bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcomes and Quality of Life in Recipients of Livers Donated after Cardiac Death
Authors: Parikh Neehar D. , Skaro Anton I. , Ladner Daniela P. , Lyuksemburg Vadim , Cahan Joshua G. , Daud Amna , Butt Zeeshan
Published: April 2015

Donation after cardiac death (DCD) has expanded in the last decade in the US; however, DCD liver utilization has flattened in recent years due to poor outcomes. We examined clinical and quality of life (QOL) outcomes of DCD recipients by conducting a retrospective and cross-sectional review of patients from 2003 to 2010. We compared clinical outcomes of DCD recipients (n=60) to those of donation after brain death (DBD) liver recipients (n=669) during the same time period. DCD recipients had significantly lower rates of 5-year graft survival (P<0.001) and a trend toward lower rates of 5-year patient survival (P=0.064) when compared to the DBD cohort. In order to examine QOL outcomes in our cohorts, we administered the Short Form Liver Disease Quality of Life questionnaire to 30 DCD and 60 DBD recipients. The DCD recipients reported lower generic and liver-specific QOL. We further stratified the DCD cohort by the presence of ischemic cholangiopathy (IC). Patients with IC reported lower QOL when compared to DBD recipients and those DCD recipients without IC (P<0.05). While the results are consistent with clinical experience, this is the first report of QOL in DCD recipients using standardized measures. These data can be used to guide future comparative effectiveness studies.
A Biomimic Reconstituted High Density Lipoprotein Nanosystem for Enhanced VEGF Gene Therapy of Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Sun Xiaotian , Wang Wenshuo , Huang Jiechun , Lai Hao , Guo Changfa , Wang Chunsheng
Published: April 2015

A biomimic reconstituted high density lipoprotein (rHDL) based system, rHDL/Stearic‐PEI/VEGF complexes, was fabricated as an advanced nanovector for delivering VEGF plasmid. Here, Stearic‐PEI was utilized to effectively condense VEGF plasmid and to incorporate the plasmid into rHDL. The rHDL/Stearic‐PEI/VEGF complexes with diameter under 100 nm and neutral surface charge demonstrated enhanced stability under the presence of bovine serum albumin. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity and transfection assays on H9C2 cells further revealed their superiority, as they displayed lower cytotoxicity with much higher transfection efficiency when compared to PEI 10K/VEGF and Lipos/Stearic‐PEI/VEGF complexes. In addition, in vivo investigation on ischemia/reperfusion rat model implied that rHDL/Stearic‐PEI/VEGF complexes possessed high transgene capacity and strong therapeutic activity. These findings indicated that rHDL/Stearic‐PEI/VEGF complexes could be an ideal gene delivery system for enhanced VEGF gene therapy of myocardial ischemia, which might be a new promising strategy for effective myocardial ischemia treatment.
On Some Fundamental Peculiarities of the Traveling Wave Reactor
Authors: Rusov V. D. , Tarasov V. A. , Sharph I. V. , Vashchenko V. N. , Linnik E. P. , Zelentsova T. N. , Beglaryan M. E. , Chernegenko S. A. , Kosenko S. I. , Smolyar V. P.
Published: April 2015

On the basis of the condition for nuclear burning wave existence in the neutron-multiplying media (U-Pu and Th-U cycles) we show the possibility of surmounting the so-called dpa-parameter problem and suggest an algorithm of the optimal nuclear burning wave mode adjustment, which is supposed to yield the wave parameters (fluence/neutron flux, width and speed of nuclear burning wave) that satisfy the dpa-condition associated with the tolerable level of the reactor materials radioactive stability, in particular that of the cladding materials. It is shown for the first time that the capture and fission cross sections of238U and239Pu increase with temperature within 1000–3000 K range, which under certain conditions may lead to a global loss of the nuclear burning wave stability. Some variants of the possible stability loss due to the so-called blow-up modes (anomalous nuclear fuel temperature and neutron flow evolution) are discussed and are found to possibly become a reason for a trivial violation of the traveling wave reactor internal safety.
Liraglutide, a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Analog, Increased Insulin Sensitivity Assessed by Hyperinsulinemic-Euglycemic Clamp Examination in Patients with Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Jinnouchi Hideaki , Sugiyama Seigo , Yoshida Akira , Hieshima Kunio , Kurinami Noboru , Suzuki Tomoko , Miyamoto Fumio , Kajiwara Keizo , Matsui Kunihiko , Jinnouchi Tomio
Published: April 2015

Aims. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog promotes insulin secretion by acting on pancreaticβ-cells. This antihyperglycemic treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) has attracted increased clinical attention not only for its antihyperglycemic action but also for its potential extrapancreatic effects. We investigated whether liraglutide, a GLP-1 analog, could enhance insulin sensitivity as assessed by the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp in type 2 DM patients.Materials. We prospectively enrolled 31 uncontrolled type 2 DM patients who were hospitalized and equally managed by guided diet- and exercise-therapies and then introduced to either liraglutide- or intensive insulin-therapy for 4 weeks. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by the glucose infusion rate (GIR) using hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp before and after the therapies.Results. Values of HbA1c, postprandial plasma glucose, and body mass index (BMI) were significantly decreased by hospitalized intensive insulin-therapy or liraglutide-therapy. GIR was significantly increased by liraglutide-therapy but not by insulin-therapy, indicating that liraglutide-therapy significantly enhanced insulin sensitivity. BMI decreased during liraglutide-therapy but was not significantly correlated with changes in GIR. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that liraglutide-therapy significantly correlated with increased insulin sensitivity in uncontrolled DM patients.Conclusions. Liraglutide may exhibit favorable effects on diabetes control for type 2 DM patients by increasing insulin sensitivity as an extrapancreatic action. Clinical trial registration Unique Identifier isUMIN000015201.
Oxidative Stress in Myopia
Authors: Francisco Bosch-Morell , Salvador Mérida , Amparo Navea
Published: April 2015

