bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ginsenoside Rh1 Improves the Effect of Dexamethasone on Autoantibodies Production and Lymphoproliferation in MRL/lpr Mice
Authors: Feng Yinglu , Wang Chunbin , Cheng Silu , Wang Xiaorong , Meng Xianze , Li Lujia , Du Juan , Liu Qun , Guo Yuyu , Meng Yongbin , Cheng Binbin , Ling Changquan
Published: April 2015

Ginsenoside Rh1 is able to upregulate glucocorticoid receptor (GR) level, suggesting Rh1 may improve glucocorticoid efficacy in hormone-dependent diseases. Therefore, we investigated whether Rh1 could enhance the effect of dexamethasone (Dex) in the treatment of MRL/lpr mice. MRL/lpr mice were treated with vehicle, Dex, Rh1, or Dex + Rh1 for 4 weeks. Dex significantly reduced the proteinuria and anti-dsDNA and anti-ANA autoantibodies. The levels of proteinuria and anti-dsDNA and anti-ANA autoantibodies were further decreased in Dex + Rh1 group. Dex, Rh1, or Dex + Rh1 did not alter the proportion of CD4+ splenic lymphocytes, whereas the proportion of CD8+ splenic lymphocytes was significantly increased in Dex and Dex + Rh1 groups. Dex + Rh1 significantly decreased the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ splenic lymphocytes compared with control. Con A-induced CD4+ splenic lymphocytes proliferation was increased in Dex-treated mice and was inhibited in Dex + Rh1-treated mice. Th1 cytokine IFN-γmRNA was suppressed and Th2 cytokine IL-4 mRNA was increased by Dex. The effect of Dex on IFN-γand IL-4 mRNA was enhanced by Rh1. In conclusion, our data suggest that Rh1 may enhance the effect of Dex in the treatment of MRL/lpr mice through regulating CD4+ T cells activation and Th1/Th2 balance.
Multiplicity of Periodic Solutions for Third-Order Nonlinear Differential Equations
Authors: Yang Xuxin , Wang Weibing , Lv Dingyang
Published: April 2015

We study the existence of periodic solutions for third-order nonlinear differential equations. The method of proof relies on Schauder’s fixed point theorem applied in a novel way, where the original equation is transformed into second-order integrodifferential equation through a linear integral operator. Finally, examples are presented to illustrate applications of the main results.
A Comprehensive Study on Pathfinding Techniques for Robotics and Video Games
Authors: Abd Algfoor Zeyad , Sunar Mohd Shahrizal , Kolivand Hoshang
Published: April 2015

This survey provides an overview of popular pathfinding algorithms and techniques based on graph generation problems. We focus on recent developments and improvements in existing techniques and examine their impact on robotics and the video games industry. We have categorized pathfinding algorithms based on a 2D/3D environment search. The aim of this paper is to provide researchers with a thorough background on the progress made in the last 10 years in this field, summarize the principal techniques, and describe their results. We also give our expectations for future trends in this field and discuss the possibility of using pathfinding techniques in more extensive areas.
Effect of Zn/Al Layered Double Hydroxide Containing 2-Hydroxy-4-n-octoxy-benzophenone on UV Aging Resistance of Asphalt
Authors: Peng Chao , Yu Jianying , Dai Jing , Yin Jian
Published: April 2015

UV radiation is a main factor to reduce the service life of asphalt pavement due to the UV aging of asphalt binder. To obtain enhanced UV aging resistance, an organic UV absorber called 2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxy-benzophenone (HNOB) had been intercalated into an inorganic UV absorber called Zn/Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) to play a combined anti-UV role in asphalt binder. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that HNOB anions have been intercalated into the interlayer galleries of Zn/Al-LDH containing HNOB anions (Zn/Al-HNOB−-LDH). X-ray diffraction results of Zn/Al-LDH containingCO32−anions (Zn/Al-CO32--LDH) andZn/Al-CO32--LDH/styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified asphalt disclosed that asphalt molecules entered into LDH interlayer galleries to form an expanded phase structure. UV-Vis absorbance patterns showed that Zn/Al-HNOB−-LDH has a better capacity of blocking UV light due to the synergetic effect of HNOB and Zn/Al-LDH. The chemical fractions analysis, conventional physical tests, and rheological tests of SBS modified asphalt,Zn/Al-CO32--LDH/SBSmodified asphalt, and Zn/Al-HNOB−-LDH/SBS modified asphalt before and after UV aging testified that Zn/Al-HNOB−-LDH can improve the UV aging resistance of SBS modified asphalt more significantly.
Gait Deviations in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review
Authors: Kindregan Deirdre , Gallagher Louise , Gormley John
Published: April 2015

