bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the volume and salt transports during a major inflow event in the Baltic Sea with the reanalysis of the hydrography based on 3DVAR
Authors: Fu Weiwei
Published: May 2013

Volume and salt transports are estimated from three dimensional variational analysis (3DVAR) reanalysis in the Baltic Sea. With the assimilation of temperature and salinity profiles, we find that 3DVAR assimilation causes larger volume and salt transports into the Baltic Sea than directly estimated in the Skagerrak for the 2003 major inflow. In addition, the daily transport obtained as the derivatives of total salt and volume reveals pronounced difference from what is directly estimated. The reason is found to be related to the unbalanced part in the reanalysis obtained from weak constraint 3DVAR. The reanalysis of hydrography is further used to estimate the transport in the Danish strait. For the 2003 major inflow, the total net volume/salt transports across the Darss Sill and Drogden Sill are comparable to observations and other model studies. However, the effect of the 3DVAR assimilation amounts to a volume decrease of 7 km3 and a salt increase of 0.23 Gt in the Arkona region. The reason is related to the barotropic flow through the Danish strait that was supposed to be enhanced in the reanalysis. It suggests that the solution of 3DVAR is statistically optimal but not physically balanced. In coastal regions, reanalysis data must be used with special care when transport is estimated. Meanwhile, misfit of the transports acquired in different ways helps to identify problems in the application of 3DVAR and the model quality.
Cloud effects on radiative heating rate profiles over Darwin using ARM and A‐train radar/lidar observations
Authors: Thorsen Tyler J. , Fu Qiang , Comstock Jennifer M.
Published: May 2013

Observations of clouds from the ground‐based U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program and satellite‐based A‐train are used to compute cloud radiative forcing profiles over the ARM Darwin, Australia site. Cloud properties are obtained from both radar (the ARM Millimeter Cloud Radar (MMCR) and the CloudSat satellite in the A‐train) and lidar (the ARM Micropulse lidar (MPL) and the Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite in the A‐train) observations. Cloud microphysical properties are taken from combined radar and lidar retrievals for ice clouds and radar‐only or lidar‐only retrievals for liquid clouds. Large, statistically significant differences of up to 1.43 K/d exist between the mean ARM and A‐train net cloud radiative forcing profiles. The majority of the difference in cloud radiative forcing profiles is shown to be due to a large difference in the cloud fraction above 12 km. Above this altitude, the A‐train cloud fraction is significantly larger because many more clouds are detected by CALIPSO than by the ground‐based MPL. It is shown that the MPL is unable to observe as many high clouds as CALIPSO due to being more frequently attenuated and a poorer sensitivity. We also isolate the difference in cloud radiative forcing due to sampling and retrieval differences which are of comparable importance but are of smaller impact than cloud fraction differences. This study demonstrates that A‐train observations are better suited for the calculation of cloud radiative forcing profiles at Darwin. In addition, we find that it is necessary to supplement CloudSat with CALIPSO observations to obtain accurate cloud radiative forcing profiles.
Observed effects of solar proton events and sudden stratospheric warmings on odd nitrogen and ozone in the polar middle atmosphere
Authors: Päivärinta S.‐M. , Seppälä A. , Andersson M. E. , Verronen P. T. , Thölix L. , Kyrölä E.
Published: May 2013

Here we use satellite observations from the ACE‐FTS, MLS/Aura and SABER/TIMED to study the effects of solar proton events (SPEs) and strong sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) on the middle atmospheric odd nitrogen (NOx) and ozone levels in the Northern Hemispheric polar region. Three winters (January–March) are considered: (1) 2005 (SPE), (2) 2009 (SSW), and (3) 2012 (SPEs and SSW). These different cases provide a good opportunity to study the roles that transport from the mesosphere‐lower thermosphere region and in situ production due to particle precipitation have on stratospheric NOx levels and the consequent effects on the middle atmospheric ozone. The observations show increases in NOx after both the SPEs (days to weeks) and SSWs (weeks to months) by up to a factor of 25 between 40 and 90 km. The largest mesospheric NOx increases are observed following the SSW in late January 2009, but the most substantial effects in the upper stratosphere are seen when both an SSW and in situ production by SPEs take place (2012), even though the in situ NOx production in 2012 was relatively weak in magnitude compared to periods of much higher solar activity. In 2012, both short‐term (days, due to SPEs and odd hydrogen) depletion and longer‐term (months, due to several drivers) depletion of ozone of up to 90% are observed in the mesosphere and upper stratosphere, coinciding with the enhanced amounts of NOx.
Evaluation of an ARPS‐based canopy flow modeling system for use in future operational smoke prediction efforts
Authors: Kiefer M. T. , Zhong S. , Heilman W. E. , Charney J. J. , Bian X.
Published: May 2013

