bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Megadroughts in Southwestern North America in ECHO-G Millennial Simulations and Their Comparison to Proxy Drought Reconstructions*
Authors: Coats Sloan , Smerdon Jason E. , Seager Richard , Cook Benjamin I. , González-Rouco J. F. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Simulated hydroclimate variability in millennium-length forced transient and control simulations from the ECHAM and the global Hamburg Ocean Primitive Equation (ECHO-G) coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation model (AOGCM) is analyzed and compared to 1000 years of reconstructed Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) variability from the North American Drought Atlas (NADA). The ability of the model to simulate megadroughts in the North American southwest is evaluated. (NASW: 25°–42.5°N, 125°–105°W). Megadroughts in the ECHO-G AOGCM are found to be similar in duration and magnitude to those estimated from the NADA. The droughts in the forced simulation are not, however, temporally synchronous with those in the paleoclimate record, nor are there significant differences between the drought features simulated in the forced and control runs. These results indicate that model-simulated megadroughts can result from internal variability of the modeled climate system rather than as a response to changes in exogenous forcings. Although the ECHO-G AOGCM is capable of simulating megadroughts through persistent La Niña–like conditions in the tropical Pacific, other mechanisms can produce similarly extreme NASW moisture anomalies in the model. In particular, the lack of low-frequency coherence between NASW soil moisture and simulated modes of climate variability like the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, Pacific decadal oscillation, and Atlantic multidecadal oscillation during identified drought periods suggests that stochastic atmospheric variability can contribute significantly to the occurrence of simulated megadroughts in the NASW. These findings indicate that either an expanded paradigm is needed to understand multidecadal hydroclimate variability in the NASW or AOGCMs may incorrectly simulate the strength and/or dynamics of the connection between NASW hydroclimate variability and the tropical Pacific.
The Evolution of Inhomogeneous Wave Statistics through a Variable Medium
Authors: Smit P. B. , Janssen T. T. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe interaction of ocean waves with variable currents and topography in coastal areas can result in inhomogeneous statistics because of coherent interferences, which affect wave-driven circulation and transport processes. Stochastic wave models, invariably based on some form of the radiative transfer equation (or action balance), do not account for these effects. The present work develops and discusses a generalization of the radiative transfer equation that includes the effects of coherent interferences on wave statistics. Using multiple scales, the study approximates the transport equation for the (complete) second-order wave correlation matrix. The resulting model transports the coupled-mode spectrum (a form of the Wigner distribution) and accounts for the generation and propagation of coherent interferences in a variable medium. The authors validate the model through comparison with analytic solutions and laboratory observations, discuss the differences with the radiative transfer equation and the limitations of this approximation, and illustrate its ability to resolve coherent interference structures in wave fields such as those typically found in refractive focal zones and around obstacles.
A Comparison of Statistical Approaches for Seasonal Precipitation Prediction in Pakistan
Authors: Ding Ting , Ke Zongjian 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The present study focuses on two statistical approaches for improving seasonal precipitation prediction skills for Pakistan. Precipitation over Pakistan is concentrated in July–August (JA), when droughts and floods occur recurrently and cause disasters. Empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis is used to assess spatial patterns of precipitation, and two precipitation patterns are identified: a consistent pattern and a north–south dipole pattern. Two statistical approaches, the statistical regression method using prewinter predictors and statistical downscaling, are employed to perform rainfall predictions for JA in Pakistan. Linear regression (LR) and optimal subset regression (OSR) are used for each approach, and the regression forecast methods are compared with the raw model outputs. Historical data for large-scale variables from the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis and version 1.0 of the coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation model from the Beijing Climate Center (CGCM1.0/BCC) outputs in 1986–2011 are used as predictors for the statistical prewinter method and statistical downscaling, respectively. In the majority of the years, the statistical prewinter method and statistical downscaling are able to correct the erroneous signs of the raw dynamical model output for the consistent pattern. The statistical prewinter method is found to provide more skillful predictions than the statistical downscaling on the prediction of the dipolelike pattern. The best prediction skills for the consistent pattern and dipolelike pattern are provided by NCEP-OSR and NCEP-LR, which have significant correlations of 0.39 and 0.40, respectively. For all the forecast methods in this study, prewinter prediction and downscaled prediction show considerable improvements when compared with model output. These statistical methods provide valuable approaches for studying local climates.
