bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the ERS Scatterometer-Derived Soil Water Index to Monitor Water Availability and Precipitation Distribution at Three Different Scales in China
Authors: Zhao Deming , Kuenzer Claudia , Fu Congbin , Wagner Wolfgang
Published: June 2008

In this paper, the capability of the European Remote Sensing Satellite (ERS) scatterometer-derived soil water index (SWI) data to disclose water availability and precipitation distribution in China is investigated. Monthly averaged SWI data for the years 1992–2000 are analyzed to evaluate the use of the SWI as an index to monitor water availability and water stress at three different scales in China and to investigate if it reflects general precipitation distribution characteristics in China. Monthly averaged in situ relative soil moisture from Chinese meteorological gauge stations, as well as monthly precipitation data from the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC), are employed to perform comparisons with SWI on local, regional, and countrywide scales. First, since soil moisture is highly affected by the precipitation, area-averaged SWI is compared with in situ relative soil moisture and GPCC precipitation data in one local area. Second, area-averaged SWI and GPCC precipitation data are used to perform comparisons in three regions of China. Finally, the relationship between SWI and GPCC precipitation data in China is investigated on a countrywide scale. Such multiscale analyses with SWI data have not been performed before, and SWI has never been investigated in detail for China. ERS-derived SWI data in China for the years 1992–2000 are evaluated to be a good indicator for water availability on local, regional, and countrywide scales. SWI and SWI anomaly data correlate well with precipitation and in situ soil moisture data. SWI has furthermore been demonstrated to reflect extreme events such as droughts and floods in China, occurring during the investigated period between 1992 and 2000. Additionally, the SWI allows one to monitor increasing soil moisture resulting from snowmelt, which cannot be deduced from precipitation data. The freely available 15-yr (1992–2007) time series SWI data are thus a valuable tool to overcome the scarcity of in situ soil moisture observations, which are usually not available on regional and countrywide scales.
Scale Analysis for Large-Scale Tropical Atmospheric Dynamics
Authors: Yano Jun-Ichi , Bonazzola Marine
Published: June 2008

A systematic scale analysis is performed for large-scale dynamics over the tropics. It is identified that two regimes are competing: 1) a dynamics characterized by balance between the vertical advection term and diabatic heating in the thermodynamic equation, realized at horizontal scales less than L ∼ 103 km given a velocity scale U ∼ 10 m s−1, and 2) a linear equatorial wave dynamics modulated by convective diabatic heating, realized at scales larger than L ∼ 3 × 103 km given U ∼ 3 m s−1. Under the first dynamic regime (balanced), the system may be approximated as nondivergent to leading order in asymptotic expansion, as originally pointed out by Charney.

Inherent subtleties of scale analysis at large scales for the tropical atmosphere are emphasized. The subtleties chiefly arise from a strong sensitivity of the nondimensional β parameter to the horizontal scale. This amounts to qualitatively different dynamic regimes for scales differing only by a factor of 3, as summarized above. Because any regime under asymptotic expansion may have a wider applicability than a formal scale analysis would suggest, the question of which one of the two identified regimes dominates can be answered only after extensive modeling and observational studies. Preliminary data analysis suggests that the balanced dynamics, originally proposed by Sobel, Nilsson, and Polvani, is relevant for a wider range than the strict scale analysis suggests.

A rather surprising conclusion from the present analysis is a likely persistence of balanced dynamics toward scales as small as the mesoscale L ∼ 102 km. Leading-order nondivergence also becomes more likely the case for the smaller scales because otherwise the required diabatic heating rate becomes excessive compared to observations by increasing inversely proportionally with decreasing horizontal scales.
Sudden Stratospheric Warmings as Noise-Induced Transitions
Authors: Birner Thomas , Williams Paul D.
Published: June 2008

Sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) are usually considered to be initiated by planetary wave activity. Here it is asked whether small-scale variability (e.g., related to gravity waves) can lead to SSWs given a certain amount of planetary wave activity that is by itself not sufficient to cause a SSW. A highly vertically truncated version of the Holton–Mass model of stratospheric wave–mean flow interaction, recently proposed by Ruzmaikin et al., is extended to include stochastic forcing. In the deterministic setting, this low-order model exhibits multiple stable equilibria corresponding to the undisturbed vortex and SSW state, respectively. Momentum forcing due to quasi-random gravity wave activity is introduced as an additive noise term in the zonal momentum equation. Two distinct approaches are pursued to study the stochastic system. First, the system, initialized at the undisturbed state, is numerically integrated many times to derive statistics of first passage times of the system undergoing a transition to the SSW state. Second, the Fokker–Planck equation corresponding to the stochastic system is solved numerically to derive the stationary probability density function of the system. Both approaches show that even small to moderate strengths of the stochastic gravity wave forcing can be sufficient to cause a SSW for cases for which the deterministic system would not have predicted a SSW.
The Impact of Air–Sea Interactions on the Simulation of Tropical Intraseasonal Variability
Authors: Pegion Kathy , Kirtman Ben P.
Published: June 2008

