bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Trophic State Changes with Diel Dissolved Oxygen: A Case Study in a Shallow Lake
Authors: Xu Zhen , Xu Y. Jun
Published: November 2015

Current trophic state indices (TSI) have been reported to have limitations in assessing changes in eutrophication status of shallow waters. This study aimed to use intensive measurements on dissolved oxygen (DO) to improve the determination of tropic state changes. The authors deployed an environment monitoring buoy in a eutrophic shallow lake and recorded water temperature, DO, and chlorophyll‐a concentrations at 15‐minute intervals for two 1‐year periods: from August 2008 to July 2009 and from August 2013 to July 2014. In addition, they recorded water levels over the same periods and collected water samples for nutrient analysis. The authors analyzed the high‐time resolution DO records, compared the diel DO trends between the two 1‐year periods, and proposed a new TSI using DO. They found that analyzing the change in diel DO ranges can improve commonly used methods for classifying trophic states and assessing the change of eutrophication status of waterbodies.
Resilience of Groundwater Impacted by Land Use and Climate Change in a Karst Aquifer, South China
Authors: Guo Fang , Jiang Guanghui , Polk Jason S. , Huang Xiufeng , Huang Siyu
Published: November 2015

Changes of groundwater flow and quality were investigated in a subtropical karst aquifer to determine the driving mechanism. Decreases in groundwater flow are more distinct in discharge zones than those in recharge and runoff zones. Long‐term measurement of the represented regional groundwater outlet reveals that groundwater discharge decrease by nearly 50% during the dry season. The hydrochemistry of groundwater in the runoff and discharge zones is of poorer quality than in the recharge zone. Indications of intensive land resource exploitation and changes in land use patterns were attributed to changes in groundwater conditions since 1990, but the influence of climate change was likely from 2001, because the water temperature exhibited increasing trends at a mean rate of 0.02 °C/yr even though groundwater depth was high in the aquifer. These conclusions imply the need for further groundwater monitoring and reevaluation to understand the resilience of aquifer during urbanization and development.
Heavy Metal Contamination of Soil, Irrigation Water and Vegetables in Peri‐Urban Agricultural Areas and Markets of Delhi
Authors: Bhatia Arti , Singh ShivDhar , Kumar Amit
Published: November 2015

Dietary exposure to heavy metals, namely cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), has been identified as a risk to human health through consumption of vegetable crops. The present study investigates heavy metal contamination in irrigation water, soil, and vegetables at four peri‐urban and one wholesale site in Delhi, India, and estimates the health risk index. Most of the samples collected from peri‐urban areas exceeded the safe limits of lead and cadmium, whereas only lead concentration was found to be higher in vegetable samples collected from the wholesale market. Average uptake of metals by vegetables from soil decreased in the order Cd>Zn>Cu>Pb. The order of metal uptake based on transfer factor was highest in okra, cauliflower, and spinach, from greatest to least. Among the vegetables from peri‐urban sites, only okra crossed the safe limit for cadmium; whereas vegetables from the wholesale site exceeded the limit for lead (potato, coriander, chilies, pea, and carrot, in order from greatest to least) with respect to health risk index.
Occupational Stigma and Mental Health: Discrimination and Depression among Front-Line Service Workers
Authors: Benoit Cecilia , McCarthy Bill , Jansson Mikael
Published: November 2015

A large body of research shows a link between stigma and poor health; yet stigma is complex and involves several processes. This paper employs a social determinants of health perspective to shed light on the link between work and one dimension of stigma—discrimination. It examines discrimination and depression with data from a comparative study of three front-line service jobs: sex work, serving food and alcohol, and barbering and hairstyling. Our findings show positive associations between depression and the most highly stigmatized occupation—sex work—and between discrimination and depression. Discrimination mediates part of the association between sex work and depression, and self-worth partially mediates the association between discrimination and depression. Equity policies that improve their social determinants will contribute to better mental health for sex industry workers. Additional strategies aimed at reducing the formidable discrimination linked to their work are also urgently needed.
Welfare States and Health Inequalities
Authors: Lundberg Olle , Yngwe Monica Åberg , Bergqvist Kersti , Sjöberg Ola
Published: November 2015

While much research points to the importance of a range of welfare state policies to reduce inequalities in health, the growing literature in this field is full of mixed and contradictory results. In this paper, we provide a brief discussion about the different conceptual and methodological approaches used in comparative research on the relationship between welfare policies and health. Against a theoretical discussion of possible linkages among one central welfare policy, unemployment benefit schemes, and health, we also provide examples of findings on how two central dimensions of such schemes—coverage and replacement rates—are linked to health and health inequalities across Europe. These examples indicate not only that welfare state programs can contribute to smaller health inequalities but also that their effectiveness in this respect depends on their institutional set-up.
The Potential of Social Epigenetics for Child Health Policy
Authors: Park Mina , Kobor Michael S.
Published: November 2015

