bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concurrent Erythropoietin and Hypothermia Treatment Improve Outcomes in a Term Nonhuman Primate Model of Perinatal Asphyxia
Authors: Traudt Christopher M. , McPherson Ronald J. , Bauer Larry A. , Richards Todd L. , Burbacher Thomas M. , McAdams Ryan M. , Juul Sandra E.
Published: November 2013

Background: Up to 65% of untreated infants suffering from moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) are at risk of death or major disability. Therapeutic hypothermia (HT) reduces this risk to approximately 50% (number needed to treat: 7-9). Erythropoietin (Epo) is a neuroprotective treatment that is promising as an adjunctive therapy to decrease HIE-induced injury because Epo decreases apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative injury and promotes glial cell survival and angiogenesis. We hypothesized that HT and concurrent Epo will be safe and effective, improve survival, and reduce moderate-severe cerebral palsy (CP) in a term nonhuman primate model of perinatal asphyxia. Methodology: Thirty-five Macacanemestrina were delivered after 15-18 min of umbilical cord occlusion (UCO) and randomized to saline (n = 14), HT only (n = 9), or HT+Epo (n = 12). There were 12 unasphyxiated controls. Epo (3,500 U/kg × 1 dose followed by 3 doses of 2,500 U/kg, or Epo 1,000 U/kg/day × 4 doses) was given on days 1, 2, 3, and 7. Timed blood samples were collected to measure plasma Epo concentrations. Animals underwent MRI/MRS and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at <72 h of age and again at 9 months. A battery of weekly developmental assessments was performed. Results: UCO resulted in death or moderate-severe CP in 43% of saline-, 44% of HT-, and 0% of HT+Epo-treated animals. Compared to non-UCO control animals, UCO animals exhibit poor weight gain, behavioral impairment, poor cerebellar growth, and abnormal brain DTI. Compared to UCO saline, UCO HT+Epo improved motor and cognitive responses, cerebellar growth, and DTI measures and produced a death/disability relative risk reduction of 0.911 (95% CI -0.429 to 0.994), an absolute risk reduction of 0.395 (95% CI 0.072-0.635), and a number needed to treat of 2 (95% CI 2-14). The effects of HT+Epo on DTI included an improved mode of anisotropy, fractional anisotropy, relative anisotropy, and volume ratio as compared to UCO saline-treated infants. No adverse drug reactions were noted in animals receiving Epo, and there were no hematology, liver, or kidney laboratory effects. Conclusions/Significance: HT+Epo treatment improved outcomes in nonhuman primates exposed to UCO. Adjunctive use of Epo combined with HT may improve the outcomes of term human infants with HIE, and clinical trials are warranted.
Increased Frequency of Fragmented QRS in Patients with Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis
Authors: Ağaç Mustafa Tarık , Korkmaz Levent , Bektas Hüseyin , Acar Zeydin , Erkan Hakan , Kurt Ibrahim Halil , Adar Adem , Çelik Şükrü
Published: November 2013

Objective: To investigate the presence of myocardial fibrosis determined by fragmented QRS in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. Subjects and Methods: Eighty-seven consecutive patients with severe aortic valve stenosis and 83 age- and gender-matched control subjects were enrolled into this study. Severe aortic valve stenosis was defined as an aortic valve area <1 cm2, a Vmax >4 m/s, or a mean gradient ≥40 mm Hg. Fragmented QRS was assessed using a 12-lead electrocardiogram. Results: Fragmented QRS was detected in 40 (46%) patients in the aortic valve stenosis group and in 15 (18%) control subjects (p < 0.001). In multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, the presence of aortic valve stenosis was the only independent factor associated with fragmented QRS (OR = 3.69; 95% CI 1.81-7.55, p < 0.001). Conclusion: A higher frequency of fragmented QRS was detected in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis compared to controls.
Cisplatin and Temozolomide Combination in the Treatment of Supratentorial Anaplastic Ependymoma
Authors: Lombardi Giuseppe , Pambuku Ardi , Bellu Luisa , Della Puppa Alessandro , Rumanò Laura , Gardiman Marina Paola , Pomerri Fabio , Zagonel Vittorina
Published: October 2013

Anaplastic ependymomas are rare tumors in adult patients. Maximal safe resection and use of radiation therapy are standard treatment approaches in patients with anaplastic ependymoma. Recurrent anaplastic ependymomas are treated by reoperation when the tumors are surgically accessible, by radiotherapy if not previously administered and by salvage chemotherapy. However, the role of chemotherapy is still unclear. A few retrospective studies showed interesting results with platinum-based regimens, while the administration of temozolomide alone demonstrated conflicting results. We present, for the first time, the case of a patient with anaplastic ependymoma refractory to platinum-based chemotherapy and temozolomide only, but showing a prolonged reduction of the lesion after receiving combination chemotherapy with cisplatin and temozolomide. A brief review of the literature on the treatment of anaplastic ependymoma follows.
Third generation P2Y12 antagonists inhibit platelet aggregation more effectively than clopidogrel in a myocardial infarction registry
Authors: Diehl Philipp , Schnabel Katharina , Weik Patrick , Zhou Qian , Bode Christoph , Moser Martin , Olivier Christoph B.
Published: October 2013

