bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced inflammation in aged mice following infection withStreptococcus pneumoniaeis associated with decreased IL-10 and augmented chemokine production
Authors: Williams Andrew E. , José Ricardo J. , Brown Jeremy S. , Chambers Rachel C.
Published: January 2015

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of severe pneumonia in the elderly. However, the impact of aging on the innate inflammatory response to pneumococci is poorly defined. We compared the innate immune response in old vs. young adult mice following infection with S. pneumoniae. The accumulation of neutrophils recovered from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung homogenates was increased in aged compared with young adult mice, although bacterial outgrowth was similar in both age groups, as were markers of microvascular leak. Aged mice had similar levels of IL-1β, TNF, IFN-γ, IL-17, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor following S. pneumoniae infection, compared with young mice, but increased levels of the chemokines CXCL9, CXCL12, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL11, and CCL17. Moreover, levels of IL-10 were significantly lower in aged animals. Neutralization of IL-10 in infected young mice was associated with increased neutrophil recruitment but no decrease in bacterial outgrowth. Furthermore, IL-10 neutralization resulted in increased levels of CCL3, CCL5, and CXCL10. We conclude that aging is associated with enhanced inflammatory responses following S. pneumoniae infection as a result of a compromised immunomodulatory cytokine response.
Arginase inhibition prevents bleomycin-induced pulmonary hypertension, vascular remodeling, and collagen deposition in neonatal rat lungs
Authors: Grasemann Hartmut , Dhaliwal Rupinder , Ivanovska Julijana , Kantores Crystal , McNamara Patrick J. , Scott Jeremy A. , Belik Jaques , Jankov Robert P.
Published: January 2015

Arginase is an enzyme that limits substrate l-arginine bioavailability for the production of nitric oxide by the nitric oxide synthases and produces l-ornithine, which is a precursor for collagen formation and tissue remodeling. We studied the pulmonary vascular effects of arginase inhibition in an established model of repeated systemic bleomycin sulfate administration in neonatal rats that results in pulmonary hypertension and lung injury mimicking the characteristics typical of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. We report that arginase expression is increased in the lungs of bleomycin-exposed neonatal rats and that treatment with the arginase inhibitor amino-2-borono-6-hexanoic acid prevented the bleomycin-induced development of pulmonary hypertension and deposition of collagen. Arginase inhibition resulted in increased l-arginine and l-arginine bioavailability and increased pulmonary nitric oxide production. Arginase inhibition also normalized the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and reduced bleomycin-induced nitrative stress while having no effect on bleomycin-induced inflammation. Our data suggest that arginase is a promising target for therapeutic interventions in neonates aimed at preventing lung vascular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension.
Primary Retinal Cultures as a Tool for Modeling Diabetic Retinopathy: An Overview
Authors: Matteucci Andrea , Varano Monica , Mallozzi Cinzia , Gaddini Lucia , Villa Marika , Gabrielli Sara , Formisano Giuseppe , Pricci Flavia , Malchiodi-Albedi Fiorella
Published: January 2015

Experimental models of diabetic retinopathy (DR) have had a crucial role in the comprehension of the pathophysiology of the disease and the identification of new therapeutic strategies. Most of these studies have been conductedin vivo, in animal models. However, a significant contribution has also been provided by studies on retinal cultures, especially regarding the effects of the potentially toxic components of the diabeticmilieuon retinal cell homeostasis, the characterization of the mechanisms on the basis of retinal damage, and the identification of potentially protective molecules. In this review, we highlight the contribution given by primary retinal cultures to the study of DR, focusing on early neuroglial impairment. We also speculate on possible themes into which studies based on retinal cell cultures could provide deeper insight.
Fatigue in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Is It Related to Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines?
Authors: Malekzadeh Arjan , Van de Geer-Peeters Wietske , De Groot Vincent , Elisabeth Teunissen Charlotte , Beckerman Heleen , Study Group TREFAMS-ACE
Published: January 2015

Objective. To investigate the pathophysiological role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in primary multiple sclerosis-related fatigue.Methods. Fatigued and non-fatigued patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were recruited and their cytokine profiles compared. Patients with secondary fatigue were excluded. Fatigue was assessed with the self-reported Checklist Individual Strength (CIS20r), subscale fatigue. A CIS20r fatigue cut-off score of 35 was applied to differentiate between non-fatigued (CIS20r fatigue≤34) and fatigued (CIS20r fatigue≥35) patients with MS. Blood was collected to determine the serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, IL-17, TNFα, and IFN-γ) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13). We controlled for the confounding effect of age, gender, duration of MS, disease severity, type of MS, and use of immunomodulatory drugs.Results. Similar cytokine levels were observed between MS patients with(n=21)and without fatigue(n=14). Adjusted multiple regression analyses showed a single significant positive relationship, that of IL-6 with CIS20r fatigue score. The explained variance of the IL-6 model was 21.1%, once adjusted for the confounding effect of age.Conclusion. The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) may play a role in the pathophysiology of primary fatigue in patients with MS.Trial Registrations.ISRCTN69520623,ISRCTN58583714, andISRCTN82353628.
SND1 Acts Downstream of TGFβ1 and Upstream of Smurf1 to Promote Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Yu Lin , Liu Xin , Cui Kang , Di Yanbo , Xin Lingbiao , Sun Xiaoming , Zhang Wei , Yang Xi , Wei Minxin , Yao Zhi , Yang Jie
Published: January 2015

