bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron Mobility and Longitudinal Diffusion Coefficient in High-Density Gaseous Xenon
Authors: Kusano Hiroki , Matias-Lopes José A. , Miyajima Mitsuhiro , Shibamura Eido , Hasebe Nobuyuki
Published: November 2012

Measurements of the mobility and longitudinal diffusion coefficient of electrons under external electric fields were performed in high-density gaseous xenon at room temperature. The xenon density and reduced electric field ranges were from 2.55 ×1020 to 1.73 ×1021 cm-3 and from 0.027 to 0.19 Td, respectively. The electron transport parameters of the density-normalized mobility, density-normalized longitudinal diffusion coefficient, and the ratio of the longitudinal diffusion coefficient to the mobility were found to increase with increasing density for reduced electric fields at around 0.04 Td. This result indicates the density-dependent variation of the effective momentum-transfer cross section for electron–atom scattering. It was also found that the density-dependent variations are different depending on the electron transport parameters, which can be attributed to the difference in parameter sensitivity to the momentum-transfer cross section.
Impact of Radio Frequency Powers on GaInN Film Growth by Magnetron Reactive Sputtering
Authors: Guo Qixin , Shi Wangzhou , Liu Feng , Nakao Tomoya , Saito Katsuhiko , Tanaka Tooru , Nishio Mitsuhiro
Published: November 2012

GaInN films were grown on (0001) sapphire substrates by RF magnetron reactive sputtering. It was demonstrated that the Ga composition in the GaInN films can be controlled by varying the ratio of the applied RF power of the indium target to that of the GaAs target. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the lattice constant of GaInN decreases linearly with the increase in Ga composition, obeying Vegard's law. Optical investigation showed that the band gap energy of the GaInN films can be tailored in a wide range.
Strong Unique Continuation for Solutions of ap(x)-Laplacian Problem
Authors: Cuadro Johnny , López Gabriel
Published: November 2012

We study the strong unique continuation property for solutions to the quasilinear elliptic equation-div(|∇u|p(x)-2∇u)+V(x)|u|p(x)-2u=0  in  ΩwhereV(x)∈LN/p(x)(Ω),Ωis a smooth bounded domain inℝN, and1<p(x)<NforxinΩ.
Autophagy Inhibition Enhances Apoptosis Induced by Dioscin in Huh7 Cells
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Ju , Yang Shun-Fa , Hsieh Yih-Shou , Chen Tzy-Yen , Chiou Hui-Ling
Published: November 2012

Extensive research results support the application of herbal medicine or natural food as an augment during therapy for various cancers. However, the effect of dioscin on tumor cells autophagy has not been clearly clarified. In this study, the unique effects of dioscin on autophagy of hepatoma cells were investigated. Results found that dioscin induced caspase-3- and -9-dependent cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation significantly abolished the dioscin-induced apoptosis. In addition, dioscin triggered cell autophagy in early stages. With autophagy inhibitors to hinder the autophagy process, dioscin-induced cell apoptosis was significantly enhanced. An inhibition of caspase activation did not affect the dioscin-induced LC3-II protein expression. Based on the results, we believed that while apoptosis was blocked, dioscin-induced autophagy process also diminished in Huh7 cells. In conclusion, this study indicates that dioscin causes autophagy in Huh7 cells and suggests that dioscin has a cytoprotective effect.
Design, Manufacturing, and Characterization of High‐Performance Lightweight Bipolar Plates Based on Carbon Nanotube‐Exfoliated Graphite Nanoplatelet Hybrid Nanocomposites
Authors: Kim Myungsoo , Kang Gu-Hyeok , Park Hyung Wook , Park Young-Bin , Park Yeon Ho , Yoon Kwan Han
Published: November 2012

We report a study on manufacturing and characterization of a platform material for high‐performance lightweight bipolar plates for fuel cells based on nanocomposites consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnPs). The experiments were designed and performed in three steps. In the preexperimental stage, xGnP‐epoxy composite samples were prepared at various xGnP weight percentages to determine the maximum processable nanofiller concentration. The main part of the experiment employed the statistics‐based design of experiments (DOE) methodology to identify improved processing conditions and CNT : xGnP ratio for minimized electrical resistivity. In the postexperimental stage, optimized combinations of material and processing parameters were investigated. With the aid of a reactive diluent, 20 wt.% was determined to the be maximum processable carbon nanomaterial content in the epoxy. The DOE analyses revealed that the CNT : xGnP ratio is the most dominant factor that governs the electrical properties, and its implications in relation to CNT‐xGnP interactions and microstructure are elucidated. In addition, samples fabricated near the optimized condition revealed that there exists an optimal CNT : xGnP ratio at which the electrical performance can be maximized. The electrical and mechanical properties of optimal samples suggest that CNT‐xGnP hybrid nanocomposites can serve as an alternative material platform for affordable, lightweight bipolar plates.
High-Speed Vessel Noises in West Hong Kong Waters and Their Contributions Relative to Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis)
Authors: Sims Paul Q. , Hung Samuel K. , Würsig Bernd
Published: November 2012

