bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Innovative Method to Identify Autoantigens Expressed on the Endothelial Cell Surface: Serological Identification System for Autoantigens Using a Retroviral Vector and Flow Cytometry (SARF)
Authors: Shirai Tsuyoshi , Fujii Hiroshi , Ono Masao , Watanabe Ryu , Ishii Tomonori , Harigae Hideo
Published: January 2013

Autoantibodies against integral membrane proteins are usually pathogenic. Although anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECAs) are considered to be critical, especially for vascular lesions in collagen diseases, most molecules identified as autoantigens for AECAs are localized within the cell and not expressed on the cell surface. For identification of autoantigens, proteomics and expression library analyses have been performed for many years with some success. To specifically target cell-surface molecules in identification of autoantigens, we constructed a serological identification system for autoantigens using a retroviral vector and flow cytometry (SARF). Here, we present an overview of recent research in AECAs and their target molecules and discuss the principle and the application of SARF. Using SARF, we successfully identified three different membrane proteins: fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane protein 2 (FLRT2) from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) from a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, and Pk (Gb3/CD77) from an SLE patient with hemolytic anemia, as targets for AECAs. SARF is useful for specific identification of autoantigens expressed on the cell surface, and identification of such interactions of the cell-surface autoantigens and pathogenic autoantibodies may enable the development of more specific intervention strategies in autoimmune diseases.
MicroRNAs in Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine: Directing Tissue Repair and Cellular Differentiation
Authors: Sluijter Joost P. G.
Published: January 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short noncoding RNA molecules, approximately 22 nucleotides in length, which regulate gene expression through inhibition of the translation of target genes. It is now generally accepted that miRNAs guide processes and cellular functions through precise titration of gene dosage, not only for a single gene but also controlling the levels of a large cohort of gene products. miRNA expression is altered in cardiovascular disease and may thereby limit and impair cardiovascular repair responses. Increasing evidence of the essential role of miRNAs in the self-renewal and differentiation of stem cells suggests the opportunity of using the modulation of miRNA levels or their function in directing cell transplantation, cell behavior, and thereby organ healing. In this paper, an overview of miRNA biogenesis and their way of action and different roles that miRNAs play during the myocardial responses to injury and upon cell transplantation will be provided. We focused on cardiomyocyte survival, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix production, and how miRNAs can direct cell plasticity of injected cells and thus drive differentiation for cardiovascular phenotypes, including vascular differentiation and cardiomyocyte differentiation.
The Prevalence of Asthma and Declared Asthma in Poland on the Basis of ECAP Survey Using Correspondence Analysis
Authors: Zalewska M. , Furmańczyk K. , Jaworski S. , Niemiro W. , Samoliński B.
Published: January 2013

Results of epidemiological and public health surveys are often presented in the form of cross-classification tables. It is sometimes difficult to analyze data described in this way and to understand relations between variables. Graphical methods such as correspondence analysis are more convenient and useful. Our paper describes an application of correspondence analysis to epidemiological research. We apply the basic concepts of correspondence analysis like profiles, chi-square distance to medical data concerning prevalence of asthma. We aim at describing the relationship between asthma, region, and age. The data presented in this paper come from Epidemiology of Allergy in Poland (ECAP) survey in years 2006–2008. Correspondence analysis shows that there is a fundamental difference in the structure of age groups for people with symptoms compared to those who have declared asthma (regardless of the level of symptoms of asthma and the level of declaration). The variable which best differentiates declared asthma in all regions is “wheezing and whistling.” Correspondence analysis also shows significant differences between locations. Our analyses are performed in the R package “ca”.
Shape‐Controlled Metal Nanoparticles and Their Assemblies with Optical Functionalities
Authors: Kawamura Go , Nogami Masayuki , Matsuda Atsunori
Published: January 2013

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) possess excellent optical, optoelectronic, and optochemical properties based on their surface plasmon resonance. However, for practical use, the morphology and assembly of metal NPs need to be controlled. Here, we review facile control methods including seed‐mediated growth accompanied with a comproportionation reaction of seeds to control their morphology and assembly. Several synthetic conditions have been modified to precisely control the morphology of metal NPs. Functionalized mesoporous oxides have also been used as hard templates to align metal nanorods and control their dimensions. The high performance of such metal nanorods in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering, polarization of light, and photocatalysis has been measured, and the reasons for their high performance are discussed.
Musculoskeletal Disorders among Dental Practitioners: Does It Affect Practice?
Authors: Muralidharan Dhanya , Fareed Nusrath , Shanthi M.
Published: January 2013