The impact of coupled air–sea feedbacks on the simulation of tropical intraseasonal variability is investigated in this study using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Climate Forecast System. The simulation of tropical intraseasonal variability in a freely coupled simulation is compared with two simulations of the atmospheric component of the model. In one experiment, the uncoupled model is forced with the daily sea surface temperature (SST) from the coupled run. In the other, the uncoupled model is forced with climatological SST from the coupled run. Results indicate that the overall intraseasonal variability of precipitation is reduced in the coupled simulation compared to the uncoupled simulation forced by daily SST. Additionally, air–sea coupling is responsible for differences in the simulation of the tropical intraseasonal oscillation between the coupled and uncoupled models, specifically in terms of organization and propagation in the western Pacific. The differences between the coupled and uncoupled simulations are due to the fact that the relationships between precipitation and SST and latent heat flux and SST are much stronger in the coupled model than in the uncoupled model. Additionally, these relationships are delayed by about 5 days in the uncoupled model compared to the coupled model. As demonstrated by the uncoupled simulation forced with climatological SST, some of the intraseasonal oscillation can be simulated by internal atmospheric dynamics. However, the intraseasonally varying SST appears to be important to the amplitude and propagation of the oscillation beyond the Maritime Continent.
Adherence to AAP Practice Guidelines for Urinary Tract Infections at Our Teaching Institution
Authors: Shah Lopa , Mandlik Nandini , Kumar Payal , Andaya Serjun , Patamasucon Pisespong
Published: June 2008

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is a common diagnosis in general pediatric practice. Because of the potential severity and proven morbidity of such infections, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) developed guidelines to better direct clinicians in the workup. This retrospective study sought to evaluate the uniformity of adherence to these guidelines at our teaching institution. A total of 104 charts were reviewed, and data were collected based on the parameters outlined by the AAP. It is found that at the authors' teaching institution, there is at least 70% adherence to the recommendations for method of urine collection and 97% adherence to performance of urinalysis. However, imaging workup, which may be the most important follow-up of a first-time UTI, has only a 61% adherence rate.
Rejoinder and an Update
Authors: Szymanski Dawn M. , Kashubeck-West Susan
Published: June 2008

Three themes found across the reactions to the Major Contribution are discussed: agreement on the destructive nature of internalized heterosexism; the importance of focusing on resilience and other strengths shown by lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals that enable them to be healthy in the face of oppression; and the need for further research on internalized heterosexism, including the construct itself. Recent advances in research on correlates of internalized heterosexism are also described.
Introductory Background
Authors: Kalekin-Fishman Devorah , Langman Lauren
Published: June 2008

The sources for studies of alienation can be found in the theoretical explanations of modernity proposed by thinkers in the 19th century. Following on extensive changes in the processes of production in the 20th century and the ongoing digitalization of industry into the current century, alienation has taken on new forms, with a focus on the management and exploitation of the body. This article introduces these themes and how they are examined in the eight articles of the monograph.
The Beautiful and the Abject
Authors: Adelman Miriam , Ruggi Lennita
Published: June 2008

Recent sociological and anthropological approaches to the social construction of bodies have argued that the `materiality of the body' and its symbolic and cultural construction are in fact inseparable and must be understood within the context of the power relations — primarily, those of class, race, gender and sexual orientation — of a particular social order. Furthermore, in contemporary `postmodern' societies, questions of body image and bodily practices are increasingly experienced and recognized as central elements in processes of the construction of identity. They have become the site of numerous social struggles in which identities — as well as a wide range of social and symbolic resources — are disputed and negotiated. Drawing on research on women in sport, on the identities and experiences of transgendered people and on identities and representation of the body among fashion models in contemporary Brazil, the authors reflect upon these struggles — as they come up against, attempt to transform or work to reproduce hegemonic definitions of `the beautiful' and `the abject'. The authors focus, among other issues, on the way gender and sexuality are implicated in these definitions — from the intensive `discursive production' that encourages women of different ages to place the construction of `perfect' feminine bodies at the centre of their identities, to the `transgressive' construction of feminine bodies by travestis and male-to-female transsexuals, or the possibility that particular sporting practices break with aspects of normative femininity and encourage women to define identity in ways that may be empowering. Key theoretical sources include Michel Foucault, Anthony Giddens, Judith Butler, Susan Bordo and Sander Gilman; anthropological and historical work on gender, culture and the body in Brazil are also incorporated.
Tiger Woods and the New Racial Order
Authors: Cashmore Ellis
Published: June 2008