The waters of West Hong Kong are home to a population of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) that use a variety of sounds to communicate. This area is also dominated by intense vessel traffic that is believed to be behaviorally and acoustically disruptive to dolphins. While behavioral changes have been documented, acoustic disturbance has yet to be shown. We compared the relative sound contributions of various high-speed vessels to nearby ambient noise and dolphin social sounds. Ambient noise levels were also compared between areas of high and low traffic. We found large differences in sound pressure levels between high traffic and no traffic areas, suggesting that vessels are the main contributors to these discrepancies. Vessel sounds were well within the audible range of dolphins, with sounds from 315–45,000 Hz. Additionally, vessel sounds at distances ≥100 m exceeded those of dolphin sounds at closer distances. Our results reaffirm earlier studies that vessels have large sound contributions to dolphin habitats, and we suspect that they may be inducing masking effects of dolphin sounds at close distances. Further research on dolphin behavior and acoustics in relation to vessels is needed to clarify impacts.
On the Dynamics of the Recursive Sequence xn+1=α+xn−kp/xnq
Authors: Gümüş Mehmet , Öcalan Özkan , Felah Nilüfer B.
Published: November 2012

We investigate the boundedness character, the oscillatory, and the periodic character of positive solutions of the difference equation , where k ∈ {2,3…}, α,  p,   q ∈ (0, ∞) and the initial conditions x−k, …, x0 are arbitrary positive numbers. We investigate the boundedness character for p ∈ (0, ∞). Also, we investigate the existence of a prime two periodic solution for k is odd. Moreover, when k is even, we prove that there are no prime two periodic solutions of the equation above.
Clinicopathological Features of Meningioangiomatosis Associated with Meningioma: A Case Report with Literature Review
Authors: Cui Huajuan , Shi Huijuan , Chen Xiaodong , Wang Wei , Lai Riquan , Han Anjia
Published: November 2012

Aim. To analyze the clinicopathological features of meningioangiomatosis (MA) associated with meningioma.Methods. We present one case of MA associated with meningioma. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry were used.Results. The age of the patient was 33-year-old man. Histopathologically, MA was characterized by vascular proliferation with perivascular meningothelial cells and/or fibroblast proliferation, entrapped glial islands. In addition, MA was associated with transitional meningioma. The patient was alive without evidence of recurrence at 18 months after mass resection.Conclusion. MA associated with meningioma is an extremely rare lesion. The differential diagnosis includes cortical invasion by meningioma and intracerebral schwannoma. Patients with MA associated with meningioma often have a good prognosis after operation.
Explicit Formulas Involving q‐Euler Numbers and Polynomials
Authors: Araci Serkan , Acikgoz Mehmet , Seo Jong Jin
Published: November 2012

We deal with q‐Euler numbers and q‐Bernoulli numbers. We derive some interesting relations for q‐Euler numbers and polynomials by using their generating function and derivative operator. Also, we derive relations between the q‐Euler numbers and q‐Bernoulli numbers via the p‐adic q‐integral in the p‐adic integer ring.
Application of Bifurcation Method to the Generalized Zakharov Equations
Authors: Song Ming
Published: November 2012

We use the bifurcation method of dynamical systems to study the traveling wave solutions for the generalized Zakharov equations. A number of traveling wave solutions are obtained. Those solutions contain explicit periodic blow‐up wave solutions and solitary wave solutions.
Baseline Serum Cholesterol Is Associated with a Response to Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2b and Ribavirin Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 2
Authors: Taura Naota , Ichikawa Tatsuki , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Kadokawa Yoshiko , Tsutsumi Takuya , Tsuruta Shotaro , Kato Yuji , Inoue Osami , Kinoshita Noboru , Ohba Kazuo , Kato Hiroyuki , Ohata Kazuyuki , Masuda Junichi , Hamasaki Keisuke , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: November 2012

Background. HCV infection is associated with lipid disorders because this virus utilizes the host lipid metabolism to sustain its life cycle. Several studies have indicated that higher concentrations of serum cholesterol and LDL before treatment are important predictors of higher rates of sustained virological response (SVR). However, most of these studies involved patients infected with HCV genotype 1. Thus, we performed a multi-institutional clinical study to evaluate the impact of lipid profiles on SVR rates in patients with HCV genotype 2.Methods. A total of 100 chronic hepatitis C patients with HCV genotype 2 who received peg-IFN alfa-2b and ribavirin therapy were consecutively enrolled. The significance of age, sex, BMI, AST level, ALT level, WBC, hemoglobin, platelet count, gamma-glutamyltransferase, total cholesterol level (TC), LDL level, HCV RNA, and histological evaluation was examined for SVR using logistic regression analysis.Results. The 100 patients infected with HCV genotype 2 were divided into 2 groups, an SVR group and a non-SVR group. Characteristics of each group were subsequently compared. There was no significant difference in the level of HCV RNA, BMI, platelet, TG, or stage of fibrosis between the groups. However, there were significant differences in the levels of TC and LDL-C. In multivariate logistic regression analysis using baseline characteristics, high TC level was an independent and significant risk factor (relative risk 18.59,P=0.015) for SVR.Conclusion. Baseline serum total cholesterol levels should be considered when assessing the likelihood of sustained treatment response following the course of peg-IFN and ribavirin therapy in patients with chronic HCV genotype 2 infection.
Qualitative Behaviors of Functional Differential Equations of Third Order with Multiple Deviating Arguments
Authors: Tunç Cemil
Published: November 2012