Background. Literature reviews world over have shown a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental practitioners. Prevalence of MSD among dental practitioners in India is not well documented. Aim. To determine the prevalence and distribution of MSD among dental practitioners in a city in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, India. Material and Methods. A cross sectional descriptive study in which a self-administered questionnaire (the Standardized Nordic questionnaire) was used to assess the musculoskeletal symptoms among dental practitioners. The recorded data was analyzed with SPSS 13. -value 0.05 was considered to statistically significant. Results. Seventy-three dental practitioners participated in the study of which seventy-eight percent had a prevalence of at least one MSD symptom over the past twelve months. Most common areas affected by MSD in order of magnitude were neck (52%), low back (41%), shoulders (29%) and wrist (26%). One third of the practitioners (40%) required sick leave from their practice during the preceding twelve months. Conclusions. High prevalence of MSD exists among our dental practitioners affecting the daily practice of more than one third. Further studies are needed to identify the specific risk factors for MSD so as to introduce effective remedial measures.
A Model-Based Coordinated Control Concept for Steam Power Plants
Authors: Chaibakhsh Ali , Ghaffari Ali
Published: January 2013

An application of model-based coordinated control concept for improving the performance and maneuverability of once-through power plants is presented. In this structure, neuro-fuzzy-based Hammerstein models are employed as the core of feedforward (FF) controller to generate the reference trajectories for the plant’s subsystems. The setpoints for fuel, electrical power, and steam pressure are provided by FF controller with respect to load demands. In order to diminish the effect of disturbances and to compensate deviations between variables and corresponding feedforward setpoints, feedback controllers are considered. The error signal defined by the deviation of desired boiler output pressure from its actual value is used to compensate the demand signals for turbine and boiler. The performance of the proposed control system is compared with that of a conventional turbine-follower and also turbine-follower coordinated control modes during load changes. The results indicate the effectiveness and load tracking capability of the proposed control system at different operating conditions.
Intestinal Obstruction due to Colonic Lithobezoar: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Şenol Metin , Özdemir Zehra Ünal , Şahiner İbrahim Tayfun , Özdemir Hakan
Published: January 2013

Bezoar is defined as the accumulation of undigested foreign bodies or nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. These foreign bodies can be hair (trichobezoar), fibers or seeds of vegetables and fruits (phytobezoar), or remnants of milk (lactobezoar) and stones (lithobezoar). Lithobezoar, the accumulation of stones in the digestive tract, is commonly seen in stomach. In this paper, a 7-year-old girl with colonic lithobezoar who presented with constipation, abdominal pain, and the history of pica was successfully treated by the extraction of the stones under general anesthesia.
Critical Analysis of Strand-Biased Somatic Mutation Signatures in TP53versusIg Genes, in Genome-Wide Data and the Etiology of Cancer
Authors: Lindley Robyn A. , Steele Edward J.
Published: January 2013

Previous analyses of rearranged immunoglobulin (Ig) variable genes (VDJs) concluded that the mechanism of Ig somatic hypermutation (SHM) involves the Ig pre-mRNA acting as a copying template resulting in characteristic strand biased somatic mutation patterns at A:T and G:C base pairs. We have since analysed cancer genome data and found the same mutation strand-biases,in totoor in part, in nonlymphoid cancers. Here we have analysed somatic mutations in a single well-characterised gene TP53. Our goal is to understand the genesis of the strand-biased mutation patterns in TP53—and in genome-wide data—that may arise by “endogenous” mechanisms as opposed to adduct-generated DNA-targeted strand-biased mutations caused by well-characterised “external” carcinogenic influences in cigarette smoke, UV-light, and certain dietary components. The underlying strand-biased mutation signatures in TP53, for many non-lymphoid cancers, bear a striking resemblance to the Ig SHM pattern. A similar pattern can be found in genome-wide somatic mutations in cancer genomes that have also mutated TP53. The analysis implies a role for base-modified RNA template intermediates coupled to reverse transcription in the genesis of many cancers. Thus Ig SHM may be inappropriately activated in many non-lymphoid tissues via hormonal and/or inflammation-related processes leading to cancer.
PCR-Based Detection and Genotyping ofHelicobacter pyloriin Endoscopic Biopsy Samples from Brazilian Patients
Authors: Menoni Silvia M. Ferreira , Bonon Sandra Helena Alves , Zeitune José Murilo Robilota , Costa Sandra Cecília Botelho
Published: January 2013

Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) is considered the second most prevalent infection in man. A precise diagnosis is important for treating patients with the indicative gastrointestinal symptoms. The present study analyzes the effectiveness of a molecular biology method (PCR) comparing the results obtained with the histology and with the rapid urease tests. PCR was used in the detection and genotyping of theH. pyloriurease-C gene and the patterns which were obtained from the patients studied. 141 biopsy samples from 131 patients were evaluated. 59 paraffin biopsies samples were positive forH. pyloriaccording to the histological examination. Of those, 59/12 (20.3%) were amplified using PCR. Of the 82 samples from the fresh biopsies, 64 were positive forH. pyloriaccording to the rapid urease test (78%); there was an agreement of 100% with PCR. Sixty positiveH. pylorisamples were genotyped (58 samples of fresh biopsies and 2 samples of paraffin biopsies) using two restriction enzymes. The patterns observed were analyzed with the computational program BIO 1D; 11 patterns with the enzymeHhaIand 12 patterns with the enzymeMboIwere found. However, it was not possible to find a statistically significant correlation between the specific genotypes and digestive pathologies. Accordingly, future research should be performed to confirm a statistically significant relationship between genotyping and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Proliferation-Independent Control of Tumor Glycolysis by PDGFR-Mediated AKT Activation
Authors: Ran Cong , Liu Huan , Hitoshi Yasuyuki , Israel Mark A.
Published: January 2013

