bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma of the Colon
Authors: Mori Yasuharu , Akagi Kazunari , Yano Masaaki , Sashiyama Hiroshi , Tsutsumi Osamu , Hamahata Yukihiro , Tsujinaka Yasunobu , Tsuchida Akihiko , Matsubayashi Jun
Published: March 2013

A 70-year-old female underwent follow-up colonoscopy after colonic polypectomy. The colonoscopy revealed the presence of a 7-mm submucosal tumor in the sigmoid colon. The tumor surface was smooth and covered with normal mucosa. It was diagnosed as a submucosal tumor, and polypectomy was performed. Histopathological examination of the resected specimen revealed moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma measuring 2 × 5 × 3 mm with marked peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration and lymphoid follicle formation. It was diagnosed as carcinoma with lymphoid stroma (lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma), SM (1,800 μm), ly2, v0, budding; grade 1. We confirmed the indication for noncurative additional surgical resection and performed laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy. No metastases were observed in the dissected lymph nodes.
Centers for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research
Authors: Cook Nakela L. , Bonds Denise E. , Kiefe Catarina I. , Curtis Jeptha P. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Kressin Nancy R. , Peterson Eric D.
Published: March 2013

Background—

Recognizing the value of outcomes research to understand and bridge translational gaps, to establish evidence in clinical practice and delivery of medicine, and to generate new hypotheses on ongoing questions of treatment and care, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health established the Centers for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research program in 2010.

Methods and Results—

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute funded 3 centers and a research coordinating unit. Each center has an independent project focus, including (1) characterizing care transition and predicting clinical events and quality of life for patients discharged after an acute coronary syndrome; (2) identifying center and regional factors associated with better patient outcomes across several cardiovascular conditions and procedures; and (3) examining the impact of healthcare reform in Massachusetts on overall and disparate care and outcomes for several cardiovascular conditions and venous thromboembolism. Cross-program collaborations seek to advance the field methodologically and to develop early-stage investigators committed to careers in outcomes research.

Conclusions—

The Centers for Cardiovascular Outcomes Research program represents a significant investment in cardiovascular outcomes research by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The vision of this program is to leverage scientific rigor and cross-program collaboration to advance the science of healthcare delivery and outcomes beyond what any individual unit could achieve alone.
Quantifying the Effect of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Quality on Cardiac Arrest Outcome
Authors: Wallace Sarah K. , Abella Benjamin S. , Becker Lance B.
Published: March 2013

Background—

Evidence has accrued that cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality affects cardiac arrest outcome. However, the relative contributions of chest compression components (such as rate and depth) to successful resuscitation remain unclear.

Methods and Results—

We sought to measure the effect of cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality on cardiac arrest outcome through systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched for any clinical study assessing cardiopulmonary resuscitation performance on adult cardiac arrest patients in which survival was a reported outcome, either return of spontaneous circulation or survival to admission or discharge. Of 603 identified abstracts, 10 studies met inclusion criteria. Effect sizes were reported as mean differences. Missing data were resolved by author contact. Estimates were segregated by cardiopulmonary resuscitation metric (chest compression rate, depth, no-flow fraction, and ventilation rate), and a random-effects model was applied to estimate an overall pooled effect. Arrest survivors were significantly more likely to have received deeper chest compressions than nonsurvivors (mean difference, 2.44 mm; 95% confidence interval, 1.19–3.69 [
P
<0.001]; n=6 studies;
I
2
=0.0%;
P
for heterogeneity=0.9). Likewise, survivors were significantly more likely to have received chest compression rates closer to 85 to 100 compressions per minute (cpm) than nonsurvivors (absolute mean difference from 85 cpm, −4.81 cpm; 95% confidence interval, −8.19 to −1.43 [
P
=0.005]; from 100 cpm, −5.04 cpm; 95% confidence interval, −8.44 to −1.65 [
P
=0.004]; n=6 studies;
I
2
<49%;
P
for heterogeneity >0.2). No significant difference in no-flow fraction (n=7 studies) or ventilation rate (n=4 studies) was detected between survivors and nonsurvivors.

Conclusions—

Deeper chest compressions and rates closer to 85 to 100 cpm are significantly associated with improved survival from cardiac arrest.
Priorities for Comparative Effectiveness Reviews in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Eapen Zubin J. , McBroom Amanda J. , Gray Rebecca , Musty Michael D. , Hadley Corey , Hernandez Adrian F. , Sanders Gillian D.
Published: March 2013

Background—

Comparative effectiveness reviews offer a systematic method to critically appraise existing research and to identify unaddressed clinical areas in cardiovascular disease where significant morbidity, mortality, and variation in the use of resources persist. To delineate and help select areas where comparative effectiveness reviews are needed, the Effective Health Care Program of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality involved stakeholders in prioritization of the research agenda.

