bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variants in adiponectin signaling pathway genes show little association with subclinical CVD in the diabetes heart study
Authors: Cox Amanda J. , Lambird John E. , Sandy An S. , Register Thomas C. , Langefeld Carl D. , Carr J.Jeffrey , Freedman Barry I. , Bowden Donald W.
Published: May 2013

Objective

Understanding the interplay between adiposity, inflammation, and cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a challenge. Signaling from adipocytes is considered important in this context. Adiponectin is the most abundant adipocytokine and has been associated with various measures of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study examines the relationships between genetic variants in the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) and adiponectin‐related signaling pathway genes and measures of subclinical CVD (vascular calcified plaque and carotid intima‐media thickness), plasma lipids, and inflammation in T2DM.

Design and Methods

Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ADIPOQ (n = 45), SNPs tagging ADIPOR1 (n = 6), APIPOR2 (n = 8), APPL1 (n = 6) and known rare coding variants in KNG1 (n = 3) and LYZL1 (n = 3) were genotyped in 1220 European Americans from the family‐based Diabetes Heart Study. Associations between SNPs and phenotypes of interest were assessed using a variance components analysis with adjustment for age, sex, T2DM‐affected status, and body mass index.

Results

There was minimal evidence of association between SNPs in the adiponectin signaling pathway genes and measures of calcified plaque; eight of the 71 SNPs showed evidence of association with subclinical CVD (P = 0.007‐0.046) but not with other phenotypes examined. Nine additional SNPs were associated with at least one of the plasma lipid measures (P = 0.008‐0.05).

Conclusion

Findings from this study do not support a significant role for variants in the adiponectin signaling pathway genes in contributing to risk for vascular calcification in T2DM. However, further understanding the interplay between adiposity, plasma lipids, and inflammation may prove important in the prediction and management of cardiovascular complications in T2DM.
Projection of older Australians with a history of midlife obesity and overweight 2010–2050
Authors: Nepal Binod , Brown Laurie
Published: May 2013

Objective: This study projects midlife obesity status in future older Australians. Design and Methods: Cross‐sectional prevalence of being obese or overweight by broad age groups was interpolated to obtain single‐year‐age data. These estimates were then used to derive prevalence of normal weight and underweight. Data by birth year and year of observation of persons aged 30–70 years were used to construct prediction equations. Results: Results show that older people with a history of midlife obesity is projected to rise substantially in the future. For people aged 65 years, midlife obesity was estimated at 22% in 2010 and is projected to increase to 43% for males and 37% for females in 2050. Conclusion: While the proportion of individuals with midlife normal weight is projected to decline substantially, prevalence of midlife overweight remains almost stable. The number of persons aged 65 years and over having a history of midlife obesity is projected to increase nearly six‐fold from less than 500,000 persons in 2010 to 2.8 million in 2050. In comparison, between 2010 and 2050, Australia's older population aged 65 years and over is projected to increase by only 2.5‐fold. Growing obesity prevalence in the Australian population translates into a large increase in older people with a history of midlife obesity, with major implications for the future burden of disease in older persons.
Primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome—one further aspect of thrombophilia in overweight and obese patients with venous thromboembolism
Authors: Gary Thomas , Belaj Klara , Bruckenberger Rosa , Hackl Gerald , Hafner Franz , Froehlich Harald , Zebisch Armin , Pilger Ernst , Brodmann Marianne
Published: May 2013

Objective: Overweight and obesity are established risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE). We examined the difference in the frequency of primary antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (PAPS) in VTE patients according to their BMI.

Design and Methods: We included 998 VTE patients treated at our institution between 2009 and 2011 in a retrospective data analysis. Thrombophilia screening including evaluation for APS (lupus anticoagulant, anti‐cardiolipin, and anti‐B2‐glycoprotein‐I IgG and IgM antibodies) was performed in all patients.

Results: PAPS was diagnosed in 6.8% (24/355) of normal weight (BMI < 24 kg/m2) VTE patients, in 11.1% (50/452) of overweight (BMI 25–30 kg/m2) VTE patients, and in 15.7% (30/191) of obese (BMI > 31 kg/m2) VTE patients. The difference of PAPS occurrence between these groups was statistically significant (P = 0.001). PAPS patients demonstrated higher fibrinogen levels as compared to non‐PAPS patients (median 416.0 md/dl vs. 352.0 mg/dl, P = 0.001). Furthermore, fibrinogen levels increased significantly according to the body weight of patients (median normal weight patients 330.0 mg/dl vs. overweight patients 359.0 mg/dl vs. obese patients 415.0 mg/dl, P = 0.001).

Conclusion: PAPS seems to be more frequent in overweight and obese patients. As PAPS patients showed significantly higher fibrinogen levels and as fibrinogen levels increased significantly according to the body weight of patients, an elevated inflammatory state in overweight and obese patients as a reason for the increased PAPS occurrence can be assumed.
Doctor shopping by overweight and obese patients is associated with increased healthcare utilization
Authors: Gudzune Kimberly A. , Bleich Sara N. , Richards Thomas M. , Weiner Jonathan P. , Hodges Krista , Clark Jeanne M.
Published: May 2013

Objective

Negative interactions with healthcare providers may lead patients to switch physicians or “doctor shop.” We hypothesized that overweight and obese patients would be more likely to doctor shop, and as a result, have increased rates of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations as compared to normal weight nonshoppers.

