bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterations in the High Density Lipoprotein Phenotype and HDL‐Associated Enzymes in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Lagos K. G. , Filippatos T. D. , Tsimihodimos V. , Gazi I. F. , Rizos C. , Tselepis A. D. , Mikhailidis D. P. , Elisaf Moses S.
Published: October 2008

Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) usually have low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels. We determined the HDL distribution profile as well as the HDL‐related lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (HDL‐LpPLA2) and paraoxonase‐1 (PON1) activities in subjects with MetS (n = 189) but otherwise healthy. Age and sex‐matched individuals (n = 166) without MetS served as controls. The lower HDL‐C concentration in MetS patients was due to a reduction in both large and small HDL subclasses (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). As the number of MetS components increased, the HDL phenotype comprised of a greater percentage of small HDL‐3 and less large HDL‐2 subclasses, resulting in a decreased HDL‐2/HDL‐3 ratio (P < 0.001 for all trends). Multivariate analysis revealed that HDL‐2 levels and the HDL‐2/HDL‐3 ratio significantly and independently correlated with HDL‐C (positively) and TG (negatively) levels. HDL‐3 concentration significantly and independently positively correlated with HDL‐C and TG levels. HDL‐LpPLA2 activity was decreased in MetS patients (P < 0.01), a phenomenon that may contribute to the defective antiatherogenic activity of HDL in MetS. PON1 activity did not differ between groups. We conclude that MetS, in addition to the decrease in HDL‐C concentration, is associated with alterations in the HDL phenotype, which is comprised of a greater percentage of small HDL subclasses. Furthermore, HDL‐LpPLA2 activity is decreased in MetS patients.
Cisplatin differently affects amino terminal and carboxyl terminal domains of HSP90
Authors: Ishida Ryuichi , Takaoka Yuka , Yamamoto Soh , Miyazaki Toshio , Otaka Michiro , Watanabe Sumio , Komatsuda Atushi , Wakui Hideki , Sawada Ken-ichi , Kubota Hiroshi , Itoh Hideaki
Published: October 2008

The 90‐kDa heat shock protein (HSP90) is a molecular chaperone that assists in the folding and assembly of proteins in the cytosol. We previously demonstrated that the antineoplastic reagent, cisplatin, inhibits the aggregation prevention activity of mammalian HSP90. We now show that cisplatin binds both the amino terminal and carboxyl terminal domains of the human HSP90 and differently affects these two domains. Cisplatin blocks the aggregation prevention activity of HSP90C, but not HSP90N. In contrast, cisplatin induces a conformational change in HSP90N, but not HSP90C. These results indicate that cisplatin modulates the HSP90 activities through two different mechanisms using the two distinct binding sites of the HSP90 molecule.
Child labor and sexual assault among girls in Maiduguri, Nigeria
Authors: Audu Bala , Geidam Ado , Jarma Hajara
Published: October 2008

Objective

To determine the relationship between child labor and sexual assault among girls in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

Methods

Face‐to‐face interview using a validated questionnaire of a randomly selected sample of employed girls.

Results

Out of 350 girls, 316 were successfully interviewed for a response rate of 90.3%. Mean age of the girls was 14.9 ± 2.3 years and mean workday was 8.5 ± 3.8 hours/day. In 33.4% of cases the girls had no formal education, and 78.5% were not currently going to school. The sexual assault rate was 77.7%, and in 38.6% of cases the assailant was a customer. Sexual assault was more likely in girls who were younger than 12 years (OR 3.54; 95% CI, 1.38–9.14), had no formal education (OR 4.80; 95% CI, 1.63–14.16), worked for more than 8 hours/day (OR 4.43; 95% CI, 1.60–12.30), or had 2 or more jobs (OR 16.09; 95% CI, 1.20–61.70).

Conclusion

To reduce the risk of sexual assault, if girls are employed they should be older, work for limited hours, and not have more than one job at a time.
Identification of Tumor Evolution Patterns by Means of Inductive Logic Programming
Authors: Bevilacqua Vitoantonio , Chiarappa Patrizia , Mastronardi Giuseppe , Menolascina Filippo , Paradiso Angelo , Tommasi Stefania
Published: October 2008

In considering key events of genomic disorders in the development and progression of cancer, the correlation between genomic instability and carcinogenesis is currently under investigation. In this work, we propose an inductive logic programming approach to the problem of modeling evolution patterns for breast cancer. Using this approach, it is possible to extract fingerprints of stages of the disease that can be used in order to develop and deliver the most adequate therapies to patients. Furthermore, such a model can help physicians and biologists in the elucidation of molecular dynamics underlying the aberrations-waterfall model behind carcinogenesis. By showing results obtained on a real-world dataset, we try to give some hints about further approach to the knowledge-driven validations of such hypotheses.
Epidemiology and treatment of pain in Italy: Part II
Authors: Raffaeli W. , Varrassi G. , Righetti D. , Monterubbianesi M.C. , Andruccioli J. , Sarti D. , Marinangeli F. , Ursini M.L. , Piroli A. , Paladini A.
Published: October 2008

