bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Modelling of Tooth Enamel Subsurface Lesion Formation Induced by Dental Plaque
Authors: Ilie O. , van Turnhout A.G. , van Loosdrecht M.C.M. , Picioreanu C.
Published: February 2014

Using a one-dimensional mathematical model that couples tooth demineralisation and remineralisation with metabolic processes occurring in the dental plaque, two mechanisms for subsurface lesion formation were evaluated. It was found that a subsurface lesion can develop only as the result of alternating periods of demineralisation (acid attack during sugar consumption) and remineralisation (resting period) in tooth enamel with uniform mineral composition. It was also shown that a minimum plaque thickness that can induce an enamel lesion exists. The subsurface lesion formation can also be explained by assuming the existence of a fluoride-containing layer at the tooth surface that decreases enamel solubility. A nearly constant thickness of the surface layer was obtained with both proposed mechanisms. Sensitivity analysis showed that surface layer formation is strongly dependent on the length of remineralisation and demineralisation cycles. The restoration period is very important and the numerical simulations support the observation that often consumption of sugars is a key factor in caries formation. The calculated profiles of mineral content in enamel are similar to those observed experimentally. Most probably, both studied mechanisms interact in vivo in the process of caries development, but the simplest explanation for subsurface lesion formation remains the alternation between demineralisation and remineralisation cycles without any pre-imposed gradients.
Differential Diagnosis of Glomerular Disease: A Systematic and Inclusive Approach
Authors: Hebert Lee A. , Parikh Samir , Prosek Jason , Nadasdy Tibor , Rovin Brad H.
Published: February 2014

Background: Glomerular disease is a complex and evolving topic. In evaluating a specific case it is not unusual for the clinician to ask: ‘Am I missing something? Should I biopsy? When? Should I treat first, then biopsy?' This work, which is both evidence and experience based, is intended to address each of these concerns and many other issues relevant to the differential diagnosis of glomerular disease. Summary: The central approach is the use of diagnostic algorithms that are based on quantitative measures routinely obtained early in the course of the diagnostic evaluation. The algorithms are designed to be easy to navigate, systematic, and inclusive. Also provided is a detailed and prioritized list of recommended diagnostic testing, and the rationale for each test. Key Message: This work is intended to facilitate accurate diagnosis in the individual patient presenting with evidence of glomerular disease.
Usefulness of Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound in Evaluating Cervical-Cranial Collateral Circulations
Authors: Guan Jingxia , Zhang Shaofeng , Zhou Qin , Li Chengyan , Lu Zuneng
Published: February 2014

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound is a noninvasive, safe and cost-effective bedside test for evaluating cerebrovascular circulation in real time. It has been rapidly evolving from a simple noninvasive diagnostic tool to an imaging model with a broad spectrum of clinical applications. TCD can show the spectral flow waveforms, blood flow direction, velocities and intensity in the intracerebral vessels, adding physiologic information to other imaging models. TCD can also detect collateral channels through the anterior communicating artery, posterior communicating arteries, reversed ophthalmic artery, leptomeningeal collaterals, reversed basilar artery and reversed vertebral artery caused by hemodynamically significant carotid or intracranial stenosis. This article gives a brief overview of its use in evaluation of collateral circulation in carotid and intracranial steno-occlusive disease.
Models of Short Bowel Syndrome in Pigs: A Technical Review
Authors: Weih S. , Nickkholgh A. , Kessler M. , Frongia G. , Hafezi M. , Golriz M. , Fard N. , Holland-Cunz S. , Mehrabi A.
Published: February 2014

Background: Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is still a life-threatening disease in both children and adults. Although the therapeutic options are improving, challenges still remain, and to overcome these challenges is a major focus of SBS research today. In order to simulate anatomical and physiological conditions similar to those in humans for research, porcine models of SBS are often used. Various approaches for generating SBS models have been described in the literature. Methods/Results: In this work, we present a review of different types of porcine models of SBS and outline the differences between those models regarding types of animals, surgical procedures, monitoring, and methods of assessment. Conclusion: The aim of this study was to select the most suitable SBS model regarding the purpose of the research.
Intravenous Immunoglobulins: In-Depth Review of Excipients and Acute Kidney Injury Risk
Authors: Dantal Jacques
Published: February 2014

