bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speak Up! Voices of European Children in Vulnerable Situations
Authors: Brunnberg Elinor , Visser-Schuurman Mieke
Published: October 2015

The aim of the Speak up! study is to increase our knowledge of European children in vulnerable situations or with special needs, and their own views about their rights and what needs to be improved. The methodology was to play a children’s rights game and to hold in-depth discussions about children’s rights in focus groups with children in vulnerable situations and in control groups. The qualitative study of children took place in eight European countries. Children, particularly children in vulnerable situations or with special needs, are insufficiently aware of their rights. Children living in vulnerable situations have very little experience of being listened to. They face discrimination due to disability, ethnic background or social disadvantage, and also due to being under 18-years-old. This study concludes that children in vulnerable situations or with special needs should not be viewed as passive victims but as social actors with the right to be listened to.
Modeling Rossby Wave Breaking in the Southern Spring Stratosphere
Authors: Guha Anirban , Mechoso Carlos R. , Konor Celal S. , Heikes Ross P.
Published: October 2015

Rossby wave breaking (RWB) plays a central role in the evolution of stratospheric flows. The generation and evolution of RWB is examined in the simple dynamical framework of a one-layer shallow-water system on a sphere. The initial condition represents a realistic, zonally symmetric velocity profile corresponding to the springtime southern stratosphere. Single zonal wavenumber Rossby waves, which are either stationary or traveling zonally with realistic speeds, are superimposed on the initial velocity profile. Particular attention is placed on the Lagrangian structures associated with RWB. The Lagrangian analysis is based on the calculation of trajectories and the application of a diagnostic tool known as the “M” function. Hyperbolic trajectories (HTs), produced by the transverse intersections of stable and unstable invariant manifolds, may yield chaotic saddles in M. Previous studies associated HTs with “cat’s eyes” generated by planetary wave breaking at the critical levels. HTs, and hence RWB, are found both outside and inside the stratospheric polar vortex (SPV). Significant findings are as follows: (i) stationary forcing produces HTs only outside of the SPV and (ii) eastward-traveling wave forcing can produce HTs both outside and inside of the SPV. In either case, HTs appear at or near the critical latitudes. RWB was found to occur inside the SPV even when the forcing was located completely outside. In all cases, the westerly jet remained impermeable throughout the simulations. The results suggest that the HT inside the SPV observed by de la Cámara et al. during the southern spring 2005 was due to RWB of an eastward-traveling wave of wavenumber 1.
Understanding Instabilities of Tropical Cyclones and Their Evolution with a Moist Convective Rotating Shallow-Water Model
Authors: Lahaye Noé , Zeitlin Vladimir
Published: October 2015

Instabilities of hurricane-like vortices are studied with the help of a rotating shallow-water model, including the effects of moist convection. Linear stability analysis demonstrates that dominant unstable modes are mixed Rossby–inertia–gravity waves. It is shown that, depending on fine details of the vorticity profile, a wavenumber selection of the instability may operate or not, leading in some cases to an unstable mode with a distinctively maximal growth rate and in other cases to an ensemble of unstable modes with close growth rates. Numerical simulations are performed in order to investigate nonlinear saturation of the instability and to understand the dynamical role of moisture. In agreement with previous studies, the authors confirm axisymmetrization of vorticity in the course of the development of the instability, which induces changes of intensity of the hurricane. In “dry” simulations, winds are intensified only inside the radius of maximum wind, while the maximum value of the wind decreases. “Moist precipitating” simulations (with and without evaporation) exhibit a net increase of winds, also at the radius of maximum wind, as compared to the dry simulations. Dynamical effects of moisture on the reorganization of the vortex and on the efficiency of inertia–gravity wave emission are quantified and shown to be considerable. Periodic bursts in the emission of waves related to the development of the unstable modes inside the vortex are evidenced, as well as the appearance of convectively coupled waves in the moist precipitating simulations with evaporation.
The Impact of Incongruous Lake Temperatures on Regional Climate Extremes Downscaled from the CMIP5 Archive Using the WRF Model
Authors: Spero Tanya L. , Nolte Christopher G. , Bowden Jared H. , Mallard Megan S. , Herwehe Jerold A.
Published: October 2015

The impact of incongruous lake temperatures is demonstrated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model to downscale global climate fields. Unrealistic lake temperatures prescribed by the default WRF configuration cause obvious biases near the lakes and also affect predicted extremes hundreds of kilometers from the lakes, especially during winter. Using these default temperatures for the Great Lakes in winter creates a thermally induced wave in the modeled monthly average sea level pressure field, which reaches southern Florida. Differences of more than 0.5 K in monthly average daily maximum 2-m temperature occur along that wave during winter. Noteworthy changes to temperature variability, precipitation, and mesoscale circulation also occur when the default method is used for downscaling. Consequently, improperly setting lake temperatures for downscaling could result in misinterpreting changes in regional climate and adversely affect applications reliant on downscaled data, even in areas remote from the lakes.
The 2011 Great Flood in Thailand: Climate Diagnostics and Implications from Climate Change
Authors: Promchote Parichart , Simon Wang S.-Y. , Johnson Paul G.
Published: October 2015