Pain relief is a branch of Medicine that only recently has developed, its institutional standardization levels and its process standards have not yet been identified. Pain therapy was first introduced by Bonica in 1951, but is still disregarded in many cases, despite the consciousness that the lack of pain control causes evident damage and has a significant effect on well‐being perception. The primary need for not suffering from unnecessary pain is undervalued, as a result of a multiplicity of factors. In order to improve this situation, the “Pain‐Free Hospital” (PFH) program was instituted, with the specific aims of increasing the awareness of pain incidence, directing the attention of general population and caregivers to the “pain issue” and making the necessary treatments available. According to the agreement drawn up by the Governmental‐Regional Conference in 2001, the PFH program was instituted in Italy and, in conformity with their own Regional health care strategy, some Italian Regions planned the foundation of a Network of Pain Therapy Centres. Numerous laws have been introduced for the development of pain therapy and Pain Therapy centres in Italy, at both national and regional level. A survey made in 2001 showed that 232 centres of Pain Therapy and Palliative Care, 16 Palliative Care centres and 76 Pain Therapy centres were active in Italy. A network of Italian registers, monitoring the activity of pain care professionals, is developing in order to guarantee quality and safety of pain therapies.
Radiofrequency or neuromodulation treatment of chronic pain, when is it useful?
Authors: Van Buyten Jean Pierre
Published: October 2008

The management of chronic pain is challenging for the patient and the physician. Besides pharmacologic treatment pain therapists dispose of several minimal invasive interventional techniques. When used for the correct diagnosis and under the appropriate conditions, those techniques have been documented to provide pain relief and improve the patient's quality of life. Too often the use of interventional pain management techniques is postponed until all conservative treatment options fail to provide adequate pain relief or cause intolerable side effects. Evidence is starting to accumulate indicating that earlier use in the treatment algorithm may be beneficial for the patient in terms of pain relief, improved functionality and hence improved quality of life. Though little cost‐effectiveness studies are available there are indications that the initial costs are recovered by the reduced medical needs. The interventional pain management techniques are commonly classified according to the degree of invasiveness: therapeutic blocks and epidural corticosteroid administration, (pulsed) radiofrequency techniques, spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation, motor cortex stimulation and spinal drug administration. In this article the place within the treatment algorithm of chronic pain for (pulsed) radiofrequency and neuromodulation techniques will be discussed.
Improved bone status by the β-blocker propranolol in an animal model of nutritional growth retardation
Authors: Lezón Christian E. , Olivera María I. , Bozzini Clarisa , Mandalunis Patricia , Alippi Rosa M. , Boyer Patricia M.
Published: October 2008

The aim of the present research was to study if the β-blocker propranolol, which is known to increase bone mass, could reverse the adverse skeletal effects of mild chronic food restriction in weanling rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, control+propranolol (CP), nutritional growth retardation (NGR) and nutritional growth retardation+propranolol (NGRP). Control and CP rats were fed freely with the standard diet. NGR and NGRP rats received, for 4 weeks, 80 % of the amount of food consumed by the control and CP rats, respectively. Results were expressed as mean values andsem. Food restriction induced detrimental effects on body and femur weight and length (P < 0·05) and bone structural and geometrical properties (P < 0·001), confirming results previously shown in our laboratory. However, the β-blocker overcame the deleterious effect of nutritional stress on load-bearing capacity, yielding load, bone stiffness, cross-sectional cortical bone area and second moment of inertia of the cross-section in relation to the horizontal axis without affecting anthropometric, histomorphometric and bone morphometric parameters. The results suggest that propranolol administration to mildly chronically undernourished rats markedly attenuates the impaired bone status in this animal model of growth retardation.
Friendship Between States
Authors: Digeser P. E.
Published: October 2008

Although a substantial philosophical literature exists on the concept of ‘friendship’ and its connections to politics, the possibility that groups such as states could be friends has largely been ignored. This is puzzling since the description of political communities as friends is one that goes back to Thucydides. Moreover, contemporary international politics is replete with references to the concepts of ‘friend’ and ‘friendship’. This article argues that international friendships provide powerful reasons for minimally just states to engage in other-regarding conduct. Drawing on an Aristotelian account of self-interest for inspiration, it is suggested that the same reasons that justify a state’s self-regard also justify its regard for other states. These reasons rest on whether the basic institutions of a state – one’s own or another’s – are minimally just. States, solely because of their character, have reason to enter into different levels of friendship. Those different relationships in turn generate different expectations regarding consultation, security and respect for autonomy.
The origin, cooling and alteration of A-type granites in southern Israel (northernmost Arabian–Nubian shield): a multi-mineral oxygen isotope study
Authors: STEINITZ ADAR , KATZIR YARON , VALLEY JOHN W. , BE'ERI-SHLEVIN YARON , SPICUZZA MICHAEL J.
Published: October 2008