There is no more serviceable celebrity than Tiger Woods. He is a colour-free emblem of a new America in which racism is dead and there are no barriers to progress for any member of its citizenry — a new racial order. His success obscures the grimmer reality of contemporary America. This article examines Woods, less as a person, more as a commodity of immense utility: something that effectively advertises a society that has long struggled with the issue of racism, but has finally won. Woods functions as ambulant publicity: he studiously avoids engaging with any political or remotely sensitive issue and refuses to align himself with any particular ethnic group. In a sense, he is what one writer has called `a new kind of white person'. On the evidence presented here, Woods effectively invites consumers not to challenge racism directly, but to buy commodities that externalize success and in this way avoid confronting the racism that continues to bedevil most of America's black population.
Fascism of the Skin
Authors: Prosono Marvin T.
Published: June 2008

Following upon the expression `socialism of the skin', used by the play-wright Tony Kushner in his essay so named, this article attempts to demonstrate that there is a `Fascism of the skin'. An intensively consumptive capitalist society commodifies everything in its path, including the body, thus subtly shifting the manner in which the mind itself incorporates the body into its calculations. Evidence is taken from popular culture and from the aestheticization and medicalization of the body to support the hypothesis that alienation as a process and a condition finds ever new means of expression as it becomes incarnated through the commodification and carnivalization of the body. Prior studies of `Jerry Springer' and Arnold Schwarzenegger are reanalyzed to throw light on this process. The language of the contemporary military adventure in Iraq also provides interesting insights into the nature of accounts of the body and how bodies are accounted for. In these instances, a `Fascism of the skin' can be recognized, in which the alienation of the body and the mind reworks the individual into a commodity and a function.
Punk, Porn and Resistance
Authors: Langman Lauren
Published: June 2008

Following work by Michel Foucault and Bryan Turner, the body has become an important topic for social inquiry. One major debate concerns the nature of social control vs agency. For Foucault, the gaze, surveillance, imposes disciplinary practices that inscribe identities upon docile bodies. Yet he also notes that domination fosters resistance. For others such as Turner or Shilling, the body can be seen as a site of agency and locus of empowerment. Late capitalism, in its globalized moment, has produced enormous wealth, but at the same time this wealth sustains hierarchies in which only a few benefit. Vast numbers of people remain alienated in their work and politically powerless to foster change. People find themselves entrapped in a disenchanted, rationalized world of rules and regulations. Finally, for many, the mass-mediated commodified culture is superficial and inauthentic. Given such conditions, we have seen the re-emergence of the carnival, which Bakhtin saw as legitimating a variety of forms of transgressions as critique and resistance. This can be seen in many ways: in the popularity of tattoos and piercings, in punk/metal music and lifestyles, and in `porn chic' as a fashion statement. Each form of adornment, fashion and lifestyle can be understood as a way of claiming agency to resist domination, invert disciplinary codes and experience `utopian moments'. Body adornments would valorize the `primitive' as a protest against economic inequality and repression of the body. Punk/metal music and fashions empower audiences and allow expressions of rage and protest. Finally, `porn chic' can be seen as a critique of patriarchal codes of morality and adornment in which the body becomes a basis of empowerment and authenticity. Notwithstanding, most such `transgressions' serve as `repressive desublimations' that shunt discontent from the political economy to the culture and incorporate potential dissidence.
Self-Management, Perceived Control, and Subjective Quality of Life in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Bishop Malachy , Frain Michael P. , Tschopp Molly K.
Published: June 2008

Self-management has been shown to increase perceived control over both illness and nonillness aspects of life among people with chronic conditions but has not received significant research attention among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). Based on relationships proposed in the illness intrusiveness and disability centrality models, this study explored the relationships between subjective and objective measures of MS impact, self-management, perceived control, and subjective quality of life (SQOL). A sample of 157 adults with MS participated in this research. The results suggest that self-management is strongly associated with perceived control and that both perceived control and self-management mediate the relationship between MS impact and SQOL. The rehabilitation counseling implications of these findings are discussed.
Enabling Technologies for Electrical Circuits on a Woven Monofilament Hybrid Fabric
Authors: Locher Ivo , Tröster Gerhard
Published: June 2008

Electronic Fabrics is an emerging topic in the field of Smart Textiles. This paper discusses potential technologies to embed electronic circuits into fabrics. Our approach focused on a woven fabric with unobtrusively embedded copper wires that guaranteed usual wearing comfort. Manufacturing, electrical, as well as mechanical aspects of our technologies, were addressed. We explain how interconnects and wiring structures were established within the fabric. Wiring structures were specified by DC resistance, frequency response and line impedance Z0. Our measurements revealed flat frequency responses up to 2 GHz and line impedances in the range of 250 Ω for textile transmission lines. Eventually, we showed that our fabric equipped with electronics withstood the tensile stresses and humidity impacts of daily usage. The presented technologies allow realization and wiring of medium-sized electronic circuits on fabrics with signal frequencies up to several 100 MHz.
Simple and Inexpensive Preparation of Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets Via Co-adsorption of Pyrethroid and Oligomer
Authors: Fei Zhuang  , Chittur Krishnan K. , Hayes Douglas G. , Mount Dwight L. , Smith Stephen C.
Published: June 2008