Background: Used in a variety of approved and off-label indications, there are several intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) preparations available which differ in the excipients (e.g. sucrose, glucose, maltose, D-sorbitol, glycine or L-proline) used to stabilize the protein in the solution. A very rare, but severe adverse drug reaction (ADR) reported with sucrose-stabilized IVIGs, acute renal failure, is well established, but the relative risks with sucrose-free IVIGs are unknown. Methods: Medline and Embase were searched for published data on ADRs involving the kidney, and DrugCite, a public database of >4,000,000 ADRs from the USA, was also searched. Renal impairment-associated ADRs and categories were summarized. Results: Compared with sucrose-containing IVIGs, reports of ADRs involving the kidney were relatively rare with sucrose-free IVIGs: 12 cases were published prior to February 28, 2012; incidences reported in DrugCite were also relatively low and similar among sucrose-free preparations. The incidence of hemolysis-related ADRs, a potential cause of secondary acute renal impairment, was higher with glycine- and L-proline-stabilized IVIGs. Reported incidences of renal impairment with sucrose-free IVIGs are similar between products and much lower than with sucrose-stabilized IVIGs. Conclusions: It is recommended that the choice of IVIG should be guided by the patient's medical history, present comorbidities and concomitant medications. Prospective studies with inclusion of creatinine values, as well as rigorous reporting of cases in the literature and/or via pharmacovigilance systems, are imperative to better define patient profiles.
Pancreatic Cancer: Current Options for Diagnosis, Staging and Therapeutic Management
Authors: Hartwig Werner , Büchler Markus W.
Published: February 2014

Background: Pancreatic cancer is characterized by frequently delayed diagnosis and aggressive tumor growth which hampers most of the current treatment modalities. This review aims to summarize the available evidence about the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of resectable and non-resectable pancreatic cancer therapy. Summary: Embedded in the concept of multimodal therapy, surgery plays the central role in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. With advantageous tumor characteristics and complete tumor resection as the most relevant positive prognostic factors, the detection of premalignant or early invasive lesions combined with safe and oncologic adequate surgery is the major therapeutic aim. Most pancreatic adenocarcinomas are locally advanced or metastatic when diagnosed and need to be treated by the combination of surgery and (radio)chemotherapy or by palliative chemotherapy. Key Message An interdisciplinary, multimodal approach to therapy is critical for improving the outcomes of patients with pancreatic cancer. Practical Implications Cross-sectional imaging techniques (such as contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography) are useful for assessing tumor resectability. For localized, non-metastatic, resectable tumors, the necessity of preoperative biopsies remains controversial. Important prognostic parameters are tumor size, invasion of surrounding tissue, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. Various classification systems based on the TNM system have been used for tumor staging and prognosis. The presence of distant metastases is regarded as non-resectable disease, requiring chemotherapy as first treatment. The definition of borderline resectable tumors is still under debate, although a recent definition has been provided by an expert consensus statement. Standard lymphadenectomy is the recommended procedure in pancreatoduodenectomy, based upon the guidelines of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS). Adjuvant chemotherapy is applied in generally all cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma following macroscopic complete tumor resection. The benefits of adjuvant chemoradiotherapy or immunochemoradiotherapy, or neoadjuvant therapy, however, remain a matter of controversy. For palliative treatment gemcitabine monotherapy is widely used; the FOLFIRINOX protocol provides an alternative for a minority of patients.
Independent Evolution of Visual and Electrosensory Specializations in Different Lineages of Mormyrid Electric Fishes
Authors: Stevens Jennifer A. , Sukhum Kimberley V. , Carlson Bruce A.
Published: February 2014

African mormyrid fishes are by far the most diverse group of osteoglossomorph (bony tongue) fishes. Mormyrids communicate using pulses of electricity, and they process electric communication signals in the midbrain exterolateral nucleus (EL). In its ancestral form, the EL is relatively small and homogenous. In two different lineages, however, the EL expanded in size and increased in cytological complexity. This evolutionary change established the perceptual ability to distinguish variation in electric pulse waveform, which plays an important role in species recognition and mate choice. However, the sensory basis of social behavior in species with a small, homogenous EL remains unknown. Using published species descriptions, we found that species in one of these lineages have relatively large eyes. Using sectioned brains, we measured the volume of a major visual region, the optic tectum (OT), and found that this same lineage also has an enlarged OT. We also found that eye size and OT size are highly correlated across species. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that a reduced visual system evolved with the origins of an active electrosense, and that this one particular lineage secondarily evolved an enlarged visual system. Behavioral tests revealed that this enlargement of the visual system established increased visual acuity. Thus, our findings demonstrate that different lineages of mormyrids have evolved visual or electrosensory specializations, but that no lineages have specialized in both. This sensory divergence likely reflects fundamentally different ecologies and suggests that vision may play an especially important role in the social behavior of mormyrids that cannot detect variation in electric signal waveform. Our findings provide an example of evolutionary change in multiple sensory systems among closely related species that lays a foundation for relating ecological adaptation to evolutionary change in multisensory perception and social behavior.
Electrical Stimulation in Treatment of Pharyngolaryngeal Dysfunctions
Authors: Miller Simone , Jungheim Michael , Kühn Daniela , Ptok Martin
Published: February 2014

