bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian semiparametric regression models for evaluating pathway effects on continuous and binary clinical outcomes
Authors: Kim Inyoung , Pang Herbert , Zhao Hongyu
Published: March 2012

Many statistical methods for microarray data analysis consider one gene at a time, and they may miss subtle changes at the single gene level. This limitation may be overcome by considering a set of genes simultaneously where the gene sets are derived from prior biological knowledge. Limited work has been carried out in the regression setting to study the effects of clinical covariates and expression levels of genes in a pathway either on a continuous or on a binary clinical outcome. Hence, we propose a Bayesian approach for identifying pathways related to both types of outcomes. We compare our Bayesian approaches with a likelihood‐based approach that was developed by relating a least squares kernel machine for nonparametric pathway effect with a restricted maximum likelihood for variance components. Unlike the likelihood‐based approach, the Bayesian approach allows us to directly estimate all parameters and pathway effects. It can incorporate prior knowledge into Bayesian hierarchical model formulation and makes inference by using the posterior samples without asymptotic theory. We consider several kernels (Gaussian, polynomial, and neural network kernels) to characterize gene expression effects in a pathway on clinical outcomes. Our simulation results suggest that the Bayesian approach has more accurate coverage probability than the likelihood‐based approach, and this is especially so when the sample size is small compared with the number of genes being studied in a pathway. We demonstrate the usefulness of our approaches through its applications to a type II diabetes mellitus data set. Our approaches can also be applied to other settings where a large number of strongly correlated predictors are present. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gap Junctional Coupling with Cardiomyocytes is Necessary but Not Sufficient for Cardiomyogenic Differentiation of Cocultured Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Ramkisoensing Arti A. , Pijnappels DaniëL A. , Swildens Jim , Goumans Marie José , Fibbe Willem E. , Schalij Martin J. , de Vries Antoine A.F. , Atsma Douwe E.
Published: March 2012

Gap junctional coupling is important for functional integration of transplanted cells with host myocardium. However, the role of gap junctions in cardiomyogenic differentiation of transplanted cells has not been directly investigated. The objective of this work is to study the role of connexin43 (Cx43) in cardiomyogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Knockdown of Cx43 gene expression (Cx43↓) was established in naturally Cx43-rich fetal amniotic membrane (AM) hMSCs, while Cx43 was overexpressed (Cx43↑) in inherently Cx43-poor adult adipose tissue (AT) hMSCs. The hMSCs were exposed to cardiomyogenic stimuli by coincubation with neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (nrCMCs) for 10 days. Differentiation was assessed by immunostaining and whole-cell current clamping. To establish whether the effects of Cx43 knockdown could be rescued, Cx45 was overexpressed in Cx43↓ fetal AM hMSCs. Ten days after coincubation, not a single Cx43↓ fetal AM hMSC, control adult AT MSC, or Cx43↑ adult AT mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) expressed α-actinin, while control fetal AM hMSCs did (2.2% ± 0.4%, n = 5,000). Moreover, functional cardiomyogenic differentiation, based on action potential recordings, occurred only in control fetal AM hMSCs. Of interest, Cx45 overexpression in Cx43↓ fetal AM hMSCs restored their ability to undergo cardiomyogenesis (1.6% ± 0.4%, n = 2,500) in coculture with nrCMCs. Gap junctional coupling is required for differentiation of fetal AM hMSCs into functional CMCs after coincubation with nrCMCs. Heterocellular gap junctional coupling thus plays an important role in the transfer of cardiomyogenic signals from nrCMCs to fetal hMSCs but is not sufficient to induce cardiomyogenic differentiation in adult AT hMSCs.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
The Proto-Oncogene Myc Is Essential for Mammary Stem Cell Function
Authors: Moumen Mejdi , Chiche Aurélie , Deugnier Marie-Ange , Petit Valérie , Gandarillas Alberto , Glukhova Marina A. , Faraldo Marisa M.
Published: March 2012

The mammary epithelium comprises two major cell lineages: basal and luminal. Basal cells (BCs) isolated from the mammary epithelium and transplanted into the mouse mammary fat pad cleared from the endogenous epithelium regenerate the mammary gland, strongly suggesting that the basal epithelial compartment harbors a long-lived cell population with multipotent stem cell potential. The luminal cell layer is devoid of the regenerative potential, but it contains cells with clonogenic capacity, the luminal progenitors. Mammary BCs and luminal progenitors express high levels of the transcription factor Myc. Here, we show that deletion of Myc from mammary basal epithelial cells led to impaired stem cell self-renewal as evaluated by limiting dilution and serial transplantation assays. Luminal progenitor population was significantly diminished in mutant epithelium suggesting control by the BC layer. Colony formation assay performed with isolated BCs showed that clonogenic capacity was abolished by Myc deletion. Moreover, transplanted BCs depleted of Myc failed to produce epithelial outgrowths. Stimulation with ovarian hormones estrogen (E) and progesterone (P) partially rescued the repopulation capacity of Myc-depleted BCs; however, the Myc-deficient mammary epithelium developed in response to E/P treatment lacked stem and progenitor cells. This study provides the first evidence that in the mammary gland, Myc has an essential nonredundant function in the maintenance of the self-renewing multipotent stem cell population responsible for the regenerative capacity of the mammary epithelium and is required downstream from ovarian hormones, for the control of mammary stem and progenitor cell functions.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Control of adult stem cells in vivo by a dynamic physiological environment: diet‐dependent systemic factors in Drosophila and beyond
Authors: Ables Elizabeth T. , Laws Kaitlin M. , Drummond‐Barbosa Daniela
Published: March 2012