Developing public policies aimed at improving child health and well-being in Canada is an important objective. Social epigenetic research can be an insightful additional source of evidence in pursuing this endeavour. Social epigenetics is the study of the molecular mechanisms by which early-life experiences influence gene expression and have persistent effects on human physiology and health. Findings so far suggest that epigenetic mechanisms might be an important biological component linking various early-life experiences to later outcomes. Although there are numerous challenges in translating epigenetic knowledge to the public sphere, applying social epigenetic research to practice and policy could have important and pragmatic uses in clinical practice and in influencing public opinion toward healthy starts.
Implications of Public Policy Change Models for Addressing Income-Related Health Inequalities
Authors: Bryant Toba
Published: November 2015

There are differing interpretations among health researchers about how income inequality leads to health inequalities, but there is consensus that income inequality is cause for concern. Alarms have also been sounded by public policy researchers and institutes, which see income inequality as having a corrosive effect on society by hindering economic growth, dampening political participation, and eroding quality of life. This article examines how various public policy models explain and promote policy change to reduce income inequality. The focus of this article is on income inequality, but its raison d’être is the assumption that income inequality is an important driver of the health inequalities that both diminish and prematurely end life.
Understanding Reliability: A Review for Veterinary Educators
Authors: Royal Kenneth D. , Hecker Kent G.
Published: November 2015

Veterinary medical faculty and administrators routinely administer student assessments and conduct surveys to make decisions regarding student performance and to assess their courses/curricula. The decisions that are made are a result of the scores generated. However, how reliable are the scores and how confident can we be about these decisions? Reliability is one of the hallmarks of validity evidence, but what does this mean and what affects the reliability of scores? The purpose of this article is to provide veterinary medical educators and administrators with fundamental information regarding the concept of reliability. Specifically, we review what sources of error reduce the reliability of scores and we describe the different types of reliability coefficients that are reported.
Collaborative Testing in Practical Laboratories: An Effective Teaching–Learning Method in Histology
Authors: Guo Yuping , Li Enzhong
Published: November 2015

This article presents an experimental teaching and learning program used in histology with first-year students in the second term in the Faculty of Biology at Huanghuai University, China. Eighty-six students were divided randomly into two groups (n=43 per group). Tests were conducted at the end of each practical laboratory (10 laboratories in total) in which collaborative testing was used in the experimental group and traditional testing in the control group. To assess achievement, a final examination in histology was carried out at the end of the course. To determine students' attitude to the teaching styles, a questionnaire survey was conducted at the end of the term. Results showed that students preferred the collaborative testing format. In the experimental group, students' scores were significantly higher than those of students in the control group in final examinations. These findings indicate that collaborative testing enhances student learning and understanding of the material taught, and suggest that collaborative testing is an effective teaching–learning method in histology.
Lost in Things: An Archaeologist's Perspective on the Epistemological Potential of Objects
Authors: Stockhammer Philipp W.
Published: November 2015

In recent times, archaeology has seen continuously growing interest from neighboring disciplines desiring to capitalize on archaeology's experience with the evaluation of material culture. In order to be able to answer the questions now posed to our field of research, we have to be conscious of our methods and their epistemological potential. On the basis of a characterization of archaeological sources, this article focuses on four relevant fields of inquiry with regard to the archaeological analysis of an object, that is, its materiality, archaeological context, spatial distribution, meanings, and power. Moreover, I suggest that an integration of aspects of Bruno Latour's Actor-Network Theory will enable archaeologists to gain further insights into the complex entanglement of humans and objects in the past.
Landslide-generated tsunami and particle transport in mountain lakes and reservoirs
Authors: Kafle Jeevan , Pokhrel Puskar R. , Khattri Khim B. , Kattel Parameshwari , Tuladhar Bhadra Man , Pudasaini Shiva P.
Published: November 2015

Gravitational mass flows may generate tsunamis as they hit water bodies such as oceans, reservoirs or mountain lakes. Upon impact, they can generate tremendous particle-laden or debris flows and floods. Rapidly cascading waves down mountain slopes can trigger debris flows or floods, potentially causing huge damage to civil structures and endangering life. Here we apply a general two-phase mass flow model (Pudasaini, 2012), and present three-dimensional (3-D), high-resolution simulations for a real two-phase debris impacting a fluid reservoir. An innovative formulation provides an opportunity, within a single framework, to simulate simultaneously the sliding two-phase debris/landslide, reservoir, debris impact at reservoir, water-wave generation, propagation and mixing, and separation between solid and fluid phases. The results demonstrate formation and propagation of very special solid and fluid structures in the reservoir, propagation of submarine debris, turbidity currents, and complex interactions between the subaerial debris, surface tsunami and submarine debris waves. Our results reveal that the submerge timescaling for a deformable two-phase debris deviates substantially from the same for a non-deformable solid. These results substantially increase our understanding of 3-D complex multiphase systems/flows. This allows for the proper modeling of landslide/debris-induced mountain tsunami, dynamics of turbidity currents and highly concentrated sediment transports in Himalayan and Alpine slopes and channels, with associated applications to engineering, environmental and hazard-mitigation plans.
Factors controlling the accelerated expansion of Imja Lake, Mount Everest region, Nepal
Authors: Thakuri Sudeep , Salerno Franco , Bolch Tobias , Guyennon Nicolas , Tartari Gianni
Published: November 2015