Myopia affected approximately 1.6 billion people worldwide in 2000, and it is expected to increase to 2.5 billion by 2020. Although optical problems can be corrected by optics or surgical procedures, normal myopia and high myopia are still an unsolved medical problem. They frequently predispose people who have them to suffer from other eye pathologies: retinal detachment, glaucoma, macular hemorrhage, cataracts, and so on being one of the main causes of visual deterioration and blindness. Genetic and environmental factors have been associated with myopia. Nevertheless, lack of knowledge in the underlying physiopathological molecular mechanisms has not permitted an adequate diagnosis, prevention, or treatment to be found. Nowadays several pieces of evidence indicate that oxidative stress may help explain the altered regulatory pathways in myopia and the appearance of associated eye diseases. On the one hand, oxidative damage associated with hypoxia myopic can alter the neuromodulation that nitric oxide and dopamine have in eye growth. On the other hand, radical superoxide or peroxynitrite production damage retina, vitreous, lens, and so on contributing to the appearance of retinopathies, retinal detachment, cataracts and so on. The objective of this review is to suggest that oxidative stress is one of the key pieces that can help solve this complex eye problem.
Colorectal Microcarcinoids in Association with Long-Term Exposure to Urinary Content: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Weyant Grace W. , Karamchandani Dipti M. , Rassaei Negar
Published: April 2015

Long-term exposure of colonic mucosa to urinary content and its association with increased risk of infection, mechanical and biochemical irritation, and malignancy have been described in the literature. Existing case reports and studies depict the low but distinct risk of malignancy in gastrointestinal segments which come in contact with urinary content as a result of surgical correction of urinary tract abnormalities. However, these reports are largely limited to colonic adenocarcinoma and urothelial cell carcinoma. Late urointestinal carcinoma in patients with ileal incorporation into the urinary tract has also been reported. To the best of our knowledge, however, there is only one case report documenting neuroendocrine (NE) cell hyperplasia in colonic mucosa after long-term cystoplasty. Our case is the first to describe microcarcinoids and diffuse NE hyperplasia occurring in a patient with congenital anorectal anomalies, resulting in long-term exposure of colonic mucosa to fecal stream and urinary content. This case, in conjunction with the reported cases in the literature, raises the distinct possibility of an association between exposure of colonic mucosa to urine and long-term development of malignancy, including NE neoplasms.
Treatment of Acquired von Willebrand Syndrome and Prevention of Bleeding Postautologous Stem Cell Transplant during Severe Pancytopenia with IVIG
Authors: Zoghi Behyar , Shaughnessy Paul , Lyons Roger M. , Helmer Richard , Bachier Carlos , LeMaistre C. Frederick
Published: April 2015

The use of high dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for remission consolidation after initial induction represents standard of care for patients with multiple myeloma. Patients with myeloma and Acquired von Willebrand Syndrome (AVWS) undergoing autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) are at significant risk of bleeding due to the profound thrombocytopenia, low Factor VIII levels, fever, and toxicities associated with the preparative regimen. We report a patient with AVWS associated with multiple myeloma who underwent autologous stem cell transplants as consolidation after initial induction and again at relapse. He was successfully treated with high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) prior to each transplant with rapid resolution of AVWS.
Position Control of a Pneumatic Muscle Actuator Using RBF Neural Network Tuned PID Controller
Authors: Zhao Jie , Zhong Jun , Fan Jizhuang
Published: April 2015

Pneumatic Muscle Actuator (PMA) has a broad application prospect in soft robotics. However, PMA has highly nonlinear and hysteretic properties among force, displacement, and pressure, which lead to difficulty in accurate position control. A phenomenological model is developed to portray the hysteretic behavior of PMA. This phenomenological model consists of linear component and hysteretic component force. The latter component is described by Duhem model. An experimental apparatus is built up and sets of experimental data are acquired. Based on the experimental data, parameters of the model are identified. Validation of the model is performed. Then a novel cascade position PID controller is devised for a 1-DOF manipulator actuated by PMA. The outer loop of the controller is to cope with position control whilst the inner loop deals with pressure dynamics within PMA. To enhance the adaptability of the PID algorithm to the high nonlinearities of the manipulator, PID parameters are tuned online using RBF Neural Network. Experiments are performed and comparison between position response of RBF Neural Network based PID controller and that of classic PID controller demonstrates the effectiveness of the novel adaptive controller on the manipulator.
Relationship between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Lower Extremity Arterial Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients and the Analysis of the Intervention of Vitamin D
Authors: Zhou Wan , Ye Shan-Dong
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations and lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and to investigate the intervention effect of vitamin D. 145 subjects were assigned to a control group (Group NC), T2DM group (Group DM1), and T2DM complicated with LEAD group (Group DM2); then Group DM2 were randomly divided into Group DM3 who received oral hypoglycemic agents and Group DM4 who received oral hypoglycemic drugs and vitamin D3 therapy. Compared to Group NC, 25(OH)D was significantly lower in Group DM2 and marginally lower in Group DM1. In contrast to baseline and Group DM3, 25(OH)D rose while low density lipoprotein (LDL), retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), and HbA1c significantly lowered in Group DM4. Statistical analysis revealed that 25(OH)D had a negative correlation with RBP4, duration, HbA1c, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). LDL, systolic blood pressure (SBP), FPG, and smoking were risk factors of LEAD while high density lipoprotein (HDL) and 25(OH)D were protective ones. Therefore, we deduced that low level of 25(OH)D is significantly associated with the occurrence of T2DM complicated with LEAD.
Oral Tori in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Chao Pei-Jung , Yang Huang-Yu , Huang Wen-Hung , Weng Cheng-Hao , Wang I-Kuan , Tsai Aileen I. , Yen Tzung-Hai
Published: April 2015

