bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pardoprunox reverses motor deficits but induces only mild dyskinesia in MPTP‐treated common marmosets
Authors: Johnston Louisa Clare , Jackson Michael John , Rose Sarah , McCreary Andrew Christopher , Jenner Peter
Published: August 2010

Long‐acting full dopamine D2agonists produce less dyskinesia in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐treated primates and in Parkinson's disease than effective antiparkinsonian doses of levodopa. They do not however, prevent priming for dyskinesia expression on subsequent levodopa exposure. In contrast, the effects of partial D2receptor agonists on dyskinesia are unclear. We now examine the ability of the partial D2agonist pardoprunox (SLV308) to improve motor function and its propensity to prime for dyskinesia in drug naïve, MPTP‐treated common marmosets. Previously, drug naïve, MPTP‐treated common marmosets were treated with equivalent doses of either pardoprunox (SLV308) (0.1 mg/kg po), ropinirole (0.18 mg/kg po), or levodopa (10 mg/kg po BID) for 28 days. All treatments induced a similar reduction of motor disability. Dyskinesia induced by levodopa was of greater intensity than that following administration of either pardoprunox (SLV308) or ropinirole. Administration of pardoprunox (SLV308) resulted in dyskinesia that was less intense and of shorter duration than either ropinirole or levodopa. At the end of drug treatment, acute challenge with levodopa resulted in the expression of marked dyskinesia in animals that had previously received chronic levodopa or ropinirole treatment. However, animals previously treated with pardoprunox (SLV308) showed only mild dyskinesia in response to the levodopa challenge. These results suggest that the partial D2agonist pardoprunox (SLV308) is less likely to prime for dyskinesia or to lead to the expression of dyskinesia than either levodopa or full dopamine agonists. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Heart rate changes during freezing of gait in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Maidan Inbal , Plotnik Meir , Mirelman Anat , Weiss Aner , Giladi Nir , Hausdorff Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2010

Freezing of gait (FOG) is one of the most disabling symptoms that affect patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Although the pathophysiology underlying FOG largely remains an enigma, several lines of evidence suggest that the autonomic nervous system might be involved. To this end, we tested the hypothesis that heart rate (HR) increases during FOG and, further, that HR increases just before FOG. To evaluate these hypotheses, 15 healthy older adults, 10 patients with PD who experienced FOG, and 10 patients who did not were studied. Patients with PD were tested during their “off” medication state. HR and HR variability were measured as subjects carried out tasks that frequently provoke FOG; 120 FOG episodes were evaluated. During FOG, HR increased (P = 0.001) by an average of 1.8 bpm, compared with HR measured before the beginning of FOG. HR also increased just before FOG, by 1 bpm (P < 0.0001). In contrast, during sudden stops and 180° turns, HR decreased by almost 2 bpm (P < 0.0001). HR variability was not associated with FOG. To our knowledge, these findings are the first to document the association of FOG to autonomic system activation, as manifested by HR dynamics. One explanation is that the changes in HR before and during FOG may be a sympathetic response that, secondary to limbic activation, contributes to the development of freezing. Although further studies are needed to evaluate these associations, the current results provide experimental evidence linking impaired motor blockades to autonomic nervous system function among patients with PD. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
A review on the beneficial aspects of food processing
Authors: van Boekel Martinus , Fogliano Vincenzo , Pellegrini Nicoletta , Stanton Catherine , Scholz Gabriele , Lalljie Sam , Somoza Veronika , Knorr Dietrich , Jasti Pratima Rao , Eisenbrand Gerhard
Published: August 2010

The manuscript reviews beneficial aspects of food processing with main focus on cooking/heat treatment, including other food‐processing techniques (e.g. fermentation). Benefits of thermal processing include inactivation of food‐borne pathogens, natural toxins or other detrimental constituents, prolongation of shelf‐life, improved digestibility and bioavailability of nutrients, improved palatability, taste, texture and flavour and enhanced functional properties, including augmented antioxidants and other defense reactivity or increased antimicrobial effectiveness. Thermal processing can bring some unintentional undesired consequences, such as losses of certain nutrients, formation of toxic compounds (acrylamide, furan or acrolein), or of compounds with negative effects on flavour perception, texture or colour. Heat treatment of foods needs to be optimized in order to promote beneficial effects and to counteract, to the best possible, undesired effects. This may be achieved more effectively/sustainably by consistent fine‐tuning of technological processes rather than within ordinary household cooking conditions. The most important identified points for further study are information on processed foods to be considered in epidemiological work, databases should be built to estimate the intake of compounds from processed foods, translation of in‐vitro results to in‐vivo relevance for human health should be worked on, thermal and non‐thermal processes should be optimized by application of kinetic principles.
Six decades of interacting electrons
Authors: Nesbet R. K.
Published: August 2010

Session chairman's remarks. This is a highly selective bit of intellectual history plus some acquired wisdom. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2010
Fishery management in Japan
Authors: Matsuda Hiroyuki , Makino Mitsutaku , Tomiyama Minoru , Gelcich Stefan , Castilla Juan Carlos
Published: August 2010