A multi-mineral oxygen isotope study sheds light on the origin, cooling and alteration of Late Neoproterozoic A-type granites in the Arabian–Nubian shield of southern Israel. The oxygen isotope ratio of zircon of the Timna monzodiorite, quartz syenite and alkaline granite are within the range of mantle zircon (δ18O(Zrn) = 5.3 ± 0.6‰, 2σ), supporting the co-genetic mantle-derived origin previously suggested based on geochemical data and similar ɛNd(T) values and U–Pb ages (610 Ma). Likewise, olivine norite xenoliths within the monzodiorite (δ18O(Ol) = 5.41 ± 0.07‰) may have formed as cumulate in a parent mantle-derived magma. Within the Timna igneous complex, the latest and most evolved intrusion, an alkaline granite, has the least contaminated isotope ratio (δ18O(Zrn) = 5.50 ± 0.02‰), whereas its inferred parental monzodiorite magma has slightly higher and more variable δ18O(Zrn) values (5.60 to 5.93‰). The small isotope variation may be accounted for either by small differences in the temperature of zircon crystallization or by minor contamination of the parent magma followed by shallow emplacement and intrusion by the Timna alkaline granite. The Timna alkaline granite evolved, however, from a non-contaminated batch of mantle-derived magma. The formation of Yehoshafat granite (605 Ma; δ18O(Zrn) = 6.63 ± 0.10‰), exposed ~30 km to the south of the mineralogically comparable Timna alkaline granite, involved significant contribution from supracrustal rocks. A-type granites in southern Israel thus formed by differentiation of mantle-derived magma and upper crustal melting coevally. Fast grain boundary diffusion modelling and measured quartz-zircon fractionations demonstrate that the Timna and Yehoshafat alkaline granites cooled very rapidly below 600 °C in accordance with being epizonal. One to three orders of magnitude slower cooling is calculated for 30 Ma older calc-alkaline granites of the host batholith, indicating a transition from thick orogenic to extended crust. Significant elevation of the δ18O of feldspars occurred through water–rock interaction at moderate temperatures (100–250 °C), most probably during a thermal event in Early Carboniferous times.
THE ROBUSTNESS OF APTITUDE EFFECTS IN NEAR-NATIVE SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Authors: Abrahamsson Niclas , Hyltenstam Kenneth
Published: October 2008

Results from a number of recent studies suggest that nativelike adult second language (L2) learners possess a high degree of language learning aptitude, the positive effects of which may have compensated for the negative effects of a critical period in these learners. According to the same studies, child learners seem to attain a nativelike command of the L2 regardless of high or low aptitude, which has led researchers to conclude that this factor plays no role in early acquisition. The present study investigates the L2 proficiency and language aptitude of 42 near-native L2 speakers of Swedish (i.e., individuals whom actual mother-tongue speakers of Swedish believe are native speakers). The results confirm previous research suggesting that a high degree of language aptitude is required if adult learners are to reach a L2 proficiency that is indistinguishable from that of native speakers. However, in contrast to previous studies, the present results also identify small yet significant aptitude effects in child SLA. Our findings lead us to the conclusions that the rare nativelike adult learners sometimes observed would all turn out to be exceptionally talented language learners with an unusual ability to compensate for maturational effects and, consequently, that their nativelikeness per se does not constitute a reason to reject the critical period hypothesis.
The association between seed size and seed longevity among maternal families inAmbrosia trifidaL. populations
Authors: Schutte Brian J. , Regnier Emilie E. , Harrison S. Kent
Published: October 2008

In temperate plant communities, seed size is often inversely related to seed longevity at the species level. We tested if the inverse relationship between seed size and seed longevity holds among individuals within populations ofAmbrosia trifidaL. (Asteraceae), a summer annual agricultural weed in the eastern United States Corn Belt that typically emerges in two successive flushes: one before 1 May and one after 1 May. The effects of maternal phenotype on seed morphology, seed weight, late emergence (emergence after 1 May) and seed-bank persistence were determined in two 1-year experiments. All seeds were collected from individuals at weekly intervals for 3 weeks. Sixty seeds per collection were used in the analysis. Despite fluctuating environmental conditions during seed development, seed weight within maternal families remained constant for different maturation times. Differences among families constituted 69% of total variation in seed weight, whereas differences within maternal families composed 31% of the variation in seed weight. Percentage late emergence and percentage seed-bank persistence varied among maternal families. In four maternal families, either 0% or 100% of seedlings emerged after 1 May, but a majority of other maternal families produced seedlings both before and after 1 May. Seed-bank persistence rates ranged from 1 to 51% among maternal families. Percentage late emergence and percentage seed-bank persistence were inversely related to maternal-family mean seed weight in 2006, but not in 2005. These results suggest that the inverse relationship between seed size and seed longevity occurs among individuals of a population, but is affected by the environment.
Habitat-correlated seed germination behaviour in populations of wood anemone (Anemone nemorosaL.) from northern Italy
Authors: Mondoni Andrea , Probert Robin , Rossi Graziano , Hay Fiona , Bonomi Costantino
Published: October 2008