The differences in glucose metabolism that distinguish most malignant and normal tissues have called attention to the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms by which tumor energy metabolism is regulated. Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways that are implicated in proliferation and transformation have been linked to several aspects of tumor glucose metabolism. However, the regulation of glycolysis has invariably been examined under conditions in which proliferation is concomitantly altered. To determine whether RTKs directly regulate glycolysis without prerequisite growth modulation, we first identified a specific RTK signaling pathway, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)/PDGF receptor (PDGFR) that regulates glycolysis in glioma-derived tumor stem-like cells from a novel mouse model. We determined that PDGF-regulated glycolysis occurs independent of PDGF-regulated proliferation but requires the activation of AKT, a known metabolic regulator in tumor. Our findings identifying a key characteristic of brain tumors, aerobic glycolysis, mediated by a pathway with multiple therapeutic targets suggests the possibility of inhibiting tumor energy metabolism while also treating with agents that target other pathways of pathologic significance. Cancer Res; 73(6); 1831–43. ©2013 AACR.
Balanced Tiam1-Rac1 and RhoA Drives Proliferation and Invasion of Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Guo Xingjun , Wang Min , Jiang Jianxin , Xie Chengchen , Peng Feng , Li Xu , Tian Rui , Qin Renyi
Published: January 2013

Tiam1 is a rac1-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor, and Tiam1-rac1 is involved in a number of cellular processes. Rac1 and RhoA act as molecular switches that cycle between GTP- and GDP-bound states to balance the activities of rac1 and RhoA. The downregulation of rac1 activity leads to upregulation of RhoA activity, which promotes invasion and migration of pancreatic cancers cells. At present, however, the role of Tiam1-rac1 and RhoA in pancreatic cancers is not fully understood. We found that Tiam1 was upregulated in pancreatic cancers and was significantly expressed in tumors without lymph node involvement or distant metastasis compared with cancers where there was involvement. Although Tiam1-rac1 signaling promoted pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth via the Wnt signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo, inhibiting Tiam1-rac1 signaling did not prolong the overall survival time in vivo. This provided evidence that there was a balance between rac1 and RhoA activities in pancreatic cancers. Furthermore, only the combined inhibition of Tiam1-rac1 and RhoA had a beneficial effect on the growth of pancreatic cancers in vivo. Taken together, these results suggest that the progression of pancreatic tumors is partially controlled by the balance between Tiam1-rac1 and RhoA. Mol Cancer Res; 11(3); 230–9. ©2012 AACR.
High Cut-Off Renal Replacement Therapy for Removal of Myoglobin in Severe Rhabdomyolysis and Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Series
Authors: Heyne Nils , Guthoff Martina , Krieger Julia , Haap Michael , Häring Hans-Ulrich
Published: January 2013

Background/Aim: Rhabdomyolysis is associated with the release of myoglobin into the circulation, promoting acute kidney injury (AKI). In severe rhabdomyolysis, dialysis-dependent AKI doubles mortality. Standard blood purification techniques have limited efficacy in removing myoglobin. We describe high cut-off (HCO) renal replacement therapy (RRT) as a novel approach for extracorporeal elimination of myoglobin in rhabdomyolysis-associated AKI. Methods: With an in vivo molecular cut-off at 45 kDa, HCO filters are effective in removing myoglobin (17.8 kDa). Clearances across standard and HCO filters using continuous or intermittent RRT are reviewed in a case series of 11 patients with severe rhabdomyolysis and dialysis-dependent AKI. Results: Median myoglobin clearance across standard high-flux filters was 3.3 (interquartile range 2.3–3.9) ml/min for sustained low-efficiency daily dialysis (SLEDD) batch hemodialysis (HD) and 3.7 (2.9–6.7) ml/min for conventional HD. Respective clearances using HCO filters (membrane surface area: 1.1 m2) were 21.7 (20.3–26.1) ml/min (SLEDD) and 44.2 (41.3–47.0) ml/min (HD). Corrected for filter size, up to 20-fold higher clearances were obtained using HCO filters, resulting in profound and sustained reduction of plasma myoglobin concentration. Conclusions: As a novel approach, HCO RRT allows for rapid and effective removal of myoglobin from the circulation. In light of the pathogenic role in AKI, reducing exposure of the kidney to myoglobin may improve renal recovery and patient outcome. Our data pave the way for prospective trials, addressing this issue.
Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury and Risk of Adverse Clinical Outcomes After Coronary Angiography
Authors: James Matthew T. , Samuel Susan M. , Manning Megan A. , Tonelli Marcello , Ghali William A. , Faris Peter , Knudtson Merril L. , Pannu Neesh , Hemmelgarn Brenda R.
Published: January 2013

Background—

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) has been associated with mortality, although it has been suggested this association may be attributable to confounding. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to characterize the associations between CI-AKI and subsequent clinical outcomes.

