bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: How accurate are the clinical criteria?
Authors: van Gent Marco W.F. , Velthuis Sebastiaan , Post Martijn C. , Snijder Repke J. , Westermann Cornelis J.J. , Letteboer Tom G.W. , Mager Johannes J.
Published: February 2013

The clinical diagnosis of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is based on the Curaçao criteria. Three out of four criteria are required for a definite clinical diagnosis HHT, two criteria are considered “possible” HHT, and 0 or 1 criterion makes the diagnosis unlikely. However, these consensus diagnostic criteria have not been validated. We report on the diagnostic accuracy of the clinical criteria. A total of 450 consecutive persons ≥16 years of age were screened for HHT between May 2004 and September 2009, including a chest CT to screen for pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). We selected 263 first‐degree relatives of disease‐causing mutation carriers who underwent mutation analysis. Genetic test results were considered the gold standard. The family mutation was present in 186 patients (mean age 42.9 ± 14.6 yr; 54.8% female). A clinical diagnosis was definite, “possible”, and unlikely in 168 (90.3%), 17 (9.1%), and 1 (0.5%) patient, respectively. In 77 persons the family mutation was absent (mean age 37.1 ± 12.3 yr, 59.7% female). In this group a clinical diagnosis was definite, possible, and unlikely in 0, 35 (45.5%), and 42 (54.5%) persons, respectively. The positive predictive value of a definite clinical diagnosis was 100% (95% CI 97.8–100), the negative predictive value of an unlikely diagnosis 97.7% (95% CI 87.9–99.6). Of 52 patients with “possible” HHT, 17 (32.7%) displayed an HHT‐causing mutation. The Curaçao clinical criteria have a good diagnostic performance. Genetic testing is particularly helpful in patients with a “possible” clinical diagnosis HHT. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel FREM1 mutations expand the phenotypic spectrum associated with manitoba‐oculo‐tricho‐anal (MOTA) syndrome and bifid nose renal agenesis anorectal malformations (BNAR) syndrome
Authors: Nathanson Jared , Swarr Daniel T. , Singer Amihood , Liu Mochi , Chinn Amy , Jones Wendy , Hurst Jane , Khalek Nahla , Zackai Elaine , Slavotinek Anne
Published: February 2013

Loss of function mutations in FREM1 have been demonstrated in Manitoba‐oculo‐tricho‐anal (MOTA) syndrome and Bifid Nose Renal Agenesis and Anorectal malformations (BNAR) syndrome, but the wider phenotypic spectrum that is associated with FREM1 mutations remains to be defined. We screened three probands with phenotypic features of MOTA syndrome. In one severely affected infant who was diagnosed with MOTA syndrome because of bilateral eyelid colobomas, a bifid nasal tip, hydrometrocolpos and vaginal atresia, we found two nonsense mutations that likely result in complete loss of FREM1 function. This infant also had renal dysplasia, a finding more consistent with BNAR syndrome. Another male who was homozygous for a novel stop mutation had an extensive eyelid colobomas, corneopalpebral synechiae, and unilateral renal agenesis. A third male child diagnosed with MOTA syndrome because of corneopalpebral synechiae and eyelid colobomas had a homozygous splice site mutation in FREM1. These cases illustrate that disruption of the FREM1 gene can produce a spectrum of clinical manifestations encompassing the previously described MOTA and BNAR syndromes, and that features of both syndromes may be seen in the same individual. The phenotype of FREM1‐related disorders is thus more pleiotropic than for MOTA and BNAR syndrome alone and more closely resembles the widespread clinical involvement seen with Fraser syndrome. Moreover, our first case demonstrates that vaginal atresia may be a feature of FREM1‐related disorders. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neuroblastoma in a pediatric patient with a microduplication of 2p involving the MYCN locus
Authors: Van Mater David , Knelson Erik H. , Kaiser‐Rogers Kathleen A. , Armstrong Michael B.
Published: February 2013

Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumor of infancy, and mutations in several genes have been implicated as playing a role in tumor development. Here, we describe a pediatric patient with a constitutional microduplication of 2p24.3 who developed Stage 4 neuroblastoma at age 11 months. He represents the sixth patient described in the literature with partial trisomy 2p and neuroblastoma. All previous cases had duplication events spanning two genes implicated in neuroblastoma, MYCN and ALK. Our patient is unique because his duplicated region includes the MYCN gene only; the ALK gene is unaffected. These data, combined with the relatively high incidence of neuroblastoma reported in partial trisomy 2p patients, support the notion that MYCN duplication should be added to the growing list of genetic factors associated with an increased risk of neuroblastoma. The mechanism of increased risk is unclear, but the fact that our patient had dramatic amplification of MYCN in his tumor suggests that a germline duplication might predispose to further amplification. Additionally, our patient has several morphologic features common to patients with partial trisomy 2p including high forehead, hypertelorism, postaxial polydactyly, and developmental delay despite having a microduplication spanning approximately 1 Mb and including just three intact genes. This case may therefore help further delineate the genotype–phenotype correlations associated with partial trisomy 2p. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical report: Two patients with atelosteogenesis type I caused by missense mutations affecting the same FLNB residue
Authors: Li Ben C. , Hogue Jacob , Eilers Meg , Mehrotra Pavni , Hyland James , Holm Tara , Prosen Tracy , Slavotinek Anne M.
Published: February 2013