Adult stem cells are inextricably linked to whole‐body physiology and nutrient availability through complex systemic signaling networks. A full understanding of how stem cells sense and respond to dietary fluctuations will require identifying key systemic mediators, as well as elucidating how they are regulated and integrated with local and intrinsic factors across multiple tissues. Studies focused on the Drosophila germline have generated valuable insights into how stem cells are controlled by diet‐dependent pathways, and increasing evidence suggests that diverse adult stem cell populations respond to nutrients through similar mechanisms. Systemic signals, including nutrients themselves and diet‐regulated hormones such as Insulin/Insulin‐like growth factor or steroid hormones, can directly or indirectly affect stem cell behavior by modifying local cell‐cell communication or intrinsic factors. The physiological regulation of stem cells in response to nutritional status not only is a fascinating biological problem, but also has clinical implications, as research in this field holds the key to noninvasive approaches for manipulating stem cells in vivo. In addition, given the known associations between diet, stem cells, and cancer risk, this research may inspire novel anticancer therapies. WIREs Dev Biol 2012 doi: 10.1002/wdev.48

For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Long‐term bone mineral density response to enzyme replacement therapy in a retrospective pediatric cohort of Gaucher patients
Authors: Ciana Giovanni , Deroma Laura , Franzil Anna Martina , Dardis Andrea , Bembi Bruno
Published: March 2012

Osteopenia is described as a relevant sign of bone involvement in Gaucher disease (GD) both in pediatric and adult patients. Furthermore, abnormal bone metabolism is considered to play a role in growth and pubertal delay. To analyze the long‐term effect of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on bone mineral density (BMD), a retrospective observational study was conducted in a cohort of 18 GD pediatric patients (13 males, 5 females; median age 9.2 years). They received biweekly infusions of 20‐60 IU/kg of alglucerase/imiglucerase. Clinical, laboratory and imaging parameters were evaluated every 2 years. According to the International Society of Clinical Densitometry guidelines, a Z‐score ≤ ‐2.0 was considered pathological. Nine patients (group P0) began ERT during infancy and nine (group P1) during puberty. At baseline, in three patients (16.6 %; 1P0, 2P1) Z‐score was ≤ ‐2.0 (range ‐2.47 to ‐2.25). In patient P0 it normalized after 2 years, while in the 2P1 patients (splenectomized siblings) it persisted abnormal. The remaining 15 patients (83.4 %) always presented a normal value. In group P0, Z‐score improved in infancy but showed a significant decrease during puberty, on the contrary it constantly improved in group P1. Furthermore, at baseline group P0 showed a higher median Z‐score than group P1: 0.79 (0.38; 1.50) and ‐1.61 (‐2.25; ‐1.56) respectively. The use of correct BMD standards to interpret bone loss during pediatric age suggests a limited significance of bone loss in these patients. Moreover, the persistence of residual disease activity may affect normal bone growth during puberty in GD populations.
Why Are Some Evolutionary Trees in Natural History Museums Prone to Being Misinterpreted?
Authors: Torrens Erica , Barahona Ana
Published: March 2012

Today, the picture of an evolutionary tree is a very well-known visual image. It is almost impossible to think of the ancestry and relationships of living beings without it. As natural history museums play a major role in the public understanding of evolution, they often present a wide variety of evolutionary trees. However, many studies have shown (Baum and Offner 2008; Baum et al. 2005; Catley and Novick 2008; Evans 2009; Gregory 2008; Matuk 2007; Meir et al. 2007b; Padian 2008) that even though evolutionary trees have the potential to engage visitors of natural history museums with the phenomena of evolution, many of them unwittingly might lead to misunderstandings about the process. As valuable research and educational institutions, one of the museum’s important missions should be the careful design of their exhibits on evolution considering, for example, common preconceptions visitors often bring, such as the notion that evolution is oriented from simple toward complex organisms (incarnating the idea of a single ladder of life amidst the extraordinary diversity of organisms) and that humans are at the pinnacle of the evolutionary story, as well as naïve interpretations of phylogenies. Our aim in this article is to show from history where many of these misunderstandings come from and to determine whether five important Western natural history museums inadvertently present “problematic” evolutionary trees (which might lead to non-scientific notions).
Some Philosophical Problems for Service-Dominant Logic in Marketing
Authors: Wright Malcolm , Russell Deborah
Published: March 2012