SND1 is an AEG-1/MTDH/LYRIC-binding protein that is upregulated in numerous human cancers, where it has been assigned multiple functional roles. In this study, we report its association with the TGFβ1 signaling pathway, which promotes epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in breast cancer. SND1 was upregulated in breast cancer tissues, in particular in primary invasive ductal carcinomas. Transcriptional activation of the SND1 gene was controlled by the TGFβ1/Smad pathway, specifically by activation of the Smad2/Smad3 complex. The SND1 promoter region contained several Smad-specific recognition domains (RD motifs), which were recognized and bound by the Smad complex that enhanced the transcriptional activation of SND1. We found that SND1 promoted expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Smurf1, leading to RhoA ubiquitination and degradation. RhoA degradation in breast cancer cells disrupted F-actin cytoskeletal organization, reduced cell adhesion, increased cell migration and invasion, and promoted metastasis. Overall, our results define a novel role for SND1 in regulating breast tumorigenesis and metastasis. Cancer Res; 75(7); 1275–86. ©2015 AACR.
Serum YKL-40 in Risk Assessment for Colorectal Cancer: A Prospective Study of 4,496 Subjects at Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Johansen Julia S. , Christensen Ib J. , Jørgensen Lars N. , Olsen Jesper , Rahr Hans B. , Nielsen Knud T. , Laurberg Søren , Brünner Nils , Nielsen Hans Jørgen
Published: January 2015

The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that high serum YKL-40 associates with colorectal cancer in subjects at risk of colorectal cancer. We measured serum YKL-40 in a prospective study of 4,496 Danish subjects [2,064 men, 2,432 women, median age 61 years (range, 18–97)] referred to endoscopy due to symptoms or other risk factors for colorectal cancer. Blood samples were collected just before large bowel endoscopy. Serum YKL-40 was determined by ELISA. Serum YKL-40 was higher (P < 0.0001, unadjusted for confounding covariates) in subjects diagnosed with colon cancer (median 126 μg/L, 25%–75%: 80–206 μg/L) and rectal cancer (104, 72–204 μg/L) compared with subjects with adenoma (84, 53–154 μg/L), other nonmalignant findings (79, 49–138 μg/L), and no findings (62, 41–109 μg/L). Serum YKL-40 independently predicted colorectal cancer [OR, 1.53; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.40–1.67; AUC = 0.68, P < 0.0001]. Restricting the analysis to subjects with no comorbidity increased the OR for serum YKL-40 to predict colorectal cancer (OR, 1.82; 1.58–2.08; AUC = 0.73, P < 0.0001). Combining serum YKL-40 and CEA demonstrated that both were significant [(YKL-40, OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.16–1.40); (CEA, OR, 1.92; 1.75–2.10; AUC = 0.75, P < 0.0001; OR for a 2-fold difference in marker level)]. Multivariable analysis (YKL-40, CEA, age, gender, body mass index, and center) showed that serum YKL-40 was a predictor for colorectal cancer in individuals without comorbidity (OR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.05–1.40; P = 0.012), whereas this was not the case for those with comorbidity (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.84–1.14; P = 0.80). In conclusion, high serum YKL-40 in subjects suspected of colorectal cancer and without comorbidity associates with colorectal cancer. Determination of serum YKL-40 may be useful in combination with other biomarkers in risk assessment for colorectal cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(3); 621–6. ©2015 AACR.
Ex vivo Comparison Study of Smart Shooter®, a New Endoscopic Device for Safe and Speedy Treatment
Authors: Kikuchi Daisuke , Kuribayashi Yasutaka , Iizuka Toshiro , Nomura Kosuke , Kimura Ryusuke , Yamada Akihiro , Yamashita Satoshi , Furuhata Tsukasa , Matsui Akira , Mitani Toshifumi , Ogawa Osamu , Hoteya Shu , Kaise Mitsuru
Published: January 2015

Background: In many endoscopic procedures, the operative view can be compromised when manipulating the treatment device because the endoscopists must release their hand from the endoscope. We have developed a new device called the Smart Shooter® (SS) for simultaneous manipulation of the endoscope and treatment device, and evaluated the utility of the SS compared with the conventional method. Methods: The SS is a semirigid, loop-shaped channel extender that enables endoscopists to manipulate the treatment device with the thumb of the right hand while holding the endoscope with the same hand. We conducted a comparative study of gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and esophageal injection sclerotherapy (EIS) in a porcine model to compare the utility of the SS method with the conventional method. Results: In gastric ESD, all lesions were resected en bloc with no perforation. The mean operative time was significantly shorter with the SS method than with the conventional method (287.5 ± 155.4 vs. 403.5 ± 215.6 s, p = 0.04). In esophageal EIS, 4 paravenous injections were given with the SS method and 5 were given using the conventional method. Similarly, the mean operative time was significantly shorter with the SS method than with the conventional method (19.0 ± 7.8 vs. 23.8 ± 10.0 s, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Use of the SS enabled a shorter operative time for gastric ESD and esophageal EIS with no adverse events. The present results suggest that the SS can contribute to safe and speedy endoscopic treatment.
How to Integrate Predictions in Outcomes in Planning Clinical Care
Authors: Germain Michael J.
Published: January 2015

