bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General Features of Squall Lines in East China
Authors: Meng Zhiyong , Yan Dachun , Zhang Yunji
Published: November 2012

Based on mosaics of composite radar reflectivity patterns during the 2-yr period of 2008–09, a total of 96 squall lines were identified in east China with a maximum frequency of occurrence in north China near the boundaries between Shandong, Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu Provinces. The squall lines form from March to October with a peak in July. Their diurnal variation shows a major peak in the early evening and two minor peaks in the early morning and early afternoon. The time between squall-line formation and the first echo is about 4.8 h. The squall lines have a dominant southwest–northeast orientation, an eastward motion at a speed of 14.4 m s−1, a maximum length of 243 km, a maximum intensity of 58–63 dBZ, and a duration of 4.7 h on average. The squall lines commonly form in a broken-line mode, display a trailing-stratiform pattern, and dissipate in a reversed broken-line mode. Composite rawinsonde analyses show that squall lines in midlatitude east China tend to form in a moister environment with comparable background instability, and weaker vertical shear relative to their U.S. counterparts. The rawinsondes were also composited with respect to different formation and organizational modes. The environmental flows of the squall lines in the area with high frequency of formation were classified into six synoptic weather patterns: pre–short trough, pre–long trough, cold vortex, subtropical high, tropical cyclone (TC), and posttrough. About one-third of the squall lines form in the dominant pre-short-trough pattern. Favorable conditions of various patterns were examined in terms of moisture supply, instability, vertical wind shear, low-level jet, etc.
Forecasting Drought Using the Agricultural Reference Index for Drought (ARID): A Case Study
Authors: Woli Prem , Jones James , Ingram Keith , Paz Joel
Published: November 2012

Drought forecasting can aid in developing mitigation strategies and minimizing economic losses. Drought may be forecast using a drought index, which is an indicator of drought. The agricultural reference index for drought (ARID) was used as a tool to investigate the possibility of using climate indices (CIs) as predictors to improve the current level of forecasting, which is El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) based. The performances of models that are based on linear regression (LR), artificial neural networks (ANN), adaptive neuron-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS), and autoregressive moving averages (ARMA) models were compared with that of the ENSO approach. Monthly values of ARID spanning 56 yr were computed for five locations in the southeastern United States, and monthly values of the CIs having significant connections with weather in this region were obtained. For the ENSO approach, the ARID values were separated into three ENSO phases and averaged by phase. For the ARMA models, monthly time series of ARID were used. For the ANFIS, ANN, and LR models, ARID was predicted 1, 2, and 3 months ahead using the past values of the first principal component of the CIs. Model performances were assessed with the Nash–Sutcliffe index. Results indicated that drought forecasting could be improved for the southern part of the region using ANN models and CIs. The ANN outperformed the other models for most locations in the region. The CI-based models and the ENSO approach performed better during the winter, whereas the efficiency of ARMA models depended on precipitation periodicities. All models performed better for southern locations. The CIs showed good potential for use in forecasting drought, especially for southern locations in the winter.
Evaluation of a Wind-Wave System for Ensemble Tropical Cyclone Wave Forecasting. Part II: Waves
Authors: Lazarus Steven M. , Wilson Samuel T. , Splitt Michael E. , Zarillo Gary A.
Published: November 2012

A wind-wave forecast system, designed with the intention of generating unbiased ensemble wave forecasts for extreme wind events, is assessed. Wave hindcasts for 12 tropical cyclones (TCs) are forced using a wind analysis produced from a combination of the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) and a parametric wind model. The default drag parameterization is replaced by one that is more in line with recent studies where a cap at weak-to-moderate wind speeds is applied. Quadrant-based significant wave height (Hs) statistics are composited in a storm-relative reference frame and stratified by the radius of maximum wind, storm speed, and storm intensity. Improvements in Hs are gleaned from both downscaling the NARR winds and tuning the wave model. However, the paradigm whereby the drag coefficient depends solely on the wind speed is limiting. Results indicate that Hs is biased low in the right quadrants (for all statistical subcategories). Conversely, Hs is high biased in the left-rear quadrant even though the analysis wind field is underforecast there. At radii less than 100 nautical miles, the model peak wave direction is offset from the observed, with the model (buoy) peak more in line with (to the left of) the direction of the tropical cyclone motion. As a result, the predominant storm-relative wind direction, which is northwesterly in the left-rear quadrant, opposes that of the buoy peak wave direction, while the model peak is more crosswise with respect to the wind. This will likely reduce the magnitude of the wind stress in the model.
The Role of the Judiciary in Occupational Health and Safety Prosecutions: Institutional Processes and the Production of Deterrence
Authors: McCallum Ron , Schofield Toni , Reeve Belinda
Published: November 2012