The current standard of antiplatelet therapy of patients after myocardial infarction includes the P2Y12 receptor antagonists clopidogrel, prasugrel or ticagrelor. This study aimed to compare the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor in patients after myocardial infarction. In a single-centre registry the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor was investigated by aggregometry in patients after myocardial infarction. To assess the overall capacity of platelet aggregation whole blood was induced with thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP; 32 μM). To specifically quantify the effect of P2Y12 antagonists, whole blood was stimulated with 6.4 μM adenosine diphophosphate (ADP). Relative ADP induced aggregation (r-ADP-agg) was defined as the ADP-TRAP ratio to reflect an individual degree of P2Y12-dependent platelet inhibition. Platelet function of 238 patients was analysed [clopidogrel (n=58), prasugrel (n=65), ticagrelor (n=115)]. The r-ADP-agg was 35 ± 14% for patients receiving clopidogrel, 28 ± 10% for patients receiving prasugrel and 26 ± 11% for patients receiving ticagrelor. The r-ADP-agg was significantly lower in patients treated with prasugrel (p=0.0024) or ticagrelor (p<0.0001) compared to clopidogrel. There was no significant difference between patients receiving prasugrel or ticagrelor (p=0.2559). In conclusion, prasugrel and ticagrelor provide a stronger platelet inhibition compared to clopidogrel in patients after myocardial infarction. No significant difference in platelet inhibition was detected between prasugrel and ticagrelor. (registry for patients after Myocardial Infarction Treated with AntiPlatelet agents; DRKS00003146).
Age-Related Changes in Aortic Valve Hemostatic Protein Regulation
Authors: Balaoing Liezl R. , Post Allison D. , Liu Huiwen , Minn Kyung Taeck , Grande-Allen K. Jane
Published: November 2013

Objective—

Although valvular endothelial cells have unique responses compared with vascular endothelial cells, valvular regulation of hemostasis is not well-understood. Heart valves remodel throughout a person’s lifetime, resulting in changes in extracellular matrix composition and tissue mechanical properties that may affect valvular endothelial cell hemostatic function. This work assessed valvular endothelial cell regulation of hemostasis in situ and in vitro as a function of specimen age.

Approach and Results—

Porcine aortic valves were assigned to 1 of 3 age groups: Young (YNG) (6 weeks); Adult (ADT) (6 months); or Elderly (OLD) (2 years). Histological examination of valves showed that secreted thrombotic/antithrombotic proteins localize at the valve endothelium and tissue interior. Gene expression and immunostains for von Willebrand factor (VWF), tissue factor pathway inhibitor, and tissue plasminogen activator in YNG porcine aortic valve endothelial cells were higher than they were for OLD, whereas plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 levels in OLD were higher than those for YNG and ADT. Histamine-stimulated YNG porcine aortic valve endothelial cells released higher concentrations of VWF proteins than OLD, and the fractions of VWF-140 fragments was not different between age groups. A calcific aortic valve disease in vitro model using valvular interstitial cells confirmed that VWF in culture significantly increased valvular interstitial cell nodule formation and calcification.

Conclusions—

Hemostatic protein regulation in aortic valve tissues and in valvular endothelial cells changes with age. The presence of VWF and other potential hemostatic proteins increase valvular interstitial cell calcification in vitro. Therefore, the increased capacity of elderly valves to sequester the hemostatic proteins, together with age-associated loss of extracellular matrix organization, warrants investigation into potential role of these proteins in the formation of calcific nodules.
MicroRNA miR-27b Rescues Bone Marrow–Derived Angiogenic Cell Function and Accelerates Wound Healing in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wang Jie-Mei , Tao Jun , Chen Dan-Dan , Cai Jing-Jing , Irani Kaikobad , Wang Qinde , Yuan Hong , Chen Alex F.
Published: November 2013

Objective—

Vascular precursor cells with angiogenic potentials are important for tissue repair, which is impaired in diabetes mellitus. MicroRNAs are recently discovered key regulators of gene expression, but their role in vascular precursor cell–mediated angiogenesis in diabetes mellitus is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that the microRNA miR-27b rescues impaired bone marrow–derived angiogenic cell (BMAC) function in vitro and in vivo in type 2 diabetic mice.

Approach and Results—

BMACs from adult male type 2 diabetic db/db and from normal littermate db/+ mice were used. miR-27b expression was decreased in db/db BMACs. miR-27b mimic improved db/db BMAC function, including proliferation, adhesion, tube formation, and delayed apoptosis, but it did not affect migration. Elevated thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) protein in db/db BMACs was suppressed on miR-27b mimic transfection. Inhibition of miR-27b in db/+ BMACs reduced angiogenesis, which was reversed by TSP-1 small interfering RNA (siRNA). miR-27b suppressed the pro-oxidant protein p66
shc
and mitochondrial oxidative stress, contributing to its protection of BMAC function. miR-27b also suppressed semaphorin 6A to improve BMAC function in diabetes mellitus. Luciferase binding assay suggested that miR-27b directly targeted TSP-1, TSP-2, p66
shc
, and semaphorin 6A. miR-27b improved topical cell therapy of diabetic BMACs on diabetic skin wound closure, with a concomitant augmentation of wound perfusion and capillary formation. Normal BMAC therapy with miR-27b inhibition demonstrated reduced efficacy in wound closure, perfusion, and capillary formation. Local miR-27b delivery partly improved wound healing in diabetic mice.

