bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF FIRES IN VILNIUS CITY IN 2010–2012
Authors: Vasiliauskas Darius , Beconytė Giedrė
Published: April 2015

The paper describes the results of investigation into urban fires in the city of Vilnius, Lithuania in the three-year period of 2010–2012. Cartographic and geospatial analysis of fires is needed due to dynamism of this phenomenon, risks for inhabitants, importance to city's socio-economic development and lack of geographic approach to research of urban fires in Lithuania. The registered fires were mapped and grouped by their type (abandoned building fires, open space fires, fires in tower blocks of flats, garbage can fires, vehicle fires and arsons), cause, location type (open space and premises) and by fatality rate. Spatial distribution of fires at different scales was analysed using cartographic method and spatial analysis with GIS. Some unexpected patterns have been revealed, analysed and compared with building materials that dominate in different areas of the city. It was found out that relative frequency of fires depends on complex parameters of socio-demographic environment whereas constructional materials have little or no impact. We expected to observe a relationship between criminal activities and fires due to similar influencing socio-demographic factors. Positive correlation, though insignificant, supported this hypothesis. The study showed that fire distribution patterns may be very specific for an individual city and difficult to explain by general assumptions. Different methods of spatial, statistical and cartographic analysis must be combined in order to make reliable generalisations.
COMPASS MEASUREMENT – STILL A SUITABLE SURVEYING METHOD IN SPECIFIC CONDITIONS
Authors: Tomaštik Julián , Tunák Daniel
Published: April 2015

The compass measurement is one of the customary surveying methods that is used almost from the beginning of systematic geodesy and cartography. After the periods of the decreased use of this method, it was partially renewed by the ascension of the Field-Map technology that connects the compass measurement with the software tools for the environment mapping. It is currently mostly used for the forestry under-canopy mapping and other special tasks, where the current progressive technologies, especially photogrammetry and GNSS, can be used only with complication. The Field-Map set can include either the laser rangefinder Impulse LR 200 with MapStar Compass Module II compass, or TruPulse laser rangefinder that allows also the azimuth measurement. The research was aimed on the accuracy of mentioned devices. The measured lengths and azimuth were evaluated primarily. The evaluation of the field condition results showed the mean length error 0.07–0.09 m for Impulse rangefinder, while 0.25–0.29 m for TruPulse rangefinder. The mean azimuth error was around 0.5 degree for MapStar compass and above 3 degrees for TruPulse. After this basic evaluation the data were used for the computation of four compass traverses using various measurement and computation methods. The results showed, that the compass measurement, especially using the Impulse + MapStar set, can be still a suitable method for lower accuracy surveying, although effective only in specific conditions.
TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING ASSESSMENT OF GENERALIZATION ERRORS IN CONVENTIONAL TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEYS
Authors: Sobak Martin , Ellmann Artu , Mill Tarvo
Published: April 2015

The technology of terrestrial laser scanning has widely been used in the surveying industry in recent years due to higher data collecting productivity compared to traditional tacheometric survey. The aim of this study is to assess generalization errors in topographic surveys of landforms on the basis of a large vegetation free semi-coke landfill hill with the relative height of 116 m in North-East Estonia. The numerical assessment of errors is proceeded by comparing a high-resolution terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) 3D surface model with surface models generated from the sparser data steps (10, 20, 30 and 50 m). The 10 and 20 m data step surface models yield discrepancies within ± 20 cm. The 30 m data step models revealed slightly larger differences. Expectedly the largest elevation differences reaching up to 2.5 m were associated with the 50 m point step.
Naturally Occurring Deletions/Insertions in HBV Core Promoter Tend to Decrease in Hepatitis B e Antigen-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients during Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Peng Yaqin , Liu Baoming , Hou Jinlin , Sun Jian , Hao Ran , Xiang Kuanhui , Yan Ling , Zhang Jiangbo , Zhuang Hui , Li Tong
Published: April 2015

Background

Mutations in HBV core promoter (CP) are suggested to affect viral replication and disease progression. We investigated CP deletion/insertion mutations (Del/Ins) in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients before and during antiviral treatment.

Methods

Direct and clone sequencings were used for detection of CP Del/Ins in 12 patients. The dynamic changes of CP Del/Ins were tracked in these cases until week 48 of treatment. The effects of Del/Ins on CP activities and hepatitis B X protein (HBx) were analysed using luciferase assay and sequence comparison, respectively. Furthermore, 292 untreated HBeAg-positive CHB cases were also analysed.

Results

Twelve cases with multi-peak PCR direct sequencing electropherograms at baseline were con-firmed to have CP Del/Ins by clone sequencing, with detection rates varying from 14.8% to 93.3% of clones analysed. Follow-up studies showed the detection rates of CP Del/Ins in patients decreased from 100% (12/12) at baseline to 16.7% (2/12) at week 48 of treatment ( P<0.001), in parallel with a decline in HBV DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels along with an increase in HBeAg loss. Luciferase assay results showed distinct promoter activities among Del/Ins-harbouring CP sequences. Importantly, 71.8% (148/206) of Del/Ins sequences potentially resulted in HBx carboxy-terminal truncations. CP Del/Ins mutations were also found in 27.4% (80/292) of untreated cases.

