bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic prediction of seedling root length in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Pace Jordon , Yu Xiaoqing , Lübberstedt Thomas
Published: July 2015

Genotypes with extreme phenotypes are valuable for studying ‘difficult’ quantitative traits. Genomic prediction (GP) might allow the identification of such extremes by phenotyping a training population of limited size and predicting genotypes with extreme phenotypes in large sequences of germplasm collections. We tested this approach employing seedling root traits in maize and the extensively genotyped Ames Panel. A training population made up of 384 inbred lines from the Ames Panel was phenotyped by extracting root traits from images using the software program aria. A ridge regression best linear unbiased prediction strategy was used to train a GP model. Genomic estimated breeding values for the trait ‘total root length’ (TRL) were predicted for 2431 inbred lines, which had previously been genotyped by sequencing. Selections were made for 100 extreme TRL lines and those with the predicted longest or shortest TRL were validated for TRL and other root traits. The two predicted extreme groups with regard to TRL were significantly different (P = 0.0001). The difference in predicted means for TRL between groups was 145.1 cm and 118.7 cm for observed means, which were significantly different (P = 0.001). The accuracy of predicting the rank between 1 and 200 of the validation population based on TRL (longest to shortest) was determined using a Spearman correlation to be ρ = 0.55. Taken together, our results support the idea that GP may be a useful approach for identifying the most informative genotypes in sequenced germplasm collections to facilitate experiments for quantitative inherited traits.
Treatment of canine generalized demodicosis using weekly injections of doramectin: 232 cases in the USA (2002–2012)
Authors: Hutt John H.C. , Prior I. Craig , Shipstone Michael A.
Published: July 2015

Background

Generalized demodicosis is a severe skin disease in the dog, with limited treatment options.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To demonstrate that doramectin, when given at a dose rate of 0.6 mg/kg body weight, is a safe and effective treatment for generalized demodicosis in the dog.

Animals

Four hundred client‐owned dogs diagnosed with generalized demodicosis at one general small‐animal practice. Of these, 232 completed their treatment and were included in the study.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out by searching the computerised medical records of dogs seen at one general small‐animal practice in Tennessee, USA. The records of each dog with a diagnosis of generalized demodicosis, who underwent treatment using weekly injections of doramectin at a dose rate of 0.6 mg/kg body weight, were analysed.

Results

Remission was achieved in 94.8% of dogs treated with weekly subcutaneous injections of doramectin at a dose rate of 0.6 mg/kg body weight. Adverse events were rare with two suspected instances (0.5%) being recorded. The mean duration of treatment was 7.1 weeks.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Doramectin given at a dose rate of 0.6 mg/kg body weight by subcutaneous injection at weekly intervals is a useful and well‐tolerated treatment for generalized demodicosis in the dog.
Autologous blood transfusion in dogs with thoracic or abdominal hemorrhage: 25 cases (2007–2012)
Authors: Higgs Veronica A. , Rudloff Elke , Kirby Rebecca , Linklater Andrew K.J.
Published: July 2015

Objective

To describe the use and outcome following autologous blood transfusion (ABT) in dogs.

Design

Retrospective study (January 2007–July 2012).

Setting

Private veterinary referral center.

Animals

Twenty‐five dogs that underwent ABT secondary to thoracic or abdominal hemorrhage.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

The hospital transaction database was searched using the keyword “autotransfusion” from January 2007 to July 2012. Data collected included signalment, body weight, etiology of hemorrhage, source and method of collection, volumes and method of ABT administration, use of anticoagulant, reported complications, and outcome. Twenty‐five dogs were included for a total of 27 ABTs. Causes of hemorrhage included vascular trauma (14/25 dogs, 56%), ruptured tumor (8/25, 32%), and coagulopathy attributed to brodifacoum toxicosis (3/25, 12%). Autologous blood was collected from the abdominal (19/25, 76%), thoracic (5/25, 20%), or abdominal and thoracic cavities (1/25, 4%). Anticoagulant was added to the ABT blood in 13 of 25 (52%) cases. A median ABT volume of 29.3 mL/kg (range 2.9–406.9 mL/kg) was infused through either a 210 μm blood administration filter (21/27, 78%) or an 18 μm hemonate filter (6/27, 22%). Reported complications that may have been associated with ABT included hypocalcemia (4/17, 24%), hemolyzed serum (5/19, 26%), and prolonged coagulation times (4/5, 80%). These complications were considered of minimal clinical significance. Additional blood products were administered in 17 of 25 (68%) dogs. Seventeen (68%) dogs survived to discharge. Cause of death in the remaining cases was euthanasia or cardiac arrest secondary to uncontrollable hemorrhage.

