 mRNA was unchanged. Western blotting demonstrated a significant increase in CAT-1 abundance in BUO. Expression of both glomerular arginase I and II mRNA and protein content were significantly elevated in BUO. Conclusions: BUO induces an increase in glomerular arginine transport via upregulation of CAT-1, probably due to increase in arginine utilization by a non-NO pathway.
Is Counterpulsation a Potential Therapy for Ischemic Stroke?
Authors: Han Jing Hao , Wong Ka Sing
Published: June 2008

Background: Despite the rapid progress in stroke prevention, effective acute stroke treatment except for thrombolysis is still lacking. Hypoperfusion is related to unfavorable functional outcome, further strokes and long-term mortality. Therefore, the need for a safe and effective way of increasing the cerebral blood flow seems obvious. Currently, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that external counterpulsation (ECP) may enhance the blood supply to the brain and thus may be beneficial to patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: A MEDLINE search in combination with a search for papers in Chinese literature in the Wan Fang and China Academic Journal databases was carried out. Results: Preliminary investigations suggested that ECP may improve the clinical outcome of stroke patients. However, well-designed clinical studies exploring the therapeutic effects of ECP in ischemic stroke are very limited. Conclusions: Randomized-controlled trials with a large sample size are needed to further define the efficacy and safety of ECP in acute stroke management. Future studies should provide insight into the value of ECP in ischemic stroke as well as its possible mechanisms.
Direct Comparison of Histology of Microbleeds with Postmortem MR Images
Authors: Tatsumi Shinsui , Shinohara Miho , Yamamoto Toru
Published: June 2008

Background: Although the clinical significance of so-called microbleeds (MBs) in gradient-echo MR images (GRE-MRI) has been extensively researched, the histopathological evaluation is notably insufficient. Methods: Postmortem GRE-MRI was obtained of water-immersed formalin-fixed tissue blocks from a 97-year-old hypertensive woman with 9 antemortem MBs. Histologic slides were compared with those of MRI. Results: Microscopic examination revealed clusters of hemosiderin-laden macrophages in 8 MBs and arteriolar pseudocalcification in 1 MB in the left pallidum. Hypertensive microangiopathies were found in 5 lesions. The sizes of the lesions with hemosiderin deposits were roughly comparable with the MBs of GRE-MRI. Conclusions: All of the MBs but for 1 exception were proved to be hemosiderin deposits and frequently associated with hypertensive microangiopathy.
Cerebral Autoregulation Dynamics in Acute Ischemic Stroke after rtPA Thrombolysis
Authors: Reinhard Matthias , Wihler Christoph , Roth Markus , Harloff Andreas , Niesen Wolf-Dirk , Timmer Jens , Weiller Cornelius , Hetzel Andreas
Published: June 2008

Background: To investigate whether there is: (1) a specific temporal course of cerebral dysautoregulation in acute ischemic stroke, and (2) a separate detrimental effect of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) on autoregulation dynamics in this situation. Methods: We studied 16 patients with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion and rtPA thrombolysis (intra-arterial or intravenous application, or both). Controls were 71 healthy adults and 11 patients with minor stroke not receiving rtPA. Dynamic autoregulation was recorded from spontaneous fluctuations of blood pressure and MCA flow velocity (transcranial Doppler) using two well-described approaches (index Mx, phase shift). Three measurements were performed (study 1: 20 ± 9 h of ictus; study 2: 64 ± 10 h; study 3: 112 ± 7 h). Results: Two groups of clinical outcome were identified: good (modified Rankin scale ≤2, n = 9, MCA infarct volume = 14 ± 16%), poor (modified Rankin scale >2, n = 7, MCA infarct volume = 62 ± 21%). In the good outcome group, no relevant changes in Mx and phase were observed on both MCA sides compared with controls. In the poor outcome group, the index Mx deteriorated over studies 1–3 on affected sides, with worse values compared to the controls (p < 0.05). Phase was already impaired on affected sides of poor outcome patients in study 1 (p < 0.01 vs. controls) and tended to decrease further until study 3. Phase also decreased moderately on contralateral sides in poor outcome patients from studies 1 to 3 (p < 0.05, nonsignificant compared with controls). Conclusions: Cerebral autoregulation is increasingly impaired, mainly on the affected side, over the first 5 days of major ischemic stroke after unsuccessful rtPA thrombolysis. It is bilaterally preserved in minor stroke after successful rtPA thrombolysis, indicating no separate detrimental effect of rtPA on the cerebral autoregulatory mechanism.
Sanguinarine-Induced Apoptosis in Human Leukemia U937 Cells via Bcl-2 Downregulation and Caspase-3 Activation
Authors: Han Min Ho , Yoo Young Hyun , Choi Yung Hyun
Published: June 2008