Insecticide-treated bed nets, or Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), are valuable tools in the effort to control mosquitoes ( Anopheles gambiae ), the carriers of the malaria parasite, in Africa. Insecticide (pyrethroid) is retained by LLINs when subjected to washing, which allows for their long-term effectiveness. A simple and inexpensive method for preparing LLINs based upon the co-adsorption of the pyrethroid deltamethrin and oligomer or monomer when commercial nets are dipped in aqueous solution is described here. An aqueous solution of monomer, 2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate, or its oligomers, was first prepared. The net was soaked in the aqueous solution for a few minutes, then subjected to the removal of its excess water. The majority of experiments involved in situ oligomerization by exposing the treated net to sunlight and warm ambient temperatures. LLINs synthesized in the laboratory as such retained 70— 90 % of their ability to kill mosquitoes after six successive washes and 70 % of their original deltamethrin content, both benchmarks of which were comparable to the performance of 1st generation commercial LLIN products. A cost analysis indicated that chemicals required for the derivatization solution would cost only an additional 1.15 USD beyond that of the pyrethroid. The approach developed here to prepare LLINs from local or selected sources of bed nets and insecticide agents allows for their preparation in remote settings, would reduce costs, and simplify the transportation and distribution compared to employing commercial LLINs prepared abroad, and may also be valuable for modifying military, agricultural, and outdoor sports textiles.
Supervising Probationers With Mental Disorder
Authors: Louden Jennifer Eno , Skeem Jennifer L. , Camp Jacqueline , Christensen Elizabeth
Published: June 2008

Although many probation agencies have instituted specialty mental health caseloads, little is known about the policies and practices of these caseloads. The authors surveyed supervisors of 54 specialty and 20 traditional probation agencies. The survey yielded three key findings. First, most agencies lack formal policies on officers' supervision of probationers with mental illness (PMIs). Second, relative to traditional officers, specialty officers are more involved in supervising PMIs, meeting with PMIs more often, functioning as part of a treatment team, and using problem solving strategies. Third, although both agency types use graduated sanctions, traditional officers generally respond to PMIs' noncompliance with more punitive strategies than specialty officers. Implications for developing and evaluating these caseloads are discussed.
Linguistic Translation of Psychological Assessment Tools
Authors: Nezami Elahe , Zamani Reza , DeFrank Ginny
Published: June 2008

This article examines the effect of cultural differences on translation accuracy outcomes for the translation of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—2 (S. R. Hathaway & J. C. McKinley, 1940) into Farsi for use in Iran.
Patient and Surrogate Disagreement in End-of-Life Decisions: Can Surrogates Accurately Predict Patients' Preferences?
Authors: Marks Melissa A. Z. , Arkes Hal R.
Published: June 2008

Background . When a patient is too incapacitated to make important end-of-life decisions, doctors may ask a preappointed surrogate to predict the patient's preferences and make decisions on the patient's behalf. The current study investigates whether surrogates project their own views onto what they predict the patients' preferences are. Methods . Using data from seriously ill patients and their surrogates, the authors created a ``projection'' variable that addresses the following question: When surrogates are asked to predict a patient's end-of-life preferences, do they mistakenly replace this prediction with what they would want the patient to do? The authors examined the 144 patient-surrogate pairs in which surrogates inaccurately predicted patients' CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) v. DNR (do not resuscitate) decisions and the 294 pairs in which surrogates inaccurately predicted patients' extend life v. relieve pain preferences. Among these patient-surrogate pairs, the authors determined the extent to which surrogates' wishes for the patient matched their incorrect predictions of what the patient wanted. Results. Of the patient-surrogate pairs who disagreed on CPR v. DNR and extend life v. relieve pain preferences, 62.5% and 88.4% of surrogates demonstrated projection for CPR v. DNR decisions and extend life v. relieve pain preferences, respectively. Age-related and demographic variables did not predict cases in which projection did and did not occur. Conclusion. When surrogates inaccurately predict the CPR v. DNR and extend life v. relieve pain preferences of seriously ill, hospitalized loved ones, surrogates' prediction errors often represent surrogates' own wishes for the patient.
When No Bilingual Examiner Is Available
Authors: Noland Ramona M.
Published: June 2008

Reliable and valid assessment of individuals who are English language learners (ELL) has presented a dilemma to psychologists, and school psychologists in particular, as it is complicated by the small number of professionals qualified to serve as bilingual examiners. Some psychologists use ancillary examiners during testing when no bilingual psychologist is available to conduct the evaluation, and both the process and the impact of using ancillary examiners need further investigation. This study examined the performance of students under two testing conditions, one with a monolingual psychologist and an ancillary examiner, and another with a bilingual psychologist without an ancillary examiner. Students tested in English, with English as their dominant language, consistently performed better than those students tested in Spanish on sub-tests that required detailed verbal responses. Results also indicated that evaluation format may have an effect on student performance and can lead to different levels of performance.
Protective effect of melatonin against formaldehyde-induced kidney damage in rats
Authors: Zararsiz I , Sarsilmaz M , Tas U , Kus I , Meydan S , Ozan E
Published: June 2008

