bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction Between IGF1 Polymorphisms and the Risk of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Chinese Children
Authors: Lu Lingling , Wang Feng , He Lulu , Xue Yao , Wang Yaping , Zhang Heng , Rong Liucheng , Wang Meilin , Zhang Zhengdong , Fang Yongjun , Miao Hongjun
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims: IGF1 is a key regulator in cell proliferation and apoptosis, and the 3' un-translated region (3'UTR) of the gene plays an important role in gene expression. For the first time, we explored the relationship between polymorphisms in the IGF1 3'UTR region and the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Methods: Questionnaires were applied to collect epidemiological data. The genotypes of IGF1 polymorphisms were tested in a population of 744 ALL patients and 1088 cancer-free controls utilizing Taqman. Cell functional studies included real-time PCR, cell culture and transfection and luciferase assays. Results: We found that rs6214 homozygous AA genotype and rs6218 homozygous CC genotype were significantly associated with increased risk of childhood ALL. In addition, rs6218 CC genotype was associated with increased level of IGF1 mRNA in bone marrow, and the mutation in rs6218 led to aberrant binding capacity of hsa-miR-603 and hsa-miR-3941 in the 3'UTR of IGF1. Conclusion: Polymorphisms of rs6214 and rs6218 in the 3'UTR of IGF1 are associated with childhood ALL susceptibility, and the polymorphism of rs6218 is related with IGF1 expression at mRNA level.
Response to Dual Antiplatelet Therapy Does Not Impact Bleeding Risks in Patients Undergoing Oral Surgery after Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Dudek Damian , Kuliczkowski Wiktor , Kaczmarski Jacek , Wiechec Joanna , Reichman-Warmusz Edyta , Segiet Oliwia , Helewski Krzysztof , Wojnicz Romuald , Serebruany Victor L.
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Oral surgery (OS) in patients on antecedent dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) may be associated with extra bleeding risks. Monitoring platelet activity in such patients may be beneficial for safety when performing OS. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess whether platelet function during DAPT impacted the risk of bleeding following OS in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Patients and Methods: Patients who required OS on top of DAPT with aspirin and clopidogrel (n = 55) for invasively treated ACS were included. The control group (n = 33) consisted of patients who underwent OS with no antiplatelet agent. Platelet aggregation before OS was assessed with a Multiplate® analyzer. Bleeding during OS and at days 1, 3, 7 and 10 after surgery was serially evaluated. Results: All 88 patients completed the study. An incomplete response to aspirin or clopidogrel was observed in 43.6% of the patients. In 11% of the cases, an excessive response to clopidogrel was demonstrated. No excessive bleeding upon OS was exhibited in either group during the entire follow-up. Platelet aggregation values and the use of DAPT did not impact the performance of OS. Conclusion: Therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin after ACS does not seem to increase the risk of real-life bleeding following OS, regardless of the platelet activity response to DAPT.
Tracheobronchial Smooth Muscle Atrophy and Separation
Authors: Mehta Atul C. , Zaki Khawaja Salman , Banga Amit , Singh Jarmanjeet , Gildea Thomas R. , Arrossi Valeria
Published: July 2015

We report a case series involving 4 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were on an appropriate medical regimen including a high dose of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). During bronchoscopy, patients were found to have an excessive dynamic collapse of the posterior wall and its separation from the ends of the adjacent cartilaginous rings. This was causing a near-total occlusion of the tracheal and bronchial lumen during exhalation, thereby presenting with an obstructive pattern on the pulmonary functions. We suspect that this was caused by the atrophy of the smooth muscles of the tracheobronchial wall. We reviewed the literature to explore the mechanisms causing atrophy of the bronchial smooth muscle, focusing on the potential role of long-term ICS use.
Modernismo e contexto político: a recepção da arte moderna no Correio da Manhã (1924-1937)
Authors: Cardoso Rafael
Published: July 2015

O presente artigo examina a discussão de “arte moderna” no jornal Correio da Manhã, um dos principais diários brasileiros do século 20, entre os anos de 1924 e 1937. Ao seguir detalhada e sistematicamente a cobertura dada pelo jornal a esse tema, constata-se que o assunto era percebido à época de modo bastante distinto da narrativa ascendente construída pela historiografia posterior. O artigo dedica atenção particular à correlação entre arte moderna e o contexto político imediato, focando nas conexões do meio artístico com debates ideológicos vigentes. Evidencia-se a constituição gradativa de um discurso associando arte moderna a comunismo, que atinge seu ápice com uma campanha anticomunista inflamada no momento logo após a sublevação militar de novembro de 1935. É considerado e revisto o papel de atores importantes no percurso histórico da arte moderna no Brasil, de diversas tendências – com destaque para Graça Aranha, Oswald de Andrade, Mário de Andrade, José Oiticica e Carlos Maul. O propósito da pesquisa é fornecer dados originais que complementem a visão consagrada do movimento modernista, a qual evidencia tendência a privilegiar fontes produzidas pelos próprios atores do movimento e seus herdeiros, assim como fontes exclusivas às artes plásticas. A compreensão alargada da recepção da arte moderna torna possível avaliar com mais nuance e complexidade seu impacto histórico.
Repensando a Romanização: a expansão romana na Itália a partir das fontes historiográficas
Authors: Scopacasa Rafael
Published: July 2015

