bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of land surface conditions on 2004 North American monsoon in GCM experiments
Authors: Feng X. , Bosilovich M. , Houser P. , Chern J.‐D.
Published: November 2012

In this study, two sets of six‐member ensemble simulations were performed for the boreal summer of 2004 using the Finite Volume General Circulation model to investigate the sensitivity of the North American monsoon (NAM) system to land surface conditions and further to identify the mechanisms by which land surface processes control the NAM precipitation. The control simulation uses a fully interactive land surface model, whereas the sensitivity experiment uses prescribed land surface fields from the Global Land Data Assimilation System.

The response of the monsoon precipitation to land surface changes varies over different regions modulated by two different soil moisture–precipitation feedbacks. The vast northern NAM region, including most of Arizona and New Mexico, as well as the northwestern Mexico shows that soil moisture has a positive feedback with precipitation primarily due to local recycling mechanisms. The reduction of soil moisture decreases latent heat flux and increases sensible heat flux and consequently increases the Bowen ratio and surface temperature, leading to a deep (warm and dry) boundary layer, which suppresses convection and hence reduces precipitation. Over the west coast of Mexico near Sinaloa, a negative soil moisture–precipitation relationship is noted to be associated with a large‐scale mechanism. The reduced soil moisture changes surface fluxes and hence boundary layer instability and ultimately low‐level circulation. As a result, the changes in surface pressure and large scale wind field increase moisture flux convergence and consequently moisture content, leading to increased atmospheric instability and in turn enhancing convection and accordingly precipitation. These results further reinforce the important role of land surface conditions on surface process, boundary structure, atmospheric circulation, and rainfall during the NAM development.
Changes in various branches of the Brewer–Dobson circulation from an ensemble of chemistry climate models
Authors: Lin P. , Fu Q.
Published: November 2012

We analyzed the changes of simulated Brewer–Dobson circulation (BDC) for 1960–2099 from 12 chemistry climate models participating the Chemistry‐Climate Model Validation activity phase 2 (CCMVal‐2). We decomposed the BDC into transition, shallow, and deep branches with vertical extent of 100–70, 70–30, and above 30 hPa, respectively. Models consistently simulate the acceleration in all three BDC branches over 140 years, but the acceleration rate of the deep branches is much smaller. The acceleration rate of the transition and shallow branches in general shows weak seasonal or hemispheric dependence and increases with time, consistent with the continuous and homogeneous increase of greenhouse gas concentrations. The trend magnitudes of shallow and transition branches differ from model to model, which are found to be associated with the simulated changes in subtropical jets and tropical upper tropospheric temperature. The acceleration of the deep branch is also a response to the increase of greenhouse gas concentrations but is modulated by the changes in ozone concentrations. The effect of ozone changes is particularly prominent in the southern deep branch during austral summer: almost all models simulated strong significant acceleration during the ozone depletion era, weak deceleration during the ozone recovery era, and near‐zero trends during the stable ozone era. However, the ozone effect is less evident in other seasons and in other branches.
Hydrological and chemical connectivity dynamics in a groundwater‐dependent ecosystem impacted by acid sulfate soils
Authors: Nath B. , Lillicrap A. M. , Ellis L. C. , Boland D. D. , Oldham C. E.
Published: November 2012

Key Points

Temporal dynamics of hydrological connectivity plays key role in GDE ecology

Initial vertical connectivity causes surface ponding and hotspot creation

Subsequent horizontal connectivity causes hotspot mixing and drains GDE
Integrated Forest Biorefineries: Gasification and Pyrolysis for Fuel and Power Production
Authors: Adhikari Sushil , Thangalazhy-Gopakumar Suchithra , Taylor Steven
Published: November 2012

Alternative energy resources are becoming increasingly important because of dwindling petroleum reserves and increasing environmental concerns. As a result, biobased fuels are emerging as an alternative solution. In order to fully utilize biomass resources, a versatile, robust, and cost-effective conversion process needs to be developed. Biomass gasification and fast pyrolysis are promising methods that can be used to transform lignocellulosic biomass into fuels and chemicals. This chapter discusses gasification and fast pyrolysis technologies in detail. Factors that affect gasification and fast pyrolysis processes are discussed. Bio-oil applications and upgrading techniques are also delineated.
Glucose metabolism in pig outer retina in light and darkness
Authors: WANG L. , TÖRNQUIST P. , BILL A.
Published: November 2012

Glucose metabolism in the outer retina of pigs was studied in the light and in the dark in pentobarbital anaesthetized pigs. Blood was collected from a vortex vein and an artery. and the arteriovenous concentration differences of lactate, glucose and oxygen were determined in lightadapted eyes. Local blood flows were simultaneously determined using the microsphere method. In a second group of experiments. the flow from a vortex vein and arteriovenous concentration differences were measured in both darkness and light. In light. the mean net lactate formation and oxygen and glucose consumption in the outer retina were about 0.137. 0.150 and 0.1151 µol min‐1 respectively. In eyes previously dark‐adapted. constant light caused a 63 % reduction in lactate formation. whilst oxygen and glucose consumptions were reduced by 40 and 44%. respectively. The results indicate that in both darkness and constant light. most of the glucose consumed by the outer retina is used in lactate formation. and that less than 20% is oxidized. Energy production through glycolysis and glucose oxidation is approx. 42% lower in constant light than in darkness.
Ergodic theorems for actions of hyperbolic groups
Authors: Pollicott Mark , Sharp Richard
Published: November 2012

