bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytolytic assessment of hyperacute rejection and production of nuclear transfer embryos using hCD46-transgenic porcine embryonic germ cells
Authors: Won Ji Young , Ahn Kwang Sung , Sorrell Alice M. , Shin Susa , Heo Soon Young , Kang Jee Hyun , Park Jin-Ki , Chang Won-Kyong , Shim Hosup
Published: December 2008

Human complement regulatory protein hCD46 may reduce the hyperacute rejection (HAR) in pig-to-human xenotransplantation. In this study, anhCD46gene was introduced into porcine embryonic germ (EG) cells. Treatment of human serum did not affect the survival of hCD46-transgenic EG cells, whereas the treatment significantly reduced the survival of non-transgenic EG cells (p< 0.01). The transgenic EG cells presumably capable of alleviating HAR were transferred into enucleated oocytes. Among 235 reconstituted oocytes, 35 (14.9%) developed to the blastocyst stage. Analysis of individual embryos indicated that 80.0% (28/35) of embryos contained the transgene hCD46. The result of the present study demonstrates resistance of hCD46-transgenic EG cells against HAR, and the usefulness of the transgenic approach may be predicted by this cytolytic assessment prior to actual production of transgenic pigs. Subsequently performed EG cell nuclear transfer gave rise to hCD46-transgenic embryos. Further study on the transfer of these embryos to recipients may produce hCD46-transgenic pigs.
Verification of data in congenital cardiac surgery
Authors: Clarke David R. , Breen Linda S. , Jacobs Marshall L. , Franklin Rodney C.G. , Tobota Zdzislaw , Maruszewski Bohdan , Jacobs Jeffrey P.
Published: December 2008

Accurate, complete data is now the expectation of patients, families, payers, government, and even media. It has become an obligation of those practising congenital cardiac surgery. Appropriately, major professional organizations worldwide are assuming responsibility for the data quality in their respective registry databases.

The purpose of this article is to review the current strategies used for verification of the data in the congenital databases of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, The European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, and The United Kingdom Central Cardiac Audit Database. Because the results of the initial efforts to verify data in the congenital databases of the United Kingdom and Europe have been previously published, this article provides a more detailed look at the current efforts in North America, which prior to this article have not been published. The discussion and presentation of the strategy for the verification of data in the congenital heart surgery database of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is then followed by a review of the strategies utilized in the United Kingdom and Europe. The ultimate goal of sharing the information in this article is to provide information to the participants in the databases that track the outcomes of patients with congenitally malformed hearts. This information should help to improve the quality of the data in all of our databases, and therefore increase the utility of these databases to function as a tool to optimise the management strategies provided to our patients.

The need for accurate, complete and high quality Congenital Heart Surgery outcome data has never been more pressing. The public interest in medical outcomes is at an all time high and “pay for performance” is looming on the horizon. Information found in administrative databases is not risk or complexity adjusted, notoriously inaccurate, and far too imprecise to evaluate performance adequately in congenital cardiac surgery. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons and European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery databases contain the elements needed for assessment of quality of care provided that a mechanism exists within these organizations to guarantee the completeness and accuracy of the data. The Central Cardiac Audit Database in the United Kingdom has an advantage in this endeavour with the ability to track and verify mortality independently, through their National Health Service.

A combination of site visits with “Source Data Verification”, in other words, verification of the data at the primary source of the data, and external verification of the data from independent databases or registries, such as governmental death registries, may ultimately be required to allow for optimal verification of data. Further research in the area of verification of data is also necessary. Data must be verified for both completeness and accuracy.
Statistical issues in the analysis and interpretation of outcomes for congenital cardiac surgery
Authors: O’Brien Sean M. , Gauvreau Kimberlee
Published: December 2008

It is universally agreed that efforts to improve quality benefit from the analysis of outcomes. Yet, it is challenging to compare results across institutions because factors other than performance also impact outcomes. Two factors that complicate the analysis of outcomes after congenital cardiac surgery are case-mix and random statistical variation. Case-mix refers to differences in the mix of patients and their risk-factors at different institutions that may cause some centres to have more frequent complications and lower survival regardless of their true performance. Random statistical variation refers to fluctuations in outcomes that occur at random and follow the laws of probability. A variety of statistical methods exist to address these issues and make provider comparisons more fair. We explain a few common approaches including stratification, regression analysis, and confidence intervals. Concepts are illustrated using artificial data from two hypothetical hospitals, as well as real data from a multi-institution registry.
Pulmonary complications associated with the treatment of patients with congenital cardiac disease: consensus definitions from the Multi-Societal Database Committee for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Cooper David S. , Jacobs Jeffrey P. , Chai Paul J. , Jaggers James , Barach Paul , Beekman Robert H. , Krogmann Otto , Manning Peter
Published: December 2008

A complication is an event or occurrence that is associated with a disease or a healthcare intervention, is a departure from the desired course of events, and may cause, or be associated with, suboptimal outcome. A complication does not necessarily represent a breech in the standard of care that constitutes medical negligence or medical malpractice. An operative or procedural complication is any complication, regardless of cause, occurring (1) within 30 days after surgery or intervention in or out of the hospital, or (2) after 30 days during the same hospitalization subsequent to the operation or intervention. Operative and procedural complications include both intraoperative/intraprocedural complications and postoperative/postprocedural complications in this time interval.

