bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Effects of Xihuang Pill Combined with Chemotherapy in Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yu Dan , An Guang Yu
Published: March 2017

Objective. To investigate the therapeutic effects of Xihuang pill combined with chemotherapy on advanced colorectal cancer. Methods. Sixty‐three patients with advanced colorectal cancer were divided into an experimental group (n = 32) and control group (n = 31). Patients in the experimental group were treated with traditional Chinese medicine combined with Western medicine (i.e., Xihuang pill with FOLFOX or FOLFIRI chemotherapy), and those in the control group were treated with FOLFOX or FOLFIRI chemotherapy alone. Changes in therapeutic efficacy, side effects, blood coagulation function, and quality of life (QOL) were compared between the two groups. Results. The response rate was higher in the experimental than control group (P = 0.011). The QOL score in the experimental group was significantly lower after treatment than before treatment (P = 0.003), while no significant change was found in the control group. In the experimental group, the posttreatment activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time after treatment were 30.05 ± 3.85 and 10.40 ± 1.25 s, respectively, which were prolonged compared with those before treatment (29.12 ± 4.03 and 9.85 ± 1.00 s; P = 0.010 and 0.021, respectively). Conclusion. In patients with advanced colorectal cancer, Xihuang pill combined with chemotherapy can significantly enhance the therapeutic effects compared with chemotherapy alone and improve patients’ QOL and hypercoagulability.
Efficient Two-Step Protocol and Its Discriminative Feature Selections in Secure Similar Document Detection
Authors: Kim Sang-Pil , Gil Myeong-Sun , Kim Hajin , Choi Mi-Jung , Moon Yang-Sae , Won Hee-Sun
Published: March 2017

Recently, the risk of information disclosure is increasing significantly. Accordingly, privacy-preserving data mining (PPDM) is being actively studied to obtain accurate mining results while preserving the data privacy. We here focus on secure similar document detection (SSDD), which identifies similar documents of two parties when each party does not disclose its own sensitive documents to the another party. In this paper, we propose an efficient two-step protocol that exploits a feature selection as a lower-dimensional transformation, and we present discriminative feature selections to maximize the performance of the protocol. The proposed protocol consists of two steps: thefilteringstep and thepostprocessingstep. For the feature selection, we first consider the simplest one, random projection (RP), and propose its two-step solution,SSDD-RP. We then present two discriminative feature selections and their solutions:SSDD-LFwhich selects a few dimensions locally frequent in the current querying vector andSSDD-GFwhich selects ones globally frequent in the set of all document vectors. We finally propose a hybrid one,SSDD-HF, which takes advantage of bothSSDD-LFandSSDD-GF. We empirically show that the proposed two-step protocol significantly outperforms the previous one-step protocol by three or four orders of magnitude.
Patient Perception of Acute Pain Management: Data from Three Tertiary Care Hospitals
Authors: Ramia Elsy , Nasser Soumana C. , Salameh Pascale , Saad Aline Hanna
Published: March 2017

Introduction. The primary objectives of this study were to assess patients’ description of their acute pain intensity; patients’ attitude towards their pain management during hospitalization; and their overall satisfaction with pain treatment.Methodology. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted between October 2014 and March 2015 in three medical centers in Lebanon. All participants’ responses were reported using descriptive statistics. The association between categorical variables was evaluated using Pearsonχ2test or Fisher’s exact test where the expected cell count was < 5.Results. A total of 119 women on the maternity services and 177 patients on the orthopedic services were surveyed. Around 50% of obstetric and 37% of orthopedic patients reported pain to be severe at its highest intensity. In maternity and orthopedic patients, respectively, unfavorable practices included pain not being assessed prior to pain medication administration (19.3% and 30.5%), having to wait for ≥30 minutes before getting the pain medication (14.2% and 11.3%), and pain score not being documented on medical chart (95% and 93.2%). Surprisingly, 94.1% of the maternity and 89.2% of orthopedic patients were satisfied to strongly satisfied with their pain management.Conclusion. Pre- and postoperative pain remain a prevalent problem that requires a consensus and joint efforts for improvement.
Long-Term Safety of PEGylated Coagulation Factor VIII in the Immune-Deficient Rowett Nude Rat
Authors: Rasmussen Caroline E. , Nowak Jette , Larsen Julie M. , Moore Emma , Bell David , Liu Kai Chiu , Sorensen Nanna Skall , Kappers Wendela A. , Krogh-Meibom Thomas , Offenberg Hanne
Published: March 2017