Design and Methods

We combined claims data from a health plan in one state with information from beneficiaries' health risk assessments. The primary outcome was “doctor shopping,” which we defined as having outpatient claims with ≥5 different primary care physicians (PCPs) during a 24‐month period. The independent variable was standard NIH categories of weight by BMI. We performed multivariate logistic regression to evaluate the association between weight categories and doctor shopping. We conducted multivariate zero‐inflated negative binominal regression to evaluate the association between weight‐doctor shopping categories with counts of ED visits and hospitalizations.

Results

Of the 20,726 beneficiaries, the mean BMI was 26.3 kg m−2 (SD 5.1), mean age was 44.4 years (SD 11.1) and 53% were female. As compared to normal weight beneficiaries, overweight beneficiaries had 23% greater adjusted odds of doctor shopping (OR 1.23, 95%CI 1.04‐1.46) and obese beneficiaries had 52% greater adjusted odds of doctor shopping (OR 1.52, 95%CI 1.26‐1.82). As compared to normal weight non‐shoppers, overweight and obese shoppers had higher rates of ED visits (IRR 1.85, 95%CI 1.37‐2.45; IRR 1.83, 95%CI 1.34‐2.50, respectively), which persisted during within weight group comparisons (Overweight IRR 1.50, 95%CI 1.10‐2.03; Obese IRR 1.54, 95%CI 1.12‐2.11).

Conclusion

Frequently changing PCPs may impair continuity and result in increased healthcare utilization.
Androgenic sex steroids contribute to metabolic risk beyond intra‐abdominal fat in overweight/obese black and white women
Authors: Perry Arlette , Wang Xuewen , Goldberg Ronald , Ross Robert , Jackson Loreto
Published: May 2013

Objective

To determine the independent contribution of androgenic sex hormones beyond visceral adipose tissue (VAT) on metabolic risk.

Design and Methods

A cross‐sectional evaluation of 66 (36 white and 30 black) premenopausal overweight/obese women using multiple regression analyses to determine the independent effects of sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), total testosterone (TT), and free testosterone using the free androgen index (FAI) on metabolic variables above VAT.

Results

SHBG contributed to the variance in insulin (P = 0.003), insulin resistance using HOMA‐IR (P = 0.006), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol2 (P = 0.029). TT contributed to the variance in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.001), total cholesterol (P = 0.003), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.003), and apolipoprotein B (P = 0.004). FAI contributed to the variance in the greatest number of metabolic variables beyond VAT. There was also a significant race–FAI interaction for fasting glucose (P = 0.013). A Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a significant relationship between FAI and glucose in white women (r = 0.48, P = 0.003) while showing no relationship in black women (r = −0.01, P = 0.941).

Conclusions

Our study showed that androgenic sex steroids contributed significantly to the variance in metabolic variables associated with health risk. However, they do not provide sufficient information relevant to glucose status in black women.
Endogenous oxidative stress, but not ER stress, induces hypoxia‐independent VEGF120 release through PI3K‐dependent pathways in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Takahashi Kazuto , Miyokawa‐Gorin Kaoru , Handa Keiko , Kitahara Atsuko , Moriya Rie , Onuma Hirohisa , Sumitani Yoshikazu , Tanaka Toshiaki , Katsuta Hidenori , Nishida Susumu , Yoshimoto Katsuhiko , Ohno Hideki , Ishida Hitoshi
Published: May 2013

Objective

Expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are increased in obese adipocytes and is secreted from obese adipose tissue through hypoxia‐independent pathways. Therefore, we investigated the hypoxia‐independent mechanism underlying increased expression and release of VEGF in obese adipocytes.

Design and Methods

We compared signal transduction pathways regulating VEGF with those regulating monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), which is increased in obese adipocytes, in an in vitro model of artificially hypertrophied 3T3‐L1 adipocytes preloaded with palmitate, without the influence of hypoxia.

Results

Palmitate‐preloaded cells exhibited significantly enhanced oxidative stress (P < 0.01) and showed increased VEGF120 and MCP‐1 release (P < 0.01, respectively), while endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was not induced. Increased VEGF120 release was significantly decreased with PI3K inhibitor LY294002 (P < 0.01). In addition, antioxidant N‐acetyl‐cysteine (NAC) markedly diminished not only VEGF120 secretion (P < 0.01) but also augmented Akt phosphorylation on Ser473 (P < 0.01). In contrast, increased MCP‐1 release was suppressed with JNK inhibitor SP600125 and p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

VEGF120 release from hypertrophied adipocytes can be enhanced through PI3K pathways activated by oxidative stress but not by ER stress, suggesting that VEGF120 secretion is regulated through oxidative stress‐dependent pathways distinct from those involved in MCP‐1 release through either JNK or p38 MAPK activation.
A synthetic anti‐inflammatory sterol improves insulin sensitivity in insulin‐resistant obese impaired glucose tolerance subjects
Authors: Reading Christopher L. , Stickney Dwight R. , Flores‐Riveros Jaime , Destiche Daniel A. , Ahlem Clarence N. , Cefalu William T. , Frincke James M.
Published: May 2013

Objective

To study the activity of HE3286 (17α‐ethynylandrost‐5‐ene‐3β,7β,17β‐triol), an anti‐inflammatory sterol that is active in models of obesity‐induced inflammation and insulin resistance in high body mass index (BMI) subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

Design and Methods

HE3286 was explored in high BMI IGT subjects using hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp studies.

