bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical and future trends in wetting and drying in 291 catchments across China
Authors: Chen Zhongwang , Lei Huimin , Yang Hanbo , Yang Dawen , Cao Yongqiang
Published: November 2016

Abstract. The "dry gets drier, wet gets wetter" (DDWW) pattern is a popular catchphrase to summarize hydrologic changes under global warming. However, recent studies based on simulated data have failed to obtain a feasible DDWW pattern for runoff trends. This study tested the DDWW pattern using observed streamflow and meteorological data from 291 catchments in China from 1956 to 2000, interpreted it using a simple method derived from the Budyko hypothesis, and explored its future evolution according to the projections of five global climate models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). Similar to the DDWW pattern, the results show that catchments with an aridity index of φ  1 become drier, with nearly 80 % of the studied catchments following this pattern. However, the pattern does not hold in glacier regions due to the effects of melting ice and snow. Based on precipitation and potential evapotranspiration changes, the first-order differential of the Budyko hypothesis can provide a good estimate of runoff changes (R2 = 0.70). Therefore, the atmospheric forcing of water and energy is the key factor in interpreting the DDWW pattern. Over 80 % of the estimated trends have signs coincident with those of the measured trends, implying that the DDWW pattern can be assessed with estimated data. Precipitation is the controlling factor that leads to the DDWW pattern in nearly 90 % of catchments where observed and estimated signs are consistent. In the three tested scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), the different models produce significantly different predicted changes, even under the same scenario, whereas a given model yields similar results under different scenarios. Based on the projected results, the DDWW pattern no longer provides a reliable prediction. However, this conclusion remains tentative due to the large uncertainty of the simulations. The considerable differences between the observed and modelled meteorological data for the same period suggest that this conclusion should be adopted with caution.
Modeling the paradoxical evolution of runoff in pastoral Sahel. The case of the Agoufou watershed, Mali
Authors: Gal Laetitia , Grippa Manuela , Hiernaux Pierre , Pons Léa , Kergoat Laurent
Published: November 2016

Abstract. In the last decades the Sahel has witnessed a paradoxical increase in surface water despite a general precipitation decline. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as "the Sahelian paradox", is not completely understood yet. The role of cropland expansion due to the increasing food demand by a growing population has been often put forward to explain this situation for the cultivated Sahel. However, this hypothesis does not hold in pastoral areas where the same phenomenon is observed. Several other processes have been suggested to account for this situation such as the degradation of natural vegetation following the major droughts of the 70ies and the 80ies, the development of crusted top soils, the intensification of the rainfall regime and the development of the drainage network. In this paper, a modeling approach is proposed to quantify and rank the different processes that could be at play in pastoral Sahel. The KINEmatic EROSion model (KINEROS-2) is applied to the Agoufou watershed, in the Gourma region in Mali, which underwent a significant increase of surface runoff during the last 60 years. Two periods are simulated, the "past" case (1960–1975) preceding the Sahelian drought and the "present" case (2000–2015). Surface hydrology and land cover characteristics for these two periods are derived by the analysis of aerial photographs, available in 1956, and high resolution remote sensing images in 2011. The major changes identified are: (1) a partial crusting of isolated dunes, (2) an increase of drainage network density, (3) a marked decrease in vegetation with the non-recovery of tiger bush and vegetation growing on shallow sandy soils and (4) important changes in soil properties with shallow soil being eroded and giving place to impervious soils. These changes were implemented independently and in combination in the KINEROS-2 model. The simulations results show a significant increase of annual discharge between the "past" and the "present" case (p value
El conocimiento de la estructura textual: una estrategia que ayuda al alumnado de Educación Primaria
Authors: Pérez Domínguez Marta , Raído Brañas Mª Dolores , Ovalle Torres Miriam , González Sánchez Luis , Calero Pérez Esther , Piedra Gamidez Ander , Calero Andrés
Published: November 2016

La comprensión de textos informativos es esencial para el éxito académico del alumnado de Educación Primaria, y debería ser un importante foco de atención para el profesorado a raíz de la publicación del Currículo de Educación Primaria (RD 126/2014, de 28 de febrero). El presente trabajo describe un Proyecto de Innovación Pedagógica llevado a cabo en el CEIP “Santa Bárbara” de Matarrosa (León) durante el curso 2013/2014 con estudiantes de 3º, 4º, 5º y 6º de Educación Primaria, con el objetivo de desarrollar en ellos la conciencia de la estructura textual de los textos informativos, como una estrategia cognitiva clave de mejora de las destrezas de comprensión lectora. La estructura textual de los textos informativos supone un valioso sistema de señalización de pistas sintáctico-semánticas tanto dentro como fuera del texto, que nos informan sobre las conexiones lógicas que se establecen entre las ideas que contienen para facilitar su comprensión. Nuestros alumnos, entre 8 y 12 años, trabajaron a lo largo del curso escolar un conjunto de estrategias cognitivas y metacognitivas que les ayudaron a conocer y utilizar la variada estructura organizativa de los textos informativos (descripción, comparación/contraste, secuencia, causa/efecto, y problema/solución) para comprenderlos, recordarlos, y resumirlos por escrito. Al final del curso académico los estudiantes mejoraron significativamente: a) su habilidad para realizar una lectura estratégica, b) su destreza para escribir frases bien construidas con las estructuras textuales trabajadas, c) el conocimiento y uso de las palabras-clave que articulan la cohesión y la organización textual de las cinco estructuras trabajadas, d) su comprensión lectora, y la habilidad para resumir por escrito los diferentes textos leídos en clase, y e) su interés por la lectura de textos informativos.
Reflexiones sobre la producción de gestos en estudiantes de lenguas extranjeras
Authors: López-Ozieblo Renia
Published: November 2016

