bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advantages of Recombinant Follicle-Stimulating Hormone over Human Menopausal Gonadotropin in Intrauterine Insemination: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Associated Infertility
Authors: Rashidi Mandana , Najmi Zahra , Mobasseri Alireza
Published: July 2015

Background: Various gonadotropin preparations have been used for ovarian stimulation in intrauterine insemination (IUI). The purpose of the current study was to compare human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (rFSH) combined with clomiphene citrate (CC) in IUI cycles for polycystic ovary syndrome-associated infertility. Methods: In this prospective trial, couples prepared for IUI cycles were randomly allocated either to receive CC and rFSH (group A, n = 132) or CC and hMG (group B, n = 144) for ovarian stimulation. Outcomes including rates of clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, multiple pregnancy, cancellation and live birth were compared. Results: The duration of gonadotropin therapy was shorter and total doses of gonadotropins was lower in the rFSH group. The number of stimulated follicles reaching >17 mm diameter was comparable between groups, but the mean follicular diameter was significantly higher in the rFSH group. The endometrium was also significantly thicker at the time of human chorionic gonadotropin administration in the rFSH group. However, pregnancy outcomes, including the rates of clinical pregnancy, ongoing pregnancy, live birth, miscarriage, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and cancellation, were similar between groups. Conclusion: IUI cycles in which rFSH is administered may result in shorter duration of treatment, a lower total gonadotropin dose and better follicular and endometrial characteristics on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin injection.
In Search of ‘Omics'-Based Biomarkers to Predict Risk of Frailty and Its Consequences in Older Individuals: The FRAILOMIC Initiative
Authors: Erusalimsky Jorge D. , Grillari Johannes , Grune Tilman , Jansen-Duerr Pidder , Lippi Giuseppe , Sinclair Alan J. , Tegnér Jesper , Viña Jose , Durrance-Bagale Anna , Miñambres Rebeca , Viegas Marcelo , Rodríguez-Mañas Leocadio ,   on behalf of the FRAILOMIC Consortium
Published: July 2015

An increase in the number of older people experiencing disability and dependence is a critical aspect of the demographic change that will emerge within Europe due to the rise in life expectancy. In this scenario, prevention of these conditions is crucial for the well-being of older citizens and for the sustainability of our healthcare systems. Thus, the diagnosis and management of conditions like frailty, which identifies the people at the highest risk for developing those adverse outcomes, is of critical relevance. Currently, assessment of frailty relies primarily on measuring functional parameters, which have limited clinical utility. In this viewpoint article, we describe the FRAILOMIC Initiative, an international, large-scale, multi-endpoint, community- and clinic-based research study funded by the European Commission. The aim of the study is to develop validated measures, comprising both classic and ‘omics-based' laboratory biomarkers, which can predict the risk of frailty, improve the accuracy of its diagnosis in clinical practice and provide a prognostic forecast on the evolution from frailty to disability. The initiative includes eight established cohorts of older adults, encompassing >75,000 subjects, most of whom (∼70%) are aged >65 years. Data on function, nutritional status and exercise habits have been collected, and cardiovascular health has been evaluated at baseline. Subjects will be stratified as ‘non-frail' or ‘frail' using Fried's definition, all adverse outcomes of interest will be recorded and differentially expressed biomarkers associated with the risk of frailty will be identified. Genomic, proteomic and transcriptomic investigations will be carried out using array-based systems. As circulating microRNAs in plasma have been identified in the context of senescence, ageing and age-associated diseases, a miRNome-wide analysis will also be undertaken to identify a miRNA-based signature of frailty. Blood concentrations of secreted proteins known to be upregulated significantly in senescent endothelial cells and other hypothesis-driven biomarkers will be measured using ELISAs. The FRAILOMIC Initiative aims to issue a series of interim scientific reports as key results emerge. Ultimately, it is hoped that this study will contribute to the development of new clinical tools, which may help individuals to enjoy an old age that is healthier and free from disability.
Tamoxifen Improves Final Height Prediction in Girls with McCune-Albright Syndrome: A Long Follow-Up
Authors: de G. Buff Passone Caroline , Kuperman Hilton , Cabral de Menezes-Filho Hamilton , Spassapan Oliveira Esteves Lygia , Lana Obata Giroto Rachel , Damiani Durval
Published: July 2015

Background: McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is a genetic disorder characterized by the triad of fibrous dysplasia, skin hyperpigmentation, and autonomous hyperfunction of various endocrine organs. MAS frequently presents in females as precocious puberty (PP). Although many treatments have been proposed, the preservation of final height (FH) in these patients remains a challenge. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of tamoxifen in improving the FH prediction (FHP) in patients with MAS. Method: We retrospectively analyzed 8 female patients with MAS who presented with café-au-lait spots and gonadotropin-independent PP. The patients were followed for a mean period of 8.3 years (range: 3-16). Results: All patients were treated with tamoxifen (10-20 mg/day) for 3-8 years (mean ± SD: 5.75 ± 2.05), which resulted in the cessation of vaginal bleeding and the stabilization of bone age maturation. There was a significant difference between the FHP at the beginning of treatment and at the end of treatment (145.1 ± 8.6 cm; Z score -2.84 ± 1.44 cm) and at the last evaluation (157.0 ± 9.2 cm; Z score -0.85 ± 0.54 cm; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results support a role for tamoxifen in improving the FHP in patients with MAS.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Multiple Bowen's Disease in a Patient with a History of Consumption of Traditional Chinese Herbal Balls
Authors: Seok Joon , Park Kui Young , Li Kapsok , Kim Beom Joon , Shim Joo Hyun , Seo Seong Jun , Kim Myeung Nam , Hong Chang Kwun
Published: July 2015

