bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multi‐task Comparative Study on Scatter Plots and Parallel Coordinates Plots
Authors: Kanjanabose Rassadarie , Abdul‐Rahman Alfie , Chen Min
Published: July 2015

Previous empirical studies for comparing parallel coordinates plots and scatter plots showed some uncertainty about their relative merits. Some of these studies focused on the task of value retrieval, where visualization usually has a limited advantage over reading data directly. In this paper, we report an empirical study that compares user performance, in terms of accuracy and response time, in the context of four different visualization tasks, namely value retrieval, clustering, outlier detection, and change detection. In order to evaluate the relative merits of the two types of plots with a common base line (i.e., reading data directly), we included three forms of stimuli, data tables, scatter plots, and parallel coordinate plots. Our results show that data tables are better suited for the value retrieval task, while parallel coordinates plots generally outperform the two other visual representations in three other tasks. Subjective feedbacks from the users are also consistent with the quantitative analyses. As visualization is commonly used for aiding multiple observational and analytical tasks, our results provided new evidence to support the prevailing enthusiasm for parallel coordinates plots in the field of visualization.
Visualnostics: Visual Guidance Pictograms for Analyzing Projections of High‐dimensional Data
Authors: Lehmann Dirk J. , Kemmler Fritz , Zhyhalava Tatsiana , Kirschke Marco , Theisel Holger
Published: July 2015

The visual analysis of multivariate projections is a challenging task, because complex visual structures occur. This causes fatigue or misinterpretations, which distorts the analysis. In fact, the same projection can lead to different analysis results. We provide visual guidance pictograms to improve objectivity of the visual search. A visual guidance pictogram is an iconic visual density map encoding the visual structure of certain data properties. By using them to guide the analysis, structures in the projection can be better understood and mentally linked to properties in the data. We introduce a systematic scheme for designing such pictograms and provide a set of pictograms for standard visual tasks, such as correlation and distribution analysis, for standard projections like scatterplots, RadVis, and Star Coordinates. We conduct a study that compares the visual analysis of real data with and without the support of guidance pictograms. Our tests show that the training effort for a visual search can be decreased and the analysis bias can be reduced by supporting the user's visual search with guidance pictograms.
Identification of biomedical journals in Spain and Latin America
Authors: Bonfill Xavier , Osorio Dimelza , Posso Margarita , Solà Ivan , Rada Gabriel , Torres Ania , García Dieguez Marcelo , Piña‐Pozas Maricela , Díaz‐García Luisa , Tristán Mario , Gandarilla Omar , Rincón‐Valenzuela David A. , Martí Arturo , Hidalgo Ricardo , Simancas‐Racines Daniel , López Luis , Correa Ricardo , Rojas‐De‐Arias Antonieta , Loza César , Gianneo Óscar , Pardo Hector ,   the Iberoamerican Cochrane Network
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Journals in languages other than English that publish original clinical research are often not well covered in the main biomedical databases and therefore often not included in systematic reviews. This study aimed to identify Spanish language biomedical journals from Spain and Latin America and to describe their main features.

Methods

Journals were identified in electronic databases, publishers' catalogues and local registries. Eligibility was determined by assessing data from these sources or the journals' websites, when available.

Findings

A total of 2457 journals were initially identified; 1498 met inclusion criteria. Spain (27.3%), Mexico (16.0%), Argentina (15.1%) and Chile (11.9%) had the highest number of journals. Most (85.8%) are currently active; 87.8% have an ISSN. The median and mean length of publication were 22 and 29 years, respectively. A total of 66.0% were indexed in at least one database; 3.0% had an impact factor in 2012. A total of 845 journals had websites (56.4%), of which 700 (82.8%) were searchable and 681 (80.6%) free of charge.

Conclusions

Most of the identified journals have no impact factor or are not indexed in any of the major databases. The list of identified biomedical journals can be a useful resource when conducting hand searching activities and identifying clinical trials that otherwise would not be retrieved.
The influence of different water types and brewing durations on the colloidal properties of green tea infusion
Authors: Li Jinglei , Joung Hee Joung , Lee Il Woo , Chen Xiguang , Park Hyun Jin
Published: July 2015

Green tea infusions were prepared with three different water types: distilled water, commercial mineral water and CaCl2 added distilled water (at 20 mg L−1). The impact of different water type on the colloidal particle parameters, namely size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential, was examined within 24 h. Our results indicate that distilled water green tea infusion (DWT) brewed at 80 °C for 5 min contained the smallest particles (242.17 ± 11.78 nm) as examined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Moreover, DWT showed smaller size increase during the 24 h storage than that of mineral water tea and CaCl2 added water tea infusion. The morphology characteristics of green tea infusion particles were visualised by transmission electron microscope (TEM) which revealed that green tea infusion particles had heteromorphic shapes. Our results suggest that mineral composition of water impacts the colloidal size and stability of green tea infusion. Additionally, DLS and TEM could be useful tools to provide colloidal information which is important to understand quality characteristics of green tea infusion during processing and storage.
Effects and consequences of caring for persons with heart failure: (ECCUPENIC study) a nested case–control study
Authors: Timonet Andreu Eva , Morales Asencio José Miguel , Canca Sanchez José Carlos , Sepulveda Sanchez Juana , Mesa Rico Rafael , Rivas Ruiz Francisco
Published: July 2015

Aim

Primary: To report a research protocol to analyse the relationship between the degree of heart failure and the health‐related quality of life of patients and their family caregivers. Secondary: To identify the characteristics of heart failure patients and their caregivers and the association between these characteristics and hospital admissions. Moreover, to conduct a longitudinal analysis of the relationship between patients' and that of their family caregivers.