En la enseñanza y evaluación de lenguas extranjeras normalmente se le da poca, o ninguna, importancia a los gestos, es decir, a los movimientos de las manos que se realizan junto con el habla. Sin embargo, en las últimas décadas se han propuesto varios modelos de producción de gestos que deberían considerarse dentro de la clase de lenguas extranjeras. Algunos investigadores proponen la existencia de dos procesos paralelos, más o menos independientes, uno del gesto, otro del habla, mientras que otros sugieren una posible unidad de las dos modalidades. Este artículo presenta un resumen del estado de la cuestión, describiendo los distintos tipos de gestos y su procesamiento, ilustrado con los resultados de un estudio sobre la producción de gestos en hablantes nativos y estudiantes de lenguas, en contextos formales, de inglés y español. Se observaron diferentes usos de gestos icónicos (aquellos relacionados con el contenido habla) y pragmáticos (usados para enfatizar o llevar el ritmo) según el nivel de competencia en la lengua extranjera. Estos resultados sugieren la existencia de dos sistemas de procesamiento gesto-habla: uno donde el gesto y el habla se producen separadamente, y otro donde forman una unidad. La observación y conocimiento de estos procesos puede ser de ayuda en la clase de lenguas extranjeras para facilitar la producción oral del alumno y, para el docente, al evaluar el nivel de competencia en la lengua extranjera.
Lecturas juveniles: best-sellers y títulos académicos. Notas para una caracterización de la lectura
Authors: Dueñas Lorente José Domingo , Tabernero Sala Rosa , Calvo Valios Virginia
Published: November 2016

En el marco de la revisión profunda del proceso lector que vivimos en los últimos años, se pretende reflexionar aquí acerca de las relaciones entre lecturas escolares y lecturas voluntarias de los estudiantes, así como de la continuación lectora de los adolescentes tras concluir su formación escolar no universitaria. En el artículo se comparan dos modelos bien distintos de literatura juvenil (el best-seller y la novela histórica) con la intención de poner de manifiesto sus diferencias en el plano de las estrategias literarias pero sobre todo en el de los efectos de la lectura. Establecemos las comparaciones a partir de las aportaciones de Umberto Eco, entre otros autores, sobre niveles de lectura y modelos de lector que propician los textos. Las novelas históricas analizadas proponen estrategias de lectura más complejas. A partir de algunos elementos narrativos bien característicos de la novela juvenil actual, tratan de conducir al lector hacia terrenos menos conocidos. Los best-sellers revisados buscan, por el contrario, procesos de lectura complacientes, evitan factores de riesgo, se instalan en modos de comunicación poco exigentes. Con todo, el corpus de novela histórica contribuye más a construir trayectorias sólidas de lectura.
“Te das cuenta de que el mundo puede ser tan distinto y similar al mismo tiempo”: Telecolaboración y desarrollo de la competencia intercultural en la educación superior
Authors: Sevilla Pavón Ana , Haba Osca Julia
Published: November 2016

Este artículo versa sobre la integración de la telecolaboración, o intercambio intercultural en línea, en contextos de educación superior, para el desarrollo de la competencia intercultural en el aula inglés como lengua extranjera. Se analiza, desde la perspectiva de los estudiantes, un intercambio de telecolaboración en que participantes de España y de Estados Unidos colaboraron en grupos interculturales y plurinacionales para llevar a cabo una serie de tareas cuya complejidad cognitiva iba progresivamente en aumento: creación de un perfil digital, grabación de un vídeo de presentación, interacción multimodal (texto, audio, videoconferencia) para discutir y debatir los diferentes temas propuestos, creación de relatos digitales y realización de una presentación oral. Los datos cualitativos y cuantitativos analizados fueron obtenidos mediante un pre- y un post-cuestionario. La complejidad de llevar a cabo este tipo de proyectos apunta la necesidad de una revisión curricular que permita la “normalización” (Bax, 2000, 2003; Chambers y Bax, 2006) de las Tecnologías de la Información y de la Comunicación en el aula para un uso efectivo e integrado de las mismas en las prácticas docentes del siglo XXI. Asimismo, el apoyo institucional en forma de reconocimiento, provisión de recursos e inclusión de este tipo de proyectos como parte integral de las diferentes asignaturas se perfila como el elemento clave para que este tipo de iniciativas alcancen los objetivos propuestos.
Cambio de rumbo. Percepción del cine español en la temporada 2014
Authors: Deltell Escolar Luis , Clemente Mediavilla Jorge , García Fernández Emilio C.
Published: November 2016

