bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Supercell Storm Simulation Using a Nonhydrostatic Cloud-Resolving Model Based on a Hybrid Isentropic-Sigma Vertical Coordinate
Authors: Toy Michael D.
Published: October 2012

A three-dimensional simulation of a supercell storm is performed with a nonhydrostatic model based on a hybrid isentropic-sigma vertical coordinate. The coordinate is a terrain-following, height-based coordinate near the surface that smoothly transitions to potential temperature with height. Using isentropic coordinates provides the advantage of having zero cross-coordinate vertical mass flux for adiabatic flow, which virtually eliminates the numerical error in the vertical transport. The model uses an adaptive grid algorithm by which the coordinate surfaces may deviate from their target isentropes to maintain a sufficiently smooth mesh, while allowing the turbulence and vertical motion associated with convection to develop. The storm simulated by the hybrid-coordinate model compares well with simulations by Eulerian-coordinate models, but with the key difference being that the cross-coordinate mass flux is significantly smaller in much of the domain with the hybrid-coordinate model. A semi-implicit time-differencing scheme for numerically stabilizing vertically propagating acoustic modes in isentropic coordinates is also presented in the paper.
A Proposal for Analyzing and Forecasting Lower-Atmospheric Undular Bores in the Western Gulf of Mexico Region
Authors: Lutzak Philip A.
Published: October 2012

A method is presented for analyzing and forecasting the occurrence of lower-atmospheric undular bores over the western and central Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and adjacent land areas using standard operational forecasting and analysis techniques. The method is based on research that has identified a set of sufficient conditions associated with these occurrences realized by observations of the phenomena in recent years and is grounded in the theoretical understanding of undular bores developed during the last century by fluid dynamicists. The approach discusses practical approximations to the theory that allows the operational forecaster to use output from standard numerical and statistical forecast models. In addition to providing an operational method for forecasting the time and location of occurrence, the technique provides a methodology for analyzing and anticipating the strength, forward speed, and horizontal wavelength of the phenomena.
Measured Severe Convective Wind Climatology and Associated Convective Modes of Thunderstorms in the Contiguous United States, 2003–09
Authors: Smith Bryan T. , Castellanos Tomas E. , Winters Andrew C. , Mead Corey M. , Dean Andrew R. , Thompson Richard L.
Published: October 2012

A severe thunderstorm wind gust climatology spanning 2003–09 for the contiguous United States is developed using measured Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) and Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) wind gusts. Archived severe report information from the National Climatic Data Center publication Storm Data and single-site volumetric radar data are used to identify severe wind gust observations [≥50 kt (25.7 m s−1)] associated with thunderstorms and to classify the convective mode of the storms. The measured severe wind gust distribution, comprising only 2% of all severe gusts, is examined with respect to radar-based convective modes. The convective mode scheme presented herein focuses on three primary radar-based storm categories: supercell, quasi-linear convective systems (QLCSs), and disorganized. Measured severe gust frequency revealed distinct spatial patterns, where the high plains received the greatest number of gusts and occurred most often in the late spring and summer months. Severe wind gusts produced by supercells were most frequent over the plains, while those from QLCS gusts were most frequent in the plains and Midwest. Meanwhile, disorganized storms produced most of their severe gusts in the plains and Intermountain West. A reverse spatial distribution signal exists in the location between the maximum measured severe wind gust corridor located over the high plains and the maximum in all severe thunderstorm wind reports from Storm Data, located near and west of the southern Appalachians.
The Spanish Risorgimento in the Western Mediterranean and Italy 1707–1748
Authors: Storrs Christopher
Published: October 2012

The reign of Philip V of Spain (1700–46) remains one of the most neglected in the history of that country, and in terms of its significance for the rest of Europe. Philip is widely regarded, on the one hand, as little more than the instrument of his wives – above all, Isabel Farnese – and, on the other hand, as a major innovator in Spain. This article seeks to show that Philip’s revanchist aspirations in Italy – and in Africa – after the losses incurred during the War of the Spanish Succession, and which ensured that Spain represented the single greatest threat to peace in Europe between the end of that conflict and the conclusion of the War of the Austrian Succession, were not simply imposed by his spouse. It also suggests that Philip’s ambitions were backward looking, and that in seeking to reconstitute his Habsburg inheritance, Philip drew on traditional institutions, practices and values at least as much as he innovated.
Reelin supplementation recovers sensorimotor gating, synaptic plasticity and associative learning deficits in the heterozygous reeler mouse
Authors: Rogers Justin T , Zhao Lisa , Trotter Justin H , Rusiana Ian , Peters Melinda M , Li Qingyou , Donaldson Erika , Banko Jessica L , Keenoy Kathleen E , Rebeck G William , Hoe Hyang-Sook , D’Arcangelo Gabriella , Weeber Edwin J
Published: October 2012