Entre os séculos IV e II a. C., Roma derrotou diversas comunidades na península italiana e confiscou suas terras, nas quais fundou um grande número de colônias. As fontes escritas nos informam sobre as guerras e batalhas travadas nesse período, mas dizem muito pouco sobre os acertos políticos, administrativos e socioeconômicos entre Roma e as comunidades italianas. O objetivo deste artigo é discutir os tipos de contato e interações sociais que se estruturaram na Itália em decorrência da hegemonia romana, entre os séculos IV e II a. C., identificando os principais agentes históricos envolvidos nesse processo e os termos em que sua interação se deu. Serão feitas considerações sobre como um melhor conhecimento dessas interações sociais pode nos ajudar a compreender o impacto da expansão romana na Itália durante esse período, contribuíndo para um novo modelo interpretativo que ultrapassa o conceito tradicional de “romanização”.
Mitomycin-Induced Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease
Authors: Perros Frédéric , Günther Sven , Ranchoux Benoit , Godinas Laurent , Antigny Fabrice , Chaumais Marie-Camille , Dorfmüller Peter , Hautefort Aurélie , Raymond Nicolas , Savale Laurent , Jaïs Xavier , Girerd Barbara , Cottin Vincent , Sitbon Olivier , Simonneau Gerald , Humbert Marc , Montani David
Published: July 2015

Background—

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD) is an uncommon form of pulmonary hypertension characterized by the obstruction of small pulmonary veins and a dismal prognosis. PVOD may be sporadic or heritable because of biallelic mutations of the
EIF2AK4
gene coding for GCN2. Isolated case reports suggest that chemotherapy may be a risk factor for PVOD.

Methods and Results—

We reported on the clinical, functional, and hemodynamic characteristics and outcomes of 7 cases of PVOD induced by mitomycin-C (MMC) therapy from the French Pulmonary Hypertension Registry. All patients displayed squamous anal cancer and were treated with MMC alone or MMC plus 5-fluoruracil. The estimated annual incidence of PVOD in the French population that have anal cancer is 3.9 of 1000 patients, which is much higher than the incidence of PVOD in the general population (0.5/million per year). In rats, intraperitoneal administration of MMC induced PVOD, as demonstrated by pulmonary hypertension at right-heart catheterization at days 21 to 35 and major remodeling of small pulmonary veins associated with foci of intense microvascular endothelial-cell proliferation of the capillary bed. In rats, MMC administration was associated with dose-dependent depletion of pulmonary GCN2 content and decreased smad1/5/8 signaling. Amifostine prevented the development of MMC-induced PVOD in rats.

Conclusions—

MMC therapy is a potent inducer of PVOD in humans and rats. Amifostine prevents MMC-induced PVOD in rats and should be tested as a preventive therapy for MMC-induced PVOD in humans. MMC-induced PVOD in rats represents a unique model to test novel therapies in this devastating orphan disease.
Prognostic Importance of Impaired Systolic Function in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and the Impact of Spironolactone
Authors: Shah Amil M. , Claggett Brian , Sweitzer Nancy K. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Anand Inder S. , Liu Li , Pitt Bertram , Pfeffer Marc A. , Solomon Scott D.
Published: July 2015

Background—

Impairment in left ventricular systolic function has been described in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), but its prognostic relevance is not known. We determined whether left ventricular longitudinal strain (LS) is predictive of cardiovascular outcomes in HFpEF beyond clinical and conventional echocardiographic measures.

Methods and Results—

LS was assessed by 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography at baseline in 447 patients with HFpEF enrolled in the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) trial. At a median follow-up of 2.6 years (interquartile range, 1.5–3.9 years), 115 patients experienced the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death, HF hospitalization, or aborted cardiac arrest. Impaired LS, defined as an absolute LS <15.8%, was present in 52% of patients and was predictive of the composite outcome (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–3.66;
P
=0.005), cardiovascular death alone (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.44–7.12;
P
=0.004), and HF hospitalization alone (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–4.28;
P
=0.016) after adjustment for clinical and conventional echocardiographic variables. LS was the strongest echocardiographic predictor of the composite outcome. Exploratory analysis in a subset of 131 patients with follow-up LS assessed after 12 to 18 months demonstrated a trend toward improvement in LS associated with spironolactone in patients enrolled in the Americas but not in Russia or Georgia.

Conclusions—

Impaired left ventricular systolic function is a powerful predictor of HF hospitalization, cardiovascular death, or aborted cardiac arrest in HFpEF independent of clinical predictors. Impaired LS represents a novel imaging biomarker to identify patients with HFpEF at particularly high risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00094302.
Sex‐Specific Parental Effects on Offspring Lipid Levels
Authors: Predazzi Irene M. , Sobota Rafal S. , Sanna Serena , Bush William S. , Bartlett Jacquelaine , Lilley Jessica S. , Linton MacRae F. , Schlessinger David , Cucca Francesco , Fazio Sergio , Williams Scott M.
Published: July 2015

Background

Plasma lipid levels are highly heritable traits, but known genetic loci can only explain a small portion of their heritability.