Methods and Results—

We identified studies using MEDLINE (1950 to June 2011) and Embase (1980 to June 2011), manual bibliographic searches, and contact with experts. We included observational studies that characterized outcomes among patients with and without AKI (based on changes in serum creatinine) after coronary angiography. Eligible studies reported at least 1 of mortality, cardiovascular events, end-stage renal disease, or length of hospital stay. Thirty-nine observational studies met inclusion criteria. Of 34 studies reporting mortality (including 139 603 participants), 33 reported an increased risk of death in those with CI-AKI, although the effect size varied between studies (
I
2
=93.5%). Between-study heterogeneity was partially explained by whether adjustment for confounding features was performed (11 studies without adjustment; pooled crude risk ratio, 8.19; 95% confidence interval, 4.30–15.60;
I
2
=77.3% versus 23 studies with adjustment; pooled adjusted risk ratio, 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.98–2.90;
I
2
=88.3%). CI-AKI was consistently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in 14 studies, end-stage renal disease in 3 studies, and prolonged hospitalization in 11 studies.

Conclusions—

CI-AKI is associated with an increased risk of mortality, cardiovascular events, renal failure, and prolonged hospitalization. However, the association between CI-AKI and mortality is strongly confounded by baseline clinical characteristics that simultaneously predispose to both kidney injury and mortality, and the risk attributable to CI-AKI is much lower than that reported from unadjusted studies.
Cerebral Microbleeds and Cognition in Patients With Symptomatic Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Patel Bhavini , Lawrence Andrew J. , Chung Ai Wern , Rich Philip , MacKinnon Andrew D. , Morris Robin G. , Barrick Thomas R. , Markus Hugh S.
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are common in cerebral small vessel disease. They may cause cognitive impairment, possibly via white matter tract disruption but previous studies have produced inconsistent results. We determined whether CMB number and location are associated with impaired cognition in symptomatic small vessel disease and whether any association was independent of other magnetic resonance imaging markers of small vessel disease.

Methods—

One hundred sixteen patients with lacunar stroke and radiological leukoaraiosis were studied. Neuropsychological assessment was performed. CMBs on gradient echo images were assessed using the Brain Observer Microbleed Rating Scale criteria. Magnetic resonance imaging measures, including diffusion tensor imaging, were also analyzed. Associations between cognitive function and the presence, number, and location of CMBs were determined.

Results—

CMBs were present in 46 (39.7%) patients. CMB number correlated weakly with executive function (
r
=0.22;
P
=0.022) but not with other cognitive indices. CMBs count in the top decile (≥9 CMB, N=12) was more strongly associated with poor executive function; this association remained significant after controlling for T2-lesion load, brain volume, lacune count, and mean diffusivity (b=−0.51;
P
=0.043).

Conclusions—

In symptomatic small vessel disease, CMB number was weakly associated with executive dysfunction. There seemed to be a threshold effect with the association being largely accounted for by an association of impaired executive function with high CMB count. No association of CMBs with other cognitive domains, including processing speed, was found.
Socioeconomic Status and Care After Stroke
Authors: Huang Kun , Khan Nadia , Kwan Allison , Fang Jiming , Yun Lingsong , Kapral Moira K.
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—

Socioeconomic status is inversely associated with mortality after stroke; however, the reasons behind this finding are not well-understood. We undertook a study to determine whether posthospitalization care and medication adherence vary with neighborhood income.

Methods—

We conducted a cohort study of 11 050 patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack admitted to any of 11 specialized stroke centers in Ontario, Canada, between July 1, 2003 and March 31, 2008. Socioeconomic status measured as neighborhood income quintiles was imputed from the 2006 Canadian Census. We used linkages to administrative databases to evaluate processes of stroke care and medication adherence within 1 year of discharge. We used multivariable analyses to assess whether differences in stroke care and medication adherence existed across income groups after adjustment for age, sex, stroke severity, and comorbid conditions.

Results—

Higher income was associated with higher rates of stroke unit admission, neurology consultations, referrals to secondary prevention clinics, and physician visits after hospital discharge; however, the absolute differences in rates were small. There was no difference across income quintiles in the use of postdischarge homecare services or in adherence to antihypertensive, antithrombotic, or lipid-lowering medications.

Conclusions—

Higher income is associated with improvements in some aspects of stroke care delivery. However, the magnitude of the care gap across income quintiles is small and is unlikely to account for the previously observed association between socioeconomic status and survival after stroke.
Trends and Survival Between Ethnic Groups After Stroke
Authors: Wang Yanzhong , Rudd Anthony G. , Wolfe Charles D.A.
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—

To identify trends and differences between ethnic groups in survival after first-ever stroke and examine factors influencing survival.

Methods—

Population-based stroke register of first in a lifetime strokes between 1995 and 2010. Baseline data were collection of sociodemographic factors, stroke subtype, case mix, risk factors before stroke, and receipt of effective acute stroke processes. Survival curves were estimated with Kaplan-Meier methods, and survival analyses were undertaken using Cox Proportional-hazards models.