The lipoprotein receptor ligand Reelin is important for the processes of normal synaptic plasticity, dendritic morphogenesis, and learning and memory. Heterozygous reeler mice (HRM) show many neuroanatomical, biochemical, and behavioral features that are associated with schizophrenia. HRM show subtle morphological defects including reductions in dendritic spine density, altered synaptic plasticity and behavioral deficits in associative learning and memory and pre-pulse inhibition. The present studies test the hypothesis that in vivo elevation of Reelin levels can rescue synaptic and behavioral phenotypes associated with HRM. We demonstrate that a single in vivo injection of Reelin increases GAD67 expression and alters dendritic spine morphology. In parallel we observed enhancement of hippocampal synaptic function and associative learning and memory. Reelin supplementation also increases pre-pulse inhibition. These results suggest that characteristics of HRM, similar to those observed in schizophrenia, are sensitive to Reelin levels and can be modified with Reelin supplementation in male and female adults.
Transgressive ethics: Professional work ethics as a perspective on ‘aggressive organ harvesting’
Authors: Hoeyer Klaus L , Jensen Anja MB
Published: October 2012

Occasionally brain-dead organ donors go into cardiac arrest before reaching the operating theater. In such cases, the needed resuscitation of the potential donor stimulates a range of concerns among the responsible staff. If the intensive care unit staff are going to carry out the organ retrieval, they must rush in with demanding treatment measures such as defibrillation shock and cardiac massage that may break breast bones and make the donor vomit. Such treatment measures conflict with widespread ideals of tranquility in donor care and yet they are currently under consideration in Danish intensive care units. Why is this type of ‘aggressive organ harvesting’, as it is sometimes called, considered a likely development, even to the extent that the interviewed health professionals request a policy prescribing procurement measures they morally deplore? We suggest that to understand this change of treatment norms, we must move close to everyday work practices and appreciate the importance of material–technical treatment options as well as the interplay of professional ethics and identity. The cardiac treatment of brain-dead donors may thereby illuminate how treatment norms develop on the ground and thus can theoretically develop our understanding of the mechanisms associated with increasingly ‘aggressive organ harvesting’.
A hybrid framework for nonlinear dynamic simulations including full-field optical measurements and image decomposition algorithms
Authors: Lampeas George N , Pasialis Vasilis P
Published: October 2012

Innovative designs of transport vehicles need to be validated in order to demonstrate reliability and provide confidence. It is normal practice to study the mechanical response of the structural elements by comparing numerical results obtained from finite element simulation models with results obtained from experiment. In this frame, the use of whole-field optical techniques has been proven successful in the validation of deformation, strain, or vibration modes. The strength of full-field optical techniques is that the entire displacement field can be acquired. The objective of this article is to integrate full-field optical measurement methodologies with state-of-the-art computational simulation techniques for nonlinear transient dynamic events. In this frame, composite car bonnet frame structures of dimensions about 1.8 m × 0.8 m are considered. They have been tested in low-velocity mass-drop impact loading with impact energies ranging from 20 to 200 J. In parallel, simulation models of the car bonnet frame have been developed using layered shell elements. The Zernike shape descriptor approach was used to decompose numerical and experimental data into moments for comparison purposes. A very good agreement between numerical and experimental results was observed. Therefore, integration of numerical analysis with full-field optical measurements along with sophisticated comparison techniques can increase design reliability.
Theoretical basis and practical aspects of small specimen creep testing
Authors: Hyde Thomas H , Hyde Christopher J , Sun Wei
Published: October 2012

Interest in and the application of small specimen creep test techniques are increasing. This is because it is only possible to obtain small samples of material in some situations, for example, the scoop samples that are removed from in-service components, the heat-affected zones that are created when welds are used to join components and the desire to produce only small amounts of material in alloy development programmes. It is therefore important to review and compare the theoretical basis and practical aspects of each of the small specimen creep testing methods, in order to clearly understand which of the methods is the best for any specific application. This article provides the theoretical basis for each commonly used test method.
A field test study of leaf contamination on railhead surfaces
Authors: Zhu Yi , Olofsson Ulf , Nilsson Rickard
Published: October 2012

Leaves on railway tracks affect the level of adhesion between the wheel and rail, especially in autumn. When crushed by wheels, leaves form a tarnished, low level of adhesion layer that sticks to the railhead and often requires mechanical removal. A Stockholm local traffic track with a long history of adhesion problems was subjected to field tests on railhead contamination. On five occasions under different conditions, spaced over a year, the friction coefficient was measured using a tribometer and samples of the rail were taken. The techniques of electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis and glow discharge optical emission spectrometry were conducted to determine the composition of the top layer of rail contaminants and hardness was measured using the nano-indentation technique. The tarnished layer contains much higher contents of calcium, carbon and nitrogen than do leaf residue layers and uncontaminated samples. These high element contents are generated from the leaf material, which chemically reacts with the bulk material. The hardness of the tarnished layer is one-fifth that of the non-tarnished layer of the same running band. A chemical reaction occurs from the surface to a depth of several microns. The thickness of the friction-reducing oxide layer can be used to predict the friction coefficient and extent of leaf contamination.
Design and validation of bending test method for characterization of miniature pediatric cortical bone specimens
Authors: Albert Carolyne I , Jameson John , Harris Gerald
Published: October 2012