Conclusions

ABT is an adjunct to volume replacement in dogs with thoracic or abdominal hemorrhage secondary to vascular trauma, ruptured tumor, or anticoagulant rodenticide toxicosis. ABT may be used as bridge to definitive hemorrhage control, particularly when other blood products are not available or affordable. Complications may include hypocalcemia, prolonged coagulation times, and hemolysis.
Mathematical Modeling of the Flow behind Propeller
Authors: Solovyov Oleg , Kobrin Vitaliy , Yeryomenko Sergey
Published: July 2015

Study of aircraft aerodynamic characteristics with operation of its powerplant engines is a vital task. In this article we represent mathematical modeling of the aircraft flow with operation of its propeller. The considered mathematical model of the propeller is based on the vortex and momentum theory. Solution of the model problem of the flow behind the propeller allows obtaining of the fields of perturbed velocities in the vicinity of the aircraft and its aerodynamic characteristics. The proposed approach is aimed at simplification of the mathematical model and reduction of calculation time.
Crystallographic orientation dependence of SEM contrast revealed by SiC polytypes
Authors: Ashida Koji , Kajino Tomonori , Kutsuma Yasunori , Ohtani Noboru , Kaneko Tadaaki
Published: July 2015

In low energy scanning electron microscope (SEM) with primary electron energy less than 1.0 keV, the dependence of SEM contrast on crystallographic orientation within a range of 1.0 nm in depth has been investigated by utilizing 4H-SiC (0001) as a standard sample having a definitive electron penetration depth marker layer at hexagonal sites. Reflecting the difference of the direction of topmost two Si-C bilayers stacking sequence (0.50 nm in depth), clear bright and dark SEM contrast has been observed by adjusting the sample tilting and rotation angles by a conventional Everhart–Thornley type in-chamber detector. It is revealed that the brighter signal emission arises when the incident primary electron beam direction is almost parallel to the topmost stacking sequence direction. This angular coincidence was verified separately by correlating low energy SEM contrast from 3C-SiC (111) of no hexagonal sites with its electron back scattered diffraction pattern for identifying stacking sequence direction. The obtained results suggest a potential of low energy electron to characterize the crystallographic orientation just beneath the surface without using any special detector.
Consonant identification in noise using Hilbert-transform temporal fine-structure speech and recovered-envelope speech for listeners with normal and impaired hearing
Authors: Léger Agnès C. , Reed Charlotte M. , Desloge Joseph G. , Swaminathan Jayaganesh , Braida Louis D.
Published: July 2015

Consonant-identification ability was examined in normal-hearing (NH) and hearing-impaired (HI) listeners in the presence of steady-state and 10-Hz square-wave interrupted speech-shaped noise. The Hilbert transform was used to process speech stimuli (16 consonants in a-C-a syllables) to present envelope cues, temporal fine-structure (TFS) cues, or envelope cues recovered from TFS speech. The performance of the HI listeners was inferior to that of the NH listeners both in terms of lower levels of performance in the baseline condition and in the need for higher signal-to-noise ratio to yield a given level of performance. For NH listeners, scores were higher in interrupted noise than in steady-state noise for all speech types (indicating substantial masking release). For HI listeners, masking release was typically observed for TFS and recovered-envelope speech but not for unprocessed and envelope speech. For both groups of listeners, TFS and recovered-envelope speech yielded similar levels of performance and consonant confusion patterns. The masking release observed for TFS and recovered-envelope speech may be related to level effects associated with the manner in which the TFS processing interacts with the interrupted noise signal, rather than to the contributions of TFS cues per se.
Design, construction, and monitoring of a building with deep basements in Rome
Authors: Rotisciani G.M. , Miliziano S. , Sacconi S.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, excavations for the construction of a tall building with deep basements in a congested area in Rome, close to the Tiber river are described. The project was technically challenging due to the close proximity of existing buildings, the interaction with the river, and the poor geotechnical properties of the alluvial deposits. This well-documented case study addresses the geotechnical and structural issues involved in the development of the design and construction process. Particular attention is focused on the prediction of excavation-induced displacements and on the efficiency of the water wells introduced to increase safety margins against the hydraulic uplift of the excavation bottom.
LPS-RS attenuation of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury involves NF-κB inhibition
Authors: Abdelmageed Marwa E. , El-Awady Mohammed S. , Abdelrahim Mona , Suddek Ghada M.
Published: July 2015