In this note we give a short proof of a pointwise ergodic theorem for measure-preserving actions of word hyperbolic groups, also obtained recently by Bufetov, Khristoforov and Klimenko. Our approach also applies to infinite measure spaces, and one application is to linear actions of discrete groups on the plane.
Ash2 acts as an ecdysone receptor coactivator by stabilizing the histone methyltransferase Trr
Authors: Carbonell Albert , Mazo Alexander , Serras Florenci , Corominas Montserrat
Published: November 2012

The molting hormone ecdysone triggers chromatin changes via histone modifications that are important for gene regulation. On hormone activation, the ecdysone receptor (EcR) binds to the SET domain–containing histone H3 methyltransferase trithorax-related protein (Trr). Methylation of histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me), which is associated with transcriptional activation, requires several cofactors, including Ash2. We find that ash2 mutants have severe defects in pupariation and metamorphosis due to a lack of activation of ecdysone-responsive genes. This transcriptional defect is caused by the absence of the H3K4me3 marks set by Trr in these genes. We present evidence that Ash2 interacts with Trr and is required for its stabilization. Thus we propose that Ash2 functions together with Trr as an ecdysone receptor coactivator.
Exploring Crisis Management in UK Small‐ and Medium‐Sized Enterprises
Authors: Herbane Brahim
Published: November 2012

Despite a long‐established crisis management literature that focuses on large enterprises, crisis management planning in the context of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) is less extensively researched. Using data collected from 215 SMEs in the United Kingdom, this paper explores the perceptions and experiences of SMEs' managing directors in relation to crisis management planning. Furthermore, the paper examines differences in perceptions between planning and non‐planning SMEs. Analysis reveals six factors that correspond to resilience through planning, financial impact, operational crisis management, the perfect storm, the aftermath of survival and atrophy. Results indicate how the experience of crisis and the type of crisis of type encountered affect managers' assessment of whether planning can be used to address crisis prevention and lower impact.
A periconceptional energy‐rich dietary pattern is associated with early fetal growth: the Generation R study
Authors: Bouwland‐Both MI , Steegers‐Theunissen RPM , Vujkovic M , Lesaffre EMEH , Mook‐Kanamori DO , Hofman A , Lindemans J , Russcher H , Jaddoe VWV , Steegers EAP
Published: November 2012

Objective

To identify periconceptional maternal dietary patterns associated with crown–rump length (CRL), estimated fetal weight (EFW) and birthweight.

Design

Population‐based prospective birth cohort study.

Setting

Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Participants

For this study, 847 pregnant Dutch women were eligible. Women were included between 2001 and 2005.

Methods

Information on nutritional intake was collected by a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. For extracting dietary patterns, principal component factor analysis was used. Fetal growth was assessed using ultrasound measurements. Information on birth outcomes was retrieved from medical records. Multivariate regression analyses were used.

Main outcome measures

Crown‐to‐rump length, estimated fetal weight in second and third trimester and birthweight.

Results

An ‘energy‐rich dietary pattern’ was identified, characterised by high intakes of bread, margarine and nuts. A significant association was shown between a high adherence to this dietary pattern (difference, mm: 2.15, 95% confidence interval 0.79–3.50) and CRL (linear trend analyses P = 0.015). No association was revealed between increasing adherence to this dietary pattern and EFW in second or third trimester, or birthweight.

Conclusion

This study suggests that increasing adherence to an energy‐rich dietary pattern is associated with increased CRL in the first trimester.
Language and utilisation of emergency care in Queensland
Authors: Mahmoud Ibrahim , Hou Xiang‐Yu , Chu Kevin , Clark Michele
Published: November 2012

Objective

To compare access and utilisation of EDs in Queensland public hospitals between people who speak only English at home and those who speak another language at home.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a Queensland statewide hospital ED dataset (ED Information System) from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2010 was conducted. Access to ED care was measured by the proportion of the state's population attending EDs. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the relationships between ambulance use and language, and between hospital admission and language, both after adjusting for age, sex and triage category.

Results

The ED utilisation rate was highest in English only speakers (290 per 1000 population), followed by Arabic speakers (105), and lowest among German speakers (30). Compared with English speakers, there were lower rates of ambulance use in Chinese (odds ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval, 0.47–0.54), Vietnamese (0.87, 0.79–0.95), Arabic (0.87, 0.78–0.97), Spanish (0.56, 0.50–0.62), Italian (0.88, 0.80–0.96), Hindi (0.61, 0.53–0.70) and German (0.87, 0.79–0.90) speakers. Compared with English speakers, German speakers had higher admission rates (odds ratio 1.17, 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.34), whereas there were lower admission rates in Chinese (0.90, 0.86–0.99), Arabic (0.76, 0.67–0.85) and Spanish (0.83, 0.75–0.93) speakers.