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a genetic disorder of bone fragility; however, the effects of this disorder on bone material properties are not well understood. No study has yet measured bone material strength in humans with osteogenesis imperfecta. Small bone specimens are often extracted during routine fracture surgeries in children with osteogenesis imperfecta. These specimens could provide valuable insight into the effects of osteogenesis imperfecta on bone material strength; however, their small size poses a challenge to their mechanical characterization. In this study, a validated miniature three-point bending test is described that enables measurement of the flexural material properties of pediatric cortical osteotomy specimens as small as 5 mm in length. This method was validated extensively using bovine bone, and the effect of span/depth aspect ratio (5 vs 6) on the measured flexural properties was examined. The method provided reasonable results for both Young’s modulus and flexural strength in bovine bone. With a span/depth ratio of 6, the median longitudinal modulus and flexural strength results were 16.1 (range: 14.4–19.3) GPa and 251 (range: 219–293) MPa, respectively. Finally, the pilot results from two osteotomy specimens from children with osteogenesis imperfecta are presented. These results provide the first measures of bone material strength in this patient population.
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction associated with biliary tract dilatation in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kansal A , Jain A , Thenozhi S , Agarwal V
Published: October 2012

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IpsO) is an uncommon and severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We report a patient with SLE who presented with IpsO and biliary dilatation (megacholedochus). The co-manifestation of these two conditions in SLE is unusual and has been reported only twice previously. The patient responded well to immunosuppressive treatment. IpsO is a rare but recognized manifestation of SLE that may be the presenting manifestation of the systemic disease or occur more commonly during disease course. Early recognition of IpsO is necessary to institute appropriate medical treatment and to avoid inappropriate surgical intervention.
Intracranial hypertension associated with systemic lupus erythematosus in a young male patient
Authors: Tse C , Klein R
Published: October 2012

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disease that affects multiple organ systems including the central nervous system. We present a case of a young male with a new diagnosis of SLE presenting as intracranial hypertension (IH). Review of the literature suggests an association between SLE and IH and prompts a reconsideration of the exclusion of IH from the American College of Rheumatology’s accepted neuropsychiatric manifestations. In addition, our case is one of the few cases of IH and SLE in males. While the data are limited, SLE-associated IH in males may be different from that in females with respect to presentation and severity.
Child and Adolescent Behaviorally Based Disorders
Authors: Mallett Christopher A.
Published: October 2012

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the historical construction and empirical support of two child and adolescent behaviorally based mental health disorders: oppositional defiant and conduct disorders.

Method:

The study utilized a historiography methodology to review, from 1880 to 2012, these disorders’ inclusion in psychiatric nosology systems, related historical and medical system material, and published empirical literature.

Results:

Analysis found limited reliability support and almost no construct or criterion validity support for either early dynamic classification diagnoses or today’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder’s (DSM’s) descriptive symptomology categories.

Conclusion:

This is cause for concern because of the high diagnostic prevalence rates for these child and adolescent disorders, diagnostic-driven practice within the field, and the inordinate influence of the DSM on the clinical social work profession.
Convergence or intermediality? Finnish political communication in the New Media Age
Authors: Herkman Juha
Published: October 2012

The article considers political communication in the age of digital media and the internet by testing how the idea of convergence culture has emerged in Finnish political campaigning. The concept of convergence is compared here with the concept of intermediality. Instead of ‘melting into each other’, intermediality asserts that political communication takes place by increasing the number of media channels and communication technologies, which are inherently linked to each other, but which also have histories and traditions of their own – traditions that cannot be reduced to a single concept of convergence. Empirical analysis of Finnish political campaigns in 2006–2008 shows that traditions and institutions in local political cultures and media systems prevent the diffusion of convergence culture into political communication. This, in turn, deepens a divide between voter and media generations. Authoritative political performances of both politicians and journalists do not encourage the participatory practices of convergence culture.
The comfort of mobile media
Authors: Beer David
Published: October 2012