Arsenic has been classified as a class I human carcinogen, meaning that there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity to humans. Arsenic, however, remains a common contaminant in a number of traditional Chinese herbal balls. A 64-year-old man presented with an erythematous erosive patch on the left palm, multiple yellowish scaly patches on the right palm and an erythematous hyperkeratotic patch with bleeding on the left foot dorsum. He also had similar skin lesions on the back and buttock. He had a past medical history of chronic exposure to arsenic through consumption of traditional Chinese herbal balls. Skin biopsy revealed Bowen's disease on the left palm and squamous cell carcinoma on left foot dorsum. We report this case to emphasize that we should investigate patient's history thoroughly, including the use of Chinese herbal balls to find out arsenicism.
Stress Testing After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in the Veterans Affairs HealthCare System
Authors: Bradley Steven M. , Hess Edward , Winchester David E. , Sussman Jeremy B. , Aggarwal Vikas , Maddox Thomas M. , Barón Anna E. , Rumsfeld John S. , Ho P. Michael
Published: July 2015

Background—

Stress testing after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in fee-for-service settings is common and rates vary by hospital. Rates of stress testing after PCI within integrated healthcare systems, such as the Veterans Affairs (VA) are unknown.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated all VA patients who underwent PCI from October 2007 through June 2010. To avoid the influence of Medicare eligibility on rates of stress testing use in the VA, we excluded Medicare eligible patients during the follow-up period. Hospital-level variation in risk-standardized rates of stress testing and the association with 1-year mortality and myocardial infarction was determined from Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Among 10 293 patients undergoing PCI at 55 VA hospitals, 2239 (21.8%) had a stress test performed within 1 year of PCI and 3902 (37.9%) within 2 years. Most stress tests after PCI were performed with nuclear imaging (79.8%). The hospital-level risk-standardized rate of stress testing differed significantly from the average at 14 hospitals, with 8 (14.5%) hospitals significantly below and 6 (10.9%) hospitals significantly above the average stress testing rate. Hospital-level risk-standardized stress testing rates were not significantly correlated with risk-standardized mortality (Spearman ρ=−0.24;
P
=0.08) or myocardial infarction rates (Spearman ρ=0.20;
P
=0.14).

Conclusions—

In the VA, nearly 40% of patients underwent stress testing in the 2 years after PCI, which is a third less than published studies from other healthcare systems. However, stress testing rates varied across VA hospitals, suggesting opportunities to optimize the use of stress testing are still present in integrated healthcare systems.
Impact of Institutional Volume on Outcomes of Catheter Directed Thrombolysis in the Treatment of Acute Proximal Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Jarrett Harish , Zack Chad. J. , Aggarwal Vikas , Lakhter Vladimir , Alkhouli Mohammad A. , Zhao Huaqing , Comerota Anthony , Bove Alfred A. , Bashir Riyaz
Published: July 2015

Background—

The use of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) in the treatment of acute proximal lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis is increasing in the United States and has been linked to higher bleeding rates. Whether this relationship is interrelated with institution volume of CDT is unknown.

Methods and Results—

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to identify all patients admitted with a principal diagnosis of proximal or inferior vena caval deep vein thrombosis and treated with CDT from 2005 to 2010. Institutions were divided into high-volume (≥6 procedures a year) and low-volume (<6 procedures a year) centers. Propensity score matching was used to create 2 matched groups for comparative analysis. A total of 90 618 patients were hospitalized for proximal lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis, and 3649 patients (4.1%) underwent CDT. In-hospital mortality was significantly lower at high-volume centers (0.6% versus 1.5%;
P
=0.04) with a trend toward lower intracranial hemorrhage rates compared with low-volume centers (0.4% versus 1%;
P
=0.07). No significant difference was seen with blood transfusion (10.4% versus 10.8%;
P
=0.70), gastrointestinal bleeding (1.4% versus 1.8%;
P
=0.35), or pulmonary embolism rates (18.4% versus 17.9%;
P
=0.72). Median length of stay was similar (6 days) and hospital charges were higher ($65 500 versus $75 870) at high-volume centers.

Conclusions—

In this observational study, we found that an increase in institutional volume of CDT was associated with lower in-hospital mortality and lower intracranial hemorrhage rates. Further studies are needed to assess whether standardization of CDT protocols across all institutions in the United States improves outcomes.
The Arabidopsis thaliana papain-like cysteine protease RD21 interacts with a root-knot nematode effector protein
Authors: Davies Laura J. , Zhang Lei , Elling Axel A.
Published: July 2015