Este artículo presenta las conclusiones de una investigación realizada durante la temporada audiovisual del año 2014 sobre la percepción del cine español por el público. Para obtener los datos cuantitativos del experimento se ha realizado la mayor encuesta sobre este tema desde el 2009 con un muestreo de n=1.244 entrevistados en todo el estado. Además, se ha completado esta investigación cuantitativa con datos de producción, ventas de entradas y entrevistas en profundidad a miembros de la industria cinematográfica. Por último, se ha realizado un análisis cualitativo en el cual se ha indagado en los gustos de los espectadores y en las estrategias que han realizado los productores, directores y otros sectores de la industria fílmica. El objetivo central de este trabajo era valorar cuál era la percepción que el público español tenía sobre el cine de su país. Nuestra investigación pone de manifiesto que existe un cambio de tendencia en la relación con las películas producidas en España. Una mayoría de los encuestados se muestran más cercanos a los largometrajes de la última temporada, dato que se reafirma con otras cifras de control (ventas de entradas en taquilla e impacto en la audiencia).
Removal of Organic Compounds Using Improved Wetland Systems for Wastewater Reuse As an Example of Local Sustainable Water Management
Authors: Halicki Wojciech , Kita Katarzyna
Published: November 2016

This paper discusses the efficiency of the removal of organic compounds using Improved Wetland System (IWS). IWS is used in Poland and enables reuse of treated effluent in landscape irrigation and toilet flushing. The first section of this paper discusses the advisability of removing organic compounds at the highest level. Additionally, the first section discusses the increase in frequency of treated wastewater reuse. So far, reuse of treated wastewater in local wastewater treatment systems included treatment and reuse of graywater only. The second section of this paper presents the average concentrations of organic compounds in domestic wastewater and the relationship existing between concentration of organic compounds in raw wastewater and water consumption. The second section discusses requirements for local (to 2000 population equivalent) wastewater treatment systems relating to reduction of organic compounds. The third section presents the current situation in rural areas in Poland and indicates the necessity of treated wastewater reuse mainly in these places. In Poland 43 % of the overall population occupies rural areas and about 70 % of them are not connected to a wastewater network. Implementation of water reuse technology (mainly IWS) is the easiest and the cheapest in rural areas. The fourth section presents the principle and the construction of the Improved Wetland System with water reuse. This part shows defects of Constructed Wetlands hindering reuse of treated wastewater. Additionally, this section discusses different steps and efficiency of wastewater treatment. The fifth section discusses results of removing organic compounds depending on hydraulic and contaminant loads. In addition, this section presents guidance on designing the IWS with technology that enables water reuse for flushing toilets and landscape irrigation. The last part of this paper discusses the summary and economic aspects of IWS used in Poland. In addition, the last part shows existing IWS objects in Poland which provides water reuse to flushing toilets, landscape irrigation and for retention and recreational uses.
Role of Dextran in Maintaining Adhesive and Stiffness Properties of Prestripped DMEK Lenticules
Authors: Parekh Mohit , Ruzza Alessandro , Di Mundo Rosa , Ferrari Stefano , Recchia Giuseppina , Elbadawy Hossein , Carbone Giuseppe , Ponzin Diego
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To investigate the adhesive and stiffness properties of prestripped Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) lenticules in different preservation conditions (with and without dextran).

Methods

The study included 3 conditions: (C1) tissues collected from tissue culture media (TCM), stripped and preserved in TCM; (C2) tissues collected from transport media (TM) (TCM supplemented with 6% dextran T-500), stripped and preserved in TM; and (C3) tissues collected from TCM, stripped and preserved in TM. Using a hinge, 9.5-mm stripped DMEK lenticules were restored back on the stroma and preserved for 4 days at room temperature (RT) in different conditions as above. Nine tissues, 3 from each condition, were used to check the adhesive (fibronectin, laminin, and vitronectin) and elastic properties (fibrillin, elastin, and collagen VI) using different antibodies. Six tissues, 2 from each condition, were used to check the stiffness properties after preservation using atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoindentation method.

Results

On the Descemet membrane, fibronectin was strongly expressed in C2 and C3, whereas laminin was intense in C2 postpreservation. Vitronectin was expressed in all the conditions. Elastic proteins were not expressed in either of the conditions apart from collagen VI, which was expressed on the posterior stroma. Atomic force microscopy showed higher stiffness in C3 and an insignificant but lower rigidity in C2 as compared to C1.

Conclusions

The tissues from C2 showed expression of adherent proteins and lower stiffness. Dextran may be suitable in preservation of DMEK grafts before and after preparation. Less stiff tissues may help reduce manipulations required in the recipient eye during DMEK surgery.
Subsets in systemic sclerosis: one size does not fit all
Authors: Leclair Valérie , Hudson Marie , Proudman Susanna M. , Stevens Wendy M. , Fritzler Marvin J. , Wang Mianbo ,   Canadian Scleroderma Research Group (CSRG), Australian Scleroderma Interest Group (ASIG), Nikpour Mandana , Baron Murray
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous disease that is often divided into subsets to stratify patients and predict prognosis. We hypothesized that individual methods of subsetting would not prognosticate equally well for different outcomes or in patients at different stages of disease.

