bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Lead Time Drought Forecasting Using a Wavelet and Fuzzy Logic Combination Model: A Case Study in Texas
Authors: Özger Mehmet , Mishra Ashok K. , Singh Vijay P.
Published: August 2011

Drought forecasting is important for drought risk management. Considering the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability and persistence in drought characteristics, this study developed a wavelet and fuzzy logic (WFL) combination model for long lead time drought forecasting. The idea of WFL is to separate each predictor and predictand into their frequency bands and then reconstruct the predictand series by using its predicted bands. The strongest-frequency bands of predictors and predictand were determined from the average wavelet spectra. Applying this combination model to the state of Texas, it was found that WFL had a significant improvement over the fuzzy logic model that did not use wavelet banding. Comparison with an artificial neural network (ANN) model and a coupled wavelet and ANN (WANN) model showed that WFL was more accurate for drought forecasting. Also, it should be noted that the ENSO variability is not a global precursor of drought. For this reason, prior to an application of such a data-driven model in different regions, significant work is required to identify appropriate independent predictors. Drought forecasting with longer lead times and higher accuracy is of significant value in engineering applications.
Reducing Water Imbalance in Land Data Assimilation: Ensemble Filtering without Perturbed Observations
Authors: Yilmaz M. Tugrul , DelSole Timothy , Houser Paul R.
Published: August 2011

It is well known that the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) requires updating each ensemble member with perturbed observations in order to produce the proper analysis-error covariances. While increased accuracy in a mean square sense may be preferable in many applications, less accuracy might be preferable in other applications, especially if the variables being assimilated obey certain conservation laws. In land data assimilation, for instance, the update in soil moisture often produces a water balance residual, in the sense that the input water is not equal to output water. This study shows that suppressing the perturbation of observations in the EnKF and in the weakly constrained ensemble Kalman filter significantly improves the water balance residuals without significantly increasing the state errors.
A Regional Climatology of Monsoonal Precipitation in the Southwestern United States Using TRMM
Authors: Wall Christina L. , Zipser Edward J. , Liu Chuntao
Published: August 2011

Using 13 yr of data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite, a regional climatology of monsoonal precipitation is created for portions of the southwest United States. The climatology created using precipitation features defined from the TRMM precipitation radar (PR) shows that the population of features includes a large number of small, weak features that do not produce much rain and are very shallow. A lesser percentage of large, stronger features contributes most of the region’s rainfall. Dividing the features into categories based on the median values of volumetric rainfall and maximum height of the 30-dBZ echo is a useful way to visualize the population of features, and the categories selected reflect the life cycle of monsoonal convection. An examination of the top rain-producing features at different elevations reveals that extreme features tend to occur at lower elevations later in the day. A comparison with the region studied in the North American Monsoon Experiment (NAME) shows that similar diurnal patterns occur in the Sierra Madre Occidental region of Mexico. The population of precipitation features in both regions is similar, with the NAME region producing slightly larger precipitation systems on average than the southwest United States. Both regions on occasion demonstrate the pattern of convection initiating at high elevations and moving downslope while growing upscale through the afternoon and evening; however, there are also days on which convection remains over the high terrain.
Large Seasonal Modulation of Tides due to Ice Cover Friction in a Midlatitude Estuary*
Authors: Georgas Nickitas
Published: August 2011

Seasonal episodes of significant tidal damping (reductions of tidal amplitudes as much as 50%) and tidal modulation were observed in the Hudson River estuary in the course of three consecutive winters from multiple tide gages. Through comparisons with United States Coast Guard ice reports, it was hypothesized that these events correspond with an increase in ice concentration and the development of a seasonal ice field within the upper 170 km of the tidal Hudson north of Peekskill, New York. Using stationary (tidal harmonic) and nonstationary (wavelet) analyses as well as numerical modeling, it is shown that under-ice friction is the primary cause of the observed modulations in tidal circulation (water levels and currents) throughout the 240-km-long estuary. Upstream of the ice field edge at Peekskill, depth-averaged tidal currents are greatly reduced under the ice cover through first-order damping, and vertical current profiles under the ice become parabolic. Tidal ranges increase near the edge of the ice field, and, south of that, on Manhattan’s western shores, currents increase because of tidal wave reflection. These amplified currents create stronger vertical mixing leading to a less stratified estuary and decreasing salt front intrusion. At the other end, near Troy, tidal flows become smaller relative to the river’s streamflow, leading to increased ebb predominance and ebb-directed flows down to the port of Albany. Also, the increased friction leads to a higher sea level setup there. During such episodes, astronomical tide–based and operational forecast model predictions that neglected ice are severely compromised.
High School Band Students’ and Directors’ Perceptions of Verbal and Nonverbal Teaching Behaviors
Authors: Whitaker Jennifer A.
Published: August 2011