Background.This study investigated the epidemiology of torus palatinus (TP) and torus mandibularis (TM) in hemodialysis patients and analyzed the influences of hyperparathyroidism on the formation of oral tori.Method. During 2013, 119 hemodialysis patients were recruited for dental examinations for this study.Results. The prevalence of oral tori in our sample group was high at 33.6% (40 of 119). The most common location of tori was TP (70.0%), followed by TM (20.0%), and then both TP and TM (10.0%). Of the 40 tori cases, most (67.5%) were <2 cm in size; moreover, the majority (52.5%) were flat in shape. In symmetry, most (70.0%) occurred in the midline, followed by bilateral sides (20.0%). Notably, the levels of intact parathyroid hormone did not differ in patients with or without tori (P=0.611). Furthermore, patients with tori did not differ from patients without tori in inflammatory variables such as log high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P=1.000) or nutritional variables such as albumin (P=0.247). Finally, there were no differences between patients with and without tori in adequacy of dialysis (P=0.577).Conclusions. Neither hyperparathyroidism nor inflammation malnutrition syndrome was found to contribute to the formation of oral tori in chronic hemodialysis patients. Further studies are warranted.
The Dietary Flavonoid Kaempferol Mediates Anti‐Inflammatory Responses via the Src, Syk, IRAK1, and IRAK4 Molecular Targets
Authors: Kim Shi Hyoung , Park Jae Gwang , Lee Jongsung , Yang Woo Seok , Park Gye Won , Kim Han Gyung , Yi Young-Su , Baek Kwang-Soo , Sung Nak Yoon , Hossen Muhammad Jahangir , Lee Mi-nam , Kim Jong-Hoon , Cho Jae Youl
Published: April 2015

Even though a lot of reports have suggested the anti‐inflammatory activity of kaempferol (KF) in macrophages, little is known about its exact anti‐inflammatory mode of action and its immunopharmacological target molecules. In this study, we explored anti‐inflammatory activity of KF in LPS‐treated macrophages. In particular, molecular targets for KF action were identified by using biochemical and molecular biological analyses. KF suppressed the release of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), downregulated the cellular adhesion of U937 cells to fibronectin (FN), neutralized the generation of radicals, and diminished mRNA expression levels of inflammatory genes encoding inducible NO synthase (iNOS), TNF‐α, and cyclooxygenase‐ (COX‐) 2 in lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) and sodium nitroprusside‐ (SNP‐) treated RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. KF reduced NF‐κB (p65 and p50) and AP‐1 (c‐Jun and c‐Fos) levels in the nucleus and their transcriptional activity. Interestingly, it was found that Src, Syk, IRAK1, and IRAK4 responsible for NF‐κB and AP‐1 activation were identified as the direct molecular targets of KF by kinase enzyme assays and by measuring their phosphorylation patterns. KF was revealed to have in vitro and in vivo anti‐inflammatory activity by the direct suppression of Src, Syk, IRAK1, and IRAK4, involved in the activation of NF‐κB and AP‐1.
Risk Factors for Infection with Soil Transmitted Helminths, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis in Children Enrolled in Preschools in Kafue District, Zambia
Authors: Siwila Joyce , Olsen Annette
Published: April 2015

Intestinal parasitic infections are common among children worldwide. This study was aimed at determining risk factors for infection with soil transmitted helminths, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis, among children in preschools. The study was in two parts: a cross-sectional study in which data were collected from 403 children from 10 preschools and a longitudinal study in which 100 children from four preschools from the previous 10 were selected. Prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides was 12.0%, while that of hookworm was 8.3%. Overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis was 28.0% and 29.0%, respectively. Low education level of parent/guardian was a significant risk factor for A. lumbricoides (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.02–5.41; P=0.04), while roofing types other than corrugated iron sheets were found to be protective for G. duodenalis infection in both bivariate and multivariate analyses (multivariate: OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.45–0.99; P=0.04). Low socioeconomic level was found to be protective for Cryptosporidium spp. infection in multivariate analysis (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.35–0.99; P=0.04). In the longitudinal study, none of the factors were associated with either infection. These findings may have implications for other preschools in other districts in Zambia.
Acupuncture to Reduce HIV-Associated Inflammation
Authors: Swanson Barbara , Keithley Joyce K. , Johnson Angela , Fogg Louis , Adeyemi Oluwatoyin , Sha Beverly E. , Snell Kimberly A.
Published: April 2015

