bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aurora-A Is Essential for the Tumorigenic Capacity and Chemoresistance of Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Cammareri Patrizia , Scopelliti Alessandro , Todaro Matilde , Eterno Vincenzo , Francescangeli Federica , Moyer Mary Pat , Agrusa Antonino , Dieli Francesco , Zeuner Ann , Stassi Giorgio
Published: May 2010

Colorectal cancer stem cells (CR-CSC) are responsible for the generation and maintenance of intestinal tumors and are highly resistant to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Aurora-A, a serine-threonine kinase involved in mitosis regulation, plays multiple key functions in tumor initiation and progression. We found that Aurora-A is overexpressed in primary colorectal tumor cells, in the CR-CSC fraction, and in stem cell–derived differentiated cells, compared with normal colon tissue. Aurora-A expression was functionally linked to centrosome amplification in CR-CSC, as indicated by the decrease in cells with multiple centrosomes that followed Aurora-A silencing. Knockdown of Aurora-A resulted in growth inhibition of CR-CSC, alteration of cell cycle kinetics, and downregulation of the expression levels of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family members, strongly sensitizing to chemotherapy-induced cell death. Moreover, Aurora-A silencing compromised the ability to form tumor xenografts in immunocompromised mice and reduced the migratory capacity of CR-CSC. Altogether, these results indicate that Aurora-A is essential for CR-CSC regeneration and resistance to cytotoxic stimuli and suggest that therapies directed against Aurora-A may effectively target the stem cell population in colorectal cancer. Cancer Res; 70(11); 4655–65. ©2010 AACR.
Phase I Open-Label Study of Continuous Treatment with BIBF 1120, a Triple Angiokinase Inhibitor, and Pemetrexed in Pretreated Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Ellis Peter M. , Kaiser Rolf , Zhao Yihua , Stopfer Peter , Gyorffy Steve , Hanna Nasser
Published: May 2010

Introduction: BIBF 1120 (planned brand name Vargatef) is a novel, oral, triple angiokinase inhibitor targeting three receptor classes involved in blood vessel formation. The objectives of this phase I, open-label dose-escalation study were to determine the safety, tolerability, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of BIBF 1120 with pemetrexed in patients with recurrent advanced-stage non–small cell lung carcinoma.

Patients and Methods: Patients harboring a tumor of any non–small cell lung carcinoma histology, previously treated with one first-line platinum-based chemotherapy regimen, received a BIBF 1120 starting dose of 100 mg bid (days 2-21) with pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 (day 1) over a 21-day cycle. Previous pemetrexed treatment was not permitted. BIBF 1120 dose was escalated until the MTD was determined.

Results: Twenty-six patients were treated. During treatment cycle (TC) 1, dose-limiting toxicities were experienced by one patient receiving 100 mg bid, one patient receiving 150 mg bid, one patient receiving 200 mg bid, and two patients receiving 250 mg bid BIBF 1120. Two additional dose-limiting toxicities were observed in TC 1 in an expanded patient cohort receiving 200 mg bid. Gastrointestinal disorders (84.6%), general disorders, and administration site conditions (76.9%) were the most frequent drug-related adverse events. One patient had a complete response 44 days after initiating trial medication; 50% had stable disease as the best overall response. No clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions between BIBF 1120 and pemetrexed were observed.

Conclusion: The MTD of BIBF 1120 in combination with standard-dose pemetrexed was 200 mg bid. Continuous daily treatment with BIBF 1120 in this combination was tolerable, with promising signs of efficacy. Clin Cancer Res; 16(10); 2881–9. ©2010 AACR.
Pemetrexed Safety and Pharmacokinetics in Patients with Third-Space Fluid
Authors: Dickgreber Nicolas J. , Sorensen Jens Benn , Paz-Ares Luis G. , Schytte Tine Kjestrup , Latz Jane E. , Schneck Karen B. , Yuan Zheng , Sanchez-Torres José Miguel
Published: May 2010

Purpose: Pemetrexed is established as first-line treatment with cisplatin for malignant pleural mesothelioma and advanced nonsquamous non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and as single-agent second-line treatment for nonsquamous NSCLC. Because the structure and pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed are similar to those of methotrexate, and methotrexate is associated with severe toxicity in patients with third-space fluid (TSF), the safety of pemetrexed in patients with TSF was evaluated.

Experimental Design: Patients with TSF (pleural effusions, ascites) and relapsed, stage III/IV NSCLC or malignant pleural/peritoneal mesothelioma were treated with pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) on day 1 of each 21-day cycle. TSF was drained at any time only if clinically indicated. Plasma samples were collected during cycles 1 and 2 to compare pemetrexed concentrations with reference data from patients without TSF.

Results: Thirty-one patients with TSF received 123 pemetrexed doses (median, 4 cycles per patient; range, 1-11; mean dose intensity, 97.5%). Seven grade 3/4 drug-related toxicities, including four hematologic, were reported; there were no treatment-related deaths. There was no correlation between TSF amount and type, number, and sequelae of toxicities. Pemetrexed plasma concentrations were within the range of those in patients without TSF. Pemetrexed clearance and central volume of distribution were not statistically different between patients with and without TSF.