This study was designed to examine the use and perception of selected teaching behaviors of high school band directors. Videotaped rehearsals of six band directors’ top-performing ensembles were analyzed for conductor magnitude, sequential pattern components, and instructional pacing. Directors and students rated video excerpts of their rehearsals, completed a questionnaire, and participated in interviews. Teaching behaviors were generally consistent with previous research. Student evaluations of excerpts containing drill, all strict conducting, and more teacher talk were rated lowest. Highest rated excerpts contained more or relatively equal amounts of student response and teacher talk, some expressive conducting, and varying facial expressions. Directors rated excerpts containing little variety in facial expression and more or equal amounts of teacher talk highest. Lowest rated excerpts contained drill or structured rehearsal; all or mostly strict, or no conducting; and longer student activity times. Students were able to identify and discuss their director’s teaching behaviors, had a respect for their director’s musical abilities and knowledge regardless of rapport, desired more praise, and thought of disapproving feedback as necessary critique. Directors were most critical of their conducting behaviors, spent time reflecting on their teaching, and believed self-assessment was beneficial to improve one’s teaching.
School-to-School Variation in Disciplined Inquiry
Authors: Kelly Sean , Majerus Richard
Published: August 2011

In recent years No Child Left Behind has provided new labels to supposedly high- and low-performing schools and has identified large numbers of schools as low performing. Are school-to-school differences in the quality of instruction offered as great as the public is led to believe? Using the disciplined inquiry typology of Newman, Marks, and Gamoran, we examine whether variation in observable indicators of school quality correspond to real differences in instruction between schools. Consistent with the large body of research on school effects we find very modest school-level variation in the prevalence of disciplined inquiry.
Extracts from The Cochrane Library
Authors: Burton Martin J. , Bhattacharyya Neil , Rosenfeld Richard M.
Published: August 2011

The “Cochrane Corner” is a quarterly section in the Journal that highlights systematic reviews relevant to otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, with invited commentary to aid clinical decision making. This installment features a Cochrane Review, titled “Functional Endoscopic Balloon Dilation of Sinus Ostia for Chronic Rhinosinusitis,” that finds no convincing evidence supporting balloon dilation compared to conventional surgical modalities for managing refractory disease.
Clinical and Ultrasonographic Results of Ultrasonographically Guided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Lesioning in the Treatment of Recalcitrant Lateral Epicondylitis
Authors: Lin Cheng-Li , Lee Jung-Shun , Su Wei-Ren , Kuo Li-Chieh , Tai Ta-Wei , Jou I-Ming
Published: August 2011

Background: In patients with lateral epicondylitis recalcitrant to nonsurgical treatments, surgical intervention is considered. Despite the numerous therapies reported, the current trend of treatment places particular emphasis on minimally invasive techniques.

Purpose: The authors present a newly developed minimally invasive procedure, ultrasonographically guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermal lesioning (RTL), and its clinical efficacy in treating recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis.

Study Design: Case series: Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: Thirty-four patients (35 elbows), with a mean age of 52.1 years (range, 35-65 years), suffered from symptomatic lateral epicondylitis for more than 6 months and had exhausted nonoperative therapies. They were treated with ultrasonographically guided RTL. Patients were followed up at least 6 months by physical examination and 12 months by interview. The intensity of pain was recorded with a visual analog scale (VAS) score. The functional outcome was evaluated using grip strength, the upper limb Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) outcome measure, and the Modified Mayo Clinic Performance Index (MMCPI) for the elbow. The ultrasonographic findings regarding the extensor tendon origin were recorded, as were the complications.

Results: At the time of the 6-month follow-up, the average VAS score in resting (from 4.9 to 0.9), palpation (from 7.6 to 2.5), and grip (from 8.2 to 2.9) had improved significantly compared with the preoperative condition ( P < .01). The grip strength (from 20.6 to 27.0 kg) and QuickDASH score (from 54.3 to 21.0) had also improved significantly ( P < .01). The MMCPI score improved from “poor” to “excellent.” The ultrasonographic finding revealed that the thickness of the common extensor tendon origin did not change significantly. At the final follow-up (mean, 14.3 months; range, 12-21 months), the patients reported a 78% reduction in pain compared with the preoperative status. No major complications were noted in any patient.

Conclusion: Ultrasonographically guided RTL for recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis was found to be a minimally invasive treatment with satisfactory results in this pilot investigation. This innovative method can be considered as an alternative treatment of recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis before further surgical intervention.
Professional conversations with children in divorce-related child welfare inquiries
Authors: van Nijnatten Carolus , Jongen Esli
Published: August 2011

Over the last few decades, the role of children in conversations about post-divorce arrangements has become more prominent. Children are approached as active participants in the (post-)divorce process rather than just victims of matrimonial and post-matrimonial discord. In accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have the right to be informed about the procedures and are free to express their opinions. The focus of this study is the conversational position of children in the inquiry by the Dutch Child Protection Board in cases of divorce in which parents cannot reach an agreement about custody and visiting arrangements. This study presents an analysis of the interactions between the Board’s representatives and children, and examines the way the children are informed about procedures, their participatory role and the effects on their disclosures of their ideas and feelings about the events taking place in their family.
Picture this – our dream school! Swedish schoolchildren sharing their visions of school
Authors: Kostenius Catrine
Published: August 2011