Objective: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been proposed in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal dysfunctions (dysphonia, dyspnoea, dysphagia) for more than 40 years. Several studies have investigated possible therapeutic effects. Some researchers described favourable results, whereas others did not find relevant benefits. This article aims to review available studies to give an overview regarding the current state of knowledge. Methods: We conducted a selective literature search using PubMed. Results: In total, 356 papers were identified: 6 case reports, 11 reviews, 43 prospective clinical trials and 3 retrospective trials were found. Conclusion: Due to different stimulation protocols, electrode positioning and various underlying pathological conditions, summarizing the present studies appears to be difficult. However, there is evidence that NMES is a valuable adjunct in patients with dysphagia and in patients with vocal fold paresis. Nevertheless, more empirical data is needed to fully understand the benefits provided by NMES. Further research suggestions are put forward.
Vitamin A and Carotenoids and the Risk of Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Takeda Andrea , Nyssen Olga P. , Syed Asmat , Jansen Eugene , Bueno-de-Mesquita Bas , Gallo Valentina
Published: February 2014

Background: Vitamin A and carotenoids are involved in signalling pathways regulating gene expression in many organs, including the brain. The dopaminergic system is a target of retinoic acid action in the central nervous system. The aim of this review is to assess the epidemiological evidence on the association between blood levels or dietary intakes of vitamin A and carotenoids and risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods: PubMed and ISI Web of Science were searched for relevant papers from 1990 to April 2013. Data reported in epidemiological studies assessing the association between vitamin A and/or carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, zeaxanthin and canthaxanthin) and PD were extracted for a narrative synthesis and meta-analysis. Results: Thirteen papers were included out of a total of 362 potentially relevant; of these, eight contributed to the meta-analysis. No statistically significant pooled estimate between micronutrient and PD was detected. Forest plots suggest possible non-significant inverse pooled estimates of α-carotene and β-carotene and risk of PD. A significant association between lutein intake and PD risk was detected in case-control studies only. Conclusions: Data published to date are insufficient for drawing definite conclusions about the epidemiological evidence on the association between blood levels or dietary intakes of vitamin A and carotenoids and the risk of PD. Results should be interpreted particularly cautiously given the limitation of the present meta-analysis and the potential publication bias. Authors are urged to follow more closely the recommendations for reporting epidemiological studies in order to enhance the capacity for synthesising the evidence.
Loss of Renal Function Causes Premature Aging of the Immune System
Authors: Betjes Michiel G.H. , Meijers Ruud W.J. , Litjens Nicolle H.R.
Published: February 2014

Background: Uremia-associated immune deficiency is a well-known complication of loss of renal function and contributes significantly to the overall mortality and morbidity of patients with end-stage renal disease. Chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress are underlying the uremia-associated immune deficiency. Summary: In this review, the differential impact of uremia on the cellular immune system is summarized. Virtually all immune cells studied show a combination of an activated status and loss of function. However, uremia preferentially decreases the number and function of lymphoid cells while myeloid cells show normal and/or elevated cell numbers with increased production of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species. These particular changes are compatible with immunological aging, which is characterized by loss of thymic function, attrition of telomeres and an expanded memory T cell population. Similar to aging in healthy individuals, the proinflammatory and potential cardiotoxic subsets of CD28null T cells and CD16+ monocytes are increased. Epigenetically changed hematopoietic stem cells may be involved in immunological aging as specific DNA regions become hypermethylated. Proinflammatory T cells and monocytes persist after kidney transplantation, which constitutes a persistent cardiovascular risk factor. Possible therapeutic options to reverse or halt uremia-associated immunological aging are discussed. Key Messages: Premature aging of the immune system is a dominant feature in patients with end-stage renal failure, which corresponds to immunological aging in elderly healthy individuals, which is characterized by preferential loss of cells belonging to the lymphoid cell lineage, inflammation and expansion of proinflammatory immune cells.
Toward Population Management in an Integrated Care Model
Authors: Maddux Franklin W. , McMurray Stephen , Nissenson Allen R.
Published: February 2014

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, accountable care organizations (ACOs) will be the primary mechanism for achieving the dual goals of high-quality patient care at managed per capita costs. To achieve these goals in the newly emerging health care environment, the nephrology community must plan for and direct integrated delivery and coordination of renal care, focusing on population management. Even though the ESRD patient population is a complex group with comorbid conditions that may confound integration of care, the nephrology community has unique experience providing integrated care through ACO-like programs. Specifically, the recent ESRD Management Demonstration Project sponsored by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the current ESRD Prospective Payment System with it Quality Incentive Program have demonstrated that integrated delivery of renal care can be accomplished in a manner that provides improved clinical outcomes with some financial margin of savings. Moving forward, integrated renal care will probably be linked to provider performance and quality outcomes measures, and clinical integration initiatives will share several common elements, namely performance-based payment models, coordination of communication via health care information technology, and development of best practices for care coordination and resource utilization. Integration initiatives must be designed to be measured and evaluated, and, consistent with principles of continuous quality improvement, each initiative will provide for iterative improvements of the initiative.
Akt Mediates GSK-3β Phosphorylation in the Rat Prefrontal Cortex during the Process of Ketamine Exerting Rapid Antidepressant Actions
Authors: Zhou Wei , Dong Lin , Wang Nan , Shi Jin-yun , Yang Jian-jun , Zuo Zhi-yi , Zhou Zhi-qiang
Published: February 2014