This paper considers nonautonomous functional differential equations of the third order with multiple constant deviating arguments. Using the Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional approach, we find certain sufficient conditions for the solutions to be stable and bounded. We give an example to illustrate the theoretical analysis made in this work and to show the effectiveness of the method utilized here.
River Flow Lane Detection and Kalman Filtering-Based B-Spline Lane Tracking
Authors: Lim King Hann , Seng Kah Phooi , Ang Li-Minn
Published: November 2012

A novel lane detection technique using adaptive line segment and river flow method is proposed in this paper to estimate driving lane edges. A Kalman filtering-based B-spline tracking model is also presented to quickly predict lane boundaries in consecutive frames. Firstly, sky region and road shadows are removed by applying a regional dividing method and road region analysis, respectively. Next, the change of lane orientation is monitored in order to define an adaptive line segment separating the region into near and far fields. In the near field, a 1D Hough transform is used to approximate a pair of lane boundaries. Subsequently, river flow method is applied to obtain lane curvature in the far field. Once the lane boundaries are detected, a B-spline mathematical model is updated using a Kalman filter to continuously track the road edges. Simulation results show that the proposed lane detection and tracking method has good performance with low complexity.
Seabed Identification and Characterization Using Sonar
Authors: Manik Henry M.
Published: November 2012

Application of sonar technologies to bottom acoustics study has made significant advances over recent decades. The sonar systems evolved from the simple analog single-beam and single-frequency systems to more sophisticated digital ones. In this paper, a quantified sonar system was applied to detect and quantify the bottom echoes. The increasing of mean diameter is accompanied by a higher backscattering strength. From this study, identification and characterization using sonar is possible.
Chaos in a Magnetic Pendulum Subjected to Tilted Excitation and Parametric Damping
Authors: Kitio Kwuimy C. A. , Nataraj C. , Belhaq M.
Published: November 2012

The effect of tilted harmonic excitation and parametric damping on the chaotic dynamics in an asymmetric magnetic pendulum is investigated in this paper. The Melnikov method is used to derive a criterion for transition to nonperiodic motion in terms of the Gauss hypergeometric function. The regular and fractal shapes of the basin of attraction are used to validate the Melnikov predictions. In the absence of parametric damping, the results show that an increase of the tilt angle of the excitation causes the lower bound for chaotic domain to increase and produces a singularity at the vertical position of the excitation. It is also shown that the presence of parametric damping without a periodic fluctuation can enhance or suppress chaos while a parametric damping with a periodic fluctuation can increase the region of regular motions significantly.
Analysis of a HBV Model with Diffusion and Time Delay
Authors: Chan Chí Noé , ÁvilaVales Eric , García Almeida Gerardo
Published: November 2012

This paper discussed a hepatitis B virus infection with delay, spatial diffusion, and standard incidence function. The local stability of equilibrium is obtained via characteristic equations. By using comparison arguments, it is proved that if the basic reproduction number is less than unity, the infection‐free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. If the basic reproductive number is greater than unity, by means of an iteration technique, sufficiently conditions are obtained for the global asymptotic stability of the infected steady state. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate our findings.
Optimization and Implementation of Scaling-Free CORDIC-Based Direct Digital Frequency Synthesizer for Body Care Area Network Systems
Authors: Juang Ying-Shen , Ko Lu-Ting , Chen Jwu-E. , Sung Tze-Yun , Hsin Hsi-Chin
Published: November 2012

Coordinate rotation digital computer (CORDIC) is an efficient algorithm for computations of trigonometric functions. Scaling-free-CORDIC is one of the famous CORDIC implementations with advantages of speed and area. In this paper, a novel direct digital frequency synthesizer (DDFS) based on scaling-free CORDIC is presented. The proposed multiplier-less architecture with small ROM and pipeline data path has advantages of high data rate, high precision, high performance, and less hardware cost. The design procedure with performance and hardware analysis for optimization has also been given. It is verified by Matlab simulations and then implemented with field programmable gate array (FPGA) by Verilog. The spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) is over 86.85 dBc, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is more than 81.12 dB. The scaling-free CORDIC-based architecture is suitable for VLSI implementations for the DDFS applications in terms of hardware cost, power consumption, SNR, and SFDR. The proposed DDFS is very suitable for medical instruments and body care area network systems.
Keratinocytes under Fire of Proinflammatory Cytokines: Bona Fide Innate Immune Cells Involved in the Physiopathology of Chronic Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Authors: Bernard François-Xavier , Morel Franck , Camus Magalie , Pedretti Nathalie , Barrault Christine , Garnier Julien , Lecron Jean-Claude
Published: November 2012