The aim of this study was to make visible, and understand, possible opportunities for school improvement based on schoolchildren’s lived experience and visionary ideas of school. Schoolchildren aged 10–12 from the northern part of Sweden participated in the study. The phenomenological analysis resulted in three themes, with no particular order of preference: the school of ‘Friendship and involvement’, the school of ‘Work and play’ and the school of ‘Places and spaces’. The comprehensive understanding of the children’s dream school is the school of ‘Friendship, freedom and fun’, which is discussed with school improvement in mind.
The dangers of the single story: Child-soldiers in literary fiction and film
Authors: Martins Catarina
Published: August 2011

Focusing on the paradox between innocence and responsibility generated by the term child-soldiers, which is treated differently in literary and cinematographic works from the North and the South, this article uses postcolonial theory in order to deconstruct ‘the single story’ that may be erasing these children’s many stories. Accordingly, the analysis brings to the fore both the supposed universality of a hegemonic notion of childhood, revealing it as a regulatory discourse which produces diverse subalternities, and the articulation of this notion within an Africanist discourse that legitimizes neocolonial practices in varied domains.
Study on morphology and mechanical properties of PMMA-based nanocomposites containing POSS molecules or functionalized SiO2 particles
Authors: Zhang Chunling , Bai Xuetao , Lian Xiaoli , Dou Yanli , Liu Hong
Published: August 2011

Nanocomposites of octavinyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (OVPOSS) and functionalized SiO2 were investigated in order to determine the effect of particles on the morphology and mechanical properties of PMMA. The outcome of the study suggested that functionalized SiO2 and octavinylPOSS molecule had different morphology. As proved by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis, the crystal structure of OVPOSS molecule was significantly different from amorphous aggregates of functionalized SiO2. With the additional particles in the nanocomposites, the sizes of octavinylPOSS and functionalized SiO2 began to reduce. This illustrated that the separation of aggregates led to the formation of irregular POSS molecules and amorphous SiO2 particles varied. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that PMMA-POSS nanocomposites had a homogeneous system. However, there was a significant phase separation at 3 wt.% SiO2. PMMA-SiO2 nanocomposites displayed lower reinforcing effects than expected, based on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites containing OVPOSS molecules.
Spatial and temporal scales of pre-Columbian disturbance associated with western Amazonian lakes
Authors: McMichael Crystal H. , Bush Mark B. , Piperno Dolores R. , Silman Miles R. , Zimmerman Andrew R. , Anderson Christina
Published: August 2011

The history of landscape alteration in Amazonia by humans prior to the arrival of Europeans remains poorly understood. Estimates of human population size at the time of European contact vary by several million, and the trajectories of cultural and agricultural development are equally uncertain. The extent to which human populations altered Amazonian ecosystems is a function of population size, land management style, radius of influence of each subpopulation, and the temporal development of settlements. Here we report evidence that relates to the temporal and spatial scales of human disturbance in western Amazonia. Three lake sediment records and 94 terrestrial soil cores located 0–12 km from the adjacent lake were used to examine scales of pre-Columbian human impacts at two sites in western Amazonian forests. Lake sediment and soil charcoal records indicate discontinuous and localized burning around the study areas. Terrestrial soil phytolith and nutrient analyses reveal a range in disturbance intensity between the two sites but contain no evidence of large-scale forest clearing or anthropogenic soil enrichment. Our data suggest that while all of the settings examined were occupied or used, the halo of influence around each was limited. It should not be assumed that intensive landscape transformations by prehistoric human populations occurred throughout Amazonia or that Amazonian forests were resilient in the face of heavy historical disturbance.
Examining the Impact of Unscorable Item Responses on the Validity and Interpretability of MMPI-2/MMPI-2-RF Restructured Clinical (RC) Scale Scores
Authors: Dragon Wendy R. , Ben-Porath Yossef S. , Handel Richard W.
Published: August 2011

This article examined the impact of unscorable item responses on the psychometric validity and practical interpretability of scores on the Restructured Clinical (RC) Scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2/Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2–Restructured Form (MMPI-2/MMPI-2-RF). In analyses conducted with five archival samples, we found that relatively large proportions of unscorable responses (defined as 10% or more of the items scored on a scale) were relatively uncommon, occurring most often in forensic samples. Simulated unscorable responses were inserted in varying proportions (10% to 90 %) in place of the responses of participants in two of the archival samples for which criterion data were available. Analyses were conducted to gauge the impact of unscorable responses on the criterion validity of scores on these scales and their interpretability. Impact on validity was evaluated by examining correlations with extra-test variables as a function of increasing levels of unscorable responding. Interpretability was evaluated by examining the proportion of participants who produced clinically elevated RC Scale scores as a function of unscorable responding. Results indicate that whereas scale score validity was relatively robust up to a level of 50% unscorable responses, interpretability was substantially compromised at only 10% unscorable responding. This suggests that prorated scores may be used to correct for the impact of unscorable responses on the interpretability of RC Scale scores at levels as high as 50% unscorable responses. Classification analyses supported this possibility. Further steps needed to explore the feasibility of using prorated scores are discussed.
News as a looking-glass: Shame and the symbolic power of mediation
Authors: Madianou Mirca
Published: August 2011