We present two patients with Atelosteogenesis Type I (AO type I) caused by two novel Filamin B (FLNB) mutations affecting the same FLNB residue: c.542G > A, predicting p.Gly181Asp and c.542G > C, predicting p.Gly181Arg. Both children had typical manifestations of AO type I, with severe rhizomelic shortening of the extremities, limited elbow and knee extension with mild webbing, pectus excavatum, broad thumbs with brachydactyly that was most marked for digits 3–5, dislocated hips and bilateral talipes equinovarus. Facial features included proptosis, hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures, cleft palate, and retromicrognathia. The clinical course of one child was influenced by airway instability and bronchopulmonary dysplasia that complicated intubation and prevented separation from ventilator support. Respiratory insufficiency with tracheal hypoplasia, laryngeal stenosis, and pulmonary hypoplasia have all been described in patients with AO type I and we conclude that compromised pulmonary function is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in this condition. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Caffeine and adenosine A2A receptor inactivation decrease striatal neuropathology in a lentiviral‐based model of Machado–Joseph disease
Authors: Gonçalves Nélio , Simões Ana T. , Cunha Rodrigo A. , de Almeida Luís Pereira
Published: February 2013

Objective

Machado–Joseph disease (MJD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with an abnormal CAG expansion, which translates into an expanded polyglutamine tract within ataxin‐3. There is no therapy to prevent or modify disease progression. Because caffeine (a nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist) and selective adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) blockade alleviate neurodegeneration in different brain diseases, namely at early stages of another polyglutamine‐related disorder such as Huntington's disease, we now tested their ability to control MJD‐associated neurodegeneration.

Methods

MJD was modeled by transducing the striatum of male adult C57Bl/6 mice with lentiviral vectors encoding mutant ataxin‐3 in one hemisphere and wild‐type ataxin‐3 in the other hemisphere (as internal control). Caffeine (1g/L) was applied through the drinking water. Mice were killed at different time points (from 2 to 12 weeks) to probe for the appearance of different morphological changes using immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

Mutant ataxin‐3 caused an evolving neuronal dysfunction (loss of DARPP‐32 staining) leading to neurodegeneration (cresyl violet and neuronal nuclei staining) associated with increased number of mutant ataxin‐3 inclusions in the basal ganglia. Notably, mutant ataxin‐3 triggered early synaptotoxicity (decreased synaptophysin and microtubule‐associated protein‐2 staining) and reactive gliosis (glial fibrillary acidic protein and CD11b staining), which predated neuronal dysfunction and damage. Caffeine reduced the appearance of all these morphological modifications, which were also abrogated in mice with a global A2AR inactivation (knockout).

Interpretation

Our findings provide a demonstration that synaptotoxicity and gliosis are precocious events in MJD and that caffeine and A2AR inactivation decrease MJD‐associated striatal pathology, which paves the way to consider A2ARs as novel therapeutic targets to manage MJD. Ann Neurol 2013;73:655–666
Choice‐making, Expectations, and Treatment Positivity: How and When Choosing Shapes Aversive Experiences
Authors: Rose Jason P. , Geers Andrew L. , Fowler Stephanie L. , Rasinski Heather M.
Published: February 2013

Every day we use products and treatments with unknown but expected effects, such as using medication to manage pain. In many cases, we have a choice over which products or treatments to use; however, in other cases, people choose for us or choices are unavailable. Does choosing (versus not choosing) have implications for how a product or treatment is experienced? The current experiments examined the role of choice‐making in facilitating so‐called expectation assimilation effects—or situations in which a person's experiences (e.g., discomfort and pain) are evaluated in a manner consistent with their expectations. In Experiment 1, participants were initially exposed to a baseline set of aversive stimuli (i.e., sounds). Next, some participants were given expectations for two “treatments” (i.e., changes in screen display) that could ostensibly reduce discomfort. Critically, participants were either given a choice or not about which of the two treatments they preferred. Participants in a control condition were not provided with treatment expectations. Results revealed that discomfort experiences assimilated to expectations only when participants were provided with choice. Experiment 2 replicated this finding and provided evidence against the idea that demand characteristics and choice‐making unrelated to the core task (i.e., choices without associated expectations) could account for the results. Further, Experiment 2 showed that choosing reduced discomfort because of increased positivity about the treatment. Results are discussed in the context of extant research on choice‐making and expectation effects. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐Dimensional Arrays Using GlycoPEG Tags: Glycan Synthesis, Purification and Immobilisation
Authors: Etxebarria Juan , Serna Sonia , Beloqui Ana , Martin‐Lomas Manuel , Reichardt Niels‐Christian
Published: February 2013