Ketamine may produce rapid and sustained antidepressant effects. Despite the fact that the detailed underlying mechanism remains unknown, recent studies have suggested the involvement of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) signal, respectively, in the process of ketamine exerting antidepressant actions. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which ketamine phosphorylates GSK-3β in the rat prefrontal cortex (PFC) via applying vehicle or the antagonists of mTOR signalling pathway proteins including PI3K/Akt, mTOR and p70S6 kinase to the rats in the forced swimming test (FST) prior to ketamine administration, and subsequently observing the levels of phosphorylated GSK-3β, mTOR and p70S6K in rat PFC as well as the immobility time of rats in the FST. Our results revealed that compared to treatment with vehicle, ketamine increased the levels of phosphorylated GSK-3β in rat PFC (p < 0.05), which was attenuated by PI3K/Akt antagonist pretreatment (p < 0.05), but could not be affected by mTOR antagonist or p70S6K antagonist pretreatment. In addition, all the antagonists reversed the ketamine-induced increases in the phosphorylation of mTOR and p70S6K (p < 0.05). They also all abolished the rapid-acting antidepressant actions of ketamine demonstrated by the increased immobility time of rats in the FST. In conclusion, Akt mediates the phosphorylation of GSK-3β in rat PFC during the process of ketamine exerting rapid antidepressant actions.
Whole Grains in the Renal Diet - Is It Time to Reevaluate Their Role?
Authors: Williams Caroline , Ronco Claudio , Kotanko Peter
Published: February 2014

Organizations such as the National Kidney Foundation, the American Kidney Fund, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the US Department of Health and Human Services recommend not including whole grains as part of the renal diet. The rationale for this recommendation is the high phosphorus content in these foods. While the phosphorus content in whole grains may be indeed high, it is covalently bound to organic molecules (primarily phytate) and requires the enzyme phytase to be released and become available for absorption. While some phytase is contained in some whole grains (corn, oats, and millet have little to no phytase activity), the enzyme is decreased in milling, food preparation and over time. Since the human intestine does not express phytase, the enzyme required for the release of phosphorus from phytate is not present in the intestinal lumen when ingesting cooked food. Consequently, the bioavailability of phosphorus from whole grains is low. For the reasons presented here we believe that the ‘grain ban' in the diet for kidney patients should be reconsidered. By doing this, the kidney diet would be enriched and it would provide needed fiber along with its health benefits, diversify the diet with low sodium choices, and possibly provide adequate protein without increasing phosphorous levels.
Cardiorenal Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiometabolic Risks in Minority Populations
Authors: Ferdinand Keith C. , Rodriguez Fatima , Nasser Samar A. , Caballero A. Enrique , Puckrein Gary A. , Zangeneh Farhad , Mansour Michael , Foody JoAnne Micale , Pemu Priscilla E. , Ofili Elizabeth O.
Published: February 2014

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death in the USA, regardless of self-determined race/ethnicity, and largely driven by cardiometabolic risk (CMR) and cardiorenal metabolic syndrome (CRS). The primary drivers of increased CMR include obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease as well as associated adverse behaviors of physical inactivity, smoking, and unhealthy eating habits. Given the importance of CRS for public health, multiple stakeholders, including the National Minority Quality Forum (the Forum), the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), have developed this review to inform clinicians and other health professionals of the unique aspects of CMR in racial/ethnic minorities and of potential means to improve CMR factor control, to reduce CRS and CVD in diverse populations, and to provide more effective, coordinated care. This paper highlights CRS and CMR as sources of significant morbidity and mortality (particularly in racial/ethnic minorities), associated health-care costs, and an evolving index tool for cardiometabolic disease to determine geographical and environmental factors. Finally, this work provides a few examples of interventions potentially successful at reducing disparities in cardiometabolic health.
Novel Hypoglycaemic Agents: Considerations in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Game Fran
Published: February 2014

One of the commonest complications of type 2 diabetes is renal disease. Treatment guidelines emphasise the need for tight glycaemic control to reduce the development of future complications; however, with the development of renal impairment, the benefit of tight glycaemic control must be weighed against the potential for adverse effects from drugs or their metabolites which may accumulate. In this article, the glucose-lowering drugs used in the management of type 2 diabetes are reviewed, with particular emphasis on newer guidelines and agents.
Dialysis Hypotension: A Role for Inadequate Increase in Arginine Vasopressin Levels? A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ettema Esmée M. , Zittema Debbie , Kuipers Johanna , Gansevoort Ron T. , Vart Priya , de Jong Paul E. , Westerhuis Ralf , Franssen Casper F.M.
Published: February 2014

