bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban Energy Balance Obtained from the Comprehensive Outdoor Scale Model Experiment. Part II: Comparisons with Field Data Using an Improved Energy Partition
Authors: Kawai Toru , Kanda Manabu
Published: March 2010

The objective of this study is to examine the differences and similarities in the annual trends of the urban surface energy balance (SEB) among long-term field measurements. Four datasets analyzed for the study were collected in the following experiments or observational sites: Comprehensive Outdoor Scale Model experiments (COSMO), the Kugahara site in Tokyo, Japan (Ku04), and the Sperrstrasse and Spalenring sites in Basel, Switzerland (BuU1 and BuU2). A new variable, the forcing radiation QFR, has been proposed to replace the conventional net radiation Q* for the normalization of the SEB components. Here, QFR is defined as the sum of net shortwave radiation and downward longwave radiation. Because QFR does not include the upward longwave radiation, it is independent of the surface temperature, which is determined by the energy partitioning process. Therefore, QFR is independent of the energy partitioning process itself. With the use of QFR, the characteristics of the daytime normalized components of the SEB equation (i.e., upward longwave radiation, QL↑/QFR, turbulence fluxes (QH + QE)/QFR, and heat storage ΔQS/QFR) were investigated. The above energy fluxes normalized by the forcing radiation depended on the friction velocity u*. An increase of u* predominantly enhanced (QH + QE)/QFR and reduced both QL↑/QFR and ΔQS/QFR. When this u* dependency on the SEB was taken into consideration, the annual variations of these three flux ratios from cities located in similar latitudes and longitudes (i.e., BuU1 and BuU2, Ku04, and COSMO) were very similar. At BuU1 and BuU2, QL↑/QFR showed larger seasonal amplitudes than at COSMO and Ku04. The seasonal variations of (QH + QE)/QFR were roughly out of phase with respect to those of QL↑/QFR, resulting in relatively small seasonal variations of ΔQS/QFR. Furthermore, the effects of urban canyon geometry on the SEB were examined by comparing the SEB for the roofs to that for the canyon. The three-dimensional urban canyon geometry enhanced the heat storage efficiency relative to the forcing radiation ΔQS/QFR of the canyon in comparison with that of roofs or flat surfaces. This observation was explained by the continuous movement of sunlit areas on the walls and streets.
Cellular Statistical Models of Broken Cloud Fields. Part II: Comparison with a Dynamical Model and Statistics of Diverse Ensembles
Authors: Alexandrov Mikhail D. , Ackerman Andrew S. , Marshak Alexander
Published: March 2010

Cellular statistical models are designed to provide a simple two-parameter characterization of the structure of broken cloud fields described through distributions of cloud fraction and of chord lengths for clouds and clear gaps. In these analytical models cloud fields are assumed to occur on a semiregular grid of cells (which can be vaguely interpreted as atmospheric convective cells). In a simple, discrete cell model, cell size is fixed and each cell can either be completely filled with cloud with some probability or remain empty. Extending the discrete model to a continuous case provides more realism by allowing arbitrary cloud and gap sizes. Here the continuous cellular model is tested by comparing its statistics with those from large-eddy simulations (LES) of marine boundary layer clouds based on case studies from three trade-cumulus field projects. The statistics largely agree with some differences in small sizes approaching the LES model grid spacing. Exponential chord-length distributions follow from the assumption that the probability of any cell being cloudy is constant, appropriate for a given meteorological state (narrow sampling). Relaxing that assumption, and instead allowing this probability to have its own distribution, leads to a power-law distribution of chord lengths, appropriate to a broader sample of meteorological states (diverse sampling).
Cloud Vertical Distribution across Warm and Cold Fronts in CloudSat–CALIPSO Data and a General Circulation Model
Authors: Naud Catherine M. , Del Genio Anthony D. , Bauer Mike , Kovari William
Published: March 2010

Cloud vertical distributions across extratropical warm and cold fronts are obtained using two consecutive winters of CloudSat–Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) observations and National Centers for Environmental Prediction reanalysis atmospheric state parameters over the Northern and Southern Hemisphere oceans (30°–70°N/S) between November 2006 and September 2008. These distributions generally resemble those from the original model introduced by the Bergen School in the 1920s, with the following exceptions: 1) substantial low cloudiness, which is present behind and ahead of the warm and cold fronts; 2) ubiquitous high cloudiness, some of it very thin, throughout the warm-frontal region; and 3) upright convective cloudiness near and behind some warm fronts. One winter of GISS general circulation model simulations of Northern and Southern Hemisphere warm and cold fronts at 2° × 2.5° × 32 levels resolution gives similar cloud distributions but with much lower cloud fraction, a shallower depth of cloudiness, and a shorter extent of tilted warm-frontal cloud cover on the cold air side of the surface frontal position. A close examination of the relationship between the cloudiness and relative humidity fields indicates that water vapor is not lifted enough in modeled midlatitude cyclones and this is related to weak vertical velocities in the model. The model also produces too little cloudiness for a given value of vertical velocity or relative humidity. For global climate models run at scales coarser than tens of kilometers, the authors suggest that the current underestimate of modeled cloud cover in the storm track regions, and in particular the 50°–60°S band of the Southern Oceans, could be reduced with the implementation of a slantwise convection parameterization.
Internal Waves and Mixing in the Marginal Ice Zone near the Yermak Plateau*
Authors: Fer Ilker , Skogseth Ragnheid , Geyer Florian
Published: March 2010

