bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting Use of Booster Seats in Rural Areas Through Community Sports Programs
Authors: Aitken Mary E. , Miller Beverly K. , Anderson Byron L. , Swearingen Christopher J. , Monroe Kathy W. , Daniels Dawn , O‧Neil Joseph , “Tres” Scherer L.R. , Hafner John , Mullins Samantha H.
Published: January 2013

Background

Booster seats reduce mortality and morbidity for young children in car crashes, but use is low, particularly in rural areas. This study targeted rural communities in 4 states using a community sports‐based approach.

Objective

The Strike Out Child Passenger Injury (Strike Out) intervention incorporated education about booster seat use in children ages 4‐7 years within instructional baseball programs. We tested the effectiveness of Strike Out in increasing correct restraint use among participating children.

Methods

Twenty communities with similar demographics from 4 states participated in a nonrandomized, controlled trial. Surveys of restraint use were conducted before and after baseball season. Intervention communities received tailored education and parents had direct consultation on booster seat use. Control communities received only brochures.

Results

One thousand fourteen preintervention observation surveys for children ages 4‐7 years (Intervention Group [I]: N = 511, Control [C]: N = 503) and 761 postintervention surveys (I: N = 409, C: N = 352) were obtained. For 3 of 4 states, the intervention resulted in increases in recommended child restraint use (Alabama +15.5%, Arkansas +16.1%, Illinois +11.0%). Communities in 1 state (Indiana) did not have a positive response (–9.2%). Overall, unadjusted restraint use increased 10.2% in intervention and 1.7% in control communities (P = .02). After adjustment for each state in the study, booster seat use was increased in intervention communities (Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel odds ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval [1.16‐2.10]).

Conclusions

A tailored intervention using baseball programs increased appropriate restraint use among targeted rural children overall and in 3 of 4 states studied. Such interventions hold promise for expansion into other sports and populations.
Residential Location, Job Location, and Wages: Theory and Empirics
Authors: Vejlin Rune
Published: January 2013

I develop a stylized partial on‐the‐job equilibrium search model that incorporates a spatial dimension. Workers reside on a circle and can move at a cost. Each point on the circle has a wage distribution. Implications about wages and job mobility are drawn from the model and tested on Danish matched employer–employee data. The model predictions hold true. I find that workers working farther away from their residence earn higher wages. When a worker is making a job‐to‐job transition where he/she changes workplace location he/she experiences a higher wage change than a worker making a job‐to‐job transition without changing workplace location. However, workers making a job‐to‐job transition that makes the workplace location closer to the residence experience a wage drop. Furthermore, low‐wage workers and workers with high transportation costs are more likely to make job‐to‐job transitions, but also residential moves.
Multiple symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Norway
Authors: Bentsen Signe Berit , Gundersen Doris , Assmus Joerg , Bringsvor Heidi , Berland Astrid
Published: January 2013

This paper examines the prevalence of multiple symptoms and the relationships between future expectations and multiple symptoms in a cross‐sectional study of 100 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A questionnaire was used to examine the patients’ symptoms of breathlessness, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, fatigue, and pain, and their outlook for the future. All patients reported breathlessness, 64% anxiety, 69% depression, 28% sleeplessness, 72% fatigue, and 45% pain. Those with anxiety reported significant depression (P < 0.001), and those with fatigue reported significant depression (P = 0.004). Patients who reported pain also reported significant sleeplessness (P = 0.022). A negative outlook for the future was reported by 42% of patients who also reported significantly more anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, fatigue, and pain (P ≤ 0.049). Multiple symptoms are common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and patients with a pessimistic view of the future reported more symptoms. Those with multiple symptoms and a negative outlook toward the future may benefit from interventions to help them achieve a more positive outlook for the future, which may relieve symptom burden.
From disguised protectionism to rewarding regulation: The impact of trade‐related labor standards in theDominicanRepublic
Authors: Schrank Andrew
Published: January 2013

Policymakers in theDominicanRepublic have responded to foreign pressure by rewriting their labor laws and revitalizing their labor ministry. What are the likely consequences? Is aggressive labor law enforcement more likely to protect vulnerable workers from abuse and exploitation or to undermine their ability to compete for labor‐intensive employment in an unforgiving world economy? And what are the broader implications of the answer?Iaddress these questions by analyzing qualitative as well as quantitative data on workplace regulators empowered by theDominicanRepublic in response to trade‐related labor standards imposed by theUnitedStates and find that they reconcile social protection with economic adjustment by simultaneously discouraging “low road” employment practices like informality, union‐busting, and the exploitation of child labor, and encouraging “high road” alternatives that link firms, farms, and families, on the one hand, to public educational, training, and financial institutions, on the other. The result is a potentially inclusive alternative to the repressive industrial relations regime that fueled export‐led development – and theEastAsian “miracle” in particular – in the late twentieth century.
Quantitative Analysis of Membrane Protein Transport Across the Nuclear Pore Complex
Authors: Meinema Anne C. , Poolman Bert , Veenhoff Liesbeth M.
Published: January 2013

