bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Murine Leukemia Viruses: Objects and Organisms
Authors: Rein Alan
Published: November 2011

Murine leukemia viruses (MLVs) are among the simplest retroviruses. Prototypical gammaretroviruses encode only the three polyproteins that will be used in the assembly of progeny virus particles. These are the Gag polyprotein, which is the structural protein of a retrovirus particle, the Pol protein, comprising the three retroviral enzymes—protease, which catalyzes the maturation of the particle, reverse transcriptase, which copies the viral RNA into DNA upon infection of a new host cell, and integrase, which inserts the DNA into the chromosomal DNA of the host cell, and the Env polyprotein, which induces the fusion of the viral membrane with that of the new host cell, initiating infection. In general, a productive MLV infection has no obvious effect upon host cells. Although gammaretroviral structure and replication follow the same broad outlines as those of other retroviruses, we point out a number of significant differences between different retroviral genera.
Assessment of Monacolin in the Fermented Products Using Monascus purpureus FTC5391
Authors: Ajdari Zahra , Ebrahimpour Afshin , Abdul Manan Musaalbakri , Hamid Muhajir , Mohamad Rosfarizan , Ariff Arbakariya B.
Published: November 2011

Monacolins, as natural statins, form a class of fungal secondary metabolites and act as the specific inhibitors of HMG‐CoA reductase. The interest in using the fermented products as the natural source of monacolins, instead of statin drugs, is increasing enormously with its increasing demand. In this study, the fermented products were produced by Monascus purpureus FTC5391 using submerged and solid state fermentations. Two commercial Monascus‐fermented products were also evaluated for comparison. Improved methods of monacolins extraction and identification were developed for the assessment of monacolins in the fermented products. Methanol and ethanol were found to be the most favorable solvents for monacolins extraction due to their ability to extract higher amount of monacolin K and higher numbers of monacolin derivatives. Problem related to false‐positive results during monacolins identification was solved by adding monacolin lactonization step in the assessment method. Using this improved method, monacolin derivatives were not detected in all Monascus‐fermented products tested in this study, suggesting that their hypocholesterolemic effects may be due to other compounds other than monacolins.
The Confluence of Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy and Tumor Immunology
Authors: Finkelstein Steven Eric , Timmerman Robert , McBride William H. , Schaue Dörthe , Hoffe Sarah E. , Mantz Constantine A. , Wilson George D.
Published: November 2011

Stereotactic radiation approaches are gaining more popularity for the treatment of intracranial as well as extracranial tumors in organs such as the liver and lung. Technology, rather than biology, is driving the rapid adoption of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), also known as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), in the clinic due to advances in precise positioning and targeting. Dramatic improvements in tumor control have been demonstrated; however, our knowledge of normal tissue biology response mechanisms to large fraction sizes is lacking. Herein, we will discuss how SABR can induce cellular expression of MHC I, adhesion molecules, costimulatory molecules, heat shock proteins, inflammatory mediators, immunomodulatory cytokines, and death receptors to enhance antitumor immune responses.
Pain-Related Fear: A Critical Review of the Related Measures
Authors: Lundberg M. , Grimby-Ekman A. , Verbunt J. , Simmonds M. J.
Published: November 2011

Objectives: In regards to pain-related fear, this study aimed to: (1) identify existing measures and review their measurement properties, and (2) identify the optimum measure for specific constructs of fear-avoidance, pain-related fear, fear of movement, and kinesiophobia. Design: Systematic literature search for instruments designed to measure fear of pain in patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain. Psychometric properties were evaluated by adjusted Wind criteria. Results: Five questionnaires (Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), Fear-Avoidance of Pain Scale (FAPS), Fear of Pain Questionnaire (FPQ), Pain and Anxiety Symptoms Scale (PASS), and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK)) were included in the review. The main findings were that for most questionnaires, there was no underlying conceptual model to support the questionnaire's construct. Psychometric properties were evaluated by diverse methods, which complicated comparisons of different versions of the same questionnaires. Construct validity and responsiveness was generally not supported and/or untested. Conclusion: The weak construct validity implies that no measure can currently identify who is fearful. The lack of evidence for responsiveness restricts the current use of the instruments to identify clinically relevant change from treatment. Finally, more theoretically driven research is needed to support the construct and thus the measurement of pain-related fear.
Involvement of F-Actin in Chaperonin-Containing t-Complex 1 Beta Regulating Mouse Mesangial Cell Functions in a Glucose-Induction Cell Model
Authors: Chen Jin-Shuen , Chang Li-Chien , Wu Chia-Chao , Yeung Lai-King , Lin Yuh-Feng
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of chaperonin-containing t-complex polypeptide 1 beta (CCT2) in the regulation of mouse mesangial cell (mMC) contraction, proliferation, and migration with filamentous/globular-(F/G-) actin ratio under high glucose induction. A low CCT2 mMC model induced by treatment of small interference RNA was established. Groups with and without low CCT2 induction examined in normal and high (H) glucose conditions revealed the following major results: (1) low CCT2 or H glucose showed the ability to attenuate F/G-actin ratio; (2) groups with low F/G-actin ratio all showed less cell contraction; (3) suppression of CCT2 may reduce the proliferation and migration which were originally induced by H glucose. In conclusion, CCT2 can be used as a specific regulator for mMC contraction, proliferation, and migration affected by glucose, which mechanism may involve the alteration of F-actin, particularly for cell contraction.
The Feasibility of Societal Cost Equivalence between Robotic Hysterectomy and Alternate Hysterectomy Methods for Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Shah Neel T. , Wright Kelly N. , Jonsdottir Gudrun M. , Jorgensen Selena , Einarsson Jon I. , Muto Michael G.
Published: November 2011