Observations were made of oceanic currents, hydrography, and microstructure in the southern Yermak Plateau in summer 2007. The location is in the marginal ice zone at the Arctic Front northwest of Svalbard, where the West Spitsbergen Current (WSC) carries the warm Atlantic Water into the Arctic Ocean. Time series of approximately 1-day duration from five stations (upper 520 m) and of an 8-day duration from a mooring are analyzed to describe the characteristics of internal waves and turbulent mixing. The spectral composition of the internal-wave field over the southern Yermak Plateau is 0.1–0.3 times the midlatitude levels and compares with the most energetic levels in the central Arctic. Dissipation rate and eddy diffusivity below the pycnocline increase from the noise level on the cold side of the front by one order of magnitude on the warm side, where 100-m-thick layers with average diffusivities of 5 × 10−5 m2 s−1 lead to heat loss from the Atlantic Water of 2–4 W m−2. Dissipation in the upper 150 m is well above the noise level at all stations, but strong stratification at the cold side of the front prohibits mixing across the pycnocline. Close to the shelf, at the core of the Svalbard branch of the WSC, diffusivity increases by another factor of 3–6. Here, near-bottom mixing removes 15 W m−2 of heat from the Atlantic layer. Internal-wave activity and mixing show variability related to topography and hydrography; thus, the path of the WSC will affect the cooling and freshening of the Atlantic inflow. When generalized to the Arctic Ocean, diapycnal mixing away from abyssal plains can be significant for the heat budget. Around the Yermak Plateau, it is of sufficient magnitude to influence heat anomaly pulses entering the Arctic Ocean; however, diapycnal mixing alone is unlikely to be significant for regional cooling of the WSC.
Consistent Tropical Cyclone Wind and Wave Forecasts for the U.S. Navy
Authors: Sampson Charles R. , Wittmann Paul A. , Tolman Hendrik L.
Published: March 2010

A new algorithm to generate wave heights consistent with tropical cyclone official forecasts from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) has been developed. The process involves generating synthetic observations from the forecast track and the 34-, 50-, and 64-kt wind radii. The JTWC estimate of the radius of maximum winds is used in the algorithm to generate observations for the forecast intensity (wind), and the JTWC-estimated radius of the outermost closed isobar is used to assign observations at the outermost extent of the tropical cyclone circulation. These observations are then interpolated to a high-resolution latitude–longitude grid covering the entire extent of the circulation. Finally, numerical weather prediction (NWP) model fields are obtained for each forecast time, the NWP model forecast tropical cyclone is removed from these fields, and the new JTWC vortex is inserted without blending zones between the vortex and the background. These modified fields are then used as input into a wave model to generate waves consistent with the JTWC forecasts. The algorithm is applied to Typhoon Yagi (2006), in anticipation of which U.S. Navy ships were moved from Tokyo Bay to an area off the southeastern coast of Kyushu. The decision to move (sortie) the ships was based on NWP model-driven long-range wave forecasts that indicated high seas impacting the coast in the vicinity of Tokyo Bay. The sortie decision was made approximately 84 h in advance of the high seas in order to give ships time to steam the approximately 500 n mi to safety. Results from the new algorithm indicate that the high seas would not affect the coast near Tokyo Bay within 84 h. This specific forecast verifies, but altimeter observations show that it does not outperform, the NWP model-driven wave analysis and forecasts for this particular case. Overall, the performance of the new algorithm is dependent on the JTWC tropical cyclone forecast performance, which has generally outperformed those of the NWP model over the last several years.
Perceptions of and reactions to workplace bullying: A social exchange perspective
Authors: Parzefall Marjo-Riitta , Salin Denise M
Published: March 2010

The aim of this article is to introduce a social exchange perspective to the study of workplace bullying. Much of the existing research on bullying has had a strong empirical focus, leaving the concept relatively under-theoretized. By applying the social exchange theory based concepts of justice, psychological contract breach, and perceived organizational support, we aim to shed light on a number of aspects of bullying that to date have remained poorly understood. First, drawing on the concepts of justice and contract breach, we highlight the perceptual and subjective element in workplace bullying. Second, the concepts of justice and contract breach allow us to provide insights into how bullying is experienced and the mechanisms through which bullying leads to negative outcomes for both targets and bystanders. Third, the concept of perceived organizational support highlights the importance of appropriate and timely responses to workplace bullying. Finally, we discuss implications for both research and practice.
Refining the Air Traffic Approach to City Networks
Authors: Neal Zachary
Published: March 2010