There are few legal marine protected areas in Japan rather than fishing‐ban areas. Fishers did not seek legal fishing‐ban areas but they did establish fishing‐ban areas by autonomous bases. We briefly introduce the institutional history and features of Japanese coastal fishery management, including the past decade's major legislative developments. Japan still has a decentralized co‐management system involving fishers and the government, and ca. 98% of Japanese fishers are artisanal. There are several successful cases of coastal fisheries management in Japan. However, offshore industrial fisheries have problems in Japan. We compare coastal fisheries co‐management between Japan and Chile. We finally discuss the possibility of improvement for Japanese fisheries.
Oral Delivery of DMAB-Modified Docetaxel-Loaded PLGA-TPGS Nanoparticles for Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Chen Hongbo , Zheng Yi , Tian Ge , Tian Yan , Zeng Xiaowei , Liu Gan , Liu Kexin , Li Lei , Li Zhen , Mei Lin , Huang Laiqiang
Published: August 2010

Three types of nanoparticle formulation from biodegradable PLGA-TPGS random copolymer were developed in this research for oral administration of anticancer drugs, which include DMAB-modified PLGA nanoparticles, unmodified PLGA-TPGS nanoparticles and DMAB-modified PLGA-TPGS nanoparticles. Firstly, the PLGA-TPGS random copolymer was synthesized and characterized. DMAB was used to increase retention time at the cell surface, thus increasing the chances of particle uptake and improving oral drug bioavailability. Nanoparticles were found to be of spherical shape with an average particle diameter of around 250 nm. The surface charge of PLGA-TPGS nanoparticles was changed to positive after DMAB modification. The results also showed that the DMAB-modified PLGA-TPGS nanoparticles have significantly higher level of the cellular uptake than that of DMAB-modified PLGA nanoparticles and unmodified PLGA-TPGS nanoparticles. In vitro, cytotoxicity experiment showed advantages of the DMAB-modified PLGA-TPGS nanoparticle formulation over commercial Taxotere® in terms of cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells. In conclusion, oral chemotherapy by DMAB-modified PLGA-TPGS nanoparticle formulation is an attractive and promising treatment option for patients.
DNA methylation systems and targets in plants
Authors: Meyer Peter
Published: August 2010

Plants contain three distinct DNA methyltransferase types that are responsible for the establishment and maintenance of cytosine methylation patterns at heterochromatic and euchromatic target regions. RNA transcripts play an important role in recruiting DNA methylation systems to specific loci, where methylation patterns are controlled by distinct epigenetic pathways that often work co‐operatively and in competition with demethylation functions. DNA methylation patterns are faithfully propagated by maintenance systems that involve re‐enforcing feedback effects between DNA methylation and histone marks. Our detailed knowledge about the composition of DNA methylation patterns is contrasted by a poorer understanding of the variability of DNA methylation and its contribution to gene regulation, genome evolution and adaptation to environmental changes.
ATR‐FTIR study of the protonation states of the Glu residue in the multicopper oxidases, CueO and bilirubin oxidase
Authors: Iwaki Masayo , Kataoka Kunishige , Kajino Tsutomu , Sugiyama Ryosuke , Morishita Hirotoshi , Sakurai Takeshi
Published: August 2010

Redox‐induced protonation state changes of the Glu residue in the multicopper oxidases, CueO and bilirubin oxidase (BO), were studied by attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. By monitoring IR bands of the carboxylic acid CO stretch in the wild‐type and Glu‐to‐Gln mutant enzymes the Glu506 of CueO (Glu463 of BO) was found to be unprotonated in the oxidised and protonated in the reduced forms. The results provided direct evidence for proton uptake by the Glu, suggesting it plays a key role in the proton donation to the activated oxygen species in the catalytic cycle.
NADH oxidase activity of Bacillus subtilis nitroreductase NfrA1: Insight into its biological role
Authors: Cortial Sylvie , Chaignon Philippe , Iorga Bogdan I. , Aymerich Stéphane , Truan Gilles , Gueguen-Chaignon Virginie , Meyer Philippe , Moréra Solange , Ouazzani Jamal
Published: August 2010

MINT‐7990140: nfrA1 (uniprotkb:P39605) and nfrA1 (uniprotkb:P39605) bind (MI:0407) by X‐ray crystallography (MI:0114)
Use of gadolinium diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid, as measured by ELISA, in the determination of glomerular filtration rates in cats
Authors: Sox Erika M. , Chiotti Ruthanne , Goldstein Richard E.
Published: August 2010

The goal of this study was to evaluate a commercially available assay for gadolinium diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (Gd-DTPA) for use in estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in cats (Gd-DTPA GFR) with a wide range of GFRs. Eighteen adult cats (11 healthy and seven with chronic kidney disease) were included. Plasma concentrations of Gd-DTPA following intravenous injection were measured with an ELISA kit (FIT-GFR). Results for Gd-DTPA GFR were compared with simultaneously obtained values for plasma clearance of iohexol (iohexol GFR), plasma blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine concentrations. A negative correlation existed between iohexol GFR and plasma concentrations of BUN and creatinine. A positive correlation existed between Gd-DTPA GFR and iohexol GFR. There was no correlation between Gd-DTPA GFR and plasma concentrations of BUN and creatinine. In this study plasma clearance of Gd-DTPA assayed by FIT-GFR did not appear to provide a sufficiently accurate estimation of GFR in cats when compared with plasma clearance of iohexol, and plasma concentrations of BUN and creatinine.
A bowhead whale calf observed in northeast Greenland waters
Authors: Boertmann David , Nielsen Rasmus Due
Published: August 2010