Conclusion

This study showed that there was a significant association between lower utilisation of emergency care and speaking languages other than English at home. Further researches are needed using in‐depth methodology to investigate if there are language barriers in accessing emergency care in Queensland.
Revision of the genera Erithionyx Blackburn and Wioletta Ślipiński (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Coccidulini)
Authors: Tomaszewska Wioletta , Ślipiński Adam
Published: November 2012

The members of endemic Australian ladybird genera Erithionyx and Wioletta are revised. Lectotypes are designated for Rhizobius elongatulus Crotch, R. subfusca Blackburn, R. lanosus Blackburn and Erithionyx albatus Lea. R. subfusca Blackburn is found to be a synonym of R. elongatulus Crotch (syn. n.). Wioletta ovata sp. n. is described from Northern Australia. The nomenclatural history, diagnoses and distribution data are provided for each species. Keys to the species of both genera are included.
Fluid recovery during lung lavage in meconium aspiration syndrome
Authors: Dargaville Peter A , Copnell Beverley , Mills John F , Haron Ismail , Lee Jimmy KF , Tingay David G , Rohana Jaafar , Mildenhall Lindsay F , Jeng Mei‐Jy , Narayanan Anushree , Battin Malcolm R , Kuschel Carl A , Sadowsky Joel L , Patel Harshad , Kilburn Charles J , Carlin John B , Morley Colin J ,   on behalf of the lessMAS Trial Study Group
Published: November 2012

Lung lavage using two aliquots of 15 mL/kg of dilute surfactant was performed in 30 ventilated infants with severe meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Mean recovery of instilled lavage fluid was 46%, with greater fluid return associated with lower mean airway pressure at 24 h and a shorter duration of respiratory support.

Conclusion

Recovery of instilled lavage fluid is paramount in effective lung lavage in MAS and must be afforded priority in the lavage technique.
Regulation of cardiac melusin gene expression by hypertrophic stimuli in the rat
Authors: Aro J. , Tokola H. , Ronkainen V‐P. , Koivisto E. , Tenhunen O. , Ilves M. , Szokodi I. , Ruskoaho H. , Rysä J.
Published: November 2012

Aim

Melusin is an integrin β1‐interacting protein proposed to act as a biomechanical sensor in the heart. We characterized mechanisms and signalling pathways regulating cardiac melusin expression.

Methods

Infusion of arginine8‐vasopressin (AVP) in Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and double transgenic rats (dTGR) harbouring both human angiotensinogen and renin genes as well as infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II) in SD rats were used. The effect of direct left ventricular (LV) wall stretch was analysed by using isolated perfused rat heart preparation. For the cell culture studies, mouse atrial HL‐1 cell line and neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) were used.

Results

Left atrial melusin mRNA levels increased already after 30 min of AVP infusion. Ang II caused significant upregulation of left atrial melusin mRNA (2.1‐fold at 6 h, P < 0.05) and protein (1.9‐fold at 72 h, P < 0.05) levels. In contrast, LV melusin mRNA levels remained unchanged in response to both infusions, as well as to aortic banding‐induced pressure overload. Direct LV wall stress or late‐stage hypertensive heart disease did not modify LV melusin gene expression either. Interestingly, in atrial HL‐1 cells, cyclic stretching increased melusin mRNA levels. Stretching and treatments with hypertrophic agonists increased melusin mRNA and protein levels in NRVMs, endothelin‐1 being the most potent. PD98059, an extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase 1/2 inhibitor, markedly attenuated the endothelin‐1‐induced upregulation of melusin gene expression in NRVMs.

Conclusion

Multiple hypertrophic stimuli regulate melusin expression predominately in the atria, which may represent a necessary initial step in early adaptive remodelling processes.
Silent Films and Strange Stories: Theory of Mind, Gender, and Social Experiences in Middle Childhood
Authors: Devine Rory T. , Hughes Claire
Published: November 2012

In this study of two hundred and thirty 8‐ to 13‐year‐olds, a new “Silent Films” task is introduced, designed to address the dearth of research on theory of mind in older children by providing a film‐based analogue of F. G. E. Happé's (1994) Strange Stories task. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that all items from both tasks loaded onto a single theory‐of‐mind latent factor. With effects of verbal ability and family affluence controlled, theory‐of‐mind latent factor scores increased significantly with age, indicating that mentalizing skills continue to develop through middle childhood. Girls outperformed boys on the theory‐of‐mind latent factor, and the correlates of individual differences in theory of mind were gender specific: Low scores were related to loneliness in girls and to peer rejection in boys.
A U‐Shaped Relation Between Sitting Ability and Upright Face Processing in Infants
Authors: Cashon Cara H. , Ha Oh‐Ryeong , Allen Casey L. , Barna Amelia Cevelle
Published: November 2012

A growing body of research indicates connections exist between action, perception, and cognition in infants. In this study, associated changes between sitting ability and upright face processing were tested in 111 infants. Using the visual habituation “switch” task (C. H. Cashon & L. B. Cohen, 2004; L. B. Cohen & C. H. Cashon, 2001), holistic processing of faces was assessed in same‐aged non‐ and near sitters (22–25 weeks) and same‐aged new and expert sitters (27–32 weeks). U‐shaped relation was found between sitting stage and holistic face processing such that only nonsitters and expert sitters processed faces holistically. It is posited that the results are due to a reorganization of the upright face‐processing system resulting from infants' learning to sit independently and trying to incorporate the meaning of upright faces.
New evidence for, and challenges in, linking small CGG repeat expansion FMR1 alleles with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Loesch DZ , Tassone F , Lo J , Slater HR , Hills LV , Bui MQ , Silburn PA , Mellick GD
Published: November 2012