Cutaneous homeostasis and defenses are maintained by permanent cross-talk among particular epidermal keratinocytes and immune cells residing or recruited in the skin, through the production of cytokines. If required, a coordinated inflammatory response is triggered, relayed by specific cytokines. Due to numerous reasons, troubles in the resolution of this phenomenon could generate a cytokine-mediated vicious circle, promoting skin chronic inflammation, the most common being atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. In this paper, we discuss the biological effects of cytokine on keratinocytes, more particularly on specific or shared cytokines involved in atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. We report and discuss monolayer or 3D in vitro models of keratinocytes stimulated by specific sets of cytokines to mimic atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. IL-22, TNFa, IL-4, and IL-13 combination is able to mimic an “atopic dermatitis like” state. In psoriasis lesions, over expression of IL-17 is observed whereas IL-4 and IL-13 were not detected; the replacement of IL-4 and IL-13 by IL-17 from this mix is able to mimic in vitro a “psoriasis like” status on keratinocytes. We conclude that specific cytokine environment deregulation plays a central role on skin morphology and innate immunity, moving towards specific pathologies and opening the way to new therapeutic strategies.
Surface Modification of LiMn2O4 for Lithium Batteries by Nanostructured LiFePO4 Phosphate
Authors: Sadeghi B. , Sarraf-Mamoory R. , Shahverdi H. R.
Published: November 2012

LiMn2O4 spinel cathode materials have been successfully synthesized by solid‐state reaction. Surface of these particles was modified by nanostructured LiFePO4 via sol gel dip coating method. Synthesized products were characterized by thermally analyzed thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). The results of electrochemical tests showed that the charge/discharge capacities improved and charge retention of battery enhanced. This improved electrochemical performance is caused by LiFePO4 phosphate layer on surfaces of LiMn2O4 cathode particles.
Efficient Rank-Adaptive Least-Square Estimation and Multiple-Parameter Linear Regression Using Novel Dyadically Recursive Hermitian Matrix Inversion
Authors: Wu Hsiao-Chun , Chang Shih Yu , Le-Ngoc Tho , Wu Yiyan
Published: November 2012

Least-square estimation (LSE) and multiple-parameter linear regression (MLR) are the important estimation techniques for engineering and science, especially in the mobile communications and signal processing applications. The majority of computational complexity incurred in LSE and MLR arises from a Hermitian matrix inversion. In practice, the Yule-Walker equations are not valid, and hence the Levinson-Durbin algorithm cannot be employed for general LSE and MLR problems. Therefore, the most efficient Hermitian matrix inversion method is based on the Cholesky factorization. In this paper, we derive a new dyadic recursion algorithm for sequential rank-adaptive Hermitian matrix inversions. In addition, we provide the theoretical computational complexity analyses to compare our new dyadic recursion scheme and the conventional Cholesky factorization. We can design a variable model-order LSE (MLR) using this proposed dyadic recursion approach thereupon. Through our complexity analyses and the Monte Carlo simulations, we show that our new dyadic recursion algorithm is more efficient than the conventional Cholesky factorization for the sequential rank-adaptive LSE (MLR) and the associated variable model-order LSE (MLR) can seek the trade-off between the targeted estimation performance and the required computational complexity. Our proposed new scheme can benefit future portable and mobile signal processing or communications devices.
Assessment and Diagnosis of Musculoskeletal Shoulder Disorders over the Internet
Authors: Steele Leah , Lade Hannah , McKenzie Stephanie , Russell Trevor G.
Published: November 2012

Shoulder disorders are common, debilitating, and represent a considerable burden on society. As primary contact practitioners, physiotherapists play a large role in the management and rehabilitation of people with these conditions. For those living outside of urban areas, however, access to physiotherapy can be limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of using a telerehabilitation system to collect physical examination findings and correctly identify disorders of the shoulder. Twenty-two participants with 28 shoulder disorders were recruited and underwent a face-to-face physical examination and a remote telerehabilitation examination. Examination findings and diagnoses from the two modes of assessment were used to determine validity and reliability of the new method. Diagnostic agreement and agreement on individual findings between the two methods were found to be consistent with the reliability of conventional assessment methods. This study provides important preliminary findings on the validity and reliability of musculoskeletal examinations conducted via telerehabilitation.
Cardiac-Autonomic Imbalance and Baroreflex Dysfunction in the Renovascular Angiotensin-Dependent Hypertensive Mouse
Authors: Campagnaro Bianca P. , Gava Agata L. , Meyrelles Silvana S. , Vasquez Elisardo C.
Published: November 2012

Mouse models provide powerful tools for studying the mechanisms underlying the dysfunction of the autonomic reflex control of cardiovascular function and those involved in cardiovascular diseases. The established murine model of two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) angiotensin II-dependent hypertension represents a useful tool for studying the neural control of cardiovascular function. In this paper, we discuss the main contributions from our laboratory and others regarding cardiac-autonomic imbalance and baroreflex dysfunction. We show recent data from the angiotensin-dependent hypertensive mouse demonstrating DNA damage and oxidative stress using the comet assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Finally, we highlight the relationships between angiotensin and peripheral and central nervous system areas of cardiovascular control and oxidative stress in the 2K1C hypertensive mouse.
Optimization of Preparation of Activated Carbon from Ricinus communis Leaves by Microwave‐Assisted Zinc Chloride Chemical Activation: Competitive Adsorption of Ni2+ Ions from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Makeswari M. , Santhi T.
Published: November 2012