Glycan arrays have become the premier tool for rapidly establishing the binding or substrate specificities of lectins and carbohydrate‐processing enzymes. New approaches for accelerating carbohydrate synthesis to address the enormous complexity of natural glycan structures are necessary. Moreover, optimising glycan immobilisation is key for the development of selective, sensitive and reproducible array‐based assays. We present a tag‐based approach that accelerates the preparation of glycan arrays on all levels by improving the synthesis, the purification and immobilisation of oligosaccharides. Glycan primers were chemically attached to bifunctional polyethyleneglycol (PEG) tags, extended enzymatically with the help of recombinant glycosyltransferases and finally purified by ultrafiltration. When printed directly onto activated glass slides, these glycoPEG tags afforded arrays with exceptionally high sensitivity, low background and excellent spot morphology. Likewise, the conjugation of glycoPEG tags to latex nanoparticles yielded multivalent scaffolds for carbohydrate‐binding assays with very low non‐specific binding.
Non‐activated T and B lymphocytes become morphologically distinguishable after detergent treatment
Authors: Kono Mari , Takagi Yuri , Kawauchi Sawako , Wada Atsushi , Morikawa Takashi , Funakoshi Kunihiro
Published: February 2013

T and B lymphocytes are difficult to distinguish morphologically even with electron microscopy, and antibodies are generally used to make the distinction. A specific reagent, consisting of nonionic and cationic detergents, is used for leukocyte differentiation using the Sysmex automated blood analyzer. This reagent increases cell membrane porosity and enables the introduction of fluorescent dye into leukocytes. In this study, we investigated the effect of this specific detergent on the morphology of T and B lymphocytes. T and B lymphocytes were obtained by density gradient centrifugation and magnetic cell sorting, with a minimum of 90% isolation efficiency. T and B lymphocytes were then treated with the specific detergent and fluorescent dye, and their distribution was analyzed based on side scatter and fluorescence intensity using general‐purpose flow cytometry (FCM). Fluorescent images were observed using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), cellular inner structures using a transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and cell surfaces using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The ratio of cholesterol to total lipid in cell membranes of B and T lymphocytes was measured using a fluorescent assay kit. The distribution of fluorescence intensity was different between T and B lymphocyte clusters, according to the FCM analysis. CLSM observations revealed that the fluorescent dye mainly stained cytoplasmic organelles. FCM, TEM, and SEM observations revealed that B lymphocytes are more likely to lose surface antigens and intracellular organelles than T lymphocytes, which allows the visual distinction between T and B lymphocytes. The ratio of cholesterol to total lipid in T lymphocyte membranes had tendency higher than that in B lymphocyte membranes. In this study, we demonstrate that cells with differences in cell membrane cholesterol amounts, such as B and T lymphocytes could be identified using an inexpensive detergent, as an alternative to costly antibodies. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Ubiquitination of HLA‐DO by MARCH family E3 ligases
Authors: Jahnke Martin , Trowsdale John , Kelly Adrian P.
Published: February 2013

HLA‐DO (DO) is a nonclassical MHC class II (MHCII) molecule that negatively regulates the ability of HLA‐DM to catalyse the removal of invariant chain‐derived CLIP peptides from classical MHCII molecules. Here, we show that DO is posttranslationally modified by ubiquitination. The location of the modified lysine residue is shared with all classical MHCII beta chains, suggesting a conserved function. Three membrane‐associated RING‐CH (MARCH1, 8 and 9) family E3 ligases that polyubiquitinate MHCII induce similar profiles of polyubiquitination on DOβ. All three MARCH proteins also influenced trafficking of DO indirectly by a mechanism that required the DOβ encoded di‐leucine and tyrosine‐based endocytosis motifs. This may be the result of MARCH‐induced ubiquitination of components of the endocytic machinery. MARCH9 was by far the most efficient at inducing intracellular redistribution of DO but did not target molecules for lysosomal degradation. The specificity of MARCH9 for HLA‐DQ and HLA‐DO suggests a need for common regulation of these two MHC‐encoded molecules.
Protein dielectrophoresis: Advances, challenges, and applications
Authors: Nakano Asuka , Ros Alexandra
Published: February 2013

Protein dielectrophoresis (DEP) has the potential to play an important role as a manipulation, fractionation, preconcentration, and separation method in bioanalysis and as manipulation tool for nanotechnological applications. The first demonstrations of protein DEP have been reported almost 20 years ago. Since then various experimental realizations to manipulate proteins by DEP as well as more targeted applications employing protein DEP have been demonstrated. This review summarizes the experimental studies in the field of protein DEP trapping and focusing as well as specific applications in separation, molecular patterning, on bioprobes and biosensors. While a comprehensive theoretical model describing protein DEP is still lacking we also attempt to provide an overview of the factors influencing protein DEP and relate to currently available theoretical models. We further point out the variations in experimental conditions used in the past to study the somewhat 20 proteins as well as the implications of protein molecular structure to the DEP response.
The role of telomere length modulation in delayed chromosome instability induced by ionizing radiation in human primary fibroblasts
Authors: Berardinelli Francesco , Antoccia Antonio , Buonsante Rossella , Gerardi Silvia , Cherubini Roberto , Nadal Viviana De , Tanzarella Caterina , Sgura Antonella
Published: February 2013

