bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fault Diagnosis of Wheel Flat Using Empirical Mode Decomposition-Hilbert Envelope Spectrum
Authors: Jiang Hua , Lin Jianhui
Published: December 2018

We establish the Injury Model of Wheel Flats with 10 degrees of freedom and calculate the dynamic responses of the railway vehicle system, which include different vehicle speeds and different length flats. The Hilbert envelope spectrum method based on Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) is proposed according to the nonstationary characteristics of axle box acceleration (ABA) signal. The vibration characteristics of the ABA are studied thoroughly. And then the effects concerning speed and flat length on the diagnosis results are analyzed. The simulation results show the amplitude corresponding to the frequency component of wheel flats raise with the increasing of the wheel flat length when the single or double wheel flats impact the track at the same vehicle speed. In other words, the longer the wheel flat is, the greater the magnitude of the decomposition result is. In the same vehicle speed, the amplitude corresponding to the frequency component of wheel flat is minimum when the two flats’ phase difference is 180°. With the same flat length (single or double wheel flats), the amplitude corresponding to the frequency components of wheel flats decreases with the increasing of the speed. This method could accurately and effectively identify the frequency of wheel flats.
Targeting mTOR in Glioblastoma: Rationale and Preclinical/Clinical Evidence
Authors: Mecca Carmen , Giambanco Ileana , Donato Rosario , Arcuri Cataldo
Published: December 2018

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) drives several physiologic and pathologic cellular processes and is frequently deregulated in different types of tumors, including glioblastoma (GBM). Despite recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in GBM biology, the survival rates of this tumor are still disappointing, primarily due to the lack of efficacious treatments. The phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mTOR pathway has emerged as a crucial player in GBM development and progression. However, to date, all the attempts to target this pathway with PI3K, AKT, or mTORC1 inhibitors failed to improve the outcome of patients with GBM. Despite these discouraging results, recent evidence pointed out that the blockade of mTORC2 might provide a useful therapeutic strategy for GBM, with the potential to overcome the limitations that mTORC1 inhibitors have shown so far. In this review, we analyzed the rationale of targeting mTOR in GBM and the available preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the choice of this therapeutic approach, highlighting the different roles of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in GBM biology.
Performance Evaluation of STARPAM Polymer and Application in High Temperature and Salinity Reservoir
Authors: Zhang Chengli , Wang Peng , Song Guoliang
Published: December 2018

Based on the properties of high temperature and salinity reservoir, the water-soluble polymer with good heat resistance and salt tolerance can be obtained through copolymerization between 2-acrylamide-2-methyl sulfonate monomer (AMPSN) and acrylamide monomer (AM) in water. The star shaped stable complexes (STARPAM) with the star nucleus of β-CD are prepared by living radical polymerization, which can improve the viscosity and change the percolation characteristics of the polymer in porous media. In the article, the performance of the STARPAM (star-shaped polymer) with heat resistance and salt tolerance was evaluated by comparing the viscosification property, heat and salt resistance, calcium and magnesium tolerance, and long-term thermal stability of STARPAM (star-shaped polymer) with those of HPAM (partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide) and MO-4000 (linear polymer). The results of physical simulation experiment showed that the viscosity of the STARPAM is 3.3 times that of MO-4000 and 4 times that of HPAM under the conditions of mineralization degree of 20000 mg/L, concentration of 1500 mg/L, and 75°C, which indicated that heat resistance and salt tolerance of the STARPAM are excellent. Oil displacement experiments showed that STARPAM can enhance oil recovery by 20.53% after water flooding, and the effect of oil displacement is excellent. At present, 19 wells were effective with a ratio of 95.2%. Compared with before treatment, the daily liquid production increased by 136 m3, daily oil production increased by 44.6 t, water cut decreased by 4.67 percentage points, and flow pressure decreased by 1.15 MPa.
Broad Spectrum Activity of the Checkpoint Kinase 1 Inhibitor Prexasertib as a Single Agent or Chemopotentiator Across a Range of Preclinical Pediatric Tumor Models
Authors: Lowery Caitlin D. , Dowless Michele , Renschler Matthew , Blosser Wayne , VanWye Alle B. , Stephens Jennifer R. , Iversen Philip W. , Lin Aimee Bence , Beckmann Richard P. , Krytska Kateryna , Cole Kristina A. , Maris John M. , Hawkins Douglas S. , Rubin Brian P. , Kurmasheva Raushan T. , Houghton Peter J. , Gorlick Richard , Kolb E. Anders , Kang Min H. , Reynolds C. Patrick , Erickson Stephen W. , Teicher Beverly A. , Smith Malcolm A. , Stancato Louis F.
Published: December 2018

Purpose:

Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) inhibitors potentiate the DNA-damaging effects of cytotoxic therapies and/or promote elevated levels of replication stress, leading to tumor cell death. Prexasertib (LY2606368) is a CHK1 small-molecule inhibitor under clinical evaluation in multiple adult and pediatric cancers. In this study, prexasertib was tested in a large panel of preclinical models of pediatric solid malignancies alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

Experimental Design:

DNA damage and changes in cell signaling following in vitro prexasertib treatment in pediatric sarcoma cell lines were analyzed by Western blot and high content imaging. Antitumor activity of prexasertib as a single agent or in combination with different chemotherapies was explored in cell line–derived (CDX) and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models representing nine different pediatric cancer histologies.

