bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoding the functions of post‐transcriptional regulators in the determination of inflammatory states: focus on macrophage activation
Authors: Kafasla Panagiota , Karakasiliotis Ioannis , Kontoyiannis Dimitris L.
Published: July 2012

Inflammation involves a continuum of intercellular interactions and cellular responses targeting infectious or tissue damage while maintaining homeostasis. At its core, this continuum encompasses the alternating phenotypes of innate immune cells; each phenotype is typified by the expression of molecules which either support host defence or aid tissue restoration and the resolution of inflammation. The aberrant persistence of any such phenotype can drive chronic inflammatory pathology. For macrophages, these phenotypes arise as changes in cellular plasticity because of adaptation. As such their underlying gene expression programs may not be determined by robust transcriptomic and epigenetic programs but by more flexible means like post‐transcriptional mechanisms affecting mRNA use. These mechanisms require the assemblies of RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) and non‐coding RNAs onto specific elements on their RNA targets in Ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs) which control mRNA maturation, turnover and translation. The collection of RNPs within a cell defines the ribonome, that is, a high order system of coordinative post‐transcriptional determination. mRNAs involved in the definition of different macrophage activation phenotypes share elements of RBP recognition rendering them amenable to ribonomic regulation. The molecular features of their cognitive RBPs and the pathologies developing in the corresponding mouse mutants support their involvement in inflammatory reactions. We view this information in the context of macrophage activation states to propose that these states can be determined via differential—synergistic or antagonistic—RNP associations. In doing so, we substantiate the need for the use of systems platforms to model RNP hierarchies controlling the continuum of inflammation. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2012. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1179

This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Organ, Tissue, and Physiological Models

Biological Mechanisms > Regulatory Biology
Complexity and the reductionism–holism debate in systems biology
Authors: Mazzocchi Fulvio
Published: July 2012

Reductionism has largely influenced the development of science, culminating in its application to molecular biology. An increasing number of novel research findings have, however, shattered this view, showing how the molecular‐reductionist approach cannot entirely handle the complexity of biological systems. Within this framework, the advent of systems biology as a new and more integrative field of research is described, along with the form which has taken on the debate of reductionism versus holism. Such an issue occupies a central position in systems biology, and nonetheless it is not always clearly delineated. This partly occurs because different dimensions (ontological, epistemological, methodological) are involved, and yet the concerned ones often remain unspecified. Besides, within systems biology different streams can be distinguished depending on the degree of commitment to embrace genuine systemic principles.

Some useful insights into the future development of this discipline might be gained from the tradition of complexity and self‐organization. This is especially true with regards the idea of self‐reference, which incorporated into the organizational scheme is able to generate autonomy as an emergent property of the biological whole.WIREs Syst Biol Med2012. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1181

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Dynamical Methods

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models
Higher derivative extension of 6D chiral gauged supergravity
Authors: Bergshoeff Eric , Coomans Frederik , Sezgin Ergin , Van Proeyen Antoine
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Six-dimensional (1, 0) supersymmetric gauged Einstein-Maxwell supergravity is extended by the inclusion of a supersymmetric Riemann tensor squared invariant. Both the original model as well as the Riemann tensor squared invariant are formulated off-shell and consequently the total action is off-shell invariant without modification of the supersymmetry transformation rules. In this formulation, superconformal techniques, in which the dilaton Weyl multiplet plays a crucial role, are used. It is found that the gauging of the U(1) R-symmetry in the presence of the higher-order derivative terms does not modify the positive exponential in the dilaton potential. Moreover, the supersymmetric Minkowski4 × S
2 compactification of the original model, without the higher-order derivatives, is remarkably left intact. It is shown that the model also admits non-supersymmetric vacuum solutions that are direct product spaces involving de Sitter spacetimes and negative curvature internal spaces.
The Exchange Boundary Framework: Understanding the Evolution of Power within Collaborative Decision‐Making Settings
Authors: Watson Erin R. , Foster-Fishman Pennie G.
Published: July 2012

Many community decision‐making bodies encounter challenges in creating conditions where stakeholders from disadvantaged populations can authentically participate in ways that give them actual influence over decisions affecting their lives (Foster‐Fishman et al., Lessons for the journey: Strategies and suggestions for guiding planning, governance, and sustainability in comprehensive community initiatives. W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Battle Creek, MI, 2004). These challenges are often rooted in asymmetrical power dynamics operating within the settings (Prilleltensky, J Commun Psychol 36:116–136, 2008). In response, this paper presents the Exchange Boundary Framework, a new approach for understanding and promoting authentic, empowered participation within collaborative decision‐making settings. The framework expands upon theories currently used in the field of community psychology by focusing on the underlying processes through which power operates in relationships and examining the evolution of power dynamics over time. By integrating concepts from social exchange theory (Emerson, Am Soc Rev 27:31–41, 1962) and social boundaries theory (Hayward, Polity 31(1):1–22, 1998), the framework situates power within parallel processes of resources exchange and social regulation. The framework can be used to understand the conditions leading to power asymmetries within collaborative decisionmaking processes, and guide efforts to promote more equitable and authentic participation by all stakeholders within these settings. In this paper we describe the Exchange Boundary Framework, apply it to three distinct case studies, and discuss key considerations for its application within collaborative community settings.
The role of character strengths in adolescent romantic relationships: An initial study on partner selection and mates' life satisfaction
Authors: Weber Marco , Ruch Willibald
Published: June 2012

