bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time Series Adaptive Online Prediction Method Combined with Modified LS‐SVR and AGO
Authors: Yangming Guo , Lu Zhang , Xiaobin Cai , Congbao Ran , Zhengjun Zhai , Jiezhong Ma
Published: December 2012

Fault or health condition prediction of the complex systems has attracted more attention in recent years. The complex systems often show complex dynamic behavior and uncertainty, which makes it difficult to establish a precise physical model. Therefore, the time series of complex system is used to implement prediction in practice. Aiming at time series online prediction, we propose a new method to improve the prediction accuracy in this paper, which is based on the grey system theory and incremental learning algorithm. In this method, the accumulated generating operation (AGO) with the raw time series is taken to improve the data quality and regularity firstly; then the prediction is conducted by a modified LS‐SVR model, which simplifies the calculation process with incremental learning; finally, the inverse accumulated generating operation (IAGO) is performed to get the prediction results. The results of the prediction experiments indicate preliminarily that the proposed scheme is an effective prediction approach for its good prediction precision and less computing time. The method will be useful in actual application.
The Methylation Patterns of a Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 33 Gene (ADAM33) in Adult Asthma
Authors: Yang Pei-Jing , Li Ruei-Nian , Huang Chi-Chih , Wang Tung-Heng , Ko Ying-Chin , Huang Ming-Shyan , Wang Tsu-Nai
Published: December 2012

Background: Asthma is a common chronic inflammatory respiratory disease. Previous studies have suggested that the pathogenesis of asthma may be affected by epigenetic regulation. The purpose of this study is to characterize the effect of the methylation of each CpG site in the ADAM33 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 33) gene in adult asthma. Methods: A human CpG island microarray was used to examine 4 asthmatic cases and 4 healthy controls, and the results suggested that there might be differences in methylation within exon 9 of the ADAM33 gene. Therefore, we designed a case-control study with 50 asthmatic patients and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls to examine the relationship between the CpG methylation of the ADAM33 gene and asthma using bisulfite deoxyribonucleic acid modification and sequencing. Results: Bisulfite sequencing experiments showed that the 14 CpG sites in exon 9 of the ADAM33 gene were highly methylated (100%) in all individuals. The proportions of methylation of the 14 CpG sites in ADAM33 in the case group were not different from those of the control group. The methylation of exon 9 of this locus was not associated with age, sex, IgE levels, or lung function. This study found no association between the methylation of CpG sites in exon 9 of the ADAM33 gene and adult asthma. Conclusions: The 14 CpG sites were highly methylated in the case and control groups. Further investigation of exon 9 in ADAM33 in a larger population is needed to evaluate its role in asthma.
CD-Sens Can Be a Reliable and Easy-to-Use Complement in the Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Nopp A. , Cardell L.O. , Johansson S.G.O.
Published: December 2012

Background: A reproducible standard for a graded allergen response in allergic rhinitis is lacking. The aim was to evaluate basophil allergen threshold sensitivity, CD-sens, as a diagnostic complement to nasal allergen challenge. Methods: Twenty-six patients with a history of allergic rhinitis due to grass pollen were intranasally challenged and nasal symptom score and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) changes were determined after 15 min. A 20% decrease in PNIF or a symptom score ≥2 were considered a positive test. A blood sample for CD-sens was drawn before each challenge. Eighteen patients were tested twice. Results: CD-sens agreed with the positive or negative nasal symptom score in 22/26 and PNIF in 24/26 patients. After the second challenge, 14/18 patients had the same symptom, 17/18 the same PNIF, while all had identical CD-sens classification. Conclusion: CD-sens appears to be a reproducible test for diagnosis of allergic rhinitis with great advantages also for follow-up of disease development and treatment effects.
Inhibition of Intracellular Bacterial Replication in Fibroblasts Is Dependent on the Perforin-Like Protein (Perforin-2) Encoded by Macrophage-Expressed Gene 1
Authors: McCormack Ryan , de Armas Lesley R. , Shiratsuchi Motoaki , Ramos Jahir E. , Podack Eckhard R.
Published: December 2012

Fibroblasts are known to eliminate intracellular bacteria, but the lethal hit of the bactericidal mechanism has not been defined. We show that primary embryonic and established fibroblasts can be induced by interferons or by intracellular bacterial infection to express a perforin-like mRNA previously described as macrophage-expressed gene 1 (Mpeg1). The presence and level of the perforin-like mRNA correlate with the ability of primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) to eliminate intracellular bacteria. In addition, siRNA knockdown of the perforin-like molecule abolishes bactericidal activity and allows intracellular bacterial replication. Complementation of MEF in which the endogenous perforin-like molecule has been knocked down with a red fluorescent protein-tagged version restores bactericidal activity. The perforin-like molecule has broad bactericidal specificity for pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, including Gram-positive and -negative, and acid fast bacteria. The perforin-like molecule renders previously lysozyme-resistant bacteria sensitive to lysis by lysozyme suggesting physical damage of the outer cell wall by the perforin-like protein. MEF damage cell walls of intracellular bacteria by insertion, polymerization, and pore formation of the perforin-like protein, analogous to pore formers of complement and perforin-1 of cytolytic lymphocytes. We propose the name perforin-2.
Lack of Association between COMT Val158Met Polymorphism and Prostate Cancer Susceptibility
Authors: Zhang Hongtuan , Zhang Zhihong , Wu Jingsheng , Xu Yong , Cheng Ru , Li Li
Published: December 2012

