bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Double Stranded RNA‐Dependent Protein Kinase is Necessary for TNF‐α‐Induced Osteoclast Formation In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Shinohara Hiroki , Teramachi Jumpei , Okamura Hirohiko , Yang Di , Nagata Toshihiko , Haneji Tatsuji
Published: March 2015

Double‐stranded RNA‐dependent protein kinase (PKR) is involved in cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, tumorgenesis, and apoptosis. We previously reported that PKR is required for differentiation and calcification in osteoblasts. TNF‐α plays a key role in osteoclast differentiation. However, it is unknown about the roles of PKR in the TNF‐α‐induced osteoclast differentiation. The expression of PKR in osteoclast precursor RAW264.7 cells increased during TNF‐α‐induced osteoclastogenesis. The TNF‐α‐induced osteoclast differentiation in bone marrow‐derived macrophages and RAW264.7 cells was markedly suppressed by the pretreatment of PKR inhibitor, 2‐aminopurine (2AP), as well as gene silencing of PKR. The expression of gene markers in the differentiated osteoclasts including TRAP, Calcitonin receptor, cathepsin K, and ATP6V0d2 was also suppressed by the 2AP treatment. Bone resorption activity of TNF‐α‐induced osteoclasts was also supressed by 2AP treatment. Inhibition of PKR supressed the TNF‐α‐induced activation of NF‐κB and MAPK in RAW264.7 cells. 2AP inhibited both the nuclear translocation of NF‐κB and its transcriptional activity in RAW264.7 cells. 2AP inhibited the TNF‐α‐induced expression of NFATc1 and c‐fos, master transcription factors in osteoclastogenesis. TNF‐α‐induced nuclear translocation of NFATc1 in mature osteoclasts was clearly inhibited by the 2AP treatment. The PKR inhibitor C16 decreased the TNF‐α‐induced osteoclast formation and bone resorption in mouse calvaria. The present study indicates that PKR is necessary for the TNF‐α‐induced osteoclast differentiation in vitro and in vivo. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1957–1967, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of the North Atlantic Oscillation on the Dipole Oscillation of summer precipitation over the central and eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Huancai , Duan Keqin , Li Man , Shi Peihong , Yang Junhua , Zhang Xiao , Sun Jianyong
Published: March 2015

An analysis of the spatiotemporal variability in summer precipitation during the period 1961–2010 is presented based on monthly precipitation datasets from 66 meteorological stations in the central and eastern Tibetan Plateau (TP). By applying empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, a strong reversal is found in the variability of summer precipitation between the northeastern and the southeastern TP on the inter‐annual timescale; this reversal is defined as the Dipole Oscillation in summer precipitation over the TP.

Our analysis shows that the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) greatly controls the Dipole Oscillation in TP summer precipitation by modifying the atmospheric circulation over and around the TP. With the increased stationary wave activity spreading eastward from the North Atlantic to the TP, a pronounced wave train pattern bridges the North Atlantic Ocean and the TP. During the positive phase of the NAO, warm moist air from the oceans around Asia is transported by the southeastern flank of the anticyclonic anomaly over East Asia to the northeastern TP. This northward‐moving warm moist air encounters cold air masses transported by the northwestern flank of the cyclonic anomaly over the northeastern TP. The confluence of the cold and warm air masses subsequently strengthens cumulus convective activities and ultimately results in excessive precipitation over the northeastern TP. Meanwhile, as a cyclonic anomaly sets up over northwestern India and Pakistan, water vapour condenses into precipitation over northwestern India and Pakistan, inhibiting Arabian Sea moisture inflows into the southeastern TP and northeastern India. As a result, a precipitation deficit occurs over the southeastern TP. The opposite scenario occurs during the negative phase of the NAO.
Global climatology of tropical cyclone size as inferred from QuikSCAT data
Authors: Chan Kelvin T. F. , Chan Johnny C. L.
Published: March 2015

This paper presents to date the most complete global climatology of the size of tropical cyclones (TCs) between 1999 and 2009 using the QuikSCAT satellite data. Here, TC size is defined as the azimuthal mean radius of 17 m s−1 surface winds from the TC centre. While the TC size climatology for the Western North Pacific (WNP) and North Atlantic (NA) has been documented in previous studies, those for the Eastern North Pacific (ENP), South Indian Ocean (SI) and South Pacific (SP) have yet to be examined in detail, which is the objective of this study. Among all the basins, TCs over the WNP are the largest and have the largest variance, while those over the ENP are the smallest. In addition, TCs in the Northern Hemisphere (WNP, NA and ENP) have two seasonal size peaks, but those in the Southern Hemisphere (SI and SP) have only one. An important finding is that for all basins, the size of a TC does not necessarily increase with latitude monotonically, but reaches the maximum at some latitudinal region. Such a result agrees well with a recent theoretical study in terms of a balance between the inertial stability associated with the TC circulation and the import of angular momentum into the TC.
Cation Effects on the Phase Transition ofN‐isopropylacrylamide Hydrogels
Authors: Pastoor Kevin J. , Rice Charles V.
Published: March 2015

Polymers formed fromN‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) are highly water soluble and undergo a temperature‐induced phase transition to an insoluble state. The phase behavior is determined by competing hydrophilic and hydrophobic forces. In this report, additional insight regarding the effect soluble metals have on the phase transition process is provided by showing that cation solvation aids with stabilization of hydrophobic forces. This reduces barriers to rehydration and decreases thermodynamic entropy and enthalpy, obtained with variable‐temperature1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of NIPAM hydrogels in D2O, NaCl, MgCl2, and CaCl2. For the series of cations studied, it is observed that the order of increasing effect to facilitate the phase transition is Ca2+< Mg2+< Na+. NaCl and MgCl2exhibited similar effects on the thermodynamics of the collapsing process. However, significant differences in the phase transition thermodynamics are observed between MgCl2and CaCl2salt solutions. The influence on Stage 1 enthalpy and entropy values for CaCl2solutions is approximately half that of the MgCl2solutions. This difference is likely related to their charge density of Ca2+, which is approximately half that of Mg2+.