Methods and Results

In this study, we analyzed the role of parental levels of total cholesterol (
TC
), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (
LDL‐C
), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (
HDL
‐C), and triglycerides (
TGs
) in explaining the values of the corresponding traits in adult offspring. We also evaluated the contribution of nongenetic factors that influence lipid traits (age, body mass index, smoking, medications, and menopause) alone and in combination with variability at the genetic loci known to associate with
TC
,
LDL
‐C,
HDL
‐C, and
TG
levels. We performed comparisons among different sex‐specific regression models in 416 families from the Framingham Heart Study and 304 from the Sardi
NIA
cohort. Models including parental lipid levels explain significantly more of the trait variation than models without these measures, explaining up to ≈39% of the total trait variation. Of this variation, the parent‐of‐origin effect explains as much as ≈15% and it does so in a sex‐specific way. This observation is not owing to shared environment, given that spouse‐pair correlations were negligible (<1.5% explained variation in all cases) and is distinct from previous genetic and acquired factors that are known to influence serum lipid levels.

Conclusions

These findings support the concept that unknown genetic and epigenetic contributors are responsible for most of the heritable component of the plasma lipid phenotype, and that, at present, the clinical utility of knowing age‐matched parental lipid levels in assessing risk of dyslipidemia supersedes individual locus effects. Our results support the clinical utility of knowing parental lipid levels in assessing future risk of dyslipidemia.
Effects of Centralizing Acute Stroke Services on Stroke Care Provision in Two Large Metropolitan Areas in England
Authors: Ramsay Angus I.G. , Morris Stephen , Hoffman Alex , Hunter Rachael M. , Boaden Ruth , McKevitt Christopher , Perry Catherine , Pursani Nanik , Rudd Anthony G. , Turner Simon J. , Tyrrell Pippa J. , Wolfe Charles D.A. , Fulop Naomi J.
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—

In 2010, Greater Manchester and London centralized acute stroke care into hyperacute units (Greater Manchester=3, London=8), with additional units providing ongoing specialist stroke care nearer patients’ homes. Greater Manchester patients presenting within 4 hours of symptom onset were eligible for hyperacute unit admission; all London patients were eligible. Research indicates that postcentralization, only London’s stroke mortality fell significantly more than elsewhere in England. This article attempts to explain this difference by analyzing how centralization affects provision of evidence-based clinical interventions.

Methods—

Controlled before and after analysis was conducted, using national audit data covering Greater Manchester, London, and a noncentralized urban comparator (38 623 adult stroke patients, April 2008 to December 2012). Likelihood of receiving all interventions measured reliably in pre- and postcentralization audits (brain scan; stroke unit admission; receiving antiplatelet; physiotherapist, nutrition, and swallow assessments) was calculated, adjusting for age, sex, stroke-type, consciousness, and whether stroke occurred in-hospital.

Results—

Postcentralization, likelihood of receiving interventions increased in all areas. London patients were overall significantly more likely to receive interventions, for example, brain scan within 3 hours: Greater Manchester=65.2% (95% confidence interval=64.3–66.2); London=72.1% (71.4–72.8); comparator=55.5% (54.8–56.3). Hyperacute units were significantly more likely to provide interventions, but fewer Greater Manchester patients were admitted to these (Greater Manchester=39%; London=93%). Differences resulted from contrasting hyperacute unit referral criteria and how reliably they were followed.

Conclusions—

Centralized systems admitting all stroke patients to hyperacute units, as in London, are significantly more likely to provide evidence-based clinical interventions. This may help explain previous research showing better outcomes associated with fully centralized models.
A new species of Ephedra (Ephedraceae, Ephedrales) from India
Authors: SHARMA PRABHA , SINGH RITA
Published: July 2015

Ephedra Linnaeus (1753: 1040) is a genus with approximately 40 species Christenhusz et al. (2011), although the estimates range from 31 Stapf (1889) to ca 50 Price (1996). Sahni (1990) lists eight species for India and adjoining regions, but three additional species (E. kardangensis P.Sharma & P.L.Uniyal in Sharma et al. 2010: 730, E. khurickensis P.Sharma & P.L.Uniyal in Sharma et al. 2010: 731, E. sumlingensis Sharma & Uniyal 2008: 179), have recently been added from the Western Himalayas since (Sharma & Uniyal 2014).
Notes on the fern flora of Fiji: Synonymization of Ctenitis minima and Dryopteris waiwaiensis with Tectaria dissecta (Tectariaceae) and Deparia boryana (Athyriaceae), respectively
Authors: DUAN YI-FAN , Zhang Libing
Published: July 2015

Ctenitis C. Christensen (1938: 544) is a fern genus in Dryopteridaceae (Smith et al. 2006, Zhang et al. 2013), containing about 150 species distributed in the New and Old World wet tropics (Mickel & Smith, 2004). While working on a monograph of Ctenitis of the Old World, we found two new synonyms for the fern flora of Fiji which do not belong to Ctenitis and have never been correctly treated before: Ctenitis minima Brownlie (1977: 303), a heterotypic synonym of Tectaria dissecta (G. Forst.) Lellinger (1968: 156) (Tectariaceae), and Ctenitis waiwaiensis (C. Chr.) Brownlie (1977: 303) [basionym: Dryopteris waiwaiensis Christensen (1905: 300)], a heterotypic synonym of Deparia boryana (Willdenow) M. Kato (1977: 36) (Athyriaceae).
Dryopteris shiakeana (Dryopteridaceae): A new fern from Danxiashan in Guangdong, China
Authors: Hui Shang , Qi-Xia Ma , Yue-Hong Yan
Published: July 2015

