bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VEGF/Neuropilin-2 Regulation of Bmi-1 and Consequent Repression of IGF-IR Define a Novel Mechanism of Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Goel Hira Lal , Chang Cheng , Pursell Bryan , Leav Irwin , Lyle Stephen , Xi Hualin Simon , Hsieh Chung-Cheng , Adisetiyo Helty , Roy-Burman Pradip , Coleman Ilsa M. , Nelson Peter S. , Vessella Robert L. , Davis Roger J. , Plymate Stephen R. , Mercurio Arthur M.
Published: July 2012

We show that the VEGF receptor neuropilin-2 (NRP2) is associated with high-grade, PTEN-null prostate cancer and that its expression in tumor cells is induced by PTEN loss as a consequence of c-Jun activation. VEGF/NRP2 signaling represses insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-IR) expression and signaling, and the mechanism involves Bmi-1–mediated transcriptional repression of the IGF-IR. This mechanism has significant functional and therapeutic implications that were evaluated. IGF-IR expression positively correlates with PTEN and inversely correlates with NRP2 in prostate tumors. NRP2 is a robust biomarker for predicting response to IGF-IR therapy because prostate carcinomas that express NRP2 exhibit low levels of IGF-IR. Conversely, targeting NRP2 is only modestly effective because NRP2 inhibition induces compensatory IGF-IR signaling. Inhibition of both NRP2 and IGF-IR, however, completely blocks tumor growth in vivo.

Significance: These results identify a causal role for NRP2 and VEGF/NRP2 signaling in the behavior of aggressive prostate cancers by a mechanism that involves regulation of Bmi-1, a transcriptional repressor implicated in the etiology of prostate cancer induced by loss of PTEN function, and the repression of the IGF-IR. The therapeutic implications are significant because combined inhibition of NRP2 and IGF-IR overcomes the resistance induced by targeting each receptor individually. Cancer Discov; 2(10); 906–21. ©2012 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 857.
Differential Sirtuin Expression Patterns in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Postmortem Tissue: Neuroprotective or Neurotoxic Properties of Sirtuins in ALS?
Authors: Körner Sonja , Böselt Sebastian , Thau Nadine , Rath Klaus Jan , Dengler Reinhard , Petri Susanne
Published: July 2012

Background/Aims: Sirtuins (SIRT1–7; class III histone deactylases) modulate fundamental mechanisms in age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We assessed the expression levels of sirtuins in human postmortem ALS and control brain and spinal cord. Methods and Results: By quantitative real-time PCR, a significant reduction of SIRT1 and SIRT2 was detected in homogenates of the primary motor cortex (white and gray matter), while there were no differences in spinal cord homogenates. When specifically analyzing mRNA and protein expression in the gray matter (cortical layers I–VI of the precentral gyrus, ventral/dorsal horn of the spinal cord) by in situ hybridization histochemistry and immunohistochemistry, we found increased levels of SIRT1, SIRT2 and SIRT5 in ALS which were significant for SIRT1 and SIRT5 mRNA in the spinal cord. Conclusion: Our results indicate a general reduction of SIRT1 and SIRT2 in ALS primary motor cortex, while in situ hybridization histochemistry and immunohistochemistry showed neuron-specific upregulation of SIRT1, SIRT2 and SIRT5, particularly in the spinal cord. Opposed effects have been described for SIRT1 and SIRT2: while SIRT1 activation is mainly associated with neuroprotection, SIRT2 upregulation is toxic to neuronal cells. Novel therapeutic approaches in ALS could therefore target SIRT1 activation or SIRT2 inhibition.
Altered in vitro Proliferation of Mouse SOD1-G93A Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells
Authors: Manzano Raquel , Toivonen Janne M. , Calvo Ana C. , Oliván Sara , Zaragoza Pilar , Rodellar Clementina , Montarras Didier , Osta Rosario
Published: July 2012

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset neurodegenerative disease characterized by ascending muscle weakness, atrophy and paralysis. Early muscle abnormalities that precede motor neuron loss in ALS may destabilize neuromuscular junctions, and we have previously demonstrated alterations in myogenic regulatory factor (MRF) expression in vivo and in the activation of myofiber-associated skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs) in the mouse model of ALS (SOD1-G93A). Methods: To elucidate niche dependence versus cell-autonomous mutant SOD1 (mSOD1) toxicity in this model, we measured in vitro proliferation potential and MRF and cyclin gene expression in SMSC cultures derived from fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus and slow-twitch soleus muscles of SOD1-G93A mice. Results: SMSCs from early presymptomatic (p40) to terminal, semi-paralytic (p120) SOD1-G93A mice demonstrated generally lower proliferation potential compared with age-matched controls. However, induced proliferation was observed in surgically denervated wild-type animals and SOD1-G93A animals at p90, when critical denervation arises. SMSCs from fast and slow muscles were similarly affected by mSOD1 expression. Lowered proliferation rate was generally corroborated with decreased relative MRF expression levels, although this was most prominent in early age and was modulated by muscle type origin. Cyclins controlling cell proliferation did not show modifications in their mRNA levels; however, the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (Cdkn1a), which is known to promote myoblast differentiation, was decreased in SOD1-G93A cultures. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the function of SMSCs is impaired in SOD1-G93A satellite cells from the earliest stages of the disease when no critical motor neuron loss has been described.
Activation of Transforming Growth Factor-β/Smad Signaling Reduces Aggregate Formation of Mislocalized TAR DNA-Binding Protein-43
Authors: Nakamura Masataka , Kaneko Satoshi , Ito Hidefumi , Jiang Shiwen , Fujita Kengo , Wate Reika , Nakano Satoshi , Fujisawa Jun-ichi , Kusaka Hirofumi
Published: July 2012