Conclusions: No clinically relevant alterations of pemetrexed pharmacokinetics occurred in patients with TSF. Pemetrexed was well tolerated; toxicities were expected and manageable. The standard pemetrexed dose recommendations were adequate for patients with TSF in this study. These data suggest that draining TSF before administering pemetrexed is unnecessary. Clin Cancer Res; 16(10); 2872–80. ©2010 AACR.
Tumor Metabolism and Blood Flow as Assessed by Positron Emission Tomography Varies by Tumor Subtype in Locally Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Specht Jennifer M. , Kurland Brenda F. , Montgomery Susan K. , Dunnwald Lisa K. , Doot Robert K. , Gralow Julie R. , Ellis Georgina K. , Linden Hannah M. , Livingston Robert B. , Allison Kimberly H. , Schubert Erin K. , Mankoff David A.
Published: May 2010

Purpose: Dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) imaging can identify patterns of breast cancer metabolism and perfusion in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) that are predictive of response. This analysis examines tumor metabolism and perfusion by tumor subtype.

Experimental Design: Tumor subtype was defined by immunohistochemistry in 71 patients with locally advanced breast cancer undergoing NC. Subtype was defined as luminal [estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR) positive], triple negative [TN; ER/PR negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative], and HER2 (ER/PR negative, HER2 overexpressing). Metabolic rate (MRFDG) and blood flow (BF) were calculated from PET imaging before NC. Pathologic complete response (pCR) to NC was classified as pCR versus other.

Results: Twenty-five (35%) of 71 patients had TN tumors; 6 (8%) were HER2 and 40 (56%) were luminal. MRFDG for TN tumors was on average 67% greater than for luminal tumors (95% confidence interval, 9-156%) and average MRFDG/BF ratio was 53% greater in TN compared with luminal tumors (95% confidence interval, 9-114%; P < 0.05 for both). Average BF levels did not differ by subtype (P = 0.73). Most luminal tumors showed relatively low MRFDG and BF (and did not achieve pCR); high MRFDG was generally matched with high BF in luminal tumors and predicted pCR. This was not true in TN tumors.

Conclusion: The relationship between breast tumor metabolism and perfusion differed by subtype. The high MRFDG/BF ratio that predicts poor response to NC was more common in TN tumors. Metabolism and perfusion measures may identify subsets of tumors susceptible and resistant to NC and may help direct targeted therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 16(10); 2803–10. ©2010 AACR.
IFNγ Restores Breast Cancer Sensitivity to Fulvestrant by Regulating STAT1, IFN Regulatory Factor 1, NF-κB, BCL2 Family Members, and Signaling to Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis
Authors: Ning Yanxia , Riggins Rebecca B. , Mulla Jennifer E. , Chung Haniee , Zwart Alan , Clarke Robert
Published: May 2010

Antiestrogens are effective therapies for the management of many estrogen receptor-α (ER)–positive breast cancers. Nonetheless, both de novo and acquired resistance occur and remain major problems in the clinical setting. IFNγ is an inflammatory cytokine that induces the expression and function of IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), a tumor suppressor gene that can increase antiestrogen responsiveness. We show that IFNγ, but not IFNα, IFNβ, or fulvestrant (ICI; ICI 182,780; Faslodex), induces IRF1 expression in antiestrogen-resistant MCF7/LCC9 and LY2 cells. Moreover, IFNγ restores the responsiveness of these cells to fulvestrant. Increased IRF1 activation suppresses NF-κB p65 (RELA) activity, inhibits the expression of prosurvival (BCL2, BCL-W), and induces the expression of proapoptotic members (BAK, mitochondrial BAX) of the BCL2 family. This molecular signaling is associated with the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and leads to increased mitochondrial membrane permeability; activation of caspase-7 (CASP7), CASP8, and CASP9; and induction of apoptosis but not autophagy. Whereas antiestrogen-resistant cells are capable of inducing autophagy through IFN-mediated signaling, their ability to do so through antiestrogen-regulated signaling is lost. The abilities of IFNγ to activate CASP8, induce apoptosis, and restore antiestrogen sensitivity are prevented by siRNA targeting IRF1, whereas transient overexpression of IRF1 mimics the effects of IFNγ treatment. These observations support the exploration of clinical trials combining antiestrogens and compounds that can induce IRF1, such as IFNγ, for the treatment of some ER-positive breast cancers. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(5); 1274–85. ©2010 AACR.
The Outcome of Patients with Melanoma Is Not Associated with the Time Point of Lymphatic Mapping with Respect to Excisional Biopsy of the Primary Tumor
Authors: Gauwerky Katharina J. , Kunte Christian , Geimer Till , Baumert Jens , Flaig Michael J. , Ruzicka Thomas , Schmid-Wendtner Monika-Hildegard , Berking Carola
Published: May 2010