Conclusions

Naturally occurring complex of CP Del/Ins mutants existed in untreated HBeAg-positive CHB patients. These mutations would affect HBV transcription activities and integrity of HBx, which might correlate with disease progression. Their prevalence decreases on antiviral therapy in parallel with the decline in HBV DNA, HBsAg and ALT and AST levels.
Alcohol Intake and Risk of Incident Psoriatic Arthritis in Women
Authors: Wu Shaowei , Cho Eunyoung , Li Wen-Qing , Han Jiali , Qureshi Abrar A.
Published: April 2015

Objective.

Alcohol intake has been associated with an increased risk of psoriasis. However, the association between alcohol intake and risk of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been unclear. We evaluated the association between alcohol intake and risk of incident PsA in a large cohort of US women.

Methods.

Our present study included a total of 82,672 US women who provided repeated data on alcohol intake over the followup period (1991–2005). Self-reported PsA was validated using the Psoriatic Arthritis Screening and Evaluation (PASE) questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the age-adjusted and multivariate-adjusted HR and 95% CI for the PsA in association with alcohol intake.

Results.

We documented 141 incident PsA cases during 14 years (1,137,763 person-yrs) of followup. Compared to non-drinkers, the multivariate HR for PsA were 0.70 (95% CI 0.48–1.01) for 0.1–14.9 g/day, 1.43 (95% CI 0.67–3.08) for 15.0–29.9 g/day, and 4.45 (95% CI 2.07–9.59) for ≥ 30.0 g/day of cumulative average alcohol intake. Risk estimates were generally consistent when using updated alcohol intake and baseline alcohol intake in 1991 as the exposures, and when the analysis was restricted to those who developed psoriasis during the followup.

Conclusion.

Excessive alcohol intake was associated with an increased risk of incident PsA in a cohort of US women.
Validation of the Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Screen Version 2 (ToPAS 2)
Authors: Tom Brian D.M. , Chandran Vinod , Farewell Vernon T. , Rosen Cheryl F. , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: April 2015

Objective.

We previously developed and performed an initial validation of a screening questionnaire, the Toronto Psoriatic Arthritis Screen (ToPAS), for psoriatic arthritis (PsA). In our original analysis, we found that the index constructed appeared to discriminate well between those with a confirmed diagnosis of PsA and those without PsA in various clinical settings. However, it was suggested that ToPAS would benefit from additional refinement to the questions and the scoring system, because items pertaining to axial involvement were not included in our original index. Subsequently, a second version of ToPAS was developed, ToPAS 2, which incorporated the suggested refinements. We aimed to validate ToPAS 2 as a screening instrument for PsA.

Methods.

ToPAS 2 was administered to 3 “diagnostic” groups of individuals — patients with PsA, patients with psoriasis, and healthy controls, and the data collected were analyzed.

Results.

It was found that the new version of ToPAS, ToPAS 2, again performed well, with the axial domain now featuring in the new scoring system. The constructed index, ToPAS2_cap, had an overall area under the receiver-operation curve of 0.910, with overall values of sensitivity and specificity, at a cutpoint of 8 (or 7), of 87.2% (92.0%) and 82.7% (77.2%), respectively.

Conclusion.

ToPAS 2 shows much promise as a screening instrument for identifying PsA both in people with psoriasis and in individuals from the general population. Its performance against other proposed screening instruments for PsA should be evaluated in other clinics and for other study designs.
Myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (MPO-ANCA) and Proteinase 3-ANCA without Immunofluorescent ANCA Found by Routine Clinical Testing
Authors: Rao Deepak A. , Wei Kevin , Merola Joseph F. , O’Brien William R. , Takvorian Samuel U. , Dellaripa Paul F. , Schur Peter H.
Published: April 2015

Objective.

Concurrent testing for serum antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) by indirect immunofluorescence (IF) and by antiproteinase 3 (PR3)/antimyeloperoxidase (MPO) antibody assays may identify patients with PR3-ANCA or MPO-ANCA despite a negative IF (IF-negative MPO/PR3-positive); however, the significance of this result is not clear. We sought to determine whether IF-negative, MPO/PR3-positive results identified any cases of clinically meaningful systemic vasculitis at our institution.

Methods.

We conducted a retrospective chart review of all IF-negative, MPO/PR3-positive patients identified at our institution over a 2-year period.

Results.

Of the 2345 samples tested over 2 years, 1998 were IF-negative. Among these IF-negative samples, 49 samples (2.5%) derived from 38 patients tested positive for MPO-ANCA or PR3-ANCA. Only 1 IF-negative, MPO/PR3-positive patient was subsequently diagnosed with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Eleven IF-negative, MPO/PR3-positive patients (29%) had been previously diagnosed and treated for AAV, all with positive IF and antibody tests prior to treatment. Four patients had evidence of cutaneous vasculitis not attributed to AAV, while several of the remaining IF-negative, MPO/PR3-positive patients had other immunologic disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (5 patients) and inflammatory bowel disease (3 patients).

Conclusion.