Turoctocog alfa pegol (N8-GP) is a glycoPEGylated human recombinant factor VIII for the treatment of hemophilia A. The safety profile of rFVIII, and polyethylene glycols (PEG) technology, is well-established. Conducting long-term toxicity studies in animals using human proteins can be complicated by anti-drug antibody (ADA) development. To evaluate long-term safety of N8-GP, 26- and 52-week toxicity studies were conducted in immune-deficient rats dosed intravenously every fourth day with 0, 50, 150, 500, or 1200 IU/kg N8-GP. Observations included clinical observations, body weight, ophthalmoscopy, hematology, chemistry, coagulation, urinalysis, toxicokinetics, antibody analysis, and macroscopic/microscopic organ examination. Immunohistochemical staining examined the distribution of PEG in the brain. No adverse test item-related findings were seen and PEG was not detected in the brain. Exposure was confirmed for ~75% of the animals dosed with 500 and 1200 IU/kg N8-GP; the high lower limit of quantification of the bioanalysis assay prevented confirmation of exposure in the lower doses. A small number of animals developed ADAs, and the proportion of animals surviving until scheduled termination was >80%. N8-GP was well tolerated, and the immune-deficient rat proved suitable for testing long-term toxicity of human proteins that are immunogenic in animals.
Therapy Decision Support Based on Recommender System Methods
Authors: Gräßer Felix , Beckert Stefanie , Küster Denise , Schmitt Jochen , Abraham Susanne , Malberg Hagen , Zaunseder Sebastian
Published: March 2017

We present a system for data-driven therapy decision support based on techniques from the field of recommender systems. Two methods for therapy recommendation, namely,Collaborative RecommenderandDemographic-based Recommender, are proposed. Both algorithms aim to predict the individual response to different therapy options using diverse patient data and recommend the therapy which is assumed to provide the best outcome for a specific patient and time, that is, consultation. The proposed methods are evaluated using a clinical database incorporating patients suffering from the autoimmune skin disease psoriasis. TheCollaborative Recommenderproves to generate both better outcome predictions and recommendation quality. However, due to sparsity in the data, this approach cannot provide recommendations for the entire database. In contrast, theDemographic-based Recommenderperforms worse on average but covers more consultations. Consequently, both methods profit from a combination into an overall recommender system.
Prevalence of Dental Caries, Oral Hygiene Knowledge, Status, and Practices among Visually Impaired Individuals in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Authors: John James Rufus , Daniel Breena , Paneerselvam Dakshaini , Rajendran Ganesh
Published: March 2017

Aim. To assess the prevalence of dental caries, oral hygiene knowledge, status, and practices among visually impaired individuals in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 404 visually impaired individuals in Chennai city, Tamil Nadu. Four schools were randomly selected for conducting the study. The oral hygiene status, prevalence of caries, and knowledge and attitude towards oral care among visually impaired individuals were collected and analysed.Results. In the present study, whilst 42% of individuals had fair oral hygiene status, 33% had good hygiene followed by 25% having poor oral hygiene. The overall mean number of DMFT was estimated to be4.5±2.7. The mean number of decayed teeth was3.1±2.2, mean number of missing teeth was0.8±1.4, and mean number of filled teeth was0.5±1.3.Conclusion. Whilst oral hygiene status was found to be relatively fair, there was a high rate of dental caries among the sample population. This shows that there is lack of knowledge regarding oral health maintenance. Therefore, early identification of caries coupled with effective oral health promotion programs providing practical knowledge to visually impaired students would prove beneficial.
Effects of an Ad Libitum Consumed Low-Fat Plant-Based Diet Supplemented with Plant-Based Meal Replacements on Body Composition Indices
Authors: Jakše Boštjan , Pinter Stanislav , Jakše Barbara , Bučar Pajek Maja , Pajek Jernej
Published: March 2017

Objective. To document the effect of a diet free from animal-sourced nutrients on body composition indices.Methods. This was a nonrandomized interventional (n=241)-control (n=84) trial with a 10-week, low-fat, plant-based diet supplemented with two daily meal replacements. The meals were allowed to be eaten to full satiety without prespecified calorie restrictions. Control subjects received weekly lectures on the rationale and expected benefits of plant-based nutrition. Body composition indices were measured with bioimpedance analysis.Results. Relative to controls, in cases, postintervention body fat percentage was reduced by 4.3 (95% CI 4.1–4.6)% points (a relative decrement of −13.4%), visceral fat by 1.6 (95% CI 1.5–1.7) fat cross-sectional surface units, and weight by 5.6 kg (95% CI 5.2–6), while muscle mass was reduced by 0.3 kg (95% CI 0.06–0.5) with a relative increase of muscle mass percentage of 4.2 (3.9–4.4)% points. Analysis of covariance showed significantly larger adjusted fat reductions in cases compared to controls. Late follow-up revealed further weight loss in 60% of cases and no significant change in controls.Conclusions. Low-fat, plant-based diet in free-living nonresidential conditions eaten ad libitum enables significant and meaningful body fat reductions with relative preservation of muscle mass. This trial is registered withNCT02906072, ClinicalTrials.gov.
Common Variants of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Susceptibility to Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alizadeh Shahab , Djafarian Kurosh , Alizadeh Hamzeh , Mohseni Reza , Shab-Bidar Sakineh
Published: March 2017

