bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Lymphangiogenesis With Implantation of Adipose‐Derived Regenerative Cells
Authors: Shimizu Yuuki , Shibata Rei , Shintani Satoshi , Ishii Masakazu , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: September 2012

Background

Lymphedema is one of the serious clinical problems that can occur after surgical resection of malignant tumors such as breast cancer or intra‐pelvic cancers. However, no effective treatment options exist at present. Here, we report that implantation of adipose‐derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) can induce lymphangiogenesis in a mouse model of reparative lymphedema.

Methods and Results

ADRCs were isolated from C57BL/6J mice. To examine the therapeutic efficacy of ADRC implantation in vivo, we established a new mouse model of tail lymphedema. Lymphedema was improved significantly by local injection of ADRCs (
P
<0.05). Histological analysis revealed that lymphatic capillary density was greater in the ADRC group than in the phosphate‐buffered saline control group (
P
<0.01). Tissue expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C mRNA and plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor C were greater in the ADRC group than in the control group (
P
<0.01 and
P
<0.05, respectively). ADRCs released vascular endothelial growth factor C, which directly stimulated lymphangiogenesis. Implantation of ADRCs also enhanced recruitment of bone marrow–derived M2 macrophages, which served as lymphatic endothelial progenitor cells.

Conclusions

Implantation of autologous ADRCs could be a useful treatment option for patients with severe lymphedema via mediation of lymphangiogenesis.

(
J Am Heart Assoc
. 2012;1:e000877 doi: 10.1161/JAHA.112.000877.)
Arginase II Promotes Macrophage Inflammatory Responses Through Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species, Contributing to Insulin Resistance and Atherogenesis
Authors: Ming Xiu‐Fen , Rajapakse Angana G. , Yepuri Gautham , Xiong Yuyan , Carvas João M. , Ruffieux Jean , Scerri Isabelle , Wu Zongsong , Popp Katja , Li Jianhui , Sartori Claudio , Scherrer Urs , Kwak Brenda R. , Montani Jean‐Pierre , Yang Zhihong
Published: September 2012

Background

Macrophage‐mediated chronic inflammation is mechanistically linked to insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Although arginase I is considered antiinflammatory, the role of arginase
II
(Arg‐
II
) in macrophage function remains elusive. This study characterizes the role of Arg‐
II
in macrophage inflammatory responses and its impact on obesity‐linked type
II
diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results

In human monocytes, silencing Arg‐
II
decreases the monocytes' adhesion to endothelial cells and their production of proinflammatory mediators stimulated by oxidized low‐density lipoprotein or lipopolysaccharides, as evaluated by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Macrophages differentiated from bone marrow cells of Arg‐
II
–deficient (Arg‐
II
−/−)
mice express lower levels of lipopolysaccharide‐induced proinflammatory mediators than do macrophages of wild‐type mice. Importantly, reintroducing Arg‐
II cDNA
into Arg‐
II
−/−
macrophages restores the inflammatory responses, with concomitant enhancement of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Scavenging of re‐ active oxygen species by
N
‐acetylcysteine prevents the Arg‐
II
–mediated inflammatory responses. Moreover, high‐fat diet–induced infiltration of macrophages in various organs and expression of proinflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue are blunted in Arg‐
II
−/−
mice. Accordingly, Arg‐
II
−/−
mice reveal lower fasting blood glucose and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, apolipoprotein E (ApoE)–deficient mice with Arg‐
II
deficiency (ApoE
−/−
Arg‐
II
−/−)
display reduced lesion size with char‐ acteristics of stable plaques, such as decreased macrophage inflammation and necrotic core. In vivo adoptive transfer experiments reveal that fewer donor ApoE
−/−
Arg‐
II
−/−
than ApoE
−/−
Arg‐
II
+/+
monocytes infiltrate into the plaque of ApoE
−/−
Arg‐
II
+/+
mice. Conversely, recipient ApoE
−/−
Arg‐
II
−/−
mice accumulate fewer donor monocytes than do recipient ApoE
−/−
Arg‐
II
+/+
animals.

Conclusions

Arg‐
II
promotes macrophage proinflammatory responses through mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, contributing to insulin resistance and atherogenesis. Targeting Arg‐
II
represents a potential therapeutic strategy in type
II
diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. (

J Am Heart Assoc.

2012;1:e000992 doi: 10.1161/
JAHA
.112.000992.)
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Long‐Term Survival in “Low‐Risk” Adults
Authors: Barlow Carolyn E. , DeFina Laura F. , Radford Nina B. , Berry Jarett D. , Cooper Kenneth H. , Haskell William L. , Jones Lee W. , Lakoski Susan G.
Published: September 2012

Background

We sought to establish whether cardiorespiratory fitness had important implications for long‐term cardiovascular risk among individuals classified as low risk by the Framingham Risk Score (10‐year coronary heart disease risk
<
10%). Prognostic factors of long‐term cardiovascular risk are needed for low‐risk subjects who make up the largest percentage of the
US
population.