Results—

Survival improved significantly over this 16-year period (
P
<0.0001). Black Caribbean and black African had a reduced risk of all-cause mortality compared with white patients (hazard ratio, 0.85 [95% confidence interval, 0.74–0.98] and 0.61 [0.49–0.77], respectively) after adjustment for confounders. This survival advantage of black Caribbean/black African over white mainly existed in older patients (over 65). Recent stroke, being black Caribbean/black African, and stroke unit admission were associated with better survival.

Conclusions—

Survival has improved in a multiethnic population over time. The independent survival advantage of black Caribbean and black African over White group in those aged over 65 may be a healthy migrant effect of first generation migrants. The increase in admission to a stroke unit may contribute to the improvement in survival after stroke.
Papias, Origen, and Eusebius: The Criticisms and Defense of the Gospel of John
Authors: Manor T. Scott
Published: January 2013

Abstract

The question of whether or not Papias recorded anything about John’s Gospel has garnered a lot of attention in the scholarly realms of New Testament and Patristics alike. Most notably, Charles E. Hill has recently argued that a portion of Eusebius’ testimony (HE 3.24.5-13) on the origins of the Gospel of John derives from the record of Papias. Aspects of Hill’s proposal are largely convincing, particularly the links he draws between Eusebius’ testimony and other writers who knew the Papian tradition. However, Hill has overestimated the influence of Papias on Eusebius’ account and missed a crucial, albeit subtle, correction by Eusebius against his hero, Origen. This article suggests that the argument for Gospel compatibility found in 3.24.8b-13 is Eusebius’ own direct response to the criticisms raised by Origen that the divergent chronology of the Gospel of John demonstrates its historical unreliability.
The language of evolution: sources of misconception in descriptions of evolutionary processes in non-specialised scientific discourse
Authors: Hindley Philip
Published: January 2013

Non-specialised discourse describing the theory of evolution by natural selection can be misleading. To investigate this problem, descriptions illustrating how the environment affects biological entities and how these entities change over time have been extracted from specialised and non-specialised texts. The noun and verb phrases employed in these descriptions serve as units of analysis to uncover sources of misconception. These lexical items are analysed focusing on the semantic (especially metaphoric) and syntactic notions of "randomness", "passivity" and "plurality". Purposefulness, the antonym of randomness, dominates descriptions of evolutionary processes. Passivity is reflected semantically; however, the passive voice occurs at low frequencies. Descriptions of evolution remain essentially Darwinian and may imply that active agents are involved in this process. The use of plurality to denote taxonomic groupings can also lead to misunderstandings.
Pauropods (Myriapoda: Pauropoda) from eastern China, descriptions of three new species and revision of Pauropus bifurcus Zhang & Chen, 1988
Authors: QIAN CHANGYUAN , DONG YAN , GUO HUA , CHU KELIN , SUN HONGYING
Published: January 2013

Pauropods from Zhejiang and Jiangsu in eastern China were collected from the field. Among 23 specimens, four species assigned to two genera are identified. Three of these species are new and from the genus Decapauropus Remy, 1931: Decapauropus bifurcodicoccus Qian & Dong sp. nov., D. duomamillatus Qian & Dong sp. nov. and D. bidrepanoides Qian sp. nov. The status of Pauropus bifurcus Zhang & Chen, 1988 is reexamined and reallocated to the genus Stylopauropus Cook, 1896. A key to Decapauropus species of eastern China (including Jiangsu, Anhui and Zhejiang province) is provided.
A Dissection of Energetics of the Geostrophic Flow: Reconciliation of Rossby Wave Energy Flux and Group Velocity
Authors: Cai Ming , Huang Bohua
Published: January 2013

It is shown in this paper that there is no ambiguity in the final form of the governing equations of a quasigeostrophic (QG) model after partitioning the total flow into the geostrophic, balanced ageostrophic, and unbalanced ageostrophic components. The uniqueness of the QG model formulation ensures that the energetics of a QG model is the same as that derived from the QG potential vorticity equation. Particularly, the well-known but somewhat mysterious “missing term” in the energetics of Rossby waves, identified in the literature as the difference between the pressure work and the energy flux transported at the group velocity, can be easily recovered. The missing term is the pressure work on the convergence of the balanced ageostrophic flow, representing a “hidden” conversion between kinetic and potential energy of the geostrophic flow that excites the unbalanced flow. This energy conversion equals the convergence of a one-directional energy flux that always transports energy westward at the zonal phase speed of Rossby waves. The pressure work on the divergence of the unbalanced flow does the actual conversion between kinetic and potential energy of the geostrophic flow and the pressure work on the unbalanced flow causes energy propagation in other directions. Therefore, it is the pressure work on the unbalanced flow that causes Rossby waves to be dispersive, leading to the downstream development. The sum of the energy transported at the zonal phase speed of Rossby waves and the pressure work on the unbalanced flow exactly equals the energy transported at the group velocity of Rossby waves.
Influence of the Extratropical Ocean Circulation on the Intertropical Convergence Zone in an Idealized Coupled General Circulation Model
Authors: Fučkar Neven S. , Xie Shang-Ping , Farneti Riccardo , Maroon Elizabeth A. , Frierson Dargan M. W.
Published: January 2013

The authors present coupled model simulations in which the ocean's meridional overturning circulation (MOC) sets the zonal mean location of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) in the hemisphere with deep-water production. They use a coarse-resolution single-basin sector coupled general circulation model (CGCM) with simplified atmospheric physics and two idealized land–sea distributions.