Dryopteris shiakeana, a new species of Dryopteridaceae from Danxia landform in Danxiashan National Park, Guangdong, China, is described and illustrated. This species exhibits morphological characteristics similar to D. dehuaensis but differs in terms of dense scales on the rachis of laminae and pinnae, dissected pinnules, more prominent veinlets, reddish-brown scales on stipes, and toothed margin. Based on results of molecular phylogenetic analysis of the trnL-F sequence, our conclusion is that D. shiakeana is most closely related to D. dehuaensis.
Two new species of Rhagovelia (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from Costa Rica, with a key and new records from the country
Authors: MOREIRA FELIPE FERRAZ FIGUEIREDO , PACHECO-CHAVES BERNALD , SPRINGER MONIKA , CORDEIRO ISABELLE DA ROCHA SILVA
Published: July 2015

Rhagovelia danpolhemi sp. nov., from the Caribbean Slope of Costa Rica and R. springerae sp. nov., from the northern portion of the country, are described, illustrated, compared with similar species, and included in a key to species recorded from the country. Rhagovelia calopa Drake & Harris, R. spinosa Gould, and R. tantilla Drake & Harris are recorded for the first time from Costa Rica. New provincial records are provided for R. acuminata Bacon, R. angustipes Uhler, R. armata (Burmeister), R. bisignata Bacon, R. crassipes Champion, R. elegans Uhler, R. femoralis Champion, R. solida Bacon, R. spinigera Champion, R. tenuipes Champion, and R. uncinata Champion. Additional distributional information is given for these species and for R. formosa Bacon and R. scabra Bacon.
A new species of Allobates (Anura: Aromobatidae) from Parque Nacional da Amazônia, Pará State, Brazil
Authors: LIMA ALBERTINA P. , SIMÕES PEDRO IVO , KAEFER IGOR LUIS
Published: July 2015

We describe the fourth species of nurse-frog genus Allobates occurring in the southeastern Brazilian Amazonia. The new species is sympatric with Allobates femoralis, Allobates masniger and Allobates magnussoni, and inhabits the margins of streams in forested areas within Parque Nacional da Amazônia, on the western bank of the Tapajós River. Snout-to-vent length ranges between 14.9–16.1 mm among males and 15.6–16.5 mm among females. The species is distinguished by the light brown background color of dorsum, with irregular dark brown blotches appearing from eye level to the urostyle region. In life, ventral surfaces of males are golden yellow on throat and chest, and white to yellow on abdomen. Ventral surfaces of females are predominantly white, except for light yellow on chin. The dark brown lateral band has a diffuse lower edge ventrolaterally. Dorsal surface of thigh is cream, with a longitudinal dark brown band extending dorsally from vent to knee. Tail musculature of tadpoles is robust, bifurcating dorsally over the body and reaching about two-thirds of the body length. Advertisement calls consist predominantly of continuous pairs of notes, but other note arrangements are also emitted. Notes have ascending frequency modulation and average peak frequency ranging between 5.3–5.9 kHz. First and second notes of the same note pair are similar in amplitude, duration and frequency spectrum. Successive note pairs are split by approximately regular silent intervals (0.30–0.49 s). The species lays its eggs inside rolled or folded dead leaves on the leaf litter. Egg capsules and jelly nests are opaque.
New data on Belippo and Myrmarachne of Kenya (Araneae: Salticidae: Myrmarachninae)
Authors: WESOŁOWSKA WANDA , WIŚNIEWSKI KONRAD
Published: July 2015

Basing on the collection of Åke Holm, we provide new data on African Myrmarachninae from Kenya: Belippo elgonensis sp. n. (♂) and B. terribilis sp. n. (♂) are described, as well as the previously unknown female of Myrmarachne giltayi. Belippo calcarata, B. milloti and M. dundoensis are recorded from Kenya for the first time and new records for Myrmarachne kiboschensis, M. lawrencei and M. marshalli are given.
A new species of Imantodes Duméril, 1853 (Serpentes, Dipsadidae) from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia
Authors: MISSASSI ALEXANDRE F. R. , PRUDENTE ANA L. C.
Published: July 2015

We describe a new species of Imantodes, morphologically similar to I. chocoensis, from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia. This new species is distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: smooth dorsal scale rows 17/17/15; apical pits absent; infralabials 12–13; ventrals 227–236; subcaudals 147–148; presence of loreal scale; cloacal plate divided; dark temporal stripe on the suture between the lower edge of temporal scales and upper region of supralabials; dorsum of body light brown with dark brown transversal streaks, weakly evident in lateral view; hemipenis in situ extending to the level of 11th subcaudal and reaches the 10th subcaudal when everted; hemipenis with sulcus spermaticus expanded at the base of capitulum and extending distally. Additionally, we discuss the lateral expansion of the sulcus spermaticus in the new species, similar to that of species of Leptodeira.
A new species of Dysmicoccus damaging lavender in French Provence (Hemiptera, Sternorrhyncha, Pseudococcidae)
Authors: GERMAIN J. -F. , MATILE-FERRERO D. , KAYDAN M. B. , MALAUSA T. , WILLIAMS D.J.
Published: July 2015