Methods and Results

The study population was composed of men and women, 30 to 50 years of age, who had a baseline medical exam at the Cooper Clinic, Dallas,
TX
, between 1970 and 1983. Eligible individuals were defined as at low risk for coronary heart disease by Framingham Risk Score at the time of study entry and had no history of diabetes (n=11 190). Cardiorespiratory fitness was determined by maximum graded exercise treadmill tests. Over an average 27±2‐year period, 15% of low‐fit (quintile 1) compared to 6% of high‐fit (quintile 5) individuals died (
P<
0.001). A 1–metabolic equivalent level increase in baseline fitness was associated with an 11% reduction in all‐cause deaths and an 18% reduction in deaths due to cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose levels, smoking, and early family history of coronary disease. There was an incremental decrease in
CVD
risk with increasing fitness quintile, such that the high fit had the lowest adjusted 30‐year
CVD
mortality rate (hazard ratio 0.29, 95%
CI
: 0.16–0.51) compared to the low fit.

Conclusions

Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with a significant reduction in long‐term
CVD
among individuals identified as low risk by Framingham Risk Score. These data suggest that preventive lifestyle interventions geared to optimize cardiorespiratory fitness, even among a “low‐risk” subset, should be considered to improve
CVD
‐free survival. (
J Am Heart Assoc
. 2012;1:e001354 doi: 10.1161/
JAHA
.112.001354.)
A Novel Surface Electrocardiogram–Based Marker of Ventricular Arrhythmia Risk in Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nicolson William B. , McCann Gerry P. , Brown Peter D. , Sandilands Alastair J. , Stafford Peter J. , Schlindwein Fernando S. , Samani Nilesh J. , Ng G. André
Published: September 2012

Background

Better sudden cardiac death risk markers are needed in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Increased heterogeneity of electrical restitution is an important mechanism underlying the risk of ventricular arrhythmia (VA). Our aim was to develop and test a novel quantitative surface electrocardiogram–based measure of VA risk in patients with ICM: the Regional Restitution Instability Index (R2I2).

Methods and Results

R2I2, the mean of the standard deviation of residuals from the mean gradient for each ECG lead at a range of diastolic intervals, was measured retrospectively from high‐resolution 12‐lead ECGs recorded during an electrophysiology study. Patient groups were as follows: Study group, 26 patients with ICM being assessed for implantable defibrillator; Control group, 29 patients with supraventricular tachycardia undergoing electrophysiology study; and Replication group, 40 further patients with ICM. R2I2 was significantly higher in the Study patients than in Controls (mean ± standard error of the mean: 1.09±0.06 versus 0.63±0.04,
P
<0.001). Over a median follow‐up period of 23 months, 6 of 26 Study group patients had VA or death. R2I2 predicted VA or death independently of demographic factors, electrophysiology study result, left ventricular ejection fraction, or QRS duration (Cox model,
P
=0.029). R2I2 correlated with peri‐infarct zone as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (r=0.51,
P
=0.024). The findings were replicated in the Replication group: R2I2 was significantly higher in 11 of 40 Replication patients experiencing VA (1.18±0.10 versus 0.92±0.05,
P
=0.019). In combined analysis of ICM cohorts, R2I2 ≥1.03 identified subjects with significantly higher risk of VA or death (43%) compared with R2I2 <1.03 (11%) (
P
=0.004).

Conclusions

In this pilot study, we have developed a novel VA risk marker, R2I2, and have shown that it correlated with a structural measure of arrhythmic risk and predicted risk of VA or death in patients with ICM. R2I2 may improve risk stratification and merits further evaluation. (

J Am Heart Assoc
. 2012;1:e001552 doi

:
10.1161/JAHA.112.001552
.)
Stroke and Cancer
Authors: Schwarzbach Christopher J. , Schaefer Anke , Ebert Anne , Held Valentin , Bolognese Manuel , Kablau Micha , Hennerici Michael G. , Fatar Marc
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose—

The importance of cancer-associated hypercoagulability as a possible stroke etiology in patients with cancer has received relatively little attention to date. A recent study has suggested that cancer-associated hypercoagulation may be of special importance in the absence of conventional stroke mechanisms.

Methods—

We identified patients with ischemic stroke sequentially admitted to our stroke center with the additional diagnosis of active and malignant cancer from 2002 to 2011. By using our prospectively collected stroke, MRI, and laboratory data banks, the etiology and risk factors of stroke, types of cancer, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism,
d-
dimer levels, and diffusion-weighted imaging lesion patterns were compared to an age- and sex-matched control group. Patients with cancer with a conventional stroke etiology and patients with an unidentified and/or cancer-associated stroke etiology were analyzed separately.