This article brings together the literatures on shame and mediation in order to consider whether shame is generated, or amplified, in situations of mediation such as those when people find themselves exposed in the news media. Acknowledging the social nature of shame that presupposes the other’s regard for oneself, and drawing on a revision of Cooley’s concept of the ‘looking-glass self’ to describe the monitoring of the self from the point of view of the others in the context of mediation, the article argues that news can be a looking-glass through which viewers mirror themselves. Apart from heightening the awareness of the other’s gaze and expectations, news becomes a looking-glass in a more literal way. This occurs in the instances of mediated exposure when people find themselves unwillingly in the news. After an initial theoretical discussion of the emotion of shame and how such theories need to be revised in order to capture the structural transformations pertaining to mediated interaction, the article concentrates on a personal narrative of unwanted mediated exposure and observes how shame can be generated and amplified in the context of mediation, thus revealing the symbolic power of the media with potential consequences for social monitoring and conformity.
Heritage culture maintenance precludes host culture adoption and vice versa
Authors: Van Acker Kaat , Vanbeselaere Norbert
Published: August 2011

A prevalent concern with the integration of Turkish minorities is that large cultural differences hinder integration. Many majority members doubt that Turkish minority members can combine host culture adoption and heritage culture maintenance, although research has shown that most Turkish minority members experience no conflict between these orientations. The present study investigates experimentally whether majority group members perceive Turkish minorities’ host culture adoption and heritage culture maintenance as conflicting orientations. Four hundred and seven Flemish majority members received a vignette that contained information on Turkish minority members’ orientation either towards heritage culture maintenance or towards host culture adoption. Results revealed that Flemish majority members perceive host culture adoption and heritage culture maintenance as conflicting orientations. Manipulating either maintenance or adoption affected Flemish majority members’ perceptions of Turkish minorities’ maintenance and adoption but in opposite directions. These results clarify why many majority group members have doubts concerning the integration of Turkish minorities.
The propensity toward reconciliation among young people in Northern Ireland and Croatia
Authors: Kosic Ankica , Noor Masi , Mannetti Lucia
Published: August 2011

Two studies, conducted in Northern Ireland ( N = 266) and Croatia ( N = 261), examined the role of constructive adolescents-parents conflict management style (CAPCMS) in predicting inter-group reconciliation attitudes. We hypothesized that CAPCMS would be a unique and positive predictor of reconciliation attitudes over and above other common predictors of reconciliation attitudes, such as inter-group contact quantity and quality, and the experience of inter-group conflict. Findings from Study 1 supported this hypothesis. Study 2 replicated these findings in a different cultural context and extended them by examining the robustness of the relationship between CAPCMS and reconciliation attitudes in the presence of an individual difference measure (self-confidence in social interactions). Furthermore, both studies revealed that for adolescents with high CAPCMS the relationships between intergroup contact (quantity and quality) and reconciliation attitudes were more accentuated, and their reconciliation attitudes were less affected by their experience of conflict, relative to those with low CAPCMS.
An anthropologist among the actors
Authors: Wilkinson-Weber Clare M
Published: August 2011

In the ethnographic literature of performance, anthropologist musicians and dancers are far more commonly encountered than actors. While few anthropologists can be considered successful performers in the art forms they study, the scarcity of accounts of participant observation in the mounting of drama suggests that other factors may be at work to dissuade anthropologists from acting pursuits. In spite of some recent work that uses acting as one among several ethnographic strategies, anthropological reserve towards the participatory study of theatrical and film performance persists. This article argues that there are ample reasons for why acting as a form of participant observation should be taken more seriously and engaged in more often by anthropologists. Committed anthropological participation in theatrical, televisual and film performances may be very useful for exploring characterization in narrative, intersubjective understandings of ‘reality’, and the culture of media production.
Accessibility in public space as perceived by people with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Brorsson Anna , Öhman Annika , Lundberg Stefan , Nygård Louise
Published: August 2011

Most people with dementia remain living at home as long as possible after being diagnosed, and hence their lives also include activities in the public space. The aim of this study was to illuminate experiences of accessibility in public space in people with Alzheimer’s disease. A qualitative grounded theory approach with repeated in-depth interviews was used. The core category, accessibility as a constantly changing experience, was characterized by changes in the relationship between informants and public space. Changes in the relationship took place in activities and use of place and related to familiarity and comfort, individual motives and interests, and planning and protecting. Other changes occurred in places and problematic situations related to everyday technologies, crowded places with high tempo and noise, and change of landmarks. These changes reduced feelings of accessibility and increased difficulties in carrying out activities in public space. These findings may be helpful when providing support, and supporting community living.
Toward a history of rigour: An examination of the nasty side of scholarship
Authors: Nelson Robert
Published: August 2011