Une nouvelle espèce de Dysmicoccus nuisible à la lavande en Provence (France) (Hemiptera, Sternorrhyncha, Pseudococcidae). Dysmicoccus lavandulae Germain, Matile-Ferrero & Williams n. sp. est décrite et illustrée. Ses séquences ADN sont présentées. L’espèce vit sur Lavandula x intermedia cultivée pour la production d’essence de lavande en Provence. La liste des espèces de pseudococcines vivant sur les lavandes spontanées en France est dressée. Le statut des 2 genres voisins Trionymus Berg et Dysmicoccus Ferris est discuté.
Review of Hydrometra gracilenta Horváth, 1899 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Hydrometridae) in Italy, with notes on its general distribution
Authors: CIANFERONI FABIO , DELL’OLMO LORELLA , LASTRUCCI LORENZO
Published: July 2015

An annotated review of the known Italian distribution of Hydrometra gracilenta Horváth, 1899 is provided, plus unpublished data including a new record which increases the previously known range of the species in Italy. An updated map shows the currently known distribution of the taxon in Italy. An overlooked nomenclatural change is discussed, and the date of description for the genus Hydrometra Lateille is corrected from 1796 to 1797. The presence of H. gracilenta is excluded from Egypt, Sudan, and Rwanda.
An Improved Trajectory Model to Evaluate the Collection Performance of Snow Gauges
Authors: Colli Matteo , Rasmussen Roy , Thériault Julie M. , Lanza Luca G. , Baker C. Bruce , Kochendorfer John
Published: July 2015

Recent studies have used numerical models to estimate the collection efficiency of solid precipitation gauges when exposed to the wind in both shielded and unshielded configurations. The models used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the airflow pattern generated by the aerodynamic response to the gauge–shield geometry. These are used as initial conditions to perform Lagrangian tracking of solid precipitation particles. Validation of the results against field observations yielded similarities in the overall behavior, but the model output only approximately reproduced the dependence of the experimental collection efficiency on wind speed. This paper presents an improved snowflake trajectory modeling scheme due to the inclusion of a dynamically determined drag coefficient. The drag coefficient was estimated using the local Reynolds number as derived from CFD simulations within a time-independent Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes approach. The proposed dynamic model greatly improves the consistency of results with the field observations recently obtained at the Marshall Field winter precipitation test bed in Boulder, Colorado.
Contribution of Synoptic Transients to the Potential Predictability of PNA Circulation Anomalies: El Niño versus La Niña
Authors: Abid Muhammad Adnan , Kang In-Sik , Almazroui Mansour , Kucharski Fred
Published: July 2015

The potential predictability (PP) of seasonal-mean 200-hPa geopotential height (Z200) anomalies in the Pacific–North American (PNA) region is examined for El Niño and La Niña separately by using 50 ensemble members of twentieth-century AGCM simulations. Observed sea surface temperature (SST) is prescribed for the period 1870–2009, and 14 El Niño and La Niña years after 1900 are selected for the present study. The domain-averaged value of PP for Z200 in the PNA region, as measured by the signal-to-noise ratio, for El Niño is about 60% larger than that of La Niña. Such a large PP is mainly due to a larger signal and partly to less noise during El Niño compared to that during La Niña . The transient eddy feedback to the PNA circulation anomalies is stronger during El Niño events (about 50%) than that during La Niña, and this difference in the transients contributes significantly to the different Z200 signals in the PNA region. The noise variance of the transients during El Niño is about 17% smaller than during La Niña, and thus transients play an important role in the reduction of Z200 noise during El Niño. Idealized experiments with the same spatial pattern but different signs of SST anomalies confirm the results mentioned above. Moreover, these experiments with several different amplitudes of positive and negative phases of tropical Pacific SST anomalies show that signals of Z200 and transients are proportional to precipitation anomalies in the tropical Pacific, and noises of Z200 for El Niño cases are somewhat smaller than the corresponding values of La Niña.
Overview of the D3R Observations during the IFloodS Field Experiment with Emphasis on Rainfall Mapping and Microphysics
Authors: Beauchamp Robert M. , Chandrasekar V. , Chen Haonan , Vega Manuel
Published: July 2015

The NASA dual-frequency, dual-polarization Doppler radar (D3R) was deployed as part of the GPM Iowa Flood Studies (IFloodS) ground validation field campaign from 1 May through 15 June 2013. The D3R participated in a multi-instrument targeted investigation of convective initiation and hydrological response in the midwestern United States. An overview of the D3R’s calibration and observations is presented. A method for attenuation correction of Ka-band observations using Ku-band results is introduced. Dual-frequency ratio estimates in stratiform rain and ice are presented and compared with theoretical values. Ku-band quantitative precipitation estimation results are validated against IFloodS ground instruments.
Quality Assessment Techniques Applied to Surface Radial Velocity Maps Obtained from High-Frequency Radars
Authors: Kim Sung Yong
Published: July 2015

