bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Evidence-Based Therapies in Short-Term Outcomes of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Non–ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Fox Caroline S. , Muntner Paul , Chen Anita Y. , Alexander Karen P. , Roe Matthew T. , Cannon Christopher P. , Saucedo Jorge F. , Kontos Michael C. , Wiviott Stephen D.
Published: January 2010

Background—

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for myocardial infarction (MI) and death. Our goal was to characterize the association between CKD severity and short-term outcomes and the use of in-hospital evidence-based therapies among patients with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) and non–ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI).

Methods and Results—

The study sample was drawn from the Acute Coronary Treatment and Intervention Outcomes Network registry, a nationwide sample of STEMI (n=19 029) and NSTEMI (n=30 462) patients. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation in relation to use of immediate (first 24 hours) therapies and early (first 48 hours) cardiac catheterization as well as in-hospital major bleeding events and death. Overall, 30.5% and 42.9% of patients with STEMI and NSTEMI, respectively, had CKD. Regardless of MI type, patients with progressively more severe CKD had higher rates of death. For STEMI, the odds ratio for stage 3a, 3b, 4, and 5 CKD compared with patients with no CKD was 2.49, 3.72, 4.82, and 7.97, respectively (
P
trend
<0.0001). For NSTEMI, the analogous odds ratios were 1.81, 2.41, 3.50, and 4.09 (
P
for trend <0.0001). In addition, patients with progressively more severe CKD were less likely to receive immediate evidence-based therapies including aspirin, β-blockers, or clopidogrel, were less likely to undergo any reperfusion (STEMI) or revascularization (NSTEMI), and had higher rates of bleeding.

Conclusions—

Reports over the past decade have highlighted the importance of CKD among patients with MI. Data from this contemporary cohort suggest that patients with CKD still receive fewer evidence-based therapies and have substantially higher mortality rates.
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Context and Long-Term Survival After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gerber Yariv , Benyamini Yael , Goldbourt Uri , Drory Yaacov
Published: January 2010

Background—

Neighborhood of residence has been suggested to affect cardiovascular risk above and beyond personal socioeconomic status (SES). However, such data are currently lacking for patients with myocardial infarction (MI). We examined all-cause and cardiac mortality according to neighborhood SES in a cohort of MI patients.

Methods and Results—

Consecutive patients ≤65 years of age discharged from 8 hospitals in central Israel after incident MI in 1992 to 1993 were followed up through 2005. Individual data were obtained at study entry, including education, income, and employment. Neighborhood SES was estimated through a composite census-derived index developed by the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics. During follow-up, 326 deaths occurred in 1179 patients. Patients residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods had higher mortality rates, with 13-year survival estimates of 61%, 74%, and 82% in increasing tertiles (
P
trend
<0.001). After adjustment for sociodemographic variables, traditional risk factors, MI severity indexes, and individual SES measures, the hazard ratios for death associated with neighborhood SES were 1.47 (95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 2.06) in the lower and 1.19 (95% confidence interval, 0.86 to 1.63) in the middle tertiles compared with the upper tertile (
P
trend
=0.02). The respective hazard ratios were even stronger for cardiac death (1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.09 to 2.25; and 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.96 to 2.07). In the final models, neighborhood context and several individual SES measures were concurrently associated with all-cause and cardiac mortality.

Conclusions—

Neighborhood SES is strongly associated with long-term survival after MI. The association is partly, but not entirely, attributable to individual SES and clinical characteristics. These data support a multidimensional relationship between SES and MI outcome.
Television Viewing Time and Mortality
Authors: Dunstan D.W. , Barr E.L.M. , Healy G.N. , Salmon J. , Shaw J.E. , Balkau B. , Magliano D.J. , Cameron A.J. , Zimmet P.Z. , Owen N.
Published: January 2010

Background—

Television viewing time, the predominant leisure-time sedentary behavior, is associated with biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk, but its relationship with mortality has not been studied. We examined the associations of prolonged television viewing time with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, and non-CVD/noncancer mortality in Australian adults.

Methods and Results—

Television viewing time in relation to subsequent all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality (median follow-up, 6.6 years) was examined among 8800 adults ≥25 years of age in the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab). During 58 087 person-years of follow-up, there were 284 deaths (87 CVD deaths, 125 cancer deaths). After adjustment for age, sex, waist circumference, and exercise, the hazard ratios for each 1-hour increment in television viewing time per day were 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.20) for all-cause mortality, 1.18 (95% CI, 1.03 to 1.35) for CVD mortality, and 1.09 (95% CI, 0.96 to 1.23) for cancer mortality. Compared with a television viewing time of <2 h/d, the fully adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 1.13 (95% CI, 0.87 to 1.36) for ≥2 to <4 h/d and 1.46 (95% CI, 1.04 to 2.05) for ≥4 h/d. For CVD mortality, corresponding hazard ratios were 1.19 (95% CI, 0.72 to 1.99) and 1.80 (95% CI, 1.00 to 3.25). The associations with both cancer mortality and non-CVD/noncancer mortality were not significant.