Autologous Fat Injection Combined with Palatoplasty and Pharyngoplasty for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency and Cleft Palate: Preliminary Experience
Authors: Cao Yimei , Ma Tingting , Wu Di , Yin Ningbei , Zhao Zhenmin 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveThe aim was to evaluate clinical application of autologous fat transplantation in the posterior pharynx to treat velopharyngeal incompetence and cleft palate.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingCleft Lip and Palate Center of Plastic Surgery Hospital, an academic medical center.Subjects and MethodsWe studied 11 patients (age, 5‐26 years) with a cleft palate and velopharyngeal insufficiency who underwent autologous fat injection. Patients were followed for 9 to 40 months. Pronunciation evaluation, visual appearance of the palatopharyngeal area, nasopharyngeal fibroscopy (NPF), palatopharyngeal lateral radiography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were undertaken before and after the operation.ResultsSpeech intelligibility was markedly increased in all patients. Pronunciation was good to excellent compared with the preoperative level (P=. 001). Mean velopharyngeal insufficiency rate was significantly reduced from 26.05% to 6.96% (P=. 028) by NPF and from 26.42% to 7.11% (P=. 017) by MRI (axial plane). Magnetic resonance imaging indicated significantly reduced mean minimum velopharyngeal distance, from 10.39 to 3.65 mm (P=. 012) in the sagittal plane, and markedly increased thickness of transplanted fat in the posterior pharyngeal wall (sagittal, 5.43 mm; axial, 4.74 mm). There were few complications (sleep apnea, nasopharyngeal regurgitation).ConclusionAutologous fat transplantation in the posterior pharyngeal wall was a good method for treating velopharyngeal incompetence. The safety profile was good in our sample, and we got a consistent result in the follow‐up period. In addition, it also could be combined with routine surgery.
Impact of adaptive iterative dose reduction (AIDR) 3D on low-dose abdominal CT: comparison with routine-dose CT using filtered back projection
Authors: Matsuki Mitsuru , Murakami Takamichi , Juri Hiroshi , Yoshikawa Shushi , Narumi Yoshifumi 
Published: May 2013

Background While CT is widely used in medical practice, a substantial source of radiation exposure is associated with an increased lifetime risk of cancer. Therefore, concerns to dose reduction in CT examinations are increasing and an iterative reconstruction algorithm, which allow for dose reduction by compensating image noise in the image reconstruction, has been developed. Purpose To investigate the performance of low-dose abdominal CT using adaptive iterative dose reduction 3D (AIDR 3D) compared to routine-dose CT using filtered back projection (FBP). Material and Methods Fifty-eight patients underwent both routine-dose CT scans using FBP and low-dose CT scans using AIDR 3D in the abdomen. The image noise levels, signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of the aorta, portal vein, liver, and pancreas were measured and compared in both scans. Visual evaluations were performed. The volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) was measured. Results Image noise levels on low-dose CT images using AIDR 3D were significantly lower than, or not significantly different from, routine-dose CT images using FBP in reviewing the data on the basis of all patients and the three BMI groups. SNRs and CNRs on low-dose CT images using AIDR 3D were significantly higher than, or not significantly different from, routine-dose CT images using FBP in reviewing the data on the basis of all patients and the three BMI groups. In visual evaluation of the images, there were no statistically significant differences between the scans in all organs independently of BMI. The average CTDIvol at routine-dose and low dose CT was 21.4 and 10.8 mGy, respectively. Conclusion Low-dose abdominal CT using AIDR 3D allows for approximately 50% reduction in radiation dose without a degradation of image quality compared to routine-dose CT using FBP independently of BMI.