Nuclear transport of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae membrane proteins Src1/Heh1 and Heh2 across the NPC is facilitated by a long intrinsically disordered linker between the nuclear localization signal (NLS) and the transmembrane domain. The import of reporter proteins derived from Heh2 is dependent on the FG‐Nups in the central channel, and the linker can position the transport factor‐bound NLS in the vicinity of the FG‐Nups in the central channel, while the transmembrane segment resides in the pore membrane. Here, we present a quantitative analysis of karyopherin‐mediated import and passive efflux of reporter proteins derived from Heh2, including data on the mobility of the reporter proteins in different membrane compartments. We show that membrane proteins with extralumenal domains up to 174 kDa, terminal to the linker and NLS, passively leak out of the nucleus via the NPC, albeit at a slow rate. We propose that also during passive efflux, the unfolded linker facilitates the passage of extralumenal domains through the central channel of the NPC.
TESTS OF GENERAL RELATIVITY AND ALTERNATIVE THEORIES OF GRAVITY USING GRAVITATIONAL WAVE OBSERVATIONS
Authors: ARUN K. G. , PAI ARCHANA
Published: January 2013

Gravitational wave (GW) observations of coalescing compact binaries will be unique probes of strong-field, dynamical aspects of relativistic gravity. We present a short review of various schemes proposed in the literature to test general relativity (GR) and alternative theories of gravity using inspiral waveforms. Broadly these schemes may be classified into two types: model dependent and model independent. In the model dependent category, GW observations are compared against a specific waveform model representative of a particular theory or a class of theories such as scalar-tensor theories, dynamical Chern–Simons theory and massive graviton theories. Model independent tests are attempts to write down a parametrized gravitational waveform where the free parameters take different values for different theories and (at least some of) which can be constrained by GW observations. We revisit some of the proposed bounds in the case of downscaled LISA configuration (eLISA) and compare them with the original LISA configuration. We also compare the expected bounds on alternative theories of gravity from ground-based and space-based detectors and find that space-based GW detectors can test GR and other theories of gravity with unprecedented accuracies. We then focus on a recent proposal to use singular value decomposition of the Fisher information matrix to improve the accuracies with which post-Newtonian theory can be tested. We extend those results to the case of space-based detector eLISA and discuss its implications.
Superconducting Radio-Frequency Fundamentals for Particle Accelerators
Authors: Gurevich Alex
Published: January 2013

An overview of fundamentals of superconductors under radio-frequency electromagnetic fields in particle accelerators is given, with emphasis on intrinsic physics and materials mechanisms which limit the performance of the superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) resonator cavities. Multiscale mechanisms which control the surface resistance and the quality factor of the SRF cavities at low and high rf fields are discussed. We also discuss possible ways of pushing the limit of the SRF performance by materials impurities and multilayer nanostructuring which may open up opportunities of using materials other than Nb to significantly increase the maximum accelerating fields and improve the performance of the SRF cavities operating at 4.2 K.
Educating and Training Accelerator Scientists and Technologists for Tomorrow
Authors: Barletta William , Chattopadhyay Swapan , Seryi Andrei
Published: January 2013

Accelerator science and technology is inherently an integrative discipline that combines aspects of physics, computational science, electrical and mechanical engineering. As few universities offer full academic programs, the education of accelerator physicists and engineers for the future has primarily relied on a combination of on-the-job training supplemented with intensive courses at regional accelerator schools. This article describes the approaches being used to satisfy the educational curiosity of a growing number of interested physicists and engineers.
A SURVEY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EDUCATION AND GROWTH WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPING ASIA
Authors: KIM YONG JIN , TERADA-HAGIWARA AKIKO
Published: January 2013

This paper surveys the empirical and theoretical link between education and growth in the growth process of Asian countries. Particular attention is paid to the link between education and productivity, and to models that characterize key features of growth processes of Asian countries. Empirical studies show that these key features include: risk of falling into poverty traps, focussing more on technology adoption rather than creation, and possible technology–skill mismatch. The surveyed studies provide policy implications for each of these features. For instance, to avoid the poverty trap and for efficient adoption of technologies, accumulation of human capital — specifically general human capital — and width of human capital are crucial. To avoid the technology–skill mismatch, the speed of technology upgrading should be appropriate to take full advantage of learning-by-doing and the earning potential of the current stock of specific human capital.
Intrathecal Trastuzumab Treatment of the Neoplastic Meningitis due to Breast Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Dumitrescu Cristina , Lossignol Dominique
Published: January 2013

We report the case of a 65-year-old woman, diagnosed with a breast cancer human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) previously negative, who developed leptomeningeal carcinomatosis and was treated with intrathecal (IT) trastuzumab (TST). After five doses of IT trastuzumab, at escalading doses, once weekly, the patient's neurological status stabilised, and that result was maintained for two months. There is evidence in the literature that breast cancer receptor status may change over time, and when it occurs, it may modify the therapeutical approach. We reviewed the pertinent literature and concluded that IT trastuzumab might be a promising treatment for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer leptomeningeal carcinomatosis.
Epidemiology of Isolated Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation
Authors: Chillemi Claudio , Franceschini Vincenzo , Dei Giudici Luca , Alibardi Ambra , Salate Santone Francesco , Ramos Alday Luis J. , Osimani Marcello
Published: January 2013