In this study, we studied the effect of lipopolysaccharide from Rhodobacter sphaeroides (LPS-RS), an inhibitor of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), in LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Male Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with LPS-RS (0.1 mg/kg body mass, by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection) 1 h before LPS injection (10 mg/kg, i.p.). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were collected 24 h later to determine total and differential cell count, total protein content, levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), histopathological changes, markers of oxidative stress, and mRNA expression of the inhibitory protein nuclear factor kappaB-α (NFκBIA) and TLR4. Additionally, rings of pulmonary artery were isolated for measuring vascular reactivity. LPS-induced ALI was indicated by increases in total and differential cell count, total protein, and LDH in BALF, and increased lung levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as decreased activity of reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Moreover, LPS increased pulmonary artery contraction in response to phenylephrine (PE). Additionally, LPS downregulated mRNA expression of NFκBIA and upregulated mRNA expression of TLR4. LPS caused a marked inflammation in the lung tissue, with tubercular granuloma and numerous neutrophils. Pretreatment with LPS-RS protected against LPS-induced ALI by decreasing total and differential cell count, total protein, and LDH in BALF, and increased pulmonary GSH content and SOD activity without affecting MDA content. Additionally, it decreased the elevated PE-induced pulmonary artery contraction. LPS-RS upregulated mRNA expression of NFκBIA and downregulated mRNA expression of TLR4. Moreover, LPS-RS prevented inflammation in lung tissues. In conclusion, pretreatment with LPS-RS protects against LPS-induced ALI in rats through its anti-inflammatory effects, possibly by decreasing the mRNA expression of TLR4 and increasing that of NFκBIA.
LESSONS OF SINGAPORE'S DEVELOPMENT FOR OTHER DEVELOPING ECONOMIES
Authors: ABEYSINGHE TILAK
Published: July 2015

While Singapore is grappling with policy options to sustain its success over the next 50 years, the developing world is wondering what made it such a success so far. By looking at some developing countries that are stuck in a roller-coaster ride of economic development I highlight some policy lessons they can learn from Singapore's success story. In a nutshell, as pointed out by Singapore's economic architect, Dr. Goh Keng Swee, non-economic factors matter more than the economic factors for a successful take-off of a developing economy. The paper also highlights some complementary development strategies that are instructive to developing economies.
SINGAPORE'S DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION, THE LABOR FORCE AND GOVERNMENT POLICIES: THE LAST FIFTY YEARS
Authors: YAP MUI TENG , GEE CHRISTOPHER
Published: July 2015

The trajectory of Singapore's population size and composition can be mapped out with its progression through the various phases of demographic transition from high birth and death rates in the post-war years to very low birth and death rates today, all within the context of rapid economic and social development that has taken place in the past 50 years. Population planning has been integral in Singapore's national development strategy, balancing the economy's needs for more and better qualified workers with social considerations such as the dependency burden and the integration of large numbers of foreigners in a global city-state. This paper considers Singapore's population and manpower planning policies, with an account of the country's passage through the various stages of its demographic transition, and how its working age population composition has evolved. Population and labor force policies are examined with specific consideration of the social, economic and political implications resulting from those policy choices. A final section considers the challenges for the future stemming from these demographic trends.
Analysis of Saturated Self-Excited Dual Stator Induction Generator for Wind Energy Generation
Authors: Ben Slimene Marwa , Khlifi Mohamed Arbi , Ben Fredj Mouldi , Rehaoulia Habib
Published: July 2015

This paper presents the modeling of saturated dual stator induction generator (DSIG) for analysis of its transient and dynamic behavior for stand-alone operation. In the analytical model, the effect of common mutual leakage reactance between the two three-phase winding sets and the cross saturation have been considered. For this purpose, a detailed description of a procedure to introduce magnetic saturation in found models is presented. Paper also discusses the possibility of DSIG for supplying two individual loads by presenting the results of analytical and experimental study of transient behavior under various operating conditions. Use of such models leads to more accurate predictions in industrial drives, especially wind driven power generation systems. This is verified by experimental lab tests.
Local conformal symmetry: The missing symmetry component for space and time
Authors: ’t Hooft Gerard
Published: July 2015

Local conformal symmetry is usually considered to be an approximate symmetry of nature, which is explicitly and badly broken. Arguments are brought forward here why it has to be turned into an exact symmetry that is spontaneously broken. As in the BEH mechanism in Yang–Mills theories, we then will have a formalism for disclosing the small-distance structure of the gravitational force. The symmetry could be as fundamental as Lorentz invariance, and guide us towards a complete understanding of physics at the Planck scale.
DC-projective dimensions, Foxby equivalence and SDC-projective modules
Authors: Zhao Liang , Zhou Yiqiang
Published: July 2015

This is a study of Ding projective modules relative to a semidualizing module and related topics. Firstly, we study [Formula: see text]-projective dimensions and [Formula: see text]-projective modules under change of rings. Secondly, we establish a new version of the Foxby equivalence with respect to [Formula: see text]-projective modules and [Formula: see text]-injective modules. Thirdly, we characterize Ding projective modules in [Formula: see text] and Ding injective modules in [Formula: see text]. At last, as applications, some new characterizations of perfect rings and quasi-Frobenius rings are given.
The b-function of Reiffen’s (p,4) isolated singularity
Authors: Nakamura Yayoi
Published: July 2015

The b-function and related invariants of the singularity [Formula: see text] are determined. We exploit the theory of computer algebra and Weyl algebra for the study of local b-function by T. Yano in 1970s.
The Global versus Local Hamiltonian Description of Quantum Input-Output Theory
Authors: Gough John
Published: July 2015

