bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A scale and aerosol aware stochastic convective parameterization for weather and air quality modeling
Authors: Grell G. A. , Freitas S. R.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. A convective parameterization is described and evaluated that may be used in high resolution non-hydrostatic mesoscale models as well as in modeling systems with unstructured varying grid resolutions and for convection aware simulations. This scheme is based on a stochastic approach originally implemented by Grell and Devenyi (2002). Two approaches are tested on resolutions ranging from 20 to 5 km. One approach is based on spreading subsidence to neighboring grid points, the other one on a recently introduced method by Arakawa et al. (2011). Results from model intercomparisons, as well as verification with observations indicate that both the spreading of the subsidence and Arakawa's approach work well for the highest resolution runs. Because of its simplicity and its capability for an automatic smooth transition as the resolution is increased, Arakawa's approach may be preferred. Additionally, interactions with aerosols have been implemented through a CCN dependent autoconversion of cloud water to rain as well as an aerosol dependent evaporation of cloud drops. Initial tests with this newly implemented aerosol approach show plausible results with a decrease in predicted precipitation in some areas, caused by the changed autoconversion mechanism. This change also causes a significant increase of cloud water and ice detrainment near the cloud tops. Some areas also experience an increase of precipitation, most likely caused by strengthened downdrafts.
Modeled global effects of airborne desert dust on air quality and premature mortality
Authors: Giannadaki D. , Pozzer A. , Lelieveld J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Fine particulate matter is one of the most important factors contributing to air pollution. Epidemiological studies have related increased levels of atmospheric particulate matter to premature human mortality caused by cardiopulmonary disease and lung cancer. However, a limited number of investigations have focused on the contribution of airborne desert dust particles. Here we assess the effects of dust particles with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 μm (DU2.5) on human mortality for the year 2005. We used the EMAC atmospheric chemistry general circulation model at high resolution to simulate global atmospheric dust concentrations. We applied a health impact function to estimate premature mortality for the global population of 30 yr and older, using parameters from epidemiological studies. We estimate a global cardiopulmonary mortality of about 402 thousand and about 10 thousand by lung cancer in 2005. The associated years of life lost are about 3.47 million and 96 thousand per year due to cardiopulmonary disease and lung cancer, respectively. We estimate the global fraction of the cardiopulmonary and lung cancer deaths caused by atmospheric desert dust to be about 1.7%, though in the 20 countries most affected by dust this is much higher, about 15–50%. These countries are primarily found in the so-called "dust belt" from North Africa across the Middle East and South Asia to East Asia.
A chemical analyzer for charged ultrafine particles
Authors: Gonser S. G. , Held A.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. New particle formation is a frequent phenomenon in the atmosphere and of major significance for the Earth's climate and human health. To date the mechanisms leading to the nucleation of particles as well as to aerosol growth are not completely understood. A lack of appropriate measurement equipment for online analysis of the chemical composition of freshly nucleated particles is one major limitation. We have developed a Chemical Analyzer for Charged Ultrafine Particles (CAChUP) capable of analyzing particles with diameters below 30 nm. A bulk of size-separated particles is collected electrostatically on a metal filament, resistively desorbed and subsequently analyzed for its molecular composition in a time of flight mass spectrometer. We report on technical details as well as characterization experiments performed with the CAChUP. Our instrument was tested in the laboratory for its detection performance as well as for its collection and desorption capabilities. The manual application of defined masses of camphene (C10H16) to the desorption filament resulted in a detection limit between 0.5 and 5 ng, and showed a linear response of the mass spectrometer. Flow tube experiments of 25 nm diameter secondary organic aerosol from ozonolysis of alpha-pinene also showed a linear relation between collection time and the mass spectrometer's signal intensity. The resulting mass spectra from the collection experiments are in good agreement with published work on particles generated by the ozonolysis of alpha-pinene. A sensitivity study shows that the current setup of CAChUP is ready for laboratory measurements and for the observation of new particle formation events in the field.
Magnetic field and dynamic pressure ULF fluctuations in coronal-mass-ejection-driven sheath regions
Authors: Kilpua E. K. J. , Hietala H. , Koskinen H. E. J. , Fontaine D. , Turc L.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Compressed sheath regions form ahead of interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) that are sufficiently faster than the preceding solar wind. The turbulent sheath regions are important drivers of magnetospheric activity, but due to their complex internal structure, relatively little is known on the distribution of the magnetic field and plasma variations in them. In this paper we investigate ultra low frequency (ULF) fluctuations in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and in dynamic pressure (Pdyn) using a superposed epoch analysis of 41 sheath regions observed during solar cycle 23. We find strongest fluctuation power near the shock and in the vicinity of the ICME leading edge. The IMF and Pdyn ULF power have different profiles within the sheath; the former is enhanced in the leading part of the sheath, while the latter is increased in the trailing part of the sheath. We also find that the ICME properties affect the level and distribution of the ULF power in sheath regions. For example, sheath regions associated with strong or fast ICMEs, or those that are crossed at intermediate distances from the center, have strongest ULF power and large variation in the power throughout the sheath region. The weaker or slower ICMEs, or those that are crossed centrally, have in general considerably weaker ULF power with relatively smooth profiles. The strong and abrupt decrease of the IMF ULF power at the ICME leading edge could be used to distinguish the ICME from the preceding sheath plasma.