Vargo and Lusch (2004 , 2008 , 2009 ) developed a synthesis of service-dominant logic and called for a major shift towards service thinking, which has been well received by the academic marketing community. However the arguments to date have overlooked issues of testability, over-explanation, and normative power, and they are undermined by a definitional slide in the justification of service-dominant logic. We discuss these issues and suggest that they may create problems for service-dominant logic in its current form. We call for further conceptual development to address these points, and to enable discriminative tests between alternative service-based interventions.
Cell density‐dependent acetylation of ΔNp63α is associated with p53‐dependent cell cycle arrest
Authors: Chae Yang-Seok , Kim Hyunji , Kim Dongsung , Lee Hyunsook , Lee Hae-ock
Published: March 2012

ΔNp63α
physically interacts with
p53
by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (
View interaction
)
NMR characterization of the interaction between the PUB domain of peptide:N‐glycanase and ubiquitin‐like domain of HR23
Authors: Kamiya Yukiko , Uekusa Yoshinori , Sumiyoshi Akira , Sasakawa Hiroaki , Hirao Takeshi , Suzuki Tadashi , Kato Koichi
Published: March 2012

PNGase
and
HR23B
bind by nuclear magnetic resonance (View interaction)
FolX from Pseudomonas aeruginosa is octameric in both crystal and solution
Authors: Gabrielsen Mads , Beckham Katherine S.H. , Cogdell Richard J. , Byron Olwyn , Roe Andrew J.
Published: March 2012

FolX
and
FolX
bind by x ray scattering (View interaction)
Molecular pathology
Authors: Hamilton Stanley R.
Published: March 2012

Molecular pathology as applied to neoplasia is a rapidly expanding component of the discipline of pathology that uses molecular biology tools in addition to conventional morphologic, immunohistochemical and chemical analyses of abnormalities in tissues and cells to understand the etiology and pathogenesis of tumors, establish their diagnosis, and contribute to prognostication and therapeutic decisions for cancer patient care. Biomarkers are a fundamental component of personalized cancer care, and the discipline of molecular pathology therefore contributes throughout the continuum from biomarker research to use in standard‐of‐care personalized cancer therapy. This brief review addresses some of the specific roles of molecular pathology in that continuum.
Modulation of turbulence in forced convection by temperature-dependent viscosity
Authors: Zonta Francesco , Marchioli Cristian , Soldati Alfredo
Published: March 2012

In this work, we run a numerical experiment to study the behaviour of incompressible Newtonian fluids with anisotropic temperature-dependent viscosity in forced convection turbulence. We present a systematic analysis of variable-viscosity effects, isolated from gravity, with relevance for aerospace cooling/heating applications. We performed an extensive campaign based on pseudo-spectral direct numerical simulations of turbulent water channel flow in the Reynolds number parameter space. We considered constant temperature boundary conditions and different temperature gradients between the channel walls. Results indicate that average and turbulent fields undergo significant variations. Compared with isothermal flow with constant viscosity, we observe that turbulence is promoted in the cold side of the channel, characterized by viscosity locally higher than the mean: in the range of the examined Reynolds numbers and in absence of gravity, higher values of viscosity determine an increase of turbulent kinetic energy, whereas a decrease of turbulent kinetic energy is determined at the hot wall. Examining in detail the turbulent kinetic energy budget, we find that turbulence modifications are associated with changes in the rate at which energy is produced and dissipated near the walls: specifically, at the hot wall (respectively cold wall) production decreases (respectively increases) while dissipation increases (respectively decreases).
Experimental Stability Study on Herringbone-Microgrooved Journal Bearing in an Impeller-Spindle
Authors: Chang B.-H. , Chen P.-H. , Lee D.-S.
Published: March 2012

The reliability of the impeller-spindle with respect to the effects of abnormal vibrations and noises is relative to the whirl rotation in notebook (NB) computers, all-in-one (AIO) desktop systems, and tablet PCs. This study experimentally investigates the stability of a herringbone-microgrooved journal bearing in an impeller-spindle under static radial forces.The experimental device operated at 2700, 3600, 4200, and 4900rpm, with a static load ranging from 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6N. The experiment obtained the stiffness and damping coefficients, and the study involved analyzing the stability. Results show that the dimensionless threshold speed of rotation decreased as the Sommerfeld number increased. The proposed impeller-spindle is stable when the Sommerfeld number is less than 59, indicating that the impeller-spindle should not operate at an eccentricity ratio below 0.18.
Poiseuille-Couette Flow and Heat Transfer in an Inclined Channel for Composite Porous Medium
Authors: Liu I-C. , Wang H.-H. , Umavathi J. C.
Published: March 2012