Methods

We subsetted subjects with SSc using three approaches: limited versus diffuse cutaneous SSc (lcSSc, dcSSc); grouped by SSc-specific antibodies; and, grouped using unsupervised clustering. We studied patients with <2 years or between 2-4 years of disease duration, separately. Outcomes were time to death and time to development of (a) SF-36 Physical Component Score <40, (b) forced vital capacity <70% predicted, (c) echocardiographic pulmonary hypertension, and (d) interstitial lung disease. We used Cox proportional hazards models to determine the ability of the subsets to predict the outcomes of interest, and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) to compare the performance of the models.

Results

In this international, multicentered cohort of over 500 SSc subjects with less than four years of disease duration, none of the three methods of subsetting studied was able to predict all of the outcomes of interest. Different subsetting methods predicted different outcomes within and between each disease duration group. In general, subsetting by skin performed somewhat better than the two other methods, but this was not consistent and there was considerable variability in the models.

Conclusions

Subsetting SSc to consistently predict morbidity and mortality in subjects at different stages of disease remains an important challenge.
The True Association of Systemic Sclerosis with Myasthenia Gravis and the Myth of D-Penicillamine-Induced Myasthenia
Authors: Kokotis Panagiotis , Zis Panagiotis , Panopoulos Stylianos , Sfikakis Petros P.
Published: November 2016

It has been long considered that d-penicillamine may induce various autoimmune conditions, including myasthenia gravis (MG), whereas early observations suggested that about 1.5% of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) develop MG. Along this line it has been thought that the association of SSc and MG was due to d-penicillamine, which was the standard therapy for SSc in the past. We report a 66-year-old woman with SSc who developed MG in the absence of d-penicillamine exposure. We found seven other similar cases in the literature, as well as seven additional cases in whom SSc followed MG. Since it has been clear now that different autoimmune diseases frequently cluster within families, we suggest a true association of these two autoimmune diseases which could be under-reported.
The use of ultrasound for peripheral IV placement by vascular access team nurses at a tertiary children's hospital
Authors: Elkhunovich Marsha , Barreras Joanna , Bock Pinero Valerie , Ziv Nurit , Vaiyani Aisha , Mailhot Thomas
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Children receiving treatment in the hospital frequently require intravenous (IV) access. Placement of short peripheral catheters can be painful and challenging especially in those children who have difficult access. Many children's hospitals have teams of specialized vascular access nurses experienced in peripheral catheter insertion, and at times use vein visualization devices, including ultrasound (US), to assist in peripheral IV placement. Our objectives were to describe the prevalence and success rate of US-guided peripheral IV placement by vascular access team nurses at a single tertiary children's hospital.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed quality assurance data kept by our institution's vascular access team between February, 2014 and March, 2014. Data extracted included: age, gender, number of attempts, if difficult, if ultimately successful and modality used to aid IV placement. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze and report data.

Results

There were 1111 patient-nurse encounters reported for peripheral IV placement over a six-week period, and a total of 1579 attempts. Ultimately 84% of the patients had successful IV placement. Overall, visualization and palpation was the most frequently used technique (50.1%), followed by near-infrared light (40.6%), US (8.0%), and transillumination (1.3%). The success rate of US (60% overall and 59.2% difficult) was not significantly different from other advanced visualization techniques.

Conclusions

Vascular access team nurses use US infrequently for peripheral IV placement, including in children with difficult access. Methods to increase its skillful use in difficult access patients and improve successful IV placements should be explored.
Ultrasound-guided angioplasty for treatment of peripheral stenosis of arteriovenous fistula – a single-center experience
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Mahajan Nikhil , Patil Shivakumar S. , Singh Navdeep , Dasgupta Soham , Tejavath Seetharam , Singh Sarbpreet , Kenwar Deepesh B. , Sharma Ashish , Minz Mukut
Published: November 2016

Purpose

In patients with end-stage renal disease, arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the access of choice for hemodialysis but are often complicated by stenosis. We present single-center experience of 78 ultrasound-guided angioplasty procedures for treating peripheral stenoses of AVFs.

Methods

Between January 2013 and November 2015, 78 angioplasties were performed under ultrasound guidance in 53 patients with end-stage renal disease who were referred from dialysis centers with low flow rate, difficult cannulation, increased cannulation site bleeding, immature or thrombosed AVF. Angioplasties were carried out in the presence of a structural lesion in the AVF resulting in at least 50% reduction in vein diameter with a blood flow of <250 mL/min or a peak systolic velocity >300 cm/s. Clinical success, anatomical success and post-intervention primary and secondary patency rates at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months were studied.

Results

In 49/53 patients (92.4%), 74 angioplasty procedures were successfully performed, whereas 4/53 patients (7.6%) had primary failure. A total of 35/49 patients (71.4%) underwent single angioplasty procedure whereas 14/49 patients (28.6%) underwent multiple angioplasty procedures. Post-intervention primary patency rates at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months were 78.6%, 60.2%, 53.8% and 48.9%, respectively. Post-intervention secondary patency rates at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months were 100%, 100%, 95.4% and 89%, respectively. Clinical success and anatomical success was 94.8% and 89.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided angioplasty is an effective method with good long-term outcomes in selected dialysis patients with peripheral stenosis of AVF.
Utility of blind percutaneous jugular venous cannulation in resource-limited settings
Authors: Komolafe Opeyemi , Olatise Olalekan
Published: November 2016

Background

For the nephrologist practicing in resource-limited settings, vascular ultrasound is often unavailable; consequently, blind percutaneous puncture of large veins is often employed to establish vascular access for hemodialysis.