Despite embracing the concept of networks to help explain the organisation of modern urban systems, measurement has presented an overriding challenge to researchers: how can linkages between cities be operationalised? Airline traffic data have been proposed as a promising solution, but these data introduce their own complications. In this paper, the Airline Origin and Destination Survey is used to refine this approach, distinguishing first between hub/spoke and origin/destination networks and, secondly, between networks of business-oriented and leisure-oriented travel among 115 US metropolitan areas in 2006. After illustrating the importance of these distinctions with employment data from the American Community Survey, the resulting and more narrowly focused business network is used to test a model of urban economic flows. Results suggest that the volume of business exchanges between US cities is a function of the cities’ own attributes and as well as relational factors including economic similarity.
Effects of Laropiprant, a Selective Prostaglandin D2 Receptor 1 Antagonist, on the Steady‐State Pharmacokinetics of Digoxin in Healthy Adult Subjects
Authors: Liu Fang , Vessey Laura , Wenning Larissa , Connolly Sandra , Buckland Melissa , Johnson‐Levonas Amy O. , Denker Andrew , Wagner John A. , Lai Eseng
Published: March 2010

Laropiprant, a prostaglandin D2 receptor‐1 antagonist shown to reduce flushing symptoms, has been combined with niacin for treatment of dyslipidemia. This open‐label, randomized, 2‐period crossover study assessed the effects of laropiprant on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin, with 13 healthy subjects randomized to 2 treatments administered in random order with a 10‐day or longer washout period: (A) single‐dose digoxin 0.5 mg on day 1 and once‐daily oral doses of laropiprant 40 mg for 10 days beginning 5 days prior to digoxin dosing (day −5 to day 5); (B) single‐dose digoxin 0.5 mg on day 1. Blood was collected over the course of 120 hours post digoxin dose to assess pharmacokinetics of immunoreactive digoxin. Comparability was declared if the 90% confidence interval for the geometric mean ratio of laropiprant+digoxin to digoxin alone of the area under the plasma concentration—time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0‐∞) for immunoreactive digoxin fell within 0.80 to 1.25. The AUC0‐∞ and maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) geometric mean ratios of immunoreactive digoxin were 0.91 (90% confidence interval, 0.76–1.10) and 1.04 (90% confidence interval, 0.91–1.21), respectively. Median time of occurrence of Cmax and mean half‐life of immunoreactive digoxin were comparable in the presence and absence of laropiprant. Coadministration of digoxin and laropiprant was generally well tolerated. The small decrease in exposure to immunoreactive digoxin (∼10%) following coadministration of laropiprant and digoxin is not considered to be clinically meaningful.
Institutional Misconduct and Differential Parole Eligibility Among Capital Inmates
Authors: Morris Robert G. , Longmire Dennis R. , Buffington-Vollum Jacqueline , Vollum Scott
Published: March 2010

Managing career inmates (e.g., capital murderers) is a serious burden for prison administrators and taxpayers. Research findings are mixed as to whether such inmates will engage in increased levels of institutional misconduct. Using complete disciplinary histories from non-death-sentenced capital inmates in Texas whose offenses occurred between 1987 and 1994, the authors explored the need for increased security levels between capital murderers sentenced to markedly different parole eligibility policies (15 years vs. 35 to 40 years before becoming eligible for parole). They also explored whether career inmates represent greater management challenges because they have “nothing to lose,” compared with capital inmates with less time to parole eligibility. Findings suggest that capital inmates sentenced to longer mandatory prison terms are less likely to engage in serious and violent misconduct. Policy implications are discussed in terms of prison administration, fiscal practicability, and career inmate social development.
Repair Integrity Evaluated by Second-Look Arthroscopy after Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair with the FasT-Fix during Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Tachibana Yomei , Sakaguchi Katsunobu , Goto Tatsuru , Oda Hiromi , Yamazaki Katsuhiko , Iida Soju
Published: March 2010

Background

Although several devices for meniscal repairs have become available, a successful outcome is ultimately due to a healed meniscus on the clinical findings. The authors assessed the repair integrity after meniscal repair with the FasT-Fix device using second-look arthroscopy.

Hypothesis

Meniscal repair with the FasT-Fix will lead to arthroscopically evident healing, but some menisci will show incomplete healing even in clinically successful cases and have newly formed injuries on the meniscal substance resulting from the path of the implant.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

Sixty-five consecutive patients were studied, in whom 84 menisci were subjected to all-inside meniscal repair with the FasT-Fix device in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Repair was only performed on longitudinal or double longitudinal tears within the red-red or red-white zone. The repaired menisci were evaluated by second-look arthroscopy at the time of staged hardware removal after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Results

Sixty-two meniscal tears in 46 patients were available for this study. Eight patients were found to be symptomatic and considered to be clinical failures. The clinical success rate was 83%. At second-look arthroscopy, 46 tears (74%) were healed, 9 (15%) were healed incompletely, and 7 (11%) had failed. In the failed menisci,1 had meniscal symptoms, while the other 6 were asymptomatic. In the 9 menisci with incomplete healing, 3 were associated with nonspecific knee pain but none showed meniscal symptoms. Newly formed injuries, which occurred in an area different from the original repair site, were confirmed on the surface of 19 menisci (35%) among the healed and incompletely healed menisci. Thirty menisci (48%) displayed successful and complete healing of the original tear site without newly formed tears.

