bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating clearance mechanisms for recombinant activated factor VII in a perfused liver model
Authors: Theill Charlotte , Hansen Lene , Møss Judi , Behrens Carsten , Nicolaisen Else , Klausen Niels , Christensen Michael , Appa Rupa
Published: May 2010

Clearance mechanisms for recombinant activated human FVII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven®), a heterogeneously glycosylated protein, have yet to be fully elucidated, but may involve the liver. The effects of the γ-carboxy glutamic acid (Gla) domain and the sialic acid content of the protein on rFVIIa clearance were investigated following intravenous administration of rFVIIa lacking the Gla domain, des(1–44) rFVIIa and asialo-rFVIIa in pharmacokinetic (PK) studies and perfused rat livers. PK parameters for both rFVIIa and des(1–44) rFVIIa had similar biphasic clearance profiles, as well as half-lives ([t½]=80 and 88 minutes, respectively), while asialo-rFVIIa was cleared quickly (t½=21 minutes) with a linear clearance profile. Perfused liver studies with all proteins (10 nM) mirrored the trends in profiles observed in the PK study. rFVIIa and des(1–44) rFVIIa were cleared to a similar extent, 41% and 35%, respectively, after 1 h, whereas plasma-derived FVII from humans (which has a higher sialylation content than rFVIIa) was cleared to a lesser extent (21%). Asialo-rFVIIa, on the other hand, was almost totally cleared and when an excess of asialo-orosomucoid was added to the perfusate, its clearance was significantly reduced (by 34%) and also for rFVIIa, albeit to a lesser extent (by 14%). Together these data suggest that carbohydrate receptor(s) (e.g. the asialoglycoprotein receptor, ASGPR) play a role in asialo-rFVIIa and rFVIIa clearance. In vivo and liver clearance data correlated well showing similar trends and indi-cated that rFVIIa clearance is not affected by the Gla domain, but rather by a subpopulation of N-glycosylated structures on rFVIIa.
High on-treatment platelet reactivity by more than one agonist predicts 12-month follow-up cardiovascular death and non-fatal myocardial infarction in acute coronary syndrome patients receiving coronary stenting
Authors: Gori Anna , Paniccia Rita , Giusti Betti , Valente Serafina , Giglioli Cristina , Buonamici Piergiovanni , Antoniucci David , Abbate Rosanna , Gensini Gian , Marcucci Rossella
Published: May 2010

There is some data available on the role of high on-treatment platelet reactivity by ADP whereas, as regards arachidonic acid or other agonists, there is no proof of the best cut-off for identifying populations with a different cardiovascular outcome by the construction of appropriate receiver-operator characteristics (ROC) curves. We enrolled 1,108 acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation and followed them up for 12 months. Platelet reactivity was assessed by light transmission aggregometry (LTA) using 10 μM ADP, 1 mM arachidonic acid (AA) and 2 μg/ml collagen. At a 12-month follow-up, we found 37 cardiovascular deaths (3.3%), 54 non-fatal myocardial infarctions (MI) (4.8%) and 154 target vessel revascularisations (TVR) (13.8%). ROC analysis demonstrated that 10 μM ADP LTA, 1 mM AA and 2 μg/ml collagen LTA were able to distinguish between patients with and without subsequent cardiovascular death and non-fatal MI (area under the curve for 10 μM ADP 0.63 (0.55–0.71), p<0.001; for 1 mM AA 0.68 (0.61–0.76), p<0.0001; for 2 μg/ml collagen 0.62 (0.52–0.73), p<0.0111), whereas no association was demonstrated with the occurrence of TVR. Ten μM ADP LTA ≥55%, 1 mM AA LTA ≥15% and 2 μg/ml collagen LTA ≥31% were identified as the optimal cut-off to predict cardiovascular death and non-fatal MI at 12-month follow-up. The contemporary platelet hyperreactivity to more than one agonist was associated with a higher risk of 12-month cardiovascular death and MI, whereas isolated platelet hyperreactivity to only one agonist had not a predictive value [10 μM ADP LTA ≥55% + 1 mM AA LTA ≥15%: odds ratio [OR]=3.6(2.4–6.1), p<0.0001; ADP LTA ≥55% + 1 mM AA LTA ≥15% + 2 μg/ml collagen LTA ≥31%: OR=4.7(2.9–7.7), p<0.0001]. In this prospective study on a large number of acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing stent implantation, we have found that high on-treatment platelet reactivity measured by LTA induced by more than one agonist – AA, ADP, collagen – is an independent risk factor for 12-month cardiovascular death and non-fatal MI. Isolated platelet hyperreactivity to only one agonist has not a predictive value for clinical recurrences.
Obstacles and options in the quest for drug candidates against vascular disease
Authors: Weber Christian
Published: May 2010

he difficulties in cardiovascular drug development have been exposed by recent clinical trials, which have uncovered various limitations of promising drug candidates. Yet, the imperative to improve medical treatment of atherosclerosis in aging populations afflicted by metabolic disease remains unbroken. Herein alternatives to metabolically active compounds such as glitazones and torcetrapib are introduced and discussed, namely CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) antagonists recently approved for treatment of patients with human immunodeficiency virus-1, interceptors of proatherogenic chemokine interactions, and actively protective pathways. A combination of different strategies may yield improved safety profiles of these therapeutics.
New Approaches to Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture Risk Assessment
Authors: McGloughlin Timothy M. , Doyle Barry J.
Published: May 2010