We recently reported a significant increase in the frequency of carriers of grey zone (GZ) alleles of FMR1 gene in Australian males with Parkinson's disease (PD) from Victoria and Tasmania. Here, we report data comparing an independent sample of 817 PD patients from Queensland to 1078 consecutive Australian male newborns from Victoria. We confirmed the earlier finding by observing a significant excess of GZ alleles in PD (4.8%) compared to controls (1.5%). Although both studies provided evidence in support of an association between GZ‐carrier status and increased risk for parkinsonism, the existing evidence in the literature from screening studies remains equivocal and we discuss the need for alternative approaches to resolve the issue.
Antabuse's diamond anniversary: Still sparkling on?
Authors: Ellis Pete M. , Dronsfield Alan T.
Published: November 2012

Seventy‐five years after its first medical use was described, disulfiram's place in treatment is being favourably re‐evaluated. This paper reviews its discovery and subsequent development. [Ellis PM, Dronsfield AT. Antabuse's diamond anniversary: Still sparkling on? Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:342–344]
How do weather extremes affect rice productivity in a changing climate? An answer to episodic lack of sunshine
Authors: Choi Woo‐Jung , Lee Myoung‐Seok , Choi Jae‐Eul , Yoon Sanghoo , Kim Han‐Yong
Published: November 2012

Here, we experimentally examined how an episodic lack of sunshine (ELS), as an extreme weather event, would affect rice productivity under warming with elevated [CO2]. In 2009 and 2010, rice plants were grown at two levels of [CO2] (ca. 390 and 650 μl l−1) and three levels of warming (≈ambient, +1.2 °C, and +2.2/2.4 °C) in six independent temperature gradient field chambers (three each for ambient and elevated [CO2]). At panicle initiation (PI), booting (BT), or flowering (FL), rice plants were exposed to ELS (ca. 18% of full sunlight) for 10–14 days consecutively. As expected, ELS elicited a significant reduction in aboveground biomass (AGB) and yields. However, elevated [CO2] had the potential to relieve the ELS‐induced reduction in AGB and yield, whereas warming had the reverse effect for yields, without a significant warming × [CO2] interaction. When ELS applied at PI, BT, and FL, the extents to which warming‐reduced yields (averaged across [CO2] levels) ranged from 9 to 25%, 7 to 14, and 10 to 18% at +1.2 °C, and ranged from 24 to 56%, 22 to 55%, and 18 to 46% at +2.2/2.4 °C across two seasons, respectively. Meanwhile, under normal sunshine they ranged from 1 to 3% at +1.2 °C and 7 to 21% at +2.2/2.4 °C. Warming predisposed rice plants that had experienced ELS to be more sensitive to spikelet sterility and spikelet number per panicle, accounting for most of the yield reductions. These findings provide evidence that an expected warming could further exacerbate rice productivity if ELS occurs simultaneously during reproductive stages. Our results collectively suggest that it might be critically important to consider extreme events for a holistic evaluation of the potential impact of warming and [CO2] on crop productivity, when considering changing climate.
Factors affecting the formation of membranous substances in the palates of elderly persons requiring nursing care
Authors: Kawase Yuka , Ogasawara Tadashi , Kawase Soichiro , Wakimoto Nina , Matsuo Koichiro , Shen Fa‐Chih , Hasegawa Hiromasa , Kakinoki Yasuaki
Published: November 2012

Objective

To determine the causative factor behind the formation of membranous substances in the mouths of elderly patients requiring nursing care.

Background

Membranous substances are sometimes observed in the mouths of elderly persons requiring nursing care, and these can lead to bleeding, infection and asphyxiation.

Materials and methods

In April 2007, samples were collected from 70 patients at C Hospital, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, who were 65 years or older (median age, 81.1 ± 7.7 years). Sixteen of the subjects were confirmed to have a membranous substance containing a keratin degeneration product that had been derived from stratified squamous epithelium. The samples were examined microscopically, and the presence of epithelial components was confirmed through immunohistochemical staining with anti‐cytokeratin‐1 antibodies.

Results

Decision tree analysis and logistic regression suggest that the leading contributors to the formation of the membranous substances were the method of ingesting nutrients, dryness of the tongue dorsum and open mouth. These three factors are related to elderly persons requiring nursing care with impaired oral cavity function, and it was suggested that dryness of the oral mucosa was the major factor behind the membrane formation.
Prioritization of Code Development Efforts in Partitioned Analysis
Authors: Hegenderfer Joshua , Atamturktur Sez
Published: November 2012

Abstract:  In partitioned analysis of systems that are driven by the interaction of functionally distinct but strongly coupled constituents, the predictive accuracy of the simulation hinges on the accuracy of individual constituent models. Potential improvement in the predictive accuracy of the simulation that can be gained through improving a constituent model depends not only on the relative importance, but also on the inherent uncertainty and inaccuracy of that particular constituent. A need exists for prioritization of code development efforts to cost‐effectively allocate available resources to the constituents that require improvement the most. This article proposes a novel and quantitative code prioritization index to accomplish such a task and demonstrates its application on a case study of a steel frame with semirigid connections. Findings show that as high‐fidelity constituent models are integrated, the predictive ability of model‐based simulation is improved; however, the rate of improvement is dependent upon the sequence in which the constituents are improved.
The complexity of evidence for sustainable development policy: analysing the boundary work of the UK Parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee
Authors: Turnpenny John , Russel Duncan , Rayner Tim
Published: November 2012