The aim of this paper is to derive the global Hamiltonian form for a quantum system and bath, or more generally a quantum network with multiple quantum input field connections, based on the local descriptions. We give a new simple argument which shows that the global Hamiltonian for a single Markov component arises as the singular perturbation of the free translation operator. We show that the Fermi analogue takes an equivalent form provided the parity of the coefficients is correctly specified. This allows us to immediately extend the theory of quantum feedback networks to Fermi systems.
TIE BREADTH, TIE STRENGTH AND THE LOCATION OF TIES: THE VALUE OF TIES INSIDE AN EMERGING MNC TO TEAM INNOVATION
Authors: KOWLASER KEERAN , BARNARD HELENA
Published: July 2015

People differ in terms of the number and strength of ties that they cultivate. Previous literature has tended to focus on either strong ties or many weak ties with a largely unstated assumption that some degree of trade-off exists between the two (underlying trust and novel knowledge, respectively) and their relative contribution to innovation. Within the context of R&D in a SA MNC, this research provided evidence that tie breadth and tie strength are complementary in team innovation. The previously-documented tension between novelty and trust however remains present and becomes evident in the location of ties. Both strong and weak ties contribute most to innovation if they are neither too close (i.e., own team) nor too distant (i.e., outside the MNC). Instead, ties inside the greater R&D unit contributed most to innovation. This role of the location of ties suggests that studies of networks cannot remain limited to tie breadth and strength but has to be rooted in the specific context. This is consistent with prior evidence of innovation within mature and process-driven industries where an in-depth understanding of organisation knowledge is required rather than that of novel technologies. This largely inward orientation has important implications for the competitiveness of emerging MNCs.
A Stochastic Control Approach to Option Market Making
Authors: El Aoud Sofiene , Abergel Frédéric
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a model for the market making of options on a liquid stock. The stock price follows a generic stochastic volatility model under the real-world probability measure [Formula: see text]. Market participants price options on this stock under a risk-neutral pricing measure [Formula: see text], and they may misspecify the parameters controlling the dynamics of the volatility process. We first consider that there is a risk-neutral agent who is willing to make markets in an option on the stock, with the aim of maximizing the expected terminal wealth at maturity. Using standard tools in optimal stochastic control, we provide analytical expressions for the optimal bid and ask quotes of the market maker. We then assume that the agent is risk-averse, and perturb the linear utility function by adding a variance term. In this setting, analytic approximations of the optimal bid and ask quotes are obtained. In the case where the stock price process follows a Heston model, Monte Carlo simulations are used to compare the optimal strategy to a "zero-intelligence" strategy, and to highlight the effects of some parameters misspecification on the performance of the strategy.
SmartRoad
Authors: Hu Shaohan , Su Lu , Liu Hengchang , Wang Hongyan , Abdelzaher Tarek F.
Published: July 2015

In this article we present SmartRoad, a crowd-sourced road sensing system that detects and identifies traffic regulators, traffic lights, and stop signs, in particular. As an alternative to expensive road surveys, SmartRoad works on participatory sensing data collected from GPS sensors from in-vehicle smartphones. The resulting traffic regulator information can be used for many assisted-driving or navigation systems. In order to achieve accurate detection and identification under realistic and practical settings, SmartRoad automatically adapts to different application requirements by (i) intelligently choosing the most appropriate information representation and transmission schemes, and (ii) dynamically evolving its core detection and identification engines to effectively take advantage of any external ground truth information or manual label opportunity. We implemented SmartRoad on a vehicular smartphone test bed, and deployed it on 35 external volunteer users’ vehicles for two months. Experiment results show that SmartRoad can robustly, effectively, and efficiently carry out the detection and identification tasks.
No Association of ApoE Genotype with Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Liu Hui , Shui Irene M. , Platz Elizabeth A. , Mucci Lorelei A. , Giovannucci Edward L.
Published: July 2015

Background: Previous studies found that low total cholesterol level was associated with a lower risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) isoform is associated with total cholesterol level. The aim of this study was to explore associations of ApoE isoforms with prostate cancer risk.

Methods: We assessed ApoE genotypes and risk of prostate cancer in a prospective case–control study nested among men who provided a blood sample in 1993–95 within the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. We identified 1,169 incident cases of prostate cancer and 1,233 controls in follow-up through 2004. Associations of ApoE isoform and prostate cancer incidence were evaluated by logistic regression models.

Results: We found no statistically significant associations of ApoE variants with overall prostate cancer or Gleason sum ≤ 7 (3+4), Gleason sum ≥ 7 (4+3), clinically localized stage, or progression to metastasis or death. There was no evidence of effect modification by circulating total cholesterol or use of cholesterol-lowering drugs prior to diagnosis.

Conclusions: ApoE variants were not associated with the risk of prostate cancer or aggressive disease.