This study explores the link between area increase of Imja Tsho (Lake) and changes of Imja Glacier (area ~25km2) under the influence of climate change using multitemporal satellite imagery and local climate data. Between 1962 and 2013, Imja Lake expanded from 0.03±0.01 to 1.35±0.05 km2 at a rate of 0.026±0.001 km2 a-1. The mean glacier-wide flow velocity was 37±30ma-1 during 1992–93 and 23±15ma-1 during 2013–14, indicating a decreasing velocity. A mean elevation change of –1.29±0.71ma-1 was observed over the lower part of the glacier in the period 2001–14, with a rate of –1.06±0.63ma-1 in 2001–08 and –1.56±0.80ma-1 in 2008–14. We conclude that the decrease in flow velocity is mainly associated with reduced accumulation due to a decrease in precipitation during the last few decades. Furthermore, glacier ablation has increased due to increasing maximum temperatures during the post-monsoon months. Decreased glacier flow velocities and increased mass losses induce the formation and subsequent expansion of glacial lakes under favourable topographic conditions.
Air temperature variability in a high-elevation Himalayan catchment
Authors: Heynen Martin , Miles Evan , Ragettli Silvan , Buri Pascal , Immerzeel Walter W. , Pellicciotti Francesca
Published: November 2015

Air temperature is a key control of processes affecting snow and glaciers in high-elevation catchments, including melt, snowfall and sublimation. It is therefore a key input variable to models of land–surface–atmosphere interaction. Despite this importance, its spatial variability is poorly understood and simple assumptions are made to extrapolate it from point observations to the catchment scale. We use a dataset of 2.75 years of air temperature measurements (from May 2012 to November 2014) at a network of up to 27 locations in the Langtang River, Nepal, catchment to investigate air temperature seasonality and consistency between years. We use observations from high elevations and from the easternmost section of the basin to corroborate previous findings of shallow lapse rates. Seasonal variability is strong, with shallowest lapse rates during the monsoon season. Diurnal variability is also strong and should be taken into account since processes such as melt have a pronounced diurnal variability. Use of seasonal lapse rates seems crucial for glacio-hydrological modelling, but seasonal lapse rates seem stable over the 2–3 years investigated. Lateral variability at transects across valley is high and dominated by aspect, with south-facing sites being warmer than north-facing sites and deviations from the fitted lapse rates of up to several degrees. Local factors (e.g. topographic shading) can reduce or enhance this effect. The interplay of radiation, aspect and elevation should be further investigated with high-elevation transects.
Carbon Assimilation, Biomass Partitioning and Productivity in Grasses
Authors: Irving Louis
Published: November 2015

Plant growth correlates with net carbon gain on a whole plant basis. Over the last several decades, the driving factors shaping plant morphology and performance have become increasingly clear. This review seeks to explore the importance of these factors for grass performance. Briefly, these fall into factors influencing photosynthetic rates directly, competition between plants in a canopy, and nutrient status and availability.
Inter-Taxa Differences in Iodine Uptake by Plants: Implications for Food Quality and Contamination
Authors: Siasou Eleni , Willey Neil
Published: November 2015

Although iodine is not essential for plants, they take it up readily and, in foodchains, are significant sources of iodine for organisms with an essential requirement for it. During several nuclear accidents radioiodine has been an important component of releases of radioactivity and has caused serious contamination of foodchains. Differences in iodine uptake by different plant taxa are, therefore, important to nutritional and radioecological studies. Using techniques we have developed for a range of other elements, we analyzed inter-taxa differences in radioiodine uptake by 103 plant species and between varieties of two species, and analyzed them using a recent, phylogenetically-informed, taxonomy. The results show that there are significant differences in uptake above and below the species level. There are significant differences between Monocots and Eudicots in iodine uptake, and, in particular, hierarchical ANOVA revealed significant differences between Genera within Families. These analyses of the taxonomic origin of differences in plant uptake of iodine can help the prediction of crop contamination with radioiodine and the management of stable iodine in crops for nutritional purposes.
The Preparation and Application of Dendrimer Modified CdTe/CdS Near Infrared Quantum Dots for Brain Cancer Cells Imaging
Authors: Bai Qingke , Zhao Zhenguo , Sui Haijing , Chen Juan , Xie Xiuhai , Wen Feng
Published: November 2015