A bowhead whale mother and calf pair was recorded off the northeast Greenland coast in July 2009. This is apparently the first calf observed in the Spitsbergen stock of the bowhead whale since 1981.
LOSS PROBABILITIES FOR THE MX/GY/1/K+B BULK QUEUE
Authors: Germs Remco , Van Foreest Nicky
Published: August 2010

In this article we analyze the MX/GY/1/K+B bulk queue. For this model, we consider three rejection policies: partial acceptance, complete rejection, and complete acceptance. For each of these policies, we are interested in the loss probability for an arriving group of customers and for individual customers within a group. To obtain these loss probabilities, we derive a numerically stable method to compute the limiting probabilities of the queue length process under all three rejection policies. At the end of the article we demonstrate our method by means of a numerical example.
ON THE PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTION OF JOIN QUEUE LENGTH IN A FORK-JOIN MODEL
Authors: Li Jun , Zhao Yiqiang Q.
Published: August 2010

In this article, we consider the two-node fork-join model with a Poisson arrival process and exponential service times of heterogeneous service rates. Using a mapping from the queue lengths in the parallel nodes to the join queue length, we first derive the probability distribution function of the join queue length in terms of joint probabilities in the parallel nodes and then study the exact tail asymptotics of the join queue length distribution. Although the asymptotics of the joint distribution of the queue lengths in the parallel nodes have three types of characterizations, our results show that the asymptotics of the join queue length distribution are characterized by two scenarios: (1) an exact geometric decay and (2) a geometric decay with the prefactor n−1/2.
SOME RESULTS FOR SKIP-FREE RANDOM WALK
Authors: Brown Mark , Peköz Erol A. , Ross Sheldon M.
Published: August 2010

A random walk that is skip-free to the left can only move down one level at a time but can skip up several levels. Such random walk features prominently in many places in applied probability including queuing theory and the theory of branching processes. This article exploits the special structure in this class of random walk to obtain a number of simplified derivations for results that are much more difficult in general cases. Although some of the results in this article have appeared elsewhere, our proof approach is different.
ASYMPTOTICALLY OPTIMAL LOAD DISTRIBUTION FOR MULTIPATH STREAMING UNDER FEC
Authors: Xia Cathy H. , Chow Alix L. H.
Published: August 2010

Multipath streaming protocols have recently attracted much attention because they provide an effective means to provide high-quality streaming over the Internet. Most existing multipath streaming schemes also apply forward error correction (FEC) encoding in the stream so as to provide high-quality streaming of prestored or live media content. However, the problem of how to intelligently split the FEC-encoded stream among multiple available paths has not been fully addressed. Most previous work focused on protocol design or heuristic-based engineering approaches. Exact analysis turns out to be hard, as it involves heavy combinatorics computation. In this article, we develop an analytical model and use asymptotic analysis to address the problem of optimal load distribution. Using asymptotic approximations, we propose a closed-form formulation for the optimal load distribution problem. We then develop interesting properties of the optimal solution based on majorization, interchanging argument, and optimization techniques. These results are surprisingly simple yet insightful. We further demonstrate through simulation that our asymptotic solution works quite well in practice.
MODELS BASED ON PARTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT SURVIVAL AND HAZARD GRADIENT
Authors: Asadi Majid , Ashrafi Somayeh , Ebrahimi Nader , Soofi Ehsan S.
Published: August 2010

This article develops information optimal models for the joint distribution based on partial information about the survival function or hazard gradient in terms of inequalities. In the class of all distributions that satisfy the partial information, the optimal model is characterized by well-known information criteria. General results relate these information criteria with the upper orthant and the hazard gradient orderings. Applications include information characterizations of the bivariate Farlie–Gumbel–Morgenstern, bivariate Gumbel, and bivariate generalized Gumbel, for which no other information characterization are available. The generalized bivariate Gumbel model is obtained from partial information about the survival function and hazard gradient in terms of marginal hazard rates. Other examples include dynamic information characterizations of the bivariate Lomax and generalized bivariate Gumbel models having marginals that are transformations of exponential such as Pareto, Weibull, and extreme value. Mixtures of bivariate Gumbel and generalized Gumbel are obtained from partial information given in terms of mixtures of the marginal hazard rates.
Inhibitory control and psychopathology: A meta-analysis of studies using the stop signal task
Authors: LIPSZYC JONATHAN , SCHACHAR RUSSELL
Published: August 2010