Background: Sanguinarine is a benzophenanthridine alkaloid derived from the root of Sanguinaria canadensis, which induces apoptosis in human cancer cells, but the underlying action mechanisms are not completely understood. We investigated the mechanisms of sanguinarine on the induction of apoptosis using U937 leukemia cells. Methods: Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. Apoptosis was detected using DAPI staining, agarose gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry. The protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis. Casapse-3 activity was measured using a colorimetric assay. Results: Exposure of U937 cells to sanguinarine resulted in growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis. Apoptosis by sanguinarine treatment was associated with the activation of caspase-3 and degradation of poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and phospholipase C-γ1 protein. Induction of apoptosis by sanguinarine was also accompanied by upregulation of pro-apoptotic Bax and downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression. Sanguinarine-induced caspase-3 activation and apoptosis were significantly attenuated in Bcl-2-overexpressing U937/Bcl-2 cells. Furthermore, a caspase-3-specific inhibitor blocked caspase-3 activation as well as PARP degradation, and increased the survival rate of sanguinarine-treated U937 cells. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that the induction of apoptosis by sanguinarine in U937 cells was associated with altering the balance of Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression and activation of the caspase-3 pathway.
Work of Breathing in Eucapnic and Hypercapnic Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Lee Mei-Yu , Lin Ching-Chi , Shen Sheng-Yeh , Chiu Chung-Hsin , Liaw Shwu-Fang
Published: June 2008

Background: Upper airways in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are more likely narrower than those of normal subjects, a factor in increasing the work of breathing (WOB) in these individuals. Objectives: To evaluate WOB while sitting and while supine, both awake and during stage 2 sleep, in patients with hypercapnic or eucapnic OSAS. Method: Twenty normal control subjects without OSAS, 20 patients with eucapnic moderate or severe OSAS and another 8 patients with hypercapnic severe OSAS were studied. WOB was measured by esophageal manometry with the subjects seated and then with the subjects supine, both while awake and during stage 2 sleep. Results: In both the control and the eucapnic group, WOB was normal in the sitting position. When the eucapnic subjects lay supine, their WOB increased, both while awake and asleep. In contrast, the hypercapnic subjects had an abnormally high WOB both sitting and supine, whether awake or asleep. Conclusion: WOB was increased in subjects with hypercapnic OSAS in both the sitting and supine positions. While eucapnic individuals with OSAS have increased WOB when supine, it is normal when they are sitting upright.
Association of Insulin Resistance and Inflammation With Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Pande Reena L. , Perlstein Todd S. , Beckman Joshua A. , Creager Mark A.
Published: June 2008

Background—

Although the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is well established, the contribution of insulin resistance (IR) to PAD is less clear. We hypothesized that IR is associated with PAD and that the presence of IR would influence the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) and PAD, an association established predominantly in healthy individuals.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed data from 3242 adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999 to 2004 who underwent measurement of ankle brachial index, CRP, and fasting glucose and insulin, enabling calculation of homeostasis model of IR (HOMA-IR). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were estimated by logistic regression. The mean prevalence of PAD (defined as an ankle brachial index ≤0.9) was 5.5% (SE, 0.47%). HOMA-IR was independently associated with PAD (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.1 to 4.0;
P
=0.03 for quartile 4,
P
for trend across quartiles=0.047) after adjustment for age, gender, race/ethnicity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, body mass index, chronic kidney disease, and CRP. Elevated CRP (>3 mg/L) also was strongly associated with PAD (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3 to 3.6;
P
=0.003 versus CRP <1 mg/L). Stratifying subjects on the basis of median HOMA-IR, we found that CRP >3 mg/L was no longer significantly associated with PAD in subjects with IR (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.8 to 2.1;
P
=0.3,
P
for interaction=0.08).