Conclusion

Meniscal repair with the FasT-Fix in conjunction with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction resulted in complete healing in 74% of cases. Eighty-three percent of menisci were symptom-free regardless of meniscal integrity. Even when the menisci repaired are asymptomatic and considered to be a clinical success, however, there may be newly formed injuries.
“My Best Friend Always Did and Still Does Betray Me Constantly”: Examining Relational and Physical Victimization Within a Dyadic Friendship Context
Authors: Daniels Tina , Quigley Danielle , Menard Lisa , Spence Linda
Published: March 2010

This study was an investigation of the nature of victimization within the context of dyadic peer friendships. In particular, relational and physical victimization were examined to determine whether level of victimization by a friend varied as a function of sex or having a reciprocated friendship. Qualities of the friendship and satisfaction with the friendship were explored as predictors of both forms of victimization. The sample consisted of 384 children in Grades 4 to 6 ( M = 10.5 years of age). Girls in relationally victimizing friendships described these relationships as high in both positive and negative friendship qualities, whereas both boys and girls in physically and physically plus relationally victimizing friendships described their relationships as more negative across all friendship quality variables. All children in victimizing relationships reported less satisfaction than those in nonvictimizing relationships. Using regression analyses, we were able to predict almost half of the variance in relational victimization and almost a third of the variance in physical victimization from friendship quality ratings. Some implications for prevention and intervention are discussed.
Infantile Spinal Muscular Atrophy With Respiratory Distress Type 1: A Case Report
Authors: AlSaman Abdulaziz , Tomoum Hoda
Published: March 2010

The condition, currently known as spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1, is an unusual variant of spinal muscular atrophy type 1 that is characterized by early respiratory failure due to diaphragmatic paralysis. The defective gene, the immunoglobulin μ-binding protein 2 (IGHMBP2 gene), of this autosomal recessive disorder is located on chromosome 11q13 and encodes immunoglobulin μ-binding protein 2. The natural history and phenotypic spectrum of the disease are still not clear. The authors present the first genetically proven case of spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress type 1 to be reported from Saudi Arabia. The parents are first cousins and the causative gene sequencing revealed mutation in exon 7 reported for the first time in a homozygous form. The clinical scenario of the case is discussed. The findings in the muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are presented.
Orthostatic Heart Rate and Blood Pressure in Adolescents: Reference Ranges
Authors: Skinner Joline E. , Driscoll Sherilyn W. , Porter Co-burn J. , Brands Chad K. , Pianosi Paolo T. , Kuntz Nancy L. , Nelson Dawn E. , Burkhardt Barbara E. , Bryant Sandra C. , Fischer Philip R.
Published: March 2010

This descriptive population study of 307 public high school students, ages 15 to 17 years, was performed to establish reference ranges for orthostatic changes in heart rate and blood pressure in adolescents, and to identify influential variables. Noninvasive measurements of blood pressure and heart rate were obtained. Reference ranges for orthostatic heart rate change in this population at 2 minutes were –2 to +41 beats per minute and at 5 minutes were –1 to +48 beats per minute. Orthostatic blood pressure changes were within the adult range for 98% of adolescents tested. One-third of participants experienced orthostatic symptoms during testing. In conclusion, this study shows that orthostatic symptoms and large orthostatic heart rate changes occur in adolescents. This suggests that the current orthostatic heart rate criterion aiding the diagnosis of adult orthostatic intolerance syndromes is likely not appropriate for adolescents and should be reevaluated.
Childhood-Onset CADASIL: Clinical, Imaging, and Neurocognitive Features
Authors: Hartley Jessica , Westmacott Robyn , Decker Jochen , Shroff Manohar , Yoon Grace
Published: March 2010

CADASIL (cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition, associated with mutations in the notch3 gene. Symptoms include migraine with aura, mood disorders, progressive cognitive decline, subcortical ischemic strokes, dementia, and premature death. We present an 8-year-old boy with attention and behavioral difficulties, as well as a family history of the condition. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed subcortical foci of increased T2 hyperintensity, and sequencing of the notch3 gene revealed 1 previously reported mutation and 1 novel sequence variant. Neurocognitive assessment revealed deficits in several aspects of executive functioning and in verbal learning. To our knowledge, this is the youngest reported patient with this condition, and it prompts reconsideration of CADASIL as an adult-onset disease.
Preparation and Properties of Polybenzoxazinepoly(dimethylsiloxane-co-diphenylsiloxane) Hybrids as High Performance Polymers
Authors: Ardhyananta Hosta , Kawauchi Takehiro , Takeichi Tsutomu , Ismail Hanafi
Published: March 2010

Polybenzoxazine, poly(B-a), was hybridized with polysiloxanes by synchronizing two reactions; ring-opening polymerization of benzoxazine (B-a) and the sol—gel process of diethoxysilanes. As diethoxysilanes, mixtures of diethoxydimethylsilane and diethoxydiphenylsilane in various ratios were used to prepare polysiloxane copolymers, poly(dimethylsiloxane- co-diphenylsiloxane), P(DMS/DPS). The effect of diphenylsiloxane (DPS) content of polysiloxane copolymer on the optical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the hybrids was studied. The progress of the sol—gel process was confirmed by IR, 1H-NMR and size exclusion chromatography. Opaque poly(B-a)-P(DMS/DPS) hybrid films were obtained at high dimethylsiloxane (DMS) content corresponding to the phase separation. The domain size of the polysiloxane was evaluated from the scanning electron microscope. Meanwhile, transparent hybrid films were obtained at high DPS content, corresponding to the homogeneous phase as observed from the scanning electron microscope. The hybrid films revealed higher tensile strength and elongation at break than pristine poly(B-a) as a function of DPS content. Dynamic viscoelastic analyses of the hybrids at high DMS content revealed two glass transition temperatures ( Tg) corresponding to polysiloxane and poly(B-a) components, while one Tg was observed at high DPS content. Thermogravimetric analysis of the hybrids revealed that the thermal stability of the poly(B-a)-polysiloxane hybrids was higher than pristine poly(B-a) depending on the DPS content.
A biomarker-based reconstruction of sea ice conditions for the Barents Sea in recent centuries
Authors: Vare Lindsay L. , Massé Guillaume , Belt Simon T.
Published: March 2010

