bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Carotid Arterial Wall Elasticity in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Microalbuminuria by Real-Time Ultrasound Elastography
Authors: Zhang Yu-Hong , Gao Yuan , Su Ben-Li
Published: May 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate carotid arterial wall elasticity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with microalbuminuria by real-time ultrasound elastography. Two hundred and ten T2DM patients were divided into two groups according to levels of urinary albumin excretion (UAE): T2DM without microalbuminuria (T2DM1 group, 120) and T2DM with microalbuminuria (T2DM2 group, 90). The right common carotid arteries were examined by real-time ultrasound elastography. The strain ratio (SR, blood to arterial wall strain ratio) was calculated by dividing the strain value of the blood by that of the carotid arterial wall. The correlation between SR and general data was analyzed. The mean SR value ± SD of T2DM2 group was significantly higher than that of T2DM1 group (P<0.05). SR was positively and significantly correlated with UAE, HbA1c, and systolic blood pressure (r=0.456,0.435,0.235,P<0.05for all). The mean value ± SD of UAE, HbA1c, 2hPG, BMI, and TC of T2DM2 group was significantly higher than that of T2DM1 group (P<0.05for all). In conclusion, there is an association between microalbuminuria and carotid arterial wall elasticity in T2DM patients.
How Precise Is Dental Volumetric Tomography in the Prediction of Bone Density?
Authors: Bilhan Hakan , Arat Selda , Geckili Onur
Published: May 2012

Objectives. The aim of this study was to review the bone density assessment techniques and evaluate the macroscopic structure of bone specimens scored by Hounsfield Units (HUs) and decide if they are always in congruence.Methods. The mandible of a formalin-fixed human cadaver was scanned by dental volumetric tomography (DVT) for planning of the specimen positions and fabrication of a surgical guide and a surgical stent was fabricated afterwards. Bone cylinders of 3.5 mm diameter and 5 mm length, were excised from the mandible using the surgical stent with a slow speed trephine drill. After removal of the cylinders two more scans were performed and the images of the first scan were used for the determination of the HU values. The removed bone cylinder was inspected macroscopically as well by micro-CT scan.Results. The highest HU values were recorded in the interforaminal region, especially in the midline (408–742). Posterior regions showed lower HU values, especially the first molar regions (22–61 for the right; 14–66 for the left first molar regions).Conclusion. Within the limitations of this pilot study, it can be concluded that HU values alone could be a misleading diagnostic tool for the determination of bone density.
Model Simulations of Complex Dust Emissions over the Sahara during the West African Monsoon Onset
Authors: Cavazos-Guerra Carolina , Todd Martin C.
Published: May 2012

The existing limitations in ground-based observations in remote areas in West Africa determine the dependence on numerical models to represent the atmospheric mechanisms that contribute to dust outbreaks at different space-time scales. In this work, the ability of the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with the Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model using the GOCART dust scheme is evaluated. The period comprises the West African Monsoon onset phase (the 7th to 12th of June, 2006) coinciding with the AMMA Special Observing Period (SOP). Different features in the horizontal and vertical dynamical structure of the Saharan atmosphere are analyzed with a combination of satellite and ground-based observations and model experimentation at 10 and 30 km model resolution. The main features of key Saharan dust processes during summer are identifiable, and WRF-CHEM replicates these adequately. Observations and model analyses have shown that cold pools (haboobs) contributed a substantial proportion of total dust during the study period. The comparative analysis between observations and WRF-Chem simulations demonstrates the model efficiency to simulate the spatial and 3D structure of dust transport over the Sahara and Sahel. There is, therefore, a strong basis for accurate forecasting of dust events associated with synoptic scale events when model dust emission parameterization is suitably calibrated.
Maximum Recommended Dosage of Lithium for Pregnant Women Based on a PBPK Model for Lithium Absorption
Authors: Horton Scott , Tuerk Amalie , Cook Daniel , Cook Jiadi , Dhurjati Prasad
Published: May 2012

Treatment of bipolar disorder with lithium therapy during pregnancy is a medical challenge. Bipolar disorder is more prevalent in women and its onset is often concurrent with peak reproductive age. Treatment typically involves administration of the element lithium, which has been classified as a class D drug (legal to use during pregnancy, but may cause birth defects) and is one of only thirty known teratogenic drugs. There is no clear recommendation in the literature on the maximum acceptable dosage regimen for pregnant, bipolar women. We recommend a maximum dosage regimen based on a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. The model simulates the concentration of lithium in the organs and tissues of a pregnant woman and her fetus. First, we modeled time-dependent lithium concentration profiles resulting from lithium therapy known to have caused birth defects. Next, we identified maximum and average fetal lithium concentrations during treatment. Then, we developed a lithium therapy regimen to maximize the concentration of lithium in the mother’s brain, while maintaining the fetal concentration low enough to reduce the risk of birth defects. This maximum dosage regimen suggested by the model was 400 mg lithium three times per day.
A Cross-Layer-Based Clustered Multipath Routing with QoS-Aware Scheduling for Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Almalkawi Islam T. , Guerrero Zapata Manel , Al-Karaki Jamal N.
Published: May 2012

Wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs) can handle different traffic classes of multimedia content (video, audio streams, and still images) as well as scalar data over the network. To ensure correct delivery of real-time multimedia data and efficient resource utilization, a proposed solution should provide both quality of service (QoS) assurance and energy efficiency. In this paper, we propose a cross-layer-based routing protocol that can utilize MAC-layer QoS-based scheduling for more efficient routing mechanism in WMSNs. Our proposed optimization is based on clustered multipath routing protocol and adaptive QoS-aware scheduling for the different traffic classes in WMSNs. Our design exploits the hierarchical structure of powerful cluster heads and the optimized multiple paths along with the adaptive scheduling to support reliable, high-throughput, and energy-efficient multimedia transmission in WMSNs. Simulation results show a significant performance improvement of our proposed design when compared to other similar routing schemes.
TRIM5 and the Regulation of HIV-1 Infectivity
Authors: Luban Jeremy
Published: May 2012

The past ten years have seen an explosion of information concerning host restriction factors that inhibit the replication of HIV-1 and other retroviruses. Among these factors is TRIM5, an innate immune signaling molecule that recognizes the capsid lattice as soon as the retrovirion core is released into the cytoplasm of otherwise susceptible target cells. Recognition of the capsid lattice has several consequences that include multimerization of TRIM5 into a complementary lattice, premature uncoating of the virion core, and activation of TRIM5 E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. Unattached, K63-linked ubiquitin chains are generated that activate the TAK1 kinase complex and downstream inflammatory mediators. Polymorphisms in the capsid recognition domain of TRIM5 explain the observed species-specific differences among orthologues and the relatively weak anti-HIV-1 activity of human TRIM5. Better understanding of the complex interaction between TRIM5 and the retrovirus capsid lattice may someday lead to exploitation of this interaction for the development of potent HIV-1 inhibitors.
The Axillary Nodal Harvest in Breast Cancer Surgery Is Unchanged by Sentinel Node Biopsy or the Timing of Surgery
Authors: Byrne B. E. , Cutress R. I. , Gill J. , Wise M. H. , Yiangou C. , Agrawal A.
Published: May 2012

Introduction. Patients with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy may undergo delayed completion axillary dissection. Where intraoperative analysis is available, immediate completion axillary dissection can be performed. Alternatively, patients may undergo primary axillary dissection for breast cancer, historically or when preoperative assessment suggests axillary metastases. This study aims to determine if there is a difference in the total number of lymph nodes or the number of metastatic nodes harvested between the 3 possible approaches.Methods. Three consecutive comparable groups of 50 consecutive patients who underwent axillary dissection in each of the above contexts were identified from the Portsmouth Breast Unit Database. Patient demographics, clinicopathological variables, and surgical treatment were recorded. The total pathological nodal count and the number of metastatic nodes were compared between the groups.Results. There were no differences in clinico-pathological features between the three groups for all features studied with the exception of breast surgical procedure (P<0.001). There were no differences in total nodal harvest (P=0.822) or in the number of positive nodes harvested (P=0.157) between the three groups.Conclusion. The three approaches to axillary clearance yield equivalent nodal harvests, suggesting oncological equivalence and robustness of surgical technique.
Type B Idiopathic Bone Defect of Mandible: An Etiopathogenic Dilemma
Authors: Jhamb Aakarsh V. , Jhamb Parul A. , Dave Aparna , Shetty Vishwa Prakash
Published: May 2012

Etiopathogenesis of the pathologic lesions forms the basis for formulation of appropriate intervention and further prevention. There is still a vast unknown field that has to be explored to know the causative reason behind certain benign & malignant lesions. Idiopathic bone defects are nonodontogenic pseudocystic cavities that are seen in the long bones & jaw bones. Radiographic interpretation is at times inadequate in diagnosis of odontogenic & nonodontogenic radiolucent lesions involving jaw bones. Histopathology has different criteria to segregate this lesion. In this paper, we discuss a case of type B histopathological variant of idiopathic bone defect that may suggest an alternative pathogenesis from type A variant.
Tau and Caspase 3 as Targets for Neuroprotection
Authors: Idan-Feldman Anat , Ostritsky Regina , Gozes Illana
Published: May 2012

The peptide drug candidate NAP (davunetide) has demonstrated protective effects in variousin vivoandin vitromodels of neurodegeneration. NAP was shown to reduce tau hyperphosphorylation as well as to prevent caspase-3 activation and cytochrome-3 release from mitochondria, both characteristic of apoptotic cell death. Recent studies suggest that caspases may play a role in tau pathology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of NAP on tau hyperphosphorylation and caspase activity in the same biological system. Our experimental setup used primary neuronal cultures subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), with and without NAP or caspase inhibitor. Cell viability was assessed by measuring mitochondrial activity (MTS assay), and immunoblots were used for analyzing protein level. It was shown that apoptosis was responsible for all cell death occurring following ischemia, and NAP treatment showed a concentration-dependent protection from cell death. Ischemia caused an increase in the levels of active caspase-3 and hyperphosphorylated tau, both of which were prevented by either NAP or caspase-inhibitor treatment. Our data suggest that, in this model system, caspase activation may be an upstream event to tau hyperphosphorylation, although additional studies will be required to fully elucidate the cascade of events.
Uterine Angioleiomyoma with Atypia, Raised CA-125 Levels, and Pseudo-Meigs Syndrome: An Alarming Presentation
Authors: Thomas Sunitha , Radhakrishnan Laxmi , Abraham Latha , Matthai Anna
Published: May 2012