Conclusions—

Television viewing time was associated with increased risk of all-cause and CVD mortality. In addition to the promotion of exercise, chronic disease prevention strategies could focus on reducing sitting time, particularly prolonged television viewing.
Reduced Ascending Aortic Strain and Distensibility
Authors: Redheuil Alban , Yu Wen-Chung , Wu Colin O. , Mousseaux Elie , de Cesare Alain , Yan Raymond , Kachenoura Nadjia , Bluemke David , Lima Joao A.C.
Published: January 2010

Arterial stiffness predicts cardiovascular events beyond traditional risk factors. However, the relationship with aging of novel noninvasive measures of aortic function by MRI and their interrelationship with established markers of vascular stiffness remain unclear and currently limit their potential impact. Our aim was to compare age-related changes of central measures of aortic function with carotid distensibility, global carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity, and wave reflections. We determined aortic strain, distensibility, and aortic arch pulse wave velocity by MRI, carotid distensibility by ultrasound, and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity by tonometry in 111 asymptomatic subjects (54 men, age range: 20 to 84 years). Central pressures were used to calculate aortic distensibility. Peripheral and central pulse pressure, augmentation index, and carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity increased with age, but aortic strain and aortic arch PWV were most closely and specifically related to aging. Ascending aortic (AA) strain and distensibility decreased, respectively, by 5.3±0.5% (
R
2
=0.54,
P
<0.0001) and 13.6±1 kPa
−1
×10
−3
(
R
2
=0.62,
P
<0.0001), and aortic arch pulse wave velocity increased by 1.6±0.13 m/sec (
R
2
=0.60,
P
<0.0001) for each decade of age after adjustment for gender, body size, and heart rate. We demonstrate in this study a dramatic decrease in AA distensibility before the fifth decade of life in individuals with diverse prevalence of risk factors free of overt cardiovascular disease. In particular, compared with other measures of aortic function, the best markers of subclinical large artery stiffening, were AA distensibility in younger and aortic arch pulse wave velocity in older individuals.
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels Are Strongly Related to Systolic Blood Pressure But Do Not Predict Future Hypertension
Authors: Jorde Rolf , Figenschau Yngve , Emaus Nina , Hutchinson Moira , Grimnes Guri
Published: January 2010

Vitamin D receptors have been detected in vascular smooth muscle cells, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D inhibits the renin mRNA expression. Epidemiological studies show an inverse relation between serum 25-hydoxyvitamin D levels and blood pressure, and low serum 25-hydoxyvitamin D levels are reported to be predictors of future development of hypertension. This may indicate an important role for vitamin D in blood pressure regulation. In the present study, 25-hydoxyvitamin D was measured in sera collected in 1994 from 4125 subjects who did not use blood pressure medication, and thereafter measurement was repeated in 2008 for 2385 of these subjects. In sera from 1994 there was a significant decrease in age, body mass index, and systolic blood pressure and a significant increase in physical activity score across increasing 25-hydoxyvitamin D quartiles. After adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, and physical activity, the difference in systolic blood pressure between the lowest and highest serum 25-hydoxyvitamin D quartiles was 3.6 mm Hg. After adjustment for confounders, serum 25-hydoxyvitamin D from 1994 did not predict future hypertension or increase in blood pressure, nor was there any significant association between change in serum 25-hydoxyvitamin D from 1994 to 2008 and change in blood pressure. Our results do not support a causal role for vitamin D in blood pressure regulation, and large randomized clinical trials, preferably including subjects with hypertension and/or low serum 25-hydoxyvitamin D levels, are greatly needed to clarify whether vitamin D supplementation affects the blood pressure.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-α
Authors: Mazor Rafi , Itzhaki Osnat , Sela Shifra , Yagil Yoram , Cohen-Mazor Meital , Yagil Chana , Kristal Batya
Published: January 2010

In the Sabra rat, oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation precede the development of hypertension. Inhibition of the phagocytic NADPH oxidase attenuates the rise in blood pressure. The present study was set to identify possible priming agents for this enzyme and to test the hypothesis that the phagocytic NADPH oxidase contributes to OS and inflammation. Sabra salt-sensitive and Sabra salt-resistant rats were salt loaded or provided regular chow for 60 days with or without apocynin to inhibit NADPH oxidase. Levels of interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ served as indices of inflammation. Extracellular and intracellular levels of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte tumor necrosis factor-α receptors (p55 and p75) were assessed by flow cytometry in young and adult rats. NADPH oxidase activity and expression of p47phox were measured in polymorphonuclear leukocytes and aortic rings. Malondialdehyde and carbonylated fibrinogen served as indices of OS. Inflammatory and OS indices excluding interferon-γ were higher in the hypertensive state and reduced by apocynin. Levels of malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-α were elevated already in the prehypertensive state. No differences were found in the levels of p75. The extracellular expression of p55 was higher in adult Sabra salt-resistant compared with Sabra salt-sensitive rats (7.46±2.2% versus 2.1±0.5%;
P
<0.05), whereas levels of the intracellular p55 were higher in adult Sabra salt-sensitive rats (3.2±2% versus 1.1±0.5%;
P
<0.05). In young normotensive rats, the extracellular levels of p55 were higher in Sabra salt-sensitive compared with Sabra salt-resistant rats (10.6±5.2% versus 2.9±1.5%;
P
<0.01). Tumor necrosis factor-α plays a role in activation of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte NADPH oxidase, thereby contributing to systemic OS, inflammation, and the development of hypertension in this model.
Metabolomics in Angiotensin II-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy
Authors: Mervaala Eero , Biala Agnieszka , Merasto Saara , Lempiäinen Juha , Mattila Ismo , Martonen Essi , Eriksson Ove , Louhelainen Marjut , Finckenberg Piet , Kaheinen Petri , Muller Dominik N. , Luft Friedrich C. , Lapatto Risto , Oresic Matej
Published: January 2010