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Relationship of age of onset and family history in Parkinson disease
Authors: Barrett Matthew J. , Hac Nicholas E. , Yan Guofen , Harrison Madaline B. , Wooten G. Frederick
Published: March 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to determine whether age of onset of Parkinson disease (PD) is associated with differences in PD risk and PD age of onset in parents and siblings.

Methods

Clinical and detailed family history data were available for 1,114 PD probands.

Results

Proband age of onset was not associated with differences in PD prevalence or PD age of onset in parents. Proband age of PD onset <50, compared with ≥50 years, was associated with significantly greater risk of PD in siblings (hazard ratio: 2.4; P = 0.002; 95% confidence interval: 1.4, 4.1), and proband age of onset was significantly correlated with sibling age of onset (Somer's D = 0.20; P = 0.018).

Conclusions

Proband age of PD onset is not associated with differences in parental PD risk. Siblings of PD patients with onset before age 50 are at increased risk of PD and are more likely to have early‐onset disease. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Cognitive performance and neuropsychiatric symptoms in early, untreated Parkinson's disease
Authors: Weintraub Daniel , Simuni Tanya , Caspell‐Garcia Chelsea , Coffey Christopher , Lasch Shirley , Siderowf Andrew , Aarsland Dag , Barone Paolo , Burn David , Chahine Lama M. , Eberling Jamie , Espay Alberto J. , Foster Eric D. , Leverenz James B. , Litvan Irene , Richard Irene , Troyer Matthew D. , Hawkins Keith A. ,   the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative
Published: March 2015

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and correlates of cognitive impairment (CI) and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in early, untreated patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Background

Both CI and NPS are common in PD and impact disease course and quality of life. However, limited knowledge is available about cognitive abilities and NPS.

Methods

Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) is a multi‐site study of early, untreated PD patients and healthy controls (HCs), the latter with normal cognition. At baseline, participants were assessed with a neuropsychological battery and for symptoms of depression, anxiety, impulse control disorders (ICDs), psychosis, and apathy.

Results

Baseline data of 423 PD patients and 196 HCs yielded no between‐group differences in demographic characteristics. Twenty‐two percent of PD patients met the PD‐recommended screening cutoff for CI on the Montral Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), but only 9% met detailed neuropsychological testing criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI)‐level impairment. The PD patients were more depressed than HCs (P < 0.001), with twice as many (14% vs. 7%) meeting criteria for clinically significant depressive symptoms. The PD patients also experienced more anxiety (P < 0.001) and apathy (P < 0.001) than HCs. Psychosis was uncommon in PD (3%), and no between‐group difference was seen in ICD symptoms (P = 0.51).

Conclusions

Approximately 10% of PD patients in the early, untreated disease state met traditional criteria of CI, which is a lower frequency compared with previous studies. Multiple dopaminergic‐dependent NPS are also more common in these patients compared with the general population, but others associated with dopamine replacement therapy are not or are rare. Future analyses of this cohort will examine biological predictors and the course of CI and NPS. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Big Data ohne Energiekollaps
Authors: Schmidt Heidemarie , Mikolajick Thomas , Waser Rainer , Linn Eike
Published: March 2015

2018 werden bereits weltweit 1,6 Zettabytes an Daten anfallen. Würde man die explodierenden Datenmengen noch lange auf herkömmlichen Computern verarbeiten, wäre deren Energiebedarf enorm. Deswegen werden neuartige energieeffiziente Computertechnologien mit semantischen und kognitiven Fähigkeiten wie das menschliche Gehirn entwickelt. Sie sollen Informationen sortieren, analysieren und auf dieser Basis Entscheidungen treffen können. Solche Fähigkeiten könnte die hier vorgestellte Memristor‐Logik ermöglichen. Mit ihr könnten neuartige Computer große Datenmengen energieeffizient analysieren. Die Programmierung der Memristor‐Logik funktioniert grundsätzlich anders als bei herkömmlicher Logik‐Hardware, denn sie verändert nicht nur die Software, sondern auch die Hardware. Die neuartigen Bausteine können zudem das Ergebnis einer logischen Operation nichtflüchtig speichern.
Tambora: das Jahr ohne Sommer
Authors: Auchmann Renate , Brönnimann Stefan , Arfeuille Florian
Published: March 2015