The most notable obstacle of brain cancer diagnosis is the inability of delivering imaging agents across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Recently, quantum dots (QDs) has been demonstrated as an ideal image agent for brain imaging due to their ultra-small size for crossing BBB. The plolyamidoamine dendrimers modified CdTe/CdS core/shell near-infrared (NIR) region QDs was successfully synthesized in aqueous solution, and then was characterized by UV-vis absorption, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), etc. Our results reveal that the dendrimers modified CdTe/CdS QDs exhibits good water-dispersity and stable NIR fluorescence in various biological environments. In addition, this NIR QDs demonstrates a good biocompatibility and sensitive photoluminescence responses in brain tumor cell imaging. In a word, this type of dendrimers modified NIR CdTe/CdS QDs has huge potential applications in brain imaging.
Energy Performance of Two Multi-Story Wood-Frame Passive Houses in Sweden
Authors: Mahapatra Krushna , Olsson Stefan
Published: November 2015

Two eight-story wood-framed residential buildings with the Swedish 2012 passive house standard were built in 2009 in the Portvakten Söder quarter in the city of Växjö in Sweden. In this paper, we present the monitored specific energy use of the buildings and compare to the requirements of the Swedish building code and recommendation for passive houses. We also estimated the primary energy use and CO2 emissions and investigated the tenants’ views and experiences of the two buildings. Results show that the actual specific energy use of 40.2 kWh/m2Atemp/year in the Portvakten Söder building fulfills, by a good margin, the requirements of the Swedish building code and the recommended passive house standard, but is higher than projected. Applying a marginal perspective, the calculated primary energy use and carbon dioxide emission from operating the buildings (excluding household electricity) was 40 kWh/m2Atemp/year and zero, respectively. Responses of 20 tenants to a mail-in questionnaire survey showed that over 90% were satisfied with their apartments.
Tumor Volumes and Prognosis in Laryngeal Cancer
Authors: Issa Mohamad , Samuels Stuart , Bellile Emily , Shalabi Firas , Eisbruch Avraham , Wolf Gregory
Published: November 2015

Tumor staging systems for laryngeal cancer (LC) have been developed to assist in estimating prognosis after treatment and comparing treatment results across institutions. While the laryngeal TNM system has been shown to have prognostic information, varying cure rates in the literature have suggested concern about the accuracy and effectiveness of the T-classification in particular. To test the hypothesis that tumor volumes are more useful than T classification, we conducted a retrospective review of 78 patients with laryngeal cancer treated with radiation therapy at our institution. Using multivariable analysis, we demonstrate the significant prognostic value of anatomic volumes in patients with previously untreated laryngeal cancer. In this cohort, primary tumor volume (GTVP), composite nodal volumes (GTVN) and composite total volume (GTVP + GTVN = GTVC) had prognostic value in both univariate and multivariate cox model analysis. Interestingly, when anatomic volumes were measured from CT scans after a single cycle of induction chemotherapy, all significant prognosticating value for measured anatomic volumes was lost. Given the literature findings and the results of this study, the authors advocate the use of tumor anatomic volumes calculated from pretreatment scans to supplement the TNM staging system in subjects with untreated laryngeal cancer. The study found that tumor volume assessment after induction chemotherapy is not of prognostic significance.
Differences in Redox Regulatory Systems in Human Lung and Liver Tumors Suggest Different Avenues for Therapy
Authors: Tobe Ryuta , Carlson Bradley , Tsuji Petra , Lee Byeong , Gladyshev Vadim , Hatfield Dolph
Published: November 2015

A common characteristic of many cancer cells is that they suffer from oxidative stress. They, therefore, require effective redox regulatory systems to combat the higher levels of reactive oxygen species that accompany accelerated growth compared to the normal cells of origin. An elevated dependence on these systems in cancers suggests that targeting these systems may provide an avenue for retarding the malignancy process. Herein, we examined the redox regulatory systems in human liver and lung cancers by comparing human lung adenocarcinoma and liver carcinoma to their respective surrounding normal tissues. Significant differences were found in the two major redox systems, the thioredoxin and glutathione systems. Thioredoxin reductase 1 levels were elevated in both malignancies, but thioredoxin was highly upregulated in lung tumor and only slightly upregulated in liver tumor, while peroxiredoxin 1 was highly elevated in lung tumor, but downregulated in liver tumor. There were also major differences within the glutathione system between the malignancies and their normal tissues. The data suggest a greater dependence of liver on either the thioredoxin or glutathione system to drive the malignancy, while lung cancer appeared to depend primarily on the thioredoxin system.
Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Polymerization of N-Methyl Imidazolium Phosphotungstic Catalyst
Authors: Chen Dianyu , Deng Zhaoyi , Liu Xiaoqin , Wang Rong
Published: November 2015