Severe flooding occurred in Thailand during the 2011 summer season, which resulted in more than 800 deaths and affected 13.6 million people. The unprecedented nature of this flood in the Chao Phraya River basin (CPRB) was examined and compared with historical flood years. Climate diagnostics were conducted to understand the meteorological conditions and climate forcing that led to the magnitude and duration of this flood. Neither the monsoon rainfall nor the tropical cyclone frequency anomalies alone was sufficient to cause the 2011 flooding event. Instead, a series of abnormal conditions collectively contributed to the intensity of the 2011 flood: anomalously high rainfall in the premonsoon season, especially during March; record-high soil moisture content throughout the year; elevated sea level height in the Gulf of Thailand, which constrained drainage; and other water management factors. In the context of climate change, the substantially increased premonsoon rainfall in CPRB after 1980 and the continual sea level rise in the river outlet have both played a role. The rainfall increase is associated with a strengthening of the premonsoon northeasterly winds that come from East Asia. Attribution analysis using phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project historical experiments pointed to anthropogenic greenhouse gases as the main external climate forcing leading to the rainfall increase. Together, these findings suggest increasing odds for potential flooding of similar intensity to that of the 2011 flood.
MOGREPS-UK Convection-Permitting Ensemble Products for Surface Water Flood Forecasting: Rationale and First Results
Authors: Golding Brian , Roberts Nigel , Leoncini Giovanni , Mylne Ken , Swinbank Richard
Published: October 2015

Flooding is one of the costliest hazards in the United Kingdom. A large part of the annual flood damage is caused by surface water flooding that is a direct result of intense rainfall. Traditional catchment-based approaches to flood prediction are not applicable for surface water floods. However, given sufficiently accurate forecasts of rainfall intensity, with sufficient lead time, actions can be taken to reduce their impact. These actions require reliable information about severity and areas at risk that is clear and easily interpreted. The accuracy requirements, in particular, are very challenging, as they relate to prediction of intensities that occur only infrequently and that typically affect only small areas. In this paper, forecasts of intense rainfall from a new convection-permitting ensemble prediction system are evaluated using radar observations of intense rain and surface water flooding reports. An urban flooding case that occurred in Edinburgh in 2011 is first investigated and then a broader look is taken at performance through a 3-month period during the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. Conclusions are drawn about the value of the ensemble and the particular means of presenting the forecasts, and areas requiring further work are highlighted.
Prediction and Predictability of High-Impact Western Pacific Landfalling Tropical Cyclone Vicente (2012) through Convection-Permitting Ensemble Assimilation of Doppler Radar Velocity
Authors: Zhu Lei , Wan Qilin , Shen Xinyong , Meng Zhiyong , Zhang Fuqing , Weng Yonghui , Sippel Jason , Gao Yudong , Zhang Yunji , Yue Jian
Published: October 2015

The current study explores the use of an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) based on the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model to continuously assimilate high-resolution Doppler radar data during the peak-intensity stage of Tropical Cyclone (TC) Vicente (2012) before landfall. The WRF-EnKF analyses and forecasts along with the ensembles initialized from the EnKF analyses at different times were used to examine the subsequent evolution, three-dimensional (3D) structure, predictability, and dynamics of the storm. Vicente was an intense western North Pacific tropical cyclone that made landfall around 2000 UTC 23 July 2012 near the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong Province, China, with a peak 10-m wind speed around 44 m s−1 along with considerable inland flooding after a rapid intensification process. With vortex- and dynamics-dependent background error covariance estimated by the short-term ensemble forecasts, it was found that the WRF-EnKF could efficiently assimilate the high temporal and spatial resolution 3D radar radial velocity to improve the depiction of the TC inner-core structure of Vicente, which in turn improved the forecasts of the track and intensity along with the associated heavy precipitation inland. The ensemble forecasts and sensitivity analyses were further used to explore the leading dynamics that controlled the prediction and predictability of track, intensity, and rainfall during and after its landfall. Results showed that TC Vicente’s intensity and precipitation forecasts were largely dependent on the initial relationship between TC intensity and location and the initial steering flow.
Ensemble Data Assimilation Using a Unified Representation of Model Error
Authors: Piccolo Chiara , Cullen Mike
Published: October 2015

A natural way to set up an ensemble forecasting system is to use a model with additional stochastic forcing representing the model error and to derive the initial uncertainty by using an ensemble of analyses generated with this model. Current operational practice has tended to separate the problems of generating initial uncertainty and forecast uncertainty. Thus, in ensemble forecasts, it is normal to use physically based stochastic forcing terms to represent model errors, while in generating analysis uncertainties, artificial inflation methods are used to ensure that the analysis spread is sufficient given the observations. In this paper a more unified approach is tested that uses the same stochastic forcing in the analyses and forecasts and estimates the model error forcing from data assimilation diagnostics. This is shown to be successful if there are sufficient observations. Ensembles used in data assimilation have to be reliable in a broader sense than the usual forecast verification methods; in particular, they need to have the correct covariance structure, which is demonstrated.
The Effects of Stigma Priming on Forensic Screening in African American Youth
Authors: Andretta James R. , Worrell Frank C. , Ramirez Aaron M. , Barnes Michael E. , Odom Terri , Brim Successful , Woodland Malcolm H.
Published: October 2015