Background and Aims:ApaI, FokI, TaqI, and BsmI polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene have been reported to be associated with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), although the results of previous studies have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to explore whether these polymorphisms play a role in the genetic susceptibility to CAD. Methods: A comprehensive search of Medline and Embase databases was conducted for studies evaluating the association between the VDR polymorphisms and CAD risk. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess the strength of association in the dominant model, recessive model, allelic model, and genotypes contrast. Results: Nine studies involving a total of 5,259 cases and 1,981 controls were finally included in this meta-analysis. Overall, no significant associations were found between ApaI, FokI, TaqI, and BsmI polymorphisms and the risk of CAD in any of the genetic models (all p ˃ 0.05). Moreover, a subgroup analysis by ethnicity did not reveal a significant relationship between any of the examined polymorphisms and CAD risk in Caucasians and East-Asians for any model (all p ˃ 0.05). Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that the ApaI, FokI, TaqI, and BsmI polymorphisms of the VDR gene might not be associated with genetic susceptibility to CAD. Further well-designed studies with large sample sizes are needed to confirm our results.
Comparison of Umbilical Serum Copeptin Relative to Erythropoietin and S100B as Asphyxia Biomarkers at Birth
Authors: Summanen Milla , Seikku Laura , Rahkonen Petri , Stefanovic Vedran , Teramo Kari , Andersson Sture , Kaila Kai , Rahkonen Leena
Published: March 2017

Background: Birth asphyxia, estimated to account for a million neonatal deaths annually, can cause a wide variety of neurodevelopmental impairments. There is a need to develop new, swift methods to identify those neonates who would benefit from neuroprotective treatments such as hypothermia. Objectives: To examine the utility of cord serum copeptin, a stable byproduct of arginine vasopressin release, as a biomarker of birth asphyxia based on a comparison with 2 biomarkers of hypoxia and brain trauma: erythropoietin and S100B. Methods: The study population consisted of 140 singleton, term neonates: 113 controls and 27 with birth asphyxia (2/3 criteria met: umbilical artery pH <7.10, base excess ≤12 mmol/L, and 5-min Apgar score <7). All deliveries were planned vaginal, but 51 neonates were born by emergency cesarean section. Copeptin, S100B, and erythropoietin levels in umbilical artery samples were measured by immunoassays. Results: Copeptin correlated in the entire study population more strongly with umbilical artery base excess than S100B and erythropoietin, and only copeptin correlated with arterial pH. Furthermore, only copeptin levels were significantly higher in cases of birth asphyxia, and in vaginally born neonates they were found to increase as a function of labor duration. Copeptin was elevated in neonates born via vacuum extraction, whereas erythropoietin levels showed a slight increase after emergency cesarean section. Conclusions: In this study population, S100B and erythropoietin were not valid biomarkers of birth asphyxia. In contrast, our work suggests that copeptin has high potential to become a routinely used biomarker for acute birth asphyxia and neonatal distress.
Hypoxia Induces Multidrug Resistance via Enhancement of Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Domain 7 Expression in Non-Small Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Shen Xiaochun , Zhi Qiaoming , Wang Yunliang , Li Zhi , Zhou Jin , Huang Jianan
Published: March 2017

Chemotherapy is widely used in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, yet multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major chemotherapeutic obstacle in both resectable and advanced NSCLC. Epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 (EGFL7), also known as vascular endothelial stain, is an endothelial cell-derived secreted factor that regulates vascular tube formulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential relationships between EGFL7 and MDR in NSCLC cells. We first obtained the CDDP-based MDR phenotype cell line A549/CDDP by repeated exposure to a proper concentration of CDDP (cisplatin) from original A549 cells. These A549/CDDP cells, which maintained relative high levels of EGFL7 and P-glycoprotein (P-gp), were resistant to other chemotherapy drugs, such as carboplatin (CBP), paclitaxel (TAX), and gemcitabine (GEM) (p < 0.05). We also found that hypoxia significantly reduced the chemosensitivity of NSCLC cells, and hypoxia-induced MDR was mediated by P-gp and EGFL7 (p < 0.05). EGFL7 was veryy relevant to NSCLC cell MDR, and downregulation of EGFL7 could significantly increase the chemosensitivity of NSCLC cells (p < 0.05). Thus, our findings first indicate that hypoxia induced NSCLC cell MDR at least partly by enhancing the expression of EGFL7 protein. EGFL7 might be a feasible target for reversing hypoxia-mediated MDR in NSCLC cells and a promising biomarker for predicting the development of MDR in NSCLC patients on chemotherapy.
Prognostic Value of the Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in Newborns with Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy Treated with Therapeutic Hypothermia
Authors: Heursen Eva-Marie , Zuazo Ojeda Amaya , Benavente Fernández Isabel , Jimenez Gómez Gema , Campuzano Fernández-Colima Rosalía , Paz-Expósito José , Lubián López Simón Pedro
Published: March 2017

Background: Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) quantification has been proven to be of prognostic value in term newborns with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) who were treated under normothermia. Objectives: To evaluate the prognostic value of ADC in standardized brain regions in neonates with HIE who were treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Methods: This prospective cohort study included 54 term newborns who were admitted with HIE and treated with TH. All magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed between days 4 and 6 of life, and ADC values were measured in 13 standardized regions of the brain. At 2 years of age we explored whether ADC values were related to composite outcomes (death or survival with abnormal neurodevelopment). Results: The severity of HIE is inversely related to ADC values in different brain regions. We found that lower ADC values in the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC), the thalami, the semioval centre, and frontal and parietal white matter were related to adverse outcomes. ADC values in the PLIC and thalami are good predictors of adverse outcomes (AUC 0.86 and 0.76). Conclusions: Low ADC values in the PLIC, thalamus, semioval centre, and frontal and parietal white matter in full-term infants with HIE treated with TH were associated with a poor outcome.
Severe Rhabdomyolysis during Treatment with Trabectedin in Combination with a Herbal Drug in a Patient with Metastatic Synovial Sarcoma: A Case Report
Authors: Damato Angela , Larocca Mario , Rondini Ermanno , Menga Massimo , Pinto Carmine , Versari Annibale
Published: March 2017