This debate article notes that there is currently a tendency to focus, understandably, upon what it is that mobile media do, that is to say their functionality. This piece argues that we need to open up our analysis to understand these devices as objects with which individuals may develop an attachment. The piece draws upon literature that uncovers the attachments that people create with everyday objects and suggests that mobile media devices, as prominent everyday devices that are intimately incorporated into routine bodily practices, need also to be thought of in these terms. Here it is argued that it is important that we don’t just think of these devices as portals onto virtual culture, but that we acknowledge that these objects also have a material connection with the owner. These personal attachments with everyday devices are yet to receive sustained attention, yet these connections are actually an important part of how mobile media have become such a prominent and embedded part of contemporary life. The aim of this article is to open up this additional dimension to the study of mobile media and to place it upon the collective analytical agenda for those researching new media forms.
A controlled clinical evaluation of the Parents Plus Children’s Programme for parents of children aged 6–12 with mild intellectual disability in a school setting
Authors: Hand Ailish , Raghallaigh Ciara Ní , Cuppage Jennifer , Coyle Sadhbh , Sharry John
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the parent training, Parents Plus Children’s Programme (PPCP) as an intervention for parents of children with mild intellectual disabilities. Participants were parents of children, aged six to 12, attending a special school for children with mild general learning disability ( n = 29). Minor programme adaptations were made. Pre and post-assessment included the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Parenting Stress Index, the Kansas Parent Satisfaction Scale and parent identified personal and child-related goals. A significant reduction in clinical range scores for treatment group participants ( n = 16) was observed. Conversely, clinical range scores for control group participants ( n = 13) increased, or remained elevated. These preliminary results suggest that PPCP may be successfully delivered as a routine community-based intervention and aid to prevent and reduce behavioural problems, reduce parent stress and increase parent confidence and satisfaction. Further investigation of programme effectiveness for parents of children with developmental disability is warranted.
Mental health problems of young refugees: Duration of settlement, risk factors and community-based interventions
Authors: Durà-Vilà Glòria , Klasen Henrika , Makatini Zethu , Rahimi Zohreh , Hodes Matthew
Published: October 2012

Little is known about the characteristics of young psychologically-distressed refugees in mental health services, and how they vary according to the duration of settlement. This study of 102 young refugees referred to a community-based mental health service describes past adversities and current circumstances, referral problems, service utilization and treatment outcomes using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The more recently-arrived refugees had significantly higher levels of close exposure to war and violence, were more likely to have suffered separation from immediate family and to have insecure legal status. Those refugees settled longer were significantly more likely to be referred because of conduct problems while there was a trend in recent arrivals to present with internalizing pathology. A comparison of the teachers’ and parents’ mean SDQ scores of the study’s young refugees sample and a national study representative of Great Britain as a whole showed that young refugees have higher scores in total problem and all subscales scores than the British scores. Community-based mental health services for young refugees appeared effective – significant improvement was found in SDQ scores for the sub-group ( n = 24) who took up the treatments offered. The implications are discussed for service development and practitioners.
Assessing Perceptions AbouT Hazardous Substances (PATHS): The PATHS questionnaire
Authors: Rubin G James , Amlôt Richard , Page Lisa , Pearce Julia , Wessely Simon
Published: October 2012

How people perceive the nature of a hazardous substance may determine how they respond when potentially exposed to it. We tested a new Perceptions AbouT Hazardous Substances (PATHS) questionnaire. In Study 1 ( N = 21), we assessed the face validity of items concerning perceptions about eight properties of a hazardous substance. In Study 2 ( N = 2030), we tested the factor structure, reliability and validity of the PATHS questionnaire across four qualitatively different substances. In Study 3 ( N = 760), we tested the impact of information provision on Perceptions AbouT Hazardous Substances scores. Our results showed that our eight measures demonstrated good reliability and validity when used for non-contagious hazards.
‘Permission to participate?’ A qualitative study of participation in patients from differing socio-economic backgrounds
Authors: Protheroe Joanne , Brooks Helen , Chew-Graham Carolyn , Gardner Caroline , Rogers Anne
Published: October 2012

Participation in health care is an important element of self-management in chronic illness, and policy emphasises patient’s choice. Evidence suggests that this may be inequitable and inadequate, since active participation is strongly associated with socio-demographic variables. This qualitative study explores the perceptions of participation in people with differing socio-economic status with themes related to health literacy and relationship with health-care professionals. Patients perceive participation in different ways, related to their prior expectations of a health-care consultation, cultural expectations and social position. Policies aimed at simply improving ‘health literacy’ and choice will not be successful if these broader disparities are not addressed.
Why hawks fly higher than doves: Intragroup conflict in representative negotiation
Authors: Aaldering Hillie , De Dreu Carsten K. W.
Published: October 2012

Intergroup conflicts are often regulated by negotiating group representatives, who are influenced by constituent pressures. We examined how within-constituent disagreement influences representative negotiations. In a 2 × 2 experiment, the majority of constituents was either hawkish or dovish vis-à-vis the out-group, and the minority had either low or high status. After being exposed to constituent voice, representatives negotiated in a multi-issue task with integrative potential. Results showed that representatives reached more integrative agreements when the constituent majority was dovish rather than hawkish, but only when the hawkish minority had low rather than high status; when the hawkish minority had high status, representatives reached suboptimal agreements equal to those reached when the constituent majority was hawkish. Additional results showed that under these circumstances, representatives perceived the cooperativeness of their constituency as highest and also had the most trust that the constituency would approve of the agreement. Implications are discussed for theory on intergroup relations, (representative) negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Voting by Mail and Turnout in Oregon
Authors: Gronke Paul , Miller Peter
Published: October 2012