Although various aspects of the biology ofAnemone nemorosahave been examined, few studies present data on seed germination, and even then information tends to be rather contradictory.A. nemorosaL. is a spring-flowering, woodland geophyte, widely distributed across much of Europe. Germination phenology, including embryo development and radicle and shoot emergence, were investigated in one mountain and three lowland populations from northern Italy. Immediately after harvest, seeds were either sown on agar in the laboratory under simulated seasonal temperatures, or placed in nylon mesh sachets and buried in the wild. Embryos, undifferentiated at the time of dispersal, grew under summer conditions in the laboratory and in the wild. However, seeds did not germinate under continuous summer conditions. Radicle emergence in the field was first recorded at the beginning of autumn, when soil temperatures had dropped toc.15°C in the case of the three lowland populations, and toc.10°C at the mountain site. Shoot emergence was delayed under natural conditions until late autumn/early winter, when soil temperatures had dropped toc.10°C in the lowlands andc.6°C at the mountain site. In the laboratory, a period of cold stratification was required for shoot emergence, and this requirement was more pronounced in the mountain population. Seeds of the mountain population completed embryo development, radicle emergence and shoot emergence at cooler temperatures compared with the lowland populations. These results suggest that germination inA. nemorosais highly adapted and finely tuned to local climate. We conclude that seeds ofA. nemorosadisplay deep, simple epicotyl, morphophysiogical dormancy, and this is the first report of such dormancy for the genusAnemone. However, the continuous development and growth of embryos from the time of natural dispersal, and the lack of evidence of developmental arrest under natural conditions, suggests that radicles are non-dormant.
A curious isolated cystic lesion of the membranous atrioventricular septum
Authors: Phelps Christina M. , Mengshol Sarah , Dunbar Ivy David
Published: October 2008

We present the case of an isolated cystic lesion of the atrioventricular component of the membranous septum of unclear aetiology, but responsible for cardiomegaly and benign disturbances of cardiac rhythm. As far as we are aware, this type of lesion has not previously been documented.
Increasing Access to CBT: Stepped Care and CBT Self-Help Models in Practice
Authors: Williams Chris , Martinez Rebeca
Published: October 2008

The delivery of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) in the UK has moved through two phases. In the first phase specialist practitioners delivered bespoke CBT to individuals often experiencing complex and longer-lasting problems. This phase has been characterized by waiting lists and a high quality service delivered to a few. In the second phase of service delivery CBT has begun to be delivered in all sorts of different formats, including CBT self-help/guided CBT, behavioural activation, computerized CBT and group based CBT that aim to increase access to CBT delivered in these ways. It remains unclear how these varying models – “high intensity” (phase 1) and “low intensity” (phase 2) should relate – and even who does best with each. There are implicit assumptions by practitioners reflected in language such as “stepping up/down” that assumes high intensity working is superior in some way to low intensity. Few studies have however examined this in depth and what studies there are suggest these beliefs may be incorrect for many. How these new ways of working will be introduced, evaluated and integrated into existing services currently remains a challenge. A helpful way of resolving some of these issues is to view CBT using a learning/teaching paradigm. In this the focus is primarily on how the client wishes to learn to tackle their problems. This provides a helpful way for both introducing different and new ways of working, and also maintaining a focus on the client's needs at the centre of service development. Crucially, phase two CBT working does not replace phase one. How the two approaches complement each other and compare will be two of the interesting questions to be addressed over the next few years.
On the reliability and standard errors of measurement of contrast measures from the D-KEFS
Authors: CRAWFORD JOHN R. , SUTHERLAND DAVID , GARTHWAITE PAUL H.
Published: October 2008

A formula for the reliability of difference scores was used to estimate the reliability of Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS; Delis et al., 2001) contrast measures from the reliabilities and correlations of their components. In turn these reliabilities were used to calculate standard errors of measurement. The majority of contrast measures had low reliabilities: of the 51 reliability coefficients calculated in the present study, none exceeded 0.7 and hence all failed to meet any of the criteria for acceptable reliability proposed by various experts in psychological measurement. The mean reliability of the contrast scores was 0.27, the median reliability was 0.30. The standard errors of measurement were large and, in many cases, equaled or were only marginally smaller than the contrast scores' standard deviations. The results suggest that, at present, D-KEFS contrast measures should not be used in neuropsychological decision making. (JINS, 2008, 14, 1069–1073.)
Endorsement of self-report neurovegetative items of depression is associated with multiple sclerosis disease symptoms
Authors: BEENEY JOE E. , ARNETT PETER A.
Published: October 2008

Some researchers have suggested that general self-report depression scales may be inadequate for assessing depression among individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), because many of such items represent MS disease symptoms. However, research has been mixed on this issue: whereas some studies provide support for symptom overlap, others have found opposing evidence. We investigated this issue in two different MS samples with three different strategies. We (1) examined reliable change in depression symptom categories at two time points over three years, (2) assessed the relationship between variables associated with depression and different depression symptom subscales, and (3) assessed the relationship between symptom subscales and physical disability. In each instance we found significant evidence that items meant to assess vegetative symptoms of depression may be influenced by presence of MS disease symptoms or were not associated with other core elements or central correlates of depression. (JINS, 2008, 14, 1057–1062.)
Cognitive neuroscience of autism
Authors: TAGER-FLUSBERG HELEN
Published: October 2008