The relationship between evidence, governance and institutions in the pursuit of sustainable development is notoriously complicated. Studying organisations whose roles include managing boundaries between evidence and policy is one way to better understand this relationship. But in spite of the complexity, such organisations often appear – officially at least – to have rather limited remits, with very sharply drawn boundaries. This paper investigates this puzzle through study of the United Kingdom Parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee (EAC), established in 1997 to scrutinise government departments’ efforts to integrate environment and sustainable development into policymaking. Gathering and deployment of evidence are critical to its work, and it is able to call as witnesses both members of the executive and experts from outside government. Drawing on Jasanoff’s work on issue framing and boundaries, and Owens and Rayner’s work on Royal Commissions, this paper employs a broad definition of boundary work to allow potential identification of multiple boundaries shaped by different sorts of boundary work. It investigates what boundaries are drawn, how, why and by whom. Through analysis of EAC reports, and elite interviews, the paper examines the context, consultation processes, roles played and influence of the EAC. The committee is found to play many roles, including analyst, forum for debate and political lever, all of which provide potential for influence on specific policies, and on the nature and space of political debate. The EAC shapes many boundaries using various mechanisms, both informal and institutionally‐sanctioned. The rich and subtle variety of these boundaries, and different work carried out around them, confirms that a simple reading of the EAC’s remit of government scrutiny falls short of understanding how it works in practice. The results vividly illustrate the politicised nature of sustainable development policy, and informs prospects for ‘filling’ any gap between evidence and policy.
Evaluation of Tibial Torsion in Yorkshire Terriers with and without Medial Patellar Luxation
Authors: Fitzpatrick Courtney L. , Krotscheck Ursula , Thompson Margret S. , Todhunter Rory J. , Zhang Zhiwu
Published: November 2012

Objective

To determine if medial patellar luxation (MPL) in Yorkshire Terriers is associated with tibial torsion.

Study Design

Prospective cross‐sectional study.

Animals

Yorkshire Terriers (n = 30; 60 tibiae).

Methods

Each MPL was graded using a categorical grading scheme. Computed tomography of the tibiae was performed and tibial torsion angle (TTA) was assessed. MPL grade was analyzed with a general linear model where the independent variables include sex, neutering status, age, weight, and TTA.

Results

Factors that had collective impact on MPL grade were TTA, age, and weight squared. As MPL grade increased, TTA decreased by 0.05° and age increased by 0.13 years. As weight increased, MPL decreased. There was no effect (P > .05) from scorers, side, and neutering status.

Conclusion

Body weight squared, TTA, and age affect MPL grade, suggesting that a torsional deformity may contribute to the development of MPL in Yorkshire terriers along with weight and age.
Effect of Zirconia Concentration on the Growth of Nanowires in Bioactive Glass–Ceramic Coatings
Authors: Rabiee Sayed M. , Azizian Misaq
Published: November 2012

Bioactive glass–ceramic with various zirconia concentrations was applied on stainless steel (SS) by the sol–gel method. Bioactive glass powder was prepared by the sol–gel method, and thermal properties of the prepared powders were studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA). The effects of zirconia were investigated to explore the growth of nanowires. The growth model of nanowires, in this study, is proposed in terms of the surface diffusion. The coatings showed the hardness values to be in the range of 3000–4500 MPa. The hardness values of prepared composite coatings increased with an increase in zirconia amounts.
The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene and erectile dysfunction risk: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang T. , Li W. L. , He X. F. , Wu Z. Y. , Liu L. H. , He S. H. , Wei A. Y.
Published: November 2012

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is increasingly recognized as a public health problem. Several studies have reported the influence of the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene on ED susceptibility, but the results remain controversial. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta‐analysis was conducted using data published previously by other groups. A total of six case‐control studies, including 1039 cases and 927 controls, were selected. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by comparing the carriers of D‐allele with the wild homozygotes (ID + DD vs. II). Comparisons of other genetic models were also performed (ID + II vs. DD, DD vs. II, DI vs. II and D vs. I). In the overall analysis, no significant association between the polymorphism and ED risk was observed (OR=1.07, 95% CI = 0.84 − 1.37, p = 0.575 for ID + DD vs. II). In the subgroup analysis by ethnic, no significant association was detected among Asian, Latino and European for the comparison of ID + DD vs. II (Asian: OR=1.27, 95% CI = 0.89 − 1.81; Latino: OR=0.76, 95% CI = 0.46 − 1.27; European: OR=1.06, 95% CI = 0.67 − 1.66). Results from other comparative genetic models also indicated the lack of associations between this polymorphism and ED risk. In conclusion, this meta‐analysis indicates that the ACE I/D polymorphism might not contribute to the risk of ED.
Sexual bother and function after radical prostatectomy: predictors of sexual bother recovery in men despite persistent post‐operative sexual dysfunction
Authors: Kimura M. , Bañez L. L. , Polascik T. J. , Bernal R. M. , Gerber L. , Robertson C. N. , Donatucci C. F. , Moul J. W.
Published: November 2012