This paper presents examples of the data quality assessment of surface radial velocity maps obtained from shore-based single and multiple high-frequency radars (HFRs) using statistical and dynamical approaches in a hindcast mode. Since a single radial velocity map contains partial information regarding a true current field, archived radial velocity data embed geophysical signals, such as tides, wind stress, and near-inertial and low-frequency variance. The spatial consistency of the geophysical signals and their dynamic relationships with driving forces are used to conduct the quality assurance and quality control of radial velocity data. For instance, spatial coherence, tidal amplitudes and phases, and wind-radial transfer functions are used to identify a spurious range and azimuthal bin. The uncertainty and signal-to-noise ratio of radial data are estimated with the standard deviation and cross correlation of paired radials sampled at nearby grid points that belong to two different radars. This review paper can benefit HFR users and operators and those who are interested in analyzing HFR-derived surface radial velocity data.
Examination of a Stochastic and Deterministic Convection Parameterization in the COSMO Model
Authors: Kober Kirstin , Foerster Annette M. , Craig George C.
Published: July 2015

Stochastic parameterizations allow the representation of the small-scale variability of parameterized physical processes. This study investigates whether additional variability introduced by a stochastic convection parameterization leads to improvements in the precipitation forecasts. Forecasts are calculated with two different ensembles: one considering large-scale and convective variability with the stochastic Plant–Craig convection parameterization and one considering only large-scale variability with the standard Tiedtke convection parameterization. The forecast quality of both ensembles is evaluated in comparison with radar observations for two case studies with weak and strong synoptic forcing of convection and measured with neighborhood and probabilistic verification methods. The skill of the ensemble based on the Plant–Craig convection parameterization relative to the ensemble with the Tiedtke parameterization strongly depends on the synoptic situation in which convection occurs. In the weak forcing case, where the convective precipitation is highly intermittent, the ensemble based on the stochastic parameterization is superior, but the scheme produces too much small-scale variability in the strong forcing case. In the future, the degree of stochastic variability could be tuned, and these results show that parameters should be chosen in a regime-dependent manner.
The Historical Demography of Racial Segregation
Authors: Grigoryeva Angelina , Ruef Martin
Published: July 2015

Standard measures of residential segregation tend to equate spatial with social proximity. This assumption has been increasingly subject to critique among demographers and ethnographers and becomes especially problematic in historical settings. In the late nineteenth-century United States, standard measures suggest a counterintuitive pattern: southern cities, with their long history of racial inequality, had less residential segregation than urban areas considered to be more racially tolerant. By using census enumeration procedures, we develop a sequence measure that captures a more subtle “backyard” pattern of segregation, where white families dominated front streets and blacks were relegated to alleys. Our analysis of complete household data from the 1880 Census documents how segregation took various forms across the postbellum United States. Whereas northern cities developed segregation via racialized neighborhoods, substituting residential inequality for the status inequality of slavery, southern cities embraced street-front segregation that reproduced the racial inequality that existed under slavery.
Positioning Multiraciality in Cyberspace
Authors: Curington Celeste Vaughan , Lin Ken-Hou , Lundquist Jennifer Hickes
Published: July 2015

The U.S. multiracial population has grown substantially in the past decades, yet little is known about how these individuals are positioned in the racial hierarchies of the dating market. Using data from one of the largest dating websites in the United States, we examine how monoracial daters respond to initial messages sent by multiracial daters with various White/non-White racial and ethnic makeups. We test four different theories: hypodescent, multiracial in-betweenness, White equivalence, and what we call a multiracial dividend effect. We find no evidence for the operation of hypodescent. Asian-White daters, in particular, are afforded a heightened status, and Black-White multiracials are treated as an in-between group. For a few specific multiracial gender groups, we find evidence for a dividend effect, where multiracial men and women are preferred above all other groups, including Whites.
The Impact of Pepsin on Human Nasal Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Southwood Jessica E. , Hoekzema Craig R. , Samuels Tina L. , Wells Clive , Poetker David M. , Johnston Nikki , Loehrl Todd A.
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

To describe potential mechanisms by which pepsin induces inflammation in refractive chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Our hypothesis was that pepsin induces mitochondrial damage and cytokine expression in human nasal epithelial cells (HNEpC) in vitro.

Methods:

Western blot was used to detect pepsin in sinus lavages from patients with CRS and controls. The HNEpC cells were treated with pepsin (pH 7; 0.1 mg/mL) for 1 or 16 hours and routine electron microscopy (EM) and MTT assay were performed. Cytokine ELISA was performed on media collected from HNEpC cells 16 hours following a 1-hour pepsin treatment.

Results:

Pepsin was detected in sinus lavages from 4 out of 6 CRS patients and 0 out of 3 controls. The EM showed mitochondrial damage in pepsin-treated HNEpC cells but not in control cells. The MTT assay demonstrated reduced mitochondrial activity in pepsin-treated HNEpC cells compared to controls ( P < .001). Pepsin increased IL-1A ( P = .003) and IL-6 ( P = .04) expression in HNEpC cells.