Rhabdomyolysis is defined as dissolution of striped muscle characterized by leakage of intracellular muscle components into the circulation, which can ultimately lead to renal failure with a possible fatal outcome. This is an uncommon side effect of trabectedin which is used in second-line therapy of metastatic sarcoma after anthracycline and ifosfamide failure. Here, we describe a case of reversible rhabdomyolysis in a male patient with recurrent metastatic synovial sarcoma of the hand, with marked 18F-FDG uptake into his skeletal muscles, after 4 cycles of trabectedin, and who at the same time was taking an alternative medicine (bioflavonoids) suspected of triggering this adverse event.
Evaluating the Prognostic Value of microRNA-203 in Solid Tumors Based on a Meta-Analysis and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Datasets
Authors: Shao Yingjie , Gu Wendong , Ning Zhonghua , Song Xing , Pei Honglei , Jiang Jingting
Published: March 2017

Background: It has been reported that miR-203 expression was aberrant in various types of cancers, and it could be used as a prognostic biomarker. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of miR-203 expression in solid tumors by using meta-analysis and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. Methods: By doing a literature research in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library (last update by December 2016), we were able to identify the studies assessing the prognostic role of miR-203 in various tumors. We then used TCGA datasets to validate the results of meta-analysis. Results:33 studies from 26 articles were qualified and enrolled in this meta-analysis. Pooled analyses showed that higher expression of miR-203 in tissues couldn’t predict poor overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in solid tumors. However, the results of subgroup analyses revealed that the upregulation of tissue miR-203 expression was associated with poor OS in colorectal cancer (hazard ratio (HR)=1.81, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.31-2.49; P<0.001), pancreatic cancer (HR=1.19, 95% CI 1.09-1.31; P<0.001) and ovarian cancer (HR=1.85, 95% CI 1.45-2.37; P<0.001); but it had opposite association in liver cancer (HR=0.52, 95% CI 0.28-0.97; P=0.040) and esophageal cancer (HR=0.41, 95% CI 0.25-0.66; P<0.001). Based on TCGA datasets, we found the same results for pancreatic cancer and esophageal cancer, but not for colorectal cancer and liver cancer. Moreover, patients with high circulating miR-203 in blood had significantly poor OS and PFS in colorectal cancer and breast cancer. Conclusion: Our study showed that the prognostic values of tissue miR-203 varied in different tumor types. In addition, the upregulation of circulating miR-203 in blood was associated with poor prognosis in colorectal cancer and breast cancer.
Genome-Wide Association Study Meta-Analysis of Long-Term Average Blood Pressure in East Asians
Authors: Li Changwei , Kim Yun Kyoung , Dorajoo Rajkumar , Li Huaixing , Lee I-Te , Cheng Ching-Yu , He Meian , Sheu Wayne H-h , Guo Xiuqing , Ganesh Santhi K. , He Jiang , Lee Juyoung , Liu Jianjun , Hu Yao , Rao Dabeeru C. , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Koh Jia Yu , Hu Hua , Liang Kae-Woei , Palmas Walter , Hixson James E. , Han Sohee , Teo Yik-Ying , Wang Yiqin , Chen Jing , Lu Chieh Hsiang , Zheng Yingfeng , Gui Lixuan , Lee Wen-Jane , Yao Jie , Gu Dongfeng , Han Bok-Ghee , Sim Xueling , Sun Liang , Zhao Jinying , Chen Chien-Hsiun , Kumari Neelam , He Yunfeng , Taylor Kent D. , Raffel Leslie J. , Moon Sanghoon , Rotter Jerome I. , Ida Chen Yii-der , Wu Tangchun , Wong Tien Yin , Wu Jer-Yuarn , Lin Xu , Tai E-Shyong , Kim Bong-Jo , Kelly Tanika N.
Published: March 2017

Background—

Genome-wide single marker and gene-based meta-analyses of long-term average (LTA) blood pressure (BP) phenotypes may reveal novel findings for BP.