Telomere integrity is important for chromosome stability. The main objective of our study was to investigate the relationship between telomere length modulation and mitotic chromosome segregation induced by ionizing radiation in human primary fibroblasts. We used X‐rays and low‐energy protons because of their ability to induce different telomeric responses. Samples irradiated with 4 Gy were fixed at different times up to 6 days from exposure and telomere length, anaphase abnormalities, and chromosome aberrations were analyzed. We observed that X‐rays induced telomere shortening in cells harvested at 96 hrs, whereas protons induced a significant increase in telomere length at short as well as at long harvesting times (24 and 96 hrs). Consistent with this, the analysis of anaphase bridges at 96 hrs showed a fourfold increase in X‐ray‐ compared with proton‐irradiated samples, suggesting a correlation between telomere length/dysfunction and chromosome missegregation. In line with these findings, the frequency of dicentrics and rings decreased with time for protons whereas it remained stable after X‐rays irradiation. Telomeric FISH staining on anaphases revealed a higher percentage of bridges with telomere signals in X‐ray‐treated samples than that observed after proton irradiation, thus suggesting that the aberrations observed after X‐ray irradiation originated from telomere attrition and consequent chromosome end‐to‐end fusion. This study shows that, beside an expected “early” chromosome instability induced shortly after irradiation, a delayed one occurs as a result of alterations in telomere metabolism and that this mechanism may play an important role in genomic stability. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 54:172–179, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a combined waterjet plasma scrubber for tetrafluoromethane and by‐product removal
Authors: Chun Young Nam , Lee Chae Hong
Published: February 2013

Perfluorocompounds (PFCs) have been extensively used for plasma etching and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) gases for the semiconductor manufacturing processes. PFCs have significant effects on global warming, and have very long atmospheric lifetimes. Moreover, the wastewater, including fluorine, would be caused by groundwater pollution. The long‐term consumption of water containing excessive fluoride can lead to fluorosis of the teeth and bones. In this study, a waterjet gliding arc plasma system in which plasma is combined with waterjet was developed, and the optimum operating conditions for efficient CF4 destruction were investigated by enlarging the discharge region and producing a large amount of OH radicals. The CF4 decomposed by the waterjet plasma produces hydrogen fluoride (HF) and is dissolved in the waterjet. The present system in the work utilized electrocoagulation and calcium hydroxide, which is very effective for getting rid of HF from wastewater. For the experimental parameters, the waterjet flow rate and input power were used for the waterjet plasma scrubber, the initial pH and current density for the electrocoagulation process, and the reaction pH and Ca(OH)2 injection volume for the calcium hydroxide process. It was found in the parametric experiment that the total CF4 decomposition efficiency was 99.2%; the removal efficiencies of CO2 and HF, which are the by‐products in the gas, were 69.4 and 78%, respectively; and the removal efficiency of HF, which is the by‐product in the liquid, was 99.3%. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 229–237, 2014
METABOLIC TRANSFORMATION SHAPES POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL AND POLYBROMINATED DIPHENYL ETHER PATTERNS IN BELUGA WHALES (DELPHINAPTERUS LEUCAS)
Authors: Desforges Jean-Pierre W. , Ross Peter S. , Loseto Lisa L.
Published: February 2013

While the accumulation of persistent contaminants in marine mammals can be attributed directly to their prey, the role of metabolism in shaping patterns is often overlooked. In the present study, the authors investigated the role of metabolic transformation in influencing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) patterns in offshore and nearshore groups of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) and their prey. Congener profiles and principal components analysis (PCA) revealed similar PCB and PBDE patterns in beluga whales feeding either offshore or nearshore, despite divergent contaminant patterns in the putative prey of these two feeding groups. The clustering of PCBs into metabolically derived structure–activity groups (SAGs) and the separation of metabolizable and recalcitrant groups along principal component 1 of the PCA revealed the important role of metabolic transformation in shaping PCB patterns in beluga. Lack of metabolism for congeners with high ortho-chlorine content was revealed by metabolic slopes equal to or greater than 1.0. Metabolic slopes for all other SAGs were less than 1.0 (p < 0.001), suggesting metabolism of congeners with ortho-meta and meta-para vicinal hydrogens via induction of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP1A/2B/3A). Metabolic indices less than 1.0 for PBDEs (p < 0.001) suggested that beluga metabolized these poorly understood flame retardants. The strikingly similar PCB patterns in a captive beluga and free-ranging beluga from the Beaufort Sea provide additional evidence that metabolic transformation is a dominant driver of contaminant patterns in beluga. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:1132–1142. © 2013 SETAC
Expression of caveolin‐1 in the early phase of beta‐TCP implanted in dog mandible
Authors: Chou Cherng‐Tzeh , Bhawal Ujjal K. , Watanabe Nobuyuki , Kuboyama Noboru , Chang Wei‐Jen , Lee Sheng‐Yang , Abiko Yoshimitsu
Published: February 2013

