bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subseasonal Analysis of Precipitation Variability in the Blue Nile River Basin
Authors: Berhane Fisseha , Zaitchik Benjamin , Dezfuli Amin
Published: August 2013

The Ethiopian portion of the Blue Nile River basin is subject to significant interannual variability in precipitation. As this variability has implications for local food security and transboundary water resources, numerous studies have been directed at improved understanding and, potentially, predictability of the Blue Nile rainy season (June–September) precipitation. Taken collectively, these studies present a wide range of large-scale drivers associated with precipitation variability in the Blue Nile: El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Indian summer monsoon, sea level pressure (SLP) anomalies over the Arabian Peninsula and Gulf of Guinea, the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), and dynamics of the tropical easterly jet (TEJ) and African easterly jet (AEJ) have all been emphasized to varying degrees. This study aims to reconcile these diverse analyses by evaluating teleconnection patterns and potential mechanisms of association on the subseasonal scale. It is found that associations with the TEJ, Pacific modes of variability, and the Indian monsoon are strongest in the late rainy season. Mid–rainy season precipitation (July and August) shows mixed associations with Pacific/Indian Ocean variability and Atlantic Ocean indices, along with connections to regional pressure patterns and the AEJ. June precipitation is negatively correlated with SLP over the equatorial Atlantic and upper-tropospheric geopotential height. June and July precipitation show little significant correlation with the sea surface temperature over the equatorial Pacific Ocean. The observed intraseasonal evolution of teleconnections across the rainy season indicates that subseasonal analysis is required to advance understanding and prediction of Blue Nile precipitation variability.
Interhemispheric Influence of the Northern Summer Monsoons on Southern Subtropical Anticyclones
Authors: Lee Sang-Ki , Mechoso Carlos R. , Wang Chunzai , Neelin J. David
Published: August 2013

The southern subtropical anticyclones are notably stronger in austral winter than summer, particularly over the Atlantic and Indian Ocean basins. This is in contrast with the Northern Hemisphere (NH), in which subtropical anticyclones are more intense in summer according to the “monsoon heating” paradigm. To better understand the winter intensification of southern subtropical anticyclones, the present study explores the interhemispheric response to monsoon heating in the NH during austral winter. A specially designed suite of numerical model experiments is performed in which summer monsoons in the NH are artificially weakened. These experiments are performed with both an atmospheric general circulation model and a simple two-layer model. The highlight of the findings presented here is that during the boreal summer enhanced tropical convection activity in the NH plays important roles in either maintaining or strengthening the southern subtropical anticyclones. Enhanced NH convection largely associated with the major summer monsoons produces subsidence over the equatorial oceans and the tropical Southern Hemisphere via interhemispheric meridional overturning circulations and increases the sea level pressure locally. In addition, suppressed convection over some regions of climatological subsidence produces stationary barotropic Rossby waves that propagate far beyond the tropics. These stationary barotropic Rossby waves and those forced directly by the summer heating in the NH are spatially phased to strengthen the southern subtropical anticyclones over all three oceans. The interhemispheric response to the NH summer monsoons is most dramatic in the South Pacific, where the subtropical anticyclone nearly disappears in the austral winter without the influence of the NH.
Performance Assessment of a New Stationarity-Based Parameter Estimation Method with a Simplified Land Surface Model Using In Situ and Remotely Sensed Surface States
Authors: Sun Jian , Salvucci Guido D.
Published: August 2013

This study evaluates the performance of a new stationarity-based method for parameter estimation of a simple coupled water and energy balance model using in situ and remotely sensed surface soil moisture [from Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (EOS; AMSR-E)] and surface temperature [from a combined Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and AMSR-E product]. Parameter estimation is carried out using both direct calibration to measured surface fluxes (latent, sensible, and ground heat) and a recently published method based on enforcing stationarity of model-predicted surface state tendency terms. The latter stationarity-based method was developed for parameter estimation without knowledge of observed fluxes—that is, it requires only forcing terms (e.g., radiation, wind speed, air temperature) and surface states (moisture and temperature). In addition, the stationarity-based method can easily handle gaps in atmospheric forcing and surface state data, as it does not integrate over time to simulate fluxes. The evaluation is conducted at three AmeriFlux sites. Changing the data sources of surface states (in situ measured and remotely sensed data) leads to little degradation in estimating turbulent fluxes despite the relatively poor quality of satellite data at some sites. In all cases, direct calibration yields marginally better predictions than the stationarity-based method, with site-averaged root-mean-square errors for daily total energy fluxes approximately 5–6 W m−2 lower. However, direct calibration requires observed fluxes in the objective function, which imposes a strong limit on its application.
Assessing Groundwater Storage Changes Using Remote Sensing–Based Evapotranspiration and Precipitation at a Large Semiarid Basin Scale
Authors: Gokmen Mustafa , Vekerdy Zoltan , Lubczynski Maciek W. , Timmermans Joris , Batelaan Okke , Verhoef Wouter
Published: August 2013