The root-knot nematodeMeloidogyne chitwoodisecretes effector proteins into the cells of host plants to manipulate plant-derived processes in order to achieve successful parasitism. Mc1194 is aM. chitwoodieffector that is highly expressed in pre-parasitic second-stage juvenile nematodes. Yeast two-hybrid assays revealed Mc1194 specifically interacts with a papain-like cysteine protease (PLCP), RD21A inArabidopsis thaliana. Mc1194 interacts with both the protease and granulin domains of RD21A. PLCPs are targeted by effectors secreted by bacterial, fungal and oomycete pathogens and the hypersusceptibility ofrd21-1mutants toM. chitwoodiindicates RD21A plays a role in plant-parasitic nematode infection.
Evaluation of maize seed treatments for Pratylenchus zeae control
Authors: de Souza Confort Pedro Marcus , Inomoto Mário M.
Published: July 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of maize (Zea mays) seed treatments for the control of Pratylenchus zeae under glasshouse conditions. Seeds of the maize hybrid DKB390 treated with thiametoxam, thiametoxam + abamectin and imidacloprid + thiodicarb were used as treatments. The treated maize seeds were sown in plastic cups containing soil inoculated with 200 nematodes (juveniles and females). Two of the four experiments that were done were evaluated at 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS). The first experiment was evaluated 30, 60 and 90 DAS, and the fourth experiment only at 90 DAS. Fresh root mass and total nematodes extracted and counted from roots of each plant were used as the assessment criteria. All seed treatments tested showed a degree of efficacy in reducing the reproduction rates of P. zeae under glasshouse conditions. The imidacloprid + thiodicarb treatment showed consistent results in all replications of all four experiments, often being the one resulting in the lowest P. zeae density. The thiametoxam + abamectin treatment was also effective in reducing nematode numbers and differed significantly from the control treatments for all four experiments. Thiametoxam used on its own as a seed treatment proved to be as effective as the mixture with abamectin in two of the four experiments and does not provide consistent results in terms of reducing P. zeae population levels.
Description of Bursaphelenchus ulmophilus sp. n. (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchinae) associated with Dutch elm disease of Ulmus glabra Huds. in the Russian North West
Authors: Ryss Alexander , Polyanina Kristina S. , Popovichev Boris G. , Subbotin Sergei A.
Published: July 2015

A new species,Bursaphelenchus ulmophilussp. n., from thehofmannigroup is described morphologically and molecularly. This nematode species was found associated with Dutch elm disease ofUlmusglabrain parks of St Petersburg, Russia, and is vectored by adults and larvae of the bark beetlesScolytusmultistriatusandS. scolytus.Bursaphelenchus ulmophilussp. n. is characterised by the following features: body length 600-850 μm, stylet 12-14 μm long with base slightly and smoothly expanded, but lacking knobs, median bulb almost spherical in female and slightly ovoid in male, pharyngeal gland lobe dorsal, 4-5 body diam. long. This species has an oval spermatheca filled with spherical nucleic sperm 4-5 μm diam. Female post-uterine sacca0.5 of the vulva-anus distance andca3 vulval body diam. long, female tail reflexed, strongly hooked ventrally with a digitate or conically rounded tip. The male has seven caudal papillae arranged as 1 + 2 + 2 + 2, P1 is unpaired, anterior to cloacal opening, paired P2 at cloacal aperture, paired P3 and paired pore-like ‘gland papilla’ P4 at the lateral edges of the bursa which has the posterior border rounded to truncate. Phylogenetic analyses of the D2-D3 of 28S rRNA, partial 18S rRNA and ITS rRNA gene sequences revealed thatB. ulmophilussp. n. formed a clade with species of thehofmannigroup and shared close relationships withB. hofmanniandB. pinasteri.
Effects of agronomic practices on the timeline of Heterodera glycines establishment in a new location
Authors: Melakeberhan Haddish , Wang Wei , Kravchenko Alexandra , Thelen Kurt
Published: July 2015

How soybean cyst nematode (SCN,Heterodera glycines) adapts when introduced into a new location under tillage, rotation and crop treatments is unknown. SCN race 3 (Hg Type 0) was introduced into a sandy loam field at more than 4000 eggs (100 cm3soil)−1and observed over 6 years under till and no-till, and either maize (Zea mays; C), SCN race 3 resistant soybean (Glycine max; R) or susceptible soybean (S) monocrop, or RCRC and SCSC rotations. While SCN population density was lower in no-till than in tilled treatments, and highest in S and lowest in C or RC rotations, it was detected at less than 1 cyst (100 cm3soil)−1. This suggests a prolonged phase of decline from the introduced levels. The interaction effects of tillage, rotation and/or time on SCN suggest that outcomes vary by agronomic practice and time, providing agro-biologically-based understanding of SCN establishment in a new location.
Microbiota from Meloidogyne exigua egg masses and evidence for the effect of volatiles on infective juvenile survival
Authors: Costa Lilian Simara Abreu S. , Campos Vicente Paulo , Terra Willian C. , Pfenning Ludwig H.
Published: July 2015

Egg masses ofMeloidogyne exiguafrom coffee plants are subjected to a range of microbial populations and these resident soil organisms in the egg masses may affect nematode communities. The incidence of fungi and bacteria inM. exiguaegg masses was investigated and the toxic effect of their volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was tested on second-stage juveniles (J2). Bacteria and fungi were isolated from egg masses on coffee root and identified to species. The nematicidal activity of VOCs from bacterial and fungal strains was tested againstM. exiguainin vitroexperiments. Several bacterial and fungal strains were found inM. exiguaegg masses and produced VOCs that were toxic toM. exiguaJ2. Bacterial strains induced more nematode mortality compared with fungal strains. The continued colonisation of fungi and bacteria inM. exiguaegg masses occurred during the year and their VOCs reduced the viable inocula ofM. exiguaand should be explored as biocontrol agents.
Establishment of new monoxenic culture systems for root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp., on axenic water spinach roots
Authors: Xu Chun-Ling , Jiao Chun-Wei , Yu Lu , Xie Hui , Wang Dong-Wei , Li Yu , Cheng Xi
Published: July 2015