The present study investigated the role of 24 character strengths in 87 adolescent romantic relationships focusing on their role in partner selection and their role in mates' life satisfaction. Measures included the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth, the Students' Life Satisfaction Scale, and an Ideal Partner Profiler for the composition of an ideal partner. Honesty, humor, and love were the most preferred character strengths in an ideal partner. Hope, religiousness, honesty, and fairness showed the most substantial assortment coefficients. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed targets' character strengths as explaining variance in targets' life satisfaction. Furthermore, to a lesser degree, specific character strengths of partners and couples' similarity in certain character strengths explained variance in targets' life satisfaction beyond targets' character strengths. This first research on this topic showed that character strengths play a significant role in adolescent romantic relationships.
Improving Firm Performance through NPD: The Role of Market Orientation, NPD Orientation and the NPD Process
Authors: Reid Mike , Brady Erica
Published: June 2012

Achieving sustained business performance is a challenge for many firms. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the food and packaged goods domain where manufacturers are significantly affected by globally aggressive competitors and retailers. Drawing on the resource-based view of the firm this study of 173 food manufacturers finds that the NPD process is a capability enabling the translation of a firm's market orientation and its NPD orientation, both resources, into superior NPD program success, thereby enhancing overall firm performance. The results help clarify the somewhat ambiguous relationship between market orientation, product innovation and firm performance and demonstrate that firms wishing to leverage product innovation must have the cultural and structural foundations of both a market orientation and NPD orientation. Importantly, they must implement a well-executed NPD process in order to translate these broader firm resources into performance outcomes.
Crystal structure of type VI effector Tse1 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Zhang Heng , Gao Zeng-Qiang , Su Xiao-Dong , Dong Yu-Hui
Published: June 2012

The type VI secretion systems (T6SS) have emerging roles in interspecies competition. In order to have an advantage in defense against other organisms, this system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa delivers a peptidoglycan amidase (Tse1) to the periplasmic space of a competitor. An immune protein (Tsi1) is also produced by the bacterium to protect itself from damage caused by Tse1. Tsi1 directly interacts with Tse1. We report that the crystal structure of Tse1 displays a common CHAP protein fold. Strikingly, our structures showed that the third residue in the catalytic triad may be novel as this residue type has not been observed previously.
Cognitive and structural magnetic resonance imaging features of Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Rodriguez Miriam Jocelyn , Potter Elizabeth , Shen Qian , Barker Warren , Greig‐Custo Maria , Agron Joscelyn , Loewenstein David , Duara Ranjan
Published: July 2012

Objective

To assess medial temporal atrophy (MTA) and atrophy adjacent to the third ventricle (Peri‐IIIVent) on brain magnetic resonance images as biomarkers for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Lewy body dementia (LBD), and to assess the relationship between biomarkers and clinical and functional measures.

Methods

Subjects diagnosed with no cognitive impairment (n = 30), AD (n = 30), or LBD (n = 31) were evaluated with the Mini‐Mental State Examination, Multiple Delayed Recall Test, Category Fluency Test, Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes score, Functional Assessment Questionnaire, and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. A validated visual rating system was used to rate MTA, and volumetric studies were performed to measure total intracranial and hippocampal volumes. Additionally, linear measurements of third ventricle width, Peri‐IIIVent height, and Peri‐IIIVent width were performed.

Results

Subjects with AD and those with LBD were equivalent with respect to age and levels of cognitive impairment. Atrophy in medial temporal and Peri‐IIIVent regions was greater among both patients with AD and those with LBD compared with subjects with no cognitive impairment. The best discriminators of AD from LBD were the severity of MTA, using visual rating, and the severity of memory impairment. Only subjects with LBD showed significant correlations between Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale scores and Peri‐IIIVent atrophy measures.

Conclusions

Mild AD could be distinguished from mild LBD by the severity of MTA and memory impairment. The severity of parkinsonism was associated with the severity of atrophy in the third ventricular region, but was not a good discriminator between AD and LBD.
Rationale for use of the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes as a primary outcome measure for Alzheimer's disease clinical trials
Authors: Cedarbaum Jesse M. , Jaros Mark , Hernandez Chito , Coley Nicola , Andrieu Sandrine , Grundman Michael , Vellas Bruno ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2012

Background

We used the database of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) to explore the psychometric properties of the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR‐SB) to consider its utility as an outcome measure for clinical trials in early and mild, as well as later, stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

We assessed internal consistency, structural validity, convergent validity, and 2‐year internal and external responsiveness of the CDR‐SB using data from 382 subjects with early or mild AD at entry into the ADNI study.

Results

The CDR‐SB assesses both cognitive and functional domains of AD disability. Mean scores declined nearly linearly; CDR‐SB cognitive and functional subsums contributed equally to total scores at both very mild (early) and mild stages of the disease.