Objectives. We assess whether it is feasible for robotic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer to be less expensive to society than traditional laparoscopic hysterectomy or abdominal hysterectomy.Methods. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of patient characteristics, operative times, complications, and hospital charges from all () endometrial cancer patients who underwent hysterectomy in 2009 at our hospital. Per patient costs of each hysterectomy method were examined from the societal perspective. Sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulation were performed using a cost-minimization model.Results. 40 (17.1%) of hysterectomies for endometrial cancer were robotic, 91 (38.9%), were abdominal, and 103 (44.0%) were laparoscopic. 96.3% of the variation in operative cost between patients was predicted by operative time (, ). Mean operative time for robotic hysterectomy was significantly longer than other methods (). Abdominal hysterectomy was consistently the most expensive while the traditional laparoscopic approach was consistently least expensive. The threshold in operative time that makes robotic hysterectomy cost equivalent to the abdominal approach is within the range of our experience.Conclusion. It is feasible for robotic hysterectomy to be less expensive than abdominal hysterectomy, but unlikely for robotic hysterectomy to be less expensive than traditional laparoscopy.
A Note on Some Properties of the Weighted q‐Genocchi Numbers and Polynomials
Authors: Jang L. C.
Published: November 2011

We consider the weighted q‐Genocchi numbers and polynomials. From the construction of the weighted q‐Genocchi numbers and polynomials, we investigate many interesting identities and relations satisfied by these new numbers and polynomials.
Antiasthmatic Effects of Herbal Complex MA and Its Fermented Product MA128
Authors: Kim Dong-Seon , Kim Seung-Hyung , Kim Bok-Kyu , Yang Min Cheol , Ma Jin Yeul
Published: November 2011

This study was conducted to determine if oral administration of the novel herbal medicine, MA, and itsLactobacillus acidophilusfermented product, MA128, have therapeutic properties for the treatment of asthma. Asthma was induced in BALB/c mice by systemic sensitization to ovalbumin (OVA) followed by intratracheal, intraperitoneal, and aerosol allergen challenges. MA and MA128 were orally administered 6 times a week for 4 weeks. At 1 day after the last ovalbumin exposure, airway hyperresponsiveness was assessed and samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung cells, and serum were collected for further analysis. We investigated the effect of MA and MA128 on airway hyperresponsiveness, pulmonary eosinophilic infiltration, various immune cell phenotypes, Th2 cytokine production, OVA-specific IgE production, and Th1/Th2 cytokine production in this mouse model of asthma. In BALB/c mice, we found that MA and MA128 treatment suppressed eosinophil infiltration into airways and blood, allergic airway inflammation and AHR by suppressing the production of IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, Eotaxin, and OVA-specific IgE, by upregulating the production of OVA-specific Th1 cytokine (IFN-γ), and by downregulating OVA-specific Th2 cytokine (IL-4) in the culture supernatant of spleen cells. The effectiveness of MA was increased by fermentation withLactobacillus acidophilus.
GLI1 Inhibition Promotes Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Joost Simon , Almada Luciana L. , Rohnalter Verena , Holz Philipp S. , Vrabel Anne M. , Fernandez-Barrena Maite G. , McWilliams Robert R. , Krause Michael , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E. , Lauth Matthias
Published: November 2011

The Hedgehog (HH) pathway has been identified as an important deregulated signal transduction pathway in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a cancer type characterized by a highly metastatic phenotype. In PDAC, the canonical HH pathway activity is restricted to the stromal compartment while HH signaling in the tumor cells is reduced as a consequence of constitutive KRAS activation. Here, we report that in the tumor compartment of PDAC the HH pathway effector transcription factor GLI1 regulates epithelial differentiation. RNAi-mediated knockdown of GLI1 abolished characteristics of epithelial differentiation, increased cell motility, and synergized with TGFβ to induce an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Notably, EMT conversion in PDAC cells occurred in the absence of induction of SNAIL or SLUG, two canonical inducers of EMT in many other settings. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that GLI1 directly regulated the transcription of E-cadherin, a key determinant of epithelial tissue organization. Collectively, our findings identify GLI1 as an important positive regulator of epithelial differentiation, and they offer an explanation for how decreased levels of GLI1 are likely to contribute to the highly metastatic phenotype of PDAC. Cancer Res; 72(1); 88–99. ©2011 AACR.
Colonoscopic Surveillance in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: State of the Art Reduction of Biopsies
Authors: Goetz Martin
Published: November 2011