Results:

Pediatric sarcoma cell lines were highly sensitive to prexasertib treatment in vitro, resulting in activation of the DNA damage response. Two PDX models of desmoplastic small round cell tumor and one malignant rhabdoid tumor CDX model responded to prexasertib with complete regression. Prexasertib monotherapy also elicited robust responses in mouse models of rhabdomyosarcoma. Concurrent administration with chemotherapy was sufficient to overcome innate resistance or prevent acquired resistance to prexasertib in preclinical models of neuroblastoma, osteosarcoma, and Ewing sarcoma, or alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, respectively.

Conclusions:

Prexasertib has significant antitumor effects as a monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy in multiple preclinical models of pediatric cancer. These findings support further investigation of prexasertib in pediatric malignancies.
Rapamycin Prevents Surgery-Induced Immune Dysfunction in Patients with Bladder Cancer
Authors: Svatek Robert S. , Ji Niannian , de Leon Essel , Mukherjee Neelam Z. , Kabra Aashish , Hurez Vincent , Nicolas Marlo , Michalek Joel E. , Javors Martin , Wheeler Karen , Sharp Z. Dave , Livi Carolina B. , Shu Zhen-Ju , Henkes David , Curiel Tyler J.
Published: December 2018

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) integrates environmental inputs to regulate cellular growth and metabolism in tumors. However, mTOR also regulates T-cell differentiation and activation, rendering applications of mTOR inhibitors toward treating cancer complex. Preclinical data support distinct biphasic effects of rapamycin, with higher doses directly suppressing tumor cell growth and lower doses enhancing T-cell immunity. To address the translational relevance of these findings, the effects of the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitor, rapamycin, on tumor and T cells were monitored in patients undergoing cystectomy for bladder cancer. MB49 syngeneic murine bladder cancer models were tested to gain mechanistic insights. Surgery-induced T-cell exhaustion in humans and mice and was associated with increased pulmonary metastasis and decreased PD-L1 antibody efficacy in mouse bladder cancer. At 3 mg orally daily, rapamycin concentrations were 2-fold higher in bladder tissues than in blood. Rapamycin significantly inhibited tumor mTORC1, shown by decreased rpS6 phosphorylation in treated versus control patients (P = 0.008). Rapamycin reduced surgery-induced T-cell exhaustion in patients, evidenced by a significant decrease in the prevalence of dysfunctional programmed death-1 (PD-1)–expressing T cells. Grade 3 to 4 adverse event rates were similar between groups, but rapamycin-treated patients had a higher rate of wound complications versus controls. In conclusion, surgery promoted bladder cancer metastasis and decreased the efficacy of postoperative bladder cancer immunotherapy. Low-dose (3 mg daily) oral rapamycin has favorable pharmacodynamic and immune modulating activity in surgical patients and has the potential to decrease surgery-induced immune dysfunction.
Targeting PPARα for the Treatment and Understanding of Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Li Shuzhen , Yang Bingyu , Du Yang , Lin Yurui , Liu Jiaqi , Huang Songming , Zhang Aihua , Jia Zhanjun , Zhang Yue
Published: December 2018