The preparation of activated carbon (AC) from Ricinus communis leaves was investigated in this paper. Orthogonal array experimental design method was used to optimize the preparation of AC using microwave assisted zinc chloride. Optimized parameters were radiation power of 100 W, radiation time of 8 min, concentration of zinc chloride of 30% by volume, and impregnation time of 24 h, respectively. The surface characteristics of the AC prepared under optimized conditions were examined by pHZPC, SEM‐EDAX, XRD, and FTIR. Competitive adsorption of Ni2+ ions on Ricinus communis leaves by microwave assisted zinc chloride chemical activation (ZLRC) present in binary and ternary mixture was compared with the single metal solution. The effects of the presence of one metal ion on the adsorption of the other metal ion were investigated. The experimental results indicated that the uptake capacity of one metal ion was reduced by the presence of the other metal ion. The extent of adsorption capacity of the binary and ternary metal ions tested on ZLRC was low (48–69%) as compared to single metal ions. Comparisons with the biosorption of Ni2+ ions by the biomass of ZLRC in the binary (48.98–68.41%‐~Ni‐Cu and 69.76–66.29%‐~Ni‐Cr) and ternary solution (67.32–57.07%‐~Ni–Cu and Cr) could lead to the conclusion that biosorption of Ni2+ ions was reduced by the influence of Cu2+ and Cr3+ ions. The equilibrium data of the adsorption was well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption process follows the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model.
Adsorption Behaviour of La(III) and Eu(III) Ions from Aqueous Solutions by Hydroxyapatite: Kinetic, Isotherm, and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Granados-Correa F. , Vilchis-Granados J. , Jiménez-Reyes M. , Quiroz-Granados L. A.
Published: November 2012

The hydroxyapatite was successfully synthesized, characterized, and used as an alternative low‐cost adsorbent material to study the adsorption behavior of La(III) and Eu(III) ions from nitrate aqueous solutions as a function of contact time, initial metal ion concentration, pH, and temperature by using a bath technique. The kinetic data correspond very well to the pseudo‐second‐order equation, and in both cases the uptake was affected by intraparticle diffusion. Isotherm adsorption data were well fitted by the Freundlich model equation with 1/n > 1, indicating a multilayer and cooperative‐type adsorption. Thermodynamic parameters for the adsorption systems were determinated at 293, 303, 313, and 323 K. These parameters show that adsorptions of La(III) and Eu(III) ions on hydroxyapatite are endothermic and spontaneous processes. The adsorption was found to follow the order Eu(III) > La(III) and is dependent on ion concentration, pH, and temperature.
Bypass Surgery with Psychological and Spiritual Support (the BY.PASS Study): Results of a Pragmatic Trial Based on Patients’ Preference
Authors: Rosendahl Jenny , Tigges-Limmer Katharina , Gummert Jan , Dziewas Ralf , Albes Johannes Maximilian , Strauss Bernhard
Published: November 2012

Background: Some general hospitals within the German health system provide supportive interventions, psychological as well as spiritual, to their patients. It remains to be proven if these interventions are effective when used in routine clinical practice. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of psychological and spiritual interventions on improving recovery following bypass surgery. Methods: The BY.PASS study is a pragmatic, patient preference trial (ISRCTN 07297983). Adult patients scheduled for elective coronary bypass surgery were enrolled. Patients were assigned to study conditions according to their personal preference: preference for psychological interventions, for spiritual interventions or for no intervention. Patients who were open for any kind of intervention were randomly assigned either to psychological or spiritual interventions. During a control period, patients were asked about their preference, but did not receive any interventions. Primary outcomes of the study were in-hospital morbidity and early mortality. Psychological measures served as secondary outcomes. Results: A total of 847 patients were enrolled. Patients of the control (n = 260) and the intervention group (n = 269) who explicitly wanted to have interventions were compared. No significant treatment effects either for morbidity (d = 0.08, 95% CI –0.09 to 0.25), or for mortality (OR = 1.81; 95% CI 0.50–6.57) could be found. A reduction of negative mood resulted from both interventions. Conclusions: Although the effects observed were small, the study can serve as a basis to discuss methodological as well as theoretical aspects of a pragmatic trial, based upon patients’ preferences.
Mood and the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Romans Sarah E. , Kreindler David , Asllani Eriola , Einstein Gillian , Laredo Sheila , Levitt Anthony , Morgan Kathryn , Petrovic Michele , Toner Brenda , Stewart Donna E.
Published: November 2012