Longstanding colitis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with an increased risk for intraepithelial neoplasia (IN). White light endoscopy (WLE) with 40–50 random biopsies has been promoted for surveillance but may miss a significant proportion of lesions. In addition, the yield of random biopsies to detect IN is low, and random biopsies are expensive, labor-intensive and distract from scrutinizing the colon. Chromoendoscopy with targeted biopsies has proven its superiority over WLE in multiple randomized trials. It has been incorporated into many national and international guidelines. Virtual chromoendoscopy techniques carry the potential to provide contrast enhancement without spraying color onto the mucosa. However, trials using virtual chromoendoscopy techniques have failed to show enhanced detection of IN compared to WLE so far. Autofluorescence imaging has the potential to serve as a red-flag technique for macroscopic detection of IN by screening large mucosal areas in IBD. Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is able to provide intravital microscopic diagnosis on a cellular level. In a first study, CLE had a high accuracy for prediction of neoplasia. Together, all these modern endoscopy approaches aim at overcoming shortcomings of WLE in a move towards abandoning untargeted random biopsies for targeted, ‘smart’ biopsies. Future efforts to optimize endoscopic surveillance in inflammatory colitis should aim at identifying patients at high risk of developing IN, tailor individual surveillance intervals, use red-flag techniques for IN detection and may even predict response to tailored therapy.
Pharmaceutical Principles of Acid Inhibitors: Unmet Needs
Authors: Krznaric Z. , Ljubas Kelecic D. , Rustemovic N. , Vranesic Bender D. , Ostojic R. , Markos P. , Scarpignato C.
Published: November 2011

Despite the well-established benefits of currently approved delayed-release proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the treatment of acid-related diseases, the unmet needs are still present and although often frustrating, they challenge clinicians. The unmet needs relate to the lack of complete control of acid secretion with oral PPI administration in the management of patients with gastroesophageal symptoms. These substantial groups of patients, who do not respond completely to standard doses of PPIs, are nonresponders, and their lack of response should be considered as PPI failure. Several mechanisms could explain PPI failure: differences in pharmacokinetics, PPI formulation, dosing time and diet, noncompliance, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations, esophageal hypersensitivity, and nocturnal acid breakthrough. To increase the quality of life of these patients and avoid multiple medical consultations and unnecessary investigations, we have to go one step forward and use combined therapy or look towards new treatments beyond acid suppression.
Endoscopic Surveillance in Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Who Needs What and When?
Authors: Baumgart Daniel C.
Published: November 2011

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory diseases resulting from an inappropriate innate and adaptive immune response towards commensal microbiota. Patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis carry an increased risk of developing colon cancer and/or small bowel carcinoma, respectively. The colorectal cancer risks of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease with comparable surface area involvement and disease duration are very similar. Early disease onset, disease extent, severity of inflammation, a family history of sporadic colorectal cancer, efficacy and duration of medical therapy, coexisting primary cholangitis and mucosal dysplasia are all risk factors for colorectal cancer. Regular endoscopic surveillance is endorsed by leading professional societies and outlined in guidelines and consensus statements. The yield of endoscopic surveillance, particularly to detect dysplasia, can be improved with chromoendoscopy with methylene blue dye spray-targeted biopsies, autofluorescence plus high-resolution endoscopy, chromoendoscopy-guided confocal laser microscopy and confocal laser microscopy in combination with narrow band imaging and high-resolution endoscopy. Proper bowel preparation, complete, careful inspection of the entire colon, a minimum withdrawal time and adherence to recommended management guidelines ensure a high-quality study and improve surveillance. Dysplasia can be graded by the Vienna or Riddell classification. Colectomy is recommended for patients with flat high-grade dysplasia confirmed by an expert gastrointestinal pathologist.
Association of Cognitive Function and Risk for Elder Abuse in a Community-Dwelling Population
Authors: Dong XinQi , Simon Melissa , Rajan Kumar , Evans Denis A.
Published: November 2011