Methods and Results—

We conducted genome-wide analysis among 18 422 East Asian participants (stage 1) followed by replication study of ≤46 629 participants of European ancestry (stage 2). Significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms and genes were determined by a
P
<5.0×10
−8
and 2.5×10
−
6
, respectively, in joint analyses of stage-1 and stage-2 data. We identified 1 novel
ARL3
variant, rs4919669 at 10q24.32, influencing LTA systolic BP (stage-1
P
=5.03×10
−
8
, stage-2
P
=8.64×10
−
3
, joint
P
=2.63×10
−
8
) and mean arterial pressure (stage-1
P
=3.59×10
−
9
, stage-2
P
=2.35×10
−
2
, joint
P
=2.64×10
−
8
). Three previously reported BP loci (
WBP1L
,
NT5C2
, and
ATP2B1
) were also identified for all BP phenotypes. Gene-based analysis provided the first robust evidence for association of
KCNJ11
with LTA systolic BP (stage-1
P
=8.55×10
−
6
, stage-2
P
=1.62×10
−
5
, joint
P
=3.28×10
−
9
) and mean arterial pressure (stage-1
P
=9.19×10
−
7
, stage-2
P
=9.69×10
−
5
, joint
P
=2.15×10
−
9
) phenotypes. Fourteen genes (
TMEM180
,
ACTR1A
,
SUFU
,
ARL3
,
SFXN2
,
WBP1L
,
CYP17A1
,
C10orf32
,
C10orf32
-
ASMT
,
AS3MT
,
CNNM2
, and
NT5C2
at 10q24.32;
ATP2B1
at 12q21.33; and
NCR3LG1
at 11p15.1) implicated by previous genome-wide association study meta-analyses were also identified. Among the loci identified by the previous genome-wide association study meta-analysis of LTA BP, we transethnically replicated associations of the
KCNK3
marker rs1275988 at 2p23.3 with LTA systolic BP and mean arterial pressure phenotypes (
P
=1.27×10
−
4
and 3.30×10
−
4
, respectively).

Conclusions—

We identified 1 novel variant and 1 novel gene and present the first direct evidence of relevance of the
KCNK3
locus for LTA BP among East Asians.
Polymerization-Incompetent Uromodulin in the Pregnant Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat
Authors: Mary Sheon , Small Heather Yvonne , Siwy Justyna , Mullen William , Giri Ashok , Delles Christian
Published: March 2017

The kidney is centrally involved in blood pressure regulation and undergoes extensive changes during pregnancy. Hypertension during pregnancy may result in an altered urinary peptidome that could be used to indicate new targets of therapeutic or diagnostic interest. The stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP) is a model of maternal chronic hypertension. Capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry was conducted to interrogate the urinary peptidome in SHRSP and the control Wistar–Kyoto strain at three time points: prepregnancy and gestational days 12 and 18. The comparison within and between the Wistar–Kyoto and SHRSP peptidome at all time points detected 123 differentially expressed peptides (fold change >1.5;
P
<0.05). Sequencing of these peptides identified fragments of collagen α-chains, albumin, prothrombin, actin, serpin A3K, proepidermal growth factor, and uromodulin. Uromodulin peptides showed a pregnancy-specific alteration in SHRSP with a 7.8-fold (
P
<0.01) and 8.8-fold (
P
<0.05) increase at gestational days 12 and 18, respectively, relative to the Wistar–Kyoto. Further investigation revealed that these peptides belonged to the polymerization-inhibitory region of uromodulin. Two forms of uromodulin (polymerization competent and polymerization incompetent) were found in urine from both Wistar–Kyoto and SHRSP, where the polymerization-incompetent form was increased in a pregnancy-specific manner in SHRSP. Nifedipine-treated pregnant SHRSP showed only polymerization-competent uromodulin, indicating that calcium may be mechanistically involved in uromodulin polymerization. This study highlights, for the first time, a potential role of uromodulin and its polymerization in hypertensive pregnancy.
The Role of Soil Moisture–Atmosphere Interaction on Future Hot Spells over North America as Simulated by the Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM5)
Authors: Diro G. T. , Sushama L.
Published: March 2017

Soil moisture–atmosphere interactions play a key role in modulating climate variability and extremes. This study investigates how soil moisture–atmosphere coupling may affect future extreme events, particularly the role of projected soil moisture in modulating the frequency and maximum duration of hot spells over North America, using the fifth-generation Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM5). With this objective, CRCM5 simulations, driven by two coupled general circulation models (MPI-ESM and CanESM2), are performed with and without soil moisture–atmosphere interactions for current (1981–2010) and future (2071–2100) climates over North America, for representative concentration pathways (RCPs) 4.5 and 8.5. Analysis indicates that, in future climate, the soil moisture–temperature coupling regions, located over the Great Plains in the current climate, will expand farther north, including large parts of central Canada. Results also indicate that soil moisture–atmosphere interactions will play an important role in modulating temperature extremes in the future by contributing more than 50% to the projected increase in hot-spell days over the southern Great Plains and parts of central Canada, especially for the RCP4.5 scenario. This higher contribution of soil moisture–atmosphere interactions to the future increases in hot-spell days for RCP4.5 is related to the fact that the projected decrease in soil moisture caused the soil to remain in a transitional regime between wet and dry state that is conducive to soil moisture–atmosphere coupling. For the RCP8.5 scenario, on the other hand, the future projected soil state over the southern United States and northern Mexico is too dry to have an impact on evapotranspiration and therefore on temperature.
Unexpected Evergreen Expansion in the Siberian Forest under Warming Hiatus
Authors: He Yongli , Huang Jianping , Shugart Herman Henry , Guan Xiaodan , Wang Bin , Yu Kailiang
Published: March 2017