Three members of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family, PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ, have been investigated widely over the past few decades. Although the roles of these PPARs and their agonists/antagonists were defined in clinical and basic studies, the conflicting results from these studies indicate that more analysis is needed to understand the roles of PPARs. PPARα is a ligand-activated transcription factor that contributes to the regulation of a variety of processes, ranging from inflammation and immunity to nutrient metabolism and energy homeostasis. In this review, we focus on the function and mechanisms of PPARα in the cardiovascular system under various pathological conditions, including vascular and heart injury, blood pressure regulation, and lipid disorder-related cardiovascular injury, as well as its polymorphisms and pharmacogenetic associations with cardiovascular diseases. The anti-inflammatory effect of PPARα in cardiovascular injury is mainly through inhibition of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways and improvement of the lipid profile. Moreover, PPARα also modulates the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and resets the renin-angiotensin system to regulate vascular tone. PPARα gene variants appear to be associated with some cardiovascular risk factors, such as higher plasma lipid levels, cardiac growth, and increased risk of coronary artery disease. Nowadays, novel PPARα drugs with broad safety margins and therapeutic potential for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases are being developed and applied in the clinical setting. The insights from the current review shed new light on areas of further study and provide a better understanding of the role of PPARα in cardiovascular diseases.
The Motion of An Inv Nodal Cilium: a Realistic Model Revealing Dynein-Driven Ciliary Motion with Microtubule Mislocalization
Authors: Yu Yanan , Shinohara Kyosuke , Xu Huanming , Li Zhenfeng , Nishida Tomoki , Hamada Hiroshi , Xu Yuanqing , Zhou Jingqi , Shao Daisy , Li Xiangchen , Chen Duanduan
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: Nodal cilia that rotate in the ventral node play an important role in establishing left-right asymmetry during embryogenesis; however, inv mutant cilia present abnormal movement and induce laterality defects. The mechanism of their motility, which is regulated by dynein activation and microtubule arrangement, has not been fully understood. This study analyzed the dynein-triggered ciliary motion in the abnormal ultrastructure of the inv mutant, aiming to quantitatively evaluate the influence of microtubule mislocalization on the movement of the cilium. Methods: We established a realistic 3-D model of an inv mutant cilium with an ultrastructure based on tomographic datasets generated by ultra-high voltage electron microscopy. The time-variant activation of the axonemal dynein force was simulated by pairs of point loads and embedded at dynein-mounted positions between adjacent microtubule doublets in this mathematical model. Utilizing the finite element method and deformable grid, the motility of the mutant cilium that is induced by various dynein activation hypotheses was investigated and compared to experimental observation. Results: The results indicate that for the inv mutant, simulations of the ciliary movement with the engagement of dyneins based on the distance-controlled pattern in the partially activation scenario are broadly consistent with the observation; the shortening of the microtubules induces smaller movement amplitudes, while the angles of the mislocalized microtubules affect the pattern of the ciliary movement, and during the ciliary movement, the microtubules swing and twist in the mutant ciliary body. Conclusion: More generally, this study implies that dynein engagement is sensitive to subtle geometric changes in the axoneme, and thus, this geometry greatly influences the integrity of a well-formed ciliary rotation.
Building a Competing Endogenous RNA Network to Find Potential Long Non-Coding RNA Biomarkers for Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Liang Ying-Chun , Wu Yu-Peng , Chen Dong-Ning , Chen Shao-Hao , Li Xiao-Dong , Sun Xiong-Lin , Wei Yong , Ning Xu , Xue Xue-Yi
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: Accumulating evidence has shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks play crucial roles in tumor survival and patient prognosis; however, studies investigating ceRNA networks in pheochromocytoma (PCC) are lacking. In this study, we investigated the pathogenesis of PCC and whether lncRNAs acting through ceRNAs networks were associated with prognosis. Methods: A total of 183 PCC samples and 3 control samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas database were analyzed. The Empirical Analysis of Digital Gene Expression Data package in R (edgeR) was used to analyze differentially expressed RNAs. Biological processes and pathways functional enrichment analysis were performed based on the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) database. LncRNA/mRNA/miRNA ceRNA network was constructed by Cytoscape v3.0 software based on the differentially expressed RNAs Survival package in R was used to perform survival analysis. Results: In total, 554 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 1775 mRNAs and 40 miRNAs were selected for further analysis. Subsequently, 23 lncRNAs, 22 mRNAs, and 6 miRNAs were included in the constructed ceRNA network. Meanwhile, two of the 23 lncRNAs (C9orf147 and BSN-AS2) were identified as independent predictors of overall survival in PCC patients (P< 0.05). Conclusion: This study improves the understanding of lncRNA-related ceRNA networks in PCC and suggests that the lncRNAs C9orf147 and BSN-AS2 could be independent prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for PCC.
Intermittent-Hypoxia-Induced Autophagy Activation Through the ER-Stress-Related PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 Pathway is a Protective Response to Pancreatic β-Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Song Shuling , Tan Jin , Miao Yuyang , Sun Zuoming , Zhang Qiang 
Published: December 2018

Background/Aims: Intermittent hypoxia (IH) causes apoptosis in pancreatic β-cells, but the potential mechanisms remain unclear. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagy, and apoptosis are interlocked in an extensive crosstalk. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the contributions of ER stress and autophagy to IH-induced pancreatic β-cell apoptosis. Methods: We established animal and cell models of IH, and then inhibited autophagy and ER stress by pharmacology and small interfering RNA (siRNA) in INS-1 cells and rats. The levels of biomarkers for autophagy, ER stress, and apoptosis were evaluated by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. The number of autophagic vacuoles was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results: IH induced autophagy activation both in vivo and in vitro, as evidenced by increased autophagic vacuole formation and LC3 turnover, and decreased SQSTM1 level. The levels of ER-stress-related proteins, including GRP78, CHOP, caspase 12, phosphorylated (p)-protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), p-eIF2α, and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) were increased under IH conditions. Inhibition of ER stress with tauroursodeoxycholic acid or 4-phenylbutyrate partially blocked IH-induced autophagy in INS-1 cells. Furthermore, inhibition of PERK with GSK2606414 or siRNA blocked the ERstress-related PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 signaling pathway and inhibited autophagy induced by IH, which indicates that IH-induced autophagy activation is dependent on this signaling pathway. Promoting autophagy with rapamycin alleviated IH-induced apoptosis, whereas inhibition of autophagy with chloroquine or autophagy-related gene (Atg5 and Atg7) siRNA aggravated pancreatic β-cell apoptosis caused by IH. Conclusion: IH induces autophagy activation through the ER-stress-related PERK/eIF2α/ATF4 signaling pathway, which is a protective response to pancreatic β-cell apoptosis caused by IH.
Potts Shunt Improves Right Ventricular Function and Coupling With Pulmonary Circulation in Children With Suprasystemic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Aggarwal Manish , Grady R. Mark , Choudhry Swati , Anwar Shafkat , Eghtesady Pirooz , Singh Gautam K.
Published: December 2018

