bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is the Nutritional Value of Fish Fillet Related to Fish Maturation or Fish Age? Integrated Analysis of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics in Blunt Snout Bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)
Authors: Guan Ning-Nan , Zhou Qiong , Lan Tian , Zhou Lai-Fang , Zhao Bo-Wen , Wang Wei-Min , Gao Ze-Xia
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Fish is a protein-rich food and is increasingly favored by consumers. It has been well recognized that the flesh composition of fish is closely related to its maturation and growth stage, but few studies have explored these differences. Additionally, hormone residues in fish after artificial induction of reproduction also attract consumer concern. In this study, we attempt to address these concerns by using a combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses to identify key regulated pathways, genes, and metabolites that may affect the flesh nutrition of one typical aquaculture species in China, blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala). Methods: The four groups of fish were used for transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses, including one-year-old immature (group I), two-year-old immature (group II), two-year-old mature (group III) and successfully spawned (group IV) female M. amblycephala after artificial induction of reproduction. Results: We identified a total of 1460 differential compounds and 1107 differentially expressed unigenes in muscle among the different groups. Differential metabolites related to fish age (group II vs group I, group III vs group I) were largely enriched in “Glycerophospholipid metabolism”, “Linoleic acid metabolism”, “α-Linolenic acid metabolism”, and “Biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids”. Between these two pairwise comparisons, metabolites that are beneficial to human health, such as docosapentaenoic acid, α-Linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid were found to be significantly decreased in two-year-old (group II, group III) compared with one-year-old (group I) M. amblycephala. Only one differential metabolite related to fish maturation, a triglyceride, was detected between groups III and II. Transcriptomics data showed that differently expressed genes (between group III vs group II, group III vs group I) related to maturation were highly enriched in “Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs)”, “Sphingolipid metabolism” and “Phagosome”. DEGs (between group II vs group I, group III vs group I) relating to fish age were enriched in the “cGMP-PKG signaling pathway”, “FoxO signaling pathway”, and “AMPK signaling pathway”. The gene-metabolite interaction network showed pivotal genes, including fumarate hydratase and GNPAT, which played a major role in the regulation of glycerphospholipid metabolism. The nutritional components were also measured, which verified the metabolomics results. Moreover, the metabolomics results showed that after 24 hours of artificial hormone injection, the drug was completely metabolized. Conclusion: Integrated analysis demonstrated that the nutrition value of fish fillet was much more related to fish age compared with maturation status in M. amblycephala females.
Inhibition of Histone Deacetylases Induces K+ Channel Remodeling and Action Potential Prolongation in HL-1 Atrial Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Lugenbiel Patrick , Govorov Katharina , Rahm Ann-Kathrin , Wieder Teresa , Gramlich Dominik , Syren Pascal , Weiberg Nadine , Seyler Claudia , Katus Hugo A. , Thomas Dierk
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Cardiac arrhythmias are triggered by environmental stimuli that may modulate expression of cardiac ion channels. Underlying epigenetic regulation of cardiac electrophysiology remains incompletely understood. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) control gene expression and cardiac integrity. We hypothesized that class I/II HDACs transcriptionally regulate ion channel expression and determine action potential duration (APD) in cardiac myocytes. Methods: Global class I/II HDAC inhibition was achieved by administration of trichostatin A (TSA). HDAC-mediated effects on K+ channel expression and electrophysiological function were evaluated in murine atrial cardiomyocytes (HL-1 cells) using real-time PCR, Western blot, and patch clamp analyses. Electrical tachypacing was employed to recapitulate arrhythmia-related effects on ion channel remodeling in the absence and presence of HDAC inhibition. Results: Global HDAC inhibition increased histone acetylation and prolonged APD90 in atrial cardiomyocytes compared to untreated control cells. Transcript levels of voltage-gated or inwardly rectifying K+ channels Kcnq1, Kcnj3 and Kcnj5 were significantly reduced, whereas Kcnk2, Kcnj2 and Kcnd3 mRNAs were upregulated. Ion channel remodeling was similarly observed at protein level. Short-term tachypacing did not induce significant transcriptional K+ channel remodeling. Conclusion: The present findings link class I/II HDAC activity to regulation of ion channel expression and action potential duration in atrial cardiomyocytes. Clinical implications for HDAC-based antiarrhythmic therapy and cardiac safety of HDAC inhibitors require further investigation.
Effects of Transplanting Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Transfected with CXCL13 on Fracture Healing of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Jiang Hui , Wang Yicun , Meng Jia , Chen Shuo , Wang Jun , Qiu Yang , Zhao Jianning , Guo Ting
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Diabetic fracture have poor treatment and serious complications. Therefore, how to treat diabetic fracture is receiving increasing attention. This study aimed to investigate the effects of transplanting CXCL13-stimulated bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) on the fracture healing in diabetic rats. Methods: In vitro, RT-PCR was employed to examine the expression of CXCL13 in BMSCs in high glucose environment. MTT assay and apoptosis assay were utilized to determine the effects of CXCL13 overexpression on the proliferation and apoptosis of BMSCs respectively. ALP staining was applied to detect the ALP activity. In vivo, CXCL13-stimulated BMSCs were transplanted into the fracture sites of diabetic rats. At the 1st week, 2nd weeks, 4th week and 6th week after the operation, bone mineral density (BMD) and callus area measurement, ELISA detection, and HE staining were performed to evaluate the fracture healing. Results: Low BMD and less area of callus in diabetic rats showed that the recovery after fracture was worse in diabetic rats than in non-diabetic rats. Meanwhile, the expression of CXCL13 in serum was lower in diabetic rats than in non-diabetic rats. Overexpression of CXCL13 promoted the proliferation of BMSCs in vitro high glucose environment. After BMSCs transfected with CXCL13 being transplanted into the fracture sites of diabetic rats, it was found that the fracture healing was enhanced and ALP expression in serum became higher. HE staining results further verified the effects of transplantation of BMSCs transfected with CXCL13 on fracture healing in diabetic rats. Conclusion: These finding indicated that CXCL13 may play a critical role in the process of fracture healing, which could provide a deeper insight into molecular targets for the fracture healing in diabetic people.
Calcineurin/NFAT Signaling Modulates Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation, Migration and Apoptosis in Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Rats
Authors: He Rui-Lan , Wu Zhi-Juan , Liu Xiao-Ru , Gui Long-Xin , Wang Rui-Xing , Lin Mo-Jun 
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe and debilitating disease characterized by remodeling of the pulmonary vessels, which is driven by excessive proliferation and migration and apoptosis resistance in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). The calcineurin (CaN)/nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) signaling pathway is the most important downstream signaling pathway of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), which is increased in PAH. CaN/NFAT has been reported to contribute to abnormal proliferation in chronic hypoxia (CH)-induced PAH. However, the effect of CaN/NFAT signaling on PASMC proliferation, migration and apoptosis in monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH remains unclear. Methods: PAH rats were established by a single intraperitoneal injection of MCT for 21 days. PASMCs were isolated and cultured in normal and MCT-induced PAH Sprague-Dawley rat. PASMCs were treated with CsA targeting CaN and siRNA targeting NFATc2-4 gene respectively by liposome. We investigated the expression of calcineurin/NFAT signaling by immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR and Western blotting methods. Cell proliferation was monitored using MTS reagent or by assessing proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. Cell apoptosis was evaluated with an Annexin V - FITC/propidium iodide (PI) apoptosis kit by flow cytometry. PASMC migration was assessed with a Transwell chamber. Results: MCT successfully induced PAH and pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats. CaN phosphatase activity and nuclear translocation of NFATc2-4 were increased in PASMCs derived from MCT-treated rats. In addition, CaNBβ/NFATc2-4 expression was amplified at the mRNA and protein levels. PASMC proliferation and migration were markedly inhibited in a dosedependent manner by cyclosporin A (CsA). Furthermore, siRNA targeting NFATc2 and NFATc4 attenuated the excessive proliferation and migration and apoptosis resistance in PASMCs derived from both CON and MCT-treated rats, while NFATc3 knockdown specifically affected MCT-PASMCs. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that CaN/NFAT signaling is activated and involved in the modulation of PASMC proliferation, migration and apoptosis in MCT-induced PAH.
Quando éramos exóticos
Authors: Florenzano José Paulo
Published: August 2018