Efforts to develop a canopy flow modeling system based on the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) model are discussed. The standard version of ARPS is modified to account for the effect of drag forces on mean and turbulent flow through a vegetation canopy, via production and sink terms in the momentum and subgrid‐scale turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) equations. Additionally, a downward decaying net radiation profile inside the canopy is used to account for the attenuation of net radiation by vegetation elements. As a critical step in the model development process, simulations performed with the new canopy model, termed ARPS‐CANOPY, are examined and compared to observations from the Canopy Horizontal Array Turbulence Study (CHATS) experiment. Comparisons of mean and turbulent flow properties in a statistically homogeneous atmosphere are presented for two cases, one when the trees are dormant without leaves and another when the trees are full of mature leaves. The model is shown to reproduce the shape of the vertical profiles of mean wind, temperature, and TKE observed during the CHATS experiment, with errors generally smaller in the afternoon and in the case with stronger mean flow. Sensitivity experiments with relatively coarse (90 m) horizontal grid spacing retain the overall mean profile shapes and diurnal trends seen in the finer‐resolution simulations. The work described herein is part of a larger effort to develop predictive tools for close‐range (on the order of 1 km from the source) smoke dispersion from low‐intensity fires within forested areas.
Infrared extinction spectroscopy and micro‐Raman spectroscopy of select components of mineral dust mixed with organic compounds
Authors: Laskina Olga , Young Mark A. , Kleiber Paul D. , Grassian Vicki H.
Published: May 2013

Radiative transfer calculations as well as satellite and ground‐based retrieval algorithms often use Mie theory to account for atmospheric mineral dust. However, the approximations used in Mie theory are often not appropriate for mineral dust and can lead to inaccuracies in modeling optical properties. Analytic models that are based on Rayleigh theory and account for particle shapes can offer significant advantages when used to model the IR extinction of mineral dust in the accumulation size mode. Here we extend our investigations of the IR optical properties of mineral dust to include samples that have been processed with organic acids. In particular, we aerosolize several individual components of mineral dust with organic compounds that are common in the atmosphere. Through online and offline analysis of the resulting aerosol particles combining Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) extinction spectroscopy, micro‐Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, we have identified three distinct outcomes of the interactions, which depend on the nature of the mineral and the organic acid: reactions with segregation of the products within the particle, formation of a uniform coating on the particle, or a formation of external mixture when there is no significant chemical interaction. Analysis of FTIR extinction spectra of the different dust components that have undergone processing shows red shifts of the prominent IR resonance peaks. The extent of the red shift, which varies from 2 to 10 cm−1, depends on the mineral and the nature of the interaction. Spectral simulations showed that the deviation from Mie theory becomes even more pronounced for these processed mineral dust aerosol components.
Probing into the impact of 3DVAR assimilation of surface PM10 observations over China using process analysis
Authors: Jiang Ziqiang , Liu Zhiquan , Wang Tijian , Schwartz Craig S. , Lin Hui‐Chuan , Jiang Fei
Published: May 2013

The capability of assimilating surface PM10 (particulate matter with diameters less than 10 µm) observations has been developed within the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation three‐dimensional variational (3DVAR) data assimilation (DA) system. It provides aerosol analyses for the Goddard Chemistry Aerosol Radiation and Transport aerosol scheme within the Weather Research and Forecasting/Chemistry model. Control and assimilation experiments were performed for June 2011 over China to explore in detail the impact of assimilating surface PM10. In the assimilation experiment, analyses were produced every 6 h to adjust the mass concentrations of different aerosol species. The statistical results from two parallel experiments demonstrate that the assimilation of surface PM10 observations can significantly reduce the uncertainty of initial aerosol fields and effectively improve the subsequent aerosol forecasts for at least 12 h. However, the benefit from the assimilation of PM10 diminishes rapidly with forecast range. Process analysis for PM10 formation indicates that the rapidly diminishing DA impact on aerosol forecasts, especially in early forecast hours, was dominated by vertical mixing with an additional contribution from advection. Both processes were mainly related to unbalanced aerosol fields in the horizontal and vertical after assimilating surface observations. These findings illustrate the importance of adjusting aerosol emission rates and the initial aerosol vertical profile.
Quantification of the glucosamine content in the filamentous fungus Monascus ruber cultured on solid surfaces
Authors: Chysirichote Teerin , Reiji Takahashi , Asami Kazuhiro , Ohtaguchi Kazuhisa
Published: May 2013

We evaluated whether the glucosamine content in the filamentous fungus Monascus ruber NBRC 32318, cultured on a solid surface (agar) containing different carbon and nitrogen sources, could be used as a measure of biomass. The relationship between the amounts of glucosamine and biomass was independent of the cultivation period, but was dependent on the carbon source (D‐glucose, D‐fructose, maltose, sucrose, or rice starch) and the nitrogen source (ammonium chloride, sodium nitrate, monosodium glutamate, or yeast extract) in the agar; it was also dependent on the culture method (solid‐surface culture or submerged culture). We concluded that the amount of glucosamine extracted from M. ruber is a useful index for the fungal biomass when the relationship between M. ruber biomass and glucosamine content has previously been calibrated for the carbon and nitrogen sources used. Examination of microphotographs of M. ruber hyphae in conjunction with quantification of the glucosamine and biomass contents indicated that the variation in the glucosamine content per unit biomass affects the hyphal morphology of the fungus, and especially the hyphal diameter.
Root endophyte Piriformospora indica DSM 11827 alters plant morphology, enhances biomass and antioxidant activity of medicinal plant Bacopa monniera
Authors: Prasad Ram , Kamal Shwet , Sharma Pradeep K. , Oelmüller Ralf , Varma Ajit
Published: May 2013