Background

As heart failure progresses, it reduces the patient's quality of life and progressive functional deterioration requires hospital admission and the provision of healthcare resources. The availability of a family caregiver is a key element in addressing and managing this healthcare problem and some research results have associated this factor with the prognosis for heart failure.

Design

Multicentre cohort nested case–control study.

Methods

Exploratory analysis: Descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency and dispersion or percentages. Bivariate analysis: Using Student's t‐test and chi‐square test, anova and non‐parametric tests. Survival analysis: Kaplan–Meier curves. Multivariate analysis: Cox's proportional hazards model. All calculations performed with an alpha level of 0·05.

Discussion

Lack of family support for patients with HF or greater duration of care is associated with more hospitalizations and increased depression among caregivers. Further longitudinal studies with a large population sample are required.
An Artificial Neural Network‐Based Method to Identify Five Classes of Almond According to Visual Features
Authors: Teimouri Nima , Omid Mahmoud , Mollazade Kaveh , Rajabipour Ali
Published: July 2015

The quality evaluation is one of the key factors that have a major impact on the final price of agricultural products. Nowadays, image processing‐based techniques are becoming as an acceptable and widespread in quality evaluation procedures. In this study, we develop a robust method based on image processing and computational intelligence for quality grading and classification of almonds. The images of five classes of almond including normal almond (NA), broken almond (BA), double almond (DA), wrinkled almond (WA) and shell of almond (SA) were acquired by a scanner. For segmentation of images, both H component in HSI color space and Otsu's thresholding method were applied. In the next step, the feature vector, which includes 8 shape features, 45 color features and 162 texture features, was composed. For choosing correlated and superior features among all the 215 extracted features, sensitivity analysis was applied. Principal component analysis method was also used to reduce the dimension of the feature vector. The classification of almonds into different classes was carried out by artificial neural networks (ANNs). Among different ANN structures, the 18‐7‐7‐5 topology was the most optimum classifier. The accuracy of ANN classifier for each class was 98.92% for NA, 99.46% for BA, 98.38% for DA, 98.92% for WA and 100% for SA. The technique can readily be extended for online sorting machines.

Practical Applications

One of the applications of this method is in the design and fabrication of real‐time grading and sorting machines. The biggest advantage of the presented algorithm is its high precision. The developed classifier is able to detect and eject defected almonds (broken, double, wrinkled and shell of almonds) out of a stream of almonds in the sorting process line. Therefore, if the processing time of the method is improved further, it can readily be used in an online sorting machine.
Malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia: a systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Warnakulasuriya S. , Ariyawardana A.
Published: July 2015

The aim of this systematic review was to ascertain the malignant transformation rate of oral leukoplakia and the associated risk factors.

Method

Published literature was searched through several search engines from 1960 to the end of December 2013. The inclusion criteria included ‘leukoplakia’, ‘pre‐cancer’, ‘malignant transformation’, ‘follow‐up’ and ‘outcome’. Two reviewers extracted the data independently and also assessed the quality of evidence.

Results

The search strategy resulted in 1032 abstracts or full‐text articles, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. There was much variation in the definitions used by the various authors in their original reports to define oral leukoplakia or in the criteria used to recruit their patients for follow‐up. The estimated overall (mean) malignant transformation rate for the total population described in these 24 studies amounts to 3.5% (405/11423), with a wide range between 0.13% and 34.0%. Based on the evidence presented, the features that stand out as significant determinants contributing to malignant potential of OL include advanced age, female sex, leukoplakia exceeding 200 mm2, non‐homogeneous type (eg. erythroleukoplakia) and the higher grades of dysplasia.

Conclusion

The review indicates that drawing meaningful evidence‐based conclusions are difficult from retrospective studies of this nature. However, many of the determinants exposed in the review require further investigation by well‐designed prospective studies.
What is a Good Looking Penis? How Women Rate the Penile Appearance of Men with Surgically Corrected Hypospadias
Authors: Ruppen-Greeff Norma Katharina , Weber Daniel M. , Gobet Rita , Landolt Markus A.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Some men with corrected hypospadias perceive their penile appearance to be abnormal, although health professionals consider these results satisfactory.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate how relevant women consider single aspects of penile appearance to be. Moreover, we studied whether women perceive hypospadias-affected surgically repaired genitals (HASRGs) to be as normal-looking as circumcised genitals and identified the most relevant predictors that influence whether a penis is perceived as normal.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 105 women in different age groups (age range: 16–20, 25–30, and 40–45 years) completed a standardized questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures

Participants had to rate the importance of eight penile aspects and to indicate how normal they found the appearance of standardized photos of 10 HASRGs and of 10 circumcised genitals. Furthermore, they were asked about demographic characteristics and their sexuality.