The MultiSocietal Database Committee for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease has set forth a comprehensive list of complications associated with the treatment of patients with congenital cardiac disease, related to cardiac, pulmonary, renal, haematological, infectious, neurological, gastrointestinal, and endocrinal systems, as well as those related to the management of anaesthesia and perfusion, and the transplantation of thoracic organs. The objective of this manuscript is to examine the definitions of operative morbidity as they relate specifically to the pulmonary system. These specific definitions and terms will be used to track morbidity associated with surgical and transcatheter interventions and other forms of therapy in a common language across many separate databases.

As surgical survival in children with congenital cardiac disease has improved in recent years, focus has necessarily shifted to reducing the morbidity of congenital cardiac malformations and their treatment. A comprehensive list of pulmonary complications is presented. This list is a component of a systems-based compendium of complications that will standardize terminology and thereby allow the study and quantification of morbidity in patients with congenital cardiac malformations. Clinicians caring for patients with congenital cardiac disease will be able to use this list for databases, initiatives to improve quality, reporting of complications, and comparing strategies of treatment.
Renal complications associated with the treatment of patients with congenital cardiac disease: consensus definitions from the Multi-Societal Database Committee for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Welke Karl F. , Dearani Joseph A. , Ghanayem Nancy S. , Beland Marie J , Shen Irving , Ebels Tjark
Published: December 2008

A complication is an event or occurrence that is associated with a disease or a healthcare intervention, is a departure from the desired course of events, and may cause, or be associated with, suboptimal outcome. A complication does not necessarily represent a breech in the standard of care that constitutes medical negligence or medical malpractice. An operative or procedural complication is any complication, regardless of cause, occurring (1) within 30 days after surgery or intervention in or out of the hospital, or (2) after 30 days during the same hospitalization subsequent to the operation or intervention. Operative and procedural complications include both intraoperative/intraprocedural complications and postoperative/postprocedural complications in this time interval.

The MultiSocietal Database Committee for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease has set forth a comprehensive list of complications associated with the treatment of patients with congenital cardiac disease, related to cardiac, pulmonary, renal, haematological, infectious, neurological, gastrointestinal, and endocrinal systems, as well as those related to the management of anaesthesia and perfusion, and the transplantation of thoracic organs. The objective of this manuscript is to examine the definitions of operative morbidity as they relate specifically to the renal system. These specific definitions and terms will be used to track morbidity associated with surgical and transcatheter interventions and other forms of therapy in a common language across many separate databases.

Although renal dysfunction and renal failure are known risks of congenital heart surgery, accurate estimates of the incidences of these complications are limited. This lack of knowledge is in part due to the lack of uniform definitions of these postoperative complications. The purpose of this effort is to propose consensus definitions for renal complications following congenital cardiac surgery so that collection of such data can be standardized. Clinicians caring for patients with congenital heart disease will be able to use this list for databases, quality improvement initiatives, reporting of complications, and comparing strategies for treatment.
Gastrointestinal complications associated with the treatment of patients with congenital cardiac disease: consensus definitions from the Multi-Societal Database Committee for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Ghanayem Nancy S. , Dearani Joseph A. , Welke Karl F. , Béland Marie J. , Shen Irving , Ebels Tjark
Published: December 2008

A complication is an event or occurrence that is associated with a disease or a healthcare intervention, is a departure from the desired course of events, and may cause, or be associated with, suboptimal outcome. A complication does not necessarily represent a breech in the standard of care that constitutes medical negligence or medical malpractice. An operative or procedural complication is any complication, regardless of cause, occurring (1) within 30 days after surgery or intervention in or out of the hospital, or (2) after 30 days during the same hospitalization subsequent to the operation or intervention. Operative and procedural complications include both intraoperative/intraprocedural complications and postoperative/postprocedural complications in this time interval.

The Multi-Societal Database Committee for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease has set forth a comprehensive list of complications associated with the treatment of patients with congenital cardiac disease, related to cardiac, pulmonary, renal, haematological, infectious, neurological, gastrointestinal, and endocrinal systems, as well as those related to the management of anaesthesia and perfusion, and the transplantation of thoracic organs. The objective of this manuscript is to examine the definitions of operative morbidity as they relate specifically to the gastrointestinal system. These specific definitions and terms will be used to track morbidity associated with surgical and transcatheter interventions and other forms of therapy in a common language across many separate databases.