In the present study, we examined the effect of stigma priming on a psychological screening in two separate experiments with African Americans who had juvenile court contact. Results of the first experiment showed that asking adolescents to state their racial group membership had no effect on self-reported internalizing and externalizing behaviors. In the second experiment, adolescents primed by making racial identity attitudes salient reported higher levels of oppositional defiant, depressive, and anxiety symptoms, but not conduct disordered behavior, when compared with peers in a control group. Three racial identity profiles were identified: (a) Miseducation-Pro-Black, (b) Low Race Salience, and (c) Multiculturalist. Only the Low Race Salience profile was shown to be associated with stigma priming vulnerability in a forensic mental health screening.
Effect of testing temperature on the strength and fracture behavior of Al-B4C composites
Authors: Junaedi H , Ibrahim MF , Ammar HR , Samuel AM , Soliman MS , Almajid AA , Samuel FH
Published: October 2015

The present study was performed on two Al-10 vol. % B4C composite containing in common 0.48%Ti and 0.25%Zr. The matrix in the first composite was commercially pure aluminum and in the other was experimental 6063 alloy. The molten composite was cast in the form of slabs (25 × 20 × 400 mm). Prior to hot rolling, the slabs were annealed at 540℃ for 16 h and the last two rolling passes were done at room temperature. Final sheet thickness was about 2 mm. Samples for tensile testing were prepared from the rolled sheet using wire cutting technique. The tensile samples were solution heat treated at 540℃ for 8 h followed by furnace cooling. Samples for microstructure as well as fractography were also examined. Tensile samples were tested in the temperature range of 25–500℃ at a strain rate of 5 × 10−4 s−1. The results show that when composite samples were tested following solution heat treatment, the role of the matrix composition in controlling the preservation of the composite strength at high temperature is nil. Increasing the testing temperature caused rapid decrease in the composite strength in a non-linear pattern. The fracture surface of the deformed composites consisted mainly of well-defined dimple structure. The size of these dimples is a direct function of the testing temperature. The presence of Ti-Zr rich protecting layers surrounding the B4C particles resulted in good particle/matrix wettability throughout the entire testing temperatures (25–500℃). Cracks were observed to be initiated at the particle/matrix interface and propagate through the B4C particles. The length of crack propagation was mainly dependent on the particle size. Increasing the testing temperature appeared in the gradual fracturing of the reinforcement particles.
Rapid hydrophilic modification of poly(ethylene terephthalate) surface by using deep eutectic solvent and microwave irradiation
Authors: Cho Jae Yeoun , Choi Hyung-Min , Oh Kyung Wha
Published: October 2015

Rapid hydrophilic modification of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabric was carried out by deep eutectic solvent, ethylene glycol-choline chloride (EGC), under microwave irradiation. EGC is an inexpensive eco-friendly solvent, which is easy to handle along with low toxicity. Results showed that alkali concentration and microwave irradiation time were critical factors in determining surface characteristics of PET. The EGC-treated PET fabric showed highly hydrophobic surface with long wicking time (>2000 s) and high contact angle (135°) at 60 s of microwave irradiation time. However, by merely adding 0.5% sodium hydroxide, the EGC-treated PET fabric surface was drastically changed to highly hydrophilic surface with instant wicking time. The structure of modified PET was studied by various instrumental analyses such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Tensile strength and methylene blue staining tests were also carried out to determine characteristics of the modified PET fabrics.
Complications of Pediatric Otitis Media
Authors: Lavin Jennifer M. , Rusher Thomas , Shah Rahul K.
Published: October 2015

Objective

Otitis media (OM) is a common diagnosis in the pediatric population that is usually managed on an outpatient basis. A small proportion of children are admitted due to a complex disease course. The aim of this study was to investigate the demographics of those patients and the resources utilized during their admissions.

Study Design

Retrospective review based on the 2009 Kids’ Inpatient Database.

Setting

Nationwide administrative database.

Subjects and Methods

A review based on the 2009 Kids’ Inpatient Database was conducted. Inclusion criteria were clinical modification codes for OM (ICD‐9 code 382). Data recorded included patient demographics, concurrent discharge diagnosis codes, length of stay, total charges, and frequency of procedures performed.

Results

There were 61,783 (92,548 nationally weighted) admissions with OM, which were analyzed. The average age (SD) for the patients was 2.18 (3.49) years, and the average length of stay was 2.88 days. The majority (80.75%) of patients did not have to undergo a procedure during admission, whereas a small proportion (5.4%) underwent a major operating room procedure. There were 21 deaths recorded (0.03%). A diagnosis of mastoiditis, meningitis, venous sinus thrombosis, or intracranial abscess was associated with significantly increased length of stay, incidence of procedures, and total cost of admission.