Drawing on interviews with judicial officers in two Australian states, this article examines the role of judges in sentencing occupational health and safety offenders. Specifically, it focuses on the deterrent impact of occupational health and safety prosecutions, including judges’ understanding of deterrence and the judicial role in deterring serious breaches of occupational health and safety legislation. Judges thought that occupational health and safety prosecutions had some deterrent impact on prosecuted offenders, but were sceptical as to whether prosecutions led to lasting improvements in workplace safety, both in relation to the prosecuted offender and the wider community. Judges’ scepticism related to the fact that they viewed deterrence as a complex process involving a range of social institutions, including occupational health and safety regulators and the media. Further, the judiciary’s influence over sentencing outcomes was constrained by key elements of the judicial role, including the requirement that judges remain impartial and detached from other actors in the prosecution process. However, judges do play an important role in preventing workplace deaths and injuries, especially in relation to the constitutive or communicative effects of prosecution. By sentencing offenders, the judiciary acts as a key component in institutional processes that construct employers as bearing primary responsibility for the prevention of workplace deaths and injuries.
‘The Bad Enough Group Analyst’: Authenticity and Emotional Responsiveness in Group Analysis’. A Response to Farhad Dalal’s Foulkes Lecture
Authors: Berman Avi
Published: November 2012

The group can be a moral place only if it can contain moral challenges. For this, the group needs a sort of freedom to relate in which the group can move between poles of injury and regret, and between impassivity on the one hand and concern on the other. The emotional involvement of the all members with each other is a pre-condition for the ethical situation of the group. Emotional responsiveness entails authenticity. The authentic expression is spontaneous and unexpected (Nitsun, 1996). Sometimes it is impulsive, emotional, enacted and surprising. It can break through blockages of withholding. An authentic expression can be loving or hurtful. In group analytic psychotherapy, it is not only the excessive responsiveness of the therapist to the weakness and the suffering of the members which is the therapeutic factor. When each member is attuned to himself and to the other, the group fulfils its most important therapeutic quality. In this article I suggest that in order to develop these strengths the therapist must be able to be a ‘bad enough’ therapist with the group members.

It would be better to claim that therapist non-responsiveness is necessary for the formation of the group, as a body which gives meaning to each one of the participants. In a certain way it invites each of the members to be present and in another way it creates a situation in which the members are nearly forced to be present through the responsiveness of each of them in the lack of a satisfactory individual response of the conductor. I suggest that the analyst’s authentic response corresponds with what Dr. Dalal calls ‘emotional responsiveness’. This is in fact the ‘bad enough participation’ on the part of the analyst, which leads to a breakthrough in the therapy. The morality of the therapist is expressed in his willingness to move from the neutral analytic position and see himself as a reason for part of what is going on in the group.
The effect of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 deficiency on pulmonary allergic responses in aspergillus fumigatus sensitized mice
Authors: Jiang Zhilong , Fehrenbach Melane L , Ravaioli Giulia , Kokalari Blerina , Redai Imre G , Sheardown Steven A , Wilson Stephen , Macphee Colin , Haczku Angela
Published: November 2012

Background

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2)/platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. A therapeutic targeting of this enzyme was challenged by the concern that increased circulating platelet activating factor (PAF) may predispose to or increase the severity of the allergic airway response. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Lp-PLA2gene deficiency increases the risk of PAF and IgE-mediated inflammatory responsesin vitroandin vivousing mouse models.

Methods

Lp-PLA2-/- mice were generated and back crossed to the C57BL/6 background. PAF-AH activity was measured using a hydrolysis assay in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples obtained from mice.Aspergillus fumigatus(Af)-specific serum was prepared for passive allergic sensitization of micein vivoand mast cellsin vitro. β- hexosaminidase release was studied in bone marrow derived mast cells sensitized withAf-specific serum or DNP-IgE and challenged withAfor DNP, respectively. Mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and PAF intratracheally and studied 24 hours later. Mice were sensitized either passively or actively againstAfand were studied 48 hours after a single intranasalAfchallenge. Airway responsiveness to methacholine, inflammatory cell influx in the lung tissue and BAL, immunoglobulin (ELISA) and cytokine (Luminex) profiles were compared between the wild type (WT) and Lp-PLA2-/- mice.

Results

PAF-AH activity was reduced but not completely abolished in Lp-PLA2-/- serum or byin vitrotreatment of serum samples with a high saturating concentration of the selective Lp-PLA2inhibitor, SB-435495. PAF inhalation significantly enhanced airway inflammation of LPS treated WT and Lp-PLA2-/- mice to a similar extent. Sensitized WT and Lp-PLA2-/- bone-marrow derived mast cells released β-hexosaminidase following stimulation by allergen or IgE crosslinking to equivalent levels. Wild type and Lp-PLA2-/- mice responded to passive or active allergic sensitization by significant IgE production, airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness afterAfchallenge. BAL cell influx was not different between these strains while IL-4, IL-5, IL-6 and eotaxin release was attenuated in Lp-PLA2-/- mice. There were no differences in the amount of total IgE levels in theAfsensitized WT and Lp-PLA2-/- mice.