Convective flow and heat transfer in an inclined channel bounded by two rigid plates is studied, where the lower plate is fixed and upper plate is moving with a constant velocity. One of the regions filled with clear viscous fluid and the other region filled with the porous matrix saturated with a viscous fluid different from the fluid in the first region are considered. The coupled nonlinear equations are mainly solved numerically using finite difference method. It is found that the presence of porous matrix in one of the region reduces the velocity and temperature. Both the velocity and temperature profiles enhance as the values of buoyancy parameter GP, height ratio h, Brinkman number Br, density ratio n and thermal expansion ratio b increase but reduce as the values of porous parameter σ, viscosity ratio λand thermal conductivity ratio λT increase. The Nusselt numbers at upper plate diminish as GP, h and Br increase, whereas they increase as σ, λ and λT increase. The lower plate Nusselt numbers are reversely affected by the relevant parameters. The effect of σ and GP on shear stress profiles are drawn and discussed.
Free Vibration of Cross Ply Laminated Beams with Multiple Distributed Piezoelectric Actuators
Authors: Khdeir A. A. , Darraj E. , Aldraihem O. J.
Published: March 2012

Analytical solution is obtained for the free vibration of cross-ply laminated beams with multiple distributed extension piezoelectric actuators. The piezoelectric actuators are bonded at local position on the beam surface. The beam structure can contain one pair or two pairs or n pairs of piezoelectric actuators and it can be symmetric or unsymmetric about its mid-plane. The equations of motion and associated boundary conditions are derived for the beam model using Hamilton's principle. The state-space approach is used to find accurate natural frequencies and mode shapes for arbitrary combinations of boary conditions. The exact analytical solutions obtained are illustrated numerically in a number of figures revealing the influences of varying some parameters for the symmetric and unsymmetric cross-ply laminated beam for different type of piezoelectric actuators cases. The first order shear deformation beam theory (FOBT) is used to present the effect of actuators position and length on the nondimensional frequencies when one pair and two pairs of piezoelectric actuators are bonded at a local position on the beam surface.
Parametric Studies on Bending of Twisted Timoshenko Beams Under Complex Loadings
Authors: Chen W.-R.
Published: March 2012

Static bending of a twisted Timoshenko beam subjected to combined transverse and axial loadings is studied. The equilibrium equations are established in the twist coordinates by applying the principle of minimum potential energy. The governing equations are then reduced into solvable algebraic equations using a finite element approach. The effects of the twist angle, thickness-to-width ratio, length-to-thickness ratio, loading and boundary conditions on the static bending characteristics of the twisted beams are investigated. The present parametric analyses will provide engineers a good insight into the influence of various structural aspects of the twisted beam on its response to different static loads.
The Motivation Question: Arguments from Justice and from Humanity
Authors: Lawford-Smith Holly
Published: March 2012

Two dominant arguments within international political theory, arguments from humanity and arguments from justice, can be distinguished along the lines of the well-known distinction between omissions and actions, respectively. The discussion in this paper shows that people in general are psychologically biased towards thinking that omissions producing harm are less morally grave than actions producing equivalent harm. It also canvasses evidence suggesting that greater moral gravity correlates with heightened guilt, and that heightened guilt is more likely to lead to action that would alleviate it, i.e. remedial or compensatory action. For those reasons, it is suggested that we should expect arguments from justice, which track actions, to be a more feasible means to the desired outcome of (local commitment to) global justice than arguments from humanity, which track omissions.
“What Are the Philippines Going to Do to Us?” E. L. Godkin on Democracy, Empire and Anti-imperialism
Authors: BEAUPRE MYLES
Published: March 2012

From his position as editor of theNationfrom 1865 until 1899, E. L. Godkin steered one of the liberal standard-bearers in a transatlantic network of cosmopolitan liberals. From this position he helped define nineteenth-century cosmopolitan liberalism. However, while Godkin fitted in the mainstream of liberal thought in 1865, by the time he retired he occupied the conservative fringe. Godkin never made the transition from a nineteenth-century cosmopolitan liberalism to a newer nationalistic democratic liberalism because democracy failed him. Instead of peace, commerce, and learning, democracy created an American Empire rooted in war, protectionism, ignorance, jingoism, and plunder, culminating in the Spanish–American War. Godkin's critique of American imperialism was thus based on his pessimistic but perceptive reading of the flaws of American democracy. Godkin believed that the rise of “jingoist” democracy had doomed the American “experiment” and thought that the nation had slipped into the historical, degenerative cycle of empire. By tracing Godkin's increasingly bitter warnings about the dangers of democracy in the second half of the nineteenth century, we can catch a glimpse of a dying worldview that questioned the ability of democracy to act as a moral force in the world.
The interplay of language ideologies and contextual cues in multilingual interactions: Language choice and code-switching in European Union institutions
Authors: Wodak Ruth , Krzyżanowski Michał , Forchtner Bernhard
Published: March 2012