Results

Results showed that women considered the position and shape of the meatus as the least important penile aspect. Furthermore, results showed that HASRGs with distal hypospadias were perceived to be as normal-looking as circumcised genitals, whereas genitals with more proximal hypospadias were perceived as significantly less normal. However, the difference need not be considered clinically relevant, as the effect size was small. Observer-related predictors of a more positive perception of HASRGs were higher age, higher sexual interest, and perceiving the general cosmetic penile appearance as more important and penile length as less important.

Conclusions

Overall, women were found to consider the “position and shape of the meatus” as the least important penile aspect. These findings may stimulate reflections regarding the relevance of surgical correction of the meatus in minor forms of hypospadias. In addition, this study indicates that women perceived genitals of men with distal operated hypospadias (which represents the majority of hypospadias) to be as normal as nonaffected, circumcised genitals.
microRNA changes in liver tissue associated with fibrosis progression in patients with hepatitis C
Authors: Van Keuren‐Jensen Kendall R. , Malenica Ivana , Courtright Amanda L. , Ghaffari Layla T. , Starr Alex P. , Metpally Raghu P. , Beecroft Taylor A. , Carlson Elizabeth W.J. , Kiefer Jeffrey A. , Pockros Paul J. , Rakela Jorge
Published: July 2015

Background & Aims

Accumulating evidence indicates that microRNAs play a role in a number of disease processes including the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis in hepatitis C infection. Our goal is to add to the accruing information regarding microRNA deregulation in liver fibrosis to increase our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of pathology and progression.

Methods

We used next generation sequencing to profile all detectable microRNAs in liver tissue and serum from patients with hepatitis C, stages F1–F4 of fibrosis.

Results

We found altered expression of several microRNAs, in particular, miR‐182, miR199a‐5p, miR‐200a‐5p and miR‐183 were found to be significantly upregulated in tissue from liver biopsies of hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis, stage F3 and F4, when compared with liver biopsies from patients with early fibrosis, stages F1 and F2. We also found miR‐148‐5p, miR‐1260b, miR‐122‐3p and miR‐378i among the microRNAs most significantly down‐regulated from early to advanced fibrosis of the liver. We also sequenced the serum microRNAs; however, we were not able to detect significant changes in circulating microRNAs associated with fibrosis stage after adjusting for multiple tests.

Conclusions

Adding measurements of tissue microRNAs acquired during routine biopsies will continue to increase our knowledge of underlying mechanisms of fibrosis. Our goal is that these data, in combination with studies from other researchers and future long‐term studies, could be used to enhance the staging accuracy of liver biopsies and expand the surveillance of patients at increased risk for cancer and progression to advanced fibrosis.
Analysis of conserved NCS2 motifs in the Escherichia coli xanthine permease XanQ
Authors: Karena Ekaterini , Tatsaki Ekaterini , Lambrinidis George , Mikros Emmanuel , Frillingos Stathis
Published: July 2015

The xanthine permease XanQ of Escherichia coli is a paradigm for transporters of the evolutionarily broad family nucleobase‐cation symporter‐2 (NCS2) that transport key metabolites or anti‐metabolite analogs. Most functionally known members are xanthine/uric acid transporters related to XanQ and belong to a distinct phylogenetic cluster of the family. Here, we present a comprehensive mutagenesis of XanQ based on the identification and Cys‐scanning analysis of conserved sequence motifs in this cluster. Results are interpreted in relation to homology modeling on the structurally known template of UraA and previous data on critical binding‐site residues in transmembrane segments (TMs) 3, 8 and 10. The current analysis, of motifs distant to the binding site, revealed a set of functionally important residues in TMs 2, 5, 12 and 13, including seven irreplaceable ones, of which six are Gly residues in the gate domain (159, 369, 370, 383, 409) and in TM2 (Gly‐71), and one is polar (Gln‐75). Gln‐75 (TM2) is probably crucial in a network of hydrogen‐bonding interactions in the middle of the core domain involving another essential residue, Asp‐304 (TM9). Although the two residues are irreplaceable individually, combinatorial replacement of Gln‐75 with Asn and of Asp‐304 with Glu rescues significant transport activity.
Gluconeogenesis, an essential metabolic pathway for pathogenic Francisella
Authors: Brissac Terry , Ziveri Jason , Ramond Elodie , Tros Fabiola , Kock Stephanie , Dupuis Marion , Brillet Magali , Barel Monique , Peyriga Lindsay , Cahoreau Edern , Charbit Alain
Published: July 2015