Conclusions

We conclude that Lp-PLA2deficiency in C57BL/6 mice did not result in a heightened airway inflammation or hyperresponsiveness after PAF/LPS treatment or passive or active allergic sensitization and challenge.
Effective inter-residue contact definitions for accurate protein fold recognition
Authors: Yuan Chao , Chen Hao , Kihara Daisuke
Published: November 2012

Background

Effective encoding of residue contact information is crucial for protein structure prediction since it has a unique role to capture long-range residue interactions compared to other commonly used scoring terms. The residue contact information can be incorporated in structure prediction in several different ways: It can be incorporated as statistical potentials or it can be also used as constraints in ab initio structure prediction. To seek the most effective definition of residue contacts for template-based protein structure prediction, we evaluated 45 different contact definitions, varying bases of contacts and distance cutoffs, in terms of their ability to identify proteins of the same fold.

Results

We found that overall the residue contact pattern can distinguish protein folds best when contacts are defined for residue pairs whose Cβ atoms are at 7.0 Å or closer to each other. Lower fold recognition accuracy was observed when inaccurate threading alignments were used to identify common residue contacts between protein pairs. In the case of threading, alignment accuracy strongly influences the fraction of common contacts identified among proteins of the same fold, which eventually affects the fold recognition accuracy. The largest deterioration of the fold recognition was observed for β-class proteins when the threading methods were used because the average alignment accuracy was worst for this fold class. When results of fold recognition were examined for individual proteins, we found that the effective contact definition depends on the fold of the proteins. A larger distance cutoff is often advantageous for capturing spatial arrangement of the secondary structures which are not physically in contact. For capturing contacts between neighboring β strands, considering the distance between Cα atoms is better than the Cβ−based distance because the side-chain of interacting residues on β strands sometimes point to opposite directions.

Conclusion

Residue contacts defined by Cβ−Cβ distance of 7.0 Å work best overall among tested to identify proteins of the same fold. We also found that effective contact definitions differ from fold to fold, suggesting that using different residue contact definition specific for each template will lead to improvement of the performance of threading.
Distribution and diversity of mycoplasma plasmids: lessons from cryptic genetic elements
Authors: Breton Marc , Tardy Florence , Dordet-Frisoni Emilie , Sagne Eveline , Mick Virginie , Renaudin Joël , Sirand-Pugnet Pascal , Citti Christine , Blanchard Alain
Published: November 2012

Background

The evolution of mycoplasmas from a common ancestor with Firmicutes has been characterized not only by genome down-sizing but also by horizontal gene transfer between mycoplasma species sharing a common host. The mechanisms of these gene transfers remain unclear because our knowledge of the mycoplasma mobile genetic elements is limited. In particular, only a few plasmids have been described within the Mycoplasma genus.

Results

We have shown that several species of ruminant mycoplasmas carry plasmids that are members of a large family of elements and replicate via a rolling-circle mechanism. All plasmids were isolated from species that either belonged or were closely related to the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster; none was from the Mycoplasma bovis-Mycoplasma agalactiae group. Twenty one plasmids were completely sequenced, named and compared with each other and with the five mycoplasma plasmids previously reported. All plasmids share similar size and genetic organization, and present a mosaic structure. A peculiar case is that of the plasmid pMyBK1 from M. yeatsii; it is larger in size and is predicted to be mobilizable. Its origin of replication and replication protein were identified. In addition, pMyBK1 derivatives were shown to replicate in various species of the M. mycoides cluster, and therefore hold considerable promise for developing gene vectors. The phylogenetic analysis of these plasmids confirms the uniqueness of pMyBK1 and indicates that the other mycoplasma plasmids cluster together, apart from the related replicons found in phytoplasmas and in species of the clade Firmicutes.

Conclusions

Our results unraveled a totally new picture of mycoplasma plasmids. Although they probably play a limited role in the gene exchanges that participate in mycoplasma evolution, they are abundant in some species. Evidence for the occurrence of frequent genetic recombination strongly suggests they are transmitted between species sharing a common host or niche.
Case control study to identify risk factors for acute hepatitis C virus infection in Egypt
Authors: Kandeel Amr M , Talaat Maha , Afifi Salma A , El-Sayed Nasr M , Fadeel Moustafa A Abdel , Hajjeh Rana A , Mahoney Frank J
Published: November 2012

Background

Identification of risk factors of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Egypt is crucial to develop appropriate prevention strategies.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study, June 2007-September 2008, to investigate risk factors for acute HCV infection in Egypt among 86 patients and 287 age and gender matched controls identified in two infectious disease hospitals in Cairo and Alexandria. Case-patients were defined as: any patient with symptoms of acute hepatitis; lab tested positive for HCV antibodies and negative for HBsAg, HBc IgM, HAV IgM; and 7-fold increase in the upper limit of transaminase levels. Controls were selected from patients’ visitors with negative viral hepatitis markers. Subjects were interviewed about previous exposures within six months, including community-acquired and health-care associated practices.