Changes in sexual bother (SB) following radical prostatectomy (RP) negatively affect health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of prostate cancer survivors. However, post‐operative SB tends to be neglected whereas sexual function (SF) is thoroughly assessed in clinical practice and few studies have focused on and evaluated patients’ SB. We retrospectively reviewed 2 345 consecutive patients who underwent RP between 2001 and 2009 at a single institution. SF and SB were assessed using Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaires. We stratified our cohort by SB recovery and post‐operative SF status, including a subset of men who recovered SB despite persistent post‐RP sexual dysfunction. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors for men who have SB recovery. Of 319 eligible patients, 133 (41.7%) recovered their SB at a mean of 20 months after RP. Among the 133 men who demonstrated SB recovery, 109 had post‐operative sexual dysfunction. Patients with SB recovery despite post‐RP sexual dysfunction were more likely to be old (p = 0.004), to have higher clinical T stage (p < 0.001), to have more non‐nerve‐sparing RP (p < 0.001), to have lower pre‐operative EPIC‐SF/SB scores (p < 0.001), to have more extracapsular extension (p = 0.031) and to be PDE5i non‐users after surgery (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, predictors for this subset were lower comorbidity (OR 0.62, p = 0.043), higher clinical cancer stage (OR 2.35, p = 0.026), worse pre‐operative SF (OR 0.98, p = 0.010), SB (OR 0.98, p < 0.010) and no PDE5i use (OR 0.37, p = 0.002); age was not related (OR 0.99, p = 0.555). As SB can influence patients’ overall HRQoL, expectations of SB recovery should be provided to patients in the same way that SF recovery is presented. This study may help clinicians to discuss SB with patients and assess their potential for SB recovery following RP.
Keeping Score for Causal Claims: Causal Contextualism applied to a Medical Case
Authors: Maslen Cei
Published: November 2012

This article investigates how Causal Contextualism applies in a medical context. It is shown how the correct interpretation of some medical causal claims depends on relevant alternatives and then argued that these relevant alternatives are determined by standards of practice and practical limitations (of equipment, personnel, expertise, cost), amongst other factors. Causal Contextualism has recently been defended by a number of philosophers; however details of the relevant factors determining content in different contexts have been lacking. It seems to me that establishing such details of Causal Contextualism goes a long way towards making the view plausible, and is also necessary for discovering some important consequences of Causal Contextualism.
Maternal and family characteristics associated with the Healthy Eating Index among low socioeconomic status Brazilian children
Authors: Rauber F. , da Costa Louzada M. L. , Feldens C. A. , Vitolo M. R.
Published: November 2012

Background

The assessment of the factors that influence children's diets is important for supporting the development of public health policies for the prevention of diet‐related diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the diet quality of preschoolers by using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and to identify maternal and family characteristics associated with this score and its components.

Methods

The present study comprised a cohort study conducted with 345 low socioeconomic status children from São Leopoldo in southern Brazil aged 6 months and 3–4 years old. Dietary data were collected through 24‐h recalls and diet quality was evaluated according to the HEI.

Results

The mean (SD) total HEI score was 65.7 (11.2). Only 9.6% (n = 33) of the children had a good diet. No significant association was detected between the overall diet quality of children and the characteristics. The prevalence of children who achieved the 75th percentile of the scores for grains [prevalence ratio (PR) = 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.43–0.98] and total fat (PR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.69–0.93) was lower among children whose families had higher incomes, whereas the prevalence for grains was lower in those whose fathers were employed (PR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.34–0.81). The prevalence for diet variety (PR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.01–2.05) and milk (P = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.04–1.35) was higher and for total fat (PR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.70–0.98) and saturated fat (PR = 0.76; 95% CI = 0.59–0.98) was lower among children whose mothers had higher levels of education.

Conclusions

The total HEI score in these children indicates that compliance with dietary guidelines is generally poor. Although the overall diet quality did not show variation across maternal and family characteristics, some components of the diet were affected by these features.
15‐Deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15d‐PGJ2) protects neurons from oxidative death via an Nrf2 astrocyte‐specific mechanism independent of PPARγ
Authors: Haskew‐Layton Renée E. , Payappilly Jimmy B. , Xu Hongbin , Bennett Steffany A. L. , Ratan Rajiv R.
Published: November 2012

Astrocytes are critical for the antioxidant support of neurons. Recently, we demonstrated that low level hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) facilitates astrocyte‐dependent neuroprotection independent of the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2, leaving the identity of the endogenous astrocytic Nrf2 activator to question. In this study, we show that an endogenous electrophile, 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15d‐PGJ2), non‐cell autonomously protects neurons from death induced by depletion of the major antioxidant glutathione. Nrf2 knockdown in astrocytes abrogated 15d‐PGJ2's neuroprotective effect as well as 15d‐PGJ2 facilitated Nrf2‐target gene induction. In contrast, knockdown of the transcription factor peroxisome proliferator activated‐receptor gamma (PPARγ), a well‐characterized 15d‐PGJ2 target, did not alter 15d‐PGJ2 non‐cell autonomous neuroprotection. In addition, several PPARγ agonists of the thiazolidinedione (TZD) family failed to induce neuroprotection. Unexpectedly, however, the TZD troglitazone (which contains a chromanol moiety found on vitamin E) induced astrocyte‐mediated neuroprotection, an effect which was mimicked by the vitamin E analogs alpha‐tocopherol or alpha‐tocotrienol. Our findings lead to two important conclusions: (i) 15d‐PGJ2 induces astrocyte‐mediated neuroprotection via an Nrf2 but not PPARγ mediated pathway, suggesting that 15d‐PGJ2 is a candidate endogenous modulator of Nrf2 protective pathways in astrocytes; (ii) selective astrocyte treatment with analogs or compounds containing the chromanol moiety of vitamin E facilitates non‐cell autonomous neuroprotection.
The Sexual Economy, Gender Relations and Narratives of Infant Death on a Tomato Farm in Northern South Africa
Authors: Addison Lincoln
Published: November 2012