Siberia has experienced a pronounced warming over the past several decades, which has induced an increase in the extent of evergreen conifer forest. However, the potential slowing of the trend of increasing surface air temperature (SAT) has produced intense debate since the late 1990s. During this warming hiatus, the Siberian region experienced a significant cooling during the winter season around 10 times that of the Northern Hemisphere (NH) as a whole. This potentially stresses evergreen conifer forests because cooler winters can cause cold-temperature damage and, hence, increase the mortality of young evergreen conifer forests. In this study, the response of Siberian forest composition during the warming hiatus was investigated using satellite observations coupled with model simulations. Observations indicated that from 2001 to 2012, the apparent area of evergreen conifer forest has increased by 10%, while that of the deciduous conifer forest has decreased by 40%. The transition from deciduous to evergreen conifer forest usually occurs through mixed forest or woody savannas as a buffer. To verify the response of evergreen conifer forest, model experiments were performed using an individual-based forest model. Hysteresis of forest change seen in the model simulations indicates that changes in forest composition dynamics under temperature oscillations induced by internal climate variability may not reverse this composition change. As a result, the evergreen conifer forest expansion under climate warming is expected to be a continuing process despite the occurrence of a warming hiatus, exerting far-reaching implications for climate-change-induced albedo shifts in the Siberian forest.
The ENSO Transition Probabilities
Authors: Conti G. , Navarra A. , Tribbia J.
Published: March 2017

ENSO is investigated here by considering it as a transition from different states. Transition probability matrices can be defined to describe the evolution of ENSO in this way. Sea surface temperature anomalies are classified into four categories, or states, and the probability to move from one state to another has been calculated for both observations and a simulation from a GCM. This could be useful for understanding and diagnosing general circulation models elucidating the mechanisms that govern ENSO in models. Furthermore, these matrices have been used to define a predictability index of ENSO based on the entropy concept introduced by Shannon. The index correctly identifies the emergence of the spring predictability barrier and the seasonal variations of the transition probabilities. The transition probability matrices could also be used to formulate a basic prediction model for ENSO that was tested here on a case study.
Estimating Decadal Predictability for the Southern Ocean Using the GFDL CM2.1 Model
Authors: Zhang Liping , Delworth Thomas L. , Yang Xiaosong , Gudgel Richard G. , Jia Liwei , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Zeng Fanrong
Published: March 2017

This study explores the potential predictability of the Southern Ocean (SO) climate on decadal time scales as represented in the GFDL CM2.1 model using prognostic methods. Perfect model predictability experiments are conducted starting from 10 different initial states, showing potentially predictable variations of Antarctic bottom water (AABW) formation rates on time scales as long as 20 years. The associated Weddell Sea (WS) subsurface temperatures and Antarctic sea ice have potential predictability comparable to that of the AABW cell. The predictability of sea surface temperature (SST) variations over the WS and the SO is somewhat smaller, with predictable scales out to a decade. This reduced predictability is likely associated with stronger damping from air–sea interaction. As a complement to this perfect predictability study, the authors also make hindcasts of SO decadal variability using the GFDL CM2.1 decadal prediction system. Significant predictive skill for SO SST on multiyear time scales is found in the hindcast system. The success of the hindcasts, especially in reproducing observed surface cooling trends, is largely due to initializing the state of the AABW cell. A weak state of the AABW cell leads to cooler surface conditions and more extensive sea ice. Although there are considerable uncertainties regarding the observational data used to initialize the hindcasts, the consistency between the perfect model experiments and the decadal hindcasts at least gives some indication as to where and to what extent skillful decadal SO forecasts might be possible.
The National Football League-225 Bench Press Test and the Size–Weight Illusion
Authors: Luebbers Paul E. , Buckingham Gavin , Butler Michael S.
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to test reports that size and arrangement manipulations of weight plates (i.e., inducing a size–weight illusion [SWI]) effect athletic weightlifting performance. The participants were 72 experienced, weight-trained collegiate American football players. Across three weeks, each athlete performed three different repetitions-to-fatigue bench press tests (NFL-225, SWI-225, and SWI-215). A multiple regression revealed a positive association between participants’ strength relative to the test load and repetitions for NFL-225 and SWI-215, but no association with SWI-225. To explore these results, players were ranked into quartiles based on their one-repetition maximum relative to 102.27 kg (225 lb), and a 3 × 4 repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted. The primary finding was a significant Test Condition × Quartile interaction ( p = .004). Bonferroni-corrected pairwise comparisons revealed that Quartile 4 (those with lowest strength relative to test load) completed more repetitions for SWI-225 compared with NFL-225 ( p = .049). These results suggest that alternate weight plate arrangements may be beneficial for those whose bench press load is near the lifter’s one-repetition maximum. However, variations of the SWI do not appear to affect the performance of repetitions-to-fatigue bench press tests for the majority of collegiate American football players.
A simulation framework for code-level energy estimation of embedded soft-core processors
Authors: Pasha Muhammad Adeel , Gul Umer , Mushahar Muhammad , Masud Shahid
Published: March 2017

