bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repeatability of Pulse Diagnosis and Body Constitution Diagnosis in Traditional Indian Ayurveda Medicine
Authors: Kurande Vrinda , Waagepetersen Rasmus , Toft Egon , Prasad Ramjee , Raturi Lokesh
Published: November 2012

In Ayurveda, pulse diagnosis and body constitution diagnosis have a long historical use; still, there is lack of quantitative measure of the reliability of these diagnostic methods. Reliability means consistency of information. Consistent diagnosis leads to consistent treatment and is important for clinical practice, education, and research.

The objective of this study is to study the methodology to evaluate the test-retest reliability (repeatability) of pulse diagnosis and body constitution diagnosis. A double-blinded, controlled, clinical trial was conducted in Copenhagen. The same doctor, an expert in Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis, examined the pulse and body constitution of 17 healthy participants twice, in random order without seeing them. A metric on pulse and body constitution variables was developed. Cohen's weighted kappa statistic was used as a measure of intra-rater reliability. Permutation tests were used to test the hypothesis of homogeneous diagnosis (ie, the doctor's diagnosis does not depend on the subject).

The hypothesis of homogeneous classification was rejected on the 5% significance level (P values of .02 and .001, respectively, for pulse and body constitution diagnosis). According to the Landis and Koch scale, values of the weighted kappa for pulse diagnosis (P = .42) and body constitution diagnosis (P = .65) correspond to “moderate” and “substantial” agreement, respectively.

There was a reasonable level of consistency between 2 pulse and body constitution diagnoses. Further studies are required to quantify inter-subject and intra-subject agreement for greater understanding of reliability of pulse and body constitution diagnosis.
From Reductionism to Holism: Systems-oriented Approaches in Cancer Research
Authors: Kienle Gunver , Kiene Helmut
Published: November 2012

Somatic mutation theory of cancer has directed cancer research during the last century. A deluge of information on cellular, molecular, and genetic behavior was uncovered, but so was a mind-numbing complexity that still challenges research and concepts, and expectations in the war on cancer have by and large not been fulfilled. A change of paradigm beyond reductionism has been called for, especially as research ubiquitously points at the importance of tissue, microenvironment, extracellular matrix, embryonic and morphogenetic fields, and fields of tissue maintenance and organization in the processes of carcinogenesis, cancer control, and cancer progression, as well as in the control of cellular and genetic behavior. Holistic, organismic systems concepts open new perspectives for cancer research and treatment, as well as general biological understanding.
Developing Effective Listening Skills to Enhance Professional Efficiency
Authors: Moulic Manas
Published: November 2012

Abstract - For years, we have been neglecting the most important language skills – Listening. It is mostly believed that one can automatically acquire this language skill without any special training. However, effective listening skills cannot be inherited and need to be practiced. A poor listening skill of an individual is a barrier to communication especially in any kind of work place, because in an organization, every managerial work goes through bottleneck of communication. Therefore, from an organizational prospective an efficient and active listening by an individual always contributes towards the success of his/her professional life. The primary objective of this paper is to focus on ways that a professional may choose to follow to develop effective listening skills and enhance his/her professional efficiency. The work is a result of meticulous personal appraisal of all the faculty members and office staff of Guru Nanak Institute of Technology, Kolkata. With effective listening, almost all the faculty members and office staff could understand the message better, become more accountable and productive, and promote positive working relationships. Keywords - Effective Listening and Developing Professional Efficiency
Human Resources Information System for the University of Cebu
Authors: Abadiano Mark N.
Published: November 2012

Abstract – This paper has the aim to provide solutions to the dilemma of the manual human resources system recently used by the University of Cebu which is very slow in processing the request and inquiries. The proposed system will enable faculty and staff to transact queries faster in the database server and automatically they will be able to obtain information that they need, and make necessary update. A descriptive method was used and questionnaires were distributed and later tabulated to determine the needs of a human resources information system for the University of Cebu. Majority of the respondents agreed that there is a need for a human resources information system to make their transactions hassle free and convenient. These respondents are simulated for the implementation of the project. Keywords – Human Resources Information, Information Systems, Database, Database Server, Networking, Proposed Database System.
No evidence that common genetic risk variation is shared between schizophrenia and autism
Authors: Vorstman Jacob A.S. , Anney Richard J.L. , Derks Eske M. , Gallagher Louise , Gill Michael , de Jonge Maretha V. , van Engeland Herman , Kahn René S. , Ophoff Roel A. ,   the Autism Genome Project, the International Schizophrenia Consortium
Published: November 2012

