bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precipitation pattern analysis in the Tiber River basin (central Italy) using standardized indices
Authors: Romano Emanuele , Preziosi Elisabetta
Published: July 2012

This study analyses the precipitation pattern in the Tiber River basin (central Italy) to determine trends, possible change points, periodicity and relationships with global climate indices, such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index. The dataset is composed of daily rainfall time series, recorded at 21 to 102 different sampling stations, from 1952 to 2007. The following quantities were analysed at both an annual and seasonal scale: cumulative precipitation, number of rainy days, mean intensity, maximum daily precipitation and number of days needed to reach a given percentage of the cumulative precipitation. To compare the time series collected from different stations along with the different quantities, a standardization procedure based on the normal inverse function computed on the best‐fit cumulative probability distribution was applied. The standardized time series from each station was regionalized by kriging. Trends were analysed using the Mann–Kendall test, and possible change points were determined using an algorithm based on the singular spectrum analysis. The periodicity of the signals was evaluated by cross‐wavelet analysis. The results show a decreasing trend in annual precipitation (−8%) mainly because of decreasing winter precipitation (−16%). This trend appears to be related to a decrease in the number of rainy days. A significant change point in precipitation trends was identified in the mid‐1980s. Conversely, those indices related to the intensity of precipitation (mean intensity, maximum daily precipitation) do not show significant trends. The cross‐wavelet analysis performed on the annual/winter precipitation and NAO time series indicates the existence of four coherent periodic signals with periods of approximately 3, 4, 8 and 15 years. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Osteoarthritis develops in the operated joint of an ovine model following ACL reconstruction with immediate anatomic reattachment of the native ACL
Authors: O'Brien Etienne J.O. , Beveridge Jillian E. , Huebner Kyla D. , Heard Bryan J. , Tapper Janet E. , Shrive Nigel G. , Frank Cyril B.
Published: July 2012

We tested the hypothesis that immediate reattachment of the native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can prevent kinematic changes and the development of osteoarthritis (OA). Five sheep underwent anatomic unilateral ACL reconstruction (ACL‐R). Animals from a previous study served as sham (n = 7) or non‐operated (n = 17) controls. At 4 points of walking gait, 6 degrees of freedom stifle joint kinematics of ACL‐R animals were compared with sham controls at 4 and 20 weeks post‐surgery. Gross cartilage, bone, and meniscal changes were graded at euthanasia; paired and differential scores were compared. Inter‐animal differences were noted in all groups. Of 48 points of gait comparison between ACL‐R and sham operated groups, 42 points showed no difference (p > 0.05). Of the six significant differences (p < 0.05), internal rotation in ACL‐R animals accounted for three. At 20 weeks, differential scores showed that sham operated joints were morphologically indistinguishable from non‐operated controls (p ≥ 0.129) while ACL‐R joints had significantly higher combined cartilage and osteophyte scores than those controls (p ≤ 0.003). This method of ACL reconstruction in sheep did not restore normal walking gait kinematics completely and allowed some OA to develop in operated joints. OA may result from relatively subtle mechanical abnormalities, apparently more so in some individuals than others. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:35–43, 2012
Long‐term field fertilization affects soil nitrogen transformations in a rice‐wheat‐rotation cropping system
Authors: Zhang Jinbo , Cai Zucong , Yang Wenyan , Zhu Tongbin , Yu Yongjie , Yan Xiaoyuan , Jia Zhongjun
Published: July 2012

Mineralization and nitrification are the key processes of the global N cycle and are primarily driven by microorganisms. However, it remains largely unknown about the consequence of intensified agricultural activity on microbial N transformation in agricultural soils. In this study, the 15N‐dilution technique was carried out to investigate the gross mineralization and nitrification in soils from a long‐term field fertilization experiment starting from 1988. Phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) analysis was used to determine soil microbial communities, e.g., biomasses of anaerobic bacterial, bacterial, fungi, and actinobacteria. The abundance of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) were measured using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results have demonstrated significant stimulation of gross mineralization in the chemical‐fertilizers treatment (NPK) ([6.53 ± 1.29] mg N kg–1 d–1) and chemical fertilizers–plus–straw treatment (NPK+S1) soils ([8.13 ± 1.68] mg N kg–1 d–1) but not in chemical fertilizers–plus–two times straw treatment (NPK+S2) soil when compared to the control‐treatment (CK) soil ([3.62 ± 0.86] mg N kg–1 d–1). The increase of anaerobic bacterial biomass is up to 6‐fold in the NPK+S2 compared to that in the CK soil ([0.7 ± 0.5] nmol g–1), implying that exceptionally high abundance of anaerobic bacteria may inhibit gross mineralization to some extent. The gross nitrification shows upward trends in the NPK+S1 and NPK+S2 soils. However, it is only significantly higher in the NPK soil ([5.56 ± 0.51] mg N kg–1 d–1) compared to that in the CK soil ([3.70 ± 0.47] mg N kg–1 d–1) (p < 0.05). The AOB abundance increased from (0.28 ± 0.07) × 106 copies (g soil)–1 for the CK treatment to (4.79 ± 1.23) × 106 copies (g soil)–1 for the NPK treatment after the 22‐year fertilization. In contrast, the AOA abundance was not significantly different among all treatment soils. The changes of AOB were well paralleled by gross nitrification activity (gross nitrification rate = 0.263 AOB + 0.047 NH$ _4^+ $‐N + 2.434, R2 = 0.73, p < 0.05), suggesting the predominance of bacterial ammonia oxidation in the fertilized fields.
Surface potential variation of gold nanoparticles by organic vapors revealed by Raman scattering of 1,4‐phenylenediisocyanide
Authors: Kim Kwan , Shin Dongha , Kim Kyung Lock , Shin Kuan Soo
Published: July 2012