Background: Intradialytic hypotension is a common complication of hemodialysis (HD). Some studies have suggested that inadequate arginine vasopressin (AVP) increase could play a role in the pathogenesis of intradialytic hypotension. However, AVP levels during HD and its relation to hypotension has never been systematically studied. Summary: PubMed and Embase were searched (1970-2013, search terms ‘vasopressin' and ‘hemodialysis') for studies reporting on AVP levels during standard HD or other dialysis techniques. Observational studies reporting on AVP levels pre- and postdialysis were additionally included in a meta-analysis. Thirty-seven studies were included in the systematic literature review, of which 26 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. The main findings were that pretreatment AVP levels were higher in dialysis patients compared with healthy controls (6.4 ± 3.5 vs. 2.5 ± 1.3 pg/ml, p = 0.003) and that plasma AVP levels showed little or no increase during HD (from 7.0 ± 4.9 to 8.8 ± 9.3, p = 0.433). Significant heterogeneity was found between studies. Meta-regression analysis revealed no significant associations between AVP and patient or study characteristics. Studies on other dialysis techniques showed mixed results regarding the AVP course. The eight studies that addressed the relation between intradialytic hypotension and AVP also showed inconsistent results. Key Messages: Plasma AVP levels are higher in dialysis patients compared with healthy controls, but show little or no increase during HD. The lack of a rise in AVP levels during HD may be pathophysiologically involved in the onset of intradialytic hypotension, but firm conclusions are not possible from our review of the literature.
Identification of Nestin as a Urinary Biomarker for Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Zhang Wen , Zhang Lu , Chen Yong-Xi , Xie Yin-Yin , Zou Yan-Fang , Zhang Ming-Jun , Gao Yao-Hui , Liu Yue , Zhao Qiang , Huang Qiu-Hua , Chen Nan
Published: February 2014

Objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication in hospitalized patients and the incidence of AKI is rapidly increasing. Despite the advances in treatment of AKI, many patients still progress to end-stage renal disease and depend on dialysis. Therefore, early diagnosis and adequate treatment of AKI could improve prognosis. Methods: We established rat models of AKI induced by cisplatin nephrotoxicity and renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Urine samples were collected, labeled with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification agents, and then subjected to nano-LC-MS/MS-based proteomic analysis. Results of the proteomic study were confirmed by Western blot. We also performed RNAi to silence nestin and investigate its role in renal I/R injury. We then validated its clinical application by studying urine nestin levels in AKI patients with cardiovascular surgeries. Results: Our proteomic analysis showed that fetuin-A, nestin, hamartin and T-kininogen were differentially expressed in the urine samples of rats after cisplatin or I/R treatment. Western blot confirmed the differential expression of these proteins in animal models and ELISA confirmed the differential expression of nestin in human urine samples. To explore the expression of nestin in the development of AKI, our results showed that nestin was primarily detected in the glomeruli and barely detected in tubular cells but increased in tubular cells during I/R- and cisplatin-induced AKI. The urine nestin-to-creatinine ratio increased earlier than serum creatinine in AKI patients with postcardiovascular surgeries. The role of nestin in AKI might be related to the p53 signaling pathway. Conclusions: Thus, our results demonstrated that urinary nestin could be a urinary biomarker for patients with AKI and its role in AKI might be related to the p53 signaling pathway.
Distinct associations of complement C3a and its precursor C3 with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease
Authors: van Greevenbroek Marleen M. , Arts Ilja C. , van der Kallen Carla J. , Geijselaers Stefan L. , Feskens Edith J. , Jansen Eugene H. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Stehouwer Coen D. , Hertle Elisabeth
Published: February 2014