A method is presented that uses remote sensing (RS)-based evapotranspiration (ET) and precipitation estimates with improved accuracies under semiarid conditions to quantify a spatially distributed water balance, for analyzing groundwater storage changes due to supplementary water uses. The method is tested for the semiarid Konya basin (Turkey), one of the largest endorheic basins in the world. Based on the spatially distributed water balance estimation, the mean irrigation for croplands was 308 mm yr−1, which corresponds to a total reduction of 2270 million cubic meters per year (106 m3 yr−1, or MCM yr−1) in the groundwater storage during the study period 2005–09. The storage change estimated as the residual of the spatially distributed water balance was confirmed by the volume change calculated from groundwater table observations. To obtain an improved precipitation distribution, the monthly Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) rainfall product was assessed. After a bias removal, TRMM data were combined with the snow water equivalent estimated by a multivariate analysis using snow gauge observations, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow cover product, and the digital elevation model. With respect to the distribution of ET, the standard SEBS and the soil moisture integrated SEBS-SM models were compared; SEBS-SM proved to better reflect the water-limited evapotranspiration regime of semiarid regions. The RS-based distributed water balance calculation as presented in this study can be applied in other large basins, especially in semiarid and arid regions. It is capable of estimating spatially distributed water balances and storage changes, which otherwise, by ground-based point measurements, would not be feasible.
Aerodynamic Resistance and Penman–Monteith Evapotranspiration over a Seasonally Two-Layered Canopy in Semiarid Central Australia
Authors: Cleverly James , Chen Chao , Boulain Nicolas , Villalobos-Vega Randol , Faux Ralph , Grant Nicole , Yu Qiang , Eamus Derek
Published: August 2013

Accurate prediction of evapotranspiration E depends upon representative characterization of meteorological conditions in the boundary layer. Drag and bulk transfer coefficient schemes for estimating aerodynamic resistance to vapor transfer were compared over a semiarid natural woodland ecosystem in central Australia. Aerodynamic resistance was overestimated from the drag coefficient, resulting in limited E at intermediate values of vapor pressure deficit. Large vertical humidity gradients were present during the summer, causing divergence between momentum and vapor transport within and above the canopy surface. Because of intermittency in growth of the summer-active, rain-dependent understory and physiological responses of the canopy, leaf resistance varied from less than 50 s m−1 to greater than 106 s m−1, in which the particularly large values were obtained from inversion of drag coefficient resistance. Soil moisture limitations further contributed to divergence between actual and reference E. Unsurprisingly, inclusion of site-specific meteorological (e.g., vertical humidity gradients) and hydrological (e.g., soil moisture content) information improved the accuracy of predicting E when applying Penman–Monteith analysis. These results apply regardless of canopy layering (i.e., even when the understory was not present) wherever atmospheric humidity gradients develop and are thus not restricted to two-layer canopies in semiarid regions.
Inclusion of Linearized Moist Physics in NASA’s Goddard Earth Observing System Data Assimilation Tools
Authors: Holdaway Daniel , Errico Ronald , Gelaro Ronald , Kim Jong G.
Published: August 2013

Inclusion of moist physics in the linearized version of a weather forecast model is beneficial in terms of variational data assimilation. Further, it improves the capability of important tools, such as adjoint-based observation impacts and sensitivity studies. A linearized version of the relaxed Arakawa–Schubert (RAS) convection scheme has been developed and tested in NASA’s Goddard Earth Observing System data assimilation tools. A previous study of the RAS scheme showed it to exhibit reasonable linearity and stability. This motivates the development of a linearization of a near-exact version of the RAS scheme. Linearized large-scale condensation is included through simple conversion of supersaturation into precipitation. The linearization of moist physics is validated against the full nonlinear model for 6- and 24-h intervals, relevant to variational data assimilation and observation impacts, respectively. For a small number of profiles, sudden large growth in the perturbation trajectory is encountered. Efficient filtering of these profiles is achieved by diagnosis of steep gradients in a reduced version of the operator of the tangent linear model. With filtering turned on, the inclusion of linearized moist physics increases the correlation between the nonlinear perturbation trajectory and the linear approximation of the perturbation trajectory. A month-long observation impact experiment is performed and the effect of including moist physics on the impacts is discussed. Impacts from moist-sensitive instruments and channels are increased. The effect of including moist physics is examined for adjoint sensitivity studies. A case study examining an intensifying Northern Hemisphere Atlantic storm is presented. The results show a significant sensitivity with respect to moisture.
Skin discolouration with acute onset parkinsonism secondary to systemic zirconium intoxication
Authors: Ryu Hwa J , Yoon Su J , Park Jong-Tae , Kim Young H , Jung Jin M , Park Moon-Ho , Rhyu Im J , Kwon Do-Young
Published: August 2013

A 72-year-old woman presented with suspected parkinsonism and discolouration of the skin especially on sun-exposed areas. Thorough investigation revealed systemic zirconium intoxication due to intake of metallic colloids as a home remedy as a cause of the skin colour change. There may be an association between skin discolouration and her parkinsonism. This is unique in that various clinical manifestations developed following systemic ingestion of zirconium and this should serve as a warning on the risk of taking illicit dietary supplements.
Human Performance Consequences of Stages and Levels of Automation
Authors: Onnasch Linda , Wickens Christopher D. , Li Huiyang , Manzey Dietrich
Published: August 2013

Objective:

We investigated how automation-induced human performance consequences depended on the degree of automation (DOA).