Methods and Results—

We involved a diverse panel of stakeholders representing a broad range of clinical, policy, and patient perspectives. To assist in prioritization of topics for evidence synthesis, we created a framework evaluating 12 cardiovascular disease subcategories that reflect American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association disease-based guidelines. We performed an environmental scan for each disease subcategory to populate this framework with existing knowledge, levels of evidence, and degrees of public interest. Through a formalized process, 4 disease subcategories were prioritized: chronic coronary artery disease, ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure, and cerebrovascular disease. Within these subcategories, 11 topics that address the comparative safety and effectiveness of existing treatments and evaluate emerging treatments were nominated by the stakeholder panel to proceed for feasibility assessment before developing comparative effectiveness reviews.

Conclusions—

Using a systematic process deriving consensus from multiple stakeholders across cardiovascular disease states, we generated a prioritized list of evidence synthesis topics to inform decision makers. The topics vetted through this process seek to determine the comparative safety and effectiveness of a range of treatments, both established and emerging, and are immediately relevant for prevalent disease states.
The UK National Health Service
Authors: Hawkins Nathaniel M. , Scholes Shaun , Bajekal Madhavi , Love Hande , O’Flaherty Martin , Raine Rosalind , Capewell Simon
Published: March 2013

Background—

Social gradients in cardiovascular mortality across the United Kingdom may reflect differences in incidence, disease severity, or treatment. It is unknown whether a universal healthcare system delivers equitable lifesaving medical therapy for coronary heart disease. We therefore examined secular trends in the use of key medical therapies stratified by socioeconomic circumstances across a broad spectrum of coronary disease presentations, including acute coronary syndromes, secondary prevention, and clinical angina.

Methods and Results—

This was a cross-sectional observational analysis of nationally representative primary and secondary care data from the United Kingdom. Data on treatments for all myocardial infarction patients in 2003 and 2007 were derived from the Myocardial Ischemia National Audit Project (n=51 755). Data on treatments for patients with chronic angina (n=33 211) or requiring secondary prevention (n=32 976) in 1999 and 2007 were extracted from the General Practice Research Database. Socioeconomic circumstances were defined using a weighted composite of 7 area-level deprivation domains. Treatment estimates were age-standardized. Use of all therapies increased in all patient groups, both men and women. Improvements were most marked in primary care, where use of β-blockers, statins, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers for secondary prevention and treatment of angina doubled, from ≈30% to >60%. Small age gradients persisted for some therapies. No consistent socioeconomic gradients or sex differences were observed for myocardial infarction and postrevascularization (hard diagnoses). However, some sex inequality was apparent in the treatment of younger women with angina.

Conclusions—

Cardiovascular treatment is generally equitable and independent of socioeconomic circumstances. Future strategies should aim to further increase overall treatment levels and to eradicate remaining age and sex inequalities.
Impact of Aortic Stenosis on Postoperative Outcomes After Noncardiac Surgeries
Authors: Agarwal Shikhar , Rajamanickam Anitha , Bajaj Navkaranbir S. , Griffin Brian P. , Catacutan Thadeo , Svensson Lars G. , Anabtawi Abdel G. , Tuzcu E. Murat , Kapadia Samir R.
Published: March 2013

Background—

Preoperative management of patients with aortic stenosis (AS) who need noncardiac surgery (NCS) remains controversial. We sought to determine the impact of AS on the postoperative outcomes after NCS.

Methods and Results—

Patients undergoing NCS with moderate AS (valve area: 1.0–1.5 cm
2
) or severe AS (valve area: <1.0 cm
2
) were identified using the surgical and the echocardiographic databases. Using propensity score analysis, we obtained 4 matched control patients without AS for each patient with AS undergoing NCS. The propensity score matching used the 6 revised cardiac risk index criteria, in addition to age and sex. Primary outcome was a composite of 30-day mortality and postoperative myocardial infarction. We matched 634 patients with AS undergoing NCS to 2536 controls. There were 244 patients with severe AS and 390 patients with moderate AS. Thirty-day mortality was 2.1% for AS patients compared with 1.0% in non-AS controls (
P
=0.036). Postoperative myocardial infarction was more frequent in patients with AS compared with controls (3.0% versus 1.1%;
P
=0.001). Combined primary outcome was significantly worse for both moderate and severe AS patients compared with respective controls (4.4% versus 1.7%;
P
=0.002; and 5.7% versus 2.7%;
P
=0.02, respectively). High-risk surgery, symptomatic severe AS, coexisting mitral regurgitation, and preexisting coronary disease were significant predictors of primary outcome in patients with AS.

Conclusion—

Presence of AS adversely affects postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing NCS, evidenced by a higher 30-day mortality and postoperative myocardial infarction after NCS.
Smoking, Surgery, and Venous Thromboembolism Risk in Women
Authors: Sweetland Siân , Parkin Lianne , Balkwill Angela , Green Jane , Reeves Gillian , Beral Valerie
Published: March 2013

Background—

Evidence about the effect of smoking on venous thromboembolism risk, generally and in the postoperative period, is limited and inconsistent. We examined the incidence of venous thromboembolism in relation to smoking habits, both in the absence of surgery and in the first 12 postoperative weeks, in a large prospective study of women in the United Kingdom.