Angiotensin II (Ang II) induces mitochondrial dysfunction. We tested whether Ang II alters the “metabolomic” profile. We harvested hearts from 8-week-old double transgenic rats harboring human renin and angiotensinogen genes (dTGRs) and controls (Sprague-Dawley), all with or without Ang II type 1 receptor (valsartan) blockade. We used gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry to detect 247 intermediary metabolites. We used a partial least-squares discriminate analysis and identified 112 metabolites that differed significantly after corrections (false discovery rate
q
<0.05). We found great differences in the use of fatty acids as an energy source, namely, decreased levels of octanoic, oleic, and linoleic acids in dTGR (all
P
<0.01). The increase in cardiac hypoxanthine levels in dTGRs suggested an increase in purine degradation, whereas other changes supported an increased ketogenic amino acid tyrosine level, causing energy production failure. The metabolomic profile of valsartan-treated dTGRs more closely resembled Sprague-Dawley rats than untreated dTGRs. Mitochondrial respiratory chain activity of cytochrome C oxidase was decreased in dTGRs, whereas complex I and complex II were unaltered. Mitochondria from dTGR hearts showed morphological alterations suggesting increased mitochondrial fusion. Cardiac expression of the redox-sensitive and the cardioprotective metabolic sensor sirtuin 1 was increased in dTGRs. Interestingly, valsartan changed the level of 33 metabolites and induced mitochondrial biogenesis in Sprague-Dawley rats. Thus, distinct patterns of cardiac substrate use in Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. The finding underscores the importance of Ang II in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and cardiac metabolomics, even in healthy hearts.
Characteristics of Pattern Formation and Evolution in Approximations of Physarum Transport Networks
Authors: Jones Jeff
Published: January 2010

Most studies of pattern formation place particular emphasis on its role in the development of complex multicellular body plans. In simpler organisms, however, pattern formation is intrinsic to growth and behavior. Inspired by one such organism, the true slime mold Physarum polycephalum, we present examples of complex emergent pattern formation and evolution formed by a population of simple particle-like agents. Using simple local behaviors based on chemotaxis, the mobile agent population spontaneously forms complex and dynamic transport networks. By adjusting simple model parameters, maps of characteristic patterning are obtained. Certain areas of the parameter mapping yield particularly complex long term behaviors, including the circular contraction of network lacunae and bifurcation of network paths to maintain network connectivity. We demonstrate the formation of irregular spots and labyrinthine and reticulated patterns by chemoattraction. Other Turing-like patterning schemes were obtained by using chemorepulsion behaviors, including the self-organization of regular periodic arrays of spots, and striped patterns. We show that complex pattern types can be produced without resorting to the hierarchical coupling of reaction-diffusion mechanisms. We also present network behaviors arising from simple pre-patterning cues, giving simple examples of how the emergent pattern formation processes evolve into networks with functional and quasi-physical properties including tensionlike effects, network minimization behavior, and repair to network damage. The results are interpreted in relation to classical theories of biological pattern formation in natural systems, and we suggest mechanisms by which emergent pattern formation processes may be used as a method for spatially represented unconventional computation.
Reading the Bible in Africa: on strategies and ownership
Authors: Punt J.
Published: January 2010

Within the continuing search for or development of an adequate African hermeneutic for the Bible, the adequacy of certain generalising claims concerning the interpretation of the Bible in Africa is investigated: the continuity between the biblical and African worlds, and the discarding of the text's historical context in favour of the contemporary readers' setting. These generalised claims, however, introduce an important issue which seems to be in dire need of discussion: the status and role of the biblical texts in their canonical shape. The question of canon cannot be seen in isolation from, but indeed rests on, certain ideological concerns.
Polarimetric Radar Rain Estimation through Retrieval of Drop Size Distribution Using a Bayesian Approach
Authors: Cao Qing , Zhang Guifu , Brandes Edward A. , Schuur Terry J.
Published: January 2010