To establish optimal monoxenic culture systems for Meloidogyne spp., in vitro axenic culture methods of water spinach and tomato roots and monoxenic reproduction of the nematodes were assessed on six different media (MS-I to MS-VI), based on the standard Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium. The concentrations of the major elements of MS medium were amended, and the main differences among these media were concentrations of iron salts, hormone and ammonium nitrate in the macroelements. Both water spinach and tomato successfully produced roots on MS-I to MS-V media (with ammonium nitrate), but not on MS-VI (without ammonium nitrate). Water spinach produced many more roots than tomato, especially on MS-I (without hormones). Meloidogyne incognita was successfully established on in vitro roots of the two plants on MS-I to MS-V media. It was also possible to culture M. javanica and M. arenaria on water spinach root on MS-I medium. In addition, water spinach root tissues could be maintained for 8 months on MS-II and MS-V media.
Parasitodiplogaster citrinema is an internal necrophagous species of the pollinating fig wasp Pegoscapus tonduzi
Authors: Ramírez-Benavides William , Salazar-Figueroa Luis
Published: July 2015

Parasitodiplogaster has been considered to be an internal specialised parasite of the pollinating fig wasps. We found that the second-stage juveniles of Parasitodiplogaster citrinema emerge directly from the eggs retained in the ovaries, penetrate the adult female wasps at their eclosion from their galls, and moult to inactive dauers. Parasitodiplogaster dauers are ensheathed, and do not abandon the living host, while the pre-adults become necrophagous inside the wasp cadaver. The adult nematodes emerge from the wasp’s cadaver 72 h (up to 240 h) after the wasp perishes. Parasitodiplogaster citrinema was found to be proovigenic, has about 15 developed eggs in each oviduct and is ovoviviparous. Unfed caged adult female wasps remained alive for 65 h despite being infected. The dauers do not feed or grow inside the living hosts, and the adults seem to feed on dead fig tissues.
Hellenistic Coins from Kampÿrtepa
Authors: Rtveladze Édvard V. , Gorin Alexeï N.
Published: July 2015

The article is concerned with Seleucid and Graeco-Bactrian coins found in the excavations at Kampÿrtepa, carried out by the Tokharistan archaeological expedition of the Fine Arts Research Institute during the years 1979-1991 and 1999-2010. In all, 30 coins of interest have been found there: 2 coins of the Seleucid king Antiochusiand 28 of the Graeco-Bactrian rulers, including coins of Diodotus, Euthydemusi, Demetriusi, Euthydemusii, and Eucratidesi. Most of the coin finds were small-denomination bronzes. Two more unique coins of an unknown type were uncovered at Kampÿrtepa: the legend on one of them contains the name Heliocles [iii]. In addition, three rare imitations of Demetriusiand Eucratides coins are presented in this paper.
R. Hayyim Soloveitchik and Academic Talmudic Hermeneutics
Authors: Blankovsky Yuval
Published: July 2015

This article offers a detailed description of R. Hayyim Soloveitchik’s commentary on the Talmudic discussions about the requirement for proper intention when making Jewish ritual objects, i.e., Sefer Torah, Mezuzah, etc., and a comparison to the academic commentary on that issue. It describes the relationship between the two genres of commentary, academic and rabbinic, and illustrates the differences and similarities between the commentaries of these two parallel interpretive communities. In this way, the paper sheds new light on the character of R. Hayyim as a Talmudic commentator.
The fauna of the family Bombycidae sensu lato (Insecta, Lepidoptera, Bombycoidea) from Mainland China, Taiwan and Hainan Islands
The fauna of the family Bombycidae sensu lato (Insecta, Lepidoptera, Bombycoidea) from Mainland China, Taiwan and Hainan Islands

Authors: WANG XING , WANG MIN , ZOLOTUHIN VADIM V. , HIROWATARI TOSHIYA , Wu Shipher , HUANG GUO-HUA
Published: July 2015