Background. Acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is a common shoulder problem. However, information about the basic epidemiological features of this condition is scarce. The aim of this study is to analyze the epidemiology of isolated AC dislocation in an urban population.Materials and Methods. A retrospective database search was performed to identify all patients with an AC dislocation over a 5-year period. Gender, age, affected side and traumatic mechanism were taken into account. X-rays were reviewed by two of the authors and dislocations were classified according to the Rockwood’s criteria.Results. A total of 108 patients, with a mean age of 37.5 years were diagnosed with AC dislocation. 105 (97.2%) had an isolated AC dislocation, and 3 (2.8%) were associated with a clavicle fracture. The estimated incidence was 1.8 per 10000 inhabitants per year and the male-female ratio was 8.5 : 1. 50.5% of all dislocations occurred in individuals between the ages of 20 and 39 years. The most common traumatic mechanism was sport injury and the most common type of dislocation was Rockwood type III.Conclusions. Age between 20 and 39 years and male sex represent significant demographic risk factors for AC dislocation.
Anatomic Morphometrics of the “Senene” Tettigoniid Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera: Conocephalidae) from North-West Tanzania
Authors: Matojo Nicodemus D. , Yarro Jacob G.
Published: January 2013

The morphometrics of Ruspolia differens (order: Orthoptera; family: Conocephalidae), the longhorn grasshopper that is widely known as senene by its Kiswahili name, was largely unclear although the species serves broadly as a delicacy relish snack. In this study, the anatomic morphometrics of this insect was critically inferred based on the samples that were collected from North-west Tanzania in April-May 2009. R. differens was revealed to have a number of unique anatomic features that can essentially serve in its diagnosis. These include the paired male metathoracic flaps, finger-like prosternal protuberances, hind femoral spines, subequal tibial black markings, and an obvious male biased antennal dimorphism.
Transformer Model in Wide Frequency Bandwidth for Power Electronics Systems
Authors: Gonzalez-Garcia Carlos , Pleite Jorge
Published: January 2013

The development of the smart grids leads to new challenges on the power electronics equipment and power transformers. The use of power electronic transformer presents several advantages, but new problems related with the application of high frequency voltage and current components come across. Thus, an accurate knowledge of the transformer behavior in a wide frequency range is mandatory. A novel modeling procedure to relate the transformer physical behavior and its frequency response by means of electrical parameters is presented. Its usability is demonstrated by an example where a power transformer is used as filter and voltage reducer in an AC-DC-AC converter.
Plasmin Activation of Glial Cells through Protease-Activated Receptor 1
Authors: Greenidge André R. , Hall Kiana R. , Hambleton Ian R. , Thomas Richelle , Monroe Dougald M. , Landis R. Clive
Published: January 2013

The objective of this study was to determine whether plasmin could induce morphological changes in human glial cells via PAR1. Human glioblastoma A172 cells were cultured in the presence of plasmin or the PAR1 specific activating hexapeptide, SFLLRN. Cells were monitored by flow cytometry to detect proteolytic activation of PAR1 receptor. Morphological changes were recorded by photomicroscopy and apoptosis was measured by annexinV staining. Plasmin cleaved the PAR1 receptor on glial cells at 5 minutes (P=0.02). After 30 minutes, cellular processes had begun to retract from the basal substratum and by 4 hours glial cells had become detached. Similar results were obtained by generating plasmin de novo from plasminogen. Morphological transformation was blocked by plasmin inhibitors aprotinin or epsilon-aminocaproic acid (P=0.03). Cell viability was unimpaired during early morphological changes, but by 24 hours following plasmin treatment 22% of glial cells were apoptotic. PAR1 activating peptide SFLLRN (but not inactive isomer FSLLRN) promoted analogous glial cell detachment (P=0.03), proving the role for PAR1 in this process. This study has identified a plasmin/PAR1 axis of glial cell activation, linked to changes in glial cell morophology. This adds to our understanding of pathophysiological disease mechanisms of plasmin and the plasminogen system in neuroinjury.
The Role of Mcl-1 inS. aureus-Induced Cytoprotection of Infected Macrophages
Authors: Koziel Joanna , Kmiecik Katarzyna , Chmiest Daniela , Maresz Katarzyna , Mizgalska Danuta , Maciag-Gudowska Agnieszka , Mydel Piotr , Potempa Jan
Published: January 2013