Methods

To examine the efficacy and safety of this approach we evaluated 53 consecutive patients in whom central vascular access was required. The vascular access route utilized was primarily the right internal jugular vein. In the majority of cases, the indication for central vascular access was hemodialysis.

Results

The average number of needle passes required to obtain vascular access was 1.6 for the patient population studied. A total of 90.6% of the patients required ≤2 needle passes during cannulation. Complication rate for the blind approach was low (7.6%) and no serious or life-threatening complications occurred.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that blind percutaneous puncture of the internal jugular vein by trained hands is a relatively safe and effective approach for establishing vascular access for hemodialysis in resource-limited settings. Nevertheless, wherever vascular ultrasound is available, it should be primarily utilized because of the documented advantages of image-guided insertion. Keeping in view the risk of serious peri-procedural complications which include death, the emphasis on image-guided insertion, is appropriate, particularly, in non-emergent situations.
Association between Toll-like Receptor and Tumor Necrosis Factor Immunological Pathways in Uterine Cervical Neoplasms
Authors: de Matos Lucas G.G. , Cândido Eduardo B. , Vidigal Paula V.T. , Bordoni Polyanna H.C. , Lamaita Rivia M. , Carneiro Márcia M. , da Silva-Filho Agnaldo L.
Published: November 2016

Introduction

The immune system plays a critical role in the defense against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and its persistence. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are membrane receptors responsible for activation of the innate immune response, and an association between TLR expression and uterine cervical cancer has been shown. Tumor necrosis factors (TNFs) are among the main mediators of skin and mucosa inﬂammation. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the association between TLR and TNF immune expression and cervical cancer and premalignant cervical lesions.

Methods

A total of 64 embedded tissues were obtained from gynecological procedures, including 35 specimens with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and 10 specimens with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) as well as 19 normal cervical samples. The expression of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TNF-α and TNF-β was measured by immunohistochemistry and graded into low and high levels of expression.

Results

There was an association between the expression levels of TLR2 and those of TNF-α and TNF-β (p = 0.01 and p = 0.021, respectively) in the cervical cancer and CIN groups. TLR4 expression was associated with TNF-α and TNF-β expression (p = 0.016 and p = 0.025, respectively) in these 2 groups. By contrast, TLR3 was not statistically associated with TNF-α or TNF-β in any of the groups.

Conclusions

There might be an association of the TLR2 and TLR4 pathways with the immunological response of TNF-α and TNF-β in cervical cancer. These markers are also expressed at higher levels in cervical cancer and premalignant lesions compared to normal controls.
Addition of Docetaxel and/or Zoledronic Acid to Standard of Care for Hormone-naive Prostate Cancer: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Wen Feng , Fu Ping , Yang Yu , Li Qiu
Published: November 2016

Background

The effectiveness of the addition of docetaxel and/or zoledronic acid to the standard of care (SOC) for hormone-naive prostate cancer has been evaluated in the STAMPEDE trial. The object of the present analysis was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these treatment options in the treatment of advanced hormone-naive prostate cancer in China.

Methods

A cost-effectiveness analysis using a Markov model was carried out from the Chinese societal perspective. The efficacy data were obtained from the STAMPEDE trial and health utilities were derived from previous studies. Transition probabilities were calculated based on the survival in each group. The primary endpoint in the analysis was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and model uncertainties were explored by 1-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Results

SOC alone generated an effectiveness of 2.65 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at a lifetime cost of $20,969.23. At a cost of $25,001.34, SOC plus zoledronic acid was associated with 2.69 QALYs, resulting in an ICER of $100,802.75/QALY compared with SOC alone. SOC plus docetaxel gained an effectiveness of 2.85 QALYs at a cost of $28,764.66, while the effectiveness and cost data in the SOC plus zoledronic acid/docetaxel group were 2.78 QALYs and $32,640.95.

Conclusions

Based on the results of the analysis, SOC plus zoledronic acid, SOC plus docetaxel, and SOC plus zoledronic acid/docetaxel are unlikely to be cost-effective options in patients with advanced hormone-naive prostate cancer compared with SOC alone.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 9, No. 12
Authors: Yu Gavin
Published: November 2016

Reviewer acknowledgements for English Language Teaching, Vol. 9, No. 12, 2016
Social Networks and Social Interaction among People with Psychiatric Disabilities-Comparison of Users of Day Centres and Clubhouses
Authors: Hultqvist Jenny , Markström Urban , Tjörnstrand Carina , Eklund Mona
Published: November 2016