Complement C3 is a novel risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), but the underlying mechanism is currently unknown. We determined the associations of the anaphylatoxin C3a, the activation product of C3, and of C3 itself with estimates of atherosclerosis and CVD. We studied associations of C3a and C3 with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), ankle-arm blood pressure index (AAIx) and CVD in cross-sectional analyses among 545 participants of the Cohort on Diabetes and Atherosclerosis Maastricht (CODAM) study (62% men, 59.4 ± 6.9 years) and examined effect modification by smoking. We conducted linear and logistic regression analyses with adjustments for age, sex, glucose metabolism status, lipids, adiposity, renal function, blood pressure, pack-years smoked, physical activity, use of medication and investigated mediation by inflammation. C3a was independently associated with cIMT (β=0.032 mm, [95% confidence interval: 0.004; 0.060]) and AAIx (β=−0.022, [−0.043; −0.001]), but C3 was not. Effect modification by smoking was only observed for CVD (Psmoking*C3a=0.008, Psmoking*C3=0.018), therefore these associations were stratified for smoking behaviour. Both C3a (odds ratio [OR] =2.96, [1.15; 7.62]) and C3 (OR =1.98, [1.21; 3.22]) were independently associated with CVD in heavy smokers. The association of C3 with CVD was independent of C3a. Low-grade inflammation did partially explain the association of C3a with AAIx, but not the other observed associations. This suggests that C3a and C3 have distinct roles in pathways leading to CVD. C3a may promote atherosclerosis and additionally advance CVD in heavy smokers. Conversely, C3 may be associated with CVD in heavy smokers via pathways other than atherosclerosis.
ERA-CLIM: Historical Surface and Upper-Air Data for Future Reanalyses
Authors: Stickler A. , Brönnimann S. , Valente M. A. , Bethke J. , Sterin A. , Jourdain S. , Roucaute E. , Vasquez M. V. , Reyes D. A. , Allan R. , Dee D.
Published: February 2014

Future reanalyses might profit from assimilating additional historical surface as well as upper-air data. In the framework of the European Reanalysis of Global Climate Observations (ERACLIM; www.era-clim.eu) project, significant amounts of pre-1957 upper-air and surface data have been cataloged (>2.5 million station days), imaged (>450,000 images), and digitized (>1.25 million station days) to prepare new input datasets for upcoming reanalyses. These data cover large parts of the globe, focusing henceforth on less well-covered regions such as the tropics, the polar regions, and the oceans and on very early twentieth-century upper-air data from Europe and the United States. The total numbers of digitized/inventoried records (i.e., time series of meteorological data at fixed stations or from moving observational platforms) are 80/214 (surface), 735/1,783 (upper air), and 61/101 [moving upper-air (i.e., data from ships, etc.)]. Here, the authors give an overview of the data rescue activities, the data, and the applied quality checking procedures and demonstrate their usefulness for analyzing past weather and climate. The data will be made available online (at www.era-clim.eu). The upper-air data will be included in the next version of the Comprehensive Historical Upper-Air Network (CHUAN) and are also available online (http://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.821222).
The Dispersion of Silver Iodide Particles from Ground-Based Generators over Complex Terrain. Part II: WRF Large-Eddy Simulations versus Observations
Authors: Xue Lulin , Chu Xia , Rasmussen Roy , Breed Daniel , Boe Bruce , Geerts Bart
Published: February 2014

A numerical modeling study has been conducted to explore the ability of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model-based large-eddy simulation (LES) with 100-m grid spacing to reproduce silver iodide (AgI) particle dispersion by comparing the model results with measurements made on 16 February 2011 over the Medicine Bow Mountains in Wyoming. Xue et al.'s recently developed AgI cloud-seeding parameterization was applied in this study to simulate AgI release from ground-based generators. Qualitative and quantitative comparisons between the LES results and observed AgI concentrations were conducted. Analyses of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) features within the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and comparisons between the 100-m LES and simulations with 500-m grid spacing were performed as well. The results showed the following: 1) Despite the moist bias close to the ground and above 4 km AGL, the LES with 100-m grid spacing captured the essential environmental conditions except for a slightly more stable PBL relative to the observed soundings. 2) Wind shear is the dominant TKE production mechanism in wintertime PBL over complex terrain and generates a PBL of about 1000-m depth. The terrain-induced turbulent eddies are primarily responsible for the vertical dispersion of AgI particles. 3) The LES-simulated AgI plumes were shallow and narrow, in agreement with observations. The LES overestimated AgI concentrations close to the ground, which is consistent with the higher static stability in the model than is observed. 4) Non-LES simulations using PBL schemes had difficulty in capturing the shear-dominant turbulent PBL structure over complex terrain in wintertime. Therefore, LES of wintertime orographic clouds with grid spacing close to 500 m or finer are recommended.
Aircraft Evaluation of Ground-Based Raman Lidar Water Vapor Turbulence Profiles in Convective Mixed Layers
Authors: Turner D. D. , Ferrare R. A. , Wulfmeyer V. , Scarino A. J.
Published: February 2014

High temporal and vertical resolution water vapor measurements by Raman and differential absorption lidar systems have been used to characterize the turbulent fluctuations in the water vapor mixing ratio field in convective mixed layers. Since daytime Raman lidar measurements are inherently noisy (due to solar background and weak signal strengths), the analysis approach needs to quantify and remove the contribution of the instrument noise in order to derive the desired atmospheric water vapor mixing ratio variance and skewness profiles. This is done using the approach outlined by Lenschow et al.; however, an intercomparison with in situ observations was not performed.