Aim: This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional association between cognitive function and elder abuse. Methods: The Chicago Health and Aging Project (CHAP) is a population-based study conducted in a geographically defined community (n = 8,932). We identified 238 CHAP participants who had elder abuse reported to a social services agency. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (perceptual speed), and both immediate and delayed recall of the East Boston Memory Test (episodic memory). An index of global cognitive function scores was derived by averaging the z-scores of all tests. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association of cognitive function domains and risk of elder abuse. Results: After adjusting for confounders, lowest tertiles of global cognition (odd’s ratio, OR 4.18, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 2.44–7.15), MMSE (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.93–4.57), episodic memory (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.49–3.43) and perceptual speed (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.51–3.73) were associated with increased risk of elder abuse. The lowest levels of global cognitive function were associated with an increased risk of physical abuse (OR 3.56, 95% CI 1.08–11.67), emotional abuse (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.41–6.44), caregiver neglect (OR 6.24, 95% CI 2.68–14.54), and financial exploitation (OR 3.71, 95% CI 1.88–7.32). Conclusion: Lower levels of global cognitive function, MMSE, episodic memory and perceptual speed are associated with an increased risk of elder abuse.
Low Levels of X-Inactive Specific Transcript in Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos Derived from Female Bovine Freemartin Donor Cells
Authors: Jeon B.-G. , Rho G.-J. , Betts D.H. , Petrik J.J. , Favetta L.A. , King W.A.
Published: November 2011

The present study compared developmental potential, telomerase activity and transcript levels of X-linked genes (HPRT, MECP2, RPS4X, SLC25A6, XIAP, XIST and ZFX) in bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos reconstructed with cells derived from a freemartin (female with a male co-twin) or from normal female cattle (control). The rates of cleavage, development to blastocyst and hatched blastocyst stage, and the mean numbers of total and inner cell mass cells in the freemartin SCNT embryos were not significantly different from those of control SCNT embryos (p > 0.05). The levels of telomerase activity analyzed by RQ-TRAP in the freemartin SCNT embryos were also similar to those of the normal SCNT embryos. Transcript levels of HPRT, MECP2, RPS4X and XIAP, measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR, were not significantly different between the control and freemartin SCNT embryos (p > 0.05). However, the transcript levels of SLC25A6, XIST and ZFX were significantly decreased in the freemartin SCNT embryos compared to control SCNT embryos (p < 0.05). Transfer of 71 freemartin SCNT embryos to 22 recipient cows resulted in 4 (18%) pregnancies, which were lost between days 28 and 90 of gestation. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that the transcript levels of several X-linked genes, especially XIST, showed an aberrant pattern in the freemartin SCNT embryos, suggesting aberrant X inactivation in freemartin clones which may affect embryo survival.
Survival in Childhood Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Barst Robyn J. , McGoon Michael D. , Elliott C. Gregory , Foreman Aimee J. , Miller Dave P. , Ivy D. Dunbar
Published: November 2011

Background—

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but important cause of morbidity and mortality in children.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed data from 216 patients ≤18 years of age at diagnosis who were enrolled in the Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL). Median age at diagnosis and enrollment was 7 and 15 years, respectively. The most frequent presenting symptom was dyspnea (idiopathic/familial PAH, 53%; PAH associated with congenital heart disease, 30%). Presyncope/syncope was more frequent in patients with idiopathic PAH/familial PAH (36%) than in those with PAH associated with congenital heart disease (4%). At diagnosis, mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance index were 56 mm Hg and 17 Wood units · m
2
, respectively. Five-year survival from diagnosis for the overall cohort was 74±6%, with no significant difference between the idiopathic PAH/familial PAH (n=122, 75±7%) and PAH associated with congenital heart disease (n=77, 71±13%) cohorts (
P
=0.53). Older age at diagnosis was the only variable significantly associated with decreased survival from diagnosis. Variables at enrollment that were significantly associated with decreased survival from enrollment included higher pulmonary vascular resistance index, lower-weight
z
scores, and familial PAH. Additional variables at enrollment, identified in a secondary analysis, that were marginally associated with increased survival from enrollment included acute vasoreactivity (adaptation of conventional pediatric definition;
P
=0.087) and lower brain natriuretic peptide (
P
=0.060). None of the 22 patients who were acute responders treated with high-dose calcium channel blockade as monotherapy or combination therapy died within 5 years of diagnosis.

Conclusion—

Using REVEAL, we identified key predictors of survival in childhood PAH. Refining these prognostic parameters should help clinicians improve outcomes.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00370214.
Comparison of the Durations of Mild Therapeutic Hypothermia on Outcome After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in the Rat
Authors: Ye Sen , Weng Yinlun , Sun Shijie , Chen Wei , Wu Xiaobo , Li Zilong , Weil Max Harry , Tang Wanchun
Published: November 2011

Background—

Current studies have demonstrated that applying therapeutic hypothermia for 12 to 24 hours after resuscitation from cardiac arrest improves the outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The present study investigated whether a shorter duration of therapeutic hypothermia induced quickly and early after resuscitation would provide an equal improvement in the outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Methods and Results—

Ventricular fibrillation was induced and untreated for 8 minutes in 24 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Defibrillation was attempted after 8 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Seven minutes after resuscitation, animals were randomized into 4 groups (n=6 each): normothermic, hypothermic–2 hours, hypothermic–5 hours, and hypothermic–8 hours. Animals in the hypothermic groups received rapid cooling, which was started 7 minutes after restoration of spontaneous circulation and maintained at 33±0.5°C for 2, 5, or 8 hours. Normothermic animals were maintained at 37±0.2°C. All animals were anesthetized and ventilated for 8 hours after resuscitation. Blood temperature was significantly decreased in the hypothermic groups. Postresuscitation myocardial function, neurological deficit scores, and 72-hour survival were significantly better in animals treated with hypothermia regardless of the duration of cooling. However, significantly better postresuscitation tissue microcirculation, myocardial ejection fraction, and neurological deficit scores were observed in the hypothermic–2 hours animals.