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare users of community-based mental health day centres (DCs) and clubhouses in Sweden regarding reported social networks and social interaction and the stability of these over time. A further aim was to investigate social network predictors both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.METHODS: People regularly attending DCs (n=128) or clubhouses (n=57) completed questionnaires about social network and social interaction (social engagement and social functioning), self-esteem and socio-demographics at baseline and a nine-month follow-up. RESULTS: Perceived social engagement and social functioning did not differ between the groups and remained stable over time. Fewer in the DC reported having a close friend but there was no difference regarding having recently (the past week) seen a friend. When naming “someone with whom you can share your innermost thoughts and feelings”, the DC group named more professional contacts, fewer friends and more often “nobody” compared to the clubhouse group. Finally, on both occasions the DC group scored significantly lower on size of the social network compared to the clubhouse users. Self-esteem and having recently seen a friend could predict size of the social network in the cross-sectional perspective. Strong indicators of belonging to the group with a larger social network at follow-up were being a woman, attending a clubhouse programme and having scored high on social network at baseline.CONCLUSION & IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE: Having friends and strengthening one’s self-esteem may be essential factors for the social network of people with psychiatric disabilities in a short-term perspective. Visiting clubhouses seems advantageous in a longer-term perspective.
Associations between parental health, early life factors and asthma, rhinitis and eczema among pre-school children in Chongqing, China
Authors: Wang Juan , Li Baizhan , Yu Wei , Wang Han , Sundell Jan , Norbäck Dan
Published: November 2016

Purpose: To study associations between parental health and children’s asthma, rhinitis and eczema.Methods: Parents of 3-6 years old children from randomized kindergartens in Chongqing, China answered a questionnaire on parents’ history of asthma/allergies, current symptoms and children’ doctor-diagnosed asthma and rhinitis, wheeze, cough, rhinitis and eczema. Associations were analyzed by multiple logistic regression.Results: Among 4250 children (response rate: 74.5%), 8.4% had doctor-diagnosed asthma (DD asthma); 6.2% doctor-diagnosed allergic rhinitis (DD rhinitis); 20.4% current wheeze; 19.4% cough; 37.9% rhinitis and 13.6% eczema. Among reporting parents (females 70.4%, males 20.6% ), 16.2% were smokers; 47.4% had any current rhinitis; 54.2% cough; 47.8% skin symptoms; 70.5% fatigue and 48.7% headache.Parental asthma or allergy was associated with children’s DD asthma (OR=3.64) and DD rhinitis (OR=4.23). The associations were stronger for paternal asthma or allergy. Children of mothers who were salespersons during pregnancy had more rhinitis (OR=1.49), and children of white-collar worker mothers had more DD (OR=1.49) and DD rhinitis (OR=1.92). Rural children had less DD rhinitis and current rhinitis. Parental current symptoms were associated with wheeze, cough, rhinitis and eczema among the children with OR ranging from 1.37 to 2.28 (all p<0.001).Conclusions: Parental asthma or allergy can be a risk factor for children’s asthma or allergy, especially paternal asthma or allergy. Growing up in rural areas can be beneficial for rhinitis. Mothers’ occupations during pregnancy may influence asthma and rhinitis in offspring. In studies on children’s asthma or allergies, based on parental reporting, parents’ current symptoms may influence the results.
Top Ten Causes of Death and Life Expectancy in Zahedan (South-East Iran) in 2014
Authors: Sargolzaie Narjes , Kiani Malek , Salari Mohammad , Khosravi Morteza
Published: November 2016

INTRODUCTION: Life expectancy is an overall measure of population health. Sistan and Balouchestan is the biggest in terms of geographical size and one of the least developed provinces in Iran. We tried to determine the top 10 causes of death and life expectancy in Zahedan in 2014 and compare them with other parts of Iran and global pattern.METHODS: It is a cross-sectional study. Our population included residents of Zahedan in 2014. We used data from the death registration system according to ICD10 codes to determine the top 10 causes of death in Zahedan. We tried in this study to apply William Brass method to modify mortalities undercount. Then we estimated the life expectancy for men and women in Zahedan by providing lifetime tables.RESULTS: Thetop ten causes of death in Zahedan were, respectively: 1- injury, poisoning and other certain consequences of external causes, 2- certain conditions originating in the prenatal period, 3-strokes, 4- ischemic heart diseases, 5-neoplasm, 6- Alzheimer disease, 7- hypertension-related diseases, 8- congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities, 9- certain infectious and parasitic diseases and 10- respiratory system infections. The death registration coverage in Zahedanhad been 83% for men and 73% for women in 2014 based on William Brass method. After applying undercount deaths and based on life tablescalculation we determined life expectancy 64.39 years and 67.51 years respectively for men and women in Zahedan city in 2014.CONCLUSION: In regard to ranks of strokes, ischemic heart disease, road accidents and cancers in our study; our resultsare similar to countries with middle income and higher income. Also, it is pertinent to also state it that thesecond rank of prenatal disease in our population is similar to that of the low-income countries.The relatively low life expectancy in Zahedan indicates the less developed condition and a purposeful intervention to improve the development condition and the prevention of the main causes of death in Zahedan are necessary to improve life expectancy in this region.
The Fundamental Matrix of the Simple Random Walk with Mixed Barriers
Authors: Ayekple Yao Elikem , Asamoah Owusu Derrick , Frempong Nana Kena , Fefemwole Prince Kwaku
Published: November 2016