Methods and Results—

During 6 years’ follow-up of 1 162 718 women (mean age 56 years), 4630 were admitted to hospital for or died of venous thromboembolism. In the absence of surgery, current smokers had a significantly increased incidence of venous thromboembolism compared with never-smokers (adjusted relative risk 1.38, 95% confidence interval 1.28–1.48), with significantly greater risks in heavier than lighter smokers (relative risks 1.47 [95% confidence interval 1.34–1.62] and 1.29 [95% confidence interval 1.17–1.42] for ≥15 versus <15 cigarettes per day). Current smokers were also more likely to have surgery than never-smokers (relative risk 1.12, 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.13). Among women who had surgery, the incidence of venous thromboembolism in the first 12 postoperative weeks was significantly greater in current than never-smokers (relative risk 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.30).

Conclusions—

Venous thromboembolism incidence was increased in current smokers, both in the absence of surgery and in the 12 weeks after surgery. Smoking is another factor to consider in the assessment of venous thromboembolism risk in patients undergoing surgery.
The Global Cardiovascular Risk Transition
Authors: Danaei Goodarz , Singh Gitanjali M. , Paciorek Christopher J. , Lin John K. , Cowan Melanie J. , Finucane Mariel M. , Farzadfar Farshad , Stevens Gretchen A. , Riley Leanne M. , Lu Yuan , Rao Mayuree , Ezzati Majid
Published: March 2013

Background—

It is commonly assumed that cardiovascular disease risk factors are associated with affluence and Westernization. We investigated the associations of body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose, systolic blood pressure, and serum total cholesterol with national income, Western diet, and, for BMI, urbanization in 1980 and 2008.

Methods and Results—

Country-level risk factor estimates for 199 countries between 1980 and 2008 were from a previous systematic analysis of population-based data. We analyzed the associations between risk factors and per capita national income, a measure of Western diet, and, for BMI, the percentage of the population living in urban areas. In 1980, there was a positive association between national income and population mean BMI, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol. By 2008, the slope of the association between national income and systolic blood pressure became negative for women and zero for men. Total cholesterol was associated with national income and Western diet in both 1980 and 2008. In 1980, BMI rose with national income and then flattened at ≈Int$7000; by 2008, the relationship resembled an inverted U for women, peaking at middle-income levels. BMI had a positive relationship with the percentage of urban population in both 1980 and 2008. Fasting plasma glucose had weaker associations with these country macro characteristics, but it was positively associated with BMI.

Conclusions—

The changing associations of metabolic risk factors with macroeconomic variables indicate that there will be a global pandemic of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, together with high blood pressure in low-income countries, unless effective lifestyle and pharmacological interventions are implemented.
Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Blood Pressure in Blacks
Authors: Forman John P. , Scott Jamil B. , Ng Kimmie , Drake Bettina F. , Suarez Elizabeth Gonzalez , Hayden Douglas L. , Bennett Gary G. , Chandler Paulette D. , Hollis Bruce W. , Emmons Karen M. , Giovannucci Edward L. , Fuchs Charles S. , Chan Andrew T.
Published: March 2013

Blacks have significantly higher rates of hypertension than whites, and lower circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. There are few data about the effect of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation on blood pressure in blacks. During 2 winters from 2008 to 2010, 283 blacks (median age, 51 years) were randomized into a 4-arm, double-blind trial for 3 months of placebo, 1000, 2000, or 4000 international units of cholecalciferol per day. At baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, systolic and diastolic pressure and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured. The 3-month follow-up was completed in 250 (88%) participants. The difference in systolic pressure between baseline and 3 months was +1.7 mm Hg for those receiving placebo, −0.66 mm Hg for 1000 U/d, −3.4 mm Hg for 2000 U/d, and −4.0 mm Hg for 4000 U/d of cholecalciferol (−1.4 mm Hg for each additional 1000 U/d of cholecalciferol;
P
=0.04). For each 1-ng/mL increase in plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D, there was a significant 0.2-mm Hg reduction in systolic pressure (
P
=0.02). There was no effect of cholecalciferol supplementation on diastolic pressure (
P
=0.37). Within an unselected population of blacks, 3 months of oral vitamin D3 supplementation significantly, yet modestly, lowered systolic pressure. Future trials of vitamin D supplementation on blood pressure are needed to confirm these promising results, particularly among blacks, a population for whom vitamin D deficiency may play a more specific mechanistic role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging-DRAGON Score
Authors: Turc Guillaume , Apoil Marion , Naggara Olivier , Calvet David , Lamy Catherine , Tataru Alina M. , Méder Jean-François , Mas Jean-Louis , Baron Jean-Claude , Oppenheim Catherine , Touzé Emmanuel
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose—

The DRAGON score, which includes clinical and computed tomographic scan parameters, showed a high specificity to predict 3-month outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated by intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. We adapted the score for patients undergoing MRI as the first-line diagnostic tool.