Background: TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) is naturally located in the nucleus and has been identified as the major component of cytoplasmic ubiquitinated inclusions in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have reported that TDP-43 and phosphorylated Smad2 (pSmad2), an intracellular mediator protein of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling, are co-localized within cytoplasmic inclusions in the anterior horn cells of sporadic ALS patients. Objective: To investigate the possible pathophysiological linkage between pathologic cytoplasmic inclusions containing TDP-43 and TGFβ/Smad signaling. Methods: We replicated cytoplasmic aggregates of TDP-43 in HEK293T cells by transfecting the cells with a nuclear localization signal deletion mutant of TDP-43 and inhibiting proteasome activity, and assessed the effect of TGFβ/Smad signaling on the cytoplasmic aggregate formation. Results: The aggregates contained ubiquitinated, phosphorylated, and fragmented TDP-43, consistent with the essential features of the human pathology. Moreover, the aggregates were co-localized with pSmad2 under continuous TGFβ stimulation. Overexpression of Smad2 reduced the amount of cytoplasmic aggregates in HEK293T cells, and TGFβ stimulation augmented this reduction effect in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Activation of the TGFβ/Smad signaling system is protective against aggregate formation of cytoplasmically mislocalized TDP-43 and may be a potential therapeutic approach to delay progression of ALS.
Relationship between Dietary Factors and Prostate-Specific Antigen in Healthy Men
Authors: Ohwaki Kazuhiro , Endo Fumiyasu , Kachi Yuko , Hattori Kazunori , Muraishi Osamu , Nishikitani Mariko , Yano Eiji
Published: July 2012

Introduction: There is little evidence indicating whether dietary factors influence prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations. We examined whether nutritional factors, including energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake were associated with PSA in healthy men. Subjects and Methods: We investigated 13,594 men aged 50 years and over who visited a hospital for a routine health checkup between 2003 and 2007. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. We performed a multiple linear regression to examine the association between PSA and dietary intake. Results: After controlling for age, body mass index, and physical activity, PSA was significantly negatively associated with percent protein intake (p for trend < 0.001). Compared with the lowest quintile, PSA was 5.8% lower (95% CI: –8.9 to –2.5%) in the highest quintile. We also observed a significant positive association between percent fat intake and PSA concentration (p for trend 0.043). PSA was 3.4% greater (95% CI: 0–6.9%) among men in the highest quintile compared with those in the lowest quintile. Conclusions: Men who had a lower percent protein intake and higher percent fat intake had an elevated PSA level, although the magnitude of these associations was small.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound and Cryotherapy as Salvage Treatment in Local Radio-Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Authors: Autran-Gomez Ana Maria , Scarpa Roberto Mario , Chin Joseph
Published: July 2012

Background: Salvage high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and cryotherapy (CRYO) have emerged as interesting alternatives in the treatment of local radio-recurrent prostate cancer. Currently, recommendations concerning the use of CRYO and HIFU in the salvage setting are still evolving. Aim: The objective of this review was to analyze the results from studies on CRYO and HIFU as salvage treatment in local radio-recurrent prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: A National Center for Biotechnology Information PubMed search (www.pubmed.gov) was conducted from 1993 to 2011 using medical subject headings ‘High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound’, ‘Cryotherapy’, ‘Local Radio-Recurrent’ and ‘Prostate Cancer’. Results: In the past years, there have been several published series demonstrating promising acceptable morbidity and oncological outcomes in the short term for HIFU and in the intermediate term for CRYO. The introduction of newer-generation devices and technical modifications has facilitated reduction of complications associated with the procedures. As with any salvage treatment, careful patient selection and subsequent follow-up are principal points. Conclusions: HIFU and CRYO are promising salvage treatments in patients with local radio-recurrent prostate cancer. The risk of significant complications in the salvage setting is higher compared with primary therapy; therefore, the patients must be informed about the risk of complications and the modality of treatment. However, only further evaluation in formal prospective clinical trials will hopefully confirm their role in clinical practice.
Duplication of the Miller-Dieker Critical Region in a Patient with a Subtelomeric Unbalanced Translocation t(10;17)(p15.3;p13.3)
Authors: Ruiz Esparza-Garrido R. , Velázquez-Wong A.C. , Araujo-Solís M.A. , Huicochea-Montiel J.C. , Velázquez-Flores M.Á. , Salamanca-Gómez F. , Arenas-Aranda D.J.
Published: July 2012