Intracellular multiplication and dissemination of the infectious bacterial pathogen Francisella tularensis implies the utilization of multiple host‐derived nutrients. Here, we demonstrate that gluconeogenesis constitutes an essential metabolic pathway in Francisella pathogenesis. Indeed, inactivation of gene glpX, encoding the unique fructose 1,6‐bisphosphatase of Francisella, severely impaired bacterial intracellular multiplication when cells were supplemented by gluconeogenic substrates such as glycerol or pyruvate. The ΔglpX mutant also showed a severe virulence defect in the mouse model, confirming the importance of this pathway during the in vivo life cycle of the pathogen. Isotopic profiling revealed the major role of the Embden–Meyerhof (glycolysis) pathway in glucose catabolism in Francisella and confirmed the importance of glpX in gluconeogenesis. Altogether, the data presented suggest that gluconeogenesis allows Francisella to cope with the limiting glucose availability it encounters during its infectious cycle by relying on host amino acids. Hence, targeting the gluconeogenic pathway might constitute an interesting therapeutic approach against this pathogen.
Extension agents or agents of change?
Authors: COLVIN CHRISTOPHER J. , SWARTZ ALISON
Published: July 2015

Global public health discourse and practice around community health workers (CHWs) often invoke two distinct ideal types: the CHW as an “extension agent” of biomedical health services, bringing health services into community and household settings, and the CHW as a progressive “agent of change,” working with communities to mobilize socially and politically around health inequities and identify and tackle the social determinants of health. In this article, we examine the experience of postapartheid South Africa with CHWs and take a critical look at the degree to which these conventional models of CHWs account for how CHWs in South Africa have emerged, what kinds of work they have done, how they have organized themselves, and what impacts they have had. In the end, we argue that these two models miss much of what is interesting and important about the lives and work of CHWs in South Africa. We further make the case that both mainstream and progressive public health academics and activists tend too often to frame—and reify—CHWs as a much‐anticipated solution to a variety of (much bigger) health system and political problems. We maintain, instead, that to adequately understand and support the work of CHWs, one must begin by situating community‐based care work within a much broader analysis of these problems.
Siglec‐G is a B‐1 cell inhibitory receptor and also controls B cell tolerance
Authors: Nitschke Lars
Published: July 2015

B cell antigen receptor signaling on B‐1 cells is controlled by several inhibitory receptors, including Siglec‐G, which is a member of the Siglec (sialic acid–binding immunoglobulin‐like lectin) family and inhibits B cell signaling. The inhibitory function of Siglec‐G is largely restricted to B‐1 cells, as demonstrated by studies of Siglec‐G–deficient mice showing a phenotype affecting mostly B‐1 cells. Siglec‐G–deficient mice show a markedly increased B‐1a cell population, enhanced B‐1 cell signaling, and a shift in the immunoglobulin repertoire secreted by their B‐1 cells. Mouse models have provided evidence that Siglec‐G binds to the B cell receptor (BCR) on the B cell surface via interaction with sialic acid ligands. As an inhibitory receptor on B cells, Siglec‐G controls B cell tolerance, and deficiency of this protein can increase the severity of autoimmune diseases. Despite its importance on B‐1 cells, there is evidence that the control of B cell tolerance by Siglec‐G occurs on conventional B‐2 cells.
Effect of light emitting diodes on the cultivation of Spirulina platensis using NPK‐10:26:26 complex fertilizer
Authors: Kumari Ankita , Pathak Akhilendra K. , Guria Chandan
Published: July 2015

NPK‐10:26:26 complex fertilizer based culture medium was studied for the mass production of Spirulina platensis using different light emitting diodes (LEDs). First, cultivation was carried out under white LED to formulate the optimum fertilizer loading for which Spirulina growth was maximized. Optimum composition for newly formulated fertilizer medium was NPK fertilizer −0.76 g L−1 and sodium bicarbonate −10.0 g L−1 and corresponding biomass productivity was found to be 76.67 mg L−1 day−1. The effect of different LEDs (for example, blue, white, red, green and yellow) on Spirulina growth kinetics and the accumulation of chlorophyll, protein and lipid content was determined using the optimum NPK fertilizer medium. Kinetic parameters (i.e., biomass productivity, maximum specific growth rate, maximum biomass concentration, nitrogen‐to‐biomass conversion factor and phosphorus‐to‐biomass conversion factor) and chlorophyll accumulation were affected by the use of different LEDs and follow the following trend: blue > white > red > green > yellow, whereas protein and lipid accumulation was almost independent of LEDs used. Elemental C, N, P and K concentrations were measured to find the effects of nutrients for the growth of Spirulina platensis. Physicochemical parameters (pH and conductivity) were also monitored during biomass growth under different LEDs. Finally, biomass growth using NPK‐10:26:26 fertilizer under different LEDs was compared with standard Zarrouk medium and better growth results were obtained using optimally formulated NPK‐10:26:26 fertilizer medium.
Factors Affecting Detection of Hepatitis E Virus on Canadian Retail Pork Chops and Pork Livers Assayed Using Real‐Time RT‐PCR
Authors: Wilhelm B. J. , Leblanc D. , Avery B. , Pearl D. L. , Houde A. , Rajić A. , McEwen S. A.
Published: July 2015