Conclusions:

Pepsin in sinus lavages from patients with CRS is consistent with previous studies. This study reveals the damaging effect of pepsin on mitochondria in nasal epithelial cells in vitro. Cytokines previously associated with CRS were elevated following pepsin treatment of HNEpC cells in vitro. These results demonstrate mechanisms by which pepsin may potentiate CRS.
Institutional Drivers for Corporate Social Responsibility in an Emerging Economy: A Mixed-Method Study of Chinese Business Executives
Authors: Yin Juelin
Published: July 2015

This study develops an internal–external institutional framework that explains why firms act in socially responsible ways in the emerging country context of China. Utilizing a mixed method of in-depth interviews and a survey study of 225 Chinese firms, the author found that internal institutional factors, including ethical corporate culture and top management commitment, and external institutional factors, including globalization pressure, political embeddedness, and normative social pressure, will affect the likelihood of firms to act in socially responsible ways. In particular, implicit ethical corporate culture plays a key role in predicting different aspects of corporate social responsibility (CSR), while external institutional mechanisms mainly predict market-oriented CSR initiatives. This study contributes to the research on CSR antecedents by showing that in the emerging economy of China, CSR toward nonmarket stakeholders is more closely intertwined with corporate tradition and values, while legitimacy-seeking CSR activities are still limitedly rewarded.
Using Clinical Data to Predict Accurate ADHD Diagnoses Among Urban Children
Authors: Silverstein Michael , Hironaka L. Kari , Feinberg Emily , Sandler Jenna , Pellicer Michelle , Chen Ning , Cabral Howard
Published: July 2015

Diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) requires reports of child behavior from 2 settings—most commonly home and school. Obtaining this information from teachers, however, is often challenging. We sought to determine if clinical data, supplementary to parent symptom scales, could be useful in predicting DSM-compliant diagnoses. Parents and teachers reported ADHD symptoms for 156 children using Vanderbilt scales; care managers collected clinical data; a team of specialists determined whether children met diagnostic criteria for ADHD. The ability of a parent Vanderbilt alone to predict an ADHD diagnosis was 56% (95% confidence interval = 45%, 67%). By adding child age and grade retention history to the multivariable model, the probability rose to 78% (95% confidence interval = 59%, 93%). In the maximally predictive model—which included 5 covariates—the predictive validity rose to 84% (95% confidence interval = 52%, 99%). Supplementing parent symptom reports with clinical data may be a viable alternative in certain cases when teacher reports are unavailable.
Identifying Social Determinants of Health and Legal Needs for Children With Special Health Care Needs
Authors: DeJong Neal A. , Wood Charles T. , Morreale Madlyn C. , Ellis Cameron , Davis Darragh , Fernandez Jorge , Steiner Michael J.
Published: July 2015

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) require comprehensive care with high levels of community and government assistance. Medical–legal partnerships may be particularly suited to address needs for this population. To explore this, we conducted in-depth telephone interviews of families of CSHCN cared for in the primary care practice of our tertiary care children’s hospital. The majority of the sample (N = 46) had been late on housing payments and 17% of homeowners had been threatened with foreclosure. Families frequently reported denial of public benefits. Approximately 10% had executed advance planning documents such as guardianship plans for the children or wills for the parents. A minority of families had sought help from community agencies or lawyers. Less than one third had ever discussed any of the issues with health care providers, but two thirds were likely or very likely to in the future. CSHCN may especially benefit from the social support of a medical–legal partnership.
The Prevalence of Food Allergies in Children Referred to a Multidisciplinary Feeding Program
Authors: Yeung Karla Au , Taylor Tessa , Scheimann Ann , Carvalho Ryan , Reinhardt Elsie , Girolami Peter , Wood Robert
Published: July 2015

Objective. To assess the prevalence of food allergy in children presenting to a multidisciplinary feeding program. Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted from 302 patients. We recorded history of food reaction, family history of any atopic disease, radioallergosorbent testing, prematurity, birth weight, breastfeeding history, Z-scores, age, and gastrointestinal mucosal biopsy reports with eosinophilic infiltrate. Three categories of possible food allergy were stratified based on increasing evidence of allergy. Results. Possible food allergy was found for 18% (n = 54), likely food allergy for 6% (n = 18), and very likely food allergy for 16% (n = 47) for a total of 40% classified in a food allergy group. Having been breastfed correlated with likelihood of food allergy but tube-feeding dependence did not. Conclusion. This study revealed a higher proportion of children in a feeding program with food allergy compared to the general population, but larger prospective studies are needed to confirm the association.
Swedish nursing students’ perceptions of the concept of health: A phenomenographic study
Authors: Skär Lisa , Söderberg Siv
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

Health is a central and important concept in nursing and nursing education, and has been theorised about in both positive and negative terms. The purpose of this study was to explore Swedish nursing students’ perceptions of the concept of health.

Design:

A phenomenographic research approach was used to understand how nursing students perceive the concept of health.

Setting:

The study group comprised students ( n = 233) attending the nursing programme in the first, third and sixth semester, at one university in northern Sweden.

Method:

Data were collected during the 2012–2013 school year by asking the nursing students to complete the sentence, ‘I perceive that health is …’

Results:

Results indicated that health means a feeling of well-being in both body and mind and that a person is responsible for promoting his or her own health. Promoting good health involved finding a balance between, diet, activity, work and rest. Furthermore, relationships with family and friends were important for experiences of good health. Study participants also commented that a person could feel healthy despite illness.