Die außergewöhnlichen klimatischen Bedingungen des “Jahres ohne Sommer” 1816 werden größtenteils dem Ausbruch des indonesischen Vulkans Tambora im Jahr 1815 zugeschrieben. In Mitteleuropa und Nordamerika zählt dieser Sommer zu den kältesten und regenreichsten seit Beginn der Wetterbeobachtungen. Sozioökonomische Auswirkungen wie Ernteausfälle und Hungersnöte waren die Folge. Der weitreichende Klimaeffekt durch Vulkane entsteht vor allem durch Schwefelsäureaerosole. Diese bilden sich nach explosiven Vulkanausbrüchen in der Stratosphäre. Liegen diese Vulkane wie der Tambora in den Tropen, dann können ihre Aerosole einige Jahre in der Stratosphäre verbleiben und sich über den gesamten Globus ausbreiten.
Development of a reporter peptide that catalytically produces a fluorescent signal through α‐complementation
Authors: Nishiyama Kotaro , Ichihashi Norikazu , Kazuta Yasuaki , Yomo Tetsuya
Published: March 2015

In α‐complementation, inactive N‐terminal (α‐domain) and C‐terminal (ω‐domain) fragments of β‐galactosidase associate to reconstitute the active protein. To date, the effect of α‐domain size on α‐complementation activity has not been systematically investigated. In this study, we compared the complementation activities of α‐domains of various sizes using an in vitro system. We found that the complementation activities are similar for α‐domains comprising between 45 and 229 N‐terminal residues but are significantly decreased for those containing less than 37 residues. However, these smaller α‐domains (15 and 25 residues) exhibited sufficient α‐complementation activity for application as reporters.
On the lack of polymorphism in Aβ‐peptide aggregates derived from patient brains
Authors: Alred Erik J. , Phillips Malachi , Berhanu Workalemahu M. , Hansmann Ulrich H. E.
Published: March 2015

The amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomers and fibrils that are found in neural tissues of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease may either cause or contribute to the pathology of the disease. In vitro, these Aβ‐aggregates are characterized by structural polymorphism. However, recent solid state NMR data of fibrils acquired post mortem from the brains of two Alzheimer's patients indicate presence of only a single, patient‐specific structure. Using enhanced molecular dynamic simulations we investigate the factors that modulate the stability of Aβ‐fibrils. We find characteristic differences in molecular flexibility, dynamics of interactions, and structural behavior between the brain‐derived Aβ‐fibril structure and in vitro models. These differences may help to explain the lack of polymorphism in fibrils collected from patient brains, and have to be taken into account when designing aggregation inhibitors and imaging agents for Alzheimer's disease.
A semi‐implicit, semi‐Lagrangian discontinuous Galerkin framework for adaptive numerical weather prediction
Authors: Tumolo Giovanni , Bonaventura Luca
Published: March 2015

We present an adaptive discretization approach for model equations typical of numerical weather prediction (NWP), which combines the semi‐Lagrangian technique with a semi‐implicit time discretization method, based on the Trapezoidal Rule second‐order Backward Difference Formula scheme (TR‐BDF2), and with a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) spatial discretization, with variable and adaptive element degree. The resulting method has full second‐order accuracy in time, can employ polynomial bases of arbitrarily high degree in space, is unconditionally stable and can effectively adapt the number of degrees of freedom employed in each element at runtime, in order to balance accuracy and computational cost. Furthermore, although the proposed method can be implemented on arbitrary unstructured and non‐conforming meshes, even its application on simple Cartesian meshes in spherical coordinates can reduce the impact of the coordinate singularity, by reducing the polynomial degree used in the polar elements. Numerical results are presented, obtained on classical benchmarks with two‐dimensional models implementing discretizations of the shallow‐water equations on the sphere and of the Euler equations on a vertical slice, respectively. The results confirm that the proposed method has a significant potential for NWP applications.
Correlation between gloss reflectance and surface texture in photographic paper
Authors: Vessot Kevin , Messier Paul , Hyde Joyce M. , Brown Christopher A.
Published: March 2015

Surface textures of a large collection of photographic papers dating from 1896 to the present were measured using a laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) with four different objective lenses. Roughness characterization parameters were calculated from the texture measurements and were compared with gloss measurements. Characterization by the area‐scale fractal dimension (Das) and the area‐scale fractal complexity (Asfc) provided the strongest correlations between gloss reflectance and surface texture. The measurements with the 5× and 10× objectives, which contained many large‐scale, spiky measurement artifacts that distorted the measurement, resulted in the strongest correlations (R2 > 0.8) compared to the 20× and 50× (R2 < 0.5). The presence of spiky artifacts in the measurements, which increases when the magnification of the objective lens is decreased, appears to amplify surface features in such a way to improve the correlations. SCANNING 37:204–217, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cardiosphere-Derived Cells from Pediatric End-Stage Heart Failure Patients Have Enhanced Functional Activity Due to the Heat Shock Response Regulating the Secretome
Authors: Sharma Sudhish , Mishra Rachana , Simpson David , Wehman Brody , Colletti Evan J. , Deshmukh Savitha , Datla Srinivasa Raju , Balachandran Keerti , Guo Yin , Chen Ling , Siddiqui Osama T. , Kaushal Shalesh , Kaushal Sunjay
Published: March 2015