Background:

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive disease with poor outcomes in children. Right ventricular (RV) function is the most important determinant of the prognosis. Novel application of Potts shunt between left pulmonary artery and descending aorta has been introduced in an attempt to improve the survival. However, the effect of Potts shunt creation on RV function, RV-PA coupling, and survival has not been studied.

Methods and Results:

We evaluated the first 12 consecutive pediatric patients (9 male, median age 11.2 years and weight 32.8 kg) who underwent elective Potts shunt placement for suprasystemic pulmonary arterial hypertension between 2013 and 2017 with echocardiographic indices of RV function, RV work, RV-PA coupling, and pulmonary hemodynamics. Of 12 patients, 1 was excluded because of insufficient preshunt data, 2 died, 1 required lung transplant, and 8 survived for a median of 27 months postshunt. In survivors, WHO functional class significantly (
P
=0.01) improved and the majority (5 of 8) came off pulmonary vasodilators at the most recent follow-up. Postshunt RV systolic function improved (
P
=0.03), RV afterload decreased (
P
<0.01), RV work decreased (
P
=0.02), and RV-proximal PA coupling improved (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions:

This proof of concept study shows that Potts shunt allows improvement in functional status and mid-term transplant-free survival in the majority of the recipients by improvement in RV systolic function and RV-PA coupling in children with suprasystemic pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Embodied Precision: Intranasal Oxytocin Modulates Multisensory Integration
Authors: Crucianelli Laura , Paloyelis Yannis , Ricciardi Lucia , Jenkinson Paul M. , Fotopoulou Aikaterini
Published: December 2018

Multisensory integration processes are fundamental to our sense of self as embodied beings. Bodily illusions, such as the rubber hand illusion (RHI) and the size–weight illusion (SWI), allow us to investigate how the brain resolves conflicting multisensory evidence during perceptual inference in relation to different facets of body representation. In the RHI, synchronous tactile stimulation of a participant's hidden hand and a visible rubber hand creates illusory body ownership; in the SWI, the perceived size of the body can modulate the estimated weight of external objects. According to Bayesian models, such illusions arise as an attempt to explain the causes of multisensory perception and may reflect the attenuation of somatosensory precision, which is required to resolve perceptual hypotheses about conflicting multisensory input. Recent hypotheses propose that the precision of sensorimotor representations is determined by modulators of synaptic gain, like dopamine, acetylcholine, and oxytocin. However, these neuromodulatory hypotheses have not been tested in the context of embodied multisensory integration. The present, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study ( n = 41 healthy volunteers) aimed to investigate the effect of intranasal oxytocin (IN-OT) on multisensory integration processes, tested by means of the RHI and the SWI. Results showed that IN-OT enhanced the subjective feeling of ownership in the RHI, only when synchronous tactile stimulation was involved. Furthermore, IN-OT increased an embodied version of the SWI (quantified as estimation error during a weight estimation task). These findings suggest that oxytocin might modulate processes of visuotactile multisensory integration by increasing the precision of top–down signals against bottom–up sensory input.
Caprellidae (Crustacea: Peracarida: Amphipoda) from deep-sea waters off
Galicia (NW Iberian Peninsula) with the description of a new genus and three new species
Authors: GUERRA-GARCÍA JOSÉ M. , TATO RAMIRO , MOREIRA JUAN
Published: December 2018

The Caprellidae (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Senticaudata) from the upper continental slope of Galicia (NW Iberian Peninsula) was studied. The material collected, based on surveys conducted from 2002 to 2009, comprised 11 species. A new genus Selvacaprella gen. nov., and three new species Selvacaprella jimenoi sp. nov., Liropus vitucoi sp. nov. and Liropus willyi sp. nov. are described. Pedoculina cf. bacescui and Parvipalpina cf. verrucosa are also figured in detail. Parvipalpina cf. verrucosa and Caprella cf. ciliata enlarge their distribution range ca. 2000 km to the South. Pedoculina cf. bacescui represent the first record of the genus for the Atlantic. These three species are also first records for the Iberian Peninsula. The total number of known caprellid species in the Iberian Peninsula (including adjacents waters of Ceuta, Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Azores and Madeira) is 50 so far, making this area one of the most diverse in the world for this group of amphipods.
A new species of Phyzelaphryne Heyer, 1977 (Anura: Eleutherodactylidae) from the Japurá River basin, with a discussion of the diversity and distribution of the genus
Authors: SIMÕES PEDRO IVO , COSTA JOÃO CARLOS LOPES , ROJAS-RUNJAIC FERNANDO J. M. , GAGLIARDI-URRUTIA GIUSSEPE , STURARO MARCELO JOSÉ , PELOSO PEDRO L. V. , CASTROVIEJO-FISHER SANTIAGO
Published: December 2018