The past decade has witnessed an exponential growth in research on autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting social, language, communication, and behavioral development. This growth is fuelled by many factors, including rising prevalence rates; increased media attention and public awareness; the creation of new parent-based research foundations; and targeted federal funding opportunities. Researchers have taken advantage of new theoretical frameworks and exciting scientific technologies that are now being employed to address key questions about the underlying causes and pathophysiology of autism. Advances in developmental neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience, including the application of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods, have had a particularly significant impact in providing insights into the neurobiology of autism. Several of these key advances, which are closely tied to changes in the way the developmental phenotype of autism has been conceptualized, are highlighted in the papers comprising this Symposium issue.
EXPANSION IN BELL POLYNOMIALS OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE TOTAL CLAIM AMOUNT WITH WEIBULL-DISTRIBUTED CLAIM SIZES
Authors: LACAYO RAMON
Published: October 2008

The total claim amount for a fixed period of time is, by definition, a sum of a random number of claims of random size. In this paper we explore the probabilistic distribution of the total claim amount for claims that follow a Weibull distribution, which can serve as a satisfactory model for both small and large claims. As models for the number of claims we use the geometric, Poisson, logarithmic and negative binomial distributions. In all these cases, the densities of the total claim amount are obtained via Laplace transform of a density function, an expansion in Bell polynomials of a convolution and a subsequent Laplace inversion.
Editorial Announcement
Authors: INOGUCHI TAKASHI
Published: October 2008

We are pleased that starting with Volume 8 (2008), the journal is to be included in the Thomson/ISI Social Science Citation Index. This is a milestone for the journal which started in 2000 published by Cambridge University Press. We are most grateful to those who have helped us, especially Ken Firmalio Anno who has efficiently and often single-handedly run the editorial office, our contributors, and referees. Our deep gratitude also goes to those who, in their capacity as editors, associate editors, and advisors, have repeatedly rescued us with their spirit of academic solidarity of seeking truth, with disregard to differences of backgrounds and creeds, despite their geographical locations. On this occasion I would like to reiterate the journal's key characteristics: the journal covers all fields of the discipline, especially where these have a conceptual thrust, including political theory, comparative politics, political behaviour, political institutions, public policy and international institutions. At the same time, the journal seeks the best comparative articles featuring Japan or East Asia. The indexing began with Volume 8 Part 1 in April 2007 and JJPS is expected to receive its first impact factor in 2009.
Semi-presidentialism and Democratic Performance
Authors: ELGIE ROBERT , MCMENAMIN IAIN
Published: October 2008

There is a long-standing and widespread consensus that semi-presidentialism is bad for democratic performance. This article examines whether there is empirical evidence to support the arguments against semi-presidentialism. Examining countries that are incompletely consolidated and yet are not autocratic, we identify the relationship between democratic performance and the three main arguments against semi-presidentialism – the strength of the presidency, cohabitation, and divided minority government. We find that there is a strong and negative association between presidential power and democratic performance, but that cohabitation and divided minority government do not have the negative consequences that the literature predicts.
The Politics of Gay Rights and the Gender Gap: A Perspective on the Clergy
Authors: Deckman Melissa , Crawford Sue E.S. , Olson Laura R.
Published: October 2008

In this article, we explore the nexus of gender, religious leadership, and attitudes toward homosexuality and gay rights. Homosexuality has become a frontline issue in American politics, as illustrated most recently by gay marriage battles in the courts and state legislatures as well as state referenda campaigns designed to define marriage legally as the union of a man and a woman. Using survey data from a national random sample of 3,208 clergy who serve in six mainline Protestant denominations, we analyze the extent to which gender operates as a significant predictor of public speech on gay rights issues. Ordinal logistic regression allows us to demonstrate that women clergy are substantially more likely than their male counterparts to speak publicly on gay rights, as well as to model more generally the factors that compel clergy to take action to address this controversial issue in public.
“Peace, Peace, but there is No Peace”: A Critique of Christian Pacifist Communitarianism
Authors: Gray Phillip W.
Published: October 2008

The communal elements of Christianity are of increasing concern to religious thinkers. Indeed, for some religious thinkers, the importance of community is paramount in Christian belief and practice, especially as these communitarian views interact and enhance Christian pacifism. The community of Christians as the “peaceable kingdom” becomes the core element of Christian life. But is this pacifist communitarian Christianity tenable? In this article, I will argue that pacifist communitarianism leads to unexpected and objectionable consequences. Specifically, I will consider the views of John Howard Yoder and Stanley Hauerwas. By explicating the weaknesses of their pacifist views, most especially on the issue of coercion and the notion of “Constantinianism,” I will show that both thinkers tend toward a view of Christian separatismvis-à-visthe secular world. Both thinkers' systems present problems in communicating truth to those not already in the community. Finally, their communitarian views conflict with their pacifism, in the end requiring those not within the community to act as if they were members.
Expected atmospheric environment for the Phoenix landing season and location
Authors: Tamppari Leslie K. , Barnes Jeffrey , Bonfiglio Eugene , Cantor Bruce , Friedson A. James , Ghosh Amitabha , Grover M. Rob , Kass David , Martin Terry Z. , Mellon Michael , Michaels Tim , Murphy Jim , Rafkin Scot C. R. , Smith Michael D. , Tsuyuki Glenn , Tyler Daniel , Wolff Michael
Published: October 2008

