bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnosing Observation Error Correlations for Doppler Radar Radial Winds in the Met Office UKV Model Using Observation-Minus-Background and Observation-Minus-Analysis Statistics
Authors: Waller J. A. , Simonin D. , Dance S. L. , Nichols N. K. , Ballard S. P. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractWith the development of convection-permitting numerical weather prediction the efficient use of high-resolution observations in data assimilation is becoming increasingly important. The operational assimilation of these observations, such as Doppler radar radial winds (DRWs), is now common, although to avoid violating the assumption of uncorrelated observation errors the observation density is severely reduced. To improve the quantity of observations used and the impact that they have on the forecast requires the introduction of the full, potentially correlated, error statistics. In this work, observation error statistics are calculated for the DRWs that are assimilated into the Met Office high-resolution U.K. model (UKV) using a diagnostic that makes use of statistical averages of observation-minus-background and observation-minus-analysis residuals. This is the first in-depth study using the diagnostic to estimate both horizontal and along-beam observation error statistics. The new results obtained show that the DRW error standard deviations are similar to those used operationally and increase as the observation height increases. Surprisingly, the estimated observation error correlation length scales are longer than the operational thinning distance. They are dependent both on the height of the observation and on the distance of the observation away from the radar. Further tests show that the long correlations cannot be attributed to the background error covariance matrix used in the assimilation, although they are, in part, a result of using superobservations and a simplified observation operator. The inclusion of correlated error statistics in the assimilation allows less thinning of the data and hence better use of the high-resolution observations.
An Examination of Model and Official National Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Size Forecasts
Authors: Cangialosi John P. , Landsea Christopher W. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractWhile the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has been issuing analyses and forecasts of tropical cyclone wind radii for several years, little documentation has been provided about the errors in these forecasts. A key hurdle in providing routine verification of these forecasts is that the uncertainty in the wind radii best tracks is quite large for tropical cyclones that are well away from land and unmonitored by aircraft reconnaissance. This study evaluates the errors of a subset of NHC and model 34-, 50-, and 64-kt (1 kt = 0.514 m s−1) wind radii forecasts from 2008 through 2012 that had aircraft reconnaissance available at both the initial and verification times. The results show that the NHC wind radii average errors increased with forecast time but were skillful when compared against climatology and persistence. The dynamical models, however, were not skillful and had errors that were much larger than the NHC forecasts, with substantial negative (too small) biases even after accounting for their initial size differences versus the tropical cyclone’s current wind radii. Improvements in wind radii forecasting will come about through a combination of better methods for observing tropical cyclone size as well as enhanced prediction techniques (dynamical models, statistical methods, and consensus approaches).
Inflammatory cytokines in major depressive disorder: A case–control study
Authors: Cassano Paolo , Bui Eric , Rogers Andrew H , Walton Zandra E , Ross Rachel , Zeng Mary , Nadal-Vicens Mireya , Mischoulon David , Baker Amanda W , Keshaviah Aparna , Worthington John , Hoge Elizabeth A , Alpert Jonathan , Fava Maurizio , Wong Kwok K , Simon Naomi M 
Published: June 2016

Introduction: There is mixed evidence in the literature on the role of inflammation in major depressive disorder. Contradictory findings are attributed to lack of rigorous characterization of study subjects, to the presence of concomitant medical illnesses, to the small sample sizes, and to the limited number of cytokines tested. Methods: Subjects aged 18–70 years, diagnosed with major depressive disorder and presenting with chronic course of illness, as well as matched controls ( n = 236), were evaluated by trained raters and provided blood for cytokine measurements. Cytokine levels in EDTA plasma were measured with the MILLIPLEX Multi-Analyte Profiling Human Cytokine/Chemokine Assay employing Luminex technology. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare cytokine levels between major depressive disorder subjects and healthy volunteers, before (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) and after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (IL-1α, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12(p40), IL-12(p70), IL-13, IL-15, IFN-γ-inducible protein 10, Eotaxin, interferon-γ, monotype chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and vascular endothelial growth factor). Results: There were no significant differences in cytokine levels between major depressive disorder subjects and controls, both prior to and after correction for multiple analyses (significance set at p ⩽ 0.05 and p ⩽ 0.002, respectively). Conclusion: Our well-characterized examination of cytokine plasma levels did not support the association of major depressive disorder with systemic inflammation. The heterogeneity of major depressive disorder, as well as a potential sampling bias selecting for non-inflammatory depression, might have determined our findings discordant with the literature.