A novel needle guide system to perform percutaneous laser ablation of liver tumors using the multifiber technique
Authors: Di Costanzo Giovan Giuseppe , D'Adamo Giuseppe , Tortora Raffaella , Zanfardino Filomena , Mattera Silvana , Francica Giampiero , Pacella Claudio Maurizio 
Published: May 2013

Background Previous studies have shown that laser ablation with the multifiber technique is effective in the treatment of liver tumors. However, the correct positioning of multiple needles may be challenging. Purpose To investigate the use of a novel needle guide system that was developed to perform percutaneous laser ablation of liver tumors with the multifiber technique under ultrasonographic guidance. Material and Methods Between February 2009 and June 2011, 116 patients (104 hepatocellular carcinomas and 12 metastases) with 127 liver nodules (median diameter, 3.0 cm; range, 1.5–6.0) were treated. Nineteen nodules were in high-risk locations. A needle guide with separate channels to insert two needles in a parallel position and at a prefixed distance was used. Results Needles were positioned inside the target nodule easily and quickly, and correct spacing (1.5–1.8 cm) between light sources was immediately achieved. Complete tumor ablation was achieved in a single session in 112 (88.2%) lesions. In nodules ≤3.0 cm and >3.0 cm in size, ablation was complete in 93.6% and 79.6% of cases, respectively. Of note, complete ablation was achieved in 91.7% of nodules up to 5.0 cm. Conclusion With the new guidance system, needles could be inserted in parallel fashion, which facilitated positioning the needles in geometrical configurations to maximize the ablative effect. Worthy of note, the complete ablation rate in nodules >3.0 cm using the new guide system was higher than what has been reported in the literature so far.
An evaluation of the feasibility of assessment of volume perfusion for the whole lung by 128-slice spiral CT
Authors: Sun Haitao , Gao Fei , Li Ning , Liu Cheng 
Published: May 2013

Background Lung perfusion based on dynamic scanning cannot provide a quantitative assessment of the whole lung because of the limited coverage of the current computed tomography (CT) detector designs. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of dynamic volume perfusion CT (VPCT) of the whole lung using a 128-slice CT for the quantitative assessment and visualization of pulmonary perfusion. Material and Methods Imaging was performed in a control group of 17 subjects who had no signs of disturbance of pulmonary function or diffuse lung disease, and 15 patients (five patients with acute pulmonary embolism and 10 with emphysema) who constituted the abnormal lung group. Dynamic VPCT was performed in all subjects, and pulmonary blood flow (PBF), pulmonary blood volume (PBV), and mean transit time (MTT) were calculated from dynamic contrast images with a coverage of 20.7 cm. Regional and volumetric PBF, PBV, and MTT were statistically evaluated and comparisons were made between the normal and abnormal lung groups. Results Regional PBF (94.2 ± 36.5, 161.8 ± 29.6, 185.7 ± 38.1 and 125.5 ± 46.1, 161.9 ± 31.4, 169.3 ± 51.7), PBV (6.7 ± 2.8, 10.9 ± 3.0, 12.9 ± 4.5 and 9.9 ± 4.6, 10.3 ± 2.9, 11.9 ± 4.5), and MTT (5.8 ± 2.4, 4.5 ± 1.3, 4.7 ± 2.1 and 5.6 ± 2.3, 4.3 ± 1.5, 4.9 ± 1.5) demonstrated significant differences in the gravitational and isogravitational directions in the normal lung group ( P < 0.05). The PBF (154.2 ± 30.6 vs. 94.9 ± 15.9) and PBV (11.1 ± 4.0 vs. 6.6 ± 1.7) by dynamic VPCT showed significant differences between normal and abnormal lungs ( P < 0.05), notwithstanding the four large lungs that had coverage > 20.7 cm. Conclusion Dynamic VPCT of the whole lung is feasible for the quantitative assessment of pulmonary perfusion by 128-slice CT, and may in future permit the evaluation of both morphological and functional features of the whole lung in a single examination.