In recent years, it has become clear that children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have difficulty with gross motor function and coordination, factors which influence gait. Knowledge of gait abnormalities may be useful for assessment and treatment planning. This paper reviews the literature assessing gait deviations in children with ASD. Five online databases were searched using keywords “gait” and “autism,” and 11 studies were found which examined gait in childhood ASD. Children with ASD tend to augment their walking stability with a reduced stride length, increased step width and therefore wider base of support, and increased time in the stance phase. Children with ASD have reduced range of motion at the ankle and knee during gait, with increased hip flexion. Decreased peak hip flexor and ankle plantar flexor moments in children with ASD may imply weakness around these joints, which is further exhibited by a reduction in ground reaction forces at toe-off in children with ASD. Children with ASD have altered gait patterns to healthy controls, widened base of support, and reduced range of motion. Several studies refer to cerebellar and basal ganglia involvement as the patterns described suggest alterations in those areas of the brain. Further research should compare children with ASD to other clinical groups to improve assessment and treatment planning.
Shear Behavior of Corrugated Steel Webs in H Shape Bridge Girders
Authors: Cao Qi , Jiang Haibo , Wang Haohan
Published: April 2015

In bridge engineering, girders with corrugated steel webs have shown good mechanical properties. With the promotion of composite bridge with corrugated steel webs, in particular steel-concrete composite girder bridge with corrugated steel webs, it is necessary to study the shear performance and buckling of the corrugated webs. In this research, by conducting experiment incorporated with finite element analysis, the stability of H shape beam welded with corrugated webs was tested and three failure modes were observed. Structural data including load-deflection, load-strain, and shear capacity of tested beam specimens were collected and compared with FEM analytical results by ANSYS software. The effects of web thickness, corrugation, and stiffening on shear capacity of corrugated webs were further discussed.
Development of Bioactive Patch for Maintenance of Implanted Cells at the Myocardial Infarcted Site
Authors: Castells-Sala C. , Vallés-Lluch A. , Soler-Botija C. , Arnal-Pastor M. , Martínez-Ramos C. , Fernandez-Muiños T. , Marí-Buyé N. , Llucià-Valldeperas A. , Sanchez B. , Chachques J. C. , Bayes-Genis A. , Monleón Pradas M. , Semino C. E.
Published: April 2015

Ischemia produced as a result of myocardial infarction might cause moderate or severe tissue death. Studies under development propose grafting stem cells into the affected area and we hypothesize that this mechanism could be enhanced by the application of a “bioactive implant.” The implant herein proposed consists of a thin porous elastomeric membrane, filled with self‐assembling nanofibers and human subcutaneous adipose tissue derived progenitor cells. We describe the development and characterization of two elastomeric membranes: poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA) and poly(caprolactone 2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl ester) (PCLMA). Both are a good material support to deliver cells within a soft self‐assembling peptide and are elastic enough to withstand the stresses arising from the heartbeat. Both developed composites (PEA and PCLMA, combined with self‐assembling peptide) equally facilitate the propagation of electrical pulses and maintain their genetic profile of the seeded cells. Preliminary studies with small animal models suggest that, at short times, the bioimplant shows good adhesion with the myocardium. After three days cells loaded in the patch remain alive at the implanted site. We propose that the bioactive patch (elastomeric membranes with self‐assembling peptide and cells) could increase the efficacy of future cardiac cell therapy by improving cell immobilization and survival at the affected site.
Exploratory Study of Factors Influencing Job-Related Stress in Japanese Psychiatric Nurses
Authors: Yada Hironori , Lu Xi , Omori Hisamitsu , Abe Hiroshi , Matsuo Hisae , Ishida Yasushi , Katoh Takahiko
Published: April 2015

This study explored the factor structure of psychiatric nurses’ job-related stress and examined the specificity of the related stressors using the job stressor scale of the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ). The stressor scale of the BJSQ was administered to 296 nurses and assistant nurses. Answers were examined statistically. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify factor structures; two factors (overload and job environment) were valid. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the two-factor structure and found 11 items with factor loadings of >0.40 (model 1), 13 items with factor loadings from 0.30 to <0.40 (model 2), and 17 items with factor loadings from 0.20 to <0.30 (model 3) for one factor; model 1 demonstrated the highest goodness of fit. Then, we observed that the two-factor structure (model 1) showed a higher goodness of fit than the original six-factor structure. This differed from subscales based on general workers’ job-related stressors, suggesting that the factor structure of psychiatric nurses’ job-related stressors is specific. Further steps may be necessary to reduce job-related stress specifically related to overload including attention to many needs of patients and job environment including complex ethical dilemmas in psychiatric nursing.
An Adaptive Nonlinear Extended State Observer for the Sensorless Speed Control of a PMSM
Authors: Gan Minggang , Wang Chenyi
Published: April 2015

This paper presents a sensorless speed control strategy for a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) based on an adaptive nonlinear extended state observer (ANLESO). In this paper, an extended state observer (ESO), which takes back-EMF (back electromotive force) as an extended state, is used to estimate the rotor position and the rotor speed because of its simpler structure and higher accuracy. Both linear ESO (LESO) and nonlinear ESO (NLESO) are considered to estimate the back-EMF of PMSM, and NLESO is finally implemented due to its obvious advantage in convergence. The convergence characteristics of the estimation error of the observer are analyzed by the Lyapunov theory. In order to take both stability and steady-state error into consideration, an adaptive NLESO is proposed, which adaptively adjusts the parameters of NLESO to a compromised value. The performance of the proposed method was demonstrated by simulations and experiments.
Systemic Chemotherapy Is Modulated by Platelet‐Activating Factor‐Receptor Agonists
Authors: Sahu Ravi P. , Ferracini Matheus , Travers Jeffrey B.
Published: April 2015