In this real-life cohort assayed simultaneously by IF and multiplexed bead assays, the detection of MPO-ANCA or PR3-ANCA without a positive IF rarely led to a new diagnosis of systemic vasculitis, and was more likely to occur in the context of a non-vasculitic inflammatory condition. Our results suggest that concurrent IF and MPO/PR3 testing may be of limited use in preventing a missed diagnosis of new-onset AAV.
Counting Costs under Severe Financial Constraints: A Cost-of-Illness Analysis of Spondyloarthropathies in a Tertiary Hospital in Greece
Authors: Tsifetaki Niki , Migkos Michail P. , Papagoras Charalampos , Voulgari Paraskevi V. , Athanasakis Kostas , Drosos Alexandros A.
Published: April 2015

Objective.

To investigate the total annual direct cost of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) in Greece.

Methods.

Retrospective study with 156 patients diagnosed and followed up in the rheumatology clinic of the University Hospital of Ioannina. Sixty-four had ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and 92 had psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Health resource use for each patient was elicited through a retrospective chart review that documented the use of monitoring visits, medications, laboratory/diagnostic tests, and inpatient stays for the previous year from the date that the review took place. Costs were calculated from a third-party payer perspective and are reported in 2014 euros.

Results.

The mean ± SD annual direct cost for the patients with SpA reached €8680 ± 6627. For the patients with PsA and AS, the cost was estimated to be €8097 ± 6802 and €9531 ± 6322, respectively. The major cost was medication, which represented 88.9%, 88.2%, and 89.3% of the mean total direct cost for SpA, AS, and PsA, respectively. The annual amount of the scheduled tests for all patients corresponded to 7.5%, and for those performed on an emergency basis, 1.1%. Further, the cost for scheduled and emergency hospitalization, as well as the cost of scheduled visits to an outpatient clinic, corresponded to 2.5% of the mean total annual direct cost for the patients with SpA.

Conclusion.

SpA carries substantial financial cost, especially in the era of new treatment options. Adequate access and treatment for patients with SpA remains a necessity, even in times of fiscal constraint. Thus, the recommendations of the international scientific organizations should be considered when administering high-cost drugs such as biological treatments.
Longterm Efficacy and Safety of Abatacept in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated in Routine Clinical Practice: Effect of Concomitant Methotrexate after 24 Weeks
Authors: Takahashi Nobunori , Kojima Toshihisa , Kaneko Atsushi , Kida Daihei , Hirano Yuji , Fujibayashi Takayoshi , Yabe Yuichiro , Takagi Hideki , Oguchi Takeshi , Miyake Hiroyuki , Kato Takefumi , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Hayashi Masatoshi , Kanayama Yasuhide , Funahashi Koji , Asai Shuji , Yoshioka Yutaka , Takemoto Toki , Terabe Kenya , Asai Nobuyuki , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: April 2015

Objective.

Our study aimed to evaluate the longterm efficacy and safety of abatacept (ABA), and to explore factors that increase its longterm efficacy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated in routine clinical practice.

Methods.

There were 231 participants with RA treated with ABA who were prospectively registered in a Japanese multicenter registry. They were followed up for at least 52 weeks.

Results.

Mean age of the patients was 64.3 years, mean disease duration was 12.1 years, mean 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28)-C-reactive protein was 4.49, and 48.5% of patients were concomitantly treated with methotrexate (MTX). Overall retention rate of ABA was 77.1% at 52 weeks; 14.8% of patients discontinued because of inadequate response and 3.5% because of adverse events. The proportion of patients achieving DAS28-defined low disease activity (LDA) significantly increased from baseline to 52 weeks (7.3% to 43.8%, p < 0.01); 40.9% of patients who did not achieve LDA at 24 weeks had more than 1 categorical improvement in DAS28-defined disease activity at 52 weeks. Multivariate logistic regression revealed concomitant MTX use to be an independent predictor of the categorical improvement in DAS28-defined disease activity from 24 to 52 weeks (adjusted OR 3.124, p = 0.010).

Conclusion.

In routine clinical practice, ABA demonstrated satisfactory clinical efficacy and safety in patients with established RA for 52 weeks. The clinical efficacy of ABA increased with time even after 24 weeks, and this was strongly influenced by concomitant MTX use. Our study provides valuable real-world findings on the longterm management of RA with ABA.
Un examen critique de quelques modèles
Authors: Piluso Nicolas
Published: April 2015

De façon générale, la responsabilité sociale des entreprises (RSE) et l’intervention de l’État sont fréquemment comparées sous le double prisme du bien-être collectif et de la qualité environnementale. Pour certains économistes, la RSE est préférable à l’intervention étatique du point de vue de la maximisation du bien-être collectif, alors que pour d’autres, l’intervention de l’État est plus efficace tant du point de vue de la maximisation du bien-être que de la protection de l’environnement. Nous effectuons ainsi un examen critique de quelques modèles de RSE pour identifier et discuter les hypothèses cruciales qui en conditionnent les résultats.
La paroisse, le manque de prêtres et la participation des laïcs à la vie et à la mission de l’Église
Authors: d’Ornellas Pierre
Published: April 2015

Comment un diocèse peut-il s’approprier la formule de saint Paul: «forts d’une pareille espérance, nous sommes pleins d’assurance», quand il manque cruellement de prêtres? Surtout si l’on sait que la paroisse, fondée sur l’Eucharistie, demeure le lieu privilégié de la vie chrétienne, et de la mission. La «grande espérance», selon l’expression de Benoît XVI, ouvre la voie de la nouvelle évangélisation qui est la juste perspective pour organiser la vie des paroisses, et qui redonne au diocèse une vraie estime du célibat «pour le Royaume».
Prediction of shear‐wave velocity from CPT data at Eskisehir (Turkey), using a polynomial model
Authors: Mola‐Abasi H. , Dikmen U. , Shooshpasha I.
Published: April 2015