Seventy-seven species of family Bombycidae s. lat., belonging to 25 genera in three subfamilies, that have been recorded from China are listed and described, with illustrations of the adults, preimaginal stages (if available), and their genitalia. Keys to subfamilies and genera are provided. Two new genera and four new species are described, two subgenera are raised to generic status, seven new combinations are made, and one genus and six species are newly recorded from China. The new taxa are as follows: Rotunda Wang, X. & Zolotuhin, gen. nov., Comparmustilia Wang, X. & Zolotuhin, gen. nov., Triuncina daii Wang, X. & Zolotuhin, sp. nov., Triuncina xiongi Wang, X. & Zolotuhin, sp. nov., Gnathocinara boi Wang, X. & Zolotuhin, sp. nov. and Promustilia yajiangensis Wang, X. & Zolotuhin, sp. nov. The taxa newly recorded for China are: Sesquiluna Forbes, 1955; Trilocha friedeli Dierl, 1978; Bivincula kalikotei Dierl, 1978; Sesquiluna forbesi Zolotuhin & Witt, 2009; Mustilizans lepusa Zolotuhin, 2007; Smerkata brechlini (Zolotuhin, 2007) and Mustilia castanea Moore, 1879. The seven new combinations are: Rotunda rotundapex (Miyata & Kishida, 1990), comb. nov., Triuncina nitida (Chu & Wang, L.Y., 1993), comb. nov., Gunda sesostris (Vuillot, 1893), comb. nov., Smerkata fusca (Kishida, 1993), comb. nov., Comparmustilia sphingiformis (Moore, 1879), comb. nov., Comparmustilia semiravida (Yang, 1995), comb. nov., Comparmustilia gerontica (West, 1932), comb. nov.. The two subgenera raised to generic level are: Promustilia Zolotuhin, 2007, stat. nov. and Smerkata Zolotuhin, 2007, stat. nov.. The distributions of the species in China were determined and distributional maps provided. All type specimens of the new species described here are deposited in the College of Plant Protection, Hunan Agricultural University, China (HUNAU); Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, China (SCAU); Kyushu University Museum, Kyushu University, Japan (KUM), and Entomological Museum Thomas J. Witt, Munich, Germany (MWM).
Comparative Assessment of COSMIC Radio Occultation Data and TIMED/SABER Satellite Data over China
Authors: Fan Z. Q. , Sheng Z. , Shi H. Q. , Yi X. , Jiang Y. , Zhu E. Z.
Published: July 2015

The accuracy of temperature data from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC) radio occultation and Thermosphere, Ionosphere, Mesosphere Energetics, and Dynamics/Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (TIMED/SABER) observation over China is analyzed. High-resolution sounding data are used to assess the accuracy of these two kinds of satellite observation data at corresponding heights, and the two sets of data are compared in the height range 15–40 km. Very good agreement between radiosondes and COSMIC is observed in the stratosphere. In the troposphere COSMIC temperatures are about 2 K higher than the radiosonde observations. SABER detection at 15–32 km agrees well with a maximum warm bias of ~2 K around 25-km altitude. The comparison between SABER and COSMIC for altitudes 15–40 km also indicates higher temperatures of SABER in the lower stratosphere. The standard deviations are all greater than 2.5 K and are larger near 15 km and smallest at 20 km. The temperature deviation and in particular the standard deviation comparing SABER and COSMIC changes with altitude, season, and latitude. The results of this comparative assessment can offer a basis for research into the application of COSMIC and TIMED/SABER over China.
A Numerical Study on the Attitudes and Aerodynamics of Freely Falling Hexagonal Ice Plates
Authors: Cheng Kai-Yuan , Wang Pao K. , Hashino Tempei
Published: July 2015

The fall attitudes and the flow fields of falling hexagonal ice plates are studied by numerically solving the transient incompressible Navier–Stokes equation for flow past ice plates and the body dynamics equations representing the 6-degrees-of-freedom motion that determine the position and orientation of the ice plates in response to the hydrodynamic force of the flow fields. The ice plates investigated are from 1 to 10 mm in diameter, and the corresponding Reynolds number ranges from 46 to 974. The results indicate that the 1-mm plate generates a steady flow field and exhibits a steady motion, whereas the rest of the ice plates generate unsteady flow fields and exhibit unsteady motions, including horizontal translation, rotation, and axial oscillation. The horizontal translation is primarily determined by the inclination due to oscillation. The pressure distributions around the falling plates are examined and discussed in association with the oscillation. The vortex structure in the wake of the plate is examined. Empirical formulas for fall speed, oscillation frequency, and drag coefficient are given. Potential impacts of the fall attitudes and flow characteristics on the microphysics of ice plates are discussed.
Robust Future Changes in Temperature Variability under Greenhouse Gas Forcing and the Relationship with Thermal Advection
Authors: Holmes Caroline R. , Woollings Tim , Hawkins Ed , de Vries Hylke
Published: July 2015

Recent temperature extremes have highlighted the importance of assessing projected changes in the variability of temperature as well as the mean. A large fraction of present-day temperature variance is associated with thermal advection, as anomalous winds blow across the land–sea temperature contrast, for instance. Models project robust heterogeneity in the twenty-first-century warming pattern under greenhouse gas forcing, resulting in land–sea temperature contrasts increasing in summer and decreasing in winter and the pole-to-equator temperature gradient weakening in winter. In this study, future changes in monthly variability of near-surface temperature in the 17-member ensemble ESSENCE (Ensemble Simulations of Extreme Weather Events under Nonlinear Climate Change) are assessed. In winter, variability in midlatitudes decreases whereas in very high latitudes and the tropics it increases. In summer, variability increases over most land areas and in the tropics, with decreasing variability in high latitude oceans. Multiple regression analysis is used to determine the contributions to variability changes from changing temperature gradients and circulation patterns. Thermal advection is found to be of particular importance in the Northern Hemisphere winter midlatitudes, where the change in mean state temperature gradients alone could account for over half the projected changes. Changes in thermal advection are also found to be important in summer in Europe and coastal areas, although less so than in winter. Comparison with CMIP5 data shows that the midlatitude changes in variability are robust across large regions, particularly high northern latitudes in winter and middle northern latitudes in summer.
Bias Correction of GCM Precipitation by Quantile Mapping: How Well Do Methods Preserve Changes in Quantiles and Extremes?
Authors: Cannon Alex J. , Sobie Stephen R. , Murdock Trevor Q.
Published: July 2015