This study was undertaken to investigate the protective effects of melatonin against formaldehyde-induced renal damage in rats. For this purpose, 21 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups. The animals in Group I were used as a control, whereas the rats in group II were injected every other day with formaldehyde. The rats in group III received melatonin daily while exposed to formaldehyde. At the end of the 14-day experimental period, all rats were killed by decapitation, and the kidneys were removed. Some of the renal tissue specimens were used for determination of superoxide dismutase, glutatione peroxidase enzyme activities, and malondialdehyde levels. The remaining kidney tissue specimens were used for light microscopic evaluation. The renal tissue activities of superoxide dismutase and glutatione peroxidase were significantly decreased, and malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased in rats treated with formaldehyde compared with those of the control animals. In the light microscopic evaluation of this group, degenerative glomerules, vacuolization and dilatation of distal tubules, and vascular congestion were detected. However, an increase was observed in activities of superoxide dismutase and glutatione peroxidase enzymes, and a decrease of malondialdehyde levels in animals treated with formaldehyde plus melatonin was observed. Furthermore, the histopathological changes caused by formaldehyde were disappeared except for minimal tubular dilatation in this group. In conclusion, the biochemical and histological findings of our study suggest that melatonin administration prevents formaldehyde-induced oxidative renal damage in rats.
Redefining idiopathic interstitial lung disease into occupational lung diseases by analysis of chemical composition of inhaled dust particles in induced sputum and/or lung biopsy specimens
Authors: Fireman EM , Lerman Y , Ben Mahor M , Ganor E , Kramer MR
Published: June 2008

There has been increased public awareness of the potential danger from exposure to hazardous dust in various occupations. This study aims to validate the qualitative analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of lung samples by 1) correlation of induced sputum (IS) findings to clinical findings, 2) comparing hazardous particles in IS to those in biopsied lung specimens, and 3) assessing whether the particles present in the lungs of transplanted patients correlate with occupational history of dust exposure. Forty patients with occupational history were included; of whom 35 filled in questionnaires. Twenty-four of them had SEM analysis of their IS, and 11 of these 24 also had SEM analysis of their lung tissue. Another 11 lung biopsies from patients with occupational history were scanned by SEM and compared with 10 lung biopsies from patients with no occupational history. SEM analysis of IS was as efficient for detecting hazardous particles as was SEM analysis of lung tissue; silica was detected better in sputum. Exposure to silica was the main chemical element associated with a high likelihood to show abnormalities in IS (Odds ratio 19.41 CI = 0.270–1398.33). The average number of detected hazardous chemical elements in patients with an occupational history of exposure was 4 ± 1.61 in IS and 3.55 ± 2.02 in lung tissue ( P = 0.57); it was 1.5 ± 0.85 from transplanted occupationally exposed patients compared with 0.36 ± 0.67 in transplanted non-exposed patients ( P = 0.003). SEM analysis of particles in IS and lung tissue can elucidate the causative agent(s) of otherwise idiopathic interstitial lung disease among occupationally exposed workers.
The Impact of the Pennsylvania Sentencing Guidelines on Sex Differences in Sentencing
Authors: Blackwell Brenda Sims , Holleran David , Finn Mary A.
Published: June 2008

Although it has been argued that sentencing guidelines reduce the favorable treatment afforded female offenders, only one study has directly theoretically assessed the impact of guidelines on sentencing outcomes for men versus women. This study examines the influence of guidelines on the outcomes of male and female defendants sentenced in Pennsylvania by examining three periods, including one period during which guidelines were suspended. Results indicate that female, compared to male, offenders were less likely to be incarcerated in jail or prison and received shorter sentences in all periods; differences were not greatest when guidelines were suspended. Findings suggest that Pennsylvania's structured sentencing model has not affected the sex—sentencing relationship in that state.
Application of Genetic Algorithms to Observer Kalman Filter Identification
Authors: Schoen Marco P.
Published: June 2008

In this paper several applications of genetic algorithm (GA) as an aid to the system identification process are presented. First, GAs are used in a set of covariance-based optimum input signal algorithms using a proposed architecture suitable for online system identification. The optimal signals are computed recursively using a predictive filter. The efficiency of these algorithms are compared based on a set of simulations. Second, a novel input design for a two-step identification scheme is presented. Constraint systems, such as commonly found in structural and biomedical engineering applications, are considered for the input design algorithm. This paper presents a novel approach that induces a learning scheme into the input design computation and allows for considerations of the given constraints of the system. The optimization of the new input signal is accomplished using a simple elitism based genetic algorithm. Simulation results indicate the proposed piecewise adaptive input design algorithm performs well compared to the general white-noise-based estimation results. In the third portion of this paper proof is given that no dynamic controller can reduce the noise influence in linear system identification. A new selection scheme of the corresponding singular values is proposed for the eigensystem realization portion of the Observer Kalman filter IDentification algorithm in noisy systems. The selection is done using a GA. Simulation results of the proposed algorithm in comparison with the traditional used method are presented. The results indicate an improved ability to extract system models from highly noise corrupted data.
The Choice of Compression Speed in Hearing Aids: Theoretical and Practical Considerations and the Role of Individual Differences
Authors: Moore Brian C. J.
Published: June 2008