It is widely known that seismic shear‐wave velocity is one of the most important parameters in site characterization studies. In some instances, it is necessary to determine shear‐wave velocity indirectly from common in situ tests, such as the cone penetration test. There are numerous earlier studies showing this possibility. In this study, the relation between shear‐wave velocity and subsoil geotechnical properties, e.g., cone‐tip resistance and sleeve friction from cone penetration test is reinvestigated in a study area located in Eskisehir, Turkey. New polynomial models are proposed for the correlation. A total of 437 samples extracted from 37 sites made of clay, sand, sand‐clay mixture, and miscellaneous soil types have been used. We compare our results involving polynomial fitting with earlier results of statistical correlation using power‐law or logarithmic relations between shear‐wave velocity and cone‐tip resistance or sleeve friction. The predicted values using our model are checked against the measured ones to evaluate the performance of the polynomial model. The results suggest that the newly proposed approach provides a means for recognizing more efficiently the patterns in the data and reliably predicting the shear‐wave velocity. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis reveals the influence of parameters and the contribution of each coefficient in the polynomial model. Cone penetration test cone‐tip resistance relates more strongly than sleeve friction to shear‐wave velocity. The intercept term in the polynomial is of primary importance in such correlation, for all soil types.
PLZF Regulates CCR6 and Is Critical for the Acquisition and Maintenance of the Th17 Phenotype in Human Cells
Authors: Singh Satya P. , Zhang Hongwei H. , Tsang Hsinyi , Gardina Paul J. , Myers Timothy G. , Nagarajan Vijayaraj , Lee Chang Hoon , Farber Joshua M.
Published: April 2015

Th17 cells, which express the chemokine receptor CCR6, are implicated in many immune-mediated disorders, such as psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. We found that expression levels of CCR6 on human effector/memory CD4+ T cells reflect a continuum of Th17 differentiation. By evaluating the transcriptome in cells with increasing CCR6, we detected progressive upregulation of ZBTB16, which encodes the broad complex, tramtrack, bric-à-brac–zinc finger transcription factor promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF). Using chromatin immunoprecipitation for modified histones, p300, and PLZF, we identified enhancer-like sites at −9/−10 and −13/−14 kb from the upstream transcription start site of CCR6 that bind PLZF in CCR6+ cells. For Th cells from adult blood, both in the CCR6+ memory population and in naive cells activated ex vivo, knockdown of ZBTB16 downregulated CCR6 and other Th17-associated genes. ZBTB16 and RORC (which encodes the “master regulator” RORγt) cross-regulate each other, and PLZF binds at the RORC promoter in CCR6+ cells. In naive Th cells from cord blood, ZBTB16 expression was confined to CD161+ cells, which are Th17 cell precursors. ZBTB16 was not expressed in mouse Th17 cells, and Th17 cells could be made from luxoid mice, which harbor an inactivating mutation in Zbtb16. These studies demonstrate a role for PLZF as an activator of transcription important both for Th17 differentiation and the maintenance of the Th17 phenotype in human cells, expand the role of PLZF as a critical regulator in the human adaptive immune system, and identify a novel, essential element in a regulatory network that is of significant therapeutic interest.
Mechanisms of Heightened Airway Sensitivity and Responses to Inhaled SO2in Asthmatics
Authors: Reno Anita L. , Brooks Edward G. , Ameredes Bill T.
Published: April 2015

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a problematic inhalable air pollutant in areas of widespread industrialization, not only in the United States but also in countries undergoing rapid industrialization, such as China, and it can be a potential trigger factor for asthma exacerbations. It is known that asthmatics are sensitive to the effects of SO2; however, the basis of this enhanced sensitivity remains incompletely understood. A PubMed search was performed over the course of 2014, encompassing the following terms: asthma, airway inflammation, sulfur dioxide, IL-10, mouse studies, and human studies. This search indicated that biomarkers of SO2exposure, SO2effects on airway epithelial cell function, and animal model data are useful in our understanding of the body's response to SO2, as are SO2-associated amplification of allergic inflammation, and potential promotion of neurogenic inflammation due to chemical irritant properties. While definitive answers are still being sought, these areas comprise important foci of consideration regarding asthmatic responses to inhaled SO2. Furthermore, IL-10 deficiency associated with asthma may be another important factor associated with an inability to resolve inflammation and mitigate oxidative stress resulting from SO2inhalation, supporting the idea that asthmatics are predisposed to SO2sensitivity, leading to asthma exacerbations and airway dysfunction.
Принцип суперпозиции и точные решения уравнения нелинейной диффузии
Authors: Zhuravlev Victor Mikhailovich
Published: April 2015