This article analyzes multilingual practices in interactions inside European Union (EU) institutions. On the basis of our fieldwork conducted in EU organizational spaces throughout 2009, we explore different types of communication in order to illustrate how Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and officials at the European Commission practice and perform multilingualism in their everyday work. In our theoretical and methodological framework, we draw on existent sociolinguistic ethnographical research into organizations and interactions, and integrate a multilevel (macro) contextual and sequential (micro) analysis of manifold data (observations, field notes, recordings of official and semi-official meetings, interviews, etc.). In this way, a continuum of context-dependent multilingual practices becomes apparent, which are characterized by different patterns of language choice and which serve a range of both manifest and latent functions. By applying the Discourse-Historical Approach (DHA) of Critical Discourse Studies (CDS), the intricacies of the increasingly complex phenomenon of multilingualism in transnational-organizational spaces, which are frequently characterized by diverse power-related and other asymmetries of communication, can be adequately coped with. (Code-switching, multilingualism, power, institutional spaces, European Union, ethnography, discourse-historical approach, critical discourse studies)*
The dynamics of embodied participation and language choice in multilingual meetings
Authors: Mondada Lorenza
Published: March 2012

This article deals with the organization of multilingual meetings, considering the interplay of multimodal resources constituting their interactional order. Using Conversation Analysis, it explores the mobilization of multimodal and multilingual resources by the participants in order to make possible, sustain, and change participation within a meeting. Moreover, it focuses on language choice as a situated and embodied achievement.

The article's empirical contribution is a detailed analysis of a single case, an episode within a meeting in which several radical changes occur concerning language, participation, interactional space, and the categorization of the participants. The analysis explores the systematic organizational features characterizing the meeting before and after change, showing the embodied practices enabling a participant who was silent, sitting in the last row of the room, not speaking the language of the meeting, to become a recognized expert, thus changing the language of the meeting and reorganizing the opportunities to participate. (Conversation analysis, interactional linguistics, meetings, multilingualism, participation, multimodality, language choice, categorization, identity)*
DECONSTRUCTING THE ARGUMENT FOR FREE TRADE: A CASE STUDY OF THE ROLE OF ECONOMISTS IN POLICY DEBATES
Authors: Driskill Robert
Published: March 2012

This paper argues that, in light of the apparent settled nature of economists’ judgement on the issue of trade liberalization, the profession has stopped thinking critically about the question and, as a consequence, makes poor-quality arguments justifying their consensus. To develop support for this claim, the paper first recounts what economic analysis can say about trade liberalization. Then it analyses the quality of the arguments that economists make in support of free trade. The paper argues that the standard argument made by economists in favour of free trade is either incoherent or implicitly imposes philosophical value judgements about what is good for a nation or society, or it makes leaps of empirical faith about how the world works. The paper concludes with suggestions for better arguments.
UNACCEPTABLE RISKS AND THE CONTINUITY AXIOM
Authors: Jensen Karsten Klint
Published: March 2012

Consider a sequence of outcomes of descending value, A > B > C > . . . > Z. According to Larry Temkin, there are reasons to deny the continuity axiom in certain ‘extreme’ cases, i.e. cases of triplets of outcomes A, B and Z, where A and B differ little in value, but B and Z differ greatly. But, Temkin argues, if we assume continuity for ‘easy’ cases, i.e. cases where the loss is small, we can derive continuity for the ‘extreme’ case by applying the axiom of substitution and the axiom of transitivity. The rejection of continuity for ‘extreme’ cases therefore renders the triad of continuity in ‘easy’ cases, the axiom of substitution and the axiom of transitivity inconsistent.

As shown by Arrhenius and Rabinowitz, Temkin's argument is flawed. I present a result which is stronger than their alternative proof of an inconsistency. However, this result is not quite what Temkin intends, because it only refers to an ordinal ranking of the outcomes in the sequence, whereas Temkin appeals to intuitions about the size of gains and losses. Against this background, it is argued that Temkin's trilemma never gets off the ground. This is because Temkin appeals to two mutually inconsistent conceptions of aggregation of value. Once these are clearly separated, it will transpire, in connection with each of them, that one of the principles to be rejected does not appear plausible. Hence, there is nothing surprising or challenging about the result; it is merely a corollary to Expected Utility Theory.
Pain Related-Visual Imagery is Associated with Distress in Chronic Pain Sufferers
Authors: Gillanders David , Potter Louise , Morris Paul Graham
Published: March 2012

Background:Chronic pain patients often describe their pain in ways that suggest vivid mental images, with some reporting images relating to their pain. Despite these clinical observations, there are few studies describing the nature and consequences of these images. This study examined whether mental imagery of pain is associated with levels of reported distress, cognitions, disability or pain severity.Method:In a postal survey, 83 adult chronic pain patients indicated whether or not they experienced mental images of their pain. They also completed standardized measures of depression, anxiety, cognitions, disability and pain severity. Those reporting images were compared to those not reporting images on their responses to the other variables.Results:People with pain imagery reported significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression and catastrophizing than patients who did not report such images. No differences were found on measures of physical disability.Discussion:Mental images of pain appear to be associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression and catastrophizing. It is possible that these images play a role in maintaining such difficulties. For these patients, imagery may provide a route via which clinicians can work with patients to help them reinterpret or respond more flexibly to their pain.
Validation of presence of supermarkets and fast-food outlets in Copenhagen: case study comparison of multiple sources of secondary data
Authors: Svastisalee Chalida M , Holstein Bjørn E , Due Pernille
Published: March 2012

Objective

We examined the quality of food outlet addresses provided by secondary sources and determined whether they could be physically located in the field.