Although serious gastrointestinal complications are relatively uncommon after congenital cardiac surgery, accurate estimates of the incidences of these complications are limited, in part due to lack of standardized reporting and the absence of universal nomenclature that defines organ-specific complications. The Multi-Societal Database Committee for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease has prepared and defined a list of gastrointestinal complications that may be temporally associated with congenital cardiac surgery. Clinicians caring for patients with congenital cardiac disease will be able to use this list for databases, initiatives to improve quality, reporting of complications, and comparing strategies of treatment.
Complications related to the transplantation of thoracic organs: consensus definitions from the Multi-Societal Database Committee for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Jeffries Howard , Bird Geoff , Law Yuk , Wernovsky Gil , Weinberg Paul , Pizarro Christian , Stellin Giovanni
Published: December 2008

A complication is an event or occurrence associated with a disease or a healthcare intervention, which constitutes a departure from the desired course of events, and may cause, or be associated with, suboptimal outcome. A complication does not necessarily represent a breech in the standard of care that constitutes medical negligence or medical malpractice. An operative or procedural complication is any complication, regardless of cause, occurring (1) within 30 days after an intervention in or out of the hospital, or (2) after 30 days during the same hospitalization subsequent to the operation or intervention. Operative and procedural complications include both intraoperative/intraprocedural complications and postoperative/postprocedural complications in this time interval.

The Multi-Societal Database Committee for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease has set forth a comprehensive list of complications associated with the treatment of patients with congenital cardiac disease, related to cardiac, pulmonary, renal, haematological, infectious, neurological, gastrointestinal, and endocrinal systems, as well as those related to the management of anaesthesia and perfusion, and the transplantation of thoracic organs. The objective of this manuscript is to examine the definitions of operative morbidity as they relate specifically to patients who have received transplantation of the heart, heart and lung(s) or lung(s). These specific definitions and terms will be used to track morbidity associated with transplantation in a common language across many separate databases.

The complications of transplantation are known risks of congenital cardiac surgery. The purpose of this effort is to propose consensus definitions for post-transplant complications following cardiac surgery so that collection of such data can be standardized. Clinicians caring for patients who have had transplantation of thoracic organs will be able to use this list for databases, quality improvement initiatives, reporting of complications, and comparing treatment strategies.
Anaesthetic complications associated with the treatment of patients with congenital cardiac disease: consensus definitions from the Multi-Societal Database Committee for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Vener David F. , Tirotta Christopher F. , Andropoulos Dean , Barach Paul
Published: December 2008

Congenital heart defects are the most common cause of death in infants and young children in the developed world. As the mortality in this population has declined to less than 5%, more attention is being focused now on reducing post-procedural morbidities that may seriously impact the patient and their families. Because of multiple reasons, paediatric cardiac surgery and anaesthesia is a perfect model for studying human errors and their impact on patient safety. Congenital cardiac disease is a common lesion causing much morbidity, pain, and loss of life. Over 44,000 surgical procedures are performed yearly to repair congenital cardiac problems in the United States alone. The reduction or elimination of iatrogenic adverse outcomes, given the current mortality rates of 4.2%–4.5%, might lead to as many as 500 children achieving better outcomes or shorter hospitalizations.

Efforts to quantify the frequency of complications related to anaesthesia in patients undergoing congenital cardiac surgery have been difficult to date because of the low occurrence of this surgery compared to other surgeries on children and the relatively rare incidence of complications related to anaesthesia in this population. Anaesthesiologists play a crucial role in the reduction, recognition, and timely treatment of medical errors that impact this morbidity. Paediatric cardiac surgery encompasses many complex procedures that are highly dependent upon a sophisticated organizational structure, effective communication, coordinated efforts of multiple individuals working as a team, and high levels of cognitive and technical performance. Human factor error analysis in this patient population has shown how frequently both minor and major errors occur. The goal of this paper is to outline the frequency and sources of these errors and to suggest treatment strategies which may minimize their occurrence.
Complications relating to perfusion and extracorporeal circulation associated with the treatment of patients with congenital cardiac disease: Consensus Definitions from the Multi-Societal Database Committee for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Shann Kenneth G. , Giacomuzzi Carmen R. , Harness Lynn , Myers Gerard J. , Paugh Theron A. , Mellas Nicholas , Groom Robert C. , Gomez Daniel , Thuys Clarke A. , Charette Kevin , Ojito Jorge W. , Tinius-Juliani Julie , Calaritis Christos , McRobb Craig M. , Parpard Michael , Chancy Tom , Bacha Emile , Cooper David S. , Jacobs Jeffrey Phillip , Likosky Donald S.
Published: December 2008

The International Consortium for Evidence-Based Perfusion (www.bestpracticeperfusion.org) is a collaborative partnership of societies of perfusionists, professional medical societies, and interested clinicians, whose aim is to promote the continuous improvement of the delivery of care and outcomes for patients undergoing extracorporeal circulation. Despite the many advances made throughout the history of cardiopulmonary bypass, significant variation in practice and potential for complication remains. To help address this issue, the International Consortium for Evidence-Based Perfusion has joined the Multi-Societal Database Committee for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease to develop a list of complications in congenital cardiac surgery related to extracorporeal circulation conducted via cardiopulmonary bypass, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or mechanical circulatory support devices, which include ventricular assist devices and intra-aortic balloon pumps. Understanding and defining the complications that may occur related to extracorporeal circulation in congenital patients is requisite for assessing and subsequently improving the care provided to the patients we serve. The aim of this manuscript is to identify and define the myriad of complications directly related to the extracorporeal circulation of congenital patients.
Ibn al-Nadīm's Ismāʿīlī Contacts
Authors: STEWART DEVIN J.
Published: December 2008