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture remains a significant cause of death in the developed world. Current treatment approaches rely heavily on the size of the aneurysm to decide on the most appropriate time for clinical intervention and treatment. However, in recent years, several alternative rupture risk indicators have been proposed. This brief review examines some of these new approaches to AAA rupture risk assessment, from both numeric and experimental aspects and also what the future may hold for AAA rupture risk. Although numerically predicted wall stress, finite element analysis rupture index, rupture potential index, severity parameter, and geometric factors, such as asymmetry, have all been developed and show promise in possibly helping to predict AAA rupture risk, validation of these tools remains a significant challenge. Validation of biomechanics-based rupture indicators may be feasible by combining in vitro modeling of realistic AAA analogues with both retrospective and prospective monitoring and modeling of AAA cases. Peak wall stress is arguably the primary result obtained from numeric analyses; however, as the majority of ruptures occur in the posterior and posterior-lateral regions, the role of posterior wall stress has also recently been highlighted as potentially significant. It is also known that wall stress alone is not enough to cause rupture, as wall strength plays an equal role. Therefore, should a biomechanics-based rupture risk be implemented? There have been some significant steps, both numerically and experimentally, toward answering this and other questions relating to AAA rupture risk prediction, yet regardless of the efforts that are under way in several laboratories, the introduction of a numerically predicted rupture risk parameter into the clinicians’ decision-making process may still be quite some time away.
Cellular Aging Reflected by Leukocyte Telomere Length Predicts Advanced Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Willeit Peter , Willeit Johann , Brandstätter Anita , Ehrlenbach Silvia , Mayr Agnes , Gasperi Arno , Weger Siegfried , Oberhollenzer Friedrich , Reindl Markus , Kronenberg Florian , Kiechl Stefan
Published: May 2010

Objective—

To determine the association between leukocyte telomere length (TL) and atherosclerosis and its clinical sequelae stroke and myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

Within the scope of the prospective population-based Bruneck Study, leukocyte TL was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 800 women and men aged 45 to 84 years (in 1995). The manifestation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (1995–2005) and the progression of atherosclerosis (1995–2000) were carefully assessed. The TL was shorter in men than in women (age-adjusted mean [95% CI], 1.41 [1.33 to 1.49] versus 1.55 [1.47 to 1.62];
P
=0.02) and inversely correlated to age (
r
=−0.22,
P
<0.001) and family history of CVD (
P
=0.03). Participants with CVD events during follow-up (n=88) had significantly shorter telomeres (age- and sex-adjusted mean [95% CI], 1.25 [1.08 to 1.42] versus 1.51 [1.45 to 1.57];
P
<0.001). In multivariable Cox models, baseline TL emerged as a significant and independent risk predictor for the composite CVD end point and its individual components (myocardial infarction and stroke); however, this was not the case for de novo stable angina and intermittent claudication. Subjects in the top and bottom TL tertile group differed in their CVD risk by a factor of 2.72 (95% CI, 1.41 to 5.28), which is the risk ratio attributable to a 13.9-year difference in chronological age. Remarkably, in our atherosclerosis progression model, TL was strongly associated with advanced, but not early, atherogenesis. All findings were consistent in women and men.

Conclusion—

Our findings indicate a differential role of telomere shortening in the various stages of atherosclerosis, with preferential involvement in advanced vessel pathology and acute vascular syndromes.
Kruppel-like Factor 15 Regulates Smooth Muscle Response to Vascular Injury—Brief Report
Authors: Lu Yuan , Haldar Saptarsi , Croce Kevin , Wang Yunmei , Sakuma Mashashi , Morooka Toshifumi , Wang Baiqiu , Jeyaraj Darwin , Gray Susan J. , Simon Daniel I. , Jain Mukesh K.
Published: May 2010

To determine the role of Kruppel-like factor (KLF) 15, a zinc finger transcriptional factor that is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vascular biology. VSMCs respond to mechanical injury via a tightly orchestrated series of gene regulatory events. KLF15 is broadly expressed in both arterial and venous vascular beds in a VSMC restricted fashion. KLF15 expression is markedly reduced by both pharmacological and mechanical stimuli. To examine the specific role of KLF15 in the vascular response to injury, we performed femoral artery wire injury in

KLF15
−/−

and wild-type mice.

KLF15
−/−

mice develop exaggerated neointimal growth, with evidence of increased SMC proliferation and migration within the neointima. In concordance, gain and loss of function studies in isolated VSMCs demonstrate that KLF15 can directly inhibit SMC proliferation and migration. To our knowledge, these data are the first to identify KLF15 as a novel inhibitor of VSMC proliferation and migration and to implicate this factor as a critical regulator of the vascular response to injury.
α6-Integrin Subunit Plays a Major Role in the Proangiogenic Properties of Endothelial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Bouvard Claire , Gafsou Benjamin , Dizier Blandine , Galy-Fauroux Isabelle , Lokajczyk Anna , Boisson-Vidal Catherine , Fischer Anne-Marie , Helley Dominique
Published: May 2010

Objective—

Alpha6 integrin subunit (α6) expression is increased by proangiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor. This increase correlates with enhanced in vitro tube formation by endothelial cells and their progenitors called Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells (ECFCs). We thus studied the role of α6 in vasculogenesis induced by human ECFCs, in a mouse model of hindlimb ischemia.