Conclusions—

miR-27b rescues impaired BMAC angiogenesis via TSP-1 suppression, semaphorin 6A expression, and p66shc-dependent mitochondrial oxidative stress and improves BMAC therapy in wound healing in type 2 diabetic mice.
Carotid Atherosclerosis Predicts Future Myocardial Infarction But Not Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Hald Erin M. , Lijfering Willem M. , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Johnsen Stein Harald , Løchen Maja-Lisa , Njølstad Inger , Wilsgaard Tom , Rosendaal Frits R. , Brækkan Sigrid K. , Hansen John-Bjarne
Published: November 2013

Objective—

Recent studies have suggested that arterial and venous thrombosis share common risk factors. Although carotid atherosclerosis is associated with arterial cardiovascular events, its role in venous thromboembolic disease is unclear. We wanted to investigate and compare the effect of carotid atherosclerosis on the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a general population, taking into account competing risks.

Approach and Results—

Mean intima-media thickness and total plaque area in the right carotid artery were measured with ultrasound in 6257 people aged 25 to 84 years who participated in a population-based health study, the Tromsø Study, from 1994 to 1995. Incident MI and VTE events were registered from date of enrollment to end of follow-up on December 31, 2010. Cox proportional hazards regression models using age as time scale were used to estimate cause-specific hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for MI and VTE by increasing levels of intima-media thickness and total plaque area. There were 894 incident MI cases and 256 VTE events during a median of 15.4 years of follow-up. The risk of MI increased significantly across quartiles of mean intima-media thickness (
P
for trend <0.001) and with increasing total plaque area (
P
for trend <0.001), but neither intima-media thickness (
P
for trend=0.94) nor total plaque area (
P
for trend=0.45) was associated with VTE risk in multivariable-adjusted analysis.

Conclusions—

In this study, carotid atherosclerosis was strongly associated with future MI but not with VTE. Our findings suggest that carotid atherosclerosis does not represent a link between arterial and venous thrombosis.
Meta-analysis of the Efficacy of Different Training Strategies in Animal Models of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Schmidt Antje , Wellmann Jürgen , Schilling Matthias , Strecker Jan-Kolja , Sommer Clemens , Schäbitz Wolf-Rüdiger , Diederich Kai , Minnerup Jens
Published: November 2013

Background and Purpose—

Although several studies have shown beneficial effects of training in animal stroke models, the most effective training strategy and the optimal time to initiate training have not been identified. The present meta-analysis was performed to compare the efficacy of different training strategies and to determine the optimal time window for training in animal stroke models.

Methods—

We searched the literature for studies analyzing the efficacy of training in animal models of ischemic stroke. Training was categorized into forced physical training, voluntary physical training, constraint-induced movement therapy, and skilled reaching training. Two reviewers independently extracted data on study quality, infarct size, and neurological outcome. Data were pooled by means of a meta-analysis.

Results—

Thirty-five studies with >880 animals were included. A meta-analysis of all treatments showed that training reduced the infarct volume by 14% (95% confidence interval, 2%–25%) and improved the cognitive function by 33% (95% confidence interval, 8%–50%), the neuroscore by 13.4% (95% confidence interval, 1.5%–25.3%), and the running function by 6.6% (95% confidence interval, 1.4%–11.9%). Forced physical training reduced the infarct volume and enhanced the running function most effectively, whereas skilled reaching training improved the limb function most effectively. A meta-regression illustrated that training was particularly efficacious when initiated between 1 and 5 days after stroke onset.

Conclusions—

Our meta-analysis confirms that training reduces the infarct volume and improves the functional recovery in animal stroke models. Forced physical training and skilled reaching training were identified as particularly effective training strategies. The efficacy of training is time dependent.
Annea gen. nov. (Detarieae, Caesalpinioideae, Leguminosae): a home for two species long misplaced in Hymenostegia sensu lato
Authors: MACKINDER BARBARA A. , WIERINGA JAN J.
Published: November 2013

A new genus Annea is described to accommodate two tropical African legume species previously misplaced in Hymenostegia (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae, Detarieae). Annea gen. nov. is widespread in tropical Africa but has an unusual disjunct generic distribution, occurring in both upper and lower Guinea but absent from Gabon. Annea afzelii accounts for the generic range in Upper Guinea extending as far east as Equatorial Guinea in the Lower-Guinea region whereas A. laxiflora occupies the southern part of Lower Guinea and shows a preference for drier habitats than the more wide ranging A. afzelii. Hymenostegia dinklagei, a synonym of A. afzelii is neotypified. Neither species of Annea qualifies for a category of threat and both are assessed here as Least Concern (LC) according to IUCN criteria. Scorodophloeus, another exclusively tropical African genus is sister to Annea. Two tables of characters are included, one comparing the morphologies of Annea, Scorodophloeus and Hymenostegia sensu stricto and another providing morphological characters that can be used to separate the two species of Annea. A distribution map of Annea, an illustration of A. afzelii and photographs of A. laxiflora are presented.
First records of the antlion genus Solter Navás from southern Africa, with description of a new species (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Myrmecaelurini)
Authors: MANSELL MERVYN W.
Published: October 2013