Angioleiomyomas are benign mesenchymal tumours commonly occurring in the subcutis of extremities. They are typically composed of interlacing fascicles of smooth muscle cells with intersecting vascular channels. Angioleiomyomas of the uterus are rare with only very few case reports available in literature. Herein, we report a case of this rare entity in a 47-year-old woman owing to its highly unusual features of cellular atypia, raised CA-125 levels, and pseudo Meigs syndrome.
Increasing the Productivity of Glycopeptides Analysis by Using Higher-Energy Collision Dissociation-Accurate Mass-Product-Dependent Electron Transfer Dissociation
Authors: Saba Julian , Dutta Sucharita , Hemenway Eric , Viner Rosa
Published: May 2012

Currently, glycans are attracting attention from the scientific community as potential biomarkers or as posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of therapeutic proteins. However, structural characterization of glycoproteins and glycopeptides remains analytically challenging. Here, we report on the implementation of a novel acquisition strategy termed higher-energy collision dissociation-accurate mass-product-dependent electron transfer dissociation (HCD-PD-ETD) on a hybrid linear ion trap-orbitrap mass spectrometer. This acquisition strategy uses the complementary fragmentations of ETD and HCD for glycopeptides analysis in an intelligent fashion. Furthermore, the approach minimizes user input for optimizing instrumental parameters and enables straightforward detection of glycopeptides. ETD spectra are only acquired when glycan oxonium ions from MS/MS HCD are detected. The advantage of this approach is that it streamlines data analysis and improves dynamic range and duty cycle. Here, we present the benefits of HCD-PD-ETD relative to the traditional alternating HCD/ETD for a trainer set containing twelve-protein mixture with two glycoproteins: human serotransferrin, ovalbumin and contaminations of two other: bovine alpha 1 acid glycoprotein (bAGP) and bovine fetuin.
Phosphorus and Nutrition in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: González-Parra Emilio , Gracia-Iguacel Carolina , Egido Jesús , Ortiz Alberto
Published: May 2012

Patients with renal impairment progressively lose the ability to excrete phosphorus. Decreased glomerular filtration of phosphorus is initially compensated by decreased tubular reabsorption, regulated by PTH and FGF23, maintaining normal serum phosphorus concentrations. There is a close relationship between protein and phosphorus intake. In chronic renal disease, a low dietary protein content slows the progression of kidney disease, especially in patients with proteinuria and decreases the supply of phosphorus, which has been directly related with progression of kidney disease and with patient survival. However, not all animal proteins and vegetables have the same proportion of phosphorus in their composition. Adequate labeling of food requires showing the phosphorus-to-protein ratio. The diet in patients with advanced-stage CKD has been controversial, because a diet with too low protein content can favor malnutrition and increase morbidity and mortality. Phosphorus binders lower serum phosphorus and also FGF23 levels, without decreasing diet protein content. But the interaction between intestinal dysbacteriosis in dialysis patients, phosphate binder efficacy, and patient tolerance to the binder could reduce their efficiency.
Distribution and Fate of Military Explosives and Propellants in Soil: A Review
Authors: Pichtel John
Published: May 2012

Energetic materials comprise both explosives and propellants. When released to the biosphere, energetics are xenobiotic contaminants which pose toxic hazards to ecosystems, humans, and other biota. Soils worldwide are contaminated by energetic materials from manufacturing operations; military conflict; military training activities at firing and impact ranges; and open burning/open detonation (OB/OD) of obsolete munitions. Energetic materials undergo varying degrees of chemical and biochemical transformation depending on the compounds involved and environmental factors. This paper addresses the occurrence of energetic materials in soils including a discussion of their fates after contact with soil. Emphasis is placed on the explosives 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX), and the propellant ingredients nitroglycerin (NG), nitroguanidine (NQ), nitrocellulose (NC), 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT), and perchlorate.
Treatment of Color Filter Wastewater by Fresnel Lens Enhanced Solar Photo-Fenton Process
Authors: Kuo Wen-shiuh , Wu Chia-ling
Published: May 2012

Treatment of color filter wastewater using solar photo-Fenton process enhanced by high-concentrating Fresnel lens was investigated in this paper. Optimal reaction conditions based on response surface methodology (RSM) were established as under an initial pH of 5, a [H2O2]0/COD0ratio of 1~1.35 and a [H2O2]0/[Fe2+]0ratio of 15 for a reaction time of 60 min, which could reach a readily biodegradable level, that is, the biodegradability (BOD5/COD) of wastewater was more than 0.3. With the assistance of Fresnel lens, the solar photo-Fenton process increased the COD degradation rate and mineralization rate by a factor of 4.5 and 6.5, respectively. In addition, the microtoxicity (TU50) of wastewater was almost diminished after a 60 min of treatment, whereas the microtoxicity of treated wastewater without the assistance of Fresnel lens remained a TU50value of 1.166. This could be mainly due to the concentrating effect of Fresnel lens for solar energy, resulting in an increase of 2~3 times of solar light intensity and a raising heat irradiation in terms of 15~30 °C of wastewater temperature. These results revealed that solar energy could be concentrated effectively by using Fresnel lens and showed a significant promoting effect on the photo-Fenton reaction for treating color filter wastewater.
Significance of CD44 and CD24 as Cancer Stem Cell Markers: An Enduring Ambiguity
Authors: Jaggupilli Appalaraju , Elkord Eyad
Published: May 2012