Methods and Results—

We used small interfering RNA (siRNA) to inhibit α6 expression on the surface of ECFCs. For in vivo studies, human ECFCs were injected intravenously into a nude mouse model of unilateral hind limb ischemia. Transfection with siRNA α6 abrogated neovessel formation and reperfusion of the ischemic hind limb induced by ECFCs (
P
<0.01 and
P
<0.001, respectively). It also inhibited ECFC incorporation into the vasculature of the ischemic muscle (
P
<0.001). In vitro, siRNA α6 inhibited ECFC adhesion (
P
<0.01), pseudotube formation on Matrigel, migration, and AKT phosphorylation (
P
<0.0001), with no effect on cell proliferation or apoptosis.

Conclusion—

α6 Expression is required for ECFC migration, adhesion, recruitment at the site of ischemia, and the promotion of the postischemic vascular repair. Thus, we have demonstrated a major role of α6 in the proangiogenic properties of ECFCs.
Aneurysm Inflow-Angle as a Discriminant for Rupture in Sidewall Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Baharoglu Merih I. , Schirmer Clemens M. , Hoit Daniel A. , Gao Bu-Lang , Malek Adel M.
Published: May 2010

Background and Purpose—

The ability to discriminate between ruptured and unruptured cerebral aneurysms on a morphological basis may be useful in clinical risk stratification. The objective was to evaluate the importance of inflow-angle (IA), the angle separating parent vessel and aneurysm dome main axes.

Methods—

IA, maximal dimension, height–width ratio, and dome–neck aspect ratio were evaluated in sidewall-type aneurysms with respect to rupture status in a cohort of 116 aneurysms in 102 patients. Computational fluid dynamic analysis was performed in an idealized model with variational analysis of the effect of IA on intra-aneurysmal hemodynamics.

Results—

Univariate analysis identified IA as significantly more obtuse in the ruptured subset (124.9°±26.5° versus 105.8°±18.5°,
P
=0.0001); similarly, maximal dimension, height–width ratio, and dome–neck aspect ratio were significantly greater in the ruptured subset; multivariate logistic regression identified only IA (
P
=0.0158) and height–width ratio (
P
=0.0017), but not maximal dimension or dome–neck aspect ratio, as independent discriminants of rupture status. Computational fluid dynamic analysis showed increasing IA leading to deeper migration of the flow recirculation zone into the aneurysm with higher peak flow velocities and a greater transmission of kinetic energy into the distal portion of the dome. Increasing IA resulted in higher inflow velocity and greater wall shear stress magnitude and spatial gradients in both the inflow zone and dome.

Conclusions—

Inflow-angle is a significant discriminant of rupture status in sidewall-type aneurysms and is associated with higher energy transmission to the dome. These results support inclusion of IA in future prospective aneurysm rupture risk assessment trials.
Recent Nationwide Trends in Discharge Statin Treatment of Hospitalized Patients With Stroke
Authors: Ovbiagele Bruce , Schwamm Lee H. , Smith Eric E. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Olson DaiWai M. , Pan Wenqin , Fonarow Gregg C. , Saver Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2010

Background and Purpose—

The Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels (SPARCL) trial showed statins reduce vascular risk among patients with atherosclerotic stroke or transient ischemic attack. In this study, we assessed recent nationwide trends in discharge statin treatment after acute stroke and the influence of SPARCL on clinical practice.

Methods—

Using data from eligible patients with stroke and transient ischemic attack admitted to Get With The Guidelines–Stroke (GWTG-Stroke) -participating hospitals between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2007, we assessed discharge statin use over time and in relation to dissemination of the SPARCL results.

Results—

Among 173 284 patients with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack, overall discharge statin treatment was 83.5%. Discharge statin prescription climbed steadily but modestly over the 2-year study period from 75.7% to 84.8% (
P
<0.001) with a nonsignificant increase during SPARCL reporting but a return to prior levels thereafter. Factors associated with lower discharge statin use in patients without contraindications included female sex and South region.

Conclusions—

Discharge statin prescription among hospitalized patients with stroke increased over time, but 1 in 5 patients still leaves the hospital without treatment. Primary drivers of increased use were secular trends and individual/hospital site characteristics.
The Akt-Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Pathway in Lipopolysaccharide Preconditioning-Induced Hypoxic-Ischemic Tolerance in the Neonatal Rat Brain
Authors: Lin Hsiang-Yin , Wu Chao-Liang , Huang Chao-Ching
Published: May 2010

Background and Purpose—

Low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) preconditioning provides neonatal rats long-term neuroprotection against hypoxic ischemia (HI). Upregulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protects against cerebral ischemia; however, whether eNOS is required for LPS preconditioning-induced protection in neonatal rats is unknown. We hypothesized that Akt activation, which upregulates eNOS in neurons and endothelial cells, is required for LPS preconditioning-induced tolerance against HI in the neonatal brain.