Methods—

We reviewed patients with consecutive anterior circulation ischemic stroke treated ≤4.5 hour by intravenous tissue plasminogen activator between 2003 and 2012 in our center, where MRI is systematically implemented as first-line diagnostic work-up. We derived the MRI-DRAGON score keeping all clinical parameters of computed tomography-DRAGON (age, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and glucose level, prestroke handicap, onset to treatment time), and considering the following radiological variables: proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion on MR angiography instead of hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign, and diffusion-weighted imaging Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (DWI ASPECTS) ≤5 instead of early infarct signs on computed tomography. Poor 3-month outcome was defined as modified Rankin scale >2. We calculated c-statistics as a measure of predictive ability and performed an internal cross-validation.

Results—

Two hundred twenty-eight patients were included. Poor outcome was observed in 98 (43%) patients and was significantly associated with all parameters of the MRI-DRAGON score in multivariate analysis, except for onset to treatment time (nonsignificant trend). The c-statistic was 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.78–0.88) for poor outcome prediction. All patients with a MRI-DRAGON score ≤2 (n=22) had a good outcome, whereas all patients with a score ≥8 (n=11) had a poor outcome.

Conclusions—

The MRI-DRAGON score is a simple tool to predict 3-month outcome in acute stroke patients screened by MRI then treated by intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and may help for therapeutic decision.
Novel Risk Score to Predict Pneumonia After Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ji Ruijun , Shen Haipeng , Pan Yuesong , Wang Panglian , Liu Gaifen , Wang Yilong , Li Hao , Wang Yongjun
Published: March 2013

Background and Purpose—

To develop and validate a risk score (acute ischemic stroke-associated pneumonia score [AIS-APS]) for predicting in-hospital stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) after AIS.

Methods—

The AIS-APS was developed based on the China National Stroke Registry, in which eligible patients were randomly classified into derivation (60%) and internal validation cohort (40%). External validation was performed using the prospective Chinese Intracranial Atherosclerosis Study. Independent predictors of in-hospital SAP after AIS were obtained using multivariable logistic regression, and β-coefficients were used to generate point scoring system of the AIS-APS. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test were used to assess model discrimination and calibration, respectively.

Results—

The overall in-hospital SAP after AIS was 11.4%, 11.3%, and 7.3% in the derivation (n=8820), internal (n=5882) and external (n=3037) validation cohort, respectively. A 34-point AIS-APS was developed from the set of independent predictors including age, history of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and current smoking, prestroke dependence, dysphagia, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, Glasgow Coma Scale score, stroke subtype (Oxfordshire), and blood glucose. The AIS-APS showed good discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) in the internal (0.785; 95% confidence interval, 0.766–0.803) and external (0.792; 95% confidence interval, 0.761–0.823) validation cohort. The AIS-APS was well calibrated (Hosmer–Lemeshow test) in the internal (
P
=0.22) and external (
P
=0.30) validation cohort. When compared with 3 prior scores, the AIS-APS showed significantly better discrimination with regard to in-hospital SAP after AIS (all
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

The AIS-APS is a valid risk score for predicting in-hospital SAP after AIS.
Razzismo di Stato. Stati Uniti, Europa, Italia, edited by Pietro Basso, Milan: Angeli, 2010
Authors: Laura Corradi
Published: March 2013

Abstract

An important edited collection on US and European migration policies as vehicles or factors of institutional racism are dealt with in this review-essay. In the context of recent literature on migration, Pietro Basso’s State Racism proposes a specifically Marxist approach and represents a sharp critical analysis of the ongoing surge in racism sweeping across Western Europe and North America by offering an investigation into the authoritarian, racialising, and elitist drift of Western democracies and societies. Particular importance is given to the spread of hostility towards migrants among native workers, often due to a condition of isolation, weakness, and vulnerabilities produced by the failures of trade unions and political organisations of the working class. The essays in the collection point towards ways in which these can be effectively thwarted and blocked by renewing collective struggles and solidarity, arguing that solidarity can stimulate the development of anti-racism based on the unity of the working class, capable of combating all types of discrimination through self-organisation, equality, and cooperation between migrant and native workers in the common struggle to assert needs and rights. At the present conjuncture, workers across borders can be the carriers of a new form of civilisation, liberated from the supremacy of the commodity and of money, from the exploitation of labour, and from racism and sexism.
A revision of the genus Afroheterozercon (Acari: Heterozerconidae)
Authors: KLOMPEN HANS , AMIN MILAN , GERDEMAN BEVERLY SWAIM
Published: March 2013

Six new species of Afroheterozercon, A. mahsbergi, A. sanghae, A. goodmani, A. gabonensis, A. tanzaniensis and A. madagascariensis, are described from a range of localities in sub-SaharanAfrica, bringing the total number of described species in the genus to ten. These mites appear to be common on especially larger millipedes. Distribution data suggest locality, rather than host, specificity. A preliminary analysis of relationships provided relatively weak resolution and no evidence of geographically restricted lineages.
A new species of Gamasiphis Berlese (Acari: Ologamasidae) from North Asia, with a key to the Eurasian species
Authors: MARCHENKO IRINA I.
Published: March 2013