Background:

Function allocation between human and automation can be represented in terms of the stages and levels taxonomy proposed by Parasuraman, Sheridan, and Wickens. Higher DOAs are achieved both by later stages and higher levels within stages.

Method:

A meta-analysis based on data of 18 experiments examines the mediating effects of DOA on routine system performance, performance when the automation fails, workload, and situation awareness (SA). The effects of DOA on these measures are summarized by level of statistical significance.

Results:

We found (a) a clear automation benefit for routine system performance with increasing DOA, (b) a similar but weaker pattern for workload when automation functioned properly, and (c) a negative impact of higher DOA on failure system performance and SA. Most interesting was the finding that negative consequences of automation seem to be most likely when DOA moved across a critical boundary, which was identified between automation supporting information analysis and automation supporting action selection.

Conclusion:

Results support the proposed cost–benefit trade-off with regard to DOA. It seems that routine performance and workload on one hand, and the potential loss of SA and manual skills on the other hand, directly trade off and that appropriate function allocation can serve only one of the two aspects.

Application:

Findings contribute to the body of research on adequate function allocation by providing an overall picture through quantitatively combining data from a variety of studies across varying domains.
Hypoxia-enhanced Derivation of iPSCs from Human Dental Pulp Cells
Authors: Iida K. , Takeda-Kawaguchi T. , Hada M. , Yuriguchi M. , Aoki H. , Tamaoki N. , Hatakeyama D. , Kunisada T. , Shibata T. , Tezuka K.
Published: August 2013

Hypoxia enhances the reprogramming efficiency of human dermal fibroblasts to become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Because we showed previously that hypoxia facilitates the isolation and maintenance of human dental pulp cells (DPCs), we examined here whether it promotes the reprogramming of DPCs to become iPSCs. Unlike dermal fibroblasts, early and transient hypoxia (3% O2) induced the transition of DPCs to iPSCs by 3.3- to 5.1-fold compared with normoxia (21% O2). The resulting iPSCs closely resembled embryonic stem cells as well as iPSCs generated in normoxia, as judged by morphology and expression of stem cell markers. However, sustained hypoxia strongly inhibited the appearance of iPSC colonies and altered their morphology, and anti-oxidants failed to suppress this effect. Transient hypoxia increased the expression levels of NANOG and CDH1 and modulated the expression of numerous genes, including those encoding chemokines and their receptors. Therefore, we conclude that hypoxia, when optimized for cell type, is a simple and useful tool to enhance the reprogramming of somatic cells to become iPSCs.
Underlying Reading-Related Skills and Abilities Among Adult Learners
Authors: Mellard Daryl F. , Woods Kari L. , Md Desa Z. Deana , Vuyk M. Alexandra
Published: August 2013

This exploratory study identified underlying skill and ability differences among subgroups of adolescent and young adult struggling readers ( N = 290) overall and in relation to a fluency-based instructional grouping method. We used principal axis factoring of participants’ scores on 18 measures of reading-related skills and abilities identified in the research literature to identify a smaller set of generally uncorrelated constructs. The four underlying factors of the 18 measures explained 62.7% of the variance. We labeled these factors Encode/Decode (44.5%), Vocabulary (9.5%), Processing Speed (5.2%), and Working Memory (3.5%). Regression analysis demonstrated Working Memory, Encode/Decode, and Vocabulary collectively predicted 45.9% functional reading as measured by the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System. Alternatively, when measured by the Test of Adult Basic Education, Vocabulary and Encode/Decode predicted 47.1% of variance in reading. Differences in predictive utility of the factors by fluency group suggest approaches to tailoring instruction for each group. Future research might examine the optimal mix of instructional approaches that support the identified factors.
Dialogue and interethnic trust
Authors: Svensson Isak , Brounéus Karen
Published: August 2013