Iraq in the tenth and eleventh centuries witnessed a flowering of Shiite cultural production with lasting effects on the Islamic sciences such as law, hadith, theology, and Qur'anic commentary. The works of al-Shaykh al-Mufīd (d. 413/1022), al-Sharīf al-Murtaḍā (d. 436/1044), and al-Shaykh al-Ṭūsī (d. 460/1067) not only broke significant new ground in Shiite intellectual history and defended Shiite doctrinal positions against opponents, but also set parameters for production in these fields that would remain in effect,grosso modo, until modern times. During the same period, Shiite authors made substantial contributions to fields not directly related to Shiite religious doctrine, playing a crucial role in elaborating and preserving Islamic heritage in general. Al-Masʿūdī's (d. 345/956) famous historyMurūj al-dhahaband Abū al-Faraj al-Iṣfahānī's (d. 356/967) collection of songs, poetry, and associated lore,Kitāb al-Aghānī, are prominent examples of Shiite authors' contributions to general Arabo-Islamic cultural production. Arguably yet more important is theFihrist, composed in Baghdad in 377-378ah/987-988ceby Ibn al-Nadīm, an Imāmī Shiite bookseller. This work, a comprehensive catalogue of Arabic book titles, is widely recognised as one of the most important sources for the history of all learned disciplines recorded in Arabic in the course of the first four Islamic centuries. As a consequence, the present understanding of entire swaths of Islamic intellectual history, including the rise and development of Muʿtazilī theology and the translation of the Greek sciences into Arabic, is heavily indebted to a Shiite author.
The Tràng An Project: Late-to-Post-Pleistocene Settlement of the Lower Song Hong Valley, North Vietnam
Authors: RABETT RYAN , BARKER G. , HUNT C. O. , NARUSE T. , PIPER P. , RADDATZ E. , REYNOLDS T. , VAN SON NGUYÊŃ , STIMPSON C. , SZABÓ K. , TÂŃ NGUYÊŃ CAO , WILSON J.
Published: December 2008

Tràng An is a Vietnamese government supported cultural and ecological park development covering 2,500 hectares that is centred on an isolated massif on the southern edge of the Song Hong delta in Ninh Bình Province, north Vietnam (Fig. 1). The archaeological investigation of Tràng An is being led jointly by the Xuan Truong Construction Corporation and the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research, University of Cambridge, under the direction of the lead author. The Corporation is creating an ecologically sensitive development – the ‘Tràng An Tourism Resort’ – within this karstic landscape, which is also the subject of a planned application to UNESCO for World Heritage Site status. International involvement in this work has been at the behest of Nguyêń Van Truong, the General Director of Xuan Truong and at the invitation of the Ninh Bình People's Committee. The research itself is carried out under the guidance of Nguyêń Van Son, the Tràng An Tourism Resort Project Manager. The main focus of the May 2007 season was to undertake excavations at the site of Hang Boi (the ‘Fortune-Teller's Cave’).
Distribution of macro- and micronutrient intakes in relation to the meal pattern of third- and fourth-grade schoolchildren in the city of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Authors: Vossenaar Marieke , Montenegro-Bethancourt Gabriela , Kuijper Lothar DJ , Doak Colleen M , Solomons Noel W
Published: December 2008

Objective

Our objective was to assess the distribution of energy, macro- and micronutrient intakes by meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner and combined snacks) in a cross-sectional sample of schoolchildren.

Design

Cross-sectional dietary survey in schoolchildren.

Setting

Twelve private and public schools in the urban setting of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

Subjects

A total of 449 schoolchildren (from higher and lower socio-economic strata) were enrolled in the study.

Methods

Each child completed a single, pictorial 24 h prospective diary and a face-to-face interview to check completeness and estimate portion sizes. Estimated daily intakes were examined by mealtime as: (i) absolute intakes; (ii) relative nutrient distribution; and (iii) critical micronutrient density (i.e. nutrient density in relation to the WHO Recommended Nutrient Intakes/median age-specific Guatemalan energy requirements).

Results

The daily distribution of energy intake was 24 % at breakfast, 30 % at lunch, 23 % at dinner and 23 % among snacks. Lunch was also the leading meal for macronutrients, providing 35 % of proteins, 27 % of fat and 30 % of carbohydrate. The distribution of selected micronutrients did not follow the pattern of energy, insofar as lunch provided relatively more vitamin C and Zn, whereas breakfast led in terms of vitamins A and D, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, Ca and Fe.