Conclusions

The CDR‐SB has psychometric properties that make it attractive as a primary outcome measure that comprehensively assesses both cognitive and functional disability in AD patients. It may prove particularly useful for studies in early, predementia stages of AD.
Decreased gray matter diffusivity: A potential early Alzheimer's disease biomarker?
Authors: Jacobs Heidi I.L. , van Boxtel Martin P.J. , Gronenschild Ed H.B.M. , Uylings Harry B.M. , Jolles Jelle , Verhey Frans R.J.
Published: July 2012

Background

Gray matter atrophy, an important biomarker for early Alzheimer's disease, might be due to white matter changes within gray matter.

Methods

Twenty older participants with significant memory decline over a 12‐year period (T12) were matched to 20 nondeclining participants. All participants were magnetic resonance imaging scanned at T12. Cortical thickness and diffusion tensor imaging analyses were performed.

Results

Lower cortical thickness values were associated with lower diffusion values in frontal and parietal gray matter areas. This association was only present in the memory decline group. The cortical thickness–diffusion tensor imaging correlations showed significant group differences in the posterior cingulate gyrus, precuneus, and superior frontal gyrus.

Conclusions

Decreased gray matter diffusivity in the posterior cingulate/precuneus area might be a disease‐specific process and a potential new biomarker for early Alzheimer's disease. Future studies should validate its potential as a biomarker and focus on cellular changes underlying diffusivity changes in gray matter.
Metabolic syndrome and localization of white matter hyperintensities in the elderly population
Authors: Portet Florence , Brickman Adam M. , Stern Yaakov , Scarmeas Nikolaos , Muraskin Jordan , Provenzano Frank A. , Berr Claudine , Bonafé Alain , Artero Sylvaine , Ritchie Karen , Akbaraly Tasnime N.
Published: July 2012

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a clustering of metabolic disorders: abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Although specific components of MetS have been associated with white matter hyperintensities (WMH), less is known about the association between MetS as a whole and WMH, especially in normal aging. We aimed to: (1) investigate this association in a cohort of healthy elderly individuals, and (2) examine the relationship between MetS and the regional distribution of WMH, to further understanding of the relationship between MetS and structural brain changes.

Methods

Analyses were carried out on 308 participants (48.1% men, age: 71.0 ± 3.9 years) from the French longitudinal ESPRIT (Enquête de Santé Psychologique ‐ Risques, Incidence et Traitement) study, who were free of cerebrovascular disease cognitive and functional impairment. Logistic regression models were used to examine the cross‐sectional association between MetS (defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program–Adult Treatment Panel III criteria) and (1) WMH volumes, and (2) WMH volumes according to their localization in insulofrontal and temporoparietal regions.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders, participants with MetS had a twofold increased chance of presenting with high levels of WMH volume compared with those without (odds ratio [OR] = 2.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25–6.03). MetS was specifically associated with an increase of temporoparietal WMH volumes, but no association was found between MetS and WMH localized in the insulofrontal region.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that effective management of MetS may reduce WMH accumulation in brain areas already vulnerable to the aging process.
The SIRT2 polymorphism rs10410544 and risk of Alzheimer's disease in two Caucasian case–control cohorts
Authors: Polito Letizia , Kehoe Patrick G. , Davin Annalisa , Benussi Luisa , Ghidoni Roberta , Binetti Giuliano , Quadri Pierluigi , Lucca Ugo , Tettamanti Mauro , Clerici Francesca , Bagnoli Silvia , Galimberti Daniela , Nacmias Benedetta , Sorbi Sandro , Guaita Antonio , Scarpini Elio , Mariani Claudio , Forloni Gianluigi , Albani Diego
Published: July 2012

Background

Human sirtuins are a current hotspot for research in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study investigated whether genetic variants in two members of the sirtuin family, SIRT2 and SIRT3, affected AD susceptibility.

Methods

A genetic case–control study was performed, comprising 534 probable AD cases and 638 nondemented control subjects from the north of Italy and Canton Ticino, Switzerland (discovery population). The study was focused on SIRT2 rs10410544, SIRT3 rs4980329, and SIRT3 rs536715 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). These SNPs were genotyped by real‐time polymerase chain reaction allelic discrimination assay or restriction fragment length polymorphism. The SNPs rs7412 and rs429358, mapping within the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, were genotyped by real‐time polymerase chain reaction allelic discrimination assay too. In a replication population comprising 756 AD cases and 847 nondemented control subjects, SIRT2 rs10410544, APOE rs7412, and APOE rs429358 were genotyped as mentioned previously.

Results

In the discovery population, we observed an association between SIRT2 rs10410544 T allele and AD (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.50, P = .02, after correction for sex, age, and APOE ɛ4 genotype). The association between AD and SIRT2 rs10410544 T allele was only present in APOE ɛ4 noncarriers (adjusted OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03–1.61, P = .03). The replication study did not confirm this evidence. However, the combined analysis on the two cohorts detected the association (adjusted OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.02–1.35, P = .02), and only APOE ɛ4 noncarriers were at risk (adjusted OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.02–1.43, P = .03).