Излагается метод построения точных решений уравнений нелинейной диффузии в одномерном координатном пространстве на основе использования специального принципа суперпозиции. В качестве уравнения нелинейной диффузии рассматриваются уравнения вида $n_t-(\ln n)_{xx}+\mu n+\gamma n^2-g=0$, играющие важную роль в задаче о формировании регулярных структур в нелинейных средах под действием внешних источников излучения. Метод основан на использовании дифференциальных свойств полиномов от функциональных параметров. Приводятся конкретные решения и анализируются некоторые их общие свойства.
Интеграл движения в общей теории относительности и эффект накопления избыточной внутренней энергии тела при гравитационном сжатии
Authors: Gershtein Semen Solomonovich , Logunov Anatoly Alekseevich , Mestvirishvili Mirian Alekseevich
Published: April 2015

Показано, что при гравитационном сжатии сферического тела его внутренняя энергия неограниченно увеличивается при приближении радиуса тела к величине $GM/c^2$, что приводит к отрицательному дефекту массы и из-за неустойчивости сферического гравитационного сжатия неизбежно вызовет взрывной процесс с выбросом части массы тела. Этот вывод точно следует из общей теории относительности в гармонических координатах.
Internal Medicine Residents' Perspectives on Receiving Feedback in Milestone Format
Authors: Angus Steven , Moriarty John , Nardino Robert J. , Chmielewski Amy , Rosenblum Michael J.
Published: April 2015

Background

In contrast to historical feedback, which was vague or provided residents' numerical scores without clear meaning, milestone-based feedback is focused on specific knowledge, skills, and behaviors that define developmental trajectory. It was anticipated that residents would welcome the more specific and actionable feedback provided by the milestone framework, but this has not been studied.

Objective

We assessed internal medicine (IM) residents' perceptions of receiving feedback in the milestone framework, particularly assessing perception of the utility of milestone-based feedback compared to non–milestone-based feedback.

Methods

We surveyed a total of 510 IM residents from 7 institutions. Survey questions assessed resident perception of milestone feedback in identifying strengths, weaknesses, and trajectory of professional development. Postgraduate years 2 and 3 (PGY-2 and PGY-3) residents were asked to compare milestones with prior methods of feedback.

Results

Of 510 residents, 356 (69.8%) responded. Slightly less than half of the residents found milestone-based feedback “extremely useful” or “very useful” in identifying strengths (44%), weaknesses (43%), specific areas for improvement (45%), and appropriate education progress (48%). Few residents found such feedback “not very useful” or “not at all useful” in these domains. A total of 51% of PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents agreed that receiving milestone-based feedback was more helpful than previous forms of feedback.

Conclusions

IM residents are aware of the concepts of milestones, and half of the residents surveyed found milestone feedback more helpful than previous forms of feedback. More work needs to be done to understand how milestone-based feedback could be delivered more effectively to enhance resident development.
Mastery of Status Epilepticus Management via Simulation-Based Learning for Pediatrics Residents
Authors: Malakooti Marcelo R. , McBride Mary E. , Mobley Bonnie , Goldstein Joshua L. , Adler Mark D. , McGaghie William C.
Published: April 2015

Background

Management of status epilepticus (SE) in the pediatric population is highly time-sensitive. Failure to follow a standard management algorithm may be due to ineffective provider education, and can lead to unfavorable outcomes.

Objective

To design a learning module using high-fidelity simulation technology to teach mastery achievement of a hospital algorithm for managing SE.

Methods

Thirty pediatrics interns were enrolled. Using the Angoff method, an expert panel developed the minimal passing score, which defined mastery. Scoring of simulated performance was done by 2 observers. Sessions were digitally recorded. After the pretest, participants were debriefed on the algorithm and required to repeat the simulation. If mastery (minimal passing score) was not achieved, debriefing and the simulation were repeated until mastery was met. Once mastery was met, participants graded their comfort level in managing SE.

Results

No participants achieved mastery at pretest. After debriefing and deliberate simulator training, all (n = 30) achieved mastery of the algorithm: 30% achieved mastery after 1 posttest, 63% after a second, and 6.7% after a third. The Krippendorff α was 0.94, indicating strong interrater agreement. Participants reported more self-efficacy in managing SE, a preference for simulation-based education for learning practice-based algorithms of critical conditions, and highly rated the educational intervention.