The NC stretching frequency in the potential‐dependent surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectrum of 1,4‐phenylenediisocyanide (1,4‐PDI) is very sensitive to the electrode potential, and much the same peak shift is observed when an Au nanoparticle with mean diameter from 16 to 90 nm attached to 1,4‐PDI‐adsorbed gold nanogap system is exposed solely to organic vapors. This leads us to conclude that the surface potential of Au nanoparticles should change by as much as +0.57 and −0.34 V, respectively, in the presence of CCl4 and NH3 because of their respective electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating properties, regardless of the size of Au nanoparticles in the gold nanogap system. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid screening of sildenafil and tadalafil adulterated in healthcare products by Micro‐Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Mao Dan‐Zhuo , Weng Xin‐Xin , Yang Yong‐Jian
Published: July 2012

Sildenafil and tadalafil are inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 5, which are frequently added into healthcare products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using micro‐Raman spectroscopy as a non‐destructive technique to screen for sildenafil and tadalafil in adulterated healthcare products. Using a viewing microscope, the suspect area of healthcare products was selected, which had a discernable crystal form or shape from the surrounding zone. Optimization of instrumental parameters of the Raman spectrometer was chosen to reduce the background fluorescence, and the Raman spectra were collected. The spectra collected were compared with the standard Raman spectra of pure sildenafil and tadalafil. Samples with an identifiable Raman signature to that of sildenafil or tadalafil could be confirmed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Additionally, wavelet denoising combined with similarity calculation was used to establish an automated approach for discrimination of adulterated healthcare products. Correlation coefficient was chosen for similarity calculation based on the spectra collected and the standard Raman spectra of pure sildenafil and tadalafil. We compared ten samples, secured by administrative authorities in Shanghai, to analyse and demonstrate the capabilities of our proposed method. We established six samples containing sildenafil or tadalafil warranting analysis using LC/MS. Thus, the use of micro Raman spectroscopy provides a quick, convenient and non‐destructive method for screening adulterated chemicals in healthcare products. Raman spectroscopy combined with similarity calculation requires little training after spectra library is developed, thus showing great promise to identify the adulterated healthcare products in the future. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The reality of malingered PTSD among veterans: Reply to McNally and Frueh (2012)
Authors: Marx Brian P. , Jackson James C. , Schnurr Paula P. , Murdoch Maureen , Sayer Nina A. , Keane Terence M. , Friedman Matthew J. , Greevy Robert A. , Owen Richard R. , Sinnott Patricia L. , Speroff Theodore
Published: July 2012

In this reply to McNally and Frueh (2012), we offer some additional insight into the studies they use to support their argument that we should be worried about malingering among veterans. We also describe other research on the disability system of the Department of Veterans Affairs and compensation‐seeking behavior that challenges their conclusions.
Fluorescence‐Labeled Immunomicelles: Preparation, in vivo Biodistribution, and Ability to Cross the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Yue Jun , Liu Shi , Wang Rui , Hu Xiuli , Xie Zhigang , Huang Yubin , Jing Xiabin
Published: July 2012

Multifunctional hybrid micelles are prepared from amphiphilic mal‐PEG‐b‐PLA and mPEG‐b‐P(LA‐co‐DHC/RhB) block copolymers. A specific anti‐transferrin receptor antibody, OX26, is linked onto the surface of the micelles. ELISA indicates that the conjugated antibody preserves its activity. OX26 conjugation can increase the uptake efficiency of micelles by target cell lines (C6). Pharmacokinetics and in vivo biodistribution experiments are carried out to investigate the ability of OX26‐conjugated micelles (immunomicelles) to cross the blood–brain barrier. The data show that the brain uptake of OX26‐conjugated micelles is much more than that of OX26‐free ones. Therefore, OX26‐conjugated micelles will be promising drug carriers to cross the blood‐brain barrier.