Compression is used in hearing aids to compensate for the effects of loudness recruitment. This article describes the distinction between, and relative merits of, slow and fast compression systems. A study of Gatehouse and coworkers leads to the following conclusions: (a) The benefit from compression is greatest among individuals who experience a wide range of sound levels within short periods of time, (b) slow compression generally leads to higher listening comfort than fast compression, (c) the benefit from fast compression varies across individuals, and those with high cognitive ability are able to benefit from fast compression to take advantage of temporal dips in a background sound. It is argued that listening in the dips depends on the ability to process the temporal fine structure of sounds. It is proposed that a test of the ability to process temporal fine structure might be useful for selecting compression speed for an individual.
Personal Paradigm Shifts Among ABA and PBS Experts
Authors: Brown Fredda , Michaels Craig A. , Oliva Christopher M. , Woolf Sara B.
Published: June 2008

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) experts were surveyed to examine their perceptions of treatment acceptability of commonly used decelerative consequence-based behavioral procedures and the factors that have influenced shifts in these perceptions over time. These results were then compared with the perceptions of positive behavior supports (PBS) experts from an earlier study. Both similarities and disparities in perceptions across groups of experts are reported. Differences were noted in the overall acceptability and frequency of use of various consequence-based decelerative procedures, with ABA experts expressing greater willingness to consider their use than PBS experts. However, there were many similarities across both groups, including the decade in which shifts occurred in perceptions of treatment acceptability, the reasons these changes occurred, and the rationales used to justify the use or nonuse of certain consequence-based strategies. These data support earlier work that found that perceptions of treatment acceptability were not static but, rather, changed across time.
Extreme Makeover
Authors: Rosenfield Bradley M. , Ramsay J. Russell , Rostain Anthony L.
Published: June 2008

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent behavioral disorder among children in the United States. Many of these children continue to experience prominent functional difficulties through adolescence and into adulthood. Specific impairments common to adults with ADHD have only recently come to light. The goal of this article is to discuss the case of a young man, Ralph, who was first diagnosed with ADHD in early childhood. Although pharmacotherapy helped him function better at school as a child, he encountered newfound difficulties as an adult, which reactivated his sense of rejection and failure in virtually every domain of his life. His case illustrates the degree of impairment experienced by many adults with ADHD and the benefit of a multimodal treatment package, which, in Ralph's case, included pharmacotherapy, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, and marital therapy modified for adults with ADHD.
Men and Therapy
Authors: Rabinowitz Fredric E. , Cochran Sam V.
Published: June 2008

Socialization influences may result in a masking of men's symptoms of depression. This masking renders assessment a challenge for most clinicians, who are often sidetracked by more-immediate presenting concerns (relationship or job loss, developmental transitions, or alcohol or substance abuse). Clinicians may overlook a longer-term and more pernicious underlying mood disorder. This case presentation describes the assessment and treatment of a 53-year-old White male in both group and individual therapy. He initially sought a men's therapy group for support for developmental transitions but was actually suffering from a more severe underlying depression. The theoretical rationale and treatment implications for working with masked depression in men are presented.
Application of a mathematical model to multipass hot deformation of aluminium alloy AA5083
Authors: Ahmed H. , Wells M. A. , Maijer D. M. , van der Winden M. R.
Published: June 2008

Sheet metal forming operations are used extensively in industry to alter the shape of the metal through plastic deformation. A critical step in the sheet manufacturing process is hot rolling which reduces the thickness of the ingot and can significantly impact the final sheet properties based on the microstructure evolution during this operation. A two-dimensional mathematical model was developed and experimentally validated to simulate deformation and microstructure evolution during multipass hot rolling for an AA5083 aluminium alloy. The details of model development and experimental validation can be found in earlier work. In this article, the application of the validated model to further understand and optimise the material stored energy and ensuing microstructure during multipass hot rolling is described. Specifically, the model was employed to examine the effect of changing the number of rolling passes as well as strain partitioning during multipass rolling on the material stored energy and the resulting microstructure. Results indicate that the number of passes has a significant effect on the stored energy which increases as the number of passes increases. In addition within a multipass rolling schedule the way in which the strain is partitioned is also shown to have an effect on the stored energy with a decreasing strain/pass schedule providing the highest material stored energy after rolling is complete. In contrast an increasing strain/pass schedule provides the lowest stored energy in the material after rolling. This overall effect is attributed to the differences in strip temperature as the lowest exit temperature strip has the highest stored energy. The model was further utilised to generate operational curves to predict the material stored energy and subsequent recrystallisation under different rolling conditions, namely at different interpass times and total strains for various start deformation temperatures.
Resistance of mature T cells to oncogene transformation
Authors: Newrzela Sebastian , Cornils Kerstin , Li Zhixiong , Baum Christopher , Brugman Martijn H. , Hartmann Marianne , Meyer Johann , Hartmann Sylvia , Hansmann Martin-Leo , Fehse Boris , von Laer Dorothee
Published: June 2008