Though a cornerstone of all research and evaluation, rigour in scholarship is a relatively recent concept, which is poorly defined and never interrogated. This article traces the dark history of the idea, beginning with intolerance, harshness and punishment, and slowly rising to something admirable in the industrial period, whereupon it is immediately seen in opposition to creative method. The text argues that, in the arts and humanities, rigour is only legitimate when built around dialectical relationships with subjectivity. It calls for the deconstruction of rigour as an academic ideal that superintends the voice and imagination of the artist or scholar.
‘Genealogical nostalgia’: Second-generation memory and return in Caterina Edwards’ Finding Rosa
Authors: Delisle Jennifer Bowering
Published: August 2011

Second-generation family memoirs often recount physical pilgrimages to distant homelands. While such journeys suggest a naive privileging of an essentialized, ideal origin, I argue that these visits also have the power to problematize origins by exposing the gaps between place and narrative. These journeys illuminate the dual forces of postmemory and what I term ‘genealogical nostalgia’, the longing for the times and places of one’s ancestral past. These ‘returns’ therefore can play a key role in the construction of second-generation identity. Drawing on Caterina Edwards’s 2008 memoir Finding Rosa, I show how journeys to the ‘homeland’ highlight the particularity of second-generation experience as a generation making connections between multiple forms of memory and multiple sites of belonging.
Ecological Citizenship and Social Representation of Water
Authors: Biagi Marta , Ferro Mariano
Published: August 2011

This article examines the social representations of water in urban cultures of Argentina, placing the subject as a matter of academic and practical interest. Some questions have guided this investigation—What is water for the urban dweller? What are the actions that a citizen is willing to exercise?—A qualitative research was conducted (according to Yin’s case analysis methodology) in Gualeguaychú and Buenos Aires. Following the collected data, the authors reconstructed the dominant paradigm in both cities, which was the ecocentric model. However, the acceptance of ecological values and beliefs is not an indicator of the exercise of proecological behavior concerning water. Empirical findings have guided the authors to inquire the degree of relationship between social representations and attributes of Andrew Dobson’s model of ecological citizenship.
IFN-γ promotes graft-versus-leukemia effects without directly interacting with leukemia cells in mice after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Yang Yanping , Wang Hui , Yu Hui , Yeap Beow Yong , Liang Tingting , Wang Guanjun , Cheng Tao , Yang Yong-Guang
Published: August 2011

The ability of IFN-γ to enhance graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) activity without direct interaction with leukemia cells was examined by comparing GVL effects against IFN-γ receptor-deficient (GRKO) leukemia between wild-type (WT) and IFN-γ–deficient (GKO) allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). We established a primary IFN-γ–unresponsive T-cell leukemia model using virally-transduced GRKO B6 mouse bone marrow cells overexpressing Notch1. We first assessed GVL effects in lethally-irradiated B6 mice receiving CD4-depleted allo-HCT from WT or GKO BALB/c donors. Administration of CD4+ cell-depleted allo-HCT from WT, but not GKO, BALB/c donors mediated significant GVL effects against GRKO leukemia. Similar results were obtained in pre-established allogeneic chimeras receiving delayed donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI). Although both WT and GKO DLI achieved significant anti-tumor responses, the former was markedly stronger than the latter. These data indicate that IFN-γ is capable of promoting GVL effects via mechanisms independent of its interaction with leukemia cells.
Pediatric-inspired intensified therapy of adult T-ALL reveals the favorable outcome of NOTCH1/FBXW7 mutations, but not of low ERG/BAALC expression: a GRAALL study
Authors: Ben Abdelali Raouf , Asnafi Vahid , Leguay Thibaut , Boissel Nicolas , Buzyn Agnès , Chevallier Patrice , Thomas Xavier , Lepretre Stephane , Huguet Françoise , Vey Norbert , Escoffre-Barbe Martine , Tavernier Emmanuelle , Reman Oumedaly , Fegueux Nathalie , Turlure Pascal , Rousselot Philippe , Cahn Jean-Yves , Lheritier Veronique , Chalandon Yves , Béné Marie-Christine , Macintyre Elizabeth , Dombret Hervé , Ifrah Norbert ,   for the Group for Research on Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Published: August 2011

Despite recent progress in the understanding of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) oncogenesis, few markers are sufficiently frequent in large subgroups to allow their use in therapeutic stratification. Low ERG and BAALC expression (E/Blow) and NOTCH1/FBXW7 (N/F) mutations have been proposed as powerful prognostic markers in large cohorts of adult T-ALL. We therefore compared the predictive prognostic value of N/F mutations versus E/Blow in 232 adult T-ALLs enrolled in the LALA-94 and Group for Research on Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (GRAALL) protocols. The outcome of T-ALLs treated in the pediatric-inspired GRAALL trials was significantly superior to the LALA-94 trial. Overall, 43% and 69% of adult T-ALL patients were classified as E/Blow and N/F mutated, respectively. Strikingly, the good prognosis of N/F mutated patients was stronger in more intensively treated, pediatric-inspired GRAALL patients. The E/B expression level did not influence the prognosis in any subgroup. N/F mutation status and the GRAALL trial were the only 2 independent factors that correlated with longer overall survival by multivariate analysis. This study demonstrates that the N/F mutational status and treatment protocol are major outcome determinants for adults with T-ALL, the benefit of pediatric inspired protocols being essentially restricted to the N/F mutated subgroup.
Engineered blood vessel networks connect to host vasculature via wrapping-and-tapping anastomosis
Authors: Cheng Gang , Liao Shan , Kit Wong Hon , Lacorre Delphine A. , di Tomaso Emmanuelle , Au Patrick , Fukumura Dai , Jain Rakesh K. , Munn Lance L.
Published: August 2011