Impact: Our findings suggest that the mechanism of circulating cholesterol level affecting prostate cancer incidence may not rely on ApoE isoforms. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(10); 1632–4. ©2015 AACR.
Could MicroRNAs be Regulators of Gout Pathogenesis?
Authors: Wang Yangang , Xu Donghua , Wang Bin , Hou Xu
Published: July 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs that mainly negatively regulate gene expression. miRNAs have important roles in many diseases, including inflammatory diseases. Gout is a common arthritis caused by deposition of monosodium urate crystals within joints. Recent studies suggested that miRNAs may be involved in the development of inflammatory arthritis, including acute gouty arthritis. In the present review, we systemically discuss relevant publications in order to provide a better understanding on the possible role of miRNAs in gout. miRNAs may act as regulators of gout pathogenesis via several pathways. Targeting miRNAs may be a promisingstrategy in the treatment of gout.
Sodium Ferulate Prevents Daunorubicin - Induced Apoptosis in H9c2 Cells via Inhibition of the ERKs Pathway
Authors: Wu Zhi-Juan , Yu Jing , Fang Qiu-Juan , Wang Rui-Xing , Lian Jia-Bian , He Rui-Lan , Jiao Hai-Xia , Lin Mo-Jun
Published: July 2015

Background: Daunorubicin (DNR)-induced cardiotoxicity, which is closely associated with cardiomyocyte apoptosis, limits the drug's clinical application. The activation of the extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERKs) pathway is responsible for the pro-apoptosis effect of DNR Sodium ferulate (SF) has recently been found to attenuate both DNR-induced cardiotoxicity and mitochondrial apoptosis in juvenile rats. Nonetheless, the precise mechanism underlying SF-induced cardio-protection remains unclear. Methods: The DNR-injured H9c2 cell model was prepared by incubating the cells in 1 µM DNR for 24 h. Amounts of 15.6, 31.3 or 62.5 µM SF were simultaneously added to the cells. The effect of SF on the cytotoxic and apoptotic parameters of the cells was studied by monitoring apoptosis regulation via the ERKs pathway. Results: SF attenuated DNR-induced cell death (particularly apoptotic death), cTnI and β-tubulin degradation, and cellular morphological changes. SF reduced mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization, cytochrome c leakage, and caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation. SF also decreased ERK1/2, phospho-ERK1/2, p53 and Bax expression and increased Bcl-2 expression. These effects were similar to the results observed when using the pharmacological ERKs phosphorylation inhibitor, AZD6244. Conclusion: We determined that SF protects H9c2 cells from DNR-induced apoptosis through a mechanism that involves the interruption of the ERKs signaling pathway.
The Association of Specific Executive Functions and Falls Risk in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early-Stage Dementia
Authors: van der Wardt Veronika , Logan Philippa , Hood Victoria , Booth Victoria , Masud Tahir , Harwood Rowan
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims: Impairment in executive function is associated with a heightened risk for falls in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. The purpose of this study was to determine which aspects of executive function are associated with falls risk. Methods: Forty-two participants with a mean age of 81.6 years and a diagnosis of MCI or mild dementia completed five different executive function tests from the computerised CANTAB test battery and a comprehensive falls risk assessment. Results: A hierarchical regression analysis showed that falls risk was significantly associated with spatial memory abilities and inhibition of a pre-potent response. Conclusion: The concept of executive function may be too general to provide meaningful results in a research or clinical context, which should focus on spatial memory and inhibition of a pre-potent response.
Die Verhaltenstherapie in der Behandlung von Menschen mit Adipositas: Implikationen der aktualisierten nationalen S3-Leitlinie für die klinische Praxis und Forschung
Authors: Junne Florian , Teufel Martin
Published: July 2015

Übergewicht und Adipositas gehören zu den bedeutendsten Gesundheitsstörungen in Deutschland. Die Entstehung, Aufrechterhaltung und Therapie der Adipositas sind unter anderem mit psychosozialen und Verhaltensdimensionen assoziiert. Die erste Neufassung der «Interdisziplinären Leitlinie der Qualität S3 zur Prävention und Therapie der Adipositas» wurde im April 2014 veröffentlicht. Diese aktualisierte Version enthält wesentliche Neuerungen insbesondere im Hinblick auf verhaltensmedizinische Aspekte der Entstehung der Adipositas und zur Behandlung von betroffenen Menschen. Vor diesem Hintergrund werden in diesem Artikel die Neuerungen der Leitlinie hinsichtlich psychosozialer Aspekte erläutert und Implikationen für die klinische Praxis diskutiert. Außerdem werden Thesen für die Zukunft der klinischen Adipositasforschung hergeleitet.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Variability Independently Predicts Renal Prognosis in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Uehara Keita , Yasuda Takashi , Shibagaki Yugo , Kimura Kenjiro
Published: July 2015