The Faculty of Feeling
Authors: Sasaki Ken-ichi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe paper attempts to elucidate the nature and action of feeling: a subject corresponding to the original conception of aesthetics by Baumgarten. It analyzes several different uses of the verb “to feel” in order to bring out the difference between simple perception and feeling. Feeling, it emerges, is an overtone given to a perception that has something particular, or ineffable, about it. With reference to Nelson Goodman’s notion of exemplification, and the Kantian conception of reflective judgment, feeling is defined as a resonance that arises spontaneously in us, in response to the perceptive stimuli of an object, from the depth of our memory as the store of past experience. Lastly, the paper explains the basis of freshness of feeling, and the individuality and universality of feeling.
Retrospective Computed Tomography Mapping of Intrapleural Air May Demonstrate Optimal Window for Ultrasound Diagnosis of Pneumothorax
Authors: Kiley Sean , Tighe Patrick , Hajibrahim Omar , Deitte Lori , Gravenstein Nikolaus , Robinson Albert 
Published: May 2013

Introduction: When a pneumothorax exists, free air should rise to the most nondependent region within the chest. Current ultrasound (US) examination methodologies may exclude visualization of these areas that may limit the sensitivity of the examination. This retrospective study uses computed tomography (CT) scans to precisely evaluate where free air within the thorax occurs and correlates this location with a presumably optimal US interrogation window. Methods: A total of 94 CT scans of patients with a pneumothorax in a single institution from December 2006 to January 2010 were examined. The borders and volumes of each pneumothorax were precisely measured by a radiologist. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between volume and location of intrapleural air at specified areas of the hemithorax. Sensitivities relating location of intrapleural air at a specific landmark and side of thorax were calculated. Results: All but 3 of the pneumothoraces extended to the sternum. In all, 83 patients demonstrated a pneumothorax between rib interspaces 3 and 6 (mean pneumothorax volume 300.4 mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] 217.4-383.3), and 11 patients did not (mean pneumothorax volume 4.5 mL, 95% CI 1.7-7.3; P < .0001). The cumulative sensitivity for the presence of intrapleural air at rib interspaces 3 to 6 along the sternal border was 88%. This was consistent regardless of the side of hemithorax (right 91% and left 86%). Conclusion: The CT scans demonstrate that intrapleural air most often collects along the mediastinum between ribs 3 and 6 on either side of the chest. Although no USs were performed in this retrospective study, one may infer that a parasternal approach along rib interspaces 3 to 6 is an easy and sensitive window to diagnose pneumothorax with US.
BaP-induced DNA damage initiated p53-independent necroptosis via the mitochondrial pathway involving Bax and Bcl-2
Authors: Jiang Y , Chen X , Yang G , Wang Q , Wang J , Xiong W , Yuan J 
Published: May 2013

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a typical environmental carcinogen, can induce cell death both by protein 53 or tumor protein 53 (p53)-independent and -dependent pathways. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of p53-independent pathways in BaP-induced cell death. In this study, cells with different genetic background (including p53-proficient human fetal lung fibroblast cell lines (MRC-5), p53-deficient human non-small-cell lung carcinoma cell lines (H1299), and p53-knockdown cell lines (MRC-5 p53−/−)) were used to establish models of BaP-induced cell death. The results showed that BaP (8, 16, 32, and 64 μM) induced necroptotic cell death in the cell lines. The necroptotic cell death and DNA damage were concurrently observed. In the three cell lines, at 24 h after treatment, BaP (8–64 μM) upregulated expressions of BAX, BCL-2, and cleaved caspase-3 proteins, but not their messenger RNA levels. The findings suggested that BaP-induced necroptosis was modulated by the p53-independent pathway, which was related to the induction of BAX, decreased expression of BCL-2, and activation of caspase-3.