O presente artigo discute a relação entre futebol e alteridade através da noção de “equipe exótica”, associada historicamente aos selecionados africanos, muçulmanos, mas também brasileiros. Esta categoria adquire significado mais preciso uma vez situada em relação à técnica do corpo, à tática do jogo e à composição étnico-racial do time. Vista por esse prisma, ela denota tanto extravagância estética quanto desorganização tática; aspectos vinculados a uma identidade cultural considerada “estranha” à norma europeia do futebol científico.
A simple and inexpensive method for sharpening permanent steel knives with sandpaper
Authors: Barbosa Antonio C. F. , Costa Gisele R. O. , Angyalossy Veronica , Dos Santos Tássia C. , Pace Marcelo R.
Published: August 2018

Good anatomical sections can only be obtained with a perfectly sharp knife. Permanent steel microtome knives are present in numerous plant anatomy labs and they yield excellent results, with the only caveat that they need to be re-sharpened after use. Automatic knife sharpeners have been especially designed for this purpose, but they require abrasives in their use, which may be expensive and hard to obtain. Here we describe and illustrate in detail an inexpensive, fast, widely accessible technique to sharpen permanent microtome knives using different sandpaper grits. Knives sharpened with this technique have already been in use for over a decade and are suitable for all types of botanical specimens both embedded and unembedded.
Morphometrics and taxonomic update to the Sri Lankan Aponogetonaceae
Authors: MANAWADUGE CHAPA G , YAKANDAWALA DEEPTHI
Published: August 2018