As a facultative intracellular pathogen,Staphylococcus aureusinvades macrophages and then promotes the cytoprotection of infected cells thus stabilizing safe niche for silent persistence. This process occurs through the upregulation of crucial antiapoptotic genes, in particular,myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1). Here, we investigated the underlying mechanism and signal transduction pathways leading to increasedMCL-1expression in infected macrophages. LiveS. aureusnot only stimulatedde novosynthesis of Mcl-1, but also prolonged the stability of this antiapoptotic protein. Consistent with this, we proved a crucial role of Mcl-1 inS. aureus-induced cytoprotection, since silencing ofMCL1by siRNA profoundly reversed the cytoprotection of infected cells leading to apoptosis. IncreasedMCL1expression in infected cells was associated with enhanced NFκB activation and subsequent IL-6 secretion, since the inhibition of both NFκB and IL-6 signalling pathways abrogated Mcl-1 induction and cytoprotection. Finally, we confirmed our observationin vivoin murine model of septic arthritis showing the association between the severity of arthritis and Mcl-1 expression. Therefore, we propose thatS. aureusis hijacking the Mcl-1-dependent inhibition of apoptosis to prevent the elimination of infected host cells, thus allowing the intracellular persistence of the pathogen, its dissemination by infected macrophages, and the progression of staphylococci diseases.
Mitochondria and Cancer: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Verschoor M. L. , Ungard R. , Harbottle A. , Jakupciak J. P. , Parr R. L. , Singh G.
Published: January 2013

The area of mitochondrial genomics has undergone unprecedented growth over the past several years. With the advent of the age of omics, investigations have reached beyond the nucleus to encompass the close biological communication and finely coordinated interactions between mitochondria and their nuclear cell mate. Application of this holistic approach, to all metabolic interactions within the cell, is providing a more complete understanding of the molecular transformation of the cell from normal to malignant behavior, before histopathological indications are evident. In this review the surging momentum in mitochondrial science, as it relates to cancer, is described in three progressive perspectives: (1) Past: the historical contributions to current directions of research; (2) Present: Contemporary findings, results and approaches to mitochondria and cancer, including the role of next generation sequencing and proteomics; (3) Future: Based on the present body of knowledge, the potential assets and benefits of mitochondrial research are projected into the near future.
Serum Fatty Acids and Risk of Cutaneous Melanoma: A Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Vinceti Marco , Malagoli Carlotta , Iacuzio Laura , Crespi Catherine M. , Sieri Sabina , Krogh Vittorio , Marmiroli Sandra , Pellacani Giovanni , Venturelli Elisabetta
Published: January 2013

Background. Some observational studies have suggested that excess dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as linoleic acid increases cutaneous melanoma risk. We aimed at examining the association between serum fatty acids and melanoma risk by conducting a population-based case-control study in a northern Italy community.Methods. The percentage composition of 12 fatty acids was determined in 51 newly diagnosed melanoma patients and 51 age- and sex-matched population controls by extracting total lipids from serum samples using thin layer and gas chromatography. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the relative risk of melanoma associated with tertiles of percentage composition of each fatty acid as well as groupings including saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids.Results. We found a slightly increased melanoma risk for stearic and arachidic acids proportion, with and without adjustment for potential confounders. For an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, docosapentaenoic acid, we found a male-specific direct association with melanoma risk. No other associations emerged for the other saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, individually or grouped by type.Conclusions. These findings do not suggest a major role of fatty acids, including linoleic acid, on risk of cutaneous melanoma, though their evaluation is limited by the small sample size.
Presentation and Discussion of the UAM/Exercise I-1b: “Pin-Cell Burn-Up Benchmark” with the Hybrid Method
Authors: Cabellos O.
Published: January 2013

The aim of this work is to present the Exercise I-1b “pin-cell burn-up benchmark” proposed in the framework of OECD LWR UAM. Its objective is to address the uncertainty due to the basic nuclear data as well as the impact of processing the nuclear and covariance data in a pin-cell depletion calculation. Four different sensitivity/uncertainty propagation methodologies participate in this benchmark (GRS, NRG, UPM, and SNU&KAERI). The paper describes the main features of the UPM model (hybrid method) compared with other methodologies. The requested output provided by UPM is presented, and it is discussed regarding the results of other methodologies.
Additive Hazard Regression Models: An Application to the Natural History of Human Papillomavirus
Authors: Xie Xianhong , Strickler Howard D. , Xue Xiaonan
Published: January 2013

There are several statistical methods for time-to-event analysis, among which is the Cox proportional hazards model that is most commonly used. However, when the absolute change in risk, instead of the risk ratio, is of primary interest or when the proportional hazard assumption for the Cox proportional hazards model is violated, an additive hazard regression model may be more appropriate. In this paper, we give an overview of this approach and then apply a semiparametric as well as a nonparametric additive model to a data set from a study of the natural history of human papillomavirus (HPV) in HIV-positive and HIV-negative women. The results from the semiparametric model indicated on average an additional 14 oncogenic HPV infections per 100 woman-years related to CD4 count < 200 relative to HIV-negative women, and those from the nonparametric additive model showed an additional 40 oncogenic HPV infections per 100 women over 5 years of followup, while the estimated hazard ratio in the Cox model was 3.82. Although the Cox model can provide a better understanding of the exposure disease association, the additive model is often more useful for public health planning and intervention.
Improved Performance of Hydrothermally Synthesized by Ball Milling as a Positive Electrode for Li Ion Battery
Authors: Kotobuki Masashi
Published: January 2013