Results

In insulin‐resistant subjects, HE3286 significantly increased day 29 insulin‐stimulated glucose disposal and HDL cholesterol, and decreased C‐reactive protein (CRP) compared to placebo. For HE3286, change in M value showed a significant negative correlation with baseline M value. Subjects with baseline M value below the median (4.2 mg/kg/min) had significantly lower adiponectin and higher lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell cytokine secretion. After 28 days of HE3286 treatment, adiponectin levels were significantly increased in insulin‐resistant (baseline M < 4.2), but not insulin‐sensitive (baseline M > 4.2) subjects, compared to placebo.

Conclusions

HE3286 significantly increased the frequency of subjects with increased insulin‐stimulated glucose disposal and HDL, and decreased CRP compared to placebo, in insulin‐resistant, but not insulin‐sensitive subjects. Thus, HE3286 may preferentially benefit insulin‐resistant, inflamed, high BMI IGT subjects.
Subcutaneous adipose cell size and distribution: Relationship to insulin resistance and body fat
Authors: McLaughlin T. , Lamendola C. , Coghlan N. , Liu T.C. , Lerner K. , Sherman A. , Cushman S.W.
Published: May 2013

Objective

Metabolic heterogeneity among obese individuals may be attributable to differences in adipose cell size. We sought to clarify this by quantifying adipose cell size distribution, body fat, and insulin‐mediated glucose uptake in overweight to moderately‐obese individuals.

Methods

A total of 148 healthy nondiabetic subjects with BMI 25‐38 kg/m2 underwent subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies and quantification of insulin‐mediated glucose uptake with steady‐state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentrations during the modified insulin suppression test. Cell size distributions were obtained with Beckman Coulter Multisizer. Primary endpoints included % small adipose cells and diameter of large adipose cells. Cell‐size and metabolic parameters were compared by regression for the whole group, according to insulin‐resistant (IR) and insulin‐sensitive (IS) subgroups, and by body fat quintile.

Results

Both large and small adipose cells were present in nearly equal proportions. Percent small cells was associated with SSPG (r = 0.26, P = 0.003). Compared to BMI‐matched IS individuals, IR counterparts demonstrated fewer, but larger large adipose cells, and a greater proportion of small‐to‐large adipose cells. Diameter of the large adipose cells was associated with % body fat (r = 0.26, P = 0.014), female sex (r = 0.21, P = 0.036), and SSPG (r = 0.20, P = 0.012). In the highest versus lowest % body fat quintile, adipose cell size increased by only 7%, whereas adipose cell number increased by 74%.

Conclusions

Recruitment of adipose cells is required for expansion of body fat mass beyond BMI of 25 kg/m2. Insulin resistance is associated with accumulation of small adipose cells and enlargement of large adipose cells. These data support the notion that impaired adipogenesis may underlie insulin resistance.
Synthesis of vinyl end‐capped polydimethylsiloxane by ring opening polymerization of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) catalyzed by rare earth solid super acid SO42‐/TiO2/Ln3+
Authors: Yang Xiongfa , Shao Qian , Fang Qing , Yang Linlin , Cao Cheng , Ren Zhaohui , Wu Lianbin , Lai Guoqiao , Han Gaorong
Published: May 2013

Rare earth solid super acids SO42−/TiO2/Ln3+ have been successfully developed to synthesize vinyl end‐capped polydimethylsiloxane by ring opening polymerization of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) end‐capped with 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyl‐1,3‐divinyldisiloxane. The features of ring opening polymerization reactions have been investigated in detail. The preferable conditions for the ring opening polymerization of D4 are as follows: [Nd3+] = 0.07 mol L−1 and [SO42−] = 1.85 mol L−1 in the immersing solution; the amount of SO42−/TiO2/Nd3+ calcined at 500 °C was 5 wt% of the amount of D4; polymerization at 80 °C for 1 h. The average molecular weights of the products obtained using various rare earth catalysts were in order Nd > La > Sm > Gd, which shows that the light rare earths were more favorable for higher molecular weight products than the heavy ones. According to the polymerization features, a cationic equilibrium reaction mechanism is proposed. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Biohybrid nanogels
Authors: Singh Smriti , Möller Martin , Pich Andrij
Published: May 2013

Biohybrid nanogels are crosslinked colloidal networks that consist of biological and synthetic polymers as building blocks. Such polymer colloidal particles attracted much attention in recent years mainly due to their outstanding properties and huge application potential that by far overcome classical nanogels or microgels prepared from water‐soluble synthetic polymers. In this report, we review recent developments on the synthesis and properties of biohybrid nanogels. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 3044–3057
Effects of graphene and carbon nanotube fillers on the shear properties of epoxy
Authors: Sydlik Stefanie A.
Published: May 2013