We describe and name the second species of Phyzelaphryne (Brachycephaloidea, Eleutherodactylidae), from northwestern Brazilian Amazonia. Phyzelaphryne nimio sp. nov. is distinguished from its only congener, Phyzelaphryne miriamae, by its smaller body size and the anatomy of the carpal and metacarpal regions, with relatively larger (sometimes fused) supernumerary carpal and metacarpal tubercles. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on fragments of the mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and COI suggest that the currently known distribution of the species is restricted to its type locality and other areas within Estação Ecológica Juami-Japurá, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Based on molecular, morphological and bioacoustic evidence, we assigned other specimens recently collected in Parque Nacional do Jaú, state of Amazonas, Brazil, to P. miriamae, extending the species’ known geographic distribution north of the Amazon River.
Identifying the Sources of Convective Memory in Cloud-Resolving Simulations
Authors: Colin Maxime , Sherwood Steven , Geoffroy Olivier , Bony Sandrine , Fuchs David
Published: December 2018

Convection is often assumed to be controlled by the simultaneous environmental fields. But to what extent does it also remember its past behavior? This study proposes a new framework in which the memory of previous convective-scale behavior, “microstate memory,” is distinguished from macrostate memory, and conducts numerical experiments to reveal these memory types. A suite of idealized, cloud-resolving radiative–convective equilibrium simulations in a 200-km square domain is performed with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. Three deep convective cases are analyzed: unorganized, organized by low-level wind shear, and self-aggregated. The systematic responses to sudden horizontal homogenization of various fields, in various atmospheric layers, designed to eliminate their specific microstructure, are compared in terms of precipitation change and time of recovery to equilibrium. Results imply a substantial role for microstate memory. Across organization types, microstructure in water vapor and temperature has a larger and longer-lasting effect on convection than in winds or hydrometeors. Microstructure in the subcloud layer or the shallow cloud layer has more impact than in the free troposphere. The recovery time scale dramatically increases from unorganized (2–3 h) to organized cases (24 h or more). Longer-time-scale adjustments also occur and appear to involve both small-scale structures and domain-mean fields. These results indicate that most convective microstate memory is stored in low-level thermodynamic structures, potentially involving cold pools and hot thermals. This memory appears strongly enhanced by convective organization. Implications of these results for parameterizing convection are discussed.
A Climatology of Thunderstorms across Europe from a Synthesis of Multiple Data Sources
Authors: Taszarek Mateusz , Allen John , Púčik Tomáš , Groenemeijer Pieter , Czernecki Bartosz , Kolendowicz Leszek , Lagouvardos Kostas , Kotroni Vasiliki , Schulz Wolfgang
Published: December 2018

The climatology of (severe) thunderstorm days is investigated on a pan-European scale for the period of 1979–2017. For this purpose, sounding measurements, surface observations, lightning data from ZEUS (a European-wide lightning detection system) and European Cooperation for Lightning Detection (EUCLID), ERA-Interim, and severe weather reports are compared and their respective strengths and weaknesses are discussed. The research focuses on the annual cycles in thunderstorm activity and their spatial variability. According to all datasets thunderstorms are the most frequent in the central Mediterranean, the Alps, the Balkan Peninsula, and the Carpathians. Proxies for severe thunderstorm environments show similar patterns, but severe weather reports instead have their highest frequency over central Europe. Annual peak thunderstorm activity is in July and August over northern, eastern, and central Europe, contrasting with peaks in May and June over western and southeastern Europe. The Mediterranean, driven by the warm waters, has predominant activity in the fall (western part) and winter (eastern part) while the nearby Iberian Peninsula and eastern Turkey have peaks in April and May. Trend analysis of the mean annual number of days with thunderstorms since 1979 indicates an increase over the Alps and central, southeastern, and eastern Europe with a decrease over the southwest. Multiannual changes refer also to changes in the pattern of the annual cycle. Comparison of different data sources revealed that although lightning data provide the most objective sampling of thunderstorm activity, short operating periods and areas devoid of sensors limit their utility. In contrast, reanalysis complements these disadvantages to provide a longer climatology, but is prone to errors related to modeling thunderstorm occurrence and the numerical simulation itself.
Multiscale Processes Enabling the Longevity and Daytime Persistence of a Nocturnal Mesoscale Convective System
Authors: Chasteen Manda B. , Koch Steven E. , Parsons David B.
Published: December 2018