Background. HIV infection is associated with systemic inflammation that can increase risk for cardiovascular events. Acupuncture has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects and to improve symptoms in persons with inflammatory conditions.Objective. To test the anti-inflammatory effects of an acupuncture protocol that targets the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAIP), a neural mechanism whose activation has been shown to reduce the release of proinflammatory cytokines, in persons with HIV-associated inflammation.Design, Setting, Participants, and Interventions. Double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted in an outpatient clinic located in a medically underserved urban neighborhood. Twenty-five clinically-stable HIV-infected persons on antiretroviral therapy were randomized to receive once weekly CAIP-based acupuncture or sham acupuncture.Main Outcome Measures. Outcomes included plasma concentrations of high sensitivity C-reactive protein and D-dimer and fasting lipids.Results. Twenty-five participants completed the protocol (treatment groupn=12, control groupn=13). No adverse events related to the acupuncture protocol were observed. Compared to baseline values, the two groups did not significantly differ in any outcome measures at the end of the acupuncture protocol.Conclusions. CAIP-based acupuncture did not favorably modulate inflammatory or lipid parameters. Additional studies are warranted of CAIP-based protocols of different frequencies/durations.
Leiomyoma of the Renal Vein: A Rare Tumor Presenting as a Renal Mass
Authors: Kocak Cengiz , Kabay Sahin , Isler Burak
Published: April 2015

Leiomyomas are benign mesenchymal tumors that rarely occur in the kidney. Renal leiomyomas usually occur in the renal cortex or capsule. They are less commonly found in the muscularis propria of the renal pelvis and cortical vascular smooth muscle. In this case report, we present a 41-year-old woman who had right flank pain and detected a mass in the right kidney hilum.
Bragg Fibers for Absorption-Based Sensing
Authors: Matějec Vlastimil , Kasik Ivan , Podrazky Ondrej , Barton Ivo
Published: April 2015

Photonic band gap Bragg fibers can be employed for delivery of high powers in medicine, lighting and heating systems, electricity production, and the development of optical sensors of physical and chemical variables. In this paper, results of testing Bragg fibers with hollow cores for pH detection based on absorbance measurements on solutions filled in the cores. Bragg fibers with claddings of three pairs of high- and low-index layers and hollow cores of 70 µm in diameter were fabricated. Photonic band gap bands of the fibers were estimated theoretically. Aqueous solutions of methyl orange (MO) and hydrochloric acid and bromothymol blue (BTB) in Sörensen buffers were filled into the cores and spectra of MO and BTB were measured for different pH. Calibration curves typical for optical pH sensors were derived from the measured spectra with a reproducibility of about 10%.
Increasing the Value of Uncertain Weather and River Forecasts for Emergency Managers
Authors: Hoss Frauke , Fischbeck Paul
Published: April 2015

Emergency managers (EMs) use National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts to prepare for and respond to severe weather events. To effectively facilitate such decision making, the NWS needs to understand this large and important group of clients. EMs translate the forecasts to local topography, suggest actions to take in preparation of high water levels, and use their local network and reputation to make people act. For this study, 17 EMs in towns along rivers were interviewed and asked to describe their use of river and weather forecasts.

Forecast uncertainty is one of the many uncertainties an EM has to manage when coordinating an emergency response. Each of the interviewed EMs who uses river forecasts was acutely aware that river forecasts often have substantial uncertainty. To cope with this uncertainty, EMs engage in extensive information gathering before forming their own judgments. However, EMs often do not communicate their judgment of the situation to the public, fearing potential liability claims and backlash from the media. For emergency management decisions, while EMs do consider forecast data, they rely heavily on recorded data and monitoring crews, limiting the benefits of forecasts that can be made with significant lead time. This paper arrives at recommendations for the NWS on how to increase the value of river and weather forecasts for decision making in emergency management.
Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall Processes in Climate Change Scenarios
Authors: Asharaf Shakeel , Ahrens Bodo
Published: April 2015

Indian summer monsoon rainfall was examined in two different greenhouse gas emission scenarios: the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES; B1) and a similar greenhouse gas scenario, the new representative concentration pathways (RCPs; RCP4.5). The rainfall change in the climate model projections through remotely induced changes in precipitation processes and through changes in precipitation efficiency processes was discussed. To that end, two model setups were applied: 1) the regional climate model (RCM) Consortium for Small-Scale Modelling in Climate Mode (COSMO-CLM), nested in the global climate model (GCM) ECHAM5/Max Planck Institute ocean model (ECHAM5/MPIOM), applying the greenhouse gas scenario B1; and 2) the RCM nested in a newer version of the GCM, ECHAM6/MPIOM, incorporating the RCP4.5 scenario. Both GCM simulations showed a slight increase in precipitation over central India toward the end of the twenty-first century. This slight increase was the result of two largely compensating changes: increase of remotely induced precipitation and decrease of precipitation efficiency. The RCM with the scenario RCP4.5 followed this trend, but with smaller changes. However, the RCM with B1 showed a decreasing trend in precipitation because of a slightly larger absolute change of the reduced precipitation efficiency compared to the change caused by the remote processes. Changes of these processes in the scenario simulations were larger than the natural variability, as simulated in an unperturbed preindustrial greenhouse gas control (CTL) climate simulation. Results indicated that the projection of the Indian summer monsoon rainfall is still a key challenge for both the GCM and the RCM.
Climate-Driven Variability in the Southern Ocean Carbonate System
Authors: Conrad Christopher J. , Lovenduski Nicole S.
Published: April 2015