The similarity between aspects of the clinical presentation of schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) suggests that elements of the biological etiology may also be shared between these two disorders. Recently, an increasing number of rare, mostly structural genetic variants are reported to increase the risk of both schizophrenia and ASD. We hypothesized that given this evidence for a shared genetic background based on rare genetic variants, common risk alleles may also be shared between ASD and schizophrenia. To test this hypothesis, the polygenic score, which summarizes the collective effect of a large number of common risk alleles, was used. We examined whether the polygenic score derived from a schizophrenia case–control dataset, previously reported by Purcell et al., was able to differentiate ASD cases from controls. The results demonstrate that the schizophrenia‐derived polygenic score is not different between ASD cases and controls, indicating that there is no important sharing of common risk alleles between the two neuropsychiatric disorders. Possibly, common risk alleles are less important in ASD in comparison to their more prominent role in schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. These findings provide important novel insights into shared and distinct elements of the genetic architecture of autism and schizophrenia. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing the efficacy of endoscopic office olfactory biopsy sites to produce neural progenitor cell cultures for the study of neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Wrobel Bozena B. , Mazza Jill M. , Evgrafov Oleg V. , Knowles James A.
Published: November 2012

Background

The olfactory region is capable of continuous neurogenesis. Situated on the cribriform plate and segments of the superior septum and both superior and middle turbinates, it is accessible through office‐based biopsy and can be used to generate neural progenitor cells to study molecular abnormalities associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the endoscopic office olfactory biopsy from middle turbinate and superior‐posterior septum to produce the neural progenitor cells.

Methods

Endoscopic office‐based biopsy samples were collected and cultured neuronal cells derived from olfactory neuroepithelium (CNON) were established from 40 healthy individuals and 40 schizophrenia patients. All patients underwent biopsies of both the middle turbinate and the superior‐posterior septum. Specific culture conditions promoted the growth of neural progenitor cells from these biopsy sites. CNON cultures were established from such outgrowing neuronal cells. The study was institutional review board (IRB)‐approved and informed consent was obtained.

Results

Cultures were successfully developed from 98.8% of participants. No complications were observed. The single, unsuccessful specimen failed to grow any cell types due to tissue mishandling. Overall, we have observed no significant difference in the effectiveness of biopsy from middle turbinate and superior‐posterior septum to produce neural progenitor cells.

Conclusion

The middle turbinate biopsies contain viable neural progenitor cells capable of generating neuronal cell cultures. Thus technically more simple biopsy of the middle turbinate can be used to propagate neural progenitor cells.
The characteristics of intramucosal bacteria in chronic rhinosinusitis: a prospective cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Kim Raymond , Freeman Joshua , Waldvogel‐Thurlow Sharon , Roberts Sally , Douglas Richard
Published: November 2012

Background

We have observed subepithelial bacterial microcolonies within the mucosa of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). These were predominantly Staphylococcus aureus and did not appear to elicit a local inflammatory response. We hypothesized that these microcolonies had made adaptations allowing them to exist apparently undetected within the mucosa. We sought to determine whether the tissue colonies had genotypic or phenotypic variations from the surface bacteria.

Methods

Mucosal swabs and tissue biopsies were taken from 31 patients with CRS undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and 9 with normal sinuses having transnasal pituitary surgery. Biopsied tissues were assessed histologically, by routine culture, and by culture techniques facilitating growth of small colony variants (SCVs). Genotypic typing compared isolates of S. aureus that were cultured from both swab and tissue samples. The activity of the accessory gene regulator (agr) gene, a global regulator of S. aureus virulence, was evaluated indirectly by determining the hemolytic activity of the colonies on blood agar.

Results

SCVs were grown from 2 samples but these were found not to possess the nuc gene, specific to S. aureus. When S. aureus was recovered from both swab and mucosa, the genetic profiles were indistinguishable in all but 1 patient. All S. aureus cultured from mucosa demonstrated β‐hemolysis, implying normal agr activity.

Conclusion

Intramucosal S. aureus are genetically closely related and phenotypically similar to surface S. aureus. Further studies are needed to explore the possible mechanisms by which intramucosal colonies become less immunogenic, and the role of the colonies in the pathophysiology of CRS.
When sneezing indicates the cell type
Authors: Gelardi Matteo , Quaranta Nicola , Passalacqua Giovanni
Published: November 2012

Background

Nasal hyperreactivity is the symptomatic expression of vasomotor rhinitis. This study describes a typical nasal reaction, represented by a “volley of sneezes” found in some patients during nasal endoscopy, and to assess the possible correlation between hyperreactivity and a particular clinical and cytological condition.

Methods

We studied 671 rhinological subjects, 344 male, mean age 35.7 ± 13.76 standard deviation (SD) years. All were submitted to medical histories and clinical and instrumental investigations (skin prick test, nasal endoscopy, and nasal cytology). While performing endoscopy, particular attention was paid to the possible signs of nasal hyperreactivity, in particular “volley of sneezes” both during and immediately after the diagnostic procedure.

Results

Out of 671 endoscopies performed, 130 (17.1%) patients presented signs of hyperreactivity during and/or immediately after nasal endoscopy. The ratio of positive vasomotor reaction was 10.6% in the nasal polyposis (NP) group, 19% in the allergic rhinitis (AR) group, 70.6% (p < 0.01) in nonallergic rhinitis with mast cells (NARMA), 76% (p < 0.01) in nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophils and mast cells (NARESMA), and 83% (p < 0.01) in nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophils (NARES). In the AR subjects hyperreactivity was more frequent during the pollen season, compared to the period of absence of pollen (87.5% vs 12%).