Design

Addresses of food outlets in fourteen school districts in the northern part of Copenhagen were obtained from multiple business locators. We geocoded 202 addresses using a geographic information system and cross-referenced the sources against each other using a validation grid. Physical presence was determined via street survey. We applied gamma statistics and calculated positive predictive value, sensitivity and percentage agreement to assess the overall correspondence between our test of physical presence and each source of secondary information.

Setting

The study took place within city boundaries of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Subjects

Food outlets within fourteen school districts within Copenhagen.

Results

Positive predictive value between field results and secondary sources indicated good to excellent correspondence (range: 0·81–0·98), comparable with other studies. Gamma coefficients indicated low to high positive correspondence (range: 0·23–0·98).

Conclusions

Despite moderately high correspondence between secondary sources of address information and field observation, the findings illustrate that the use of combined sources is recommended.
Eating in response to hunger and satiety signals is related to BMI in a nationwide sample of 1601 mid-age New Zealand women
Authors: Madden Clara EL , Leong Sook Ling , Gray Andrew , Horwath Caroline C
Published: March 2012

Objective

To examine the association between eating in response to hunger and satiety signals (intuitive eating) and BMI. A second objective was to determine whether the hypothesized higher BMI in less intuitive eaters could be explained by the intake of specific foods, speed of eating or binge eating.

Design

Cross-sectional survey. Participants were randomly selected from a nationally representative sampling frame. Eating in response to hunger and satiety signals (termed ‘intuitive eating’), self-reported height and weight, frequency of binge eating, speed of eating and usual intakes of fruits, vegetables and selected high-fat and/or high-sugar foods were measured.

Setting

Nationwide study, New Zealand.

Subjects

Women (n 2500) aged 40–50 years randomly selected from New Zealand electoral rolls, including Māori rolls (66 % response rate; n 1601).

Results

Intuitive Eating Scale (IES) scores were significantly associated with BMI in an inverse direction, after adjusting for potential confounding variables. When controlling for confounding variables, as well as potential mediators, the inverse association between intuitive eating (potential range of IES score: 21–105) and BMI was only slightly attenuated and remained statistically significant (5·1 % decrease in BMI for every 10-unit increase in intuitive eating; 95 % CI 4·2, 6·1 %; P < 0·0 0 1). The relationship between intuitive eating and BMI was partially mediated by frequency of binge eating.

Conclusions

Eating in response to hunger and satiety signals is strongly associated with lower BMI in mid-age women. The direction of causality needs to be investigated in longitudinal studies and randomized controlled trials.
Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix Texture Analysis of Germinal Center Light Zone Lymphocyte Nuclei: Physiology Viewpoint with Focus on Apoptosis
Authors: Pantic Igor , Pantic Senka , Basta-Jovanovic Gordana
Published: March 2012

In our study we investigated the relationship between conventional morphometric indicators of nuclear size and shape (area and circularity) and the parameters of gray level co-occurrence matrix texture analysis (entropy, homogeneity, and angular second moment) in cells committed to apoptosis. A total of 432 lymphocyte nuclei images from the spleen germinal center light zones (cells in early stages of apoptosis) were obtained from eight healthy male guinea pigs previously immunized with sheep red blood cells (antigen). For each nucleus, area, circularity, entropy, homogeneity, and angular second moment were determined. All measured parameters of gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) were significantly correlated with morphometric indicators of nuclear size and shape. The strongest correlation was observed between GLCM homogeneity and nuclear area (p< 0.0001,rs= 0.61). Angular second moment values were also highly significantly correlated with nuclear area (rs= 0.39,p< 0.0001). These results indicate that the GLCM method may be a powerful tool in evaluation of ultrastructural nuclear changes during early stages of the apoptotic process.
The Politics of Entitlement and Personalisation: Perspectives on a Proposed National Disability Long-term Care and Support Scheme in Australia
Authors: Foster Michele , Henman Paul , Fleming Jennifer , Tilse Cheryl , Harrington Rosamund
Published: March 2012

Internationally, over the past two decades the theme of personalisation has driven significant reforms within health and social care services. In the Australian context, the principles of ‘entitlement based on need’ and ‘personalisation’ frame the proposed National Disability Long-Term Care and Support Scheme (LTCSS). In this article, we critically examine the interpretations and ambiguities of need and personalisation. We consider the administrative complexities of applying these principles in practice and the uncertainties about the roles of state and the market, and use individual case examples to illustrate areas of potential tension. Whether principles translate to deliver personalised services and avoid harmful trade-offs between access, equity and choice is the true test of social policy.
Predictors of caregiver distress among palliative home care clients in Ontario: Evidence based on the interRAI Palliative Care
Authors: Hirdes John P. , Freeman Shannon , Smith Trevor Frise , Stolee Paul
Published: March 2012

Objective:

This study examines predictors of caregiver distress among community-based palliative care clients. Analyses are based upon interRAI Palliative Care (interRAI PC) assessment data from palliative home care programs in three regions in Ontario, Canada.