Quantile mapping bias correction algorithms are commonly used to correct systematic distributional biases in precipitation outputs from climate models. Although they are effective at removing historical biases relative to observations, it has been found that quantile mapping can artificially corrupt future model-projected trends. Previous studies on the modification of precipitation trends by quantile mapping have focused on mean quantities, with less attention paid to extremes. This article investigates the extent to which quantile mapping algorithms modify global climate model (GCM) trends in mean precipitation and precipitation extremes indices. First, a bias correction algorithm, quantile delta mapping (QDM), that explicitly preserves relative changes in precipitation quantiles is presented. QDM is compared on synthetic data with detrended quantile mapping (DQM), which is designed to preserve trends in the mean, and with standard quantile mapping (QM). Next, methods are applied to phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) daily precipitation projections over Canada. Performance is assessed based on precipitation extremes indices and results from a generalized extreme value analysis applied to annual precipitation maxima. QM can inflate the magnitude of relative trends in precipitation extremes with respect to the raw GCM, often substantially, as compared to DQM and especially QDM. The degree of corruption in the GCM trends by QM is particularly large for changes in long period return values. By the 2080s, relative changes in excess of +500% with respect to historical conditions are noted at some locations for 20-yr return values, with maximum changes by DQM and QDM nearing +240% and +140%, respectively, whereas raw GCM changes are never projected to exceed +120%.
Role of Longwave Cloud–Radiation Feedback in the Simulation of the Madden–Julian Oscillation
Authors: Kim Daehyun , Ahn Min-Seop , Kang In-Sik , Del Genio Anthony D.
Published: July 2015

The role of the cloud–radiation interaction in the simulation of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is investigated. A special focus is on the enhancement of column-integrated diabatic heating due to the greenhouse effects of clouds and moisture in the region of anomalous convection. The degree of this enhancement, the greenhouse enhancement factor (GEF), is measured at different precipitation anomaly regimes as the negative ratio of anomalous outgoing longwave radiation to anomalous precipitation.

Observations show that the GEF varies significantly with precipitation anomaly and with the MJO cycle. The greenhouse enhancement is greater in weak precipitation anomaly regimes and its effectiveness decreases monotonically with increasing precipitation anomaly. The GEF also amplifies locally when convection is strengthened in association with the MJO, especially in the weak precipitation anomaly regime (<5 mm day−1).

A robust statistical relationship is found among CMIP5 climate model simulations between the GEF and the MJO simulation fidelity. Models that simulate a stronger MJO also simulate a greater GEF, especially in the weak precipitation anomaly regime (<5 mm day−1). Models with a greater GEF in the strong precipitation anomaly regime (>30 mm day−1) represent a slightly slower MJO propagation speed. Many models that lack the MJO underestimate the GEF in general and in particular in the weak precipitation anomaly regime. The results herein highlight that the cloud–radiation interaction is a crucial process for climate models to correctly represent the MJO.
Conceptualizing and Measuring Citizenship and Integration Policy
Authors: Goodman Sara Wallace
Published: July 2015

Research on immigration and citizenship has become one of the fastest growing areas in political science, with one trend being the boon of comparative citizenship and immigration policy indices. This article discusses methodological concerns with this enterprise. The first half addresses issues with policy indices, including (a) concept validity and boundary maintenance and (b) measurement, compensability, and aggregate index use. The second half examines why these problems matter in hypothesis testing and for inference by replicating three policy index–using studies, rerunning analyses with different indices to test consistency of findings. These tests underscore a central finding: What scholars know about the effects of immigration and citizenship policy is subject to data and sample selection. The article concludes with a number of recommendations and strategies for moving forward. These approaches will not only strengthen this growing research agenda but also mainstream migrant-related policy studies into larger literatures in comparative politics.
The Impact of Community Based Health Insurance in Enhancing Better Accessibility and Lowering the Chance of Having Financial Catastrophe Due to Health Service Utilization
Authors: Bodhisane Somdeth , Pongpanich Sathirakorn
Published: July 2015

The Lao population mostly relies on out-of-pocket expenditures for health care services. This study aims to determine the role of community-based health insurance in making health care services accessible and in preventing financial catastrophe resulting from personal payment for inpatient services. A cross-sectional study design was applied. Data collection involved 126 insured and 126 uninsured households in identical study sites. Two logistic regression models were used to predict and compare the probability of hospitalization and financial catastrophe that occurred in both insured and uninsured households within the previous year. The findings show that insurance status does not significantly improve accessibility and financial protection against catastrophic expenditure. The reason is relatively simple, as catastrophic health expenditure refers to a total out-of-pocket payment equal to or more than 40% of household income minus subsistence. When household income declines as a result of inability to work due to illness, the 40% threshold is quickly reached. Despite this, results suggest that insured households are not significantly better off under community-based health insurance. However, compared to uninsured households, insured households do have better accessibility and a lower probability of reaching the financial catastrophe threshold.
Properties and optimal manufacturing conditions of chicken feathers/poly(lactic acid) biocomposites
Authors: Cañavate J , Aymerich J , Garrido N , Colom X , Macanás J , Molins G , Álvarez MD , Carrillo F
Published: July 2015