We collected 599 Canadian retail pork chops and 283 pork livers routinely (usually weekly) from April 2011 to March 2012 using the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS) retail sampling platform. Samples were assayed using validated real‐time (q) reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and nested classical RT‐PCR for the detection of hepatitis E virus (HEV), porcine enteric calicivirus (PEC) and rotavirus (RV). The presence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. was measured on a subset of our samples. Exact logistic regression models were fitted for predictors for HEV detection, for each assay. For both assays, sample type (pork chop versus liver) was a significant predictor for HEV RNA detection. For nested classical RT‐PCR but not qRT‐PCR, region of sample collection was a significant predictor (P = 0.008) of HEV detection. Odds of HEV detection were greatest in spring relative to other seasons. E. coli was a significant predictor for HEV RNA detection using the qRT‐PCR (P = 0.03). Overall, the prevalence of E. coli, Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. was significantly greater than HEV, PEC or RV on our retail pork samples. Our sparse data set for the detection of PEC and RV precluded modelling of risk factors for the detection of these viruses.
BET: Is CT thorax necessary to exclude significant injury in paediatric patients with blunt chest trauma?
Authors: de la Morandiere Katherine
Published: July 2015

A shortcut review was carried out to establish if CXR had sufficient sensitivity to rule out significant thoracic injury in haemodynamically stable, paediatric patients with a significant mechanism of trauma. No studies were found that directly answered the three-part question, but 13 studies were found which were considered relevant. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these papers are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is that important thoracic injuries may not be clinically apparent and that CT scans have a significantly higher sensitivity than CXR in detecting such injuries.
Effects of sample size and model form on the accuracy of model-based estimators of growing stock volume
Authors: Saarela Svetlana , Schnell Sebastian , Grafström Anton , Tuominen Sakari , Nordkvist Karin , Hyyppä Juha , Kangas Annika , Ståhl Göran
Published: July 2015

In this study, we investigate the use of model-based inference in forest surveys in which auxiliary data are available as a probability sample. We evaluate the effects of model form and sample size on estimators of growing stock volume, based on different types of remotely sensed auxiliary data. The study was performed through Monte Carlo sampling simulation using a two-phase sampling design within a simulated study area resembling the conditions in mid-western Finland. We show that the choice of model has a minor to moderate effect on the precision of model-based estimators. Similarly, the choice of estimator of the variance–covariance matrix of model parameter estimates, which is at the core of uncertainty assessment in model-based inference, was also found to have a minor to moderate effect on the precision of model-based estimators. Regarding sample sizes, the model error contribution to the total variance remains the same regardless of the sample size of the first phase (i.e., the size of the sample of auxiliary data); to reduce the model-error contribution, there is a need to increase the sample size of the second phase (i.e., the size of the sample of field plots for developing regression models). As a baseline for comparisons, model-assisted estimators were applied and found to be about equally precise as the model-based estimators, in accordance with the theory for the case when models are estimated from the sample data.
Characteristics of transonic spherical symmetric accretion flow in Schwarzschild-de Sitter and Schwarzschild anti-de Sitter backgrounds, in pseudo-general relativistic paradigm
Authors: Ghosh Shubhrangshu , Banik Prabir
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we present a complete work on steady state spherically symmetric Bondi type accretion flow in the presence of cosmological constant (Λ) in both Schwarzschild-de Sitter (SDS) and Schwarzschild anti-de Sitter (SADS) backgrounds considering an isolated supermassive black hole (SMBH), with the inclusion of a simple radiative transfer scheme, in the pseudo-general relativistic paradigm. We do an extensive analysis on the transonic behavior of the Bondi type accretion flow onto the cosmological BHs including a complete analysis of the global parameter space and the stability of flow, and do a complete study of the global family of solutions for a generic polytropic flow. Bondi type accretion flow in SADS background renders multiplicity in its transonic behavior with inner "saddle" type and outer "center" type sonic points, with the transonic solutions forming closed loops or contours. There is always a limiting value for ∣Λ∣ up to which we obtain valid stationary transonic solutions, which correspond to both SDS and SADS geometries; this limiting value moderately increases with the increasing radiative efficiency of the flow, especially correspond to Bondi type accretion flow in SADS background. Repulsive Λ suppresses the Bondi accretion rate by an order of magnitude for relativistic Bondi type accretion flow for a certain range in temperature, and with a marginal increase in the Bondi accretion rate if the corresponding accretion flow occurs in SADS background. However, for a strongly radiative Bondi type accretion flow with high mass accretion rate, the presence of cosmological constant do not much influence the corresponding Bondi accretion rate of the flow. Our analysis show that the relic cosmological constant has a substantial effect on Bondi type accretion flow onto isolated SMBHs and their transonic solutions beyond length-scale of kiloparsecs, especially if the Bondi type accretion occurs onto the host supergiant ellipticals or central dominant (CD) galaxies directly from ambient intercluster medium (ICM). However, for high mass accretion rate, the influence of cosmological constant on Bondi accretion dynamics, generically, diminishes. As active galactic nuclei (AGN)/ICM feedback can be advertently linked to Bondi type spherical accretion, any proper modeling of AGN feedback or megaparsecs-scale jet dynamics or accretion flow from ICM onto the central regions of host galaxies should take into account the relevant information of repulsive Λ, especially in context to supergiant elliptical galaxies or CD galaxies present in rich galaxy clusters. This could also explore the feasibility to limit the value of Λ, from the kinematics in local galactic-scales.
On the Gorenstein projective conjecture: IG-projective modules
Authors: Luo Rong , Jian Dongmei
Published: July 2015