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Tuning Interfacial Properties and Colloidal Behavior of Hybrid Nanoparticles by Controlling the Polymer Precursor
Authors: Natte Kishore , Österle Werner , Friedrich Jörg F. , von Klitzing Regine , Orts‐Gil Guillermo
Published: July 2012

A facile and versatile synthetic route for controlling the size and surface potential of organic–inorganic hybrid silica nanoparticles (NPs) is introduced in this paper. For polymer‐grafted NPs, the density of polymer chains on the surface is strongly affected by the concentration of precursor. Nevertheless, for condensed NPs, the precursor concentration determines the particle size but not the density of polymer chains on the surface or the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Results presented here may have major implications in biomedical and colloidal chemistry since interfacial and colloidal properties are known to drive several processes associated with nanoparticles in biological media.
Influence of the Botanic Origin of Starch Nanocrystals on the Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Nanocomposites
Authors: LeCorre Déborah S. , Bras Julien , Dufresne Alain
Published: July 2012

The structural and mechanical properties of natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites filled with starch nanocrystals (SNC) extracted from four different starch sources are investigated. The aim of this work is to explore the influence of botanic sources on final properties of nanocomposites and SNC reinforcing capability. A general trend seems to be that the higher the amylose content of native starch granules used for preparing SNC, the lower the water uptake and reinforcing effect (except for potato starch). It is postulated that SNC prepared from higher amylose content starch might release loosely bonded amylose chains during preparation and/or soaking in water and thus prevent SNC to participate in the formation of a reinforcing network.

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New Insights into Fatigue Crack Growth in Graphene‐Filled Natural Rubber Composites by Microfocus Hard‐X‐Ray Beamline Radiation
Authors: Yan Ning , Xia Hesheng , Zhan Yanhu , Fei Guoxia
Published: July 2012

Natural rubber (NR) composites containing graphene (GE) are prepared by ultrasound‐assisted latex mixing and in situ reduction. The fatigue crack propagation of the composite is examined. It is observed that GE has an opposite effect on crack growth resistance of NR, i.e., at lower fatigue strains, the inclusion of GE accelerates the crack growth, whereas at higher strains, the crack growth is retarded. It is suggested that the reason for this behavior is a competition between strain‐induced crystallization and cavitation at crack tip. Through microfocus hard‐X‐ray diffraction beamline with high spatial resolution, fatigue crack resistance is correlated to strain‐induced crystallization and new insights into the mechanism of fatigue crack growth are obtained.

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Association between Parkinson's disease and the HLA‐DRB1 locus
Authors: Ahmed Ismaïl , Tamouza Ryad , Delord Marc , Krishnamoorthy Rajagopal , Tzourio Christophe , Mulot Claire , Nacfer Magali , Lambert Jean‐Charles , Beaune Philippe , Laurent‐Puig Pierre , Loriot Marie‐Anne , Charron Dominique , Elbaz Alexis
Published: July 2012

Two genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) recently highlighted the HLA‐DRA and HLA‐DRB5 genes as associated with Parkinson disease (PD). However, because HLA‐DRA displays a low level of polymorphisms and HLA‐DRB5 is only present in approximately 20% of the population, these findings are difficult to interpret. Our aims were: (1) to replicate and investigate in greater detail the association between PD and the HLA‐DR region; (2) to identify PD‐associated HLA alleles; and (3) to perform a meta‐analysis of our top finding. As part of 2 French population‐based case–control studies of PD including highly ethnically homogeneous participants, we investigated the association between PD and 51 Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HLA‐DR region. HLA‐DRB1 alleles were imputed using the HLA*IMP software. HLA typing was performed in a subsample of the participants. We performed a meta‐analysis of our top finding based on 4 GWAS data sets. Among 499 cases and 1123 controls, after correction for multiple testing, we found an association with rs660895 (OR/minor allele, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57–0.87) within the HLA‐DRB1 gene, which encodes the most polymorphic HLA‐DR chain (DRβ). A meta‐analysis (7996 cases, 36455 controls) confirmed this association (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.82–0.91; P < .0001). SNP‐based imputation of HLA alleles showed an inverse association between PD and the HLA‐DRB1*04 allele. We replicated an association between PD and the HLA‐DR region and provided further insight into the loci and alleles involved. The highly polymorphic HLA‐DRB1 locus contains rs660895, which represents a more legitimate candidate than previous ones. Our finding is in agreement with the hypothesis of an immune component in PD pathophysiology. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Neuronal vulnerability, pathogenesis, and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Sulzer David , Surmeier D. James
Published: July 2012

Although there have been significant advances, pathogenesis in Parkinson's disease (PD) is still poorly understood. Potential clues about pathogenesis that have not been systematically pursued are suggested by the restricted pattern of neuronal pathology in the disease. In addition to dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), a significant number of other central and peripheral neuronal populations exhibit Lewy pathology (LP), phenotypic dysregulation, or frank degeneration in PD patients. Drawing on this literature, there appear to be a small number of risk factors contributing to vulnerability. These include autonomous activity, broad action potentials, low intrinsic calcium‐buffering capacity, poorly myelinated long highly branched axons and terminal fields, and use of a monoamine neurotransmitter, often with the catecholamine‐derived neuromelanin pigment. Of these phenotypic traits, only the physiological ones appear to provide a reachable therapeutic target at present. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Large‐Scale QSAR in Target Prediction and Phenotypic HTS Assessment
Authors: Jenkins Jeremy L.
Published: July 2012

The advent of in silico compound target prediction offers a potential paradigm shift in how large compound collections are understood and used strategically in high‐throughput screens (HTS). Specifically, phenotypic HTS hits may be annotated both with known targets and predicted targets using large‐scale QSAR models, enabling a more sophisticated hit assessment. Efforts in massive bioactivity data integration and standardization is empowering such compound‐target annotations. These approaches differ fundamentally from the traditional role of QSAR in lead optimization and binding affinity predictions to global, probabilistic target predictions for thousands of human proteins.
Contributions of chemical and diffusive exchange to T1ρ dispersion
Authors: Cobb Jared Guthrie , Xie Jingping , Gore John C.
Published: July 2012