Cancer stem cell population is a subset of cells capable of dictating invasion, metastasis, heterogeneity, and therapeutic resistance in tumours. Eradication of this rare population is a new insight in cancer treatment. However, prospective identification, characterization, and isolation of these CSCs have been a major challenge. Many studies were performed on surface markers for potential identification and isolation of CSCs. Lack of universal expression of surface markers limits their usage and no best combination of markers has yet been confirmed to identify CSCs capable of initiating and metastasizing tumours. CD44, a hyaluronic acid receptor, is one of the most commonly studied surface markers, which is expressed by almost every tumour cell. CD24, a heat stable antigen, is another surface marker expressed in many tumour types. However, their expression and prognostic value in isolating CSCs are still an enduring ambiguity. In this critical review, we assess the role of CD44 and CD24 in tumour initiation, development, and metastasis. We mainly focus on analysing the significance of CD44 and CD24 as CSC surface markers in combination or with other putative markers in different types of cancer.
The Poor Survival among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Chiapas, Mexico: The Case of Los Altos Region
Authors: Nájera-Ortiz J. C. , Sánchez-Pérez H. J. , Ochoa-Díaz-López H. , Leal-Fernández G. , Navarro-Giné A.
Published: May 2012

Objective. To analyse survival in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and factors associated with such survival.Design. Study of a cohort of patients aged over 14 years diagnosed with PTB from January 1, 1998 to July 31, 2005. During 2004–2006 a home visit was made to each patient and, during 2008-2009, they were visited again. During these visits a follow-up interview was administered; when the patient had died, a verbal autopsy was conducted with family members. Statistical analysis consisted of survival tests, Kaplan-Meier log-rank test and Cox regression.Results. Of 305 studied patients, 68 had died due to PTB by the time of the first evaluation, 237 were followed-up for a second evaluation, and 10 of them had died of PTB. According to the Cox regression, age (over 45 years) and treatment duration (under six months) were associated with a poorer survival. When treatment duration was excluded, the association between poorer survival with age persisted, whereas with having been treated via DOTS strategy, was barely significant.Conclusions. In the studied area it is necessary that patients receive a complete treatment scheme, and to give priority to patients aged over 45 years.
Barrett’s Esophagus: Emerging Knowledge and Management Strategies
Authors: Bhardwaj Atul , Stairs Douglas B. , Mani Haresh , McGarrity Thomas J.
Published: May 2012

The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has increased exponentially in the last 3 decades. Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is the only known precursor of EAC. Patients with BE have a greater than 40 folds higher risk of EAC compared with the general population. Recent years have witnessed a revolution in the clinical and molecular research related to BE. However, several aspects of this condition remain controversial. Data regarding the true prevalence of BE have varied widely. Recent studies have suggested a lower incidence of EAC in nondysplastic BE (NDBE) than previously reported. There is paucity of prospective data showing a survival benefit of screening or surveillance for BE. Furthermore, the ever-increasing emphasis on healthcare cost containment has called for reexamination of the screening and surveillance strategies for BE. There is a need for identification of reliable clinical predictors or molecular biomarkers to risk-stratify patients who might benefit the most from screening or surveillance for BE. Finally, new therapies have emerged for the management of dysplastic BE. In this paper, we highlight the key areas of controversy and uncertainty surrounding BE. The paper discusses, in detail, the current literature about the molecular pathogenesis, biomarkers, histopathological diagnosis, and management strategies for BE.
An Adaptive Test Sheet Generation Mechanism Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Lin Huan-Yu , Su Jun-Ming , Tseng Shian-Shyong
Published: May 2012

For test‐sheet composition systems, it is important to adaptively compose test sheets with diverse conceptual scopes, discrimination and difficulty degrees to meet various assessment requirements during real learning situations. Computation time and item exposure rate also influence performance and item bank security. Therefore, this study proposes an Adaptive Test Sheet Generation (ATSG) mechanism, where a Candidate Item Selection Strategy adaptively determines candidate test items and conceptual granularities according to desired conceptual scopes, and an Aggregate Objective Function applies Genetic Algorithm (GA) to figure out the approximate solution of mixed integer programming problem for the test‐sheet composition. Experimental results show that the ATSG mechanism can efficiently, precisely generate test sheets to meet the various assessment requirements than existing ones. Furthermore, according to experimental finding, Fractal Time Series approach can be applied to analyze the self‐similarity characteristics of GA’s fitness scores for improving the quality of the test‐sheet composition in the near future.
Biperiden Dependence: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Espi Martinez Fernando , Espi Forcen Fernando , Shapov Arlenne , Martinez Moya Amparo
Published: May 2012