Leukemia caused by retroviral insertional mutagenesis after stem cell gene transfer has been reported in several experimental animals and in patients treated for X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency. Here, we analyzed whether gene transfer into mature T cells bears the same genotoxic risk. To address this issue in an experimental “worst case scenario,” we transduced mature T cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells from C57BL/6 (Ly5.1) donor mice with high copy numbers of gamma retroviral vectors encoding the potent T-cell oncogenes LMO2, TCL1, or ΔTrkA, a constitutively active mutant of TrkA. After transplantation into RAG-1–deficient recipients (Ly5.2), animals that received stem cell transplants developed T-cell lymphoma/leukemia for all investigated oncogenes with a characteristic phenotype and after characteristic latency periods. Ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed monoclonality or oligoclonality of the malignancies. In striking contrast, none of the mice that received T-cell transplants transduced with the same vectors developed leukemia/lymphoma despite persistence of gene-modified cells. Thus, our data provide direct evidence that mature T cells are less prone to transformation than hematopoietic progenitor cells.
The influence of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on oxidative stress and nitric oxide synthesis in stimulated macrophages treated with a mustard gas analogue
Authors: Paromov Victor , Qui Min , Yang Hongsong , Smith Milton , Stone William L
Published: June 2008

Background

Sulphur mustard gas, 2, 2'-dichlorodiethyl sulphide (HD), is a chemical warfare agent. Both mustard gas and its monofunctional analogue, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulphide (CEES), are alkylating agents that react with and diminish cellular thiols and are highly toxic. Previously, we reported that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly enhances the cytotoxicity of CEES in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages and that CEES transiently inhibits nitric oxide (NO) production via suppression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) protein expression. NO generation is an important factor in wound healing. In this paper, we explored the hypotheses that LPS increases CEES toxicity by increasing oxidative stress and that treatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) would block LPS induced oxidative stress and protect against loss of NO production. NAC stimulates glutathione (GSH) synthesis and also acts directly as a free radical scavenger. The potential therapeutic use of the antibiotic, polymyxin B, was also evaluated since it binds to LPS and could thereby block the enhancement of CEES toxicity by LPS and also inhibit the secondary infections characteristic of HD/CEES wounds.

Results

We found that 10 mM NAC, when administered simultaneously or prior to treatment with 500 μM CEES, increased the viability of LPS stimulated macrophages. Surprisingly, NAC failed to protect LPS stimulated macrophages from CEES induced loss of NO production. Macrophages treated with both LPS and CEES show increased oxidative stress parameters (cellular thiol depletion and increased protein carbonyl levels). NAC effectively protected RAW 264.7 cells simultaneously treated with CEES and LPS from GSH loss and oxidative stress. Polymyxin B was found to partially block nitric oxide production and diminish CEES toxicity in LPS-treated macrophages.

Conclusion

The present study shows that oxidative stress is an important mechanism contributing to CEES toxicity in LPS stimulated macrophages and supports the notion that antioxidants could play a therapeutic role in preventing mustard gas toxicity. Although NAC reduced oxidative stress in LPS stimulated macrophages treated with CEES, it did not reverse CEES-induced loss of NO production. NAC and polymyxin B were found to help prevent CEES toxicity in LPS-treated macrophages.
Coupling amplified DNA from flow-sorted chromosomes to high-density SNP mapping in barley
Authors: Šimková Hana , Svensson Jan T , Condamine Pascal , Hřibová Eva , Suchánková Pavla , Bhat Prasanna R , Bartoš Jan , Šafář Jan , Close Timothy J , Doležel Jaroslav
Published: June 2008

Background

Flow cytometry facilitates sorting of single chromosomes and chromosome arms which can be used for targeted genome analysis. However, the recovery of microgram amounts of DNA needed for some assays requires sorting of millions of chromosomes which is laborious and time consuming. Yet, many genomic applications such as development of genetic maps or physical mapping do not require large DNA fragments. In such cases time-consuming de novo sorting can be minimized by utilizing whole-genome amplification.