The effects of quantity of graphene and carbon nanotube‐based fillers and their pendant functional groups on the shear properties of a thermoset epoxy were investigated. Two novel functionalized graphenes, one with epoxy functionality and the other with an amine, are synthesized for this purpose. Nanocomposites are prepared at concentrations of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 wt % and the effects of functionalization on the homogeneity of dispersion and the shear mechanical properties are investigated. The properties of the epoxy nanocomposites containing epoxy‐ and amine‐functionalized graphene are compared with those containing graphene oxide, Claisen‐functionalized graphene, neat multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), three types of epoxy‐functionalized MWNT (EpCNT), and the unfilled epoxy. One of the EpCNT (EpCNT3) was found to increase the plateau shear storage modulus by 136% (1.67–3.94 MPa) and the corresponding loss modulus by almost 400% at a concentration of 10 wt %. Several other fillers were also found to increase shear properties at certain concentrations. A hybrid system of EpCNT3 and graphite was also studied, which improved the storage modulus by up to 51%. SEM images reveal a correlation between thorough dispersion of the additive and enhancement of shear modulus. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 997–1006
Proteomics of plaques and novel sources of potential biomarkers for atherosclerosis
Authors: Bleijerveld Onno B. , Zhang Ya‐Nan , Beldar Serap , Hoefer Imo E. , Sze Siu K. , Pasterkamp Gerard , de Kleijn Dominique P. V.
Published: May 2013

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and loss of productive life years in the world. The underlying syndrome of CVD, atherosclerosis, is a complex disease process, which involves lipid metabolism, inflammation, innate and adaptive immunity, and many other pathophysiological aspects. Furthermore, CVD is influenced by genetic as well as environmental factors. Early detection of CVD and identification of patients at risk are crucial to reduce the burden of disease and to allow personalized treatment. As established risk factors fail to accurately predict which part of the population is likely to suffer from the disease, novel biomarkers are urgently needed. Proteomics can play a significant role in identifying these biomarkers. In this review, we describe the progress made in proteome profiling of the atherosclerotic plaque and several novel sources of potential biomarkers, including circulating cells and plasma extracellular vesicles. The importance of longitudinal biobanking in biomarker discovery is highlighted and exemplified by several plaque proteins identified in the biobank study Athero‐Express. Finally, we discuss the PTMs of proteins that are involved in atherosclerosis, which may become one of the foci in the ongoing quest for biomarkers through proteomics of plaque and other matrices relevant to the progression of atherosclerosis.
Effects of gamma irradiation and 15 days of subsequent ex vivo storage on the cytosolic red blood cell proteome analyzed by 2D‐DIGE and Orbitrap MS
Authors: Walpurgis Katja , Kohler Maxie , Thomas Andreas , Wenzel Folker , Geyer Hans , Schänzer Wilhelm , Thevis Mario
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Gamma irradiation of red blood cell (RBC) concentrates is routinely used to prevent transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease. So far, the effects of ionizing radiation on RBC structure and function and especially the proteome are not fully understood.

Experimental design

RBC concentrates were irradiated with 30 Gy and stored for 1 or 15 days at 4 ± 2°C. Following cell lysis and hemoglobin depletion, 2D‐DIGE was used to examine the changes of the cytosolic RBC proteome. Significantly altered spots were analyzed using bottom‐up proteomic approaches and selected marker proteins validated by western blotting.

Results

Gamma irradiation was found to enhance conventional RBC storage lesions. Following 15 days of postirradiation storage, the abundances of a total of 27 spots were significantly altered and 3 out of 13 identified proteins were selected and validated as potential marker proteins for the assessment of irradiation‐induced cytosolic RBC lesions.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Gamma irradiation and subsequent ex vivo storage according to the Council of Europe guidelines were found to affect RBC protein structures. The validated marker proteins can serve as a basis for the development of a screening assay to monitor the quality of irradiated RBC concentrates during ex vivo storage.
Optical second harmonic generation in TlMeX2 (Me=In,Ga,X=S,Se,Te)
Authors: Araki Yoshito , Asaba Ryo , Wakita Kazuki , Shim YongGu , Mimura Kojiro , Mamedov Nazim
Published: May 2013

Optical second harmonic generation (SHG) has been studied in TlMeX2 (Me=In,Ga, X=S,Se,Te) compounds with layered and chain crystalline structures. For layered TlInS2 and TlGaSe2, SHG signal has been observed in a range of temperatures below the point of phase transition into ferroelectric phase for which asymmetry is prominent. On the other hand, the chain TlInSe2 and TlGaTe2 have shown SHG signal at a temperature above 270 and 293K, respectively. Both the TlInSe2 and TlGaTe2 have symmetry centre at room temperature and second order optical non‐linearity is an artefact incompatible with their bulk structure. Surface structure is speculated to be responsible for SHG signal observed in these materials for the first time to our knowledge. The details of temperature behaviour of SHG in TlInSe2 and TlGaTe2lead to a phase‐transition based model for explanation of the observed phenomenon. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The evolution of an MCS over southern England. Part 1: Observations
Authors: Clark P. A. , Browning K. A. , Morcrette C. J. , Blyth A. M. , Forbes R. M. , Brooks B. , Perry F.
Published: May 2013

Observations are described of a Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) with a cold pool which propagated across southern England on 25 August 2005. The observations were made as part of the Convective Storm Initiation Project (CSIP).