Caveolin is an essential and signature protein of caveolae. Caveolin‐1 participates in signal transduction processes by acting as a scaffolding protein that concentrates, organizes and functional regulates signalling molecules within caveolar membranes. Beta‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) has been widely used for scaffold in tissue engineering due to its high biodegradability, osteoconductivity, easy manipulation, and lack of histotoxicity. To better understand the role of caveolin‐1 in bone homeostasis and response to β‐TCP scaffold, β‐TCP was implanted into the dog mandible defects in beagle dogs, and gene expression profiles were examined focused on the molecular components involved in caveolin‐1 regulation. Here we showed the quantitative imageology analysis characterized using in vivo micro‐computed tomography (CT) images at 4 and 7 days after β‐TCP implanted in dog mandibles. The bone reformation by using the β‐TCP scaffolds began within 4 days of surgery, and was healing well at 7 days after surgery. Higher mRNA level of caveolin‐1 was observed in β‐TCP‐implanted Beagle dog mandibles compared with controls at day 4 and day 7 post‐surgery. The enhancement of caveolin‐1 by β‐TCP was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analysis. We further revealed increased Smad7 and Phospho Stat3 expression in β‐TCP‐implanted specimens. Taken together, these results suggest that the enhancement of caveolin‐1 play an important role in accelerating bone formation by β‐TCP. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Effects of Developmental Deltamethrin Exposure on White Adipose Tissue Gene Expression
Authors: Armstrong Laura E. , Driscoll Maureen V. , More Vijay R. , Donepudi Ajay C. , Xu Jialin , Baker Angela , Aleksunes Lauren M. , Richardson Jason R. , Slitt Angela L.
Published: February 2013

Deltamethrin, a type II pyrethroid, is a widely used insecticide. The purpose of this study was to determine whether perinatal deltamethrin exposure altered the expression of adipogenic and lipogenic genes in white adipose tissue (WAT) in adult pups. C57BL/6 pregnant mice were administered 0, 1, or 3 mg/kg of deltamethrin orally every 3 days throughout gestation and lactation. Offspring were weaned on postnatal day 25, and WAT was collected from 5‐month‐old male mice. Perinatal deltamethrin exposure decreased the mRNA expression of adipogenesis‐related transcription factors Pparγ, Cebpα, and lipogenic genes Srebp1c, Acc‐1, Cd36, Lpl, Scd‐1; along with Nrf2 and target genes Nqo1 and Gclc at the 1 mg/kg treatment. Cytokine expression of Fas/Tnf‐R and Cd209e at the 1 mg/kg treatment was significantly decreased, and expression of Tnf, Cd11c, and Fas/Tnf‐R was decreased at the 3 mg/kg treatment. Developmental deltamethrin exposure did not overtly affect body weight or adipose weight, but decreased mRNA expression of specific genes that may potentially disrupt normal adipogenesis and lipid and glucose metabolism if the offspring are challenged by changes in diet or environment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:165‐171, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21471
Long‐term variation of precipitation indices in Ceará State, Northeast Brazil
Authors: Guerreiro Maria João Simas , Maia de Andrade Eunice , Abreu Isabel , Lajinha Teresa
Published: February 2013

The state of Ceará is a semiarid region in north‐eastern Brazil, having a high spatial and temporal variability of precipitation, which poses challenges for water resources management. The objective of this study is to describe and analyse the long‐term variation of monthly precipitation indices and their relation to sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. Data from 55 weather stations in the state of Ceará from 1974 to 2009 was analysed. In general, a decreasing tendency in monthly precipitation was observed over almost all the state of Ceará. The results point to a tendency for dry months to become dryer and to a decrease in precipitation intensity. SST anomalies from October to March correlate with precipitation indices from January to April, showing decreasing lag times towards the end of the wet season. The most influential SST anomalies locations are Niño 1+2, Niño 3, Niño 3.4 and Global Tropics.
Changes in daily precipitation extremes in the Mediterranean from 1951 to 2010: the Basilicata region, southern Italy
Authors: Piccarreta M. , Pasini A. , Capolongo D. , Lazzari M.
Published: February 2013

Changes in precipitation extremes for the Basilicata region, southern Italy, have been analyzed using data from 55 precipitation stations with complete daily time series during the period 1951–2010. All the series were submitted to quality control assessment and homogenization. To detect possible trends the time series analysis was performed with the Mann–Kendall non‐parametric test. The annual and seasonal total precipitation underwent a general downward trend over the period 1951–2010 mainly due to the autumn‐winter decrease of precipitation, although the tendency for the last decade is clearly positive. The precipitation intensity shows a general positive trend, mainly due to the upward trend of spring. The dry spell mean has increased throughout the region over 1951–2010, even if a really important opposite trend characterizes the last decade. The wet spell mean has decreased throughout the region from 1951 to 2010, although a strong inversion of tendency has been recorded in the last 10 years. Trends in the extreme daily precipitation have indicated a general downward tendency, mainly during the summer season. The analysis of multi‐day sequences of moderate to heavy rainfall has indicated a corresponding increase in their frequency and intensity, especially in the last decade. The overall results indicate a present hydroclimatic regime characterized by an increase in total rainfall and precipitation intensity and a small decrease in dry spell lengths. The positive change in precipitation magnitude is due to multi‐day extreme precipitation rather than to single‐day precipitation. This last observation is very important for its huge hydrological impact on the environment. In Basilicata, the increase in intensity/frequency of multi‐days extreme events has led to the growth of severe flooding and landsliding events, not only in autumn and winter, but even in the early spring.
A branch‐and‐bound‐based solution approach for dynamic rerouting of airborne platforms
Authors: Murray Chase , Karwan Mark
Published: February 2013

