Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) encompasses a range of liver histology severity and outcomes in the absence of chronic alcohol use.The mildest form is simple steatosis in which triglycerides accumulate within ...Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) encompasses a range of liver histology severity and outcomes in the absence of chronic alcohol use.The mildest form is simple steatosis in which triglycerides accumulate within hepatocytes.A more advanced form of NAFLD,nonalcoholic steatohepatitis,includes inflammation and liver cell injury,progressive to cryptogenic cirrhosis.NAFLD has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease in children and adolescents.The recent rise in the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity likely explains the NAFLD epidemic worldwide.NAFLD is strongly associated with abdominal obesity,type 2 diabetes,and dyslipidemia,and most patients have evidence of insulin resistance.Thus,NAFLD shares many features of the metabolic syndrome(MetS),a highly atherogenic condition,and this has stimulated interest in the possible role of NAFLD in the development of atherosclerosis.Accumulating evidence suggests thatNAFLD is associated with a significantly greater overall mortality than in the general population,as well as with increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease(CVD),independently of classical atherosclerotic risk factors.Yet,several studies including the pediatric population have reported independent associations between NAFLD and impaired flow-mediated vasodilatation and increased carotid artery intimal medial thickness-two reliable markers of subclinical atherosclerosis-after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors and MetS.Therefore,the rising prevalence of obesity-related MetS and NAFLD in childhood may lead to a parallel increase in adverse cardiovascular outcomes.In children,the cardiovascular system remains plastic and damage-reversible if early and appropriate interventions are established effectively.Therapeutic goals for NAFLD should address nutrition,physical activity,and avoidance of smoking to prevent not only end-stage liver disease but also CVD.展开更多
Four landfalling typhoon cases in 2005 were selected for a numerical simulation study with the Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction System(GRAPES) model.The preliminary assessment results of the performance of ...Four landfalling typhoon cases in 2005 were selected for a numerical simulation study with the Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction System(GRAPES) model.The preliminary assessment results of the performance of the model,including the predictions of typhoon track,landfall time,location and intensity,etc.,are presented and the sources of errors are analyzed.The 24-hour distance forecast error of the typhoon center by the model is shown to be about 131 km,while the 48-hour error is 252 km.The model was relatively more skilful at forecasts of landfall time and locations than those of intensity at landfall.On average,the 24-hour forecasts were slightly better than the 48-hour ones.An analysis of data impacts indicates that the assimilation of unconventional observation data is essential for the improvement of the model simulation.The model could also be improved by increasing model resolution to simulate the mesoscale and fine scale systems and by improving methods of terrain refinement processing.展开更多
In this study,we evaluate the forecast skill of the subseasonal-to-seasonal(S2S)prediction model of the Beijing Climate Center(BCC)for the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation(BSISO).We also discuss the key factors...In this study,we evaluate the forecast skill of the subseasonal-to-seasonal(S2S)prediction model of the Beijing Climate Center(BCC)for the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation(BSISO).We also discuss the key factors that inhibit the BSISO forecast skill in this model.Based on the bivariate anomaly correlation coefficient(ACC)of the BSISO index,defined by the first two EOF modes of outgoing longwave radiation and 850-hPa zonal wind anomalies over the Asian monsoon region,we found that the hindcast skill degraded as the lead time increased.The ACC dropped to below 0.5for lead times of 11 days and longer when the predicted BSISO showed weakened strength and insignificant northward propagation.To identify what causes the weakened forecast skill of BSISO at the forecast lead time of 11 days,we diagnosed the main mechanisms responsible for the BSISO northward propagation.The same analysis was also carried out using the observations and the outputs of the four-day forecast lead that successfully predicted the observed northward-propagating BSISO.We found that the lack of northward propagation at the 11-day forecast lead was due to insufficient increases in low-level cyclonic vorticity,moistening and warm temperature anomalies to the north of the convection,which were induced by the interaction between background mean flows and BSISO-related anomalous fields.The BCC S2S model can predict the background monsoon circulations,such as the low-level southerly and the northerly and easterly vertical shears,but has limited capability in forecasting the distributions of circulation and moisture anomalies.展开更多
We present two cases of windsock deformity;both were rare in location and one had a rare associated anomaly. In the first case, the windsock was observed in the fourth part of duodenum, causing partial intestinal obst...We present two cases of windsock deformity;both were rare in location and one had a rare associated anomaly. In the first case, the windsock was observed in the fourth part of duodenum, causing partial intestinal obstruction. In the second case, the windsock was located in the third part of the duodenum.展开更多