This contribution presents a simulation framework for code-level energy estimation of open-source MIPS-R2000, LEON3, and openMSP430 embedded soft-core processors. The method proposed in this work is generic and can be extended to other processors and architectures. The framework consists of two modules as follows. (i) An instruction-level power estimator module that estimates the average power consumption of individual machine instructions simulated using gate-level net-lists of the target processors. This module is used to create instruction-level power consumption databases of the target processor. (ii) A high-level energy estimation module parses the assembly code written for a target processor and gives the estimated energy consumed while taking the inherent data and control dependencies into consideration. Our proposed framework, therefore, provides rapid offline code-level energy estimation using simulations and avoids the low-level hardware estimation overheads. The energy estimation time efficiency of our proposed methodology is evaluated by using different benchmarks against the results of other existing energy estimation frameworks, such as SoftExplorer, TLM with the ISS-based simulation tool, SimplePower/WATTCH, and EPEM. These results indicate that our proposed framework is roughly one to two orders of magnitude faster in energy estimation. From the accuracy perspective, our energy estimations lie, on average, within 2% of those obtained from WATTCH. The proposed tool is especially useful in estimating the algorithmic energy efficiency of various codes targeted at low/moderate-end embedded systems, such as wireless sensor network nodes.
The relationships between washing parameters, fabric movement, and wrinkling in a top-loading washer
Authors: Liu Hong , Wang Yanyan , Gong R Hugh , Zeng Jingfeng , Ding Xuemei
Published: March 2017

Easy care for clothing is increasingly important, but the major problem is still the severe wrinkles formed on garments after machine washing. In this research, orthogonal tests and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 95% confidence level were used to determine the critical parameters that affect fabric smoothness. We developed a video capturing and processing system for dynamic measurements of fabric in a top-loading washer to find the relationship between fabric movement and wrinkling performance during laundering. The ANOVA results showed that the smoothness of woven cotton fabrics was mainly affected by the washing load and the drum rotating speed, with p values of 0.000 and 0.036, respectively. Additionally, a relation models for fabric movements suggested by a curvilinear regression analysis indicated that the main causes of fabric wrinkling during top-loading washing were liquor ratio and the centrifugal force imposed on the fabric. The smoothness grade increased with the decrease of washing load and drum rotating speed, since these settings led to lower liquor ratio with a constant water volume and less stress on the fabric. The results of this study provide valuable information for the optimization of washing programs for fabric smoothness.
Image Matters: Incentivizing Green Tourism Behavior
Authors: Line Nathaniel D. , Hanks Lydia , Miao Li
Published: March 2017

Understanding the factors that motivate tourists to engage in pro-environmental behavior is an increasingly important topic in the tourism industry. In order to incentivize such green behavior, lodging properties often offer incentives to tourists who are willing to participate in property-level sustainability programs. Unfortunately, incentivizing participation in such initiatives is a difficult task, as tourists’ willingness to engage in pro-environmental behavior often depends on a number of situation-specific factors. Accordingly, the purpose of this research is to advance the understanding of the motivating factors that underlie tourist reactions to sustainability programs. Based on the tenets of motivation crowding theory, this research demonstrates that such reactions depend not only on the nature of the incentive that is offered but also on the image of the destination in which the property is located.
Killing A Child: Neuropsychological Profiles of Murderers of Children
Authors: Azores-Gococo Nicole M. , Brook Michael , Teralandur Saritha P. , Hanlon Robert E.
Published: March 2017

This study examined neuropsychological characteristics of offenders who killed children. Although prior studies have focused on filicide and neonaticide, children are killed in a variety of contexts. This study used a diverse sample of individuals ( N = 33) accused of killing one or more children, referred for forensic neuropsychological evaluation. Across all cognitive domains (intellectual functioning, attention/working memory/processing speed, memory, reasoning/executive functioning, language), mean scores fell in the low average to average range. Offenders who solely killed children were less likely to do so in a premeditated fashion, were more likely to use manual means (e.g., drowning or beating), and scored lower on measures of language and verbal memory, compared with those who also killed adults as part of the offense. Contrary to prior findings, few gender differences were evident in this group of offenders. Findings highlight meaningful heterogeneity in offenders who kill children, which may inform prevention, treatment, and risk assessment.
Incorporating Criterion Ratings Into Model-Based Rater Monitoring Procedures Using Latent-Class Signal Detection Theory
Authors: Patterson Brian F. , Wind Stefanie A. , Engelhard George
Published: March 2017

This study presents a new criterion-referenced approach for exploring rating quality within the framework of latent-class signal detection theory (LC-SDT) that goes beyond commonly used reliability indices, and provides substantively meaningful indicators of rater accuracy that can be used to inform rater training and monitoring at the individual rater level. Specifically, this study illustrates a flexible application of restricted LC-SDT modeling, in which restrictions can be specified for the true latent classification to reflect the unique characteristics of a particular assessment context. While the LC-SDT modeling framework provides immediately useful characterizations of raters’ behavior, the restricted LC-SDT offers complementary evidence to further support the monitoring of rater behavior by bringing criterion ratings to bear. This study uses ratings from a large-scale writing assessment, and findings suggest that the criterion (i.e., restricted) LC-SDT provides useful information about rating quality for operational raters relative to criterion ratings, which may ultimately inform rater training and monitoring procedures.
Transgender Phonosurgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Song Tara Elena , Jiang Nancy
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Different surgical techniques have been described in the literature to increase vocal pitch. The purpose of this study is to systematically review these surgeries and perform a meta‐analysis to determine which technique increases pitch the most.