In an equatorially symmetric closed-basin setting, unforced climate asymmetry develops because of the advective circulation–salinity feedback that amplifies the asymmetry of the deep-MOC cell and the upper-ocean meridional salinity transport. It confines the deep-water production and the dominant extratropical ocean heat release to a randomly selected hemisphere. The resultant ocean heat transport (OHT) toward the hemisphere with the deep-water source is partially compensated by the atmospheric heat transport (AHT) across the equator via an asymmetric Hadley circulation, setting the ITCZ in the hemisphere warmed by the ocean.

When a circumpolar channel is open at subpolar latitudes, the circumpolar current disrupts the poleward transport of the upper-ocean saline water and suppresses deep-water formation poleward of the channel. The MOC adjusts by lowering the main pycnocline and shifting the deep-water production into the opposite hemisphere from the channel, and the ITCZ location follows the deep-water source again because of the Hadley circulation adjustment to cross-equatorial OHT. The climate response is sensitive to the sill depth of the channel but becomes saturated when the sill is deeper than the main pycnocline depth in subtropics. In simulations with a circumpolar channel, the ITCZ is in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) because of the Southern Hemisphere (SH) circumpolar flow that forces northward OHT.
Analyzing ENSO Teleconnections in CMIP Models as a Measure of Model Fidelity in Simulating Precipitation
Authors: Langenbrunner Baird , Neelin J. David
Published: January 2013

The accurate representation of precipitation is a recurring issue in climate models. El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) precipitation teleconnections provide a test bed for comparison of modeled to observed precipitation. The simulation quality for the atmospheric component of models in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) phase 5 (CMIP5) is assessed here, using the ensemble of runs driven by observed sea surface temperatures (SSTs). Simulated seasonal precipitation teleconnection patterns are compared to observations during 1979–2005 and to the ensemble of CMIP phase 3 (CMIP3). Within regions of strong observed teleconnections (equatorial South America, the western equatorial Pacific, and a southern section of North America), there is little improvement in the CMIP5 ensemble relative to CMIP3 in amplitude and spatial correlation metrics of precipitation. Spatial patterns within each region exhibit substantial departures from observations, with spatial correlation coefficients typically less than 0.5. However, the atmospheric models do considerably better in other measures. First, the amplitude of the precipitation response (root-mean-square deviation over each region) is well estimated by the mean of the amplitudes from the individual models. This is in contrast with the amplitude of the multimodel ensemble mean, which is systematically smaller (by about 30%–40%) in the selected teleconnection regions. Second, high intermodel agreement on teleconnection sign provides a good predictor for high model agreement with observed teleconnections. The ability of the model ensemble to yield amplitude and sign measures that agree with the observed signal for ENSO precipitation teleconnections lends supporting evidence for the use of corresponding measures in global warming projections.
Use of WindSat to Extend a Microwave-Based Daily Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature Time Series
Authors: Banzon Viva F. , Reynolds Richard W.
Published: January 2013

The NOAA ¼° daily optimum interpolation sea surface temperature analysis (DOISST) is available either as a 31-yr (from 1981 onward) time series based on Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) observations or as a 9-yr (2002–11) time series that incorporates additional data from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR) on the Earth Observing System (EOS) platform. In October 2011, AVHRR+AMSR DOISST production was discontinued when the AMSR instrument lost its capability to collect daily, global-coverage data. Sea surface temperatures from the follow-up AMSR2 instrument will not be available until mid-2013. To ensure an uninterrupted consistent long-term microwave-based DOISST time series, this study tested the feasibility of bridging the gap between AMSR and AMSR2 using WindSat Polarimetric Radiometer (WSAT) data. Comparison of WSAT and AMSR SST data during their period of overlap from 2004 to 2011 showed temporal gaps were common for WSAT, especially before 2009. The WSAT daily spatial coverage was slightly inferior to AMSR but still far superior to AVHRR. When satellite SSTs were bias adjusted with respect to in situ data, the resulting AMSR- and WSAT-only analyses were very similar. Monthly zonal averages agreed to within 0.1 K, except when WSAT data were continuously missing for over three weeks. However, if satellite SSTs were not bias adjusted prior to analysis, seasonally varying zonal average differences were observed, with maxima of ~0.3 K occurring at midlatitudes. Thus, WSAT can be used to continue the microwave-based DOISST time series because the methodology compensates for the different equatorial crossing times of the two satellites.
Les côtés ténébreux de Mère Teresa
Authors: Larivée Serge , Sénéchal Carole , Chénard Geneviève
Published: January 2013