A new species of Solter Navás is described from South Africa, representing the first record of this genus from Africa south of the equator. This is a significant extension to the known distribution range of this predominantly Palaearctic genus. The species  described here is characteristically reddish brown with a banded abdomen, and was recorded at three localities in arid rocky areas in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa.
Morphology and identification of the pupae of several species of soil-dwelling broad-nosed weevils from Central Europe
(Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae)
Authors: GOSIK RAFAŁ , SPRICK PETER
Published: November 2013

The pupae of Otiorhynchus (Arammichnus) dieckmanni Magnano, 1979, O. (s.str.) tenebricosus (Herbst, 1784) form lugdunensis Boheman, 1843, Peritelus sphaeroides Germar, 1824, Strophosoma (Neliocarus) c.f. sus Stephens, 1831 and Tanymecus (s. str.) palliatus (Fabricius, 1787) are described and illustrated for the first time. The pupae of Barypeithes (Exomias) pellucidus (Boheman, 1834), Brachyderes (s. str.) incanus (Linnaeus, 1758), Liophloeus (s. str.) tessulatus (Müller, 1776), Phyllobius intrusus Kôno, 1948 (= Parascythopus exsulans Heijerman & Magnano, 2000) and Phyllobius (s. str.) pyri (Linnaeus, 1758) are redescribed and illustrated. Characteristic features including chaetotaxy, habitus and measurements are given. Pupae of the genera Peritelus, Strophosoma, and Tanymecus are described for the first time. Keys to the pupae of 14 genera of broad-nosed weevils, and to several species of Phyllobius and Otiorhynchus are also presented.
A Trend Analysis of the 1930–2010 Extreme Heat Events in the Continental United States
Authors: Oswald Evan M. , Rood Richard B.
Published: November 2013

Extreme heat events (EHEs) are linked to mortality rates, making them an important research subject in both the climate and public health fields. This study evaluated linear trends in EHEs using the U.S. Historical Climatology Network (USHCN), version 2.0, dataset and quantified the longer-term EHE trends across the continental United States (CONUS). The USHCN-daily, version 1, dataset was integrated with the homogenized USHCN-monthly, version 2.0, dataset to create daily data for trend analysis. Time series and estimated trends in multiple characteristics of EHEs (number, total days, mean duration, etc.) were calculated as were the continental means and spatial maps. The differences between EHEs based on daily maximum temperatures, minimum temperatures, and both minimum and maximum temperatures were explored. To focus on warming and cooling periods, the trends were also estimated separately over the first half and second half of the study period (1930–2010). The results indicated that the trends for different EHE characteristics were coherent (e.g., temporally correlated, similar spatial pattern of trends). Maps indicated negative trends in the interior of the CONUS and positive trends in coastal and southern areas. Continental-scale increases between 1970 and 2010 were mostly offset by the decreases between 1930 and 1970. Several daily maximum (minimum) EHEs near the 1930s (2000s) led to 1930–2010 trends of daily maximum (minimum) EHEs decreasing (increasing). Last, the results suggest that linear trends depend on which daily temperature extreme is required to exceed the threshold.
Applicability of Reduced-Gravity Shallow-Water Theory to Atmospheric Flow over Topography
Authors: Jiang Qingfang
Published: November 2013

Applicability of the reduced-gravity shallow-water (RGSW) theory to a shallow atmospheric layer capped by an inversion underneath a deep stratified atmosphere over a two-dimensional ridge has been investigated using linear analysis and nonlinear numerical simulations. Two key nondimensional parameters are identified: namely, and , where g′ is the reduced-gravity acceleration; H0 is the RGSW layer depth; and N and U are the buoyancy frequency and wind speed, respectively, in the layer above the inversion. If J and γ are around unity or larger, the response of the RGSW flow over the ridge can be significantly modified by pressure perturbations aloft. Any jumplike perturbations in the RGSW layer rapidly decay while propagating away from the ridge as the perturbation energy radiates into the upper layer. With J and γ much less than unity, RGSW theory is more adequate for describing RGSW flows.