In the most widely cited result on the turnout effects of voting by mail, Southwell and Burchett report that Oregon’s system increased turnout by 10 percentage points. We attempt to replicate this finding and extend the analysis to additional years to test whether the originally reported effect is due to the novelty of the first three voting by mail elections in 1995 and 1996. We are unable to reproduce earlier findings, either via replication or extending the time series to include 2010 electoral data. We find evidence for a novelty effect when all elections between 1960 and 2010 are included in our analysis, and a consistent impact of voting by mail on turnout only in special elections.
Objectification and Quantification of the Cognitive Impairment from an Existing HIV Infection or HIV Encephalopathy Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Arneth B. , Pilatus U. , Lanfermann H. , Enzensberger W.
Published: October 2012

Some patients with HIV develop dementia. Using in vivo proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy, it is possible to measure the metabolic changes noninvasively. In this study, it is of interest to answer the clinically relevant question of whether magnetic resonance spectroscopy is suitable for the diagnosis of HIV encephalopathy. In total, 14 HIV-positive patients were investigated by means of localized 1H-NMR spectroscopy in the following locations: (1) the mid-parietal gray matter, (2) the parietal white matter (PWM), and (3) the frontal white matter. All patients had no other brain diseases, apart from the HIV encephalopathy. The clinical extent of HIV encephalopathy of each patient was investigated using the following tests: (1) an electroencephalogram, (2) a neurological examination and psychiatric assessment, and (3) a psychometrical test. The spectroscopic changes in the PWM were more pronounced than those in the cortex, and the myo-inositol/creatine (mI/Cr) signal showed a clear increase in the cortex. Overall, the mI/Cr ratio emerged as the most reliable and earliest parameter to indicate an HIV encephalopathy.
Trialling a patient-led cancer care website in an acute cancer care setting
Authors: Milne Donna , Sheeran Lisa , Holmes Matthew , Tidhar Gil , Aranda Sanchia
Published: October 2012

Health ICT is rapidly gaining popularity among policy makers and health consumers. Specific platforms for use in cancer care are missing.

Aim:

The aim of this pilot study was to: 1) test the feasibility, functionality and usability of a patient-led cancer care web platform: CanCare, in a sample of people undergoing cancer treatment and 2) ascertain if CanCare could enhance communication between patients, family, friends and health professionals.

Methods:

Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were invited to participate. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, online surveys and a website usage program.

Results:

Nine patients with four different types of cancer completed the study. All saw the potential of the website but many found it too complex to use, particularly when unwell post treatment. Many were frustrated by the lack of integration with existing hospital systems and the need to enter relevant data manually. The cancer-specific information tab rated highly and was used extensively. The website used alone did not promote interactions between family and/or health professionals.

Conclusion:

A patient-led cancer care website has the potential to help patients manage their cancer care but needs to be intuitive to use, integrated into hospital systems and requires significant family/carer and health professional engagement.
Adjuvant and immunostimulatory effects of a D-galactose-binding lectin from Synadenium carinatum latex (ScLL) in the mouse model of vaccination against neosporosis
Authors: Cardoso Mariana R D , Mota Caroline M , Ribeiro Dâmaso P , Noleto Pablo G , Andrade William B F , Souza Maria A , Silva Neide M , Mineo Tiago W P , Mineo José R , Silva Deise A O
Published: October 2012

Vaccination is an important control measure for neosporosis that is caused by a coccidian parasite, Neospora caninum, leading to abortion and reproductive disorders in cattle and serious economic impacts worldwide. A D-galactose-binding lectin from Synadenium carinatum latex (ScLL) was recently described by our group with potential immunostimulatory and adjuvant effects in the leishmaniasis model. In this study, we evaluated the adjuvant effect of ScLL in immunization of mice against neosporosis. First, we investigated in vitro cytokine production by dendritic cells stimulated with Neospora lysate antigen (NLA), ScLL or both. Each treatment induced TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12 production in a dose-dependent manner, with synergistic effect of NLA plus ScLL. Next, four groups of C57BL/6 mice were immunized with NLA + ScLL, NLA, ScLL or PBS. The kinetics of antibody response showed a predominance of IgG and IgG1 for NLA + ScLL group, whereas IgG2a response was similar between NLA + ScLL and NLA groups. Ex vivo cytokine production by mouse spleen cells showed the highest IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio in the presence of NLA stimulation for mice immunized with NLA + ScLL and the lowest for those immunized with ScLL alone. After parasite challenge, mice immunized with NLA + ScLL or ScLL alone presented higher survival rates (70-80%) and lower brain parasite burden as compared to PBS group, but with no significant changes in morbidity and inflammation scores. In conclusion, ScLL combined with NLA was able to change the cytokine profile induced by the antigen or lectin alone for a Th1-biased immune response, resulting in high protection of mice challenged with the parasite, but with low degree of inflammation. Both features may be important to prevent congenital neosporosis, since protection and low inflammatory response are necessary events to guide towards a successful pregnancy.
Transbronchial biopsy is useful in predicting UIP pattern
Authors: Tomassetti Sara , Cavazza Alberto , Colby Thomas V , Ryu Jay H , Nanni Oriana , Scarpi E , Tantalocco Paola , Buccioli Matteo , Dubini Alessandra , Piciucchi Sara , Ravaglia Claudia , Gurioli Christian , Casoni Gian Luca , Gurioli Carlo , Romagnoli Micaela , Poletti Venerino
Published: October 2012