Method:

The study sample involved all community-based palliative care clients in Ontario who were assessed with the interRAI PC as part of normal clinical practice during pilot implementation of the instrument between 2007 and 2009 (N = 3,929). The assessments were performed by trained case managers and were used as the basis for determining service needs to be addressed through services contracted from provider agencies. The main study outcome of interest was the presence of one or more indicators of caregiver distress: helper(s) unable to continue caring activities; primary informal helper expresses feelings of distress, anger, or depression; family or close friends report feeling overwhelmed by person's illness.

Results:

Caregiver distress was evident among about 22% of palliative home care clients. Multivariate analyses identified included clinical instability (Changes in Health, End Stage disease, Signs and Symptoms [CHESS] scale), depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, and positive outlook as significant client-level predictors. Significant caregiver characteristics included hours of informal care. Three service use/provider variables were significant predictors of caregiver distress: the specific home care agency, hospitalizations in the last 90 days, and nursing visits.

Significance of results:

Caregiver distress affects approximately one in five palliative care clients in the community. This may lead to a number of adverse outcomes for the caregiver and client. The experience of distress is affected by client, caregiver, and agency characteristics that are readily identified by the interRAI PC assessment instrument. The present results point to the need for a care planning protocol that may be used on a targeted basis for clients experiencing or at elevated risk of caregiver distress.
Developmental exposure to bisphenol A leads to cardiometabolic dysfunction in adult mouse offspring
Authors: Cagampang F. R. , Torrens C. , Anthony F. W. , Hanson M. A.
Published: March 2012

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound that has adverse health outcomes in adults when exposed during the perinatal period. However, its effect on cardiovascular function remains to be elucidated. In this study, we examined the effects of daily administration of BPA to pregnant mice from gestational days 11 to 19 on cardiometabolic outcomes in the adult offspring. Prenatal BPA exposure resulted in altered growth trajectory and organ size, increase adiposity and impaired glucose homeostasis in male and female offspring. In addition, these BPA offspring exhibited raised systolic blood pressure, and in the males this was accompanied by impaired vascular tone. The aortas in females, but not in males, from the BPA group also showed reduced estrogen receptor gene expression. These results indicate that prenatal exposure to BPA increased susceptibility of the offspring to developing cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction later in life.
The 7 September 2008 Vulcanian explosion at Stromboli volcano: Multiparametric characterization of the event and quantification of the ejecta
Authors: Calvari Sonia , Büttner Ralf , Cristaldi Antonio , Dellino Pierfrancesco , Giudicepietro Flora , Orazi Massimo , Peluso Rosario , Spampinato Letizia , Zimanowski Bernd , Boschi Enzo
Published: March 2012

On 7 September 2008 a major ash explosion occurred from the SW summit crater of Stromboli volcano. This explosive event lasted ∼2 min and consisted of three discrete eruptive pulses, forming an eruptive ash cloud ∼500–600 m high and ∼300 m wide, rising with speed of 20–27 m s−1. The event was recorded by our camera and seismic networks, as well as by two electric stations installed at a 500 m mean distance from the SW crater. The electric signals recorded by the two stations during this event were 106 times greater than signals recorded during the persistent Strombolian activity, and the seismic trace had a bigger amplitude and a longer duration. Camera image analysis allowed us to infer that a partial obstruction took place at the SW crater three days before the explosive event, suggesting that a constriction within the upper conduit could have likely led to magma overpressure. Data analysis, combined with previous experimental investigations, revealed that the higher energy output of the ash explosion, when compared to the persistent Strombolian activity, resulted in a greater magma fragmentation and erupted mass. Integration of the different parameters allowed us to classify the event as a Vulcanian type, and electric signal analysis enabled retrieval of the total volume of erupted ash and of the amounts of the juvenile, phreatomagmatic, and lithic components.
First simultaneous measurement of vertical air velocity, particle fall velocity, and hydrometeor sphericity in stratiform precipitation: Results from 47 MHz wind‐profiling radar and 532 nm polarization lidar observations
Authors: Mega Tomoaki , Yamamoto Masayuki K. , Abo Makoto , Shibata Yasukuni , Hashiguchi Hiroyuki , Nishi Noriyuki , Shimomai Toyoshi , Shibagaki Yoshiaki , Yamamoto Mamoru , Yamanaka Manabu D. , Fukao Shoichiro , Manik Timbul
Published: March 2012