Conclusion

The onset of hyperreactivity (sneezing) can be considered an important “sign” in nasal symptomatology, whose sensitivity and specificity for nonallergic “cellular” rhinitis are 79% and 93%, respectively.
Pathophysiology of and potential new therapies for allergic rhinitis
Authors: Osguthorpe John David
Published: November 2012

Background

Advancement in laboratory techniques in the past decade, coupled with clinical studies, has afforded a better understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying allergy.

Methods

The literature on the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis, systemic and local, was reviewed, with emphasis on the last 3 years.

Results

The basis in allergic rhinitis for the T‐lymphocyte helper 2 cell and associated cytokine bias, and the ameliorating effects of T‐regulatory lymphocytes and their cytokines, is summarized. New or currently under development pharmacotherapeutic agents are briefly presented.

Conclusion

Much of the molecular basis for the manifestations of allergy can now be explained, and may afford strategies to interrupt the development of disease or ameliorate such already present.
INCREASE IN LARVAL GUT PROTEOLYTIC ACTIVITIES AND Bti RESISTANCE IN THE DENGUE FEVER MOSQUITO
Authors: Tetreau Guillaume , Stalinski Renaud , David Jean‐Philippe , Després Laurence
Published: November 2012

The bioinsecticide Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) is increasingly used worldwide for mosquito control. Although no established resistance to Bti has been described in the field so far, a resistant Aedes aegypti strain (LiTOX strain) was selected in the laboratory using field‐collected leaf litter containing Bti toxins. This selected strain exhibits a moderate resistance level to Bti, but a high resistance level to individual Cry toxins. As Bti contains four different toxins, generalist resistance mechanisms affecting mosquito tolerance to different toxins were expected in the resistant strain. In the present work, we show that the resistant strain exhibits an increase of various gut proteolytic activities including trypsins, leucine‐aminopeptidases, and carboxypeptidase A activities. These elevated proteolytic activities resulted in a faster activation of Cry4Aa protoxins while Cry4Ba or Cry11Aa were not affected. These results suggest that changes in proteolytic activities may contribute to Bti resistance in mosquitoes together with other mechanisms.
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin promotes asthmatic airway remodelling in human lung fibroblast cells through STAT3 signalling pathway
Authors: Wu Jinxiang , Liu Fen , Zhao Jiping , Wei Yuping , Lv Jinghu , Dong FangZheng , Bi Wenxiang , Wang Xiaoping , Wang Junfei , Liu Wen , Dong Liang , Tian Hong
Published: November 2012

This study aimed to identify the role and regulation of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) in asthmatic airway remodelling. To identify the expression of TSLP, α smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and collagen I in bronchial tissues, bronchial biopsy specimens were collected from patients with asthma and healthy controls and stained with specific antibodies, respectively. To characterize the signalling pathways regulated by TSLP, we silenced or overexpressed TSLP in human lung fibroblast (HLF‐1) cells by shRNA approaches or transfection and detected the expression of TSLP receptor (TSLPR) by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot analysis. In TSLP signalling pathway, the protein expression of total signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), STAT5, the phosphorylation of STAT3 (pSTAT3) and STAT5 (pSTAT5), TSLP, α‐SMA and collagen I were also detected by Western blotting. In addition, the α‐SMA, collagen I and mRNA expression were determined by real‐time reverse‐transcription. To further confirm the TSLP‐STAT3 signalling pathway in HLF‐1 cells, we inhibited STAT3 activity by targeted small molecules and then detected TSLP‐induced expression of α‐SMA and collagen I in both mRNA and protein levels by quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcription and Western blotting, respectively. First, overexpression of TSLP, α‐SMA and collagen I was detected in epithelium collected from patients with asthma. Second, STAT3 activity and the expression of α‐SMA and collagen I were controlled, regulated by TSLP. Specifically, the pSTAT3, α‐SMA and collagen I were induced by the introduction of TSLP in HLF‐1 cells, and the repression of α‐SMA and collagen I was detected after TSLP silencing. Third, no changes of pSTAT5 were found in the presence of the STAT3 inhibitor, and TSLP‐induced α‐SMA and collagen I upregulation is in a STAT3 dependent manner. If we inhibit STAT3 activity by STAT3 targeted small molecules, TSLP‐induced α‐SMA and collagen I upregulation cannot be detected. The functions of TSLP in asthmatic airway remodelling were performed through STAT3 signalling pathway. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synchronic Transformations of Molecular States and Macroscopic Phases in Valence‐Tautomeric Complexes
Authors: Chang Ho‐Chol , Kiriya Daisuke
Published: November 2012