The observed MCS structure broadly followed well‐established theories, including the presence of a weak rear‐inflow jet. In detail, however, unsteady transitions occurred involving the formation of two distinct lines of showers ahead of the initial linear system. In each case the cold pool merged with cold downdraughts from the new showers leading to a discontinuous propagation of the system. One of these lines formed independently of the MCS, very probably on a sea‐breeze convergence line. The mechanism for formation of the other is unknown, but it is possible that it was triggered by ascent associated with gravity waves generated by the MCS. The merged cold pool was deeper and colder and propagated faster than the original system, eventually forming a bow echo and arc cloud as it propagated across the English Channel. Until completion of the merger, the propagation velocity of the overall system had been controlled by a combination of the above mechanisms rather than simply by cold pool dynamics.
The evolution of an MCS over southern England. Part 2: Model simulations and sensitivity to microphysics
Authors: Clark P. A. , Browning K. A. , Forbes R. M. , Morcrette C. J. , Blyth A. M. , Lean H. W.
Published: May 2013

Simulations using the Met Office Unified Model at 1 km horizontal grid spacing of a Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) with a cold pool which propagated across southern England on 25 August 2005 are validated using detailed observations from the Convective Storm Initiation Project (CSIP). Early organisation of the system is not especially well treated, but the model goes on to form a system which developed qualitative and quantitative features remarkably similar to the observations.

A sensitivity study suggests that the initial linear system is driven by the position of a low‐level ‘lid’ and upper‐level instability, the linear organisation being promoted by a weak rear‐inflow jet forced by the upper‐level warm anomaly in the cloud anvil. A weak cold pool develops in the absence of ice‐phase processes, but this does not promote system propagation. Strengthening and descent of the rear‐inflow jet, and acceleration of the system, is promoted by the additional heating through glaciation and cooling through snow evaporation. The surface cold pool and gust front are further strengthened by snow melting and rainfall evaporation. With ice‐phase processes present, the cold pool strengthens as a result of the system development and its strength is broadly correlated with system propagation speed during the middle phase of the system's lifetime. Propagation enables the convective band to ‘sweep up’ any convective cells which trigger ahead of the system.

The differing scales of microphysical processes means that it is difficult to form a steady‐state system. The observed transition phase corresponds to an increase in the slantwise nature of the flow in the storm and in the low‐level cooling by rainfall evaporation near the gust front, combined with a change in ambient conditions (advection over the sea) which eventually enable the cold pool to propagate ahead of the system.
Modelling the diurnal cycle of tropical convection across the ‘grey zone’
Authors: Pearson K. J. , Lister G. M. S. , Birch C. E. , Allan R. P. , Hogan R. J. , Woolnough S. J.
Published: May 2013

We present the results of simulations carried out with the Met Office Unified Model at 12, 4 and 1.5 km resolution for a large region centred on West Africa using several different representations of the convection processes. These span a range of resolutions from much coarser than the size of the convection processes to cloud‐system‐resolving and thus encompass the intermediate ‘grey zone’. The diurnal cycle in the extent of convective regions in the models is tested against observations from the Geostationary Earth Radiation Budget instrument on Meteosat‐8. By this measure, the two best‐performing simulations are a 12 km model without convective parametrization, using Smagorinsky‐style subgrid‐scale mixing in all three dimensions, and a 1.5 km simulation with two‐dimensional Smagorinsky mixing. Of these, the 12 km model produces a better match to the magnitude of the total cloud fraction but the 1.5 km one results in better timing for its peak value. The results suggest that the previously reported improvement in the representation of the diurnal cycle of convective organization in the 4 km model compared with the standard 12 km configuration is principally a result of the convection scheme employed rather than the improved resolution per se. The details of this result and implications for high‐resolution model simulations are discussed.
Concurrent sourcing, governance mechanisms, and performance outcomes in industrial value chains
Authors: Heide Jan B. , Kumar Alok , Wathne Kenneth H.
Published: May 2013

We examine transaction governance in the context of concurrent sourcing, where a manufacturer relies on sourcing from external suppliers and in‐house production simultaneously. Our focus is on (1) a buyer's use of particular safeguards or governance mechanisms vis‐à‐vis an external supplier and (2) how the effects of these mechanisms on various performance outcomes are influenced by the joint presence of an internal manufacturing branch. We conduct two studies in the apparel industry and show that performance outcomes are a joint function of (1) the individual governance mechanisms that are deployed in a particular relationship and (2) the larger sourcing context (concurrent or singular). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When bad news is sugarcoated: Information distortion, organizational search and the behavioral theory of the firm
Authors: Fang Christina , Kim Ji‐Hyun (Jason) , Milliken Frances J.
Published: May 2013