Temporal and spatial variations of soil CO2, CH4 and N2O fluxes at three differently managed grasslands
Authors: Imer D. , Merbold L. , Eugster W. , Buchmann N.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. A profound understanding of temporal and spatial variabilities of soil carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere is needed to reliably quantify these fluxes and to develop future mitigation strategies. For managed grassland ecosystems, temporal and spatial variabilities of these three soil greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes occur due to changes in environmental drivers as well as fertilizer applications, harvests and grazing. To assess how such changes affect soil GHG fluxes at Swiss grassland sites, we studied three sites along an altitudinal gradient that corresponds to a management gradient: from 400 m a.s.l. (intensively managed) to 1000 m a.s.l. (moderately intensive managed) to 2000 m a.s.l. (extensively managed). The alpine grassland was included to study both effects of extensive management on CH4 and N2O fluxes and the different climate regime occurring at this altitude. Temporal and spatial variabilities of soil GHG fluxes and environmental drivers on various timescales were determined along transects of 16 static soil chambers at each site. All three grasslands were N2O sources, with mean annual soil fluxes ranging from 0.15 to 1.28 nmol m−2 s−1. Contrastingly, all sites were weak CH4 sinks, with soil uptake rates ranging from −0.56 to −0.15 nmol m−2 s−1. Mean annual soil and plant respiration losses of CO2, measured with opaque chambers, ranged from 5.2 to 6.5 μmol m−2 s−1. While the environmental drivers and their respective explanatory power for soil N2O emissions differed considerably among the three grasslands (adjusted r2 ranging from 0.19 to 0.42), CH4 and CO2 soil fluxes were much better constrained (adjusted r2 ranging from 0.46 to 0.80) by soil water content and air temperature, respectively. Throughout the year, spatial heterogeneity was particularly high for soil N2O and CH4 fluxes. We found permanent hot spots for soil N2O emissions as well as locations of permanently lower soil CH4 uptake rates at the extensively managed alpine site. Including hot spots was essential to obtain a representative mean soil flux for the respective ecosystem. At the intensively managed grassland, management effects clearly dominated over effects of environmental drivers on soil N2O fluxes. For CO2 and CH4, the importance of management effects did depend on the status of the vegetation (LAI).
Influence of management of variables, sampling zones and land units on LR analysis for landslide spatial prevision
Authors: Greco R. , Sorriso-Valvo M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Several authors, according to different methodological approaches, have employed logistic Regression (LR), a multivariate statistical analysis adopted to assess the spatial probability of landslide, even though its fundamental principles have remained unaltered. This study aims at assessing the influence of some of these methodological approaches on the performance of LR, through a series of sensitivity analyses developed over a test area of about 300 km2 in Calabria (southern Italy). In particular, four types of sampling (1 – the whole study area; 2 – transects running parallel to the general slope direction of the study area with a total surface of about 1/3 of the whole study area; 3 – buffers surrounding the phenomena with a 1/1 ratio between the stable and the unstable area; 4 – buffers surrounding the phenomena with a 1/2 ratio between the stable and the unstable area), two variable coding modes (1 – grouped variables; 2 – binary variables), and two types of elementary land (1 – cells units; 2 – slope units) units have been tested. The obtained results must be considered as statistically relevant in all cases (Aroc values > 70%), thus confirming the soundness of the LR analysis which maintains high predictive capacities notwithstanding the features of input data. As for the area under investigation, the best performing methodological choices are the following: (i) transects produced the best results (0 < P(y) ≤ 93.4%; Aroc = 79.5%); (ii) as for sampling modalities, binary variables (0 < P(y) ≤ 98.3%; Aroc = 80.7%) provide better performance than ordinated variables; (iii) as for the choice of elementary land units, slope units (0 < P(y) ≤ 100%; Aroc = 84.2%) have obtained better results than cells matrix.
Novel method for hurricane trajectory prediction based on data mining
Authors: Dong X. , Pi D. C.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. This paper describes a novel method for hurricane trajectory prediction based on data mining (HTPDM) according to the hurricane's motion characteristics. Firstly, all frequent trajectories in the historical hurricane trajectory database are mined by using association analysis technology and their corresponding association rules are generated as motion patterns. Then, the current hurricane trajectories are matched with the motion patterns for predicting. If no association rule is found for matching, a predicted result according to the hurricane current movement trend would be returned. All experiments are conducted with the Atlantic weather Hurricane/Tropical Data from 1900 to 2008. The experimental results show that if the matching failure part is contained, the prediction accuracy is 57.5%. Whereas, the valve would be to 65% provided all matches are successful.
Photographic Representation of Racialized Bodies
Authors: Ortega Mariana
Published: September 2013