The Anthropology of Peace and Nonviolence
Authors: Sponsel Leslie E. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe pioneering ideas of Glenn D. Paige for a paradigm shift from killing to nonkilling are highlighted. The relevance of anthropology for this paradigm is advanced. The accumulating scientific evidence proves that nonviolent and peaceful societies not only exist, but are actually the norm throughout human prehistory and history. This scientific fact is elucidated through a historical inventory of the most important documentation. Ethnographic cases are summarized of the Semai as a nonviolent society, the transition from killing to nonkilling of the Waorani, and the critiques of the representation of the Yanomami as a killing society. Several of the most important cross-cultural studies are discussed. The assertions of some of the most vocal opponents to this paradigm are refuted. The systemic cultural and ideological bias privileging violence and war over nonviolence and peace is documented.
Decreased Activity of the Protein C Anticoagulant Pathway in the Early Hours of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Negreva Mariya , Georgiev Svetoslav , Vitlianova Katerina 
Published: June 2016

Background:Increased coagulation activity has been established in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), but data on the anticoagulant system are scarce.Purpose:To examine the protein C anticoagulant pathway in the early hours of the disease.Materials and Methods:Fifty-one patients (26 men and 25 women; mean age 59.84 ± 1.60 years) and 52 controls (26 men and 26 women; mean age 59.50 ± 1.46 years) were selected for the study. Protein C antigen and its activity, total protein S, free protein S and its activity, soluble forms of endothelial protein C receptor (sEPCR), and thrombomodulin (sTM) were examined in the plasma.Results:The indicators were studied in patients between the 2nd and the 24th hour after the onset of arrhythmia. Levels of protein C were significantly elevated in patients compared to controls (111.40% ± 6.66% vs 94.83% ± 4.47%; P = .039). Protein C activity showed significant reduction in PAF (73.13% ± 5.80% vs 103.3% ± 3.80%; P < .001). Total protein S levels did not differ significantly (108.20% ± 4.07% vs 102.40% ± 3.65%; P = .30). Free protein S (76.81% ± 6.01% vs 122.10% ± 3.97%; P < .001) and its activity (71.39% ± 6.27% vs 119.50% ± 6.54%; P < .001) were reduced in patients. Higher levels of sEPCR (203.10 ± 10.33 vs 133.10 ± 7.37 ng/mL; P < .001) and sTM (6.50±0.40 vs 4.48±0.28 ng/mL; P < .001) were measured in PAF.Conclusion:Protein C activity is reduced still in the first hours (until the 24th hour) of PAF clinical manifestation, determining reduced activity of the anticoagulant pathway as a whole. The established low levels of free protein S and its activity as well as low sEPCR and sTM levels are a possible explanation of the changes in protein C activity.
Should we exclude acute stroke patients with previous intracerebral hemorrhage from receiving intravenous thrombolysis?