Gamasiphis angaridis sp. n. is described from females and males collected from litter and soil in the North Asian part of Russia–Siberia and the Far East. This is the first species of the large genus Gamasiphis to be described from the northern Palaearctic Region. A key for the separation of females of the 11 recognisable species of Gamasiphis described inEurasia is provided.
Description of the male of Dendrolycosa cruciata (Roewer, 1955) (Araneae: Pisauridae: Pisaurinae)
Authors: DA SILVA ESTEVAM L. CRUZ
Published: March 2013

The spider genus Dendrolycosa Doleschall, 1859 was recently revised by Jäger (2011), who described four new species and now comprises 15 known species found from Tanzania to Phillipines and south to New Caledonia (Platnick 2012). Ten of the 15 Dendrolycosa species are known only from females and two only from males. In the present paper, the male of Dendrolycosa cruciata (Roewer, 1955) is described and illustrated for the first time.
The ESA Climate Change Initiative: Satellite Data Records for Essential Climate Variables
Authors: Hollmann R. , Merchant C. J. , Saunders R. , Downy C. , Buchwitz M. , Cazenave A. , Chuvieco E. , Defourny P. , de Leeuw G. , Forsberg R. , Holzer-Popp T. , Paul F. , Sandven S. , Sathyendranath S. , van Roozendael M. , Wagner W.
Published: March 2013

Observations of Earth from space have been made for over 40 years and have contributed to advances in many aspects of climate science. However, attempts to exploit this wealth of data are often hampered by a lack of homogeneity and continuity and by insufficient understanding of the products and their uncertainties.

There is, therefore, a need to reassess and reprocess satellite datasets to maximize their usefulness for climate science. The European Space Agency has responded to this need by establishing the Climate Change Initiative (CCI). The CCI will create new climate data records for (currently) 13 essential climate variables (ECVs) and make these open and easily accessible to all. Each ECV project works closely with users to produce time series from the available satellite observations relevant to users' needs. A climate modeling users' group provides a climate system perspective and a forum to bring the data and modeling communities together.

This paper presents the CCI program. It outlines its benefit and presents approaches and challenges for each ECV project, covering clouds, aerosols, ozone, greenhouse gases, sea surface temperature, ocean color, sea level, sea ice, land cover, fire, glaciers, soil moisture, and ice sheets. It also discusses how the CCI approach may contribute to defining and shaping future developments in Earth observation for climate science.
On the Ability of the WRF Model to Reproduce the Surface Wind Direction over Complex Terrain
Authors: Jiménez Pedro A. , Dudhia Jimy
Published: March 2013

The ability of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to reproduce the surface wind direction over complex terrain is examined. A simulation spanning a winter season at a high horizontal resolution of 2 km is compared with wind direction records from a surface observational network located in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula. A previous evaluation has shown the ability of WRF to reproduce the wind speed over the region once the effects of the subgrid-scale topography are parameterized. Hence, the current investigation complements the previous findings, providing information about the model's ability to reproduce the direction of the surface flow. The differences between the observations and the model are quantified in terms of scores explicitly designed to handle the circular nature of the wind direction. Results show that the differences depend on the wind speed. The larger the wind speed is, the smaller are the wind direction differences. Areas with more complex terrain show larger systematic differences between model and observations; in these areas, a statistical correction is shown to help. The importance of the grid point selected for the comparison with observations is also analyzed. A careful selection is relevant to reducing comparative problems over complex terrain.
Regional Climate and Variability of NASA MERRA and Recent Reanalyses: U.S. Summertime Precipitation and Temperature
Authors: Bosilovich Michael G.
Published: March 2013

Reanalyses have increasingly improved resolution and physical representation of regional climate and so may provide useful data in many regional applications. These data are not observations, however, and their limitations and uncertainties need to be closely investigated. The ability of reanalyses to reproduce the seasonal variations of precipitation and temperature over the United States during summer, when model forecasts have characteristically weak forecast skill, is assessed. Precipitation variations are reproduced well over much of the United States, especially in the Northwest, where ENSO contributes to the large-scale circulation. Some significant biases in the seasonal mean do exist. The weakest regions are the Midwest and Southeast, where land–atmosphere interactions strongly affect the physical parameterizations in the forecast model. In particular, the variance of the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) is too low (extreme seasonal averages are weak), and the variability of the Interim ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) is affected by spurious low-frequency trends. Surface temperature is generally robust among the reanalyses examined, though; reanalyses that assimilate near-surface observations have distinct advantages. Observations and forecast error from MERRA are used to assess the reanalysis uncertainty across U.S. regions. These data help to show where the reanalysis is realistically replicating physical processes, and they provide guidance on the quality of the data and needs for further development.
Ice Cloud Particle Size Distributions and Pressure-Dependent Terminal Velocities from In Situ Observations at Temperatures from 0° to −86°C
Authors: Heymsfield Andrew J. , Schmitt Carl , Bansemer Aaron
Published: March 2013

The primary goal of this study is to derive ice particle terminal velocities from micron to centimeter sizes and for atmospheric pressures covering the range 200–1000 hPa from data spanning a wide range of locations, temperatures, and altitudes and to parameterize the results for use in cloud through cloud models. The study uses data from 10 field programs spanning the temperature range −86° to 0°C and encompassing a total of about 800 000 km of cloud horizontal pathlengths and includes measurements of ice particle size distributions (PSDs) and direct measurements of the ice water content (IWC). The necessary ice particle variables are derived using variables that are interconnected rather than varying independently from observations reported in the literature. A secondary goal of the study is to quantify the properties of ice cloud particle ensembles over a wide range of temperatures to further the understanding of how ice particle ensembles and ice clouds develop.