This paper examines photographic representations of the racialized body, more specifically, photographic representation of Afro-Mexicans, a group that has been previously made invisible from Mexican national identity but that has reemerged as the “Third Root of Mexico.” The question guiding the discussion is whether such racialized bodies can be represented in such a way that does not perpetuate racist, colonialist desires and impulses. First, I analyze the indexical nature of photographs and its role in the indexicality of race. Second, I discuss the problematic representation of Afro-Mexicans in the series Tierra Negra (Black Earth), by contemporary Mexican photographer Maya Goded. Last, I examine photographic representations of racialized bodies in light of contemporary U.S African American–Latino relations.
Delayed massive hemorrhage due to external iliac artery pseudo-aneurysm and uretero-iliac artery fistula following robotic radical cystectomy and intracorporeal Studer pouch reconstruction: endovascular management of an unusual complication
Authors: Atmaca Ali Fuat , Canda Abdullah Erdem , Gumus Mehmet , Canyigit Murat , Asil Erem , Balbay Mevlana Derya
Published: September 2013

We report a very unusual complication of uretero-iliac artery fistula that developed following robotic radical cystectomy (RARC), bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection and intracorporeal Studer pouch reconstruction. Our patient was a 54-year-old male who was admitted 1 month after undergoing robotic surgery due to intermittently occurring massive transurethral bleeding necessitating blood transfusion that stopped by itself. Angiography showed a right external iliacartery pseudo-aneurysm and a fistula tract between the pseudo-aneurysm and Wallace type ureteral anostomosis that was successfully treated by an angiographic endovascular stent insertion at this level. Uretero-iliac artery fistula might occur following RARC, bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection and intracorporeal Studer pouch reconstruction leading to intermittently massive transurethral bleeding. Angiography and stenting are important for diagnosis and successful treatment of this rare entity.
A population based study of surgeon characteristics associated with the uptake of contemporary techniques in renal surgery
Authors: Yap Stanley A , Alibhai Shabbir M.H. , Margel David , Abouassaly Robert , Timilshina Narhari , Finelli Antonio
Published: September 2013

Introduction: We have witnessed the slow uptake of many contemporary techniques in the surgical management of renal tumours. We sought to evaluate surgeon-level characteristics associated with the uptake of laparoscopy, partial nephrectomy (PN) and adrenal-sparing approaches in surgically managing these tumours.Methods: Using the Ontario Cancer Registry, we identified surgeons treating renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the province of Ontario, Canada between 2002 and 2004. We then classified individuals within this cohort as either high or low utilizers of laparoscopy, PN or adrenal-sparing approaches. Further variables analyzed included academic status, surgeon graduation year and surgical volume status. We then used univariable and multivariable logistic regression models to assess predictors of uptake.Results: We evaluated a total of 108 surgeons for their uptake of both laparoscopy and adrenal-sparing approaches and 94 surgeonsfor their uptake of PN. We identified 32 surgeons (30%) as high users of laparoscopy. Predictors of uptake of laparoscopy included graduation year after 1990 (odds ratio [OR] 4.81, confidence interval [CI] 1.57-14.8) and high-surgeon volume (OR 4.33, CI1.60-10.4). We identified 41 surgeons (44%) as high users of PN. The only predictor of uptake of PN was academic status (OR 5.83,CI 1.96-17.3). We identified 69 surgeons (65%) as high users of adrenal-sparing approaches, but did not identify any significant predictors for uptake in this group.Discussion: We identify unique factors contributing to the uptake of distinct surgical techniques in the management of RCC. This information sheds lights on the underlying mechanisms and helps us understand how to further encourage the dissemination of these practices.
Needle biopsy size and pathological Gleason Score diagnosis: No evidence for a link
Authors: Cicione Antonio , Cantiello Francesco , De Nunzio Cosimo , Tubaro Andrea , Damiano Rocco
Published: September 2013

Background: Biopsy Gleason score (GS), in combination with other clinical parameters, is important to take a therapeutic decision for patients with diagnosis of localized prostate cancer. However, preoperative GS is often upgraded after a radical prostatectomy. Increasing the amount of tissue in prostate biopsy may be a way to avoid this issue. We evaluate the influence of a larger biopsy needle size on the concordance between biopsy and pathological GS.Methods: We analyzed paired biopsies and prostatectomy specimens from 104 cases of men with clinically localized prostate cancer. At the time of prostate biopsy, the patients were prospectively randomized into two needle groups (16-Gauge [G] and 18G) using a 1:1 ratio. GS concordance was estimated performing kappa statistic testing, overall concordance rate and risk to under grade biopsy GS=6. A logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the patients’ characteristics as possible risk factors.Results: The overall concordance between prostate biopsy and pathological GS was 76.9% and 75.6% (p = 0.875) and the k values were 0.821 and 0.811 (p = 0.424), respectively, for 16G and 18G needle study groups. The risk to undergrade a biopsy GS=6 was 21.1% and 15.4% (p = 0.709) using a 16G and 18G needle, respectively. Age, prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume and needle calibre were not independently associated with a higher risk of GS discordance.Conclusions: Needle size does not affect the concordance between biopsy and pathological GS. Although GS is not the only way to determine treatment, it is still an unresolved urological issue.
Management of pediatric penile keloid
Authors: Yong Michael , Afshar Kourosh , MacNeily Andrew , Arneja Jugpal S.
Published: September 2013