The growing field of peacebuilding has tried to mitigate interethnic conflicts by creating various sorts of dialogue programs, aiming to build social bonds and bridges between individuals from groups with a history of violent interaction. Yet, little is known of the effect of dialogue initiatives on interethnic relations and peacebuilding. Previous research on dialogue programs has suffered from the serious problem of selection bias: in other words, by not having comparable control groups it has not been possible to separate selection effects (that a program attracts certain types of people) from process effects (that programs have an effect on people). The present study is the first to examine the effects of a dialogue process in a context of political tension and ethnic violence through a randomized field experiment, thereby eliminating this problem. Using a stratified randomization process, participants were selected to a two-term Sustained Dialogue program at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, in 2009–10. Immediately following the dialogue intervention, an attitudinal survey and a behavioral trust game were conducted with a group of 716 participants and non-participants. We found that the program had a positive effect on participants’ attitudes: it worked for decreasing mistrust and increasing the level of trust between people of different ethnic origins. Concurrently, however, participation in the dialogue program increased the sense of importance of ethnic identities as well as the perception of being ethnically discriminated – a somewhat counter-intuitive finding. Participation in dialogue processes had no significant effect on game behavior: participants in Sustained Dialogue were neither more trusting nor trustworthy than non-participants. This study shows the fruitfulness of randomized field-experiments in the area of peace and conflict research and finishes by identifying some important paths for future research.
Scholarly Productivity in Rehabilitation Counseling
Authors: Chen Roy K. , Vaughn Mya , Zanskas Stephen A. , Kuo Hung-Jen
Published: August 2013

As with most disciplinary areas in the realm of academe, the prestige of rehabilitation counseling has always been assessed by a faculty’s research productivity, which is determined by the frequency of publications in the leading peer-reviewed journals. The purpose of the present study was to appraise peer-reviewed publication venues, order of authorship, article types, research productivity of scholars, and their affiliated programs in the field of rehabilitation counseling. A total of 1,855 peer-reviewed articles from seven major rehabilitation-related journals over a 10-year period (2000 to 2009) were investigated. Results revealed disparities in research productivity between minority-serving institutions and White-dominant institutions, and also between teaching-oriented institutions and research-oriented institutions. The authors also found a positive correlation between an institution’s research productivity ranking and its U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools ranking. Toward the conclusion, suggestions for future research on scholarly productivity are provided.
Fish‐Oil Fat Emulsion Supplementation Reduces the Risk of Retinopathy in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Pawlik Dorota , Lauterbach Ryszard , Walczak Maria , Hurkała Joanna , Sherman Michael P.
Published: August 2013

Background: Preliminary studies suggest that fish‐oil lipid emulsion given parenterally to very preterm infants reduces the severity of retinopathy (ROP) and cholestasis. Methods: Infants weighing <1250 g at birth were randomly allocated to 2 groups: an experimental group of 60 infants that received an intravenous (IV) soybean, olive oil, and fish oil emulsion, and a control group of 70 infants that was given a parenteral soybean and olive oil emulsion. Plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were determined using a high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Results: Nine infants in the fish oil group required laser therapy for ROP compared with 22 infants in the standard intralipid group (risk ratio [RR], 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24–0.96). Three infants in the fish oil group developed cholestasis compared with 20 infants in the standard intralipid group (RR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.055–0.56). The mean plasma DHA concentrations in treated infants were 2.9‐fold higher in the fish oil group than in control infants on the 7th and 14th days of life. The mean DHA content in erythrocytes of treated infants was 4.5‐fold and 2.7‐fold higher compared with controls at 7 and 14 days of age. Conclusions: Premature infants receiving an IV fat emulsion containing fish oil had less ROP requiring laser treatment and less cholestasis than those receiving a standard lipid emulsion. These infants also had higher plasma and erythrocyte DHA levels at 7 and 14 days, suggesting potential long‐term neurodevelopmental benefits.
Comparative Analysis of the Efficacy and Complications of Nasojejunal and Jejunostomy on Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Zhu Xinhua , Wu Yafu , Qiu Yudong , Jiang Chunping , Ding Yitao
Published: August 2013

Background: The efficacy and feeding‐related complications of a nasojejunal feeding tube and jejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) was investigated with a randomized, controlled clinical trial at the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital. Methods: Sixty‐eight patients who underwent PD in the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups: 34 patients received enteral feeding via a nasojejunal tube (NJT group) and 34 patients received enteral feeding via a jejunostomy tube (JT group). The assessment of clinical outcome was based on postoperative investigation of complications. The second part of the assessment included tube related complications and an index on catheter efficiency. Results: There were 15 cases with infectious complications in the JT group and 13 cases in the NJT group, and there was no significant difference in the rate of infectious complications between the 2 groups. The rate of intestinal obstruction and delayed gastric emptying was significantly decreased in the NJT group (P < .05). Catheter‐related complications were more common in the JT group as compared with the NJT group (35.3% vs 20.6%, P < .05). The time for removal of the feeding tube and nasogastric tube was significantly decreased in the NJT group. The postoperative hospital stay in the NJT group was significantly decreased (P < .05), and there was no hospital mortality in this study. Conclusion: Nasojejunal feeding is safer than jejunostomy, and it is associated with only minor complications. Nasojejunal feeding can significantly decrease the incidence of delayed gastric emptying and shorten the postoperative hospital stay.
The prevalence of lymph node metastases in clinically N0 necks with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: is CT good enough for nodal staging?
Authors: Furukawa Matakazu , Dillon Jasjit K , Futran Neal D , Anzai Yoshimi
Published: August 2013

Background

Nodal metastases and extracapsular extension (ECE) are important prognostic indicators. However, the diagnostic accuracy of CT is still limited for patients with clinically N0 neck.