Submicroscopic duplications in the Miller-Dieker critical region have been recently described as new genomic disorders. To date, only a few cases have been reported with overlapping 17p13.3 duplications in this region. Also, small deletions that affect chromosome region 10p14→pter are rarely described in the literature. In this study, we describe, to our knowledge for the first time, a 5-year-old female patient with intellectual disability who has an unbalanced 10;17 translocation inherited from the father. The girl was diagnosed by subtelomeric FISH and array-CGH, showing a 4.43-Mb heterozygous deletion on chromosome 10p that involved 14 genes and a 3.22-Mb single-copy gain on chromosome 17p, which includes the critical region of the Miller-Dieker syndrome and 61 genes. The patient’s karyotype was established as 46,XX.arr 10p15.3p15.1(138,206–4,574,436)x1,17p13.3(87,009–3,312,600)x3. Because our patient exhibits a combination of 2 imbalances, she has phenotypic features of both chromosome abnormalities, which have been reported separately. Interestingly, the majority of patients who carry the deletion 10p have visual and auditory deficiencies that are attributed to loss of the GATA3 gene. However, our patient also presents severe hearing and visual problems even though GATA3 is present, suggesting the involvement of different genes that affect the development of the visual and auditory systems.
Visit-to-Visit Blood Pressure Variability Is a Strong Predictor of Cardiovascular Events in Hemodialysis
Authors: Rossignol Patrick , Cridlig Joelle , Lehert Philippe , Kessler Michèle , Zannad Faiez
Published: July 2012

Optimal blood pressure (BP) targets are still controversial in end-stage renal disease. Recent data have highlighted shortcomings of the usual BP hypothesis in other patient populations and emphasized the importance of visit-to-visit variability of BP in predicting cardiovascular events. The Fosinopril in Dialysis Study failed to demonstrate the efficacy of 2-year angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition with fosinopril versus placebo in 397 hemodialysis patients with left ventricular hypertrophy but provided an opportunity to assess the influence of BP variability on cardiovascular events. The primary end point was the occurrence of a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina, stroke, revascularization, hospitalization for heart failure, and resuscitated cardiac arrest. The variations in BP throughout the 17 visits were assessed by within-patient overall variability of systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures between adjacent readings, by within-patient overall variability of systolic/diastolic/pulse pressures, and the residual of the linear fit. Compared with our previous predictive model of cardiovascular events occurrence based on stroke, peripheral arterial disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, left ventricular mass, and age (which exhibited similar coefficients herein), the percentage of explained variance improved by 30.1% (
R
2
=0.141–0.183) when adding the coefficient of variation of within-patient overall variability of systolic BP. Usual BP parameters were neither cardiovascular events predictors nor correlated to BP variability. Visit-to-visit BP variability was extremely high in hemodialysis patients compared with other populations and a major determinant of cardiovascular events. Such assessments should be prioritized for testing prevention strategies in end-stage renal disease.
Failure to Downregulate the Epithelial Sodium Channel Causes Salt Sensitivity in
Hsd11b2
Heterozygote Mice
Authors: Craigie Eilidh , Evans Louise C. , Mullins John J. , Bailey Matthew A.
Published: July 2012

In vivo, the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 influences ligand access to the mineralocorticoid receptor. Ablation of the encoding gene,
HSD11B2
, causes the hypertensive syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess. Studies in humans and experimental animals have linked reduced 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 activity and salt sensitivity of blood pressure. In the present study, renal mechanisms underpinning salt sensitivity were investigated in
Hsd11b2
+/−
mice fed low-, standard-, and high-sodium diets. In wild-type mice, there was a strong correlation between dietary sodium content and fractional sodium excretion but not blood pressure. High sodium feeding abolished amiloride-sensitive sodium reabsorption, consistent with downregulation of the epithelial sodium channel. In
Hsd11b2
+/−
mice, the natriuretic response to increased dietary sodium content was blunted, and epithelial sodium channel activity persisted. High-sodium diet also reduced renal blood flow and increased blood pressure in
Hsd11b2
+/−
mice. Aldosterone was modulated by dietary sodium in both genotypes, and salt sensitivity in
Hsd11b2
+/−
mice was associated with increased plasma corticosterone levels. Chronic administration of an epithelial sodium channel blocker or a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist prevented salt sensitivity in
Hsd11b2
+/−
mice, whereas mineralocorticoid receptor blockade with spironolactone did not. This study shows that reduced 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 causes salt sensitivity of blood pressure because of impaired renal natriuretic capacity. This reflects deregulation of epithelial sodium channels and increased renal vascular resistance. The phenotype is not caused by illicit activation of mineralocorticoid receptors by glucocorticoids but by direct activation of glucocorticoid receptors.
Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor–Mediated Inhibition of NaCl Absorption Is Blunted in Thick Ascending Limbs From Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats
Authors: Hong Nancy J. , Garvin Jeffrey L.
Published: July 2012