This study proposes a Bayesian approach to retrieve raindrop size distributions (DSDs) and to estimate rainfall rates from radar reflectivity in horizontal polarization ZH and differential reflectivity ZDR. With this approach, the authors apply a constrained-gamma model with an updated constraining relation to retrieve DSD parameters. Long-term DSD measurements made in central Oklahoma by the two-dimensional video disdrometer (2DVD) are first used to construct a prior probability density function (PDF) of DSD parameters, which are estimated using truncated gamma fits to the second, fourth, and sixth moments of the distributions. The forward models of ZH and ZDR are then developed based on a T-matrix calculation of raindrop backscattering amplitude with the assumption of drop shape. The conditional PDF of ZH and ZDR is assumed to be a bivariate normal function with appropriate standard deviations. The Bayesian algorithm has a good performance according to the evaluation with simulated ZH and ZDR. The algorithm is also tested on S-band radar data for a mesoscale convective system that passed over central Oklahoma on 13 May 2005. Retrievals of rainfall rates and 1-h rain accumulations are compared with in situ measurements from one 2DVD and six Oklahoma Mesonet rain gauges, located at distances of 28–54 km from Norman, Oklahoma. Results show that the rain estimates from the retrieval agree well with the in situ measurements, demonstrating the validity of the Bayesian retrieval algorithm.
The Dimensional Characteristics of Ice Crystal Aggregates from Fractal Geometry
Authors: Schmitt C. G. , Heymsfield A. J.
Published: January 2010

Ice crystal aggregates imaged by aircraft particle imaging probes often appear to be fractal in nature. As such, their dimensional properties, mass, and projected area can be related using fractal geometry. In cloud microphysics, power-law mass (m)– and area (A)–dimensional (D) relationships (e.g., m = aDb) incorporate different manifestations of the fractal dimension as the exponent (b). In this study a self-consistent technique is derived for determining the mass and projected area properties of ice particles from fractal geometry. A computer program was developed to simulate the crystal aggregation process. The fractal dimension of the simulated aggregates was estimated using the box counting method in three dimensions as well as for two-dimensional projected images of the aggregates. The two- and three-dimensional fractal dimension values were found to be simply related. This relationship enabled the development of mass–dimensional relationships analytically from cloud particle images. This technique was applied to data collected during two field projects. The exponent in the mass–dimensional relationship, the fractal dimension, was found to be between 2.0 and 2.3 with a dependence on temperature noted for both datasets. The coefficient a in the mass–dimensional relationships was derived in a self-consistent manner. Temperature-dependent mass–dimensional relationships have been developed. Cloud ice water content estimated using the temperature-dependent relationship and particle size distributions agreed well with directly measured ice water content values. The results are appropriate for characterizing cloud particle properties in clouds with high concentrations of ice crystal aggregates.
A Parameterization of the Microphysical Processes Forming Many Types of Winter Precipitation
Authors: Thériault Julie M. , Stewart Ronald E.
Published: January 2010

Several types of precipitation, such as freezing rain, ice pellets, and wet snow, are commonly observed during winter storms. The objective of this study is to better understand the formation of these winter precipitation types. To address this issue, detailed melting and refreezing of precipitation was added onto an existing bulk microphysics scheme. These modifications allow the formation of mixed-phase particles and these particles in turn lead to, or affect, the formation of many of the other types of precipitation. The precipitation type characteristics, such as the mass content, liquid fraction, and threshold diameters formed during a storm over St John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, are studied and compared with observations. Many of these features were reproduced by the model. Sensitivity experiments with the model were carried out to examine the dependence of precipitation characteristics in this event on thresholds of particle evolution in the new parameterization.
Subpolar High Anomaly Preconditioning Precipitation over South America
Authors: Solman Silvina A. , Orlanski Isidoro
Published: January 2010

The mechanisms associated with the intraseasonal variability of precipitation over South America during the spring season are investigated with emphasis on the influence of a quasi-stationary anomalous circulation over the southeastern South Pacific Ocean (SEP). A spectral analysis performed to the bandpass-filtered time series of daily precipitation anomalies for the La Plata Basin (LPB) and the South Atlantic convergence zone (SACZ) regions revealed several statistically relevant peaks corresponding to periods of roughly 23 days and 14–16 days—with the lower (higher) frequency peaks more prevalent for the SACZ (LPB). The large-scale circulation patterns preconditioning precipitation variability over both regions were explored by means of a regression analysis performed on the daily 500-hPa geopotential anomaly field provided by the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis dataset. The most prominent feature of the regression fields is the presence of a quasi-stationary anomalous anticyclonic (cyclonic) circulation over the southeastern South Pacific Ocean associated with positive rainfall anomalies over the LPB (SACZ) and, emanating from that high (low), an external Rossby wave propagating northeastward toward the South American continent. The synoptic-scale activity, quantified in terms of a frontal activity index, showed a strong influence on precipitation over the LPB and to a lesser extent over the SACZ. Moreover, the frontal activity is actually modulated by the anomalous high circulation over the SEP region. The behavior of this anomalous circulation may be supported by a positive feedback mechanism that can enhance the response of the high anomaly itself, which in turns reinforces the Rossby wave train propagating toward the South American continent.
The Climatology of the Middle Atmosphere in a Vertically Extended Version of the Met Office’s Climate Model. Part I: Mean State
Authors: Hardiman S. C. , Butchart N. , Osprey S. M. , Gray L. J. , Bushell A. C. , Hinton T. J.
Published: January 2010