Keloids are abnormal scar tissue growths that extend beyond the original area of injury, occasionally occurring post-surgery. Risk factors for keloids include skin trauma, infection, prolonged wound healing and individuals of certain ethnicities. Keloid formation on the penis, however, is a rare occurrence even among circumcised males, and can produce both aesthetic and functional complications. We document the tenth patient in the literature, to our knowledge, to present with a keloid of the penis.
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour of the renal parenchyma presenting as a fast growing atypical renal cyst
Authors: Ouellet Simon , Doueik Alexandre , Sabbagh Robert
Published: September 2013

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNST) of the kidney are very rare, with only 3 cases reported in the English and French literature. However, we report the first case of fast growing atypical renal cyst where a magnetic resonance imaging was an interesting adjunct to the computed tomography scan in imaging this rare tumour.
Equity in Residential Electricity Pricing
Authors: Horowitz Shira , Lave Lester
Published: September 2013

Real-time pricing of electricity is theoretically more economically efficient than flat rate pricing. However, a switch from flat-rates to real-time rates means that many consumers will lose the cross-subsidy they are receiving under the flat rate, and may see an increase in their bills even if they have elastic demand. We use hourly load data from 1260 Commonwealth Edison residential customers on a standard flat rate electricity tariff from 2007 and 2008. We calculate which customers would have been better off and which customers would not under real time pricing with both elastic and inelastic demand and look at the general characteristics of these customers. We find that if customers do not respond to prices under RTP, then only 35% of customers save money, while the remainder loses.

The greatest potential for savings is from reduction in capacity costs.
Estimating the Impact of Time-of-Use Pricing on Irish Electricity Demand
Authors: Cosmo Valeria Di , Lyons Sean , Nolan Anne
Published: September 2013

Smart meters, in conjunction with time-of-use (TOU) pricing, can facilitate an improvement in energy efficiency by providing consumers with enhanced information about electricity consumption and costs, and thereby encourage a shift away from consumption during peak hours. In 2009-10, the Irish Commission for Energy Regulation co-ordinated a randomised controlled trial in the Irish residential electricity market. Smart meters were introduced in approximately 5,000 households, divided into control and treatment groups, with treatment groups exposed to a variety of TOU tariffs and information stimuli. This paper analyses the response of Irish households at different times of the day to the introduction of TOU tariffs and information stimuli. We find that these measures have a significant effect in reducing electricity consumption in Ireland, particularly during peak hours. However, while households reduce peak demand significantly after the introduction of TOU tariffs and associated information, there is little incremental response to increasing differentials between peak and off-peak prices.
Lithuanian Municipal Ethics Commissions against Corruption Outsets
Authors: Astrauskas Algirdas , Paulauskaite Dalia
Published: September 2013

Authors of this publication seek to discuss principles of forming and operating of Lithuanian municipal ethics commissions, legislation of their activities and effectiveness of their decision making. They also aim to disclose how such commissions operate in small local community environment where many individuals are related by ties of private interests as well as to find out if municipal ethics commissions are capable of recognising corruption outsets in local politicians’ activities and what is the experience in this field.
Le cas français ou les tensions sur l’instruction et la socialisation quand on passe d’un modèle éducatif, républicain, à un autre, d’inspiration néolibérale
Authors: Careil Yves
Published: September 2013

L’école républicaine « à la française » se donnait officiellement pour objectif de former le citoyen. Elle a connu de multiples réformes durant ces dernières décennies, et on perçoit mieux aujourd’hui sa transformation (d’ores et déjà bien avancée) en une école d’inspiration néolibérale visant la fabrication d’individus aptes à s’incorporer dans la machine économique. La façon dont l’école publique et laïque s’acquittait de ses missions principales se voit ainsi malmenée, ce qui se traduit par des zones de tension, tant au niveau idéologique que sur le terrain.
Les enseignants d’histoire et le programme d’Histoire et éducation à la citoyenneté : de la transmission de la mémoire à une citoyenneté « subjective » et ouverte
Authors: LeVasseur Louis , Moisan Sabrina , Cardin Jean-François
Published: September 2013

L’actuel programme d’« Histoire et éducation à la citoyenneté » pour le 2e cycle du secondaire, portant sur l’histoire du Québec, a suscité depuis 2006 de nombreux commentaires dans les milieux intellectuels en raison de son contenu. Certains affirment que la transmission des grands événements historiques qui structurent la mémoire collective ou nationale y est inexistante, d’autres soutiennent qu’il doit favoriser le développement des compétences critiques et citoyennes, donc, l’autonomie de l’élève face à la mémoire collective ou nationale. Quelle position les enseignants du secondaire occupent-ils dans ce débat ? Il est possible de le découvrir par l’entremise de la perception qu’ils se font du programme et de ses trois compétences.
L’inclusion scolaire des enfants handicapés comme révélateur des tensions éducatives
Authors: Plaisance Éric , Schneider Cornelia
Published: September 2013