Chemotherapy is used to treat numerous cancers including melanoma. However, its effectiveness in clinical settings is often hampered by various mechanisms. Previous studies have demonstrated that prooxidative stressor‐mediated generation of oxidized lipids with platelet‐activating factor‐receptor (PAF‐R) agonistic activity induces systemic immunosuppression that augments the growth of experimental melanoma tumors. We have recently shown that treatment of murine B16F10 melanoma cells in vitro or tumors implanted into syngeneic mice and treated intratumorally with various chemotherapeutic agents generated PAF‐R agonists in a process blocked by antioxidants. Notably, these intratumoral chemotherapy‐generated PAF‐R agonists augmented the growth of secondary (untreated) tumors in a PAF‐R dependent manner. As both localized and systemic chemotherapies are used based on tumor localization/stage and metastases, the current studies were sought to determine effects of PAF‐R agonists on systemic chemotherapy against experimental melanoma. Here, we show that systemic chemotherapy with etoposide (ETOP) attenuates the growth of melanoma tumors when given subsequent to the tumor cell implantation. Importantly, this ETOP‐mediated suppression of melanoma tumor growth was blocked by exogenous administration of a PAF‐R agonist, CPAF. These findings indicate that PAF‐R agonists not only negatively affect the ability of localized chemotherapy but also compromise the efficacy of systemic chemotherapy against murine melanoma.
Low‐Temperature Synthesis and Thermodynamic and Electrical Properties of Barium Titanate Nanorods
Authors: Maxim Florentina , Berger Daniela , Teodorescu Florina , Hornoiu Cristian , Lete Cecilia , Tanasescu Speranta
Published: April 2015

Studies regarding the morphology dependence of the perovskite‐type oxides functional materials properties are of recent interest. With this aim, nanorods (NRs) and nanocubes (NCs) of barium titanate (BaTiO3) have been successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal route at temperature as low as 408 K, employing barium acetate, titanium isopropoxide, and sodium hydroxide as reagents without any surfactant or template. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), used for the morphology and structure analyses, showed that the NRs were formed by an oriented attachment of the NCs building‐blocks with 20 nm average crystallites size. The thermodynamic properties represented by the relative partial molar free energies, enthalpies, and entropies of the oxygen dissolution in the perovskite phase, as well as the equilibrium partial pressure of oxygen, indicated that NRs powders have lower oxygen vacancies concentration than the NCs. This NRs characteristic, together with higher tetragonallity of the structure, leads to the enhancement of the dielectric properties of BaTiO3 ceramics. The results presented in this work show indubitably the importance of the nanopowders morphology on the material properties.
The Challenging Diagnosis of Pancreatic Masses: Not All Tumors Are Cancers
Authors: Morotti Alessandro , Gned Dario , Di Martino Leonardo , Cristaldi Gaetano , Alì Anna , Nicoli Paolo , Veltri Andrea , Guerrasio Angelo
Published: April 2015

In the elderly patients, where biopsy-induced complications could outweigh the benefit, the identification of pancreatic masses is generally referred to as a synonymous of pancreatic cancer and patients are dismissed with no further options than palliative and supportive care. Notwithstanding, not all pancreatic tumors are cancers and therefore alternative diagnoses need to be investigated, especially when patients are unfit for invasive diagnostic procedures. Here, we report a case of an aged patient that was admitted to an internal medicine division for a previously diagnosed pancreatic cancer. The reassessment of the diagnosis has allowed identifying the pancreatic mass as a manifestation of focal pancreatitis in the context of an IgG4-related disease. Accordingly, patient was treated with steroids with rapid clinical improvement. This clinical case suggests that autoimmune diseases should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic masses of the elderly.
Genetic Polymorphism in Extracellular Regulators of Wnt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Sharma Garima , Sharma Ashish Ranjan , Seo Eun-Min , Nam Ju-Suk
Published: April 2015

The Wnt signaling pathway is mediated by a family of secreted glycoproteins through canonical and noncanonical mechanism. The signaling pathways are regulated by various modulators, which are classified into two classes on the basis of their interaction with either Wnt or its receptors. Secreted frizzled-related proteins (sFRPs) are the member of class that binds to Wnt protein and antagonizes Wnt signaling pathway. The other class consists of Dickkopf (DKK) proteins family that binds to Wnt receptor complex. The present review discusses the disease related association of various polymorphisms in Wnt signaling modulators. Furthermore, this review also highlights that some of the sFRPs and DKKs are unable to act as an antagonist for Wnt signaling pathway and thus their function needs to be explored more extensively.
r1andr2Relaxivities of Dendrons Based on a OEG-DTPA Architecture: Effect of Gd3+Placement and Dendron Functionalization
Authors: Fransen Peter , Pulido Daniel , Simón-Gracia Lorena , Candiota Ana Paula , Arús Carles , Albericio Fernando , Royo Miriam
Published: April 2015