Chicken feathers waste from poultry industry was incorporated in poly(lactic acid) matrix to obtain an environmental friendly biocomposite taking advantage of the unique properties of chicken feathers, such as low density, biodegradability and good thermal and acoustic properties, and of the biodegradability of the poly(lactic acid). The effect of manufacturing conditions on the final properties of the composite and on the matrix–fiber compatibility was studied. Optimal manufacturing conditions, in order to obtain the best mechanical results, were found at a temperature of 170–180℃ for a processing time of 5 min and a speed of mixing of 50 r/min. Young’s modulus was not very affected by the chicken feather’s content showing a maximal variation of less than 8%, indicating that is possible to include chicken feathers in a composite maintaining its stiffness. However, tensile strength and elongation decreased up to 58 and 12%, respectively, when chicken feather content was 25% because of the restraining effect of the fibers. Moreover, dimensional stability was negatively affected with the inclusion of chicken feathers. Infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies show that fiber–matrix interaction exists but it is weak.
Polymer composites: Effects of environmental aging and geometric discontinuity in the isotropic and anisotropic behaviors
Authors: Tinô Sérgio RL , de Aquino Eve MF
Published: July 2015

The paper aims to study the effects caused by circular hole and accelerated environmental aging on mechanical/residual properties, isotropic and anisotropic behavior of glass fiber reinforced plastics under the uniaxial tensile loads. In this study, different polymer composites are tested: one reinforced with E-glass fiber mats (ML) and the other reinforced by E-glass fibers in the form of bidirectional fabric (FL). The new empirical model proposed and called hole/aging influence on mechanical properties model to measure the aging/hole simultaneous influences on glass fiber reinforced plastic mechanical properties was proposed and analyzed to highlight the good agreement achieved in polymer composites behavior. The hole/aging influence on mechanical properties model results shows that the ML composite laminate proved to be more susceptible to mechanical property loss caused by simultaneous effects of hole and environmental aging, and that the proposed model has good agreement for all composite laminates analyzed and can be used with engineering tools in polymeric composites.
Association of Synergistetes and Cyclodipeptides with Periodontitis
Authors: Marchesan J.T. , Morelli T. , Moss K. , Barros S.P. , Ward M. , Jenkins W. , Aspiras M.B. , Offenbacher S.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbial community (MC) composition as it relates to salivary metabolites and periodontal clinical parameters in a 21-d biofilm-overgrowth model. Subjects ( N = 168) were enrolled equally into 5 categories of periodontal status per the biofilm-gingival interface classification. Microbial species within subgingival plaque samples were identified by human microbiome identification microarray. Whole saliva was analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for metabolite identification. Phylum was grouped into MCs according to principal component analysis. Generalized linear and regression models were used to examine the association among MC, species, periodontal clinical parameters, and salivary metabolome. Multiple comparisons were adjusted with the false discovery rate. The study population was distributed into 8 distinct MC profiles, designated MC-1 to MC-8. MC-2 explained 14% of the variance and was dominated by Synergistetes and Spirochaetes. It was the only community structure significantly associated with high probing depth ( P = 0.02) and high bleeding on probing ( P = 0.008). MC-2 was correlated with traditional periodontal pathogens and several newly identified putative periodontal pathogens: Fretibacterium fastidiosum, Fretibacterium sp. OT360/OT362, Filifactor alocis, Treponema lecithinolyticum, Eubacterium saphenum, Desulfobulbus sp. /OT041, and Mogibacterium timidum. Synergistetes phylum was strongly associated with 2 novel metabolites—cyclo (-leu-pro) and cyclo (-phe-pro)—at 21 d of biofilm overgrowth ( P = 0.02). In subjects with severe periodontitis (P2 and P3), cyclo (-leu-pro) and cyclo (-phe-pro) were significantly associated with increased changes in probing depth at 21 d of biofilm overgrowth ( P ≤ 0.05). The analysis identified a MC dominated by Synergistetes, with classic and putative newly identified pathogens/pathobionts associated with clinical disease. The metabolomic discovery of 2 novel cyclodipeptides that have been reported to serve as quorum-sensing and/or bacteriocidal/bacteriostatic molecules, in association with Synergistetes, suggests a potential role in periodontal biofilm dysbiosis and periodontal disease that warrants further investigation.
COMT Diplotype Amplifies Effect of Stress on Risk of Temporomandibular Pain
Authors: Slade G.D. , Sanders A.E. , Ohrbach R. , Bair E. , Maixner W. , Greenspan J.D. , Fillingim R.B. , Smith S. , Diatchenko L.
Published: July 2015