Health organizations worldwide recommend that adults and children minimize intakes of excess energy and salty, sweet, and fatty foods （all of which are highly preferred tastes） and eat diets richer in whole grains, ...Health organizations worldwide recommend that adults and children minimize intakes of excess energy and salty, sweet, and fatty foods （all of which are highly preferred tastes） and eat diets richer in whole grains, low- and non- fat dairy products, legumes, fish, lean meat, fruits, and vegetables （many of which taste bitter）. Despite such recommendations and the well-established benefits of these foods to human health, adults are not complying, nor are their children. A primary reason for this difficulty is the remarkably potent rewarding properties of the tastes and flavors of foods high in sweetness, saltiness, and fatness. While we cannot easily change children＇s basic ingrained biology of liking sweets and avoiding bitterness, we can modulate their flavor preferences by providing early exposure, starting in utero, to a wide variety of flavors within healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Because the flavors of foods mothers eat during pregnancy and lactation also flavor amniotic fluid and breast milk and become preferred by infants, pregnant and lactating women should widen their food choices to include as many flavorful and healthy foods as possible. These experiences, combined with repeated exposure to nutritious foods and flavor variety during the weaning period and beyond, should maximize the chances that children will select and enjoy a healthier diet [Current Zoology 56 （6）： 834-841, 2010].展开更多
The Global and Regional Assimilation and Prediction System (GRAPES), a limited-area regional model, was used to simulate the onset of South China Sea summer monsoon. In view of the relatively insufficient information ...The Global and Regional Assimilation and Prediction System (GRAPES), a limited-area regional model, was used to simulate the onset of South China Sea summer monsoon. In view of the relatively insufficient information about the initial field in simulation predictions, the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-B (AMSU-B) data from a NOAA satellite were introduced to improve the initial values. By directly using the 3-dimensional variational data assimilation system of GRAPES, two schemes for assimilation tests were designed. In the design, Test 1 (T1) assimilates both sounding and AMSU-B data, and Test 2 (T2) assimilates only the conventional sounding data, before applying the model in simulation forecasts. Comparative experiments showed that the model was very sensitive to initial fields and successful in reproducing the monsoon onset, allocation of high- and low-level wind fields during the pentad of onset, and the northward advancement of the monsoon and monsoon rain bands. The scheme, however, simulated rainfall and the location of the subtropical high with deviations from observations. The simulated location of the subtropical high was more westward and northward and the simulated rainfall for the South China Sea was larger and covered a broader area.展开更多
Objective： The authors used a meta-analytic technique to quantify the evidence of an association between ma- ternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and childhood acute leukemia （AL）, which provided a basis for...Objective： The authors used a meta-analytic technique to quantify the evidence of an association between ma- ternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and childhood acute leukemia （AL）, which provided a basis for the prevention of childhood AL. Methods： Relevant literatures of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy were comprehensively searched and screened. Subgroup meta-analysis was conducted according to the type of leukemia. Results of research data of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy were tested for heterogeneity. Combined OR values and 95% CIs were statistically calculated with RevMan 4.2 software; Funnel plots were applied to conduct bias analysis for those included litera- tures. Results： Ten related literatures were included after data screening, 4593 cases in AL group and 6157 cases in control group respectively. According to heterogeneity test result （X2 = 16.26, P 〈 0.05）, the combined OR values and 95% CI were calculated with random effects model, which were 1.02 （0.92-1.14）, Z = 0.41, P = 0.68 〉 0.05, indicating that there was no significant difference between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the risk of childhood acute leukemia （AL）. Subgroup analysis： for the association between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and childhood acute lympho- blastic leukemia （ALL）, the combined OR value and 95% CI were 0.92 （0.84-1.00）, Z = 1.92, P = 0.05, indicating that there was significant difference between two groups; for the association between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and childhood acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia （ANLL）, the combined OR values and 95% CI were 0.82 （0.61-1.11）, Z = 1.30, P = 0.19 〉 0.05, indicating that there was no significant difference between two groups. Conclusion： Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a risk factor in childhood ALL, but not in childhood ANLL.展开更多