La notion d’inclusion scolaire appliquée aux enfants handicapés connait une diffusion internationale et se trouve plus ou moins utilisée dans des contextes nationaux, mais avec de grandes variations dans les interprétations. Parallèlement, la notion de handicap a tendance à être supplantée par d’autres expressions telles que « situation de handicap » ou « besoins éducatifs particuliers ». Ces transformations notionnelles sont au coeur des tensions qui sont internes aux systèmes éducatifs et qui s’exercent aussi dans leurs relations avec divers partenaires extérieurs, dont les spécialistes du « handicap » et les parents. Les questions majeures soulevées sont celles des finalités éducatives des institutions et des pratiques pour ces enfants : socialisation séparée ou en commun, développement des personnes ou acquisition de connaissances, perspectives de travail qualifié ou non etc. Parmi les approches possibles de cette problématique actuelle, une première étape serait l’analyse des dispositifs législatifs, réglementaires et institutionnels mis en place en France pour en enfants dits « handicapés ». La deuxième étape qui est privilégiée ici celle de l’approche de terrain de type ethnographique qui présente l’avantage de montrer les représentations et les pratiques des acteurs dans la vie quotidienne. L’exemple qui est développé est celui d’une école élémentaire de la ville de Paris qui cherche à relever le défi de l’accueil de la différence tout en maintenant l’objectif de « l’excellence scolaire ». Dans cette tension, comment se situent les enseignants, les spécialistes, les parents, les enfants handicapés parmi leurs pairs ? Quelles sont enfin les perspectives d’évolution ?
Réflexions sur l’exclusion et l’inclusion sociale en lien avec le vieillissement. L’importance des enjeux de reconnaissance et de redistribution
Authors: Billette Véronique , Lavoie Jean-Pierre , Séguin Anne-Marie , Van Pevenage Isabelle
Published: September 2013

Vieillir fait partie de la vie. Pourtant, les expériences sociales associées à des âges plus avancés sont dévalorisées dans un grand nombre de sociétés contemporaines. Cet article s’appuie sur les travaux d’une équipe de recherche s’intéressant à l’exclusion sociale et aux solidarités en lien avec le vieillissement. Les concepts d’exclusion et d’inclusion sociale sont présentés dans une forme interreliée, dynamique et multidimensionnelle, tentant de dégager les voies d’action concrètes de ces processus afin d’éclaircir leur opérationnalisation et les moyens de les contrer (exclusion) ou de les favoriser (inclusion). L’inclusion dont il est ici question va au-delà de l’intégration sociale et repose sur deux composantes essentielles : la reconnaissance et la redistribution. En effet, une réelle inclusion sociale ne peut s’incarner que lorsqu’on reconnaît les aînés comme ayant une valeur sociale égale à la nôtre, et qu’on leur donne accès aux pouvoirs et aux ressources nécessaires pour que leurs voix soient entendues et prises en compte.
Role and outcomes of community health workers in HIV care in sub‐Saharan Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Mwai Grace W , Mburu Gitau , Torpey Kwasi , Frost Peter , Ford Nathan , Seeley Janet
Published: September 2013

Introduction

The provision of HIV treatment and care in sub‐Saharan Africa faces multiple challenges, including weak health systems and attrition of trained health workers. One potential response to overcome these challenges has been to engage community health workers (CHWs).

Methodology

A systematic literature search for quantitative and qualitative studies describing the role and outcomes of CHWs in HIV care between inception and December 2012 in sub‐Saharan Africa was performed in the following databases: PubMed, PsychINFO, Embase, Web of Science, JSTOR, WHOLIS, Google Scholar and SAGE journals online. Bibliographies of included articles were also searched. A narrative synthesis approach was used to analyze common emerging themes on the role and outcomes of CHWs in HIV care in sub‐Saharan Africa.

Results

In total, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria, documenting a range of tasks performed by CHWs. These included patient support (counselling, home‐based care, education, adherence support and livelihood support) and health service support (screening, referral and health service organization and surveillance). CHWs were reported to enhance the reach, uptake and quality of HIV services, as well as the dignity, quality of life and retention in care of people living with HIV. The presence of CHWs in clinics was reported to reduce waiting times, streamline patient flow and reduce the workload of health workers. Clinical outcomes appeared not to be compromised, with no differences in virologic failure and mortality comparing patients under community‐based and those under facility‐based care. Despite these benefits, CHWs faced challenges related to lack of recognition, remuneration and involvement in decision making.