Conclusions

Meal-specific distribution of energy, macro- and micronutrients provides a unique and little used perspective for evaluation of children’s habitual intake, and may provide guidance to strategies to improve dietary balance in an era of coexisting energy overnutrition and micronutrient inadequacy.
Dietary patterns in relation to socio-economic and lifestyle characteristics among Greek adolescents: a multivariate analysis
Authors: Kourlaba Georgia , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B , Mihas Kostas , Alevizos Alevizos , Marayiannis Kostas , Mariolis Anargiros , Tountas Yannis
Published: December 2008

Background

We sought to evaluate the relationship between selected lifestyle and socio-economic characteristics and dietary habits of Greek adolescents.

Methods

During 2004, 2118 school adolescents were selected from twelve schools in Vyronas region, Athens. Dietary intake was assessed through a semi-quantitative FFQ. Principal components analysis was applied to extract dietary patterns.

Results

Seven components, explaining the 50 % of the total variation in intake, were extracted. Component 1 (‘junk food’ pattern) was heavily loaded by the consumption of ‘sweet’ and ‘salty’ snacks, soft drinks and other ‘fast foods’. Component 2 was characterized as ‘red meat’ consumption pattern. Component 3 was characterized by the consumption of vegetables, fruits and juices. Component 4 was characterized by the intake of dairy products, pasta and wholegrain bread. Component 5 can be described as rice, fish, potatoes and poultry intake. Component 6 was characterized by the consumption of ‘traditional Greek cooked foods’ and legumes, and component 7 was characterized by the consumption of eggs and white bread. Time spent watching television was positively associated with the ‘junk food’ pattern and inversely associated with the ‘vegetarian/healthy’ pattern. Moreover, the ‘junk food’ pattern was positively related to smoking status and the ‘vegetarian/healthy’ pattern was positively correlated with sports activities outside school.

Conclusion

An unhealthy dietary behaviour is associated with an overall unhealthy lifestyle. Taking into account the fact that unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyle have been associated with increased obesity prevalence, school- or community-based programmes should be conducted promoting healthy dietary and lifestyle behaviours.
Psychologische Computerdiagnostik
Authors: Kubinger Klaus D.
Published: December 2008

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die besonderen Qualitätsansprüche an psychologisches Diagnostizieren mittels Computer besprochen, und zwar aus Sicht ausgewählter einschlägiger Gütekriterien unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der DIN 33430. Hingewiesen wird auch auf die gegebenenfalls notwendige Äquivalenzprüfung und Sinnhaftigkeitsprüfung. Dann werden die vielen besonderen Möglichkeiten von Computertests illustriert, wie zum Beispiel das adaptive Testen. Die Gefahren der psychologischen Computerdiagnostik werden deutlich herausgearbeitet und der Trend beschrieben, in welche Richtung sich psychologische Computerdiagnostik entwickelt.
Ring‐mold craters in lineated valley fill and lobate debris aprons on Mars: Evidence for subsurface glacial ice
Authors: Kress Ailish M. , Head James W.
Published: December 2008

Ring‐mold craters (RMCs), concentric crater forms shaped like a truncated torus and named for their similarity to the cooking implement, are abundant in lobate debris aprons (LDA) and lineated valley fill (LVF) in the northern mid‐latitudes on Mars, but are not seen in surrounding terrain. LDA and LVF have been interpreted to form by flow of debris, but uncertainty remains concerning the mechanism of flow, with hypotheses ranging from pore‐ice‐assisted creep of talus to debris‐covered glaciers. RMCs average less than a few hundred meters in diameter and occur in association with normal bowl‐shaped impact craters whose average diameters are commonly less than RMCs. On the basis of their morphologic similarities to laboratory impact craters formed in ice and the physics of impact cratering into layered material, we interpret the unusual morphology of RMCs to be the result of impact into a relatively pure ice substrate below a thin regolith, with strength‐contrast properties, spallation, viscous flow and sublimation being factors in the development of the ring‐mold shape. Associated smaller bowl‐shaped craters are interpreted to have formed within a layer of regolith‐like sublimation till overlying the ice substrate. Estimates of crater depths of excavation between populations of bowl‐shaped and ring‐mold craters suggest that the debris layer is relatively thin. These results support the hypothesis that LDA and LVF formed as debris‐covered glaciers and predict that many hundreds of meters of ice remain today in LDA and LVF deposits, beneath a veneer of sublimation till. RMCs can be used in other parts of Mars to predict and assess the presence of ancient ice‐related deposits.
Relationship of oceanic whitecap coverage to wind speed and wind history
Authors: Callaghan Adrian , de Leeuw Gerrit , Cohen Leo , O'Dowd Colin D.
Published: December 2008