Methods—

Six-day-old rat pups were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (0.05 mg/kg) or normal saline 24 hours before HI. Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the phospho-Akt (pAkt Ser473), phospho-eNOS (peNOS Ser1177), and eNOS levels and immunofluorescence to determine the cellular distribution of eNOS and pAkt Ser473. Pharmacological and genetic approaches were used to regulate Akt and eNOS, and the weight loss of cerebral hemispheres on postnatal Day 21 was used to assess outcomes.

Results—

eNOS, peNOS (Ser1177), and pAkt (Ser473) levels were significantly higher in LPS- than in normal saline-treated rats 24 hours postinjection. LPS-induced eNOS was expressed primarily in neurons and vascular endothelial cells. N-omega(ω)-nitro-
l
-arginine and antisense oligodeoxynucleotide treatment significantly reduced eNOS expression in neurons and endothelial cells and inhibited LPS-induced protection against HI in rat pups.
l
-arginine and adenovirus eNOS transfection upregulated eNOS and protected the rat pups against HI. Wortmannin treatment before LPS preconditioning significantly reduced eNOS expression in neurons and endothelial cells, which inhibited LPS-induced protection against HI.

Conclusions—

Akt-mediated eNOS upregulation in neurons and vascular endothelial cells is required for LPS-induced tolerance against HI in the neonatal rat brain.
Prognostic Value of Copeptin
Authors: Urwyler Sandrine A. , Schuetz Philipp , Fluri Felix , Morgenthaler Nils G. , Zweifel Christian , Bergmann Andreas , Bingisser Roland , Kappos Ludwig , Steck Andreas , Engelter Stefan , Müller Beat , Christ-Crain Mirjam , Katan Mira
Published: May 2010

Background and Purpose—

An accurate long-term outcome prediction may improve management of stroke patients. We investigated the ability of copeptin to predict 1-year outcome in stroke patients.

Methods—

In this preplanned post hoc analysis, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and copeptin levels were measured on admission in a cohort of patients with ischemic stroke. The primary end point was functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score <3 or 3–6) after 1 year. The secondary end point was all-cause mortality.

Results—

Of 362 patients, 341 (94.2%) completed the 1-year follow-up, 146 (43%) patients had an unfavorable functional outcome, and 66 (20%) died. Multivariate logistic-regression analysis adjusted for age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score showed that copeptin was an independent predictor of functional outcome (odds ratio=4.00; 95% CI, 1.94–8.19) and death (odds ratio=2.68; 95% CI, 1.24–5.82). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of copeptin was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.67–0.77) for functional outcome and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.69–0.78) for mortality. Copeptin improved the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score for functional outcome from 0.70 (95% CI, 0.64–0.74) to 0.76 (95% CI, 0.71–0.82;
P
=0.002) and for mortality from 0.74 (95% CI, 0.69–0.78) to 0.78 (95% CI, 0.71–0.85;
P
=0.04).

Conclusions—

Copeptin levels are a useful, complementary tool to predict functional outcome and mortality 1 year after stroke.

Clinical Trial Registration—

ISCTRN 00390962; clinicaltrials.gov No. NCT00390962.
Public Attitudes toward Black Bears (Ursus americanus) and Cougars (Puma concolor) on Vancouver Island
Authors: Campbell Michael , Lancaster Betty-Lou
Published: May 2010

The sharp increase in the human population of Vancouver Island; the urban development policy favoring forest fragmentation and smaller, scattered settlements; and the relatively sizable population of large predatory mammals have contributed to one of the highest human-large predator contact zones in North America. Although some studies have evaluated public attitudes toward larger carnivores from urban/rural, gender, and generational perspectives, few have focused on black bears and cougars on the British Columbia coast. In this study, four hundred people in the densely populated southeast corner of Vancouver Island were interviewed about their attitudes toward black bear and cougar presence and behavior. The majority of interviewees had positive attitudes toward both bears and cougars, and were opposed to the shooting of carnivores, preferring trapping and removal. Contrary to expectation, few respondents saw carnivores as threats to livestock, companion animals, or children. Both black bears and cougars were perceived as serving useful functions as part of the island’s heritage and cultural development (through hunting, tourism, and recreation).
Discourse and Wolves: Science, Society, and Ethics
Authors: Lynn William S.
Published: May 2010

Wolves have a special resonance in many human cultures. To appreciate fully the wide variety of views on wolves, we must attend to the scientific, social, and ethical discourses that frame our understanding of wolves themselves, as well as their relationships with people and the natural world. These discourses are a configuration of ideas, language, actions, and institutions that enable or constrain our individual and collective agency with respect to wolves. Scientific discourse is frequently privileged when it comes to wolves, on the assumption that the primary knowledge requirements are matters of ecology, cognitive ethology, and allied disciplines. Social discourse about wolves implicitly challenges this privilege and provides a rich array of social perspectives on human-wolf relations. Ethical discourse has until recently lagged behind the other two. So too, ethicists are increasingly challenging the adequacy of scientific and social discourse. They do so by calling attention to the value-laden character of all discourse, and the unavoidable ethical questions that confront us as we learn to share the landscape with large predators like wolves.
Multiscale Models for Cumulus Cloud Dynamics
Authors: Stechmann Samuel N. , Stevens Bjorn
Published: May 2010