Background: Premenstrual mood symptoms are considered common in women, but such prevailing attitudes are shaped by social expectations about gender, emotionality and hormonal influences. There are few prospective, community studies of women reporting mood data from all phases of the menstrual cycle (MC). We aimed (i) to analyze daily mood data over 6 months for MC phase cyclicity and (ii) to compare MC phase influences on a woman’s daily mood with that attributable to key alternate explanatory variables (physical health, perceived stress and social support). Method: A random sample of Canadian women aged 18–40 years collected mood and health data daily over 6 months, using telemetry, producing 395 complete MCs for analysis. Results: Only half the individual mood items showed any MC phase association; these links were either with the menses phase alone or the menses plus the premenstrual phase. With one exception, the association was not solely premenstrual. The menses-follicular-luteal MC division gave similar results. Less than 0.5% of the women’s individual periodogram records for each mood item showed MC entrainment. Physical health, perceived stress and social support were much stronger predictors of mood (p < 0.0001 in each case) than MC phase. Conclusions: The results of this study do not support the widespread idea of specific premenstrual dysphoria in women. Daily physical health status, perceived stress and social support explain daily mood better than MC phase.
Nutrient-Based Therapies for Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sylvia Louisa G. , Peters Amy T. , Deckersbach Thilo , Nierenberg Andrew A.
Published: November 2012

Background: Pharmacotherapy is the first line of treatment for bipolar disorder, but many patients continue to experience persistent subthreshold symptoms. Alternative adjunct treatments, including nutritional therapies, may have the potential to alleviate residual symptoms and improve the outcomes of standard pharmacotherapy. The aim of this paper is to critically review the current clinical evidence and mechanisms of action of nutrient-based therapies alone or in combination with commonly used pharmacotherapies for mania and bipolar depression. Methods: We conducted a Medline search for clinical trials conducted with humans, published in English from 1960 to 2012 using nutritional supplements such as n–3, chromium, inositol, choline, magnesium, folate and tryptophan alone or in combination with pharmacotherapies for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Results: Preliminary data yields conflicting but mainly positive evidence for the use of n–3 fatty acids and chromium in the treatment of bipolar depression. Limited evidence found that inositol may be helpful for bipolar depression, but larger sample sizes are needed. Preliminary randomized, controlled trials suggest that choline, magnesium, folate and tryptophan may be beneficial for reducing symptoms of mania. Conclusions: Given the potential public health impact of identifying adjunct treatments that improve psychiatric as well as physical health outcomes, nutritional treatments appear promising for the management of bipolar disorder but require further study.
Abdominal Wall Incision with or without Exteriorization of Bowel: Results from a Fetal Lamb Model for the Embryogenesis of Gastroschisis
Authors: Bergholz Robert , Krebs Thomas , Wenke Katharina , Boettcher Michael , Andreas Thomas , Tiemann Bastian , Jacobsen Birthe , Fahje Rebecca , Schmitz Carla , Roth Beate , Appl Birgit , Reinshagen Konrad , Hecher Kurt
Published: November 2012

Introduction: The embryogenesis of gastroschisis is not completely understood. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of a simple abdominal wall defect versus a defect including eviscerated intestine or omentum for the development of gastroschisis in a fetal lamb model. Material and Methods: At mid-gestation (day 77) an abdominal wall defect was fetoscopically created with three different approaches in 19 German blackhead sheep. The intestine was eviscerated in 7 fetuses (group 1). The peritoneum was incised and a patch of the omentum pulled through the incision in 5 fetuses (group 2). In 7 fetuses (group 3) the skin and rectus muscle were incised until the peritoneum was visible. In this group, no abdominal contents were exteriorized and the peritoneum was left intact. A second fetoscopic procedure was performed 21 days later, assessing the condition and extension of eviscerated bowel. The fetus was retrieved by Cesarean section on day 132 and evaluated. Results: The second fetoscopy acting as a control for the creation of gastroschisis demonstrated eviscerated and inflamed intestine in all 3 groups. The amount of eviscerated intestine did not appear to depend on the size of the defect nor on its duration. Discussion: It appears that a simple incision of the abdominal wall with intact peritoneum is sufficient for the development of gastroschisis in a fetal sheep model. This finding may improve the understanding of the etiology of gastroschisis.
Influence of Mechanical Forces as a Part of Nail Configuration
Authors: Sano Hitomi , Ichioka Shigeru
Published: November 2012

Background: Clinicians encounter pincer nails at a high incidence among bedridden cases who are free from weight bearing. The mechanical force transmitted by walking and loading may affect the nail configuration. This study was aimed at evaluating the influence of mechanical forces on the nail configuration. Methods: Study 1 was conducted on a sample size of 318 great toenails, with the subjects classified into the following 3 groups: healthy volunteers, participants who were bedridden for less than 3 months, and participants who were bedridden for more than 3 months. Study 2 was conducted in 12 subjects with unilateral loading. Assessments: The configuration of the great toenails, in terms of the curve index (defined as the nail height/nail width), was compared. Results: In study 1, the curve index increased significantly as the duration of the bedridden state became longer (17.5 ± 4.75, 28.9 ± 11.0, 36.4 ± 9.58, respectively). In study 2, the curve index on the nonloaded side was significantly higher than that on the loaded side (40.0 ± 8.63 vs. 27.0 ± 8.39). Conclusion: Our results suggest that mechanical forces may affect the nail configuration and be involved in the pathophysiology of nail deformities.
Polarimetric Signatures above the Melting Layer in Winter Storms: An Observational and Modeling Study
Authors: Andrić Jelena , Kumjian Matthew R. , Zrnić Dušan S. , Straka Jerry M. , Melnikov Valery M.
Published: November 2012