Variations in sea ice occurrence for the Barents Sea since c. AD 1700 have been determined by analysis of the abundance of the sea ice biomarker IP25 in three marine sediment box cores obtained from locations in the north, southeast and southwest parts of the region. Depth/age models for each core were established using excess 210Pb activity profiles. Comparisons between these depth/age models with those reported previously for the Barents Sea, suggest that the proxy sea ice record may, alternatively, extend back to c. AD 1500—1600. Sedimentation accumulation rates and bulk densities were combined with IP 25 concentrations, resulting in temporal changes to IP25 fluxes, which have been interpreted in terms of sea ice variability. The IP25 sea ice proxy data are also compared with other bulk organic geochemical parameters (total organic carbon and C/N ratios) and with sediment particle size distributions. The data indicate ice-free conditions for the southwest Barents Sea for the past c. 300 yr, consistent with previous reports based on historical sea ice records. In contrast, the combined proxy data from the southeast and north Barents Sea suggest variable spring sea ice occurrence on a c. 10—50 yr timescale, with reduced sea ice over the last c. 40—100 yr. In the early record, an enhanced sea ice occurrence is observed for the southeast Barents Sea during the mid—late nineteenth century, but as early as c. AD 1780 for the northern region. The outcomes of this study are broadly consistent with those obtained from ice edge position determinations derived previously from observational records. The study also demonstrates the potential of using IP25 as a sea ice proxy for longer-term palaeo sea ice determinations (e.g. the Holocene) for the Barents Sea.
Climate and oceanographic variability in the SW Barents Sea during the Holocene
Authors: Risebrobakken Bjørg , Moros Matthias , Ivanova Elena V. , Chistyakova Natalia , Rosenberg Reinhild
Published: March 2010

The Holocene section of the marine sediment core PSh-5159N, located in the SW Barents Sea, has been studied at high resolution with a multiproxy approach. A well-stratified water column occurred at the site 11—9.8 ka BP. The stratification was probably a result of a winter sea ice cover and/or fresh, warm surface waters during summer. Stratification and resultant reduction in air—sea interaction allowed for warmer bottom water temperatures. The general situation 11—9.8 ka BP could have been associated with an anomalous high-pressure system over the Nordic Seas and the Arctic Ocean. During the 11—10.5 ka BP interval the polar front was located close to the Barents Sea margin. The polar front moved towards the site from 10.5 ka BP, and from 9.8 to 7.5 ka BP it was probably located close to the site. At 7.5 ka BP the polar front retreated eastwards as the present-day oceanographic pattern established. The mid Holocene was in general characterized by rather stable conditions. In contrast, highly variable conditions are recorded throughout the late Holocene. Episodic expansions of the coastal water influenced zone are typical for the last 2.5 ka BP. Predominantly cold conditions and reduced southwesterly wind strength are suggested during these episodes. The Holocene temperature variability seems in general to be of larger amplitude than instrumentally recorded temperature changes in the SW Barents Sea.
Solannm lyratum extract affected immune response in normal and leukemia murine animal in vivo
Authors: Yang Jai-Sing , Wu Chia-Chun , Kuo Chao-Lin , Yeh Chin-Chung , Chueh Fu-Shin , Hsu Cheng-Kuang , Wang Chien-Kuo , Chang Ching-Yao , Ip Siu-Wan , Hsu Yuan-Man , Kuo Wei-Wen , Chung Jing-Gung
Published: March 2010

Solanum lyratum Thunberg (Solanaceae) has been used as a folk medicine for treating liver, lung and esophagus in the Chinese population. Our previous studies have shown that the crude extract of S. lyratum Thunberg (SLE) induced apoptosis in colo 205 human colon adenocarcinoma cells; however, there is no report to show SLE affect immune responses in vivo. In this study, the in vivo effects of SLE on leukemia WEHI-3 cells and immune responses such as phagocytosis and natural killer (NK) cell activity in normal and leukemia mice were investigated. The SLE treatment decreases surface markers of CD3 and Mac-3 in normal and leukemia mice but promoted the cell markers of CD19 and CD11b in normal mice and CD11b in leukemia mice indicating that the precursors of T cells was inhibited and B cells and macrophage were promoted. The SLE treatment promoted the activity of macrophage phagocytosis in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and peritoneal cells from normal and leukemia mice. The results also showed that NK cells from the normal and leukemia mice after treatment with SLE can kill the YAC-1 target cells. Therefore, the SLE treatment increased macrophage and NK cell activities. These consistent results indicate SLE could be a potent immune responses agent.
Contagious Parties
Authors: van Spanje Joost
Published: March 2010