Nocturnal mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) frequently develop over the Great Plains in the presence of a nocturnal low-level jet (LLJ), which contributes to convective maintenance by providing a source of instability, convergence, and low-level vertical wind shear. Although these nocturnal MCSs often dissipate during the morning, many persist into the following afternoon despite the cessation of the LLJ with the onset of solar heating. The environmental factors enabling the postsunrise persistence of nocturnal convection are currently not well understood. A thorough investigation into the processes supporting the longevity and daytime persistence of an MCS was conducted using routine observations, RAP analyses, and a WRF-ARW simulation. Elevated nocturnal convection developed in response to enhanced frontogenesis, which quickly grew upscale into a severe quasi-linear convective system (QLCS). The western portion of this QLCS reorganized into a bow echo with a pronounced cold pool and ultimately an organized leading-line, trailing-stratiform MCS as it moved into an increasingly unstable environment. Differential advection resulting from the interaction of the nocturnal LLJ with the topography of west Texas established considerable heterogeneity in moisture, CAPE, and CIN, which influenced the structure and evolution of the MCS. An inland-advected moisture plume significantly increased near-surface CAPE during the nighttime over central Texas, while the environment over southeastern Texas abruptly destabilized following the commencement of surface heating and downward moisture transport. The unique topography of the southern plains and the close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico provided an environment conducive to the postsunrise persistence of the organized MCS.
Incorporating UH Occurrence Time to Ensemble-Derived Tornado Probabilities
Authors: Gallo Burkely T. , Clark Adam J. , Smith Bryan T. , Thompson Richard L. , Jirak Israel , Dembek Scott R.
Published: December 2018

Probabilistic ensemble-derived tornado forecasts generated from convection-allowing models often use hourly maximum updraft helicity (UH) alone or in combination with environmental parameters as a proxy for right-moving (RM) supercells. However, when UH occurrence is a condition for tornado probability generation, false alarm areas can occur from UH swaths associated with nocturnal mesoscale convective systems, which climatologically produce fewer tornadoes than RM supercells. This study incorporates UH timing information with the forecast near-storm significant tornado parameter (STP) to calibrate the forecast tornado probability. To generate the probabilistic forecasts, three sets of observed climatological tornado frequencies given an RM supercell and STP value are incorporated with the model output, two of which use UH timing information. One method uses the observed climatological tornado frequency for a given 3-h window to generate the probabilities. Another normalizes the observed climatological tornado frequency by the number of hail, wind, and tornado reports observed in that 3-h window compared to the maximum number of reports in any 3-h window. The final method is independent of when UH occurs and uses the observed climatological tornado frequency encompassing all hours. The normalized probabilities reduce the false alarm area compared to the other methods but have a smaller area under the ROC curve and require a much higher percentile of the STP distribution to be used in probability generation to become reliable. Case studies demonstrate that the normalized probabilities highlight the most likely area for evening RM supercellular tornadoes, decreasing the nocturnal false alarm by assuming a linear convective mode.
Democracy and worker representation in the management of change: Lessons from Kurt Lewin and the Harwood studies
Authors: Desmond John , Wilson Fiona
Published: December 2018

This article revisits the famous Harwood studies overseen by Kurt Lewin to include the neglected union perspective that differs markedly from conventional accounts. We explain this discrepancy as arising from unitarist and pluralist views, which assume very different understandings of organization. The researchers framed the Harwood organization from a unitarist perspective as monolithic, assuming its members are bound by allegiance to a common cause represented by management. This helps explain their relative indifference to unions and framing of concepts in a manner conducive to management that was incomprehensible from a union perspective. From this we contend that the Harwood studies are best understood as a cautionary tale against the assumption of a monolithic view that equates the interest of management with that of the organization. This is especially relevant given the dominance of a unitarist perspective across several fields of organization today, when management are argued to be increasingly authoritarian and union membership in several countries approaches an all-time low. Recognizing that organization is a balance struck between partially conflicting interests represents a more ethical stance to forestall accusations of partisanship and manipulation and to build towards the establishment of a fairer and more sustainable workplace for all.
What Do Unions Do for Mothers? Paid Maternity Leave Use and the Multifaceted Roles of Labor Unions
Authors: Park Tae-Youn , Lee Eun-Suk , Budd John W.
Published: December 2018

The authors present a four-fold conceptual framework of union roles—with a focus on availability, awareness, affordability, and assurance—for enhancing workers’ paid maternity leave use. Using a panel data set of working women up to age 31 constructed from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, the authors find union-represented workers to be at least 17% more likely to use paid maternity leave than are comparable non-union workers. Additional results suggest that availability, awareness, and affordability contribute to this differential leave-taking. The authors also document a post-leave wage growth penalty for paid leave-takers, but do not find a significant union–non-union difference.
Attention, Information Processing, and Choice in Incentive-Aligned Choice Experiments
Authors: Yang Liu (Cathy) , Toubia Olivier , de Jong Martijn G.
Published: December 2018