Background: The CKD population is becoming increasingly elderly with multiple comorbidities. For this reason, accurate predictive information related to the progression into ESRD, mortality, and functional decline is critical to allow for optimal shared decision making (SDM). Summary: This review will assess the current literature on the methodologies for the estimation of prognosis and prognostic tools developed for CKD. A practical clinical approach is discussed that involves the estimation of prognosis and integration of prognosis into SDM. Key Message: There are validated, easy-to-use prognostic tools that help clinicians engage in effective shared decision making with their CKD patients and family.
Practical Aspects of Volume Control in Chronic Kidney Disease Using Whole Body Bioimpedance
Authors: Oei Elizabeth L. , Fan Stanley L.
Published: January 2015

Background: Fluid status is an independent predictor of mortality in dialysis patients. Current methods of fluid assessment have several limitations. Summary: An ideal method should be cheap, portable, easy to perform without extensive training, reproducible and determines patients' excess or deficit of total body water. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) fulfils many of these criteria and can give additional information on fat and lean tissue composition. The accuracy and precision of BIA has been shown to be equivalent to the ‘gold standard' direct estimation techniques. Key Messages: Although there remains some concern about its validity in dialysis patients, fluid overload determined by BIA has been shown to predict mortality. BIA-guided fluid management appears superior to conventional fluid management in achieving clinically important outcomes such as reduction in blood pressure, left ventricular mass index, and arterial stiffness. Accurate setting of dry weight might also help preserve residual renal function by limiting episodes of dehydration. Nevertheless, as with all new technologies, there are issues that still need to be resolved. This will be achieved only with larger prospective interventional studies to explore its specific roles in dialysis cohorts.
Conveying Uncertainty in Prognosis to Patients with ESRD
Authors: Parvez Sanah , Abdel-Kader Khaled , Song Mi-Kyung , Unruh Mark
Published: January 2015

Background: Prognosis is a component of medical practice imbued with uncertainty. In nephrology, where mortality rates of elderly patients on dialysis are comparable to those of cancer patients, the implications of prognosis are unavoidable. Yet while most patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) desire to hear their prognosis, many nephrologists balk at this prospect in part owing to the uncertainty inherent in prognostic estimates. Summary: In this review, the concept of ‘uncertainty' in clinical practice is considered from physician and patient perspectives. From the training perspective, providers learn that uncertainty is inescapable in medicine and develop strategies to manage its presence, including the avoidance of communicating uncertainty to their patients. This presages infrequent discussions of prognosis, which in turn influence patient preferences for treatments that have little therapeutic benefits. A general approach to conveying prognostic uncertainty to ESRD patients includes confronting our own emotional reaction to uncertainty, learning how to effectively communicate uncertainty to our patients, and using an effective interdisciplinary team approach to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to our patients despite the presence of prognostic uncertainty. Key Messages: Uncertainty in prognosis is inevitable. Once providers learn to incorporate it into their discussions of prognosis and collaborate with their ESRD patients, such discussions can foster trust and reduce anxiety for both sides.
A Pilot Study of Fluorescent Imaging of Colorectal Tumors Using a γ-Glutamyl-Transpeptidase-Activatable Fluorescent Probe
Authors: Sato Chiko , Abe Seiichiro , Saito Yutaka , So Tsuruki Eriko , Takamaru Hiroyuki , Makazu Makomo , Sato Yoshinori , Sasaki Hayato , Tanaka Hirohito , Ikezawa Nobuaki , Yamada Masayoshi , Sakamoto Taku , Nakajima Takeshi , Matsuda Takahisa , Kushima Ryoji , Kamiya Mako , Maeda Shin , Urano Yasuteru
Published: January 2015

Backgrounds/Aim: Colorectal laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) are sometimes difficult to visualize even with image-enhanced endoscopy. γ-Glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGT) is a cell surface-associated enzyme that is overexpressed in various types of human cancers. Furthermore, GGT expression is higher in colorectal cancer cells than in normal colorectal mucosa. γ-Glutamyl hydroxymethyl rhodamine green (gGlu-HMRG), an activatable fluorescent probe, is nonfluorescent under a neutral pH and normal cellular environment; however, it turns highly fluorescent upon reaction with GGT. We evaluated ex vivo fluorescent imaging of colorectal LSTs using this GGT-activatable fluorescent probe. Methods: Between March 2013 and March 2014, 30 endoscopically resected colorectal LSTs were prospectively included in this study. Each was analyzed by first taking a baseline image before spraying, then spraying with gGlu-HMRG onto the freshly resected specimen, and finally taking fluorescent images 15 min after spraying with a dedicated imaging machine. Results: Of the LSTs, 67% rapidly showed positive fluorescent activity. These activities were shown in adenoma (54%) and carcinoma in adenoma (76%), and in LST-granular type (80%) and LST-nongranular type (40%). Conclusion: Topically spraying gGlu-HMRG enabled rapid and selective fluorescent imaging of colorectal tumors owing to the upregulated GGT activity in cancer cells.
Comparison of Coronary Artery Calcium Presence, Carotid Plaque Presence, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness for Cardiovascular Disease Prediction in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Gepner Adam D. , Young Rebekah , Delaney Joseph A. , Tattersall Matthew C. , Blaha Michael J. , Post Wendy S. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Kronmal Richard , Budoff Matthew J. , Burke Gregory L. , Folsom Aaron R. , Liu Kiang , Kaufman Joel , Stein James H.
Published: January 2015