Conclusions

The SIRT2 rs10410544 T allele deserves further investigation as a novel minor genetic risk factor for AD in the APOE ɛ4‐negative Caucasian population.
Lacustrine records of Holocene flood pulse dynamics in the Upper Paraguay River watershed (Pantanal wetlands, Brazil)
Authors: McGlue Michael M. , Silva Aguinaldo , Zani Hiran , Corradini Fabrício A. , Parolin Mauro , Abel Erin J. , Cohen Andrew S. , Assine Mario L. , Ellis Geoffrey S. , Trees Mark A. , Kuerten Sidney , Gradella Frederico dos Santos , Rasbold Giliane Gessica
Published: June 2012

The Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland and a biodiversity hotspot, yet its response to Quaternary environmental change is unclear. To address this problem, sediment cores from shallow lakes connected to the Upper Paraguay River (PR) were analyzed and radiocarbon dated to track changes in sedimentary environments. Stratal relations, detrital particle size, multiple biogeochemical indicators, and sponge spicules suggest fluctuating lake-level lowstand conditions between ~ 11,000 and 5300 cal yr BP, punctuated by sporadic and in some cases erosive flood flows. A hiatus has been recorded from ~ 5300 to 2600 cal yr BP, spurred by confinement of the PR within its channel during an episode of profound regional drought. Sustained PR flooding caused a transgression after ~ 2600 cal yr BP, with lake-level highstand conditions appearing during the Little Ice Age. Holocene PR flood pulse dynamics are best explained by variability in effective precipitation, likely driven by insolation and tropical sea-surface temperature gradients. Our results provide novel support for hypotheses on: (1) stratigraphic discontinuity of floodplain sedimentary archives; (2) late Holocene methane flux from Southern Hemisphere wetlands; and (3) pre-colonial indigenous ceramics traditions in western Brazil.
Instability and morphology of polymer solutions coating a fibre
Authors: Boulogne F. , Pauchard L. , Giorgiutti-Dauphiné F.
Published: July 2012

We report an experimental study on the dynamics of a thin film of polymer solution coating a vertical fibre. The liquid film has first a constant thickness and then undergoes the Plateau–Rayleigh instability, which leads to the formation of sequences of drops, separated by a thin film, moving down at a constant velocity. Different polymer solutions are used, i.e. xanthan solutions and polyacrylamide (PAAm) solutions. These solutions both exhibit shear-rate dependence of the viscosity, but for PAAm solutions, there are strong normal stresses in addition to the shear thinning effect. We characterize experimentally and separately the effects of these two non-Newtonian properties on the flow on the fibre. Thus, in the flat film observed before the emergence of the drops, only the shear-thinning effect plays a role, and tends to thin the film compared to the Newtonian case. The effect of the non-Newtonian rheology on the Plateau–Rayleigh instability is then investigated through the measurements of the growth rate and the wavelength of the instability. Results are in good agreement with linear stability analysis for a shear-thinning fluid. The effect of normal stress can be taken into account by considering an effective surface tension, which tends to decrease the growth rate of the instability. Finally, the dependence of the morphology of the drops on normal stress is investigated, and a simplified model including the normal stress within the lubrication approximation provides good quantitative results on the shape of the drops.
Optimal Taylor–Couette turbulence
Authors: van Gils Dennis P. M. , Huisman Sander G. , Grossmann Siegfried , Sun Chao , Lohse Detlef
Published: July 2012

Strongly turbulent Taylor–Couette flow with independently rotating inner and outer cylinders with a radius ratio of $\eta = 0. 716$ is experimentally studied. From global torque measurements, we analyse the dimensionless angular velocity flux ${\mathit{Nu}}_{\omega } (\mathit{Ta}, a)$ as a function of the Taylor number $\mathit{Ta}$ and the angular velocity ratio $a= \ensuremath{-} {\omega }_{o} / {\omega }_{i} $ in the large-Taylor-number regime $1{0}^{11} \lesssim \mathit{Ta}\lesssim 1{0}^{13} $ and well off the inviscid stability borders (Rayleigh lines) $a= \ensuremath{-} {\eta }^{2} $ for co-rotation and $a= \infty $ for counter-rotation. We analyse the data with the common power-law ansatz for the dimensionless angular velocity transport flux ${\mathit{Nu}}_{\omega } (\mathit{Ta}, a)= f(a)\hspace{0.167em} {\mathit{Ta}}^{\gamma } $, with an amplitude $f(a)$ and an exponent $\gamma $. The data are consistent with one effective exponent $\gamma = 0. 39\pm 0. 03$ for all $a$, but we discuss a possible $a$ dependence in the co- and weakly counter-rotating regimes. The amplitude of the angular velocity flux $f(a)\equiv {\mathit{Nu}}_{\omega } (\mathit{Ta}, a)/ {\mathit{Ta}}^{0. 39} $ is measured to be maximal at slight counter-rotation, namely at an angular velocity ratio of ${a}_{\mathit{opt}} = 0. 33\pm 0. 04$, i.e. along the line ${\omega }_{o} = \ensuremath{-} 0. 33{\omega }_{i} $. This value is theoretically interpreted as the result of a competition between the destabilizing inner cylinder rotation and the stabilizing but shear-enhancing outer cylinder counter-rotation. With the help of laser Doppler anemometry, we provide angular velocity profiles and in particular identify the radial position ${r}_{n} $ of the neutral line, defined by $ \mathop{ \langle \omega ({r}_{n} )\rangle } \nolimits _{t} = 0$ for fixed height $z$. For these large $\mathit{Ta}$ values, the ratio $a\approx 0. 40$, which is close to ${a}_{\mathit{opt}} = 0. 33$, is distinguished by a zero angular velocity gradient $\partial \omega / \partial r= 0$ in the bulk. While for moderate counter-rotation $\ensuremath{-} 0. 40{\omega }_{i} \lesssim {\omega }_{o} \lt 0$, the neutral line still remains close to the outer cylinder and the probability distribution function of the bulk angular velocity is observed to be monomodal. For stronger counter-rotation the neutral line is pushed inwards towards the inner cylinder; in this regime the probability distribution function of the bulk angular velocity becomes bimodal, reflecting intermittent bursts of turbulent structures beyond the neutral line into the outer flow domain, which otherwise is stabilized by the counter-rotating outer cylinder. Finally, a hypothesis is offered allowing a unifying view and consistent interpretation for all these various results.
Numerical study of magnetohydrodynamic duct flow at high Reynolds and Hartmann numbers
Authors: Krasnov Dmitry , Zikanov Oleg , Boeck Thomas
Published: July 2012