Background: The relationship of prostate cancer (PCa) with the presence of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genetic polymorphism Val158Met (158G/A) has been reported with inconsistent results. The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the association between Val158Met polymorphism and PCa susceptibility. Methods: Two investigators independently searched Medline and the Cochrane Library up to July 18, 2012. Pooled odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated using a fixed or random-effects model. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manage 5.0 and Stata 11. Results: Of the 7 case-control studies selected for this meta-analysis, a total of 2,292 PCa cases and 2,485 controls were included. The combined results based on all studies suggested that Val158Met was not associated with PCa risk under all genetic models. When stratifying for race, no noteworthy associations were observed in Asians or Caucasians. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that COMT Val158Met polymorphism might not be a risk factor for PCa risk. However, further well-designed studies are required to confirm our findings.
Renal Sympathetic Denervation for Treatment of Drug-Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Esler Murray D. , Krum Henry , Schlaich Markus , Schmieder Roland E. , Böhm Michael , Sobotka Paul A.
Published: December 2012

Background—

Renal sympathetic nerve activation contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension. Symplicity HTN-2, a multicenter, randomized trial, demonstrated that catheter-based renal denervation produced significant blood pressure lowering in treatment-resistant patients at 6 months after the procedure compared with control, medication-only patients. Longer-term follow-up, including 6-month crossover results, is now presented.

Methods and Results—

Eligible patients were on ≥3 antihypertensive drugs and had a baseline systolic blood pressure ≥160 mm Hg (≥150 mm Hg for type 2 diabetics). After the 6-month primary end point was met, renal denervation in control patients was permitted. One-year results on patients randomized to immediate renal denervation (n=47) and 6-month postprocedure results for crossover patients are presented. At 12 months after the procedure, the mean fall in office systolic blood pressure in the initial renal denervation group (−28.1 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, −35.4 to −20.7;
P
<0.001) was similar to the 6-month fall (−31.7 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval, −38.3 to −25.0;
P
=0.16 versus 6-month change). The mean systolic blood pressure of the crossover group 6 months after the procedure was significantly lowered (from 190.0±19.6 to 166.3±24.7 mm Hg; change, −23.7±27.5;
P
<0.001). In the crossover group, there was 1 renal artery dissection during guide catheter insertion, before denervation, corrected by renal artery stenting, and 1 hypotensive episode, which resolved with medication adjustment.

Conclusions—

Control patients who crossed over to renal denervation with the Symplicity system had a significant drop in blood pressure similar to that observed in patients receiving immediate denervation. Renal denervation provides safe and sustained reduction of blood pressure to 1 year.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00888433.
Cirrus Cloud Properties and the Large-Scale Meteorological Environment: Relationships Derived from A-Train and NCEP–NCAR Reanalysis Data
Authors: Berry Elizabeth , Mace Gerald G.
Published: December 2012

Empirical knowledge of how cirrus cloud properties are coupled with the large-scale meteorological environment is a prerequisite for understanding the role of microphysical processes in the life cycle of cirrus cloud systems. Using active and passive remote sensing data from the A-Train, relationships between cirrus cloud properties and the large-scale dynamics are examined. Mesoscale cirrus events from along the A-Train track from 1 yr of data are sorted on the basis of vertical distributions of radar reflectivity and on large-scale meteorological parameters derived from the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis using a K-means cluster-analysis algorithm. With these defined regimes, the authors examine two questions: Given a cirrus cloud type defined by cloud properties, what are the large-scale dynamics? Vice versa, what cirrus cloud properties tend to emerge from large-scale dynamics regimes that tend to form cirrus? From the answers to these questions, the links between the large-scale dynamics regimes and the genre of cirrus that evolve within these regimes are identified. It is found that, to a considerable extent, the large-scale environment determines the bulk cirrus properties and that, within the dynamics regimes, cirrus cloud systems tend to evolve through life cycles, the details of which are not necessarily explained by the large-scale motions alone. These results suggest that, while simple relationships may be used to parameterize the gross properties of cirrus, more sophisticated parameterizations are required for representing the detailed structure and radiative feedbacks of these clouds.
Modulation of the Diurnal Cycle of Warm-Season Precipitation by Short-Wave Troughs
Authors: Tuttle John D. , Davis Chris A.
Published: December 2012