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has become the standard care for melanoma and is an important diagnostic procedure. It has been doubted whether lymphoscintigraphy detects the correct sentinel lymph node (SLN) when excision of the tumor and SLNB are not performed at the same time. This would imply that this sequential approach may have an increased risk of undetected micrometastases resulting in a worse outcome. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare the outcome of melanoma patients having received excision of the tumor and SLNB either at the same time or consecutively. Methods: A total of 854 patients with cutaneous melanoma were enrolled in this retrospective study between September 1996 and November 2007. Disease-free (DFS) and overall survivals (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier product limit method and were analyzed by the log rank test. Results: No statistically significant difference was found regarding DFS, progression rates and OS in patients with primary tumor excision and SLNB at the same time compared with patients with excisional biopsy of primary tumor and SLNB at different times. Conclusion: These data suggest that excisional biopsy of the primary tumor does not prevent the correct SLN mapping in melanoma patients.
Pre-Emptive Treatment with Nilotinib after Second Allogeneic Transplantation in a Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patient with High Risk of Relapse
Authors: Kang Byung Woog , Moon Joon Ho , Chae Yee Soo , Kim Jong Gwang , Kim Shi-Nae , Sohn Sang Kyun
Published: May 2010

Although a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) targeted for BCR/ABL administered in combination with chemotherapy has been established as the current first-line strategy for Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL), relapse remains common, even among allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients. Recently, preclinical and preliminary clinical studies suggested a potential therapeutic role of nilotinib, a second-generation TKI, in Ph+ ALL, including patients who have undergone prior allo-HSCT. This report presents the case of a patient with a post-transplant persistent positive BCR/ABL value, who was treated with imatinib and dasatinib before a second allo-HSCT. The patient started taking nilotinib due to a persistent BCR/ABL value and residual mass in her ovaries after a second allo-HSCT. Nine months after introducing nilotinib, the patient achieved complete molecular remission, and despite the continued existence of the residual ovary mass, no hot spot was found in her positron emission tomography scan. The present paper also reviews existing literature on the pre-emptive use of nilotinib for Ph+ ALL patients who received all-HSCT.
Low- but not high-dose FK506 treatment confers atheroprotection due to alternative macrophage activation and unaffected cholesterol levels
Authors: Wijnands Erwin , Rousch Mat , Daemen Mat J. A. P. , Cohen Tervaert J. W. , Biessen Erik A. L. , Bai Lili , Gabriels Karen , Heeneman Sylvia
Published: May 2010

Previous studies showed both proand anti-atherogenic effects of immunosuppressant drug FK506 on atherosclerosis. As these divergent/paradoxical results of FK506 may at least in part be attributable to differences in FK506 dosing, we have, in the current study, assessed dosedependent effects of FK506 on atherosclerotic lesion formation as well as on inflammatory parameters relevant to atherosclerosis. Unlike low-dose FK506, high-dose FK506 did not protect against atherosclerosis in ApoE-/mice. The high-dose induced hypercholesterolaemia, whereas the low-dose did not. Both lowand high-dose FK506 treatment significantly reduced systemic CD3+ and CD4+CD25+ T-cell populations, and showed similar suppression of FoxP3 regulatory T-cell populations. Increased IL-4+ CD4+ T-cells and decreased IgG-MDA-LDL antibody titres pointed to a selective, albeit modest Th2 skewing in the high-dose treatment group, despite the advanced stage of atherosclerosis. Low concentrations of FK506, however, skewed bone marrow-derived macrophage polarisation towards a M2 macrophage phenotype, whereas high concentration did not. A low-dose FK506 treatment regime protected against atherosclerosis by suppressing T-cell activation and favouring (M2) macrophage polarisation. Although a high-dose FK506 treatment effected a similar T-cell suppressive effect, with an even more pronounced shift towards Th2 type immune responses, this did not translate in atheroprotection due to the hypercholesterolaemia and absent M2 skewing.
Early-onset ischaemic stroke: Analysis of 58 polymorphisms in 17 genes involved in methionine metabolism
Authors: Saracini Claudia , Bolli Paola , Magi Alberto , Martinelli Ida , Peyvandi Flora , Rasura Maurizia , Volpe Massimo , Lotta Luca , Rubattu Speranza , Mannucci Pier , Abbate Rosanna , Giusti Betti
Published: May 2010

The hypothesis underlying this study is that variations in genes involved in methionine metabolism may contribute to genetic susceptibility for early-onset ischaemic stroke. We investigated 58 polymorphisms in AHCY, BHMT, BHMT2, CBS, ENOSF1, FOLH1, MTHFD1, MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, NNMT, PON1, PON2, SLC19A1, SHMT1, TCN2, TYMS genes on genomic DNA from 501 young patients who survived ischaemic stroke and 1,211 sex and age comparable controls. Genotype distribution was significantly different between patients and controls for the following SNPs: rs10037045 BHMT, rs682985 BHMT2, rs1051319 CBS, rs202680 FOLH1, rs2274976 MTHFR, rs1979277 SHMT1, rs20721958 TCN2. On multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for traditional risk factors, rs10037045 BHMT, rs682985 BHMT2, rs1051319 CBS, and rs202680 FOLH1 remained independent risk factors for stroke. After haplotype reconstruction, generalised linear model analyses adjusted for traditional risk factors and using the FDR multiple testing correction showed significant associations between ischaemic stroke and BHMT, CBS, FOLH1, MTR, PON2, TCN2 and TYMS haplotypes. This study identifies significant genetic associations between premature ischaemic stroke and haplotypes in BHMT, CBS, FOLH1, MTR, PON2, TCN2 and TYMS genes involved in methionine metabolism.
Oral vitamin K effectively treats international normalised ratio (INR) values in excess of 10
Authors: Garcia David , Ageno Walter , Wang Luqi , Witt Dan , Clark Nathan , Blostein Mark , Kahn Susan , Schulman Sam , Kovacs Michael , Rodger Marc , Wells Philip , Anderson David , Ginsberg Jeffrey , Selby Rita , Siragusa Sergio , Silingardi Mauro , Dowd MaryBeth , Kearon Clive , Crowther Mark
Published: May 2010