Background: We often experience visit-to-visit estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) variability among patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the impact of eGFR variability on renal prognosis is not well understood. Methods: The Kanagawa Valsartan Trial was a multicenter, randomized, open-label trial that compared the effect of add-on treatment with angiotensin II receptor blocker, valsartan, with that of conventional treatment on the rate of CKD progression in 293 advanced CKD patients. In this post hoc analysis, we compared the effect of high eGFR variability on end-stage renal disease (ESRD). To evaluate eGFR variability, we chose participants with ≥5 serial measurements of eGFR during the study period and assessed the residual coefficient of variation (CV) of eGFR (residual eGFR-CV) derived from a regression line of eGFR (eGFR slope). The primary end point was the first event of ESRD. Results: Among 237 patients with ≥5 serial measurements of eGFR in a median follow-up of 1.47 years, there were 54 ESRD events in the higher than median residual eGFR-CV group and 36 ESRD events in the lower than median eGFR-CV group (log-rank test, p = 0.008). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, high eGFR variability was significantly associated with the primary end point as well as hypertension, high proteinuria, low baseline eGFR and steep eGFR slope (hazards ratio 2.11, 95% CI 1.33-3.33, p = 0.001). Conclusion: High eGFR variability predicts poor renal prognosis; therefore, further attention is warranted for ambulatory patients with large eGFR fluctuations, especially those with advanced CKD.
Pumiliofossorum: A new genus of Scotobiini (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
with two new species from Peru, and a revised key for the genera of the tribe
Authors: SILVESTRO VIOLETA A. , MENDOZA ALFREDO E. GIRALDO , FLORES GUSTAVO E.
Published: July 2015

A new genus, Pumiliofossorum Silvestro & Giraldo gen. nov. (Tenebrioninae: Scotobiini) and two new Peruvian species, Pumiliofossorum moche Silvestro & Flores sp. nov. and P. sechurae Giraldo & Flores sp. nov. are described and illustrated. Distributional data, habitat records, photographs, and SEM images are included. A revised key for the six genera of Scotobiini is provided. Morphology of the newly described genus is discussed in reference to the other genera of Scotobiini. Dome-shaped placoid sensoria are imaged for the first time in Scotobiini.
A Comparison of Model Error Representations in Mesoscale Ensemble Data Assimilation
Authors: Ha Soyoung , Berner Judith , Snyder Chris
Published: July 2015

Mesoscale forecasts are strongly influenced by physical processes that are either poorly resolved or must be parameterized in numerical models. In part because of errors in these parameterizations, mesoscale ensemble data assimilation systems generally suffer from underdispersiveness, which can limit the quality of analyses. Two explicit representations of model error for mesoscale ensemble data assimilation are explored: a multiphysics ensemble in which each member’s forecast is based on a distinct suite of physical parameterization, and stochastic kinetic energy backscatter in which small noise terms are included in the forecast model equations. These two model error techniques are compared with a baseline experiment that includes spatially and temporally adaptive covariance inflation, in a domain over the continental United States using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model for mesoscale ensemble forecasts and the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) for the ensemble Kalman filter. Verification against independent observations and Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) 13-km analyses for the month of June 2008 showed that including the model error representation improved not only the analysis ensemble, but also short-range forecasts initialized from these analyses. Explicitly accounting for model uncertainty led to a better-tuned ensemble spread, a more skillful ensemble mean, and higher probabilistic scores, as well as significantly reducing the need for inflation. In particular, the stochastic backscatter scheme consistently outperformed both the multiphysics approach and the control run with adaptive inflation over almost all levels of the atmosphere both deterministically and probabilistically.
Model Space Localization Is Not Always Better Than Observation Space Localization for Assimilation of Satellite Radiances
Authors: Lei Lili , Whitaker Jeffrey S.
Published: July 2015

Covariance localization is an essential component of ensemble-based data assimilation systems for large geophysical applications with limited ensemble sizes. For integral observations like the satellite radiances, where the concepts of location or vertical distance are not well defined, vertical localization in observation space is not as straightforward as in model space. The detailed differences between model space and observation space localizations are examined using a real radiance observation. Counterintuitive analysis increments can be obtained with model space localization; the magnitude of the increment can increase and the increment can change sign when the localization scale decreases. This occurs when there are negative background-error covariances and a predominately positive forward operator. Too narrow model space localization can neglect the negative background-error covariances and result in the counterintuitive analysis increments. An idealized 1D model with integral observations and known true error covariance is then used to compare errors resulting from model space and observation space localizations. Although previous studies have suggested that observation space localization is inferior to model space localization for satellite radiances, the results from the 1D model reveal that observation space localization can have advantages over model space localization when there are negative background-error covariances. Differences between model space and observation space localizations disappear as ensemble size, observation error variance, and localization scale increase. Thus, large ensemble sizes and vertical localization length scales may be needed to more effectively assimilate radiance observations.
Public Sector Organizations
Authors: Grote Dick
Published: July 2015

Who's coming up with the best new ideas for managing people's performance on the job? Surprisingly, some of the most innovative work in developing new approaches to performance management is being done these days by organizations in the public sector. When executives look for breakthrough thinking and best practices, their best sources frequently turn out to be state agencies and city governments, federal bureaucracies, and your local pardons and parole boards.
Generation X and the Public Employee
Authors: Jurkiewicz Carole L.
Published: July 2015