Rapid blood perfusion is critical for postimplantation survival of thick, prevascularized bioartificial tissues. Yet the mechanism by which implanted vascular networks inosculate, or anastomose, with the host vasculature has been unknown, making it difficult to develop optimized strategies for facilitating perfusion. Here we show that implanted vascular networks anastomose with host vessels through a previously unidentified process of “wrapping and tapping” between the engrafted endothelial cells (ECs) and the host vasculature. At the host-implant interface, implanted ECs first wrap around nearby host vessels and then cause basement membrane and pericyte reorganization and localized displacement of the underlying host endothelium. In this way, the implanted ECs replace segments of host vessels to divert blood flow to the developing implanted vascular network. The process is facilitated by high levels of matrix metalloproteinase-14 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 expressed by the wrapping ECs. These findings open the door to new strategies for improving perfusion of tissue grafts and may have implications for other physiologic and pathologic processes involving postnatal vasculogenesis.
Aspirin or enoxaparin thromboprophylaxis for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma treated with lenalidomide
Authors: Larocca Alessandra , Cavallo Federica , Bringhen Sara , Di Raimondo Francesco , Falanga Anna , Evangelista Andrea , Cavalli Maide , Stanevsky Anfisa , Corradini Paolo , Pezzatti Sara , Patriarca Francesca , Cavo Michele , Peccatori Jacopo , Catalano Lucio , Carella Angelo Michele , Cafro Anna Maria , Siniscalchi Agostina , Crippa Claudia , Petrucci Maria Teresa , Yehuda Dina Ben , Beggiato Eloise , Di Toritto Tommaso Caravita , Boccadoro Mario , Nagler Arnon , Palumbo Antonio
Published: August 2011

Lenalidomide plus dexamethasone is effective in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) but is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). This prospective, open-label, randomized substudy of a phase 3 trial compared the efficacy and safety of thromboprophylaxis with low-dose aspirin (ASA) or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in patients with newly diagnosed MM, treated with lenalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone induction and melphalan-prednisone-lenalidomide consolidation. Overall, 342 patients who did not have clinical indications or contraindications to antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy were randomly assigned to receive ASA 100 mg/d (n = 176) or LMWH enoxaparin 40 mg/d (n = 166). The incidence of VTE was 2.27% in the ASA group and 1.20% in the LMWH group. Compared with LMWH, the absolute difference in the proportion of VTE was 1.07% (95% confidence interval, −1.69-3.83; P = .452) in the ASA group. Pulmonary embolism was observed in 1.70% of patients in the ASA group and none in the LMWH group. No arterial thrombosis, acute cardiovascular events, or sudden deaths were reported. No major hemorrhagic complications were reported. In previously untreated patients with MM receiving lenalidomide with a low thromboembolic risk, ASA could be an effective and less-expensive alternative to LMWH thromboprophylaxis. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00551928.
The CXCR4 antagonist plerixafor is a potential therapy for myelokathexis, WHIM syndrome
Authors: Dale David C. , Bolyard Audrey Anna , Kelley Merideth L. , Westrup Ernest C. , Makaryan Vahagn , Aprikyan Andrew , Wood Brent , Hsu Frank J.
Published: August 2011

Mutations in CXCR4 cause severe leukopenia in myelokathexis or WHIM syndrome. Plerixafor inhibits binding of CXCR4 to its ligand CXCL12. We investigated the effects of plerixafor (0.04 to 0.24 mg/kg) administered at 2-4 day intervals in 6 patients. Outcome measures were the patients' complete blood cell counts, CD34+ cell counts and lymphocyte subtypes compared with 5 normal subjects similarly treated with plerixafor. All patients showed prompt leukocytosis with maximum blood neutrophils and lymphocytes at 6-12 hours. Blood neutrophils peaked at 6-12 hours, increasing from a mean baseline of 0.4 ± 0.1 × 109/L, to mean peak of 4.5 ± 0.78 × 109/L. Lymphocytes also increased; the greatest increase was in B cells (CD19+ cells), a > 40-fold increase over baseline at the 0.08 mg/kg dose. None of the patients experienced any significant adverse effects. Plerixafor is a promising therapy for this condition.
Predicting receptor-ligand pairs through kernel learning
Authors: Iacucci Ernesto , Ojeda Fabian , De Moor Bart , Moreau Yves
Published: August 2011

Background

Regulation of cellular events is, often, initiated via extracellular signaling. Extracellular signaling occurs when a circulating ligand interacts with one or more membrane-bound receptors. Identification of receptor-ligand pairs is thus an important and specific form of PPI prediction.