We have demonstrated that human neonatal cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) derived from the young are more regenerative due to their robust secretome. However, it is unclear how the decompensated pediatric heart impacts the functional activity of their CDCs. Our aim was to characterize the potency of pediatric CDCs derived from normal functioning myocardium of control heart disease (CHD) patients to those generated from age-matched end stage heart failure (ESHF) patients and to determine the mechanisms involved. ESHF-derived CDCs contained a higher number of c-kit+, Islet-1+, and Sca-1+ cells. When transplanted into an infarcted rodent model, ESHF-derived CDCs significantly demonstrated higher restoration of ventricular function, prevented adverse remodeling, and enhanced angiogenesis when compared with CHD patients. The superior functional recovery of the ESHF-derived CDCs was mediated in part by increased SDF-1α and VEGF-A secretion resulting in augmented recruitment of endogenous stem cells and proliferation of cardiomyocytes. We determined the mechanism is due to the secretome directed by the heat shock response (HSR), which is supported by three lines of evidence. First, gain of function studies demonstrated that increased HSR induced the lower functioning CHD-derived CDCs to significantly restore myocardial function. Second, loss-of function studies targeting the HSR impaired the ability of the ESHF-derived CDCs to functionally recover the injured myocardium. Finally, the native ESHF myocardium had an increased number of c-kit+ cardiac stem cells. These findings suggest that the HSR enhances the functional activity of ESHF-derived CDCs by increasing their secretome activity, notably SDF-1α and VEGF-A. Stem Cells  2015;33:1213–1229
Object‐sensitive cost analysis for concurrent objects
Authors: Albert Elvira , Arenas Puri , Correas Jesús , Genaim Samir , Gómez‐Zamalloa Miguel , Puebla Germán , Román‐Díez Guillermo
Published: March 2015

This article presents a novel cost analysis framework for concurrent objects. Concurrent objects form a well‐established model for distributed concurrent systems. In this model, objects are the concurrency units that communicate among them via asynchronous method calls. Cost analysis aims at automatically approximating the resource consumption of executing a program in terms of its input parameters. While cost analysis for sequential programming languages has received considerable attention, concurrency and distribution have been notably less studied. The main challenges of cost analysis in a concurrent setting are as follows. First, inferring precise size abstractions for data in the program in the presence of shared memory. This information is essential for bounding the number of iterations of loops. Second, distribution suggests that analysis must infer the cost of the diverse distributed components separately. We handle this by means of a novel form of object‐sensitive recurrence equations that use cost centres in order to keep the resource usage assigned to the different components separate. We have implemented our analysis and evaluated it on several small applications that are classical examples of concurrent and distributed programming. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seven common mistakes to avoid in achieving long‐term success with dermatology patients
Authors: Ackerman Lowell
Published: March 2015

Managing a pet's chronic dermatologic conditions can be frustrating for both clients and clinicians, but there are steps to making the process easier for everyone. Avoid the following seven mistakes sometimes made in managing dermatology cases and you will find the process considerably easier in the future.
A joint subcarrier selection and power allocation scheme using variational inequality in OFDM‐based cognitive relay networks
Authors: Peng Jun , Li Shuo , Zhu Chaoliang , Liu Weirong , Zhu Zhengfa , Lin Kuo‐chi
Published: March 2015

Introducing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) into cognitive radio (CR) can potentially increase the spectrum efficiency, but it also leads to further challenges for the resource allocation of CR networks. In OFDM‐based cognitive relay networks, two of the most significant research issues are subcarrier selection and power allocation. In this paper, a non‐cooperative game model is proposed to maximize the system throughput by jointly optimizing subcarrier selection and power allocation. First, taking the direct and relay links into consideration, an equivalent channel gain is presented to simplify the cooperative relay model into a non‐relay model. Then, a variational inequality method is utilized to prove the existence and uniqueness of the Nash equilibrium solution of the proposed non‐cooperative game. Moreover, to compute the solution of the game, a suboptimal algorithm based on the Lagrange function and distributed iterative water‐filling algorithm is proposed. The proposed algorithm can jointly optimize the process of subcarrier selection and power allocation. Finally, simulation results are shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed joint subcarrier selection and power allocation scheme. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occurrence of tin in disposable baby diapers
Authors: Šmajgl Danijela , Obhođaš Jasmina
Published: March 2015

Concentrations of tin were measured in six different brands of disposable baby diapers by using radioisotope (americium) excited energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence. Top sheet and adhesive tape system were measured separately. The concentrations found in top sheet and tape system were <1.5 to 23.1 mg/kg and <1.5 to 22.4 mg/kg, respectively. Almost all diapers contained tin in the adhesive tape system (four of five), and two of six samples contained tin in top sheet. Tin found in diapers may be an organotin substance: tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT), monobutyltin (MBT) and/or dioctyltin (DOT), which are widely used in industrial processes as catalysts or as PVC heat stabilizers. Organotin substances have toxic effects which include neurotoxicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, immunotoxicity and endocrine disruption. The measured concentrations were less than EU regulatory levels of 0.1% by weight of tin prescribed by REACH Annex XVII No 20. However, the same regulation completely bans the use of organotin substances as biocides in antifouling paints. While effects of TBT on marine organisms from antifouling paints are well known, the effects of organotin compounds in childcare products and other commercial articles receive much less attention. Children who use disposable diapers every day are particularly sensitive. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Major modes of short-term climate variability in the newly developed NUIST Earth System Model (NESM)
Authors: Cao Jian , Wang Bin , Xiang Baoqiang , Li Juan , Wu Tianjie , Fu Xiouhua , Wu Liguang , Min Jinzhong
Published: March 2015