Authors: Lee Sang-Hwa , Kim Beom Joon , Han Moon-Ku , Park Tai Hwan , Lee Kyung Bok , Lee Byung-Chul , Yu Kyung-Ho , Oh Mi Sun , Cha Jae Kwan , Kim Dae-Hyun , Nah Hyun-Wook , Lee Jun , Lee Soo Joo , Ko Youngchai , Kim Jae Guk , Park Jong-Moo , Kang Kyusik , Cho Yong-Jin , Hong Keun-Sik , Choi Jay Chol , Kim Joon-Tae , Choi Kangho , Kim Dong-Eog , Ryu Wi-Sun , Kim Wook-Joo , Shin Dong-Ick , Yeo Minju , Lee Juneyoung , Lee Ji Sung , Gorelick Philip B , Bae Hee-Joon 
Published: June 2016

Background Current guidelines have contraindicated history of intracerebral hemorrhage for intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Aim This study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for patients who had previous intracerebral hemorrhage on history or initial brain magnetic resonance imaging. Methods Using a prospective multicenter stroke registry database, we identified acute ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator within 4.5 h of onset. Previous intracerebral hemorrhage was defined as having a clinical history or evidence of old intracerebral hemorrhage on initial brain magnetic resonance imaging. Associations of previous intracerebral hemorrhage with symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation during hospitalization and functional outcome and mortality at discharge and three months were analyzed. Results Among 1495 patients who were treated with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, 73 (4.9%) had previous intracerebral hemorrhage; 9 on history only, 61 on magnetic resonance imaging only and 3 on both. Of those 1495 patients, 71 (4.7%) experienced symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation; 6.8% in patients with previous intracerebral hemorrhage and 4.6% in those without previous intracerebral hemorrhage. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that previous intracerebral hemorrhage did not significantly increase the risk of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (odds ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 0.39–2.96) mortality, and most of functional outcome measures Conclusions Previous intracerebral hemorrhage may neither increase the risk of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation nor alter major clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients receiving intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. This study suggests reconsideration of prior history of intracerebral hemorrhage as an exclusion criterion for intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator administration in acute ischemic stroke.
Efficacy and safety of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum injection for Dupuytren’s contracture in non-Caucasian Japanese patients (CORD-J Study): the first clinical trial in a non-Caucasian population
Authors: Hirata H. , Tanaka K. , Sakai A. , Kakinoki R. , Ikegami H. , Tateishi N. 
Published: June 2016

To assess the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of 0.58 mg collagenase Clostridium histolyticum injections for the treatment of Dupuytren’s contracture in Japanese patients, we conducted a phase III, multicentre, uncontrolled, open-label clinical study in patients with Dupuytren’s contracture. Of the 77 patients, 66 achieved clinical success in the primary treated joint (86%; 95% confidence interval: 76% to 93%), confirming the efficacy of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum injections. More improvement was seen in the metacarpophalangeal joints than in the proximal interphalangeal joints (94% versus 73%). The main adverse reaction was a local reaction in the injected hand. No tendon rupture or anaphylactic reactions were seen. The concentrations of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum were below the lower limit of quantification in plasma samples at all time points. As seen in global studies in Caucasian patients, a corrective effect on Dupuytren’s contracture and good tolerance were observed in most non-Caucasian (Asian) Japanese patients. Level of Evidence: Level 3
Trigger digit release: rates of surgery and complications as indicated by a United States Medicare database
Authors: Werner B. C. , Boatright J. D. , Chhabra A. B. , Dacus A. R. 
Published: June 2016

A United States insurance database was examined for trigger digit release using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision diagnoses and procedures or Current Procedural Terminology codes. Complications after trigger digit release, including stiffness, infection and revision surgery, were assessed. A total of 209,634 patients who underwent trigger digit release were included. The rate of trigger digit release increased significantly from 2005 to 2012, with the middle finger the most frequently released. The rate of postoperative stiffness was low, ranging from 0.8% to 1.6% depending on the operated digit. The rate of postoperative infection was lower, ranging from 0.5% to 0.6%. The need for revision within 3 years of initial trigger digit release was also low, ranging from 0.3% to 0.8%. Complications, including infection, stiffness and revision surgery, occur infrequently, but certain factors, including diabetes, Dupuytren’s disease, smoking, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity and age, increase risk. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III, Retrospective comparative study
The “Face” of Diabetes
Authors: Elertson Kathleen M , Liesch Shari K , Babler Elizabeth K 
Published: June 2016

Objective: The purpose of this descriptive pilot study was to assess the ability of youth to create a meaningful drawing related to living with type 1 diabetes and explore the benefits of expressing emotion through drawing in future interventional work. Methods: Youth aged 4 to 19 years (N = 242) with type I diabetes attending routine follow-up appointments within a pediatric specialty clinic were asked to draw: “If diabetes had a face what would it look like?” Results: Drawings reflected many emotions and ranged from simple to complex in detail. Drawings reflected multiple experiences of living with diabetes including emotions, tools used for management, and effects of self-care. Conclusions: Youth were able to create drawings reflecting their experience of living with diabetes. Youth conveyed a variety of emotions, attitudes, and experiences in drawing the “face” of diabetes. Drawing during clinic visits provides opportunity to explore the unspoken experiences of living with a chronic health condition, which may not be obtained during routine clinical information gathering. Deeper understanding of patient’s lived experience may assist providers in therapeutic management.