Results

Given a set of disparate data sources (expression data, domain content, and phylogenetic profile) we seek to predict new receptor-ligand pairs. We create a combined kernel classifier and assess its performance with respect to the Database of Ligand-Receptor Partners (DLRP) 'golden standard' as well as the method proposed by Gertz et al. Among our findings, we discover that our predictions for the tgfβ family accurately reconstruct over 76% of the supported edges (0.76 recall and 0.67 precision) of the receptor-ligand bipartite graph defined by the DLRP "golden standard". In addition, for the tgfβ family, the combined kernel classifier is able to relatively improve upon the Gertz et al. work by a factor of approximately 1.5 when considering that our method has an F-measure of 0.71 while that of Gertz et al. has a value of 0.48.

Conclusions

The prediction of receptor-ligand pairings is a difficult and complex task. We have demonstrated that using kernel learning on multiple data sources provides a stronger alternative to the existing method in solving this task.
Family structure and phylogenetic analysis of odorant receptor genes in the large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)
Authors: Zhou Yingsong , Yan Xiaojun , Xu Shanliang , Zhu Peng , He Xianxing , Liu Jianxin
Published: August 2011

Background

Chemosensory receptors, which are all G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), come in four types: odorant receptors (ORs), vomeronasal receptors, trace-amine associated receptors and formyl peptide receptor-like proteins. The ORs are the most important receptors for detecting a wide range of environmental chemicals in daily life. Most fish OR genes have been identified from genome databases following the completion of the genome sequencing projects of many fishes. However, it remains unclear whether these OR genes from the genome databases are actually expressed in the fish olfactory epithelium. Thus, it is necessary to clone the OR mRNAs directly from the olfactory epithelium and to examine their expression status.

Results

Eighty-nine full-length and 22 partial OR cDNA sequences were isolated from the olfactory epithelium of the large yellow croaker, Larimichthys crocea. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis classified the vertebrate OR genes into two types, with several clades within each type, and showed that the L. crocea OR genes of each type are more closely related to those of fugu, pufferfish and stickleback than they are to those of medaka, zebrafish and frog. The reconciled tree showed 178 duplications and 129 losses. The evolutionary relationships among OR genes in these fishes accords with their evolutionary history. The fish OR genes have experienced functional divergence, and the different clades of OR genes have evolved different functions. The result of real-time PCR shows that different clades of ORs have distinct expression levels.

Conclusion

We have shown about 100 OR genes to be expressed in the olfactory epithelial tissues of L. crocea. The OR genes of modern fishes duplicated from their common ancestor, and were expanded over evolutionary time. The OR genes of L. crocea are closely related to those of fugu, pufferfish and stickleback, which is consistent with its evolutionary position. The different expression levels of OR genes of large yellow croaker may suggest varying roles of ORs in olfactory function.
Genomic insights into the versatility of the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum amazonense
Authors: Sant'Anna Fernando H , Almeida Luiz GP , Cecagno Ricardo , Reolon Luciano A , Siqueira Franciele M , Machado Maicon RS , Vasconcelos Ana TR , Schrank Irene S
Published: August 2011

Background

The speciesAzospirillum amazonensebelongs to a well-known genus of plant growth-promoting bacteria. This bacterium is found in association with several crops of economic importance; however, there is a lack of information on its physiology. In this work, we present a comprehensive analysis of the genomic features of this species.

Results

Genes ofA. amazonenserelated to nitrogen/carbon metabolism, energy production, phytohormone production, transport, quorum sensing, antibiotic resistance, chemotaxis/motility and bacteriophytochrome biosynthesis were identified. Noteworthy genes were the nitrogen fixation genes and the nitrilase gene, which could be directly implicated in plant growth promotion, and the carbon fixation genes, which had previously been poorly investigated in this genus. One important finding was that someA. amazonensegenes, like the nitrogenase genes and RubisCO genes, were closer phylogenetically to Rhizobiales members than to species of its own order.

Conclusion

The speciesA. amazonensepresents a versatile repertoire of genes crucial for its plant-associated lifestyle.
Identification of α-Chimaerin as a Candidate Gene for Critical Period Neuronal Plasticity in Cat and Mouse Visual Cortex
Authors: Yang Cui Bo , Zheng Yu Ting , Kiser Paul J , Mower George D
Published: August 2011

Background

In cat visual cortex, critical period neuronal plasticity is minimal until approximately 3 postnatal weeks, peaks at 5 weeks, gradually declines to low levels at 20 weeks, and disappears by 1 year of age. Dark rearing slows the entire time course of this critical period, such that at 5 weeks of age, normal cats are more plastic than dark reared cats, whereas at 20 weeks, dark reared cats are more plastic. Thus, a stringent criterion for identifying genes that are important for plasticity in visual cortex is that they show differences in expression between normal and dark reared that are of opposite direction in young versus older animals.