Conclusions—

These findings demonstrate that IR is strongly and independently associated with PAD. Furthermore, IR modifies the association of inflammation with PAD. These data establish a role of IR in PAD and highlight the relative importance of inflammation in patients with and without IR.
The Emergence of Multiple Robust Zonal Jets from Freely Evolving, Three-Dimensional Stratified Geostrophic Turbulence with Applications to Jupiter
Authors: Sayanagi Kunio M. , Showman Adam P. , Dowling Timothy E.
Published: June 2008

Three-dimensional numerical simulations of freely evolving stratified geostrophic turbulence on the β plane are presented as a simplified model of zonal jet formation on Jupiter. This study samples the parameter space that covers the low, middle, and high latitudes of Jupiter by varying the central latitude of the β plane. The results show that robust zonal jets can emerge from initial small-scale random turbulence through the upscale redistribution of the kinetic energy in the spectral space. The resulting flow’s sensitivities to the flow’s deformation radius LD and the two-dimensional Rhines length Lβ = U/β (U is the characteristic turbulence velocity and β is the meridional gradient of the planetary vorticity) are tested, revealing that whether the outcome of the upscale energy transfer becomes dominated by jets or vortices depends on the relative values of LD and Lβ. The values of Lβ and LD are varied by tuning the β-plane parameters, and it is found that the flow transitions from a jet-dominated regime in Lβ ≲ LD to a vortical flow in Lβ ≳ LD. A height-to-width ratio equal to f /N, the Coriolis parameter divided by the Brunt–Väisälä frequency, has previously been established for stable vortices, and this paper shows that this aspect ratio also applies to the zonal jets that emerge in these simulations.
Tropical Atlantic Variability Modes (1979–2002). Part I: Time-Evolving SST Modes Related to West African Rainfall
Authors: Polo Irene , Rodríguez-Fonseca Belén , Losada Teresa , García-Serrano Javier
Published: June 2008

This work presents a description of the 1979–2002 tropical Atlantic (TA) SST variability modes coupled to the anomalous West African (WA) rainfall during the monsoon season. The time-evolving SST patterns, with an impact on WA rainfall variability, are analyzed using a new methodology based on maximum covariance analysis. The enhanced Climate Prediction Center (CPC) Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP) dataset, which includes measures over the ocean, gives a complete picture of the interannual WA rainfall patterns for the Sahel dry period. The leading TA SST pattern, related to the Atlantic El Niño, is coupled to anomalous precipitation over the coast of the Gulf of Guinea, which corresponds to the second WA rainfall principal component. The thermodynamics and dynamics involved in the generation, development, and damping of this mode are studied and compared with previous works. The SST mode starts at the Angola/Benguela region and is caused by alongshore wind anomalies. It then propagates westward via Rossby waves and damps because of latent heat flux anomalies and Kelvin wave eastward propagation from an off-equatorial forcing. The second SST mode includes the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean, showing how the Mediterranean SST anomalies are those that are directly associated with the Sahelian rainfall. The global signature of the TA SST patterns is analyzed, adding new insights about the Pacific–Atlantic link in relation to WA rainfall during this period. Also, this global picture suggests that the Mediterranean SST anomalies are a fingerprint of large-scale forcing.

This work updates the results given by other authors, whose studies are based on different datasets dating back to the 1950s, including both the wet and the dry Sahel periods.
Buoyancy-Forced Downwelling in Boundary Currents
Authors: Spall Michael A.
Published: June 2008

The issue of downwelling resulting from surface buoyancy loss in boundary currents is addressed using a high-resolution, nonhydrostatic numerical model. It is shown that the net downwelling is determined by the change in the mixed layer density along the boundary. For configurations in which the density on the boundary increases in the direction of Kelvin wave propagation, there is a net downwelling within the domain. For cases in which the density decreases in the direction of Kelvin wave propagation, cooling results in a net upwelling within the domain. Symmetric instability within the mixed layer drives an overturning cell in the interior, but it does not contribute to the net vertical motion. The net downwelling is determined by the geostrophic flow toward the boundary and is carried downward in a very narrow boundary layer of width E1/3, where E is the Ekman number. For the calculations here, this boundary layer is O(100 m) wide. A simple model of the mixed layer temperature that balances horizontal advection with surface cooling is used to predict the net downwelling and its dependence on external parameters. This model shows that the net sinking rate within the domain depends not only on the amount of heat loss at the surface but also on the Coriolis parameter, the mixed layer depth (or underlying stratification), and the horizontal velocity. These results indicate that if one is to correctly represent the buoyancy-forced downwelling in general circulation models, then it is crucial to accurately represent the velocity and mixed layer depth very close to the boundary. These results also imply that processes that lead to weak mixing within a few kilometers of the boundary, such as ice formation or freshwater runoff, can severely limit the downwelling forced by surface cooling, even if there is strong heat loss and convection farther offshore.
Correlations between Analyses and Forecasts of Banded Heavy Snow Ingredients and Observed Snowfall
Authors: Evans Michael , Jurewicz Michael L.
Published: June 2008