High-resolution direct numerical simulations are conducted to analyse turbulent states of the flow of an electrically conducting fluid in a duct of square cross-section with electrically insulating walls and imposed transverse magnetic field. The Reynolds number of the flow is $1{0}^{5} $ and the Hartmann number varies from $0$ to $400$. It is found that there is a broad range of Hartmann numbers in which the flow is neither laminar nor fully turbulent, but has laminar core, Hartmann boundary layers and turbulent zones near the walls parallel to the magnetic field. Analysis of turbulent fluctuations shows that each zone consists of two layers: the boundary layer near the wall characterized by small-scale turbulence and the outer layer dominated by large-scale vortical structures strongly elongated in the direction of the magnetic field. We also find a peculiar scaling of the mean velocity, according to which the reciprocal von Kármán coefficient grows nearly linearly with the distance to the wall.
Numerical solution of unsteady boundary-layer separation in supersonic flow: upstream moving wall
Authors: Yapalparvi R. , Van Dommelen L. L.
Published: July 2012

This paper is an extension of work on separation from a downstream moving wall by Ruban et al. (J. Fluid. Mech., vol. 678, 2011, pp. 124–155) and is in particular concerned with the boundary-layer separation in unsteady two-dimensional laminar supersonic flow. In a frame attached to the wall, the separation is assumed to be provoked by a shock wave impinging upon the boundary layer at a point that moves downstream with a non-dimensional speed which is assumed to be of order ${\mathit{Re}}^{\ensuremath{-} 1/ 8} $ where $\mathit{Re}$ is the Reynolds number. In the coordinate system of the shock however, the wall moves upstream. The strength of the shock and its speed are allowed to vary with time on a characteristic time scale that is large compared to ${\mathit{Re}}^{\ensuremath{-} 1/ 4} $. The ‘triple-deck’ model is used to describe the interaction process. The governing equations of the interaction problem can be derived from the Navier–Stokes equations in the limit $\mathit{Re}\ensuremath{\rightarrow} \infty $. The numerical solutions are obtained using a combination of finite differences along the streamwise direction and Chebyshev collocation along the normal direction in conjunction with Newton linearization. In the present study with the wall moving upstream, the evidence is inconclusive regarding the so-called ‘Moore–Rott–Sears’ criterion being satisfied. Instead it is observed that the pressure rise from its initial value is very slow and that a recirculation region forms, the upstream part of which is wedge-shaped, as also observed in turbulent marginal separation for large values of angle of attack.
Adherence to a healthy Nordic food index is associated with a lower incidence of colorectal cancer in women: The Diet, Cancer and Health cohort study
Authors: Kyrø Cecilie , Skeie Guri , Loft Steffen , Overvad Kim , Christensen Jane , Tjønneland Anne , Olsen Anja
Published: July 2012

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multi-factorial disease in which diet is believed to play a role. Little is known about the health effects of specific regional diets. The Nordic diet is high in fat and sugar but also includes a range of traditional products with anticipated health-promoting effects. The aim of this cohort study was to determine whether a healthy Nordic food index consisting of fish, cabbage, rye bread, oatmeal, apples, pears and root vegetables was related to CRC incidence. Data were obtained from a prospective cohort study of 57 053 Danish men and women aged 50–64 years, of whom 1025 developed CRC (13 years' follow-up). Incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95 % CI were calculated from Cox proportional hazard models. Women who strongly adhered to a healthy Nordic food index had a 35 % lower incidence of CRC than women with poor adherence (adjusted IRR, 0·65; 95 % CI 0·46, 0·94); a similar tendency was found for men. Women had a 9 % lower incidence of CRC per point adherence to the healthy Nordic food index, but no significant effect was found for men. A regional diet based on healthy Nordic food items was therefore associated with a lower incidence of CRC in women. The protective effect was of the same magnitude as previously found for the Mediterranean diet, suggesting that healthy regional diets should be promoted in order to ensure health; this will also preserve cultural heredity and the environment.
Housing data-based socioeconomic index and risk of invasive pneumococcal disease: an exploratory study
Authors: JOHNSON M. D. , URM S. H. , JUNG J. A. , YUN H. D. , MUNITZ G. E. , TSIGRELIS C. , BADDOUR L. M. , JUHN Y. J.
Published: July 2012