Conclusions

A simulation-based mastery learning program using deliberate practice dramatically improves pediatrics residents' execution of a SE management protocol. Participants enjoyed and benefited from simulation education. Future applications include improving adherence to other hospital protocols.
Receptor modelling of both particle composition and size distribution from a background site in London, UK
Authors: Beddows D. C. S. , Harrison R. M. , Green D. C. , Fuller G. W.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Positive Matrix Factorisation (PMF) analysis was applied to PM10 chemical composition and particle Number Size Distribution (NSD) data measured at an urban background site (North Kensington) in London, UK for the whole of 2011 and 2012. The PMF analyses revealed six and four factors respectively which described seven sources or aerosol types. These included Nucleation, Traffic, Diffuse Urban, Secondary, Fuel Oil, Marine and Non-Exhaust/Crustal sources. Diffuse Urban, Secondary and Traffic sources were identified by both the chemical composition and particle number size distribution analysis, but a Nucleation source was identified only from the particle Number Size Distribution dataset. Analysis of the PM10 chemical composition dataset revealed Fuel Oil, Marine, Non-Exhaust Traffic/Crustal sources which were not identified from the number size distribution data. The two methods appear to be complementary, as the analysis of the PM10 chemical composition data is able to distinguish components contributing largely to particle mass whereas the number particle size distribution dataset is more effective for identifying components making an appreciable contribution to particle number. Analysis was also conducted on the combined chemical composition and number size distribution dataset revealing five factors representing Diffuse Urban, Nucleation, Secondary, Aged Marine and Traffic sources. However, the combined analysis appears not to offer any additional power to discriminate sources above that of the aggregate of the two separate PMF analyses. Day-of-the-week and month-of-the-year associations of the factors proved consistent with their assignment to source categories, and bivariate polar plots which examined the wind directional and wind speed association of the different factors also proved highly consistent with their inferred sources.
Impact of different Asian source regions on the composition of the Asian monsoon anticyclone and on the extratropical lowermost stratosphere
Authors: Vogel B. , Günther G. , Müller R. , Grooß J.-U. , Riese M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The impact of different boundary layer source regions in Asia on the chemical composition of the Asian monsoon anticyclone, considering its intraseasonal variability in 2012, is analysed by CLaMS simulations using artificial emission tracers. Our simulations show that the Asian monsoon anticyclone is highly variable in location and shape and oscillates between 2 states: first a symmetric anticyclone and second, an asymmetric anticyclone either elongated or split in two smaller anticyclones. A maximum in the distribution of air originating from Indian/Chinese boundary layer sources is usually found in the core of the symmetric anticyclone, in contrast the asymmetric state is characterised by a double peak structure in the horizontal distribution of air originating from India and China. The simulated horizontal distribution of artificial emission tracers for India/China is in agreement with patterns found in satellite measurements of O3 and CO by the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS). The contribution of different boundary source regions to the Asian monsoon anticyclone strongly depends on its intraseasonal variability and is therefore more complex than hitherto believed, but in general the highest contributions are from North India and Southeast Asia at 380 K. In the early (June to mid-July) and late (mid-August to October) period of the monsoon 2012, contributions of emissions from Southeast Asia are highest and in the intervening period (≈ mid-July to mid-August) emissions from North India have the largest impact. Further, our simulations confirm that the thermal tropopause above the anticyclone constitutes a vertical transport barrier. Enhanced contributions of emission tracers for Asia are found at the northern flank of the Asian monsoon anticyclone between double tropopauses indicating an isentropic transport from the anticyclone into the lowermost stratosphere. After the breakup of the anticyclone, significant contributions of air masses originating in India/China are sill found over Asia in September/October. In addition, these air masses spread out within the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere and in the tropics at around 380 K. Moreover, air masses from Southeast Asia experienced diabatic upward transport in the tropics and subsequently isentropic poleward transport occurs at around 380 K with the result that the extratropical lowermost stratosphere is flooded by end of September with air masses originating in Southeast Asia. Our results demonstrate that emissions from Asia have a significant impact on the chemical compositions of the lowermost stratosphere of the Northern Hemisphere in particular after the end of the monsoon season in September/October 2012.
Peak fitting and integration uncertainties for the Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer
Authors: C. Corbin J. , Othman A. , D. Haskins J. , D. Allan J. , Sierau B. , R. Worsnop D. , Lohmann U. , A. Mensah A.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The errors inherent in the fitting and integration of the pseudo-Gaussian ion peaks in Aerodyne High-Resolution Aerosol Mass Spectrometers (HR-AMS's) have not been previously addressed as a source of imprecision for these instruments. This manuscript evaluates the significance of these uncertainties and proposes a method for their estimation in routine data analysis. Peak-fitting uncertainties, the most complex source of integration uncertainties, are found to be dominated by errors in m/z calibration. These calibration errors comprise significant amounts of both imprecision and bias, and vary in magnitude from ion to ion. The magnitude of these m/z calibration errors is estimated for an exemplary data set, and used to construct a Monte Carlo model which reproduced well the observed trends in fits to the real data. The empirically-constrained model is used to show that the imprecision in the fitted height of isolated peaks scales linearly with the peak height (i.e., as n1), thus contributing a constant-relative-imprecision term to the overall uncertainty. This constant relative imprecision term dominates the Poisson counting imprecision term (which scales as n0.5) at high signals. The previous HR-AMS uncertainty model therefore underestimates the overall fitting imprecision. The constant relative imprecision in fitted peak height for isolated peaks in the exemplary data set was estimated as ~4% and the overall peak-integration imprecision was approximately 5%. We illustrate the importance of this constant relative imprecision term by performing Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) on a~synthetic HR-AMS data set with and without its inclusion. Finally, the ability of an empirically-constrained Monte Carlo approach to estimate the fitting imprecision for an arbitrary number of known overlapping peaks is demonstrated. Software is available upon request to estimate these error terms in new data sets.
Jurassic–cretaceous deformational phases in the Paraná intracratonic basin, southern Brazil
Authors: Strieder A. J. , Heemann R. , Reginato P. A. R. , Acauan R. B. , de Amorim V. A. , Remde M. Z.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. This paper examines the domes and basins, regional arcs and synclines, and brittle structures of the Paraná Basin flood volcanism to characterize the deformational phases in its Jurassic to Cretaceous history. First-stage fieldwork revealed brittle structures, extensional joints, and strike-slip faults, and second-stage fieldwork investigated the connections of the brittle structures to both open folds and dome-and-basin features. Fault-slip data inversion was performed using two different techniques to distinguish local and remote stress/strain. Geometric and kinematic analyses completed the investigations of the deformation, which characterized two deformational phases for the Jurassic to Cretaceous periods in the Paraná Basin. Both developed under regional bi-directional constrictional (σ1 ≥ σ2 ≫ σ3) stress regimes that produced a number of non-cylindrical folds. A D1 deformational phase produced the N–S and E–W orthogonally oriented domes and basins. The D2 arcs and synclines are oriented towards the NW and NE and indicate a clockwise rotation (35–40°) of both horizontal principal stress tensors. The extensional joints and strike-slip faults characterize the local stress field in the outer rim of the orthogonally buckled single volcanic flow, whereas the inner rim of the buckled single flow supported constriction and thus, developed the local arcuate folds.
Determinants of Bank Profitability in Ghana
Authors: Gyamerah Ishmael Appiah , Benjamin Amoah Benjamin Amoah
Published: April 2015