North American Mesoscale (NAM) model forecasts of the occurrence, magnitude, depth, and persistence of ingredients previously shown to be useful in the diagnosis of banded and/or heavy snowfall potential are examined for a broad range of 25 snow events, with event total snowfall ranging from 10 cm (4 in.) to over 75 cm (30 in.). The ingredients examined are frontogenetical forcing, weak moist symmetric stability, saturation, and microphysical characteristics favorable for the production of dendritic snow crystals. It is shown that these ingredients, previously identified as being critical indicators for heavy and/or banded snowfall in major storms, are often found in smaller snowfall events. It is also shown that the magnitude, depth, and persistence of these ingredients, or combinations of these ingredients, appear to be good predictors of event total snowfall potential. In addition, a relationship is demonstrated between temporal trends associated with one of the ingredients (saturated, geostrophic equivalent potential vorticity) and event total snowfall.

Correlations between forecast values of these ingredients and observed snowfall are shown to decrease substantially as forecast lead time increases beyond 12 h. It is hypothesized that model forecast positioning and timing errors are primarily responsible for the lower correlations associated with longer-lead forecasts. This finding implies that the best forecasts beyond 12 h may be produced by examining the diagnostics of heavy snow ingredients from a single, high-resolution model to determine snowfall potential, then using ensemble forecasting approaches to determine the most probable location and timing of any heavy snow.
Estimated Prevalence of Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms Among College Freshmen
Authors: Dong Hun Lee  , Oakland Thomas , Jackson Gina , Glutting Joseph
Published: June 2008

Group differences and prevalence rates for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in a matched sample of college freshmen ( n = 956) and their parents ( n = 956) were investigated for gender and race (African American and Caucasian) effects using current self-report and retrospective parent-report ratings. On self-report, compared to female students, male students displayed higher mean scores on subscales and lower rates for reporting symptom totals beyond DSM—IV thresholds for the three subtypes of ADHD. Mean differences in ADHD symptoms were not apparent for race. However, African American students displayed higher rates for reporting symptom totals beyond DSM—IV thresholds for all subtypes. On retrospective parent report, male students and Caucasian students displayed higher mean scores on all scales and higher rates for reporting symptom totals beyond DSM—IV thresholds for all subtypes. Prevalence rates varied by gender and race on self-report and parent report. Prevalence was examined based on combined data of self-report and parent report and using age-adjusted cutoff criteria. Findings and implications are discussed.
Need and Possibilities for Seat Belt Use Promotion in Bashkortostan, Russia
Authors: Akhmadeeva Leila , Andreeva Valentina A. , Sussman Steve , Khusnutdinova Zolya , Simons-Morton Bruce G.
Published: June 2008

Bashkortostan is a republic in the Russian Federation with a population of 4.1 million. As with other health behaviors, the prevalence of seat belt use is low, which may account in part for the very high rate of motor-vehicle-related mortality in this republic. The authors discuss the need and potential for translating seat belt promotion programming from other Russian regions and other countries to Bashkortostan. The authors conclude that current policies developed in other countries could work well in the republic, if they are enforced. Meanwhile, initiatives such as the Sakhalin Road Safety Partnership offer great potential for translation in Bashkortostan as well as in other regions with similarly low seat belt use prevalence.
Boundaries and Opportunities: Comparing Slave Family Formation in the Antebellum South
Authors: Pargas Damian Alan
Published: June 2008