Background

Usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), is a necessary feature pathologically or radiologically for the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The predictive value of transbronchial biopsy (TBB) in identifying UIP is currently unknown. The objective of this study is to assess the accuracy with which histopathologic criteria of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) can be identified in transbronchial biopsy (TBB) and to assess the usefulness of TBBx in predicting a the diagnosis of UIP pattern. We conducted a retrospective blinded and controlled analysis of TBB specimens from 40 established cases of UIP and 24 non-UIP interstitial lung diseases.

Results

Adequate TBB specimens were available in 34 UIP cases (85% of all UIP cases). TBB contained histopathologic criteria to suggest a UIP pattern (ie. at least one of three pathologic features of UIP present; patchy interstitial fibrosis, fibroblast foci, honeycomb changes) in 12 cases (30% of all UIP cases). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for the two pathologists were 30% (12/40), 100% (24/24), 100% (12/12), 46% (24/52) and 30% (12/40), 92% (22/24), 86% (12/14), 55% (22/40) respectively. Kappa coefficient of agreement between pathologists was good (0.61, 95% CI 0.31-0.91). The likelihood of identifying UIP on TBB increased with the number and size of the TBB specimens.

Conclusion

Although sensitivity is low our data suggest that even modest amount of patchy interstitial fibrosis, fibroblast foci, honeycomb changes detected on TBB can be highly predictive of a UIP pattern. Conversely, the absence of UIP histopathologic criteria on TBB does not rule out UIP.
Dg-Dys-Syn1 signaling in Drosophila regulates the microRNA profile
Authors: Marrone April K , Edeleva Evgeniia V , Kucherenko Mariya M , Hsiao Nai-Hua , Shcherbata Halyna R
Published: October 2012

Background

The Dystrophin Glycoprotein Complex (DGC) is at the center of significant inheritable diseases, such as muscular dystrophies that can be fatal and impair neuronal function in addition to muscle degeneration. Recent evidence has shown that it can control cellular homeostasis and work via Dystrophin signaling to regulate microRNA gene expression which implies that disease phenotypes hide an entourage of regulatory and homeostatic anomalies. Uncovering these hidden processes could shed new light on the importance of proper DGC function for an organism’s overall welfare and bring forth new ideas for treatments.

Results

To better understand a role for the DGC in these processes, we used the genetically advantageous Drosophila muscular dystrophy model to conduct a whole animal microarray screen. Since we have recently found that dystrophic symptoms can be caused by stress even in wild type animals and are enhanced in mutants, we screened stressed animals for microRNA misregulation as well. We were able to define microRNAs misregulated due to stress and/or dystrophy. Our results support the hypothesis that there is a Dystrophin and Dystroglycan dependent circuitry of processes linking stress response, dystrophic conditions and cellular signaling and that microRNAs play an important role in this network. Verification of a subset of our results was conducted via q-PCR and revealed that miR-956, miR-980 and miR-252 are regulated via a Dystroglycan-Dystrophin-Syntrophin dependent pathway.

Conclusions

The results presented in this study support the hypothesis that there is a Dystrophin and Dystroglycan dependent circuitry of processes that includes regulation of microRNAs. Dystrophin signaling has already been found to occur in mammalian musculature; however, our data reveals that this regulation is evolutionarily conserved and also present in at least neuronal tissues. Our data imply that Dystroglycan-Dystrophin-Syntrophin signaling through control of multiple microRNAs is involved in highly managed regulation of gene expression required to adapt cellular homeostasis that is compromised under stress and dystrophic conditions.
Species replacement along a linear coastal habitat: phylogeography and speciation in the red alga Mazzaella laminarioidesalong the south east pacific
Authors: Montecinos Alejandro , Broitman Bernardo R , Faugeron Sylvain , Haye Pilar A , Tellier Florence , Guillemin Marie-Laure
Published: October 2012

Background

The Chilean shoreline, a nearly strait line of coast expanding across 35 latitudinal degrees, represents an interesting region to assess historical processes using phylogeographic analyses. Stretching along the temperate section of the East Pacific margin, the region is characterized by intense geologic activity and has experienced drastic geomorphological transformations linked to eustatic and isostatic changes during the Quaternary. In this study, we used two molecular markers to evaluate the existence of phylogeographic discontinuities and detect the genetic footprints of Pleistocene glaciations among Patagonian populations of Mazzaella laminarioides, a low-dispersal benthic intertidal red seaweed that inhabits along ~3,700 km of the Chilean coastal rocky shore.