The Phoenix mission, launched on 4 August 2007, landed in the far northern plains of Mars on 25 May 2008. In order to prepare for the landing events and the 90‐sol mission, a significant amount of work has gone into characterizing the atmospheric environment at this location on Mars for northern late spring through midsummer. In this paper we describe the motivation for the work and present our results on atmospheric densities and winds expected during the Phoenix entry, descent, and landing, as well as near‐surface pressure, temperature, winds, surface temperature, and visible optical depth expected over the course of the science mission.
Magma degassing and intermittent lava dome growth
Authors: Taisne B. , Jaupart C.
Published: October 2008

After its 1980 explosive eruption, Mount St Helens developed a lava dome that grew intermittently for several years. Each growth episode was followed by a long repose, suggesting that the magma column above the reservoir was in hydrostatic equilibrium. A mechanism allowing an increasingly thicker dome is proposed. Loading of the crater floor by the dome acts to prevent gas leakage from magma by closing fractures around the volcanic conduit. Fractures get closed down to a depth that increases as the dome grows. Calculations of dome thickness as a function of dome radius are in good agreement with observations. Renewed growth is triggered by the spreading of the dome. Gas retention over a larger depth extent allows smaller magma densities and a taller magma column above the reservoir. According to this model, small domes can in fact promote explosive volcanic conditions and be unstable.
Observationally derived and general circulation model simulated tropical stratospheric upward mass fluxes
Authors: Yang Qiong , Fu Qiang , Austin John , Gettelman Andrew , Li Feng , Vömel Holger
Published: October 2008

We quantify the vertical velocity and upward mass flux in the tropical lower stratosphere on the basis of accurate radiative heating rate calculations using 8‐year Southern Hemisphere Additional Ozonesondes balloon‐borne measurements of temperature and ozone and cryogenic frost‐point hygrometer measured water vapor in the tropics (15°S—10°N). The impact of tropospheric clouds on the stratospheric heating rates is considered using cloud distributions from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project. We find a nearly constant annual mean upward mass flux in the tropical lower stratosphere above the top of the tropical tropopause layer (i.e., ∼70 hPa), which is 1.13 ± 0.40 kgm−2d−1 for the 40‐ to 30‐hPa layer, and 0.89 ± 0.48 kgm−2d−1 for the 70‐ to 50‐hPa layer. A strong seasonal cycle exists in the upward mass flux and it is found that the mass flux below ∼70 hPa is decoupled from that above in the Northern Hemisphere summer. Simulations of the tropical lower stratosphere from two stratospheric General Circulation Models (GCMs) are compared with observations. The annual mean upward mass fluxes from both GCMs for the 40‐ to 30‐hPa layer agree well with observations, while the simulated mass fluxes for the 70‐ to 50‐hPa layer are twice as large. Both GCMs also simulate seasonal variation of the mass flux reasonably well but are incapable of simulating the observed interannual variability of the upward mass flux, which is closely correlated with the quasi‐biennial oscillations.
Accuracy of NCEP/NCAR reanalyses and ECMWF analyses in the lower stratosphere over Antarctica in 2005
Authors: Boccara G. , Hertzog A. , Basdevant C. , Vial F.
Published: October 2008

This article compares the temperature, zonal, and meridional velocities issued by the 50‐year National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP‐NCAR) Reanalysis (NN50) and European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) operational analyses with independent observations collected during the Vorcore superpressure balloon campaign. The ECMWF analyses are found to be more accurate than the NN50 reanalyses. In particular, an overall warm bias in the polar Southern Hemisphere lower stratosphere is found in NN50 (+1.51 K), while a cold bias is found using ECMWF analyses (−0.42 K). The ECMWF temperature bias evolves from winter (−1.34 K in September) to summer (+0.31 K in January). A common feature of both analyses is the localization of larger discrepancies with respect to the observations for all variables over the Antarctic Peninsula, where orographic gravity waves were observed. More generally, two principal reasons are put forth for explaining the reported differences with the observations: unresolved small‐scale pure and inertia gravity waves affecting both analyses and a large‐scale misrepresentation of the vortex in NN50. Finally, simulated trajectories are computed starting from the positions of the balloon and advected using the ECMWF and the NN50 velocity fields. The simulated trajectories are compared to the real balloon trajectories. The spherical distance between the real and simulated positions exceeds 1000 ± 700 km on average in just 5 days using NN50 and after 10 days using ECMWF. The distances between the simulated and real balloons are found to increase faster in November and December, owing to the strong Rossby‐wave activity in the stratosphere.
GABA Synapses Mediate Neuroprotection after Ischemic and εPKC Preconditioning in Rat Hippocampal Slice Cultures
Authors: DeFazio R. Anthony , Raval Ami P , Lin Hung W , Dave Kunjan R , Della-Morte David , Perez-Pinzon Miguel A
Published: October 2008