Conclusions

Complicated pediatric OM remains of concern requiring prompt and thorough management. Major complications include mastoiditis and meningitis, and unfortunately, fatalities still occur in patients with OM. An understanding of resource utilization and socioeconomic implications can identify and drive opportunities for targeted quality improvement.
Knee MRI patterns of bone marrow reconversion and relationship to anemia
Authors: Gonzalez Felix M , Mitchell Jason , Monfred Erica , Anguh Terence , Mulligan Michael
Published: October 2015

Background

Bone marrow changes are commonly encountered on knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The clinical relevance of these changes, especially as they relate to anemia, has not been studied in a large patient series.

Purpose

To determine if the extent of bone marrow reconversion (BMR) can assist the radiologist in making recommendations for further evaluation for underlying anemia.

Material and Methods

This study included 457 patients who had knee MRI over a 2-year period. Bone marrow patterns in the distal femur, proximal tibia, and fibula were graded as follows: 1, homogeneous fatty marrow; 2, patchy red marrow in the distal femur; 3, patchy red marrow in the distal femur and tibia and/or fibula; and 4, complete BMR in the femoral, tibial, and/or fibular metaphyses.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference ( P < 0.001) between the hemoglobin concentration and BMR grades. In women, anemia (Hb ≤12.0 g/dL) was found in 31 of 127 (24%) patients with grade 1, 31 of 83 (37%) with grade 2, 24 of 64 (37%) with grade 3, and 12 of 24 (50%) with grade 4. In men, anemia (Hb ≤13.0 g/dL) was found in 33 of 125 (26%) patients with grade 1, 12 of 19 (63%) with grade 2, five of 14 (36%) with grade 3, but not in the one patient with grade 4.

Conclusion

Women demonstrating marrow changes of a grade 4 BMR pattern should get a laboratory assessment for anemia.
Barriers to the Collaboration Between Hematologists and Palliative Care Teams on Relapse or Refractory Leukemia and Malignant Lymphoma Patients’ Care
Authors: Morikawa Miharu , Shirai Yuki , Ochiai Ryota , Miyagawa Kiyoshi
Published: October 2015

Background:

Palliative care service (PCS) has been shown to be utilized less in patients with leukemia and malignant lymphoma than in those with solid tumors. Previous studies have suggested hematologists’ limited awareness of PCS as one of the reason for low PCS referral in hematology. However, little is known about such an awareness and potential barriers to collaboration between hematologists and PCS.

Aim:

The present study aimed to assess ematologists and palliative care specialists’ perception about the roles of the hospital-based palliative care team (HPCT) and the barriers to collaboration between hematologists and palliative care teams on relapse or refractory leukemia and malignant lymphoma patients’ care

Materials and Methods:

A qualitative study was conducted using semistructured interviews with hematologists and palliative care specialists recruited from a hospital that provides hematology and palliative care by the HPCT. Data were evaluated via content analysis.

Results:

The study included 11 hematologists and 10 palliative care specialists. Our results revealed that they shared many common perceptions about the roles and expectations of the HPCT. Additionally, 7 categories of barriers to collaboration were identified, including not feeling the need to refer, the difficulty in referral timing, the lack of aggressive approach, the negative image of the HPCT, the need for hematologic malignancy-oriented management, the lack of communication, and others.

Conclusion:

We have identified hematologists’ and palliative care specialists’ perceptions of the HPCT’s roles and the barriers to their collaboration. A better understanding of such barriers may lead to effective collaboration between hematologists and the HPCT.
The Skin Microbiome in Atopic Dermatitis and Its Relationship to Emollients
Authors: Lynde Charles W. , Andriessen Anneke , Bertucci Vince , McCuaig Catherine , Skotnicki Sandy , Weinstein Miriam , Wiseman Marni , Zip Catherine
Published: October 2015

Background:

Human-associated bacterial communities on the skin, skin microbiome, likely play a central role in development of immunity and protection from pathogens. In atopic patients, the skin bacterial diversity is smaller than in healthy subjects.

Objective:

To review treatment strategies for atopic dermatitis in Canada, taking the skin microbiome concept into account.

Methods:

An expert panel of 8 Canadian dermatologists explored the role of skin microbiome in clinical dermatology, specifically looking at atopic dermatitis.

Results:

The panel reached consensus on the following: (1) In atopic patients, the skin microbiome of lesional atopic skin is different from nonlesional skin in adjacent areas. (2) Worsening atopic dermatitis and smaller bacterial diversity are strongly associated. (3) Application of emollients containing antioxidant and antibacterial components may increase microbiome diversity in atopic skin.

Conclusion:

The skin microbiome may be the next frontier in preventive health and may impact the approach to atopic dermatitis treatment.
Endoscopic Treatment for Persistent Hematospermia: A Novel Technique Using a Holmium Laser
Authors: Oh T. H. , Seo I. Y.
Published: October 2015

Purpose:

We present our endoscopic technique for treating ejaculatory duct and seminal vesicle diseases with a holmium laser.