Variations in local magnetic susceptibility may induce magnetic field gradients that affect the signals acquired for MR imaging. Under appropriate diffusion conditions, such fields produce effects similar to slow chemical exchange. These effects may also be found in combination with other chemical exchange processes at multiple time scales. We investigate these effects with simulations and measurements to determine their contributions to rotating frame (R1ρ) relaxation in model systems. Simulations of diffusive and chemical exchange effects on R1ρ dispersion were performed using the Bloch equations. Additionally, R1ρ dispersion was measured in suspensions of Sephadex and latex beads with varying spin locking fields at 9.4 T. A novel analysis method was used to iteratively fit for apparent chemical and diffusive exchange rates with a model by Chopra et al. Single‐ and double‐inflection points in R1ρ dispersion profiles were observed, respectively, in simulations of slow diffusive exchange alone and when combined with rapid chemical exchange. These simulations were consistent with measurements of R1ρ in latex bead suspensions and small‐diameter Sephadex beads that showed single‐ and double‐inflection points, respectively. These observations, along with measurements following changes in temperature and pH, are consistent with the combined effects of slow diffusion and rapid −OH exchange processes. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing normalized strength scores for neuromuscular research
Authors: Andres Patricia L. , English Robert , Mendoza Michelle , Florence Julaine , Malkus Elizabeth , Schierbecker Jeanine , Siener Catherine , Malspeis Susan , Schoenfeld David A. , Munsat Theodore L. , Cudkowicz Merit E.
Published: July 2012

Introduction: The Accurate Test of Limb Isometric Strength (ATLIS) device can reliably measure the strength of 12 muscle groups using a fixed load cell. The purpose of this study was to analyze ATLIS data from healthy adults to calculate an individual's predicted strength scores. Methods: ATLIS data were collected from 432 healthy adults. Linear regression models were developed to predict each muscle group's strength. The R‐squared statistic assessed variability accounted for by the models. Results: Simple main effects models stratified by gender were used to establish regression equations for each muscle using factors of age, weight, and height. Conclusions: Normalizing raw strength scores controls for biometric factors, thus enabling meaningful comparisons between subjects and allowing each muscle to contribute equally to a summary score. Normalized scores are easily interpreted for broad clinical uses, and derived summary scores establish individuals' disease progression rates using a common scale, allowing for more efficient clinical trials. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Nonconforming rotated Q1 tetrahedral element with explicit time stepping for elastodynamics
Authors: Hansbo Peter
Published: July 2012

In this paper, we apply a rotated bilinear tetrahedral element to elastodynamics in . This element performs superior to the constant strain element in bending and, unlike the conforming linear strain tetrahedron, allows for row‐sum lumping of the mass matrix. We study the effect of different choices of approximation (pointwise continuity versus edge average continuity) as well as lumping versus consistent mass in the setting of eigenvibrations. We also use the element in combination with the leapfrog method for time domain computations and make numerical comparisons with the constant strain and linear strain tetrahedra. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unconditionally stable operator splitting algorithms for the incompressible magnetohydrodynamics system discretized by a stabilized finite element formulation based on projections
Authors: Badia Santiago , Planas Ramon , Gutiérrez‐Santacreu Juan Vicente
Published: July 2012

In this article, we propose different splitting procedures for the transient incompressible magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) system that are unconditionally stable. We consider two levels of splitting, on one side we perform the segregation of the fluid pressure and magnetic pseudo‐pressure from the vectorial fields computation. At the second level, the fluid velocity and induction fields are also decoupled. This way, we transform a fully coupled indefinite multi‐physics system into a set of smaller definite ones, clearly reducing the CPU cost. With regard to the finite element approximation, we stick to an unconditionally convergent stabilized finite element formulation because it introduces convection stabilization, allows to circumvent inf‐sup conditions (clearly simplifying implementation issues), and is able to capture non‐smooth solutions of the magnetic subproblem. However, residual‐based finite element formulations are not suitable for segregation, because they lose the skew‐symmetry of the off‐diagonal blocks. Therefore, in this work, we have proposed a novel term‐by‐term stabilization of the MHD system based on projections that is still unconditionally convergent. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of surface conditioning on the thermionic electron emission from polycrystalline diamond films
Authors: Bar‐Hama O. Reinharz , Akhvlediani R. , Hoffman A.
Published: July 2012