Profiling B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia by reverse phase protein array: Focus on apoptotic proteins
Authors: Frezzato Federica , Accordi Benedetta , Trimarco Valentina , Gattazzo Cristina , Martini Veronica , Milani Gloria , Bresolin Silvia , Severin Filippo , Visentin Andrea , Basso Giuseppe , Semenzato Gianpietro , Trentin Livio 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the accumulation of B lymphocytes from proliferative activity and apoptosis resistance. The increased awareness of the importance of B cell receptor signaling in CLL has raised new opportunities for targeted intervention. Herein, we describe a study performed with the high-throughput RPPA (reverse phase protein array) technique, which allowed us to simultaneously study different molecules in a large series of patients. We analyzed B lymphocytes from 57 patients with CLL and 11 healthy subjects. Different pathways were assessed for activation/expression of key signaling proteins. Data obtained were validated by Western blotting and confocal microscopy. The RPPA investigation and its validation, identified 3 series of proteins: 1) molecules whose expression levels reached statistically significant differences in CLL vs. healthy controls (HSP70, Smac/DIABLO, cleaved PARP, and cleaved caspase-6); 2) proteins with a positive trend of difference in CLL vs. healthy controls (HS1, γ-tubulin, PKC α/β-II Thr-638/641, p38 MAPK Thr-180/Tyr-182, NF-κB Ser-536, Bcl2 Ser-70 and Src Tyr-527); and 3) molecules differentially expressed in patients with IGHV mutations vs. those without mutations (ZAP70, PKC-ζλ, Thr-410/403, and CD45). This study identified some molecules, particularly those involved in apoptosis control, which could be considered for further studies to design new therapeutic strategies in CLL.
Inhibition of mTOR reduces lipotoxic cell death in primary macrophages through an autophagy-independent mechanism
Authors: He Li , Weber Kassandra J , Diwan Abhinav , Schilling Joel D 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Macrophage dysfunction in obesity and diabetes is associated with persistent inflammation and poor wound healing responses. Relevant to these phenotypes, we have previously shown that macrophage activation in a high-fat environment results in cell death via a mechanism that involves lysosome damage. While searching for signaling pathways that were required for this response, we discovered that mTOR inhibitors, torin and rapamycin, were protective against lipotoxic cell death in primary peritoneal macrophages. The protective effect of mTOR inhibition was also confirmed by using genetic loss-of-function approaches. Given the importance of mTOR in regulation of autophagy we hypothesized that this pathway would be important in protection from cell death. We first demonstrated that autophagy was disrupted in response to palmitate and LPS as a consequence of impaired lysosome function. Conversely, the mTOR inhibitor, torin, increased macrophage autophagy and protected against lysosome damage; however, the beneficial effects of torin persisted in autophagy-deficient cells. Inhibition of mTOR also triggered nuclear localization of TFEB, a transcription factor that regulates lysosome biogenesis and function, but the rescue phenotype did not require the presence of TFEB. Instead, we demonstrated that mTOR inhibition reduces mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and attenuates the negative effects of palmitate on LPS-induced mitochondrial respiration. These results suggest that inhibition of mTOR is protective against lipotoxicity via an autophagy-independent mechanism that involves relieving mitochondrial substrate overload. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that therapies to reduce macrophage mTOR activation may protect against dysfunctional inflammation in states of overnutrition, such as diabetes.