Most work in strategy and organization theory assumes that performance feedback is straightforward to interpret and truthfully reported. We raise the following question: How might the systematic distortion of negative performance information affect organizational learning and future performance? We formulate a model where (1) members do not always report the truth about what they know about their performance level, especially when performance is below aspiration and (2) their propensity to distort information is subject to social influence. We find that organizations that are characterized by a high level of information distortion tend to perform more poorly but that the effect of a low rate of sugarcoating may, in some conditions, be more benign than the literatures seem to suggest. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cu Nanoclusters with Aggregation Induced Emission Enhancement
Authors: Jia Xiaofang , Li Jing , Wang Erkang
Published: May 2013

A facile and versatile method for preparing water‐soluble, stable, luminescent Cu nanoclusters (NCs) via the process of size‐focusing etching from nonluminescent nanocrystals is presented. Using glutathione as a model ligand, the smallest cluster, Cu2, is selectively synthesized to form a nearly monodisperse product, eliminating the need for tedious size fractionation. Evolution of photoluminescence and absorption spectra reveal that the formation of stable cluster species occurs through surface etching. Intriguingly, the as‐prepared CuNCs exhibit an aggregation‐induced emission enhancement effect. The CuNCs emit a faint light when dispersed in aqueous solution, but generate a striking fluorescence intensity enhancement upon aggregation. Armed with these attractive properties, the emissive CuNCs are expected to open new opportunities for the construction of light‐emitting diodes, chemosensors, and bioimaging systems.
The SCORE Scale: A Coronal Mass Ejection Typification System Based On Speed
Authors: Evans Rebekah M. , Pulkkinen Antti A. , Zheng Yihua , Leila Mays M. , Taktakishvili Aleksandre , Kuznetsova Maria M. , Hesse Michael
Published: May 2013

Key Points

A simple new category system for CMEs based on frequency of detection and speed

Applicable in space weather operations and research
Engendering Response: Professional Gesture and the Assessment of Eyesight in Optometry Consultations
Authors: Webb Helena , Heath Christian , vom Lehn Dirk , Gibson William
Published: May 2013

Many of the procedures undertaken within healthcare require specialized forms of participation that may be unfamiliar, even disturbing, to patients or clients. The practitioner has to encourage and enable participation in the investigation in an appropriate fashion while preserving the structure and integrity of the procedure. In this article, we consider optometry and the deployment of a vision test, known as subject refraction, that provides data to help determine the characteristics of any corrective lens that may be required by clients. The procedure's ability to establish robust and reliable data relies upon the optometrist's ability to encourage the client to respond to a series of stimuli without consideration or reflection. That is, the client is required to produce an unwitting response—conduct that might be considered nonsymbolic rather than symbolic. In this article, we also consider the optometrist's talk and bodily comportment during subjective refraction and how it serves to shape and determine the quality of the client's response and participation, and in turn to produce reliable test results.
“Not Getting Any Because of Jesus”: The Centrality of Desire Management to the Identity Work of Gay, Celibate Christians
Authors: Creek S. J.
Published: May 2013

Drawing from semistructured interviews with gay, celibate Christians or “Side B” individuals, I explore the emotion of desire. I specifically attend to these questions: How do Side Bs interpret and communicate feeling rules connected to desire? How do these individuals manage desire? How might feeling rules and conceptualizations of this feeling serve as an important source of boundary heightening? Finally, how might shared feeling rules create connection with others who do not identify as Side B? By attending to these questions, I illustrate the relationship between the conceptualization of an emotion and a set of feeling rules and emotion management strategies. I also highlight how such rules and strategies can serve as a source of boundary heightening, or alternatively, as a bridge between seemingly disparate groups.
Culture from the Bottom Up
Authors: Atkinson Dwight , Sohn Jija
Published: May 2013

The culture concept has been severely criticized for its top‐down nature inTESOL, leading arguably to its falling out of favor in the field. But what of the fact that people dolive culturally(Ingold, 1994)? This article describes a case study of culture from the bottom up—culture as understood and enacted by its individual users. Findings suggest that culture is an emergent phenomenon for the research participant, who actively interprets, resists, and strategically appropriates the cultural materials at her disposal to fashion a cultural identity—actions reflecting both the individual nature of culture and the cultural nature of the individual. The researchers briefly discuss the implications of this bottom‐up approach to culture forTESOLresearch and teaching and offer the approach as one solution to the dilemma of being either “for” or “against” culture inTESOL.
Agenesis of the fetal corpus callosum: sonographic signs change with advancing gestational age
Authors: Paladini D. , Pastore G. , Cavallaro A. , Massaro M. , Nappi C.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To assess the presence and degree of indirect signs of agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) according to gestational age and determine the percentage of cases in which each sign is present by 24 gestational weeks.

Methods

We analyzed retrospectively 54 cases of ACC which underwent three‐dimensional neurosonography at our unit between January 2005 and December 2012. A single examination was available in 48 cases and six cases were followed up longitudinally, giving a total of 69 examinations. The following variables were assessed: indication for referral, karyotype, width of the atrium and presence/absence of colpocephaly, the cavum septi pellucidi, dorsal cyst and additional central nervous system (CNS) and non‐CNS anomalies.