Purpose

To determine the prevalence of lymph node (LN) metastases and ECE for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients with clinical and CT negative preoperative neck.

Material and Methods

Thirty-two patients with N0 oral cavity SCC who underwent neck dissection were included in this retrospective analysis. The size of LN was measured on transverse CT images, and radiological size criterion was based upon a minimal axial diameter of 10 mm. Pathology was used as the standard reference. Imaging and histopathological correlation was done for 132 LN levels in the 32 patients.

Results

Fourteen of 32 patients (44%) had metastatic nodes and six patients had ECE. Among 132 LN levels, 22 levels (17%) had metastatic LNs (level I 5/37, level II 8/39, level III 7/35, level IV 2/18), and eight of 22 levels with metastases had ECE. Poorly differentiated histology was a predictive factor for LN metastases or ECE (poorly versus well and moderately differentiated SCC: P = 0.07 for LN metastases and P = 0.08 for ECE, respectively). T-classification was also an important predictor for occult nodal metastases (2 of 10 patients in T1, 12 of 22 patients in T2–4), although it did not reach statistical significance ( P = 0.11).

Conclusion

Diagnostic accuracy of CT is limited among N0 oral cavity SCC patients. Neck dissection should be performed, particularly for patients with poorly differentiated SCC or higher T-classification.
Serum microRNA-92 expression in patients with ovarian epithelial carcinoma
Authors: Guo Fengjun , Tian Jingyan , Lin Yang , Jin Yuemei , Wang Ling , Cui Manhua
Published: August 2013

Objectives

Studies have reported the significance of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as biochemical markers of cancer. Few reports demonstrate the significance of miRNAs in the serum of patients with ovarian epithelial carcinoma (EOC). The present study prospectively investigated the status of miRNA-92 (miR-92) in the serum of EOC patients and healthy controls, and examined the potential usefulness of this molecule as a biomarker for EOC diagnosis.

Methods

Levels of miR-92 in serum samples from EOC patients and controls were measured by quantitative real time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). Associations between serum miR-92 concentrations and clinical parameters were assessed by Fisher’s exact probability test.

Results

The serum concentration of miR-92 in EOC patients ( n = 50) was significantly higher than in controls ( n = 50). There were significant correlations between miR-92 expression and regional lymph node involvement and clinical stage of the tumour. There was no significant association between expression of miR-92 and age.

Conclusion

The detection of miR-92 levels in the serum might serve as a new tumour biomarker in the diagnosis and assessment of prognosis of EOC.
Vascular endothelial growth factor C expression is closely correlated with lymph node recurrence and poor prognosis in patients with early stage cervical cancer
Authors: DeMei Ma , XiangXin Li , YongPing Xu , YongXia Yang , YunHai Yu , Lin Zhu
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To detect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C mRNA expression in surgically resected tissues of ‘pathologic N0’ (pN0) cervical cancer; to investigate the relevance of VEGF-C mRNA expression to clinicopathological factors, lymph node recurrence and prognosis in early stage cervical cancer.

Methods

Patients with pN0 cervical cancer who successfully underwent radical hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy were enrolled sequentially into this retrospective study. Reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) was performed to detect VEGF-C mRNA.

Results

Seventy-eight patients entered the study. VEGF-C mRNA was detected in 35 (44.87%) patients and was significantly correlated with tumour differentiation. VEGF-C mRNA expression was significantly associated with lymph node recurrence and poor overall survival 5 years after surgery. Multivariate analysis confirmed that VEGF-C mRNA expression was an independent predictor for lymph node recurrence and unfavourable overall survival.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that detection of VEGF-C mRNA has clinical potential as a predictor for identifying patients with pN0 cervical cancer at high risk of lymph node recurrence and poor prognosis.
Investigation of the Risk Factors for Leukoaraiosis (LA)
Authors: Zhang Sijia , Kang Xia
Published: August 2013

Leukoaraiosis (LA) describes abnormal changes in the cerebral white matter frequently seen on CT and MRI in older adults. Its appearance indicates mild brain injury, and it is often regarded as a mark of senile dementia. Through the analysis of related risk factors of 6000 patients with LA diagnosed by cranial MRI in our department, we found that age, cerebral infarction, lacunar infarction, history of brain hemorrhage, and increased triglycerides were risk factors for LA, and the relative risk odds ratio values were 2.135 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.874-2.501), 3.330 (95% CI = 1.922-3.997), 3.412 (95% CI = 2.986-3.512), 3.611 (95% CI = 2.054-9.147), and 1.457 (95% CI = 1.058-1.769), respectively. Through the identification of the risk factors for LA and effective interventions, the occurrence of dementia, stroke, and premature death may be effectively prevented.
Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry in Screening Serum-Specific Protein in Patients With Scrotal Paget’s Disease
Authors: Zhao Zhiguang , Yang Lu , Zhang Wei , Wang He
Published: August 2013