We previously developed and validated an index of socioeconomic status (SES) termed HOUSES (housing-based index ofsocioeconomicstatus) based on real property data. In this study, we assessed whether HOUSES overcomes the absence of SES measures in medical records and is associated with risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children. We conducted a population-based case-control study of children in Olmsted County, MN, diagnosed with IPD (1995–2005). Each case was age- and gender-matched to two controls. HOUSES was derived using a previously reported algorithm from publicly available housing attributes (the higher HOUSES, the higher the SES). HOUSES was available for 92·3% (n = 97) and maternal education level for 43% (n = 45). HOUSES was inversely associated with risk of IPD in unmatched analysis [odds ratio (OR) 0·22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·05–0·89,P = 0·034], whereas maternal education was not (OR 0·77, 95% CI 0·50–1·19,P = 0·24). HOUSES may be useful for overcoming a paucity of conventional SES measures in commonly used datasets in epidemiological research.
Annual cycles of pressure, temperature, absolute humidity and precipitable water from the radiosoundings performed at Dome C, Antarctica, over the 2005–2009 period
Authors: Tomasi Claudio , Petkov Boyan H. , Benedetti Elena
Published: July 2012

A four-year set of vertical profiles of pressure, temperature and relative humidity derived from 1113 radiosoundings performed at Dome C (Antarctica) at 12h00 UT of each day, from late March 2005 to the end of March 2009, was examined by following a complex procedure for removing the most important lag errors and dry biases from the temperature and moisture data. The analysis provides evidence of annual cycles over the four years, characterizing the pressure and temperature conditions at the surface and at the various troposphere and low stratosphere levels, with maxima in summer and wide minima in winter for both parameters. Specific studies of the thermal parameters characterizing the ground layer and the tropopause region are also presented to describe their annual average variations. The analysis of moisture parameters indicates that absolute humidity varies regularly with season within the low troposphere, presenting well marked peaks in the summer months. Consequently, precipitable water was found to vary regularly during the year, from values of 0.2–0.4 mm in the winter to more than 0.6 mm in summer. The main year-to-year variations characterizing the monthly mean vertical profiles of pressure, temperature and moisture parameters are also described.
TWO WRONGS DO NOT MAKE A RIGHT:RESPONSIBILITY AND OVERDETERMINATION
Authors: Sartorio Carolina
Published: July 2012

In this paper I critically examine Michael Moore's views about responsibility in overdetermination cases. Moore argues for an asymmetrical view concerning actions and omissions: whereas our actions can make us responsible in overdetermination cases, our omissions cannot. Moore argues for this view on the basis of a causal claim: actions can be causes but omissions cannot. I suggest that we should reject Moore's views about responsibility and overdetermination. I argue, in particular, that our omissions (just like our actions) can make us responsible in overdetermination cases. I go on to provide an account of how this may be possible.
Regional Harmonization of Competition Law and Policy: An ASEAN Approach
Authors: LUU Huong Ly
Published: July 2012

The ASEAN Economic Ministers unveiled the ASEAN Regional Guidelines on Competition Policy on 24 August 2010. This is a non-binding document covering all key issues relating to competition law and policy. This article provides a comparative study of the regional harmonization of competition law and policy among the EU, NAFTA, MERCOSUR, CAN, and ASEAN, with a focus on ASEAN. In contrast to the “hard law” approach of the EU, NAFTA, MERCOSUR, and CAN, ASEAN has opted for a “soft law” approach because it is constrained by (1) the traditional “ASEAN Way”; (2) the diversity in economic conditions and competition regimes among its members; and (3) the lack of a supranational body to enforce common competition rules, or, at least, a mechanism for dispute resolution. The author concludes that this modest step which ASEAN has taken in the regional harmonization of competition law and policy is appropriate for the time being.
Kognitive Korrelate der Lese-, Leserechtschreib- und der Rechtschreibstörung
Authors: Moll Kristina , Wallner Reinhild , Landerl Karin
Published: July 2012

Zusammenfassung: Im Rahmen dieser Studie zu isolierten sowie kombinierten Lesestörungen und Rechtschreibstörungen wurden die Zusammenhänge zwischen Lese-Rechtschreibmaßen und den Prädiktormaßen Benennungsgeschwindigkeit (RAN) sowie phonologische Bewusstheit anhand einer großen Stichprobe (N = 568) untersucht. Hierarchische Regressionsanalysen ergaben differenzielle Prädiktionsmuster: RAN lieferte eine hohe Varianzaufklärung der Leseleistung. Die phonologische Bewusstheit war der stärkste Prädiktor für die Rechtschreibleistung. Unter Einsatz praxisnaher Kriterien zur Klassifikation auffälliger und unauffälliger Leistungen zeigte sich, dass fast 30 % der Kinder mit einer Rechtschreibstörung unauffällige Leistungen im Lesen aufwiesen und über 40 % der Kinder mit einer Lesestörung über altersgemäße Rechtschreibleistungen verfügten. Die Ergebnisse werden in den Kontext früherer Befunde zur Dissoziation von Lese- und Rechtschreibleistungen gestellt. Die praktische Relevanz der dargestellten Befunde liegt in der Bedeutung einer differenzierten Diagnostik von Schriftsprachproblemen sowie einer differenzierten Förderung bei Störungen des Lesens und Störungen des Rechtschreibens.
Magnetization of the lunar crust
Authors: Carley R. A. , Whaler K. A. , Purucker M. E. , Halekas J. S.
Published: July 2012