A coupled earth system model (ESM) has been developed at the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) by using version 5.3 of the European Centre Hamburg Model (ECHAM), version 3.4 of the Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO), and version 4.1 of the Los Alamos sea ice model (CICE). The model is referred to as NUIST ESM1 (NESM1). Comprehensive and quantitative metrics are used to assess the model’s major modes of climate variability most relevant to subseasonal-to-interannual climate prediction. The model’s assessment is placed in a multi-model framework. The model yields a realistic annual mean and annual cycle of equatorial SST, and a reasonably realistic precipitation climatology, but has difficulty in capturing the spring-fall asymmetry and monsoon precipitation domains. The ENSO mode is reproduced well with respect to its spatial structure, power spectrum, phase locking to the annual cycle, and spatial structures of the central Pacific (CP)-ENSO and eastern Pacific (EP)-ENSO; however, the equatorial SST variability, biennial component of ENSO, and the amplitude of CP-ENSO are overestimated. The model captures realistic intraseasonal variability patterns, the vertical-zonal structures of the first two leading predictable modes of Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), and its eastward propagation; but the simulated MJO speed is significantly slower than observed. Compared with the T42 version, the high resolution version (T159) demonstrates improved simulation with respect to the climatology, interannual variance, monsoon-ENSO lead-lag correlation, spatial structures of the leading mode of the Asian-Australian monsoon rainfall variability, and the eastward propagation of the MJO.
Contribution of soil moisture to seasonal and annual variations of soil CO2 efflux in a humid cool‐temperate oak‐birch forest in central Japan
Authors: Kishimoto‐Mo Ayaka Wenhong , Yonemura Seiichiro , Uchida Masaki , Kondo Miyuki , Murayama Shohei , Koizumi Hiroshi
Published: March 2015

To quantify the contribution of soil moisture to seasonal and annual variations in soil CO2 efflux in a cool‐humid deciduous broadleaf forest, we measured soil CO2 efflux during the snow‐free seasons of 2005–2008 using an automated chamber technique. This worked much better than manual chambers employing the same steady‐state through‐flow method. Soil CO2 efflux (g C m−2 period−1) during the snow‐free season ranged from 979.8 ± 49.0 in 2005 to 1131.2 ± 56.6 in 2008 with a coefficient variation of 6.4 % among the 4 years. We established two‐parameter (soil temperature and moisture) empirical models, finding that while soil temperature and moisture explained 69–86 % and 10–13 % of the temporal variability, respectively. Soil moisture had the effect of modifying the temporal variability of soil CO2 efflux, particularly during summer and early fall after episodic rainfall events; greater soil moisture enhanced soil CO2 efflux in the surface soil layers. High soil moisture conditions did not suppress soil CO2 efflux, leading to a positive correlation between normalized soil CO2 efflux (ratio of the measured to predicted efflux using a temperature‐dependent Q10 function) and soil moisture. Therefore, enhanced daily soil CO2 efflux following heavy rainfall events could significantly reduce net ecosystem exchange (i.e. daily net ecosystem production) by 32 % on some days. Our results highlight the importance of precisely estimating the response of soil CO2 efflux to changes in soil moisture following rainfall events when modeling seasonal carbon dynamics in response to climate change, even in humid monsoon regions.
Tibetan women's perspectives and satisfaction with delivery care in a rural birth center
Authors: Gipson Jessica D. , Gyaltsen (Gongque Jianzan) Kunchok , Gyal (Li Xianjia) Lhusham , Kyi (Cai Rangji) Tsering , Hicks Andrew L. , Pebley Anne R.
Published: March 2015

Objective

To identify sociodemographic characteristics and factors involved in Tibetan women's decisions to deliver at the Tibetan Birth and Training Center (TBTC) in rural western China.

Methods

In the present mixed‐methods study, a random sample of married women who delivered at the TBTC between June 2011 and June 2012 were surveyed. Additionally, four focus group discussions were conducted among married women living in the TBTC catchment area. Descriptive analyses were conducted, and dominant themes were identified.

Results

In focus group discussions, women (n = 33) reported that improved roads and transportation meant that access to health facilities was easier than in the past. Although some of the 114 survey participants voiced negative perceptions of healthcare facilities and providers, 99 (86.8%) indicated that they chose to deliver at the TBTC because they preferred to have a doctor present. Most women (75 [65.8%]) said their mother/mother‐in‐law made the final decision about delivery location. Women valued logistic and cultural aspects of the TBTC, and 108 (94.7%) said that they would recommend the TBTC to a friend.

Conclusion

Study participants preferred delivery care that combines safety and comfort. The findings highlight avenues for further promotion of facility delivery among populations with lower rates of skilled deliveries.
Left atrial thrombus formation and resolution during dabigatran therapy: A Japanese Heart Rhythm Society report
Authors: Mitamura Hideo , Nagai Takayuki , Watanabe Atsuyuki , Takatsuki Seiji , Okumura Ken
Published: March 2015

Background

Protocols on the use of novel oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing electrical cardioversion (ECV) are lacking.

Aim

The study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of dabigatran (Dabi) treatment in preventing peri‐ECV stroke.

Methods

A retrospective survey of the incidence and fate of left atrial (LA) thrombus during Dabi therapy in patients with AF was conducted between December 2012 and January 2013 by the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society.