Unanticipated elevation of the INR is common in patients receiving warfarin. We performed a prospective cohort study of 107 warfarintreated patients with INR values of more than 10 who received a single 2.5 mg dose of oral vitamin K. During the first week, one patient experienced major bleeding, and one died. In the first 90 days after enrolment four patients had major bleeding (3.7%, 1.0% to 9.3%), eight patients (7.5%, 3.3% to 14.2%) died and two had objectively confirmed thromboembolism. Based on our low rate of observed major bleeding we conclude that 2.5 mg of oral vitamin K is a reasonable treatment for patients with INR values of more than 10 who are not actively bleeding.
Risky Business: Of Dogs and Ethics in a Story by Yayā aqqī
Authors: Lowry Joseph E.
Published: May 2010

Yahyā Haqqī’s short story “Antar and Juliet” depicts a tragic encounter between two characters from different social worlds. Although the story could be read as a depiction of the stark reality of class difference, this article explores the characters’ varying degrees of willingness to expose themselves to risk. Using ideas about tragedy and ethics developed by Martha Nussbaum, it is argued that the story portrays the good life as one constituted by ties to others, but also as one that, because of its openness to the world, brings with it the very real possibility of disaster.
Georg Lukács and the Improbable Realism of Sun Allah Ibrāhīm’s The Committee
Authors: Stone Christopher
Published: May 2010

By a traditional definition of “realism” Sun Allah Ibrāhīm’s The Committee is perhaps the least “realistic” of his novels. The novel ends, for example, with the protagonist eating himself. This paper examines The Committee through the lens of the Marxist critic Georg Lukács’s definition of realism, a definition that prioritizes hope over feasibility. The opposite of realism for Lukács is modernism, which he defines, among other ways, by its dependence on allegory. I argue that by Lukács’s definition The Committee is a work of realism. Despite the novel’s air of gloom, I find in it elements of hope. I also argue that the gruesome ending does not have to be read allegorically. And though the protagonist does eat himself, I argue that this can be read as a feat of activism, a crucial component in Lukács’s definition of realism. I conclude by arguing for the relevance of the ideas of Georg Lukács and Sun Allah Ibrāhīm’s 28 year-old novel.
When Ibn Rushd Met Borges
Authors: Berg Nancy E.
Published: May 2010

This article both analyzes the East-West dialogue through which Ibn Rushd (Averroës) has been reintroduced to Western and Eastern audiences alike, and contributes to that dialogue. Using Haun Saussy’s concept of the membrane text, through which different cultures are imported, Jabbar Yussin Hussin’s short story “The Day in Buenos Aires” is read in conversation with Jorge Luis Borges’s story “Averroës’s Search.” Each story is rich with layers of meaning; read together, they reverberate against each other exponentially. Borges reveals Ibn Rushd’s writing as the membrane through which Aristotle is brought into Arabic letters, and Hussin, in turn, identifies Borges’s story as the membrane through which Ibn Rushd is introduced to Spanish readers, and also returned to al-Andalus.
Comparisons of CCN with Supercooled Clouds
Authors: Hudson James G. , Noble Stephen , Jha Vandana
Published: May 2010

More than 140 supercooled clouds were compared with corresponding out-of-cloud cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) measurements. In spite of significant differences in altitude, temperature, distances from cloud base, updraft velocity (W), entrainment, and so on, the correlation coefficients (R) between droplet and CCN concentrations were substantial although not as high as those obtained in warm clouds with less variability of nonaerosol influences. CCN at slightly lower altitudes than the clouds had higher R values than CCN measured at the same altitude. Ice particle concentrations appeared to reduce droplet concentrations and reduce R between CCN and droplet concentrations, but only above 6-km altitude and for temperatures below −20°C.

Although higher CCN concentrations generally resulted in higher droplet concentrations, increases in droplet concentrations were generally less than the increases in CCN concentrations. This was apparently due to the expected lower cloud supersaturations (S) when CCN concentrations are higher as was usually the case at lower altitudes. Cloud supersaturations showed more variability at higher altitudes and often very high values at higher altitudes. The use of liquid water content rather than droplet concentrations for cloud threshold resulted in higher R between CCN and droplet concentrations. The same R pattern for cumulative droplet–CCN concentrations as a function of threshold droplet sizes as that recently uncovered in warm clouds was found. This showed R changing rapidly from positive values when all cloud droplets were considered to negative values for slightly larger droplet size thresholds. After reaching a maximum negative value at intermediate droplet sizes, R then reversed direction to smaller negative or even positive values for larger cloud droplet size thresholds. This R pattern of CCN concentrations versus cumulative droplet concentrations for increasing size thresholds is consistent with adiabatic model predictions and thus suggests even greater CCN influence on cloud microphysics.
Atmospheric Effects of the Kuroshio Large Meander during 2004–05*
Authors: Xu Haiming , Tokinaga Hiroki , Xie Shang-Ping
Published: May 2010

In the summer of 2004, the Kuroshio took a large meander path south of Japan for the first time since 1991, and this large meander event persisted until the next summer. Satellite observations and numerical model simulations are used to study the effect of this large meander event on the atmosphere. The large meander leaves a cool water pool between the Kuroshio and Japanese coast. Sea surface temperature (SST) in the cool water pool is about 2°–3°C colder than the surroundings during winter and spring, whereas the SST signature substantially weakens in summer. A local reduction of wind speed is found over the cool water pool, and the positive SST–wind speed correlation is indicative of ocean forcing of the atmosphere. Cloud liquid water (CLW) content and precipitation also decrease over the cool SST pool.