Based on an extended case study of a large‐scale tomato farm in northern Limpopo province, the paper examines how the restructuring of agriculture transforms the sexual economy through shifts in the composition of labour and management practices on farms in this area. The employment of Zimbabwean migrants, rather than relatively permanent Venda families, suggests a potentially greater variety of people participating in the sexual economy. While families as units of employment have declined, black supervisors increasingly serve as a primary locus of coercion on the farm and in the sexual economy. The monetization of erstwhile paternalistic services places pressure on women to earn income however they can, including transactional sex. Contested interpretations over the causes of infant deaths on the farm, in the form of hygiene, blood‐mixing and infanticide, provide an ethnographic framework for a deeper analysis of the sexual economy and its social effects. While the sexual economy presents opportunities for women to increase their income, it also exposes them to the risks of HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies, resulting in contradictory implications for the status of women on farms.
Food allergy and anaphylaxis in pediatrics: update 2010‐2012
Authors: Santos Alexandra F. , Lack Gideon
Published: November 2012

This review highlights the progress made in food allergy (FA) and anaphylaxis research in pediatrics published in the journal Pediatric Allergy and Immunology since 2010. Putative risk factors for FA are as follows: a family history of allergic disease, particularly in the mother, low birth order, season of birth, and severe atopic eczema. Obstetric practices, antibiotic use, and home environment are factors deserving further research. Diagnostic decision levels and component‐specific IgE are useful in the diagnosis of FA; however, oral food challenges remain the gold standard and may also be a means to reduce parental anxiety and to improve education. Oral immunotherapy studies show promise in increasing the threshold of reactivity of allergic patients and therefore improving their quality of life. In single‐nut‐allergic patients, introduction of other nuts allows broadening the diet and thus reducing the psychological impact of allergen avoidance. Nutritional deficiencies are not uncommon in food‐allergic children and should be specifically assessed. The prescription of injectable adrenaline is still insufficient and not consistent among practitioners, requiring improved training and implementation of guidelines. Current research into the epidemiology and immunological mechanisms of FA and tolerance will enable us to devise strategies to both prevent and treat food allergies.
Lack of the Associations of the Polymorphisms in IGF2, MC4R and GNAS Genes with Reproduction Traits in Pigs and Imprinting Analysis of IGF2 Gene in Ovary and Cornus Uteri
Authors: Oczkowicz M , Mucha A , Tyra M , Ropka‐Molik K , Piórkowska K
Published: November 2012

Contents

In recent years, intensive attention has been put on improving reproductive performance of pigs. Several experiments aimed to identify markers associated with prolificacy, but this issue still remains open. In our study, we investigated associations between polymorphisms in IGF2, GNAS and MC4R genes with reproductive traits of Polish Landrace and Large White pigs. We did not find any significant associations for g. GNAS314T > 324C, IGF2 intron3‐g.3072G > A or g. MC4R 1426G > A in Polish Landrace and Large White pigs. In the case of IGF2 intron3‐g.3072G > A, this information is of great importance, because this marker is widely implemented in pigs breeding and previous experiments suggested its role in prolificacy of pigs. We also investigated expression of IGF2 gene and showed that this gene is monoallelically expressed in reproductive organs (ovary and cornus uteri).
Adherence to miltefosine treatment for visceral leishmaniasis under routine conditions in Nepal
Authors: Uranw Surendra , Ostyn Bart , Dorlo Thomas P.C. , Hasker Epco , Dujardin Bruno , Dujardin Jean‐Claude , Rijal Suman , Boelaert Marleen
Published: November 2012

Objective

To assess patient adherence to unsupervised single‐drug miltefosine treatment for visceral leishmaniasis and to identify the factors influencing adherence.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of 171 patients with Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in three healthcare settings in Nepal. Adherence was assessed through pill count, checking of treatment cards and adherence questionnaires, as well as miltefosine concentration measurements at the end of treatment. Poor adherence was defined as less than 90% of required capsules taken.

Results

Patient adherence to miltefosine was 83%. Predictors of adherence were being the male sex (OR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.02–6.67) and knowing the duration of treatment (OR = 3.05, 95% CI 1.16–8.04). Adherence was also better for patients who were literate and knew the side effects of treatment. Gastrointestinal side effects and negligence after the resolution of clinical symptoms of VL were the main reasons for poor adherence. Poor adherence was associated (though not statistically significant) with future relapse.