NO reduces NaCl absorption by thick ascending limbs (TALs) by inhibiting the Na/K/2Cl cotransporter (NKCC2). We have shown that NO-induced inhibition of Na transport is reduced in Dahl salt-sensitive rat (SS) TALs. Angiotensin II increases NO production in TALs via angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT
2
R). It is unknown whether AT
2
Rs regulate TAL NaCl absorption and whether this effect is reduced in SS rats. We hypothesized that AT
2
R activation decreases TAL Na transport via NO, and this effect is blunted in SS rats. In the presence of angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist losartan, AT
2
R activation with angiotensin II inhibited NKCC2 activity by 32±7% (
P
<0.03). AT
2
R antagonist PD-123319 abolished the effect of angiotensin II. Activation with the AT
2
R-selective agonist CGP42112A (10 nmol/L) decreased NKCC2 activity by 29±6% (
P
<0.03). The effect of CGP42112A on NKCC2 activity was blocked by PD-123319 and by NO synthase inhibitor
N
G
-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester. In Dahl salt-resistant rat TALs, 1 nmol/L of CGP42112A decreased NKCC2 activity by 23±4% (
P
<0.01). In SS TALs, it had no effect. TAL AT
2
R mRNA did not differ in SS versus salt-resistant rats. We conclude the following: (1) TAL AT
2
R activation decreases Na absorption; (2) this effect is mediated by AT
2
R-induced stimulation of NO; (3) AT
2
R-induced reduction of NKCC2 activity is blunted in SS rats; and (4) defects in AT
2
R/NO signaling rather than decreased AT
2
R expression likely account for the blunted effect in SS TALs. Impaired AT
2
R-mediated signaling in TALs could contribute to the Na retention associated with salt-sensitive hypertension.
Energy Landscapes of Atomic Clusters as Black Box Optimization Benchmarks
Authors: Müller C. L. , Sbalzarini I. F.
Published: July 2012

We present the energy minimization of atomic clusters as a promising problem class for continuous black box optimization benchmarks. Finding the arrangement of atoms that minimizes a given potential energy is a specific instance of the more general class of geometry optimization or packing problems, which are generally NP-complete. Atomic clusters are a well-studied subject in physics and chemistry. From the large set of available cluster optimization problems, we propose two specific instances: Cohn-Kumar clusters and Lennard-Jones clusters. The potential energies of these clusters are governed by distance-dependent pairwise interaction potentials. The resulting collection of landscapes is composed of smooth and rugged single-funnel topologies, as well as tunable double-funnel topologies. In addition, all problems possess a feature that is not covered by the synthetic functions in current black box optimization test suites: isospectral symmetry. This property implies that any atomic arrangement is uniquely defined by the pairwise distance spectrum, rather than the absolute atomic positions. We hence suggest that the presented problem instances should be included in black box optimization benchmark suites.
Resampling versus Repair in Evolution Strategies Applied to a Constrained Linear Problem
Authors: Arnold Dirk V.
Published: July 2012

We study the behaviour of multi-recombination evolution strategies for the problem of maximising a linear function with a single linear constraint. Two variants of the algorithm are considered: a strategy that resamples infeasible candidate solutions and one that applies a simple repair mechanism. Integral expressions that describe the strategies’ one-generation behaviour are derived and used in a simple zeroth order model for the steady state attained when operating with constant step size. Applied to the analysis of cumulative step size adaptation, the approach provides an intuitive explanation for the qualitative difference in the algorithm variants’ behaviour. The findings have implications for the design of constraint handling techniques to be used in connection with cumulative step size adaptation.
Black Box Optimization Benchmarking of the GLOBAL Method
Authors: Pál László , Csendes Tibor , Markót Mihály Csaba , Neumaier Arnold
Published: July 2012

GLOBAL is a multi-start type stochastic method for bound constrained global optimization problems. Its goal is to find the best local minima that are potentially global. For this reason it involves a combination of sampling, clustering, and local search. The role of clustering is to reduce the number of local searches by forming groups of points around the local minimizers from a uniformly sampled domain and to start few local searches in each of those groups. We evaluate the performance of the GLOBAL algorithm on the BBOB 2009 noiseless testbed, containing problems which reflect the typical difficulties arising in real-world applications. The obtained results are also compared with those obtained form the simple multi-start procedure in order to analyze the effects of the applied clustering rule. An improved parameterization is introduced in the GLOBAL method and the performance of the new procedure is compared with the performance of the MATLAB GlobalSearch solver by using the BBOB 2010 test environment.
Environmental Controls on the Surface Energy Budget over a Large Southern Inland Water in the United States: An Analysis of One-Year Eddy Covariance Flux Data
Authors: Liu Heping , Zhang Qianyu , Dowler Gordon
Published: July 2012