This article is a sequel to a recent article that appeared in this journal, “An extensible modeling framework for dynamic reassignment and rerouting in cooperative airborne operations” [17], in which an integer programming formulation to the problem of rescheduling in‐flight assets due to changes in battlespace conditions was presented. The purpose of this article is to present an improved branch‐and‐bound procedure to solve the dynamic resource management problem in a timely fashion, as in‐flight assets must be quickly re‐tasked to respond to the changing environment. To facilitate the rapid generation of attractive updated mission plans, this procedure uses a technique for reducing the solution space, supports branching on multiple decision variables simultaneously, incorporates additional valid cuts to strengthen the minimal network constraints of the original mathematical model, and includes improved objective function bounds. An extensive numerical analysis indicates that the proposed approach significantly outperforms traditional branch‐and‐bound methodologies and is capable of providing improved feasible solutions in a limited time. Although inspired by the dynamic resource management problem in particular, this approach promises to be an effective tool for solving other general types of vehicle routing problems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2013
Key Articles and Guidelines in the Primary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Baker William L. , Marrs Joel C. , Davis Lindsay E. , Nutescu Edith A. , Shaun Rowe A. , Ryan Melody , Splinter Michele Y. , Vardeny Orly , Fagan Susan C.
Published: February 2013

Ischemic stroke is a prevalent disease with a large burden on the health system. Preventive strategies, therefore, are paramount. Primary prevention is aimed at reducing the risk of stroke in asymptomatic people. The most effective prevention is through control of modifiable risk factors. Due to the large amount of literature available on this topic, this bibliography (the first of a 2‐part series) aims to provide a comprehensive resource for medical practitioners charged with caring for this population.
Causes, diagnosis and treatment of visceral hallucinations
Authors: Kathirvel Natarajan , Mortimer Ann
Published: February 2013

Visceral hallucinations are unpleasant sensations that appear to arise from internal organs, and can occur in both psychiatric and neurological disorders. Here, Dr Kathirvel and Professor Mortimer discuss the differential diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of visceral hallucinations.
Adolescent survivors of childhood cancer: are they vulnerable for psychological distress?
Authors: Gianinazzi Micol E. , Rueegg Corina S. , Wengenroth Laura , Bergstraesser Eva , Rischewski Johannes , Ammann Roland A. , Kuehni Claudia E. , Michel Gisela ,   for Swiss Pediatric Oncology Group (SPOG)
Published: February 2013

Objectives

We aimed to (i) evaluate psychological distress in adolescent survivors of childhood cancer and compare them to siblings and a norm population; (ii) compare the severity of distress of distressed survivors and siblings with that of psychotherapy patients; and (iii) determine risk factors for psychological distress in survivors.

Methods

We sent a questionnaire to all childhood cancer survivors aged <16 years when diagnosed, who had survived ≥5 years and were aged 16–19 years at the time of study. Our control groups were same‐aged siblings, a norm population, and psychotherapy patients. Psychological distress was measured with the Brief Symptom Inventory‐18 (BSI‐18) assessing somatization, depression, anxiety, and a global severity index (GSI). Participants with a T‐score ≥57 were defined as distressed. We used logistic regression to determine risk factors.

Results

We evaluated the BSI‐18 in 407 survivors and 102 siblings. Fifty‐two survivors (13%) and 11 siblings (11%) had scores above the distress threshold (T ≥ 57). Distressed survivors scored significantly higher in somatization (p = 0.027) and GSI (p = 0.016) than distressed siblings, and also scored higher in somatization (p ≤ 0.001) and anxiety (p = 0.002) than psychotherapy patients. In the multivariable regression, psychological distress was associated with female sex, self‐reported late effects, and low perceived parental support.

Conclusions

The majority of survivors did not report psychological distress. However, the severity of distress of distressed survivors exceeded that of distressed siblings and psychotherapy patients. Systematic psychological follow‐up can help to identify survivors at risk and support them during the challenging period of adolescence. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Laser Initiation of Non‐Primary Explosive Detonators
Authors: Du Jian Guo , Ma Hong Hao , Shen Zhao Wu
Published: February 2013

Aiming to solve the problems caused by primary explosives in traditional detonators, a new kind of non‐primary explosive detonator based on the principle of flying plate detonator is invented. However, in some special circumstances, such as high temperature, strong radiation, strong magnetic field, overload, high‐pressure conditions, the non‐primary explosive detonator cannot work well because of the defects of its usual used initiating method like electric hot wire initiating devices, electric exploding bridge wire initiator, and initiating by a shock‐conducting tube. In this context, initiation by low energy laser is applied to non‐primary explosive detonator. After this combination, the non‐primary explosive detonator performs well in resisting high temperature, high pressure, overload, and electric interference.
Aging of HTPB/Al/AP Rocket Propellant Formulations Investigated by DMA Measurements
Authors: Cerri Sara , Bohn Manfred A. , Menke Klaus , Galfetti Luciano
Published: February 2013