The impact of Mother Teresa’s work has no religious or geographical boundaries. In the four parts of this text, we try to understand this phenomenon. We first present the method used to collect the available information and then discuss a few biographical considerations to clarify her mission and the media’s contribution to her popularity. The third part identifies four stumbling blocks on her way to canonization: her rather dogmatic religious views, her way of caring for the sick, her political choices, and her suspicious management of funds that she received. Fourth, we discuss some elements of her life related to beatification, including her “night of faith,” the exorcism to which she was subjected as well as the validity of the miracle attributed to her. In conclusion, we question why the criticism of which she has been the target has been ignored by the Vatican.
Development of metaphors to explain cognitive behavioural principles for patients with medically unexplained symptoms in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sumathipala Athula
Published: January 2013

Background:

Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are common in primary care across cultures, accounting for high consultations with multiple providers and unnecessary investigations. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is efficacious for MUS and reduces physical symptoms, psychological distress and disability. Two intervention trials by the author and his group remain the only reported trials from the developing world.

Material:

A treatment package was designed by modifying a CBT model. The modifications were innovative use of locally relevant appropriate language and strategies that were simple enough while conforming to the CBT principles. The aim was to convey the principles of CBT to people using simple techniques – using metaphor. These are described in the paper as generic metaphors that could be used to explain the CBT principles and specific ones for patients with MUS.

Discussion:

Metaphor is an effective clinical tool. The author’s clinical experience and patients’ feedback suggest that these metaphors are helpful in conveying the CBT principles to patients. To develop metaphors appealing to the client and effective clinically, carrying out qualitative research among patients’ explanatory model is an important prerequisite. The generic and MUS-specific metaphors reported here should be tried in other cultural and clinical settings and evaluated. Further systematic work including qualitative work for consensus evaluation among CBT experts as well as opinion on user-friendliness of these techniques tested among CBT practitioners will be needed.
The Effectiveness of Contracted Coalitions
Authors: Petersohn Ulrich
Published: January 2013

The debate on the effectiveness of Private Security Contractors (PSCs) in Iraq has been waged ever since their first appearance. Statists have argued that they are much less effective than regular troops, while neoliberals consider them an effective supplement to regular troops. However, so far, both schools alike have drawn on anecdotal evidence only; yet, such evidence is prone to a high margin of error and does not allow a comparison of different actors. This article addresses these shortfalls by providing hard data, drawn from the Wikileaks “Iraq War logs” data set, on the conduct of PSCs in Iraq and comparing their performance to that of regular troops, that is, the US and Iraqi armed forces. In general, if PSCs are co-deployed alongside regular troops and oversight is institutionalized, their performance supersedes that of poorly trained military personnel, such as the Iraqi military, and in many cases even that of the highly capable US military.
A Note on Disappearing Veterans
Authors: Teachman Jay
Published: January 2013

In this research note, the rapid decline of the veteran population in the United States from 1980 to 2010 is outlined. The decline in the veteran population has been accompanied by an increasing concentration of veterans in smaller, more rural counties, often surrounding military bases. The result is that there has been a consistent increase in the residential segregation of veterans from the nonveteran population.
Diagnostic Value of the Friedman Tongue Position and Mallampati Classification for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Friedman Michael , Hamilton Craig , Samuelson Christian G. , Lundgren Mary E. , Pott Thomas
Published: January 2013

Objective

To assess the association between the Mallampati classification and Friedman tongue position for obstructive sleep apnea severity as determined by apnea‐hypopnea index and to determine which method is most closely correlated with prediction of obstructive sleep apnea severity.

Data Sources

English‐language searches of PubMed, MedLine, and the Cochrane database. Reference sections of identified studies were examined for additional articles.

Review Methods

Databases through December 2011 were searched, combined with review of relevant article bibliographies, and assessed by 4 reviewers. Systematic review and random‐effects meta‐analysis of studies evaluating tongue position and obstructive sleep apnea severity were performed. Outcomes were reported as correlations.

Results

Ten studies met inclusion criteria and had data for pooling (2513 patients). Friedman tongue position and Mallampati classification were significantly associated with obstructive sleep apnea severity, with a correlation of 0.351 (0.094‐0.564, P =. 008). Analysis of the correlation of tongue position with obstructive sleep apnea severity reveals correlations of 0.184 (0.052, 0.310, P =. 006) and 0.388 (0.049, 0.646, P =. 026) for the Mallampati classification and Friedman tongue position, respectively. Publication bias does not yield a significant Egger regression intercept; however, 4 imputed values to the right of the mean were found using Duval and Tweedie's trim‐and‐fill method, yielding an overall correlation of 0.498 (confidence interval = 0.474‐0.521).

Conclusion

The Mallampati classification and Friedman tongue position assessment techniques are significantly correlated with predicting obstructive sleep apnea severity. Publication bias does not significantly affect our results. The strength of this correlation is higher for Friedman tongue position, although 95% confidence intervals for the respective correlation coefficients overlap.
Lipid and C‐reactive Protein Levels as Risk Factors for Hearing Loss in Older Adults
Authors: Simpson Annie N. , Matthews Lois J. , Dubno Judy R.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To determine the role of cardiovascular disease (CVD) markers, lipids and C‐reactive protein, in age‐related hearing loss over time.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Research laboratories at an academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

In total, 837 older adults (mean age 67.5 years) were included. Primary dependent variables were pure‐tone thresholds (pure‐tone average [PTA]), including “narrow” PTA (0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz), “broad” PTA (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 kHz), low‐frequency PTA (0.25, 0.5, 1 kHz), and high‐frequency PTA (2, 3, 4, 6, 8 kHz). Repeated‐measures mixed regression modeling was used to assess the relationship between C‐reactive protein (CRP) and lipid levels with PTAs over time.