The authors analyzed the surface energy fluxes that were measured by an eddy covariance system over the Ross Barnett Reservoir in Mississippi for a 1-yr period in 2008. On a monthly basis over the course of the year, positive vertical temperature and vapor pressure differences were observed, though negative vertical temperature differences occurred occasionally during some short periods when overwater air masses were warmer than the water surface. Consequently, the unstable atmospheric surface layer (ASL) and sufficient mechanical mixing led to positive sensible H and latent λE heat fluxes. The quantities H and λE were distinctively out of phase with the net radiation Rn. The H and λE from the water to the ASL was still substantial on nights with a negative Rn and in winter when Rn was very small. From February to August, approximately 60%–91% of the Rn was used for H and λE, with the remainder being stored in the water. Fueled by the previously stored heat in the water, H and λE exceeded Rn by almost 3 times from September to January. Nighttime evaporation represented a large loss of water (i.e., λE = 82.8 W m−2 at night versus 91.4 W m−2 during the daytime). Intraseasonal and seasonal variations in H and λE were strongly affected by frequent passages of large-scale air masses that were brought in by different synoptic weather systems (e.g., cyclones or anticyclones). The authors’ analysis suggested that this southern reservoir responded to atmospheric forcings on both diurnal and seasonal scales in the same ways as northern lakes of comparable sizes and depths.
Spatial-Scale Characteristics of Precipitation Simulated by Regional Climate Models and the Implications for Hydrological Modeling
Authors: Rasmussen S. H. , Christensen J. H. , Drews M. , Gochis D. J. , Refsgaard J. C.
Published: July 2012

Precipitation simulated by regional climate models (RCMs) is generally biased with respect to observations, especially at the local scale of a few tens of kilometers. This study investigates how well two different RCMs are able to reproduce the spatial correlation patterns of observed summer precipitation for the central United States. On local scales, gridded precipitation observations and simulated precipitation are compared for the period of the 1987 First International Satellite Land Surface Climatological Project Field Experiment (FIFE) campaign. The results show that spatial correlation length scales on the order of 130 km are found in both observed data and RCM simulations. When simulations and observations are aggregated to different grid sizes, the pattern correlation significantly decreases when the aggregation length is less than roughly 100 km. Furthermore, the intermodel standard deviation between simulations with different domains or resolutions increases for aggregation lengths below ~130 km. Below this length scale there is a high level of randomness in the precise location of precipitation events. Conversely, spatial correlation values increase above this length scale, reflecting larger predictive certainty of the RCMs at larger scales. The findings on aggregated grid scales are shown to be largely independent of the underlying RCMs grid resolutions but not of the overall size of RCM domain. With regard to hydrological modeling applications, these findings indicate that precipitation extracted from the present RCM simulations at a catchment scale below the intermodel standard deviation length cannot be expected to accurately match observations.
Wavenumber–Frequency Spectra of Inertia–Gravity and Mixed Rossby–Gravity Waves in the Equatorial Pacific Ocean
Authors: Farrar J. Thomas , Durland Theodore S.
Published: July 2012

In the 1970s and 1980s, there was considerable interest in near-equatorial variability at periods of days to weeks associated with oceanic equatorial inertia–gravity waves and mixed Rossby–gravity waves. At that time, the measurements available for studying these waves were much more limited than today: most of the available observations were from scattered island tide gauges and a handful of short mooring records. More than a decade of the extensive modern data record from the Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO)/Triangle Trans-Ocean Buoy Network (TRITON) mooring array in the Pacific Ocean is used to reexamine the internal-wave climate in the equatorial Pacific, with a focus on interpretation of the zonal-wavenumber/frequency spectrum of surface dynamic height relative to 500 decibars at periods of 3–15 days and zonal wavelengths exceeding 30° of longitude. To facilitate interpretation of the dynamic height spectrum and identification of equatorial wave modes, the spectrum is decomposed into separate spectra associated with dynamic height fluctuations that are symmetric or antisymmetric about the equator. Many equatorial-wave meridional modes can be identified, for both the first and second baroclinic mode. Zonal-wavenumber/frequency spectra of the zonal and meridional wind stress components are also examined. The observed wind stress spectra are used with linear theory of forced equatorial waves to provide a tentative explanation for the zonal-wavenumber extent of the spectral peaks seen in dynamic height. Examination of the cross-equatorial symmetry properties of the wind stress suggests that virtually all of the large-scale equatorial inertia–gravity and mixed Rossby–gravity waves examined may be sensitive to both zonal and meridional wind stress.
Evaluating Added Benefits of Assimilating GOES Imager Radiance Data in GSI for Coastal QPFs
Authors: Qin Zhengkun , Zou Xiaolei , Weng Fuzhong
Published: July 2012

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) provide high-resolution, temporally continuous imager radiance data over the West Coast (GOES-West currently known as GOES-11) and East Coast (GOES-East currently GOES-12) of the United States. Through a real case study, benefits of adding GOES-11/12 imager radiances to the satellite data streams in NWP systems for improved coastal precipitation forecasts are examined. The Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) is employed for GOES imager radiance simulations in the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) gridpoint statistical interpolation (GSI) analysis system. The GOES imager radiances are added to conventional data for coastal quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) experiments near the northern Gulf of Mexico and the derived precipitation threat score was compared with those from six other satellite instruments. It is found that the GOES imager radiance produced better precipitation forecasts than those from any other satellite instrument. However, when GOES imager radiance and six different types of satellite instruments are all assimilated, the score becomes much lower than the individual combination of GOES and any other instrument. Our analysis shows that an elimination of Advance Microwave Sounding Unit-B (AMSU-B)/Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) data over areas where GOES detects clouds significantly improved the forecast scores from AMSU-B/MHS data assimilation.
A Thermodynamic Analysis of an Intense North American Arctic Air Mass
Authors: Turner Jessica K. , Gyakum John , Milrad Shawn M.
Published: July 2012

Northwestern Canada is a genesis region of arctic air masses often considered to be formed primarily through radiative processes. However, the details of their life cycle are poorly understood. This paper examines the formation, maintenance, and dissipation of an intense and long-lived arctic air mass, using a thermodynamic budget analysis.