Valence tautomerism (VT) refers to equilibria between two or more different tautomers differing in their charge distributions. This contribution shows how molecular VT occurring in metal–dioxolene complexes (metal = cobalt, manganese) functionalized with long alkyl chains can be coupled with several types of macroscopic phase transformations, such as solid‐to‐solid and solid‐to‐liquid transitions and the double‐melting phenomenon. Observations of simultaneous transformation of molecular and macroscopic states have led to the concept of synchronic bistability. The central focus in this microreview is on molecular design, thermodynamic basis, and kinetic control of the synchronic bistability. It is demonstrated that a key factor in designing a synchronic transformation is to build up strong interdependent correlations between molecules and their assembled states.
Chitosan Aerogel Beads as a Heterogeneous Organocatalyst for the Asymmetric Aldol Reaction in the Presence of Water: An Assessment of the Effect of Additives
Authors: Gioia Claudio , Ricci Alfredo , Bernardi Luca , Bourahla Khadidja , Tanchoux Nathalie , Robitzer Mike , Quignard Françoise
Published: November 2012

The catalytic properties of chitosan aerogel for the direct asymmetric aldol reaction in water assisted by various surfactants and acid co‐catalysts have been evaluated by employing a range of donor and acceptor systems. A beneficial effect on both the yields and enantioselectivities was observed, and the combination of surfactants and acid co‐catalysts has proven particularly useful in the case of heterocyclic ketone donors.
Why permafrost rocks become unstable: a rock–ice‐mechanical model in time and space
Authors: Krautblatter Michael , Funk Daniel , Günzel Friederike K.
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we develop a mechanical model that relates the destabilization of thawing permafrost rock slopes to temperature‐related effects on both, rock‐ and ice‐mechanics; and laboratory testing of key assumptions is performed. Degrading permafrost is considered to be an important factor for rock–slope failures in alpine and arctic environments, but the mechanics are poorly understood. The destabilization is commonly attributed to changes in ice‐mechanical properties while bedrock friction and fracture propagation have not been considered yet. However, fracture toughness, compressive and tensile strength decrease by up to 50% and more when intact water‐saturated rock thaws. Based on literature and experiments, we develop a modified Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion for ice‐filled rock fractures that incorporates fracturing of rock bridges, friction of rough fracture surfaces, ductile creep of ice and detachment mechanisms along rock–ice interfaces. Novel laboratory setups were developed to assess the temperature dependency of the friction of ice‐free rock–rock interfaces and the shear detachment of rock–ice interfaces. In degrading permafrost, rock‐mechanical properties may control early stages of destabilization and become more important for higher normal stress, i.e. higher magnitudes of rock–slope failure. Ice‐mechanical properties outbalance the importance of rock‐mechanical components after the deformation accelerates and are more relevant for smaller magnitudes. The model explains why all magnitudes of rock–slope failures can be prepared and triggered by permafrost degradation and is capable of conditioning long para‐glacial response times. Here, we present a synoptic rock‐ and ice‐mechanical model that explains the mechanical destabilization processes operating in warming permafrost rocks. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Remodelling of supraspinal neuroglial network in neuropathic pain is featured by a reactive gliosis of the nociceptive amygdala
Authors: Marcello L. , Cavaliere C. , Colangelo A.M. , Bianco M.R. , Cirillo G. , Alberghina L. , Papa M.
Published: November 2012

Background

Many brain areas participate to supraspinal control of nociception. In these regions, few studies have investigated the role of glial cells in supraspinal plasticity and the effect of 7‐day intrathecal nerve growth factor‐like (BB14®, Blueprint Biotech, Milano, Italy) treatment.

Methods

In male Sprague‐Dawley rats, we evaluated by immunohistochemistry the morphological and molecular rearrangement of neuroglial network occurring in several supraspinal brain regions involved in pain processing following spared nerve injury (SNI) of the sciatic nerve. In particular, the medial prefrontal cortex, the amygdala (Amy), the nucleus accumbens (Acb), the thalamus and the periaqueductal gray were analysed.

Results

Despite the modifications occurring in the dorsal horn of spinal cord following SNI, no significant changes in the Iba1 and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression were detected in all the analysed supraspinal regions, except for the Amy, showing a remarkable GFAP increase. Interestingly, neuropathic rats also displayed a significant increase of glial transporters (GTs) in all the supraspinal regions. Finally, the analysis of vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (vGLUT1) and vesicular gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter (vGAT) expression revealed a significant enhancement of glutamatergic/GABAergic ratio in all selected brain regions of SNI animals, except for Acb. Both glial activation in the Amy and alteration of GTs and vGLUT/vGAT levels observed in neuropathic animals were largely reversed by BB14® treatment.