Conclusions

CHWs can clearly contribute to HIV services delivery and strengthen human resource capacity in sub‐Saharan Africa. For their contribution to be sustained, CHWs need to be recognized, remunerated and integrated in wider health systems. Further research focusing on comparative costs of CHW interventions and successful models for mainstreaming CHWs into wider health systems is needed.
Tissue absence initiates regeneration through Follistatin-mediated inhibition of Activin signaling
Authors: Gaviño Michael A , Wenemoser Danielle , Wang Irving E , Reddien Peter W
Published: September 2013

Regeneration is widespread, but mechanisms that activate regeneration remain mysterious. Planarians are capable of whole-body regeneration and mount distinct molecular responses to wounds that result in tissue absence and those that do not. A major question is how these distinct responses are activated. We describe a follistatin homolog (Smed-follistatin) required for planarian regeneration. Smed-follistatin inhibition blocks responses to tissue absence but does not prevent normal tissue turnover. Two activin homologs (Smed-activin-1 and Smed-activin-2) are required for the Smed-follistatin phenotype. Finally, Smed-follistatin is wound-induced and expressed at higher levels following injuries that cause tissue absence. These data suggest that Smed-follistatin inhibits Smed-Activin proteins to trigger regeneration specifically following injuries involving tissue absence and identify a mechanism critical for regeneration initiation, a process important across the animal kingdom.
Stereoselective Palladium‐Catalyzed Alkenylation and Alkynylation of Thioglycosides
Authors: Brachet Etienne , Brion Jean‐Daniel , Alami Mouad , Messaoudi Samir
Published: September 2013

An efficient and unprecedented palladium‐catalyzed S‐glycosylation reaction of a range of alkenyl and alkynyl halides by using thiosugars as nucleophile partners has been established. With palladium diacetate in combination with Xantphos as the catalytic system, a variety of β‐alkenylthioglycosides as well as β‐alkynylthioglycosides can be prepared in good to excellent yields. The efficiency of this general protocol was well‐demonstrated by the formal synthesis of a leaf‐closure β‐glucosidase inhibitor.

magnified image
Cross cultural analysis of factors associated with age at natural menopause among latin‐american immigrants to madrid and their spanish neighbors
Authors: Pérez‐Alcalá Irene , Sievert Lynnette Leidy , Obermeyer Carla Makhlouf , Reher David Sven
Published: September 2013

Objectives

In this study, age at menopause was examined in relation to demographic and life style factors among Latin‐American immigrants to Madrid and their Spanish counterparts.

Methods

Respondents were drawn from the Decisions at Menopause Study (2002–2003) and from a recent sample of Latin‐American immigrants to Madrid (2010–2011). The final sample included 484 women after excluding women with induced menopause and use of HT. Probit analyses and Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate median age at menopause and to identify factors associated with an early age at menopause.

Results

Median estimated age at natural menopause was 52.0 years (51.2–53.0) for Spanish women and 50.5 years (49.9–51.2) for Latin‐American women. Immigrant women were more likely to reach menopause at an earlier age after controlling for confounding factors. Nulliparity and lower levels of education were associated with an earlier age at menopause. A higher body mass index was associated with a later age at menopause in the Spanish model. Among the Latin‐American sample, women from the Dominican Republic and women who underwent menopause before migrating were more likely to reach menopause at an earlier age.

Conclusions

The results reported here demonstrate that early life events, including place of birth, and later life events, such as timing of migration, were associated with age at menopause. This study highlights the importance of taking into account differences in the age of onset of menopause in the multicultural population of Madrid when considering the health of women at midlife and beyond. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:780–788, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prevalence of the Fibromyalgia Phenotype in Patients With Spine Pain Presenting to a Tertiary Care Pain Clinic and the Potential Treatment Implications
Authors: Brummett Chad M. , Goesling Jenna , Tsodikov Alex , Meraj Taha S. , Wasserman Ronald A. , Clauw Daniel J. , Hassett Afton L.
Published: September 2013

Objective

Injections for spinal pain have high failure rates, emphasizing the importance of patient selection. It is possible that detecting the presence of a fibromyalgia (FM)–like phenotype could aid in prediction, because in these individuals a peripheral injection would not address pain due to alterations in central neurotransmission. We undertook this study to test the hypothesis that patients who have spine pain meeting survey criteria for FM would be phenotypically distinct from those who do not.

Methods

We studied 548 patients diagnosed as having primary spine pain. All patients completed validated self‐report questionnaires, including the Brief Pain Inventory, the PainDETECT questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, measures of physical function, and the FM criteria and severity scales.

Results

Forty‐two percent of the patients were FM positive according to the FM criteria and severity scales. Compared with FM‐negative patients, FM‐positive patients were more likely to be younger, unemployed, and receiving compensation for pain and to have greater pain severity and pain interference and more neuropathic pain descriptors as well as higher levels of depression and anxiety and a lower level of physical function (P < 0.002 for each comparison). Female sex, neuropathic pain, pain interference, and anxiety were independently predictive of FM status in a multivariate analysis (P < 0.01 for all variables). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed a strength of association of 0.80 as measured by the cross‐validated C statistic.

Conclusion

Using the FM criteria and severity scales, we demonstrated profound phenotypic differences in a population of patients with spine pain. Although centralized pain cannot be confirmed with a self‐report instrument alone, the pathophysiology of FM may help explain a portion of the variability of responses to spine interventions.
Annexin A6 Interacts With p65 and Stimulates NF‐κB Activity and Catabolic Events in Articular Chondrocytes
Authors: Campbell Kirk A. , Minashima Takeshi , Zhang Ying , Hadley Scott , Lee You Jin , Giovinazzo Joseph , Quirno Martin , Kirsch Thorsten
Published: September 2013

Objective

ANXA6, the gene for annexin A6, is highly expressed in osteoarthritic (OA) articular chondrocytes but not in healthy articular chondrocytes. This study was undertaken to determine whether annexin A6 affects catabolic events in these cells.