This cross-sectional study reports the work-related differences and similarities of 241 Generation X and Baby Boomer employees in the public sector. A more homogeneous pattern of what employees want across age cohorts emerges, contrary to the literature and stereotypes on generational differences. Surprising levels of similarity were found between GenXers and Boomers, with the three significant areas of difference focused on issues of personal growth. The implications for recruiting, retention, motivation, training, and human resource processes are discussed.
The “Overpaid Bureaucrat”
Authors: Kaatz James B. , Morris John C.
Published: July 2015

Compensation of public employees is a contentious issue for politicians and the general public in the United States. However, there is little empirical evidence in the literature to address claims that public servants are over-paid compared to their private sector counterparts. This research compares salaries of private sector, state, and municipal workers in Mississippi. A central hypothesis in this study is that municipal pay levels will be more competitive in core governmental functions. A second is that large municipalities will have more core functions and therefore be competitive across a broader range of job categories. This research indicates that municipal and state workers are indeed underpaid in certain occupations, but salaries are competitive in some occupational fields. However, only large cities appear to be more competitive with wages in their core functions.
The Americans with Disabilities Act
Authors: Kellough J. Edward
Published: July 2015

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is important legislation designed to prohibit discrimination against disabled persons, but most state and local governments covered by the Act were already prohibited from discrimination against the disabled by provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This article reports the results of a national survey designed to measure the perceptions of personnel managers from state government departments and agencies regarding the impact of the ADA on public personnel management practices given concurrent coverage of the Rehabilitation Act. A majority of the managers from organizations subject to the Rehabilitation Act reported that the ADA had no significant effects on their organizations. Substantial proportions of respondents agreed, however, that the ADA did have certain more narrowly defined effects on public personnel practices. Possible explanations for the perceived effects of the ADA despite coverage by the Rehabilitation Act are considered.
Outsourcing Personnel Functions
Authors: Siegel Gilbert B.
Published: July 2015

One of the more recent “hot button” issues in our field is that of outsourcing all or some human resource (HR) functions whether by fee for service or contract. Advocates from the field of Public Choice Economics assume and, in many cases, economically substantiate the case for privatization of governmental functions.1 Even though these economists demonstrate an underlying anti-government bias, their basic argument with supply of government services is “that agencies should compete to provide citizens with goods and services instead of acting like monopolies under the influence of organized pressure groups.”2 Responsiveness to the needs of individual citizens (or to governmental units to be served by staff agencies, for that matter) is best obtained by competing within markets, with the result of economic choices by clientele between competing services. From this market environment economies in resource allocation and efficiency and effectiveness in operations are said to result. Public Choice Economists would also include simulation of market forces by introducing competition, possibly within the same department, governmental jurisdiction, or between other public, profit or nonprofit providers.3

This essay departs from an article by Robert J. Agresta.4 He argues for an extension of the Public Choice approach from one of “citizen-customers being empowered to select freely among providers of a service—whether it is schools or health care (with vouchers) or groceries (with food stamps)—and have control over the resources needed to acquire the service…”,5 to the same market relationship between central administrative (staff or auxiliary staff) agencies and the line units to which they provide services. While Agresta writes of building choice into any line-staff relationships, this article is concerned with HR service supply alternatives and alternative modes for their delivery.
Goals, Measures, and beyond
Authors: Gallo James , Thompson Paul R.
Published: July 2015

Accountability has become a hot topic in federal HRM. The authors describe how downsized, reinvented Government places a great demand on line managers both to comply with personnel laws and to achieve excellent results from their management of people. Yet, the task of identifying a viable approach to HRM accountability has not been easy. There has been no common understanding of what accountability is, let alone any clear idea of how to measure it. Indeed, the bewildering array of results measurement models that seem to promise “The Answer” often only end up confusing managers and HR professionals alike. To help Federal managers and HR professionals make sense of this situation, the authors offer the HRM Accountability System Development Guide, the product of an interagency task force of which both were members. The Guide provides a clear depiction of accountability as applying to both legal compliance and HR program results, and examples of how each can be measured in the federal context. While acknowledging that there is no one answer or set of answers in HRM accountability, the authors advocate the Guide as an invaluable framework that can show the way to any and all federal agencies as they set out to achieve accountability.
Turnover: The Real Bottom Line
Authors: Abbasi Sami M. , Hollman Kenneth W.
Published: July 2015

Turnover is the rotation of workers around the labor market; between firms, jobs, and occupations; and between the states of employment and unemployment.1 “In-house engineering,” “revolving door policy,” and “management by turnover,” are a few of the many colorful and euphemistic terms used to describe this organizational phenomenon. By whatever name or form, labor turnover is one of the most significant causes of declining productivity and sagging morale in both the public and private sectors. Management theorists say it lies behind the failure of U. S. employee productivity to keep pace with foreign competition.2
Applying for Jobs Online: Examining the Legality of Internet-Based Application Forms
Authors: Wallace J. Craig , Tye Mary G. , Vodanovich Stephen J.
Published: July 2015

The content of 41 Internet-based state applications were examined for their compliance with EEO guidelines. The results indicated that 97.5% of the application forms possessed at least one inadvisable question, with an average of 4.2 per form. The most frequent inadvisable questions pertained to past salary, age, and driver's license information. In addition, the application forms of states with larger populations contained significantly more problematic items as compared to less populous states.
Experience — It “Ain't What it Used to Be”
Authors: Sullivan John
Published: July 2015

Warning: This article will make you think…read on with caution!