Conclusions

All together, these data strengthen the role of supraspinal neuroglial network plasticity in the establishment of neuropathic pain syndrome. The hallmark is represented by the divergence between glial reaction confined to Amy and the widespread changes in the GT distribution and glutamate/GABA ratio detected in the other supraspinal region.
“So What's It About? Your Book, I Mean?”
Authors: Heath Shirley Brice
Published: November 2012

While doubts surround relations between adolescents and books, Heath argues that today's adolescents seek out reading opportunities that develop and deepen their special interests. Wanting to know and do more than their parents, young people prize learning on their own time to advance skills, ways of knowing, and peer relationships. Doing so, they want to take every advantage that technologies give them. In doing so, they have to interpret numerous genres, visual images, and layered meanings. Based on three decades of research on the learning lives of working‐class families, Heath asserts the vital need for adults to learn about the special interests of today's adolescents and to develop with them joint projects and explorations of multiple sources of information both through the internet and in place‐based and face‐to‐face community resources such as museums and local experts.
Scaffolding: An Ongoing Process to Support Adolescent Writing Development
Authors: Benko Susanna L.
Published: November 2012

The termscaffoldingis used widely in literacy instruction but often in broad or conflicting ways. Drawing on Wood, Bruner, and Ross's original theory of scaffolding and Langer and Applebee's theory of instructional scaffolding in English language arts, in this article, the author examines scaffolding in the context of secondary writing instruction. The author draws on seminal literature to frame scaffolding as a process that begins with selecting an appropriate task and is facilitated by the teacher's instructional decisions and demeanor. Then, the author provides examples from current research for each of these areas of the scaffolding process and concludes with recommendations for using scaffolding effectively in adolescent literacy instruction.
The Cafeteria as Contact Zone: Developing A Multicultural Perspective Through Multilingual and Multimodal Literacies
Authors: Kelly Courtney
Published: November 2012

This article describes the inaugural year of a cross‐cultural after‐school program that used a problem‐solving, project‐based pedagogy to promote meaningful interactions between immigrant middle school students and their urban, low‐income peers. The program relied on the students' local knowledge as they worked together to create social maps of their school and a multilingual video against gossip. These collaborations used local literacies to promote a multicultural perspective.
Measuring the Reader Self‐Perceptions of Adolescents: Introducing the RSPS2
Authors: Henk William A. , Marinak Barbara A. , Melnick Steven A.
Published: November 2012

This paper introduces a new affective instrument for assessing the reader self‐perceptions of students in grades seven through ten. The Reader Self‐Perception Scale 2 (RSPS2) builds upon its predecessor, the RSPS, a tool that measures the reading efficacy beliefs of children in grades four through six. New items were created for the RSPS2 to reflect differences in the expectations for adolescent reading. The instrument was piloted on 488 students, revised, and then validates with an additional 2,542 students in the target grades. Factor analytic procedures revealed four factors emerging on the RSPS2. Items for Progress, Observational Comparison, Social Feedback, and Physiological States clustered as expected into scales with reliabilities ranging from .87 to .95. The article includes a description of the instrument, an explanation of its possible uses in assessment, instruction, and research, as well as directions for administration, scoring, and interpretation.
Open Up the Ceiling on the Common Core State Standards: Preparing Students for 21st‐Century Literacy—Now
Authors: Drew Sally Valentino
Published: November 2012

The Common Core State Standards Initiative is the latest effort to reform education through standards. This article examines how the Standards promise to prepare students for the changing world of the 21st century, yet do not consider the changing nature of literacy—especially the centrality of the Internet as a 21st century text, and online reading comprehension as a problem‐based experience. States and districts have begun to adopt and adjust the Common Core Standards as their own. This article seeks to inform teachers' understanding of the Common Core State Standards, so they can be active players in shaping literacy education based on the Standards.
Print‐Based Texts
Authors: Blasingame James
Published: November 2012

This column provides reviews of adolescent and adult literature and provides a valuable resource for literature selection in‐ and outside the classroom.
Introduction: The dark and light sides of organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Spector Paul E.
Published: November 2012

This is an introduction to a point/counterpoint exchange in Journal of Organizational Behavior on the negative versus positive sides of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). Such behaviors go beyond the core tasks that individuals do on the job and are generally considered positive contributions that support organizations. Bolino, Klotz, Turnley, and Harvey cover the dark (negative) side of OCB, arguing that it can be performed for self‐serving motives and that it can have detrimental effects. They discuss the costs of performing OCB to the individuals who perform it, and potential negative consequences for organizations. Conversely, Spitzmuller and Van Dyne cover the light (positive) side, focusing on OCB as forms of either proactive or reactive helping behavior. Proactive helping is motivated by internal needs with the individual seeking out opportunities to engage in OCB. Reactive helping is an altruistic response to a perceived need by a colleague or the organization itself. Taken together, these two papers provide a comprehensive overview of the complex effects of OCB on actors who perform it and targets who receive it. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitivity of orographic precipitation enhancement to horizontal resolution in the operational Met Office Weather forecasts
Authors: Smith S. A. , Vosper S. B. , Field P. R.
Published: November 2012

Rain gauge observations show that when averaged over a large number of cases of frontal systems passing over the UK, strong orographic rain enhancement occurs on the lee slopes of the first hills encountered by the southwesterly flow in the warm sector. The operational forecasts using 1.5 km grid spacing produced realistic looking mean rainfall patterns over the Lake District and Wales, with an area‐averaged rain accumulation error of less than 2%. Model‐level rain rates increase with decreasing altitude consistent with the seeder‐feeder mechanism. Increasing the horizontal grid spacing in the operational weather forecast model decreases the amount of rain produced over the hills, thereby reducing forecast accuracy. The area‐averaged rain accumulations are 11–24% smaller than observed at 12 km grid spacing and 33–48% smaller than observed at 40 km grid spacing.