Results

In a cross‐sectional sample of 837 subjects, modest associations were found between triglycerides and all PTAs. Weak associations were observed between the ratio of total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein and narrow PTA, broad PTA, and high‐frequency PTA. However, when assessing changes in hearing and lipids over time in a longitudinal analysis, no significant associations between hearing and lipids remained. PTAs and CRP were not statistically associated when controlling for age and sex.

Conclusion

Associations between hearing and blood lipids have been the focus of scientific inquiry for more than 50 years. The current results suggest that the association is either spurious or too small to be of consequence in the assessment and treatment of hearing loss in older adults. Inquiry into other potential risk factors for age‐related hearing loss and associations with CVD may prove more fruitful.
Endotracheal Nitinol Stents: Lessons from the Learning Curve
Authors: Siegel Bianca , Bent John P. , Ward Robert F.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To reflect on lessons learned placing endotracheal nitinol stents in children.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care children's hospital.

Subjects and Methods

All children who underwent nitinol cervical tracheal stenting were included. Records were carefully reviewed for intraoperative and postoperative complications, management choices, outcomes, and factors that influenced results.

Results

Between 1999 and 2011, 7 children underwent 13 stent placements. Median follow‐up was 5 years (range, 1‐12 years). Six patients underwent stenting as a salvage procedure following open attempts at airway reconstruction. Four patients remain decannulated with their stent in place (median follow‐up 7 years). The fifth patient had his stent removed endoscopically after 50 days because it became apparent that his obstruction was primarily laryngeal. The sixth child had his stent removed via a tracheal fissure after 14 months because of recalcitrant subglottic inflammation at the superior stent border. The seventh patient was decannulated for over 2 years but ultimately required tracheotomy replacement because of stenosis with the stent lumen. Complications included stent migration (23%), restenosis (29%), edema (29%), and granulation (57%).

Conclusion

Endotracheal nitinol stents provide a realistic opportunity for decannulation in children for whom other options have failed but should be reserved only as a salvage procedure in severely complicated airways. Our experience has taught valuable lessons about stent indications, sizing, characteristics, and deployment, as well as means to avoid and manage their complications.
Website satisfaction dimensions: factors between satisfaction and dissatisfaction
Authors: Ong Chorng-Shyong , Chang Shu-Chen , Lee Shwn-Meei
Published: January 2013

According to the two-factor theory, satisfaction and dissatisfaction are different concepts. This study examines the influence of perceived ease of use (PEOU) as a context factor and perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived enjoyment (PEN) as content factors to further the influence on satisfaction, and dissatisfaction. The current study uses descriptive statistics, t-test, multiple regression analysis, ANOVA, and SEM. The study recruited 660 participants, of which 336 (50.90 percent) were males. The results not only confirm the two-factor theory but also indicate some interesting findings. The context factor not only impacted on dissatisfaction but also indirectly impacted the relationship between content factor and satisfaction. In a website which is not easy for using, the poor design would arouse the dissatisfaction of users. Users who accessed Facebook for communication seemed to ask for a website with higher usefulness, but users with playing purposes would try to explore it in an acceptable situation with lower perceived PEOU.
Availability and visibility of open access digital repositories in ASEAN countries
Authors: Lee-Hwa Tan , Abrizah A. , Noorhidawati A.
Published: January 2013

This study reports on the 2011 survey of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) digital repositories, employing web analysis to highlight the current state of the repositories and describing their characteristics in terms of types, contents, subject coverage and language. It also identifies the web performance of these repositories as reflected through global visibility. Data obtained from the Open Directory of Open Access Repositories (OpenDOAR), Registry of Open Access Repositories (ROAR) and the Ranking Web of World Repositories (RWWR) were used to analyse the availability and global visibility. Findings indicate that the total number of digital repositories in ASEAN is 51 with Indonesia as the biggest contributor (20, 39 percent), followed by Malaysia (17, 33 percent) and Thailand (7, 13 percent). Out of the 51 ASEAN digital repositories identified from OpenDOAR and ROAR, only 23 (45 percent) are listed in RWWR. RWWR’s data indicates that only about 3 percent (33 out of 1,184 repositories worldwide) in ASEAN are visible. There are another 10 digital repositories identified in RWWR which are not listed under OpenDOAR or registered under ROAR. As such this study has identified a total of 61 ASEAN repositories participating in Open Access publishing through the Green Road. Findings suggest that ASEAN repositories which wish to be listed in RWWR need to have some degree of visibility and incorporate good practices in their web publication to fulfill the requirement of RWWR quantitative webometrics indicators, namely visibility, size, rich files and `scholar'.