Water vapor measurements were made by a diode laser hygrometer flown on a Twin Otter aircraft during the Routine Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program Aerial Facility Clouds with Low Optical Water Depths Optical Radiative Observations (RACORO) field campaign over the ARM Southern Great Plains (SGP) site in 2009. Two days with Twin Otter flights were identified where the convective mixed layer was quasi stationary, and hence the 10-s, 75-m data from the SGP Raman lidar could be analyzed to provide profiles of water vapor mixing ratio variance and skewness. Airborne water vapor observations measured during level flight legs were compared to the Raman lidar data, demonstrating good agreement in both variance and skewness. The results also illustrate the challenges of comparing a point sensor making measurements over time to a moving platform making similar measurements horizontally.
The Influence of Descriptive Social Norm Information on Sustainable Transportation Behavior
Authors: Kormos Christine , Gifford Robert , Brown Erinn
Published: February 2014

A month-long field experiment evaluated the impact of descriptive social norm information on self-reported reduction of private vehicle use. Following a baseline week, participants were asked to reduce their vehicle use by 25% and were randomly assigned to a control condition or to a low or high social norm condition in which they received information that either under- or over-reported others’ successful efforts to switch to sustainable transportation. Results indicated a significant linear trend, such that messages highlighting more prevalent descriptive social norms increased sustainable transportation behavior (relative to private vehicle use) for commuting, but not non-commuting, purposes. Participants in the high social norm condition decreased their commuting-related private vehicle use by approximately five times, compared with baseline. Car-use message campaigns can reduce private vehicle use by highlighting descriptive norms about others’ sustainable transportation efforts, but these messages appear to be most effective for commuting behavior.
The effect of impact energy division over repeated low-velocity impact on fiber metal laminates
Authors: Kashani M Haghi , Sadighi M , Lalehpour A , Alderliesten RC
Published: February 2014

In this study, a comprehensive comparison was drawn between a single impact with certain amount of energy and two impacts with various amounts of energy, the sum of which is the same as the amount of energy in the single impact. A rational plan for repeated impact tests on fiber metal laminates (FMLs) has been designed so as to assess the effect of impact energy division and its sequence, by varying the energy amount in each of the two impacts, on FMLs under repeated low-velocity impact. The total impact energy is estimated by a quasi-static punch test to use a reasonable amount of energy in the repeated impact tests. The impacts are conducted by a drop hammer machine at the same point. Impact parameters and failure modes for all the repeated impact tests are discussed. The results show that the FML specimen responds stiffer in second impact; to understand the reason of this behavior, impact tests on composite specimens were conducted, and comparison of the results of FML and composite specimens showed that the stiffer behavior is due to the elastic–plastic behavior of aluminum sheets which causes strain hardening and creates a dent. Additionally, the effect of impact energy division and its sequence are so influential that failure modes and impact parameters of each arrangement are considerably different from one another.
Escaping Oil’s Stranglehold
Authors: Cheon Andrew , Urpelainen Johannes
Published: February 2014

Modern economies and militaries are fundamentally dependent on oil, but the study of energy security has fallen out of favor in the field of international relations. We develop and test a theory of when and how states invest in energy security. We argue that states implement policies to improve their energy security when they perceive a risk of a militarized dispute and international oil markets are dominated by a small number of Middle Eastern producers. Empirically, we show that industrialized countries with reasons to worry about their security have significantly increased their public investment in energy research and development in response to an increase in the Middle East’s share of the world oil supply.
The Role of Transformation Narratives in Desistance Among Released Lifers
Authors: Liem Marieke , Richardson Nicholas J.
Published: February 2014

Research on desistance emphasizes the importance of the transformation narrative, in which the individual has replaced his old, criminal self with a new, law-abiding self. Key elements of the transformation narrative are generative motivations, the core self, and a sense of agency. Thus far, it is not known what role these elements play in desistance among released lifers. To fill this caveat, we conducted in-depth life interviews with 67 individuals who had served a life sentence. Almost all interviewees presented a transformation narrative that included a good core self and generative motivations, including those who persisted in criminal behavior. We found that individual agency was a key factor distinguishing the paroled lifers from the re-incarcerated lifers. Findings suggest that rather than learning to present a transformation narrative focused on reflecting a good core self and generative motivations, (post-)prison programs should focus on restoring agency to ensure successful re-entry.
An analysis of potential applications of wide-scale solar energy in Hong Kong
Authors: Li Danny HW , Chong Ben LP , Chan Wilco WH , Lam Joseph C
Published: February 2014

Renewable energy plays a crucial role in replacing major part of fossil fuels to generate sustainable, inexhaustible, clean, and safe energy. In Hong Kong, solar energy has been identified suitable for wide-scale applications. Photovoltaic (PV) and solar water heating (SWH) facilities are the two promising solar-based conversion technologies. Electricity and hot water generations via solar energy means fossil fuel saved together with the likely pollutants and greenhouse gases reductions. However, there are a number of barriers including high initial cost and large installation space required. This paper studies the cost, energy, and environmental issues when PV and SWH systems are widely used in Hong Kong. The energy expenditures in the forms of electricity, gas, and hot water, and the global solar radiation in Hong Kong were analyzed. The total required land areas, the financial implications, and the environmental benefits for such solar energy applications were estimated and reported.