Conclusions—

In a rat model of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a shorter duration of mild hypothermia induced rapidly and early after restoration of spontaneous circulation improved postresuscitation microcirculation, myocardial and cerebral functions, and survival as well as, or better than, prolonged duration of hypothermia after resuscitation.
Formation and Quasi-Periodic Behavior of Outer Spiral Rainbands in a Numerically Simulated Tropical Cyclone*
Authors: Li Qingqing , Wang Yuqing
Published: November 2011

The formation and quasi-periodic behavior of outer spiral rainbands in a tropical cyclone simulated in the cloud-resolving tropical cyclone model version 4 (TCM4) are analyzed. The outer spiral rainbands in the simulation are preferably initiated near the 60-km radius, or roughly about 3 times the radius of maximum wind (RMW). After initiation, they generally propagate radially outward with a mean speed of about 5 m s−1. They are reinitiated quasi-periodically with a period between 22 and 26 h in the simulation. The inner spiral rainbands, which form within a radius of about 3 times the RMW, are characterized by the convectively coupled vortex Rossby waves (VRWs), but the formation of outer spiral rainbands (i.e., rainbands formed outside a radius of about 3 times the RMW) is much more complicated. It is shown that outer spiral rainbands are triggered by the inner-rainband remnants immediately outside the rapid filamentation zone and inertial instability in the upper troposphere. The preferred radial location of initiation of outer spiral rainbands is understood as a balance between the suppression of deep convection by rapid filamentation and the favorable dynamical and thermodynamic conditions for initiation of deep convection.

The quasi-periodic occurrence of outer spiral rainbands is found to be associated with the boundary layer recovery from the effect of convective downdrafts and the consumption of convective available potential energy (CAPE) by convection in the previous outer spiral rainbands. Specifically, once convection is initiated and organized in the form of outer spiral rainbands, it will produce strong downdrafts and consume CAPE. These effects weaken convection near its initiation location. As the rainband propagates outward farther, the boundary layer air near the original location of convection initiation takes about 10 h to recover by extracting energy from the underlying ocean. Convection and thus new outer spiral rainbands will be initiated near a radius of about 3 times the RMW. This will be followed by a similar outward propagation and the subsequent boundary layer recovery, leading to a quasi-periodic occurrence of outer spiral rainbands. In response to the quasi-periodic appearance of outer spiral rainbands, the storm intensity experiences a similar quasi-periodic oscillation with its intensity or intensification rate starting to decrease after about 4 h of the initiation of an outer spiral rainband. The results provide an alternative explanation or one of the mechanisms that are responsible for the quasi-periodic (quasi-diurnal) variation in the intensity and in the area of outflow-layer cloud canopy of observed tropical cyclones.
The CCSM4 Land Simulation, 1850–2005: Assessment of Surface Climate and New Capabilities
Authors: Lawrence David M. , Oleson Keith W. , Flanner Mark G. , Fletcher Christopher G. , Lawrence Peter J. , Levis Samuel , Swenson Sean C. , Bonan Gordon B.
Published: November 2011

This paper reviews developments for the Community Land Model, version 4 (CLM4), examines the land surface climate simulation of the Community Climate System Model, version 4 (CCSM4) compared to CCSM3, and assesses new earth system features of CLM4 within CCSM4. CLM4 incorporates a broad set of improvements including additions of a carbon–nitrogen (CN) biogeochemical model, an urban canyon model, and transient land cover and land use change, as well as revised soil and snow submodels.

Several aspects of the surface climate simulation are improved in CCSM4. Improvements in the simulation of soil water storage, evapotranspiration, surface albedo, and permafrost that are apparent in offline CLM4 simulations are generally retained in CCSM4. The global land air temperature bias is reduced and the annual cycle is improved in many locations, especially at high latitudes. The global land precipitation bias is larger in CCSM4 because of bigger wet biases in central and southern Africa and Australia.