In addition, inversion splitting occurs downstream of a jump when , where Ni is the buoyancy frequency in the inversion and hm stands for the ridge height. A less stratified upper layer with slower winds in general has less influence on the RGSW flow below and favors the application of the RGSW theory. For a thick inversion (d), the equivalent RGSW flow depth is approximately given by H + d/2, where H is the depth of the neutral layer below the inversion.
The Sensitivity of Springtime Arctic Mixed-Phase Stratocumulus Clouds to Surface-Layer and Cloud-Top Inversion-Layer Moisture Sources
Authors: Solomon Amy , Shupe Matthew D. , Persson Ola , Morrison Hugh , Yamaguchi Takanobu , Caldwell Peter M. , de Boer Gijs
Published: November 2013

In this study, a series of idealized large-eddy simulations is used to understand the relative impact of cloud-top and subcloud-layer sources of moisture on the microphysical–radiative–dynamical feedbacks in an Arctic mixed-phase stratocumulus (AMPS) cloud system. This study focuses on a case derived from observations of a persistent single-layer AMPS cloud deck on 8 April 2008 during the Indirect and Semi-Direct Aerosol Campaign near Barrow, Alaska. Moisture and moist static energy budgets are used to examine the potential impact of ice in mixed-phase clouds, specific humidity inversions coincident with temperature inversions as a source of moisture for the cloud system, and the presence of cloud liquid water above the mixed-layer top. This study demonstrates that AMPS have remarkable insensitivity to changes in moisture source. When the overlying air is dried initially, radiative cooling and turbulent entrainment increase moisture import from the surface layer. When the surface layer is dried initially, the system evolves to a state with reduced mixed-layer water vapor and increased surface-layer moisture, reducing the loss of water through precipitation and entrainment of near-surface air. Only when moisture is reduced both above and below the mixed layer does the AMPS decay without reaching a quasi-equilibrium state. A fundamental finding of this study is that, with or without cloud ice and with or without a specific humidity inversion, the cloud layer eventually extends into the temperature inversion producing a precipitation flux as a source of water into the mixed layer.
Cross Flows in the Taiwan Strait in Winter*
Authors: Oey L.-Y. , Chang Y.-L. , Lin Y.-C. , Chang M.-C. , Varlamov S. , Miyazawa Y.
Published: November 2013

In winter, a branch of the China Coastal Current can turn in the Taiwan Strait to join the poleward-flowing Taiwan Coastal Current. The associated cross-strait flows have been inferred from hydrographic and satellite data, from observed abundances off northwestern Taiwan of cold-water copepod species Calanus sinicus and, in late March of 2012, also from debris found along the northwestern shore of Taiwan of a ship that broke two weeks earlier off the coast of China. The dynamics related to such cross flows have not been previously explained and are the focus of this study using analytical and numerical models. It is shown that the strait’s currents can be classified into three regimes depending on the strength of the winter monsoon: equatorward (poleward) for northeasterly winds stronger (weaker) than an upper (lower) bound and cross-strait flows for relaxing northeasterly winds between the two bounds. These regimes are related to the formation of the stationary Rossby wave over the Changyun Ridge off midwestern Taiwan. In the weak (strong) northeasterly wind regime, a weak (no) wave is produced. In the relaxing wind regime, cross-strait currents are triggered by an imbalance between the pressure gradient and wind and are amplified by the finite-amplitude meander downstream of the ridge where a strong cyclone develops.
ACCESS-TC: Vortex Specification, 4DVAR Initialization, Verification, and Structure Diagnostics
Authors: Davidson Noel E. , Xiao Yi , Ma Yimin , Weber Harry C. , Sun Xudong , Rikus Lawrie J. , Kepert Jeff D. , Steinle Peter X. , Dietachmayer Gary S. , Lok Charlie C. F. , Fraser James , Fernon Joan , Shaik Hakeem
Published: November 2013

The Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator (ACCESS) has been adapted for operational and research applications on tropical cyclones. The base system runs at a resolution of 0.11° and 50 levels. The domain is relocatable and nested in coarser-resolution ACCESS forecasts. Initialization consists of five cycles of four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVAR) over 24 h. Forecasts to 72 h are made. Without vortex specification, initial conditions usually contain a weak and misplaced circulation pattern. Significant effort has been devoted to building physically based, synthetic inner-core structures, validated using historical dropsonde data and surface analyses from the Atlantic. Based on estimates of central pressure and storm size, vortex specification is used to filter the analyzed circulation from the original analysis, construct an inner core of the storm, locate it to the observed position, and merge it with the large-scale analysis at outer radii.

Using all available conventional observations and only synthetic surface pressure observations from the idealized vortex to correct the initial location and structure of the storm, the 4DVAR builds a balanced, intense 3D vortex with maximum wind at the radius of maximum wind and with a well-developed secondary circulation. Mean track and intensity errors for Australian region and northwest Pacific storms have been encouraging, as are recent real-time results from the Australian National Meteorological and Oceanographic Centre. The system became fully operational in November 2011. From preliminary diagnostics, some interesting structure change features are illustrated. Current limitations, future enhancements, and research applications are also discussed.
Relating Rainfall Patterns to Agricultural Income: Implications for Rural Development in Mozambique
Authors: Silva Julie A. , Matyas Corene J.
Published: November 2013