Anti-immigration parties have experienced electoral lift-off in most Western democracies, although the consequences of their victories for real-life policy outcomes have remained largely unexplored. A key question is: do electoral pressures from anti-immigration parties have a ‘contagion’ impact on other parties’ immigration policy positions? In this article, I argue and empirically demonstrate that this is the case. On the basis of a comparative-empirical study of 75 parties in 11 Western European countries, I conclude that this contagion effect involves entire party systems rather than the mainstream right only. In addition, I find that opposition parties are more vulnerable to this contagion effect than parties in government. The findings of this article imply that anti-immigration parties are able to influence policy output in their political systems without entering government.
The effects of red and blue light on alertness and mood at night
Authors: Plitnick B. , Figueiro MG , Wood B. , Rea MS
Published: March 2010

This study was designed to explore the roles that long- and short-wavelength lights have on momentary mood and alertness at night. Twenty-two subjects participated in a mixed-design experiment, where we measured the impact of two levels of long- and short-wavelength lights on brain activity and on self-assessments of alertness, sleepiness and mood. Measurements were obtained 60 minutes prior to, during and after light exposure. Results showed that the red and the blue lights increased electroencephalographic beta power (12—30 Hz), reduced sleepiness, and increased positive affect relative to the previous dim-light period indicating that alertness and mood can be affected by light without necessarily stimulating the melatonin pathway. The impact of light was modest, however, compared to the increase in fatigue over the course of the night.
Priming Bush and Iraq in 2008: A Survey Experiment
Authors: Cassino Dan , Erisen Cengiz
Published: March 2010

Using a question-order experiment, half the respondents in a national RDD (random digit dial) likely voter survey taken just prior to the 2008 Presidential Primary election were primed to think about President Bush and the war in Iraq before making their candidate choice. Results show that the priming had a significant effect on their candidate choice, and that priming individuals to think about the war significantly aided the candidacy of eventual Democratic nominee Barack Obama, more than doubling his support, and hurt then Republican front-runner Rudy Giuliani, cutting his support almost in half.
Voter Ideology and Candidate Positioning in the 2008 Presidential Election
Authors: Jessee Stephen A.
Published: March 2010

Although classic Downsian theory predicts that candidates should converge to the ideological position of the median voter in the electorate, American elections generally feature major party candidates who offer divergent policy positions. Employing a survey and statistical estimation technique that allows for the estimation of the ideological position of candidates on the same scale as the distribution of voter ideology among voters, the author characterizes the actual degree of candidate divergence in the 2008 presidential election looking at the estimated stances of Barack Obama and John McCain. The results reveal that these candidates took positions that were closer to, and likely even more extreme than, the positions of their partisan and primary constituencies than to the nationwide voter median.
Voter Mobilization and the Obama Victory
Authors: Osborn Tracy , McClurg Scott D. , Knoll Benjamin
Published: March 2010

As with the other presidential elections from this decade, the 2008 election was followed by considerable speculation as to how new efforts to mobilize voters affected the eventual outcome. Although the conventional wisdom implies that “Democrats benefit from higher turnout,” previous research in political science demonstrates that such a conclusion applies to actual election results inconsistently. In this article, we outline the difficulties involved with assessing turnout effects within a particular election and proceed to test the hypothesis that the Obama campaign benefited from higher turnout using three different methods. The evidence suggests that the Obama campaign benefited substantially from voter turnout, particularly in comparison with the Kerry campaign in 2004, yet they also were successful in changing the minds of already mobilized voters. Although various data difficulties suggest the presence of some bias in our estimates, the consistency of the results across tests supports the general conclusion.
Revisiting the Divisive Primary Hypothesis: 2008 and the Clinton—Obama Nomination Battle
Authors: Makse Todd , Sokhey Anand E.
Published: March 2010

The 2008 Democratic primary was marked by divisiveness as notable as its historic candidates. And while Barack Obama won the general election,political scientists would be remiss in studying divisive primary effects only when they are electorally decisive. Accordingly, we examine this largely forgotten storyline, searching for these effects throughout different segments of the electorate. Our analysis pursues evidence at multiple levels, focusing on the illustrative case of Franklin County in the bellwether state of Ohio. First, we use aggregate data and ecological inference to ascertain levels of abstention and defection among Clinton supporters, noting patterns in precincts. Next, we analyze original survey data drawn from individuals observed displaying yard signs, examining rates of participation within this engaged population. Overall, the evidence suggests that the primary produced lasting effects in terms of turnout, defection, and other participatory acts—effects that might have cost Obama the presidency under different circumstances.
Recalibrating America’s Activity Habits: The Saga Continues
Authors: Terre Lisa
Published: March 2010

This review discusses the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and other continuing efforts to nudge the public toward more active living. Future directions for inquiry and empirically driven public policy initiatives also are addressed.
Pharmacokinetic Drug Interactions With Physical Activity
Authors: Lenz Thomas L.
Published: March 2010