Materials and methods:

Fifteen patients with persistent hematospermia were enrolled in this study from June 2007 to April 2014. All patients had failed medical treatments. All patients were evaluated with transrectal ultrasound and pelvic computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. We performed endoscopic treatment with a semi-rigid ureteroscope after dilation using a guidewire and ureteral serial dilator. A holmium laser was used to incise the obstructed ejaculatory duct, coagulate hemorrhagic mucosa, and fragment stones in the ejaculatory duct or seminal vesicles. Stones were removed using a basket and forceps.

Results:

The mean duration of hematospermia was 30.6 months. Mean patient age was 45.3 years. The mean serum levels of prostate-specific antigen and testosterone were 1.36 and 4.95 ng/mL, respectively. No operative complications were encountered. Mean operative time was 35.4 min. Seven patients had ejaculatory duct or seminal vesicle stones, which were subsequently determined to be carbonate apatite, mucin, struvite, and calcium oxalate dehydrate stones. Mean duration of follow-up was 32.1 months. Although two patients showed recurrent hematospermia 11 and 12 months after the operation, hematospermia resolved in 13 patients (86.7%). The infertile patient showed an improved semen finding and had a successful pregnancy.

Conclusion:

Endoscopic treatment using a holmium laser is minimally invasive and was effective for treating ejaculatory duct and seminal vesicle diseases, which are the main cause of hematospermia.
Dynamic analysis and optimization of cutting mechanism about aluminum electrolytic capacitor casing machine
Authors: Xia Bizhong , Ren Shiyuan , Shang Xin , Liu Xincheng
Published: October 2015

The dynamic characteristics and optimization of a cutting mechanism about aluminum electrolytic capacitor casing machine were investigated with a lumped mass-spring damper model in this paper. In the lumped mass-spring damper model, compliance of the links and effects of mechanism position on deformable transfer relationship are taken into account. Besides, torsional and bending vibrations of camshaft are also considered. Cam profile is an important input excitation of the cutting mechanism and has important influence on the dynamic performance. Therefore, optimization of cam profile was also studied based on the dynamic model and B-spline. Acceleration fluctuations were significantly reduced after the optimization.
Multi-focus image fusion for accurate measurement of nonwoven structures
Authors: Wang RongWu , Xu Bugao
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a new region-based image fusion algorithm and its applications for measuring essential parameters of nonwoven structures. The algorithm combines a series of partially focused images of the same sample view captured at different focusing points to form a fully focused image that is fundamental for accurate detections of fiber edges in the structure. It starts with selecting a number of source points based on the maximum gradient matrix, and locating initial fiber boundaries using the pixel-based image fusion algorithm. Within the fiber boundaries, the source points diffuse in the same rate, and the boundaries are formed when their expanding fronts encounter each other. These new boundaries divide the image view into regions of various sizes, each representing a coherent area centered at one source point. Finally, each region is filled with the corresponding region that has the highest average sharpness value among all of the multi-focus images. The paper also presents the experimental results on the fiber diameter, fiber orientation and pore size distributions of nonwovens generated by using this algorithm, in comparison with the results from other methods.
Normal pio-dural arterial connections
Authors: Bhogal Pervinder , Makalanda Hegoda LD , Brouwer Patrick A , Gontu Vamsi , Rodesch Georges , Mercier Philippe , Söderman Michael
Published: October 2015

The arterial blood supply to the dura mater is rich, complex and is derived from both the internal and external carotid systems. Endovascular management of a variety of intracranial diseases necessitates a thorough understanding of the dural arterial network. In this article we review the normal contributions of the pial arteries to the blood supply of the dura mater and discuss some aspects of its role in the supply of dural arteriovenous shunts (DAVS).
Neutrophil oxidative burst activates ATM to regulate cytokine production and apoptosis
Authors: Harbort C. J. , Soeiro-Pereira Paulo Vitor , von Bernuth Horst , Kaindl Angela M. , Costa-Carvalho Beatriz Tavares , Condino-Neto Antonio , Reichenbach Janine , Roesler Joachim , Zychlinsky Arturo , Amulic Borko
Published: October 2015

Key Points

Activation of ATM kinase modulates neutrophil functions and is dependent on the oxidative burst. Neutrophils from ataxia telangiectasia patients overproduce inflammatory cytokines and have a prolonged lifespan.
Optimization of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells by rapamycin in a murine model of acute graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Kim Kyoung-Woon , Moon Su-Jin , Park Min-Jung , Kim Bo-Mi , Kim Eun-Kyung , Lee Sung-Hee , Lee Eun-Jung , Chung Byung-Ha , Yang Chul-Woo , Cho Mi-La
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can protect bone marrow transplantation (BMT) recipients from the lethal acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) development. However, the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory properties of MSCs in aGVHD remain to be elucidated. The immunoregulatory properties of MSCs are mediated by their production of anti-inflammatory molecules, including IL-10 and TGF-β. On the other hand, MSCs can also produce proinflammatory cytokines during their normal growth, such as IL-1β and IL-6. These opposite actions may limit their therapeutic application in aGVHD. Therefore, optimization of the functional properties of MSCs can increase their benefits.