Results

Overall, there were 31 cases of complete ACC (cACC, 42 examinations) and 23 cases of partial ACC (pACC, 27 examinations). The mean gestational age was lower in the cases referred because of anomalies other than ACC than it was in those referred because of ventriculomegaly and/or suspicion of ACC (P < 0.05). Atrial width showed a positive linear correlation with advancing gestational age (P < 0.0001); it was < 10.0 mm in 25/34 (73.5%) examinations < 24 gestational weeks and in 9/35 (25.7%) ≥ 24 weeks (P < 0.001). Colpocephaly was present in 20.6% (7/34) of examinations < 24 weeks and in 68.6% (24/35) of those after 23 weeks (P < 0.05). The cavum septi pellucidi was present and visible at least in part in 17 (63%) of the 27 pACC examinations. In nine of the 27 (33.3%) pACC examinations, there was neither ventriculomegaly nor absence of the cavum septi pellucidi. Associated anomalies were present in 25/54 (46.3%) cases, and in 11 these included or consisted of CNS abnormalities. Karyotype was abnormal in seven of the 40 (17.5%) cases in which it was available.

Conclusions

In a significant proportion of cases, most of the indirect signs of ACC are either absent or barely visible at the time of the midtrimester screening ultrasound examination. Therefore, ACC may escape diagnosis at midtrimester screening ultrasound. In particular, a third of examinations in fetuses with pACC may not show any abnormality in the transventricular screening view < 24 weeks. The medicolegal implications of such findings are important and should be considered. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Arabin cervical pessary in women at high risk of preterm birth: a magnetic resonance imaging observational follow‐up study
Authors: Cannie M. M. , Dobrescu O. , Gucciardo L. , Strizek B. , Ziane S. , Sakkas E. , Schoonjans F. , Divano L. , Jani J. C.
Published: May 2013

Objective

To help elucidate the mechanism of action of the Arabin cervical pessary in pregnancies at high risk for preterm delivery.

Methods

Cervical length and uterocervical angle were evaluated in relation to gestational age in 198 pregnancies not at high risk for preterm birth that underwent clinical fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Additionally, in 73 singleton pregnancies at high risk for preterm birth, an Arabin cervical pessary was placed at 14–33 weeks' gestation. We performed MRI of the cervix immediately before and after placement and at monthly follow‐up until removal of the pessary. In a subgroup of 54 pregnancies with a short cervix and pessary placement at 17–31 weeks' gestation, the uterocervical angle and cervical length at follow‐up were compared with the preplacement values.

Results

In pregnancies not at high risk for preterm birth, the uterocervical angle did not vary, but cervical length showed a significant decrease with gestational age (r = −0.15, P < 0.05). Among the high‐risk patients, the cervical pessary was successfully placed at first attempt in 60 (82.2%) and by the second attempt in 66 (90.4%), remaining well positioned until removal. In five patients we failed to place the pessary after two attempts, in one patient the pessary dislodged during follow‐up and in one case the pessary was partly placed in the external cervical canal and triggered labor the next day. Among the subgroup of 54 patients, the median uterocervical angle immediately after pessary placement was significantly more acute than that prior to placement in the 46 (85.2%) who delivered after 34 weeks (132° vs 146°, P < 0.01), but was unchanged in the eight patients who delivered before 34 weeks (143° vs 152°, P > 0.05).

Conclusion

In patients at high risk for preterm delivery, correct placement of the Arabin cervical pessary should be checked immediately; this can be performed quickly and easily using MRI. This study provides some evidence that, in singleton pregnancies with a short cervix, a cervical pessary delays birth through a mechanical effect on the uterocervical angle. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Fetal posterior fossa dimensions: normal and anomalous development assessed in mid‐sagittal cranial plane by three‐dimensional multiplanar sonography
Authors: Leibovitz Z. , Haratz K. K. , Malinger G. , Shapiro I. , Pressman C.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To construct nomograms of the dimensions of the fetal posterior fossa (PF), assessed in the mid‐sagittal plane in the second and third trimesters, and to assess how measurements from fetuses with PF abnormalities deviate from our normal ranges.

Methods

This was a prospective cross‐sectional study of 378 healthy fetuses in low‐risk singleton pregnancies between 15 and 35 weeks. PF size was evaluated in the mid‐sagittal plane of the fetal head using three‐dimensional multiplanar reconstruction (3D‐MPR). The borders of the PF were defined from the clivus to the tentorium (clivotentorial distance, CTD) and from the occipital bone to the level of the upper mesencephalic edge (tecto‐occipital distance, TOD), and the posterior fossa area (PFA) and perimeter (PFP) were assessed. Growth charts were produced. Thirty‐nine fetuses diagnosed with PF malformations were analyzed by calculating the z‐scores of PFA, PFP, TOD and CTD, relative to the developed nomograms.

Results

Of the 378 healthy fetuses initially included, there were 281 with adequate visualization of the PF borders; i.e. PF mid‐sagittal plane morphometry was feasible in 74.3% of cases. There was a linear relationship between each of PFA, PFP, TOD and CTD, and gestational age, with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.97, 0.97, 0.96 and 0.95, respectively (P < 0.001 for each). Chiari II malformation (CM‐II) and Dandy–Walker malformation (DWM) were associated with the greatest difference in PF size compared with normal; PFA z‐scores exceeded 2.6 in all five DWM cases and were below −2.66 in all 11 CM‐II cases.