Physical activity produces many positive physiological changes. Some of these physiological changes, however, can adversely affect the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and/or excretion of certain medications when taken concurrently. Blood flow distribution is fundamental to the study of pharmacokinetics and can vary dramatically during rest compared with exercise. The liver and the kidney play significant roles in calculating the pharmacokinetic parameters of medications. Blood flow to these organs is significant at rest but decreases during exercise. These changes in blood flow, as well as other physiological changes during exercise, have shown to alter the pharmacokinetics of some drugs. Medications that require extra therapeutic monitoring may be affected by this drug-exercise interaction. Health care professionals and patients should be aware of these potential drug-exercise interactions.
Surfactant protein-A enhances ureaplasmacidal activity in vitro
Authors: Okogbule-Wonodi Adora C. , Chesko Kirsty L. , Famuyide Mobolaji E. , Viscardi Rose M.
Published: March 2010

Background: Persistent respiratory tract colonization with Ureaplasma spp. in preterm infants is a significant risk factor for the development of the chronic lung disorder, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Surfactant protein-A (SP-A), a lung collectin critical for bacterial clearance and regulating inflammation, is deficient in the preterm lung. In an experimental Ureaplasma-pneumonia model, infected SP-A deficient mice exhibited delayed bacterial clearance and an exaggerated inflammatory response compared to infected wild-type mice. The objective was to analyze the role of SP-A in Ureaplasma clearance in vitro.

Subjects and Methods: We analyzed SP-A binding to Ureaplasma isolates and SP-A-mediated ureaplasmal phagocytosis and killing by cultured RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Results: Calcium-dependent SP-A binding was similar among Ureaplasma isolates tested. Pre-incubation of RAW 264.7 cells with SP-A (10-50 μg/ml) enhanced phagocytosis of fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled Ureaplasma. Surfactant protein-A also increased ureaplasmacidal activity of RAW 264.7 cells by 2.1-fold over 4 h. Pre-incubation of RAW 264.7 cells with 10 μg/ml SP-A reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (100 ng/ml) and Ureaplasma (106 color changing units/ml)-stimulated release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by 46% and 43%, respectively, but did not affect transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) release.

Conclusions: These in vitro data confirm that SP-A is important in host defense to perinatally-acquired Ureaplasma infection.
Strontium ranelate: long-term efficacy against vertebral, nonvertebral and hip fractures in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Reginster Jean-Yves , Hiligsmann Mickaël , Bruyere Olivier
Published: March 2010

Osteoporosis treatments need to combine an unequivocally demonstrated reduction of fractures, at various skeletal sites, long-term safety, and a user-friendly profile, optimizing therapeutic adherence. Strontium ranelate is the first compound to simultaneously decrease bone resorption and stimulate bone formation. Its antifracture efficacy, at various skeletal sites, has been established up to 8 years, through studies of the highest methodological standards. Increases in bone mineral density, observed after 1 year of treatment, are predictive of the long-term fracture efficacy, hence suggesting, for the first time in osteoporosis, that bone densitometry can be used as a monitoring tool for both efficacy and compliance. Owing to a positive benefit/risk ratio, strontium ranelate may now be considered as a first-line treatment in the management of osteoporosis.
IL-7 and IL-21 are superior to IL-2 and IL-15 in promoting human T cell–mediated rejection of systemic lymphoma in immunodeficient mice
Authors: Markley John C. , Sadelain Michel
Published: February 2010

The γc-cytokines are critical regulators of immunity and possess both overlapping and distinctive functions. However, comparative studies of their pleiotropic effects on human T cell–mediated tumor rejection are lacking. In a xenogeneic adoptive transfer model, we have compared the therapeutic potency of CD19-specific human primary T cells that constitutively express interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-7, IL-15, or IL-21. We demonstrate that each cytokine enhanced the eradication of systemic CD19+ B-cell malignancies in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID)/γcnull mice with markedly different efficacies and through singularly distinct mechanisms. IL-7– and IL-21–transduced T cells were most efficacious in vivo, although their effector functions were not as enhanced as IL-2– and IL-15–transduced T cells. IL-7 best sustained in vitro T-cell accumulation in response to repeated antigenic stimulation, but did not promote long-term T-cell persistence in vivo. Both IL-15 and IL-21 overexpression supported long-term T-cell persistence in treated mice, however, the memory T cells found 100 days after adoptive transfer were phenotypically dissimilar, resembling central memory and effector memory T cells, respectively. These results support the use of γc-cytokines in cancer immunotherapy, and establish that there exists more than 1 human T-cell memory phenotype associated with long-term tumor immunity.
Crystal structure and functional interpretation of the erythrocyte spectrin tetramerization domain complex
Authors: Ipsaro Jonathan J. , Harper Sandra L. , Messick Troy E. , Marmorstein Ronen , Mondragón Alfonso , Speicher David W.
Published: March 2010