The Stop Signal Task (SST) is a measure that has been used widely to assess response inhibition. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies that examined SST performance in patients with various psychiatric disorders to determine the magnitude and generality of deficient inhibition. A five-item instrument was used to assess the methodological quality of studies. We found medium deficits in stop signal reaction time (SSRT), reflecting the speed of the inhibitory process, for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (g = 0.62), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) (g = 0.77) and schizophrenia (SCZ) (g = 0.69). SSRT was less impaired or normal for anxiety disorder (ANX), autism, major depressive disorder (MDD), oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder (ODD/CD), pathological gambling, reading disability (RD), substance dependence, and Tourette syndrome. We observed a large SSRT deficit for comorbid ADHD + RD (g = 0.82). SSRT was less than moderately impaired for ADHD + ANX and ADHD + ODD/CD. Study quality did not significantly affect SSRT across ADHD studies. This confirms an inhibition deficit in ADHD, and suggests that comorbid ADHD has different effects on inhibition in patients with ANX, ODD/CD, and RD. Further studies are needed to firmly establish an inhibition deficit in OCD and SCZ. (JINS, 2010, 16, 1064–1076.)
Organic host analogues and the search for life on Mars
Authors: Marlow Jeffrey J. , Martins Zita , Sephton Mark A.
Published: August 2010

Mars analogue sites represent vital tools in our continued study of the Red Planet; the similar physico-chemical processes that shape a given analogue environment on Earth allow researchers to both prepare for known Martian conditions and uncover presently unknown relationships. This review of organic host analogues – sites on Earth that mimic the putatively low organic content of Mars – examines specific locations that present particular Mars-like obstacles to biological processes. Low temperatures, aridity, high radiation and oxidizing soils characterise modern-day Mars, while acid–saline waters would have presented their own challenges during the planet's warmer and wetter past. By studying each of these hurdles to life on Earth, scientists can prepare instruments headed for Mars and identify the best locations and approaches with which to look for biological signatures. As our use of organic host analogues becomes increasingly sophisticated, researchers will work to identify terrestrial sites exhibiting multiple Mars-like conditions that are tailored to the distinct mineralogical and physical characteristics of Martian locations. Making use of organic host analogues in these ways will enhance the search for signs of past or present life on Mars.
Spectral line enhancements as signatures for stellar activity: AD Leonis – an example
Authors: Leitzinger M. , Odert P. , Hanslmeier A. , Ribas I. , Konovalenko A.A. , Vanko M. , Lammer H. , Khodachenko M.L. , Rucker H.O.
Published: August 2010

A high level of stellar activity in the form of frequent flaring and frequent mass ejections can lead to the total loss of exoplanetary atmospheres due to evaporation and erosion. Simulations have shown such scenarii for close-in exoplanets orbiting M-stars. Information on stellar flaring activity is accessible more easily than information on stellar mass ejections, simply due to the difference in detection. In the National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer spectra of the dM star AD Leonis we find an interesting event lasting for only one spectrum. The first component of the OVI (103.19 nm, 103.76 nm) duplet shows an enhancement of the blue wing, shifted by about 90 km s−1. This event occurred one spectrum after a flare. We discuss several solar/stellar phenomena that might produce such a spectral feature and could therefore explain this event.
Keep it in or Let it out?
Authors: Trachsel Manuel , Gurtner Annalies , von K„nel Miriam Lily , Grosse Holtforth Martin
Published: August 2010

Previous research suggests that avoiding the expression of emotion may be associated with impaired mental health, although empirical evidence is inconsistent. In this investigation, ambivalence over the expression of emotion is understood as an approach-avoidance conflict between a desire to express emotion and a fear of experiencing negative consequences. Consistent with a diathesis-stress model of depression, we assumed that in stressful situations strong ambivalence over the expression of emotion constitutes an intrapersonal vulnerability for the development of depressiveness. In a cross-sectional survey with an at-risk sample of 112 unemployed subjects, ambivalence over the expression of emotion statistically moderated the prediction of depressiveness by insufficient need satisfaction/stress. The present study provides initial support for the notion that strong ambivalence over the expression of emotion may impede subjects’ potential to cope with extreme stressors such as unemployment and may foster associated depressive states. Psychological interventions in this population may identify and target individual sources of ambivalence contingent on unemployment.
Habilitation Psychologique
Authors: Boudrias Jean-Sébastien , Rousseau Vincent , Migneault Patrick , Morin Alexandre J. S. , Courcy François
Published: August 2010

L’objectif de cet article est de valider une mesure francophone de l’habilitation psychologique au travail s’inscrivant dans la conception quadridimensionnelle de Spreitzer (1995 ). Pour ce faire, l’instrument a été administré à trois échantillons de salariés canadiens. Une première étude (N = 120) a été réalisée afin d’explorer la structure factorielle de l’instrument francophone et de vérifier ses propriétés psychométriques. Puis, une seconde étude a été réalisée auprès de deux échantillons distincts (N = 222, N = 248) afin de confirmer la structure factorielle de l’instrument et de vérifier sa validité nomologique. Les résultats indiquent que l’instrument francophone présente une structure factorielle conforme à la conceptualisation de Spreitzer (1995 ) et que la mesure est liée à des antécédents et des conséquences faisant partie de son réseau nomologique.
Saturation of the electric field transmitted to the magnetosphere
Authors: Lyatsky Wladislaw , Khazanov George V. , Slavin James A.
Published: August 2010