Results from simultaneous measurements of vertical air velocity (W), particle fall velocity, and hydrometeor sphericity in stratiform precipitation are reported for the first time. Cases of stratiform precipitation on 8 (case A) and 16 December 2008 (case B) observed at Sumatra, Indonesia (0.2°S, 100.32°E), are described. A 47 MHz wind‐profiling radar measuredWand reflectivity‐weighted particle fall velocity relative to the air (VZ) simultaneously. Upward W above ∼6.0 km altitude in case B (>0.2 m s−1) was greater than in case A (<0.1 m s−1). VZ at 300 m above the 0°C altitude in case B (1.8 m s−1) was greater than in case A (1.3 m s−1). The thickness of melting layer (ML) in case B (900 m) was greater than in case A (300 m). Because the large‐sized aggregates contribute to produce greaterVZ and thicker ML, it is likely that entangled growth of dendritic crystals under the presence of significant upward Wand enhanced aggregation occurrence by the well‐developed dendritic crystals produced the large‐sized aggregates. Lidar measured an increase of linear depolarization ratio (δ) and lidar dark band in the ML. Volume δ of raindrops was 0.08–0.10 in case B and close to zero in case A. Stronger multiple scattering in case B is likely a cause that produced the greater δ. In case B, a dip of δ was measured at the bottom of ML. The decrease of hydrometeor nonsphericity at the final stage of melting explains the dip.
Assessment of the two relaxation time Lattice‐Boltzmann scheme to simulate Stokes flow in porous media
Authors: Talon L. , Bauer D. , Gland N. , Youssef S. , Auradou H. , Ginzburg I.
Published: March 2012

The recent advances in 3‐D imaging of porous structures have generated a tremendous interest in the simulation of complex single and two‐phase flows. Lattice‐Boltzmann (LB) schemes present a powerful tool to solve the flow field directly from the binarized 3‐D images. However, as viscosity often plays an important role, the LB scheme should correctly treat viscosity effects. This is the case using a LB scheme with two relaxation times (TRT) unlike the broadly used, the single‐relaxation rate, BGK, where the velocity of the modeled fluid does not vary as the inverse of the viscosity applying the bounce‐back (no‐slip) boundary rule. The aim of this work is to apply the LB‐TRT approach to different types of porous media (straight channels, 2‐D model porous media, sandstone) to solve for the flow field and to evaluate the approach in terms of parameter dependence, error and convergence time on the basis of permeability. We show that the variation of permeability with the free relaxation parameter Λ of the TRT scheme depends on the heterogeneity of the sample and on the numerical resolution. The convergence time depends on the applied viscosity and the parameter standing for the speed of sound, thus the computation time can be reduced by choosing appropriate values of those parameters. Two approaches to calculate permeability (Darcy's law and viscous energy dissipation) are proposed and investigated. We recommend to use Darcy's law, as dependence on Λ is less important. Periodic (in the presence of a driving body force) and pressure boundary conditions are evaluated in terms of the results.
Grid digital elevation model based algorithms for determination of hillslope width functions through flow distance transforms
Authors: Liu Jintao , Chen Xi , Zhang Xingnan , Hoagland Kyle D.
Published: March 2012

Recently developed hillslope storage dynamics theory can represent the essential physical behavior of a natural system by accounting explicitly for the plan shape of a hillslope in an elegant and simple way. As a result, this theory is promising for improving catchment‐scale hydrologic modeling. In this study, grid digital elevation model (DEM) based algorithms for determination of hillslope geometric characteristics (e.g., hillslope units and width functions in hillslope storage dynamics models) are presented. This study further develops a method for hillslope partitioning, established by Fan and Bras (1998), by applying it on a grid network. On the basis of hillslope unit derivation, a flow distance transforms method (TD∞) is suggested in order to decrease the systematic error of grid DEM‐based flow distance calculation caused by flow direction approximation to streamlines. Hillslope width transfer functions are then derived to convert the probability density functions of flow distance into hillslope width functions. These algorithms are applied and evaluated on five abstract hillslopes, and detailed tests and analyses are carried out by comparing the derivation results with theoretical width functions. The results demonstrate that the TD∞ improves estimations of the flow distance and thus hillslope width function. As the proposed procedures are further applied in a natural catchment, we find that the natural hillslope width function can be well fitted by the Gaussian function. This finding is very important for applying the newly developed hillslope storage dynamics models in a real catchment.
Changes of the connection between the summer North Atlantic Oscillation and the East Asian summer rainfall
Authors: Sun Jianqi , Wang Huijun
Published: March 2012

In this study, the relationship between the summer North Atlantic Oscillation (SNAO) and the East Asian summer rainfall was statistically diagnosed based on the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) 40‐year and interim reanalysis data (ERA‐40 and ERA‐Interim) as well as precipitation data from the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC). The results show that the decadal change of the SNAO pattern around the late 1970s significantly enhanced its connection with summer rainfall over central and northern East Asia. Over the period before the late 1970s, the SNAO‐related circulations were dominant over the North Atlantic region. Consequently, there was a weak connection between the SNAO and the East Asian summer rainfall. However, over the period after the late 1970s, the SNAO pattern experienced a decadal change, with the southern center shifting eastward. Such changes in the SNAO pattern can alter the stationary wave activity over the Eurasian Continent, producing an anomalous meridional dipole pattern over East Asia. This dipole pattern can then change the divergence circulation, vertical motion, water vapor, and total cloud cover, which would consequently provide beneficial conditions for more (less) summer rainfall over central (northern) East Asia in a positive (negative)‐phase SNAO year.