LiMnPO4 is anticipated to be a promising cathode material for next generation lithium battery. A reduction of particle size is recognized as a good strategy to improve its performance and it can be achieved by ball milling. However, the ball milling including carbon addition forms small LiMnPO4 particles with large carbon content, which leads to low volumetric energy density of electrode. In this study, carbon-coated LiMnPO4 prepared by hydrothermal route was applied to the ball milling without carbon addition. The reduction of particle size of carbon-coated LiMnPO4 was achieved by the ball milling without destroying the surface carbon layer. The ball-milled LiMnPO4 particle revealed better cathodic performance than non-milled sample. This was attributed to shortening Li ion diffusion path, improvement of structural flexibility, and large surface area of electrode due to reduction of particle size. The ball milling is attested to be a promising method to improve cathodic performance of carbon-coated LiMnPO4.
The Choice of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Implantation Technique by Nephrologists
Authors: Yip T. , Lui S. L. , Lo W. K.
Published: January 2013

Peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) is the lifeline of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. One of the critical issues for successful PD is a well-functioning PDC which is timely inserted. It is the implantation technique rather than the catheter design that determines the outcome of the catheter. Dedication in acquiring the appropriate technique is vital to the success of a PD program. In this paper, we discuss the pros and cons of various techniques used for PDC implantation. A detailed description of PDC implantation by using the minilaparotomy method is presented. We strongly recommend mini-laparotomy as the method of choice for PDC implantation by nephrologists.
First record of intersexual phenotype in Calliopsini bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Andreninae): an unusual specimen of Acamptopoeum submetallicum (Spinola)
Authors: RAMOS KELLI S. , RUZ LUISA
Published: January 2013

Sex anomalies are one of the best-known cases of teratology among wild bees with different terms used to differentiate among such abnormalities. Gynandromorphs are individuals with genetically distinct male and female tissues while intersexes are genetically uniform individuals with expression of sexual features of the opposite sex. Among the three commonly accepted gynandromorph categories—bilateral symmetry, transverse and mixed (or mosaic)—the relative proportion of each gynanders category described in the literature shows the transverse and mosaic as the most frequently observed cases among wild bees (Michez et al. 2009; Hinojosa- Díaz et al. 2012). In bees, gynandromorphs are recorded from 117 species in 30 genera of all families being mostly recorded from the long-tongued bees in Apinae and Megachilinae (Wcislo et al. 2004; Michez et al. 2009; Hinojosa-Díaz et al. 2012, Lucia et al. 2012).
Notomicrus josiahi, a new species of Noteridae (Coleoptera) from Venezuela
Authors: MILLER KELLY B.
Published: January 2013

Notomicrus josiahi sp. n. is described from a stream in southern Venezuela. The species differs from others in the genus in 1) large size for the genus (1.48–1.53mm), 2) smooth, shiny dorsal surface with indistinct punctation and mircroretic-ulation, 3) distinct coloration with head and pronotum yellow and elytron bicolored with basal portion black and apical portion brown, and 4) distinctive male genitalia. A checklist of the valid, known species of Notomicrus is given.
Prediction Skill and Bias of Tropical Pacific Sea Surface Temperatures in the NCEP Climate Forecast System Version 2
Authors: Xue Yan , Chen Mingyue , Kumar Arun , Hu Zeng-Zhen , Wang Wanqiu
Published: January 2013

The prediction skill and bias of tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) in the retrospective forecasts of the Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2), of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction were examined. The CFSv2 was initialized from the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) over 1982–2010. There was a systematic cold bias in the central–eastern equatorial Pacific during summer/fall. The cold bias in the Niño-3.4 index was about −2.5°C in summer/fall before 1999 but suddenly changed to −1°C around 1999, related to a sudden shift in the trade winds and equatorial subsurface temperature in the CFSR.

The SST anomaly (SSTA) was computed by removing model climatology for the periods 1982–98 and 1999–2010 separately. The standard deviation (STD) of forecast SSTA agreed well with that of observations in 1982–98, but in 1999–2010 it was about 200% too strong in the eastern Pacific and 50% too weak near the date line during winter/spring. The shift in STD bias was partially related to change of ENSO characteristics: central Pacific (CP) El Niños were more frequent than eastern Pacific (EP) El Niños after 2000. The composites analysis shows that the CFSv2 had a tendency to delay the onset phase of the EP El Niños in the 1980s and 1990s but predicted their decay phases well. In contrast, the CFSv2 predicted the onset phase of the CP El Niños well but prolonged their decay phase. The hit rate for both El Niño and La Niña was lower in the later period than in the early period, and the false alarm for La Niña increased appreciably from the early to the later period.
Reply to “Comments on ‘A Bias in the Midtropospheric Channel Warm Target Factor on the NOAA-9 Microwave Sounding Unit’”
Authors: Po-Chedley Stephen , Fu Qiang
Published: January 2013