Results—

One hundred forty patients with cancer and 140 control subjects were included. Unidentified stroke (
P
<0.001) and infarction in multiple vascular territories (
P
<0.001) were significantly more frequent and
d-
dimer levels significantly higher (
P
<0.05) in patients with cancer. Vice versa, risk factors such as hypertension (
P
<0.05) and hyperlipidemia (
P
<0.01) were more prevalent in control subjects. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were more frequent (
P
<0.01) and
d-
dimer levels higher (
P
<0.01) in the patients with unidentified and/or cancer-associated stroke etiology compared to the patients with cancer with a conventional stroke etiology. Lung and pancreatic cancer were significantly overrepresented and
d-
dimer levels higher in these patients compared with other patients with cancer (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions—

Our data confirm the concept of cancer-associated hypercoagulation as a widely underestimated important stroke risk factor in patients with cancer, especially in those with severely elevated
d-
dimer levels and in the absence of conventional risk factors.
Diffusion Lesion Reversal After Thrombolysis
Authors: Labeyrie Marc-Antoine , Turc Guillaume , Hess Agathe , Hervo Patrice , Mas Jean-Louis , Meder Jean-François , Baron Jean-Claude , Touzé Emmanuel , Oppenheim Catherine
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose—

In acute stroke, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions are commonly considered markers of irreversible ischemia yet can occasionally reverse. However, the extent and clinical correlates of DWI reversal in thrombolyzed patients remain unclear. We assessed the extent of reversible acute DWI lesions (RADs) and their relationships with clinical outcome in patients thrombolyzed ≤4.5 hours from onset.

Methods—

Data were retrospectively analyzed. RAD was defined as an acute DWI lesion not part of a 24-hour DWI lesion as determined voxelwise. Associations with an early neurological improvement (early neurological improvement=ΔNational Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≥8 or National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≤2 at 24 hours) or an excellent outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤1) were assessed in multivariate analyses.

Results—

One hundred seventy-six patients were included. The median (interquartile range) time to treatment from onset was 150 minutes (120–194). Eighty-nine patients (50%) exhibited visually-detectable RAD irrespective of its extent. Over the whole population, the median percentage and volume of RAD were 11% (4–36) and 2.4mL (0.5–8). Subtracting RAD from initial DWI altered perfusion-weighted imaging–DWI classification in 5 of 100 patients (shift from “no mismatch” to “mismatch” profile in all). Percent RAD was significantly greater in patients treated ≤3 hours (
P
=0.049), without proximal occlusion (
P
=0.003), and in 24-hour recanalizers (
P
<0.001). Early neurological improvement was independently associated with percent RAD. This association increased with percent RAD split in quartiles in a “dose-dependent” manner (
P
for trend=0.01). Excellent outcome was independently associated with percent RAD (
P
for trend <0.001).

Conclusion—

DWI reversal was often sizeable in patients treated ≤4.5 hours. It was strongly associated with, albeit not necessarily causal for, early neurological improvement.
The Incidence of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Coutinho Jonathan M. , Zuurbier Susanna M. , Aramideh Majid , Stam Jan
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of adult cerebral venous thrombosis.

Methods—

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among all 19 hospitals located in 2 Dutch provinces serving 3.1 million people. Adult cerebral venous thrombosis cases diagnosed between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2010, were identified using the Dutch financial coding system for hospital care and the
International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision
. Medical records of potential patients were hand searched to identify cerebral venous thrombosis cases. The Dutch National Bureau for Statistics provided population
figures
of the 2 provinces during 2008 to 2010.

Results—

Among 9270 potential cases, we identified 147 patients diagnosed with cerebral venous thrombosis. Of these, 53 patients did not meet the inclusion criteria; therefore, 94 patients were included in the analysis. The overall incidence was 1.32 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI, 1.06–1.61). Among women between the ages of 31 and 50 years, the incidence was 2.78 (95% CI, 1.98–3.82).

Conclusions—

The incidence of cerebral venous thrombosis among adults is probably higher than previously believed.
Investigation of the Effects of Different Land Use and Land Cover Patterns on Mesoscale Meteorological Simulations in the Taiwan Area
Authors: Cheng Fang-Yi , Hsu Yu-Ching , Lin Pay-Liam , Lin Tang-Huang
Published: September 2012

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) land use (LU) data employed in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model classify most LU types in Taiwan as mixtures of irrigated cropland and forest, which is not an accurate representation of current conditions. The WRF model released after version 3.1 provides an alternative LU dataset retrieved from 2001 Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite products. The MODIS data correctly identify most LU-type distributions, except that they represent western Taiwan as being extremely urbanized. A new LU dataset, obtained using 2007 Système Probatoire d’Observation de la Terre (SPOT) satellite imagery [from the National Central University of Taiwan (NCU)], accurately shows the major metropolitan cities as well as other land types. Three WRF simulations were performed, each with a different LU dataset. Owing to the overestimation of urban area in the MODIS data, WRF-MODIS overpredicts daytime temperatures in western Taiwan. Conversely, WRF-USGS underpredicts daytime temperatures. The temperature variation estimated by WRF-NCU falls between those estimated by the other two simulations. Over the ocean, WRF-MODIS predicts the strongest onshore sea breezes, owing to the enhanced temperature gradient between land and sea, while WRF-USGS predicts the weakest onshore flow. The intensity of the onshore breeze predicted by WRF-NCU is between those predicted by WRF-MODIS and WRF-USGS. Over Taiwan, roughness length is the key parameter influencing wind speed. WRF-USGS significantly overpredicts the surface wind speed owing to the shorter roughness length of its elements, while the surface wind speeds estimated by WRF-NCU and WRF-MODIS are in better agreement with the observed data.
Assessing Future Changes in the East Asian Summer Monsoon Using CMIP3 Models: Results from the Best Model Ensemble
Authors: Seo Kyong-Hwan , Ok Jung
Published: September 2012