In incentive-aligned choice experiments, each decision is realized with some probability, Prob. In three eye-tracking experiments, we study the impact of varying Prob from 0 (as in purely hypothetical choices) to 1 (as in real-life choices) on attention, information processing, and choice. Consistent with the bounded rationality literature, we find that as Prob increases from 0 to 1, consumers process the choice-relevant information more carefully and more comprehensively. Consistent with the psychological distance literature, we find that as Prob increases from 0 to 1, consumers become less novelty seeking and more price sensitive. These findings underscore that even with incentive alignment, preference measurement choice experiments such as choice-based conjoint analyses only represent an approximation of real-life choices. Although it is not feasible to systematically use questions with high Prob in the field, we predict and find that placing a higher probability question (such as an external validity task) at the beginning rather than the end of a questionnaire has a carryover effect on attention and information processing throughout the questionnaire, and it influences preference estimates as well.
Man Versus Machine: Resisting Automation in Identity-Based Consumer Behavior
Authors: Leung Eugina , Paolacci Gabriele , Puntoni Stefano
Published: December 2018

Automation is transforming many consumption domains, including everyday activities such as cooking or driving, as well as recreational activities like fishing or cycling. Yet little research in marketing examines consumer preferences for automated products. Automation often provides obvious consumption benefits, but six studies spanning a variety of product categories show that automation may not be desirable when identity motives are important drivers of consumption. Using both correlational and experimental designs, these studies demonstrate that people who strongly identify with a particular social category resist automated features that hinder the attribution of identity-relevant consumption outcomes to themselves. The findings have substantial theoretical implications for research on identity and technology, as well as managerial implications for targeting, product innovation, and communication.
Policy Gridlock versus Policy Shift in Gun Politics: A Comparative Veto Player Analysis of Gun Control Policies in the United States and Canada
Authors: Kamal Rifat Darina , Burton Charles
Published: December 2018

Why do major events of gun violence (i.e., mass shootings) lead to incremental change or no federal legislative change at all in the United States while major events of gun violence have resulted in large-scale legislative changes in Canada? Exploring the complexities involved in this compelling question, this article conducts a comparative analysis of recent gun control policy gridlock and shift in these two countries. We concentrate on two mass shooting cases in each country: the Columbine (1990) and Sandy Hook (2012) massacres in the United States and the École Polytechnique Massacre (1989) and Concordia Shooting (1992) in Canada. We use veto player theory to gain insights into why tightening gun policy is so difficult to implement in the United States while Canada often follows up with policy transformations after a focusing event. This theory informs the central argument that the key factors underpinning the divergent policy outcomes on gun control issues in both countries involve differences in the structure of government/institutional design and the role and power of interest groups in each case.
Music Therapy and Dance as Gait Rehabilitation in Patients With Parkinson Disease: A Review of Evidence
Authors: Pereira Ana Paula S. , Marinho Victor , Gupta Daya , Magalhães Francisco , Ayres Carla , Teixeira Silmar
Published: December 2018

Parkinson disease causes several changes in gait, such as postural stability, which consequently induces fall risk factors and loss of quality of life. Alternative forms of treatment through rhythmic and dance stimuli have been used to minimize the Parkinson disease effects, which have been shown to be effective in improving gait and providing social well-being and quality of life in the patient.

Aim:

This review aims to demonstrate the efficiency of music and dance for gait improvement and symptom alleviation in Parkinson disease.

Methodology:

Studies that analyzed sound stimuli and dance in gait improvement in Parkinson disease were searched through PubMed, Scopus, Doaj, MEDLINE, and ScienceDirect databases from November 2017 to April 2018 and repeated in September 2018.

Results and Discussion:

Forty-five studies met the inclusion criteria to synthesize the findings on dance and music performance as a treatment for classical symptoms of Parkinson disease. Five reviews and 40 experimental papers have shown that rhythmic stimulation and dance provide the motor, cognitive, and quality of life benefits for participants with Parkinson disease. Thus, sound stimuli and dance offer satisfactory effects for gait, improving cognitive abilities such as motor control and adjustment and spatial memory. In addition, these new treatment modalities stimulate the elderly population to practice physical exercise, generating well-being and helping self-esteem.

Conclusion:

Dance and music therapy interventions are noninvasive, simple treatment options, which promote gait and cognition.
Design of an adaptive neuro-observer-based feedback controller for high-speed trains with parametric uncertainties
Authors: Patel Meera , Pratap Bhanu
Published: December 2018

An adaptive observer-based controller design for the nonlinear model of a high-speed train is demonstrated in this paper. A high-speed train belongs to the class of multivariable and coupled dynamic system with a higher degree of nonlinearities and uncertainties. The radial basis function neural network is used for the approximation of these nonlinearities and uncertainties. Using this approximation, an adaptive neuro-observer is designed for the estimation of the unavailable states of the high-speed train for measurement. Using one-to-one nonlinear mapping, the high-speed train plant and the adaptive neuro-observer are remodelled in a pure feedback form without any constraints on states. On the basis of the adaptive neuro-observer, an adaptive dynamic surface controller is designed for the high-speed train system. The upper bounds of the actual controller gains of the high-speed train need not be known whereas the lower and upper bounds of the virtual controller gain require prior knowledge. The tuning of the design parameters has been done online in the proposed observer/controller. The closed-loop stability and convergence have been analysed through a formal proof based on the Lyapunov approach. The enhanced performance of the high-speed train with the proposed controller is compared with the backstepping control approach and demonstrated using simulation studies.
Extremeness Aversion Is a Cause of Anchoring
Authors: Lewis Joshua , Gaertig Celia , Simmons Joseph P.
Published: December 2018