Our understanding of the marriage strategies and family formation of enslaved people remains clouded by disagreement among contemporary scholars. A perusal of the historical literature suggests that two issues lay at the root of this disagreement: First, scholars disagree over the extent to which slave family life was shaped by the external factors of slavery, or rather slave agency; and second, scholars appear reluctant to abandon their singular views of the slave family. This article addresses both of these gaps by formulating a middle ground in the slave agency debate and by redefining the slave family in plural form. An analysis of the boundaries and opportunities for family formation in northern Virginia and lowcountry South Carolina, this study shows that while the establishment of co-residential two-parent households was the ideal for slaves, not all were able to realize that ideal, and those that could not adapted their marriage strategies and family lives accordingly.
Radiofrequency Microtenotomy
Authors: Meknas Khaled , Odden-Miland Åshild , Mercer James B. , Castillejo Miguel , Johansen Oddmund
Published: June 2008

Background

Recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis (elbow tendinosis) is a common cause of elbow pain. There are many forms of treatment, none being superior.

Hypothesis

The main hypothesis tested in this study is that radiofrequency microtenotomy offers better results than the extensor tendon release and repair operation for elbow tendinosis, especially earlier recovery.

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods

Twenty-four patients were randomized into 2 treatment groups, extensor tendon release and repair, and microtenotomy. Dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) was employed as an objective method to verify the diagnosis as well as to document the outcome 3 months after the surgical procedure.

Results

Visual analog scale pain scores in the microtenotomy but not in the release group decreased significantly after 3 weeks. There was no statistically significant difference in pain scores between the 2 groups at 3, 6, and 12 weeks, and at 10 to 18 months. At 12 weeks, grip strength had improved significantly in the microtenotomy but not in the release group. The functional score was significantly increased in both groups. The DIRT group showed significant differences in epicondyle skin temperature between diseased and normal elbows both pre- and postoperatively. Abnormal DIRT images correlated well with elevated pain scores.

Conclusions

Radiofrequency microtenotomy provides a promising alternative to the release operation for elbow tendinosis. Dynamic infrared thermography provides a reliable, noninvasive, objective method for the diagnosis of elbow tendinosis, as well as for evaluation of the outcome following treatment.
The Method Section as Conceptual Epicenter in Constructing Social Science Research Reports
Authors: Smagorinsky Peter
Published: June 2008

In this article, the author argues that Method sections in social science research reports, particularly those that employ qualitative methods, often lack sufficient detail to make any results that follow from the analytic method trustworthy. The author provides a brief review of the evolution of the Method section from the 1960s to the present, makes a case for a more robust reporting of research method, and then outlines one way to achieve the end of providing a detailed, specific account of research methods that enable readers to understand unambiguously the means by which data are rendered into results. This consideration includes attention to the reporting of data collection, data reduction, data analysis, and the context of the investigation to make it clear why an illustrative presentation of data supports the claim that it offers.
Theories of the Middle Range in Historical Studies of Writing Practice
Authors: Bazerman Charles
Published: June 2008

Recent historical examinations of nonliterary, nontheoretical texts within their activity settings have aimed to identify the historically developed communicative and rhetorical resources currently available to writers and to reveal the dynamics of the formation, use, and evolution of those resources. These studies, in examining communal literate practices, combine theoretical, empirical, and practical concerns by building theories of the middle range. This methodological article elaborates how theories of the middle range can guide research through identifying interrelated levels of research questions (originating, specifying, and site specific) and identifying strategic research sites. This article further elaborates methods of finding, selecting, and analyzing relevant texts and placing them within appropriate social and historical contexts.
Ethnography as Method, Methodology, and “Deep Theorizing”
Authors: Lillis Theresa
Published: June 2008

This article critically explores the value of ethnography for enhancing context-sensitive approaches to the study of academic writing. Drawing on data from two longitudinal studies, student writing in the United Kingdom and professional academic writing in Hungary, Slovakia, Spain, and Portugal, the author illustrates the different contributions ethnography can make to researching academic writing, depending on the level at which it is construed, as method, methodology, or “deep theorizing.” In discussing the third level of ethnography, the author draws on recent debates around linguistic ethnography to explore how ethnography as deep theorizing can contribute to refining social practice accounts of academic writing through the specific notions of indexicality and orientation. By working through three levels of ethnography, her aim is to signal the ontological gap between text and context in academic writing research and to open up debate about how this gap can be narrowed.
Informative Party Labels With Institutional and Electoral Variation
Authors: Ashworth Scott , de Mesquita Ethan Bueno
Published: June 2008