Functional forms for the PSDs and mass– and area–dimensional relationships are developed from the observations and summarized in a table. The PSDs are found to be nearly exponential at temperatures from about −40° to −10°C although deviations from exponentiality are noted outside of this range. It is demonstrated that previous pressure-dependent corrections to ice fall speeds lead to overestimated terminal velocities for particles smaller than 1 mm, particularly so for sizes below 100 μm, with consequent effects on modeled lifetimes of cold ice clouds.
Necessary Conditions for Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification as Derived from 11 Years of TRMM Data
Authors: Jiang Haiyan , Ramirez Ellen M.
Published: March 2013

Rainfall and convective properties of tropical cyclones (TCs) are statistically quantified for different TC intensity change categories by using Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) data from December 1997 to December 2008. Four 24-h future intensity change categories are defined: rapidly intensifying (RI), slowly intensifying, neutral, and weakening. It is found that RI storms always have a larger raining area and total volumetric rain in the inner core. The maximum convective intensity in the inner core is not necessarily more intense prior to undergoing an RI episode than a slowly intensifying, neutral, or weakening episode. Instead, a minimum threshold of raining area, total volumetric rain, and convective intensity in the inner core is determined from the RI cases examined in this study. The following necessary conditions for RI are found in the inner core: total raining area > 3000 km2, total volumetric rain > 5000 mm h−1 km2, maximum near-surface radar reflectivity > 40 dBZ, maximum 20-dBZ (40 dBZ) echo height > 8 (4) km, minimum 85-GHz polarization–corrected brightness temperature (PCT) < 235 K, and minimum 10.8-μm brightness temperature < 220 K. To the extent that these thresholds represent all RI cases, they should be of value to forecasters for ruling out RI. This study finds that total lightning activities in the inner core (outer rainband) have a negative (positive) relationship with storm intensification.
High-Resolution Climate Change Impact Analysis on Medium-Sized River Catchments in Germany: An Ensemble Assessment
Authors: Ott Irena , Duethmann Doris , Liebert Joachim , Berg Peter , Feldmann Hendrik , Ihringer Juergen , Kunstmann Harald , Merz Bruno , Schaedler Gerd , Wagner Sven
Published: March 2013

The impact of climate change on three small- to medium-sized river catchments (Ammer, Mulde, and Ruhr) in Germany is investigated for the near future (2021–50) following the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) A1B scenario. A 10-member ensemble of hydrological model (HM) simulations, based on two high-resolution regional climate models (RCMs) driven by two global climate models (GCMs), with three realizations of ECHAM5 (E5) and one realization of the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis version 3 (CCCma3; C3) is established. All GCM simulations are downscaled by the RCM Community Land Model (CLM), and one realization of E5 is downscaled also with the RCM Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF). This concerted 7-km, high-resolution RCM ensemble provides a sound basis for runoff simulations of small catchments and is currently unique for Germany. The hydrology for each catchment is simulated in an overlapping scheme, with two of the three HMs used in the project. The resulting ensemble hence contains for each chain link (GCM–realization–RCM–HM) at least two members and allows the investigation of qualitative and limited quantitative indications of the existence and uncertainty range of the change signal. The ensemble spread in the climate change signal is large and varies with catchment and season, and the results show that most of the uncertainty of the change signal arises from the natural variability in winter and from the RCMs in summer.
Effect of High-Resolution Meteorological Forcing on Nearshore Wave and Current Model Performance
Authors: Bricheno Lucy M. , Soret Albert , Wolf Judith , Jorba Oriol , Baldasano Jose Maria
Published: March 2013

Accurate representation of wind forcing and mean sea level pressure is important for modeling waves and surges. This is especially important for complex coastal zone areas. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model has been run at 12-, 4-, and 1.33-km resolution for a storm event over the Irish Sea. The outputs were used to force the coupled hydrodynamic and the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory Coastal Ocean Modeling System (POLCOMS)–Wave Model (WAM) and the effect on storm surge and waves has been assessed. An improvement was observed in the WRF model pressure and wind speed when moving from 12- to 4-km resolution with errors in wind speed decreasing more than 10% on average. When moving from 4 to 1.33 km no further significant improvement was observed. The atmospheric model results at 12 and 4 km were then applied to the ocean model. Wave direction was seen to improve with increased ocean model resolution, and higher-resolution forcing was found to generally increase the wave height over the Irish Sea by up to 40 cm in places. Improved clustering of wave direction was observed when 4-km meteorological forcing was used. Large differences were seen in the coastal zone because of the improved representation of the coastline and, in turn, the atmospheric boundary layer. The combination of high-resolution atmospheric forcing and a coupled wave–surge model gave the best result.
From sex roles to gender structure
Authors: Risman Barbara J , Davis Georgiann
Published: March 2013