In magnetic resonance imaging, contrast agents are employed to enhance the signal intensity. However, current commercial contrast agents are hindered by a low relaxivity constant. Dendrimers can be employed to create higher molecular weight contrast agents which have an increased relaxivity due to a lower molecular rotation. In this study, dendrimers containing DTPA derivatives as cores and/or branching units were used to chelate gadolinium ions. Locating the gadolinium ions inside the dendrimers results in higher relaxivity constants, possibly because the paramagnetic center is closer to the rotational axis of the macromolecule. The highest gain in relaxivity was produced by decorating the dendron surface with peptide sequences, which could be explained by the presence of more second-sphere water molecules attracted by the peptides. These findings could contribute to the development of more effective contrast agents, either by placing the paramagnetic gadolinium ion in a strategic position or through functionalization of the dendron surface.
Development of a Portable Gait Rehabilitation System for Home‐Visit Rehabilitation
Authors: Yano Hiroaki , Tanaka Naoki , Kamibayashi Kiyotaka , Saitou Hideyuki , Iwata Hiroo
Published: April 2015

This paper describes the development of a gait rehabilitation system with a locomotion interface (LI) for home‐visit rehabilitation. For this purpose, the LI should be compact, small, and easy to move. The LI has two 2 degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) manipulators with footpads to move each foot along a trajectory. When the user stands on the footpads, the system can move his or her feet while the body remains stationary. The footpads can have various trajectories, which are prerecordings of the movements of healthy individuals walking on plane surfaces or slopes. The homes of stroke patients may have not only flat surfaces but also some slopes and staircases. The quadriceps femoris muscle is important for walking up and down slopes and staircases, and the eccentric and concentric contractions of this muscle are, in particular, difficult to train under normal circumstances. Therefore, we developed a graded‐walking program for the system used in this study. Using this system, the user can undergo gait rehabilitation in their home, during visits by a physical therapist. An evaluation of the results of tests showed that the vastus medialis muscles of all the subjects were stimulated more than by walking on real slopes.
Analyzing Multimode Wireless Sensor Networks Using the Network Calculus
Authors: Jin Xi , Guan Nan , Wang Jintao , Zeng Peng
Published: April 2015

The network calculus is a powerful tool to analyze the performance of wireless sensor networks. But the original network calculus can only model the single-mode wireless sensor network. In this paper, we combine the original network calculus with the multimode model to analyze the maximum delay bound of the flow of interest in the multimode wireless sensor network. There are two combined methods A-MM and N-MM. The method A-MM models the whole network as a multimode component, and the method N-MM models each node as a multimode component. We prove that the maximum delay bound computed by the method A-MM is tighter than or equal to that computed by the method N-MM. Experiments show that our proposed methods can significantly decrease the analytical delay bound comparing with the separate flow analysis method. For the large-scale wireless sensor network with 32 thousands of sensor nodes, our proposed methods can decrease about 70% of the analytical delay bound.
Magnetic Resonance Comparison of Left-Right Heart Volumetric and Functional Parameters in Thalassemia Major and Thalassemia Intermedia Patients
Authors: Liguori Carlo , Pitocco Francesca , Di Giampietro Ilenia , De Vivo Aldo Eros , Schena Emiliano , Giurazza Francesco , Sorrentino Francesco , Zobel Bruno Beomonte
Published: April 2015

Objectives. To evaluate a population of asymptomatic thalassemia major (TM) and thalassemia intermedia (TI) patients using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). We supposed that TI group could be differentiated from the TM group based onT2∗and that the TI group could demonstrate higher cardiac output.Methods. A retrospective analysis of 242 patients with TM and TI was performed (132 males, 110 females; mean age39.6±8years; 186 TM, 56 TI). Iron load was assessed byT2∗measurements; volumetric functions were analyzed using steady-state-free precession sequences.Results. Significant difference in left-right heart performance was observed between TM with iron overload and TI patients and between TM with iron overload and TM without iron overload (P<0.05); no significant differences were observed between TM without iron overload and TI patients. A significant correlation was observed betweenT2∗and ejection fraction of right ventricle- (RV-) ejection fraction of left ventricle (LV); an inverse correlation was present amongT2∗values and end-diastolic volume of LV, end-systolic volume of LV, stroke volume of LV, end-diastolic volume of RV, end-systolic volume of RV, and stroke volume of RV.Conclusions. CMR is a leading approach for cardiac risk evaluation of TM and TI patients.
The Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception towards Epilepsy amongst Medical Students in Uyo, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Ekeh Bertha C. , Ekrikpo Udeme E.
Published: April 2015