When estimating unknown quantities, people insufficiently adjust from values they have previously considered, a phenomenon known as anchoring. We suggest that anchoring is at least partially caused by a desire to avoid making extreme adjustments. In seven studies ( N = 5,279), we found that transparently irrelevant cues of extremeness influenced people’s adjustments from anchors. In Studies 1–6, participants were less likely to adjust beyond a particular amount when that amount was closer to the maximum allowable adjustment. For example, in Study 5, participants were less likely to adjust by at least 6 units when they were allowed to adjust by a maximum of 6 units than by a maximum of 15 units. In Study 7, participants adjusted less after considering whether an outcome would be within a smaller distance of the anchor. These results suggest that anchoring effects may reflect a desire to avoid adjustments that feel too extreme.
Role of thymoquinone and ebselen in the prevention of sodium arsenite–induced nephrotoxicity in female rats
Authors: Al-Brakati AY , Kassab RB , Lokman MS , Elmahallawy EK , Amin HK , Abdel Moneim AE
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ) and ebselen (Eb) on arsenic (As)-induced renal toxicity in female rats. Sodium arsenite was orally administrated at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight daily for 28 days, either alone or 1 h before TQ (10 mg/kg) or Eb (5 mg/kg) administration. Renal tissue As concentration and oxidative stress markers, including lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitrite/nitrate, and glutathione (GSH) levels, were determined. In addition to the oxidative stress response, antioxidant enzyme activities including that of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase were measured. Exposure to As elicited a significant increase in As concentration and significant modifications to the redox state of the kidney, as was evidenced by a significant elevation in LPO and nitrite/nitrate concentration, with a concomitant reduction in GSH content and antioxidant enzyme activity. The oxidant/antioxidant imbalance observed in As toxicity was associated with a significant elevation in renal tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein, and caspase 3 levels, in addition to a significant decrease in Bcl-2 levels. Post-administration of TQ and Eb markedly prevented As-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and As accumulation in the renal tissue and reduced histological renal damage. These findings demonstrate that TQ, the main bioactive phytochemical constituent of Nigella sativa seed oil, and Eb, an organoselenium compound, could significantly inhibit As-induced oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammation, and significantly attenuate the accumulation of As in renal tissues by facilitating As biomethylation and excretion.
Social-Class Disparities in Higher Education and Professional Workplaces: The Role of Cultural Mismatch
Authors: Stephens Nicole M. , Townsend Sarah S. M. , Dittmann Andrea G.
Published: December 2018

Differences in structural resources and individual skills contribute to social-class disparities in both U.S. gateway institutions of higher education and professional workplaces. People from working-class contexts also experience cultural barriers that maintain these disparities. In this article, we focus on one critical cultural barrier—the cultural mismatch between (a) the independent cultural norms prevalent in middle-class contexts and U.S. institutions and (b) the interdependent norms common in working-class contexts. In particular, we explain how cultural mismatch can fuel social-class disparities in higher education and professional workplaces. First, we explain how different social-class contexts tend to reflect and foster different cultural models of self. Second, we outline how higher education and professional workplaces often prioritize independence as the cultural ideal. Finally, we describe two key sites of cultural mismatch—norms for understanding the self and interacting with others—and explain their consequences for working-class people’s access to and performance in gateway institutions.
Seeing Is Believing: Using Virtual and Augmented Reality to Enhance Student Learning
Authors: Siegle Del
Published: December 2018

Virtual and augmented reality apps enable gifted students to explore content in new and exciting ways. Students can use the technology to create interesting and interactive products that not only demonstrate their understanding, but also advance their learning.
Evading the Catastrophic Costs of Nursing Home Care: A Theoretical Inquiry
Authors: Yaniv Gideon
Published: December 2018

While many countries operate publicly funded programs to help care-needing elderly people finance the catastrophic costs of nursing home care, eligibility to public assistance may be means tested. To qualify for a means-tested program, applicants must first exhaust (spend down) their financial assets on privately paying for nursing home care, thereby wiping out their lifetime savings and children’s inheritance. They may naturally consider the possibility of hiding assets from the health agency, consequently shifting the financial burden to taxpayers. The present article adjusts two classical tax evasion models to capture the decision to evade the costs of nursing home care, focusing on the implications on the evaded costs and the program’s deficit of attempting to cope with the escalating costs of nursing home care by imposing a cost-sharing premium on the applicants’ adult children. Some insights on the socially optimal level of the cost-sharing premium are finally discussed.