Methods

The expressions of mRNA and protein were analyzed by real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. Expression of MSC markers was assessed by flow cytometry. An animal model of aGVHD was established by transplanting C57BL/6 donor bone marrow cells and spleen cells into lethally irradiated BALB/c recipient mice. The recipient mice were divided into the control group and the therapy [adipose tissue-derived human MSCs (Ad-hMSCs) or rapamycin-treated Ad-hMSCs] groups. The survival, body weight and clinical score of aGVHD in transplanted mice were monitored.

Results

Rapamycin pre-treatment of Ad-hMSCs increased mRNA synthesis of IL-10, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, and TGF-β compared with untreated Ad-hMSCs. Rapamycin-treated Ad-hMSCs suppressed clonal expansion of interleukin-17-producing CD4+T (Th17) cells more effectively than untreated cells. mRNA expression of autophagy markers such as ATG5, LC3A and LC3B was significantly increased in the rapamycin-treated Ad-hMSCs compared with untreated Ad-hMSCs. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that Ad-hMSCs exposure to rapamycin resulted in the appearance of autophagic vacuoles. Interestingly,in vitromigration efficiency of rapamycin-treated Ad-hMSCs toward the CD4+T cells was increased significantly compared with the untreated cells. And, these effects were associated with autophagy induction capacity of rapamycin.In vivo, the inhibiting properties of MSCs on the clinical severities of aGVHD were greater in the mice receiving rapamycin-treated Ad-hMSCs compared with untreated Ad-hMSCs. The beneficial effects of rapamycin treatment in Ad-hMSCs shownin vivowere associated with a reduction of Th17 cells and an increase in regulatory T cells.

Conclusions

Rapamycin can optimize the immunomodulatory potential of Ad-hMSCs, suggesting a promising strategy of MSC use in aGVHD treatment.
Hyperglycaemia and its related risk factors in Ilam province, west of Iran- a population-based study
Authors: Asadollahi Khairollah , Delpisheh Ali , Asadollahi Parisa , Abangah Ghobad
Published: October 2015

Background

Impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) has been defined as the fasting plasma glucose level between 6.1 (110 mgl/dl) and 6.9 mmol/l (125 mgl/dl). Control of hyperglycaemia during acute illness among diabetic and non-diabetic patients has been associated with improved outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and factors related to hyperglycaemia, IFG and diabetes in west of Iran.

Methods

This project was performed by a cross-sectional method in Ilam province including 2158 people ≥ 25 years old. From the list of all rural and urban health centers of each county, several were randomly selected. For each selected health centre, families numbered 1–20 completed questionnaire forms for all the members aging ≥ 25 years. FBS was measured for all the participants by standard method. All the demographic and laboratory results were analysed using SPSS 16. Descriptive and regression analysis were used for statistical analysis appropriately.

Results

A total of 2158 people were evaluated in this study, among which 72 % were female with a mean age of 45.5 ± 14 years. 40 % of participants were from urban regions and the mean height, weight, FBS and waist size of the participants were respectively as follows: 164 ± 8.9 cm, 68.4 ± 12.3 kg, 5.7 ± 2.8 mmol/l (102.6 ± 49.9 mg/dl) and 82.3 ± 14.3 cm. The prevalence of IFG, diabetes and hyperglycaemia among participants were 7.8 %, 11.8 % and 19.6 %, respectively and participants from urban area showed a significantly higher prevalence of hyperglycaemia compared to rural regions (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The most effective factors associated with IFG and diabetes were family history of diabetes, age, hypertension, marital status, place of life and smoking, respectively. The prevalence of IFG, diabetes and hyperglycemia among the population living in Ilam province, west of Iran, were 7.8, 11.8 and 19.6 % respectively which were directly increased with age.
Reversible Markov structures on divisible set partitions
Authors: Crane Harry , McCullagh Peter
Published: October 2015

We study k-divisible partition structures, which are families of random set partitions whose block sizes are divisible by an integer k = 1, 2, …. In this setting, exchangeability corresponds to the usual invariance under relabeling by arbitrary permutations; however, for k > 1, the ordinary deletion maps on partitions no longer preserve divisibility, and so a random deletion procedure is needed to obtain a partition structure. We describe explicit Chinese restaurant-type seating rules for generating families of exchangeable k-divisible partitions that are consistent under random deletion. We further introduce the notion of Markovian partition structures, which are ensembles of exchangeable Markov chains on k-divisible partitions that are consistent under a random process of Markovian deletion. The Markov chains we study are reversible and refine the class of Markov chains introduced in Crane (2011).
The Kalman-Bucy filter for integrable Lévy processes with infinite second moment
Authors: Applebaum David , Blackwood Stefan
Published: October 2015