Practical application: Solar energy plays an important role in replacing fossil fuels to generate electricity without emitting pollutants and requiring no fuel. This paper analyzes the energy, financial, and environmental aspects for solar thermal and solar electric installations. The findings in this study provide the information when active solar energy systems are widely applied in Hong Kong.
Predicting Romantic Interest and Decisions in the Very Early Stages of Mate Selection
Authors: Fletcher Garth J. O. , Kerr Patrick S. G. , Li Norman P. , Valentine Katherine A.
Published: February 2014

In the current study, opposite-sex strangers had 10-min conversations with a possible further date in mind. Based on judgments from partners and observers, three main findings were produced. First, judgments of attractiveness/vitality perceptions (compared with warmth/trustworthiness and status/resources) were the most accurate and were predominant in influencing romantic interest and decisions about further contact. Second, women were more cautious and choosy than men—women underestimated their partner’s romantic interest, whereas men exaggerated it, and women were less likely to want further contact. Third, a mediational model found that women (compared with men) were less likely to want further contact because they perceived their partners as possessing less attractiveness/vitality and as falling shorter of their minimum standards of attractiveness/vitality, thus generating lower romantic interest. These novel results are discussed in terms of the mixed findings from prior research, evolutionary psychology, and the functionality of lay psychology in early mate-selection contexts.
Pathophysiology of Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Tappenden Kelly A.
Published: February 2014

The human small intestine is organized with a proximal‐to‐distal gradient of mucosal structure and nutrient processing capacity. However, certain nutrients undergo site‐specific digestion and absorption, such as iron and folate in the duodenum/jejunum vs vitamin B12 and bile salts in the ileum. Intestinal resection can result in short bowel syndrome (SBS) due to reduction of total and/or site‐specific nutrient processing areas. Depending on the segment(s) of intestine resected, malabsorption can be nutrient specific (eg, vitamin B12 or fat) or sweeping, with deficiencies in energy, protein, and various micronutrients. Jejunal resections are generally better tolerated than ileal resections because of greater postresection adaptive capacity than that of the jejunum. Following intestinal resection, energy scavenging and fluid absorption become particularly important in the colon owing to loss of digestive and absorptive surface area in the resection portion. Resection‐induced alterations in enteroendocrine cell abundance can further disrupt intestinal function. For example, patients with end jejunostomy have depressed circulating peptide YY and glucagon‐like peptide 2 concentrations, which likely contribute to the rapid intestinal transit and blunted intestinal adaptation observed in this population. SBS‐associated pathophysiology often extends beyond the gastrointestinal tract, with hepatobiliary disease, metabolic bone disease, D‐lactic acidosis, and kidney stone formation being chronic complications. Clinical management of SBS must be individualized to account for the specific nutrient processing deficit within the remnant bowel and to mitigate potential complications, both inside and outside the gastrointestinal tract.
Surveying Multiple Health Professional Team Members Within Institutional Settings
Authors: Clark Melissa A. , Roman Anthony , Rogers Michelle L. , Tyler Denise A. , Mor Vincent
Published: February 2014

Quality improvement and cost containment initiatives in health care increasingly involve interdisciplinary teams of providers. To understand organizational functioning, information is often needed from multiple members of a leadership team since no one person may have sufficient knowledge of all aspects of the organization. To minimize survey burden, it is ideal to ask unique questions of each member of the leadership team in areas of their expertise. However, this risks substantial missing data if all eligible members of the organization do not respond to the survey. Nursing home administrators (NHA) and directors of nursing (DoN) play important roles in the leadership of long-term care facilities. Surveys were administered to NHAs and DoNs from a random, nationally representative sample of U.S. nursing homes about the impact of state policies, market forces, and organizational factors that impact provider performance and residents’ outcomes. Responses were obtained from a total of 2,686 facilities (response rate [RR] = 66.6%) in which at least one individual completed the questionnaire and 1,693 facilities (RR = 42.0%) in which both providers participated. No evidence of nonresponse bias was detected. A high-quality representative sample of two providers in a long-term care facility can be obtained. It is possible to optimize data collection by obtaining unique information about the organization from each provider while minimizing the number of items asked of each individual. However, sufficient resources must be available for follow-up to nonresponders with particular attention paid to lower resourced, lower quality facilities caring for higher acuity residents in highly competitive nursing home markets.