The weak cationic chip (WCX2) and the surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS) were used to test the serum differential proteins in 20 healthy persons, 20 patients with chronic scrotal eczema, and 30 patients with scrotal Paget’s disease and test the specificity and sensitivity of screening scrotal Paget’s disease with differential proteins. We found that the differences between the 5 protein peaks of the normal group and the scrotal Paget’s disease group in the range of 2000 to 30 000 Da were statistically significant ( P < .01) and the difference of 3 protein peaks between the scrotal eczema group and the scrotal Paget’s disease group in the range of 2000 to 30 000 Da was statistically significant ( P < .05). SELDI-TOS-MS technique has certain application value in the early diagnosis of the scrotal Paget’s disease and screening for the specific tumor markers.
The Effects of a School-Based Psychosocial Intervention on Resilience and Health Outcomes Among Vulnerable Children
Authors: Olowokere A. E. , Okanlawon F. A.
Published: August 2013

Responding to the psychosocial health needs of the vulnerable population has been considered as a significant public health issue that must be addressed through access to public health professionals. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design to evaluate the impact of a training program on nurses and teachers’ knowledge of psychosocial health needs of vulnerable children and the impact this had on children’s resilience and psychosocial health outcomes (self-esteem, social connection, anxiety, and depression). The result showed a significant increase in the knowledge mean scores of both nurses and teachers 6 weeks post intervention. Children’s depression scores significantly reduced post intervention. Their resilience, self-esteem, and social connection were also significantly improved, while no significant reduction was found in their anxiety scores. The results of the pilot study suggest that a more rigorous study be conducted to further ascertain the effectiveness of the various interventions used in this study while taking into consideration the challenges raised by the authors.
Initial Linkage and Subsequent Retention in HIV Care for a Newly Diagnosed HIV-Infected Cohort in Denver, Colorado
Authors: Gardner Edward M. , Daniloff Elaine , Thrun Mark W. , Reirden Daniel H. , Davidson Arthur J. , Johnson Steven C. , Wilmoth Ralph , Connick Elizabeth , Burman William J.
Published: August 2013

This is a retrospective cohort study of 352 newly diagnosed HIV-infected individuals in Denver, from 2005 to 2007. Utilizing data from 3 health care systems, 2 clinical trials units, and statewide Colorado HIV laboratory reporting databases, we tracked initial linkage to HIV care, retention in care, loss to follow-up, and transitions between HIV care providers. After more than 2.6 years of follow-up, 256 (73%) individuals linked to HIV care within 180 days. Of the 301 individuals who eventually linked to care, 168 (56%) had at least one 180-day gap in care, while 49 (16%) had a 360-day gap. Transitions in care were common, with 131 (37%) individuals accessing care from 2 different providers and 15% having evidence of living outside of Colorado. In this newly diagnosed HIV-infected cohort, linkage to care was slow and long-term retention in care was poor. Transitions between HIV care providers were common and may impair engagement in care over time. Out-of-state migration was frequent and may cause an underestimation of engagement in care.
Interleukin-7 is produced by afferent lymphatic vessels and supports lymphatic drainage
Authors: Iolyeva Maria , Aebischer David , Proulx Steven T. , Willrodt Ann-Helen , Ecoiffier Tatiana , Häner Simone , Bouchaud Grégory , Krieg Carsten , Onder Lucas , Ludewig Burkhard , Santambrogio Laura , Boyman Onur , Chen Lu , Finke Daniela , Halin Cornelia
Published: August 2013

Key Points

Afferent lymphatic vessels express interleukin-7. Interleukin-7 supports lymphatic drainage.
Caloric restriction modulates Mcl-1 expression and sensitizes lymphomas to BH3 mimetic in mice
Authors: Meynet Ophélie , Zunino Barbara , Happo Lina , Pradelli Ludivine A. , Chiche Johanna , Jacquin Marie A. , Mondragón Laura , Tanti Jean-François , Taillan Bruno , Garnier Georges , Reverso-Meinietti Julie , Mounier Nicolas , Michiels Jean-François , Michalak Ewa M. , Carles Michel , Scott Clare L. , Ricci Jean-Ehrland
Published: August 2013

Key Points

Caloric restriction reduces Mcl-1 expression and sensitizes lymphoma cells to ABT-737 in vivo. Caloric restriction mimetics can sensitize lymphomas to ABT-737–induced death independently of p53 and of the main BH3-only proteins.
Platelets in tissue repair: control of apoptosis and interactions with regenerative cells
Authors: Gawaz Meinrad , Vogel Sebastian
Published: August 2013

Besides mediating primary hemostasis and thrombosis, platelets play a critical role in tissue repair and regeneration. They regulate fundamental mechanisms involved in the healing process including cellular migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. Control of apoptosis/cell survival and interaction with progenitor cells, which are clinically relevant but poorly understood aspects of platelets in tissue repair, will be highlighted in this review. Gaining deeper insight into the less well-characterized molecular mechanisms is necessary to develop new therapeutic platelet-based options.
How I treat CNS lymphomas
Authors: Rubenstein James L. , Gupta Neel K. , Mannis Gabriel N. , LaMarre Amanda K. , Treseler Patrick
Published: August 2013