Let [Formula: see text] be a commutative Noetherian local ring. A finitely generated Gorenstein projective [Formula: see text]-module [Formula: see text] is called IG-projective if there exists either an irreducible epimorphism [Formula: see text] or irreducible monomorphism [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] being a projective [Formula: see text]-module. In this paper, we give a note on Gorenstein Projective Conjecture: a finitely generated IG-projective module is projective if and only if it is self-orthogonal.
Transcription Factor Egr1 is Involved in High Glucose-Induced Proliferation and Fibrosis in Rat Glomerular Mesangial Cells
Authors: Wang Dan , Guan Mei-Ping , Zheng Zong-Ji , Li Wen-Qi , Lyv Fu-Ping , Pang Ruo-Yu , Xue Yao-Ming
Published: July 2015

Backgroud: Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most frequent causes of end-stage renal disease and is associated with proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) and excessive production of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Several studies have shown that early growth response factor 1 (Egr1) plays a key role in renal fibrosis by regulating the expression of genes encoding ECM components. However, whether Egr1 also contributes to diabetic nephropathy is unclear. Methods: In the present study, we compared the expression of Egr1 in kidneys from OLETF rats with spontaneous type 2 diabetes and healthy LETO rats. We also examined whether high glucose and TGF-β1 signaling up-regulated Egr1 expression in cultured MCs, and whether Egr1 expression influenced MC proliferation and expression of ECM genes. Results: We found that higher expression of Egr1 and TGF-β1, at both the mRNA and protein levels, the kidneys from OLETF rats vs. LETO rats. High glucose or TGF-β1 signaling rapidly up-regulated expression of Egr1 mRNA and protein in cultured MCs. Overexpressing Egr1 in MCs by transfection with M61-Egr1 plasmid or treatment with high glucose up-regulated expression of fibronectin, type IV collagen and TGF-β1, and promoted MC proliferation. Conversely, siRNA-mediated silencing of Egr1 expression down-regulated these genes and inhibited MC proliferation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed that Egr1 bound to the TGF-β1 promoter. Conclusion: Our results provide strong evidence that Egr1 contributes to diabetic nephropathy by enhancing MC proliferation and ECM production, in part by interacting with TGF-β1.
Moderate Hypoxia Down-Regulates Interleukin-6 Secretion and TLR4 Expression in Human Sw.71 Placental Cells
Authors: Shirasuna Koumei , Shimamura Narumi , Seno Kotomi , Ohtsu Ayaka , Shiratsuki Shogo , Ohkuchi Akihide , Suzuki Hirotada , Matsubara Shigeki , Nagayama Shiho , Iwata Hisataka , Kuwayama Takehito
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims: The placenta is a vital organ for pregnancy. Many in vitro placental experiments are conducted under 21% O2; however, O2 tension could influence cellular functions, including cytokine secretion. We investigated the effects of oxygen tension between moderate hypoxia (5% O2) and normoxia (21% O2) by testing the hypothesis that moderate hypoxia regulates cellular phenotypes differently from normoxia in human trophoblast cells. Methods and Results: Sw.71 trophoblast cells were incubated under normoxic or moderately hypoxic conditions. Cells were also treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) ligand inducing inflammation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) as an inflammatory cytokine was determined, and TLR4, hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF1α), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were detected. Moderate hypoxia increased HIF1α expression and cell proliferation and acted by two different mechanisms to decrease IL-6 secretion compared with normoxia: it limits the TLR4 expression and ROS production. Treatment with cobalt chloride as an HIF1 activator inhibited IL-6 secretion and TLR4 expression; this effect was reversed on treatment with PX-12 as an HIF1 suppressor. Conclusion: IL-6 secretion, TLR4 expression, and ROS production, classical markers of inflammation, are down-regulated by moderate hypoxia, and HIF1α and ROS have a potential to regulate these responses in human trophoblast cells.
Notes on Early Land Plants Today. 72. Infrageneric classification and new combinations, new names, new synonyms in Frullania (Marchantiophyta)
Authors: Hentschel Jörn , Von Konrat Matt , Söderström Lars , Hagborg Anders , Larraín Juan , Sukkharak Phiangpak , Uribe Jaime , Zhang Li
Published: July 2015