The main finding by Po-Chedley and Fu was that the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) microwave sounding unit (MSU) product has a bias in its NOAA-9 midtropospheric channel (TMT) warm target factor, which leads to a cold bias in the TMT trend. This reply demonstrates that the central arguments by Christy and Spencer to challenge Po-Chedley and Fu do not stand. This reply establishes that 1) Christy and Spencer found a similar, but insignificant, bias in the UAH target factor because their radiosonde data lack adequate sampling and measurement errors were considered twice; 2) the UAH individual satellite TMT difference between NOAA-9 and NOAA-6 reveals a bias of 0.082 ± 0.011 in the UAH NOAA-9 target factor; 3) comparing the periods before and after NOAA-9 is not an adequate method to draw conclusions about NOAA-9 because of the influence of other satellites; 4) using the Christy and Spencer trend sensitivity value, UAH TMT has a cold bias of 0.035 K decade−1 given a target factor bias of 0.082; 5) similar trends from UAH and Remote Sensing Systems (RSS) for the lower tropospheric temperature product (TLT) do not indicate that the UAH TMT and TLT NOAA-9 target factor is unbiased; and 6) the NOAA-9 warm target temperature signal in UAH TMT indicates a problem with the UAH empirical algorithm to derive the target factor.
Design and Sampling Characteristics of a New Airborne Aerosol Inlet for Aerosol Measurements in Clouds
Authors: Craig Lucas , Schanot Allen , Moharreri Arash , Rogers David C. , Dhaniyala Suresh
Published: January 2013

Design of a new submicron aerosol inlet (SMAI) for airborne sampling of aerosol particles is introduced and its performance characteristics under a range of sampling conditions are presented. Analysis of inlet performance in clear-air and cloud systems shows that submicron aerosols are sampled representatively by the inlet, and in comparison with other types of inlets the SMAI has a relatively minor or nonexistent problem of droplet shatter contamination. The SMAI has a flow-through cone, with a perpendicular subsampling tube inside it. The cone acts as a virtual blunt body and decelerates the velocity directed toward a subsampling tube within the cone, resulting in reduced droplet impaction velocities and negligible artifact particle generation. The use of a perpendicular subsampling tube helps eliminate large shattered droplets from entering the sample volume, though it also results in lowering the aerosol sampling cut size. The SMAI sampling characteristics are determined from computational fluid dynamics simulations, and its cut size is calculated to be ~3 μm. In warm clouds, the shatter artifacts in the SMAI measurements are significantly less than that in a diffuser-type inlet, and shatter artifacts are only observed to increase when concentrations of drops larger than ~100 μm increase. In cold-cloud systems, shatter artifacts are significantly reduced with SMAI and some dependence of the inlet’s performance on the shape of the ice particles is observed.
Documenting Storm Severity in the Mid-Atlantic Region Using Lightning and Radar Information
Authors: Rudlosky Scott D. , Fuelberg Henry E.
Published: January 2013

Storm severity in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States is examined using lightning, radar, and model-derived information. Automated Warning Decision Support System (WDSS) procedures are developed to create grids of lightning and radar parameters, cluster individual storm features, and data mine the lightning and radar attributes of 1252 severe and nonsevere storms. The study first examines the influence of serial correlation and uses autocorrelation functions to document the persistence of lightning and radar parameters. Decorrelation times are found to vary by parameter, storm severity, and mathematical operator, but the great majority are between three and six lags, suggesting that consecutive 2-min storm samples (following a storm) are effectively independent after only 6–12 min. The study next describes the distribution of lightning jumps in severe and nonsevere storms, differences between various types of severe storms (e.g., severe wind only), and relationships between lightning and radar parameters. The 2σ lightning jump algorithm (with a 10 flashes min−1 activation threshold) yields 0.92 jumps h−1 for nonsevere storms and 1.44 jumps h−1 in severe storms. Applying a 10-mm maximum expected size of hail (MESH) threshold to the 2σ lightning jump algorithm reduces the frequency of lightning jumps in nonsevere storms to 0.61 jumps h−1. Although radar-derived parameters are comparable between storms that produce severe wind plus hail and those that produce tornadoes, tornadic storms exhibit much greater intracloud (IC) and cloud-to-ground (CG) flash rates. Correlations further illustrate that lightning data provide complementary storm-scale information to radar-derived measures of storm intensity.
Alive and kicking
Authors: Major Bridget , McLeay Fraser
Published: January 2013

An overseas package holiday is a high-value purchase and a unique and complex service product with a fragmented experience, which can take place for several months or more. There is a gap in the experience literature on overseas package holidays, despite the fact that this industry generates approximately one third of all trips and expenditure in the United Kingdom. This article aims to increase the understanding of this service product and critically evaluate the consumer experience. The authors focus on ‘grey’ consumers who form a market segment that is growing in size and extremely important in the travel industry. However, it has been neglected in consumer behaviour literature that explores the experiential aspects of extended service encounters. Template analysis is used to identify six key categories that contribute to the package holiday experience of UK grey consumers holidaying in Tenerife. The six categories are the preholiday experience, travel and transit experience, self-made experience, provided experience, satisfaction, and loyalty. The grey market for package holidays is alive and kicking with many greys seeking fun, entertainment, enjoyment, and active participation in activities and meeting other guests. Undoubtedly, the Thomson Gold model, which disallows stays by those younger than 16 years, is highly suited to the needs of this market. The security and consumer protection offered by package holidays is highly important to these consumers who appear satisfied with the quality of their experience, which leads to exceptionally high levels of loyalty and repeat visits.
Surprisingly high number of Twintrons in vertebrates
Authors: Janice Jessin , Jąkalski Marcin , Makałowski Wojciech
Published: January 2013

Twintrons represent a special intronic arrangement in which introns of two different types occupy the same gene position. Consequently, alternative splicing of these introns requires two different spliceosomes competing for the same RNA molecule. So far, only two twintrons have been described in insects. Surprisingly, we discovered several such arrangements in vertebrate genomes, which are quite conserved throughout the lineages.