Recruiters often complain there is a shortage of qualified candidates but a good portion of the “shortage” comes from an over reliance on the number of years of experience a candidate has. OK, calm down and I'll explain why most “experience” is becoming obsolete!
Observed Divergence in the Attitudes of Incumbents and Supervisors as Subject Matter Experts in Job Analysis: A Study of the Fire Captain Rank
Authors: Mueller Michael , Belcher Greg
Published: July 2015

This study compares the attitudes of incumbent Fire Captains and their supervisors regarding critical aspects of a Fire Captain's job. Fire Captains and supervisors (Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chiefs, and Division Chiefs) were held as separate subject matter expert groups in an analysis of the Captain's job. Data regarding the attitudes held by these SME groups concerning the criticality of Fire Captain job tasks and work required knowledge, skills, abilities and worker characteristics were collected through task inventory and worker attribute surveys. These data were compared to determine the degree to which the SME groups agreed upon the critical aspects of the Fire Captain's job. The data indicate that Fire Captains and their supervisors substantially agree upon the criticality of Fire Captain tasks, and moderately agree upon the criticality of requisite Fire Captain attributes. The findings of this study have applications for current job analysis practice as well as point out areas in need of further examination.
Evidence of Strategic HRM Linkages in Eleven Australian Corporatized Public Sector Organizations
Authors: Teo Stephen
Published: July 2015

This study explores the adoption of strategic human resource management (HRM) by examining the extent of linkages between HRM and business planning using the Golden and Ramnujam's (1985) strategic integration framework. The sample is drawn from monopolized statutory public sector organizations (PSOs) which have undergone corporatization in Queensland, Australia. The findings provide support for arguing that commercialization provides the impetus for the HRM function to achieve an improved level of strategic integration with the business planning process. Evidence also suggests that after corporatization, HRM functions within these corporatized PSOs have achieved a strategic status within the business planning process.
Advances and Challenges in Human Resource Management in the New Millennium
Authors: Chiavenato Idalberto
Published: July 2015

The world of human resource management is changing more rapidly than we can imagine. Constant environmental changes mean that human resource managers face constant challenges. They must respond by taking advantage of gradual yet profound changes in the nature of the field, current practices, and overall human resource management policies, mission and vision.
Costa Rica's Civil Service and its Historical Responsibility for Organizational Change
Authors: Lee Ching Guillermo
Published: July 2015

Environmental change requires organizations based on participation, flexibility, a customer service culture, deregulation, decentralization and delegation. These require an approach that considers HRM as a strategic entity that serves as a catalyst for organizational and personal development efforts throughout the public sector. The Civil Service Directorate, head of Costa Rica's Civil Service system since 1953, has responded by decentralizing authority to operating agencies while retaining its central role as policy coordinator and technical advisor to agency managers, strengthening the culture of participative and decentralized decision-making, and improving customer service.
The Application of Assessment Center Technology to the Evaluation of Personnel Records
Authors: Thornton George C. , Morris David M.
Published: July 2015

Elements of traditional police promotional examinations (e.g., written tests and assessment centers) do not take into account candidates' work histories, and performance appraisals on records are fraught with problems. This article describes a new method of having panelists systematically review several source documents to evaluate behavioral evidence of past work history related to dimensions needed for the target job. This information can then be combined with information from the traditional assessment methods to Improve promotion decisions.
Negligent Hiring: The Emerging Contributor to Workplace Violence in the Public Sector
Authors: Kondrasuk Jack N. , Moore Herff L. , Wang Hua
Published: July 2015

In this era when workplaces have become “battle zones,” negligent hiring is emerging as a contributing source of employer liability for violence. Public employers have been found liable for violent acts of employees both within and outside their normal scope of employment. The authors analyze negligent hiring doctrine from a human resource management perspective, considering what the U.S. courts are saying and how employer liability can occur. Public employers can develop sound background-checking policies and practices that could both reduce workplace violence and minimize resultant negligent hiring lawsuits.
Antecedents of Organizational Citizenship Behavior: A Study of Public Personnel in Kuwait
Authors: Alotaibi Adam G.
Published: July 2015

In this study I examine the effects of procedural and distributive justice, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment upon Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) with samples drawn from six government organizations in Kuwait. Hierarchical regression analysis reveals that only procedural and distributive justice account for unique variances in Kuwaiti workers' OCB. Hence, previous assumptions regarding the influences upon OCB may be incorrect. The implications of these results upon organization behavior and actual management practices are also discussed.