Data Sources

CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Science Direct.

Review Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature was performed using the CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Science Direct databases. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated pitch‐elevating phonosurgical techniques in live humans and performed pre‐ and postoperative acoustic analysis. Data were gathered regarding surgical technique, pre‐ and postoperative fundamental frequencies, perioperative care measures, and complications.

Results

Twenty‐nine studies were identified. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 13 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Mechanisms of pitch elevation included increasing vocal cord tension (cricothyroid approximation), shortening the vocal cord length (cold knife glottoplasty, laser‐shortening glottoplasty), and decreasing mass (laser reduction glottoplasty). The most common interventions were shortening techniques and cricothyroid approximation (6 studies each). The largest increase in fundamental frequency was seen with techniques that shortened the vocal cords. Preoperative speech therapy, postoperative voice rest, and reporting of patient satisfaction were inconsistent. Many of the studies were limited by low power and short length of follow‐up.

Conclusions

Multiple techniques for elevation of vocal pitch exist, but vocal cord shortening procedures appear to result in the largest increase in fundamental frequency.
Six weeks of β-alanine supplementation did not enhance repeated-sprint ability or technical performances in young elite basketball players
Authors: Milioni Fabio , Redkva Paulo E , Barbieri Fabio A , Zagatto Alessandro M
Published: March 2017

Supplementation with β-alanine plays an important role as a precursor of carnosine, the most effective intramuscular buffer, and has been seen as a potential ergogenic aid, especially for high-intensity modalities such as basketball. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of β-alanine supplementation on repeated sprint ability (RSA) and technical performances in young elite Brazilian basketball players. In total, 27 young basketball players (17±1 years) were randomized into a β-alanine group (Gβ - 6.4 g day−1 of β-alanine) and a placebo group (GP - 6.4 g day−1 of dextrose). Before and after the supplementation period the athletes performed a RSA test composed of ten 30 m sprints with two 180° changes of direction interspaced by 30 s of recovery. During the recovery period (i.e., after the sprints) the athletes performed a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a set of three free throws. After 48 h they performed a Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1). Both groups increased the distance covered in the Yo-Yo IR1 after the supplementation period ( p = 0.001). On the other hand, both groups presented impairment in RSA time-performance (total time, best time, and mean time, p ≤ 0.04), while no significant changes were observed for technical task performances (i.e., CMJ and free throws) ( p ≥ 0.07). No between-group interactions were observed for any variable measured ( p ≥ 0.31). Thus, 6 weeks of β-alanine supplementation did not improve RSA or technical performances in young elite basketball players.
Form-finding of shell structures generated from physical models
Authors: Li Qingpeng , Su Yan , Wu Yue , Borgart Andrew , Rots Jan G
Published: March 2017

Vector form intrinsic finite element is a recently developed and promising numerical method for the analysis of complicated structural behavior. Taking the cable-link element as example, the framework of the vector form intrinsic finite element is explained first. Based on this, a constant strain triangle element is introduced, and relevant required equations are deduced. Subsequently, the vector form intrinsic finite element is successfully applied to carry out form-finding of shells generated from physical models, such as hanging models, tension models, and pneumatic models. In addition, the resulting geometries are analyzed with finite element method, thus demonstrating that a dominant membrane stress distribution arises when the shell is subjected to gravitational loading.
Separation of two sub-groups with different DNA content after treatment of T-47D breast cancer cells with low dose-rate irradiation and intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Mikalsen Stine Gyland , Jeppesen Edin Nina , Sandvik Joe Alexander , Pettersen Erik Olai
Published: March 2017

Background

Previous studies have shown that combined treatment with internal ultra-low dose-rate irradiation selectively inactivated hypoxic T–47D breast cancer cells after three to five weeks of treatment. However, 2–3% of the hypoxic cells were found to survive and restart proliferation upon re-oxygenation.

Purpose

To investigate the metastatic potential and characteristics of radiosensitivity of these surviving cells, named T – 47 DS.

Material and Methods

The T – 47 DS cells were grown in ambient air without irradiation. A cloning experiment identified two sub-groups with different DNA content ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]). Furthermore, radiosensitivity and presence of hyper-radiosensitivity (HRS) was measured by Co-60 challenge irradiation and relative migration was determined by scratch assays.

Results

The two subpopulations of T – 47 DS had different DNA content; one had abnormally high DNA content ([Formula: see text]) and one had DNA content similar to wild-type T–47D cells ([Formula: see text]). HRS was surprisingly present in cells of the cloned population [Formula: see text], but was absent in cells of both [Formula: see text] and T – 47 DS. The radio response of T – 47 DS, [Formula: see text] at higher radiation doses were similar to that of T-47D cells, and neither subpopulation showed increased migration compared with wild-type T–47D.

Conclusion

No increase in the risk of metastasis was found and only slight changes in radiosensitivity in response to conventional clinical doses was observed. Thus, the data suggest that if ultra-low dose-rate irradiation is used for targeting the hypoxic tumor fraction, conventional high dose-rate irradiation can be used to eradicate eventual surviving cells as well as cells in the well oxygenated areas of the tumor.