The liverwort family Frullaniaceae is circumscribed to include the single genus, Frullania, and has a complex and confusing taxonomical history. An overview is provided for the infrageneric classification adopted for the forthcoming worldwide checklist based on recent morphological and molecular studies. The genus is preliminarily subdivided into eleven subgenera, F. subg. Chonanthelia, F. subg. Diastaloba, F. subg. Diversitextae, F. subg. Frullania, F. subg. Homotropantha, F. subg. Mammillosae, F. subg. Meteoriopsis, F. subg. Microfrullania, F. subg. Saccophora, F. subg. Steerea, and F. subg. Thyopsiella, as well as several sections. However, some of the subgeneric divisions are only doubtfully recognized because there is still insufficient knowledge to arrive at a decision regarding their systematic status and placement. The taxa may be either originally not well described, not restudied recently or molecular analyses point to a more complex internal structure of the respective group. Fourteen new synonyms, eight new combinations, five new names, eight lectotypifications, and one new variety are provided.
Histopathology of the Inner Ear in a Case With Recent Onset of Cogan’s Syndrome
Authors: Jung David H. , Nadol Joseph B. , Folkerth Rebecca D. , Merola Joseph F.
Published: July 2015

The association of sensorineural hearing loss and vertigo with inflammatory eye disease, usually interstitial keratitis, has been called Cogan’s syndrome. The pathogenesis of Cogan’s syndrome is unknown, but it has been assumed to be an immune mediated disorder with vasculitis. The histopathology of the inner ear in Cogan’s syndrome has been described in 6 case reports. Although common pathologic findings in these reports include degeneration of the auditory and vestibular neuroepithelium, endolymphatic hydrops, fibrosis, and new bone formation, direct pathologic evidence of a vasculitis has not been published. A possible reason for this failure to identify vasculitis was a substantial delay (range, 4-40 years) between the onset of symptoms and examination of the otopathology. In the current case report, the patient had both auditory and vestibular symptoms and interstitial keratitis with a time delay of only 2 to 4 weeks between symptoms and death. Evidence of a vasculitis as a possible underlying etiology included H&E histopathology and anti-CD45 immunostaining of vessels both in the auditory and vestibular systems, supporting the hypothesis of a vasculitis as a mechanism in this disorder.
Internal Politics in Public Administration Systems
Authors: Vigoda Eran
Published: July 2015

Politics is one of the most common yet least studied phenomena in organizations. This study examines employees' perceptions of organizational politics in the public sector and suggests that it mediates the relationship between job congruence (e.g., person-organization fit and level of met-expectations) and employee performance (e.g., organizational citizenship behavior [OCB] and in-role performance). A survey was conducted among 303 individuals in public personnel from two local municipalities in the north of Israel (first survey). Supervisors completed an assessment of employees' OCB and in-role performance six months later (second survey). Path analysis using LISREL VIII was implemented to evaluate two alternative models, direct and indirect. Findings of the study show that the indirect model fits the data better than the direct model, and therefore supports a mediating effect of perceptions of organizational politics scale (POPS) on the relationship between job congruence and employee performance. Structural coefficients among the research variables promote the theory on the affect of job congruence and POPS on OCB and in-role behavior. The findings contribute both to the understanding of antecedents of POPS as well as to the exploration of some of its consequences. The paper concludes with several implications and suggestions for further inquiry into politics in public administration systems.
International Symposium of the International Personnel Management Association
Authors: Lachance Janice R.
Published: July 2015

The topic that commands our attention today, “Rewards and Recognition,” is one of those issues where we can share and learn from our similarities and our differences. When I have the chance to attend international meetings like this one, I am always struck by how much we have in common. Although cultural differences may distinguish our countries in some ways, the common challenges and common opportunities we share will always bring us together. I think this is particularly true for the human resources management field and for public sector organizations.
The Legal Ramifications of Performance Appraisal: The Growing Significance
Authors: Martin David C. , Bartol Kathryn M. , Kehoe Patrick E.
Published: July 2015

The recent turmoil in the business environment brought on by the numerous mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, downsizings, and spinoffs has provided impetus to the growing number of cases involving discrimination litigation. Performance appraisal is frequently a part of this litigation, most notably included in cases addressing layoffs, promotions, discharge, merit pay, or a combination of these actions. The critical human resource decisions affecting these actions are normally judgments regarding the performance of the employee. Evaluations of that performance should be based on the results of performance appraisal processes that incorporated concerns for organizational justice and fairness.
What Race Am I? The Need for Standardization in Race Question Wording
Authors: Kirnan Jean , Bragge Jennifer DeNicolis , Brecher Ellyn , Johnson Edgar
Published: July 2015

The goal of the current research was to compare differences in the wording and options of race and ethnic identification items currently in use on employment application forms. Researchers presented subjects with the differentially worded ethnic and race items from two companies and the U.S. Census in an effort to determine if such wording differences would result in different racial classifications. Shifts in racial identification were most notable when race and Hispanic descent were ascertained with two separate questions rather than one question.
Successfully Using Teams to Assist in Structural Realignments or Downsizing Initiatives
Authors: Winchell T. E.
Published: July 2015

The value of teams to the change process has been increasingly emphasized in the organizational literature over the last decade. Yet there has been little discussion of the inherent obstacles to using teams in structural realignments or downsizing initiatives. This article points out these obstacles and offers guidelines for the successful use of teams in such environments.
Maximizing E-Learning to Train the 21st Century Workforce
Authors: Pantazis Cynthia
Published: July 2015

Advances in technology have created an environment for a learning revolution. In the digital economy, technology enabled learning or e-learning is becoming an integral part of a larger system of practices and policies designed to prepare and support a high skilled workforce. The power of e-learning comes from the opportunity to leverage technology and information to alter the basic tenets of learning by eliminating the one-size fits all approach to instruction and customizing content to meet individual needs and learning styles.