Results

Three main genetic lineages were found within M. laminarioides. They are distributed along the Chilean coast in strict parapatry. The deep divergence among lineages suggests that they could be considered putative genetic sibling species. Unexpectedly, genetic breaks were not strictly concordant with the biogeographic breaks described in the region. A Northern lineage was restricted to a broad transition zone located between 30°S and 33°S and showed signals of a recent bottleneck. The reduction of population size could be related to warm events linked to El Niño Southern Oscillation, which is known to cause massive seaweed mortality in this region. To the south, we propose that transient habitat discontinuities driven by episodic tectonic uplifting of the shoreline around the Arauco region (37°S-38°S); one of the most active forearc-basins in the South East Pacific; could be at the origin of the Central/South genetic break. The large beaches, located around 38°S, are likely to contribute to the lineages’ integrity by limiting present gene flow. Finally, the Southern lineage, occupies an area affected by ice-cover during the last glaciations. Phylogeny suggested it is a derived clade and demographic analyses showed the lineage has a typical signature of postglacial recolonization from a northern glacial refugium area.

Conclusions

Even if environmental adaptation could have strengthened divergence among lineages in M. laminarioides, low dispersal capacity and small population size are sufficient to generate phylogeographic discontinuities determined by genetic drift alone. Interestingly, our results confirm that seaweed population connectivity over large geographic scales does not rely only on dispersal capacity but also seem to depend highly on substratum availability and population density of the receiving locality.
Factors associated with non-adherence to Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) to malaria in a rural population from holoendemic region of western Kenya
Authors: Onyango Elizabeth O , Ayodo George , Watsierah Carren A , Were Tom , Okumu Wilson , Anyona Samuel B , Raballah Evans , Okoth John M , Gumo Sussy , Orinda George O , Ouma Collins
Published: October 2012

Background

Over the years, reports implicate improper anti-malarial use as a major contributor of morbidity and mortality amongst millions of residents in malaria endemic areas, Kenya included. However, there are limited reports on improper use of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) which is a first-line drug in the treatment of malaria in Kenya. Knowing this is important for ensured sustainable cure rates and also protection against the emergence of resistant malarial parasites. We therefore investigated ACT adherence level, factors associated with non-adherence and accessibility in households (n = 297) in rural location of Southeast Alego location in Siaya County in western Kenya.

Methods

ACT Adherence level was assessed with reference to the duration of treatment and number of tablets taken. Using systematic random sampling technique, a questionnaire was administered to a particular household member who had the most recent malaria episode (<2 weeks) and used ACT for cure. Parents/caretakers provided information for children aged <13 years. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were also conducted with healthcare providers and private dispensing chemist operators.

Results

Adherence to ACT prescription remained low at 42.1% and 57.9% among individuals above 13 and less than 13 years, respectively. Stratification by demographic and socio-economic characteristics in relation to ACT adherence revealed that age (P = 0.011), education level (P < 0.01), ability to read (P < 0.01) and household (HH) monthly income (P = 0.002) significantly affected the level of ACT adherence. Consistently, logistic regression model demonstrated that low age (OR, 0.571, 95% CI, 0.360-0.905; P = 0.017), higher education level (OR, 0.074; 95% CI 0.017-0.322; P < 0.01), ability to read (OR, 0.285, 95% CI, 0.167-0.486; P < 0.01) and higher income (Ksh. > 9000; OR, 0.340; 95% CI, 0.167-0.694; P = 0.003) were associated with ACT adherence. In addition, about 52.9% of the respondents reported that ACT was not always available at the source and that drug availability (P = 0.020) and distance to drug source (P < 0.01) significantly affected accessibility.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that more than half of those who get ACT prescription do not take recommended dose and that accessibility is of concern. The findings of this study suggest a potential need to improve accessibility and also initiate programmatic interventions to encourage patient-centred care.
A novel syndrome of lethal familial hyperekplexia associated with brain malformation
Authors: Seidahmed Mohammed Zein , Salih Mustafa A , Abdulbasit Omer B , Shaheed Meeralebbae , Al Hussein Khalid , Miqdad Abeer M , Al Rasheed Abdullah K , Alazami Anas M , Alorainy Ibrahim A , Alkuraya Fowzan S
Published: October 2012

Background

Hyperekplexia (HPX) is a rare non-epileptic disorder manifesting immediately after birth with exaggerated persistent startle reaction to unexpected auditory, somatosensory and visual stimuli, and non-habituating generalized flexor spasm in response to tapping of the nasal bridge (glabellar tap) which forms its clinical hallmark. The course of the disease is usually benign with spontaneous amelioration with age. The disorder results from aberrant glycinergic neurotransmission, and several mutations were reported in the genes encoding glycine receptor (GlyR) α1 and β subunits, glycine transporter GlyT2 as well as two other proteins involved in glycinergic neurotransmission gephyrin and collybistin.