The recent studies on Sri Lankan Aponogeton underline the necessity of a taxonomic revision for the genus; especially with the recent discovery of two new endemic taxa and their described morphological affinities, revealing some misconceptions in the key morphological features used in identification and the overlapping morphology of the species within the genus. Accordingly, a morphometric analysis was carried out with 78 field collected specimens representing all six Sri Lankan Aponogeton species. The results indicate that A. kannangarae, a recently described endemic species which has been stated as closely resembling A. rigidifolius, is more similar to A. jacobsenii, with shared morphological characters, raising doubts if it is a distinct species. Further, the endemic A. jacobsenii, previously described and illustrated as a species with rarely occurring floating leaves, has been now described as with no floating leaves. Based on the results, a taxonomic update is presented with a key, full synonymy, descriptions and photographs.
Cylindroniscus platoi (Isopoda: Oniscidea: Styloniscidae), a new cave-dwelling species from Lagoa Santa Karst, Southeastern Brazil
Authors: FERNANDES CAMILE SORBO , CAMPOS-FILHO IVANKLIN SOARES , BICHUETTE MARIA ELINA
Published: August 2018

The new species Cylindroniscus platoi n. sp. is herein described. As far as known, the species occurs only in three caves developed in a continuous limestone outcrop at Pedro Leopoldo municipality, Minas Gerais State. Cylindroniscus platoi n. sp. is regarded as an endemic troglobite based on its limited distribution and on non-obvious troglomorphisms found on its body surface.
First record of the genus Gomesius (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae) from India, with description of a new species
Authors: GHATE H.V. , MATHEW MIRJOY
Published: August 2018

Gomesius indicus sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Emesinae: Leistarchini), collected in Goa State, India, is described. This is the first record of the genus Gomesius Distant, 1903, from India.
Pressure Tendencies and Stability Changes In An Isentropic Surface*
Authors: Neamtan S. M.
Published: August 2018

From continuity considerations, a formula is developed for the pressure tendency at a given point in an isentropic surface in terms of the pressure tendency at the ground and the wind distribution in the layer of air between the ground and the chosen isentropic surface. A method is described for computing the pressure tendency field in the isentropic surface from radiosonde and pilot balloon data; and the application of the knowledge of this tendency field to forecasting the motion of the isentropic pressure field is discussed. It is also indicated how the formula for the isentropic pressure tendency may be modified for use in forecasting stability changes in the free air.
A Summary of Some Radar Thunderstorm Observations*
Authors: Brooks Herbert B.
Published: August 2018

Direct observation of rain areas by radar yields new information on thunderstorm characteristics and behavior. A statistical summary of characteristics of 300 showers observed by radar at Spring Lake, N. J., June–Aug. 1945, is given.
Methods of Analysis for the Caribbean Region
Authors: Riehl Herbert , Schacht Elmer
Published: August 2018

A revised method for tropical analysis is proposed that permits a greater utilization of recent advances in tropical meteorology than is possible with conventional methods. It is suggested that the surface map be replaced with a “basic chart” which contains wind reports from an upper level, surface 24-hour pressure changes, and cloud and weather reports. Plotting and analysis methods for this chart are discussed. Finally, a survey is given of auxiliary charts and diagrams considered useful for tropical analysis.
Progress in Icing Research*
Authors: Dolezel, A.C. Edward J. , Cunningham Robert M. , Katz Robert E.
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a non-technical survey of the research being done on the meteorological aspects of aircraft icing. The organization of the program and functions of four installations in the U. S. are indicated. After a short qualitative discussion of the flow around cylinders, several new specialized instruments are described, and some of the theory developed to interpret their data is treated briefly.
Applications of Electronics to Meteorology*
Authors: Reber Carl M.
Published: August 2018

Believing that many people with meteorological interests have not had an opportunity to learn how radar and other electronic devices have become important aids in weather observational work, the writer has attempted to prepare a brief and simple explanation of these methods. The use of radar to detect and track thunderstorms and rain showers is explained as are the methods of obtaining winds aloft by radar. The use of the “Rawinsonde” in which pressure, temperature, humidity and winds aloft data are obtained simultaneously is also explained. “Sferics”, although of rather limited use to the continental meteorologist is treated briefly.
A Method of Forecasting Development of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Krasner William , London Julius
Published: August 2018

A method is devised (based on the theory of Bjerknes and Holmboe on the deepening of cyclones), for the forecasting of the deepening of tropical cyclones. It is shown that the distribution of divergence around an easterlies trough (“easterly wave”), as revealed through consideration of the vorticity equation agrees with this application to the deepening of tropical cyclones. The conclusion is reached that an estward tilt of the pressure, or streamline, axis of a trough or developing tropical disturbance is most favorable for deepening; whereas, in deep easterlies, a westward tilt of the axis would result in filling and dissipation. A technique is also suggested for a quick qualitative evaluation of the direction of slope of the axis of such a pressure or streamline system.
Recent Developments in Meteorological Equipment*
Authors: Spilhaus Athelstan F.
Published: August 2018