Background—

Presence of coronary artery calcium (CAC), carotid plaque, and increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) may indicate elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk; however, no large studies have compared them directly. This study compares predictive uses of CAC presence, carotid artery plaque presence, and high IMT for incident CVD events.

Methods and Results—

Participants were from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Predictive values of carotid plaque, IMT, and CAC presence were compared using Cox proportional hazards models,
c
-statistics, and net reclassification indices. The 6779 participants were mean (SD) 62.2 (10.2) years old; 49.9% had CAC, and 46.7% had carotid plaque. The mean left and right IMT were 0.754 (0.210) mm and 0.751 (0.187) mm, respectively. After 9.5 years (mean), 538 CVD events, 388 coronary heart disease (CHD) events, and 196 stroke/transient ischemic attacks were observed. CAC presence was a stronger predictor of incident CVD and CHD than carotid ultrasound measures. Mean IMT ≥75th percentile (for age, sex, and race) alone did not predict events. Compared with traditional risk factors,
c
-statistics for CVD (
c
=0.756) and CHD (
c
=0.752) increased the most by the addition of CAC presence (CVD, 0.776; CHD, 0.784;
P
<0.001) followed by carotid plaque presence (CVD,
c
=0.760; CHD,
c
=0.757;
P
<0.05). Compared with risk factors (
c
=0.782), carotid plaque presence (
c
=0.787;
P
=0.045) but not CAC (
c
=0.785;
P
=0.438) improved prediction of stroke/transient ischemic attacks.

Conclusions—

In adults without CVD, CAC presence improves prediction of CVD and CHD more than carotid plaque presence or high IMT. CAC and carotid ultrasound parameters performed similarly for stroke/transient ischemic attack event prediction.
Morphological characterization of Streptocephalus sirindhornae (Branchiopoda: Anostraca) from South East Asia: First record of the Streptocephalidae from China
Authors: Shu Shusen , Maeda-Martinez Alejandro M. , Rogers D. Christopher , Yang Junxing , Chen Xiaoyong
Published: January 2015

During a zooplankton study in southern China, Streptocephalus specimens were collected from ephemeral ponds located in the Yunnan Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. We determined that the specimens from both locations are Streptocephalus sirindhornae Sanoamuang, Murugan, Weekers, and Dumont, 2000. This documents are the first records of Streptocephalidae in China, which represent its northern and easternmost distributional edge in East Asia. All specimens are deposited in Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology, Kunming Institute of Zoology (KIZ), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The morphological terminology follows Rogers and Padhye (2014) and the material is compared with the original description (Sanoamuang et al., 2000).
Water mites of the genus Atractides Koch, 1837 (Acari: Hydrachnidia: Hygrobatidae) from Ghana
Authors: PEŠIĆ VLADIMIR , SMIT Harry
Published: January 2015

New records of water mites of the genus Atractides Koch, 1837 (Acari: Hydrachnidia: Hygrobatidae) from streams in Ghana are presented. Six species are reported, one of these, Atractides (Atractides) ghanaensis n. sp., is described as new for science. First records for Ghana are given for A. (Atractides) damkoehleri (K. Viets, 1916), A. (A.) latisetus (K. Viets, 1916), A. (Polymegapus) kuehnei (K. Viets, 1911) and A. (Tympanomegapus) tuberipalpis (K. Viets, 1913).
New species of Bryconamericus Eigenmann (Characiformes: Characidae) from the rio Teles Pires, rio Tapajós basin, central Brazil
Authors: DAGOSTA FERNANDO C. P. , DAGOSTA P. , NETTO-FERREIRA ANDRÉ L.
Published: January 2015

A new species of Bryconamericus is described from the rio Teles Pires, a tributary of the rio Tapajós. The new taxon can be distinguished from its congeners by having a short anal fin with 11–13 branched rays, two maxillary teeth, four outer premaxillary teeth, and 34–38 perforated lateral-line scales. Other diagnostic characters of the species are the absence of a caudal-peduncle spot and the presence of a pigmented vertical band at the caudal-fin rays base. The phylogenetic position of the new species is inferred based in two available phylogenetic hypotheses, and a discussion on its generic placement is provided.
On the Variability of Drop Size Distributions over Areas
Authors: Jameson A. R. , Larsen M. L. , Kostinski A. B.
Published: January 2015