The airmass formation is characterized by a deep-layer, multistage process that begins with snow falling into a nascent air mass. Radiative cooling from cloud tops begins the process. After the snow abates and clear skies are observed, the surface temperature drops rapidly, aided by the high emissivity of fresh snow cover, falling 17°C in two days, creating an intense but shallow temperature inversion. Once the surface temperature falls below the frost point, ice crystals form. Afterward, although the surface temperature remains constant, the height of the inversion rises, as radiative cooling at the top of the ice fog layer decreases temperatures.

During the maintenance phase, a cold-air damming structure is present with an anticyclone in the lee of the Canadian Rockies, low pressure in the Gulf of Alaska, and an intense baroclinic zone parallel to the mountains, separating warmer maritime air from colder continental air. The air mass persists for 12 days, undergoing several cycles of deep-layer weakening and intensification.
Tropical Cyclone Formation in Environments with Cool SST and High Wind Shear over the Northeastern Atlantic Ocean*
Authors: Mauk Rachel G. , Hobgood Jay S.
Published: July 2012

Tropical cyclones with nontropical characteristics are being identified more frequently over the North Atlantic Ocean in recent years. These systems present forecasting challenges because of their hybrid structure. The authors analyze environmental conditions preceding the formation of 20 late-season northeastern Atlantic tropical cyclones identified during the 1975–2005 seasons. A recent tropical storm, Grace (2009), is discussed as a case study. Seventeen of the 20 systems originated from nontropical systems (surface low, frontal weak, and frontal strong). Three tropical cyclones experienced nontropical influences during development despite originating from tropical waves. Ambient sea surface temperatures, relative vorticity, vertical temperature profiles, and wind shear are investigated to identify conditions conducive to tropical cyclone formation. Tropical cyclones developing from nontropical precursors form in environments distinct from the classical tropical cyclone environment. For 17 systems, sea surface temperatures are cooler than 26°C. Stability analysis suggests that convection is shallow. Wind shear decreases for the 850–300-hPa layer in comparison to the 850–200-hPa layer. Most systems still experience shear in excess of 8 m s−1 for the 850–300-hPa layer. It is suggested that late-season tropical cyclones in this region are shallower in vertical extent than typical tropical cyclones, which reduces the impact of strong wind shear in the 850–200-hPa layer.
Nancy E. Betz
Authors: Subich Linda
Published: July 2012

Nancy E. Betz is a deeply respected pioneer in the areas of vocational psychology, the career development of women, and measurement and vocational assessment. Her scholarship in these areas is recognized nationally and internationally and dates to her early, innovative collaboration with Gail Hackett to apply Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy to understand the vocational behavior of women. This interview traces the life and career stories of Nancy Betz and in doing so illustrates the personal and contextual influences that shaped the person and professional she was to become. Nancy’s story is a powerful illustration of a number of central themes of counseling psychology, including the critical importance of scientific rigor, humanistic values, social influences, and diverse perspectives.
Examining Contexts-of-Use for Web-Based and Paper-Based Questionnaires
Authors: Hardré Patricia L. , Crowson H. Michael , Xie Kui
Published: July 2012

Questionnaire instruments are frequently administered in digital formats, largely web-based, without much systematic investigation of possible effects from these administration methods. Furthermore, little attention has been given to the contextual lack of control for extraneous factors that may influence user responses. In this study, 263 university students were randomly assigned to one of two administration formats, web-based (WBA) or paper-based (PBA), to complete a set of questionnaires in an environment of their choice. Data collection included reporting context characteristics along three parameters: location, companions, and concurrent activities (including help-seeking). Outcomes of interest included location and conditions of user-chosen contexts, instrument performance, generative data quantity and quality, independence of completion, administrative efficiency, and participant affect. Participants did choose and allow distracters in their contexts-of-use, completing the questionnaires while engaged in multiple social and asocial concurrent activities. There were generally small but significant differences in instrument performance and user response characteristics by administration method and contexts-of-use. Participant comfort and data returned were both higher in PBA than WBA. Quantity return of generative data was higher in WBA while overall quality (completeness, coherence, correctness) of generative data was not significantly different. These findings present implications of administrative methods and contextual influences that inform measurement professionals’ selection and design of administrative systems and conditions for research and evaluation data collection.
Contradictory Aspects of Organized Youth Sport
Authors: Trussell Dawn E.
Published: July 2012