Results

A total of 198 patients from 299 institutions underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to rule out LA thrombus before ECV. Of these, LA thrombus was found in eight patients (4%), who tended to be older (67.3 vs. 61.3 years, p=0.175), had higher CHADS2 scores (1.88 vs. 0.95, p=0.058), and a higher prevalence of prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (22.2% vs. 2.6%, p=0.034) than those without LA thrombus. Of the eight patients with LA thrombus, one had LA thrombus during a Dabi 150 mg b.i.d treatment, whereas the remaining seven were receiving 110 mg b.i.d for 3 weeks or longer. In 6 of the 8 patients with LA thrombus, a second TEE was performed, revealing complete resolution of LA thrombus in five; among these five patients, one received Dabi dosage of 150 mg b.i.d unchanged, two received an increased dosage from 110 mg to 150 mg b.i.d, and two were switched to warfarin. Two patients had a stroke 3 and 15 days after ECV, and one had a major large intestine bleeding episode during Dabi therapy.

Conclusions

LA thrombus developed in 4% of patients with AF receiving Dabi. Older patients with a higher CHADS2 score receiving a lower Dabi dosage were more likely to develop LA thrombus, which was resolved with a prolonged or increased dosage. A higher Dabi dosage may be more beneficial before ECV but prospective randomized studies would be needed to confirm these results.
Decreased expression of ABAT and STC2 hallmarks ER‐positive inflammatory breast cancer and endocrine therapy resistance in advanced disease
Authors: Jansen Maurice P.H.M. , Sas Leen , Sieuwerts Anieta M. , Van Cauwenberghe Caroline , Ramirez-Ardila Diana , Look Maxime , Ruigrok-Ritstier Kirsten , Finetti Pascal , Bertucci François , Timmermans Mieke M. , van Deurzen Carolien H.M. , Martens John W.M. , Simon Iris , Roepman Paul , Linn Sabine C. , van Dam Peter , Kok Marleen , Lardon Filip , Vermeulen Peter B. , Foekens John A. , Dirix Luc , Berns Els M.J.J. , Van Laere Steven
Published: March 2015

Background

Patients with Estrogen Receptor α‐positive (ER+) Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) are less responsive to endocrine therapy compared with ER+ non‐IBC (nIBC) patients. The study of ER+ IBC samples might reveal biomarkers for endocrine resistant breast cancer.

Materials & methods

Gene expression profiles of ER+ samples from 201 patients were explored for genes that discriminated between IBC and nIBC. Classifier genes were applied onto clinically annotated expression data from 947 patients with ER+ breast cancer and validated with RT‐qPCR for 231 patients treated with first‐line tamoxifen. Relationships with metastasis‐free survival (MFS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) following adjuvant and first‐line endocrine treatment, respectively, were investigated using Cox regression analysis.

Results

A metagene of six genes including the genes encoding for 4‐aminobutyrate aminotransferase (ABAT) and Stanniocalcin‐2 (STC2) were identified to distinguish 22 ER+ IBC from 43 ER+ nIBC patients and remained discriminatory in an independent series of 136 patients. The metagene and two genes were not prognostic in 517 (neo)adjuvant untreated lymph node‐negative ER+ nIBC breast cancer patients. Only ABAT was related to outcome in 250 patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen. Three independent series of in total 411 patients with advanced disease showed increased metagene scores and decreased expression of ABAT and STC2 to be correlated with poor first‐line endocrine therapy outcome. The biomarkers remained predictive for first‐line tamoxifen treatment outcome in multivariate analysis including traditional factors or published signatures. In an exploratory analysis, ABAT and STC2 protein expression levels had no relation with PFS after first‐line tamoxifen.

Conclusions

This study utilized ER+ IBC to identify a metagene including ABAT and STC2 as predictive biomarkers for endocrine therapy resistance.
Complex Alpine Extrication: Case Report of Mountain and Speleological Rescue Cooperation
Authors: Sette Piersandro , Carlini Mauro , Berti Damiano , Rucci Igor , Marchiori Francesco , Toffali Fausto , Schonsberg Alberto , Ricci Giorgio , Tardivo Stefano
Published: March 2015

Mountain sporting activities are an increasingly popular practice that exposes mountaineers to a high risk of adverse events. This report describes a unique case of recovery in an austere environment that involved explosives. In June 2012, a 52-year-old man ascended a cliff tower in the Eastern Alps, Italy. A landslide occurred, and a boulder crushed the climber against a large stone located farther down the cliff, causing compression of the lower limbs and the pelvis with consequent severe musculoskeletal trauma. The National Alpine and Cave Rescue Unit (NACRU) arrived and proceeded with stabilization of the injured climber, which took 6 hours and involved a difficult extrication supported by the Cave Rescue division of NACRU. Unfortunately, during transport to the trauma center of Borgo Trento, Verona, the patient exhibited signs of progressive traumatic shock because of crush syndrome, hypovolemia, and acidosis, which led to cardiac arrest and death. Based on an extensive literature review, this report was determined to be the only one of a mountain rescue using explosives for the extrication of a victim in the Northeast Italian Alps. This case describes how a rescue in austere environments can represent a high-risk situation, and it shows how improvisation and cooperation between rescue teams are crucial for a successful recovery.
Trait Anger Symptoms and Emotion Regulation: The Effectiveness of Reappraisal, Acceptance and Suppression Strategies in Regulating Anger
Authors: Germain Carmen L. , Kangas Maria
Published: March 2015