The simple random walk with mixed barriers at state $ 0 $ and state $ n $ defined on non-negative integers has transition matrix $ P $ with transition probabilities $ p_{ij} $. Matrix $ Q $ is obtained from matrix $ P $ when rows and columns at state $ 0 $ and state $ n $ are deleted . The fundamental matrix $ B $ is the inverse of the matrix $ A = I -Q $, where $ I $ is an identity matrix. The expected reflecting and absorbing time and reflecting and absorbing probabilities can be easily deduced once $ B $ is known. The fundamental matrix can thus be used to calculate the expected times and probabilities of NCD's.
Some Bounds for the Norms of Circulant Matrices with the k-Jacobsthal and k-Jacobsthal Lucas Numbers
Authors: Uygun Sukran
Published: November 2016

In this paper we investigate upper and lower bounds of the norms of the
circulant matrices whose elements are $k-$Jacobsthal numbers and $k-$%
Jacobsthal Lucas numbers.
Pollution Transfer as Optimal Mass Transport Problem
Authors: Ndiaye L. , Ndiaye Mb. , Sy A. , Seck D.
Published: November 2016

In this paper, we use mass transportation theory to study pollution  transfer in  porous media.  We show   the existence of a $L^2-$regular vector field defined by a $W^{1, 1}-$ optimal transport map. A sufficient condition for solvability of our model, is given by   a (non homogeneous) transport equation with  a  source defined by a measure. The mathematical framework used, allows us to  show in some specifical cases, existence of solution for  a nonlinear PDE deriving from the modelling. And we end by numerical simulations.
Innovative Sketch Board Mining for Online image Retrieval
Authors: Abdul Baqi Huda Abdulaali , Sulong Ghazali , Mohd Hashim Siti Zaiton , S.Abdul jabar Zinah
Published: November 2016

Developing an accurate and efficient Sketch-Based Image Retrieval (SBIR) method in determining the resemblances between the user's query and image stream has been a never-ending quest in digital data communication era. The main challenge is to overcome the asymmetry between a binary sketch and a full-color image. We introduce a unique sketch board mining method to recover the online web images. This image conceptual retrieval is performed by matching the sketch query with the relevant terminology of selected images. A systematic sequence is followed, including the sketch drawing by the user in interpreting its geometrical shape of the conceptual form based on annotation metadata matching technique achieved automatically from Google engines, indexing and clustering the selected images via data mining. The sketch mining board being built in dynamic drawing state used a set of features to generalize sketch board conceptualization in semantic level. Images from the global repository are retrieved via a semantic match of the user's sketch query with them. Excellent retrieval of hand-drawn sketches is found to achieve the recall rate within 0.1 to 0.8 and a precision rate is 0.7 to 0.98. The proposed technique solved many problems that stat-of-art suffered from SBIR (e.g. scaling, transport, imperfect) sketch. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the proposed technique allowed us to exploit high-level features to search the web effectively and may constitute a basis for efficient and precise image recovery tool.
Health and Households’ Portfolio Choices in Europe
Authors: Cho Insook
Published: November 2016

Using the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), this study investigated how health is associated with households’ portfolio choices in 10 European countries. This study reports three important findings on the relationship between health and portfolio choices. First, households in poor health condition are less likely than households in good health to own various types of financial and non-financial assets. Second, households in poor health condition tend to allocate a lower share of their wealth to risky financial assets, savings for long-term investment, their principal residence, and other non-financial assets while they allocate a larger share to liquid assets such as bank deposits. Third, there exists a regional variation in the magnitude of the correlation between health and portfolio choices. This regional variation can be explained by differences in health care systems. Overall, these findings suggest that negative health shocks are significantly associated with a household’s portfolio choices.
Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Psychological Empowerment of Police Staffs of NAJA Special Unit in Isfahan Province
Authors: Ahmadi Nahal
Published: November 2016

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and psychological empowerment of police staffs of NAJA Special Unit in Isfahan province. The present study was an applied research in terms of purpose and a descriptive correlational research in terms of method. The population of the study included Special Unit Command of NAJA in Isfahan province. The sample size was 336 people using Morgan’s table. Data were collected through Spiterz (1995)’s psychological empowerment questionnaire and Nobari’s (2008) operational model of emotional intelligence. The validity of the questionnaires was confirmed by experts. The reliability of the questionnaires was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were 0.91 and 0.80 for psychological empowerment and emotional intelligence questionnaires, respectively. The data were analyzed Pearson correlation test and regression analysis. The results showed that there is a significant positive relationship between responsibility, flexibility, and decisiveness, and psychological empowerment of police staffs of NAJA Special Units in Isfahan province. According to regression analysis, responsibility, flexibility, and decisiveness had the highest impact on psychological empowerment, respectively.
Le statut de la naïade grêle (Najas gracillima, Najadaceae) au Québec
Authors: Léveillé-Bourret Étienne , Garon-Labrecque Marie-Ève , Thomson Eleanor R.
Published: November 2016