Traveling deep tropospheric disturbances of wavelengths ~1500 km (short waves) have long been known to play an important role in the initiation and maintenance of warm-season convection. To date, relatively few studies have formally documented the climatology of short waves and their relationship to the diurnal heating cycle, the topography, and the diurnal cycle of precipitation. Those that did had to rely on low-resolution global analyses and often could not track short waves across mountain barriers. In this study, 10 yr of the (32 km) NCEP North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) are used to objectively identify and track short waves in the North American domain. Statistics of short-wave span, duration, phase speed, latitudinal extent, and locations of preferred intensification/decay are presented. Some of the key findings from the climatology include that the lee (windward) of mountain barriers are preferred regions of intensification (decay) and short waves show little evidence of a diurnal cycle and can pass a given point at any time of the day. The second part of the study focuses on the role that short waves play in modulating the diurnal cycle of propagating convection east of the Rocky Mountains. Depending on the timing of short-wave passage, short waves may either significantly enhance the precipitation above the mean or completely disrupt the normal diurnal cycle, causing precipitation to develop at times and locations where it normally does not. While short waves play an important role in modulating the mean precipitation patterns their role is considered to be secondary in nature. The diurnal precipitation signature is prominent even when short waves are not present.
Diurnal Cycle of Summer Precipitation over Subtropical East Asia in CAM5
Authors: Yuan Weihua , Yu Rucong , Zhang Minghua , Lin Wuyin , Li Jian , Fu Yunfei
Published: December 2012

The simulations of summertime diurnal cycle of precipitation and low-level winds by the Community Atmosphere Model, version 5, are evaluated over subtropical East Asia. The evaluation reveals the physical cause of the observed diurnal rainfall variation in East Asia and points to the source of model strengths and weaknesses. Two model versions with horizontal resolutions of 2.8° and 0.5° are used.

The models can reproduce the diurnal phase of large-scale winds over East Asia, with an enhanced low-level southwesterly in early morning. Correspondingly, models successfully simulated the diurnal variation of stratiform rainfall with a maximum in early morning. However, the simulated convective rainfall occurs at local noontime, earlier than observations and with larger amplitude (normalized by the daily mean). As a result, models simulated a weaker diurnal cycle in total rainfall over the western plain of China due to an out-of-phase cancellation between convective and stratiform rainfalls and a noontime maximum of total rainfall over the eastern plain of China. Over the East China Sea, models simulated the early-morning maximum of convective precipitation and, together with the correct phase of the stratiform rainfall, they captured the diurnal cycle of total precipitation. The superposition of the stratiform and convective rainfalls also explains the observed diurnal cycle in total rainfall in East Asia. Relative to the coarse-resolution model, the high-resolution model simulated slight improvement in diurnal rainfall amplitudes, due to the larger amplitude of stratiform rainfall. The two models, however, suffer from the same major biases in rainfall diurnal cycles due to the convection parameterization.
The Importance of the Montreal Protocol in Protecting Earth’s Hydroclimate
Authors: Wu Yutian , Polvani Lorenzo M. , Seager Richard
Published: December 2012

The 1987 Montreal Protocol regulating emissions of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) was motivated primarily by the harm to human health and ecosystems arising from increased exposure to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation associated with depletion of the ozone layer. It is now known that the Montreal Protocol has helped reduce radiative forcing of the climate system since CFCs are greenhouse gases (GHGs), and that ozone depletion (which is now on the verge of reversing) has been the dominant driver of atmospheric circulation changes in the Southern Hemisphere in the last half century.

This paper demonstrates that the Montreal Protocol also significantly protects Earth’s hydroclimate. Using the Community Atmospheric Model, version 3 (CAM3), coupled to a simple mixed layer ocean, it is shown that in the “world avoided” (i.e., with CFC emissions not regulated), the subtropical dry zones would be substantially drier, and the middle- and high-latitude regions considerably wetter in the coming decade (2020–29) than in a world without ozone depletion. Surprisingly, these changes are very similar, in both pattern and magnitude, to those caused by projected increases in GHG concentrations over the same period. It is further shown that, by dynamical and thermodynamical mechanisms, both the stratospheric ozone depletion and increased CFCs contribute to these changes. The results herein imply that, as a consequence of the Montreal Protocol, changes in the hydrological cycle in the coming decade will be only half as strong as what they otherwise would be.
Subantarctic Mode Water Formation, Destruction, and Export in the Eddy-Permitting Southern Ocean State Estimate
Authors: Cerovečki Ivana , Talley Lynne D. , Mazloff Matthew R. , Maze Guillaume
Published: December 2012

Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW) is examined using the data-assimilating, eddy-permitting Southern Ocean State Estimate, for 2005 and 2006. Surface formation due to air–sea buoyancy flux is estimated using Walin analysis, and diapycnal mixing is diagnosed as the difference between surface formation and transport across 30°S, accounting for volume change with time. Water in the density range 26.5 < σθ < 27.1 kg m−3 that includes SAMW is exported northward in all three ocean sectors, with a net transport of (18.2, 17.1) Sv (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1; for years 2005, 2006); air–sea buoyancy fluxes form (13.2, 6.8) Sv, diapycnal mixing removes (−14.5, −12.6) Sv, and there is a volume loss of (−19.3, −22.9) Sv mostly occurring in the strongest SAMW formation locations. The most vigorous SAMW formation is in the Indian Ocean by air–sea buoyancy flux (9.4, 10.9) Sv, where it is partially destroyed by diapycnal mixing (−6.6, −3.1) Sv. There is strong export to the Pacific, where SAMW is destroyed both by air–sea buoyancy flux (−1.1, −4.6) Sv and diapycnal mixing (−5.6, −8.4) Sv. In the South Atlantic, SAMW is formed by air–sea buoyancy flux (5.0, 0.5) Sv and is destroyed by diapycnal mixing (−2.3, −1.1) Sv. Peaks in air–sea flux formation occur at the Southeast Indian and Southeast Pacific SAMWs (SEISAMWs, SEPSAMWs) densities. Formation over the broad SAMW circumpolar outcrop windows is largely from denser water, driven by differential freshwater gain, augmented or decreased by heating or cooling. In the SEISAMW and SEPSAMW source regions, however, formation is from lighter water, driven by differential heat loss.
Vertical Eddy Fluxes in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Zika Jan D. , Le Sommer Julien , Dufour Carolina O. , Molines Jean-Marc , Barnier Bernard , Brasseur Pierre , Dussin Raphaël , Penduff Thierry , Iudicone Daniele , Lenton Andrew , Madec Gurvan , Mathiot Pierre , Orr James , Shuckburgh Emily , Vivier Frederic
Published: December 2012

The overturning circulation of the Southern Ocean has been investigated using eddying coupled ocean–sea ice models. The circulation is diagnosed in both density–latitude coordinates and in depth–density coordinates. Depth–density coordinates follow streamlines where the Antarctic Circumpolar Current is equivalent barotropic, capture the descent of Antarctic Bottom Water, follow density outcrops at the surface, and can be interpreted energetically. In density–latitude coordinates, wind-driven northward transport of light water and southward transport of dense water are compensated by standing meanders and to a lesser degree by transient eddies, consistent with previous results. In depth–density coordinates, however, wind-driven upwelling of dense water and downwelling of light water are compensated more strongly by transient eddy fluxes than fluxes because of standing meanders. Model realizations are discussed where the wind pattern of the southern annular mode is amplified. In density–latitude coordinates, meridional fluxes because of transient eddies can increase to counter changes in Ekman transport and decrease in response to changes in the standing meanders. In depth–density coordinates, vertical fluxes because of transient eddies directly counter changes in Ekman pumping.
The Impact of Small-Scale Topography on the Dynamical Balance of the Ocean
Authors: Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Nurser A. J. George , Scott Robert B. , Goff John A.
Published: December 2012

The impact of small-scale topography on the ocean’s dynamical balance is investigated by quantifying the rates at which internal wave drag extracts (angular) momentum and vorticity from the general circulation. The calculation exploits the recent advent of two near-global descriptions of topographic roughness on horizontal scales on the order of 1–10 km, which play a central role in the generation of internal lee waves by geostrophic flows impinging on topography and have been hitherto unresolved by bathymetric datasets and ocean general circulation models alike. It is found that, while internal wave drag is a minor contributor to the ocean’s dynamical balance over much of the globe, it is a significant player in the dynamics of extensive areas of the ocean, most notably the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and several regions of enhanced small-scale topographic variance in the equatorial and Southern Hemisphere oceans. There, the contribution of internal wave drag to the ocean’s (angular) momentum and vorticity balances is generally on the order of ten to a few tens of percent of the dominant source and sink terms in each dynamical budget, which are respectively associated with wind forcing and form drag by topography with horizontal scales from 500 to 1000 km. It is thus suggested that the representation of internal wave drag in general circulation models may lead to significant changes in the deep ocean circulation of those regions. A theoretical scaling is derived that captures the basic dependence of internal wave drag on topographic roughness and near-bottom flow speed for most oceanographically relevant regimes.
The Design and Development of an Irish Sea Passenger-Ferry-Based Oceanographic Measurement System
Authors: Balfour C. A. , Howarth M. J. , Jones D. S. , Doyle T.
Published: December 2012

An evolving coastal observatory has been hosted by the National Oceanography Centre at Liverpool, United Kingdom, for more than nine years. Within this observatory an instrumented ferry system has been developed and operated to provide near-surface scientific measurements of the Irish Sea. Passenger vessels such as ferries have the potential to be used as cost-effective platforms for gathering high-resolution regular measurements of the properties of near-surface water along their routes. They are able to operate on an almost year-round basis, and they usually have a high tolerance to adverse weather conditions. Examples of the application of instrumented ferry systems include environmental monitoring, the generation of long-term measurement time series, the provision of information for predictive model validation, and data for model assimilation purposes.