Polarimetric radar observations above the melting layer in winter storms reveal enhanced differential reflectivity ZDR and specific differential phase shift KDP, collocated with reduced copolar correlation coefficient ρhv; these signatures often appear as isolated “pockets.” High-resolution RHIs and vertical profiles of polarimetric variables were analyzed for a winter storm that occurred in Oklahoma on 27 January 2009, observed with the polarimetric Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) in Norman. The ZDR maximum and ρhv minimum are located within the temperature range between −10° and −15°C, whereas the KDP maximum is located just below the ZDR maximum. These signatures are coincident with reflectivity factor ZH that increases toward the ground. A simple kinematical, one-dimensional, two-moment bulk microphysical model is developed and coupled with electromagnetic scattering calculations to explain the nature of the observed polarimetric signature. The microphysics model includes nucleation, deposition, and aggregation and considers only ice-phase hydrometeors. Vertical profiles of the polarimetric radar variables (ZH, ZDR, KDP, and ρhv) were calculated using the output from the microphysical model. The base model run reproduces the general profile and magnitude of the observed ZH and ρhv and the correct shape (but not magnitude) of ZDR and KDP. Several sensitivity experiments were conducted to determine if the modeled signatures of all variables can match the observed ones. The model was incapable of matching both the observed magnitude and shape of all polarimetric variables, however. This implies that some processes not included in the model (such as secondary ice generation) are important in producing the signature.
The Role of Cloud Microphysics Parameterization in the Simulation of Mesoscale Convective System Clouds and Precipitation in the Tropical Western Pacific
Authors: Van Weverberg K. , Vogelmann A. M. , Lin W. , Luke E. P. , Cialella A. , Minnis P. , Khaiyer M. , Boer E. R. , Jensen M. P.
Published: November 2012

This paper presents a detailed analysis of convection-permitting cloud simulations, aimed at increasing the understanding of the role of parameterized cloud microphysics in the simulation of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in the tropical western Pacific (TWP). Simulations with three commonly used bulk microphysics parameterizations with varying complexity have been compared against satellite-retrieved cloud properties. An MCS identification and tracking algorithm was applied to the observations and the simulations to evaluate the number, spatial extent, and microphysical properties of individual cloud systems. Different from many previous studies, these individual cloud systems could be tracked over larger distances because of the large TWP domain studied.

The analysis demonstrates that the simulation of MCSs is very sensitive to the parameterization of microphysical processes. The most crucial element was found to be the fall velocity of frozen condensate. Differences in this fall velocity between the experiments were more related to differences in particle number concentrations than to fall speed parameterization. Microphysics schemes that exhibit slow sedimentation rates for ice aloft experience a larger buildup of condensate in the upper troposphere. This leads to more numerous and/or larger MCSs with larger anvils. Mean surface precipitation was found to be overestimated and insensitive to the microphysical schemes employed in this study. In terms of the investigated properties, the performances of complex two-moment schemes were not superior to the simpler one-moment schemes, since explicit prediction of number concentration does not necessarily improve processes such as ice nucleation, the aggregation of ice crystals into snowflakes, and their sedimentation characteristics.
A Cumulus Cloud Microphysics Parameterization for Cloud-Resolving Models
Authors: Kogan Yefim
Published: November 2012

A microphysical parameterization for shallow cumulus and boundary layer stratocumulus clouds has been developed. Similar to the Khairoutdinov and Kogan parameterization for stratocumulus clouds, the new parameterization is based on an explicit microphysical large-eddy simulation (LES) model as a data source and benchmark for comparison. The predictions of the bulk model using the new parameterization were tested in simulations of shallow cumulus and boundary layer stratocumulus clouds; in both cases the new parameterization matched the predictions of the explicit microphysics LES quite accurately. These results show the importance of the choice of the dataset in parameterization development and the need for it to be balanced by realistic dynamic conditions. The strong sensitivity to representation of rain evaporation is also demonstrated. Accurate formulation of this process, tuned for the case of cumulus convection, has substantially improved precision of rain production.
On the Use of Doppler Radar–Derived Wind Fields to Diagnose the Secondary Circulations of Tornadoes
Authors: Nolan David S.
Published: November 2012

A number of studies in recent years have used wind fields derived from portable Doppler radars in combination with the ground-based velocity track display (GBVTD) technique to diagnose the primary (tangential) and secondary (radial and vertical) circulations in tornadoes. These analyses indicate very strong vertical motions in the vortex core, in some cases with updrafts and downdrafts exceeding 100 m s−1. In addition, many of the analyses indicate strong radial outflow at low levels and in the vicinity of the low-level tangential wind maximum. This paper shows that strong outward motion at this location cannot be consistent with a tornado circulation that lasts more than a few minutes. In addition, using data from numerical simulations as truth, it is shown that using observed radial velocities to diagnose vertical velocities greatly overestimates the intensity of downward motion in the core for two reasons: neglect of the mass flux into the core through the swirling boundary layer, and the likely positive bias in low-level radial velocities due to the centrifuging of debris. Possible methods for accounting for these errors are briefly discussed.
Coarse Graining the Vorticity Equation in the ECMWF Integrated Forecasting System: The Search for Kinetic Energy Backscatter
Authors: Shutts G. J.
Published: November 2012