We study a model of party formation in which the informativeness of party labels and inter-party ideological heterogeneity are endogenously and jointly determined in response to electoral incentives. Parties use screening to increase the cost of affiliation for politicians whose ideal points diverge from the party platform. Because affiliation decisions are endogenous, increased screening decreases ideological heterogeneity, improving the informativeness of the party label. The model allows us to examine how the level of screening responds to changes in both the institutional and electoral environments. We find that screening (and, consequently, the informativeness of the party label and ideological homogeneity) is decreasing in the power of the executive branch, the polarization of party platforms, and the average size of partisan tides.
Electoral Poaching and Party Identification
Authors: Kovenock Dan , Roberson Brian
Published: June 2008

This article studies electoral competition in a model of redistributive politics with deterministic voting and heterogeneous voter loyalties to political parties. We construct a natural measure of `party strength' based on the sizes and intensities of a party's loyal voter segments and demonstrate how party behavior varies with the two parties' strengths. In equilibrium, parties target or `poach' a strict subset of the opposition party's loyal voters: offering those voters a high expected transfer, while `freezing out' the remainder with a zero transfer. The size of the subset of opposition voters frozen out and, consequently, the level of inequality in utilities generated by a party's equilibrium redistribution schedule is increasing in the opposition party's strength. We also construct a measure of `political polarization' that is increasing in the sum and symmetry of the parties' strengths, and find that the expected ex-post inequality in utilities of the implemented policy is increasing in political polarization.
Applying the Methodology of Mechanism Design To the Choice of Electoral Systems
Authors: Sgouraki Kinsey Barbara , Shvetsova Olga
Published: June 2008

In this article we inquire into the strategic intent behind the design of election laws. Presuming that institutional designers are strategic and rational, we identify the extent of information incompleteness as determining their objectives for rule choice. For different levels of information incompleteness, we assess empirically the validity of explaining actual choices with designers' electoral goals. Using parameter-specific predictions for players' institutional preferences (obtained from a game-theoretic model which assumes electoral success as the design goal) we find that design does not always meet the criterion of elections-aimed rationality (electoral rationalizability). We identify a structural difference between levels of electoral rationalizability in two sets of European electoral reforms, those that accompanied the late 19th—early 20th-century franchise expansion, and those during the post-communist franchise creation in East—Central Europe. For the later sub-sample we rely on a qualitative assessment of electoral rationalizability since extremely high levels of information incompleteness in these cases do not allow us to apply the model reliably. We provide evidence linking the structural difference in electoral rationalizability between the two sub-samples and the sub-sample variation in electoral rationalizability in the late 19th—early 20th century to the quality of information available to the designers.
Bribery and Favoritism in Queuing Models of Rationed Resource Allocation
Authors: Batabyal Amitrajeet A. , Beladi Hamid
Published: June 2008

Queuing mechanisms are commonly used in developing countries and in transition economies to allocate goods characterized by excess demand to citizens. Bribery and favoritism frequently accompany the use of such queuing mechanisms. Therefore, we first analyze a queuing model of resource allocation with bribery. Specifically, we determine the expected wait time of a citizen from the time he arrives to queue and the time he obtains the rationed good, the likelihood that a citizen illegally obtains n units of the rationed good, and the expected time a citizen spends being served by the public or private official. Next, we analyze a queuing model of resource allocation with favoritism. Using this model, we ascertain the mean arrival rate of the favored citizen and the likelihood that an ordinary citizen is bumped n times to provide the rationed good immediately to the favored citizen.
Reorganizing Cross-Border Governance Capacity
Authors: Pikner Tarmo
Published: June 2008

Different forms of regional politics and network-type coordination are present within European cross-border initiatives. The purpose of the article is to study the changing organizational configurations of interregional governance in the context of the Helsinki—Tallinn Euregio (HTE), and how these new forms of coordination influence cross-border institutional capacity and policy outcomes.The basic empirical material consists of official public documents and eight semi-structured theme interviews conducted with the key actors of the HTE in June—July 2004. `Governance capacity' is used here as a theoretical tool to understand and interpret the reorganization process of cross-border governance. The case-study about the HTE shows the possibility that governance may be practised through dynamic social networks and partly shifting territorial configurations according to interregional interests. The HTE agency creates a flexible intervention frame for the cross-border governance capacity to support regional competitiveness through the policy instruments of the European Union.There are already some results, but several challenges remain for the HTE to create additional scale effects between the Helsinki and Tallinn regions.
Urban Residential Development in Isolated Small Cities That Are Partially Integrated in Metropolitan Areas By High Speed Train
Authors: Garmendia Maddi , de Ureña José M. , Ribalaygua Cecilia , Leal Jesús , Coronado José M.
Published: June 2008