La présence de la naïade grêle, Najas gracillima (Najadaceae), dans la flore aquatique indigène du Québec est confirmée. Cette espèce sensible à la pollution est en déclin dans toute son aire naturelle nord-américaine en raison de l’eutrophisation des lacs et des cours d’eau. Pour faciliter l’identification de cette rareté, une clé des Najas de la province et une discussion des caractères permettant l’identification du Najas gracillima sont incluses. Le danger de nuire au Najas gracillima en le confondant avec l’exotique et envahissant Najas minor est souligné. De plus, nous présentons les données les plus à jour sur la répartition et l’écologie du Najas gracillima dans le monde et en Amérique du Nord, ainsi qu’une carte de répartition de l’espèce dans l’est du Canada et les territoires adjacents, basée sur un inventaire exhaustif de la littérature et des spécimens de l’Herbier national du Canada (CAN), de l’Herbier des plantes vasculaires d’Agriculture et Agroalimentaire Canada (DAO) et de l’Herbier Marie-Victorin (MT). Nous ajoutons des notes détaillées sur le site de la seule population connue du Québec.
Global mapping of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 and H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4 viruses with spatial cross-validation
Authors: Dhingra Madhur S , Artois Jean , Robinson Timothy P , Linard Catherine , Chaiban Celia , Xenarios Ioannis , Engler Robin , Liechti Robin , Kuznetsov Dmitri , Xiao Xiangming , Dobschuetz Sophie Von , Claes Filip , Newman Scott H , Dauphin Gwenaëlle , Gilbert Marius
Published: November 2016

Global disease suitability models are essential tools to inform surveillance systems and enable early detection. We present the first global suitability model of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 and demonstrate that reliable predictions can be obtained at global scale. Best predictions are obtained using spatial predictor variables describing host distributions, rather than land use or eco-climatic spatial predictor variables, with a strong association with domestic duck and extensively raised chicken densities. Our results also support a more systematic use of spatial cross-validation in large-scale disease suitability modelling compared to standard random cross-validation that can lead to unreliable measure of extrapolation accuracy. A global suitability model of the H5 clade 2.3.4.4 viruses, a group of viruses that recently spread extensively in Asia and the US, shows in comparison a lower spatial extrapolation capacity than the HPAI H5N1 models, with a stronger association with intensively raised chicken densities and anthropogenic factors.
Accelerated cell divisions drive the outgrowth of the regenerating spinal cord in axolotls
Authors: Rost Fabian , Rodrigo Albors Aida , Mazurov Vladimir , Brusch Lutz , Deutsch Andreas , Tanaka Elly M , Chara Osvaldo
Published: November 2016

Axolotls are unique in their ability to regenerate the spinal cord. However, the mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon remain poorly understood. Previously, we showed that regenerating stem cells in the axolotl spinal cord revert to a molecular state resembling embryonic neuroepithelial cells and functionally acquire rapid proliferative divisions (Rodrigo Albors et al., 2015). Here, we refine the analysis of cell proliferation in space and time and identify a high-proliferation zone in the regenerating spinal cord that shifts posteriorly over time. By tracking sparsely-labeled cells, we also quantify cell influx into the regenerate. Taking a mathematical modeling approach, we integrate these quantitative datasets of cell proliferation, neural stem cell activation and cell influx, to predict regenerative tissue outgrowth. Our model shows that while cell influx and neural stem cell activation play a minor role, the acceleration of the cell cycle is the major driver of regenerative spinal cord outgrowth in axolotls.
Klp10A, a stem cell centrosome-enriched kinesin, balances asymmetries in Drosophila male germline stem cell division
Authors: Chen Cuie , Inaba Mayu , Venkei Zsolt G , Yamashita Yukiko M
Published: November 2016

Asymmetric stem cell division is often accompanied by stereotypical inheritance of the mother and daughter centrosomes. However, it remains unknown whether and how stem cell centrosomes are uniquely regulated and how this regulation may contribute to stem cell fate. Here we identify Klp10A, a microtubule-depolymerizing kinesin of the kinesin-13 family, as the first protein enriched in the stem cell centrosome in Drosophila male germline stem cells (GSCs). Depletion of klp10A results in abnormal elongation of the mother centrosomes in GSCs, suggesting the existence of a stem cell-specific centrosome regulation program. Concomitant with mother centrosome elongation, GSCs form asymmetric spindle, wherein the elongated mother centrosome organizes considerably larger half spindle than the other. This leads to asymmetric cell size, yielding a smaller differentiating daughter cell. We propose that klp10A functions to counteract undesirable asymmetries that may result as a by-product of achieving asymmetries essential for successful stem cell divisions.
Mechanical properties of In/Si(111)-(8×2) investigated by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Iwata Kota , Yamazaki Shiro , Shiotari Akitoshi , Sugimoto Yoshiaki
Published: November 2016

We use noncontact atomic force microscopy (AFM) as well as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to investigate the mechanical properties of quasi-one-dimensional indium chains on an In/Si(111) surface. The system shows phase transition from the 4×1 to 8×2 periodicity at temperatures near 120 K. AFM could not detect ×2 modulation along the chains near point defects at room temperature, but STM could. In contrast, the 8×2 phase at 80 K could be observed by AFM in phase with the STM image. High-resolution AFM images show that the 8×2 phase is not perturbed by mechanical interaction with the AFM tip because of misalignment between the reaction coordinates of the phase transition and the direction of the vertical force of the tip.