The climatology of a stratosphere-resolving version of the Met Office’s climate model is studied and validated against ECMWF reanalysis data. Ensemble integrations are carried out at two different horizontal resolutions. Along with a realistic climatology and annual cycle in zonal mean zonal wind and temperature, several physical effects are noted in the model. The time of final warming of the winter polar vortex is found to descend monotonically in the Southern Hemisphere, as would be expected for purely radiative forcing. In the Northern Hemisphere, however, the time of final warming is driven largely by dynamical effects in the lower stratosphere and radiative effects in the upper stratosphere, leading to the earliest transition to westward winds being seen in the midstratosphere. A realistic annual cycle in stratospheric water vapor concentrations—the tropical “tape recorder”—is captured. Tropical variability in the zonal mean zonal wind is found to be in better agreement with the reanalysis for the model run at higher horizontal resolution because the simulated quasi-biennial oscillation has a more realistic amplitude. Unexpectedly, variability in the extratropics becomes less realistic under increased resolution because of reduced resolved wave drag and increased orographic gravity wave drag. Overall, the differences in climatology between the simulations at high and moderate horizontal resolution are found to be small.
Present-Day Arctic Sea Ice Variability in the Coupled ECHAM5/MPI-OM Model
Authors: Koldunov Nikolay V. , Stammer Detlef , Marotzke Jochem
Published: January 2010

As a contribution to a detailed evaluation of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)-type coupled climate models against observations, this study analyzes Arctic sea ice parameters simulated by the Max-Planck-Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M) fully coupled climate model ECHAM5/Max-Planck-Institute for Meteorology Hamburg Primitive Equation Ocean Model (MPI-OM) for the period from 1980 to 1999 and compares them with observations collected during field programs and by satellites. Results of the coupled run forced by twentieth-century CO2 concentrations show significant discrepancies during summer months with respect to observations of the spatial distribution of the ice concentration and ice thickness. Equally important, the coupled run lacks interannual variability in all ice and Arctic Ocean parameters. Causes for such big discrepancies arise from errors in the ECHAM5/MPI-OM atmosphere and associated errors in surface forcing fields (especially wind stress). This includes mean bias pattern caused by an artificial circulation around the geometric North Pole in its atmosphere, as well as insufficient atmospheric variability in the ECHAM5/MPI-OM model, for example, associated with Arctic Oscillation/North Atlantic Oscillation (AO/NAO). In contrast, the identical coupled ocean–ice model, when driven by NCEP–NCAR reanalysis fields, shows much increased skill in its ice and ocean circulation parameters. However, common to both model runs is too strong an ice export through the Fram Strait and a substantially biased heat content in the interior of the Arctic Ocean, both of which may affect sea ice budgets in centennial projections of the Arctic climate system.
Numerical Investigation of the Middle Atlantic Bight Shelfbreak Frontal Circulation Using a High-Resolution Ocean Hindcast Model
Authors: Chen Ke , He Ruoying
Published: January 2010

A nested high-resolution ocean model is used to hindcast the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB) shelfbreak circulation from December 2003 to June 2008. The model is driven by tidal harmonics, realistic atmospheric forcing, and dynamically consistent initial and open boundary conditions obtained from a large-scale circulation model. Simulated shelfbreak sea levels and tracer fields compare favorably with satellite observations and available in situ hydrographic climatology, demonstrating the utility of this nested ocean model for resolving the MAB shelfbreak circulation. The resulting time and space continuous hindcast solutions between January 2004 and December 2007 are used to describe the mean structures and temporal variations of the shelfbreak front and jet, the bottom boundary layer detachment, and the migration of the shelfbreak front. It is found that the shelfbreak jet and boundary convergence reach their maximum intensities in the spring, at which time the foot of the front also migrates to its farthest offshore position. Vorticity analyses reveal that the magnitude ratio of the mean relative vorticity between the seaward and the shoreward portions of the shelfbreak front is about 2:1. The shelfbreak ageostrophic circulation is largely controlled by the viscosity in the boundary layers and by the nonlinear advection in the flow interior. Simulated three-dimensional velocity and tracer fields are used to estimate the transport and heat and salt fluxes across the 200-m isobath. Within the model domain, the total cross-shelf water transport, the total eddy heat flux, and the total eddy salt flux are 0.035 ± 0.26 Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1), 1.0 × 103 ± 4 × 104 W m−2, and 6.7 × 10−5 ± 7.0 × 10−4 kg m−2 s−1. The empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis on the 4-yr shelfbreak circulation hindcast solutions identifies two dominant modes. The first EOF mode accounts for 61% variance, confirming that the shelfbreak jet is a persistent year-round circulation feature. The second mode accounts for 13% variance, representing the baroclinic eddy passages across the shelf break.
Stability of the MSU-Derived Atmospheric Temperature Trend
Authors: Zou Cheng-Zhi , Wang Wenhui
Published: January 2010