Results

Case-patients were more likely than controls to have received injection with a reused syringe (OR=23.1, CI 4.7-153), to have been in prison (OR=21.5, CI 2.5-479.6), to have received IV fluids in a hospital (OR=13.8, CI 5.3-37.2), to have been an IV drug user (OR=12.1, CI 4.6-33.1), to have had minimal surgical procedures (OR=9.7, CI 4.2-22.4), to have received IV fluid as an outpatient (OR=8, CI 4–16.2), or to have been admitted to hospital (OR=7.9, CI 4.2-15) within the last 6 months. Multivariate analysis indicated that unsafe health facility practices are the main risk factors associated with transmission of HCV infection in Egypt.

Conclusion

In Egypt, focusing acute HCV prevention measures on health-care settings would have a beneficial impact.
PDGFRα/β and VEGFR2 polymorphisms in colorectal cancer: incidence and implications in clinical outcome
Authors: Estevez-Garcia Purificacion , Castaño Angel , Martin Ana C , Lopez-Rios Fernando , Iglesias Joaquin , Muñoz-Galván Sandra , Lopez-Calderero Iker , Molina-Pinelo Sonia , Pastor Maria D , Carnero Amancio , Paz-Ares Luis , Garcia-Carbonero Rocio
Published: November 2012

Background

Angiogenesis plays an essential role in tumor growth and metastasis, and is a major target in cancer therapy. VEGFR and PDGFR are key players involved in this process. The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of genetic variants in these receptors and its potential clinical implications in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

VEGFR2, PDGFRα and PDGFRβ mutations were evaluated by sequencing their tyrosine kinase domains in 8 CRC cell lines and in 92 samples of patients with CRC. Correlations with clinicopathological features and survival were analyzed.

Results

Four SNPs were identified, three in PDGFRα [exon 12 (A12): c.1701A>G; exon 13 (A13): c.1809G>A; and exon 17 (A17): c.2439+58C>A] and one in PDGFRβ [exon 19 (B19): c.2601A>G]. SNP B19, identified in 58% of tumor samples and in 4 cell lines (LS174T, LS180, SW48, COLO205), was associated with higher PDGFR and pPDGFR protein levels. Consistent with this observation, 5-year survival was greater for patients with PDGFR B19 wild type tumors (AA) than for those harboring the G-allele genotype (GA or GG) (51% vs 17%; p=0.073). Multivariate analysis confirmed SNP B19 (p=0.029) was a significant prognostic factor for survival, independent of age (p=0.060) or TNM stage (p<0.001).

Conclusions

PDGFRβ exon 19 c.2601A>G SNP is commonly encountered in CRC patients and is associated with increased pathway activation and poorer survival. Implications regarding its potential influence in response to PDGFR-targeted agents remain to be elucidated.
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, a viscous soluble fiber, reduces insulin resistance and decreases fatty liver in Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats
Authors: Brockman David A , Chen Xiaoli , Gallaher Daniel D
Published: November 2012

Background

Diets producing a high glycemic response result in exaggerated insulin secretion which induces hepatic lipogenesis, contributing to development of insulin resistance and fatty liver. Viscous dietary fibers blunt the postprandial rise in blood glucose, however their effect on type 2 diabetes and obesity are not entirely known. This study examined the effect of chronic consumption of the viscous, non-fermentable dietary fiber, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), on glucose control, insulin resistance and liver lipids in an obese diabetic rat model.

Methods

Three groups of Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats were fed diets containing either 5% non-viscous cellulose (control), low viscosity HPMC (LV-HPMC) or high viscosity HPMC (HV- HPMC) for six weeks. Zucker lean littermates consuming cellulose served as a negative control. Markers of glucose control, including oral glucose tolerance test, glycated hemoglobin and urinary glucose, were measured as well as adiposity and the accumulation of liver lipids.

Results

The HPMC diets increased the viscosity of the small intestinal contents and reduced the postprandial rise in blood glucose. The food efficiency ratio was greater with HPMC feeding compared to the obese control and urinary excretion of glucose and ketone bodies was reduced. The two HPMC groups had lower glycated hemoglobin and kidney weights and a reduced area under the curve during a glucose tolerance test, indicating improved glucose control. Epididymal fat pad weight as percent of body weight was reduced in the HV-HPMC group compared to the obese control group. The HV-HPMC group also had lower concentrations of liver lipid and cholesterol and reduced liver weight. However, HV-HPMC feeding did not affect hepatic gene expression of SREBP-1c or FAS. Muscle concentration of acylcarnitines, a lipid intermediate in fatty acid β-oxidation, was not different between the HPMC groups and obese control, suggesting no change in muscle fatty acid oxidation by HPMC.