A regional atmospheric model successfully simulates atmospheric response to the Kuroshio large meander. The model experiments suggest that the reduced surface wind speed and precipitation are due to the large meander-induced SST cooling. Analysis of the surface perturbation momentum budgets shows the importance of the pressure adjustment mechanism in surface wind response to the cold SST anomalies.
Arctic Cloud Changes from Surface and Satellite Observations
Authors: Eastman Ryan , Warren Stephen G.
Published: May 2010

Visual cloud reports from land and ocean regions of the Arctic are analyzed for total cloud cover. Trends and interannual variations in surface cloud data are compared to those obtained from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and Television and Infrared Observation Satellite (TIROS) Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) satellite data. Over the Arctic as a whole, trends and interannual variations show little agreement with those from satellite data. The interannual variations from AVHRR are larger in the dark seasons than in the sunlit seasons (6% in winter, 2% in summer); however, in the surface observations, the interannual variations for all seasons are only 1%–2%. A large negative trend for winter found in the AVHRR data is not seen in the surface data. At smaller geographic scales, time series of surface- and satellite-observed cloud cover show some agreement except over sea ice during winter. During the winter months, time series of satellite-observed clouds in numerous grid boxes show variations that are strangely coherent throughout the entire Arctic.
Periodic Wind-Driven Circulation in an Elongated and Rotating Basin
Authors: Ponte Aurélien L.
Published: May 2010

An idealized model is developed for the three-dimensional response of a coastal basin (e.g., lagoon, bay, or estuary) to time-periodic wind stress. This model handles basins that are deeper and/or shallower than an Ekman depth with wind forcing frequencies ranging from subinertial to superinertial. Here the model is used to describe how the response (current and sea level) of a basin deeper than one Ekman depth depends on the wind forcing frequency. At low subinertial frequencies, the response is similar to the steady wind case and is hence called “quasi steady.” There is a near-surface Ekman transport to the right of the wind balanced by a return flow at depth. Lateral bathymetric variations introduce an along-basin circulation that decays with increasing frequency and sets the extent of the quasi-steady response in the frequency domain. At the inertial frequency, the wind forces a damped resonant response with large vertical shear and weak depth-integrated flow. This result is potentially important for coastal basins located near ±30° latitude and forced by a diurnal breeze. At superinertial frequencies, the response becomes irrotational and is amplified near seiche frequencies. The response to a sudden onset of wind is computed in the time domain and confirms that the slow growth of the along-basin circulation controls the spinup process. The response of basins shallower than an Ekman depth, and the validity of the model inside semienclosed basins, are also discussed.
Sensitivity of Global Ensemble Forecasts to the Initial Ensemble Mean and Perturbations: Comparison of EnKF, Singular Vector, and 4D-Var Approaches
Authors: Buehner Mark , Mahidjiba Ahmed
Published: May 2010

This study examines the sensitivity of global ensemble forecasts to the use of different approaches for specifying both the initial ensemble mean and perturbations. The current operational ensemble prediction system of the Meteorological Service of Canada uses the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) to define both the ensemble mean and perturbations. To evaluate the impact of different approaches for obtaining the initial ensemble perturbations, the operational EnKF approach is compared with using either no initial perturbations or perturbations obtained using singular vectors (SVs). The SVs are computed using the (dry) total-energy norm with a 48-h optimization time interval. Random linear combinations of 60 SVs are computed for each of three regions. Next, the impact of replacing the initial ensemble mean, currently the EnKF ensemble mean analysis, with the higher-resolution operational four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4D-Var) analysis is evaluated. For this comparison, perturbations are provided by the EnKF. All experiments are performed over two-month periods during both the boreal summer and winter using a system very similar to the global ensemble prediction system that became operational on 10 July 2007. Relative to the operational configuration that relies on the EnKF, the use of SVs to compute initial perturbations produces small, but statistically significant differences in probabilistic forecast scores in favor of the EnKF both in the tropics and, for a limited set of forecast lead times, in the summer hemisphere extratropics, whereas the results are very similar in the winter hemisphere extratropics. Both approaches lead to significantly better ensemble forecasts than with no initial perturbations, though results are quite similar in the tropics when using SVs and no perturbations. The use of an initial-time norm that does not include information on analysis uncertainty and the lack of linearized moist processes in the calculation of the SVs are two factors that limit the quality of the resulting SV-based ensemble forecasts. Relative to the operational configuration, use of the 4D-Var analysis to specify the initial ensemble mean results in improved probabilistic forecast scores during the boreal summer period in the southern extratropics and tropics, but a near-neutral impact otherwise.
Assessing the Benefits of Convection-Permitting Models by Neighborhood Verification: Examples from MAP D-PHASE
Authors: Weusthoff Tanja , Ament Felix , Arpagaus Marco , Rotach Mathias W.
Published: May 2010