Anticholinergic drugs are frequently used in psychiatry for the prophylaxis and treatment of extrapiramidal symptoms caused by neuroleptics. Abuse of anticholinergic agents has been reported in patients with psychotic disorders, on treatment with neuroleptics, and polysubstance use disorders. We are reporting the case of a patient who presented with hypoactive delirium as a consequence of biperiden dependence. The clinician must pay special attention to detect anticholinergic misuse in patients presenting with delirium of unknown cause.
Clear Cell Sarcoma (Malignant Melanoma) of Soft Parts: A Clinicopathologic Study of 52 Cases
Authors: Hocar O. , Le Cesne A. , Berissi S. , Terrier P. , Bonvalot S. , Vanel D. , Auperin A. , Le Pechoux C. , Bui B. , Coindre J. M. , Robert C.
Published: May 2012

Clear cell sarcomas are aggressive, rare soft tissue tumors and their classification among melanoma or sarcoma is still undetermined due to their clinical, pathologic, and molecular properties found in both types of tumors. This is a retrospective study of 52 patients with CCS seen between April 1979 and April 2005 in two institutions. The EWS-ATF-1 fusion transcript was studied in 31 patients and an activating mutation of theBRAForNRASgene was researched in 22 patients. 30 men and 22 women, with a mean age of 33 were studied. Forty-three tumors (82.69%) were located in the extremities, specially the foot (19 tumors). Median initial tumor size was 4.8 cm (1 to 15 cm). Necrosis involving more than 50% of the tumor cells was found in 14 cases (26.92%). High mitotic rate (>10) was found in 25 cases (48.07%). The EWS/ATF-1 translocation was found in 28 (53.84%) of 31 patients studied, and mutation ofBRAForNRASwas found in only 2 of 22 patients analyzed cases (3.84%). Among the tumor-associated parameters, only tumor size (>4 cm) emerged as a significant prognostic factor. Forty-nine patients had a localized disease at diagnosis (94.23%) and underwent surgical resection immediately (90%) or after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT) (10%). Various CT regimens were used in 37 patients (71.15%) with no significant efficacy. The 5- and 10-year OS rates were 59% and 41%, respectively. Tumor size was the only emerging prognosis factor in our series. Complete surgical resection remains the optimal treatment for this aggressive chemoresistant tumor.
Impact of Frequent Nocturnal Hemodialysis on Myocardial Mechanics and Cardiomyocyte Gene Expression
Authors: Chan Christopher T. , Arab Sara , Carasso Shemy , Moravsky Gil , Li Guo Hua , Liu Peter P. , Rakowski Harry
Published: May 2012

Background—

Regression of left ventricular mass with nocturnal hemodialysis has been observed. The influence of nocturnal hemodialysis on myocardial mechanics and cardiomyocyte gene expression is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Forty-two patients (30 male:12 female; age, 44 ± 12 years [mean±SD]) with end-stage renal disease were followed for 3.1 ± 1.8 years before and after conversion to nocturnal hemodialysis and were compared with 29 normal subjects (18 male:11 female; age, 48 ± 13 years). Myocardial mechanics were assessed by 2-dimensional velocity vector imaging. Uremic plasma (10%) was added to cultures of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rat ventricular myocytes. Total RNA was isolated from cell cultures and subjected to differential gene expression profiling with specific interest in genes affecting apoptosis and fibrosis. Left ventricular mass index and left atrial volume index decreased from 122.6 ± 42.6 to 98.5 ± 34.9 g/m
2
(
P
<0.001) and 25.9 ± 9.1 to 22.5 ± 9.6 cm
3
/m
2
(
P
=0.005), respectively. Left ventricular apical circumferential strain and basal rotation improved after conversion to nocturnal hemodialysis and approximated normal values. Nocturnal hemodialysis increased sessional dialysis dose and lowered parathyroid hormone levels (from 51 ± 67 to 24 ± 37 pmol/L,
P
<0.05) and phosphate. Under conventional hemodialysis conditions, there was an upregulation of genes leading to apoptosis and fibrosis in cardiomyocytes. The change in left ventricle rotation was associated with the change in parathyroid hormone values (
r
=0.37,
P
=0.02) and to the change in left ventricle mass (
r
=0.31,
P
=0.046).

Conclusions—

Frequent hemodialysis is associated with improvement in myocardial mechanics and cardiac gene expression profile, which warrants prognostic validation.
A Ventilation Index for Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Tang Brian , Emanuel Kerry
Published: May 2012