Thermionic electron emission (TEE) properties of as deposited, bare surface, in situ hydrogen‐terminated and in situ oxygen‐terminated polycrystalline diamond (Poly‐Di) films surfaces are reported. Continuous Poly‐Di films of a thickness of ∼200 nm grown on B‐doped Si substrates by hot‐filament chemical vapor deposition (HF CVD) were used. The TEE measurements were carried out in the 500–650 °C temperature range by recording the energy spectra of the electrons emitted using a hemispherical energy analyzer under ultra‐high vacuum (UHV) conditions. As‐deposited Poly‐Di surfaces may exhibit variations in their TEE properties depending on history and surface conditioning, thus indicating the need to control the diamond surface chemistry to obtain reproduceable TEE properties. Annealing to 1000 °C results in significant decrease of the TEE intensities, related to thermal desorption of hydrogen and creation of a bare surface. in situ annealing to 1000 °C followed by in situ hydrogenation of the Poly‐Di film surface results in significant enhancement of the TEE. Several cycles of the last procedure show that the TEE of hydrogen‐terminated Poly‐Di surface can be restored, whereas minor decrease in TEE intensity can be associated with slow surface degradation of the Poly‐Di surface following this conditioning. It is suggested that the TEE from hydrogen‐terminated Poly‐Di film may involve two mechanisms. Oxygenation of the bare Poly‐Di film results in low TEE intensities, very similar to those obtained from the bare Poly‐Di film surface, indicating that the TEE process from Poly‐Di film is somehow insensitive to the difference in the surface potential induced by oxygenation and bare surface conditionings.
Cobalt out‐diffusion and carbon phase composition at the WC‐10%Co/diamond film interface investigated by XPS, SEM, Raman and SIMS
Authors: Hojman Elad , Akhvlediani Roza , Alagem Eli , Hoffman Alon
Published: July 2012

The effect of cobalt out‐diffusion from the WC‐10%Co/diamond film interface towards the diamond film surface, in terms of carbon phase, chemical composition and dependence of pre‐treatment for enhancement of diamond formation was investigated. Diamond films of various thicknesses were deposited onto substrates pre‐treated by a dual step process consisting of carburization and subsequently diamond seeding or just diamond seeding. Our findings show that the dual step pre‐treatment promotes diamond formation at the initial stages of deposition, decreases the content of out‐diffusing cobalt and prevents self‐delamination after 360 min of diamond film deposition. Conversely, delamination occurs after this deposition time from substrates pre‐treated by seeding only. Under our deposition conditions aggregation of cobalt at the diamond film surface occurs and a nearly constant concentration was measured irrespective of deposition time, along with depletion of cobalt from the diamond film‐substrate near interface region. The composition at the delaminated interface includes a high content of sp2 bonded carbon and a low content of cobalt, which point out that poor adhesion of diamond films to WC‐10%Co is influenced by the out‐diffusion of cobalt and formation of a graphitic interlayer, mainly at the initial stages of diamond film formation.
Revisiting Key Assumptions of the Reading Level Framework
Authors: Halladay Juliet L.
Published: July 2012

Since Emmett Betts first devised a framework of independent, instructional, and frustration reading levels in the 1940s, these levels have played a large role in classroom assessment and instruction. It is important for teachers to have a deep understanding of the research that supports the reading level framework. This article identifies four key assumptions upon which the reading levels are based: (1) decoding accuracy and reading comprehension are closely linked; (2) independent reading requires nearly perfect oral reading accuracy; (3) oral reading performance is a reasonable proxy for silent reading behaviors; and (4) certain levels of decoding and comprehension difficulty cause frustration. For each of these assumptions, the relevant research base are summarized and implications for classroom practice are discussed.
Acceptance of transvaginal sonography by postmenopausal women participating in the United Kingdom Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening
Authors: Gentry‐Maharaj A. , Sharma A. , Burnell M. , Ryan A. , Amso N. N. , Seif M. W. , Turner G. , Brunell C. , Fletcher G. , Rangar R. , Fallowfield L. , Campbell S. , Jacobs I. , Menon U.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To assess pain and overall experience of transvaginal sonography (TVS) in asymptomatic postmenopausal women.

Methods

In the United Kingdom Collaborative Trial of Ovarian Cancer Screening (UKCTOCS), 50 639 postmenopausal women were randomized to undergo annual TVS at 13 trial centers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Together with the appointment letter for their annual scan, a random sample of 150 women per center was sent a detailed 48‐item postal questionnaire regarding the screening experience. It included a specific question about pain using a score of 0–5, where 5 was severe pain and 3 was discomfort. To assess factors that might affect a woman's reported pain experience, the pain score was regressed on age, hormone replacement therapy use, body mass index, a history of hysterectomy, prolonged scanning time, ovarian visualization, scan result, sonographer's visualization rates and opinion of the women regarding the sonographer who performed the scan.

Results

Between 7 July and 9 September 2009, 1950 randomly chosen women (150 per regional center) were sent the questionnaire. Of the 800 (41.0%) who returned the questionnaire, 651 could be linked to their TVS appointment. One‐hundred and fifty‐two (23.3%) women reported pain/discomfort (score 3–5) during TVS and 473 (72.7%) reported no discomfort (score 0–2). Only 23 (3.5%) women reported experiencing moderate/severe pain. Increasing discomfort/pain was independently associated with a history of hysterectomy and participant's reporting of prolonged scan time. Women who experienced pain on TVS were less compliant (odds ratio = 0.87) with the following year's scan compared with those who did not experience pain.