Unorganized collections and over exploitation of naturally occurring medicinal plant Bacopa monniera is leading to rapid depletion of germplasm and is posing a great threat to its survival in natural habitats. The species has already been listed in the list of highly threatened plants of India. This calls for micropropagation based multiplication of potential accessions and understanding of their mycorrhizal associations for obtaining plants with enhanced secondary metabolite contents. The co‐cultivation of B. monniera with axenically cultivated root endophyte Piriformospora indica resulted in growth promotion, increase in bacoside content, antioxidant activity and nuclear hypertrophy of this medicinal plant.
Cultivable actinomycetes from rhizosphere of birch (Betula pendula) growing on a coal mine dump in Silets, Ukraine
Authors: Ostash Bohdan , Gren Tetiana , Hrubskyy Yaroslav , Tistechok Stepan , Beshley Stepan , Baranov Volodymyr , Fedorenko Victor
Published: May 2013

Five actinomycete strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of birch, one of a few native tree forms capable of thriving on the upper level of a coal mine dump near the village of Silets (Lvivska region, Ukraine). No such strains were isolated from surrounding gangue, or from nearby grass Calamagrostis epigeios. Using 16S rDNA sequencing and analysis of cell wall aminoacids, four of these strains were shown to belong to genus Streptomyces and one to be Amycolatopsis. The isolates were able to produce siderophores and antibacterial compounds. In comparison to the reference strain Streptomyces coelicolor M145, certain rhizospheric isolates displayed somewhat increased survival in the presence of copper, iron(III), or chromium(VI) salts. The Amycolatopsis isolate was also shown to accumulate significant quantities of heavy metals from waste extracts. Possible roles of the described strains in coal mine dump ecology are discussed.
Fog and low stratus over the Swiss Plateau − a climatological study
Authors: Scherrer Simon C. , Appenzeller Christof
Published: May 2013

The occurrence of fog and low stratus (FLS) clouds is a common phenomenon over the Swiss plateau during the winter half years. Classical fog observations using horizontal visibility are of limited use for climatological analyses of persistent FLS situations. We present a simple method for determining long climatological series of days with FLS lasting at least a half or a full daylight day. The method relies solely on high quality relative sunshine duration measurements at two stations, a Plateau station below or within the FLS layer (e.g. Zürich/Fluntern) and a nearby peak station above the FLS layer (e.g. Säntis). The analysis for the period 1901–2012 shows that full day FLS are a typical phenomenon of the months November to January, whereas the half day FLS also often occur in October and February. There is substantial interannual and decadal variability. The total number of Zürich full FLS days varies between 4 and 31 d (mean: 17 d) and between 10 and 49 d (mean: 28 d) for at least a half FLS days in the September to March period. The foggiest decade in the 1901–2012 record was 1984–1993; the least foggy decade was 1999–2008 with roughly 40–45% less FLS occurrence than only 15 years before. In the most recent years a return towards the climatological mean can be observed. The long term data series does not show any significant long‐term trends for the occurrence of full nor for half day FLS events. The reconstructed FLS occurrence is well correlated with the number of days with cold air pooling. They show very similar decadal variability and long term trends. © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Assessing scale effects for statistically downscaling precipitation with GPCC model
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhang Xunchang J. , Brissette François P.
Published: May 2013

The resolution of general circulation models (GCMs) is too coarse to assess the site‐specific impacts of climate change. Downscaling approaches have been developed to meet this requirement. As the resolution of climate model increases, it is imperative to know whether the finer resolution of regional climate models (RCMs) would result in any improvement of statistical downscaling quality at the station scale for particular downscaling methods. The objective of this study is to assess the effects of climate model resolutions on statistical downscaling quality of precipitation using the generator for point climate change (GPCC) model. The downscaling is conducted across three scales, from GCM, and mid‐ and high‐resolution RCMs to a station scale for two Canadian stations in the Quebec province. Observed precipitation gridded to the corresponding scales is also studied in parallel, totalling six downscaling experiments. The results show that the statistics of downscaled precipitation are somewhat overestimated for the Sept‐Iles station for all six downscaling experiments with the relative error of mean daily, monthly, and annual precipitation ranging between 1.1 and 5.0%, between 2.7 and 5.9% and between 0.5 and 6.2%, respectively, but underestimated for the Bonnard station with the relative error ranging between −4.1 and −10.2%, between −3.2 and −13.3%, and between −2.6 and −12.0%, respectively. The number of wet days per year is well preserved with the difference between observed and downscaled data ranging between −2.9 and 6 d across all downscaling experiments and two stations. The quality of downscaled precipitation is similar between using gridded observations and model‐simulated data for both stations. Furthermore, there is no noteworthy scale effect on downscaling quality when downscaling climate model output with GPCC, indicating that for regions without RCM projections, high‐quality daily series at stations can be derived directly from GCM projections with this particular downscaling model. © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Characterization of the spatial and temporal expression of the OsSSII‐3 gene encoding a key soluble starch synthase in rice
Authors: Li Qian‐Feng , Sun Samuel S‐M , Liu Qiao‐Quan
Published: May 2013

Background

Starch, the major component of rice grain, consists of amylose and amylopectin. SSIIa, a key soluble starch synthase involved in the biosynthesis of rice amylopectin, is a major factor that controls the gelatinization temperature of rice grain. Extensive work has been done and impressive progress has been made in elaborating the function of the gene encoding SSIIa (OsSSII‐3). However, the systematic expression analysis of OsSSII‐3 is still rare.