Three HTPB‐based rocket propellant formulations containing ammonium perchlorate and aluminum particles, with different aluminum content and particle size, have been manufactured. The study has focused on the change of mechanical properties with aging time by using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Therefore, propellant formulations underwent an accelerated aging program, in air (RH<10 %), between 60 °C and 90 °C with aging time adjusted to a thermal equivalent load of 15 to 20 years at 25 °C. DMA investigations revealed distinct changes in the shape of the loss factor curve. These curves were modeled with three exponentially modified Gaussian (EMG) functions in order to get the molecular interpretation of the involved aging phenomena by separating the binder fractions with different mobility. Aging of propellant formulations can be followed by considering only two parameters: the areas of the second and third loss factor transition peaks (A2, A3), and the corresponding maximum temperature values of the assigned Gauss peaks (Tc2, Tc3).
Correlating process safety leading indicators with performance
Authors: Forest Jerry J. , Kessler Kurt
Published: February 2013

By definition, process safety leading indicators are predictive in nature and therefore should have a direct correlation with actual process safety incidents. This article will present Six Sigma methodologies to map the process and analyze measurements, identify leading indicators and determine where statistical correlations exist among leading indicators and actual incidents, as well as how to differentiate normal variation from an actual shift from baseline performance. The methods presented are process mapping, statistical andgraphical analysis, chi‐square test, and control charting. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2013
Estrogen inhibits estrogen receptor α‐mediated rho‐kinase expression in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis rats
Authors: Feng Jinzhou , Zhang Guanghui , Hu Xiao , Si Chen Cindy , Qin Xinyue
Published: February 2013

The anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of estrogen on multiple sclerosis (MS) have been reported in previous studies. Evidence has been found that estrogen can inhibit axonal loss in the MOG‐induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS. Rho‐kinase (ROCK) mediates axonal growth‐inhibitory signals via the Rho/Rho‐kinase pathway. The inhibition of ROCK decreases axonal loss in EAE. However, there is no study reporting the association between estrogen and ROCK in MS and EAE. We examined the anti‐inflammatory and axonal protective effects of estrogen and explored the probable mechanism whereby estrogen inhibits ROCK through ERα in EAE rats. Results show that 17β‐estradiol (E2) can significantly avoid the loss of neurological function in EAE rats. E2 also decreased the infiltration of inflammatory cells and cytokines including IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and IL‐17, but increased the expression of IL‐4. E2 inhibited the expression of ROCK and NF‐200 in EAE rats. The inhibitory effect on ROCK was abolished when nonselective estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI 182780 was added to E2. Furthermore, the expression of ROCK was inhibited by ERα‐selective ligand agonist propyl pyrazole triol. ERβ‐selective ligand WAY‐202041 has no effect on the expression of ROCK. These observations suggest that estrogen inhibits the expression of ROCK in EAE rats and that the inhibitory effects are mediated by ERα rather than ERβ. Synapse 67:399–406, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inactivation property of microorganisms in water irradiated by atmospheric‐pressure plasma using dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Tanaka Shoma , Horinouchi Tadahiro , Abe Shoichi , Matsuno Yasumasa , Sasaki Toru , Kikuchi Takashi , Harada Nobuhiro
Published: February 2013

Microorganisms in water were inactivated by irradiating with an atmospheric‐pressure plasma generated by a dielectric barrier discharge. To understand the inactivation mechanism of microorganisms, the actions due to irradiation with plasma discharge, heating, and chemical reaction are studied. We compare the buffer gases helium and argon in generating the atmospheric‐pressure plasma. The results indicate that the inactivation with the helium as buffer gas is higher than with argon. It is found that the inactivation ratio at different reactor volumes depends on the density of microorganisms in water. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A search process for appropriate running of adjacent metro trains within stations based on genetic algorithm
Authors: Hei Xinhong , Li Yuxiang , Wang Lei , Ma Qiaomei
Published: February 2013

To improve the efficiency of adjacent metro trains entering and leaving a station, we propose an improved genetic algorithm (IGA) which introduces a combinational mutation strategy to the classical genetic algorithm. Based on this algorithm, the running processes of adjacent metro trains within stations are optimized. The process is primarily divided into three stages: posterior trains entering the station, posterior trains stopping at the station, and previous trains leaving the station. These stages are principally influenced by four factors: the acceleration and initial speed of the posterior train entering the station; the time when the previous train leaves the station; and the acceleration of the previous train leaving the station. Moreover, there are certain coupling features and relationships among these factors. How to search for the optimal values of these factors is the issue to be discussed in this paper. Experiment results show that we can obtain an optimal solution in the space established by a suitable combination of values for these factors, and that the IGA is potentially useful for optimization design. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Integrating Aesthetics Into Professional Development for Teachers of English Learners
Authors: Murphy Audrey Figueroa
Published: February 2013