Background and Aim.Epilepsy remains a stigmatized disease especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Lack of information and illiteracy has been blamed as the cause of the stigmatization. This stigmatization stems from the fact that the traditional African belief views epilepsy as a spiritual disease. We studied the knowledge, attitude, and perception towards epilepsy amongst medical students comparing the knowledge of the clinical students with that of the basic medical (preclinical) students.Methodology.The participants were medical students in University of Uyo. We administered questionnaires which explored the knowledge of etiology (perceived and medically proven). We studied the beliefs in infectivity of epilepsy, treatment together with their attitudes, and perception to persons with epilepsy.Results.Most of the participants do not have a good knowledge of epilepsy. The knowledge, however, was much better amongst the clinical students. There is some difference in the attitudes of the clinical students compared with the basic students.Conclusion.There is a knowledge gap in epilepsy even amongst medical students. Participants still harbor the traditional African beliefs that epilepsy is a spiritual disease. Mercifully, the knowledge is better amongst the clinical students. This is not surprising since the clinical students have had clinical exposure to epilepsy.
Inflammatory Mediators in Vascular Disease: Identifying Promising Targets for Intracranial Aneurysm Research
Authors: Sawyer David M. , Amenta Peter S. , Medel Ricky , Dumont Aaron S.
Published: April 2015

Inflammatory processes are implicated in many diseases of the vasculature and have been shown to play a key role in the formation of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). Although the specific mechanisms underlying these processes have been thoroughly investigated in related pathologies, such as atherosclerosis, there remains a paucity of information regarding the immunopathology of IA. Cells such as macrophages and lymphocytes and their effector molecules have been suggested to be players in IA, but their specific interactions and the role of other components of the inflammatory response have yet to be determined. Drawing parallels between the pathogenesis of IA and other vascular disorders could provide a roadmap for developing a mechanistic understanding of the immunopathology of IA and uncovering useful targets for therapeutic intervention. Future research should address the presence and function of leukocyte subsets, mechanisms of leukocyte recruitment and activation, and the role of damage‐associated molecular patterns in IA.
On the Generalization of the Timoshenko Beam Model Based on the Micropolar Linear Theory: Static Case
Authors: Nobili Andrea
Published: April 2015

Three generalizations of the Timoshenko beam model according to the linear theory of micropolar elasticity or its special cases, that is, the couple stress theory or the modified couple stress theory, recently developed in the literature, are investigated and compared. The analysis is carried out in a variational setting, making use of Hamilton’s principle. It is shown that both the Timoshenko and the (possibly modified) couple stress models are based on a microstructural kinematics which is governed by kinosthenic (ignorable) terms in the Lagrangian. Despite their difference, all models bring in a beam-plane theory only one microstructural material parameter. Besides, the micropolar model formally reduces to the couple stress model upon introducing the proper constraint on the microstructure kinematics, although the material parameter is generally different. Line loading on the microstructure results in a nonconservative force potential. Finally, the Hamiltonian form of the micropolar beam model is derived and the canonical equations are presented along with their general solution. The latter exhibits a general oscillatory pattern for the microstructure rotation and stress, whose behavior matches the numerical findings.
The Pleiotropic Effect of Physical Exercise on Mitochondrial Dynamics in Aging Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Barbieri Elena , Agostini Deborah , Polidori Emanuela , Potenza Lucia , Guescini Michele , Lucertini Francesco , Annibalini Giosuè , Stocchi Laura , De Santi Mauro , Stocchi Vilberto
Published: April 2015

Decline in human muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) is one of the principal hallmarks of the aging process. Regular physical exercise and training programs are certain powerful stimuli to attenuate the physiological skeletal muscle alterations occurring during aging and contribute to promote health and well-being. Although the series of events that led to these muscle adaptations are poorly understood, the mechanisms that regulate these processes involve the “quality” of skeletal muscle mitochondria. Aerobic/endurance exercise helps to maintain and improve cardiovascular fitness and respiratory function, whereas strength/resistance-exercise programs increase muscle strength, power development, and function. Due to the different effect of both exercises in improving mitochondrial content and quality, in terms of biogenesis, dynamics, turnover, and genotype, combined physical activity programs should be individually prescribed to maximize the antiaging effects of exercise.
Foreign Body Granulomas Induced by Intramuscular Leuprorelin Acetate Injection for Prostate Cancer: Clinical Mimics of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Thway Khin , Strauss Dirk C. , Smith Myles J. , Fisher Cyril
Published: April 2015

We describe two cases of florid, foreign body granulomatous reaction occurring in the upper arms of males in their eighth decade, who were undergoing treatment with depot injection of leuprorelin acetate for prostatic carcinoma. These patients presented with rapidly enlarging extremity soft tissue masses and were referred to a tertiary sarcoma center with clinical suspicion of a primary soft tissue neoplasm. The occurrence of injection site granulomas secondary to leuprorelin acetate administration is rarely known outside the urological and dermatological communities, and their recognition is important due to the spectrum of clinical differential diagnoses and potential for diagnostic confusion with metastatic prostatic cancer and primary sarcoma and in order to avoid unnecessary stress and clinical intervention for patients.
Congenital Midureteric Stricture: Challenges in Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Hamid Raashid , Bhat Nisar A. , Rashid Kumar Abdul
Published: April 2015