Results

In the present study, we performed a comprehensive expression analysis of OsSSII‐3 in both the developing seeds and other tissues of indica rice 9311 by using quantitative real‐time PCR. The results showed that the gene was dominantly expressed in the developing seeds. In addition, the promoter sequence of OsSSII‐3 was cloned and fused with the GUS reporter gene and its expression was carefully monitored in the transgenic rice. The data from both histochemical and fluorometric analyses showed that the OsSSII‐3 promoter was capable of driving the target gene to have an endosperm‐specific expression, which may be due to the existing of several endosperm‐specific motifs in the promoter, including the −300 elements, AACA motifs and GCN4 motifs. This result was quite consistent with that of the endogenous transcription analysis of OsSSII‐3.

Conclusion

This study not only advanced our understanding of the spatial and temporal expression characteristics of OsSSII‐3, but also provided a valuable promoter for future application in generating elite rice varieties with high nutritional or medicinal value. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and Characterization of End‐Functionalized Poly(3‐butylthiophene) with Semifluoroalkyl Chains
Authors: Ma Jusha , Geng Yanfang , Hashimoto Kazuhito , Tajima Keisuke
Published: May 2013

A new poly(3‐butylthiophene) derivative with one terminus functionalized with a 1H,1H,2H,2H,3H,3H‐perfluoroundecyl group (P3BT‐F17) is synthesized by Ni‐catalyzed quasi‐living polymerization and the subsequent quenching of living ends by allyl‐Grignard reagent and the attachment of a fluoroalkyl chain. The quantitative introduction of fluoroalkyl chain ends is confirmed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS), gel‐permeation chromatography (GPC), 1H NMR spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electronic properties of P3BT‐F17 in solution and its crystalline structure in the solid state are investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry (CV), and by DSC and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses.

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Water Plasticizes Only a Small Part of the Amorphous Phase in Nylon‐6
Authors: Reuvers Nicolaas , Huinink Hendrik , Adan Olaf
Published: May 2013

It is known that Polyamide 6 absorbs water in its amorphous phase. The exact composition of the amorphous phase will determine the uptake process. The heterogeneity in the amorphous phase with respect to plasticization by water uptake is quantified in this paper using NMR relaxometry. It is shown that water occupies and plasticizes only a small part (∼6%) of the nylon matrix. This part is located in between the crystalline domains where polymer chain mobility is higher. At low moisture content (<4%) water molecules are tightly bound to the polymer and have the same dynamics. A highly mobile pool of guest‐hydrogen nuclei is detected starting at a moisture content of 4%. Here, water is absorbed in clusters and the interaction between the polymer chains and water molecules decreases, leading to decoupling of the dynamics of water and polymer.

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Neurophysiological techniques to detect early small‐fiber dysfunction in transthyretin amyloid polyneuropathy
Authors: Conceição Isabel , Costa João , Castro José , de Carvalho Mamede
Published: May 2013

Introduction: Transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR‐FAP) is characterized by early selective involvement of small nerve fibers. Initial clinical diagnosis is complicated by psychosocial factors. We evaluated diagnostic accuracy of sural sensory nerve action potentials, plantar sympathetic skin response (SSR), and cortical laser‐evoked potentials (LEP) to dorsal foot stimulation in the early diagnosis of TTR‐FAP.Methods: Sixty‐three subjects with TTR‐FAP (Val30Met) mutation were split into 2 groups (asymptomatic carriers and early‐symptomatic patients) and compared with 33 healthy controls. Results: The diagnostic accuracy of plantar SSR amplitude and LEP N2 latency was similar; all had very high specificity (94 to 97%) but low sensitivity (22 to 32%) in distinguishing controls from carriers and early‐symptomatic patients. No control had abnormal results on both tests. Conclusions: Plantar SSR and LEPs have similar diagnostic performance in detecting small‐fiber dysfunction in early TTR‐FAP; we propose that both tests should be used to investigate this population. Muscle Nerve 49: 181–186, 2014
THE 6‐minute walk test and other endpoints in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Longitudinal natural history observations over 48 weeks from a multicenter study
Authors: Mcdonald Craig M. , Henricson Erik K. , Abresch R. Ted , Florence Julaine M. , Eagle Michelle , Gappmaier Eduard , Glanzman Allan M. ,   PTC124‐GD‐007‐DMD Study Group, Spiegel Robert , Barth Jay , Elfring Gary , Reha Allen , Peltz Stuart
Published: May 2013

Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) subjects ≥5 years with nonsense mutations were followed for 48 weeks in a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of ataluren. Placebo arm data (N = 57) provided insight into the natural history of the 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) and other endpoints. Methods: Evaluations performed every 6 weeks included the 6‐minute walk distance (6MWD), timed function tests (TFTs), and quantitative strength using hand‐held myometry. Results: Baseline age (≥7 years), 6MWD, and selected TFT performance are strong predictors of decline in ambulation (Δ6MWD) and time to 10% worsening in 6MWD. A baseline 6MWD of <350 meters was associated with greater functional decline, and loss of ambulation was only seen in those with baseline 6MWD <325 meters. Only 1 of 42 (2.3%) subjects able to stand from supine lost ambulation. Conclusion: Findings confirm the clinical meaningfulness of the 6MWD as the most accepted primary clinical endpoint in ambulatory DMD trials. Muscle Nerve 48: 343–356, 2013
Utilization of Coagulation Assays in Clinical Therapeutics
Authors: Peters Goldie L. , Erwin P. Benjamin , Pitlick Matthew K. , Stacy Zachary A.
Published: May 2013

With the emergence of new anticoagulants, clinicians need a thorough understanding of coagulation assays. Various laboratory assays exist to measure the effectiveness of anticoagulants. Coagulation assays are the primary method for measuring the effectiveness of anticoagulants; therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the various assays is critical to interpret the results appropriately. Coagulation test results can be affected by multiple factors including diseases, drugs, and genetic variations. This article reviews the indications, limitations, and interpretation of coagulation assays.
Electrodeposition of ternary CuxSnySz thin films for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Di Benedetto Francesco , Bencistà Ilaria , Caporali Stefano , Cinotti Serena , De Luca Antonio , Lavacchi Alessandro , Vizza Francesco , Muniz Miranda Maurizio , Foresti Maria Luisa , Innocenti Massimo
Published: May 2013

We exploited alternated electrodeposition of Cu, Sn and S to obtain CuxSnySz thin films. These materials are kesterite‐type chalcogenides that have attracted a relevant interest from worldwide researchers as low cost and high conversion efficiency solar cell devices. Films were grown on silver substrate, controlling the growth of the electrodeposited structures at the nanometric level. The obtained films were characterized by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, voltammetric stripping and atomic force microscopy. Experimental bandgap energies resulted linearly modulated by changes of chemical composition and thickness. On the basis of these results, we candidate electrodeposition as a room temperature method to obtain thin films for solar cell technology with low energy investment and negligible environmental impact. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PURPOSES AND APPROACHES OF SELECTED MENTORS IN SCHOOL‐BASED MENTORING: A COLLECTIVE CASE STUDY
Authors: Frels Rebecca K. , Onwuegbuzie Anthony J. , Bustamante Rebecca M. , Garza Yvonne , Nelson Judith A. , Nichter Mary , Soto Leggett Elsa
Published: May 2013

Over the last decade, community leaders have connected with students through school‐based mentoring (SBM) programs (e.g., adults who mentor at‐risk students). However, research in the area of SBM is only on the cusp of understanding relationship elements for impacting youth. In this collective case study, we examined the perceptions and experiences of 11 selected mentors in dyadic relationships (i.e., mentee and mentor) to understand better ways to retain and to engage mentors for longer‐lasting mentoring relationships, providing a sense of connectedness for students. Specifically, we investigated purposes and approaches of mentoring through the voices and experiences of mentors working with elementary‐aged students in SBM. Results revealed self‐sustaining synergy within the dyads (with little or no program support) and themes of consistency, commitment, spirituality, playfulness, the use of self‐disclosure, creativity, and emphasis on the present. In addition, implications for cross‐cultural and, in particular, cross‐age mentoring are discussed. One exemplar case illustrates specific profile characteristics used to bridge age, gender, and cultural differences.
Multiple‐flow exhaled nitric oxide, allergy, and asthma in a population of older children
Authors: Linn William S. , Rappaport Edward B. , Eckel Sandrah P. , Berhane Kiros T. , Zhang Yue , Salam Muhammad T. , Bastain Tracy M. , Gilliland Frank D.
Published: May 2013

“Extended” (multiple‐flow) measurements of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) potentially can distinguish proximal and distal airway inflammation, but have not been evaluated previously in large populations. We performed extended NO testing within a longitudinal study of a school‐based population, to relate bronchial flux (J'awNO) and peripheral NO concentration (CalvNO) estimates with respiratory health status determined from questionnaires. We measured FeNO at 30, 50, 100, and 300 ml/sec in 1,640 subjects aged 12–15 from eight communities, then estimated J'awNO and CalvNO from linear and nonlinear regressions of NO output versus flow. J'awNO, as well as FeNO at all flows, showed influences of asthma, allergy, Asian or African ancestry, age, and height (positive), and of weight (negative), generally corroborating past findings. By contrast, CalvNO results were inconsistent across different extended NO regression models, and appeared more sensitive to small measurement artifacts. Conclusions: Extended NO testing is feasible in field surveys of young populations. In interpreting results, size, age, and ethnicity require attention, as well as instrumental and environmental artifacts. J'awNO and conventional FeNO provide similar information, probably reflecting proximal airway inflammation. CalvNO may give additional information relevant to peripheral airway, alveolar, or systemic pathology. However, it needs additional research, including testing of populations with independently verifiable peripheral or systemic pathology, to optimize measurement technique and interpretation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:885–896. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical study on keto–enol tautomerism and isomerization in pyruvic acid
Authors: Valadbeigi Younes , Farrokhpour Hossein
Published: May 2013