Cumulus clouds involve processes on a vast range of scales—including cloud droplets, turbulent mixing, and updrafts and downdrafts—and it is often difficult to determine how processes on different scales interact with each other. In this article, several multiscale asymptotic models are derived for cumulus cloud dynamics in order to (i) provide a systematic scale analysis on each scale and (ii) clarify the nature of interactions between different scales. In terms of scale analysis, it is shown that shallow cumulus updrafts can be described by balanced dynamics with a balance between source terms and ascent/descent; this is a cloud-scale version of so-called weak-temperature-gradient models. In terms of multiscale interactions, a model is derived that connects these balanced updrafts to the fluctuations within the balanced updraft envelope. These fluctuations describe parcels and updraft pulses, and this model encompasses some of the multiscale aspects of entrainment. In addition to this shallow cumulus model, to provide a broad picture of general cumulus dynamics, multiscale models are also derived for other scales; these include models for parcels and subparcel turbulent mixing and models for deep cumulus. Broadly speaking, the differences between the shallow and deep cases convey the notion that shallow cumulus dynamics are parcel dominated, whereas deep cumulus dynamics are updraft dominated; this is largely due to the difference in the apparent magnitude of the background temperature stratification. In addition to their use in guiding theory, the multiscale models also provide a framework for multiscale numerical simulations.
Analysis of Tools Used to Quantify Droplet Clustering in Clouds
Authors: Baker Brad , Lawson R. Paul
Published: May 2010

The spacing of cloud droplets observed along an approximately horizontal line through a cloud may be analyzed using a variety of techniques to reveal structure on small scales, sometimes called clustering, if such structure exists. A number of techniques have been applied and others have been suggested but not yet rigorously defined and applied. In this paper techniques are studied and evaluated using synthetic droplet spacing data. For the type of small-scale structure (clustering) modeled in this study, the most promising analysis approach is to use a combination of the power spectrum and the fishing statistic. Standard deviations and confidence intervals are determined for the power spectrum, the pair correlation function, and a modified fishing statistic. The clustering index and the volume-averaged pair correlation are shown to be less usefully normalized forms of the fishing statistic.
Model Fidelity versus Skill in Seasonal Forecasting
Authors: DelSole Timothy , Shukla Jagadish
Published: May 2010

The relation between skill and fidelity of seasonal mean hindcasts of surface temperature by seven coupled atmosphere–ocean models is investigated. By definition, fidelity measures the agreement between model and observational climatological distributions, and skill measures the agreement between hindcasts and their corresponding verifications. While a relation between skill and fidelity seems intuitively plausible, it has not been checked systematically, nor is it mandated mathematically. New measures of skill and fidelity based on information theory are proposed. Specifically, fidelity is measured by the area average relative entropy between the climatological distributions of the model and observations, and skill is measured by the area averaged mutual information between forecast and verification. The fidelity measure is found to be dominated by the term measuring mean bias; that is, the discrepancy in climatological means is much larger than the discrepancy in climatological variances. Moreover, the mean bias is negatively correlated with skill at most initial months, lead times, and regions examined. Thus, models that more closely replicate the observed climatological mean tend to have better skill.
Spatial Bayesian Model for Statistical Downscaling of AOGCM to Minimum and Maximum Daily Temperatures
Authors: Fasbender Dominique , Ouarda Taha B. M. J.
Published: May 2010

Atmosphere–ocean general circulation models (AOGCMs) are useful for assessing the state of the climate at large scales. Unfortunately, they are not tractable for the finer-scale applications (e.g., hydrometeorological variables). Downscaling methods allow the transfer of large-scale information to finer scales and they are thus relevant for the assessment of finer-scale variables. Among a wide range of downscaling methods, regression-based approaches are commonly used for downscaling AOGCM data because of their low computational requirements. However, downscaled variables are generally reproduced at gauged weather stations only. Results at the gauged stations can then be interpolated a posteriori at ungauged locations with kriging or other methods.

In this paper, a spatial Bayesian model is proposed for the downscaling of coarse-scale atmospheric data (i.e., either reanalysis or AOGCM) to minimum and maximum daily temperatures. This approach uses a Bayesian framework for mixing a prior distribution reflecting the monthly spatial dependence of the temperatures with the daily fluctuations induced by the atmospheric predictors. Local characteristics (i.e., altitude and latitude) are also taken into account in the mean of the prior distribution by using a geographical regression model. The posterior distribution thus reflects both monthly local patterns because of the prior and daily larger-scale fluctuations. Finally, the Bayesian approach also allows for the accounting of estimated parameter uncertainty, making it more stable to poor parameter fitting. The method is applied to the southern part of the province of Quebec, Canada. Results show that the downscaled distributions of the temperatures at gauged sites are in sufficient agreement with the validation dataset compared to a classical regression-based method. The proposed model has also the advantage of directly producing temperature maps.
Global Precipitation Extremes Associated with Diurnally Varying Low-Level Jets
Authors: Monaghan Andrew J. , Rife Daran L. , Pinto James O. , Davis Christopher A. , Hannan John R.
Published: May 2010