Some children are maltreated and societies must protect them. This is done either at child protective services or when parents litigate over child custody, living, or visitation. Custody disputes provide difficult cha...Some children are maltreated and societies must protect them. This is done either at child protective services or when parents litigate over child custody, living, or visitation. Custody disputes provide difficult challenges for custody evaluators, particularly because information is often insufficient for high-precision decision-making. These challenges are present in both risk assessments （RAs） and investigations for the children＇s best interest （ICBIs）. Insights from gaming and signal-detection theory show that thinking several steps ahead leads to statistical advantage which improves decision-making in game play. The purpose of the present study is to show that gaming advantages can be used to improve RAs in custody disputes. The two-step procedure is organized as： （1） defining RAs and ICBIs as two sets with intersection; and （2） completing RAs before initiating ICBIs and using liberal RA decision-making criteria. Formal analysis and mathematical example show that the two-step procedure reduces the total number of RA errors by about 50 percent and suggest that gaming finesses are transferrable to custody disputes. Furthermore, should the two-step procedure be implemented, children are potentially protected from maltreatment post litigation. Implementation issues of the two-step procedure are discussed.展开更多
文摘Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) encompasses a range of liver histology severity and outcomes in the absence of chronic alcohol use.The mildest form is simple steatosis in which triglycerides accumulate within hepatocytes.A more advanced form of NAFLD,nonalcoholic steatohepatitis,includes inflammation and liver cell injury,progressive to cryptogenic cirrhosis.NAFLD has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease in children and adolescents.The recent rise in the prevalence rates of overweight and obesity likely explains the NAFLD epidemic worldwide.NAFLD is strongly associated with abdominal obesity,type 2 diabetes,and dyslipidemia,and most patients have evidence of insulin resistance.Thus,NAFLD shares many features of the metabolic syndrome(MetS),a highly atherogenic condition,and this has stimulated interest in the possible role of NAFLD in the development of atherosclerosis.Accumulating evidence suggests thatNAFLD is associated with a significantly greater overall mortality than in the general population,as well as with increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease(CVD),independently of classical atherosclerotic risk factors.Yet,several studies including the pediatric population have reported independent associations between NAFLD and impaired flow-mediated vasodilatation and increased carotid artery intimal medial thickness-two reliable markers of subclinical atherosclerosis-after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors and MetS.Therefore,the rising prevalence of obesity-related MetS and NAFLD in childhood may lead to a parallel increase in adverse cardiovascular outcomes.In children,the cardiovascular system remains plastic and damage-reversible if early and appropriate interventions are established effectively.Therapeutic goals for NAFLD should address nutrition,physical activity,and avoidance of smoking to prevent not only end-stage liver disease but also CVD.
基金Key Science Project for Hunan Meteorological Bureau (200602200705)
文摘Four landfalling typhoon cases in 2005 were selected for a numerical simulation study with the Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction System(GRAPES) model.The preliminary assessment results of the performance of the model,including the predictions of typhoon track,landfall time,location and intensity,etc.,are presented and the sources of errors are analyzed.The 24-hour distance forecast error of the typhoon center by the model is shown to be about 131 km,while the 48-hour error is 252 km.The model was relatively more skilful at forecasts of landfall time and locations than those of intensity at landfall.On average,the 24-hour forecasts were slightly better than the 48-hour ones.An analysis of data impacts indicates that the assimilation of unconventional observation data is essential for the improvement of the model simulation.The model could also be improved by increasing model resolution to simulate the mesoscale and fine scale systems and by improving methods of terrain refinement processing.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) (Grant No.2015CB453200)
文摘In this study,we evaluate the forecast skill of the subseasonal-to-seasonal(S2S)prediction model of the Beijing Climate Center(BCC)for the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation(BSISO).We also discuss the key factors that inhibit the BSISO forecast skill in this model.Based on the bivariate anomaly correlation coefficient(ACC)of the BSISO index,defined by the first two EOF modes of outgoing longwave radiation and 850-hPa zonal wind anomalies over the Asian monsoon region,we found that the hindcast skill degraded as the lead time increased.The ACC dropped to below 0.5for lead times of 11 days and longer when the predicted BSISO showed weakened strength and insignificant northward propagation.To identify what causes the weakened forecast skill of BSISO at the forecast lead time of 11 days,we diagnosed the main mechanisms responsible for the BSISO northward propagation.The same analysis was also carried out using the observations and the outputs of the four-day forecast lead that successfully predicted the observed northward-propagating BSISO.We found that the lack of northward propagation at the 11-day forecast lead was due to insufficient increases in low-level cyclonic vorticity,moistening and warm temperature anomalies to the north of the convection,which were induced by the interaction between background mean flows and BSISO-related anomalous fields.The BCC S2S model can predict the background monsoon circulations,such as the low-level southerly and the northerly and easterly vertical shears,but has limited capability in forecasting the distributions of circulation and moisture anomalies.
文摘We present two cases of windsock deformity;both were rare in location and one had a rare associated anomaly. In the first case, the windsock was observed in the fourth part of duodenum, causing partial intestinal obstruction. In the second case, the windsock was located in the third part of the duodenum.