In additional simulations of the 15 January 2011 case over the Lake District at 1.5 km grid spacing, replacing the orography with that used by the 12 and 40 km models reduced the area‐averaged rain accumulations by 10 and 23% respectively. These changes were due to reduced cloud water and ice mixing ratios over the lower hills resulting in slower increases in rain rate with decreasing altitude. It is demonstrated that neglecting the horizontal advection of falling rain drops results in too much rain falling on the windward slope and not enough falling on the lee slopes. Copyright © 2012 British Crown Copyright, the Met Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Potential of olive oil phenols as chemopreventive and therapeutic agents against cancer: A review of in vitro studies
Authors: Casaburi Ivan , Puoci Francesco , Chimento Adele , Sirianni Rosa , Ruggiero Carmen , Avena Paola , Pezzi Vincenzo
Published: November 2012

Olive oil is a common component of Mediterranean dietary habits. Epidemiological studies have shown how the incidence of various diseases, including certain cancers, is relatively low in the Mediterranean basin compared to that of other European or North America countries. Current knowledge indicates that the phenolic fraction of olive oil has antitumor effects. In addition to the ability to be chemopreventive, with its high antioxidant activity, the antitumor effects of olive oil phenols (OO‐phenols) has been studied because of their capacity to inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis in several tumor cell lines, by diverse mechanisms. This review will summarize and discuss the most recent relevant results on the antitumor effect of OO‐phenols on leukemia tumor cells, colorectal carcinoma cells, and breast cancer (BC) cells. In particular, very recent data will be reported and discussed showing the molecular signaling pathways activated by OO‐phenols in different histopathological BC cell types, suggesting the potential use of OO‐phenols as adjuvant treatment against several subsets of BC. Data summarized here represent a good starting point for more extensive studies for better insight into the molecular mechanisms induced by OO‐phenols and to increase the availability of chemopreventive or therapeutic drugs to fight cancer.
Stress history effects on 1‐D consolidation of soft soils: a rheological model
Authors: Ma Boning , Muhunthan Balasingam , Xie Xinyu
Published: November 2012

Stress history plays an important role in controlling the consolidation behavior of soft clays, but few models exist that can provide quantitative estimate of its influence. In this paper, the Gibson–Lo rheological model is used to simulate the coupled processes of drainage and creep of soft soils that takes stress history into account. A hybrid combination of analytical and numerical methods is adopted to solve the governing equations of consolidation with the nonlinear rheological model. The methodology is applied to a saturated soft soil subjected to surface loading. The soil profile is separated into normally consolidated and overconsolidated layers by a boundary that is allowed to move. Comparisons of the model predictions and its simulations are used to evaluate the effects of stress history, model parameters, and loading pattern on consolidation behavior. It is shown that stress history influences the location of the moving boundary, variations of the profiles of excess pore water pressure dissipation, stress and deformation‐based average degrees of consolidation. Parametric studies conducted show that when soil is stiffer, the excess pore water pressure dissipates much more quickly, and thus the soil consolidates much faster especially at the early stages. The results also show that soil viscosity influences the deformation‐based average degree of consolidation at the latter stages. The consolidation process of soil layer under linear loading is shown to lag behind those under instantaneous loading: the longer the loading period is, the smaller the average degrees of consolidation are no matter how they are defined. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Poly(vinyl alcohol)/melamine phosphate composites prepared through thermal processing: thermal stability and flame retardancy
Authors: Guo Dan , Wang Qi , Bai Shibing
Published: November 2012

Poly(vinyl alcohol)/melamine phosphate composites (PVA/MP) as a novel halogen‐free, flame‐retardant foam matrix were prepared through thermal processing, and then their thermal stability and flame retardancy were investigated by thermo‐gravimetric analysis, micro‐scale combustion calorimeter, cone calorimeter, vertical burning test, and limiting oxygen index (LOI) test. It was found that the thermal stability and combustion properties of the PVA/MP composites could be influenced by the addition of MP. Compared with the control PVA sample (B‐PVA), in the PVA/MP (75/25) composites, the temperature at 5% mass loss (T5%) decreased about 10°C, the residual chars at 600°C increased by nearly 27%, the temperature at the maximum peak heat release rate (TP) shifted from 292°C to 452°C, and the total heat released and the heat release capacity (HRC) decreased by 28% and 14%, respectively. Moreover, the PVA/MP composites could reach LOI value up to 35% and UL94 classification V‐0, showing good flame retardancy. At the same time, both Fourier transform infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra of the residual chars from the PVA/MP composites demonstrated that the catalytic effect of MP on the dehydration and decarboxylation reactions of PVA, and the chemical reactivity of MP during the chars‐forming reactions could be used to account for the changed thermal stability and flame retardancy of the PVA/MP composites. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In silico studies of 1,3(R):2,4(S)‐dibenzylidene‐D‐sorbitol as a gelator for polypropylene
Authors: Alperstein David , Knani Dafna
Published: November 2012