Warm target effect and diurnal drift errors are the main sources of uncertainties in the trend determination from the NOAA Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU) observations. Currently, there are two methods to correct the warm target effect: 1) finding a best root-level (level-1c) calibration nonlinearity using simultaneous nadir overpass (SNO) matchups to minimize this effect for each scene radiance, and 2) finding a best-fit empirical relationship between the correction term of the end-level gridded brightness temperature and warm target temperature and then removing the best fit from the unadjusted time series. The former corrects the warm target effect before the diurnal drift adjustment and provides more accurate, warm target effect–minimized, level-1c scene radiances for reanalysis applications. The latter corrects the warm target effect at the end-level merging step, which depend on the diurnal drift correction that occurred at a previous step. Although minimized, the first method still leaves small residual warm target–related errors due to imperfect calibrations. This study demonstrates that when the diurnal drift effect is negligible, a combination of the two methods completely removes warm target effect and produces an invariant trend that is independent of the level-1c calibration in the SNO framework. The conclusion is directly applicable to the MSU channel-2 oceanic midtropospheric temperature (T2) and global channel-3 upper-tropospheric temperature (T3) and channel-4 lower-stratospheric temperature (T4), which satisfy the condition of negligible diurnal drift effect. On the basis of these results, version 1.2 of the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS)–Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) multisatellite MSU time series was constructed, including all T2, T3, and T4 products. In addition, a diurnal drift correction based on the Remote Sensing Systems diurnal anomalies was applied to the T2 product, which produces consistent climate trends between land and ocean. The global long-term climate trends for T2 and T4 derived from the STAR V1.2 dataset are, respectively, 0.18 ± 0.05 and −0.39 ± 0.36 K decade−1 during 1979–2006; the T3 trend is 0.11 ± 0.08 K decade−1 for 1981–2006.
Rain Attenuation of Radar Echoes Considering Finite-Range Resolution and Using Drop Size Distributions
Authors: Peters Gerhard , Fischer Bernd , Clemens Marco
Published: January 2010

The classical rain attenuation correction scheme of Hitschfeld and Bordan (HIBO) and the newer iterative approach by Hildebrand (HL) are reconsidered. Although the motivation for the HL algorithm was an extension into ranges, where HIBO tends to be unstable, it is shown here that the contrary is the case. The finite-range resolution causes an intrinsic instability of HL already at moderate attenuation, where HIBO would still deliver stable results. Therefore, the authors concentrate the further analysis on HIBO, and confirm that the usual implementation of HIBO does not account correctly for finite-range resolution. They suggest a modified scheme that produces exact retrievals in the ideal case of perfect measurements.

For vertically pointing Doppler radars a new element is explored in the attenuation correction—namely, calculating rain attenuation κ and rainfall R from Doppler spectra via the raindrop size distributions (RSDs). Although this spectral scheme (SIBO) avoids the uncertainty of Z–R and Z–κ relations, the superiority of this approach is not a priori obvious because of its sensitivity to vertical wind. Therefore, radar rain rates, based on a Z–R relation and on RSDs, respectively, are compared with in situ measurements. The results indicate better agreement for RSD-based retrievals. Because κ is closely correlated with R, the authors assert the advantage of RSD-based retrievals of κ.

The application of HIBO and SIBO to real data shows that the uncertainty of standard Z–R relations is the main source of deviation between the two versions. In addition, the comparison of profiles suggests that the parameters of Z–R relations aloft can deviate considerably from near-surface values. Although artifacts cannot be excluded with certainty, there is some evidence that this observation actually reflects microphysical processes.
Numerical Simulations of Island Effects on Airflow and Weather during the Summer over the Island of Oahu
Authors: Van Nguyen Hiep , Chen Yi-Leng , Fujioka Francis
Published: January 2010

The high-resolution (1.5 km) nonhydrostatic fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research (PSU–NCAR) Mesoscale Model (MM5) and an advanced land surface model (LSM) are used to study the island-induced airflow and weather for the island of Oahu, Hawaii, under summer trade wind conditions.

Despite Oahu’s relatively small area (1536 km2), there are considerable spatial variations in horizontal distribution of thermodynamic fields related to terrain, airflow, rain, cloud, and ground cover. The largest diurnal variations in temperature and moisture occur in the lee sides of mountains, especially along the western leeside coast. The island-scale surface airflow is also significantly affected by terrain and land surface forcing. The downslope winds above the leeside slopes of both the Ko’olau and Waianae Mountains are simulated with significant diurnal variations with the strongest downslope winds just before sunrise.

The timing of diurnal rainfall maxima over the Ko’olau Mountains is closely related to vertical motions. The early morning rainfall maximum on the windward side is caused by anomalous rising motion due to significant flow deceleration when the land surface is the coolest. The evening rainfall maximum after sunset is related to anomalous orographic lifting due to stronger winds aloft. In the early afternoon, winds aloft are relatively weak with a relatively high level of free convection (LFC) because of vertical mixing. As a result, the rainfall over the Ko’olau Mountains exhibits an afternoon minimum. The westerly reversed flow off the western leeside coast in the afternoon is mainly thermally driven and related to land surface heating superimposed by latent heat release of persistent orographic precipitation over the Ko’olau Mountains. Rainfall along the western leeside slopes has a late afternoon maximum due to the development of the onshore/upslope flow.
Telemedicine: A practice-based approach to technology
Authors: Gherardi Silvia
Published: January 2010