文摘Health organizations worldwide recommend that adults and children minimize intakes of excess energy and salty, sweet, and fatty foods （all of which are highly preferred tastes） and eat diets richer in whole grains, low- and non- fat dairy products, legumes, fish, lean meat, fruits, and vegetables （many of which taste bitter）. Despite such recommendations and the well-established benefits of these foods to human health, adults are not complying, nor are their children. A primary reason for this difficulty is the remarkably potent rewarding properties of the tastes and flavors of foods high in sweetness, saltiness, and fatness. While we cannot easily change children＇s basic ingrained biology of liking sweets and avoiding bitterness, we can modulate their flavor preferences by providing early exposure, starting in utero, to a wide variety of flavors within healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Because the flavors of foods mothers eat during pregnancy and lactation also flavor amniotic fluid and breast milk and become preferred by infants, pregnant and lactating women should widen their food choices to include as many flavorful and healthy foods as possible. These experiences, combined with repeated exposure to nutritious foods and flavor variety during the weaning period and beyond, should maximize the chances that children will select and enjoy a healthier diet [Current Zoology 56 （6）： 834-841, 2010].
基金National 863 Special Project (2006AA01A123)Research on Interpretation Techniques for High-Resolution Numerical Prediction of Hunan ProvinceResearch on Rainstorm Forecast System with GRAPES and Its Application and Accessment in Hunan and Key Project of Science in Hunan (2008FJ1006)
文摘The Global and Regional Assimilation and Prediction System (GRAPES), a limited-area regional model, was used to simulate the onset of South China Sea summer monsoon. In view of the relatively insufficient information about the initial field in simulation predictions, the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit-B (AMSU-B) data from a NOAA satellite were introduced to improve the initial values. By directly using the 3-dimensional variational data assimilation system of GRAPES, two schemes for assimilation tests were designed. In the design, Test 1 (T1) assimilates both sounding and AMSU-B data, and Test 2 (T2) assimilates only the conventional sounding data, before applying the model in simulation forecasts. Comparative experiments showed that the model was very sensitive to initial fields and successful in reproducing the monsoon onset, allocation of high- and low-level wind fields during the pentad of onset, and the northward advancement of the monsoon and monsoon rain bands. The scheme, however, simulated rainfall and the location of the subtropical high with deviations from observations. The simulated location of the subtropical high was more westward and northward and the simulated rainfall for the South China Sea was larger and covered a broader area.
文摘Objective： The authors used a meta-analytic technique to quantify the evidence of an association between ma- ternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and childhood acute leukemia （AL）, which provided a basis for the prevention of childhood AL. Methods： Relevant literatures of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy were comprehensively searched and screened. Subgroup meta-analysis was conducted according to the type of leukemia. Results of research data of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy were tested for heterogeneity. Combined OR values and 95% CIs were statistically calculated with RevMan 4.2 software; Funnel plots were applied to conduct bias analysis for those included litera- tures. Results： Ten related literatures were included after data screening, 4593 cases in AL group and 6157 cases in control group respectively. According to heterogeneity test result （X2 = 16.26, P 〈 0.05）, the combined OR values and 95% CI were calculated with random effects model, which were 1.02 （0.92-1.14）, Z = 0.41, P = 0.68 〉 0.05, indicating that there was no significant difference between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the risk of childhood acute leukemia （AL）. Subgroup analysis： for the association between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and childhood acute lympho- blastic leukemia （ALL）, the combined OR value and 95% CI were 0.92 （0.84-1.00）, Z = 1.92, P = 0.05, indicating that there was significant difference between two groups; for the association between maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and childhood acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia （ANLL）, the combined OR values and 95% CI were 0.82 （0.61-1.11）, Z = 1.30, P = 0.19 〉 0.05, indicating that there was no significant difference between two groups. Conclusion： Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a risk factor in childhood ALL, but not in childhood ANLL.
文摘Some children are maltreated and societies must protect them. This is done either at child protective services or when parents litigate over child custody, living, or visitation. Custody disputes provide difficult challenges for custody evaluators, particularly because information is often insufficient for high-precision decision-making. These challenges are present in both risk assessments （RAs） and investigations for the children＇s best interest （ICBIs）. Insights from gaming and signal-detection theory show that thinking several steps ahead leads to statistical advantage which improves decision-making in game play. The purpose of the present study is to show that gaming advantages can be used to improve RAs in custody disputes. The two-step procedure is organized as： （1） defining RAs and ICBIs as two sets with intersection; and （2） completing RAs before initiating ICBIs and using liberal RA decision-making criteria. Formal analysis and mathematical example show that the two-step procedure reduces the total number of RA errors by about 50 percent and suggest that gaming finesses are transferrable to custody disputes. Furthermore, should the two-step procedure be implemented, children are potentially protected from maltreatment post litigation. Implementation issues of the two-step procedure are discussed.