Delayed neuroprotection against ischemic challenges is conferred by both ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and preconditioning by activation of the ε-isoform of protein kinase C (εPKC-PC). In vivo, ischemic preconditioning enhances GABA release and ameliorates glutamate release during lethal cerebral ischemia. We tested the hypothesis that IPC and εPKC-PC confer neuroprotection by GABA synapses in rat organotypic hippocampal slices. Ischemic preconditioning or εPKC-PC was induced with 15 mins oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) or ψεRACK, a selective εPKC activator; and test ischemia consisted of 40 mins OGD. At the time of peak neuroprotection (48 h after preconditioning), we recorded GABAA receptor-mediated miniature postsynaptic currents (GABA mPSCs) in vulnerable CA1 pyramidal neurons using whole-cell voltage clamp techniques. The frequency and amplitude of GABA mPSCs significantly increased 48 h after IPC. In contrast, εPKC-PC enhanced only the amplitude of GABA mPSCs with no effect on frequency. We next asked if neuroprotection depended on these changes in GABA synapses. Weak antagonism of the GABAA receptor with bicuculline (100 nmol/L) decreased the amplitude of GABA mPSCs by 20.9±6.1%. When applied during test ischemia, 100nmol/L bicuculline abolished neuroprotection conferred by either IPC or εPKC-PC. We conclude that neuroprotection conferred by preconditioning depends on functional modifications of GABA synapses.
Aging and Sedentarism Decrease Vascularization and VEGF Levels in the Rat Substantia Nigra. Implications for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Villar-Cheda Begoña , Sousa-Ribeiro Daniel , Rodriguez-Pallares Jannette , Rodriguez-Perez Ana I , Guerra Maria J , Labandeira-Garcia Jose L
Published: October 2008

It is not known if aging induces changes in nigral vascularization and nigral vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels similar to those previously reported for Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study nonexercised rats displayed age-dependent decreases in the density of nigral microvessels and VEGF mRNA expression, which were reversed by physical exercise. Such changes may enhance the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons and the risk of developing PD, and may be reduced by exercise. Furthermore, the observed pattern is the opposite of that previously observed in PD, suggesting that the process underlying PD is not an accelerated age-dependent decline in the dopaminergic system.
Transient Widespread Blood—Brain Barrier Alterations after Cerebral Photothrombosis as Revealed by Gadofluorine M-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Stoll Guido , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Meuth Sven G , Braeuninger Stefan , Ip Chi Wang , Wessig Carsten , Nölte Ingo , Bendszus Martin
Published: October 2008

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful tool to assess brain lesions, but currently available contrast agents are limited in the assessment of cellular and functional alterations. By use of the novel MRI contrast agent gadofluorine M (Gf) we report on imaging of transient and widespread changes of blood—brain barrier (BBB) properties as a consequence of focal photothrombotic brain lesions in rats. After i.v. application, Gf led to bright contrast in the lesions, but also the entire ipsilateral cortex on T1-weighted MRI. In contrast, enhancement after application of gadolinium diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA), a common clinical indicator of BBB leakage was restricted to the lesions. Remote Gf enhancement was restricted in time to the first 24 h after photothrombosis and corresponded to a transient breakdown of the BBB as revealed by extravasation of the dye Evans blue. In conclusion, our study shows that Gf can visualize subtle disturbances of the BBB in three dimensions not detectable by Gd-DTPA. Upon entry into the central nervous system Gf most likely is locally trapped by interactions with extracellular matrix proteins. The unique properties of Gf hold promise as a more sensitive contrast agent for monitoring BBB disturbances in neurologic disorders, which appear more widespread than anticipated previously.
Mode conversion of Langmuir to electromagnetic waves at magnetic field-aligned density inhomogeneities: Simulations, theory, and applications to the solar wind and the corona
Authors: Kim Eun-Hwa , Cairns Iver H. , Robinson Peter A.
Published: October 2008