This paper discusses the development of an engineering system installed on board an Irish Sea passenger ferry. Particular attention is paid to explaining the engineering development required to achieve a robust, automated measuring system that is suitable for long-term continuous operation. The ferry, operating daily between Birkenhead and Belfast or Dublin, United Kingdom, was instrumented between December 2003 and January 2011 when the route was closed. Measurements were recorded at a nominal interval of 100 m and real-time data were transmitted every 15 min. The quality of the data was assessed. The spatial and temporal variability of the temperature and salinity fields are investigated as the ferry crosses a variety of shelf sea and coastal water column types.
Learners Performing Tasks in a Japanese EFL Classroom: A Multimodal and Interpersonal Approach to Analysis
Authors: Stone Paul
Published: December 2012

In this paper I describe and analyse learner task-based interactions from a multimodal perspective with the aim of better understanding how learners’ interpersonal relationships might affect task performance. Task-based pedagogy is focused on classroom interaction between learners, yet analysis of tasks has often neglected the analysis of this interaction. The empirical studies that have occurred have mostly looked at the relationship between task-design and task-performance, ignoring other aspects of context, such as friendship groupings. Friendship groupings among learners are argued to impact upon classroom interaction and affect what we do as teachers and, as such, require attention. In the project reported on here I undertook a multimodal analysis of the interactions of one class of Japanese EFL learners, focusing in this paper on one particular learner performing a task in two different groups. The discussion suggests that his interpersonal relationships with the other learners do affect his task performance and success in engaging with the aims of the task.
A critical note on Aparecida and the future of the Catholic Church of Latin America
Authors: Hegy Pierre
Published: December 2012

The conclusions of the Fifth Conference of Bishops of Latin America meeting in Aparecida in 2007 are entitled ‘Disciples and Missionaries of Jesus Christ.’ When analyzed in the light of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the traditional doctrines of soteriology, the sacraments, ecclesiology, and authority in the Church are missing; they are also missing in the conclusions of the previous conferences of Latin American bishops and in the Second African Synod. The conference of Medellin of 1968 had inaugurated the see-judge-act methodology, but it is missing in Aparecida. Also missing is a strong emphasis on social justice and structural sin, which are central to liberation theology. However, missionary discipleship is not just an ideal in Latin America; it is practiced through the Holy Popular Mission of Brazil and small communities in Guatemala. Hence the Catholic Church of Latin America is heading in a new direction. In this way, it is an example of a Church-type structure with some features of the sect type.
The Meaning of Changing Expectations
Authors: Thomas Karen , Riggs Ross , Stothart Kim
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study guided by the humanbecoming school of thought was to explore the meaning of changing expectations with people who had experienced an unexpected cancellation of surgery. Twenty-seven participants described their experience of changing expectations through semi-structured interviews. Three themes emerged from the descriptions: disenchantment with uncertainty arises with acquiescence, skepticism with burdensome interruption surfaces with humiliation, and envisioning possible accommodations arises with reconciliation. The themes are described with examples from the participants, and discussed in light of humanbecoming, current knowledge, research, and practice.
The Present State of Presence in Technology
Authors: Condon Barbara Backer
Published: December 2012

Over the past several years, education in general and nursing education specifically has implemented a variety of technological formats in which to enhance the teaching-learning environment. As nursing students are exposed to more and more technology as a teaching platform, the question remains whether they are getting enough exposure to actual presence, since it is presence that is often recommended as a large part of nurse-person encounters. This column then explores the existence of presence in technology, while describing the surfacing of presence in several technological formats.
The Ethics of Research
Authors: Milton Constance L.
Published: December 2012

All healthcare disciplines acknowledge that research should be ethical. Formal research inquiry methods and processes are embedded with ethical concepts. For the nurse researcher, the significance of living an ethos of straight thinking is important for the expansion of disciplinary knowledge and fortifying the integrity of the discipline. Ethical notions surrounding the scientific merit, integrity, and the protection of human subjects are of paramount concern to the discipline as the never-ending quest to produce evidence for nurse practice is emphasized. Potential implications for the ethics of nursing research from a humanbecoming ethical perspective is explored.
Nursing as a Learning Discipline
Authors: Androwich Ida M.
Published: December 2012

The advent of the electronic health record and numerous mobile, wireless tools with the capacity to capture, store, and transmit prodigious amounts of data, both using and creating evidence-based content and analytics for clinical decision support, requires that all care providers rethink approaches to care delivery. The nursing profession is called to acutely appreciate and support the vision of documentation systems that provide optimal decision support at the point of care, represent nursing knowledge, and are also capable of capturing care delivery outcomes that can be used to inform future care and improve the health of the public.
Feminist Genealogical Methodologies
Authors: Keary Anne
Published: December 2012

This paper describes the multi-methodological approach employed in a partial, situated, contingent and interpretive feminist political analysis of Catholic mothers and daughters. The study draws on a number of sources including transcripts of mother-daughter interviews, autobiographical anecdotes, photographs, music, icons of Catholicism and poetry. It is argued in this paper that a feminist multi-methodological approach is valuable to feminist research as it disrupts the linear and logocentric construct of traditional social science research. Moreover, a multi-methodological and multi-sourced approach opens up sites so that the mothers and daughters in this study could be positioned within specific histories and contexts, and provided with a space so that as women they could reconstruct themselves as self-referential subjects.
The Disputed Charity of Catholic Nuns: Dualistic Spiritual Heritage as a Source of Affliction
Authors: van Heijst Annelies
Published: December 2012