The paper describes developments in meteorological measuring equipment and techniques during the war. It covers surface and aircraft instruments, balloon-borne equipment and remote measurements without flight equipment. Reference is made, among other things, to the aerograph, the English frost-point hygrometer, radio direction finding and radar winds aloft, the aircraft parachute radiosonde, sferics and radar storm detection. While the account does not cover the topics in technical detail, it is intended to provide a summary of the trend taken in the development occasioned by wartime demands.
Continuous Recording of Areal Wind Speeds*
Authors: Ives Ronald L.
Published: August 2018

Methods of determining, and of recording continuously, the average wind speed over a large area, by means of a multiplicity of contacting anemometers electrically couple dto a modified Grinnell condenser-discharge recorder, are here outlined, with an empirical discussion of the attainable accuracy.
A Scientific Team Investigating the Upper Atmosphere*
Authors: Rex Daniel F.
Published: August 2018

Atmospheric physics in general is a branch of physical science which as such has received little attention in this country. This is particularly true in the case of upper atmosphere studies, although excellent work has been carried out in specific fields. The growing military and commercial interest in high-altitude rocket-propelled flight will demand an integrated and complete knowledge of the upper atmosphere. This paper discusses the “scientific team” as a means of effectively attacking the broad problems confronting physicists and meteorologists in the upper atmosphere and suggests that certain revisions in the meteorologists' formal educational plan be made in order to assure the most efficient operation of the “team.”
On Inaccuracies of the Hair Hygrograph Operated in Closed Tents*
Authors: Sissenwine Norman
Published: August 2018

Errors in the measurement of relative humidity as much as 20% were frequently recorded in a series of observations taken in closed tents with hair hygrographs. An investigation into the causes of these inaccuracies follows. It is shown that (1) because of the extremely high temperatures in the tents, both winter and summer, the air will be subjected to relative humidities so low as to cause the hair to change its zero calibration point and (2) because of the normal diurnal range of approximately 80% relative humidity, the amount of change in length of hair for a given increment of relative humidity will increase with time. Other lesser inaccuracies, some not necessarily restricted to operation in closed tents, are discussed.
40-Year Trends in Northern Hemisphere Surface Pressure*
Authors: Brier G. W.
Published: August 2018

An analysis of the pressure data from the Daily Historical Map series indicates a considerable decrease in the total mass of air over the Northern Hemisphere between 1899 and 1939. This trend toward lower surface pressure was more pronounced in the higher latitudes while some regions near the equator showed slight trends in the opposite direction.
Diurnal Variation of Pressure and Temperature Aloft in the Eastern Caribbean
Authors: Eiehl Herbert
Published: August 2018

From three-hourly special radiosonde observations the diurnal pressure and temperature variation is computed for eight levels between the surface and 16 km. The quality of observations is considered, and corrections are applied for the effect of solar radiation on the radiosonde instrument. Both pressure and temperature show large diurnal variations even in the high troposphere. It is suggested that these variations cannot be caused by horizontal convergence and divergence, but must be due to non-adiabatic processes aloft.
A Photoelectric Hygrometer*
Authors: Hamermesh Bernard , Reines Frederick , Korff Serge A.
Published: August 2018

An instrument that measures small absolute humidity changes by the photoelectric examination of the 9,440 Ångstrom-units absorption band of water vapor is described. The instrument consists of a small source of light which sends its radiation over an air path of less than one and a half meters to a dispersing system. The resulting spectrum then is allowed to fall on two vacuum phototubes; one centered in the 9,400 Ångstrom-units absorption band of water vapor, the other located at 8,000 ngstrom units where no water vapor absorption bands exist. As the absolute humidity in the air path is varied, the phototube in the region of the band is affected; whereas the reference phototube is not. The phototubes are arranged in an amplifying circuit so as to magnify the effect of varying humidity. The instrument uses a portable microammeter instead of the sensitive galvanometer of all previous spectral hygrometers. Humidity changes of 2 to 8 × 10−5 centimeter of precipitable water path over 143 centimeters of air path can be measured. An investigation of the small sensitive range of the instrument was carried out and the results indicate that the device is confined to use over a small humidity range with equipment available at the present time.
Synoptic Aspects of the Intertropical Convergence Near Central and South America
Authors: Simpson R. H.
Published: August 2018

The intertropical convergence zone near Panama is studied in light of meteorograph soundings, winds-aloft, and microanalyses of surface reports. When pronounced this phenomenon consists of a relatively narrow zone of cyclonic wind shear. This is frequently associated with a cold-core trough whose slope in the vertical is of cold-front proportions. Its cloud system is characterized primarily by widespread altostratus with convective activity usually quite variable in amount and intensity. Wavelike perturbations which sometimes appear along this line of convergence are found to be important in connection with cyclogenesis.
The Accuracy and Representativeness of the 10,000-Foot Pibal Report
Authors: Brooks Edward M.
Published: August 2018

In the normal use of pilot-balloon reports as an aid to drawing upper-air charts, these reports are usually assumed to represent the mean air flow undisturbed by turbulence. This assumption needs to be justified if the pibals are used in the preparation of wind convergence charts.