Past studies of the variability of drop size distributions (DSDs) have used moments of the distribution such as the mass-weighted mean drop size as proxies for the entire size distribution. In this study, however, the authors separate the total number of drops Nt from the DSD leaving the probability size distributions (PSDs); that is, DSD = Nt × PSD. The variability of the PSDs are then considered using the frequencies of size [P(D)] values at each different drop diameter P(PD | D) over an ensemble of observations collected using a network of 21 optical disdrometers. The relative dispersions RD of P(PD | D) over all the drop diameters are used as a measure of PSD variability. An intrinsic PSD is defined as an average over one or more instruments excluding zero drop counts. It is found that variability associated with an intrinsic PSD fails to characterize its true variability over an area. It is also shown that this variability is not due to sampling limitations but rather originates for physical reasons. Furthermore, this variability increases with the expansion of the network size and with increasing drop diameter.

A physical explanation is that the network acts to integrate the Fourier transform of the spatial correlation function from smaller toward larger wavelengths as the network size increases so that the contributions to the variance by all spatial wavelengths being sampled also increases. Consequently, RD and, hence, PSD variability will increase as the size of the area increases.
Anomalous Weather Patterns in Relation to Heavy Precipitation Events in Japan during the Baiu Season
Authors: Ohba Masamichi , Kadokura Shinji , Yoshida Yoshikatsu , Nohara Daisuke , Toyoda Yasushi
Published: January 2015

Anomalous weather patterns (WPs) in relation to heavy precipitation events during the baiu season in Japan are investigated using a nonlinear classification technique known as the self-organizing map (SOM). The analysis is performed on daily time scales using the Japanese 55-year Reanalysis Project (JRA-55) to determine the role of circulation and atmospheric moisture on extreme events and to investigate interannual and interdecadal variations for possible linkages with global-scale climate variability. SOM is simultaneously employed on four atmospheric variables over East Asia that are related to baiu front variability, whereby anomalous WPs that dominated during the 1958–2011 period are obtained. Our analysis extracts seven typical WPs, which are linked to frequent occurrences of heavy precipitation events. Each WP is associated with regional variations in the probability of extreme precipitation events. On interannual time scales, El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) affects the frequency of the WPs in relation to the heavy rainfall events. The warm phase of ENSO results in an increased frequency of a WP that provides a southwesterly intrusion of high equivalent potential temperature at low levels, while the cold phase provides southeastern intrusion. In addition, the results of this analysis suggest that interdecadal variability of frequency for heavy rainfall events corresponds to changes in frequency distributions of WPs and are not due to one particular WP.
Addressing Spatial Variability of Surface-Layer Wind with Long-Range WindScanners
Authors: Berg Jacob , Vasiljevíc Nikola , Kelly Mark , Lea Guillaume , Courtney Michael
Published: January 2015

This paper presents an analysis of mean wind measurements from a coordinated system of long-range WindScanners. From individual scan patterns the mean wind field was reconstructed over a large area, and hence it highlights the spatial variability. From comparison with sonic anemometers, the quality of the WindScanner data is high, although the fidelity of the estimated vertical velocity component is significantly limited by the elevation angles of the scanner heads. The system of long-range WindScanners presented in this paper is close to being fully operational, with the pilot study herein serving not only as a proof of concept but also verifying expectations of reliable wind measurements over arbitrary three-dimensional volumes, in future sustained meteorological campaigns.
A Study of Atmospheric Temperature and Wind Profiles Obtained from Rocketsondes in the Chinese Midlatitude Region
Authors: Sheng Z. , Jiang Y. , Wan L. , Fan Z. Q.
Published: January 2015

In November 2004, five TK-1 meteorological rockets were launched at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China for the first time. The observations are compared with models, reanalysis, and satellite datasets. The mean differences of temperature between the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) and the rocketsondes are about 0.7–2.4 K in the stratosphere and −6 K in the mesosphere. The temperature biases between the Naval Research Laboratory Mass Spectrometer and Incoherent Scatter Radar, Exosphere (NRLMSISE-00)/Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM), and the rocketsondes are small (~1–2 K) in the lower stratosphere and largest near the stratopause. Both models strongly overestimated the temperature by 11 K on average. The discrepancies of horizontal winds between the Horizontal Wind Model 07 (HWM07)/WACCM and the rocketsondes reached the maximum in the upper stratosphere and the lower mesosphere. The westerly observed zonal winds and equatorward meridional winds were two interesting phenomena that led to large biases in the upper stratosphere, which need further study.
A Diabatically Generated Potential Vorticity Structure near the Extratropical Tropopause in Three Simulated Extratropical Cyclones
Authors: Chagnon Jeffrey M. , Gray Suzanne L.
Published: January 2015