Conclusions

Consumption of the viscous non-fermentable fiber HPMC decreased diabetic wasting, improved glucose control and reduced insulin resistance and fatty liver in a model of obesity with diabetes.
Intact skin and not stripped skin is crucial for the safety and efficacy of peanut epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) in mice
Authors: Mondoulet Lucie , Dioszeghy Vincent , Puteaux Emilie , Ligouis Mélanie , Dhelft Véronique , Letourneur Franck , Dupont Christophe , Benhamou Pierre‐Henri
Published: November 2012

Background

Epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPIT) on intact skin with an epicutaneous delivery system has already been used in preclinical and clinical studies. In epicutaneous vaccination and immunotherapy, the stripping of skin before application of the allergen is suggested to facilitate the passage of allergen through immune cells.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the immunological response induced by EPIT performed on intact and stripped skin in a mouse model of peanut allergy.

Methods

After oral sensitization with peanut and cholera toxin, BALB/c mice were epicutaneously treated using an epicutaneous delivery system (Viaskin® (DBV Technologies, Paris) applied either on intact skin or on stripped skin. Following EPIT, mice received an exclusive oral peanut regimen, aimed at triggering esophageal and jejunal lesions. We assessed eosinophil infiltration by histology, mRNA expression in the esophagus, antibody levels and peripheral T‐cell response.

Results

EPIT on intact skin significantly reduced Th2 immunological response (IgE response and splenocyte secretion of Th2 cytokines) as well as esophageal eosinophilia (2.7 ± 0.9, compared to Sham 19.9 ± 1.5, p < 0.01), mRNA expression of Th2 cytokines in tissue and intestinal villus sub‐atrophia (2.9 ± 0.2 vs Sham, 2.1 ± 0.2, p < 0.05). By contrast, EPIT on stripped skin reinforced Th2 systemic immunological response as well as eosinophil infiltration (26.8 ± 15.1), mRNA expression of Th2 cytokines and duodenal villus/crypt‐ratio (2.4 ± 0.3).

Conclusions

Epicutaneous allergen‐specific immunotherapy needs the integrity of superficial layers of the stratum corneum to warranty safety of treatment and to induce a tolerogenic profile of the immune response.
Volume Oscillation in Macroporous Gel
Authors: Maeda Shingo , Oda Wahei
Published: November 2012

We succeeded in synthesizing microphase-separated self-oscillating gel and realized volume oscillation of the gel driven by chemical energy. The novel polymer gels were composed of a non-thermoresponsive polyacrylamide main chain covalently bonded to a ruthenium catalyst for the Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction. By changing the temperature, the displacement and frequency of the volume oscillation in gels were changed. Moreover, we showed that the displacement of the gel has a trade-off relationship with the frequency of the volume oscillation.
Assembly of a Small DNA Rectangular Parallelepiped Block into Higher Order Nanostructures
Authors: Nakagawa Hiroyuki , Toda Mariko , Atsumi Hiroshi , Hagihara Masaki , Hayashi-Nishino Mitsuko , Dohno Chikara , Nakatani Kazuhiko
Published: November 2012

A small DNA rectangular parallelepiped block was prepared from a single stranded scaffold strand of 1152 nt long and 28 staple strands by DNA origami method. The scaffold strand, which was obtained by PCR using a phosphorylated primer followed by λ exonuclease digestion, was folded into the designed structure. Subsequent assembly of the DNA block into higher order DNA nanostructures was achieved by slow annealing conditions in the presence of linker strands, giving both the tail-to-tail dimer and the tail-to-head one-dimensional oligomer with a choice of appropriate linker strands.
Influence of cement, aggregates and chlorides on zeta potential of cement-based materials
Authors: Hocine Tarek , Amiri Ouali , Ait-Mokhtar Abdelkarim , Pautet Anne
Published: November 2012

The aim of this paper is to quantify the zeta potential in cement-based materials, which is the one of the main parameters of the electrical double layer occurring at the interface between the pore walls and the pore solution during ionic transfer. Measurements of the zeta potential were carried out meaning the electrophoresis technique. It is shown that the tested materials concretes, mortars and cement pastes manufactured with three types of ordinary Portland cement and blended cement (CEMI, II and V, according to European standards) present a negative zeta potential when sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide solutions or deionised water are used as a support solution. When sodium chloride is added in the solution, the zeta potential tends to become positive. The inversion of the potential is explained by releases of Ca2+by the portlandite and calcium-silicate-hydrate. It is also demonstrated that aggregates seem to be reactive since they present a negative zeta potential.
Spatial variation of waterborne Escherichia coli – implications for routine water quality monitoring
Authors: Quilliam Richard S. , Clements Katie , Duce Caroline , Cottrill Simon B. , Malham Shelagh K. , Jones Davey L.
Published: November 2012