In several European countries former pupils of Catholic nuns have made accusations of physical and emotional abuse. Feminist scholars have tended to perceive nuns as heroines because of their authority and their contribution to raising the social status of women. But there is also a darker side to convent education. Committees established by national governments have identified systemic factors leading to abuse in educational institutions. This article argues that these factors should include a feminist theological explanation: a dualistic, sacrificial spirituality underpinned the Rules of charitable orders and influenced the nuns’ blurred understanding of what constitutes humane treatment. Supporting evidence is drawn from testimonies of privileged pupils of convent boarding schools in the 1910s, from stories of ex-nuns who fled the convent, and from nuns who openly acknowledged the problem during Post Vatican II renewal when at last they were able to revolt against their spiritual value-systems.
Pax4 is not essential for beta-cell differentiation in zebrafish embryos but modulates alpha-cell generation by repressing arx gene expression
Authors: Djiotsa Joachim , Verbruggen Vincianne , Giacomotto Jean , Ishibashi Minaka , Manning Elisabeth , Rinkwitz Silke , Manfroid Isabelle , L Voz Marianne , Peers Bernard
Published: December 2012

Background

Genetic studies in mouse have demonstrated the crucial function of PAX4 in pancreatic cell differentiation. This transcription factor specifies β- and δ-cell fate at the expense of α-cell identity by repressingArxgene expression and ectopic expression of PAX4 in α-cells is sufficient to convert them into β-cells. Surprisingly, noPax4orthologous gene can be found in chicken and Xenopustropicalisraising the question of the function ofpax4gene in lower vertebrates such as in fish. In the present study, we have analyzed the expression and the function of the orthologouspax4gene in zebrafish.

Results

pax4gene is transiently expressed in the pancreas of zebrafish embryos and is mostly restricted to endocrine precursors as well as to some differentiating δ- and ε-cells but was not detected in differentiating β-cells.pax4knock-down in zebrafish embryos caused a significant increase in α-cells number while having no apparent effect on β- and δ-cell differentiation. This rise of α-cells is due to an up-regulation of the Arx transcription factor. Conversely, knock-down ofarxcaused to a complete loss of α-cells and a concomitant increase ofpax4expression but had no effect on the number of β- and δ-cells. In addition to the mutual repression between Arx and Pax4, these two transcription factors negatively regulate the transcription of their own gene. Interestingly, disruption ofpax4RNA splicing or ofarxRNA splicing by morpholinos targeting exon-intron junction sites caused a blockage of the altered transcripts in cell nuclei allowing an easy characterization of thearx- andpax4-deficient cells. Such analyses demonstrated thatarxknock-down in zebrafish does not lead to a switch of cell fate, as reported in mouse, but rather blocks the cells in their differentiation process towards α-cells.

Conclusions

In zebrafish,pax4is not required for the generation of the first β- and δ-cells deriving from the dorsal pancreatic bud, unlike its crucial role in the differentiation of these cell types in mouse. On the other hand, the mutual repression between Arx and Pax4 is observed in both mouse and zebrafish. These data suggests that the main original function of Pax4 during vertebrate evolution was to modulate the number of pancreatic α-cells and its role in β-cells differentiation appeared later in vertebrate evolution.
Genetic effects and correlations between production and fertility traits and their dependency on the lactation-stage in Holstein Friesians
Authors: Strucken Eva M , Bortfeldt Ralf H , Tetens Jens , Thaller Georg , Brockmann Gudrun A
Published: December 2012

Background

This study focused on the dynamics of genome-wide effects on five milk production and eight fertility traits as well as genetic correlations between the traits. For 2,405 Holstein Friesian bulls, estimated breeding values (EBVs) were used. The production traits were additionally assessed in 10-day intervals over the first 60 lactation days, as this stage is physiologically the most crucial time in milk production.

Results

SNPs significantly affecting the EBVs of the production traits could be separated into three groups according to the development of the size of allele effects over time: 1) increasing effects for all traits; 2) decreasing effects for all traits; and 3) increasing effects for all traits except fat yield. Most of the significant markers were found within 22 haplotypes spanning on average 135,338 bp. The DGAT1 region showed high density of significant markers, and thus, haplotype blocks. Further functional candidate genes are proposed for haplotype blocks of significant SNPs (KLHL8, SICLEC12, AGPAT6 and NID1). Negative genetic correlations were found between yield and fertility traits, whilst content traits showed positive correlations with some fertility traits. Genetic correlations became stronger with progressing lactation. When correlations were estimated within genotype classes, correlations were on average 0.1 units weaker between production and fertility traits when the yield increasing allele was present in the genotype.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into the expression of genetic effects during early lactation and suggests possible biological explanations for the presented time-dependent effects. Even though only three markers were found with effects on fertility, the direction of genetic correlations within genotype classes between production and fertility traits suggests that alleles increasing the milk production do not affect fertility in a more negative way compared to the decreasing allele.
Effects of crystalloids and colloids on liver and intestine microcirculation and function in cecal ligation and puncture induced septic rodents
Authors: Schick Martin Alexander , Isbary Jobst Tobias , Stueber Tanja , Brugger Juergen , Stumpner Jan , Schlegel Nicolas , Roewer Norbert , Eichelbroenner Otto , Wunder Christian
Published: December 2012

Background

Septic acute liver and intestinal failure is associated with a high mortality. We therefore investigated the influence of volume resuscitation with different crystalloid or colloid solutions on liver and intestine injury and microcirculation in septic rodents.