We extend the Kalman-Bucy filter to the case where both the system and observation processes are driven by finite dimensional Lévy processes, but whereas the process driving the system dynamics is square-integrable, that driving the observations is not; however it remains integrable. The main result is that the components of the observation noise that have infinite variance make no contribution to the filtering equations. The key technique used is approximation by processes having bounded jumps.
First exit time of a Lévy flight from a bounded region in ℝN
Authors: Kim Yoora , Koprulu Irem , Shroff Ness B.
Published: October 2015

In this paper we characterize the mean and the distribution of the first exit time of a Lévy flight from a bounded region inN-dimensional spaces. We characterize tight upper and lower bounds on the tail distribution of the first exit time, and provide the exact asymptotics of the mean first exit time for a given range of step-length distribution parameters.
Partially informed investors: hedging in an incomplete market with default
Authors: Tardelli P.
Published: October 2015

In a defaultable market, an investor trades having only partial information about the behavior of the market. Taking into account the intraday stock movements, the risky asset prices are modelled by marked point processes. Their dynamics depend on an unobservable process, representing the amount of news reaching the market. This is a marked point process, which may have common jump times with the risky asset price processes. The problem of hedging a defaultable claim is studied. In order to discuss all these topics, in this paper we examine stochastic control problems using backward stochastic differential equations (BSDEs) and filtering techniques. The goal of this paper is to construct a sequence of functions converging to the value function, each of these is the unique solution of a suitable BSDE.
Runs in coin tossing: a general approach for deriving distributions for functionals
Authors: Holst Lars , Konstantopoulos Takis
Published: October 2015

We take a fresh look at the classical problem of runs in a sequence of independent and identically distributed coin tosses and derive a general identity/recursion which can be used to compute (joint) distributions of functionals of run types. This generalizes and unifies already existing approaches. We give several examples, derive asymptotics, and pose some further questions.
Nonasymptotic performance analysis of importance sampling schemes for small noise diffusions
Authors: Spiliopoulos Konstantinos
Published: October 2015

In this paper we develop a prelimit analysis of performance measures for importance sampling schemes related to small noise diffusion processes. In importance sampling the performance of any change of measure is characterized by its second moment. For a given change of measure, we characterize the second moment of the corresponding estimator as the solution to a partial differential equation, which we analyze via a full asymptotic expansion with respect to the size of the noise and obtain a precise statement on its accuracy. The main correction term to the decay rate of the second moment solves a transport equation that can be solved explicitly. The asymptotic expansion that we obtain identifies the source of possible poor performance of nevertheless asymptotically optimal importance sampling schemes and allows for a more accurate comparison among competing importance sampling schemes.
Component importance in coherent systems with exchangeable components
Authors: Eryilmaz Serkan
Published: October 2015

This paper is concerned with the Birnbaum importance measure of a component in a binary coherent system. A representation for the Birnbaum importance of a component is obtained when the system consists of exchangeable dependent components. The results are closely related to the concept of the signature of a coherent system. Some examples are presented to illustrate the results.
Limit theorems for decomposable branching processes in a random environment
Authors: Vatutin Vladimir , Liu Quansheng
Published: October 2015

We study the asymptotics of the survival probability for the critical and decomposable branching processes in a random environment and prove Yaglom-type limit theorems for these processes. It is shown that such processes possess some properties having no analogues for the decomposable branching processes in a constant environment.
The limiting failure rate for a convolution of life distributions
Authors: Block Henry W. , Langberg Naftali A. , Savits Thomas H.
Published: October 2015

In this paper we investigate the limiting behavior of the failure rate for the convolution of two or more life distributions. In a previous paper on mixtures, Block, Mi and Savits (1993) showed that the failure rate behaves like the limiting behavior of the strongest component. We show a similar result here for convolutions. We also show by example that unlike a mixture population, the ultimate direction of monotonicity does not necessarily follow that of the strongest component.
The NIMA-like kinase Nek2 is a key switch balancing cilia biogenesis and resorption in the development of left-right asymmetry
Authors: Endicott S. Joseph , Basu Basudha , Khokha Mustafa , Brueckner Martina
Published: October 2015

Vertebrate left-right (LR) asymmetry originates at a transient left-right organizer (LRO), where cilia play a crucial role in breaking symmetry. The LRO is a ciliated structure, however, much remains unknown about the choreography of cilia biogenesis and resorption at this organ. We recently identified a mutation affecting NEK2, a member of the NIMA-like serine-threonine kinase family, in a patient with congenital heart disease associated with abnormal LR development. Here, we report how Nek2 acts through cilia to influence LR patterning. Both overexpression and knockdown of nek2 in Xenopus result in abnormal LR development and reduction of LRO cilia count and motility, phenotypes that are modified by interaction with the Hippo signaling pathway. nek2 knockdown leads to a centriole defect at the LRO, consistent with the known role of Nek2 in centriole separation. Nek2 overexpression results in premature ciliary resorption in cultured cells dependent on function of the tubulin deacetylase HDAC6. Finally, we provide evidence that the known interaction between Nek2 and Nup98, a nucleoporin that localizes to the ciliary base, is important for regulating cilium resorption. Together these data show that Nek2 is a switch balancing ciliogenesis and resorption in the development of LR asymmetry.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone gel in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: A retrospective study of patients.
Authors: Li Xiao , Golubovsky Josh , Hui-Yuen Joyce , Shah Ummara , Olech Ewa , Lomeo Rosalia , Singh Vijay , Busch Howard , Strandberg Mary Jane , Strandberg Kayla , Horowitz Leslie , Askanase Anca
Published: October 2015