Escherichia coli are often used as faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) to provide a measure of microbial pollution in recreational and shellfish harvesting waters. However, although model forecasts for predicting the concentrations of FIB in surface waters are becoming more robust, they suffer from an inconsistency in quantification methods and an understanding of the spatial variation of FIB within a water course. The aim of this study was to investigate the transverse spatial variation in E. coli numbers (as an indicator of faecal pollution) across the estuary of the River Conwy, UK. Water samples were collected from four transverse transects across the estuary. Spatial variation of E. coli was significantly different from one side of the river to the other, although was not correlated with depth or the physiochemical properties of the water. Subsequently, microbial water quality classifications on the two opposite banks suggested very different levels of pollution coming down the river. This work has shown that the side of the river that routine water monitoring samples are taken from can make a significant difference to the classification of microbial water quality. This has important implications for sampling strategies and the use of microbial source tracking (MST) techniques.
Analysis and simulation of the influencing factors on regional water use based on information entropy
Authors: Ma Lihua , Kang Shaozhong , Xuan Yunqing , Su Xiaoling , Solomatine Dimitri P.
Published: November 2012

With regional socio-economic development, the gap between water use demand and available water resources in arid and humid semi-arid areas becomes increasingly serious. In this study, the size of regional water use in the Guanzhong region and Shiyang river basin in northwest China are analyzed to identify important factors affecting it, with the aim of providing better and optimal development planning for the region. Information entropy is used to measure and characterize the diversity of regional water use. Agricultural development and meteorological factors are found to be the main issues affecting regional water use in both regions. A multiple-linear regression (MLR) model was built by applying correlation coefficient (R) and mutual information (MI) scores in the process. Results show that the low value of information entropy of water use in the Shiyang river basin is due to the high proportion of agriculture water use. Using input factors chosen by MI score was found to be the best model to simulate the change of regional water use in both regions. A method using an MLR model together with MI is shown to be able to quantify the relationship between the influencing factors and water use diversity with limited available data.
Estimating water use efficiencies for water management reform in Southern Alberta irrigated agriculture
Authors: Klein K. K. , Bewer Robert , Kamar Ali Md , Kulshreshtha S. N.
Published: November 2012

Water use technical efficiency (WUTE) and three definitions of water use economic efficiency (WUEE) were estimated for the four river sub-basins that encompass the 13 irrigation districts in Southern Alberta over a 5-year period: 2004–08. The average level of WUTE varied from 3.5 to 6.2 Mt dam−3. The gross economic value of crop production varied from Canadian (C)$345 to C$592 dam−3. The net economic value of crop production varied from C$163 to C$268 dam−3. The incremental increase in net value of crop production under irrigation over what it would have been under dry land conditions varied from C$130 to C$199 dam−3. Results indicated a relatively high degree of correlation among the three measures of WUEE. Since about three-quarters of the water consumed in the four sub-basins in Southern Alberta is used for irrigating crops, increasing WUEE will be critical for meeting growing demand from predicted increases in economic activity, population growth and environmental needs.
The Therapeutic Alliance Between Clinicians and Patients Predicts Outcome in Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Ferreira Paulo H. , Ferreira Manuela L. , Maher Christopher G. , Refshauge Kathryn M. , Latimer Jane , Adams Roger D.
Published: November 2012

Background

The impact of the relationship (therapeutic alliance) between patients and physical therapists on treatment outcome in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) has not been previously investigated.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the therapeutic alliance between physical therapists and patients with chronic LBP predicts clinical outcomes.

Design

This was a retrospective observational study nested within a randomized controlled trial.

Methods

One hundred eighty-two patients with chronic LBP who volunteered for a randomized controlled trial that compared the efficacy of exercises and spinal manipulative therapy rated their alliance with physical therapists by completing the Working Alliance Inventory at the second treatment session. The primary outcomes of function, global perceived effect of treatment, pain, and disability were assessed before and after 8 weeks of treatment. Linear regression models were used to investigate whether the alliance was a predictor of outcome or moderated the effect of treatment.

Results

The therapeutic alliance was consistently a predictor of outcome for all the measures of treatment outcome. The therapeutic alliance moderated the effect of treatment on global perceived effect for 2 of 3 treatment contrasts (general exercise versus motor control exercise, spinal manipulative therapy versus motor control exercise). There was no treatment effect modification when outcome was measured with function, pain, and disability measures.

Limitations

Therapeutic alliance was measured at the second treatment session, which might have biased the interaction during initial stages of treatment. Data analysis was restricted to primary outcomes at 8 weeks.

Conclusions

Positive therapeutic alliance ratings between physical therapists and patients are associated with improvements of outcomes in LBP. Future research should investigate the factors explaining this relationship and the impact of training interventions aimed at optimizing the alliance.
What Characterizes People Who Have an Unclear Classification Using a Treatment-Based Classification Algorithm for Low Back Pain? A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Stanton Tasha R. , Hancock Mark J. , Apeldoorn Adri T. , Wand Benedict M. , Fritz Julie M.
Published: November 2012

Background

A treatment-based classification algorithm for low back pain (LBP) was created to help clinicians select treatments to which people are most likely to respond. To allow the algorithm to classify all people with LBP, additional criteria can help therapists make decisions for people who do not clearly fit into a subgroup (ie, unclear classifications). Recent studies indicated that classifications are unclear for approximately 34% of people with LBP.

Objective

To guide improvements in the algorithm, it is imperative to determine whether people with unclear classifications are different from those with clear classifications.