Conclusions

The majority of postmenopausal women found TVS acceptable. Pain influenced compliance and correlated with women's perception of increased scanning time and previous hysterectomy.Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic Counseling and Testing for FMR1 Gene Mutations: Practice Guidelines of the National Society of Genetic Counselors
Authors: Finucane Brenda , Abrams Liane , Cronister Amy , Archibald Alison D. , Bennett Robin L. , McConkie‐Rosell Allyn
Published: July 2012

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is one of several clinical disorders associated with mutations in the X‐linked Fragile X Mental Retardation‐1 (FMR1) gene. With evolving knowledge about the phenotypic consequences of FMR1 transcription and translation, sharp clinical distinctions between pre‐ and full mutations have become more fluid. The complexity of the issues surrounding genetic testing and management of FMR1‐associated disorders has increased; and several aspects of genetic counseling for FMR1 mutations remain challenging, including risk assessment for intermediate alleles and the widely variable clinical prognosis for females with full mutations. FMR1 mutation testing is increasingly being offered to women without known risk factors, and newborn screening for FXS is underway in research‐based pilot studies. Each diagnosis of an FMR1 mutation has far‐reaching clinical and reproductive implications for the extended family. The interest in large‐scale population screening is likely to increase due to patient demand and awareness, and as targeted pharmaceutical treatments for FXS become available over the next decade. Given these developments and the likelihood of more widespread screening, genetic counselors across a variety of healthcare settings will increasingly be called upon to address complex diagnostic, psychosocial, and management issues related to FMR1 gene mutations. The following guidelines are intended to assist genetic counselors in providing accurate risk assessment and appropriate educational and supportive counseling for individuals with positive test results and families affected by FMR1‐associated disorders.
Interventions to Improve Care Related to Colorectal Cancer Among Racial and Ethnic Minorities: A Systematic Review
Authors: Naylor Keith , Ward James , Polite Blase N.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To systematically review the literature to identify interventions that improve minority health related to colorectal cancer care.

Data sources

MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases, from 1950 to 2010.

Study eligibility criteria, participants, and interventions

Interventions in US populations eligible for colorectal cancer screening, and composed of ≥50 % racial/ethnic minorities (or that included a specific sub-analysis by race/ethnicity). All included studies were linked to an identifiable healthcare source. The three authors independently reviewed the abstracts of all the articles and a final list was determined by consensus. All papers were independently reviewed and quality scores were calculated and assigned using the Downs and Black checklist.

Results

Thirty-three studies were included in our final analysis. Patient education involving phone or in-person contact combined with navigation can lead to modest improvements, on the order of 15 percentage points, in colorectal cancer screening rates in minority populations. Provider-directed multi-modal interventions composed of education sessions and reminders, as well as pure educational interventions were found to be effective in raising colorectal cancer screening rates, also on the order of 10 to 15 percentage points. No relevant interventions focusing on post-screening follow up, treatment adherence and survivorship were identified.

Limitations

This review excluded any intervention studies that were not tied to an identifiable healthcare source. The minority populations in most studies reviewed were predominantly Hispanic and African American, limiting generalizability to other ethnic and minority populations.

Conclusions and implications of key findings

Tailored patient education combined with patient navigation services, and physician training in communicating with patients of low health literacy, can modestly improve adherence to CRC screening. The onus is now on researchers to continue to evaluate and refine these interventions and begin to expand them to the entire colon cancer care continuum.
Interventions to Improve Decision Making and Reduce Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Management of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sajid Saleha , Kotwal Ashwin A. , Dale William
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVES

Ethnic minorities are disproportionately impacted by prostate cancer (PCa) and are at risk for not receiving informed decision making (IDM). We conducted a systematic literature review on interventions to improve: (1) IDM about PCa in screening-eligible minority men, and (2) quality of life (QOL) in minority PCa survivors.

DATA SOURCES

MeSH headings for PCa, ethnic minorities, and interventions were searched in MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and PsycINFO.

SUBJECT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We identified U.S.-based, English-language articles (1985 – 2010) on interventions to improve PCa IDM and QOL that included 50 % or more minority patients or analyses stratified by race/ethnicity.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Articles ( = 19) were evaluated and scored for quality using a Downs and Black (DB) system. Interventions were organized by those enhancing 1) IDM about PCa screening and 2) improving QOL and symptom among PCa survivors. Outcomes were reported by intervention type (educational seminar, printed material, telephone-based, video and web-based).

RESULTS

Fourteen studies evaluated interventions for enhancing IDM about PCa screening and five evaluated programs to improve outcomes for PCa survivors. Knowledge scores were statistically significantly increased in 12 of 13 screening studies that measured knowledge, with ranges of effect varying across intervention types: educational programs (13 % – 48 % increase), print (11 % – 18 %), videotape/DVD (16 %), and web-based (7 % – 20 %). In the final screening study, an intervention to improve decision-making about screening increased decisional self-efficacy by 9 %. Five cognitive-behavioral interventions improved QOL among minority men being treated for localized PCa through enhancing problem solving and coping skills.