Telecardiological consultancy, enabling distant consultation between cardiologist and the general practitioner in the presence of the patient and relying on a technological infrastructure, is a new medical working practice. This article proposes a practice-based approach in order to study it as an object emerging from a local ecology of human and non-human. An analytical framework proposes three interpretative lines: a reading of practice ‘from outside’ (as a patterned set of activities), a reading ‘from inside’ (as knowing-in-practice) and a reading as a social practice (as a ‘doing’ of society).The article analyses the discursive practices involved in a month of telecardiological consultancies in order to understand the effects of this new practice in a Western health care context. One of these meanings is that, as telecardiology comes into use, it is inscribed more in the social practice of reassurance than in the medical one of preventing and dealing with emergencies.
Non-Hookean Elastic Behavior and Crystallite Orientation in Carbon Fibers
Authors: Djordjević Isidor M. , Sekulić Danioela R. , Mitrić Midrog N. , Stevanović Momčilo M.
Published: January 2010

Four different PAN-based carbon fibers (high strength, high modulus, and two enhanced strain fibers) were investigated in the standard single filament tensile tests. Nonlinear response was observed in all tested carbon fibers, but the nonlinearity in these fibers was not of the same extent. The tangential fiber modulus values for successive strain intervals (from zero up to failure strain) were fitted by linear as well as the second-order polynomial regression method. The coefficients of linear and square regression as well as the mean square deviation of experimental points from the points on a fitted curve were equal in all tested groups of fibers.

The fitted square regression curve has a theoretical foundation, but the empirical expression is obtained by linear regression of modulus—strain data in carbon fibers. However, since the obtained linear relations include the coefficient γ, which can be a measure of elastic nonlinearity, deduced γ coefficient values were correlated to the parameters of carbon fiber crystallite structure as well as crystallites orientation.
Analysis of a Strategic Terror Organization
Authors: Feinstein Jonathan S. , Kaplan Edward H.
Published: January 2010

The authors model a terrorist organization’s choice over the scale and planning horizon of terror attacks and the consequences for the organization’s evolution. The organization can engage in short-term attacks planned and executed in a single period, characterized by a low fixed cost and relatively high marginal cost, and longer term attacks planned and executed over two periods, having a high fixed cost but relatively low marginal cost. Longer term attacks require more resources and cause more damage if successful. Successful attacks increase the organization’s size; in addition, the organization has a natural growth rate. Attacks can fail because of failed execution or counterterror interdiction. In a two-period version of this model, the authors analyze the terror organization’s attack decisions. They use simulations to characterize optimal strategies and explore their implications for the growth of the organization. The authors identify a set of strategic regimes, and the results show that they always occur in a fixed order as a function of the organization’s initial strength.
A Network-based Simulation Architecture for Studying Epidemic Dynamics
Authors: Huang Chung-Yuan , Tsai Yu-Shiuan , Wen Tzai-Hung
Published: January 2010

Epidemiology instructors are collaborating with computer scientists to construct network-based simulations to recreate infectious disease transmission dynamics and to examine intervention strategy efficacies. Here we propose an architecture based on demographic and geographic properties to support the learning efforts of undergraduate students and novice researchers, and describe our simulations of HIV, SARS, and influenza transmission dynamics in Taiwan. Our findings are offered to support the construction of new network-based epidemic simulations.
Response to Wilson’s note on ‘Influences of resource limitations and transmission costs on epidemic simulations and critical thresholds in scale-free networks’
Authors: Tsai Yu-Shiuan , Sun Chuen-Tsai , Huang Chung-Yuan
Published: January 2010

James R. Wilson points out what he describes as flaws in our proof in ‘Influences of Resource Limitations and Transmission Costs on Epidemic Simulations and Critical Thresholds in Scale-free Networks’ (Simulation 85(3): 205—219) and offers an alternative steady-state behavior derivation based on our epidemic simulation model. In this response we will explain our definitions for the terms used in our paper and the derivation process for our analysis, then compare and contrast our mathematical model with that proposed by Wilson. We suggest that more compartmental models can be used to support our argument that increasing transmission costs or decreasing individual resources increases the critical threshold of a contagion event in a scale-free network.
Sexual Revictimization During Women’s First Year of College: Self-Blame and Sexual Refusal Assertiveness as Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Katz Jennifer , May Pamela , Sörensen Silvia , DelTosta Jill
Published: January 2010

Although sexual victimization during adolescence increases risk for later revictimization, mechanisms for increased risk among new college students have not been identified. Female undergraduates ( N = 87) were assessed at the start and end of their first academic year. Those who reported initial sexual victimization at Time 1 were more likely than other women to report later college victimization at Time 2. Path analyses showed that self-blame and decreased sexual refusal assertiveness (SRA) explained this effect. Specifically, initial victimization was associated with increased self-blame; in turn, self-blame indirectly predicted later college victimization via decreased sexual refusal assertiveness. Prevention efforts focused on self-blame and other barriers to SRA may reduce risk for revictimization during women’s transition to college.
Effect of Filler and Urethane Rubber on NR/BR with Nanosilica: Morphology and Wear
Authors: Pal Kaushik , Rajasekar R. , Dong Jin Kang  , Zhen Xiu Zhang  , Pal Samir K. , Das Chapal K. , Jin Kuk Kim
Published: January 2010