We reexamined the processes leading to saturation of the electric field, transmitted into the Earth's ionosphere from the solar wind, incorporating features of the coupled system previously ignored. We took into account that the electric field is transmitted into the ionosphere through a region of open field lines, and that the ionospheric conductivity in the polar cap and auroral zone may be different. Penetration of the electric field into the magnetosphere is linked with the generation of the Alfven wave, going out from the ionosphere into the solar wind and being coupled with the field‐aligned currents at the boundary of the open field limes. The electric field of the outgoing Alfven wave reduces the original electric field and provides the saturation effect in the electric field and currents during strong geomagnetic disturbances, associated with increasing ionospheric conductivity. The electric field and field‐aligned currents of this Alfven wave are dependent on the ionospheric and solar wind parameters and may significantly affect the electric field and field‐aligned currents, generated in the polar ionosphere. Estimating the magnitude of the saturation effect in the electric field and field‐aligned currents allows us to improve the correlation between solar wind parameters and resulting disturbances in the Earth's magnetosphere.
Trends in the solar quiet geomagnetic field variation linked to the Earth's magnetic field secular variation and increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases
Authors: Elias Ana G. , de Artigas Marta Zossi , de Haro Barbas Blas F.
Published: August 2010

Long‐term trends in solar quiet geomagnetic field variation (Sq) are studied in connection to the Earth's magnetic field secular variations and increasing greenhouse gas concentrations. Sq is mainly caused by ionospheric current systems that flow in the E region and depends, among other variables, on the ionospheric conductivities. These conductivities in turn depend on the Earth's main magnetic field (B) and the electron concentration in the E region, for which foE is a measure of its peak value. Since B shows secular variation, induced long‐term changes in Sq might be expected. Another possible mechanism that would be able to induce Sq trends is the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases that produce a cooling effect in the upper atmosphere and, according to model predictions and experimental results, an increasing trend in foE. To detect if both mechanisms mentioned are able to induce trends in Sq, the Sq variation of the horizontal intensity (H) of three magnetic observatories (Apia, Fredericksburg, and Hermanus), for which B is decreasing, is analyzed for the period 1960–2001. We find significant increasing trends (6.6%, 5.4%, and 9.9%, respectively) which may be partially accounted for by B secular variations in the respective sites. The Sq trend expected from the theoretically predicted foE increase is low (∼0.5%), although positive, as is the observed trend.
Slope failure repetition in active margin environments: Constraints from submarine landslides in the Hellenic fore arc, eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Strozyk Frank , Strasser Michael , Förster Annika , Kopf Achim , Huhn Katrin
Published: August 2010

It has been shown that submarine landslides can occur less frequently at subduction zone fore arcs despite the general expectation of extensive slope failures from high neotectonic activity in active margin settings. The Hellenic subduction zone, Greece, represents an example where modern evidence for slope failure is scarce. Taking the deeper parts of the fore‐arc basin into account, however, a sequence of massive landslide deposits is found at recurrence intervals of approximately 250 ± 70 ka. Given high seismicity in the fore‐arc area, this rate of slope failure appears to be low. In order to improve our understanding on the relationship between low landslide recurrence rates and the frequency and settings of the required trigger mechanism, we here assess the mechanical behavior of the slope sediment cover during instability scenarios. Seismic profiles and geotechnical measurements from cores of midsize landslides found on the northeastern Cretan midslope are used to back‐analyze slope destabilization in one‐dimensional, infinite slope models for static conditions as well as for the case of seismic loading. Results reveal that today only critically steepened parts of the Cretan slope can fail from high loading stresses of peak ground acceleration (PGA) of 37%g, maybe up to ≥64%g. We further deduce that long‐term tectonic processes are important preconditioning factors controlling an occasional development of critically inclined slope parts. Therefore, the impact of seismic triggers is strongly limited in time and space: For an initially stable slope, the critical seismic intensity to trigger failure is being reduced with increasing tectonically controlled steepening of the slope through time, until an earthquake is sufficient to trigger a large landslide. Before that, the slope rather gets more resistant, because smaller PGA may rather result in dynamic compaction (seismic strengthening). Our findings imply that low frequencies of landslides in the Hellenic fore arc are not in conflict with high seismicity in this region, because seismic loading is only sufficient to trigger major collapses of a generally shear‐resistant “cohesive” slope (increasing with time due to seismic strengthening) if long‐term tectonic movement provides a critical steepening. This may explain the relatively scarce occurrence of large submarine landslides in this and similar tectonically active environments.
Evidence for non‐self‐similarity and transitional increment of scaled energy in the 2005 west off Fukuoka seismic sequence
Authors: Yoo Seung‐Hoon , Rhie Junkee , Choi Hoseon , Mayeda Kevin
Published: August 2010