Extreme rainfall events have important societal impacts: for example, by causing flooding, replenishing reservoirs, and affecting agricultural yields. Previous literature has documented linkages between rainfall extremes and nocturnal low-level jets (NLLJs) over the Great Plains of North America and the La Plata River basin of South America. In this study, the authors utilize a 21-yr, hourly global 40-km reanalysis based on the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5) to examine whether NLLJ–rainfall linkages are common elsewhere on the earth. The reanalysis is uniquely suited for the task because of its comparatively high spatial and temporal resolution and because a companion paper demonstrated that it realistically simulates the vertical, horizontal, and diurnal structure of the winds in well-known NLLJ regions. The companion paper employed the reanalysis to identify and describe numerous NLLJs across the planet, including several previously unknown NLLJs.

The authors demonstrate here that the reanalysis reasonably simulates the diurnal cycle, extremes, and spatial structure of rainfall globally compared to satellite-based precipitation datasets and therefore that it is suitable for examining NLLJ–rainfall linkages. A statistical approach is then introduced to categorize nocturnal precipitation extremes as a function of the NLLJ magnitude, wind direction, and wind frequency for January and July. Statistically significant relationships between NLLJs and nocturnal precipitation extremes exist in at least 10 widely disparate regions around the world, some of which are well known and others that have been undocumented until now. The regions include the U.S. Great Plains, Tibet, northwest China, India, Southeast Asia, southeast China, Argentina, Namibia, Botswana, and Ethiopia. Recent studies have recorded widespread changes in the amplitudes of near-surface diurnal heating cycles that in turn play key roles in driving NLLJs. It will thus be important for future work to address how rainfall extremes may be impacted if trends in diurnal cycles cause the position, magnitude, and frequency of NLLJs to change.
Strengthening of Tropical Indian Ocean Teleconnection to the Northwest Pacific since the Mid-1970s: An Atmospheric GCM Study*
Authors: Huang Gang , Hu Kaiming , Xie Shang-Ping
Published: May 2010

The correlation of northwest (NW) Pacific climate anomalies during summer with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the preceding winter strengthens in the mid-1970s and remains high. This study investigates the hypothesis that the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) response to ENSO is key to this interdecadal change, using a 21-member ensemble simulation with the Community Atmosphere Model, version 3 (CAM3) forced by the observed history of sea surface temperature (SST) for 1950–2000. In the model hindcast, the TIO influence on the summer NW Pacific strengthens in the mid-1970s, and the strengthened TIO teleconnection coincides with an intensification of summer SST variability over the TIO. This result is corroborated by the fact the model’s skills in simulating NW Pacific climate anomalies during summer increase after the 1970s shift.

During late spring to early summer, El Niño–induced TIO warming decays rapidly for the epoch prior to the 1970s shift but grows and persists through summer for the epoch occurring after it. This difference in the evolution of the TIO warming determines the strength of the TIO teleconnection to the NW Pacific in the subsequent summer. An antisymmetric wind pattern develops in spring across the equator over the TIO, and the associated northeasterly anomalies aid the summer warming over the north Indian Ocean by opposing the prevailing southwest monsoon. In the model, this antisymmetric spring wind pattern is well developed after but absent before the 1970s shift.
Asymmetry in the Duration of El Niño and La Niña
Authors: Okumura Yuko M. , Deser Clara
Published: May 2010

El Niño and La Niña are not a simple mirror image, but exhibit significant differences in their spatial structure and seasonal evolution. In particular, sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over the equatorial Pacific cold tongue are larger in magnitude during El Niño compared to La Niña, resulting in positive skewness of interannual SST variations. The associated atmospheric deep convection anomalies are displaced eastward during El Niño compared to La Niña because of the nonlinear atmospheric response to SST. In addition to these well-known features, an analysis of observational data for the past century shows that there is a robust asymmetry in the duration of El Niño and La Niña. Most El Niños and La Niñas develop in late boreal spring/summer, when the climatological cold tongue is intensifying, and they peak near the end of the calendar year. After the mature phase, El Niños tend to decay rapidly by next summer, but many La Niñas persist through the following year and often reintensify in the subsequent winter. Throughout the analysis period, this asymmetric feature is evident for strong events in which Niño-3.4 SST anomalies exceed one standard deviation in December. Seasonally stratified composite analysis suggests that the eastward displacement of atmospheric deep convection anomalies during El Niño enables surface winds in the western equatorial Pacific to be more affected by remote forcing from the Indian Ocean, which acts to terminate the Pacific events.
Observed Characteristics of Hail Size in Four Regions in China during 1980–2005
Authors: Xie Baoguo , Zhang Qinghong , Wang Yuqing
Published: May 2010