Design

This study was a secondary analysis of data from 3 previous studies investigating the algorithm.

Methods

Baseline data from 529 people who had LBP were used (3 discrete cohorts). The primary outcome was type of classification, that is, clear or unclear. Univariate logistic regression was used to determine which participant variables were related to having an unclear classification.

Results

People with unclear classifications had greater odds of being older (odds ratio [OR]=1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.003–1.033), having a longer duration of LBP (OR=1.001, 95% CI=1.000–1.001), having had a previous episode(s) of LBP (OR=1.61, 95% CI=1.04–2.49), having fewer fear-avoidance beliefs related to both work (OR=0.98, 95% CI=0.96–0.99) and physical activity (OR=0.98, 95% CI=0.96–0.996), and having less LBP-related disability (OR=0.98, 95% CI=0.96–0.99) than people with clear classifications.

Limitations

Studies from which participant data were drawn had different inclusion criteria and clinical settings.

Conclusions

People with unclear classifications appeared to be less affected by LBP (less disability and fewer fear avoidance beliefs), despite typically having a longer duration of LBP. Future studies should investigate whether modifying the algorithm to exclude such people or provide them with different interventions improves outcomes.
The Mobilization of Appropriation
Authors: Schinko Carsten
Published: November 2012

“Appropriation“ is a complex term used in many different realms, and an almost ubiquitous phenomenon. Conceptually linked to questions of mobility, appropriation has both a social and physical dimension. This essay delineates the term's employment in key political and academic discourses, and interrogates its inherent logic with regard to possession, the attribution of purpose and value, and the social reciprocity of the parties involved in the act. Starting off with questions of just distribution in modern nation-states, the argument then traces appropriation in contemporary debates on copyright in a digital age, and provides a sketch of the larger political imaginary informing acts of appropriation.
Drunk and Disorganised: Relationships between Bar Characteristics and Customer Intoxication in European Drinking Environments
Authors: Hughes Karen , Quigg Zara , Bellis Mark A. , Calafat Amador , Hasselt Ninette van , Kosir Matej , Voorham Lotte , Goossens Ferry X. , Duch Mariangels , Juan Montse
Published: November 2012

Preventing alcohol-related harm in drinking environments is a growing international priority. Factors relating to the physical, social and staffing environments in bars can contribute to increased alcohol consumption and harm. Understanding the relationships between such factors and intoxication in European drinking environments is critical to developing appropriate interventions. We undertook a quantitative observational study in 60 bars in four European cities, in The Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain and the UK (n = 237 observational visits). Using a structured observational schedule, researchers recorded characteristics of the bar environment and rated customer intoxication levels. All physical bar characteristics showed associations with intoxication before interactions between them were controlled for. Hierarchical modelling found significant independent associations between intoxication and use of plastic glassware, promotion of non-alcoholic drinks (often energy drinks), permissive environments, poor washroom facilities, the presence of a dance floor, customer sexual activity/competitiveness and later observational time. Findings suggest that prevention efforts should focus on raising and enforcing managerial standards in bars. While harm reduction measures such as plastic glassware are often promoted for high risk bars, such measures are inadequate to address public health concerns and insufficient to demonstrate social responsibility.
Insights into the Government’s Role in Food System Policy Making: Improving Access to Healthy, Local Food Alongside Other Priorities
Authors: Wegener Jessica , Raine Kim D. , Hanning Rhona M.
Published: November 2012

Government actors have an important role to play in creating healthy public policies and supportive environments to facilitate access to safe, affordable, nutritious food. The purpose of this research was to examine Waterloo Region (Ontario, Canada) as a case study for “what works” with respect to facilitating access to healthy, local food through regional food system policy making. Policy and planning approaches were explored through multi-sectoral perspectives of: (a) the development and adoption of food policies as part of the comprehensive planning process; (b) barriers to food system planning; and (c) the role and motivation of the Region’s public health and planning departments in food system policy making. Forty-seven in-depth interviews with decision makers, experts in public health and planning, and local food system stakeholders provided rich insight into strategic government actions, as well as the local and historical context within which food system policies were developed. Grounded theory methods were used to identify key overarching themes including: “strategic positioning”, “partnerships” and “knowledge transfer” and related sub-themes (“aligned agendas”, “issue framing”, “visioning” and “legitimacy”). A conceptual framework to illustrate the process and features of food system policy making is presented and can be used as a starting point to engage multi-sectoral stakeholders in plans and actions to facilitate access to healthy food.
A Spatial Multi-Criteria Model for the Evaluation of Land Redistribution Plans
Authors: Demetriou Demetris , See Linda , Stillwell John
Published: November 2012