High-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) models produce more detailed precipitation structures but the real benefit is probably the more realistic statistics gained with the higher resolution and not the information on the specific grid point. By evaluating three model pairs, each consisting of a high-resolution NWP system resolving convection explicitly and its low-resolution-driving model with parameterized convection, on different spatial scales and for different thresholds, this paper addresses the question of whether high-resolution models really perform better than their driving lower-resolution counterparts. The model pairs are evaluated by means of two fuzzy verification methods—upscaling (UP) and fractions skill score (FSS)—for the 6 months of the D-PHASE Operations Period and in a highly complex terrain. Observations are provided by the Swiss radar composite and the evaluation is restricted to the area covered by the Swiss radar stations. The high-resolution models outperform or equal the performance of their respective lower-resolution driving models. The differences between the models are significant and robust against small changes in the verification settings. An evaluation based on individual months shows that high-resolution models give better results, particularly with regard to convective, more localized precipitation events.
Religious Discrimination and Religious Governance Across Secular and Islamic Countries: France and Indonesia as Limiting Cases
Authors: Bowen John R.
Published: May 2010

In this article, the author explores resemblances and overlaps of very different regimes of religious governance, the secular and the religious, in the ways they address religious discrimination. The author defines religious discrimination broadly and considers the possible solutions available to those (usually) democratic states that respond to complaints of discrimination. The author considers two limit cases: Indonesia, which bases its Islamic judicial system on scripture; and France, which proclaims that it does not recognize or support any religion. The author argues that although these two countries begin at opposite ideological positions with respect to the state’s relationship to religion, in fact they adopt policy positions that share several features, including granting formal privileges to recognized religions and maintaining the state’s legal superiority to scripture as the source of law. The author argues, not that this overlap is to be expected in all cases, even of democratic societies responsive to discrimination claims, but that we ought to pursue further comparative research into its scope.
Choosing Autonomy Modes for Multirobot Search
Authors: Lewis Michael , Wang Huadong , Chien Shih Yi , Velagapudi Prasanna , Scerri Paul , Sycara Katia
Published: May 2010

Objective: The number of robots an operator can supervise increases with the robots’ level of autonomy. The reported study investigates multirobot foraging to identify aspects of the task most suitable for automation. Background: Many envisioned applications of robotics involve multirobot teams. One of the simplest of these applications is foraging, in which robots are operated independently to explore and discover targets. Depending on levels of autonomy and task, operators have been found able to manage 3 to 12 robots. Method: The foraging task can be functionally subdivided into visiting new regions and identifying targets. In the reported experiment, full-task foraging performance was compared with exploration and perceptual search performance for 4-, 8-, and 12-robot teams in a between-groups repeated measures design. Results: Operators in the full-task condition could not successfully manage 12 robots, finding only half as many victims as perceptual search operators. Exploration performance was roughly the same in the full-task and exploration conditions, suggesting that performance of this subtask was limiting the number of robots that could be controlled. Conclusion: Performance and workload measures indicate that exploration (navigation) tasks are the limiting factor in multirobot foraging. This finding suggests that robot navigation is the best candidate for automation. Application: Search tasks, such as foraging or perimeter control, account for many of the near-term applications envisioned for multirobot teams. The results support the choice of task-centered architectures in which the control and coordination of robotic platforms is automated, leaving search and identification of targets to human operators.
Establishing and Challenging Masculinity: The Influence of Gendered Discourses in Organized Sport
Authors: Adams Adi , Anderson Eric , McCormack Mark
Published: May 2010

This study examined how coaches and players constructed and regulated masculinity in organized sport. Using participant observation, the authors examined the role of discourses in the construction and regulation of sporting masculinity within a semiprofessional British football (soccer) team. Two predominant discourses were present: (a) masculinity establishing discourse and (b) masculinity challenging discourse—heuristic tools to understand the use of toxic language in the construction and maintenance of masculinity. Coaches frequently used discourses that drew on narratives of war, gender, and sexuality to facilitate aggressive and violent responses for enhancing athletic performance. However, the authors also found that these discourses have limited influence beyond the playing field, highlighting the segmentation of the sporting and social identities of these players and a loosening of the traditional and empirically evidenced ability of sports to socialize men into narrow forms of masculinity.
A Study of the Predictive Validity of the Children’s Depression Inventory for Major Depression Disorder in Puerto Rican Adolescents
Authors: Rivera-Medina Carmen L. , Bernal Guillermo , Rosselló Jeannette , Cumba-Aviles Eduardo
Published: May 2010

This study aims to evaluate the predictive validity of the Children’s Depression Inventory items for major depression disorder (MDD) in an outpatient clinic sample of Puerto Rican adolescents. The sample consisted of 130 adolescents, 13 to 18 years old. The five most frequent symptoms of the Children’s Depression Inventory that best predict the presence of MDD were “I worry about others’ aches and pains,” “I don’t have any friends,” “I have to push myself to do my schoolwork,” “I have trouble sleeping every night,” and “I do very badly in subjects I used to be good in.” Results demonstrated that the symptoms that best predict MDD in Puerto Rican adolescents are not necessarily the ones commonly described as characteristic of the disorder.
Serial Migration and the Assessment of Extreme and Unusual Psychological Hardship With Undocumented Latina/o Families
Authors: Cervantes Joseph M. , Mejía Olga L. , Guerrero Mena Amalia
Published: May 2010