The failure of the pibal to represent the mean undisturbed wind is due to (1) inaccuracy and (2) unrepresentativeness of the pibal observation. Most of the inaccuracy arises from incorrectly prescribed heights of the balloon based on a constant rate of ascent. In the cases studied, the average error (Table I) was 4.1° in direction and 3.3 miles/hour in speed. The unrepresentativeness due to turbulence averaged 1.3° and 2.5 miles/hour. The total inaccuracy and unrepresentativeness together averaged 5.6° and 4.1 miles/hour.
Comparison of TC Temperature and Water Vapor Climatologies between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from GPS RO Observations
Authors: Yang S. , Zou X. , Ray P. S.
Published: August 2018

Tropical cyclone (TC) temperature and water vapor structures are essential atmospheric variables. In this study, global positioning system (GPS) radio occultation (RO) observations from the GPS RO mission named the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Receiver for Atmospheric Sounding on board both MetOp-A and MetOp-B satellites over the 9-yr period from 2007 to 2015 are used to generate a set of composite structures of temperature and water vapor fields within tropical depressions (TDs), tropical storms (TSs), and hurricanes (HUs) over the Atlantic Ocean and TDs, TSs, and typhoons (TYs) over the western Pacific Ocean. The composite TC structures are different over the two oceanic regions, reflecting different climatological environments. The warm cores for TCs over the western Pacific Ocean have higher altitudes and larger sizes than do those over the Atlantic Ocean for all storm categories. A radial variation of the warm-core temperature anomaly with descending altitude is seen, probably resulting from spiral cloud and rainband features. The large TC water vapor pressure anomalies, which are often more difficult to obtain than temperature anomalies, are located below the maximum warm-core temperature anomaly centers. Thus, the maximum values of the fractional water vapor pressure anomaly, defined as the anomaly divided by the environmental value, for TSs and HUs over the Atlantic Ocean (1.4% for TSs and 2.2% for HUs) are higher than those for TSs and TYs over the western Pacific Ocean (1.2% for TSs and 1.4% for TYs). These TC structures are obtained only after a quality control procedure is implemented, which consists of a range check that removes negative refractivity values and unrealistic temperature values, as well as a biweight check that removes data that deviate from the biweight mean by more than 3 times the biweight standard deviation. A limitation of the present study is an inability to resolve the TC inner-core structures because of a lack of sufficient RO profiles that collocate with TCs in their inner-core regions and the relatively coarse along-track resolutions of GPS RO data.
Decoding Hosing and Heating Effects on Global Temperature and Meridional Circulations in a Warming Climate
Authors: Wen Qin , Yao Jie , Döös Kristofer , Yang Haijun
Published: August 2018

The global temperature changes under global warming result from two effects: one is the pure radiative heating effect caused by a change in greenhouse gases, and the other is the freshwater effect related to changes in precipitation, evaporation, and sea ice. The two effects are separated in a coupled climate model through sensitivity experiments in this study. It is indicated that freshwater change has a significant cooling effect that can mitigate the global surface warming by as much as ~30%. Two significant regional cooling centers occur: one in the subpolar Atlantic and one in the Southern Ocean. The subpolar Atlantic cooling, also known as the “warming hole,” is triggered by sea ice melting and the southward cold-water advection from the Arctic Ocean, and is sustained by the weakened Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. The Southern Ocean surface cooling is triggered by sea ice melting along the Antarctic and is maintained by the enhanced northward Ekman flow. In these two regions, the effect of freshwater flux change dominates over that of radiation flux change, controlling the sea surface temperature change in the warming climate. The freshwater flux change also results in the Bjerknes compensation, with the atmosphere heat transport change compensating the ocean heat transport change by about 80% during the transient stage of global warming. In terms of global temperature and Earth’s energy balance, the freshwater change plays a stabilizing role in a warming climate.
Impacts of Assimilating Smartphone Pressure Observations on Forecast Skill during Two Case Studies in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: McNicholas Callie , Mass Clifford F.
Published: August 2018