New earth system capabilities are assessed. The present-day air temperature within urban areas is warmer than surrounding rural areas by 1°–2°C, which is comparable to or greater than the change in climate occurring over the last 130 years. The snow albedo feedback is more realistic and the radiative forcing of snow aerosol deposition is calculated as +0.083 W m−2 for present day. The land carbon flux due to land use, wildfire, and net ecosystem production is a source of carbon to the atmosphere throughout most of the historical simulation. CCSM4 is increasingly suited for studies of the role of land processes in climate and climate change.
Wavelet Support Vector Machines for Forecasting Precipitation in Tropical Cyclones: Comparisons with GSVM, Regression, and MM5
Authors: Wei Chih-Chiang
Published: November 2011

This study presents two support vector machine (SVM) based models for forecasting hourly precipitation during tropical cyclone (typhoon) events. The two SVM-based models are the traditional Gaussian kernel SVMs (GSVMs) and the advanced wavelet kernel SVMs (WSVMs). A comparison between the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research (PSU–NCAR) Mesoscale Model (MM5) and statistical models, including SVM-based models and linear regressions (regression), was made in terms of performance of rainfall prediction at the Shihmen Reservoir watershed in Taiwan. Data from 73 typhoons affecting the Shihmen Reservoir watershed were included in the analysis. This study designed six attribute combinations with different lag times for the forecast target. The modified RMSE, bias, and estimated threat score (ETS) results were employed to assess the predicted outcomes. Results show that better attribute combinations for typhoon climatologic characteristics and typhoon precipitation predictions occurred at 0-h lag time with modified RMSE values of 0.288, 0.257, and 0.296 in GSVM, WSVM, and the regression, respectively. Moreover, WSVM having average bias and ETS values close to 1.0 gave better predictions than did the GSVM and regression models. In addition, Typhoons Zeb (1998) and Nari (2001) were selected for comparison between the MM5 model output and the developed statistical models. Results showed that the MM5 tended to overestimate the peak and cumulative rainfall amounts while the statistical models were inclined to yield underestimations.
The Impact of Perceived Discrimination and Social Support on the School Performance of Multiethnic Sexual Minority Youth
Authors: Craig Shelley L. , Smith Mark S.
Published: November 2011

Sexual minority youth are known to face increased risk of poor school performance; however, little research has focused on the educational experiences of multiethnic sexual minority youth (MSMY) in particular. Using venue-based sampling approaches, this study surveyed 255 MSMY at 15 urban high schools. The majority of participants identified as female (65%), Latina (58%), and bisexual (41%), with a mean age of 16. The use of structural equation modeling techniques found that 23% of the variance of school performance was explained by the multivariate model. Examination of the model path coefficients revealed that experiences of perceived discrimination had a powerfully negative influence on the school performance of MSMY. Whereas increased family support was associated with better school performance, neither peer nor school support had similar impact. In addition, levels of support did not significantly moderate the effect of perceived discrimination on MSMY.
Becoming a Heavily Tattooed Young Body
Authors: Ferreira Vitor Sérgio
Published: November 2011

Why some young people start to tattoo their bodies? And why some of them keep going on with this practice, until having all body tattooed? What doing so means to them? These are some of the questions that underlie a qualitative research project carried out in Portugal on heavily tattooed young people. In this article, the author discusses their embodied trajectory from the first experiences to their involvement in a body project, and explains the meanings involved in this extreme corporeality. The analysis takes into consideration the structural dynamics that define how young people live their transitions and their identity construction nowadays to contextualize what appears as individual experiences and projects without reifying the individual as a privileged site of knowledge. Based on in-deph comprehensive interviews, the author demonstrates that the engagement of young people in this permanent body modification project represents an embodied struggle for the maintenance of a desired subjectivity. In an increasingly liquid and uncertain society, some young people ink larges extensions of their bodies searching for social recognition as different, authentic, and autonomous individuals and trying to maintain their core identity during transitional turning points.
Assessing Developmental Assessment in Community Colleges
Authors: Hughes Katherine L. , Scott-Clayton Judith
Published: November 2011

For many students entering community colleges, the first stop on campus is to an assessment center. More than half of these students will be placed into developmental education as a result of their scores on reading, writing, and mathematics entry assessments, yet there is little evidence that this improves student outcomes. We examine alternative perspectives on the role of assessment and how it is best implemented, review the validity of the most common assessments, and discuss emerging directions in assessment policy and practice. We conclude with implications for policy and research.
Living with helicopter noise – evaluating sound insulation techniques for domestic dwellings using real helicopters
Authors: Kerry Geoff , Waddington David , Lomax Claire
Published: November 2011

Specific remedial works designed to improve sound installation and reduce the noise level produced by helicopters inside dwellings are described. The theoretical problems and practical solutions to installing high-performance acoustic insulation to a traditional property in the United Kingdom are presented. A novel application of ISO 140-5 is presented using real helicopters to measure sound insulation in situ in the presence of multiple flanking transmission paths. Dedicated field trials to evaluate the performance of such acoustic double-glazing and associated modifications systems were performed and the precautions taken to minimise measurement uncertainties over the extended time period of the trials are detailed. The field trials involved the use of military training helicopters following selected flight paths around the property, while noise-level measurements were made internally and externally, before and after replacement of the existing single-glazed windows and attenuated ventilation units were installed. The results show that after replacing the main windows with acoustic insulated glazing units, sound insulation levels of 40 dB or above are achieved in most rooms. The results also illustrate the importance of effectively addressing ventilation when windows are replaced. It is concluded that despite complications due to sound flanking and regulatory ventilation, the use of acoustic double-glazing units and properly attenuated ventilation units can effectively reduce helicopter noise in suitable dwellings.