An important environmental control of both tropical cyclone intensity and genesis is vertical wind shear. One hypothesized pathway by which vertical shear affects tropical cyclones is midlevel ventilation—or the flux of low-entropy air into the center of the tropical cyclone. Based on a theoretical framework, a ventilation index is introduced that is equal to the environmental vertical wind shear multiplied by the nondimensional midlevel entropy deficit divided by the potential intensity. The ventilation index has a strong influence on tropical cyclone climatology. Tropical cyclogenesis preferentially occurs when and where the ventilation index is anomalously low. Both the ventilation index and the tropical cyclone's normalized intensity, or the intensity divided by the potential intensity, constrain the distribution of tropical cyclone intensification. The most rapidly intensifying storms are characterized by low ventilation indices and intermediate normalized intensities, while the most rapidly weakening storms are characterized by high ventilation indices and high normalized intensities. Since the ventilation index can be derived from large-scale fields, it can serve as a simple and useful metric for operational forecasts of tropical cyclones and diagnosis of model errors.
Annular Mode–Like Variation in a Multilayer Quasigeostrophic Model
Authors: Zhang Yang , Yang Xiu-Qun , Nie Yu , Chen Gang
Published: May 2012

Eddy–zonal flow interactions in the annular modes are investigated in this study using a modified beta-plane multilayer quasigeostrophic (QG) channel model. This study shows the different response of high- and low-phase-speed (frequency) eddies to the zonal wind anomalies and suggests a baroclinic mechanism through which the two eddies work symbiotically maintaining the positive eddy feedback in the annular modes. Analysis also indicates that the different roles played by these two eddies in the annular modes are related to the differences in their critical line distributions. Eddies with higher phase speeds experience a low-level critical layer at the center of the jet. They drive the zonal wind anomalies associated with the annular mode but weaken the baroclinicity of the jet in the process. Lower-phase-speed eddies encounter low-level critical lines on the jet flanks. While their momentum fluxes are not as important for the jet shift, they play an important role by restoring the lower-level baroclinicity at the jet center, creating a positive feedback loop with the fast eddies that extends the persistence of the jet shift.

The importance of the lower-level baroclinicity restoration by the low-phase-speed eddies in the annular modes is further demonstrated in sensitivity runs, in which surface friction on eddies is increased to selectively damp the low-phase-speed eddies. For simulations in which the low-phase-speed eddies become inactive, the leading mode of the zonal wind variability shifts from the position fluctuation to a pulsing of the jet intensity. Further studies indicate that the response of the lower-level baroclinicity to the zonal wind anomalies caused by the low-phase-speed eddies can be crucial in maintaining the annular mode–like variations.
Excitation Mechanisms of the Teleconnection Patterns Affecting the July Precipitation in Northwest China
Authors: Chen Guosen , Huang Ronghui
Published: May 2012

Using observational rainfall data and atmospheric reanalysis data, the precipitation variations in Northwest China during July and the corresponding atmospheric teleconnection patterns are studied. The results indicate that the leading modes of July precipitation variations in Northwest China are affected by the Silk Road pattern and the Europe–China (EC) pattern. The analysis suggests that the circumglobal teleconnection (CGT) could be considered as the interannual component of the Silk Road pattern.

To investigate the excitation mechanisms for the CGT pattern and EC pattern on interannual time scales, the singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis is performed between 200-hPa meridional wind velocity over the region of (30°–60°N, 30°–130°E) and tropical rainfall between (15°S and 30°N). The results suggest that the tropical heating anomalies most responsible for the CGT pattern are located over the North Indian Ocean, and the tropical heating anomalies most responsible for EC pattern are located over equatorial central Pacific, Indonesia, and tropical Atlantic. The tropical heating anomalies excite the CGT pattern and EC pattern by inducing divergent flow at the upper troposphere, and the advections of vorticity by the divergent component of the flow act as effective Rossby wave sources. Further analysis indicates that the tropical rainfall anomalies responsible for the CGT pattern and EC pattern are the leading modes of tropical rainfall variations, and these modes of tropical rainfall variations are related to the SST anomalies.
Neighborhood Diversity, Metropolitan Constraints, and Household Migration
Authors: Crowder Kyle , Pais Jeremy , South Scott J.
Published: May 2012

Focusing on micro-level processes of residential segregation, this analysis combines data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics with contextual information from three censuses and several other sources to examine patterns of residential mobility between neighborhoods populated by different combinations of racial and ethnic groups. We find that despite the emergence of multiethnic neighborhoods, stratified mobility dynamics continue to dominate, with relatively few black or white households moving into neighborhoods that could be considered multiethnic. However, we also find that the tendency for white and black households to move between neighborhoods dominated by their own group varies significantly across metropolitan areas. Black and white households’ mobility into more integrated neighborhoods is shaped substantially by demographic, economic, political, and spatial features of the broader metropolitan area. Metropolitan-area racial composition, the stock of new housing, residential separation of black and white households, poverty rates, and functional specialization emerge as particularly important predictors. These macro-level effects reflect opportunities for intergroup residential contact as well as structural forces that maintain residential segregation.
Segregation and Poverty Concentration
Authors: Quillian Lincoln
Published: May 2012