N-methyl imidazolium phosphotungstic salt has been synthesized and used as a special catalyst for photopolymerization of vinyl monomers. This is a fast and smooth reaction, and high molecular weight polymers with narrow polydispersity are obtained within 60 min. The compound was structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The electrochemical property is determined on a CHI 660 electrochemistry workstation. The polymerization initiated by N-methyl imidazolium phosphotungstic salt showed controlling characteristics, the catalyst can be easily isolated from polymer product, and reused for at least 10 times.
Forecasting Interest Rates Using Geostatistical Techniques
Authors: Arbia Giuseppe , Di Marcantonio Michele
Published: November 2015

Geostatistical spatial models are widely used in many applied fields to forecast data observed on continuous three-dimensional surfaces. We propose to extend their use to finance and, in particular, to forecasting yield curves. We present the results of an empirical application where we apply the proposed method to forecast Euro Zero Rates (2003–2014) using the Ordinary Kriging method based on the anisotropic variogram. Furthermore, a comparison with other recent methods for forecasting yield curves is proposed. The results show that the model is characterized by good levels of predictions’ accuracy and it is competitive with the other forecasting models considered.
Testing in a Random Effects Panel Data Model with Spatially Correlated Error Components and Spatially Lagged Dependent Variables
Authors: He Ming , Lin Kuan-Pin
Published: November 2015

We propose a random effects panel data model with both spatially correlated error components and spatially lagged dependent variables. We focus on diagnostic testing procedures and derive Lagrange multiplier (LM) test statistics for a variety of hypotheses within this model. We first construct the joint LM test for both the individual random effects and the two spatial effects (spatial error correlation and spatial lag dependence). We then provide LM tests for the individual random effects and for the two spatial effects separately. In addition, in order to guard against local model misspecification, we derive locally adjusted (robust) LM tests based on the Bera and Yoon principle (Bera and Yoon, 1993). We conduct a small Monte Carlo simulation to show the good finite sample performances of these LM test statistics and revisit the cigarette demand example in Baltagi and Levin (1992) to illustrate our testing procedures.
Forest Parameter Prediction Using an Image-Based Point Cloud: A Comparison of Semi-ITC with ABA
Authors: Rahlf Johannes , Breidenbach Johannes , Solberg Svein , Astrup Rasmus
Published: November 2015

Image-based point clouds obtained using aerial photogrammetry share many characteristics with point clouds obtained by airborne laser scanning (ALS). Two approaches have been used to predict forest parameters from ALS: the area-based approach (ABA) and the individual tree crown (ITC) approach. In this article, we apply the semi-ITC approach, a variety of the ITC approach, on an image-based point cloud to predict forest parameters and compare the performance to the ABA. Norwegian National Forest Inventory sample plots on a site in southeastern Norway were used as the reference data. Tree crown objects were delineated using a watershed segmentation algorithm, and explanatory variables were calculated for each tree crown segment. A multivariate kNN model for timber volume, stem density, basal area and quadratic mean diameter with the semi-ITC approach produced RMSEs of 30%, 46%, 25%, 26%, respectively. The corresponding measures for the ABA were 30%, 51%, 26%, 35%, respectively. Univariate kNN models resulted in timber volume RMSEs of 25% for the semi-ITC approach and 22% for the ABA. A non-linear logistic regression model with the ABA produced an RMSE of 23%. Both approaches predicted timber volume with comparable precision and accuracy at the plot level. The multivariate kNN model was slightly more precise with the semi-ITC approach, while biases were larger
Super Enhancers in Cancers, Complex Disease, and Developmental Disorders
Authors: Niederriter Adrienne , Varshney Arushi , Parker Stephen , Martin Donna
Published: November 2015

Recently, unique areas of transcriptional regulation termed super-enhancers have been identified and implicated in human disease. Defined by their magnitude of size, transcription factor density, and binding of transcriptional machinery, super-enhancers have been associated with genes driving cell differentiation. While their functions are not completely understood, it is clear that these regions driving high-level transcription are susceptible to perturbation, and trait-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) occur within super-enhancers of disease-relevant cell types. Here we review evidence for super-enhancer involvement in cancers, complex diseases, and developmental disorders and discuss interactions between super-enhancers and cofactors/chromatin regulators.
Identification of Differentially Expressed IGFBP5-Related Genes in Breast Cancer Tumor Tissues Using cDNA Microarray Experiments
Authors: Akkiprik Mustafa , Peker İrem , Özmen Tolga , Amuran Gökçe , Güllüoğlu Bahadır , Kaya Handan , Özer Ayşe
Published: November 2015