Future changes in the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) have been estimated from the six best-performing models in phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP3) included in the Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The composite mean rainband over East Asia during the summer season exhibits the characteristic EASM front relatively well with slightly less precipitation over east–central China and the baiu front aligned more steeply in the latitudinal direction. An ensemble from the coupled models that poorly simulated the EASM is shown to degrade the overall results, giving rise to an underestimation of the projected increase rate in precipitation. In a quantitative estimate, the 22-member ensemble-mean precipitation for the period 2079–99 is anticipated to increase by only 5%–10%, which is half the increase in the corresponding mean precipitation from the good models (10%–20%). Moisture budget analysis demonstrates that the good-model ensemble mean is in a much closer correspondence with observations than the poor- or all-model ensemble mean, supporting the reliable selection of the best-performing models. An increase in the vertically integrated moisture flux convergence is attributed to the enhanced precipitation in the future climate. In particular, a significant increase in atmospheric water vapor because of a warmer SST over the western Pacific plays a more critical role in the enhanced precipitation than a change in monsoonal low-level circulation does. In contrast to the apparent meridional shift of the primary location of the future EASM front presented in previous studies, the current analysis shows a negligible amount of meridional movement.
Statistical Characterization of Arctic Polar-Night Jet Oscillation Events
Authors: Hitchcock Peter , Shepherd Theodore G. , Manney Gloria L.
Published: September 2012

A novel diagnostic tool is presented, based on polar-cap temperature anomalies, for visualizing daily variability of the Arctic stratospheric polar vortex over multiple decades. This visualization illustrates the ubiquity of extended-time-scale recoveries from stratospheric sudden warmings, termed here polar-night jet oscillation (PJO) events. These are characterized by an anomalously warm polar lower stratosphere that persists for several months. Following the initial warming, a cold anomaly forms in the middle stratosphere, as does an anomalously high stratopause, both of which descend while the lower-stratospheric anomaly persists. These events are characterized in four datasets: Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) temperature observations; the 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) and Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) reanalyses; and an ensemble of three 150-yr simulations from the Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model. The statistics of PJO events in the model are found to agree very closely with those of the observations and reanalyses.

The time scale for the recovery of the polar vortex following sudden warmings correlates strongly with the depth to which the warming initially descends. PJO events occur following roughly half of all major sudden warmings and are associated with an extended period of suppressed wave-activity fluxes entering the polar vortex. They follow vortex splits more frequently than they do vortex displacements. They are also related to weak vortex events as identified by the northern annular mode; in particular, those weak vortex events followed by a PJO event show a stronger tropospheric response. The long time scales, predominantly radiative dynamics, and tropospheric influence of PJO events suggest that they represent an important source of conditional skill in seasonal forecasting.
Mechanisms of Global Teleconnections Associated with the Asian Summer Monsoon: An Intermediate Model Analysis*
Authors: Liu Fei , Wang Bin
Published: September 2012

The Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and western North Pacific summer monsoon (WNPSM) are two subsystems of the Asian summer monsoon, and they exhibit different global teleconnection patterns. The enhanced ISM strengthens the South Asian high and Mascarene high, and the WNPSM excites a meridional tripolar wave train in the Northern Hemisphere and affects the Australian high in the Southern Hemisphere. To understand the dynamics behind these global teleconnections, especially the processes responsible for the cross-equatorial teleconnection, an intermediate model, describing a two-level troposphere and a steady planetary boundary layer (PBL), is linearized from the background horizontal wind field. The model results indicate that the ISM heating, located under the strong easterly vertical shear (VS) and close to the westerly jet in the Northern Hemisphere, can excite a barotropic Rossby wave that emanates northwestward and then propagates downstream along the westerly jet. Since the WNPSM heating is far away from the westerly jet over the North Pacific, it only excites a weak Rossby wave train, which cannot explain the meridional tripolar teleconnection associated with the WNPSM. It is found that both the ISM and WNPSM heating excite strong teleconnections in the Southern Hemisphere via an advection mechanism; that is, the background upper-level northerly winds can transport energy across the equator from the Northern Hemisphere summer monsoon to the Southern Hemisphere westerly jet. In addition, the PBL enhances monsoon teleconnections by trapping more energy in the upper troposphere. The elevated maximum monsoon heating also reinforces upper-level perturbations and enhances the teleconnection pattern.
Field Measurements of Wind Turbine Wakes with Lidars
Authors: Iungo Giacomo Valerio , Wu Yu-Ting , Porté-Agel Fernando
Published: September 2012