Methods

Articular chondrocytes were isolated from Anxa6‐knockout mice, wild‐type (WT) mice, and human articular cartilage in which ANXA6 was overexpressed. Cells were treated with interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) or tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and expression of catabolic genes and activation of NF‐κB were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and luciferase reporter assay. Anxa6−/− and WT mouse knee joints were injected with IL‐1β or the medial collateral ligament was transected and partial resection of the medial meniscus was performed to determine the role of Anxa6 in IL‐1β–mediated cartilage destruction and OA progression. The mechanism by which Anxa6 stimulates NF‐κB activity was determined by coimmunoprecipitation and immunoblot analysis of nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions of IL‐1β–treated Anxa6−/− and WT mouse chondrocytes for p65 and Anxa6.

Results

Loss of Anxa6 resulted in decreased NF‐κB activation and catabolic marker messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in IL‐1β– or TNFα‐treated articular chondrocytes, whereas overexpression of ANXA6 resulted in increased NF‐κB activity and catabolic marker mRNA levels. Annexin A6 interacted with p65, and loss of Anxa6 caused decreased nuclear translocation and retention of the active p50/p65 NF‐κB complex. Cartilage destruction in Anxa6−/− mouse knee joints after IL‐1β injection or partial medial meniscectomy was reduced as compared to that in WT mouse joints.

Conclusion

Our data define a role of annexin A6 in the modulation of NF‐κB activity and in the stimulation of catabolic events in articular chondrocytes.
The extraction of community structures from publication networks to support ethnographic observations of field differences in scientific communication
Authors: Velden Theresa , Lagoze Carl
Published: September 2013

The scientific community of researchers in a research specialty is an important unit of analysis for understanding the field‐specific shaping of scientific communication practices. These scientific communities are, however, a challenging unit of analysis to capture and compare because they overlap, have fuzzy boundaries, and evolve over time. We describe a network analytic approach that reveals the complexities of these communities through the examination of their publication networks in combination with insights from ethnographic field studies. We suggest that the structures revealed indicate overlapping subcommunities within a research specialty, and we provide evidence that they differ in disciplinary orientation and research practices. By mapping the community structures of scientific fields we increase confidence about the domain of validity of ethnographic observations as well as of collaborative patterns extracted from publication networks thereby enabling the systematic study of field differences. The network analytic methods presented include methods to optimize the delineation of a bibliographic data set to adequately represent a research specialty and methods to extract community structures from this data. We demonstrate the application of these methods in a case study of two research specialties in the physical and chemical sciences.
Mechanistic modeling of sulfur‐deprived photosynthesis and hydrogen production in suspensions of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Williams C. R. , Bees M.A.
Published: September 2013

The ability of unicellular green algal species such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to produce hydrogen gas via iron‐hydrogenase is well known. However, the oxygen‐sensitive hydrogenase is closely linked to the photosynthetic chain in such a way that hydrogen and oxygen production need to be separated temporally for sustained photo‐production. Under illumination, sulfur‐deprivation has been shown to accommodate the production of hydrogen gas by partially‐deactivating O2 evolution activity, leading to anaerobiosis in a sealed culture. As these facets are coupled, and the system complex, mathematical approaches potentially are of significant value since they may reveal improved or even optimal schemes for maximizing hydrogen production. Here, a mechanistic model of the system is constructed from consideration of the essential pathways and processes. The role of sulfur in photosynthesis (via PSII) and the storage and catabolism of endogenous substrate, and thus growth and decay of culture density, are explicitly modeled in order to describe and explore the complex interactions that lead to H2 production during sulfur‐deprivation. As far as possible, functional forms and parameter values are determined or estimated from experimental data. The model is compared with published experimental studies and, encouragingly, qualitative agreement for trends in hydrogen yield and initiation time are found. It is then employed to probe optimal external sulfur and illumination conditions for hydrogen production, which are found to differ depending on whether a maximum yield of gas or initial production rate is required. The model constitutes a powerful theoretical tool for investigating novel sulfur cycling regimes that may ultimately be used to improve the commercial viability of hydrogen gas production from microorganisms. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 320–335. © 2013 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of a pressure release on virus retention with the Ultipor DV20 membrane
Authors: Woods Melissa A. , Zydney Andrew L.
Published: September 2013

Recent data have shown that a temporary release in the transmembrane pressure can cause a significant increase in virus transmission through a number of commercial virus filters. The objective of this work was to study the effect of a pressure release on retention of the bacteriophage ΦX174 by the Ultipor DV20 membrane, with phage capture within the membrane visualized by confocal microscopy. Phage challenge tests showed a significant transient increase in phage transmission (typically by an order of magnitude) immediately after a pressure release. This transient increase was not due to any damage to the filter or to the presence of a back‐flow (from permeate to feed). Confocal images demonstrated that the pressure release caused the migration of previously captured bacteriophage further into the depth of the filter. Data were analyzed using a modified internal polarization model, with the results providing important insights into the factors controlling virus retention during virus filtration. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 545–551. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of the Tricopper Cluster as a Catalyst for the Efficient Conversion of Methane into MeOH
Authors: Chen Peter P.‐Y. , Nagababu Penumaka , Yu Steve S.‐F. , Chan Sunney I.
Published: September 2013