Objectives: Acthar Gel is a long-acting formulation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) with anti-inflammatory effects thought to be mediated in part through melanocortin receptor activation. This study was initiated to understand the role of Acthar Gel in SLE treatment in rheumatology practices.

Methods: This is a retrospective case series of nine adult female patients treated with Acthar Gel for at least six months at five academic centers. Treating physicians completed a one-page questionnaire on lupus medications, disease activity, and outcomes. Clinical response was defined using SLEDAI 2K and improvement in the clinical manifestation(s) being treated.

Results: The most common clinical SLE manifestations/indications requiring therapy with Acthar Gel were arthritis, rash, and inability to taper corticosteroids. The mean SLEDAI 2K score at baseline was 5.8 (range 0-16). Six patients were concomitantly treated with corticosteroids (mean dose 18.3mg/day). All patients were on background SLE medications including immunosuppressives. Seven of nine patients had an overall improvement, with a decrease in SLEDAI 2K to 3.5; four of five patients had improvement or resolution in arthritis, and one of two patients had resolution of inflammatory rash. Four patients discontinued corticosteroids and one patient tapered below 50% of the initial dose by 3 months of treatment with Acthar Gel. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions: This study suggests a role for Acthar Gel as an alternative to corticosteroids in the treatment of SLE. Acthar Gel appears to be safe and well-tolerated after 6 months of treatment, with a significant reduction in disease activity.
Mathematical modeling of involuntary movements in health and disease
Authors: Дерпак  , Derpak V. , Полухин  , Polukhin V. , Еськов  , Eskov Valeriy , Пашнин  , Pashnin A.
Published: October 2015

The problem of voluntary or involuntary movements are discussed more than 150 years. Traditionally, the tremor was considered involuntary movements and tapping - arbitrary. Real stochastic and chaotic analysis of these two types of motion shows them as chaotic motion (involuntary as a result of the test, rather than by the presence of the target). Introduced new criteria for the separation of these two types of motion in the form of paired comparisons matrix samples tremorogramm and teppingramm. Models of the evolution of the tremor in the mode of the three transitions: normal postural tremor, tremor in Parkinson´s disease and the transition to a rigid form of the disease. A comparison of model data and observations on patients. In addition, it is proposed dimensioning of quasi-attractors of these two types of movements, which provide the identification of differences of physiological state of the subject. Demonstrated specific examples of parameters matrix of paired comparisons and quasi-attractors while perturbation the final test.
Non-stationary stationarity in systems of third type and philosophy of instability
Authors: Гавриленко  , Gavrilenko T. , Еськов  , Eskov Valeriy , Еськов  , Eskov Valeriy , Вохмина  , Vokhmina Yu.
Published: October 2015

There are several criteria in science for stationarity (stability) of different dynamical systems. The stationarity in physics, engineering and chemistry is being interpreted as matching the requirements of dx/dt=0, where x=x(t) - is the vector of system’s state, or the equality of distribution functions f(x) for different samples which characterize the system. However, in case of social or biological systems the matching of the requirements is impossible and there is a problem of specific assessment of stationary regimes of complex systems of the third type. The possibility of studying of such systems within the frame of deterministic chaos, stochastic approach and theory of chaos and self-organization is being discussed. This article explains why I.R. Prigogine refused from materialistic (in fact deterministic) approach in the description of such special systems of third type and tried to get away from the traditional science in the description of biological systems.
Statistical and evaluation chaotic parameters under cardio exertion
Authors: Филатова  , Filatova D. , Карпин  , Karpin Vladimir , Еськов  , Eskov Valeriy , Башкатова  , Bashkatova Yuliya
Published: October 2015

Methods of classical statistics and the theory of chaos and self-organization studied the behavior of the vector of the cardiovascular system in groups of students trained and untrained in response to dosed physical stress .It was found that students without physical fitness indicators of cardio area quasi-attractors increased after exercise . The study had shown significant changes in the dynamics of the behavior of the parameters of functional systems of the human body compared to the stochastic approach based on the histogram and Shannon entropy . It is shown the feasibility of application of chaos theory, self-organization in the evaluation of the reaction of the cardiovascular system of the person on the dynamic exercise. As a measure of the cardiovascular system of the person (to load and after the load) used quasi-attractor motion of the state vector of the system in the two-dimensional phase space of states. Within the framework of the theory of chaos and self-organization may determine the parameters of the spacecraft for individual subjects and their groups to compare their chaotic dynamics in time or in the phase space of states.