Seasonal and interannual variability in the Southern Ocean carbonate system is investigated using output from a historically forced (1948–2007) ocean general circulation model with embedded biogeochemistry. Atmospheric CO2 is fixed at preindustrial levels to investigate carbonate system variability in the absence of an anthropogenic CO2 perturbation. It is found that nearly a quarter of interannual variability in Southern Ocean Pacific sector surface carbonate ion concentration can be explained by variability in ENSO, with Pacific sector surface decreasing by 0.43 mmol m−3 per standard deviation decrease in the ENSO-3.4 index. ENSO-related variability in vertical advection of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) drives this relationship between ENSO and surface . It is also found that positive phases of the southern annular mode (SAM) are associated with decreased Southern Ocean surface , an association driven by SAM-related variability in vertical advection of DIC. Despite the influence of the SAM on interannual variability in surface , only 4.5% of the trend in natural Southern Ocean surface exhibits linear congruence with the trend in wind stress. Given this, the authors predict that the positive trend in the SAM will not have a substantial impact on ocean acidification. Last, ENSO is found to alter the wintertime minimum in surface . Assuming a business-as-usual acidification rate of 0.5 mmol m−3 yr−1, exacerbation of the wintertime minimum during La Niña conditions may advance the date of aragonite undersaturation within the central Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean by as much as 8 yr.
CMIP5 Projections of Arctic Amplification, of the North American/North Atlantic Circulation, and of Their Relationship
Authors: Barnes Elizabeth A. , Polvani Lorenzo M.
Published: April 2015

Recent studies have hypothesized that Arctic amplification, the enhanced warming of the Arctic region compared to the rest of the globe, will cause changes in midlatitude weather over the twenty-first century. This study exploits the recently completed phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) and examines 27 state-of-the-art climate models to determine if their projected changes in the midlatitude circulation are consistent with the hypothesized impact of Arctic amplification over North America and the North Atlantic.

Under the largest future greenhouse forcing (RCP8.5), it is found that every model, in every season, exhibits Arctic amplification by 2100. At the same time, the projected circulation responses are either opposite in sign to those hypothesized or too widely spread among the models to discern any robust change. However, in a few seasons and for some of the circulation metrics examined, correlations are found between the model spread in Arctic amplification and the model spread in the projected circulation changes. Therefore, while the CMIP5 models offer some evidence that future Arctic warming may be able to modulate some aspects of the midlatitude circulation response in some seasons, the analysis herein leads to the conclusion that the net circulation response in the future is unlikely to be determined solely—or even primarily—by Arctic warming according to the sequence of events recently hypothesized.
Estimating a Submesoscale Diffusivity Using a Roughness Measure Applied to a Tracer Release Experiment in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Boland Emma J. D. , Shuckburgh Emily , Haynes Peter H. , Ledwell James R. , Messias Marie-José , Watson Andrew J.
Published: April 2015

The use of a measure to diagnose submesoscale isopycnal diffusivity by determining the best match between observations of a tracer and simulations with varying small-scale diffusivities is tested. Specifically, the robustness of a “roughness” measure to discriminate between tracer fields experiencing different submesoscale isopycnal diffusivities and advected by scaled altimetric velocity fields is investigated. This measure is used to compare numerical simulations of the tracer released at a depth of about 1.5 km in the Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean during the Diapycnal and Isopycnal Mixing Experiment in the Southern Ocean (DIMES) field campaign with observations of the tracer taken on DIMES cruises. The authors find that simulations with an isopycnal diffusivity of ~20 m2 s−1 best match observations in the Pacific sector of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), rising to ~20–50 m2 s−1 through Drake Passage, representing submesoscale processes and any mesoscale processes unresolved by the advecting altimetry fields. The roughness measure is demonstrated to be a statistically robust way to estimate a small-scale diffusivity when measurements are relatively sparse in space and time, although it does not work if there are too few measurements overall. The planning of tracer measurements during a cruise in order to maximize the robustness of the roughness measure is also considered. It is found that the robustness is increased if the spatial resolution of tracer measurements is increased with the time since tracer release.
Mitigating Observation Perturbation Sampling Errors in the Stochastic EnKF
Authors: Hoteit I. , Pham D.-T. , Gharamti M. E. , Luo X.
Published: April 2015

The stochastic ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) updates its ensemble members with observations perturbed with noise sampled from the distribution of the observational errors. This was shown to introduce noise into the system and may become pronounced when the ensemble size is smaller than the rank of the observational error covariance, which is often the case in real oceanic and atmospheric data assimilation applications. This work introduces an efficient serial scheme to mitigate the impact of observations’ perturbations sampling in the analysis step of the EnKF, which should provide more accurate ensemble estimates of the analysis error covariance matrices. The new scheme is simple to implement within the serial EnKF algorithm, requiring only the approximation of the EnKF sample forecast error covariance matrix by a matrix with one rank less. The new EnKF scheme is implemented and tested with the Lorenz-96 model. Results from numerical experiments are conducted to compare its performance with the EnKF and two standard deterministic EnKFs. This study shows that the new scheme enhances the behavior of the EnKF and may lead to better performance than the deterministic EnKFs even when implemented with relatively small ensembles.
Social Sensing for Psychology
Authors: Schmid Mast Marianne , Gatica-Perez Daniel , Frauendorfer Denise , Nguyen Laurent , Choudhury Tanzeem
Published: April 2015