This article presents findings from an interpretive study that sought to understand how organized sport at the community level influences sibling relationships and interactions. The meanings of the participants’ sport involvement, in relation to their siblings’, was also examined using a constructivist approach to grounded theory. Nineteen youth (9 boys and 10 girls) from 7 different families living in a rural community in Canada participated in the study. The findings call attention to the significance of organized youth sport to enhance opportunities to spend time together, to shape perceptions of fairness and equality, and the implications that occur when living with a star athlete. Emphasis is placed on the contradictory nature of organized youth sport to strengthen and challenge sibling relationships as well as the potential of sibling dynamics to alter the nature of the participation experiences.
The relationship between organizational democracy and socio-moral climate: Exploring effects of the ethical context in organizations
Authors: Verdorfer Armin Pircher , Weber Wolfgang G , Unterrainer Christine , Seyr Sarah
Published: July 2012

A great deal of attention has been devoted recently to the study of the ethical context in organizations. This article refines the concept of socio-moral climate (SCM) and its impact on organizational socialization towards ethics-related behavioural orientations. The authors expand on previous research by focusing also on specific pre-occupational socialization experiences. The empirical research was conducted in northern Italy. Employees from small and medium-sized enterprises with different levels of structurally anchored organizational democracy were surveyed with standardized questionnaire scales. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between structurally anchored organizational democracy, SMC and employees’ attitudes pertaining to prosocial work behaviours, solidarity at work, democratic engagement orientation and organizational commitment. Controlling for pre-occupational socialization experiences, the results provide evidence for a substantial socialization potential linked to structurally anchored organizational democracy and a favourable work environment in terms of SMC.
Disabling communications? A capabilities perspective on media access, social inclusion and communication policy
Authors: Sourbati Maria
Published: July 2012

Digital information and communication technologies feature prominently in programmes to promote social inclusion and to implement extensive reform in public service provision across Europe. The transition to an all-digital communications environment and the digital ‘switchover’ of public services bring to the fore a need to rethink access as a goal of public policy. This article probes patterns of internet diffusion among disabled people using capabilities framework and resource-based models of access. The analysis highlights the multi-dimensional character of media access capability as the space to evaluate policies for social inclusion; the relational character of disability as a phenomenon of the interface between personal circumstances and structural disadvantage; a capability failure resulting from a gap in policy commitment to promote universal access for disabled people and other excluded groups; and a requirement for policies sensitive to the need for additional resources to equalize the media access capabilities of these individuals.
Directional dependence in developmental research
Authors: von Eye Alexander , DeShon Richard P.
Published: July 2012

In this article, we discuss and propose methods that may be of use to determine direction of dependence in non-normally distributed variables. First, it is shown that standard regression analysis is unable to distinguish between explanatory and response variables. Then, skewness and kurtosis are discussed as tools to assess deviation from normality. Deviation from normality can be used to assess direction of dependence. This proposition is based on the fact that the response variable will always have less skew than the independent variable (Dodge & Rousson, 2000). It has been shown that the cube of the Pearson correlation coefficient can be calculated as the ratio of the skewness measures of the correlated variables. Because correlations cannot exceed the interval (−1.0; +1.0), directional dependence of the two correlated variables can be determined by the ratio that results in a correlation that stays within this interval. It is also proposed that other measures of deviation from normality can be used to determine directional dependence; for example, kurtosis. Recommendations are given for making decisions concerning directional dependence. Empirical data examples from developmental research on violence against women and on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) illustrate the use of the methodology. Cross-sectional and temporal directional dependence are discussed, and the effects of onset of a causal agent and termination of a causal agent are illustrated.
Over-optimism and entry and exit from self-employment
Authors: Dawson Chris , Henley Andrew
Published: July 2012

This article develops a conceptual framework for addressing the relationship between over-optimism and entry into, and survival in, self-employed business ownership. Previous research has rarely examined over-optimism and the dynamics of business ownership. Using a large-scale British longitudinal survey, the relationship between over-optimism and self-employment transitions is investigated. The results show that over-optimism is associated with higher transition into business ownership. However, over-optimism at the point of entry is also associated with lower rates of subsequent duration in business ownership, despite the possibility that exits may be slowed by threshold inertia and non-financial motives for remaining self-employed.
Biomechanical Analysis of the Pectoralis Major Tendon and Comparison of Techniques for Tendo-osseous Repair
Authors: Sherman Seth L. , Lin Emery C. , Verma Nikhil N. , Mather Richard C. , Gregory James M. , Dishkin Justin , Harwood Daniel P. , Wang Vincent M. , Shewman Elizabeth F. , Cole Brian J. , Romeo Anthony A.
Published: July 2012

Background:

Various described surgical techniques exist for the repair of pectoralis major ruptures at the tendo-osseous junction. It is unclear how these techniques restore the native properties of the pectoralis major tendon because its biomechanical properties have not been described.

Hypothesis:

All repairs will have lower initial biomechanical profiles than the native attachment, and transosseous sutures will demonstrate improved initial biomechanical performance compared with anchors or buttons.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty-four fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were randomized to 4 equal groups, including 3 experimental repair groups and 1 control group of intact pectoralis major tendons. The characteristics of the native anatomic footprint were recorded, and the experimental groups underwent pectoralis detachment, followed by subsequent repair. The restoration of the anatomic footprint was recorded. All specimens were tested with cyclic loading and load-to-failure protocols with load, displacement, and optical marker data simultaneously collected.