This article has two goals, an intellectual history of gender as a concept and to outline a framework for moving forward theory and research on gender conceptualized as a structure of social stratification. The authors’ first goal is to trace the conceptual development of the study of sex and gender throughout the 20th century to now. They do this from a feminist sociological standpoint, framing the question with particular concern for power and inequality. The authors use a modernist perspective, showing how theory and research built in a cumulative fashion, with empirical studies sometimes supporting and sometimes challenging current theories, often leads to new ones. The authors then offer their theoretical contribution, framing gender as a social structure as a means to integrate the wide variety of empirical research findings on causal explanations for and consequences of gender. This framework includes attention to: the differences and similarities between women and men as individuals, the stability of and changing expectations we hold for each sex during social interaction, and the mechanisms by which gender is embedded into the logic of social institutions and organizations. At each level of analysis, there is a focus on the organization of social life and the cultural logics that accompany such patterns.
Physical Workplace as a Strategic Asset for Improving Performance in Public Organizations
Authors: Kim Seok Eun
Published: March 2013

This article asserts that more purposely designed physical workplaces could contribute to performance improvement by leveraging human capital and management capacity in public organizations. It provides an initial survey of the literature on workplace design by introducing a synthesis of available research drawn from environmental design, organizational ecology, social psychology, architecture, political science, and business and public administration. Based on the literature review, I developed a model of organizational performance that underscores the importance of “place” variables, such as space arrangement and indoor environment. The model implies that physical workplace has a significant impact on affective, behavioral, and performance outcomes in the organization. The article concludes with implications for theory and practice in using workplace strategy for organizational excellence.
Glycemic, Insulinemic, and Appetite Responses of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes to Commonly Consumed Breads
Authors: Breen Cathy , Ryan Miriam , Gibney Michael. J. , Corrigan Michelle , O’Shea Donal
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify the breads most commonly consumed by adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and then examine the postprandial glycemic, insulinemic, and appetite responses that these breads elicit.

Methods

One hundred people with T2DM were surveyed to identify the varieties of bread they most frequently consumed. According to a randomized crossover design, 11 fasting participants with T2DM consumed 50 g of available carbohydrate from 4 breads. Glucose and insulin concentrations and appetite ratings were determined over 270 minutes.

Results

Three commonly consumed varieties (white, whole wheat buttermilk, whole grain) identified in the survey—plus a lower-glycemic-index “control” bread (pumpernickel rye)—were tested in the second phase. Despite perceived differences between “brown” and “white” breads, the white, whole wheat buttermilk, and wholegrain breads promoted similar glycemic and insulinemic responses. Pumpernickel bread resulted in a significantly lower peak glucose ( P < .01) than all other breads and a lower peak insulin ( P < .001) than white or wholegrain bread. Similar appetite responses were found with all 4 breads.

Conclusions

Adults with T2DM are choosing a variety of breads with perceived differential effects on glycemic, insulinemic, and appetite responses. Appreciable benefits, however, are not conferred by the commonly consumed breads. If breads known to promote favorable metabolic responses are unavailable, the primary emphasis in education should be placed on portion control. Conveying this information to patients is crucial if nutrition education is to achieve its aim of empowering individuals to manage their diabetes through their food choices.
Racial/Ethnic, Regional, and Rural/Urban Differences in Receipt of Diabetes Education
Authors: Brown-Guion Stephanie Y. , Youngerman Stephanie M. , Hernandez-Tejada Melba A. , Dismuke Clara E. , Egede Leonard E.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The objective of this study is to examine the differences in receipt of diabetes education according to risk factors that are associated with the disease, including race/ ethnicity, region, and rural/urban location.

Methods

National data from the 2007 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) were analyzed to examine likelihood of receipt of diabetes education in terms of race, urban/rural location, and region.

Results

Of 1747 adults with type 2 diabetes, 65.6% were white, 15% black, and 19.4% other. In addition, 49.3% were male, 50.6% female; 46.9% were under age 64; 39.8% had more than high school; 34.1% were from low-income households, 35.1% middle income, and 30.8% high income; 39.5% lived in the South while other regions were equally represented; 80.6% lived in rural areas; 63.7% did not receive any type 2 diabetes education. Patients in the South were least likely to receive education (67.5% did not). Logistic regression demonstrated that being black (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.84) and living in an urban area (OR = 1.40, 95% CI, 1.00-1.97) were associated with a higher likelihood of receiving diabetes education. By contrast, being 65 or older was associated with lower probability of receiving education (OR = 0.59, 95% CI, 0.40-0.87), as was lack of insurance (OR = 0.54, 95% CI, 0.33-0.88)