Practical application: This article provides an evaluation of ways in which the sound insulation of dwellings can be practically improved to reduce the impact on everyday living of noise from helicopter operations. It addresses concerns about the practical use of high-performance acoustic insulated glazing units (IGUs) used in combination with acoustic through-the-wall ventilation. It also addresses the existence of multiple flanking sound paths. Sound insulation data from a field trial involving a conventional brick-built house obtained before modification is compared in a controlled manner with that obtained after fitting acoustic IGUs and after introducing ventilation to comply with current Building Regulations.
Force Measurements in the Medial Meniscus Posterior Horn Attachment
Authors: Markolf Keith L. , Jackson Steven R. , McAllister David R.
Published: November 2011

Background: Tears of the medial meniscus posterior horn attachment (PHA) occur clinically, and an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–deficient knee may be more vulnerable to this injury.

Hypothesis: The PHA forces from applied knee loadings will increase after removal of the ACL.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: A cap of bone containing the medial meniscus PHA was attached to a load cell that measured PHA tensile force. Posterior horn attachment forces were recorded before and after ACL removal during anteroposterior (AP) laxity testing at ±200 N and during passive knee extension tests with 5 N·m tibial torque and varus-valgus moment. Selected tests were also performed with 500 N joint load.

Results: For AP tests with no joint load, ACL removal increased laxity between 0° and 90° and increased PHA force generated by applied anterior tibial force between 30° and 90°. For AP tests with an intact ACL, application of joint load approximately doubled PHA forces. Anteroposterior testing of ACL-deficient knees was not possible with joint load because of bone cap failures from high PHA forces. Removal of the ACL during knee extension tests under joint load significantly increased PHA forces between 20° and 90° of flexion. For unloaded tests with applied tibial torque and varus-valgus moment, ACL removal had no significant effect on PHA forces.

Conclusion: Applied anterior tibial force and external tibial torque were loading modes that produced relatively high PHA forces, presumably by impingement of the medial femoral condyle against the medial meniscus posterior horn rim. Under joint load, an ACL-deficient knee was particularly susceptible to PHA injury from applied anterior tibial force.

Clinical Relevance: Because tensile forces developed in the PHA are also borne by meniscus tissue near the attachment site, loading mechanisms that produce high PHA forces could also produce complete or partial radial tears near the posterior horn, a relatively common clinical observation.
Solid recovered fuels in the steel industry
Authors: Kepplinger Werner L , Tappeiner Tamara
Published: November 2011

By using waste materials as alternative fuels in metallurgical plants it is possible to minimize the traditionally used reducing agents, such as coke, coal, oil or natural gas. Moreover, by using waste materials in the metallurgical industry it is feasible to recover these materials as far as possible. This also represents another step towards environmental protection because carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced, if the H2 content of the waste material is greater in comparison with that of the substituted fuel and the effects of global warming can therefore be reduced. In the present article various solid recovered fuels and their applications in the metallurgical industry are detailed.
Nanofibrous electrospun barrier membrane promotes osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Wang Ping , Gong Ping , Lin Yi , Qu Yili , Li Jidong , Kong Xiangli , Chen Zhiqing , Man Yi
Published: November 2011

An electrospun polysulfone (PSU) was prepared as a barrier membrane for guided bone regeneration. The membrane was in nanoscale to prevent fibrous tissue infiltration and highly porous to allow permeation of oxygen and nutrients. The morphology and attachment, viability and proliferation, and differentiation and mineralization of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs) were determined. Cells adhered and spread well on the PSU membrane with characteristic polygonal, fusiform shapes and radial extensions. The live/dead staining revealed that the membrane had no negative influence on cell viability. The proliferation rates of HBMSCs on PSU membranes were lower in comparison with tissue-culture polystyrene plate after 3 days of culture. However, differentiation activity was particularly expressed at high levels when cells were cultured on PSU membranes. The results based on the data suggest that the PSU electrospun membrane promoted the osteogenic differentiation of HBMSCs, displayed desirable in vitro biocompatibility, and has good potential as a barrier membrane.
Assessment of oxidative stress and chromosomal aberration inducing potential of three medical grade silicone polymer materials
Authors: Vijayalakshmi P , Geetha CS , Mohanan PV
Published: November 2011