IGFBP5 is an important regulatory protein in breast cancer progression. We tried to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between breast tumor tissues with IGFBP5 overexpression and their adjacent normal tissues. In this study, thirty-eight breast cancer and adjacent normal breast tissue samples were used to determine IGFBP5 expression by qPCR. cDNA microarrays were applied to the highest IGFBP5 overexpressed tumor samples compared to their adjacent normal breast tissue. Microarray analysis revealed that a total of 186 genes were differentially expressed in breast cancer compared with normal breast tissues. Of the 186 genes, 169 genes were downregulated and 17 genes were upregulated in the tumor samples. KEGG pathway analyses showed that protein digestion and absorption, focal adhesion, salivary secretion, drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, and phenylalanine metabolism pathways are involved. Among these DEGs, the prominent top two genes (MMP11 and COL1A1) which potentially correlated with IGFBP5 were selected for validation using real time RT-qPCR. Only COL1A1 expression showed a consistent upregulation with IGFBP5 expression and COL1A1 and MMP11 were significantly positively correlated. We concluded that the discovery of coordinately expressed genes related with IGFBP5 might contribute to understanding of the molecular mechanism of the function of IGFBP5 in breast cancer. Further functional studies on DEGs and association with IGFBP5 may identify novel biomarkers for clinical applications in breast cancer.
Western Scientific Approaches to Near-Death Experiences
Authors: Greyson Bruce
Published: November 2015

Near-death experiences (NDEs) are vivid experiences that often occur in life-threatening conditions, usually characterized by a transcendent tone and clear perceptions of leaving the body and being in a different spatiotemporal dimension. Such experiences have been reported throughout history in diverse cultures, and are reported today by 10% to 20% of people who have come close to death. Although cultural expectations and parameters of the brush with death influence the content of some NDEs, near-death phenomenology is invariant across cultures. That invariance may reflect universal psychological defenses, neurophysiological processes, or actual experience of a transcendent or mystical domain. Research into these alternative explanations has been hampered by the unpredictable occurrence of NDEs. Regardless of the causes or interpretations of NDEs, however, they are consistently associated with profound and long-lasting aftereffects on experiencers, and may have important implications for non-experiencers as well.
Family History of Sudden Cardiac Death of the Young: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: White Michelle , Duquette Debra , Bach Janice , Rafferty Ann , Fussman Chris , Sharangpani Ruta , Russell Mark
Published: November 2015

Sudden cardiac death of the young (SCDY) is a devastating event for families and communities. Family history is a significant risk factor for this potentially preventable cause of death, however a complete and detailed family history is not commonly obtained during routine health maintenance visits. To estimate the proportion of adults with a family history of SCDY, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Genomics Program included two questions within the 2007 Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (MiBRFS). Prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Among adults in Michigan, 6.3% reported a family history of SCDY, with a greater prevalence among blacks, those with lower household income, and those with less education. Among those reporting a family history of SCDY, 42.3% had at least one first-degree relative and 26.2% had multiple affected family members. This is the first study to demonstrate the prevalence of family history of SCDY while also highlighting key sociodemographic characteristics associated with increased prevalence. These findings should guide evidence-based interventions to reach those at greatest risk.
Vitamin D and Reproduction: From Gametes to Childhood
Authors: Sowell Krista , Keen Carl , Uriu-Adams Janet
Published: November 2015

Vitamin D is well recognized for its essentiality in maintaining skeletal health. Recent research has suggested that vitamin D may exert a broad range of roles throughout the human life cycle starting from reproduction to adult chronic disease risk. Rates of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy remain high worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of fertility problems, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and allergic disease in the offspring. Vitamin D is found naturally in only a few foods thus supplementation can provide an accessible and effective way to raise vitamin D status when dietary intakes and sunlight exposure are low. However, the possibility of overconsumption and possible adverse effects is under debate. The effect of vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and early life on maternal and infant outcomes will be of particular focus in this review.
Spatially Explicit Landscape-Level Ecological Risks Induced by Land Use and Land Cover Change in a National Ecologically Representative Region in China
Authors: Gong Jian , Yang Jianxin , Tang Wenwu
Published: November 2015

Land use and land cover change is driven by multiple influential factors from environmental and social dimensions in a land system. Land use practices of human decision-makers modify the landscape of the land system, possibly leading to landscape fragmentation, biodiversity loss, or environmental pollution—severe environmental or ecological impacts. While landscape-level ecological risk assessment supports the evaluation of these impacts, investigations on how these ecological risks induced by land use practices change over space and time in response to alternative policy intervention remain inadequate. In this article, we conducted spatially explicit landscape ecological risk analysis in Ezhou City, China. Our study area is a national ecologically representative region experiencing drastic land use and land cover change, and is regulated by multiple policies represented by farmland protection, ecological conservation, and urban development. We employed landscape metrics to consider the influence of potential landscape-level disturbance for the evaluation of landscape ecological risks. Using spatiotemporal simulation, we designed scenarios to examine spatiotemporal patterns in landscape ecological risks in response to policy intervention. Our study demonstrated that spatially explicit landscape ecological risk analysis combined with simulation-driven scenario analysis is of particular importance for guiding the sustainable development of ecologically vulnerable land systems.
Factors Associated with the Competencies of Public Health Workers in Township Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Chongqing Municipality, China
Authors: He Zhifei , Cheng Zhaohui , Fu Hang , Tang Shangfeng , Fu Qian , Fang Haiqing , Xian Yue , Ming Hui , Feng Zhanchun
Published: November 2015