Sea surface images obtained during the 2006 Marine Aerosol Production (MAP) campaign in the North East Atlantic were analysed for values of percentage whitecap coverage (W). Values of W are presented for wind speeds up to circa 23 m s−1. The W data were divided into two overlapping groups and a piecewise, wind‐speed‐only parameterization of W is proposed that is valid for wind speeds between 3.70 m s−1 and 23.09 m s−1. Segregation of data points based upon a 2.5 hour wind history acted to decrease data scatter at wind speeds above approximately 9.25 m s−1. At these wind speeds W values were greater for decreasing wind speeds than for increasing wind speeds. No clear wind history effect was observed at wind speeds below 9.25 m s−1.
Chemical composition and morphology of individual aerosol particles from a CARIBIC flight at 10 km altitude between 50°N and 30°S
Authors: Nguyen H. N. , Martinsson B. G. , Wagner J. B. , Carlemalm E. , Ebert M. , Weinbruch S. , Brenninkmeijer C. A. M. , Heintzenberg J. , Hermann M. , Schuck T. , van Velthoven P. F. J. , Zahn A.
Published: December 2008

Analysis of individual particles by analytical electron microscopy as well as quantitative analysis using particle‐induced X‐ray emission (PIXE) and particle elastic scattering analysis (PESA) were carried out on samples collected from a flight at 10 km altitude between 50°N and 30°S as part of the Civil Aircraft for Regular Investigation of the atmosphere Based on an Instrument Container (CARIBIC) project (http://www.caribic-atmospheric.com). Particle morphology showed large variability with sampling latitude. Complicated branched structures dominated the large particles of the extratropical northern and southern hemisphere and the northern tropics. Particles in the tropics of the southern hemisphere were small in size and large in number concentration, whereas particles in or close to the intertropical convergence zone were few and small in size. Particles in the lowermost stratosphere were found to have similar structures but more branched than the ones found in the upper troposphere of the extratropics. Quantitative analysis revealed that the sulfur concentration varied by a factor of 50 in the nine samples analyzed in this study. The carbon‐to‐sulfur mass concentration ratio was lowest in the lowermost stratosphere (0.5) and highest in the tropics of the southern hemisphere (3.5). The elemental distribution of carbon and sulfur in individual particles was mapped by energy‐filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM). Almost all particles analyzed contained a mixture of carbonaceous and sulfurous matter. Particles with satellites were found by EFTEM to contain both carbon and sulfur in the central particle, whereas in the satellite particles only carbonaceous material was detected.
Identifying multiple‐scattering‐affected profiles in CloudSat observations over the oceans
Authors: Battaglia A. , Haynes J. M. , L'Ecuyer T. , Simmer C.
Published: December 2008

Multiple scattering strongly affects the CloudSat Profiling Radar reflectivity when the satellite is overpassing moderate and heavy precipitation systems. Therefore it is important to identify profiles that may be contaminated by multiple scattering prior to interpreting the results of any application that involves the use of CloudSat data in raining scenes. On the basis of analysis of multiple‐scattering Monte Carlo reflectivity simulations applied to cloud‐resolving model‐generated microphysical profiles encompassing a large variety of precipitating systems, a relatively straightforward criterion is proposed for flagging profiles potentially affected by multiple scattering. The path‐integrated attenuation, that can be estimated from CloudSat's 2B‐GEOPROF product, can be used to identify four multiple‐scattering regimes: (1) the single scattering approximation is applicable to the entire Z‐profile; (2) the single scattering approximation is unreliable but the second order of scattering approximation is valid; (3) the second order of scattering approximation is not valid owing to higher order of multiple‐scattering effects which, however, do not affect the surface reference technique‐based path‐integrated attenuation estimates; and (4) the multiple scattering is affecting the surface return as well, thus spoiling the path‐integrated attenuation estimates. Operational path‐integrated attenuation thresholds for each of these regimes are then applied to the CloudSat data set over the global oceans, where path‐integrated attenuation estimations are more accurate than over land. Case studies and global statistics of the occurrence of multiple scattering are presented: for ocean pixels, around 80% (90%) of the profiles identified as rainy can be treated in the single scattering (second order of scattering) approximation. A threshold value around 20 dB for the one‐way path‐integrated attenuation is suggested for the applicability of the surface reference technique to the CloudSat Profiling Radar system. This roughly corresponds to 96.5% of the rainy pixels. Owing to the different precipitation regimes, results are strongly regionally and seasonally dependent. For instance in the Inter‐Tropical Convergence Zone a not negligible fraction of the raining pixels requires either second‐order (10–15%) or higher‐order scattering (∼10%) to accurately model the observed reflectivity profile.
Understanding ice supersaturation, particle growth, and number concentration in cirrus clouds
Authors: Comstock Jennifer M. , Lin Ruei‐Fong , Starr David O'C. , Yang Ping
Published: December 2008