Medical expenditures for devices are increasing along with the ageing of human population and the synthesis of materials such as silicone polymers is on upsurge for manufacturing these devices. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) emphasizes a battery of tests for preclinical assessment of biocompatibility of medical devices. Genotoxicity assays have become an integral component of these test procedures and it employs a set of in vitro and in vivo experiments to detect mutagens. Hence, this study was performed with an intention to investigate the genotoxic potential of the physiological saline extracts of three medical grade silicone polymer materials by the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay using human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Further, the oxidative stress inducing potential of the material extracts was investigated in vivo in mice liver homogenates using cyclophosphamide as positive control. The investigation revealed that none of the three materials were able to produce marked human lymphocyte chromosomal aberration, suggesting the absence of mutagens. The materials also showed negative results in their oxidative stress inducing potential, which was revealed by the normal levels of lipid peroxidation and unaltered levels of glutathione and its metabolizing enzymes in the mice liver tissue homogenates. It was interesting to observe a significant correlation between the genotoxic and antioxidant parameters investigated. Hence, it is suggested that the estimation of antioxidant status would serve as a better preliminary testing procedure prior to evaluating the genetic and molecular toxicity mechanisms of medical devices and/or materials intended for manufacture of such devices.
Micro- and macro-impregnation of fabrics using thermoplastic matrices
Authors: Gennaro Riccardo , Greco Antonio , Maffezzoli Alfonso
Published: November 2011

In this work, a method developed for the measurement of the transversal permeability of fibrous reinforcement is presented. The permeability of a reinforcement is defined by the Darcy equation and can be obtained once the pressure drop through the reinforcement and the viscosity and average velocity of the fluid are known. The method used in this work is based on a proper modification of a capillary rheometer, obtained by substituting the capillary with a tool, capable of sustaining the reinforcement during reinforcement impregnation and through thickness flow. The developed device was used to measure the pressure built during the flow at different velocities of the rheometer piston. The impregnation tests were performed at different temperatures using a high-viscosity matrix characterized by a Newtonian behaviour. At each temperature, pressure versus velocity plots showed two distinct zones, each characterized by a different slope. The slope observed at low pressures was higher than the slope observed at pressures, suggesting an increase in the permeability with increasing pressure or velocity. The double slope was attributed to the existence of two different impregnation mechanisms, the first one being characteristic of the flow of the matrix around the reinforcement bundles and the second is the characteristic of the flow of the matrix inside each bundle. Dimensionless analysis models and scanning electron micrographs were used to support that the slope of the first portion of the plot is due to inter-bundle flow, whereas the slope of the second portion is due to global flow including both inter- and intra-bundle flow.
Nonpharmacological Therapies for Behavioral and Cognitive Symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Hahn Elizabeth A. , Andel Ross
Published: November 2011

Objective: Evaluate research on nonpharmacological treatments for symptoms of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Method: We searched for relevant English-language articles published from 2000 to 2010 using PUBMED and PsycINFO. We included nonpharmacological interventions for treating cognitive and behavioral symptoms in persons with MCI other than cognitive/memory training, which has been reviewed elsewhere. Effect sizes and hazard ratios were calculated when possible. Results: Current research points to the potential influence of behavioral interventions on behavioral symptoms. Exercise/diet interventions may alleviate cognitive deficits, especially cognitive speed and executive functioning, but possibly not memory—a domain central to MCI. Results were limited by small sample sizes, lack of rigorous methodology, short follow-ups, and the limited number of published studies. Discussion: Behavioral, diet, and exercise regimens show some promise with respect to reducing behavioral and cognitive symptomology. Rigorous research studies are needed to create more certainty about their potential to complement drug and/or cognitive therapies.
The lesser evil: Executive accountability with partisan supporters
Authors: Miquel Gerard Padró i , Snowberg Erik
Published: November 2011

We develop a model of electoral accountability with primaries. Prior to the general election, the supporters of each of two parties decide which candidates to nominate. We show that supporters suffer from a fundamental tension: while they want politicians who will faithfully implement the party’s agenda in office, they need politicians who can win elections. Accountability to supporters fails when supporters fear that by punishing or rewarding their incumbent for her loyalty or lack thereof, they unintentionally increase the electoral prospects of the opposing party. Therefore, accountability decreases with the importance that supporters assign to the elections, and it breaks down in two cases. First, a popular incumbent safely defects as she knows she will be re-nominated. Second, an unpopular incumbent defects because she knows she will be dismissed even if she follows the party line. These behaviors are labeled impunity and damnation, respectively, and are illustrated with case studies.
Orthodox Christian Bioethics: Some Foundational Differences from Western Christian Bioethics
Authors: Engelhardt H. Tristram
Published: November 2011

Just as the physics of Newton and Einstein are separated by foundationally different paradigms, so that key terms such as time, space, mass, and energy have different meanings in the different physics, this is also the case with respect to the various Christianities. Given different theological frameworks, the ‘same term’ can have different extensions and intensions. This essay explores the implications of the differences in the theological paradigm shaping Orthodox Christianity in contrast to Western Christianity, in particular Roman Catholicism, with a special focus on the differences in the communities’ appreciation of the wrongness of abortion. Using the example of abortion, the contrast between Orthodox Christianity’s noetically grounded approach to moral-theological issues and that which developed in the West and gave centrality to a philosophically shaped moral theology is explored.