A key argument of Massey and Denton’s (1993) American Apartheid is that racial residential segregation and non-white group poverty rates combine interactively to produce spatially concentrated poverty. Despite a compelling theoretical rationale, empirical tests of this proposition have been negative or mixed. This article develops a formal decomposition model that expands Massey’s model of how segregation, group poverty rates, and other spatial conditions combine to form concentrated poverty. The revised decomposition model allows for income effects on cross-race neighborhood residence and interactive combinations of multiple spatial conditions in the formation of concentrated poverty. Applying the model to data reveals that racial segregation and income segregation within race contribute importantly to poverty concentration, as Massey argued. Almost equally important for poverty concentration, however, is the disproportionate poverty of blacks’ and Hispanics’ other-race neighbors. It is thus more accurate to describe concentrated poverty in minority communities as resulting from three segregations: racial segregation, poverty-status segregation within race, and segregation from high- and middle-income members of other racial groups. The missing interaction Massey expected in empirical tests can be found with proper accounting for the factors in the expanded model.
Impact of Smoking and Smoking Cessation on Arterial Stiffness in Healthy Participants
Authors: Yu-Jie Wei , Hui-Liang Liu , Bing Liu , Lu Zhang , Zhi-Geng Jin
Published: May 2012

Smoking is associated with increased arterial stiffness. However, the impact of smoking cessation on arterial stiffness remains unknown. We investigated the effect of smoking cessation on arterial stiffness. Healthy participants (n = 209) were divided into nonsmoking (NSm, n = 96), quit smoking (QSm, n = 61), and maintained smoking groups (MSm, n = 52). Arterial stiffness indexes (ankle–brachial index [ABI] and brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity [baPWV]) were assessed at baseline, and after 6 and 12 months. Baseline, arterial stiffness was significantly higher in the MSm and QSm groups than in the NSm group ( P < .001). In the QSm group, there was significant difference in ABI between baseline and 12 months ( P = .03). No significant differences were shown in baPWV. Both ABI and baPWV were similar between QSm and MSm group at 12 months. However, there was significant difference between QSm and NSm groups ( P < .001). This study shows that 12 months of smoking cessation is associated with improved arterial stiffness.
Grid Matrix: a grid simulation tool to focus on the propagation of resource and monitoring information
Authors: Mocskos Esteban E , Yabo Pablo , Turjanski Pablo G , Fernández Slezak Diego
Published: May 2012

Grid Computing proposes unlimited access to different computational resources in a transparent way. High performance execution in grid environments is virtually impossible without timely access to accurate and up-to-date information related to distributed resources and services. Due to inherent difficulty of testing the different information propagation policies in real grid infrastructures, several simulation frameworks arose to help in this issue. In this work, we present Grid Matrix, an extension to one of the most used grid simulation tools (SimGrid2) to focus on the propagation of monitoring and resource information allowing the creation of virtual grid infrastructures. This extension enables GUI editing of network topology and provides the feature of scripting to define simulation details based on the newly developed C++ and Python bindings of SimGrid2 API. As a case study, Grid Matrix was used to test four different policies: hierarchical, super-peer, best-neighbor and random. The simulated scenario consisted of 96 master nodes based on the real Teragrid infrastructure as was publicly available at the time of writing this paper. We introduce three metrics that capture and summarize the information propagation behavior: LIR, GIR and GIV. LIR captures the local behavior quantifying the amount of up-to-date information in each node. GIR evaluates the global information state in the whole network averaging the LIR values, while GIV measures the variability of LIR. In the presented case, the best results in terms of the proposed metrics were attained by the hierarchical policy, followed by super-peer which outperformed random and best-neighbor. The modern and modular design of the scripting features included in Grid Matrix, in close conjunction with the user friendly GUI happened to be a very powerful tool for the evaluation of new propagation policies of resource information.
Forensic Assessments of Juveniles
Authors: Hoge Robert D.
Published: May 2012

This article provides a discussion of assessments of youth relevant to forensic decisions. The latter include decisions relating to legal processing within the judicial system and the treatment of youth following adjudication. The article begins with a discussion of general issues relating to forensic assessments and a review of the different objectives of forensic assessments. This is followed by a review of relevant ethical and legal considerations. Examples of specific assessment instruments and procedures are presented.
Conventional versus 3‐Dimensional Miniplate in Management of Mandibular Fracture
Authors: Singh Virendra , Puri Puneet , Arya Sanjay , Malik Sunita , Bhagol Amrish
Published: May 2012

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare conventional miniplate (Champy’s) and 3‐dimensional miniplate fixation in the management of mandibular fracture.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Setting

The study was carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Govt. Dental College, Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, India.

Subjects and Methods

A prospective randomized clinical trial was carried out in 50 patients. Patients were randomly assigned to receive a 2.0‐mm 3‐dimensional miniplate (group A) or a 2.0‐mm conventional miniplate (group B). All patients were followed up for 12 weeks postoperatively. Complications were analyzed according to the type of plate used and the site of fracture.

Results

Twenty‐eight fracture sites were treated with the 3‐dimensional miniplate and 28 with the conventional miniplate. Five complications occurred, representing 8.9% of the total. Two complications occurred in group A and 3 in group B, with complication rates equaling 7.14% and 10.71%, respectively. When comparing the overall complication rates according to plates used, the χ2test showed no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P>. 05).