The pathogenesis of primary and secondary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma poses a unique set of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic challenges. During the past 10 years, there has been significant progress in the elucidation of the molecular properties of CNS lymphomas and their microenvironment, as well as evolution in the development of novel treatment strategies. Although a CNS lymphoma diagnosis was once assumed to be uniformly associated with a dismal prognosis, it is now reasonable to anticipate long-term survival, and possibly a cure, for a significant fraction of CNS lymphoma patients. The pathogenesis of CNS lymphomas affects multiple compartments within the neuroaxis, and proper treatment of the CNS lymphoma patient requires a multidisciplinary team with expertise not only in hematology/oncology but also in neurology, neuroradiology, neurosurgery, clinical neuropsychology, ophthalmology, pathology, and radiation oncology. Given the evolving principles of management and the evidence for improvements in survival, our goal is to provide an overview of current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of CNS lymphomas and to highlight promising strategies that we believe to be most effective in establishing diagnosis, staging, and therapeutic management.
WholeCellViz: data visualization for whole-cell models
Authors: Lee Ruby , Karr Jonathan R , Covert Markus W
Published: August 2013

Background

Whole-cell models promise to accelerate biomedical science and engineering. However, discovering new biology from whole-cell models and other high-throughput technologies requires novel tools for exploring and analyzing complex, high-dimensional data.

Results

We developed WholeCellViz, a web-based software program for visually exploring and analyzing whole-cell simulations. WholeCellViz provides 14 animated visualizations, including metabolic and chromosome maps. These visualizations help researchers analyze model predictions by displaying predictions in their biological context. Furthermore, WholeCellViz enables researchers to compare predictions within and across simulations by allowing users to simultaneously display multiple visualizations.

Conclusion

WholeCellViz was designed to facilitate exploration, analysis, and communication of whole-cell model data. Taken together, WholeCellViz helps researchers use whole-cell model simulations to drive advances in biology and bioengineering.
Next-generation sequencing-based mRNA and microRNA expression profiling analysis revealed pathways involved in the rapid growth of developing culms in Moso bamboo
Authors: He Cai-yun , Cui Kai , Zhang Jian-guo , Duan Ai-guo , Zeng Yan-fei
Published: August 2013

Background

As one of the fastest-growing lignocellulose-abundant plants on Earth, bamboos can reach their final height quickly due to the expansion of individual internodes already present in the buds; however, the molecular processes underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocyclacv. Pubescens) internodes from four different developmental stages and three different internodes within the same stage were used in our study to investigate the molecular processes at the transcriptome and post-transcriptome level.

Results

Our anatomical observations indicated the development of culms was dominated by cell division in the initial stages and by cell elongation in the middle and late stages. The four major endogenous hormones appeared to actively promote culm development. Using next-generation sequencing-based RNA-Seq, mRNA and microRNA expression profiling technology, we produced a transcriptome and post-transcriptome in possession of a large fraction of annotated Moso bamboo genes, and provided a molecular basis underlying the phenomenon of sequentially elongated internodes from the base to the top. Several key pathways such as environmental adaptation, signal transduction, translation, transport and many metabolisms were identified as involved in the rapid elongation of bamboo culms.

Conclusions

This is the first report on the temporal and spatial transcriptome and gene expression and microRNA profiling in a developing bamboo culms. In addition to gaining more insight into the unique growth characteristics of bamboo, we provide a good case study to analyze gene, microRNA expression and profiling of non-model plant species using high-throughput short-read sequencing. Also, we demonstrate that the integrated analysis of our multi-omics data, including transcriptome, post-transcriptome, proteome, yield more complete representations and additional biological insights, especially the complex dynamic processes occurring in Moso bamboo culms.
Education is associated with lower levels of abdominal obesity in women with a non-agricultural occupation: an interaction study using China’s four provinces survey
Authors: Aitsi-Selmi Amina , Chen Ruoling , Shipley Martin J , Marmot Michael G
Published: August 2013

Background

The prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as their populations become exposed to obesogenic environments. The transition from an agrarian to an industrial and service-based economy results in important lifestyle changes. Yet different socioeconomic groups may experience and respond to these changes differently. Investigating the socioeconomic distribution of obesity in LMICs is key to understanding the causes of obesity but the field is limited by the scarcity of data and a uni-dimensional approach to socioeconomic status (SES). This study splits socioeconomic status into two dimensions to investigate how educated women may have lower levels of obesity in a context where labour market opportunities have shifted away from agriculture to other forms of employment.

Methods

The Four Provinces Study in China 2008/09 is a household-based community survey of 4,314 people aged ≥60  years (2,465 women). It was used to investigate an interaction between education (none/any) and occupation (agricultural/non-agricultural) on high-risk central obesity defined as a waist circumference ≥80 cm. An interaction term between education and occupation was incorporated in a multivariate logistic regression model, and the estimates adjusted for age, parity, urban/rural residence and health behaviours (smoking, alcohol, meat and fruit & vegetable consumption). Complete case analyses were undertaken and results confirmed using multiple imputation to impute missing data.