We investigated seismic scaling relations of the 2005 west off Fukuoka seismic sequence in Japan using a coda‐based methodology. Two independent methods such as coda source spectrum method and coda spectral ratio method were applied to seismic waveform data recorded at four broadband seismic stations located around the epicenter of the mainshock. The corner frequencies determined from both methods are consistent with each other, and the scaling relations between the corner frequencies and the corresponding seismic moments are clearly non‐self‐similar in both cases. Moreover, the scaled energy obtained from the coda source spectrum method shows that there is a transitional change in the scaled energy with seismic moment. The scaled energy is larger for events with Mw >5.0 than for events with Mw <4.0. For events larger than Mw 5.0, the scaled energy is almost constant and it means that they obey self‐similar scaling. For events smaller than about Mw 4.0, the scaled energy is more or less constant, but it is difficult to decide whether it follows self‐similar or non‐self‐similar scaling because of scatter and the limitation of the minimum moment magnitude (Mw 3.4). The most important observation is a linear increment of the scaled energy between about Mw 4.0 and 5.0. These observations imply that the rupture dynamics for larger and smaller earthquakes are different and that the change in dynamics may occur continuously between about Mw 4.0 and 5.0 in this seismic sequence.
A parameterization of Greenland's tip jets suitable for ocean or coupled climate models
Authors: Sproson David A. J. , Renfrew Ian A. , Heywood Karen J.
Published: August 2010

Greenland's tip jets are low‐level, high wind speed jets forced by an interaction of the synoptic‐scale atmospheric flow and the steep, high orography of Greenland. These jets are thought to play an important role in both preconditioning for, and triggering of, open‐ocean convection in the Irminger Sea. However, the relatively small spatial scale of the jets prevents their accurate representation in the relatively low resolution (∼1 degree) atmospheric (re‐)analyses which are typically used to force ocean general circulation models (e.g. ECMWF ERA‐40 and NCEP reanalyses, or products based on these). Here we present a method of ‘bogussing’ Greenland's tip jets into such surface wind fields and thus, via bulk flux formulae, into the air‐sea turbulent flux fields. In this way the full impact of these mesoscale tip jets can be incorporated in any ocean general circulation model of sufficient resolution. The tip jet parameterization is relatively simple, making use of observed linear gradients in wind speed along and across the jet, but is shown to be accurate to a few m s−1 on average. The inclusion of tip jets results in a large local increase in both the heat and momentum fluxes. When applied to a 1‐dimensional mixed‐layer model this results in a deepening of the winter mixed‐layer of over 300 m. The parameterization scheme only requires 10 meter wind speed and mean sea level pressure as input fields; thus it is also suitable for incorporation into a coupled atmosphere‐ocean climate model at the coupling stage.
Glacier shrinkage and climatic change in the Russian Altai from the mid‐20th century: An assessment using remote sensing and PRECIS regional climate model
Authors: Shahgedanova Maria , Nosenko Gennady , Khromova Tatyana , Muraveyev Anton
Published: August 2010

This paper examines changes in the surface area of glaciers in the North and South Chuya Ridges, Altai Mountains in 1952–2004 and their links with regional climatic variations. The glacier surface areas for 2004 were derived from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) imagery. Data from the World Glacier Inventory (WGI) dating to 1952 and aerial photographs from 1952 were used to estimate the changes. 256 glaciers with a combined area of 253 ± 5.1 km2 have been identified in the region in 2004. Estimation of changes in extent of 126 glaciers with the individual areas not less than 0.5 km2 in 1952 revealed a 19.7 ± 5.8% reduction. The observed glacier retreat is primarily driven by an increase in summer temperatures since the 1980s when air temperatures were increasing at a rate of 0.10–0.13°C a−1 at the glacier tongue elevation. The regional climate projections for A2 and B2 CO2 emission scenarios developed using PRECIS regional climate model indicate that summer temperatures will increase in the Altai in 2071–2100 by 6–7°C and 3–5°C respectively in comparison with 1961–1990 while annual precipitation will increase by 15% and 5%. The length of the ablation season will extend from June–August to the late April–early October. The projected increases in precipitation will not compensate for the projected warming and glaciers will continue to retreat in the 21st century under both B2 and A2 scenarios.
Convective venting and surface ozone in Houston during TexAQS 2006
Authors: Langford A. O. , Tucker S. C. , Senff C. J. , Banta R. M. , Brewer W. A. , Alvarez R. J. , Hardesty R. M. , Lerner B. M. , Williams E. J.
Published: August 2010

The influence of convective mixing on surface ozone in Houston during TexAQS 2006 is examined. We use airborne lidar measurements of ozone and ship‐based Doppler lidar measurements of winds, together with ship‐ and ground‐based measurements of surface ozone to characterize horizontal and vertical mixing of ozone plumes from the Houston Ship Channel on two high‐ozone days. We show that a stable capping layer trapped the plume in the boundary layer on 31 August, while shallow convection associated with active fair weather cumulus clouds mixed the plume with free tropospheric air on 17 August. Deep convection associated with an isolated air mass thunderstorm further decreased surface ozone near Galveston Bay in the late afternoon. High ozone thus affected a smaller area for a shorter period on 17 August, despite similar background concentrations and local production. We generalize these findings by comparing Houston ozone concentrations to National Weather Service (Lake Charles, LA) radiosondes. We show that for 1 June to 15 September 2006, stable conditions with high background ozone occurred 18% of the days leading to mean daily 8 h concentrations of 73 ± 11 ppbv. Shallow and deep convection associated with moderate to strongly unstable conditions lowered the mean ozone to 50 ± 11 ppbv (∼29% of days), while weaker convection associated with marginally unstable conditions reduced the mean concentrations to 63 ± 13 ppbv (∼11%). We use these observations to derive simple relationships between surface ozone and convective indicators that may prove useful for parameterization of convective venting in air quality models.
Formation of mesoscale convective systems over the eastern Tibetan Plateau affected by plateau‐scale heating contrasts
Authors: Sugimoto Shiori , Ueno Kenichi
Published: August 2010