The climatology and long-term trend of hail size in four regions of China are documented for the period of 1980–2005 using the maximum hail diameter (MHD) data obtained from the Meteorological Administrations of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR), the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR), Guizhou Province, and Hebei Province. The reported MHD is mainly around 10 mm in the four regions. Guizhou (in southwestern China) has the largest proportion of severe hail (MHD greater than 15 mm) among the four regions. Severe hail in southwestern China mainly occurs between February and June, while in northern China it occurs in summer (from May to August) with the peak in June. During the period studied, the size of severe hail shows a slight downtrend in Guizhou and IMAR, whereas it shows an uptrend and a flat trend in Hebei and XUAR, respectively. However, none of the trends is statistically significant. Results from sensitivity experiments using a one-dimensional numerical model show that hail size is sensitive to the freezing level height, the maximum updraft, and column cloud liquid water—all working together to determine the geographic distribution and long-term trend of the observed hail size in China.
Isotopic and Elemental Changes in Winter Snow Accumulation on Glaciers in the Southern Alps of New Zealand
Authors: Purdie Heather , Bertler Nancy , Mackintosh Andrew , Baker Joel , Rhodes Rachael
Published: May 2010

The authors present stable water isotope and trace element data for fresh winter snow from two temperate maritime glaciers located on opposite sides of the New Zealand Southern Alps. The isotopes δ18O and δD were more depleted at the eastern Tasman Glacier site because of prevailing westerly flow and preferential rainout of heavy isotopes as air masses crossed the Alps. The deuterium excess provided some indication of moisture provenance, with the Tasman Sea contributing ∼70% of the moisture received at Franz Josef and Tasman Glaciers. This source signal was also evident in trace elements, with a stronger marine signal (Na, Mg, and Sr) associated with snow from the Tasman Sea and larger concentrations of terrestrial species (Pb, V, and Zr) in air masses from the Southern and Pacific Oceans. Although postdepositional modification of signals was detected, the results indicate that there is exciting potential to learn more about climate trends and moisture source pathways and to learn from geochemical signals contained in snow and ice in the New Zealand region.
Lidar Observations of Aircraft Exhaust Plumes
Authors: Bennett Michael , Christie Simon , Graham Angus , Raper David
Published: May 2010

A series of field campaigns has been made at British airports using a rapid-scanning lidar and other instrumentation in order to measure the dispersion of exhaust plumes from commercial aircraft. The lidar operated at a wavelength of 355 nm and was thus effectively eye safe. Analysis software for the lidar signals has been elaborated to enable the rather weak signals (typically a few tens of percent of ambient backscatter) from aircraft exhaust to be distinguished and to facilitate automatic processing of the measurements obtained. Such processing can deliver images, animations, and numerical parameterizations of the dispersing plumes.

Overall, 1353 air traffic movements were monitored over two campaigns at Manchester and 439 in a single campaign at Heathrow. All modes were observed: taxiing, takeoff, rotation, climb-out, approach, and landing. Of these, the most complete dataset was that obtained for the start of the takeoff run: in this mode, the source is on full power but is still moving relatively slowly. Emissions thus remain at their most concentrated. For the same reason, this is the most important mode in respect to local air quality. Tire smoke on landing was likewise easily detected. Conversely, the lidar could only see the engine emissions from about 30% of the aircraft on approach. These data have been archived in an accessible form and are currently being used to develop improved regulatory dispersion models for airports.
Outside-In: The Effects of External Threat on State Centralization
Authors: Gibler Douglas M.
Published: May 2010

Although centralization is thought to be a common response to external threats to the state, few theories develop the mechanisms by which domestic centralization occurs. Fewer still consistently demonstrate that centralization is indeed a common response to external threats in all states. This article therefore develops a comprehensive theory of domestic change in the shadow of external threat. Salient threats to the state create strong incentives for opposition forces to support the leader in power, even in non-democracies. The leadership then uses these favorable domestic political climates to decrease the number of institutional veto points that can stop future leader-driven policy changes. Collectively, this two-part theory provides a unified model of domestic behavioral change (also known as rally effects) and institutional centralization (defined by a declining number of veto players). In addition, by defining salient threats as challenges to homeland territory, the article provides some of the first domestic-level evidence that territorial disputes are fundamentally different from other types of international conflicts.
Implementation of the Fit Body and Soul, a Church-Based Life Style Program for Diabetes Prevention in High-Risk African Americans
Authors: Dodani S. , Fields J.Z.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a behavioral faith-based diabetes prevention program called the Fit Body and Soul program in a semi-urban African-American church using a community-based participatory approach.

Methods

The 12-session Fit Body and Soul program was modified from the group lifestyle balance intervention that was modified from the successful National Institute of Health (NIH) funded Diabetes Prevention Program. The Fit Body and Soul program was implemented in a semi-urban African-American church community. Based on the results of physical examinations and increased body mass index (BMI ≥ 25), 40 adult members of the church were identified as being at high risk for diabetes. Four church ministers, after receiving Fit Body and Soul program training for 2 days, served as study interventionists. The primary objective was weight loss of at least 5% by the end of the 12-session Fit Body and Soul intervention.