Field measurements of the wake flow produced from a 2-MW Enercon E-70 wind turbine were performed using three scanning Doppler wind lidars. A GPS-based technique was used to determine the position of the wind turbine and the wind lidar locations, as well as the direction of the laser beams. The lidars used in this study are characterized by a high spatial resolution of 18 m, which allows the detailed characterization of the wind turbine wake. Two-dimensional measurements of wind speed were carried out by scanning a single lidar over the vertical symmetry plane of the wake. The mean axial velocity field was then retrieved by averaging 2D scans performed consecutively. To investigate wake turbulence, single lidar measurements were performed by staring the laser beam at fixed directions and using the maximum sampling frequency. From these tests, peaks in the velocity variance are detected within the wake in correspondence of the turbine top tip height; this enhanced turbulence could represent a source of dangerous fatigue loads for downstream turbines. The spectral density of the measured velocity fluctuations shows a clear inertial-range scaling behavior. Then, simultaneous measurements with two lidars were performed in order to characterize both the axial and the vertical velocity components. For this setup, the two velocity components were retrieved only for measurement points for which the two laser beams crossed nearly at a right angle. Statistics were computed over the sample set for both velocity components, and they showed strong flow fluctuations in the near-wake region at turbine top tip height, with a turbulence intensity of about 30%.
Storm-Relative Observations in Tropical Cyclone Data Assimilation with an Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Aksoy Altuğ
Published: September 2012

A storm-relative data assimilation method for tropical cyclones is introduced for the ensemble Kalman filter, using the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) Ensemble Data Assimilation System (HEDAS) developed at the Hurricane Research Division of the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The method entails translating tropical cyclone observations to storm-relative coordinates and requires the assumption of simultaneity of all observations. The observations are then randomly redistributed to assimilation cycles to achieve a more homogeneous spatial distribution. A proof-of-concept study is carried out in an observing system simulation experiment in which airborne Doppler radar radial wind observations are simulated from a higher-resolution (4.5/1.5 km) version of the same model. The results here are compared to the earth-relative version of HEDAS. When storm-relative observations are assimilated using the original HEDAS configuration, improvements are observed in the kinematic representation of the tropical cyclone vortex in analyses. The use of the storm-relative observations with a more homogeneous spatial distribution also reveals that a reduction of the covariance localization horizontal length scale by ½ to ~120 km provides the greatest incremental improvements. Potential positive impact is also seen in the slower cycle-to-cycle error growth. Spatially smoother analyses are obtained in the horizontal, and the evolution of the azimuthally averaged wind structure during short-range forecasts demonstrates better consistency with the nature run.
Object-Based Evaluation of a Storm-Scale Ensemble during the 2009 NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Experiment
Authors: Johnson Aaron , Wang Xuguang
Published: September 2012

Object-based verification of deterministic forecasts from a convection-allowing ensemble for the 2009 NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Experiment is conducted. The average of object attributes is compared between forecasts and observations and between forecasts from subensembles with different model dynamics. Forecast accuracy for the full ensemble and the subensembles with different model dynamics is also evaluated using two object-based measures: the object-based threat score (OTS) and the median of maximum interest (MMI).

Forecast objects aggregated from the full ensemble are generally more numerous, have a smaller average area, more circular average aspect ratio, and more eastward average centroid location than observed objects after the 1-h lead time. At the 1-h lead time, forecast objects are less numerous than observed objects. Members using the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecasting Model (ARW) have fewer objects, more linear average aspect ratio, and smaller average area than members using the Nonhydrostatic Mesoscale Model (NMM). The OTS aggregated from the full ensemble is more consistent with the diurnal cycles of the traditional equitable threat score (ETS) than the MMI because the OTS places more weight on large objects, while the MMI weights all objects equally. The group of ARW members has higher OTS than the group of NMM members except at the 1-h lead time when the group of NMM members has more accurate maintenance and evolution of initially present precipitation systems provided by radar data assimilation. The differences between the ARW and NMM accuracy are more pronounced with the OTS than the MMI and the ETS.
Social Class Identification Among Black Americans
Authors: Hunt Matthew O. , Ray Rashawn
Published: September 2012

Although much research documents the growth of a “professional middle class” among African Americans over the past several decades, we know comparatively little about how Blacks see themselves in social class terms, and whether this has changed over time. In the current study, we use data from the 1974 to 2010 General Social Surveys to analyze trends in, and the determinants of, Blacks’ social class identifications (SCI) over the past four decades. Our results show that Blacks’ tendency to identify as “middle class” has increased in concert with Blacks’ socioeconomic status (SES) gains since the 1970s. Regarding the determinants of SCI, education and household income appear more consequential than occupational prestige and self-employment in shaping Blacks’ self-reports of their own class positions. Finally, we see little evidence of change over time in the relationship between various SES characteristics and SCI, with one exception: Self-employment has become a more potent predictor of Blacks’ SCI over the past several decades. Our results provide an important update to our knowledge of the dynamics of SCI among Black Americans. They also raise important questions for future research on the relationship between, and relative impact of, “race” and “class” in shaping Blacks’ identities and their orientations toward American society.
Crystallinity effects in polylactic acid-based foams
Authors: Garancher Jean-Philippe , Fernyhough Alan
Published: September 2012