Our study attempts to investigate the relationship between profitability and a set of bank-specific characteristics and macroeconomic factors on foreign and local banks in Ghana between 1999 and 2010. The findings suggest that cost management has an inverse relationship with profitability, bank size and credit risk show a positive association with profitability. The results apply to foreign and local banks as well. Our results suggest that bank management should pay attention to cost maintenance, and prudent risk management to deliver profitability, and perhaps build bigger local banks.
Study of Extension Teaching Methods Adopted through Crop Maximization Project: A Case Study of Sindh Province
Authors: Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar  , Har Bakhsh Makhijani  , Khalid Noor Panhwar  , Shuhabuddin Mughal  , Naseer Ahmed Abbasi
Published: April 2015

Farmers' decisions to adopt a new agricultural technology depend on complex factors. One of the factors is farmers' perception.Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MINFA) launched an integrated development programme entitled “Crop Maximization Project (CMP)” in 15 districts of the country. A successful extension teaching method can play a vital role to transfer the technology to the farming community. The role of the extension agent cannot be ignored for dissemination of information at field level. This study was conducted six districts of Sindh province comprising Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushahro Feroze, Khairpur and Larkana. Five villages were selected from the each district through multistage sampling techniques. Ten famers were selected from each village. Thus making a sample of 300 farmers was randomly selected for the study. A well structured interview schedule was used to collect information from the small farmers on their personal and socio-economic characteristics and effectiveness of extension teaching method at farm level. Statistical techniques like mean scores and percentages were used to analyze the data. The findings of the study showed that majority 35% of the small farmers were youth having age group (26-35 years). About 57% of the respondents were married; majority (40%) maintained a range of small farmers having land 6-12 acres. 45% of the respondents having their primary education. Almost 47% of the respondents were experienced between 6 to 10 years. The result of the study showed that land management practices and selection and sowing of certified seed at proper time ranked highest in the order of acquiring knowledge. The majority 80% farmers perceived farmers field school, while 70% farmers were identified result demonstration, 68% farmers through method demonstration as the extension teaching method used by extension personnel. It is recommended that farmers should be trained through farmer’s field school for the adoption of the technology at field level. Crop maximization project should be extended to other districts of Sindh province and knowledge of the farmers should be enhanced through extension teaching methods for crop productivity enhancement and better livelihood for the farming community. .
Population Density of Foliage Insect Pest on Jujube, Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. Ecosystem
Authors: Imtiaz Ahmed Nizamani  , M.A. Rustamani  , S.M. Nizamani  , Shafique Ahmed Nizamani  , Muhammad Ibrahim Khaskheli
Published: April 2015

Jujube, Ziziphus mauritiana L. is the King of arid zone fruits, due to its adaptations to tolerate the biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the occurrence of insect pest is the major threat to reduce the quality and quantity of fruits. The current studies are the first comprehensive evidence on the population density of foliage insect pests evaluated on two different varieties, Golden Gola (susceptible) and White Kherol (resistance) at farmer’s field Tando Qaiser, District Hyderabad during 2007 and 2008. A total of 13 different insect pests which were categorized as major (Ancylis sativa, Euproctis fraterna and Adoretus pallens), minor (Scirtothrips dorsalis, Amrasca biguttula biguttula, Myllocerus discolor, Achaea janata, Agrotis biconica and Aphis gossypii) and occasional (Oxycareous hyalinipennis, Dichromorpha viridis, Tarucus balkanicus and Orgyia postica) based on overall population of two years. The mean population percentage of insect pests indicates the highest percentage for E. fraterna followed by A. pallens, A. biguttula biguttula, M. discolor and S. dorsalis on White Kherol, whereas, Golden Gola was severely infested and showed maximum percentage with A. sativa followed by E. fraterna, S. dorsalis, A. pallens and A. biguttula biguttula. It is concluded that A. sativa, E. fraterna and A. pallens are serious insect pests of jujube. Pest monitoring with direct count and light trap can help to determine the ETL that is most important for the management of various insect pests including these major and minor pest. The present study will hopefully be helpful for management of foliage insect pests of jujube..
Isolation and Characterization of Mannheimia varigena from a Murrah Buffalo
Authors: Yadav Sarita , Kumar Aman , Maan Sushila , Boora Ashok , Maan Narender Singh , Banger Rajiv , Singh K.P. , Singh Inderjeet
Published: April 2015