Results

Screening of church participants was conducted at the Gospel Water Branch Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia. A total of 40 individuals having a BMI ≥ 25 were selected. Of the 40, a total of 35 (87.5%) attended at least 10 sessions and provided information required for the study. Of the 35, a total of 48% lost at least 5% of baseline weight, 26% lost 7% or more, and 14% lost >10% of baseline weight.

Conclusions

This pilot trial suggests that carrying out a larger Fit Body and Soul study in a faith-based setting, using behavioral lifestyle interventions, in the context of a diabetes prevention program for African American communities is feasible, as is the possibility that subjects in that larger study will achieve a clinically significant degree of weight loss.
A diagnostic challenge: Language difficulties and hearing impairment in a secondary-school student from a non-English-speaking background
Authors: Murphy Judith , Dodd Barbara
Published: May 2010

Children who have sensory, cognitive or oromotor deficits, or come from a bilingual-speaking background are currently excluded from the diagnosis of specific language impairment (SLI). Emerging evidence, however, suggests that at least 7% of all children have language learning difficulties, irrespective of other diagnoses or language learning background. The aim of this study was to investigate the language abilities of an adolescent boy with pre-lingual, severe-profound hearing loss who comes from a non-English-speaking background. This student’s performance on standardized tests is described and qualitative language analyses examine his impairment. His abilities are compared with that of a matched control. The language difficulty identified could not be attributed to either hearing impairment or non-English-speaking background. The student’s data suggest the need to expand the concept of SLI to include children with other impairments and from different language backgrounds in order to provide equity of support services and access to the classroom curriculum.
Storytelling across cultures: engendering literacy the ‘Papa Rudy’ way
Authors: Egbokhare Olayinka A. , Oyelude Adetoun A.
Published: May 2010

This article examines the approaches to storytelling as a means of encouraging literacy employed by Professor Rudy Wilson across cultures of the United States and Nigeria. It discusses the opportunities storytelling provides for children to develop an interest in reading and to build language skills. A report on an interview with Professor Wilson (known as ‘Papa Rudy’ in Nigeria) is supplemented by observations of his storytelling activities in Nigeria. The researchers conclude that storytelling is a viable tool for teaching reading. Findings show that children across cultures love stories, but their level of concentration varies with the number of alternative activities to which the child is exposed. More importantly, the success of the storytelling session depends on the teacher’s creative ability and flexibility.
Review article: The invisibility of SLA theory in mainstream creole linguistics
Authors: Sprouse Rex A.
Published: May 2010

This review article argues that contemporary mainstream second language acquisition research has extremely little, if any, impact on current scholarship in creole linguistics. After a promise of an active synergy between the two subfields 30 years ago, genuine engagement slowed to a virtual stop by the mid-1980s as both fields continued to develop on their separate paths. It is suggested that part of this diffusion is related to the historical orientation of creole linguistics as opposed to the psychological orientation of second language acquisition research. Three books by leading creole scholars are then considered, each representing one of the three major schools of thought in contemporary creole linguistics. It is found that despite the inherent interest and value of each of the volumes, none seriously engages with current second language acquisition research.
Towards a Marxist political economy of football supporters
Authors: Kennedy David , Kennedy Peter
Published: May 2010

In recent studies of football supporters, a specifically Marxist understanding of commodification has been left out of the equation, producing analysis that tends to superimpose commodification and ignore the wider relations of production out of which the dialectical contradictions of commodification arise. This paper aims to demonstrate the practical import of a Marxist political economy of football support through a case study of Everton supporters as they contest Everton Football Club’s proposed ground move. The aim is not so much to reveal class struggles or fan revolts, but rather to offer a snapshot of the daily uncertainties and dilemmas of fans, embroiled in resisting and responding to commodity fetishism in the context of an industry exhibiting a highly unstable commodity structure.
First casualty of cutbacks: the truth
Authors: Kenyon Paul
Published: May 2010

To prevent the rash and inaccurate reporting about asylum seekers, we must stare into the eyes of the story.
Mushroom lectin protects arsenic induced apoptosis in hepatocytes of rodents
Authors: Rana Tanmoy , Asit Kumar Bera  , Das Subhashree , Bhattacharya Debasis , Pan Diganta , Bandyopadhyay Subhasish , De Sumanta , Subrata Kumar Das
Published: May 2010

Acute and chronic arsenic exposure result in toxicity both in human and animal beings and cause many hepatic and renal manifestations. The present study stated that mushroom lectin prevents arsenic-induced apoptosis. Apoptosis was measured by morphological alterations, cell proliferation index (CPI), phagocytic activity (nitro blue tetrazolium index; NBT), nitric oxide (NO) production, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity. Arsenic exposure at 5 μM in the form of sodium arsenite resulted in significant elevation of deformed cells, NO production, TUNEL stained nuclei of hepatocytes, DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity. But the CPI and NBT index were significantly declined in arsenic-treated hepatocytes. The beneficial effect of mushroom lectin at 10 μg/mL, 20 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL) showed increased CPI and phagocytic activity. Mushroom lectin at those concentrations reduced deformed cells, NO production, DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 activity of hepatocytes. But significant better protection was observed in 50 μg/mL mushroom lectin-treated hepatocytes. This finding may be of therapeutic benefit in people suffering from chronic arsenic exposure.