This study revealed the formation processes of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) over the eastern Tibetan Plateau (TP), associated with the establishment of subplateau‐scale convergences affected by the longitudinal surface wetness gradient. Composites of reanalysis data and satellite infrared images showed that large MCSs occurred in the afternoon under the condition of the eastward expansion of upper tropospheric anticyclone with the enhancement of near‐surface low pressure in the western plateau. The low‐level convergence was systematically formed through the eastward propagation of a thermally induced cyclonic circulation formed in the north central plateau before the day of the MCS genesis. A numerical model successively simulated the MCS occurrence processes with the diurnal evolution of convergences, namely, (1) the formation of horizontal wind shear between southwesterlies and northeasterlies over the strong heated land‐surface causing a thermal low in the northwest, (2) the eastward propagation of the vorticity due to intensification of upper westerlies in the night, and (3) the MCS genesis by low‐level convergences behind the migrated vortex with a convective instability condition over the eastern wet land surface. Numerical sensitivity experiments confirmed that eliminating either the western surface sensible heat flux or the eastern surface latent heat flux prevented the development of MCS. Namely, the enhanced southeast‐northwest gradation of the plateau‐scale soil moisture distribution could effectively form the MCSs in the eastern plateau during the monsoon season.
Subducting slabs: Jellyfishes in the Earth's mantle
Authors: Loiselet Christelle , Braun Jean , Husson Laurent , Le Carlier de Veslud Christian , Thieulot Cedric , Yamato Philippe , Grujic Djordje
Published: August 2010

The constantly improving resolution of geophysical data, seismic tomography and seismicity in particular, shows that the lithosphere does not subduct as a slab of uniform thickness but is rather thinned in the upper mantle and thickened around the transition zone between the upper and lower mantle. This observation has traditionally been interpreted as evidence for the buckling and piling of slabs at the boundary between the upper and lower mantle, where a strong contrast in viscosity may exist and cause resistance to the penetration of slabs into the lower mantle. The distribution and character of seismicity reveal, however, that slabs undergo vertical extension in the upper mantle and compression near the transition zone. In this paper, we demonstrate that during the subduction process, the shape of low viscosity slabs (1 to 100 times more viscous than the surrounding mantle) evolves toward an inverted plume shape that we coin jellyfish. Results of a 3D numerical model show that the leading tip of slabs deform toward a rounded head skirted by lateral tentacles that emerge from the sides of the jellyfish head. The head is linked to the body of the subducting slab by a thin tail. A complete parametric study reveals that subducting slabs may achieve a variety of shapes, in good agreement with the diversity of natural slab shapes evidenced by seismic tomography. Our work also suggests that the slab to mantle viscosity ratio in the Earth is most likely to be lower than 100. However, the sensitivity of slab shapes to upper and lower mantle viscosities and densities, which remain poorly constrained by independent evidence, precludes any systematic deciphering of the observations.
An experiment to measure the spatial variability of rain drop size distribution using sixteen laser disdrometers
Authors: Tapiador F. J. , Checa R. , de Castro M.
Published: August 2010

This paper reports on the results of an experiment designed to measure the spatial variability of rain drop size distribution (RDSD) at kilometer scale. Eight dual instruments (16 Parsivel disdrometers) were used to record the RDSD from October 2009 to January 2010. The spatial variability of the RDSD in terms of cross‐correlation and changes in the reflectivity‐rainfall (Z–R) relationship was calculated. The results provide an estimate of the variability range at spatial scales relevant for spatial radars such as TRMM‐PR and GPM‐DPR. It was found that the spatial variability of the RDSD in a single episode can exceed the inter‐episode variability. This implies that estimates of the RDSD using a few disdrometers are not enough to capture the evolution of the RDSD, and that more detailed areal estimates are needed in order to fully analyze the RDSD.
Inelastic response of compliant fault zones to nearby earthquakes
Authors: Duan Benchun
Published: August 2010

Using dynamic rupture models, we examine the response of compliant fault zones that surround pre‐existing faults to nearby earthquakes. We find that some portions of a compliant fault zone can experience inelastic deformation due to dynamic stress perturbations, while the remaining portions deform elastically. Inelastic response of the fault zone results in sympathetic fault‐parallel motion (i.e., consistent with long‐term geologic slip) across the fault, while elastic response causes retrograde motion (i.e., opposite to long‐term geologic slip) in the static displacement field. Inelastic deformation signals along fault zones detected geodetically may be used to constrain the stress state in the crust because inelastic response occurs only when the prestress level is close to material strength, which can be measured in the laboratory.
Cardiovascular Disease Risk of Abdominal Obesity vs. Metabolic Abnormalities
Authors: Wildman Rachel P. , McGinn Aileen P. , Lin Juan , Wang Dan , Muntner Paul , Cohen Hillel W. , Reynolds Kristi , Fonseca Vivian , Sowers Mary‐Fran R.
Published: August 2010