Isomerization and tautomerism of 12 isomers of pyruvic acid including 4 keto and 8 enol forms were studied at the MP2 and B3LYP levels of theory using 6‐311++G(2df,p) basis set, separately. Activation energy (Ea), imaginary frequency (υ), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG#) of the considered isomerization and tautomerism reactions were calculated. Interconversion of the enol forms proceeds through two paths: (i) proton transfer and (ii) internal rotation. Activation energies for the proton transfer paths were in the range of 125–145 kJ/mol and for the internal rotation paths were in the range of 5–45 kJ/mol. Keto–enol tautomerism of pyruvic acid proceeds only through proton transfer route and their activation energies were in the range of 200–300 kJ/mol. Effect of microhydration on the transition state structures and activation energies was also investigated. It was found that the presence of a water molecule catalyzes the isomerization and tautomerism reactions of pyruvic acid so that the activation energies decrease. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic modeling as a multidiscipline collaborative journey
Authors: Bradley Morrison J. , Rudolph Jenny W. , Carroll John S.
Published: May 2013

Motivated by a medical diagnosis problem that generates a wide range of problem‐solving behaviors, three social scientists with different domains of expertise and different perspectives collaborated using a system dynamics modeling approach to do theory building in the social sciences. The collaboration led to a model of dynamic problem solving grounded in a unique dataset of 39 anesthesia residents confronting a simulated patient with a breathing problem, drawing upon and linking together theories of sensemaking and decision making. In this paper, we describe the collaborative journey, show glimpses of several models that we produced along the way, and reflect on some lessons that we learned about linking models, theory and data, about model‐based collaboration, and about communication. Copyright © 2013 System Dynamics Society
Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells from the Murine Bone Marrow Differentiate into Epithelial Cells of the Lung
Authors: Kassmer Susannah H. , Jin Huiyan , Zhang Ping-Xia , Bruscia Emanuela M. , Heydari Kartoosh , Lee Joo-Hyeon , Kim Carla F. , Krause Diane S.
Published: May 2013

The view that adult stem cells are lineage restricted has been challenged by numerous reports of bone marrow (BM)-derived cells giving rise to epithelial cells. Previously, we demonstrated that nonhematopoietic BM cells are the primary source of BM-derived lung epithelial cells. Here, we tested the hypothesis that very small embryonic like cells (VSELs) are responsible for this engraftment. We directly compared the level of BM-derived epithelial cells after transplantation of VSELs, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, or other nonhematopoietic cells. VSELs clearly had the highest rate of forming epithelial cells in the lung. By transplanting VSELs from donor mice expressing H2B-GFP under a type 2 pneumocyte-specific promoter, we demonstrate that this engraftment occurs by differentiation and not fusion. This is the first report of VSELs differentiating into an endodermal lineage in vivo, thereby potentially crossing germ layer lineages. Our data suggest that Oct4+ VSELs in the adult BM exhibit broad differentiation potential. STEM Cells  2013;31:2759–2766
Three‐dimensional fetal echocardiography for prediction of postnatal surgical approach in double outlet right ventricle: a pilot study
Authors: Zidere V. , Pushparajah K. , Allan L. D. , Simpson J. M.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To examine the feasibility of reconstructing three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiographic views in fetuses with double outlet right ventricle, which might enhance prognostication with respect to the postnatal surgical approach.

Methods

This was a retrospective blinded observational study. Our database was reviewed from January 2007 to June 2011 to identify fetuses with usual atrial arrangement, concordant atrioventricular connections, double outlet right ventricle and relatively balanced left and right ventricular size. Six fetuses, in which there was an intention to treat, were included.

Results

In all six cases, we identified important features, including location of the ventricular septal defect and its relation to the atrioventricular valves and great arteries. The postnatal surgical approach was predicted accurately in each case.

Conclusion

In this group of fetuses with double outlet right ventricle, detailed evaluation by 3D fetal echocardiography enhanced visualization of the anatomy, leading to accurate prediction of the type of surgical repair. Prospective validation in a large cohort of fetuses is warranted. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Pharmacological treatments prescribed to people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in primary health care
Authors: Murray Macey L. , Hsia Yingfen , Glaser Karen , Simonoff Emily , Murphy Declan G. M. , Asherson Philip J. , Eklund Hanna , Wong Ian C. K.
Published: May 2013

Rationale

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) affect 1 % of children, having significant impact on health and social outcomes. Psychotropic medication use by individuals with ASD in the USA increased over time, and polypharmacy occurred in >50 % of those prescribed. In the UK, no psychotropic drugs are approved in ASDs, and little is known about patterns of pharmacological treatment in the ASD population and associated co-morbidities.