Results

Here we report a protocol optimized in barley including amplification of DNA from only ten thousand chromosomes, which can be isolated in less than one hour. Flow-sorted chromosomes were treated with proteinase K and amplified using Phi29 multiple displacement amplification (MDA). Overnight amplification in a 20-microlitre reaction produced 3.7 – 5.7 micrograms DNA with a majority of products between 5 and 30 kb. To determine the purity of sorted fractions and potential amplification bias we used quantitative PCR for specific genes on each chromosome. To extend the analysis to a whole genome level we performed an oligonucleotide pool assay (OPA) for interrogation of 1524 loci, of which 1153 loci had known genetic map positions. Analysis of unamplified genomic DNA of barley cv. Akcent using this OPA resulted in 1426 markers with present calls. Comparison with three replicates of amplified genomic DNA revealed >99% concordance. DNA samples from amplified chromosome 1H and a fraction containing chromosomes 2H – 7H were examined. In addition to loci with known map positions, 349 loci with unknown map positions were included. Based on this analysis 40 new loci were mapped to 1H.

Conclusion

The results indicate a significant potential of using this approach for physical mapping. Moreover, the study showed that multiple displacement amplification of flow-sorted chromosomes is highly efficient and representative which considerably expands the potential of chromosome flow sorting in plant genomics.
Roles of ArabidopsisWRKY3 and WRKY4 Transcription Factors in Plant Responses to Pathogens
Authors: Lai Zhibing , Vinod KM , Zheng Zuyu , Fan Baofang , Chen Zhixiang
Published: June 2008

Background

Plant WRKY DNA-binding transcription factors are involved in plant responses to biotic and abiotic responses. It has been previously shown that Arabidopsis WRKY3 and WRKY4, which encode two structurally similar WRKY transcription factors, are induced by pathogen infection and salicylic acid (SA). However, the role of the two WRKY transcription factors in plant disease resistance has not been directly analyzed.

Results

Both WRKY3 and WRKY4 are nuclear-localized and specifically recognize the TTGACC W-box sequences in vitro. Expression of WRKY3 and WRKY4 was induced rapidly by stress conditions generated by liquid infiltration or spraying. Stress-induced expression of WRKY4 was further elevated by pathogen infection and SA treatment. To determine directly their role in plant disease resistance, we have isolated T-DNA insertion mutants and generated transgenic overexpression lines for WRKY3 and WRKY4. Both the loss-of-function mutants and transgenic overexpression lines were examined for responses to the biotrophic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae and the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. The wrky3 and wrky4 single and double mutants exhibited more severe disease symptoms and support higher fungal growth than wild-type plants after Botrytis infection. Although disruption of WRKY3 and WRKY4 did not have a major effect on plant response to P. syringae, overexpression of WRKY4 greatly enhanced plant susceptibility to the bacterial pathogen and suppressed pathogen-induced PR1 gene expression.

Conclusion

The nuclear localization and sequence-specific DNA-binding activity support that WRKY3 and WRKY4 function as transcription factors. Functional analysis based on T-DNA insertion mutants and transgenic overexpression lines indicates that WRKY3 and WRKY4 have a positive role in plant resistance to necrotrophic pathogens and WRKY4 has a negative effect on plant resistance to biotrophic pathogens.
Modified cell cycle status in a mouse model of altered neuronal vulnerability (slow Wallerian degeneration; Wld

s
)
Authors: Wishart Thomas M , Pemberton Helen N , James Sally R , McCabe Chris J , Gillingwater Thomas H
Published: June 2008

Background

Altered neuronal vulnerability underlies many diseases of the human nervous system, resulting in degeneration and loss of neurons. The neuroprotective slow Wallerian degeneration (Wld
s
) mutation delays degeneration in axonal and synaptic compartments of neurons following a wide range of traumatic and disease-inducing stimuli, providing a powerful experimental tool with which to investigate modulation of neuronal vulnerability. Although the mechanisms through which Wld
s
confers neuroprotection remain unclear, a diverse range of downstream modifications, incorporating several genes/pathways, have been implicated. These include the following: elevated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels associated with nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 1 (Nmnat1; a part of the chimeric Wld
s
gene); altered mRNA expression levels of genes such as pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (Pttg1); changes in the location/activity of the ubiquitin-proteasome machinery via binding to valosin-containing protein (VCP/p97); and modified synaptic expression of proteins such as ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1 (Ube1).

Results

Wld
s
expression in mouse cerebellum and HEK293 cells induced robust increases in a broad spectrum of cell cycle-related genes. Both NAD-dependent and Pttg1-dependent pathways were responsible for mediating different subsets of these alterations, also incorporating changes in VCP/p97 localization and Ube1 expression. Cell proliferation rates were not modified by Wld
s
, suggesting that later mitotic phases of the cell cycle remained unaltered. We also demonstrate that Wld
s
concurrently altered endogenous cell stress pathways.

Conclusion

We report a novel cellular phenotype in cells with altered neuronal vulnerability. We show that previous reports of diverse changes occurring downstream from Wld
s
expression converge upon modifications in cell cycle status. These data suggest a strong correlation between modified cell cycle pathways and altered vulnerability of axonal and synaptic compartments in postmitotic, terminally differentiated neurons.