Cadherin-11 is a novel regulator of extracellular matrix synthesis and tissue mechanics
Authors: Row Sindhu , Liu Yayu , Alimperti Stella , Agarwal Sandeep K. , Andreadis Stelios T. 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT
We discovered that Cadherin-11 (CDH11) regulates collagen and elastin synthesis, both affecting the mechanical properties and contractile function of animal tissues. Using a Cdh11-null mouse model, we observed a significant reduction in the mechanical properties [Youngs' modulus and ultimate tensile strength (UTS)] of Cdh11−/− as compared to wild-type (WT) mouse tissues, such as the aorta, bladder and skin. The deterioration of mechanical properties (Youngs' modulus and UTS) was accompanied by reduced collagen and elastin content in Cdh11−/− mouse tissues as well as in cells in culture. Similarly, knocking down CDH11 abolished collagen and elastin synthesis in human cells, and consequently reduced their ability to generate force. Conversely, engagement of CDH11 through homophilic interactions, led to swift activation of the TGF-β and ROCK pathways as evidenced by phosphorylation of downstream effectors. Subsequently, activation of the key transcription factors, MRTF-A (also known as MKL1) and MYOCD led to significant upregulation of collagen and elastin genes. Taken together, our results demonstrate a novel role of adherens junctions in regulating extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis with implications for many important biological processes, including maintenance of tissue integrity, wound healing and tissue regeneration.
Distance education: panacea or barrier for conventional higher education?
Authors: Κυρμά Αλεξάνδρα , Μαυροειδής Ηλίας 
Published: June 2016

This paper focuses on the investigation of the character of the two pillars of modern university education in Greece: the conventional and distance education. The investigation is based on a literature review of the historical and ideological evolution and seeks to provide a comparative consideration, exploring the possibilities of harmonization and complementarily, with a view to upgrade the quality of tertiary education in Greece in the 21th century. The paper presents the problems of higher education in Greece and the answers proposed by the new form of distance education, online education, which catalyzes the spatio temporal constraints and provides a more flexible and creative educational policy ambition. Distance education can override conservatism and structural rigidity of modern universities and may contribute in improving the effectiveness of tertiary education in Greece, especially in a period characterized by financial and social distress and fast depreciation of knowledge. The paper also points out the obstacles associated with the use of e-learning and its integration in educational practice, and proposes creative ways of integrating the two forms of education in tertiary institutions.
Εξ αποστάσεως επιμόρφωση, επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη και επαγγελματική ικανοποίηση
Authors: Γκάτζουλας Νικόλαος , Μανούσου Ευαγγελία 
Published: June 2016

Στην παρούσα εργασία διερευνάται η αξιοποίηση των δυνατοτήτων της εξ αποστάσεως επιμόρφωσης (εξΑΕ), στην επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη των εργαζομένων καθώς και τη συμβολή της στην επαγγελματική τους ικανοποίηση. Η εργασία εξετάζει αφενός τη σύνδεση της εξAE με την επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη και την επαγγελματική ικανοποίηση αφετέρου το ρόλο του εργασιακού περιβάλλοντος στην επαγγελματική ανάπτυξη & επαγγελματική ικανοποίηση των εργαζομένων. Από τα αποτελέσματα της βιβλιογραφικής επισκόπησης, μεγάλο μέρος της οποίας αφορά διπλωματικές εργασίες που πραγματοποιήθηκαν στο ΕΑΠ, αναδεικνύεται αφενός το ενδιαφέρον των φοιτητών του ΕΑΠ για το θέμα της επαγγελματικής ανάπτυξης και ικανοποίησης αφετέρου ότι η εξΑΕ μπορεί να συμβάλλει στη βελτίωση της ανάπτυξης και της ικανοποίησης των εργαζομένων, στη βελτίωση της ικανοποίησης των πελατών και στην ανάπτυξη των επιχειρήσεων εφόσον πληρούνται ορισμένες προϋποθέσεις όπως: κίνητρα (π.χ: επαγγελματική πιστοποίηση), διευκολύνσεις κατά τη μελέτη, εναρμόνιση μεταξύ των αναγκών των εργαζομένων, της επιμόρφωσης τους και της εφαρμογής των γνώσεων τους στην εργασία. Επίσης οι εργασιακοί παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν τη διάθεση και τη στάση των εργαζόμενων στην εργασία αφορούν είτε στο εργασιακό περιεχόμενο (π.χ: επίτευξη, ευθύνη) είτε το εργασιακό πλαίσιο (π.χ: εργασιακές συνθήκες, διοίκηση).