Methods

We used The Health Improvement Network, a nationally representative primary care database, to assess the prevalence of ASD diagnoses, psychotropic drug prescribing and neuropsychiatric co-morbidities of 0–24 year olds between 1992 and 2008.

Results

ASD prevalence increased 65-fold from 0.01 % (1992) to 0.50 % (2008). Psychotropic drugs were prescribed to 29 % (1,619/5,651) of the ASD cohort; the most prescribed drugs were sleep medication (9.7 % of prescribed patients), psychostimulants (7.9 %) and antipsychotics (7.3 %). More patients were given psychostimulants and sleep medications over time from 1.5–6.3 % and 2.2–5.9 % respectively. Thirty-seven per cent of the cohort had ≥1 record of a neuropsychiatric co-morbidity, the most common being developmental difficulties and learning disabilities (12.6 %), behavioural, conduct and personality disorders (11.1 %) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (7.5 %).

Conclusions

British physicians are more conservative in prescribing practice than American colleagues. However, use of psychostimulants and antipsychotics is much higher in those with ASD than in the general population. Polypharmacy was seen in 34 % of prescribed patients in 2008. Additional studies examining use, efficacy, and long-term safety of antipsychotics and psychostimulants in autistic individuals are warranted.
Climate change impacts population dynamics and distribution shift of moose (Alces alces) in Heilongjiang Province of China
Authors: Dou Hongliang , Jiang Guangshun , Stott Philip , Piao Renzhu
Published: May 2013

The earth is experiencing obvious climate warming, which may impact population dynamics and the distribution of moose (Alces alces). In this study, we examined the effects of density dependence, temperature, snow depth, and the vegetation (NDVI) on the population dynamics of moose in Heilongjiang Province of China using historical data. Our results demonstrated that moose distribution had continued to contract from the 1980s to the 1990s; moose densities and late spring temperatures in the 1980s were negatively correlated to the rate of increase of the moose population; low and high snow depths in the 1990s showed positive and negative effects, respectively, on the rate of population increase; and the effect of NDVI in the 1980s was similar to the effect of snow depth. Therefore, we confirmed that moose population dynamics is influenced both by intrinsic density‐dependent and extrinsic habitat factors, especially late spring temperatures. In addition, an increase in late spring temperatures may shift the southern limit of the distribution of the moose northwards, or may isolate the southernmost portion of the moose population because the rate of warming is higher to the north of a present latitudinal constriction in range than it is at the latitude of the southernmost moose.
The role of gut microbiota in the gut-brain axis: current challenges and perspectives
Authors: Chen Xiao , D’Souza Roshan , Hong Seong-Tshool
Published: May 2013

Brain and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are intimately connected to form a bidirectional neurohumoral communication system. The communication between gut and brain, knows as the gut-brain axis, is so well established that the functional status of gut is always related to the condition of brain. The researches on the gut-brain axis were traditionally focused on the psychological status affecting the function of the GI tract. However, recent evidences showed that gut microbiota communicates with the brain via the gut-brain axis to modulate brain development and behavioral phenotypes. These recent findings on the new role of gut microbiota in the gut-brain axis implicate that gut microbiota could associate with brain functions as well as neurological diseases via the gut-brain axis. To elucidate the role of gut microbiota in the gut-brain axis, precise identification of the composition of microbes constituting gut microbiota is an essential step. However, identification of microbes constituting gut microbiota has been the main technological challenge currently due to massive amount of intestinal microbes and the difficulties in culture of gut microbes. Current methods for identification of microbes constituting gut microbiota are dependent on omics analysis methods by using advanced high tech equipment. Here, we review the association of gut microbiota with the gut-brain axis, including the pros and cons of the current high throughput methods for identification of microbes constituting gut microbiota to elucidate the role of gut microbiota in the gut-brain axis.
The dynamics of the catalytic site in small GTPases, variations on a common motif
Authors: Kötting Carsten , Gerwert Klaus
Published: May 2013

Small GTPases control many cellular processes. Their catalytic downregulation by GTPase activating proteins (GAP) is essential. Many structural models of GTPase·GAP complexes obtained by X‐ray structural analysis are available nowadays. They reveal important insights into the catalytic site and can suggest important catalytic residues. But this information is static. Time‐resolved FTIR spectroscopy can resolve the dynamics of the catalytic site at atomic detail. For the investigation of GAP catalyzed GTPase reactions of small GTPases, the order of events like the action of certain catalytic amino acids, bond breakages and protein conformational changes can be elucidated. This is elaborated for many small GTPases like Ras, Rap, Ran, Rho and Rab and their cognate GAPs. Variations on a common dynamic motif of the catalytic site of small GTPase will be presented.
Computational Identification of Active Enhancers in Model Organisms
Authors: Wang Chengqi , Zhang Michael Q. , Zhang Zhihua
Published: May 2013