Discussion:

Nursing students’ perception of the concept of health was multifaceted and based on a holistic and positive attitude. However, the boundary between health and illness was characterised as being unclear, and none of the students’ included nursing theory in their descriptions of the concept of health.

Conclusion:

These findings show that it is important to integrate students’ experiences and perceptions into nursing education and theory, to develop a deeper understanding of the concept of health to enhance nursing education.
A Review of Research on Driving Styles and Road Safety
Authors: Sagberg Fridulv , Selpi  , Bianchi Piccinini Giulio Francesco , Engström Johan
Published: July 2015

Objective:

The aim of this study was to outline a conceptual framework for understanding driving style and, on this basis, review the state-of-the-art research on driving styles in relation to road safety.

Background:

Previous research has indicated a relationship between the driving styles adopted by drivers and their crash involvement. However, a comprehensive literature review of driving style research is lacking.

Method:

A systematic literature search was conducted, including empirical, theoretical, and methodological research, on driving styles related to road safety.

Results:

A conceptual framework was proposed whereby driving styles are viewed in terms of driving habits established as a result of individual dispositions as well as social norms and cultural values. Moreover, a general scheme for categorizing and operationalizing driving styles was suggested. On this basis, existing literature on driving styles and indicators was reviewed. Links between driving styles and road safety were identified and individual and sociocultural factors influencing driving style were reviewed.

Conclusion:

Existing studies have addressed a wide variety of driving styles, and there is an acute need for a unifying conceptual framework in order to synthesize these results and make useful generalizations. There is a considerable potential for increasing road safety by means of behavior modification. Naturalistic driving observations represent particularly promising approaches to future research on driving styles.

Application:

Knowledge about driving styles can be applied in programs for modifying driver behavior and in the context of usage-based insurance. It may also be used as a means for driver identification and for the development of driver assistance systems.
The Workload Curve
Authors: Estes Steven
Published: July 2015

Objective:

In this paper I begin looking for evidence of a subjective workload curve.

Background:

Results from subjective mental workload assessments are often interpreted linearly. However, I hypothesized that ratings of subjective mental workload increase nonlinearly with unitary increases in working memory load.

Method:

Two studies were conducted. In the first, the participant provided ratings of the mental difficulty of a series of digit span recall tasks. In the second study, participants provided ratings of mental difficulty associated with recall of visual patterns. The results of the second study were then examined using a mathematical model of working memory.

Results:

An S curve, predicted a priori, was found in the results of both the digit span and visual pattern studies. A mathematical model showed a tight fit between workload ratings and levels of working memory activation.

Conclusion:

This effort provides good initial evidence for the existence of a workload curve. The results support further study in applied settings and other facets of workload (e.g., temporal workload).

Application:

Measures of subjective workload are used across a wide variety of domains and applications. These results bear on their interpretation, particularly as they relate to workload thresholds.
Effect of nanofiller length and orientation distributions on Mode I fracture toughness of unidirectional fiber composites
Authors: Menna Costantino , Bakis Charles E , Prota Andrea
Published: July 2015

Although several experiments demonstrate a statistical variability of length and orientation of nanofillers in composites, a limited number of analytical studies include these effects in the prediction of fracture energy, particularly in composites containing micro-sized continuous fibers together with nano-sized fillers such as carbon nanotubes. In this investigation, we model the Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of unidirectional fiber composites containing carbon nanotubes with known length and orientation distributions. A micromechanical model, based on an analytical framework developed for “classical” short fiber composites, is presented to quantify the enhancement of fracture toughness due to either carbon nanotube pullout from the matrix or carbon nanotube fracture. The results show remarkable differences compared to the models that utilize a unique (average) carbon nanotube length value, especially with regard to maximum achievable energy enhancement, depending on mean length and on interfacial shear strength between carbon nanotubes and matrix. Some key characteristics of the carbon nanotube statistical length distribution are also analyzed along with the limit of mean carbon nanotube length between the two competing mechanisms of toughening. The analytical framework is also supported by Mode I fracture toughness experiments conducted on nanofilled S2-glass fiber/epoxy laminated composites. The inclusion of experimentally determined distributions of carbon nanotube lengths in the presented model led to good estimations of the effect of carbon nanotubes on the Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness. Comparable results were obtained for carbon nanofibers, as well.
UV stepwise cured fabrication of glass fiber/acrylate composites: Effects of exposure dose on curing uniformity and interlaminar shear strength
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Duan Yugang , Zhao Xinming , Li Dichen
Published: July 2015

To determine the quality of composites cured with UV light ply by ply, the effects of exposure dose on the cure uniformity and interlaminar shear strength of composite laminates were investigated. This was done by using UV power meter, differential scanning calorimetry, and the fiber optic strain sensors. According to differential photocalorimety results, the accumulative curing effect is remarkable in the stepwise UV-curing process, which results in gradual improvement of the degree of cure of the underlying ply. The cure uniformity increased with increasing exposure dose, but higher exposure dose led to a decrease of the interlaminar shear strength. This was due to increased shrinking strain and residual stress according to the results from the fiber optic strain sensors.