Background. Congenital midureteric stricture (MUS) is a rare malformation. We report our experience with five cases seen over a period of 4 years from 2010 to 2014.Materials and Methods. The study was based on the retrospective analysis of five patients diagnosed as having MUS. Diagnosis was suspected after fetal ultrasonography (USG) in one patient and magnetic resonance urography (MRU) in four patients. Retrograde pyelography (RGP) was performed on three patients. The final diagnosis was confirmed during surgical exploration in all the patients.Results. MRU was found to be a good investigation method. It showed the site of obstruction in the ureter in all instances. Intravenous urography detected proximal ureteric dilatation present in two of the patients. RGP delineates the level of stricture and the course of ureter, as shown in our cases. All patients had significant obstruction on the affected side. Four patients underwent ureteroureterostomy, all of whom had satisfactory results. In one patient, ureteric reimplantation was carried out due to distal small ureteric caliber.Conclusion. This rare entity is often misdiagnosed initially as pelviureteric junction obstruction. MRU is an excellent option for the anatomical location and functional assessment of the involved system. At the time of surgical correction of a ureteral obstruction, RGP is a useful adjunct for delineating the stricture level and morphology.
Differential Expression of Motilin Receptor in Various Parts of Gastrointestinal Tract in Dogs
Authors: He Yu , Wang Hui , Yang DongYan , Wang ChengYan , Yang LanLan , Jin Chunxiang
Published: April 2015

Objectives. The presence of motilin receptor in the GI tract of different animal species has been verified. However, the quantitation of motilin receptor expression in different regions of the GI tract remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of motilin receptor in the GI tract and semiquantitatively compare the expression difference in different GI regions in dogs.Methods. Antrum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, proximal colon, middle colon, and distal colon were obtained from various parts of the GI tract of six sacrificed dogs. The distribution of motilin receptor was determined by immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of motilin receptor mRNA in different regions were measured by RT-PCR.Results. Motilin receptor was expressed throughout the GI tract in dogs. Multiple comparisons of the mean motilin receptor mRNA expression among various regions were significant(P<0.05). Motilin receptor mRNA was extensively expressed in duodenum, followed by ileum, jejunum, proximal colon, antrum, middle colon, and distal colon. Immunohistochemistry revealed that motilin receptor immunoreactivity was observed only in the enteric nervous system.Conclusion. Motilin receptor is expressed differentially along the GI tract in dogs. The significantly high expression of motilin receptor mRNA is found in the duodenum.
Parental Reports of Stigma Associated with Child’s Disorder of Sex Development
Authors: Rolston Aimee M. , Gardner Melissa , Vilain Eric , Sandberg David E.
Published: April 2015

Disorders of sex development (DSD) are congenital conditions in which chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomic sex development is atypical. DSD-associated stigma is purported to threaten positive psychosocial adaptation. Parental perceptions of DSD-related stigma were assessed in 154 parents of 107 children (newborn–17 years) questionnaire comprising two scales, child-focused and parent-focused, and three subscales, perceived stigmatization, future worries, and feelings about the child’s condition. Medical chart excerpts identified diagnoses and clinical management details. Stigma scale scores were generally low. Parents of children with DSD reported less stigma than parents of children with epilepsy; however, a notable proportion rated individual items in the moderate to high range. Stigma was unrelated to child’s age or the number of DSD-related surgeries. Child-focused stigma scores exceeded parent-focused stigma and mothers reported more stigma than fathers, with a moderate level of agreement. Within 46,XY DSD, reported stigma was higher for children reared as girls. In conclusion, in this first quantitative study of ongoing experiences, DSD-related stigma in childhood and adolescence, while limited in the aggregate, is reported at moderate to high levels in specific areas. Because stigma threatens positive psychosocial adaptation, systematic screening for these concerns should be considered and, when reported, targeted for psychoeducational counseling.
The Fluctuation–Dissipation Theorem Revisited: Beyond the Gaussian Approximation
Authors: Nicolis C. , Nicolis G.
Published: April 2015

A linear response theory of systems of interest in atmospheric and climate dynamics taking fully into account the nonlinearities of the underlying processes is developed. Under the assumption that the source of intrinsic variability can be modeled as a white-noise process, a Fokker–Planck equation approach leads to fluctuation–dissipation-type expressions in the form of time cross-correlation functions, linking the perturbation-induced shift of an observable to the statistical and dynamical properties of the reference system. These expressions feature a generalized potential function and enable one to go systematically beyond the Gaussian approximation usually adopted in the literature. Full solutions and explicit expressions are derived for different subclasses of systems, including a global climate model giving rise to oscillatory behavior.
On the Relationship between Mean Monsoon Precipitation and Low Pressure Systems in Climate Model Simulations
Authors: Praveen V. , Sandeep S. , Ajayamohan R. S.
Published: April 2015