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the competencies of public health workers (PHWs) of township hospitals in Chongqing Municipality (China), and determine the related impact factors of the competencies of PHWs; Methods: A cross-sectional research was conducted on 314 PHWs from 27 township hospitals in three districts in Chongqing Municipality (China), from June to August 2014. A self-assessment questionnaire was established on the basis of literature reviews and a competency dictionary. The differences in competencies among the three districts were determined by adopting the chi-square test, t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) method, and the impact factors of the competencies of PHWs were determined by adopting stepwise regression analysis. Results: (1) Results of the demographic characteristics of PHWs in three sample districts of Chongqing Municipality showed that a significant difference in age of PHWs (p = 0.021 < 0.05) and the majors of PHWs (p = 0.045 < 0.05); (2) In terms of the self-evaluation competency results of PHWs in township hospitals, seven among the 11 aspects were found to have significant differences in the three districts by the ANOVA test; (3) By adopting the t-test and ANOVA method, results of the relationship between the characteristics of PHWs and their competency scores showed that significant differences were found in the economic level (p = 0.000 < 0.05), age (p = 0.000 < 0.05), years of working (p = 0.000 < 0.05) and title of PHWs (p = 0.000 < 0.05); (4) Stepwise regression analysis was used to determine the impact factors of the competencies of PHWs in township hospitals, including the economic level (p = 0.000 < 0.001), years of working (p = 0.000 < 0.001), title (p = 0.001 < 0.005), and public health major (p = 0.007 < 0.01). Conclusions: The competencies of the township hospital staff in Chongqing Municipality (China), are generally insufficient, therefore, regulating the medical education and training skills of PHWs is crucial to improve the competencies of PHWs in the township hospitals of Chongqing Municipality. The results of this study can be mirrored in other areas of China.
Arsenic and Other Metals’ Presence in Biomarkers of Cambodians in Arsenic Contaminated Areas
Authors: Chanpiwat Penradee , Himeno Seiichiro , Sthiannopkao Suthipong
Published: November 2015

Chemical analyses of metal (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Ba, and Pb) concentrations in hair, nails, and urine of Cambodians in arsenic-contaminated areas who consumed groundwater daily showed elevated levels in these biomarkers for most metals of toxicological interest. The levels of metals in biomarkers corresponded to their levels in groundwater, especially for As, whose concentrations exceeded the WHO guidelines for drinking water. About 75.6% of hair samples from the population in this study contained As levels higher than the normal level in unexposed individuals (1 mg·kg−1). Most of the population (83.3%) showed As urinary levels exceeding the normal (<50 ng·mg−1). These results indicate the possibility of arsenicosis symptoms in residents of the areas studied. Among the three biomarkers tested, hair has shown to be a reliable indicator of metal exposures. The levels of As (r2 = 0.633), Ba (r2 = 0.646), Fe (r2 = 0.595), and Mo (r2 = 0.555) in hair were strongly positively associated with the levels of those metals in groundwater. In addition, significant weak correlations (p < 0.01) were found between levels of exposure to As and As concentrations in both nails (r2 = 0.544) and urine (r2 = 0.243).
Kinetics and Mechanisms of Phosphorus Adsorption in Soils from Diverse Ecological Zones in the Source Area of a Drinking-Water Reservoir
Authors: Zhang Liang , Loáiciga Hugo , Xu Meng , Du Chao , Du Yun
Published: November 2015

On-site soils are increasingly used in the treatment and restoration of ecosystems to harmonize with the local landscape and minimize costs. Eight natural soils from diverse ecological zones in the source area of a drinking-water reservoir in central China are used as adsorbents for the uptake of phosphorus from aqueous solutions. The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometric and BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) tests and the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectral analyses are carried out to investigate the soils’ chemical properties and their potential changes with adsorbed phosphorous from aqueous solutions. The intra-particle diffusion, pseudo-first-order, and pseudo-second-order kinetic models describe the adsorption kinetic processes. Our results indicate that the adsorption processes of phosphorus in soils occurred in three stages and that the rate-controlling steps are not solely dependent on intra-particle diffusion. A quantitative comparison of two kinetics models based on their linear and non-linear representations, and using the chi-square (χ2) test and the coefficient of determination (r2), indicates that the adsorptive properties of the soils are best described by the non-linear pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption characteristics of aqueous phosphorous are determined along with the essential kinetic parameters.
Effect of Human Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Regeneration of Ovine Articular Cartilage
Authors: Zorzi Alessandro , Amstalden Eliane , Plepis Ana , Martins Virginia , Ferretti Mario , Antonioli Eliane , Duarte Adriana , Luzo Angela , Miranda João
Published: November 2015