Because e-learning has the potential to significantly improve workforce development, the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and the National Governors' Association (NGA) convened leaders from business, government, and education to examine how e-learning can equip workers with the skills needed to succeed. The culmination of this effort is outlined in A Vision of E-Learning for America's Workforce. The report makes the social and economic case for creating a sustainable e-learning environment for America's workforce and identifies priority areas for action for the public and private sectors to implement jointly.
Internal Human Resources Consulting: Why Doesn't Your Staff Get It?
Authors: Green Marnie E.
Published: July 2015

For over a decade HR leaders have been striving to become business partners. They want to have a strategic impact on their organizations; however, many are struggling to make this transition. The primary reason for lack of progress in this endeavor is that HR analysts, the staff who carry out this mission, are still trained and reinforced in the traditional, transactional mindset. In order for the entire HR department to be considered strategic in nature, the HR analyst must learn critical consultative skills. These skills must be developed through a structured, deliberate approach. A methodical approach to developing HR staff for this role should include the following elements:

▪ Clearly defined jobs for internal HR consultants ▪ Strategic mission for the HR department that includes consultative approaches ▪ Formal training programs for internal HR consultant staff development ▪ Feedback on performance, including consultative skills ▪ Individual development planning based on feedback ▪ Coaching, mentoring, and continual feedback on consultative skills ▪ Job rotation
Pay-for-Performance: The Keys to Making it Work
Authors: Risher Howard
Published: July 2015

The Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) proposal to introduce pay-for-performance in the federal white-collar pay system represents a complex and sensitive cultural change. It is far more than a simple change in the policies governing salary management. The success of the new policy will depend on the effectiveness of the performance management process, and that in turn will depend on several softer, more nebulous organizational issues. Most of the issues are related to the management of that process, and the federal track record has not been good. This article discusses the key issues that can be expected to affect the transition to a pay-for-performance strategy.
Training and Development: Best Practices
Authors: Bjornberg Linda , DellCioppia Susan , Tanzer Kelly
Published: July 2015

The IPMA HR Benchmarking Committee has identified a series of successful approaches—“best practices”—in key human resource areas from the 2001–2002 HR Benchmarking Survey. The primary purpose of the benchmarking project is to provide human resource practitioners with tools, models, skills, methods, and data to improve the effectiveness of their human resource programs for their customers. The main goal of the benchmarking project is to: identify, measure, and share the best practices of leading HR organizations so that others can compare their practices to these HR organizations and identify opportunities to improve their own organizations.

Rarely can a program or solution seamlessly transfer to every other organization, but the IPMA HR Benchmarking Committee will feature successful models for HR professionals to review and determine whether they may adopt or adapt the practice—or elements of the practice—in their own organizations.

In conjunction with IPMA's available benchmarking data, the HR Benchmarking Committee will use the following criteria to determine which agencies have “potential” best practices.

Training and Development was one of the “best practice” program areas identified. Linda Bjornberg, a member of the Benchmarking Committee, discusses the innovative and successful efforts of the selected HR organizations in measuring the impact of training on their organizations' missions.

Successful over time Quantitative and/or qualitative results Recognized or recognizable positive outcomes — customer satisfaction — positive impact Innovative Replicable — transferable with modifications — portable — adds value by improving service, quality and/or productivity Meaningful to Users of the Benchmarking Site
A Model of Leadership Development
Authors: Goski Jill , Blackstone Gail , Laing Jules
Published: July 2015

Ramsey County, Minnesota successfully implemented an innovative and effective leadership training program. The county includes the metropolitan St. Louis area and serves a diverse population. The leadership academy is an ambitious endeavor that includes traditional and non-traditional training and is available to all employees through a rigorous selection process. The outcomes included reports from eight teams on leadership challenge projects where participants were asked to apply what they learned to real-life situations.
Ten Classic Assessment Center Errors: Challenges to Selection Validity
Authors: Caldwell Cam , Thornton George C. , Gruys Melissa L.
Published: July 2015

This paper summarizes 10 classic errors associated with selection and promotion related Assessment Center (AC) administration. Critical errors covered are: 1. Poor planning, 2. Inadequate job analysis, 3. Weakly defined dimensions, 4. Poor exercises, 5. No pre-test evaluations, 6. Unqualified assessors, 7. Inadequate assessor training, 8. Inadequate candidate preparation, 9. Sloppy behavior documentation and scoring, and 10. Misuse of results. The list of common errors is aimed at assisting public human resource professionals in assessing the extent to which the assessment centers used by their jurisdictions comply with “best practices.” Reducing and/or eliminating the errors in this list will allow municipalities to more efficiently and effectively use ACs for employee promotion and selection decisions.