The north-northwest-propagating low pressure systems (LPS) are an important component of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM). The objective detection and tracking of LPS in reanalysis products and climate model simulations are challenging because of the weak structure of the LPS compared to tropical cyclones. Therefore, the skill of reanalyses and climate models in simulating the monsoon LPS is unknown. A robust method is presented here to objectively identify and track LPS, which mimics the conventional identification and tracking algorithm based on detecting closed isobars on surface pressure charts. The new LPS tracking technique allows a fair comparison between the observed and simulated LPS. The analysis based on the new tracking algorithm shows that the reanalyses from ERA-Interim and MERRA were able to reproduce the observed climatology and interannual variability of the monsoon LPS with a fair degree of accuracy. Further, the newly developed LPS detection and tracking algorithm is also applied to the climate model simulations of phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). The CMIP5 models show considerable spread in terms of their skill in LPS simulation. About 60% of the observed total summer monsoon precipitation over east-central India is found to be associated with LPS activities, while in model simulations this ratio varies between 5% and 60%. Those models that simulate synoptic activity realistically are found to have better skill in simulating seasonal mean monsoon precipitation. The model-to-model variability in the simulated synoptic activity is found to be linked to the intermodel spread in zonal wind shear over the Indian region, which is further linked to inadequate representation of the tropical easterly jet in climate models. These findings elucidate the mechanisms behind the model simulation of ISM precipitation, synoptic activity, and their interdependence.
On the Predictability of the Winter Euro-Atlantic Climate: Lagged Influence of Autumn Arctic Sea Ice
Authors: García-Serrano J. , Frankignoul C. , Gastineau G. , de la Cámara A.
Published: April 2015

Satellite-derived sea ice concentration (SIC) and reanalyzed atmospheric data are used to explore the predictability of the winter Euro-Atlantic climate resulting from autumn SIC variability over the Barents–Kara Seas region (SIC/BK). The period of study is 1979/80–2012/13. Maximum covariance analyses show that the leading predictand is indistinguishable from the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The leading covariability mode between September SIC/BK and winter North Atlantic–European sea level pressure (SLP) is not significant, indicating that no empirical prediction skill can be achieved. The leading covariability mode with either October or November SIC/BK is moderately significant (significance levels <10%), and both predictor fields yield a cross-validated NAO correlation of 0.3, suggesting some empirical prediction skill of the winter NAO index, with sea ice reduction in the Barents–Kara Seas being accompanied by a negative NAO phase in winter. However, only November SIC/BK provides significant cross-validated skill of winter SLP, surface air temperature, and precipitation anomalies over the Euro-Atlantic sector, namely in southwestern Europe. Statistical analysis suggests that November SIC/BK anomalies are associated with a Rossby wave train–like anomaly across Eurasia that affects vertical wave activity modulating the stratospheric vortex strength, which is then followed by downward propagation of anomalies that impact transient-eddy activity in the upper troposphere, helping to settle and maintain the NAO-like pattern at surface. This stratospheric pathway is not detected when using October SIC/BK anomalies. Hence, only November SIC/BK, with a one-month lead time, could be considered as a potential source of regional predictability.
Data Length Requirements for Observational Estimates of Land–Atmosphere Coupling Strength
Authors: Findell Kirsten L. , Gentine Pierre , Lintner Benjamin R. , Guillod Benoit P.
Published: April 2015

Multiple metrics have been developed in recent years to characterize the strength of land–atmosphere coupling in regional and global climate models. Evaluation of these metrics against observations has proven challenging because of limited observations and/or metric definitions based on model experimental designs that are not replicable with observations. Additionally, because observations are limited in time, with only a single realization of the earth’s climate available, metrics of land–atmosphere coupling strength typically assume stationarity and ergodicity, so that an observed time series (or set of time series) can be used in place of an ensemble mean of multiple realizations. The present study evaluates the observational data requirements necessary for robust quantification of a suite of land–atmosphere coupling metrics previously described in the literature. It is demonstrated that the amount of data required to obtain robust estimates of metrics assessing relationships between variables is greater than that necessary to constrain means of directly measured observables. Moreover, while the addition of unbiased noise does not significantly alter the mean of a directly observable quantity, inclusion of such noise degrades metrics based on connections between variables, yielding a unidirectional and negative impact on metric strength estimates. This analysis suggests that longer records of surface observations are required to correctly estimate land–atmosphere coupling strength than are required to estimate mean values of the observed quantities.
A Meteorological Analysis of the 2013 Alberta Flood: Antecedent Large-Scale Flow Pattern and Synoptic–Dynamic Characteristics
Authors: Milrad Shawn M. , Gyakum John R. , Atallah Eyad H.
Published: April 2015

The 19–21 June 2013 Alberta flood was the costliest (CAD $6 billion) natural disaster in Canadian history. The flood was caused by a combination of above-normal spring snowmelt in the Canadian Rockies, large antecedent precipitation, and an extreme rainfall event on 19–21 June that produced rainfall totals of 76 mm in Calgary and 91 mm in the foothills. As is typical of flash floods along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, rapidly rising streamflow proceeded to move downhill (eastward) into Calgary.