The structure of near-tropopause potential vorticity (PV) acts as a primary control on the evolution of extratropical cyclones. Diabatic processes such as the latent heating found in ascending moist warm conveyor belts modify PV. A dipole in diabatically generated PV (hereafter diabatic PV) straddling the extratropical tropopause, with the positive pole above the negative pole, was diagnosed in a recently published analysis of a simulated extratropical cyclone. This PV dipole has the potential to significantly modify the propagation of Rossby waves and the growth of baroclinically unstable waves. This previous analysis was based on a single case study simulated with 12-km horizontal grid spacing and parameterized convection. Here the dipole is investigated in three additional cold-season extratropical cyclones simulated in both convection-parameterizing and convection-permitting model configurations. A diabatic PV dipole across the extratropical tropopause is diagnosed in all three cases. The amplitude of the dipole saturates approximately 36 h from the time diabatic PV is accumulated. The node elevation of the dipole varies between 2 and 4 PVU (1 PVU = 106 K kg−1 m2 s−1) in the three cases, and the amplitude of the system-averaged dipole varies between 0.2 and 0.4 PVU. The amplitude of the negative pole is similar in the convection-parameterizing and convection-permitting simulations. The positive pole, which is generated by longwave radiative cooling, is weak in the convection-permitting simulations due to the small domain size, which limits the accumulation of diabatic tendencies within the interior of the domain. The possible correspondence between the diabatic PV dipole and the extratropical tropopause inversion layer is discussed.
Craniofacial Surgery and Adverse Outcomes
Authors: Svider Peter F. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Folbe Adam J. , Carron Michael A. , Zuliani Giancarlo F. , Shkoukani Mahdi A.
Published: January 2015

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate factors contributing to medical negligence relevant to craniofacial surgery.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of verdict and settlement reports on the Westlaw legal database for outcome, awards, physician defendants, and other specific factors raised in malpractice litigation.

Results:

Of 42 verdicts and settlement reports included, 52.4% were resolved with either an out-of-court settlement or plaintiff verdict, with aggregate payments totaling $50.1M (in 2013 dollars). Median settlements and jury-awarded damages were $988 000 and $555 000, respectively. Payments in pediatric cases ($1.2M) were significantly higher. Plastic surgeons, oral surgeons, and otolaryngologists were the most commonly named defendants. The most common alleged factors included intraoperative negligence (69.0%), permanent deficits (54.8%), requiring additional surgery (52.4%), missed/delayed diagnosis of a complication (42.9%), disfigurement/scarring (28.6%), postoperative negligence (28.6%), and inadequate informed consent (20.6% of surgical cases). Failure to diagnose a fracture (19.0%) and cleft-reparative procedures (14.3%) were the most frequently litigated entities.

Conclusion:

Medical negligence related to craniofacial surgery involves plaintiffs in a wide age range as well as physician defendants in numerous specialties, and proceedings resolved with settlement and plaintiff verdict involve substantial payments. Cases with death, allegedly permanent injuries, and pediatric plaintiffs had significantly higher payments.
Bridging the accountability gap in hybrid organizations: the case of Copenhagen Malmö Port
Authors: Grossi Giuseppe , Thomasson Anna
Published: January 2015

Previous research on hybrid organizations has drawn attention to the accountability gap that is believed to emerge when the provision of public services is transferred to a hybrid organization. In this article we take our point of departure in that research and use a case study method to explore whether this gap can be bridged by existing corporate governance systems or if governance systems specially tailored to hybrid forms need to be developed. The result of the study shows that the process is equally important as the system in place. That is, it is not only the actual system but also how the system is implemented and used that affects the ability to bridge the accountability gap.

Points for practitioners

This article provides insight into how the hybrid form alters the relationship between citizens, elected politicians and organizations performing public services and, consequently, how the ability to secure accountability in public services changes. The results presented in the article provide politicians and managers in the public sector with knowledge regarding how, by focusing on organizational processes, relationships between stakeholders and performance evaluation can work with improving accountability in hybrid organizations. Further, the article stresses the need for performance evaluation to encompass not only financial aspects, but also the societal values of the public services performed by the hybrid organization.
Extrusion foaming of poly(ethylene terephthalate) with carbon dioxide based on rheology analysis
Authors: Fan Chaoyang , Wan Chen , Gao Feng , Huang Chao , Xi Zhenhao , Xu Zhimei , Zhao Ling , Liu Tao
Published: January 2015

Although low density poly(ethylene terephthalate) foams take advantage of the combination of good performances and lightness and have a wide range of engineering applications, extrusion foaming of the poly(ethylene terephthalate) is still faced with many challenges, especially the inadequate rheological characteristics. In this work, the melt strength of four types of poly(ethylene terephthalate) was compared on the basis of the analysis on the dynamic complex viscosity, storage and loss modulus, relaxation spectrum, loss factor and extensional viscosity using rheometer. It was found that the two long chain branching poly(ethylene terephthalates) owned overall higher melt viscosity and greater elasticity than the other two linear ones. Furthermore, only one long chain branching poly(ethylene terephthalate), i.e. PET4, succeeded in the extensional viscosity characterization and showed the phenomenon of strain hardening. Thereafter, PET4 was successfully applied for the extrusion foaming with CO2 as the blowing agent. The effects of the foaming temperature, screw revolution speed, gas input and addition of nucleation agent were carefully investigated on the extrusion foaming and the resulted poly(ethylene terephthalate) foams properties. Under the optimization condition, the extruded poly(ethylene terephthalate) foams were produced with the volume expansion ratio of 9.5, average cell size of 265 µm, cell density of 4.58 × 105 cells/cm3 and a narrow cell size distribution.
DGEBF epoxy blends for use in the resin impregnation of extremely large composite parts
Authors: Madhukar Madhu S , Martovetsky Nicolai N
Published: January 2015