Many factors control the ice supersaturation and microphysical properties in cirrus clouds. We explore the effects of dynamic forcing, ice nucleation mechanisms, and ice crystal growth rate on the evolution and distribution of water vapor and cloud properties in nighttime cirrus clouds using a one‐dimensional cloud model with bin microphysics and remote sensing measurements obtained at the Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility located near Lamont, OK. We forced the model using both large‐scale vertical ascent and, for the first time, mean mesoscale velocity derived from radar Doppler velocity measurements. Both heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleation processes are explored, where a classical theory heterogeneous scheme is compared with empirical representations. We evaluated model simulations by examining both bulk cloud properties and distributions of measured radar reflectivity, lidar extinction, and water vapor profiles, as well as retrieved cloud microphysical properties. Our results suggest that mesoscale variability is the primary mechanism needed to reproduce observed quantities. Model sensitivity to the ice growth rate is also investigated. The most realistic simulations as compared with observations are forced using mesoscale waves, include fast ice crystal growth, and initiate ice by either homogeneous or heterogeneous nucleation. Simulated ice crystal number concentrations (tens to hundreds particles per liter) are typically two orders of magnitude smaller than previously published results based on aircraft measurements in cirrus clouds, although higher concentrations are possible in isolated pockets within the nucleation zone.
Transient climate response estimated from radiative forcing and observed temperature change
Authors: Gregory J. M. , Forster P. M.
Published: December 2008

Observations and simulations (using the HadCM3 AOGCM) of time‐dependent twentieth‐century climate change indicate a linear relationship F = ρΔT between radiative forcing F and global mean surface air temperature change ΔT. The same is a good description of ΔT from CMIP3 AOGCMs integrated with CO2 increasing at 1% per year compounded. The constant “climate resistance” ρ is related to the transient climate response (TCR, ΔT at the time of doubled CO2 under the 1% CO2 scenario). Disregarding any trend caused by natural forcing (volcanic and solar), which is small compared with the trend in anthropogenic forcing, we estimate that the real‐world TCR is 1.3–2.3 K (5–95% uncertainty range) from the data of 1970–2006, allowing for the effect of unforced variability on longer timescales. The climate response to episodic volcanic forcing cannot be described by the same relationship and merits further investigation; this constitutes a systematic uncertainty of the method. The method is quite insensitive to the anthropogenic aerosol forcing, which probably did not vary much during 1970–2006 and therefore did not affect the trend in ΔT. Our range is very similar to the range of recent AOGCM results for the TCR. Consequently projections for warming during the twenty‐first century under the SRES A1B emissions scenario made using the simple empirical relationship F = ρΔT agree with the range of AOGCM results for that scenario. Our TCR range is also similar to those from observationally constrained model‐based methods.
Sources, transformations, and hydrological processes that control stream nitrate and dissolved organic matter concentrations during snowmelt in an upland forest
Authors: Sebestyen Stephen D. , Boyer Elizabeth W. , Shanley James B. , Kendall Carol , Doctor Daniel H. , Aiken George R. , Ohte Nobuhito
Published: December 2008

We explored catchment processes that control stream nutrient concentrations at an upland forest in northeastern Vermont, USA, where inputs of nitrogen via atmospheric deposition are among the highest in the nation and affect ecosystem functioning. We traced sources of water, nitrate, and dissolved organic matter (DOM) using stream water samples collected at high frequency during spring snowmelt. Hydrochemistry, isotopic tracers, and end‐member mixing analyses suggested the timing, sources, and source areas from which water and nutrients entered the stream. Although stream‐dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) both originated from leaching of soluble organic matter, flushing responses between these two DOM components varied because of dynamic shifts of hydrological flow paths and sources that supply the highest concentrations of DOC and DON. High concentrations of stream water nitrate originated from atmospheric sources as well as nitrified sources from catchment soils. We detected nitrification in surficial soils during late snowmelt which affected the nitrate supply that was available to be transported to streams. However, isotopic tracers showed that the majority of nitrate in upslope surficial soil waters after the onset of snowmelt originated from atmospheric sources. A fraction of the atmospheric nitrogen was directly delivered to the stream, and this finding highlights the importance of quick flow pathways during snowmelt events. These findings indicate that interactions among sources, transformations, and hydrologic transport processes must be deciphered to understand why concentrations vary over time and over space as well as to elucidate the direct effects of human activities on nutrient dynamics in upland forest streams.
Development of an insect-cell-based assay for detection of kinase inhibition using NF-κB-inducing kinase as a paradigm
Authors: Hassan Namir J. , Gul Sheraz , Flett Fiona , Hollingsworth Edward , Dunne Angela A. , Emmons Amanda J. , Hutchinson Jonathan P. , Hibbs Martin J. , Dyos Susan , Kitson Jeremy D. , Hiley Emma , Rüdiger Martin , Tew David G. , Powell David J. , Morse Mary A.
Published: December 2008