A meteorological analysis traces an antecedent Rossby wave train across the North Pacific Ocean, starting with intense baroclinic development over East Asia on 11 June. Subsequently, downstream Rossby wave development occurred across the North Pacific; a 1032-hPa subtropical anticyclone located northeast of Hawaii initiated a southerly atmospheric river into Alaska, which contributed to the development of a cutoff anticyclone over Alaska and a Rex block (ridge to the north, cyclone to the south) in the northeastern North Pacific. Upon breakdown of the Rex block, lee cyclogenesis occurred in Montana and strong easterly upslope flow was initiated in southern Alberta.

The extreme rainfall event was produced in association with a combination of quasigeostrophically and orographically forced ascent, which acted to release conditional and convective instability. As in past Front Range flash floods, moisture flux convergence and positive θe advection were collocated with the heavy rainfall. Backward trajectories show that air parcels originated in the northern U.S. plains, suggesting that evapotranspiration from the local land surface may have acted as a moisture source.
Nudging, Ensemble, and Nudging Ensembles for Data Assimilation in the Presence of Model Error
Authors: Lei Lili , Hacker Joshua P.
Published: April 2015

Objective data assimilation methods such as variational and ensemble algorithms are attractive from a theoretical standpoint. Empirical nudging approaches are computationally efficient and can get around some amount of model error by using arbitrarily large nudging coefficients. In an attempt to take advantage of the strengths of both methods for analyses, combined nudging-ensemble approaches have been recently proposed. Here the two-scale Lorenz model is used to elucidate how the forecast error from nudging, ensemble, and nudging-ensemble schemes varies with model error. As expected, an ensemble filter and smoother are closest to optimal when model errors are small or absent. Model error is introduced by varying model forcing, coupling between scales, and spatial filtering. Nudging approaches perform relatively better with increased model error; use of poor ensemble covariance estimates when model error is large harms the nudging-ensemble performance. Consequently, nudging-ensemble methods always produce error levels between the objective ensemble filters and empirical nudging, and can never provide analyses or short-range forecasts with lower errors than both. As long as the nudged state and the ensemble-filter state are close enough, the ensemble statistics are useful for the nudging, and fully coupling the ensemble and nudging by centering the ensemble on the nudged state is not necessary. An ensemble smoother produces the overall smallest errors except for with very large model errors. Results are qualitatively independent of tuning parameters such as covariance inflation and localization.
Investigation of the Effects of Considering Balloon Drift Information on Radiosonde Data Assimilation Using the Four-Dimensional Variational Method
Authors: Choi Yonghan , Ha Jong-Chul , Lim Gyu-Ho
Published: April 2015

Effects of balloon drift information (i.e., position and elapsed ascent time of the balloon) on the assimilation of radiosonde observations are investigated by using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model and its data assimilation (WRFDA) system. Special radiosonde observations over the Korean Peninsula, which include the exact position and elapsed time of the balloon, are used instead of estimating the balloon drift information. To consider the balloon drift information appropriately, the four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVAR) and a high horizontal resolution (6 km) are used. Cycling experiments over the observation period from 20 June to 4 July 2013 are carried out to obtain the statistical robustness of the effects of considering the balloon drift information, and a single-case experiment is also conducted to show further details about the effects. The verification results of cycling experiments, such as root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) for meteorological-variable forecasts verified against the radiosonde observations and threat and bias scores for rainfall forecasts, show the positive impacts of considering the balloon drift information. Results of the single-case experiment also reveal that the simulated rainfall distribution, time series of hourly rainfall, and quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) skills are improved through the assimilation of radiosonde observations while considering the balloon drift information. Additionally, forecasts of meteorological variables such as horizontal wind components, temperature, and dewpoint temperature are also improved by considering the balloon drift information in the single-case experiment.
Self-Serving Justifications
Authors: Shalvi Shaul , Gino Francesca , Barkan Rachel , Ayal Shahar
Published: April 2015

Unethical behavior by “ordinary” people poses significant societal and personal challenges. We present a novel framework centered on the role of self-serving justification to build upon and advance the rapidly expanding research on intentional unethical behavior of people who value their morality highly. We propose that self-serving justifications emerging before and after people engage in intentional ethical violations mitigate the threat to the moral self, enabling them to do wrong while feeling moral. Pre-violation justifications lessen the anticipated threat to the moral self by redefining questionable behaviors as excusable. Post-violation justifications alleviate the experienced threat to the moral self through compensations that balance or lessen violations. We highlight the psychological mechanisms that prompt people to do wrong and feel moral, and suggest future research directions regarding the temporal dimension of self-serving justifications of ethical misconduct.
When Younger Learners Can Be Better (or at Least More Open-Minded) Than Older Ones
Authors: Gopnik Alison , Griffiths Thomas L. , Lucas Christopher G.
Published: April 2015

We describe a surprising developmental pattern we found in studies involving three different kinds of problems and age ranges. Younger learners are better than older ones at learning unusual abstract causal principles from evidence. We explore two factors that might contribute to this counterintuitive result. The first is that as our knowledge grows, we become less open to new ideas. The second is that younger minds and brains are intrinsically more flexible and exploratory, although they are also less efficient as a result.