Large superconducting electromagnets used in fusion reactors utilize a large amount of glass/epoxy composite for electrical insulation and mechanical and thermal strengths. The manufacture of these magnets involves wrapping each superconducting cable bundle with dry glass cloth followed by the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding of the entire magnet. Due to their enormous size (more than 100 tons), it requires more than 40 h for resin impregnation and the subsequent pressure cycles to ensure complete impregnation and removal of any trapped air pockets. Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol F epoxy resin cross-linked with methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride with an accelerator has been shown to be a good candidate for use in composite parts requiring long impregnation cycles. Viscosity, gel time, and glass transition temperature of four resin-blends of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol F resin system were monitored as a function of time and temperature with an objective to find the blend that provides a working window longer than 40 h at low viscosity without lowering its glass transition temperature. Based on the results, a resin-blend in the weight ratios of resin:hardener:accelerator = 100:82:0.125 is shown to provide more than 60 h at low resin viscosity while maintaining the same glass transition temperature as obtained with previously used resin-blends.
Mechanisms of in-plane shear deformation in hybrid three-dimensional woven composites
Authors: Muñoz R , González C , Llorca J
Published: January 2015

The in-plane shear response of a hybrid three-dimensional woven composite laminate is studied, and the deformation and failure micromechanisms are analysed by means of full-field strain measurements and X-ray microtomography. It was found that the laminate presented a very high failure strain ( ≈38%), much higher than that of conventional two-dimensional laminates. Extensive damage was clearly observed during deformation in the form of matrix/fibre debonding and tow splitting by shear. Nevertheless, the through-thickness reinforcement hindered the development of failure by interply delamination and improved the ductility. Final fracture took place by tensile fibre failure, and the strain-to-failure was enhanced by the higher ductility of the glass fibres.
New technology “clouds” student data privacy
Authors: Krueger Keith R. , Moore Bob
Published: January 2015

As technology has leaped forward to provide valuable learning tools, parents and policy makers have begun raising concerns about the privacy of student data that schools and systems have. Federal laws are intended to protect students and their families but they have not and will never be able to keep up with rapidly evolving technology. School systems can help themselves and their students by following a list of guidelines, the authors say.
Security and communication improve community trust
Authors: Schneiderman Mark
Published: January 2015

Using student information in schools is nothing new nor is the reliance on information technologies supported by external service providers. What is new is the adoption of innovations like cloud computing and data analytics that are increasing teacher and family data access, creating actionable information to drive instruction and decision making, improving data security, enhancing school capacity and productivity, and helping customize learning for each student. Given the importance of this issue and the concern around it, it is crucial to enhance communications and trust among the triad of stakeholders: students/parents and their schools; schools and their service providers; and service providers and students/parents. This will require increased understanding of the benefits of the data and technology, further agreement about its appropriate uses, enhanced governance and transparency around data collection and sharing, and a continuous improvement process for security.
Learn to avoid or overcome leadership obstacles
Authors: D’Auria John
Published: January 2015

Leadership is increasingly recognized as an important factor in moving schools forward, yet we have been relatively random in how we prepare and support them. Four obstacles often block or diminish their effectiveness. Avoiding or overcoming each of these requires an underlying set of skills and knowledge that we believe can be learned and practiced to improve leaders’ impact.
Ed Law
Authors: Darden Edwin C.
Published: January 2015

Technology can be a useful tool for security in schools; it can also trigger a backdraft of protest and legal complaints from parents and students raising constitutional law privacy objections. An action that begins with benign motives of student safety, identification, and helping schools and districts to improve their operations can end up in a full-blown federal court legal battle over the law governing individual freedoms.
PDK Connection
Authors: Patterson Gregory A.
Published: January 2015

PDK Emerging Leaders meet in Washington; applications for Prospective Educator Scholarships are now available; Emerging Leaders offer views on what’s needed to improve preservice teaching preparation.
Backtalk
Authors: Merz Sandy
Published: January 2015

While society worries about hackers stealing financial data, third-party vendors to the education establishment are amassing a myriad of personal data about teachers, students, and their families. The author says it is imperative that this data be handled with sufficient safeguards from those who would exploit the information for business or political gains.
SME innovation, exporting and growth: A review of existing evidence
Authors: Love James H , Roper Stephen
Published: January 2015

This article summarises and synthesises the evidence on SME innovation, exporting and growth, paying particular attention to internal and external (eco-system) enablers, and for the interplay between innovation and exporting in SME growth. We highlight those areas for which the evidence base is secure and where the evidence base remains limited, and develop policy suggestions and an agenda for further research.
Estimating Cost-Effectiveness in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: McEwan Phil , Gordon Jason , Evans Marc , Ward Thomas , Bennett Hayley , Bergenheim Klas
Published: January 2015