In this article, we show how the use of state-of-the-art methods in computer science based on machine perception and learning allows the unobtrusive capture and automated analysis of interpersonal behavior in real time ( social sensing). Given the high ecological validity of the behavioral sensing, the ease of behavioral-cue extraction for large groups over long observation periods in the field, the possibility of investigating completely new research questions, and the ability to provide people with immediate feedback on behavior, social sensing will fundamentally impact psychology.
Pediatric Patients With Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Cancer Have Higher Recurrence Rates Than Adult Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of a Large Pediatric Thyroid Cancer Cohort Over 33 Years
Authors: Lee Young Ah , Jung Hae Woon , Kim Hwa Young , Choi Hoonsung , Kim Hyun-Young , Hah J. Hun , Park Do Joon , Chung June-Key , Yang Sei Won , Shin Choong Ho , Park Young Joo
Published: April 2015

Context:

Large-sample studies with long-term follow-up data are limited for pediatric patients with thyroid cancer.

Objective:

Secular changes in clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes in pediatric patients with thyroid cancer were investigated and compared with those of adults.

Design and Patients:

A retrospective review of 150 pediatric patients with thyroid cancer managed between 1980 and 2013 was conducted. The long-term outcomes of 124 patients followed up for 12 months or longer were evaluated. Predictors of recurrence-free survival (RFS) in pediatric patients with papillary thyroid cancer (ped-PTC group) were compared with those of 3071 adult patients.

Results:

The proportion of small tumors (<1 cm) increased from 9.0% before 2010 to 36.8% after 2010 (P < .001); however, neither pathological presentations such as multifocality, extrathyroidal extension (ETE), lymph node (LN) metastasis, or lung metastasis nor the RFS rate changed over time. The 5- and 10-year recurrence rates were 14.5% and 34.4% in pediatric patients, respectively. In respective analyses of the ped-PTC group and patients of all ages with papillary thyroid cancer (all ages group), the rates of ETE, LN metastasis, and lung metastasis were higher with younger age (all P for trend <.05). RFS was lower in the pediatric than the adult patients aged 20–54 years (P < .005) and was comparable with that of older patients (≥55 y). Only tumor multifocality and size predicted recurrence in the ped-PTC group (P < .05), whereas LN metastasis and ETE also predicted recurrence in the all-ages group (P < .01). Among patients in the all-ages group with multifocal tumors, pediatric patients had the lowest RFS (P < .05).

Conclusions:

The pathological characteristics and recurrence rates of pediatric thyroid cancer have not changed over 33 years. Although younger patients present with more advanced disease, multifocality rather than age at diagnosis predicted recurrence. Recurrence was higher in pediatric than adult patients with multifocal papillary thyroid cancer.
The Effect of a Whey Protein Supplement on Bone Mass in Older Caucasian Adults
Authors: Kerstetter Jane E. , Bihuniak Jessica D. , Brindisi Jennifer , Sullivan Rebecca R. , Mangano Kelsey M. , Larocque Sarah , Kotler Belinda M. , Simpson Christine A. , Cusano Anna Maria , Gaffney-Stomberg Erin , Kleppinger Alison , Reynolds Jesse , Dziura James , Kenny Anne M. , Insogna Karl L.
Published: April 2015

Context:

It has been assumed that the increase in urine calcium (Ca) that accompanies an increase in dietary protein was due to increased bone resorption. However, studies using stable Ca isotopes have found that dietary protein increases Ca absorption without increasing bone resorption.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of a moderately high protein diet on bone mineral density (BMD).

Design:

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of protein supplementation daily for 18 months.

Setting:

The study was conducted at two institutional research centers.

Participants:

Two hundred eight older women and men with a body mass index between 19 and 32 kg/m2 and a self-reported protein intake between 0.6 and 1.0 g/kg participated in the study.

Intervention:

Subjects were asked to incorporate either a 45-g whey protein or isocaloric maltodextrin supplement into their usual diet for 18 months.

Main Outcome Measure:

BMD by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, body composition, and markers of skeletal and mineral metabolism were measured at baseline and at 9 and 18 months.