Linear mode conversion of Langmuir waves to radiation near the plasma frequency at density gradients is potentially relevant to multiple solar radio emissions, ionospheric radar experiments, laboratory plasma devices, and pulsars. Here we study mode conversion in warm magnetized plasmas using a numerical electron fluid simulation code with the density gradient parallel to the ambient magnetic field B0 for a range of incident Langmuir wavevectors. Our results include: (1) both o- and x-mode waves are produced for Ω=(ωL∕c)1∕3(ωc∕ω)≲1, contrary to previous ideas. Only the o mode is produced for Ω≳1.5. Here ωc is the (angular) electron cyclotron frequency, ω is the angular wave frequency, L is the length scale of the (linear) density gradient, and c is the speed of light. A WKB-style analysis accounts semiquantitatively for the production and relative conversion efficiencies of the o and x modes in the simulations. (2) In the unmagnetized limit, equal amounts of o- and x-mode radiation are produced. (3) The mode conversion window narrows as Ω increases. (4) As Ω increases the total electromagnetic field changes from linear to circular polarization, with the o- and x-mode signals remaining circularly polarized. (5) The conversion efficiency to the x mode decreases monotonically as Ω increases while the o-mode conversion efficiency oscillates due to an interference phenomenon between incoming and reflected Langmuir/z modes. (6) The maximum total conversion efficiencies for wave power from the Langmuir/z mode to radiation are of order 50%–70%. They depend strongly on the wave frequency when close to the background plasma frequency but weakly on the electron temperature T0 and β=T0∕mc2. The corresponding energy conversion efficiencies are favored since they allow separation into o and x modes, use directly measured experimental quantities, and generalize easily for wave packets. The total energy conversion efficiency differs from the power conversion efficiency by the ratio of the group speeds for each mode, is less than 10% for the value of β=0.01 simulated, and decreases linearly with β. Since β≈10−5–10−4 in the solar wind and corona, this β dependence is important in applications. (7) The interference effect and the disappearance of the x mode at Ω≳1 can be accounted for semiquantitatively using a WKB-type analysis. (8) Constraints on density turbulence are developed for the x mode to be generated and be able to propagate from the source. (9) Standard parameters for the corona and the solar wind near 1 AU suggest that linear mode conversion should produce both o- and x-mode radiation for solar and interplanetary radio bursts. It is therefore possible that linear mode conversion under these conditions might explain the weak total circular polarizations of type II and III solar radio bursts.
Two-dimensional (2+n) resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization of HCl: Photorupture channels via the FΔ21 Rydberg state and ab initio spectra
Authors: Kvaran Ágúst , Wang Huasheng , Matthiasson Kristján , Bodi Andras , Jónsson Erlendur
Published: October 2008

Mass spectra were recorded for (2+n) resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) of HCl as a function of resonance excitation energy in the 82600–88100cm−1 region to obtain two-dimensional REMPI data. Analysis of ion-mass signal intensities for excitations via the FΔ21(v′=0–2) and the VΣ+1(v′) states as a function of rotational quantum numbers in the intermediate states either revealed near-resonance interactions or no significant coupling between the FΔ21 and the VΣ+1 states, depending on quantum levels. Ion-signal intensities and power dependence measurements allowed us to propose photoionization mechanisms in terms of intermediate state involvement. Based on relative ion-signal intensities and rotational line positions we quantified the contributions of Rydberg and valence intermediate states to the photoionization product formation and evaluated coupling strengths for state mixing. Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), equation-of-motion coupled cluster (EOM-CC), and completely renormalized EOM-CC calculations with various basis sets were performed to derive singlet state potential energy curves, relevant spectroscopic parameters, and to calculate spectra. Experimentally observed spectra and older calculations are compared with the reported ab initio results.
Single-chain dynamics in a homogeneous melt and a lamellar microphase: A comparison between Smart Monte Carlo dynamics, slithering-snake dynamics, and slip-link dynamics
Authors: Müller Marcus , Daoulas Kostas Ch.
Published: October 2008

We investigate the ability of Monte-Carlo algorithms to describe the single-chain dynamics in a dense homogeneous melt and a lamellar phase of a symmetric diblock copolymer. A minimal, coarse-grained model is employed that describes connectivity of effective segments by harmonic springs and where segments interact via soft potentials, which do not enforce noncrossability of the chain molecules. Studying the mean-square displacements, the dynamic structure factor, and the stress relaxation, we show that local, unconstraint displacements of segments via a Smart Monte Carlo algorithm give rise to Rouse dynamics for all but the first Monte Carlo steps. Using the slithering-snake algorithm, we observe a dynamics that is compatible with the predictions of the tube model of entangled melts for long times, but the dynamics inside the tube cannot be resolved. Using a slip-link model, we can describe the effect of entanglements and follow the different regimes of the single-chain dynamics over seven decades in time. Applications of this simulation scheme to spatially inhomogeneous systems are illustrated by studying the lamellar phase of a symmetric diblock copolymer. For the local, unconstraint dynamics, the single-chain motions parallel and perpendicular to the interfaces decouples; the perpendicular dynamics is slowed down but the parallel dynamics is identical to that in a homogeneous melt. Both the slithering-snake dynamics and the slip-link dynamics give rise to a coupling of parallel and perpendicular directions and a significant slowing down of the dynamics in the lamellar phase.
CaLi-based bulk metallic glasses with multiple superior properties
Authors: Li J. F. , Zhao D. Q. , Zhang M. L. , Wang W. H.
Published: October 2008

We describe a class of metallic glasses that consists of low-cost components and exhibiting multiple superior properties such as exceptionally low glass transition temperature (∼35–60 °C), ultralow elastic moduli (∼23 GPa) comparable to that of human bones, high elasticity and strength, ultralow density (<2 g/cm3), exceptional thermodynamic and kinetic stability in supercooled liquid state, strong liquid fragility, ultrahigh specific strength and lower electrical resistivity, and polymerlike thermoplastic formability near room temperature. Such metallic glasses could have potential applications and facilitate studies of the nature of glasses.