Objectives. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) clinical guidelines focus on optimizing glucose control, with therapy escalation classically initiated within a “failure-based” regimen. Within many diabetes models, HbA1c therapy escalation thresholds play a pivotal role, controlling duration of therapy and, consequently, incremental costs and benefits. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between therapy escalation threshold and time to therapy escalation on predicted cost-effectiveness of T2DM treatments. Methods. This study used the Cardiff Diabetes Model to illustrate the relationship between costs and health outcomes associated with first-, second-, and third-line therapy as a function of time on each. Data from routine clinical practice were used to contrast predicted costs and health outcomes associated with guideline therapy escalation thresholds compared with clinical practice. The impact of baseline HbA1c and therapy escalation thresholds on cost-effectiveness was investigated, comparing a sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor v. sulfonylurea added to metformin monotherapy. Results. Lower thresholds are associated with a shorter time spent on monotherapy, ranging from 1.1 years (escalation at 6.5%) to 13 years (escalation at 9.0%) and an increase in total lifetime cost of therapy. Treatment-related disutility is minimized with higher thresholds because progression to insulin is delayed. Using metformin combined with either dapagliflozin or a sulfonylurea to illustrate lower baseline HbA1c and/or higher therapy escalation thresholds was associated with increased cost-effectiveness ratios, driven by a longer duration of therapy. Discussion. A marked difference in treatment cost-effectiveness was demonstrated when comparing routine clinical practice with guideline-advocated therapy escalation. This is important to both health care professionals and the wider health economic community with respect to understanding the true cost-effectiveness profile of any particular T2DM therapy option.
A Prospective Study of Injury Patterns in Collegiate Pole Vaulters
Authors: Rebella Gregory
Published: January 2015

Background:

Although pole vaulting has been a sanctioned collegiate event since the 1920s, little is known about the injury patterns observed in the sport.

Purpose:

To describe injury incidence, patterns, and risks in collegiate pole vaulters.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

This was a prospective cohort study of collegiate athletes participating in pole vault over a single track-and-field season. Baseline athlete information was collected on study enrollment. Injuries were recorded in a standardized form to document diagnosis and event circumstances. A log of practice and competition exposures was maintained for each athlete. Injury incidence was reported as the proportion of injured vaulters and number of new injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures. Regression analysis on baseline variables was performed to determine risks for injury.

Results:

A total of 135 vaulters from 15 universities took part in the study. There were 70 injury events reported during 8823 exposures. Forty-one percent of vaulters sustained injury, and there were 7.9 injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures. The low back was the most common injury location (16.7%), followed by the hamstrings and lower leg (13.9% each). Overall, 60% of injuries were to the lower extremities, 21% to the upper extremities, and 18% to the back. No head or neck injuries were reported. Injuries were most commonly muscular strains (39.2%) or overuse type (25.5%). Thirty percent, including 83% of low back injuries, occurred during the plant/takeoff phase of the vault. One-third of lumbar injuries were spondylolysis, with 75% of these being season ending. The odds of injury were 2.7 (95% CI, 1.1-7.1) times greater in vaulters with multiple prior injuries.

Conclusion:

This is the first prospective study of injury patterns in collegiate pole vaulters. The results indicate that injuries are very common in experienced vaulters. Medical personnel and coaches should be aware of the propensity for overuse-type injuries and institute activity modification to reduce time lost. In addition, coaches and athletes should focus on proper technique, particularly during the plant/takeoff to help minimize back injury. Medical providers should maintain a high level of suspicion for symptomatic spondylolysis in any vaulter complaining of frequent or persistent low back pain. Detailed medical histories are important to identify prior injuries, and coaches should focus on changing technical flaws or behaviors that may contribute to reinjury.
Effect of pyrolysis temperature on chemical and physical properties of sewage sludge biochar
Authors: Khanmohammadi Zahra , Afyuni Majid , Mosaddeghi Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of pyrolysis temperatures (300, 400, 500, 600 and 700°C) on properties of biochar produced from an urban sewage sludge. Biochar yield significantly decreased from 72.5% at 300°C to 52.9% at 700°C, whereas an increase in temperature increased the gas yield. Biochar pH and electrical conductivity increased by 3.8 and 1.4 dS m−1, proportionally to the increment of temperature. Biochar produced at low temperatures had higher total nitrogen and total organic carbon content but a lower C/N ratio, calcium carbonate equivalent, and total P, K and Na contents. Total and diethylene triamine penta acetic acid (DTPA)-extractable concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cr and Pb increased with increment of temperature. Lower DTPA-extractable concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb were found in biochars compared to the sewage sludge. Pyrolysis decreased bulk density, whereas particle density and porosity increment was observed upon pyrolysis with increment of temperature. Sewage sludge saturated water content ( θs) was 130.4 g 100g−1 and significantly greater than biochar, but biochar θs significantly increased with temperature (95.7 versus 105.4 g 100g−1 at 300 and 700°C, respectively). Pyrolysis decreased the biochar’s water repellency, assessed by molarity of ethanol droplet (MED), compared to the sewage sludge. The lowest MED of 0.2 and water repellency rating of 3 were found for the biochar produced at 700°C. Based on our results and considering the energy consumption, pyrolysis temperature in the range of 300–400°C may be suggested for sewage sludge pyrolysis.