The proliferation of High Speed Trains (HSTs) in European countries has caused small, isolated cities within one hour's distance by HST to become partially integrated into metropolitan processes. These cities may be considered as a combination of small provincial centres and suburban metropolitan districts. Scientific literature suggests that subcentres in polycentric urban regions are becoming more numerous and diverse, that there are doubts whether HSTs are facilitating decentralization or concentration from/to metropolises, and that fewer HST effects are taking place in big cities than small ones, where HST contribution to accessibility amelioration is greater. The article discusses the types of urban residential processes according to temporal relations with HSTs (before and after HSTs) and spatial relations (HST station location). The conduct of household survey and review of building permits and mortgage valuations was done to analyse the urban process which these cities undergo with the development of HSTs. It was found that residence location with respect to the HST station varies with the type of inhabitant (local versus immigrant, tenant versus owner, etc.) and their relation to HSTs (commuter versus non commuter, etc.). It was also shown that the HST (alongside the presence of a university) helps isolated cities to acquire territorial roles of greater importance, by virtue of attracting intraprovincial immigration and familial investment, as well as immigrants and investments from other provinces.
Does Health Care Provider Screening for Domestic Violence Vary by Race and Income?
Authors: Weeks Erin K. , Ellis Shellie D. , Lichstein Peter R. , Bonds Denise E.
Published: June 2008

Domestic violence (DV) affects approximately 25% of women in the United States with approximately 5.3 million incidents each year. DV advocates and national medical associations encourage health care providers (HCPs) to screen patients. To determine DV screening rates by race and income, patient race/ethnicity, income, and receipt of and receptiveness toward screening were measured. Patient preference for screening did not vary by race and varied little by income, but experience with screening did. Practices serving predominantly African American and lower income patients screened at higher rates. These findings seem driven by practice factors rather than differential treatment of individuals. Future research should focus on why certain types of practices screen more than others.
Child Protection Involvement and Victims of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Dosanjh Sonia , Lewis Georgeanna , Mathews David , Bhandari Mohit
Published: June 2008

Several studies have explored the disproportionate number of children of color involved in child protective services, raising concerns that racial bias in the system results in more women of color being referred to child protection. The authors conducted a case series to analyze whether a woman's race and ethnicity influenced referrals to child protective services in a domestic violence context. Data were obtained through interview records of 263 women (38% women of color) at a Minneapolis-based advocacy and therapy organization. The findings suggest that women who face multiple forms of oppressions may have greater risk of being involved with child protection services.
When Will Adolescents Tell Someone About Dating Violence Victimization?
Authors: Black Beverly M. , Tolman Richard M. , Callahan Michelle , Saunders Daniel G. , Weisz Arlene N.
Published: June 2008

This study examined factors that influence help-seeking among a diverse sample of adolescents who experienced dating violence. A sample of 57 high school students in an urban community reported on the prevalence and characteristics of dating violence in their relationships. Someone observing a dating violence incident and a survivor's attaching an emotional meaning to the event significantly influenced adolescents to talk to someone. When dating violence occurred in isolation, survivors were more likely to receive no support from others in the aftermath of the incident. Differences between boys' and girls' help-seeking and implications for dating violence intervention and prevention programming are discussed.
Gender Violence Among Teenagers
Authors: Valls Rosa , Puigvert Lídia , Duque Elena
Published: June 2008

This Spanish-based study found that some adolescents link attractiveness with violence. Previous research showed that a socialization process within teenagers' contexts promotes this association. The results suggest that this link is one of the possible causes of the high rates of gender violence among youth. Debates regarding this research already have had political repercussions. Although the 2004 Spanish Act Against Gender Violence—the first of its kind in Europe—acknowledged violence with romantic partners or ex-partners, the 2008 Catalan Act on the Right of Women to Eradicate Chauvinist Violence also recognizes gender violence in dating, and considers preventive socialization as a main measure. This study provides key knowledge to support this purpose.