Results:

There were no significant differences between groups for changes in L-spine BMD (primary outcome) or the other skeletal sites of interest. Truncal lean mass was significantly higher in the protein group at 18 months (P = .048). C-terminal telopeptide (P = .0414), IGF-1 (P = .0054), and urinary urea (P < .001) were also higher in the protein group at the end of the study period. There was no difference in estimated glomerular filtration rate at 18 months.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that protein supplementation above the recommended dietary allowance (0.8 g/kg) may preserve fat-free mass without adversely affecting skeletal health or renal function in healthy older adults.
Demographic Patterns and Household Saving in China
Authors: Curtis Chadwick C. , Lugauer Steven , Mark Nelson C.
Published: April 2015

This paper studies how demographic variation affects the aggregate household saving rate. We focus on China because it is experiencing an historic demographic transition and has had a massive increase in household saving. We conduct a quantitative investigation using a structural overlapping generations model that incorporates parental care through support for dependent children and financial transfers to retirees. The saving decisions in the parameterized model mimic many of the features observed in the Chinese household saving rate time series from 1955 to 2009. Demographic change alone accounts for over half of the saving rate increase. (JEL D12, D91, E21, J11, O12, O16, P36)
Sharing High Growth across Generations: Pensions and Demographic Transition in China
Authors: Song Zheng , Storesletten Kjetil , Wang Yikai , Zilibotti Fabrizio
Published: April 2015

We analyze intergenerational redistribution in emerging economies with the aid of an overlapping generations model with endogenous labor supply. Growth is initially high but declines over time. A version of the model calibrated to China is used to analyze the welfare effects of alternative pension reforms. Although a reform of the current system is necessary to achieve financial sustainability, delaying its implementation implies large welfare gains for the (poorer) current generations, imposing only small costs on (richer) future generations. In contrast, a fully funded reform harms current generations, with small gains to future generations. (JEL E13, H55, J11, O11, O15, P24, P36)
Cerebral Arterial Territories Most Obstructed in Ischemic Stroke: Experience of a Tropical Low Income Practice Center
Authors: Assogba Komi , Balogou Koffi A.A. , Amegnidou Mawulom K. , Belo Mofou , Apetsè Kossivi M. , Amadou Abdoulatif
Published: April 2015

Background: The cerebral arterial territory corresponds to a specific brain area irrigated by an artery. Stroke remains the leading cause of physical disability acquired wide world. We aimed to identify different arterial territories affected among patients hospitalized for ischaemic stroke. 
Materials and Methods: We have conducted a retrospective study in the neurology department of our tertiary hospital. The study has carried out inpatients presenting with clinical features of ischaemic stroke from January to December 2012. Their brains CT scan have shown infarction areas. Patients excluded were those presented with clinical manifestations of stroke but did not perform a CT scan and those with a hemorrhagic stroke or transient ischaemic attack with normal CT scan. 
Results: We have analyzed 64 cases among 408 inpatients which have given a frequency of 15.7%. The sample has included 31 (48.4%) men for 33 (51.6%) women. The mean age was 61.7 years. The clinical features were marked by motor deficit (right or left) in 98.4% followed by aphasia 35.9% and impaired consciousness, 26.6%. We have observed 31(48.4%) infarction in the right hemisphere and 36(56.3%) in the left. Two patients (3.1%) had bilateral brain infarcts. Depending on the arterial territories obstructed, the middle cerebral artery was the most affected with 76.6% followed by the anterior cerebral artery, 14.1%, the anterior choroid artery, 7.8% and the cerebellar arteries with 3.1%. The cortical and central arteries branches were affected in 82.7% and 68.8% respectively. 
Conclusion: This study has highlighted the useful tools to recognize arteries areas frequently affected in ischaemic stroke. The affected brain area can easily be attached to an arterial territory with a specific anatomic and radioclinic correlation syndrome.
Breath Biomarker Analysis: The Future Point of Care Non-invasive Diagnostic Technology
Authors: Chakraborty Surajit , Bhattacharyya Rajasri , Banerjee Dibyajyoti
Published: April 2015

Medicine is the science and art of healing. It requires objective analysis of disease conditions to reach a meaningful conclusion. Laboratory medicine is the integral part of today’s healthcare. A classical clinical laboratory requires sample collection, sample transport, sample analysis and transfer of the report to the end user and so vital information of critical parameters are available for patient care after quite some time. Therefore, considerable current interest has been generated for non-invasive diagnostics that can be performed at the point of care. Analysis of breath biomarkers is currently understood as a topic that will be the major future point of care diagnostic methodology and this aspect is reviewed in the current manuscript to highlight the work so far done on the subject.
Analysis of the Impact of Chinese Wood Product Manufacturers' Exports
Authors: Qin Guangyuan , Cheng Baodong , Zeng Yinchu
Published: April 2015

Since the end of the last century, exports from the Chinese wood processing sector have experienced very rapid growth and played an increasingly important role in the world's wood product trade market. Based on data from Chinese wood product companies for 1998 to 2007, an empirical analysis of the factors influencing wood product exports was conducted using a panel Tobit model. We discovered that companies in the eastern regions can export more easily compared with those in the midland and western areas; larger companies enjoy more favorable export conditions, with more advantageous outcomes during risk taking and higher sunk costs; enterprises with a higher proportion of foreign capital tend to export more, as do enterprises whose capital originates principally from Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan; the original equipment manufacturer or original design manufacturer still predominates in the wood processing industry; exporting made negative influence for wood processing enterprises' performance during that time; capital density makes no impact on wood processing enterprises' exports; and, finally, companies' registered addresses have no direct connection with exports of wood processing enterprises.
Avaliação de Desempenho dos Servidores Públicos Efetivos do Instituto Federal do Sertão Pernambucano Adequado às Necessidades de Excelência nos Serviços Públicos
Authors: Martins Luilson Vieira , Cassundé Fernanda Roda
Published: April 2015