Magnetic fields measured by the satellite Lunar Prospector show large scale features resulting from remanently magnetized crust. Vector data synthesized at satellite altitude from a spherical harmonic model of the lunar crustal field, and the radial component of the magnetometer data, have been used to produce spatially continuous global magnetization models for the lunar crust. The magnetization is expressed in terms of localized basis functions, with a magnetization solution selected having the smallest root‐mean square magnetization for a given fit to the data, controlled by a damping parameter. Suites of magnetization models for layers with thicknesses between 10 and 50 km are able to reproduce much of the input data, with global misfits of less than 0.5 nT (within the uncertainties of the data), and some surface field estimates. The magnetization distributions show robust magnitudes for a range of model thicknesses and damping parameters, however the magnetization direction is unconstrained. These global models suggest that magnetized sources of the lunar crust can be represented by a 30 km thick magnetized layer. Average magnetization values in magnetized regions are 30–40 mA/m, similar to the measured magnetizations of the Apollo samples and significantly weaker than crustal magnetizations for Mars and the Earth. These are the first global magnetization models for the Moon, providing lower bounds on the magnitude of lunar crustal magnetization in the absence of multiple sample returns, and can be used to predict the crustal contribution to the lunar magnetic field at a particular location.
Arc‐parallel strain in a short rollback‐subduction system: The structural evolution of the Crotone basin (northeastern Calabria, southern Italy)
Authors: Reitz Margaret A. , Seeber Leonardo
Published: July 2012

Calabria, located in southern Italy, is the exposed part of the forearc in the Ionian/Tyrrhenian subduction‐rollback boundary. We present a tectonic model for the evolution of Calabria during the last 12 Ma that incorporates the structure and stratigraphy of the Crotone basin. At the re‐initiation of rollback, we document listric normal faults that accommodated a deep‐rooted extensional regime. Extension ceased in the Tortonian and did not continue throughout rollback. The middle Tortonian to early Messinian is characterized by distal sedimentation despite rapid rollback. Westward verging thrusts in Tortonian sediments and olistrostrome deposits within the Messinian section can be explained by instabilities in the accretionary wedge during the Messinian salinity crisis. Tectonic quiescence returned to the basin after the crisis and continued until a north‐south shortening event in the middle Pliocene. Our kinematic data and new evidence of two basin inversions suggest arc‐parallel shortening of the forearc. We propose that this shortening correlates with the passage of the forearc through the Apulia‐Nubia narrow. This data also dispute previous interpretations of the Crotone basin as a pull‐apart or transtensional basin. The identification of the main structures in the Crotone basin suggest a shift from quiescence to upheaval, beginning with Pliocene arc‐parallel shortening associated with the passage of the forearc through the Apulia‐Nubia narrow and continuing until today.
Resolving hyporheic and groundwater components of streambed water flux using heat as a tracer
Authors: Bhaskar Aditi S. , Harvey Judson W. , Henry Eric J.
Published: July 2012

Hyporheic and groundwater fluxes typically occur together in permeable sediments beneath flowing stream water. However, streambed water fluxes quantified using the thermal method are usually interpreted as representing either groundwater or hyporheic fluxes. Our purpose was to improve understanding of co‐occurring groundwater and hyporheic fluxes using streambed temperature measurements and analysis of one‐dimensional heat transport in shallow streambeds. First, we examined how changes in hyporheic and groundwater fluxes affect their relative magnitudes by reevaluating previously published simulations. These indicated that flux magnitudes are largely independent until a threshold is crossed, past which hyporheic fluxes are diminished by much larger (1000‐fold) groundwater fluxes. We tested accurate quantification of co‐occurring fluxes using one‐dimensional approaches that are appropriate for analyzing streambed temperature data collected at field sites. The thermal analytical method, which uses an analytical solution to the one‐dimensional heat transport equation, was used to analyze results from a numerical heat transport model, in which hyporheic flow was represented as increased thermal dispersion at shallow depths. We found that co‐occurring groundwater and hyporheic fluxes can be quantified in streambeds, although not always accurately. For example, using a temperature time series collected in a sandy streambed, we found that hyporheic and groundwater flow could both be detected when thermal dispersion due to hyporheic flow was significant compared to thermal conduction. We provide guidance for when thermal data can be used to quantify both hyporheic and groundwater fluxes, and we show that neglecting thermal dispersion may affect accuracy and interpretation of estimated streambed water fluxes.
Impacts of non‐canonical El Niño patterns on Atlantic hurricane activity
Authors: Larson Sarah , Lee Sang‐Ki , Wang Chunzai , Chung Eui‐Seok , Enfield David
Published: July 2012