The blends of butadiene rubber (BR), urethane rubber (EU) and natural rubber (NR) was prepared using a blending technique in presence of different types of carbon black. The effect of filler on morphological and wear characteristics was studied. ISAF type of carbon black showed a significant effect on optimum cure time, cure rate index and mechanical properties by reacting at the interface between BR, EU and NR matrix. All the samples show only one melting peak on the DSC curve; this is attributed to the same backbone structure of the matrix and the carbon black reinforcement. Blends containing ISAF type of carbon black showed high abrasion resistant properties against Du-Pont abrader, DIN abrader and different mining rock surfaces and also is found to be the toughest rubber against all types of rock.
The Vocational Significance of Black Identity: Cultural Formulation Approach to Career Assessment and Career Counseling
Authors: Byars-Winston Angela
Published: January 2010

Scholarship is emerging on intervention models that purposefully attend to cultural variables throughout the career assessment and career counseling process. One heuristic model that offers promise to advance culturally relevant vocational practice with African Americans is the Outline for Cultural Formulation (CF). This article explicates the Outline for CF in career assessment and career counseling with African Americans integrating the concept of cultural identity into the entire model. The article concludes with an illustration of the Outline for CF model with an African American career client.
Why So Cynical?
Authors: Fetchenhauer Detlef , Dunning David
Published: January 2010

People tend to grossly underestimate the trustworthiness of other people. We tested whether this cynicism grows out of an asymmetry in the feedback people receive when they decide to trust others. When people trust others, they painfully learn when other people prove to be untrustworthy; however, when people refrain from trusting others, they fail to learn of instances when the other person would have honored their trust. Participants saw short videos of other people and had to decide whether to trust each person in an economic game. Participants overall underestimated the trustworthiness of the people they viewed, regardless of whether they were given financial incentives to provide accurate estimates. However, people who received symmetric feedback about the trustworthiness of others (i.e., who received feedback regardless of their own decision to trust) exhibited reduced cynicism relative to those who received no feedback or asymmetric feedback (i.e., who received feedback only after they trusted the other person).
Systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome induced in a case by interferon-α used for the treatment of hepatitis C
Authors: Onishi S. , Nagashima T. , Kimura H. , Matsuyama Y. , Yoshio T. , Minota S.
Published: January 2010

A 57-year-old Japanese woman developed skin eruption, pleuritis, pancytopenia, parotid gland swelling and glomerulonephritis after 7-month treatment with pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Disease-specific autoantibodies such as anti-SSA, anti-SSB, anti-Sm and anti-dsDNA antibodies became positive. The diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome was made and treatment with glucocorticoid pulse followed by oral glucocorticoid was started. It is highly probable that interferon-α-induced systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome in this case. Interferon-α might be important pathogenically in these diseases. Lupus (2010) 19, 753—755.
The overlap of systemic lupus erythematosus and sickle cell disease: report of two cases and a review of the literature
Authors: Cherner M. , Isenberg D.
Published: January 2010

Two cases of Afro-Caribbean women with an association of sickle cell disease (SCD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are presented. We discuss the clues to the diagnosis of this combination with a review of the literature. Owing to a substantial overlap between the clinical manifestations of the two disorders, the diagnosis of SLE in patients with SCD may be difficult to establish and is often delayed.
Truancy Interventions: A Review of the Research Literature
Authors: Sutphen Richard D. , Ford Janet P. , Flaherty Chris
Published: January 2010

Objectives: This article presents a systematic review of the literature on evaluative studies of truancy interventions. Method: Included studies evaluating truancy interventions appearing in peer-reviewed academic journals from 1990 to 2007. Findings: In total, 16 studies were assessed. Eight studies used group comparison designs and eight studies used one-group pretest/posttest designs. Studies varied on sample sizes, definitions of truant behavior, focus of interventions, and dependent measures. Conclusions: Six studies produced useful and promising interventions including contingency management, school reorganization, punitive measures, community partnerships, and family-oriented activities. The substantial methodological shortcomings, inconsistent definitions, and lack of replication demonstrate a need for more and better evaluation studies to provide a more definitive knowledge base to guide effective truancy interventions for practitioners.
Native American Youth and Culturally Sensitive Interventions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jackson Kelly F. , Hodge David R.
Published: January 2010

Objective: A systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of culturally sensitive interventions (CSIs) with Native American youth was conducted. Method: Electronic bibliographic databases, Web sites, and manual searches were used to identify 11 outcome studies that examined CSI effectiveness with Native American youth. Results: This review found general improvement in the employment of rigorous evaluative methods in CSI research with Native American youth. Conclusion: Despite recent progress, CSI research remains in its infancy and more rigorous outcome studies are needed in order to determine if CSIs are more effective than standard treatments with Native American youth. Such research is necessary for professional competent practice with Native American youth and families.