Methods

Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in 77 male rats. Animals were treated with different crystalloids (NaCl 0.9% (NaCl), Ringer’s acetate (RA)) or colloids (Gelafundin 4% (Gel), 6% HES 130/0.4 (HES)). After 24 h animals were re-anesthetized and intestinal (n = 6/group) and liver microcirculation (n = 6/group) were obtained using intravital microscopy, as well as macrohemodynamic parameters were measured. Blood assays and organs were harvested to determine organ function and injury.

Results

HES improved liver microcirculation, cardiac index and DO2-I, but significantly increased IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels and resulted in a mortality rate of 33%. Gel infused animals revealed significant reduction of liver and intestine microcirculation with severe side effects on coagulation (significantly increased PTT and INR, decreased haemoglobin and platelet count). Furthermore Gel showed severe hypoglycemia, acidosis and significantly increased ALT and IL-6 with a lethality of 29%. RA exhibited no derangements in liver microcirculation when compared to sham and HES. RA showed no intestinal microcirculation disturbance compared to sham, but significantly improved the number of intestinal capillaries with flow compared to HES. All RA treated animals survided and showed no severe side effects on coagulation, liver, macrohemodynamic or metabolic state.

Conclusions

Gelatine 4% revealed devastated hepatic and intestinal microcirculation and severe side effects in CLP induced septic rats, whereas the balanced crystalloid solution showed stabilization of macro- and microhemodynamics with improved survival. HES improved liver microcirculation, but exhibited significantly increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Crystalloid infusion revealed best results in mortality and microcirculation, when compared with colloid infusion.
Diagnostic aid to rule out pneumonia in adults with cough and feeling of fever. A validation study in the primary care setting
Authors: Held Ulrike , Steurer-Stey Claudia , Huber Felix , Dallafior Sergio , Steurer Johann
Published: December 2012

Background

We recently reported the derivation of a diagnostic aid to rule out pneumonia in adults presenting with new onset of cough or worsening of chronic cough and increased body temperature. The aim of the present investigation was to validate the diagnostic aid in a new sample of primary care patients.

Methods

From two group practices in Zurich, we included 110 patients with the main symptoms of cough and subjective feeling of increased body temperature, and C-reactive protein levels below 50 μg/ml, no dyspnea, and not daily feeling of increased body temperature since the onset of cough. We excluded patients who were prescribed antibiotics at their first consultation. Approximately two weeks after inclusion, practice assistants contacted the participants by phone and asked four questions regarding the course of their complaints. In particular, they asked whether a prescription of antibiotics or hospitalization had been necessary within the last two weeks.

Results

In 107 of 110 patients, pneumonia could be ruled out with a high degree of certainty, and no prescription of antibiotics was necessary. Three patients were prescribed antibiotics between the time of inclusion in the study and the phone interview two weeks later. Acute rhinosinusitis was diagnosed in one patient, and antibiotics were prescribed to the other two patients because their symptoms had worsened and their CRP levels increased. Use of the diagnostic aid could have missed these two possible cases of pneumonia. These observations correspond to a false negative rate of 1.8% (95% confidence interval: 0.50%-6.4%).

Conclusions

This diagnostic aid is helpful to rule out pneumonia in patients from a primary care setting. After further validation application of this aid in daily practice may help to reduce the prescription rate of unnecessary antibiotics in patients with respiratory tract infections.
Genotype-phenotype correlation in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
Authors: Michaelovsky Elena , Frisch Amos , Carmel Miri , Patya Miriam , Zarchi Omer , Green Tamar , Basel-Vanagaite Lina , Weizman Abraham , Gothelf Doron
Published: December 2012

Background

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is caused by hemizygous microdeletions on chromosome 22q11.2 with highly variable physical and neuropsychiatric manifestations. We explored the genotype-phenotype relationship in a relatively large 22q11.2DS cohort treated and monitored in our clinic using comprehensive clinical evaluation and detailed molecular characterization of the deletion.

Methods

Molecular analyses in 142 subjects with 22q11.2DS features were performed by FISH and MLPA methods. Participants underwent clinical assessment of physical symptoms and structured psychiatric and cognitive evaluation.

Results

Deletions were found in 110 individuals including one with an atypical nested distal deletion which was missed by the FISH test. Most subjects (88.2%) carried the 3Mb typically deleted region and 11.8% carried 4 types of deletions differing in size and location. No statistically significant genotype-phenotype correlations were found between deletion type and clinical data although some differences in hypocalcemia and cardiovascular anomalies were noted.