The emphasis on testing in curricular content areas has left little room in most U.S. schools for education in the arts. Yet research supports the pedagogical value of aesthetic education, particularly for English learners (ELs), whose representation in schools continues to increase. This article presents a qualitative action research study intended to contribute to the understanding of the impact of incorporating aesthetic education into the training protocol for teachers of ELs. Twenty‐three graduate education students at a private university in Queens, New York, participated in an artist‐led workshop rooted in the aesthetic education theories of Maxine Greene (1995, 2011, 2007) and structured around the four‐stage knowledge acquisition schemas of Torbert (2006) and Heron and Reason (2006). Thereafter, the trainees experimented with using arts‐based lessons in their own classrooms, which included ELs. Interviews conducted after the workshop and again after the practice attempts showed that participants gained confidence and facility in integrating arts and aesthetics into their teaching. Participants' reflections also support research that suggests that arts‐based education is an excellent means to develop the cognitive, linguistic, and cultural abilities of ELs. These findings are supplemented with recommendations for implementation and with a sample rubric for an EL‐friendly aesthetic education unit.
The intersection numbers of the p-spin curves from random matrix theory
Authors: Brézin E. , Hikami S.
Published: February 2013

Abstract

The intersection numbers of p-spin curves are computed through correlation functions of Gaussian ensembles of random matrices in an external matrix source. The p-dependence of intersection numbers is determined as polynomial in p; the large p behavior is also considered. The analytic continuation of intersection numbers to negative values of p is discussed in relation to SL(2,R)/U(1) black hole sigma model.
Conformality in many-flavour lattice QCD at strong coupling
Authors: de Forcrand Ph. , Kim S. , Unger W.
Published: February 2013

Abstract

It is widely believed that chiral symmetry is spontaneously broken at zero temperature in the strong coupling limit of staggered fermions, for any number of colors and flavors. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we show that this conventional wisdom, based on a mean-field analysis, is wrong. For sufficiently many fundamental flavors, chiral symmetry is restored via a bulk, first-order transition. This chirally symmetric phase appears to be analytically connected with the expected conformal window of many-flavor continuum QCD. We perform simulations in the chirally symmetric phase at zero quark mass for various system sizes L, and measure the torelon mass, the Dirac spectrum and the hadron spectrum. All masses go to zero with 1/L. L is hence the only infrared length scale. Thus, the strong-coupling chirally restored phase appears as a convenient laboratory to study IR-conformality. Finally, we present a conjecture for the phase diagram of lattice QCD as a function of the bare coupling and the number of quark flavors.
Counter‐ion Effect on Micellization of Ionic Surfactants: A Comprehensive Understanding with Two Representatives, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) and Dodecyltrimethylammonium Bromide (DTAB)
Authors: Naskar Bappaditya , Dey Arnab , Moulik Satya P.
Published: February 2013

Various micelle parameters viz., critical micelle concentration (CMC), counter‐ion binding (β), aggregation number (N), hydrodynamic radius (Rh), micelle zeta potential (ζ) and energetic parameters, free energy of micellization (), enthalpy of micellization () and entropy of micelle formation () were determined for sodium dodecylsulfate, and dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide in the presence of NaCl for the former and NaBr for the latter. Conductometry and calorimetry methods were used for the measurements of CMC and energetic parameters. The fluorimetric (static quenching) method was employed to determine N and dynamic light scattering to estimate Rh and ζ. The conductometrically determined β was verified from the CMC values by calorimetry using the Corrin–Harkins equation. The results found for the two surfactants of identical tails but different head groups have been presented and discussed. A detailed report on the salt effect using salts containing counter‐ions the same as those in the surfactant is found only limitedly in the literature.
Brief report: Adolescents' co‐rumination with mothers, co‐rumination with friends, and internalizing symptoms
Authors: Waller Erika M. , Rose Amanda J.
Published: February 2013

The current research examined co‐rumination (extensively discussing, rehashing, and speculating about problems) with mothers and friends. Of interest was exploring whether adolescents who co‐ruminate with mothers were especially likely to co‐ruminate with friends as well as the interplay among co‐rumination with mothers, co‐rumination with friends, and anxious/depressed symptoms. Early‐ to mid‐adolescents (N = 393) reported on co‐rumination and normative self‐disclosure with mothers and friends and on their internalizing symptoms in this cross‐sectional study. Co‐rumination with mothers (but not normative self‐disclosure) was concurrently associated with adolescents' co‐rumination with friends. In addition, the relation between co‐rumination with mothers and adolescents' anxious/depressed symptoms reported previously (Waller & Rose, 2010) became non‐significant when co‐rumination with friends was statistically controlled. This suggests that the relation between friendship co‐rumination and anxious/depressed symptoms may help explain the relation between mother‐child co‐rumination and anxious/depressed symptoms. Potential implications for promoting adolescents' well‐being are discussed.
Asymptotic behavior for critical Patlak–Keller–Segel model and a repulsive–attractive aggregation equation
Authors: Yao Yao
Published: February 2013

In this paper we study the long time asymptotic behavior for a class of diffusion–aggregation equations. Most results except the ones in Section 3.3 concern radial solutions. The main tools used in the paper are maximum principle type arguments on mass concentration of solutions, as well as energy method. For the Patlak–Keller–Segel problem with critical power

m = 2−2/ d

, we prove that all radial solutions with critical mass would converge to a family of stationary solutions, while all radial solutions with subcritical mass converge to a self-similar dissipating solution algebraically fast. For non-radial solutions, we obtain convergence towards the self-similar dissipating solution when the mass is sufficiently small. We also apply the mass comparison method to another aggregation model with repulsive–attractive interaction, and prove that radial solutions converge to the stationary solution exponentially fast.