The organic gelator 1,3(R):2,4(S)‐dibenzylidene‐D‐sorbitol (DBS) self‐organizes to form a 3‐D network at relatively low concentrations in a variety of nonpolar organic solvents and polymer melt. In this work, we have investigated the interactions between DBS molecules in polypropylene (PP) by molecular modeling. We have used quantum mechanics to elucidate the preferred geometry of one molecule and a dimer of DBS, and molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics to simulate pure DBS, pure PP, and mixture of DBS and PP as condensed phases, at various temperatures. It was found that inter‐ and intramolecular H‐bonds between DBS molecules are formed in PP in a much more pronounced manner than those formed in pure DBS. The most significant intermolecular H‐bonds are formed between the terminal hydroxyl groups. The most significant intramolecular H‐bonds are formed between O5 /H‐O6 groups. Due to the H‐bonds, DBS molecules form a rigid structure similar to liquid crystal forming molecules, which might explain their tendency to create nanofibrils. It seems that the aromatic rings do not contribute significantly to the intermolecular interactions. Their main role is probably to stiff the molecular structure. Temperature dependences of inter‐ and intramolecular interactions are different. Whereas intermolecular interactions peak heights decrease when temperature increases for pure DBS, the intramolecular interaction almost does not change. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 35‐Year Record of Solifluction in a Maritime Periglacial Environment
Authors: Ballantyne Colin K.
Published: November 2012

Eight segmented PVC columns (Rudberg pillars) inserted vertically in the treads of three vegetation‐covered (‘turf‐banked’) solifluction lobes at altitudes of 912–1031 m in the Fannich Mountains of NW Scotland were exhumed 35 years after insertion, and downslope displacement of each segment was measured to derive velocity profiles for each site. Data from these profiles yielded average surface velocities of 7.8–10.6 mm a‐1 (mean 8.8 mm a‐1), average volumetric velocities of 8.3–13.3 cm3 cm‐1 a‐1 (mean 10.5 cm3 cm‐1 a‐1) and maximum displacement depths of 290–445 mm (mean 390 mm). Measured volumetric velocities for these maritime periglacial sites are fairly similar to those recorded in high alpine environments, but markedly less than most reported rates for solifluction in areas of warm permafrost or deep seasonal freezing. Movement affects only the uppermost parts of individual lobes, and the measured volumetric velocities imply either very slow advance of lobe fronts (~ 0.7 mm a‐1) or slow thickening and steepening of stationary lobe risers. Velocity profiles decline approximately exponentially with depth over the depth range 50–400 mm, consistent with movement by frost creep alone or frost creep plus gelifluction. Comparison with measured rates of periglacial mass transport elsewhere on British mountains suggests (1) that, contrary to traditional views, surface velocities are similar to (and may exceed) those of ploughing boulders in the same area, and (2) that both surface velocities and volumetric velocities are markedly less than at unvegetated sites where needle ice creep is the dominant component of solifluction. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A facile method to synthesise unique Si nanostructure materials by non‐through‐hole anodic alumina templating
Authors: Liang Ying , Wang Xiao Dan , Liu Ning , Huang Ju
Published: November 2012

A facile method was proposed to synthesise unique one‐dimensional Si quasi‐belt nanomaterials using non‐through‐hole anodic alumina membranes (AAMs) templating. Combined with the chemical vapor deposition technique, silane gas reacted with the AgNO3 solution within AAM pores. The morphology of the resulting Si nanomaterials was characterised by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman, and photoluminescence experiments. The results indicated the formation of quasi‐belt structures composed of small grains. The synthesis mechanism was also analysed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning From Picturebooks: Reading and Writing Multimodally in First Grade
Authors: Martens Prisca , Martens Ray , Doyle Michelle Hassay , Loomis Jenna , Aghalarov Stacy
Published: November 2012

This article shares the authors' work with first graders and how, through various reading, writing, and art experiences around picturebooks, the children learned to read and communicate through art along with written language. The work is grounded in multimodality theory and the belief that all modes (particularly art for the purposes of this article) are equally valid and significant ways of communicating meaning. The article provides examples of experiences with the picturebooks I Love My New Toy and Guji Guji of how the children came to understand the language of art. Insights from this work that are discussed include that young children can and do think and read multimodally, that understanding art as an equally valid mode of communication, along with written language, provides children with additional pathways through which to construct meaning, and that art is a valid language that needs to be valued and taught.
Guided Reading: The Romance and the Reality
Authors: Fountas Irene C. , Pinnell Gay Su
Published: November 2012

The authors examine the growth and impact of guided reading, small group teaching for differentiated instruction in reading that was stimulated by their early publications. Many changes in literacy education have been observed as a result—almost as if educators had a “romance” with guided reading and leveled books. While changes have been positive, the “reality” is that there is much more work to be done to bring guided reading to its full potential for helping children become effective and joyful users of literacy. The authors call for a deeper understanding of the reading process and of the text characteristics of leveled books. They discuss misconceptions regarding fluency and describe the strategic use of assessment and the role of facilitative talk. Regarding guided reading instruction, we are at the end of the beginning and need to forge new understandings for the future.
Using Basal Readers: From Dutiful Fidelity to Intelligent Decision Making
Authors: Dewitz Peter , Jones Jennifer
Published: November 2012