Stochastic kinetic energy backscatter parameterization schemes are now widely used in ensemble prediction systems to account for random error associated with excessive dissipation and unrepresented energy backscatter in numerical weather prediction models. This dissipation arises from numerical advection schemes and explicit diffusion terms and is also implicit in some parameterization schemes. In the absence of a backscatter theory applicable to the convective scale and mesoscale, current parameterization methods are based on simple heuristic models designed to scale the energy input in proportion to a suitable measure of net energy dissipation rate. Free parameters in the formulation of backscatter tend to be tuned for the optimal performance of ensemble prediction systems, yet other forms of uncertainty represented in these forecasting systems make that task harder. Results are presented here from a study that aims to characterize the form and magnitude of kinetic energy backscatter within a global spectral framework. This is achieved by comparing a high-resolution “truth” model with a spectrally truncated version of the model for which the effect of the missing scales of motion is to be gauged. Energy exchange between these omitted scales and the resolved scales of the truncated representation is computed for the dominant terms in the vorticity equation. It is found that although there is a nonlocal spectral energy flux to low wavenumbers due to the purely rotational part of the flow, it is much smaller than the dissipative effect associated with terms involving the divergent part of the flow. Biharmonic horizontal diffusion is found to contribute significantly as an energy sink across the entire wavenumber spectrum.
Anatomy of an Extreme Event
Authors: Hoerling Martin , Kumar Arun , Dole Randall , Nielsen-Gammon John W. , Eischeid Jon , Perlwitz Judith , Quan Xiao-Wei , Zhang Tao , Pegion Philip , Chen Mingyue
Published: November 2012

The record-setting 2011 Texas drought/heat wave is examined to identify physical processes, underlying causes, and predictability. October 2010–September 2011 was Texas’s driest 12-month period on record. While the summer 2011 heat wave magnitude (2.9°C above the 1981–2010 mean) was larger than the previous record, events of similar or larger magnitude appear in preindustrial control runs of climate models. The principal factor contributing to the heat wave magnitude was a severe rainfall deficit during antecedent and concurrent seasons related to anomalous sea surface temperatures (SSTs) that included a La Niña event. Virtually all the precipitation deficits appear to be due to natural variability. About 0.6°C warming relative to the 1981–2010 mean is estimated to be attributable to human-induced climate change, with warming observed mainly in the past decade. Quantitative attribution of the overall human-induced contribution since preindustrial times is complicated by the lack of a detected century-scale temperature trend over Texas. Multiple factors altered the probability of climate extremes over Texas in 2011. Observed SST conditions increased the frequency of severe rainfall deficit events from 9% to 34% relative to 1981–2010, while anthropogenic forcing did not appreciably alter their frequency. Human-induced climate change increased the probability of a new temperature record from 3% during the 1981–2010 reference period to 6% in 2011, while the 2011 SSTs increased the probability from 4% to 23%. Forecasts initialized in May 2011 demonstrate predictive skill in anticipating much of the SST-enhanced risk for an extreme summer drought/heat wave over Texas.
Southern Annular Mode Dynamics in Observations and Models. Part I: The Influence of Climatological Zonal Wind Biases in a Comprehensive GCM
Authors: Simpson Isla R. , Hitchcock Peter , Shepherd Theodore G. , Scinocca John F.
Published: November 2012

A common bias among global climate models (GCMs) is that they exhibit tropospheric southern annular mode (SAM) variability that is much too persistent in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) summertime. This is of concern for the ability to accurately predict future SH circulation changes, so it is important that it be understood and alleviated. In this two-part study, specifically targeted experiments with the Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model (CMAM) are used to improve understanding of the enhanced summertime SAM persistence. Given the ubiquity of this bias among comprehensive GCMs, it is likely that the results will be relevant for other climate models.

Here, in Part I, the influence of climatological circulation biases on SAM variability is assessed, with a particular focus on two common biases that could enhance summertime SAM persistence: the too-late breakdown of the Antarctic stratospheric vortex and the equatorward bias in the SH tropospheric midlatitude jet. Four simulations are used to investigate the role of each of these biases in CMAM. Nudging and bias correcting procedures are used to systematically remove zonal-mean stratospheric variability and/or remove climatological zonal wind biases. The SAM time-scale bias is not alleviated by improving either the timing of the stratospheric vortex breakdown or the climatological jet structure. Even in the absence of stratospheric variability and with an improved climatological circulation, the model time scales are biased long. This points toward a bias in internal tropospheric dynamics that is not caused by the tropospheric jet structure bias. The underlying cause of this is examined in more detail in Part II of this study.