Conclusion

No major difference in terms of treatment outcome is observed in both systems, and both are equally effective in managing mandibular fracture.
Creative Abilities of Indian Managers and Blocks to Creativity Enhancement
Authors: Jain Ravindra , Sharma Pragya
Published: May 2012

In the globalized arena, managers need to play a great variety of roles and in order to be effective performers on such roles, they need to sharpen their creative abilities as well as maintain the various blocks thereto at low level. A preliminary step is to make an assessment of existing state of the strengths and weaknesses regarding the same. As independent investigators, the authors initiated such an assessment with reference to managerial personnel in the selected Indian organizations. The generalized findings of such an assessment will provide some direction to the organizations and their managers for the formulation/re-formulation of appropriate strategies so as to develop creative abilities within themselves. In the present study, creative abilities of the managerial personnel, by and large, have been found at high level. Such a high level of creative abilities is also because blocks to creative personality were found only at moderate level (not at high level). Such a climate favours the initiation and promotion of creativity and innovation. The study also revealed that managerial personnel need to improve their creative abilities in terms of ‘sensitivity’ and ‘entrepreneurship’. The managerial personnel of the selected organizations have perceived themselves as having greater level of ‘allergy to ambiguity’ and they also perceived the other studied blocks to creative personality as having at moderate level (desirably not at low level) which may appear as barriers in the process of nurturing creative abilities and promoting innovation capabilities in the given set-up. Organizations are complex social, political and technical systems and there is no simplistic formula for becoming more creative and innovative in practice.
The Utility of Childhood and Adolescent Obesity Assessment in Relation to Adult Health
Authors: Goldhaber-Fiebert Jeremy D. , Rubinfeld Rachel E. , Bhattacharya Jay , Robinson Thomas N. , Wise Paul H.
Published: May 2012

Background: High childhood obesity prevalence has raised concerns about future adult health, generating calls for obesity screening of young children. Objective: To estimate how well childhood obesity predicts adult obesity and to forecast obesity-related health of future US adults. Design: Longitudinal statistical analyses; microsimulations combining multiple data sets. Data Sources: National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, Population Study of Income Dynamics, and National Health and Nutrition Evaluation Surveys. Methods: The authors estimated test characteristics and predictive values of childhood body mass index to identify 2-, 5-, 10-, and 15 year-olds who will become obese adults. The authors constructed models relating childhood body mass index to obesity-related diseases through middle age stratified by sex and race. Results: Twelve percent of 18-year-olds were obese. While screening at age 5 would miss 50% of those who become obese adults, screening at age 15 would miss 9%. The predictive value of obesity screening below age 10 was low even when maternal obesity was included as a predictor. Obesity at age 5 was a substantially worse predictor of health in middle age than was obesity at age 15. For example, the relative risk of developing diabetes as adults for obese white male 15-year-olds was 4.5 versus otherwise similar nonobese 15-year-olds. For obese 5-year-olds, the relative risk was 1.6. Limitation: Main results do not include Hispanics due to sample size. Past relationships between childhood and adult obesity and health may change in the future. Conclusion: Early childhood obesity assessment adds limited information to later childhood assessment. Targeted later childhood approaches or universal strategies to prevent unhealthy weight gain should be considered.
Does Fair Treatment in the Workplace Matter? An Assessment of Organizational Fairness and Employee Outcomes in Government
Authors: Hassan Shahidul
Published: May 2012

The purpose of the current study was to investigate how perceptions of organizational fairness may facilitate positive outcomes and prevent negative consequences in government organizations. In that effort, this study examined relationship between perceived organizational fairness and organizational identification, job involvement and turnover intention with data collected through an organizational survey from 764 professional employees working in 65 geographically distributed offices in an agency in state government. The findings indicated that perceptions of procedural and distributive fairness have positive effects on professional employees’ job involvement and negative influences on their turnover intention, though these effects are mediated by their organizational identification. Implications of these findings for public management theory and practice are discussed.
Cellular Requirements for LARK in the Drosophila Circadian System
Authors: Sundram Vasudha , Ng Fanny S. , Roberts Mary A. , Millán Carola , Ewer John , Jackson F. Rob
Published: May 2012

RNA-binding proteins mediate posttranscriptional functions in the circadian systems of multiple species. A conserved RNA recognition motif (RRM) protein encoded by the lark gene is postulated to serve circadian output and molecular oscillator functions in Drosophila and mammals, respectively. In no species, however, has LARK been eliminated, in vivo, to determine the consequences for circadian timing. The present study utilized RNA interference (RNAi) techniques in Drosophila to decrease LARK levels in clock neurons and other cell types in order to evaluate the circadian functions of the protein. Knockdown of LARK in timeless (TIM)– or pigment dispersing factor (PDF)–containing clock cells caused a significant number of flies to exhibit arrhythmic locomotor activity, demonstrating a requirement for the protein in pacemaker cells. There was no obvious effect on PER protein cycling in lark interference (RNAi) flies, but a knockdown within the PDF neurons was associated with increased PDF immunoreactivity at the dorsal termini of the small ventral lateral neuronal (s-LNv) projections, suggesting an effect on neuropeptide release. The expression of lark RNAi in multiple neurosecretory cell populations demonstrated that LARK is required within pacemaker and nonpacemaker cells for the manifestation of normal locomotor activity rhythms. Interestingly, decreased LARK function in the prothoracic gland (PG), a peripheral organ containing a clock required for the circadian control of eclosion, was associated with weak population eclosion rhythms or arrhythmicity.