Conclusions

Being black independently increased likelihood of receiving diabetes education, but living in rural areas, being uninsured, and living in the South reduced chances one would receive this helpful information. Therefore, further research should examine benefits of leveraging technology such as telemedicine to improve delivery of diabetes education to those living in rural areas.
Convincing Similar and Dissimilar Others
Authors: Menegatti Michela , Rubini Monica
Published: March 2013

Three studies examined the production of political messages and their persuasive impact on recipients as a function of speaker–audience similarity. The first two studies found support for the hypothesis that political leaders (Study 1) and party activists (Study 2) formulate more abstract messages when the audience is politically similar to them than when the audience is dissimilar or heterogeneous. The third study examined the persuasive impact of message abstractness versus concreteness. We predicted and found that abstract messages are more effective in convincing an audience whose political positions are similar to the speaker’s and concrete messages are more effective in convincing an audience whose political positions differ from the speaker’s or are heterogeneous. Implications of these findings for the relation between language and social cognition are discussed.
Feeling Conflicted and Seeking Information
Authors: Sawicki Vanessa , Wegener Duane T. , Clark Jason K. , Fabrigar Leandre R. , Smith Steven M. , Durso Geoffrey R. O.
Published: March 2013

To date, little research has examined the impact of attitudinal ambivalence on attitude-congruent selective exposure. Past research would suggest that strong/univalent rather than weak/ambivalent attitudes should be more predictive of proattitudinal information seeking. Although ambivalent attitude structure might weaken the attitude’s effect on seeking proattitudinal information, we believe that conflicted attitudes might also motivate attitude-congruent selective exposure because proattitudinal information should be effective in reducing ambivalence. Two studies provide evidence that the effects of ambivalence on information choices depend on amount of issue knowledge. That is, ambivalence motivates attitude-consistent exposure when issue knowledge is relatively low because less familiar information is perceived to be effective at reducing ambivalence. Conversely, when knowledge is relatively high, more unambivalent (univalent) attitudes predicted attitude-consistent information seeking.
Epidemiologic Evidence of Superior Outcomes for Extramedullary Plasmacytoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Gerry Daniel , Lentsch Eric J.
Published: March 2013

Objective

To compare clinicopathologic data, epidemiologic factors, and survival outcomes between extramedullary plasmacytomas of the head and neck vs other body sites.

Study Design

Analysis of a national database.

Setting

Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rare B‐cell neoplasm with a tendency to occur in the head and neck. Due to limited clinical data, few studies have conducted a thorough comparison between head and neck EMPs and those arising at other body sites.

Subjects and Methods

We compared 690 EMPs of the head and neck with 495 non–head and neck EMPs, evaluating disease‐specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS) based on tumor type, location, grade, stage, and treatment.

Results

Head and neck EMPs more often affected men (P >. 001) and were typically located in the pharynx (21.5%), nasal cavity (19.3%), oral cavity (14.7%), and paranasal sinuses (13.0%). Non–head and neck EMPs were more often limited to only local disease at presentation (94.8% vs 82.1%‐86.7%, P <. 001). Patients with non–head and neck EMP more often received surgery alone, whereas those with head and neck EMP were more often treated with combination therapy or radiation alone (P <. 001). Head and neck EMPs had a significantly higher 5‐year DSS and OS than other plasmacytomas (P <. 001), and they had a higher 10‐year OS when treated with surgery or combination therapy than with radiation alone (P =. 003).

Conclusion

Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the head and neck represents a type of tumor unique from other plasmacytomas, with distinct epidemiologic characteristics and a superior prognosis. Evidence suggests that surgically based treatments may offer improved outcomes.
Effects of Topical Oxiconazole and Boric Acid in Alcohol Solutions to Rat Inner Ears
Authors: Özdemir Süleyman , Tuncer Ülkü , Tarkan Özgür , Akar Funda , Sürmelioğlu Özgür
Published: March 2013

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the ototoxicity of topical oxiconazole and boric acid in alcohol solutions.

Study Design

Prospective controlled animal study.

Setting

Research laboratory.

Method

Fifty adult Wistar albino rats were divided into 5 groups consisting of 10 animals each. The right tympanic membranes were perforated, and baseline and posttreatment distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) measurements were performed.

Results

The solutions were applied through the external ear canal to the middle ear twice a day for 14 days. The rats in group I and group II received 0.1 mL of oxiconazole‐containing solution drops and 4% boric acid in alcohol solution drops, respectively. Group III received gentamicin solution (40 mg/mL) (ototoxic control), group IV received saline solution, and group V was followed without any medication. The baseline DPOAE results of the right ears of all animals tested were normal. Animals in groups I, II, IV, and V showed no statistically significant change in the DPOAE amplitudes. The rats in the gentamicin group showed a significant decrease.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that topically used oxiconazole and boric acid in alcohol solutions to the middle ear appear to be safe on the inner ear of rats. The safety of these drugs has not yet been confirmed in humans. Caution should be taken when prescribing these drugs, especially to patients who had tympanic membrane perforation. Ear drops should be chosen more carefully in an external ear infection for patients with tympanic membrane perforation to avoid ototoxicity.