Over a half-billion smartphones are now capable of measuring atmospheric pressure, potentially providing a global surface observing network of unprecedented density and coverage. An earlier study by the authors described an Android app, uWx, that served as a test bed for advanced quality control and bias correction strategies. To evaluate the utility and quality of the resulting smartphone pressure observations, ensemble data assimilation experiments were performed for two case studies over the Pacific Northwest. In both case studies, smartphone pressures improved the analyses and forecasts of assimilated and nonassimilated variables. In case I, which considered the passage of a front across the region, cycled smartphone pressure assimilation consistently improved 1-h forecasts of the altimeter setting, 2-m temperature, and 2-m dewpoint. During a postfrontal period, cycled smartphone pressure assimilation improved mesoscale forecasts of hourly precipitation accumulation. In case II, which considered a major coastal windstorm, cycling experiments assimilating smartphone pressures improved 10-m wind forecasts as well as the predicted track and intensity. For both cases, free-forecast experiments initialized with smartphone data produced forecast improvements extending several hours, suggesting the utility of crowdsourced smartphone pressures for short-term numerical weather prediction.
An Individual Growth Model Analysis of Childhood Spanking on Change in Externalizing Behaviors During Adolescence: A Comparison of Whites and African Americans Over a 12-Year Period
Authors: Gibson Chris L. , Fagan Abigail A.
Published: August 2018

This study examines the long-term effect of corporal punishment on children’s externalizing behaviors, and race differences in this relationship, using 12 years of prospective data from 1,075 high-risk White and African American families participating in the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect. According to multilevel individual growth models, there was a significant, positive association between spanking during childhood (measured at ages 4, 6, and 8 years) and initial levels (at age 12 years) of externalizing behaviors for the full sample and for African Americans. The fixed effect of spanking on rates of change of externalizing behaviors during adolescence (i.e., at ages 12, 14, and 16 years) was significant for the full sample and marginally ( p < .10) significant for African Americans, with more spanking resulting in a slower rate of decrease in externalizing behaviors. Spanking was not related to initial levels or rates of change in externalizing behaviors for White youth.
Affective Organizing: Collectivizing Informal Sex Workers in an Intimate Union
Authors: Hardy Kate , Cruz Katie
Published: August 2018

As informal, self-employed workers, street sex workers are frequently understood as a “hard-to-organize” group. As they are not legally registered or protected, they are excluded from institutional arrangements for unionization and collective bargaining and from access to both labor and social protections, due to the lack of recognition of the work they undertake. Despite this, sex workers in Argentina have been successful in generating solidarity and class consciousness as a basis for collective action. To do so, we argue that AMMAR (Asociación de Mujeres Meretrices de Argentina), the Argentinean sex workers’ union, has used a strategy of “affective organizing.” Drawing on a participatory project developed with and involving sex worker activists from AMMAR, the article examines 108 interviews, questionnaires, and participant observations. Overall, we argue for greater attention to be paid by scholars working in the fields of the sociology of work and employment and industrial relations, attention to emotion and affect as their foundational role in labor organizing and collective action. Overall, it is posited that the practices of AMMAR in one of the most stigmatized sectors of the labor market hold invaluable lessons for locating relationality and care at the center, rather than the margins, of labor movements as a basis for the wider transformation of social relations in capitalism.
Poverty matters: Cannabis use among people with serious mental illness: Findings from the United States survey on drug use and health, 2015
Authors: Carrà Giuseppe , Bartoli Francesco , Riboldi Ilaria , Trotta Giulia , Crocamo Cristina
Published: August 2018

Background:

Little is known about the influence of contextual characteristics on comorbid substance use and serious mental illness (SMI).

Aims:

To explore the role of poverty on comorbid SMI and cannabis use.

Methods:

We used data from the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, considering those in poverty, with income under 100% of the US poverty threshold.

Results:

People in poverty were more likely to suffer from concurrent SMI and cannabis use (3.07%, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.84%; 5.07%), even controlling for gender, age, tobacco and alcohol use (odds ratio (OR) = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.27; 6.03, p = .010).

Conclusion:

The magnitude of the association between SMI and cannabis use is influenced by poverty status. More research on potential mediators like income inequality and impoverished social capital is needed.
Water uptake in epoxy matrix with voids: Experiments and modeling
Authors: Abdelmola F , Carlsson LA
Published: August 2018

The influence of voids on the moisture uptake of epoxy matrix has been studied. Specimens with void contents from 0 to about 50% were prepared. Void geometry and content were analyzed using microscopy and density methods. Void-containing samples were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis which verified consistency of chemistry. The moisture uptake of specimens immersed in distilled water at 40℃ was monitored. The rate of absorption and saturation moisture content increased with increasing void content. Mass balance calculations revealed that only 6–8% of the void volume is occupied by water at saturation. The moisture uptake of void-free and void-containing specimens was non-Fickian. The Langmuir model provided better fits to the experimental results, although the high void content specimens showed substantial deviations from the Langmuir diffusion model. The moisture diffusivity of the void-free and void-containing specimens agreed reasonably with the Maxwell inclusion model.
Negative Reflections About Positive Psychology: On Constraining the Field to a Focus on Happiness and Personal Achievement
Authors: Yakushko Oksana , Blodgett Eva
Published: August 2018