When measured once, psychological stress predicts development of painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD). However, a single measurement fails to characterize the dynamic nature of stress over time. Moreover, effects of stress on pain likely vary according to biological susceptibility. We hypothesized that temporal escalation in stress exacerbates risk for TMD, and the effect is amplified by allelic variants in a gene, catechol- O-methyltransferase (COMT), regulating catechol neurotransmitter catabolism. We used data from the Orofacial Pain: Prospective Evaluation and Risk Assessment prospective cohort study of 2,707 community-dwelling adults with no lifetime history of TMD on enrollment. At baseline and quarterly periods thereafter, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) measured psychological stress. Genotyped DNA from blood samples determined COMT diplotypes. During follow-up of 0.25 to 5.2 y, 248 adults developed examiner-verified incident TMD. PSS scores at baseline were 20% greater ( P < 0.001) in adults who developed incident TMD compared with TMD-free controls. Baseline PSS scores increased by 9% ( P = 0.003) during follow-up in cases but remained stable in controls. This stress escalation was limited to incident cases with COMT diplotypes coding for low-activity COMT, signifying impaired catabolism of catecholamines. Cox regression models confirmed significant effects on TMD hazard of both baseline PSS ( P < 0.001), modeled as a time-constant covariate, and change in PSS ( P < 0.001), modeled as a time-varying covariate. Furthermore, a significant ( P = 0.04) interaction of COMT diplotype and time-varying stress showed that a postbaseline increase of 1.0 standard deviation in PSS more than doubled risk of TMD incidence in subjects with low-activity COMT diplotypes (hazard ratio = 2.35; 95% confidence limits: 1.66, 3.32), an effect not found in subjects with high-activity COMT diplotypes (hazard ratio = 1.42; 95% confidence limits: 0.96, 2.09). Findings provide novel insights into dynamic effects of psychological stress on TMD pain, highlighting that effects are most pronounced in individuals whose genetic susceptibility increases responsiveness to catecholamine neurotransmitters.
Between haven and heaven in cities: A comparison between Beijing (China) and Utrecht (the Netherlands)
Authors: Zhao Ying , Dijst Martin , Chai Yanwei
Published: July 2015

Although heterogeneity exists, Western countries can generally be characterised by a more individualistic orientation, whereas China is a more collectivist-oriented society that is undergoing a transformation. This empirical study examined socio-cultural differences between cities in China and the Netherlands in terms of companionship and urban meeting places on the basis of activity diary surveys conducted in the metropolitan areas of Beijing and Utrecht. The focus was on activity decision-making in daily life, especially on the meaning of ‘feeling at home’. Companionship and relevant meeting places were controlled for socio-demographics, analysed and compared in both metropolitan areas. The results show that in Beijing, the majority of activities are undertaken with members of the nuclear and extended family, and the home (‘haven’) is a place for intimate contacts with family members. In Utrecht, the share of individual activities and activities undertaken with friends is much higher than in Beijing, and the home (‘heaven’) is open for contacts with self-selected friends. The modelling results indicate that socio-cultural differences work through various socio-demographic variables, such as gender, family structure and educational level, providing some insights for policymakers.
Between Two Eras: Anna Rosenberg and the Maintaining of the Alternative View of Public Administration, 1941-1945
Authors: McGuire John Thomas
Published: July 2015

Since the early 1990s, scholars have expanded their examination of historical context in the development of public administration in the United States, particularly in the area of gender. No one, however, has examined how the alternative, or social-justice-centered, view of public administration survived between its initial period of development and its revival after World War II. This article fills that gap by demonstrating how Anna Lederer Rosenberg, one of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s key advisors from 1941 through 1945, maintained the alternative view through her political facilitation and national visibility.
Social Stigma and Sexual Minorities’ Romantic Relationship Functioning
Authors: Doyle David Matthew , Molix Lisa
Published: July 2015

To bolster knowledge of determinants of relationship functioning among sexual minorities, the current meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively review evidence for the association between social stigma and relationship functioning as well as examine potential moderators. Thirty-five studies were identified, including 130 effect sizes (39 independent; N = 10,745). Across studies, evidence was found for a small but significant inverse association between social stigma and relationship functioning. Furthermore, this association was moderated by stigma type (with more deleterious associations for internalized relative to perceived stigma) and dimension of relationship functioning (with more deleterious associations for affective relative to cognitive and negative relative to positive). Evidence for demographic moderators (region, sex, race, age) was generally mixed although important limitations related to unique characteristics of study samples are discussed. We conclude by highlighting the importance of social stigma for relationship functioning and point toward directions for future research and policy action.
Current state of Linked Data in digital libraries
Authors: Hallo María , Luján-Mora Sergio , Maté Alejandro , Trujillo Juan
Published: July 2015

The Semantic Web encourages institutions, including libraries, to collect, link and share their data across the Web in order to ease its processing by machines to get better queries and results. Linked Data technologies enable us to connect related data on the Web using the principles outlined by Tim Berners-Lee in 2006. Digital libraries have great potential to exchange and disseminate data linked to external resources using Linked Data. In this paper, a study about the current uses of Linked Data in digital libraries, including the most important implementations around the world, is presented. The study focuses on selected vocabularies and ontologies, benefits and problems encountered in implementing Linked Data in digital libraries. In addition, it also identifies and discusses specific challenges that digital libraries face, offering suggestions for ways in which libraries can contribute to the Semantic Web. The study uses an adapted methodology for literature review, to find data available to answer research questions. It is based on the information found in the library websites recommended by W3C Library Linked Data Incubator Group in 2011, and scientific publications from Google Scholar, Scopus, ACM and Springer from the last 5 years. The selected libraries for the study are the National Library of France, the Europeana Library, the Library of Congress of the USA, the British Library and the National Library of Spain. In this paper, we outline the best practices found in each experience and identify gaps and future trends.