The impact of non‐canonical El Niño patterns, typically characterized by warmer than normal sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the central tropical Pacific, on Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) is explored by using composites of key Atlantic TC indices and tropospheric vertical wind shear over the Atlantic main development region (MDR). The highlight of our major findings is that, while the canonical El Niño pattern has a strong suppressing influence on Atlantic TC activity, non‐canonical El Niño patterns considered in this study, namely central Pacific warming, El Niño Modoki, positive phase Trans‐Niño, and positive phase Pacific meridional mode, all have insubstantial impact on Atlantic TC activity. This result becomes more conclusive when the impact of MDR SST is removed from the Atlantic TC indices and MDR wind shear by using the method of linear regression. Further analysis suggests that the tropical Pacific SST anomalies associated with the non‐canonical El Niño patterns are not strong enough to cause a substantial warming of the tropical troposphere in the Atlantic region, which is the key factor that increases the wind shear and atmospheric static stability over the MDR. During the recent decades, the non‐canonical El Niños have been more frequent while the canonical El Niño has been less frequent. If such a trend continues in the future, it is expected that the suppressing effect of El Niño on Atlantic TC activity will diminish and thus the MDR SST will play a more important role in controlling Atlantic TC activity in the coming decades.
Spectral neutron flux oscillations of cosmic radiation on the Earth's surface
Authors: Rühm W. , Ackermann U. , Pioch C. , Mares V.
Published: July 2012

Two Bonner Sphere Spectrometers (BSS) were used – one at the Schneefernerhaus, Germany (altitude: 2650 m; geomagnetic cut‐off: 4.1 GV), the other at the Koldewey station on Spitsbergen (sea level; geomagnetic: cut‐off 0 GV) – to measure continuously the spectral flux distribution of secondary neutrons from cosmic radiation. At the Schneefernerhaus, the flux of thermal neutrons was about 75% higher in summer than in winter, that of epithermal neutrons about 80%, that of neutrons between 0.125 and 17.8 MeV about 32%, and that of neutrons above 17.8 MeV about 4%, respectively. The period of the observed oscillations was very close to one year. Similar oscillations were observed at the Koldewey station, with somewhat smaller amplitudes (40%, 45%, 22%, and 2%, respectively). At both stations, the flux of the neutrons above 17.8 MeV increased with time similar to the count rates measured by nearby neutron monitors. While this increase reflects changes in the Sun's activity, the observed oscillations are due to changes in ground albedo neutrons and their absorption due to snow. Consequently, the monthly averaged neutron ambient dose equivalent rates, H*(10), oscillated by about ±7% at the UFS and about ±4% at the Koldewey Station. The results demonstrate that BSS measurements could be used to monitor secondary neutrons from cosmic radiation above about 20 MeV. Below detailed neutron transport calculations are necessary to correct for changes in ground albedo neutrons and snow cover. The data presented here can be used as an experimental basis to perform such simulations.
Pressure anisotropy in global magnetospheric simulations: A magnetohydrodynamics model
Authors: Meng X. , Tóth G. , Liemohn M. W. , Gombosi T. I. , Runov A.
Published: July 2012

In order to better describe the space plasmas where pressure anisotropy has prominent effects, we extend the BATS‐R‐US magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model to include anisotropic pressure. We implement the anisotropic MHD equations under the double adiabatic approximation with an additional pressure relaxation term into BATS‐R‐US and perform global magnetospheric simulations. The results from idealized magnetospheric simulations confirm previous studies: pressure anisotropy widens the magnetosheath, increases the density depletion in the vicinity of the magnetopause, enhances the nightside plasma pressure, and introduces an eastward ring current. In addition, we find that the flow speed in the magnetotail is significantly reduced by including pressure anisotropy in MHD simulations. Our model is validated through comparing the simulations to the THEMIS data on both the dayside and nightside of the magnetosphere during quiet times. The comparison to the results from isotropic MHD simulations implies that although anisotropic MHD is comparable to isotropic MHD in matching the measurement, it improves the simulated plasma velocity in some cases.
Interaction of solar wind pressure pulses with the magnetosphere: IMF modulation and cavity mode
Authors: Liu W. W.
Published: July 2012

Energy transfer through the magnetopause involves an interplay of two processes. On one hand, microphysics of reconnection determines how easily the magnetopause can be opened. On the other hand, the global state of the solar wind and magnetosphere determines how much energy is available for transfer and whether there exist “resonant” interactions whereby the transfer is particularly efficient. In the case of solar wind pressure pulses, empirical evidence has suggested that the solar wind‐magnetosphere interaction can become unusually intense, leading to large‐scale global auroral response and occasionally geomagnetic storms. In this study, for the first time, magnetic reconnection and global magnetospheric oscillation known as the cavity mode are integrated to give a comprehensive description of energy transfer through the dayside magnetopause. Using a heuristic model in which the inflow into the magnetopause is proportional to the magnitude of pressure pulse and an IMF proxy, we derive the fractions of energy converted to reconnection and field‐line resonance per unit incident compressional energy in a pressure pulse. It is found that the magnitude of energy transfer is modulated by the IMF proxy, whereas the frequency spectrum of the transfer is modulated by the cavity mode. Under extreme conditions, reconnection can transfer almost 100% of incident compressional energy at the maximum absorption bands. Even under the typical value reconnection rate (∼0.1), approximately 30% of the incident energy can be absorbed in these bands. The frequency response of reconnection transfer has pulse‐like peaks in the >3 mHz range and rather insensitive to the solar wind and wave parameters. In contrast, the frequency response of the shear‐Alfvénic transfer centers in the 1–4 mHz range and has a more broadband shape that is significantly influenced by the solar wind density.