The use of carbon dioxide for the production of polylactic acid foams has been increasingly studied recently. Much of the reported work has used supercritical carbon dioxide as a processing or foaming medium. However, a new foaming process which uses sub-critical liquid carbon dioxide conditions has been developed by the Biopolymer Network Limited. It is generally recognised that processing crystalline thermoplastics, including crystalline polylactic acid polymers, into foam products using carbon dioxide is difficult due to lower solubility of liquid carbon dioxide in polymers and the increased polymer rigidity hindering the expansion of the polymer matrix. However, fundamental studies, and the associated knowledge of the foaming mechanisms at play, have allowed some new approaches to be developed within sub-critical carbon dioxide conditions which overcome many of these difficulties in polylactic acid foams. In this study, several commercially available grades of polylactic acid, ranging from crystalline to amorphous, were processed using carbon dioxide via the Biopolymer Network Limited process (sub-critical carbon dioxide). By adequately adjusting the process parameters, different crystalline grades were successfully foamed to low density. The resulting foams exhibited low to high levels of crystallinity, and consequently displayed varying thermal or physical properties. Cellular structures were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Crystallinity and thermal behaviour of the foamed samples were characterised using differential scanning calorimetry. Mechanical properties and dimensional stability were also investigated. It was shown that the selection of polylactic acid feedstock, and its associated processing conditions, had a significant impact on the final quality and properties of the foams.
Polyvinyl alcohol biodegradable foams containing cellulose fibres
Authors: Avella Maurizio , Cocca Mariacristina , Errico Maria Emanuela , Gentile Gennaro
Published: September 2012

The preparation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) based foams containing pulp cellulose fibres and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) fibre is reported, aiming at the realization of sustainable “green-composites.” Foams were obtained through an eco-friendly preparation method able to generate a pore structure by entrapping air into the polymer/filler aqueous dispersion during a high-speed mixing. The effect of pulp cellulose fibres (Bc1000) and MFC on foam microstructure, water vapor absorption behavior, and mechanical properties was studied. The addition of small amount of MFC (1–5 wt%) induced a progressive decrease of the average cell diameter and an increase of the cell density; whereas Bc1000 cellulose fibres affected the cell shape and regularity of PVOH based foams. A reduction of the water vapor absorption in PVOH/MFC and PVOH/Bc1000 was recorded with respect to neat PVOH foam, in particular for foams containing pulp cellulose fibres. Finally, both MFC and Bc1000 increased the Young modulus and the compression deflection of PVOH based foams.
Comparisons of microcellular polylactic acid parts injection molded with supercritical nitrogen and expandable thermoplastic microspheres: Surface roughness, tensile properties, and morphology
Authors: Peng Jun , Srithep Yottha , Wang Jian , Yu Emily , Turng Lih-Sheng , Peng Xiang-Fang
Published: September 2012

Microcellular injection molding is capable of fabricating light weight, dimensionally stable plastic parts while using less material and energy. Two kinds of blowing agents, namely, supercritical nitrogen and expandable thermoplastic microspheres, were employed to produce foamed polylactic acid parts. The surface characteristics were evaluated with a two-dimensional surface roughness analyzer and a three-dimensional white-light interferometer surface profiler. Through surface roughness comparisons, injection molded American Society for Testing Material tensile test bars with expandable thermoplastic microspheres exhibited better surface quality than their supercritical nitrogen counterparts. The tensile properties of injection molded polylactic acid tensile bars with nitrogen and expandable thermoplastic microspheres at various weight concentrations were investigated. The results showed that the polylactic acid/nitrogen parts possessed a better Young’s modulus and tensile strength. The microstructure on the fractured cross-sectional surfaces was characterized using a scanning electron microscope. As reflected by the testing results, the cell microstructure – such as cell size and cell density, and multi-layered structure with a foamed core sandwiched by skin layers – played an important role in the surface quality and mechanical properties. In addition, while an appropriate expandable thermoplastic microspheres content had a positive effect on the cell microstructure and weight reduction, too high of a concentration of expandable thermoplastic microspheres adversely affected the tensile properties and surface roughness of the microcellular polylactic acid tensile test bars.
Influence of the injection moulding parameters on the microstructure and thermal properties of microcellular polyethylene terephthalate glycol foams
Authors: Gómez-Gómez Francisco Jaime , Arencón David , Sánchez-Soto Miguel Ángel , Martínez Antonio B
Published: September 2012