Results

The present study reports the identification by differential display PCR of a novel gene, α-chimaerin, as a candidate visual cortex critical period plasticity gene that showed bidirectional regulation of expression due to age and dark rearing. Northern blotting confirmed the bidirectional expression and 5'RACE sequencing identified the gene. There are two alternatively-spliced α-chimaerin isoforms: α1 and α2. Western blotting extended the evidence for bidirectional regulation of visual cortex α-chimaerin isoform expression to protein in cats and mice. α1- and α2-Chimaerin were elevated in dark reared compared to normal visual cortex at the peak of the normal critical period and in normal compared to dark reared visual cortex at the nadir of the normal critical period. Analysis of variance showed a significant interaction in both cats and mice for both α-chimaerin isoforms, indicating that the effect of dark rearing depended on age. This differential expression was not found in frontal cortex.

Conclusions

Chimaerins are RhoGTPase-activating proteins that are EphA4 effectors and have been implicated in a number of processes including growth cone collapse, axon guidance, dendritic spine development and the formation of corticospinal motor circuits. The present results identify α-chimaerin as a candidate molecule for a role in the postnatal critical period of visual cortical plasticity.
Withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining therapy in a Moroccan Emergency Department: An observational study
Authors: Damghi Nada , Belayachi Jihane , Aggoug Badria , Dendane Tarek , Abidi Khalid , Madani Naoufel , Zekraoui Aicha , Benchekroun Belabes Abdellatif , Zeggwagh Amine Ali , Abouqal Redouane
Published: August 2011

Background

Withdrawing and withholding life-support therapy (WH/WD) are undeniably integrated parts of medical activity. However, Emergency Department (ED) might not be the most appropriate place to give end-of life (EOL) care; the legal aspects and practices of the EOL care in emergency rooms are rarely mentioned in the medical literature and should be studied. The aims of this study were to assess frequency of situations where life-support therapies were withheld or withdrawn and modalities for implement of these decisions.

Method

A survey of patients who died in a Moroccan ED was performed. Confounding variables examined were: Age, gender, chronic underlying diseases, acute medical disorders, APACHE II score, Charlson Comorbidities Index, and Length of stay. If a decision of WH/WD was taken, additional data were collected: Type of decision; reasons supporting the decision, modalities of WH/WD, moment, time from ED admission to decision, and time from processing to withhold or withdrawal life-sustaining treatment to death. Individuals who initiated (single emergency physician, medical staff), and were involved in the decision (nursing staff, patients, and families), and documentation of the decision in the medical record.

Results

177 patients who died in ED between November 2009 and March 2010 were included. Withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining treatment was applied to 30.5% of all patients who died. Therapies were withheld in 24.2% and were withdrawn in 6.2%. The most reasons for making these decisions were; absence of improvement following a period of active treatment (61.1%), and expected irreversibility of acute disorder in the first 24 h (42.6%). The most common modalities withheld or withdrawn life-support therapy were mechanical ventilation (17%), vasopressor and inotrops infusion (15.8%). Factors associated with WH/WD decisions were older age (OR = 1.1; 95%IC = 1.01-1.07; P = 0.001), neurological acute medical disorders (OR = 4.1; 95%IC = 1.48-11.68; P = 0.007), malignancy (OR = 7.7; 95%IC = 1.38-8.54; P = 0.002) and cardiovascular (OR = 3.4;95%IC = 2.06-28.5;P = 0.008) chronic underlying diseases.

Conclusion

Life-sustaining treatment were frequently withheld or withdrawn from elderly patients with underlying chronic cardiovascular disease or metastatic cancer or patients with acute neurological medical disorders in a Moroccan ED. Religious beliefs and the lack of guidelines and official Moroccan laws could explain the ethical limitations of the decision-making process recorded in this study.
An evaluation of clinical treatment of convergence insufficiency for children with reading difficulties
Authors: Dusek Wolfgang A , Pierscionek Barbara K , McClelland Julie F
Published: August 2011

Background

The present study investigates two different treatment options for convergence insufficiency CI for a group of children with reading difficulties referred by educational institutes to a specialist eye clinic in Vienna.

Methods

One hundred and thirty four subjects (aged 7-14 years) with reading difficulties were referred from an educational institute in Vienna, Austria for visual assessment. Each child was given either 8Δ base-in reading spectacles (n = 51) or computerised home vision therapy (HTS) (n = 51). Thirty two participants refused all treatment offered (clinical control group). A full visual assessment including reading speed and accuracy were conducted pre- and post-treatment.

Results

Factorial analyses demonstrated statistically significant changes between results obtained for visits 1 and 2 for total reading time, reading error score, amplitude of accommodation and binocular accommodative facility (within subjects effects) (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also demonstrated between treatment groups for total reading time, reading error score and binocular accommodative facility (between subjects effects) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Reading difficulties with no apparent intellectual or psychological foundation may be due to a binocular vision anomaly such as convergence insufficiency. Both the HTS and prismatic correction are highly effective treatment options for convergence insufficiency. Prismatic correction can be considered an effective alternative to HTS.