Results:

Under cyclic loading, the intact specimens demonstrated a significantly higher secant stiffness (74.8 ± 1.6 N/mm) than the repair groups (endosteal Pec Button [PB], 46.2 ± 6.4 N/mm; suture anchor [SA], 45.9 ± 8.7 N/mm; transosseous [TO], 44.2 ± 5.5 N/mm). Measured as a percentage change, the PB and SA groups showed a significantly higher initial excursion than the intact group (PB, 24.0% ± 11.7%; SA, 17.5% ± 6.9%; intact, 2.2% ± 1.0%), and the PB group demonstrated a significantly higher cyclic elongation than the intact group (PB, 7.5% ± 2.9%; intact, 1.5% ± 1.5%). Under load-to-failure testing, the intact group showed a significantly greater maximum load (1454.8 ± 795.7 N) and linear stiffness (221.0 ± 111.7 N/mm) than the 3 repair groups (PB, 353.5 ± 88.3 N and 63.5 ± 6.9 N/mm; SA, 292.0 ± 73.3 N and 77.0 ± 7.8 N/mm; TO, 359.2 ± 110.4 N and 64.5 ± 14.1 N/mm, respectively). All repair constructs failed via suture pulling through the tendon.

Conclusion:

The biomechanical characteristics of the transosseous repair, suture anchors, or Pec Button repair were inferior to those of the native pectoralis tendon. There was no significant difference in any of the biomechanical outcomes among the repair groups. Further refinement and evaluation of suture technique and configuration in pectoralis major repair should be considered.

Clinical Relevance:

Transosseous repair, suture anchors, and endosteal Pec Buttons appear to confer similar biomechanical integrity for pectoralis major repair. Restricting early activities to thresholds below the identified failure loads seems prudent until soft tissue healing to bone is reliably achieved.
Protective effects of aqueous extract of Hammada scoparia against hepatotoxicity induced by ethanol in the rat
Authors: Bourogaa Ezzeddine , Jarraya Raoudha Mezghani , Nciri Riadh , Damak Mohamed , Elfeki Abdelfattah
Published: July 2012

Aqueous extract (AE) of Hammada scoparia leaves was chemically characterized and its hepatoprotective activities were investigated in vivo in rat model. Wistar rats were treated daily with 35% ethanol solution (3 g/kg/day) during 4 weeks and fed with basal diet or basal diet containing AE (200 mg/kg/day). Control rats were treated with saline solution and fed with basal diet. The bioactivity of AE against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rat liver was studied in order to explore its hepatoprotective effects. H. scoparia extract used at 200 mg/kg body weight significantly prevented the effects of ethanol, which induced a hepatic pathological damage and increased the levels of the serum markers of the enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Concomitantly, with these changes, this extract also prevented ethanol-induced oxidative stress in the rat liver as evidenced by the decreased lipid peroxidation level, a considerable decrease in the activities of AST, ALT and ALP and restoring the activities of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. These biochemical changes were consistent with histopathological observations suggesting marked hepatoprotective effect of the AE of H. scoparia.
Matching Personality and Organizational Culture
Authors: Gardner William L. , Reithel Brian J. , Cogliser Claudia C. , Walumbwa Fred O. , Foley Richard T.
Published: July 2012

If the “people make the place,” what kinds of people (personalities) fit into what kinds of places (organizations), and how might the recruitment messages of the organization facilitate a better fit? The authors explored the extent to which recruitment strategy (realistic vs. traditional) and the Five-Factor model of personality (FFM) were related to subjective person–organization fit (P-O fit) with the four organizational cultures encompassed by Cameron and Quinn’s Competing Values model (CVM). Contrary to expectations, recruitment strategy did not have an effect on subjective P-O fit. Consistent with our hypotheses, (a) more agreeable and extraverted perceived greater fit with the clan culture, (b) more conscientious and less open persons perceived a better fit with a hierarchy culture, (c) less agreeable persons perceived a better fit with a market culture, and (d) persons who scored higher on openness perceived a better fit with an adhocracy culture.
Dynamic simulation and stress analysis for reciprocating compressor crankshaft
Authors: Yu Bin-yan , Feng Quan-ke , Yu Xiao-ling
Published: July 2012

With the continuous trend toward high speed and large size, the reciprocating compressor crankshaft faces more serious potential threat of crack due to vibration. Therefore, early stress analysis of the crankshaft must be done thoroughly in the design stage. This article introduces a method, which combines flexible body dynamic and finite element analysis to calculate stress of the crankshaft. In this method, the load variation with time is obtained by flexible body dynamics simulation of crank and connecting rod mechanism. After that loads are loaded on finite element model of the crankshaft, and then the stress of the crankshaft is calculated in time domain. This stress can be utilized to do fatigue analysis and predict the life of crankshaft. Using this method, stress of a practical crankshaft, belonging to 6M51 reciprocating compressor, is calculated. The result showed that the maximum von Mises stress is 158 MPa, and the estimated life, which was calculated by Palmgren–Miner linear damage accumulation theory, is 2.0230e + 007 hours.