Microcellular injection moulding is capable of producing lightweight polymeric products. The present study analyses the influence of several representative injection moulding parameters on the foam’s morphology, apparent density and thermo-mechanical properties of PETG, poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-1,4-cyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate) specimens. A strong variation of the cell morphology along the melt flow direction has been found, as well as a dependence on the shot volume. The most homogeneous microcellular structure is achieved when low shot volume, intermediate injection speed and low mould temperature are employed. The skin–core structure of the injected parts, determined the thermo-mechanical features of the specimen, which are ruled by the skin layer.
Catheter‐Related Complications in Cancer Patients on Home Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Cotogni Paolo , Pittiruti Mauro , Barbero Cristina , Monge Taira , Palmo Augusta , Boggio Bertinet Daniela
Published: September 2012

Background: Although home parenteral nutrition (HPN) is often indicated in cancer patients, many physicians are concerned about the risks potentially associated with the use of central venous access devices (VADs) in these patients. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the actual incidence of VAD‐related complications in cancer patients on HPN. Methods: All adult cancer patient candidates for VAD insertion and HPN were enrolled. The incidence of complications associated with 4 types of VADs (peripherally inserted central catheter [PICC], Hohn catheter, tunneled Groshong catheter, and port) was investigated, as well as the most significant risk factors. Results: Two hundred eighty‐nine VADs in 254 patients were studied, for a total of 51,308 catheter‐days. The incidence of catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) was low (0.35/1000 catheter‐days), particularly for PICCs (0/1000; P < .01 vs Hohn and tunneled catheters) and for ports (0.19/1000; P < .01 vs Hohn and P < .05 vs tunneled catheters). Mechanical complications were uncommon (0.8/1000), as was VAD‐related venous thrombosis (0.06/1000). Ultrasound‐guided venipuncture was associated with a decreased risk of CRBSI (P < .04) and thrombosis (P < .001). VAD securement using sutureless devices reduced the risk of CRBSI and dislocation (P < .001). Hohn catheters had no advantage over PICCs (higher complication rate and shorter dwell time; P < .001). Conclusions: In cancer patients, HPN can be safely carried out with a low incidence of complications. Also, VADs are not equal in terms of complication rates, and strict adherence to meticulous insertion policies may effectively reduce catheter‐related complications.
Multistable phase regulation for robust steady and transitional legged gaits
Authors: Haynes GC , Rizzi AA , Koditschek DE
Published: September 2012

We develop robust methods that allow the specification, control, and transition of a multi-legged robot’s stepping pattern, its ‘gait’, during active locomotion over natural terrain. Resulting gaits emerge through the introduction of controllers that impose appropriately placed repellors within the space of gaits, the torus of relative leg phases, thereby mitigating against dangerous patterns of leg timing. Moreover, these repellors are organized with respect to a natural cellular decomposition of gait space and result in limit cycles with associated basins that are well characterized by these cells, thus conferring a symbolic character upon the overall behavioral repertoire. These ideas are particularly applicable to four- and six-legged robots, for which a large variety of interesting and useful (and, in many cases, familiar) gaits exist, and whose tradeoffs between speed and reliability motivate the desire for transitioning between them during active locomotion. We provide an empirical instance of this gait regulation scheme by application to a climbing hexapod, whose ‘physical layer’ sensor-feedback control requires adequate grasp of a climbing surface but whose closed-loop control perturbs the robot from its desired gait. We document how the regulation scheme secures the desired gait and permits operator selection of different gaits as required during active climbing on challenging surfaces.
Networks and Kinship
Authors: Lyon Stephen M.
Published: September 2012

Pakistani Punjabi landlords use marriage both strategically as well as affectively. That is to say, they seek maximal political advantage and minimal household disruption with marriage arrangements. Using a set of formal networks analyses tools, this article examines two hundred years of marriage decisions for one Punjabi landlord family. The radical shift in marriage decisions beginning from the 1920s is the result of an earlier shift in inheritance rules. The resulting change in marriage decisions has impacted not only on household dynamics, but has disrupted longstanding factional associations within the village.
Burials and Graphs
Authors: Sosna Daniel , Galeta Patrik , Šmejda Ladislav , Sladek Vladimír , Bruzek Jaroslav
Published: September 2012

This article demonstrates the analytical potential of graph theory for understanding mortuary practices in past societies. We take advantage of social network analysis software PAJEK to model relationships among burials. The case study of the Early Bronze Age cemetery Rebešovice (Czech Republic) is used to explore the potential of the network approach to explain the contrast between the center and the periphery of the cemetery. Two hypotheses are proposed to explain this contrast: Chronological and social. The first hypothesis explains the difference between the center and the periphery as an effect of social standing, while the latter as an effect of time. The data set includes archaeological and biological data from 72 burials. We calculate simple matching distance matrices as a measure of dissimilarity among the burials based on socially and chronologically significant variables and Euclidean matrix as a measure of spatial proximity among pairs of graves. We project the results into geographic space and compare the patterns with the expectations derived from the two research hypotheses. The evaluation of results allows us to reject both hypotheses and formulate a new model of spatial organization based on a few contemporary subsections of the cemetery used by different corporate groups. Finally, the potential of computer-aided modeling of matrices and graphs is discussed in context of other analytical techniques used for the investigation of intracemetery mortuary variability.
High-performance wire electrodes for wire electrical-discharge machining – a review
Authors: Kapoor Jatinder , Singh Sehijpal , Khamba Jaimal Singh
Published: September 2012