Melatonin ameliorates oxidative stress and reproductive toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide in male mice
Authors: Chabra A , Shokrzadeh M , Naghshvar F , Salehi F , Ahmadi A 
Published: May 2013

The present study evaluated the efficacy of melatonin in cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced testicular injury, lipid peroxidative damage, and antioxidant enzymes status of the mice testis on the basis of biochemical and histological studies. Mice were pretreated with four different doses of melatonin (2.5, 5, 10, and, 20 mg/kg by body weight (b.w.)) via intraperitoneal injection for five consecutive days followed by injection with CP (200 mg/kg b.w.) 1 h after the last injection of melatonin on the 5th day. After 24 h, mice were euthanized, testes were immediately removed, and biochemical and histological studies were conducted. Treatment with melatonin significantly mitigates lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activity and the level of reduced glutathione content abnormality induced by CP in mice testis. Histological examination clearly demonstrates that pretreatment of melatonin prevented CP-induced spermatogenesis toxicity and spermatogenic cells reduction in mice testis. The protective effect of melatonin is likely due to the antioxidative properties of the indolamine existed in the chemical structure. Because melatonin is a safe, natural compound, it could be used concomitantly as a supplement to protect people undergoing chemotherapy against reproductive toxicity.
Depressive symptoms are prevalent in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE)
Authors: Kohut S Ahola , Williams TS , Jayanthikumar J , Landolt-Marticorena C , Lefebvre A , Silverman E , Levy DM 
Published: May 2013

Background Depressive symptoms are common in adolescence and young adulthood; however, their prevalence in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is unknown. Objective The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their association with disease characteristics in children, adolescents, and young adults with cSLE. Methods A cross-sectional sample of patients with cSLE between 10 to 24 years old completed standardized depression inventories. Demographics and disease characteristics were collected. Results Total depression inventory scores reported were below standard cut-off values for depression. However, 26% (10/38) of children and adolescents, and 44% (seven of 16) of young adults had scores at or above established cut-offs for elevated depression symptoms. Physical symptoms of depression were endorsed most frequently. There were no differences in depressive symptoms by disease characteristics including disease duration, health-related quality of life inventory scores, antiphospholipid antibody status, and a history of renal involvement or neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE). However, two patients had a history of depression as an NPSLE manifestation of their SLE. In the children and adolescents, prednisone dose was associated with negative self-esteem ( r = 0.37, p = 0.04) and somatic depressive symptoms ( r = 0.39, p = 0.02), but we did not observe a significant association in the young adults. Conclusion Depressive symptoms in cSLE are frequent, although similar to the high prevalence rates in the general population. Physical symptoms are most frequently endorsed. Further study will determine if serial evaluations are recommended for early detection in this at-risk population.
Researching poverty: Methods, results and impact
Authors: Saunders Peter 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis article draws on evidence generated in recent deprivation studies conducted by the author and colleagues at the Social Policy Research Centre. After outlining some of the main limitations of poverty line studies, the paper explains how the deprivation approach addresses these weaknesses and illustrates the insights that deprivation studies can provide into the nature of poverty in contemporary Australia. It then compares the results produced by a deprivation approach with those produced using a poverty line – both in terms of what they imply about the extent of the problem and who they suggest is most affected by it. The comparisons demonstrate that the reservations that many hold about poverty research can be overcome and that when this is done, the results become more compelling and thus have the potential to have a greater impact on anti-poverty policy.
National fiscal consolidation and the challenge to Australian federalism
Authors: Warren Neil 
Published: May 2013

AbstractFollowing failure of the stimulatory policies post the 2008 financial crisis and the resulting instability of the Euro, national fiscal consolidation with real sanctions for non-compliance has become a key focus of most governments as they address escalating budget deficits and rapidly rising public debt. The problem is that agreement by central governments to adopt national fiscal rules, whether self-imposed or imposed by some supranational institution, leaves unaddressed how such rules and sanctions should be adopted by (or imposed on) sub-central and local governments. To date, the primary focus has been on whether the encouragement given over recent decades to fiscal decentralisation has worsened public debt levels and made national fiscal consolidation by central governments more difficult. This article argues that what is missing from this discussion is attention to the intergovernmental institutional arrangements and how they and their reform are potentially crucial to both national fiscal consolidation and ensuring retention of the benefits of fiscal decentralisation.