There has been a significant trend among families from Mexico and Central America to immigrate to the United States due to difficult living conditions, financial hardship, and the lack of opportunity. This article addresses the role of serial migration, where one family member immigrates first and then brings the rest of the family at a later time, and the legal challenge of qualifying for extreme and unusual psychological hardship to avoid deportation. Two case studies will be discussed to illustrate serial migration, mental health issues, and the legality of potential deportation.
Using Questionnaire Design to Fight Nonresponse Bias in Web Surveys
Authors: Vicente Paula , Reis Elizabeth
Published: May 2010

The technical potential of the Internet offers survey researchers a wide range of possibilities for web surveys in terms of questionnaire design; however, the abuse of technical facilities can detract respondents from cooperating rather than motivating them. Within the web survey methodology literature, many contributions can be found on how to write a ‘‘good’’ questionnaire. The outcomes are however scattered and researchers and practitioners may find it difficult to obtain an overall picture. The article reviews the latest empirical research on how questionnaire characteristics affect response rates. The article is divided into three main sections: an introduction where the various forms of nonresponse in web surveys are described; a second section presenting questionnaire features affecting nonresponse— general structure, length, disclosure of survey progress, visual presentation, interactivity, and question/response format—and a final section that summarizes the options in terms of questionnaire design and its implications for nonresponse rate.
There Will be No ‘One Big Union’: The Struggle for Interracial Labor Unionism in California Agriculture, 1933 — 1939
Authors: Cruz Adrian
Published: May 2010

In California, between 1933 and 1939, Filipino, Japanese and Mexican farm workers engaged in far-reaching labor strikes. In this article, I argue that the practice of White supremacy prevented interracial farm labor unionism via the creation of a racial hierarchy that aligned Japanese, Mexicans and Filipinos into specific positions. Previous scholarship deemphasizes the roles of race and racism in analysis of farm worker mobilization. I focus upon four key actors, which actively maintained the hierarchy: landowners, the state, organized labor, and the White public.
Public engagement coming of age: From theory to practice in STS encounters with nanotechnology
Authors: Delgado Ana , Lein Kjølberg Kamilla , Wickson Fern
Published: May 2010

In this paper, we present a study of Science and Technology Studies (STS) perspectives on public engagement, specifically focusing on the gap between theory and practice. In aiming to develop a conceptual map of this gap, we identify five top topics of tension. These are related to the general questions of: “Why should we do public engagement?,” “Who should be involved?,” “How should it be organised?,” “When should it be done?” and “Where should it be grounded?” We employ nanotechnology as a paradigmatic case to help us explore these tensions. In practice, the choices one makes in relation to one topic of tension may influence the choices available for others. Enhanced awareness of the presence of these tensions, as well as their interconnections, can help build reflexive capacity and make visible the various alternative routes available for STS practitioners working in the “age of engagement.”
Cognitive Processing of Weight and Emotional Information in Disordered Eating
Authors: Treat Teresa A. , Viken Richard J.
Published: May 2010

Numerous theories propose a role for cognitive processing in disordered eating, but clinical scientists have yet to capitalize fully on the wealth of approaches developed by quantitative cognitive scientists when evaluating such theories. This article describes research that uses well-established and theoretically rich cognitive science approaches to demonstrate that women who struggle with disordered eating, relative to their peers, exhibit differential processing of other women’s emotional and weight information presented in photo stimuli. More generally, this work illustrates the portability of cognitive science approaches to the study of clinically relevant individual differences in complex, socially relevant processing.
Interpersonal Influences on Self-Regulation
Authors: Fitzsimons Gráinne M. , Finkel Eli J.
Published: May 2010

Since the 1960s, personality and social psychologists have taken major strides toward understanding the intrapersonal processes that promote successful self-regulation. The current article reviews insights into the understanding of self-regulation gained by examining the impact of interpersonal processes on the initiation, operation, and monitoring of goals. We review research suggesting that other people can act as triggers of goals, causing people to unconsciously initiate new goal pursuits; that interpersonal interactions can tap self-control, leaving people with depleted resources for goal pursuit; that relationship partners can support goal operation, leading to more effective goal pursuit; and that the social environment can facilitate effective monitoring of one’s extant goal progress and likelihood of future goal achievement.
Accounting for the ravages of war: Corporate reporting at a troubled American railroad during the Civil War
Authors: Heier Jan Richard
Published: May 2010

From 1861 to 1865, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad suffered cruelly from Civil War actions along its entire length. The railroad’s annual reports from this era left a chronicle of the destructive nature of war and its effect on the economic fortunes of the business. These reports show the resilience of the company for its ability to both plan for and cope with the depredations inflicted by the war. They also provide an excellent look at the procedures developed by the railroad to account for the extraordinary business situations brought on by the physical and economic losses of war. These inventive procedures maintained the institutional integrity of the railroad and eventually would be the foundation for some modern accounting procedures for troubled companies.
Winters, Summers, and Destructive Leadership Cultures in Rich Regions
Authors: Van de Vliert Evert , Matthiesen Stig Berge , Gangsøy Renathe , Landro Adeline Berntsen , Einarsen Ståle
Published: May 2010