Cell therapy is a promising approach to improve cartilage healing. Adipose tissue is an abundant and readily accessible cell source. Previous studies have demonstrated good cartilage repair results with adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells in small animal experiments. This study aimed to examine these cells in a large animal model. Thirty knees of adult sheep were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: CELLS (scaffold seeded with human adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells), SCAFFOLD (scaffold without cells), or EMPTY (untreated lesions). A partial thickness defect was created in the medial femoral condyle. After six months, the knees were examined according to an adaptation of the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS 1) score, in addition to a new Partial Thickness Model scale and the ICRS macroscopic score. All of the animals completed the follow-up period. The CELLS group presented with the highest ICRS 1 score (8.3 ± 3.1), followed by the SCAFFOLD group (5.6 ± 2.2) and the EMPTY group (5.2 ± 2.4) (p = 0.033). Other scores were not significantly different. These results suggest that human adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells promoted satisfactory cartilage repair in the ovine model.
Therapeutic Implications for Overcoming Radiation Resistance in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Kim Byeong , Hong Yunkyung , Lee Seunghoon , Liu Pengda , Lim Ji , Lee Yong , Lee Tae , Chang Kyu , Hong Yonggeun
Published: November 2015

Ionizing radiation (IR), such as X-rays and gamma (γ)-rays, mediates various forms of cancer cell death such as apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, mitotic catastrophe, and senescence. Among them, apoptosis and mitotic catastrophe are the main mechanisms of IR action. DNA damage and genomic instability contribute to IR-induced cancer cell death. Although IR therapy may be curative in a number of cancer types, the resistance of cancer cells to radiation remains a major therapeutic problem. In this review, we describe the morphological and molecular aspects of various IR-induced types of cell death. We also discuss cytogenetic variations representative of IR-induced DNA damage and genomic instability. Most importantly, we focus on several pathways and their associated marker proteins responsible for cancer resistance and its therapeutic implications in terms of cancer cell death of various types and characteristics. Finally, we propose radiation-sensitization strategies, such as the modification of fractionation, inflammation, and hypoxia and the combined treatment, that can counteract the resistance of tumors to IR.
Identification of Arsenic Direct-Binding Proteins in Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia Cells
Authors: Zhang Tao , Lu Haojie , Li Weijun , Hu Ronggui , Chen Zi
Published: November 2015

The identification of arsenic direct-binding proteins is essential for determining the mechanism by which arsenic trioxide achieves its chemotherapeutic effects. At least two cysteines close together in the amino acid sequence are crucial to the binding of arsenic and essential to the identification of arsenic-binding proteins. In the present study, arsenic binding proteins were pulled down with streptavidin and identified using a liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). More than 40 arsenic-binding proteins were separated, and redox-related proteins, glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1), heat shock 70 kDa protein 9 (HSPA9) and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), were further studied using binding assays in vitro. Notably, PKM2 has a high affinity for arsenic. In contrast to PKM2, GSTP1and HSPA9 did not combine with arsenic directly in vitro. These observations suggest that arsenic-mediated acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) suppressive effects involve PKM2. In summary, we identified several arsenic binding proteins in APL cells and investigated the therapeutic mechanisms of arsenic trioxide for APL. Further investigation into specific signal pathways by which PKM2 mediates APL developments may lead to a better understanding of arsenic effects on APL.
Silencing of Kv1.5 Gene Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: Wu Jin , Chen Zhida , Liu Qingjun , Zeng Wenrong , Wu Xinyu , Lin Bin
Published: November 2015

Kv1.5 (also known as KCNA5) is a protein encoded by the KCNA5 gene, which belongs to the voltage-gated potassium channel, shaker-related subfamily. Recently, a number of studies have suggested that Kv1.5 is overexpressed in numerous cancers and plays crucial roles in cancer development. However, until now, the expression and functions of Kv1.5 in osteosarcoma are still unclear. To characterize the potential biological functions of Kv1.5 in osteosarcoma, herein, we examined the expression levels of Kv1.5 in osteosarcoma cells and tissues using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot, and immunohistochemistry assays. Four short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) targeting Kv1.5 were designed and homologous recombination technology was used to construct pGeneSil-Kv1.5 vectors. In addition, the vectors were transfected into osteosarcoma MG63 cells and Kv1.5 mRNA level was measured by qRT-PCR and the Kv1.5 protein level was examined by western blot. We also examined the effects of Kv1.5 silencing on proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of the osteosarcoma cells using CCK-8, colony formation, flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays. Our results showed that Kv1.5 was aberrantly expressed in osteosarcoma and that the synthesized shRNA targeting Kv1.5 reduced Kv1.5 mRNA and protein expression effectively. Silencing Kv1.5 expression in the osteosarcoma cells significantly inhibited the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells, induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, and induced cell apoptosis through up-regulation of p21, p27, Bax, Bcl-XL and caspase-3 and down-regulation of cyclins A, cyclins D1, cyclins E, Bcl-2 and Bik. In summary, our results indicate that Kv1.5 silencing could suppress osteosarcoma progression through multiple signaling pathways and suggest that Kv1.5 may be a novel target for osteosarcoma therapeutics.