Rural farmers in Mozambique rely on rain-fed agriculture for food and income, yet they experience high rainfall variability ranging from extreme drought to flooding rainfall from tropical cyclone systems. To explore linkages between rainfall and agriculture, the authors regress changes in annual household per capita agricultural income on reliance on staple food crops, agricultural and demographic characteristics, and rainfall patterns using longitudinal data for rural households for 2002 and 2005. They characterize rainfall patterns by defining nine rainfall zones using the percent of normal rainfall received in each month of three agricultural growing seasons and rainfall from two tropical cyclones that occurred during the study period. Results show that in a period where monthly rainfall seldom occurred in normal amounts, most households experienced decreases in agricultural income. Even after controlling for rainfall patterns, they find that greater household dependency on staple crop agriculture is associated with declining annual agricultural income. They also find that areas affected by both wet and dry rainfall extremes in the first year of the study had decreases in the well-being of rural households when measured two years later. Taken together, their findings suggest that antipoverty policies focused on increasing agricultural income seem likely to fail in countries characterized by highly variable rainfall and exposure to extreme events, particularly when coupled with high levels of poverty and widespread dependence on rain-fed agriculture.
A Simulation Approach for Estimating Hurricane Risk over a 5-yr Horizon
Authors: Bonazzi A. , Dobbin A. L. , Turner J. K. , Wilson P. S. , Mitas C. , Bellone E.
Published: November 2013

We develop a stochastic North Atlantic hurricane track model whose climate inputs are Atlantic main development region (MDR) and Indo-Pacific (IP) sea surface temperatures and produce extremely long model simulations for 58 different climates, each one conditioned on 5 yr of observed SSTs from 1950 to 2011—hereafter referred as medium-term (MT) views.

Stringent tests are then performed to prove that MT simulations are better predictors of hurricane landfalls than a long-term view conditioned on the entire SST time series from 1950 to 2011.

In this analysis, the authors extrapolate beyond the historical record, but not in terms of a forecast of future conditions. Rather it is attempted to define—within the limitation of the modeling approach—the magnitude of extreme events that could have materialized in the past at fixed probability thresholds and what is the likelihood of observed landfalls given such estimates.

Finally, a loss proxy is built and the value of the analysis results from a simplified property and casualty insurance perspective is shown. Medium-term simulations of hurricane activity are used to set the strategy of reinsurance coverage purchased by a hypothetical primary insurance, leading to improved solvency margins.
Media Engagement Boundaries and Political Influence in Europe
Authors: Casero-Ripollés Andreu , López-Rabadán Pablo
Published: November 2013

The aim of this article is to analyze the influence level and boundaries that media have on politics. Specifically, we study the power of media to set the public agenda, to set the political agenda determining the decision-making process, and to generate political disaffection through the politicians’ and journalists’ perceptions. We have used a methodology based on in-depth interviews applied to a wide sample of 45 individuals. The analysis is focused on the European context; the case study is based specifically on Spain. Results show a high level of mediatization of politics, but also reveal limits to the political influence of the media. These boundaries of the media influence on politics affects political agenda setting and its ability to generate civic engagement. Moreover, we have detected four media engagement boundaries that boost the citizens’ political cynicism.
From the Inside of Obama’s 2012 Grassroots Campaign
Authors: da Silva Jorge Nuno , Pimenta Luís , Farinha Sara
Published: November 2013

This article brings an insight into Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign, taking into account the Portuguese political reality. From our observation and participation in Obama’s 2012 grassroots campaign in Philadelphia, we aim to understand how relevant, and feasible, it would be to implement a political campaign with the same type of strategy in Portugal.
Practical Use of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Carotid Surgery
Authors: Radak Djordje , Sotirovic Vuk , Obradovic Milan , Isenovic Esma R.
Published: November 2013

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease. However, benefit of the CEA procedure depends on the rate of peri- and postoperative adverse neurological events. Therefore, brain monitoring is important in detecting cerebral ischemia during and after CEA and also allows to prompt appropriate action. Traditional methods of cerebral monitoring are being replaced by novel, easy-to-use techniques that allow continued monitoring of regional cerebral oxygen saturation. In this review, we present the recent literature data related to the mechanism of cerebral oximetry and its practical use during and after CEA.
Legal, Safety and Practical Regenerative Braking Control Challenges
Authors: Oleksowicz Selim , Ruta Mariusz , Burnham Keith , Curry Eddie , Garces Hector
Published: November 2013

The aim of this paper is to describe at a system-level, the development of combined regenerative and friction braking technology with emphasis on control strategies and system complexity. The subject of the study has resulted from prior and current involvement of the Control Theory and Applications Centre (CTAC) and MIRA in research and development activities related to control systems for hybrid/electric vehicles. Regenerative braking plays an unquestionable role in the economic success of hybrid/electric vehicles. Current developments in regenerative braking technology are focused on increasing the regenerative braking operating region beyond the limits of vehicle stability which requires sophisticated control strategies that are suitable for safe vehicle operation. For realisation of continual economic viability with further improvement of the technology, advancement should be focused not only on the development of control strategies but also on the minimum increase of vehicle complexity and thereby minimal additional final cost of the vehicle, that is, by utilisation of standard vehicle components (e.g. driveline components and four-channel anti-lock braking system).
Mali, September 2013: An interview with Dr. Berny Sèbe
Authors: MacDonald Mairi , Sèbe Berny
Published: November 2013