Identification of small-molecule inhibitors by high-throughput screening necessitates the development of robust, reproducible and cost-effective assays. The assay approach adopted may utilize isolated proteins or whole cells containing the target of interest. To enable protein-based assays, the baculovirus expression system is commonly used for generation and isolation of recombinant proteins. We have applied the baculovirus system into a cell-based assay format using NIK [NF-κB (nuclear factor κB)-inducing kinase] as a paradigm. We illustrate the use of the insect-cell-based assay in monitoring the activity of NIK against its physiological downstream substrate IκB (inhibitor of NF-κB) kinase-1. The assay was robust, yielding a signal/background ratio of 2:1 and an average Z′ value of >0.65 when used to screen a focused compound set. Using secondary assays to validate a selection of the hits, we identified a compound that (i) was non-cytotoxic, (ii) interacted directly with NIK, and (iii) inhibited lymphotoxin-induced NF-κB p52 translocation to the nucleus. The insect cell assay represents a novel approach to monitoring kinase inhibition, with major advantages over other cell-based systems including ease of use, amenability to scale-up, protein expression levels and the flexibility to express a number of proteins by infecting with numerous baculoviruses.
Associations and Dissociations Between Psychoacoustic Abilities and Speech Perception in Adolescents With Severe-to-Profound Hearing Loss
Authors: Kishon-Rabin Liat , Segal Osnat , Algom Daniel
Published: December 2008

Purpose

To clarify the relationship between psychoacoustic capabilities and speech perception in adolescents with severe-to-profound hearing loss (SPHL).

Method

Twenty-four adolescents with SPHL and young adults with normal hearing were assessed with psychoacoustic and speech perception tests. The psychoacoustic tests included gap detection (GD), difference limen for frequency, and psychoacoustic-tuning curves. To assess the perception of words that differ in spectral and temporal cues, the speech tests included the Hebrew Early Speech Perception test and the Hebrew Speech Pattern Contrast test (L. Kishon-Rabin et al., 2002). All tests were conducted for the listeners with normal hearing at low and high presentation levels and for the participants with SPHL at 20 dB SL.

Results

Only GD thresholds were comparable across the 2 groups at similar presentation levels. Psychoacoustic performance was poorer in the group with SPHL, but only selected tests were correlated with speech perception. Poor GD was associated with pattern perception, 1-syllable word identification, and final voicing subtests.

Conclusions

Speech perception performance in adolescents with SPHL could not be predicted solely on the basis of spectral and temporal capabilities of the auditory system. However, when the GD threshold was greater than 40 ms, speech perception skills were predictable by psychoacoustic abilities.
Altered gene expression in cloned piglets
Authors: Tian X. Cindy , Park Joonghoon , Bruno Richard , French Richard , Jiang Le , Prather Randall S.
Published: December 2008

Studies on cloned pigs are scant compared with those in mice and cattle. Expression profiles of cloned pig embryos on full-term cloned pigs are even more limited owing to the limited availability of DNA microarray technology in the pig. We have conducted expression profile comparisons between pigs from somatic cell nuclear transfer and pigs from conventional breeding at birth and 1 month of age. Differentially expressed genes that are subjected to DNA methylation were also examined for their DNA methylation status. These data will be presented in the 2009 Annual Meeting of the International Embryo Transfer Society in San Diego. In the present review, we focus on summarising existing findings on epigenetic and other changes in cloned embryo, cloned pigs and their offspring by conventional breeding.
Embryonic gene expression profiling using microarray analysis
Authors: Marjani Sadie L. , Le Bourhis Daniel , Vignon Xavier , Heyman Yvan , Everts Robin E. , Rodriguez-Zas Sandra L. , Lewin Harris A. , Renard Jean-Paul , Yang Xiangzhong , Tian X. Cindy
Published: December 2008

Microarray technology enables the interrogation of thousands of genes at one time and therefore a systems level of analysis. Recent advances in the amplification of RNA, genome sequencing and annotation, and the lower cost of developing microarrays or purchasing them commercially, have facilitated the analysis of single preimplantation embryos. The present review discusses the components of embryonic expression profiling and examines current research that has used microarrays to study the effects of in vitro production and nuclear transfer.
Spermatogonial stem cells: unlimited potential
Authors: Dym M. , He Z. , Jiang J. , Pant D. , Kokkinaki M.
Published: December 2008

Recent reports have demonstrated that adult cells can be reprogrammed to pluripotency, but mostly with genes delivered using retroviruses. Some of the genes are cancer causing; thus, these adult-derived embryonic stem (ES)-like cells cannot be used for therapy to cure human diseases. Remarkably, it has also been demonstrated recently by several groups that, in mice, spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) can be reprogrammed to ES-like cells without the necessity of exogenously added genes. SSCs constitute one of the most important stem cell systems in the body, not only because they produce spermatozoa that transmit genetic information from generation to generation, but also because of the recent studies showing their remarkable plasticity. Very little is known about SSCs in humans, except for the earlier work of Clermont and colleagues who demonstrated that there are Adark and Apale spermatogonia, with the Adark referred to as the reserve stem cells and the Apale being the renewing stem cells. We now demonstrate that G protein-coupled receptor 125 (GPR125) may be a marker for human SSCs. Putative human SSCs can also be reprogrammed to pluripotency. We were able to achieve this result without the addition of genes, suggesting that human SSCs have considerable potential for cell-based, autologous organ regeneration therapy for various diseases.