Conclusions

Sonographic evaluation of fetal PF size in the mid‐sagittal plane is feasible. Our constructed nomograms provide reference data that may be helpful when evaluating PF congenital malformations. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Optimal caliper placement: manual vs automated methods
Authors: Yazdi B. , Zanker P. , Wagner P. , Sonek J. , Pintoffl K. , Hoopmann M. , Kagan K. O.
Published: May 2013

Objective

To examine the inter‐ and intraoperator repeatability of manual placement of calipers in the assessment of basic fetal biometric measurements and to compare the results with those of an automated caliper placement system.

Methods

We used stored ultrasound images of 95 normal fetuses between 19 and 25 weeks' gestation. Five operators (two experts, one resident and two students) were asked to measure the biparietal diameter (BPD), occiptofrontal diameter (OFD), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) twice manually and twice automatically. For each operator, the repeatability of manual and automated measurements was assessed using intraoperator SD. For the assessment of interoperator repeatability, the mean of the four manual measurements by the two experts for each fetus was used as the gold standard. The relative bias of the manual measurements of the three non‐expert operators and the operator‐independent automated measurement were compared with the gold standard measurement by mean and 95% CI.

Results

In 89.5% of the 95 cases, the automated measurement algorithm was able to obtain appropriate measurements of BPD, OFD, AC and FL. Intraoperator SDs for the manual measurements ranged between 0.15 and 1.56, irrespective of the experience of the operator. For the automated biometric measurement system, there was no difference between the measurements of each operator. Regarding interoperator repeatability, the mean difference between the manual measurements of the two students, the resident and the gold standard was between −0.10 and 2.53 mm. The automated measurements tended to be closer to the gold standard, but the difference in bias in automated vs manual measurements did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

In about 90% of cases, it was possible to obtain basic biometric measurements with an automated system. The use of automated measurements resulted in a significant improvement in intraoperator repeatability, but measurements were not significantly closer to the gold standard of expert examiners. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Perinatal outcome after fetoscopic release of amniotic bands: a single‐center experience and review of the literature
Authors: Javadian P. , Shamshirsaz A. A. , Haeri S. , Ruano R. , Ramin S. M. , Cass D. , Olutoye O. O. , Belfort M. A.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To present two successful cases of fetoscopic release of amniotic bands with umbilical cord involvement and provide a review of the literature on fetal intervention for amniotic band syndrome (ABS).

Methods

Two cases of ABS were considered in conjunction with a review of the literature. A total of 14 fetuses with ABS underwent fetoscopic intervention between 1965 and 2012. Two of the authors independently completed literature searches in PubMed, Ovid and MEDLINE for articles related to ABS.

Results

Among 14 cases of ABS (12 published and our own two), 57% and 7% were complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes and spontaneous preterm birth, respectively. Overall, fetoscopic intervention preserved limb function in 50% (7/14) of cases. Three cases involved intraoperative complications including intra‐amniotic bleeding and uterine wall bleeding, and incomplete procedure due to ineffective equipment.

Conclusion

Fetoscopic release of amniotic bands with minimally invasive surgery may allow preservation of life and/or limb function in cases of ABS. The acceptable functional outcome in 50% of cases is reassuring, although more experience and further studies are needed to determine the selection criteria that will justify the risk of this invasive in‐utero therapy for ABS. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Improved spatial prediction: A combinatorial approach
Authors: Wasko Conrad , Sharma Ashish , Rasmussen Peter
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a combinatorial approach for improving spatial predictions. First, copulas are used to interpolate a spatially distributed point rainfall field to a uniform spatial grid. It is observed that results vary substantially depending on the parameters chosen for interpolation leading to the hypothesis that it may be advantageous to estimate copula parameters locally or to combine local and global copula predictions. It is found that by modifying the method of forecast combinations, prediction errors in the spatial interpolation of rainfall can be reduced. Although this method of combining predictions is applied in the context of rainfall interpolation using local and global copula predictions, it can be used on other spatial variables and interpolation methods.
Improving particle filters in rainfall‐runoff models: Application of the resample‐move step and the ensemble Gaussian particle filter
Authors: Plaza Guingla Douglas A. , De Keyser Robin , De Lannoy Gabriëlle J. M. , Giustarini Laura , Matgen Patrick , Pauwels Valentijn R. N.
Published: May 2013

The objective of this paper is to analyze the improvement in the performance of the particle filter by including a resample‐move step or by using a modified Gaussian particle filter. Specifically, the standard particle filter structure is altered by the inclusion of the Markov chain Monte Carlo move step. The second choice adopted in this study uses the moments of an ensemble Kalman filter analysis to define the importance density function within the Gaussian particle filter structure. Both variants of the standard particle filter are used in the assimilation of densely sampled discharge records into a conceptual rainfall‐runoff model. The results indicate that the inclusion of the resample‐move step in the standard particle filter and the use of an optimal importance density function in the Gaussian particle filter improve the effectiveness of particle filters. Moreover, an optimization of the forecast ensemble used in this study allowed for a better performance of the modified Gaussian particle filter compared to the particle filter with resample‐move step.