It remains unclear whether abdominal obesity increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk independent of the metabolic abnormalities that often accompany it. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the independent effects of abdominal obesity vs. metabolic syndrome and diabetes on the risk for incident coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. The Framingham Offspring, Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities, and Cardiovascular Health studies were pooled to assess the independent effects of abdominal obesity (waist circumference >102 cm for men and >88 cm for women) vs. metabolic syndrome (excluding the waist circumference criterion) and diabetes on risk for incident CHD and stroke in 20,298 men and women aged ≥45 years. The average follow‐up was 8.3 (s.d. 1.9) years. There were 1,766 CVD events. After adjustment for demographic factors, smoking, alcohol intake, number of metabolic syndrome components, and diabetes, abdominal obesity was not significantly associated with an increased risk of CVD (hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval): 1.09 (0.98, 1.20)). However, after adjustment for demographics, smoking, alcohol intake, and abdominal obesity, having 1–2 metabolic syndrome components, the metabolic syndrome and diabetes were each associated with a significantly increased risk of CVD (2.12 (1.80, 2.50), 2.82 (1.92, 4.12), and 5.33 (3.37, 8.41), respectively). Although abdominal obesity is an important clinical tool for identification of individuals likely to possess metabolic abnormalities, these data suggest that the metabolic syndrome and diabetes are considerably more important prognostic indicators of CVD risk.
The Influence of Overweight and Obesity on Longitudinal Trends in Maternal Serum Leptin Levels During Pregnancy
Authors: Misra Vinod K. , Trudeau Sheri
Published: August 2010

Maternal obesity influences a number of metabolic factors that can affect the course of pregnancy. Among these factors, leptin plays an important role in energy metabolism and fetal development during pregnancy. Our objective was to estimate the influence of maternal overweight/obesity on variation in the maternal serum leptin profile during pregnancy. In a prospective cohort of 143 adult gravidas with singleton pregnancies presenting for general prenatal care, we measured serum leptin levels at 6–10, 10–14, 16–20, 22–26, and 32–36 weeks' gestation. The longitudinal effects of maternal prepregnancy BMI, categorized as nonoverweight (≤26.0 kg/m2) and overweight/obese (>26.0 kg/m2), on serum leptin concentration were analyzed using linear mixed models. Overweight/obese women had significantly higher serum leptin concentrations than their nonoverweight counterparts throughout pregnancy (P < 0.01). Although these concentrations increased significantly across gestation for both groups, the rate of increase was significantly smaller for overweight/obese women (P < 0.05). To investigate whether these differences merely reflected differences in weight‐gain patterns between the two groups, we examined an index of leptin concentration per unit body weight (leptin (ng/ml)/weight (kg)). Overweight/obese women had a significantly higher index throughout pregnancy (P < 0.01). However, although this index increased significantly across pregnancy for nonoverweight women, it actually decreased significantly for overweight/obese women (P < 0.01). Our results suggest that factors other than fat mass alone influence leptin concentrations in overweight/obese women compared to normal‐weight women during pregnancy. Such factors may contribute to differences in the intrauterine environment and its influence on pregnancy outcomes in the two groups.
Waist Circumference is an Independent Correlate of Errors in Self‐Reported BMI
Authors: Sullivan Ruth , Johnson William D. , Katzmarzyk Peter T.
Published: August 2010

Although there are issues of reporting bias surrounding the use of self‐reported BMI, it is frequently the method employed to establish the prevalence of obesity. The goal of this study was to assess whether, independently of measured BMI, waist circumference (WC) was associated with the magnitude of the difference between self‐reported and measured BMI within a large sample of European‐American (EA) and African‐American (AA) adults. Self‐reported height and weight, and measured height, weight, and WC were collected on 12,809 adults (61% women, 66% EA) aged 18–65 years. Mean negative BMI differences (self‐reported minus measured BMI) were identified in all race‐by‐sex groups (AA men: −0.55; EA men: −0.63; AA women: −0.91; EA women: −0.67). WC was negatively associated with the BMI difference such that a higher WC was associated with greater under‐reporting of BMI. However, after adjusting for age and measured BMI, WC was positively associated with the BMI difference in all race‐by‐sex groups. These results suggest that WC could be useful in gaining an insight into people's awareness of their own body size and fatness.
Oral Narrative Skills in French Adults Who Are Functionally Illiterate: Linguistic Features and Discourse Organization
Authors: Eme Elsa , Lacroix Agnès , Almecija Yves
Published: August 2010

Purpose

To investigate the nature and extent of oral language difficulties encountered by adults who are functionally illiterate.

Method

Fifty-two men and women identified as functionally illiterate, together with a group of control individuals of comparable age, sex, and socioprofessional background, produced a narrative intended for an absent recipient based on a sequence of pictures featuring a cast of 3 protagonists. All narratives were transcribed in their entirety and coded in terms of linguistic features and discourse organization.

Results

As a group, the participants who were illiterate had great difficulty handling morphosyntactic rules, referential cohension, and the narrative schema. Furthermore, a qualitative analysis highlighted considerable interindividual variability in narrative styles, reflecting different types of difficulties.

Conclusions

Individuals who have not succeeded in learning to read also have impaired oral language abilities. This may affect different aspects of communication skills to a greater or lesser extent. These results have implications for teaching written language to adult learners.