“Positive” psychology has gained a dominant voice within and outside the field of psychology. Although critiques of this perspective have been rendered, including by humanistic psychologists, psychology scholars have offered minimum space for critical reflections of this movement in contrast to its critiques existing inside and outside the academia in other fields. Therefore, this contribution seeks to explicate emerging systematic critiques of positive psychology by scholars and practitioners from within mental health fields as well as from philosophy, medicine, education, business, and cultural studies and to highlight sociocultural discussions of positive movement by the culture critics. Last, we offer reflections on positive psychology as immigrant professionals from non-Western backgrounds with an emphasis on existential and humanities-based perspectives. We also highlight that the tenets and experiments based on “positive” psychological practices may have especially detrimental effect on marginalized individuals and communities. This contribution seeks to invite a critical dialogue in the field regarding positive psychology within and outside humanistic psychology and psychology in general.
Living Arrangements for Sex Offenders in Ohio: Effects of Economics, Law, and Government Assistance Programs
Authors: Rolfe Shawn M. , Tewksbury Richard , Lahm Karen F.
Published: August 2018

Throughout the United States, Sex Offender Registration and Notification (SORN) laws have created housing issues for registered sex offenders (RSOs). As a result of SORN, many RSOs may need to rely on family members for their housing needs. This study, drawing on data from 188 adult male RSOs in Ohio, focused on two separate SORN laws (i.e., Megan’s Law and the Adam Walsh Act). The findings suggest that neither law influences RSOs’ living with family members. However, the results did conclude that an RSO’s income, receipt of government assistance, or being on probation/parole predicted the odds of living with family members. Policy implications of such findings are discussed.
The ‘Public Life’ of the Bengal Diaspora: Performing Religion, Gender and Generation in the Boishakhi Mela
Authors: Alexander Claire
Published: August 2018

It has become a theoretical truism that diaspora encompasses both mobility and settlement, change and continuity, roots and routes. Nevertheless, sociological accounts of diaspora identities have been largely focused on diaspora identities as part of a process of placemaking and claims-staking in the place of arrival. Such accounts have largely downplayed questions of origin, continuity and connection, and of the role of history and structure in shaping diasporic cultures ‘on the ground’. Focusing on the annual Boishakhi Mela in East London, this article explores some of the tensions and ambiguities of diaspora spaces and cultural practices. It empirically examines the encounter between ‘authentic’ and ‘commodified’ cultures and the contested faultlines around gender, generation and religion that are played out in this public spectacle.
Virtual design of knitted compression garments based on bodyscanning technology and the three-dimensional-to-two-dimensional approach
Authors: Kuzmichev Victor E , Tislenko Ilya V , Adolphe Dominique C
Published: August 2018

The interdisciplinary approach for the design of compression garments was developed by means of establishing new databases about the elongation of knitted materials, the morphology of female bodies, and the relations between both with the pressure under the garment. We used KES-FB1 and a cylinder made of cosmetology silicone to investigate the relationship between the knitted material strain and the pressure produced.

To find the factors that are responsible for comfort perception of compression garments, a sensory analysis with female participants was used to establish the pressure range that is permissible for the human body and the effect of its reshaping.

The experimental data obtained was used for validating the theoretical approaches about, firstly, the transformation of a solid polygonal avatar of the scanned body to the soft one, secondly, the virtual three-dimensional (3D) creation of a compression garment in a “relaxed non-elongation state” and, thirdly, obtaining virtual two-dimensional (2D) pattern blocks. Science explorations dedicated to 3D-to-2D flattening of pattern blocks of the avatar surface and to the creation of tight-fitted garments were considered as the background of our research.

Several compression garments for females with different morphological features, which were designing by means of a new 3D-to-2D method for flattening of pattern blocks and the traditional 2D “Müller and Sohn” manual, were obtained. The mean value of absolute difference between the predicted and measured pressure was improved from 33% to 14%. Thus, the developed approach based on contemporary virtual reality collection of input data allows one to predict the pressure of compression garments with higher accuracy.
The Influence of Pricing Strategies on Willingness to Pay for Accommodations: Anchoring, Framing, and Metric Compatibility
Authors: Tanford Sarah , Choi Choongbeom , Joe Sung Jun
Published: August 2018

Travel providers advertise low prices to attract customers, which can decrease willingness to pay through anchoring effects. Customers often approach purchases with a budget goal, which can influence price interpretation due to framing effects. Accommodation prices are typically displayed per night, whereas consumers may have a total trip budget in mind, leading to metric incompatibility. This research uses experimental methods to test the effects of price anchors, framing, and metric compatibility on willingness to pay for a Spring Break vacation. A high anchor increases willingness to pay compared to a low anchor, and consumers will pay more when exposed to an average price versus a range. Anchoring effects are reduced when the budget goal is incompatible with a high anchor but not a low anchor. The findings can be attributed to dual processing systems and asymmetry effects. The results yield practical guidelines for effective pricing strategies.
The Human Alarm System for Sensational News, Online News Headlines, and Associated Generic Digital Footprints: A Uses and Gratifications Approach
Authors: Ng Yu-Leung , Zhao Xinshu
Published: August 2018