Objective: The aim of the current study was to compare the effects of instructed cognitive reappraisal, acceptance and emotional suppression on state anger after provocation among individuals with high trait anger. The moderating effects of trait emotion regulation (ER) styles were also examined. Method: Adults (N = 102) with elevated levels of trait anger were randomised to one of three ER conditions. Participants in both the reappraisal and emotional suppression conditions reported a decline in state anger and systolic blood pressure (SBP) post-anger provocation, whereas participants in the acceptance group did not experience a substantial decline in state anger or SBP post-anger provocation. Trait suppression was further found to enhance the effects of instructed suppression, while trait tolerance augmented the effects of instructed reappraisal. Conclusions: Support was found for the use of reappraisal and emotional suppression as adaptive strategies to cope with anger arousal in the short term after provocation.
Evaluation of an Unplanned School Closure in a Colorado School District: Implications for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness
Authors: Epson Erin E. , Zheteyeva Yenlik A. , Rainey Jeanette J. , Gao Hongjiang , Shi Jianrong , Uzicanin Amra , Miller Lisa
Published: March 2015

Objective

From January 29 through February 5, 2013, a school district outside metropolitan Denver, Colorado, was closed because of absenteeism related to influenza-like illness (ILI) among students and staff. We evaluated the consequences and acceptability of the closure among affected households.

Methods

We conducted a household survey regarding parent or guardian employment and income interruptions, alternative child care arrangements, interruption of noneducational school services, ILI symptoms, student re-congregation, and communication preferences during the closure.

Results

Of the 35 (31%) of 113 households surveyed, the majority (28 [80%]) reported that the closure was not challenging. Seven (20%) households reported challenges: 5 (14%) reported that 1 or more adults missed work, 3 (9%) reported lost pay, and 1 (3%) reported challenges because of missed subsidized school meals. The majority (22 [63%]) of households reported that a hypothetical 1-month closure would not represent a problem; 6 of 8 households that did anticipate challenges reported that all adults worked outside the home. The majority (58%) of students visited at least 1 outside venue during the closure.

Conclusions

A brief school closure did not pose a major problem for the majority of the affected households surveyed. School and public health officials should consider the needs of families in which all adults work outside the home when creating school closure contingency plans. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:4-8)
Linear three-dimensional global and asymptotic stability analysis of incompressible open cavity flow
Authors: Citro Vincenzo , Giannetti Flavio , Brandt Luca , Luchini Paolo
Published: March 2015

The viscous and inviscid linear stability of the incompressible flow past a square open cavity is studied numerically. The analysis shows that the flow first undergoes a steady three-dimensional bifurcation at a critical Reynolds number of 1370. The critical mode is localized inside the cavity and has a flat roll structure with a spanwise wavelength of about 0.47 cavity depths. The adjoint global mode reveals that the instability is most efficiently triggered in the thin region close to the upstream tip of the cavity. The structural sensitivity analysis identifies the wavemaker as the region located inside the cavity and spatially concentrated around a closed orbit. As the flow outside the cavity plays no role in the generation mechanisms leading to the bifurcation, we confirm that an appropriate parameter to describe the critical conditions in open cavity flows is the Reynolds number based on the average velocity between the two upper edges. Stabilization is achieved by a decrease of the total momentum inside the shear layer that drives the core vortex within the cavity. The mechanism of instability is then studied by means of a short-wavelength approximation considering pressureless inviscid modes. The closed streamline related to the maximum inviscid growth rate is found to be the same as that around which the global wavemaker is concentrated. The structural sensitivity field based on direct and adjoint eigenmodes, computed at a Reynolds number far higher than that of the base flow, can predict the critical orbit on which the main instabilities inside the cavity arise. Further, we show that the sub-leading unstable time-dependent modes emerging at supercritical conditions are characterized by a period that is a multiple of the revolution time of Lagrangian particles along the orbit of maximum growth rate. The eigenfrequencies of these modes, computed by global stability analysis, are in very good agreement with the asymptotic results.
The Low-Frequency Environment of the Murchison Widefield Array: Radio-Frequency Interference Analysis and Mitigation
Authors: Offringa A. R. , Wayth R. B. , Hurley-Walker N. , Kaplan D. L. , Barry N. , Beardsley A. P. , Bell M. E. , Bernardi G. , Bowman J. D. , Briggs F. , Callingham J. R. , Cappallo R. J. , Carroll P. , Deshpande A. A. , Dillon J. S. , Dwarakanath K. S. , Ewall-Wice A. , Feng L. , For B.-Q. , Gaensler B. M. , Greenhill L. J. , Hancock P. , Hazelton B. J. , Hewitt J. N. , Hindson L. , Jacobs D. C. , Johnston-Hollitt M. , Kapińska A. D. , Kim H.-S. , Kittiwisit P. , Lenc E. , Line J. , Loeb A. , Lonsdale C. J. , McKinley B. , McWhirter S. R. , Mitchell D. A. , Morales M. F. , Morgan E. , Morgan J. , Neben A. R. , Oberoi D. , Ord S. M. , Paul S. , Pindor B. , Pober J. C. , Prabu T. , Procopio P. , Riding J. , Udaya Shankar N. , Sethi S. , Srivani K. S. , Staveley-Smith L. , Subrahmanyan R. , Sullivan I. S. , Tegmark M. , Thyagarajan N. , Tingay S. J. , Trott C. M. , Webster R. L. , Williams A. , Williams C. L. , Wu C. , Wyithe J. S. , Zheng Q.
Published: March 2015