Conclusion

Effective counselling during the treatment, a short take‐home message on VL and on side effects and action of miltefosine, and follow‐up visits are the best way to prevent poor adherence. Single end‐of‐treatment measurements of miltefosine concentrations as objective assessment of adherence would only be useful in addition to the subjective assessments when substantial doses of miltefosine have been missed.
Tuberculosis and the risk of opportunistic infections and cancers in HIV‐infected patients starting ART in Southern Africa
Authors: Fenner Lukas , Reid Stewart E. , Fox Matthew P. , Garone Daniela , Wellington Maureen , Prozesky Hans , Zwahlen Marcel , Schomaker Michael , Wandeler Gilles , Kancheya Nzali , Boulle Andrew , Wood Robin , Henostroza German , Egger Matthias ,   IeDEA Southern Africa
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To investigate the incidence of selected opportunistic infections (OIs) and cancers and the role of a history of tuberculosis (TB) as a risk factor for developing these conditions in HIV‐infected patients starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) in Southern Africa.

Methods

Five ART programmes from Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa participated. Outcomes were extrapulmonary cryptococcal disease (CM), pneumonia due to Pneumocystis jirovecii (PCP), Kaposi's sarcoma and Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. A history of TB was defined as a TB diagnosis before or at the start of ART. We used Cox models adjusted for age, sex, CD4 cell count at ART start and treatment site, presenting results as adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

We analysed data from 175 212 patients enrolled between 2000 and 2010 and identified 702 patients with incident CM (including 205 with a TB history) and 487 with incident PCP (including 179 with a TB history). The incidence per 100 person‐years over the first year of ART was 0.48 (95% CI 0.44–0.52) for CM, 0.35 (95% CI 0.32–0.38) for PCP, 0.31 (95% CI 0.29–0.35) for Kaposi's sarcoma and 0.02 (95% CI 0.01–0.03) for Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. A history of TB was associated with cryptococcal disease (aHR 1.28, 95% CI 1.05–1.55) and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (aHR 1.61, 95% CI 1.27–2.04), but not with Non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (aHR 1.09, 95% CI 0.45–2.65) or Kaposi's sarcoma (aHR 1.02, 95% CI 0.81–1.27).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that there may be interactions between different OIs in HIV‐infected patients.
Analysis of Direct Carbon Fuel Cell Based Coal Fired Power Cycles With CO2 Capture
Authors: Campanari Stefano , Gazzani Matteo , Romano Matteo C.
Published: November 2012

This work presents an analysis of the application of direct carbon fuel cells (DCFC) to large scale, coal fueled power cycles. DCFCs are a type of high temperature fuel cell featuring the possibility of being fed directly with coal or other heavy fuels, with high tolerance to impurities and contaminants (e.g., sulfur) contained in the fuel. Different DCFC technologies of this type are developed in laboratories, research centers or new startup companies, although at kW-scale, showing promising results for their possible future application to stationary power generation. This work investigates the potential application of two DCFC categories, both using a “molten anode medium” which can be (i) a mixture of molten carbonates or (ii) a molten metal (liquid tin) flowing at the anode of a fuel cell belonging to the solid oxide electrolyte family. Both technologies can be considered particularly interesting for the possible future application to large scale, coal fueled power cycles with CO2 capture, since they both have the advantage of oxidizing coal without mixing the oxidized products with nitrogen; thus releasing a high CO2 concentration exhaust gas. After a description of the operating principles of the two DCFCs, it is presented a lumped-volume thermodynamic model which reproduces the DCFC behavior in terms of energy and material balances, calibrated over available literature data. We consider then two plant layouts, using a hundred-MW scale coal feeding, where the DCFC generates electricity and heat recovered by a bottoming steam cycle, while the exhaust gases are sent to a CO2 compression train, after purification in appropriate cleaning processes. Detailed results are presented in terms of energy and material balances of the proposed cycles, showing how the complete system may surpass 65% lower heating value electrical efficiency with nearly complete (95%+) CO2 capture, making the system very attractive, although evidencing a number of technologically critical issues.
Preparation and phase structures of Zn–Ti–O ternary compounds by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Qian Xu , Gao Mo-Yun , Cao Yan-Qiang , Guo Bing-Lei , Li Ai-Dong
Published: November 2012

Zn–Ti–O (ZTO) ternary films with various Zn/Ti cycle ratios were deposited on Si substrates using diethylzinc and titanium isopropoxide as Zn and Ti sources by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The effect of Zn/Ti cycle ratio and postannealing temperature on the growth rate, composition, phase structure, and morphology of ZTO films were investigated by a series of analytical tools. It is found that for ALD ZTO films, the growth per cycle (GPC) of TiO2 deposited on ZnO-terminated surface is faster than that of pure TiO2, while the GPC of ZnO deposited on TiO2-terminated surface becomes slower than that of pure ZnO. This makes the Zn/Ti cycle ratio effect on the film composition become weak. The postannealing temperature and ALD sequence play important roles in facilitating the ZTO phase evolution. Pure Zn2TiO4 phase can be obtained in the (1:2)-ZTO films with 40.3 mol. % Ti content postannealed at 900 °C. For (2:5)-ZTO samples with 48.8 mol. % Ti content, pure h-ZnTiO3 phase can be formed at 700 °C. At 700 °C and above, the rutile TiO2 phase appears for (1:3)-ZTO samples with 52.1 mol. % Ti content. The scanning electron microscopy images confirm with increasing the postannealing temperature; the grain size becomes large with the inhomogenous morphologic change due to the h-ZnTiO3 phase decomposition into Zn2TiO4 and rutile TiO2 phases.