LIMITATIONS

Weak study designs, small sample sizes, selection biases, and variation in follow-up intervals across studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Educational programs were the most effective intervention for improving knowledge among screening-eligible minority men. Cognitive behavioral strategies improved QOL for minority men treated for localized PCa.
MicroRNA‐145 suppresses mouse granulosa cell proliferation by targeting activin receptor IB
Authors: Yan Guijun , Zhang Lianxiao , Fang Ting , Zhang Qun , Wu Shaogen , Jiang Yue , Sun Haixiang , Hu Yali
Published: July 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of 21‐ to 25‐nucleotide non‐coding RNAs, some of which are important gene regulators involved in folliculogenesis. In this study, we used CCK‐8, real‐time PCR and Western blot assays to demonstrate that miR‐145 inhibits mouse granulosa cell (mGC) proliferation. Combined with the results of luciferase reporter assays that studied the 3′‐untranslated region of ACVRIB mRNA, these assays identified ACVRIB as a direct target of miR‐145. The ectopic expression of miR‐145 reduced the levels of both ACVRIB mRNA and protein and also interfered with activin‐induced Smad2 phosphorylation. Altogether, this study revealed that miR‐145 suppresses mGC proliferation by targeting ACVRIB.
The alkaline and carbonatitic rocks of Gorny Altai (Edel’veis complex) as indicators of Early Paleozoic plume magmatism in the Central Asian Fold Belt
Authors: Vrublevskii V.V. , Krupchatnikov V.I. , Izokh A.E. , Gertner I.F.
Published: July 2012

The minor intrusions of the Edel’veis alkaline–carbonatite complex are bounded by the spurs of the North Chuya Ridge in southeastern Gorny Altai. According to Ar–Ar isotope data, the complex formed in the Middle Cambrian (∼507 Ma). All of its components (alkali clinopyroxenite–melanogabbro–alkali syenite + Ca-carbonatite) occur in only one pluton. Silicate igneous rocks are equivalent in silica content and alkalinity to potassic alkaline and subalkalic mafic rocks. Apatite-phlogopitic Ca-carbonatites are enriched in P2O5 (up to 3.6 wt.%), Sr (∼2500–5500 ppm), and REE (up to ∼2000 ppm) and are, presumably, of liquation genesis. A PREMA-type plume component was a predominant magma source for the complex (ɛNd(T) = +6.56 to +6.85). According to isotope data (87Sr/86Sr(T) ∼ 0.7032–0.7039; δ18O ∼ 7.5–14.9‰; δ13C ∼ –2.7 to –8.4‰), the fractionation of the melts was accompanied by their crustal contamination. The trace-element composition of the rocks suggests that the complex developed on a continental margin and its development was accompanied by late-collisional rifting and the mixing of moderately depleted (PREMA) and enriched suprasubductional lithospheric mantle (EM I or EM II) with continental crust. It is presumed that the alkaline and carbonatite complexes in the western Central Asian Fold Belt are of primary plume origin and form a LIP within this belt together with other associations produced by Early Paleozoic (510–470 Ma) magmatism.
Recognition of the time and level of emplacement of the Sillai Patti carbonatite complex, Malakand Division, Northwest Pakistan: Constraints from fission-track dating
Authors: Khattak N.U. , Khan M. Asif , Ali N. , Abbas S.M. , Tahirkheli T.K.
Published: July 2012

The Sillai Patti carbonatite complex represents the second largest carbonatite body of the Peshawar Plain Alkaline Igneous Province of northern Pakistan. It is situated about 20 km west of Malakand, near Sillai Patti village. Here, the carbonatite occurs along a fault in the form of a sheet striking in the NNE–SSW direction and dipping towards south. The carbonatite body is about 12 km long and 2–20 m thick, predominantly intruded along the faulted contact of metasediments and granite gneiss but locally, within the metasediments.

A fission-track age of 29.40 ± 1.47 Ma was obtained for the Sillai Patti carbonatite complex. Close resemblance of fission-track apatite age of this study with the fission-track as well as other high temperature radiometric ages from the same and the neighboring carbonatite complexes of the alkaline belt of northern Pakistan suggests emplacement of the Sillai Patti carbonatite complex at higher crustal level and subsequent extremely fast cooling to near ambient temperatures (<60 °C) required for the complete retention of fission tracks in apatite. The age data also point out that the fission-track age of 29.40 ± 1.47 Ma of this study is the age of intrusion of the carbonatitic magma of Sillai Patti carbonatite complex to shallow, near-surface level.

Comparison of the uplift induced denudation rates of the region with the world data clearly reflects the presence of a post collisonal extensional environment in the region south of Main Mantle Thrust during Oligocene time. This strongly negates the idea of the earlier workers of emplacement of the carbonatite complexes of the Loe-Shilman and Sillai Patti areas along thrust faults during Oligocene.
Geochemistry of biomarkers and catagenesis of organic matter of Cretaceous and Cenozoic deposits in the Indigirka–Zyryanka basin (northeastern Yakutia)
Authors: Kashirtsev V.A. , Gaiduk V.V. , Chalaya O.N. , Zueva I.N.
Published: July 2012