As the principal component of the membrane skeleton, spectrin confers integrity and flexibility to red cell membranes. Although this network involves many interactions, the most common hemolytic anemia mutations that disrupt erythrocyte morphology affect the spectrin tetramerization domains. Although much is known clinically about the resulting conditions (hereditary elliptocytosis and pyropoikilocytosis), the detailed structural basis for spectrin tetramerization and its disruption by hereditary anemia mutations remains elusive. Thus, to provide further insights into spectrin assembly and tetramer site mutations, a crystal structure of the spectrin tetramerization domain complex has been determined. Architecturally, this complex shows striking resemblance to multirepeat spectrin fragments, with the interacting tetramer site region forming a central, composite repeat. This structure identifies conformational changes in α-spectrin that occur upon binding to β-spectrin, and it reports the first structure of the β-spectrin tetramerization domain. Analysis of the interaction surfaces indicates an extensive interface dominated by hydrophobic contacts and supplemented by electrostatic complementarity. Analysis of evolutionarily conserved residues suggests additional surfaces that may form important interactions. Finally, mapping of hereditary anemia-related mutations onto the structure demonstrate that most, but not all, local hereditary anemia mutations map to the interacting domains. The potential molecular effects of these mutations are described.
The genetic effects of the dopamine D1 receptor gene on chicken egg production and broodiness traits
Authors: Xu Haiping , Shen Xu , Zhou Min , Fang Meixia , Zeng Hua , Nie Qinghua , Zhang Xiquan
Published: March 2010

Background

The elevation of egg production and the inhibition of incubation behavior are the aims of modern poultry production. Prolactin (PRL) gene is confirmed to be critical for the onset and maintenance of these reproductive behaviors in birds. Through PRL, dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1) was also involved in the regulation of chicken reproductive behavior. However, the genetic effects of this gene on chicken egg production and broodiness have not been studied extensively. The objective of this research was to evaluate the genetic effects of theDRD1gene on chicken egg production and broodiness traits.

Results

In this study, the chickenDRD1gene was screened for the polymorphisms by cloning and sequencing and 29 variations were identified in 3,342 bp length of this gene. Seven single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) among these variations, including a non-synonymous mutation (A+505G, Ser169Gly), were located in the coding region and were chosen to analyze their association with chicken egg production and broodiness traits in 644 Ningdu Sanhuang individuals. Two SNPs, G+123A and C+1107T, were significantly associated with chicken broody frequency (P < 0.05). Significant association was also found between the G+1065A - C+1107T haplotypes and chicken broody frequency (P < 0.05). In addition, the haplotypes of G+123A and T+198C were significantly associated with weight of first egg (EW) (P = 0.03). On the other hand, the distribution of theDRD1mRNA was observed and the expression difference was compared between broodiness and non-broodiness chickens. TheDRD1mRNA was predominantly expressed in subcutaneous fat and abdominal fat of non-broodiness chicken, and then in heart, kidney, oviduct, glandular stomach, hypothalamus, and pituitary. In subcutaneous fat and abdominal fat, the level of non-broodiness was 26 to 28 times higher than that of broodiness. In pituitary, it was 5-fold higher. In heart, oviduct, and kidney, a 2-3 times decrease from non-broodiness to broodiness was displayed. In glandular stomach and hypothalamus, the level seen in non-broodiness and broodiness was almost the same.

Conclusion

The polymorphisms of theDRD1gene and their haplotypes were associated with chicken broody frequency and some egg production traits. The mRNA distribution was significant different between broodiness and non-broodiness chickens.
Safety and efficacy of thrombectomy in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for Acute ST elevation MI: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Tamhane Umesh U , Chetcuti Stanley , Hameed Irfan , Grossman P Michael , Moscucci Mauro , Gurm Hitinder S
Published: February 2010

Background

Clinical trials comparing thrombectomy devices with conventional percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have produced conflicting results. The objective of our study was to systematically evaluate currently available data comparing thrombectomy followed by PCI with conventional PCI alone in patients with acute STEMI.

Methods

Seventeen randomized trials (n = 3,909 patients) of thrombectomy versus PCI were included in this meta-analysis. We calculated the summary odds ratios for mortality, stroke, post procedural myocardial blush grade (MBG), thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade flow, and post procedural ST segment resolution (STR) using random-effects and fixed-effects models.

Results

There was no difference in risk of 30-day mortality (44/1914 vs. 50/1907, OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.54-1.29, P = 0.42) among patients randomized to thrombectomy, compared with conventional PCI. Thrombectomy was associated with a significantly greater likelihood of TIMI 3 flow (1616/1826 vs. 1533/1806, OR 1.41, P = 0.007), MBG 3 (730/1526 vs. 486/1513, OR 2.42, P < 0.001), STR (923/1500 vs. 715/1494, OR 2.30, P < 0.001), and with a higher risk of stroke (14/1403 vs. 3/1413, OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.06-7.85, P = 0.04). Outcomes differed significantly between different device classes with a trend towards lower mortality with manual aspiration thrombectomy (MAT) (21/949 vs.36/953, OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.35-1.01, P = 0.05), whereas mechanical devices showed a trend towards higher mortality (20/416 vs.10/418, OR 2.07, 95% CI 0.95-4.48, P = 0.07).

Conclusions

Thrombectomy devices appear to improve markers of myocardial perfusion in patients undergoing primary PCI, with no difference in overall 30-day mortality but an increased likelihood of stroke. The clinical benefits of thrombectomy appear to be influenced by the device type with a trend towards survival benefit with MAT and worsening outcome with mechanical devices.