As a class of cis-regulatory elements, enhancers were first identified as the genomic regions that are able to markedly increase the transcription of genes nearly 30 years ago. Enhancers can regulate gene expression in a cell-type specific and developmental stage specific manner. Although experimental technologies have been developed to identify enhancers genome-wide, the design principle of the regulatory elements and the way they rewire the transcriptional regulatory network tempo-spatially are far from clear. At present, developing predictive methods for enhancers, particularly for the cell-type specific activity of enhancers, is central to computational biology. In this review, we survey the current computational approaches for active enhancer prediction and discuss future directions.
Radical hysterectomy and vaginectomy with sigmoid vaginoplasty for stage I vaginal carcinoma
Authors: Yin Duo , Wang Ning , Zhang Shulan , Huo Naichen , Xiao Qian , Ling Ouyang , Lu Yanming , Wei Heng
Published: May 2013

Objective

To evaluate the therapeutic value of radical hysterectomy and vaginectomy with sigmoid vaginoplasty among patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage I vaginal carcinoma.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted of 5 women (age range, 45–55 years) with stage I vaginal carcinoma who underwent surgery at Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China, between January 4, 2009, and December 30, 2011. All participants had lesions in the upper third of the vagina and wished to retain sexual function. Patients underwent radical hysterectomy and vaginectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy, followed by sigmoid vaginoplasty for vaginal reconstruction.

Results

The mean operative time was 248.0 ± 39.6 minutes and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 335.0 ± 76.6 mL. All patients recovered well after surgery and no delayed complications or recurrence were experienced during a mean follow‐up of 22.8 ± 9.98 months. None of the patients developed vaginal stenosis and all were satisfied with their postoperative sexuality. The mean Female Sexual Function Index was 28.0 ± 1.92.

Conclusion

Radical hysterectomy and vaginectomy with sigmoid vaginoplasty was a reasonable option for patients with stage I vaginal carcinoma who wished to retain sexual function after surgery.
Rethinking the Prostitution Debates: Transcending Structural Stigma in Systemic Responses to Sex Work
Authors: Bruckert Chris , Hannem Stacey
Published: May 2013

As legal authorities consider the constitutionality of the laws surrounding prostitution in Canada, we have the opportunity to rethink some of the fundamental assumptions that have been made about sex work and the socio-legal responses to it. In this article we draw on the concept of structural stigma to analyze the stigmatic assumptions inherent in the Canadian laws and briefly describe their effect—the civic exclusion of sex workers. We then consider the ways in which these same assumptions of risk and immorality are reproduced in end-demand (partial criminalization), legalized (regulatory) models, and decriminalization. While the decriminalization of sex work is the response that relies on the least stigmatic assumptions, even the celebrated New Zealand model is not absent of moralization and “othering” discourse. Further reflection is required to conceptualize a policy approach that transcends stigmatic assumptions so as to respect the human and civil rights of sex workers.
Trafficking or Pimping? An Analysis of Canada’s Human Trafficking Legislation and its Implications
Authors: Roots Katrin
Published: May 2013

In 2005, Canada implemented its first-ever domestic human trafficking legislation under sections 279.01 through 279.04 of the Criminal Code of Canada. The first conviction under this legislation came about three years after its implementation, with a total of only five convictions having been obtained as of January of 2011. This article examines the legislation and the legislative definition of human trafficking in Canada, arguing that the vagueness of this legislation, the breadth of the legislative definition, and its similarity to other provisions within the Criminal Code make it difficult to distinguish human trafficking from other criminal offences, particularly procurement, or in lay language—pimping, which is governed under section 212 of the Code. Analyzing cases identified as human trafficking by Canadian police and legal authorities, this article demonstrates the problematic effects of Canada’s human trafficking legislation. The article points out the challenges arising from identifying non-trafficking cases as human trafficking, including undermining the severity of human trafficking and impeding efforts to combat it.
A Consideration of Villages in Neolithic and Bronze Age Britain and Ireland
Authors: Rathbone Stuart
Published: May 2013

Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements in Britain and Ireland have, on occasion, been referred to as being prehistoric villages but there is little agreement as to what a settlement from these periods should consist of for it to be confidently identified as such. A particular problem is that the development of villages in Britain and Ireland is commonly seen as being a medieval phenomenon and most discussions regarding the essential characteristics of villages are centred on medieval evidence. This paper examines which features of a prehistoric settlement can be used to determine if the use of the term ‘village’ is appropriate, ultimately finding the number of contemporary households to be the primary concern. Sites which have been identified specifically as being Neolithic or Bronze Age villages are critically reviewed, as are a selection of sites where the designation may be appropriate but where the term has so far been avoided. The number of sites from both periods that could justify being identified as being villages is found to be low, and in all cases it seems that moves toward larger nucleated settlements are geographically and chronologically restricted and are followed by a return to dispersed settlement patterns. This curious pattern of the rapid creation and decline of villages at a regional level is contrasted with different explanations for the development of nucleated settlements from other areas and during other time periods, which revolve around economic and agricultural intensification, the development of more hierarchical societies and the increase in structured trading networks. They do not fit well with either our current perceptions of Neolithic and Bronze Age societies, or with the strictly localised moves towards nucleation that were observed. New explanations with a more local focus are found to be required