When schools and teachers adopt core reading programs they can use them with fidelity or make intelligent decisions about the texts, lessons and components they select to use. The evidence suggests that these programs are not research‐based documents, but rather compromises between what the research suggests about effective reading instruction and what the market wants. Given these compromises and complexity of core reading programs teachers should make decisions about what texts their students will read, what skills and strategies they will teach, and what program components they will use. Teachers should have the prerogative to move students beyond the core program into the wider world of children's literature and informational books. The article outlines eight key decisions that teachers should make.
Gilding and pigments of Renaissance marble of Abatellis Palace: non‐invasive investigation by XRF spectrometry
Authors: Alberghina M. F. , Barraco R. , Brai M. , Pellegrino L. , Prestileo F. , Schiavone S. , Tranchina L.
Published: November 2012

Most of the artworks constituting the collection of Renaissance statuary of Abatellis Palace in Palermo (Sicily) show evidence of colour layers and fragments of gold foil that probably once covered the whole marble surface. The restoration of some of these statues has allowed to carry out archaeometric studies about the painting technique and to highlight the original materials and inclusion present on the precious marbles by two famous Italian sculptors of the Renaissance, Francesco Laurana and Antonello Gagini. The measurements have been performed in situ through the integrated use of two non‐invasive techniques: visible fluorescence stimulated by ultraviolet light and X‐ray fluorescence. The ultraviolet‐induced fluorescence analysis has provided additional information on the conservation status of marble surfaces by differentiating the pictorial materials and highlighting the presence of gilding and pigment traces through their characteristic fluorescence response. The observation in ultraviolet light has been used as valuable guide for the identification of the significant points to be analysed by X‐ray fluorescence to characterise the original materials. X‐ray fluorescence measurements have cast light about their chemical composition and stratigraphical structure. Pictorial layers were identified: vermilion for red layers, blue pigment based on copper for blue layers and pure gold leaf for gilding layers.

Principal component analysis of the data was capable of clustering the different painting materials, discriminating through their chemical content. The results represent an important scientific support both to the hypotheses about the original look of the artworks and to the resolution of restoration and conservation questions still open. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental trajectories of childhood obesity and risk behaviors in adolescence
Authors: Huang David Y.C. , Lanza H. Isabella , Wright‐Volel Kynna , Anglin M. Douglas
Published: November 2012

Using group‐based trajectory modeling, this study examined 5156 adolescents from the child sample of the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to identify developmental trajectories of obesity from ages 6–18 and evaluate associations of such trajectories with risk behaviors and psychosocial health in adolescence. Four distinctive obesity trajectories were identified: “Chronically Obese,” “Decreasing,” “Increasing,” and “Non‐obese.” Males were overrepresented in the Chronically Obese and Increasing groups; females were overrepresented in the Decreasing group. African‐Americans were overrepresented in the Chronically Obese, Increasing, and Decreasing groups; in contrast, Whites were overrepresented in the Non‐obese group. Obesity trajectories were not associated with greater trends in alcohol use, marijuana use, or delinquency, but Chronically Obese adolescents showed a greater increase in cigarette smoking over time compared to other trajectories. The Increasing trajectory, representing a transition into obesity status from childhood to adolescence, was associated with poorer psychosocial health compared to other trajectories.
On a system of nonlinear Schrödinger equations with quadratic interaction
Authors: Ozawa Tohru , Tanaka Kazunaga , Hayashi Nakao
Published: November 2012

We study a system of nonlinear Schrödinger equations with quadratic interaction in space dimension

n⩽6

. The Cauchy problem is studied in

L^{2}

, in

H^{1}

, and in the weighted

L^{2}

space

〈x〉^{−1}L^{2} = \mathcal{F}(H^{1})

under mass resonance condition, where

〈x〉 = (1 + |x|^{2})^{1/ 2}

and

\mathcal{F}

is the Fourier transform. The existence of ground states is studied by variational methods. Blow-up solutions are presented in an explicit form in terms of ground states under mass resonance condition, which ensures the invariance of the system under pseudo-conformal transformations.
Supply Chain Optimization for Pediatric Perioperative Departments
Authors: Davis Janice L. , Doyle Robert
Published: November 2012

Economic challenges compel pediatric perioperative departments to reduce nonlabor supply costs while maintaining the quality of patient care. Optimization of the supply chain introduces a framework for decision making that drives fiscally responsible decisions. The cost‐effective supply chain is driven by implementing a value analysis process for product selection, being mindful of product sourcing decisions to reduce supply expense, creating logistical efficiency that will eliminate redundant processes, and managing inventory to ensure product availability. The value analysis approach is an analytical methodology for product selection that involves product evaluation and recommendation based on consideration of clinical benefit, overall financial impact, and revenue implications.