Mairi MacDonald asked Berny Sèbe, whose commentary has helped British and international audiences to understand the 2013 Malian crisis, to provide an update on the situation in Mali in the wake of presidential elections. Drawing on the insights offered in the invited essays in this issue of International Journal, Dr. Sèbe addresses the priorities and constraints acting on Mali’s new government as it seeks to restore territorial sovereignty and peace in the country.
Social representations of HIV/AIDS in mass media: Some important lessons for caregivers
Authors: Labra Oscar
Published: October 2013

This article provides an overview of published studies on social representations of HIV/AIDS. It argues that, despite changes over time in the peripheral elements of negative social representations, such representations remain present within the health care field and continue to affect populations across various cultures. This underlines the importance of health care that accounts for cultural needs in interventions with people living with HIV/AIDS. A review of the relevant literature suggests that it is necessary to assist caregivers (including social workers) in understanding both the social significance associated with the illness and the concept of cultural competence.
Unresolved World War II Animosity Dampens Empathy Toward 2011 Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami
Authors: Yang Ying , Liu Xiao-xiao , Fang Yang , Hong Ying-yi
Published: November 2013

The 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami evoked widespread empathy and sympathy. We examine how historical representations of WWII among Chinese and Americans affect their empathy toward the Japanese disaster. In three online surveys conducted 8 days, 4 weeks, and 10 months after the Japanese earthquake, we recruited over 900 participants from diverse age groups and geographic locations in China and the United States. We consistently found that the Chinese participants showed less empathy toward the Japanese disaster (but not toward the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami) than did Americans, and these cross-national differences were partially mediated by Chinese participants’ tendency to attribute the disaster to retribution or associate Japan as an aggressor in WWII. We also manipulated participants’ identity (national vs. global identity) and found it had an interaction effect with patriotism on empathy toward the Japanese. We discuss how these findings shed light on identity, patriotism, shared historical representations, and lingering international conflicts.
The Emergent Nature of Culturally Meaningful Categorization and Language Use
Authors: Karasawa Minoru , Maass Anne , Rakić Tamara , Kato Ai
Published: November 2013

Although the phenomenon of social categorization is universal, we argue that different cultures promote different types of categorization and that this is associated with differential language practice. We predicted that, among Japanese (but not among Italian) participants, even a small age difference would be sufficient to trigger spontaneous categorization of other people. We hypothesized that the categorization process would be reflected on a particular pattern of memory bias (i.e., within-category assimilation and between-category contrast). We further tested the hypothesis that specific language styles (i.e., polite vs. intimate) would accompany the age-based categorization effect. In Study 1, we applied the “Who said what?” paradigm, finding the expected pattern of differential memory bias only among Japanese, but not Italians. There was also an indication of selective language use corresponding to the age-based categorization. Study 2 replicated the age-based categorization among Japanese participants and provided visible evidence that the sensitivity in choosing appropriate language styles co-occur with memory bias. We discuss implications of these findings for understanding the complex interplay between culture, language, and social cognition.
Relationships Between Parenting Practices and Preschoolers’ Social Skills in African, Indo, and Mixed-Ethnic Families in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Roopnarine Jaipaul L. , Krishnakumar Ambika , Narine Lutchmie , Logie Carol , Lape Megan E.
Published: November 2013

Following the tenets of cultural-ecological theories, this study examined the mediating role of ethnic socialization in the relationship between parenting practices and prosocial behavior and behavioral difficulties in 1,282 African, Indo- and mixed-ethnic Caribbean female caregivers in Trinidad and Tobago. Across ethnic groups, caregivers used a combination of high levels of positive parenting, rule setting, and material rewards, and moderate levels of harsh discipline and ethnic socialization. Indo and mixed-ethnic Caribbean caregivers engaged in more positive parenting and rule setting and offered more material rewards to children than African Caribbean caregivers, whereas African and mixed-ethnic Caribbean caregivers used more harsh discipline than Indo Caribbean caregivers. Ethnic socialization mediated the associations between parenting practices and prosocial behavior in children differently across the three ethnic groups. Harsh discipline had direct associations with antisocial behaviors in all ethnic groups. Data are discussed with respect to parental management style in difficult ecological niches and variations in the role of ethnic socialization in mediating the associations between parenting practices and childhood social development across ethnic groups.
From the Interindividual to the Intraindividual Level
Authors: Gollan Tobias , Witte Erich H.
Published: November 2013

According to Schwartz’s theoretical model of values, personal values are integrated in a two-dimensional circumplex structure, reflecting conflicts and compatibilities of their motivational contents. Albeit in large number, so far, all empirical studies supporting the model were based on correlations across individuals, thus capturing the circumplex structure as an emergent phenomenon of the sample. Using large representative data sets from 17 European countries, we test whether the structure also accounts for value conflict and congruity on the intraindividual level and whether this generalizes across cultures. Despite some intercultural differences in the degree, we find the circumplex model generally to be a good representation of intraindividual value (in-)compatibilities. The fit to the model was moderated by age and value preference: Persons whose value profiles show a poor fit to the model are (a) younger than the majority and (b) endorse values that are usually considered less important. Implications for research on motivational conflicts and compatibilities of values are discussed.
Optimal intervention strategies for an epidemic: A household view
Authors: Yarmand Hamed , Ivy Julie S
Published: November 2013