Results

An interaction between occupation and education was present (P = 0.02). In the group with no education, the odds of central obesity in the sedentary occupation group were more than double those of the agricultural occupation group even after taking age group and parity into account (OR; 95%CI: 2.21; 1.52, 3.21), while in the group with any education there was no evidence of such a relationship (OR; 95%CI: 1.25; 0.92, 1.70). Health behaviours appeared to account for some of the association.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that education may have a protective role in women against the higher odds of obesity associated with occupational shifts in middle-income countries, and that investment in women’s education may present an important long term investment in obesity prevention. Further research could elucidate the mechanisms behind this association.
Evaluation of the phenotypic test and genetic analysis in the detection of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Nantakomol Duangdao , Paul Rick , Palasuwan Attakorn , Day Nicholas PJ , White Nicholas J , Imwong Mallika
Published: August 2013

Background

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is particularly prevalent in historically malaria-endemic countries. Although most individuals with G6PD deficiency are asymptomatic, deficiency can result in acute haemolytic anaemia after exposure to oxidative agents. A reliable test is necessary for diagnosing the deficiency to prevent an acute haemolytic crisis following, for example, anti-malarial treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate which method was the best predictor of this disorder.

Methods

The present study investigated four G6PD activity detections (fluorescence spot (FS), methaemoglobin reduction (MR), biochemical and cytochemical test). These methods accompanied with mutation analysis of blood samples were taken from 295 apparently healthy individuals with unknown G6PD deficiency status.

Results

Molecular characterization of 295 Thai adults revealed an overall prevalence of 14.2%. The G6PD Viangchan (871 G>A) was the most common (83.3%), followed by G6PD Mahidol (487G>A) (11.9%), and G6PD Union (1360 C>T) (4.8%). There were two cases of G6PD deficiency carrying the double mutations of Viangchan (871G > A)-Mahidol (487G > A) and Viangchan (871G > A)-Union (1360C > T). In comparison, the prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 6.1% by FS test and 7.1% by MR test. G6PD activity was 11 ± 2.5 IU/gHb in non-deficient females (mean ± SD), and 10.9 ± 0.6 IU/gHb in non-deficient males. The upper and lower limit cut-off points for partial and severe deficiency in adults were 5.7 IU/gHb (60% of the normal mean) and 0.95 IU/gHb (10% of the normal mean), respectively. All hemizygote, homozygote and double mutations were associated with severe enzyme deficiency (the residual enzyme activity <10% of the normal mean), whereas only 14.3% of the heterozygote mutations showed severe enzyme deficiency. Based on the cut-off value <5.7 IU/gHb, the quantitative G6PD assay diagnosed 83% of cases as G6PD-deficient. Using a cut-off number of negative cell >20% in the cytochemical assay to define G6PD deficiency, the prevalence of G6PD deficiency was closest to the molecular analysis (12.9% G6PD-deficient) compared to the others methods.

Conclusion

The cytochemical method is a significant predictor of this disease, while FS and MR test are recommended for the detection of severe G6PD deficiency in developing countries.
The associations of body mass index with physical and mental aspects of health-related quality of life in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: results from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Wong Carlos K H , Lo Yvonne Y C , Wong Winnie H T , Fung Colman S C
Published: August 2013

Background

This study aimed to determine the associations of various clinical factors with generic health-related quality of life (HRQOL) scores among Hong Kong Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the outpatient primary care setting using the short-form 12 (SF-12).

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 488 Chinese adults with T2DM recruited from a primary care outpatient clinic was conducted from May to August 2008. Data on the standard Chinese (HK) SF-12 Health Survey and patients’ socio-demographics were collected from face-to-face interviews. Glycaemic control, body mass index (BMI), chronic co-morbidities, diabetic complications and treatment modalities were determined for each patient through medical records. Associations of socio-demographic and clinical factors with physical component summary (PCS-12) and mental component summary scores (MCS-12) were evaluated using multiple linear regression.

Results

The socio-demographic correlates of PCS-12 and MCS-12 were age, gender and BMI. After adjustment for socio-demographic variables, the BMI was negatively associated with PCS-12 but positively associated with MCS-12. The presence of diabetic complications was associated with lower PCS-12 (regression coefficient:-3.0 points, p < 0.05) while being on insulin treatment was associated with lower MCS-12 (regression coefficient:-5.8 points, p < 0.05). In contrast, glycaemic control, duration of T2DM and treatment with oral hypoglycaemic drugs were not significantly associated with PCS-12 or MCS-12.

Conclusions

Among T2DM subjects in the primary care setting, impairments in the physical aspect of HRQOL were evident in subjects who were obese or had diabetic complications whereas defects in the mental aspect of HRQOL were observed in patients with lower BMI or receiving insulin injections.