Analysis of the patient with the distal nested deletion suggested a redundancy of genes causing the physical and neuropsychiatric phenotype in 22q11.2DS and indicating that the psychiatric and cognitive trajectories may be governed by different genes.

Conclusions

MLPA is a useful and affordable molecular method combining accurate diagnosis and detailed deletion characterization. Variations in deletion type and clinical manifestations impede the detection of significant differences in samples of moderate size, but analysis of individuals with unique deletions may provide insight into the underlying biological mechanisms.

Future genotype-phenotype studies should involve large multicenter collaborations employing uniform clinical standards and high-resolution molecular methods.
Changes of empathy in medical college and medical school students: 1-year follow up study
Authors: Hong Minha , Lee Won Hye , Park Jae Hyun , Yoon Tai Young , Moon Duk Soo , Lee Sang Min , Bahn Geon Ho
Published: December 2012

Background

This study aims to determine the correlation between medical education systems, medical college (MC) and medical school (MS), and empathy by investigating the changes in empathy among students with each additional year of medical education.

Methods

The subjects were MC and MS students who had participated in the same study the previous year. All participants completed the same self-report instruments: a questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, and the Korean edition of the Student Version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE-S-K), Among 334 students, the final analysis was conducted on the data provided by 113 MC and 120 MS students, excluding 101 with incomplete data.

Results

The age and sex did not affect the changes in empathy. Though the JSE-S-K score of MS was significantly higher than that of MC in initial investigation, this study found no difference of empathy between MC and MS.

Conclusion

Empathy increased significantly after one year of medical education. The difference between two education systems, MC and MS, did not affect the changes in empathy.
Sustaining modified behaviours learnt in a diabetes prevention program in regional Australia: the role of social context
Authors: Walker Christine , Hernan Andrea , Reddy Prasuna , Dunbar James A
Published: December 2012

Background

The Greater Green Triangle diabetes prevention program was conducted in primary health care setting of Victoria and South Australia in 2004–2006. This program demonstrated significant reductions in diabetes risk factors which were largely sustained at 18 month follow-up. The theoretical model utilised in this program achieved its outcomes through improvements in coping self-efficacy and planning. Previous evaluations have concentrated on the behavioural components of the intervention. Other variables external to the main research design may have contributed to the success factors but have yet to be identified. The objective of this evaluation was to identify the extent to which participants in a diabetes prevention program sustained lifestyle changes several years after completing the program and to identify contextual factors that contributed to sustaining changes.

Methods

A qualitative evaluation was conducted. Five focus groups were held with people who had completed a diabetes prevention program, several years later to assess the degree to which they had sustained program strategies and to identify contributing factors.

Results

Participants value the recruitment strategy. Involvement in their own risk assessment was a strong motivator. Learning new skills gave participants a sense of empowerment. Receiving regular pathology reports was a means of self-assessment and a motivator to continue. Strong family and community support contributed to personal motivation and sustained practice.

Conclusions

Family and local community supports constitute the contextual variables reported to contribute to sustained motivation after the program was completed. Behaviour modification programs can incorporate strategies to ensure these factors are recognised and if necessary, strengthened at the local level.
A rapid and scalable density gradient purification method for Plasmodium sporozoites
Authors: Kennedy Mark , Fishbaugher Matthew E , Vaughan Ashley M , Patrapuvich Rapatbhorn , Boonhok Rachasak , Yimamnuaychok Narathatai , Rezakhani Nastaran , Metzger Peter , Ponpuak Marisa , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Kappe Stefan H , Hume Jen CC , Lindner Scott E
Published: December 2012

Background

Malaria remains a major human health problem, with no licensed vaccine currently available. Malaria infections initiate when infectious Plasmodium sporozoites are transmitted by Anopheline mosquitoes during their blood meal. Investigations of the malaria sporozoite are, therefore, of clear medical importance. However, sporozoites can only be produced in and isolated from mosquitoes, and their isolation results in large amounts of accompanying mosquito debris and contaminating microbes.

Methods

Here is described a discontinuous density gradient purification method for Plasmodium sporozoites that maintains parasite infectivity in vitro and in vivo and greatly reduces mosquito and microbial contaminants.

Results

This method provides clear advantages over previous approaches: it is rapid, requires no serum components, and can be scaled to purify >107 sporozoites with minimal operator involvement. Moreover, it can be effectively applied to both human (Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax) and rodent (Plasmodium yoelii) infective species with excellent recovery rates.

Conclusions

This novel method effectively purifies viable malaria sporozoites by greatly reducing contaminating mosquito debris and microbial burdens associated with parasite isolation. Large-scale preparations of purified sporozoites will allow for enhanced in vitro infections, proteomics, and biochemical characterizations. In conjunction with aseptic mosquito rearing techniques, this purification technique will also support production of live attenuated sporozoites for vaccination.