By adopting the uses and gratifications approach to understand two evolutionary needs—the environmental surveillance need and social involvement need—this study investigated the use of alarm and prosocial words in news headlines and the associated generic digital footprints. We analyzed over 170,000 online news headlines and the number of associated clicks and “likes” for each news story on an online news platform. Our results support the idea of a human alarm system for sensational news as a psychological survival mechanism designed to detect and pay attention to threatening news such as catastrophes and diseases. News headlines with alarm words indirectly attracted more “likes,” indicating a concern with survival, through an increased number of clicks to select that news item. Furthermore, the results of a conditional indirect effect model showed that while online readers selectively clicked on news headlines with alarm words, the presence of a prosocial word in the headline increased the likelihood that readers would “like” it.
Shared Race/Ethnicity With Police and Male Offenders’ Self-Regulating Beliefs: Exploring the Salience of Instrumental and Normative Factors for Securing Obedience
Authors: Baker Thomas
Published: August 2018

This study examines the impact of shared race/ethnicity with police on male offenders’ perceptions of voice, procedural justice, and obligation to obey. In addition to exploring propositions of the process-based model of self-regulation, this study also examines elements of sanction-based models of social control. Findings indicate that respondents who shared the race/ethnicity with police experienced more voice and a greater obligation to obey. In addition, male offenders who perceived the police as more procedurally just reported significantly greater obligation to obey while perceived certainty of arrest and ambiguity of arrest risk were not significantly related to respondent’s self-regulating beliefs.
Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders and Psychiatric Conditions Among County Jail Inmates: Changes and Stability Over Time
Authors: Proctor Steven L. , Hoffmann Norman G. , Raggio Alyssa
Published: August 2018

This study first sought to estimate the local Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) prevalence of various substance use disorders (SUDs) and psychiatric conditions among a sample of male county jail inmates ( N = 200) from 2016 data. The observed patterns in prevalence and internal consistency for the various conditions among a subgroup of inmates with a DSM-5 moderate-severe SUD diagnosis ( n = 149) were then compared to a comparable sample of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) substance-dependent inmates derived from 2008 data collected in an adjacent county jail ( N = 176) using a nearly identical structured clinical interview. Results revealed 87.0% of inmates in the total 2016 sample met criteria for any DSM-5 SUD. Despite similar methodology, comparable sample populations, and county jails in the same geographic region, there were marked differences between studies with respect to the prevalence of certain SUDs over an 8-year period. Conversely, 2016 prevalence rates for the co-occurring conditions were within 1% to 7% points of the rates evidenced in 2008.
Money, Credit, and Digital Payment 1971/2014: From the Credit Card to Apple Pay
Authors: Gießmann Sebastian
Published: August 2018

The article intertwines the history of the American credit card, its standardization, and interactional realization with the latest developments in payment systems. Understanding both credit cards and systems like Apple Pay or blockchain-based applications as part of an administrative longue durée, it argues for a different understanding of the Internet of Things. It should be understood both as a technical-informational and as an accounting infrastructure, with tensions arising between both segments.
A Review of the Literature on the Functional Analysis of Inappropriate Mealtime Behavior
Authors: Hodges Abby , Davis Tonya N. , Kirkpatrick Marie
Published: August 2018

A functional analysis is a well-established and widely used assessment in the treatment of challenging behavior. Given the fact that functional analysis results can inform treatment selection and procedures, a review of the current literature regarding functional analysis of inappropriate mealtime behavior (IMB) is warranted as it may guide researchers in conducting a functional analysis prior to treating IMB. This review summarizes the literature regarding functional analysis of IMB. Fourteen studies that implemented a functional analysis of IMB were identified and summarized based on procedural components of the functional analysis, results, and treatment selection. Results indicate functional analysis of IMB to be effective in the identification of variables maintaining IMB. Although functional analysis of IMB has been found to be helpful, several areas for further research and evaluation are identified.
Ethics from Within: Google Glass, the Collingridge Dilemma, and the Mediated Value of Privacy
Authors: Kudina Olya , Verbeek Peter-Paul
Published: August 2018

Following the “control dilemma” of Collingridge, influencing technological developments is easy when their implications are not yet manifest, yet once we know these implications, they are difficult to change. This article revisits the Collingridge dilemma in the context of contemporary ethics of technology, when technologies affect both society and the value frameworks we use to evaluate them. Early in its development, we do not know how a technology will affect the value frameworks from which it will be evaluated, while later, when the implications for society and morality are clearer, it is more difficult to guide the development in a desirable direction. Present-day approaches to this dilemma focus on methods to anticipate ethical impacts of a technology (“technomoral scenarios”), being too speculative to be reliable, or on ethically regulating technological developments (“sociotechnical experiments”), discarding anticipation of the future implications. We present the approach of technological mediation as an alternative that focuses on the dynamics of the interaction between technologies and human values. By investigating online discussions about Google Glass, we examine how people articulate new meanings of the value of privacy. This study of “morality in the making” allows developing a modest and empirically informed form of anticipation.