Reviewers

This article was reviewed by Fyodor Kondrashow and Eugene Koonin.
Dramatic early event in chronic allograft nephropathy: increased but not decreased expression of MMP-9 gene
Authors: Gu Dongfeng , Shi Yanling , Ding Yanan , Liu Xinyu , Zou Hequn
Published: January 2013

Objective

The infiltration of mononuclear cells and replication and migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from media into the intima in the vascular wall are the cardinal pathological changes in the early stage of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). But the mechanism is unclear. Therefore we investigated the role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and its interaction with TGF-beta1, tubulointerstitial mononuclear cells infiltration and migration of SMCs in the early stage of CAN.

Methods

Kidneys of Fisher (F334) rats were orthotopically transplanted into bilaterally nephrectomized Lewis (LEW) recipients. To suppress an initial episode of acute rejection, rats were briefly treated with cyclosporine A (1.5 mg/kg/day) for the first 10 days. Animals were harvested at 12 weeks after transplantation for histological, immunohistochemistry and molecular biological analysis.

Results

The expression of MMP-9 was up-regulated in interstitium and vascular wall in the early stage of CAN, where there were interstitial mononuclear cells infiltration and SMCs migration and proliferation. Moreover the expression of MMP-9 were positively correlated with the degree of interstitial mononuclear cells infiltration, the quantity of SMCs in arteriolar wall, and also the increased TFG-beta1 expression in the tubulointerstitium and arteriolar wall.

Conclusions

MMP-9 may play an important role in the mechanism of pathological changes during the earlier period of CAN.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1582313332832700.
Plants used in artisanal fisheries on the Western Mediterranean coasts of Italy
Authors: Savo Valentina , La Rocca Arianna , Caneva Giulia , Rapallo Fabio , Cornara Laura
Published: January 2013

Background

Artisanal fisheries in the Mediterranean, especially in Italy, have been poorly investigated. There is a long history of fishing in this region, and it remains an important economic activity in many localities. Our research entails both a comprehensive review of the relevant literature and 58 field interviews with practitioners on plants used in fishing activities along the Western Mediterranean Italian coastal regions. The aims were to record traditional knowledge on plants used in fishery in these regions and to define selection criteria for plant species used in artisanal fisheries, considering ecology and intrinsic properties of plants, and to discuss the pattern of diffusion of shared uses in these areas.

Methods

Information was gathered both from a general review of ethnobotanical literature and from original data. A total of 58 semi-structured interviews were carried out in Liguria, Latium, Campania and Sicily (Italy). Information on plant uses related to fisheries were collected and analyzed through a chi-square residual analysis and the correspondence analysis in relation to habitat, life form and chorology.

Results

A total of 60 plants were discussed as being utilized in the fisheries of the Western Italian Mediterranean coastal regions, with 141 different uses mentioned. Of these 141 different uses, 32 are shared among different localities. A multivariate statistical analysis was performed on the entire dataset, resulting in details about specific selection criteria for the different usage categories (plants have different uses that can be classified into 11 main categories). In some uses, species are selected for their features (e.g., woody), or habitat (e.g., riverine), etc. The majority of uses were found to be obsolete (42%) and interviews show that traditional fishery knowledge is in decline. There are several reasons for this, such as climatic change, costs, reduction of fish stocks, etc.

Conclusions

Our research correlates functional characteristics of the plants used in artisanal fishery and habitats, and discusses the distribution of these uses. This research is the first comprehensive outline of plant role in artisanal fisheries and traditional fishery knowledge in the Mediterranean, specifically in Italy.
The ADAMTS18 gene is responsible for autosomal recessive early onset severe retinal dystrophy
Authors: Peluso Ivana , Conte Ivan , Testa Francesco , Dharmalingam Gopuraja , Pizzo Mariateresa , Collin Rob WJ , Meola Nicola , Barbato Sara , Mutarelli Margherita , Ziviello Carmela , Barbarulo Anna Maria , Nigro Vincenzo , Melone Mariarosa AB ,   the European Retinal Disease Consortium, Simonelli Francesca , Banfi Sandro
Published: January 2013

Background

Inherited retinal dystrophies, including Retinitis Pigmentosa and Leber Congenital Amaurosis among others, are a group of genetically heterogeneous disorders that lead to variable degrees of visual deficits. They can be caused by mutations in over 100 genes and there is evidence for the presence of as yet unidentified genes in a significant proportion of patients. We aimed at identifying a novel gene for an autosomal recessive form of early onset severe retinal dystrophy in a patient carrying no previously described mutations in known genes.

Methods

An integrated strategy including homozygosity mapping and whole exome sequencing was used to identify the responsible mutation. Functional tests were performed in the medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) model organism to gain further insight into the pathogenic role of the ADAMTS18 gene in eye and central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction.