A planning support system for land consolidation has been developed that has, at its heart, an expert system called LandSpaCES (Land Spatial Consolidation Expert System) which contains a “design module” that generates alternative land redistributions under different scenarios and an “evaluation module” which integrates GIS with multi-criteria decision making for assessing these alternatives. This paper introduces the structural framework of the latter module which has been applied using a case study in Cyprus. Two new indices are introduced: the “parcel concentration coefficient” for measuring the dispersion of parcels; and the “landowner satisfaction rate” for predicting the acceptance of the land redistribution plan by the landowners in terms of the location of their new parcels. These two indices are used as criteria for the evaluation of the land redistribution alternatives and are transferable to any land consolidation project. Moreover, a modified version of the ratio estimation procedure, referred to as the “qualitative rating method” for assigning weights to the evaluation criteria, is presented, along with a set of non-linear value functions for standardizing the performance scores of the alternatives and incorporating expert knowledge for five evaluation criteria. The application of the module showed that it is a powerful new tool for the evaluation of alternative land redistribution plans that could be implemented in other countries after appropriate adjustments. A broader contribution has also been made to spatial planning processes, which might follow the methodology and innovations presented in this paper.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is not Related to the Incidence of Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zhan Yu-Tao , Zhang Chuan , Li Li , Bi Chun-Shan , Song Xin , Zhang Shu-Tian
Published: November 2012

To analyze the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the incidence of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes, the incidence of diabetic nephropathy was assessed in 413 type 2 diabetic patients, by testing the 24 h urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER). The NAFLD was diagnosed based on patient’s medical history and liver ultrasound. The difference in diabetic nephropathy incidence between patients with and without NAFLD was tested by χ2. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the factors associated with diabetic nephropathy among type 2 diabetic patients. Total 363 out of 413 type 2 diabetic patients were enrolled in this study. The incidences of NAFLD and diabetic nephropathy in participants were approximately 56% (202/363) and 38% (137/363) respectively, and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy between patients with and without NAFLD (37.1% vs. 38.5%, p = 0.787). The duration of diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 1.065, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.014–1.120, p = 0.012), waist circumference (OR 1.077, 95% CI 1.040–1.116, p = 0.000), and fasting blood glucose (FBG; OR 1.136, 95% CI 1.023–1.1262, p = 0.017) were significantly associated with diabetic nephropathy, whereas sex, high blood pressure, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and ankle brachial pressure index (ABI) were not significantly associated with the disorder. The present results suggest that NAFLD is not related to the incidence of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes, but the duration of diabetes, waist circumference, and FBG are important factors for diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes.
Ensemble Kinetic Modeling of Metabolic Networks from Dynamic Metabolic Profiles
Authors: Jia Gengjie , Stephanopoulos Gregory , Gunawan Rudiyanto
Published: November 2012

Kinetic modeling of metabolic pathways has important applications in metabolic engineering, but significant challenges still remain. The difficulties faced vary from finding best-fit parameters in a highly multidimensional search space to incomplete parameter identifiability. To meet some of these challenges, an ensemble modeling method is developed for characterizing a subset of kinetic parameters that give statistically equivalent goodness-of-fit to time series concentration data. The method is based on the incremental identification approach, where the parameter estimation is done in a step-wise manner. Numerical efficacy is achieved by reducing the dimensionality of parameter space and using efficient random parameter exploration algorithms. The shift toward using model ensembles, instead of the traditional “best-fit” models, is necessary to directly account for model uncertainty during the application of such models. The performance of the ensemble modeling approach has been demonstrated in the modeling of a generic branched pathway and the trehalose pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using generalized mass action (GMA) kinetics.
The Role of Transport Mechanisms in Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Drug Resistance and Tolerance
Authors: Sarathy Jansy Passiflora , Dartois Véronique , Lee Edmund Jon Deoon
Published: November 2012

In the fight against tuberculosis, cell wall permeation of chemotherapeutic agents remains a critical but largely unsolved question. Here we review the major mechanisms of small molecule penetration into and efflux from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacteria, and outline how these mechanisms may contribute to the development of phenotypic drug tolerance and induction of drug resistance. M. tuberculosis is intrinsically recalcitrant to small molecule permeation thanks to its thick lipid-rich cell wall. Passive diffusion appears to account for only a fraction of total drug permeation. As in other bacterial species, influx of hydrophilic compounds is facilitated by water-filled open channels, or porins, spanning the cell wall. However, the diversity and density of M. tuberculosis porins appears lower than in enterobacteria. Besides, physiological adaptations brought about by unfavorable conditions are thought to reduce the efficacy of porins. While intracellular accumulation of selected drug classes supports the existence of hypothesized active drug influx transporters, efflux pumps contribute to the drug resistant phenotype through their natural abundance and diversity, as well as their highly inducible expression. Modulation of efflux transporter expression has been observed in phagocytosed, non-replicating persistent and multi-drug resistant bacilli. Altogether, M. tuberculosis has evolved both intrinsic properties and acquired mechanisms to increase its level of tolerance towards xenobiotic substances, by preventing or minimizing their entry. Understanding these adaptation mechanisms is critical to counteract the natural mechanisms of defense against toxic compounds and develop new classes of chemotherapeutic agents that positively exploit the influx and efflux pathways of mycobacteria.