Organic matter of Cretaceous and Cenozoic deposits in the Indigirka–Zyryanka basin was studied by bituminological analysis and chromato-mass spectrometry. The regularities of distribution of alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons depending on the catagenesis of fossil organic matter are shown. Sesquiterpanes of the drimane series have been recognized in the Cretaceous deposits, and tetracyclic biomarkers of phyllocladane (kaurane), in the Cenozoic ones. The biomarkers were produced from terpenes of conifers, and the identified set of pentacyclic oleanenes are the products of angiosperms flourishing in the Paleogene and Neogene. As evidenced from geochemical indices, the Cenozoic deposits did not reach the PT-conditions of “the main oil formation (oil window) zone” and should not be used for the quantitative evaluation of the regional petroleum potential. Nevertheless, the Cenozoic clayey units can be perfect isolating horizons for fluids migrating from more ancient, including Cretaceous, deposits.
Evaluation of Face-to-Face Courses in Behavioural Support for Stop Smoking Practitioners
Authors: Brose Leonie S. , West Robert , Michie Susan , McEwen Andy
Published: July 2012

Introduction: In English National Health Service (NHS) Stop Smoking Services, stop smoking practitioners provide behavioural support and medication to support smokers wanting to quit. There is a need to develop an evidence base for the training of such practitioners. This study evaluated a national face-to-face skills training course in behavioural support for practitioners. Methods: Data were gathered from 169 trainees attending the NHS Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT) courses between October 2010 and August 2011. They provided confidence in competence ratings for 16 core competences before, immediately following and 3 months after training. At 3-month follow-up, they also described what they believed were the most important learning outcomes. Trainees also provided course evaluations in the form of ratings (n = 386, courses not yet followed up included). Results: Confidence ratings increased overall by 40% immediately after the course and the higher level of confidence was maintained at 3-month follow-up; 92% agreed or strongly agreed that the course was very useful and very interesting; 90% that it was very enjoyable; 88% that it improved their skills and 87% that they would recommend it. The learning outcomes rated as most important reflected the relevant behaviour change techniques. Conclusion: The NCSCT skills training course appears to result in a substantial improvement in confidence in ability to deliver smoking cessation support and trainees evaluate it highly. The next step is to assess improvements in observed practice and success rates.
Weather and the Prediction of Daily Cigarette Smoking
Authors: Etcheverry Paul E. , Agnew Christopher R. , Newberry Melissa A.
Published: July 2012

Weather-related variables (temperature and rain) are examined for their association with daily cigarette smoking. Prior research has examined how the average monthly temperature and summer versus winter months are related to smoking, but daily fluctuations in weather have not been examined previously. The current research tests whether daily changes in weather are related to young adult cigarette use. In addition, nicotine dependency is tested as a moderator of such associations. Nine hundred and twelve participants were recruited to complete weekly measures of cigarette smoking for 35 weeks. Participants provided weekly self-reports of daily smoking for the last week and completed measures of nicotine dependence. In addition, data was obtained on daily temperature and presence of rain. A longitudinal growth curve model was calculated using daily temperature and rain data to predict daily cigarette smoking. A positive linear effect and negative quadratic effect of temperature was found along with a negative effect of rain. Nicotine dependency did not moderate the effect of temperature or rain on smoking. This study is the first to use daily measures of temperature and rain and corresponding daily measures of cigarette smoking to examine possible associations. Results support the relevance of weather-related variables in the prediction of cigarette smoking and the importance of considering environmental factors in understanding smoking behaviour.
The Politics of Isolation: Refused Relation as an Emerging Regime of Indigenous Biolegitimacy
Authors: Bessire Lucas
Published: July 2012

This essay describes the politics of voluntary isolation, an emerging category of indigeneity predicated on a form of human life that exists outside of history, the market, and wider networks of social connection. It traces a recent controversy around one such “isolated” population—Ayoreo-speaking people in the Paraguayan Gran Chaco—to suggest how these politics of isolation may represent a new regime of what Didier Fassin has called “biolegitimacy,” or the uneven political parsing and authorization of valid human life, within global formations of indigeneity. Here, I identify how international human rights law, multiculturalist state policies, humanitarian NGO programs, and genetic science all share an investment in the moral defense of isolated life. I explore how this investment may divide the kind of humanity authorized or claimed as “indigenous” into opposing legitimacies that are set against one another and vertically ranked. The essay argues that what is at stake in this process is not merely a new technique of the self or the enduring romance of the primitive, but the redistribution of the meaning and value assigned to those domains of human life imagined in opposition to social relation itself.
Notes towards an Anthropology of Political Revolutions
Authors: Thomassen Bjørn
Published: July 2012

While resistance and rebellion have remained core themes in anthropology at least since the 1960s, anthropologists have paid much less attention to the study of political revolutions as real historical events. Yet there are compelling real-world reasons why they should orient their analytical apparatus and ethnographic efforts towards revolutionary events. This article advances a series of reasons why anthropology can enrich and supplement existing political science and history traditions in the study of political revolutions. Anthropology can do so via key concepts developed by Victor Turner: “liminality,” “social drama,” “communitas,” “frame,” and “play.” Turner's ritual approach gains further relevance when linked to another series of concepts developed by Marcel Mauss, Gabriel Tarde, Georg Simmel, and Gregory Bateson, such as “imitation,” “trickster,” “schismogenesis,” and “crowd behavior.” To study revolutions implies not only a focus on political behavior “from below,” but also recognition of moments where “high and low” are relativized or subverted, and where the micro- and macro-levels fuse in critical conjunctions.