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar se o atual instrumento de avaliação de desempenho dos servidores públicos efetivos do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sertão Pernambucano, utilizado pelos gestores, está adequado às necessidades de excelência nos serviços públicos. Por meio de uma pesquisa explicativa de campo, através de uma investigação empírica aos gestores públicos que já avaliaram pelo menos um servidor público efetivo. Utilizando como base da pesquisa um questionário com método de amostra não probabilística por julgamento. Na investigação utilizou-se uma variação de perguntas objetivas que pudessem ser respondidas naturalmente, no entanto, adequado às atribuições de alguém que esteja exercendo um cargo de direção. Os resultados demonstraram uma visão geral dos entrevistados sobre aspectos organizacionais e individuais que é percebido na Instituição. Contribuindo para a Gestão Pública, informando a importância da avaliação de desempenho e das atuações dos gestores em busca da excelência na prestação dos serviços públicos.
Influência da Gestão Pública na Motivação dos Professores
Authors: Pereira Daianne , Cassundé Fernanda
Published: April 2015

Esse artigo tem como propósito e objetivo geral analisar a influência da gestão pública na motivação dos professores no contexto de uma rede pública de ensino e como objetivos específicos:  verificar quais aspectos motivacionais para os professores a gestão de um colégio da rede estadual atende e quais este não atende e analisar quais ajustes motivacionais, ou seja, o que poderia ser feitos para tornar esta gestão mais eficiente para motivar os professores. Para isso utiliza-se o método científico através de entrevistas estruturadas com gestor e professores do colégio, focando-se na pesquisa qualitativa. Compreendendo assim, a realidade atual do colégio tem-se quanto aos fins, a pesquisa descritiva e quanto aos meios de investigação o estudo de caso. Dessa maneira, tem-se como resultado que a gestão pública necessita inserir estratégias que motive os professores dessa instituição de ensino, chegando-se a conclusão de que os docentes buscam a cada dia se qualificar.
Escola e Família: Aliança na formação do cidadão
Authors: Lopes Raimundo Edilberto Moreira , Vilalba Osvaldo Arsênio
Published: April 2015

A relação família-escola apresenta-se como destaque nas discussões acerca do sucesso do aluno tanto no desenvolvimento cognitivo quanto na sua formação cidadã. É no ambiente familiar e escolar que o sujeito se prepara de acordo os aspectos culturais e sócio-históricos constituídos e constituintes para atuar na sociedade. Portanto, família e escola precisam, necessariamente, aliarem-se com vistas a esse fim. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se verificar a existência, a necessidade e a contribuição da integração entre escola e família na construção da formação para uma vida cidadã. O enfoque dado à pesquisa é o  quali-quantitativo de nível analítico descritivo de corte transversal. Tivemos como principal instrumento de coleta de dados, questionários diversificados aplicados aos 05 segmentos da amostra, com perguntas fechadas e abertas e semi-estruturadas. O universo da pesquisa abrangeu os 3 membros do núcleo gestor, 22 professores, 14 funcionários, 512 alunos e 351 famílias dos alunos do 6º ao 9ºanos; todos da Escola de Ensino Fundamental Centro Educacional Municipal Celestino de Sousa- CEMCS- Banabuiú-Ceará-Brasil. Os dados coletados foram expostos em tabelas e gráficos e analisados à luz das teorias estudadas. Constatamos ao longo das leituras, das pesquisas e das relações estabelecidas que a ideia de democracia encontra-se presente nas mais diversas concepções daqueles que fazem as instituições sociais, no entanto, não sabem muito bem administrar as suas funções para o exercício dessa democracia, delegando a outros o seu verdadeiro papel na formação do cidadão, como é o caso da família que delega à escola toda essa responsabilidade. A instituição escolar tem trabalhado de certa forma, isolada da família, quando as decisões são apenas legitimadas pela comunidade escolar de uma forma pseudo democrática; como também a família não deve se colocar distante da escola, pois ambas as instituições buscam o mesmo objetivo: a formação do educando.
Participar ou não participar, eis a questão! Um estudo sobre o engajamento dos estudantes de Administração em atividades extracurriculares
Authors: Cassundé Fernanda Roda De Souza Araújo , Santos Alania Caroline G. B. dos , Muranaka Erika Naomi , Nunes Laura Almeida , Amorim Rafael Nery
Published: April 2015

O presente trabalho tem como principal objetivo avaliar o envolvimento dos estudantes de administração da Universidade Federal do Vale Do São Francisco (UNIVASF) em atividades extracurriculares. De modo específico, buscou-se identificar quais as atividades complementares mais praticadas pelos estudantes atualmente, um vislumbre das dificuldades encontradas para a não participação, além de traçar o perfil dos alunos participativos e não participativos em tais atividades. A fim de averiguar tais questões foram aplicados questionários nas nove turmas existentes, coletando dados de 162 estudantes. Os resultados refutam a ideia de que eles são pouco participativos em atividades extracurriculares. As atividades com maiores participações são aquelas de curta duração como palestras, mesas redondas e encontros da área, de modo contrário o engajamento em projetos de iniciação científica ainda é muito modesto. Os motivos para a não participação são em grande parte por falta de tempo em decorrência de atividades laborais e, em segundo lugar, por falta de conhecimento da existência dessas atividades. Isso em virtude principalmente da falta de divulgação da instituição em geral, mas também pela tímida publicidade por parte dos idealizadores das atividades.