Van de Vliert’s (2009) climato-economic theory of culture proposes that the impact of climatic demands on culture is influenced by wealth resources. In rich regions, much cold and heat in conjunction with relatively little wealth ( undermatching) and little cold and heat in conjunction with relatively much wealth ( overmatching) both are thought to produce less destructive leadership cultures than do approximations of just enough wealth to successfully cope with thermal climate ( optimal matching). Avoiding confounding influences of numerous cross-national differences, we tested this tenet using employee survey data gathered in a sample of 191 Norwegian municipalities. Destructive leadership culture is less prevalent in less wealthy regions with more demanding winters and more demanding summers ( undermatching) and in more wealthy regions with milder winters and milder summers ( overmatching) than in more or less wealthy regions with either more demanding winters and milder summers or more demanding summers and milder winters ( optimal matching). Disconfirmative tests could not obscure or destroy these findings.
Two New Mutations at ERGIC-53 Gene in a Turkish Family
Authors: Torun Didem , Yılmaz Erkan , Atay Avni , Kürekçi Emin , Akar Nejat
Published: May 2010

Combined factor V and factor VIII deficiency (F5F8D) is a rare autosomal recessive coagulation disorder associated with plasma levels of coagulation factors V and VIII approximately 5% to 30% normal. Combined factor V and factor VIII deficiency is caused by mutations in ERGIC-53 (LMAN1) gene. ERGIC-53 and multiple coagulation factor deficiency 2 (MCFD2) form a protein complex that functions as a cargo receptor transport FV and FVIII from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi. The aim of this study was to determine the mutations of ERGIC-53 (endoplasmic reticulum [ER] to the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment) gene and combined F5F8D in a family. In this study, we analyzed a patient in a Turkish family with combined F5F8D. We found a nonsense mutation of C to T at nucleotide 202 in exon 9, resulting in a transition of arginine to stop codon, and in 1 child, we found a timine deletion in exon 4 in ERGIC-53 gene.
Atherothrombosis in 2 Vascular Territories in a Young Woman: Importance of Thrombophilia Testing
Authors: Jurcut Ruxandra , Florian Anca , Deleanu Dan , Arsenescu Ileana , Jurcut Ciprian , Coriu Daniel , Ginghina Carmen
Published: May 2010

The diagnosis and management of complex and multiple inherited thrombophilias is still a challenge for the clinicians involved in this field, clinical events being the result of the interaction between genes, environmental or other acquired factors, and age. Moreover, various clinical manifestations as regards severity or type of event (venous or arterial thrombotic event, obstetrical complications) are cited in these patients. We present the case of a 20-year-old woman, with a 2-month history of third-generation contraceptive use and with recently diagnosed hypercholesterolemia, who presented ischemic events in 2 arterial territories: acute left lower limb ischemia and silent myocardial infarction. Screening tests for thrombophilia, including genetic testing, showed moderate hyperhomocysteinemia and 2 inherited thrombophilic defects. Invasive investigation of the coronary arteries showed the presence of advanced atherosclerotic disease. Management of this complex thrombophilia includes lifetime oral anticoagulation as well as a homocysteine-lowering strategy comprising lifestyle modification and group B (folic acid, B6, B12) vitamin supplementing.
Editorial: Jacques Lacan with organization studies
Authors: Contu Alessia , Driver Michaela , Jones Campbell
Published: May 2010

The articles in this special issue celebrate the late arrival of Jacques Lacan into organization studies. Each article takes up ideas from Lacan in order to read organization and organizations studies differently, taking on questions as diverse as enjoyment, creativity, stress and identity through to the very nature of the human and the endeavour of organization theory. Our introduction to this special issue aims to un/tangle three key points. First, we aim to provide a basic compass, which might enable those unfamiliar with Lacan’s territory to release themselves of any existing fears about language and about consciousness, and prepare themselves for the real shock of an encounter with Lacan. Second, we situate Lacan with organization studies, which will involve asking why organization studies always seems to arrive late to the scene of theoretical crimes and, moreover, asking what it is about organization studies that has delayed the entry of Lacan until now. Third, we introduce the six contributions to the special issue.
What is a terrorist?
Authors: Tripathy Jyotirmaya
Published: May 2010

Taking issue with the commonsensical understanding of terrorism as an anti-modern formation, the present article proposes to locate terrorism in the broad framework of statism, its collusion with power and the creation of knowledge on which popular consciousness is grounded. This approach helps in demystifying the problem of terrorism and implicates the state in the creation of terrorism discourse. Seen thus, terrorism is less a tangible object or a value-free idea, and more a product of a particular type of analysis — taking place in language, in laws and in state apparatuses. Placing terrorism in the historical context records the shifting definitions of terrorism and unravels its meaning in the domain of power which establishes terrorism not as an actually existing reality, but as a discursive product. This reading leads us to see not only the power of language in making such a discourse, but also the chronic incapacity of modernist vocabulary to address problems peculiar to ‘different’ cultures.