The Murchison Widefield Array is a new low-frequency interferometric radio telescope built in Western Australia at one of the locations of the future Square Kilometre Array. We describe the automated radio-frequency interference detection strategy implemented for the Murchison Widefield Array, which is based on the aoflagger platform, and present 72–231 MHz radio-frequency interference statistics from 10 observing nights. Radio-frequency interference detection removes 1.1% of the data. Radio-frequency interference from digital TV is observed 3% of the time due to occasional ionospheric or atmospheric propagation. After radio-frequency interference detection and excision, almost all data can be calibrated and imaged without further radio-frequency interference mitigation efforts, including observations within the FM and digital TV bands. The results are compared to a previously published Low-Frequency Array radio-frequency interference survey. The remote location of the Murchison Widefield Array results in a substantially cleaner radio-frequency interference environment compared to Low-Frequency Array’s radio environment, but adequate detection of radio-frequency interference is still required before data can be analysed. We include specific recommendations designed to make the Square Kilometre Array more robust to radio-frequency interference, including: the availability of sufficient computing power for radio-frequency interference detection; accounting for radio-frequency interference in the receiver design; a smooth band-pass response; and the capability of radio-frequency interference detection at high time and frequency resolution (second and kHz-scale respectively).
A HIGH-STATUS SEVENTH-CENTURY FEMALE BURIAL FROM WEST HANNEY, OXFORDSHIRE
Authors: Hamerow Helena , Byard Anni , Cameron Esther , Düring Andreas , Levick Paula , Marquez-Grant Nicholas , Shortland Andrew
Published: March 2015

In 2009, a metal-detector find of a rare garnet-inlaid composite disc brooch at West Hanney, Oxfordshire, led to the excavation of an apparently isolated female burial sited in a prominent position overlooking the Ock valley. The burial dates to the middle decades of the seventh century, a period of rapid socio-political development in the region, which formed the early heartland of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex. The de luxe brooch links the wearer to two other burials furnished with very similar brooches at Milton, some 10km to the east and onlyc1km from the Anglo-Saxon great hall complex at Sutton Courtenay / Drayton, just south of Abingdon. All three women must have been members of the region’s politically dominant group, known as theGewisse. The burial’s grave goods and setting add a new dimension to our understanding of the richly furnished female burials that are such a prominent feature of the funerary record of seventh-century England.
Sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of hypertension and CVD: a dose–response meta-analysis
Authors: Xi Bo , Huang Yubei , Reilly Kathleen Heather , Li Shuangshuang , Zheng Ruolong , Barrio-Lopez Maria T. , Martinez-Gonzalez Miguel A. , Zhou Donghao
Published: March 2015

A number of prospective cohort studies have investigated the associations between consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) and the risk of hypertension, CHD and stroke, but revealed mixed results. In the present study, we aimed to perform a dose–response meta-analysis of these prospective studies to clarify these associations. A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Embase databases up to 5 May 2014. Random- or fixed-effects models were used to calculate the pooled relative risks (RR) with 95 % CI for the highest compared with the lowest category of SSB consumption, and to conduct a dose–response analysis. A total of six prospective studies (240 726 participants and 80 411 incident cases of hypertension) from four publications on hypertension were identified. A total of four prospective studies (194 664 participants and 7396 incident cases of CHD) from four publications on CHD were identified. A total of four prospective studies (259 176 participants and 10 011 incident cases of stroke) from four publications on stroke were identified. The summary RR for incident hypertension was 1·08 (95 % CI 1·04, 1·12) for every additional one serving/d increase in SSB consumption. The summary RR for incident CHD was 1·17 (95 % CI 1·10, 1·24) for every serving/d increase in SSB consumption. There was no significant association between SSB consumption and total stroke (summary RR 1·06, 95 % CI 0·97, 1·15) for every serving/d increase in SSB consumption. The present meta-analysis suggested that a higher consumption of SSB was associated with a higher risk of hypertension and CHD, but not with a higher risk of stroke.
Empress Theophanu, Sanctity, and Memory in Early Medieval Saxony
Authors: Wangerin Laura
Published: March 2015

The Empress Theophanu, wife of Otto II and regent for her son Otto III, was by all accounts a woman skilled at maneuvering through the complicated world of Ottonian politics. When she died in 991 CE, around the age of thirty, she had accomplished much: after arriving in Italy from Constantinople in 972 at around the age of twelve, she became Otto II's queen and was crowned empress of the Western Empire. During her lifetime, she was among the wealthiest women in Europe and one of the continent's most powerful people. After her husband's death, she secured the succession of her son, Otto III, and actively ruled as regent, successfully navigating the dangerous political world of the Western Roman Empire. Her activities included building churches, placing her daughters in positions of power in key nunneries, issuing acts asimperatorandimperatrix, receiving ambassadors, waging war and negotiating peace—essentially doing everything expected of a male emperor with the exception of personally engaging in battle. Thietmar of Merseburg, writing around 1013, praises her rule as regent, stating that she held the kingdom for her son “in a manly fashion,” clearly intending this as a compliment. And yet, after her death and the premature death of her son a few years later, Theophanu seems to disappear from the historical record. Despite the great number of contemporary sources in which she figured during her lifetime and immediately after her death, including charters and donations, letters, chronicles, and annals, we know almost nothing about her. The few sources that do mention her in the period following her death have little good to say about her. Why did this woman fall into disfavor?