In a wire electrical-discharge machining process an electrically conductive workpiece is eroded ahead of a continuous moving wire by spark discharges, which are identical with those in conventional electrical-discharge machining. With wire electrical-discharge machining, convoluted shapes can be cut with a high degree of dimensional accuracy and good surface finish. The machining efficiency of wire electrical-discharge machining can be significantly improved by an adaptive adjustment of various machining parameters, such as, pulse width, pulse interval, dielectric fluid pressure, wire tension, servo reference voltage, etc. Improving the productivities of dies and achieving high-quality workpieces demand is expanding for high-performance wire electrodes. A considerable amount of research on development of wire electrodes for wire electrical-discharge machining has explored high-performance wires for high-speed and high-precision machining. This article reviews the evolution of electrical-discharge machining wires from copper to plain brass to various coated, diffusion annealed and composite wire electrodes that significantly increase the wire electrical-discharge machining productivity. It is evident from the various research developments on wire electrode that they influence the wire electrical-discharge machining performance and improve wire electrical-discharge machining performance substantially. The possible trends for future research on electrical-discharge machining wire electrodes are also highlighted in this article.
In-Home Monitoring Support for Dementia Caregivers
Authors: Williams Kristine , Arthur Anne , Niedens Michelle , Moushey Lois , Hutfles Lewis
Published: September 2012

Technology provides new opportunities for interventions to improve quality and access to health care. This study evaluated a telehealth application to support family dementia caregivers providing homecare. We explored feasibility of in-home video monitoring and feedback to help caregivers and reduce caregiving burden. A caregiver-patient dyad was recruited from a Midwestern University Alzheimer’s Disease Center. The caregiver triggered video recordings on a laptop computer using a remote control that also recorded 5 min prior to pressing “record.” Recordings were automatically uploaded via the Internet for interdisciplinary team review and feedback. Issues related to Internet transfer and storage of health information and computer security were addressed. Professionals reported the value of video recordings for identifying antecedents and evaluating caregiver responses. The caregiver reported improved communication and behavior management and ease of use. This study developed protocols, processes, and contractual arrangements and established the feasibility and benefits of home monitoring as a basis for ongoing research.
Claims About Women’s Use of Non-fatal Force in Intimate Relationships
Authors: Dragiewicz Molly , DeKeseredy Walter S.
Published: September 2012

Claims that violence is gender-neutral are increasingly becoming “common sense” in Canada. Antifeminist groups assert that the high rates of woman abuse uncovered by major Canadian national surveys conducted in the early 1990s are greatly exaggerated and that women are as violent as men. The production of degendered rhetoric about “intimate partner violence” contributes to claims that women’s and men’s violence is symmetrical and mutual. This article critically evaluates common claims about Canadian women’s use of nonlethal force in heterosexual intimate relationships in the context of the political struggle over the hegemonic frame for violence and abuse. The extant Canadian research documenting significant sex differences in violence and abuse against adult intimate partners is reviewed.
The Prevalence of ADHD and Comorbid Disorders in Iranian Adult Male Prison Inmates
Authors: Hamzeloo Mohammad , Mashhadi Ali , Salehi Fadardi Javad
Published: September 2012

Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence of ADHD and comorbid disorders in a community sample of adult male prisoners in Iran. Method: Through stratified sampling method, 908 adult male prison inmates in Gorgan Prison were recruited on a voluntary basis. Diagnostic assessments were based on the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener and a clinical interview based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.) criteria and psychiatric interview. Comorbid disorders were assessed with the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory–Second Edition, and Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory–III. Results: ADHD was present in 147 participants (16.2%). Eighty-five percent of participants with ADHD reported lifetime substance abuse. They had higher rates of mood (40.8%) and anxiety (55.1%) disorders. Antisocial and borderline personality disorders were also more prevalent among offenders with ADHD. Conclusion: ADHD is prevalent in offenders and it is associated with comorbid disorders. The results emphasize the necessity of treatment programs for offenders with ADHD.
Risk-Based Method for Development and Management of a Traffic Sign Inventory for Local Agencies
Authors: McCarthy Leslie Myers , Liang Jiang , Park Seri , McFadden John , Trieu Vanvi
Published: September 2012

A risk-based approach to manage traffic sign inventories was developed for application in local public agencies (LPAs). The method incorporates key aspects of safety such as accident history and hot spot ranking and allows agencies to develop sign inventories strategically for a variety of staffing resources and budget levels. This method would enable LPAs to more easily comply with Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) retroreflectivity guidelines and to prioritize the signs to be included in the inventory. A procedure has been developed that puts priority on reducing the risk of liability for sign-related accidents. The inventory developed as part of this research also supports the broader focus of better management of LPA roadway assets. Consistent and strategic updates of the inventory would provide the LPAs with a sustainable asset management system to utilize in the future.