Following recent progress towards understanding the structure of the particulate methane monooxygenase in methanotrophic bacteria, it is now possible to attempt the development of laboratory catalysts for the conversion of methane into MeOH under ambient conditions. To this end, a class of tricopper complexes that are capable of efficiently oxidizing small hydrocarbon substrates at room temperature has recently been developed. In this Minireview, we describe the development of a tricopper cluster to accomplish the catalytic conversion of methane into MeOH, as well as a number of small n‐alkanes into their corresponding alcohols and ketones, with high efficiencies. The properties of this robust catalytic system are discussed.
Gold(I) and Gold(III) Trifluoromethyl Derivatives
Authors: Martínez‐Salvador Sonia , Falvello Larry R. , Martín Antonio , Menjón Babil
Published: September 2013

Trifluoromethylation of AuCl3 by using the Me3SiCF3/CsF system in THF and in the presence of [PPh4]Br proceeds with partial reduction, yielding a mixture of [PPh4][AuI(CF3)2] (1′) and [PPh4][AuIII(CF3)4] (2′) that can be adequately separated. An efficient method for the high‐yield synthesis of 1′ is also described. The molecular geometries of the homoleptic anions [AuI(CF3)2]− and [AuIII(CF3)4]− in their salts 1′ and [NBu4][AuIII(CF3)4] (2) have been established by X‐ray diffraction methods. Compound 1′ oxidatively adds halogens, X2, furnishing [PPh4][AuIII(CF3)2X2] (X=Cl (3), Br (4), I (5)), which are assigned a trans stereochemistry. Attempts to activate CF bonds in the gold(III) derivative 2′ by reaction with Lewis acids under different conditions either failed or only gave complex mixtures. On the other hand, treatment of the gold(I) derivative 1′ with BF3⋅OEt2 under mild conditions cleanly afforded the carbonyl derivative [AuI(CF3)(CO)] (6), which can be isolated as an extremely moisture‐sensitive light yellow crystalline solid. In the solid state, each linear F3C‐Au‐CO molecule weakly interacts with three symmetry‐related neighbors yielding an extended 3D network of aurophilic interactions (Au⋅⋅⋅Au=345.9(1) pm). The high $\tilde \nu $CO value (2194 cm−1 in the solid state and 2180 cm−1 in CH2Cl2 solution) denotes that CO is acting as a mainly σ‐donor ligand and confirms the role of the CF3 group as an electron‐withdrawing ligand in organometallic chemistry. Compound 6 can be considered as a convenient synthon of the “AuI(CF3)” fragment, as it reacts with a number of neutral ligands L, giving rise to the corresponding [AuI(CF3)(L)] compounds (L=CNtBu (7), NCMe (8), py (9), tht (10)).
Validation of cell‐based fluorescence assays: Practice guidelines from the International Council for Standardization of Haematology and International Clinical Cytometry Society
Authors:   ICSH/ICCS Workgroup
Published: September 2013

ICSH/ICCS Workgroup chaired by: Bruce H. Davis, David Barnett, Brent L. Wood and Teri Oldaker; Members

Bruce H. Davis (brucedavis@trilliumdx.com), Amar Dasgupta (adasgupta@srl.in), Steven Kussick (skussick@phenopath.com), Jin‐Yeong Han (jyhan@dau.ac.kr), Annalee Estrellado (Annalee.L.Estrellado@biogenidec.com), Patrick O'Neil (Patrick.Oneil@beckman.com), Bob Hoffman (bob-hoffman@comcast.net), Norman Purvis (norman.purvis@Nodality.com), Ben Hunsberger (bch@vsh.com), Horacio Vall (vallh@labcorp.com), David Kaplan (david.kaplan@case.edu), Lili Wang (lili.wang@nist.gov), Anna Porwit (anna.porwit@uhn.ca), Shabnam Tangri (Shabnam.Tangri@biogenidec.com), T. Vincent Shankey (Vincent.Shankey@Coulter.com), David Barnett (d.barnett@btconnect.com), Raul Louzao (raul.louzao@duke.edu), Peter Gambell (Peter.Gambell@petermac.org), Jitakshi De (jitakshi@gmail.com), Teri Oldaker (toldaker@cox.net), Curtis Hanson (cahanson@mayo.edu), Brent L. Wood (woodbl@u.washington.edu), Dragan Jevremovic, (jevremovic.dragan@mayo.edu), Marie C. Béné (mariechristine.bene@chu-nantes.fr), Ming Yan (ming_yan@bd.com), Patrick Jacobs (p.jacobs@beckman.com), Virginia Litwin (virginia.litwin@covance.com).