The present study was aimed to isolate and characterize phenotypically as well as genotypically bacterial strain from tracheal froth of a Murrah buffalo on the Government livestock farm (GLF) located at Hisar, Haryana. The isolate showed the cultural, morphological and biochemical properties of Mannheimia haemolytica as per Bergey’s manual of determinative bacteriology and as confirmed by GENIII microplate (biolog). However, the isolate was further confirmed as Mannheimia varigena by 16S rRNA sequencing
Factors Affecting Performance of Indian Murrah Buffalo: A Review
Authors: Kumar Vijay
Published: April 2015

Murrah is one of the best buffalo breed in India. The success of Indian dairy industry is much dependent on productivity and efficient reproduction performance of Murrah buffaloes. The environmental factors are generally influenced the Murrahs' performance as well as other breeds. The performance traits reviewed were first lactation 305-days or less milk yield, first lactation length, first lactation average daily milk yield, dry period, growth, age at first calving, first service period, calving interval, age at maturity, age at calving, days to first service, number of services per conception, breeding interval, breeding efficiency, conception rate and daughter pregnancy rate of Murrah buffalo. All the productive and reproductive traits were affected by herd, year and season of calving.
Redaktionelt forord til "Temanummer om DOI og OJS"
Authors: Thestrup Jesper Boserup , Frederiksen Niels Erik
Published: April 2015

Forord
Systematic imaging reveals features and changing localization of mRNAs in Drosophila development
Authors: Jambor Helena , Surendranath Vineeth , Kalinka Alex T , Mejstrik Pavel , Saalfeld Stephan , Tomancak Pavel
Published: April 2015

mRNA localization is critical for eukaryotic cells and affects numerous transcripts, yet how cells regulate distribution of many mRNAs to their subcellular destinations is still unknown. We combined transcriptomics and systematic imaging to determine the tissue-specific expression and subcellular distribution of 5862 mRNAs during Drosophila oogenesis. mRNA localization is widespread in the ovary and detectable in all of its cell types—the somatic epithelial, the nurse cells, and the oocyte. Genes defined by a common RNA localization share distinct gene features and differ in expression level, 3′UTR length and sequence conservation from unlocalized mRNAs. Comparison of mRNA localizations in different contexts revealed that localization of individual mRNAs changes over time in the oocyte and between ovarian and embryonic cell types. This genome scale image-based resource (Dresden Ovary Table, DOT, http://tomancak-srv1.mpi-cbg.de/DOT/main.html) enables the transition from mechanistic dissection of singular mRNA localization events towards global understanding of how mRNAs transcribed in the nucleus distribute in cells.
Siglec receptors impact mammalian lifespan by modulating oxidative stress
Authors: Schwarz Flavio , Pearce Oliver MT , Wang Xiaoxia , Samraj Annie N , Läubli Heinz , Garcia Javier O , Lin Hongqiao , Fu Xiaoming , Garcia-Bingman Andrea , Secrest Patrick , Romanoski Casey E , Heyser Charles , Glass Christopher K , Hazen Stanley L , Varki Nissi , Varki Ajit , Gagneux Pascal
Published: April 2015

Aging is a multifactorial process that includes the lifelong accumulation of molecular damage, leading to age-related frailty, disability and disease, and eventually death. In this study, we report evidence of a significant correlation between the number of genes encoding the immunomodulatory CD33-related sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like receptors (CD33rSiglecs) and maximum lifespan in mammals. In keeping with this, we show that mice lacking Siglec-E, the main member of the CD33rSiglec family, exhibit reduced survival. Removal of Siglec-E causes the development of exaggerated signs of aging at the molecular, structural, and cognitive level. We found that accelerated aging was related both to an unbalanced ROS metabolism, and to a secondary impairment in detoxification of reactive molecules, ultimately leading to increased damage to cellular DNA, proteins, and lipids. Taken together, our data suggest that CD33rSiglecs co-evolved in mammals to achieve a better management of oxidative stress during inflammation, which in turn reduces molecular damage and extends lifespan.
Cis and trans RET signaling control the survival and central projection growth of rapidly adapting mechanoreceptors
Authors: Fleming Michael S , Vysochan Anna , Paixão Sόnia , Niu Jingwen , Klein Rüdiger , Savitt Joseph M , Luo Wenqin
Published: April 2015

RET can be activated in cis or trans by its co-receptors and ligands in vitro, but the physiological roles of trans signaling are unclear. Rapidly adapting (RA) mechanoreceptors in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) express Ret and the co-receptor Gfrα2 and depend on Ret for survival and central projection growth. Here, we show that Ret and Gfrα2 null mice display comparable early central projection deficits, but Gfrα2 null RA mechanoreceptors recover later. Loss of Gfrα1, the co-receptor implicated in activating RET in trans, causes no significant central projection or cell survival deficit, but Gfrα1;Gfrα2 double nulls phenocopy Ret nulls. Finally, we demonstrate that GFRα1 produced by neighboring DRG neurons activates RET in RA mechanoreceptors. Taken together, our results suggest that trans and cis RET signaling could function in the same developmental process and that the availability of both forms of activation likely enhances but not diversifies outcomes of RET signaling.