Results

This study identified, in the analyzed patient, a homozygous missense mutation in the ADAMTS18 gene, which was recently linked to Knobloch syndrome, a rare developmental disorder that affects the eye and the occipital skull. In vivo gene knockdown performed in medaka fish confirmed both that the mutation has a pathogenic role and that the inactivation of this gene has a deleterious effect on photoreceptor cell function.

Conclusion

This study reveals that mutations in the ADAMTS18 gene can cause a broad phenotypic spectrum of eye disorders and contribute to shed further light on the complexity of retinal diseases.
7q36 deletion and 9p22 duplication: effects of a double imbalance
Authors: Pelegrino Karla de Oliveira , Sugayama Sofia , Catelani Ana Lúcia , Lezirovitz Karina , Kok Fernando , Chauffaille Maria de Lourdes
Published: January 2013

The etiology of mental retardation/developmental delay (MRDD) remains a challenge to geneticists and clinicians and can be correlated to environmental and genetic factors. Chromosomal aberrations are common causes of moderate to severe mental retardation and may represent 10% of these occurrences. Here we report the case of a boy with development delay, hypoplasia of corpus callosum, microcephaly, muscular hypotonia, and facial dysmorphisms. A deletion of 7q36.1 → 36.3 and duplication of 9p22.3 → 23 was detected as a result of an unbalanced translocation of paternal origin. Breakpoint delimitation was achieved with array comparative genomic hybridization assay. Additional multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analyzes confirmed one copy loss of 7q36.3 region and one copy gain of 9p24.3 region. Patient resultant phenotype is consistent with the already described findings for both 7q deletion and 9p duplication syndromes.
Towards an effective control programme of soil-transmitted helminth infections among Orang Asli in rural Malaysia. Part 2: Knowledge, attitude, and practices
Authors: Nasr Nabil A , Al-Mekhlafi Hesham M , Ahmed Abdulhamid , Roslan Muhammad Aidil , Bulgiba Awang
Published: January 2013

Background

In the first part of this study, we investigated the prevalence and associated key factors of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections among Orang Asli children in rural Malaysia; an alarming high prevalence and five key factors significantly associated with infections were reported. Part 2 of this study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) on STH infections among Orang Asli in Peninsular Malaysia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 215 households from 13 villages in Lipis district, Pahang, Malaysia. Demographic and socioeconomic information of the participants and their KAP on STH were collected by using a pre-tested questionnaire.

Results

Overall, 61.4% of the participants had prior knowledge about intestinal helminths with a lack of knowledge on the transmission (28.8%), signs and symptoms (29.3%) as well as the prevention (16.3%). Half of the respondents considered STH as harmful, while their practices to prevent infections were still inadequate. Significant associations between the KAP and age, gender, educational and employment status, family size, and household monthly income were reported. Moreover, significantly lower prevalence of STH infections was reported among children of respondents who wear shoes/slippers when outside the house (72.8%; 95% CI= 62.6, 80.5 vs 87.0%; 95% CI= 81.4, 91.1), wash their hands before eating (32.4%; 95% CI= 24.3, 42.2 vs 51.4%; 95% CI= 44.7, 60.1), and wash their hands after defecation (47.8%; 95% CI= 35.7, 57.1 vs 69.2%; 95% CI= 63.7, 78.7) as compared to their counterparts. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the educational level of the respondents was the most important factor significantly associated with the KAP on STH among this population.

Conclusion

This study reveals inadequate knowledge, attitude and practices on STH infections among Orang Asli in rural Malaysia. Hence, there is a great need for a proper health education programme and community mobilisation to enhance prevention and instil better knowledge on STH transmission and prevention. This is crucial for an effective and sustainable STH control programme to save the lives and future of the most vulnerable children in rural Malaysia.
A typical bilateral Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis in a bone marrow transplant patient with negative serum titers
Authors: Hazan Albert , Patel Rakesh M , Levinson David , Mian Umar , Gritz David C
Published: January 2013

Background

Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis can have an atypical presentation and be difficult to diagnose in immunocompromised patients. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment is important since the disease can be aggressive in these patients. This paper is a case report with literature review, emphasizing on the diagnosis and treatment of Toxoplasma retinochoroiditis.

Findings

A 27-year-old male with chronic myelogenous leukemia with history of bone marrow transplantation presented with floaters in his right eye. Fundus exam showed bilateral, multifocal retinochoroiditis with subsequent development of a mild vitritis. Serum cytomegalovirus and toxoplasmosis antibody titers and syphilis screen were negative. Aqueous polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis revealed the presence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA OU. Clindamycin (1.0 mg/0.1 mL) was injected bilateral intravitreal OU twice at 4 days apart with subsequent resolution of retinochoroiditis.

Conclusions

When evaluating retinochoroiditis in an immunocompromised patient, one must keep a high index of suspicion for atypical presentations of well-known disease entities. Aqueous and vitreous samples for PCR can be useful in obtaining an accurate diagnosis and therefore provide appropriate management for the patient. Intravitreal clindamycin is an option for treatment in these patients.