Methods

The phenotype of six newborns, belonging to Saudi Arabian kindred with close consanguineous marriages, who presented with hyperekplexia associated with severe brain malformation, is described. DNA samples were available from two patients, and homozygosity scan to determine overlap with known hyperkplexia genes was performed.

Results

The kindred consisted of two brothers married to their cousin sisters, each with three affected children who presented antenatally with excessive fetal movements. Postnatally, they were found to have microcephaly, severe hyperekplexia and gross brain malformation characterized by severe simplified gyral pattern and cerebellar underdevelopment. The EEG was normal and they responded to clonazepam. All of the six patients died within six weeks. Laboratory investigations, including metabolic screen, were unremarkable. None of the known hyperkplexia genes were present within the overlapping regions of homozygosity between the two patients for whom DNA samples were available.

Conclusions

We present these cases as a novel syndrome of lethal familial autosomal recessive hyperekplexia associated with microcephaly and severe brain malformation.
How does scapula motion change after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty? - a preliminary report
Authors: Kim Myung-Sun , Lim Keun-Young , Lee Dong-Hyun , Kovacevic David , Cho Nam-Young
Published: October 2012

Background

Arm elevation is composed of glenohumeral and scapulothoracic motion. Many reports have addressed changes of scapular position across a spectrum of shoulder disease. However, no study has examined changes in scapular position after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in scapular position after RTSA compared to patients’ contralateral, nonoperated shoulder.

Methods

Seven patients that underwent RTSA for cuff tear arthropathy from July 2007 to October 2008 were enrolled. The distance between the long axis of the thoracic spine and the inferior pole of the scapula (lateralization of the scapula) was measured on shoulder A-P radiographs at 0 degrees (the neutral position) and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 degrees of shoulder abduction. In addition, the angle between the long axis of the thoracic spine and medial border of the scapula was measured and compared with the patients’ contralateral shoulder.

Results

Scapulohumeral rhythm was 2.4:1 on the operated shoulder and 4.1:1 on the nonoperated, contralateral shoulder at 120 degrees of abduction. The distance between the line of the interspinous process of upper thoracic vertebra and the inferior pole of the scapula showed a negative slope at 0 to 30 degrees abduction on the operated side, but beyond 30 degrees of abduction, this distance showed a more sudden increase than in the contralateral shoulder. The angle between the vertical vertebral line and the scapular medial border also showed greater increase beyond 30 degrees abduction on the operated limb.

Conclusions

The pattern of scapular position after RTSA, was found to differ from that of the contralateral shoulder, and showed a more scapular upward rotation.
Establishment and characterization of two human breast carcinoma cell lines by spontaneous immortalization: Discordance between Estrogen, Progesterone and HER2/neu receptors of breast carcinoma tissues with derived cell lines
Authors: Kamalidehghan Behnam , Houshmand Massoud , Kamalidehghan Fereydoun , Jafarzadeh Narges , Azari Shahram , Akmal Sharifah Noor , Rosli Rozita
Published: October 2012

Background

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women throughout the world. Therefore, established cell lines are widely used asin vitroexperimental models in cancer research.

Methods

Two continuous human breast cell lines, designated MBC1 and MBC2, were successfully established and characterized from invasive ductal breast carcinoma tissues of Malaysian patients. MBC1 and MBC2 have been characterized in terms of morphology analysis, population doubling time, clonogenic formation, wound healing assay, invasion assay, cell cycle, DNA profiling, fluorescence immunocytochemistry, Western blotting and karyotyping.

Results

MBC1 and MBC2 exhibited adherent monolayer epithelial morphology at a passage number of 150. Receptor status of MBC1 and MBC2 show (ER+, PR+, HER2+) and (ER+, PR-, HER2+), respectively. These results are in discordance with histopathological studies of the tumoral tissues, which were triple negative and (ER-, PR-, HER2+) for MBC1 and MBC2, respectively. Both cell lines were capable of growing in soft agar culture, which suggests their metastatic potential. The MBC1 and MBC2 metaphase spreads showed an abnormal karyotype, including hyperdiploidy and complex rearrangements with modes of 52–58 chromosomes per cell.

Conclusions

Loss or gain in secondary properties, deregulation and specific genetic changes possibly conferred receptor changes during the culturing of tumoral cells. Thus, we hypothesize that, among heterogenous tumoral cells, only a small minority of ER+/PR+/HER2+and ER+/PR-/HER2+cells with lower energy metabolism might survive and adjust easily toin vitroconditions. These cell lines will pave the way for new perspectives in genetic and biological investigations, drug resistance and chemotherapy studies, and would serve as prototype models in Malaysian breast carcinogenesis investigations.