In this research, we identify optimal intervention strategies at the household level in case of an epidemic. We consider an affected household (a household with one initial infective member) and model the effect of different intervention policies, which involve vaccination, antiviral prophylaxis, isolation, and treatment, on disease spread using a variation of Kermack–McKendrick (KM) models. Both full and partial adherence to interventions are considered. An implementation cost is assumed for each intervention policy. We refer to a collection of intervention policies as an intervention strategy. A reward is associated with susceptible members who remain uninfected. We define the effect of the implemented intervention strategy as the total reward earned by all members over the time horizon. We then identify the most cost-effective intervention strategies. In addition, we incorporate a budgetary constraint for the household and find the efficient frontier for the total reward over different upper bounds on the household budget.
Biology without Biologism: Social Theory in a Postgenomic Age
Authors: Meloni Maurizio
Published: November 2013

The epistemology of the life sciences has significantly changed over the last two decades but many of these changes seem to remain unnoticed amongst sociologists: both the majority who reject biology and the few minorities who want to biologize social theory seem to share a common (biologistic) understanding of ‘the biological’ that appears increasingly out of date with recent advances in the biosciences. In the first part of this article I offer an overview of some contemporary importations of biological and neurobiological knowledge into the sociological field. In the second section I contrast this image of biological knowledge circulating in the social sciences with the more pluralist ways in which biology is theorized in many sectors of the life sciences. The ‘postgenomic’ view of biology emerging from this second section represents a challenge for the monolithic view of biology present amongst social theorists and a new opportunity of dialogue for social theorists interested in non-positivist ways of borrowing from the life sciences.
‘Backroom Boys’: Occupational Dynamics in Crime Scene Examination
Authors: Wilson-Kovacs Dana
Published: November 2013

Despite a sustained preoccupation with crime scene investigation in policing and instructional literatures, government reviews and media accounts, the crime scene examiner has received scant sociological attention. Focusing on scientific support personnel in an English police force, this article analyses how embedded actors who routinely facilitate the provision of crime scene examination reflect on their role and position in the investigative process. The analysis draws on data collected in a small number of semi-structured interviews with stakeholders at different levels of seniority, in order to map an understanding of the inter and intra-professional interactions, exchanges, dependencies and negotiations employed by those working at the coalface of investigative practice. Hoping to illuminate some of the sense-making practices behind the enactment of forensic activities, the discussion examines the articulation of professional identities and the conclusion reflects more broadly on the processes of professionalisation and discourses of professionalism that accompany standardised forensic accomplishments.
The Discourse Functions of Nonverbal Appositives
Authors: Loock Rudy , O’Connor Kathleen M.
Published: November 2013

This article investigates the discourse functions of nonverbal appositives: noun phrases, prepositional phrases, and adjective phrases in apposition to a preceding nominal unit. Given the many similarities between nonverbal appositives and appositive relative clauses, the discourse functions of the latter serve as a starting point for an evaluation of the discourse functions of the former. More precisely, we compare our 600-token corpus of nonverbal appositives with Loock’s taxonomy of discourse functions for appositive relative clauses. The taxonomy is then modified to accommodate the nonverbal appositives that do not fit the taxonomy. Correlations with a series of linguistic parameters are established.
Improving Student Outcomes via Comprehensive Supports
Authors: Kolenovic Zineta , Linderman Donna , Karp Melinda Mechur
Published: November 2013

Community colleges are grappling with low rates of degree completion and transfer. The City University of New York’s (CUNY) Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) aims to improve graduation rates by providing a range of comprehensive support services to community college students in select majors. Using student-unit record data, we employed propensity score matching to examine short-term and 3-year outcomes from ASAP’s first cohort, as well as logistic regression to identify program factors related to graduation. We found that ASAP participation was significantly positively related to retention, credit accrual, transfer, and degree attainment. Regression analyses indicated that a key influence on graduation is participation in advisement sessions. This study provides evidence that encouraging academic momentum via structured and comprehensive support can significantly improve community college graduation rates. It also provides evidence that ongoing and intrusive advisement can encourage positive academic outcomes among community college students.
Racialized Readiness for College and Career
Authors: Castro Erin L.
Published: November 2013

Social science methodologies of intervention programming for college and career readiness, particularly in regard to evaluation, must be situated within a larger context of racialized readiness for college and career. The policy context for this argument is a state-level evaluation of college and career readiness legislation in Illinois using David Conley’s framework as one way to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention programming offered by community colleges to high school students. Using critical race theory, I provide an example from an Illinois evaluation to show that when used as an evaluative rubric to assess college and career readiness intervention programming for high school students, Conley’s framework has potential but needs to be augmented. Concluding are conceptual and practical recommendations for community college practitioners, evaluators, and policymakers.