bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Widening Sphere of Influence of HOXB7 in Solid Tumors
Authors: Errico Maria Cristina , Jin Kideok , Sukumar Saraswati , Carè Alessandra
Published: April 2016

Strong lines of evidence have established a critical role for the homeodomain protein HOXB7 in cancer. Specifically, molecular and cellular studies have demonstrated that HOXB7 is a master regulatory gene, capable of orchestrating a variety of target molecules, resulting in the activation of several oncogenic pathways. HOXB7 overexpression correlates with clinical progression and poor outcome of cancer patients. Specific inhibition of HOXB7 is particularly relevant in cancers still lacking effective therapies, such as tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer and melanoma. Mechanistic studies are providing additional targets of therapy, and biomarker studies are further establishing its importance in early diagnosis and prognosis. Cancer Res; 76(10); 2857–62. ©2016 AACR.
Is There a Future for Chemoprevention of Prostate Cancer?
Authors: Bosland Maarten C.
Published: April 2016

The outcome of the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial, demonstrating harm and no preventive activity of selenomethionine and α-tocopherol for prostate cancer, and the lack of approval by the FDA for the use of 5α-reductase inhibitors to prevent prostate cancer have cast doubt about the future of chemoprevention of prostate cancer. This article attempts to critically assess whether the notion that chemoprevention of prostate cancer has no future is warranted. Risk of prostate cancer is modifiable and chemoprevention of prostate cancer, particularly fatal/lethal cancer, is both needed and possible. However, the approach to prostate cancer–chemopreventive agent development has not followed a rational and systematic process. To make progress, the following steps are necessary: (i) identification of intermediate biomarkers predictive of fatal/lethal disease; (ii) development of a rational approach to identification of candidate agents, including high-throughput screening and generation of information on mechanism and biology of candidate agents and potential molecular targets; and (iii) systematic evaluation of the predictive value of preclinical models, phase II trials, and intermediate biomarkers for the outcome of phase III trials. New phase III trials should be based on adequate preclinical and phase II studies. Cancer Prev Res; 9(8); 642–7. ©2016 AACR.
Enhancing Fluoride: Clinical Human Studies of Alternatives or Boosters for Caries Management
Authors: Fontana Margherita
Published: April 2016

Dental caries remains a major public health problem, especially for certain high-risk population groups. The goal of this study was to assess the evidence regarding strategies meant to be used as alternatives or booster/supplements to fluoride for caries prevention and management. Articles were selected for inclusion if they had a prospective longitudinal design, with a fluoride control arm, and were conducted in human subjects. Of the included studies, 7/18 studies on calcium-based strategies favored the test product (the majority of studies included exposure of fluoride in all groups). All the arginine studies (8/8) included a combination of arginine and a calcium base, and concluded that this has the potential to significantly boost the performance of fluoride. The remaining included studies focused on the addition of microbial-related strategies to a fluoride-containing vehicle (2 xylitol studies and 1 study using a probiotic milk), and all favored the combination as a booster to fluoride. Thus, the current study did not identify evidence for any strategy to effectively be used as a substitute or alternative to fluoride, but identified some consistent evidence derived from the use of prebiotic strategies (primarily from use of arginine combined with calcium) to support their potential use to boost the mechanism of action of fluoride. Thus, fluoride-based strategies remain the standard for caries prevention and management, with some evidence that boosting the effects of fluoride by the use of prebiotic strategies is a promising possibility.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Dental Sealants versus Fluoride Varnish in a School-Based Setting
Authors: Neidell Matthew , Shearer Barbara , Lamster Ira B.
Published: April 2016

While sealants are more effective than fluoride varnish in reducing the development of new carious lesions on occlusal surfaces, and a course of treatment requires fewer clinical visits, they are more expensive per application. This analysis assessed which treatment is more cost-effective. We estimate the costs of sealants and fluoride varnish over a 4-year period in a school-based setting, and compare this to existing estimates of the relative benefits in terms of caries reduction to calculate the relative cost-effectiveness of these two preventive treatments. In our base case scenario, varnish is more cost-effective in preventing caries. Allowing for caries benefits to nonocclusal surfaces further improves the cost-effectiveness of varnish. Although we found that varnish is more cost-effective, the results are context specific. Sealants become equally cost-effective if a dental hygienist applies the sealants instead of a dentist, while varnish becomes increasingly cost-effective when making comparisons outside of a traditional dental clinic setting.
Fluoride Rinses, Gels and Foams: An Update of Controlled Clinical Trials
Authors: Twetman Svante , Keller Mette K.
Published: April 2016

Aim: The aim of this conference paper was to systematically review the quality of evidence and summarize the findings of clinical trials published after 2002 using fluoride mouth rinses, fluoride gels or foams for the prevention of dental caries. Methods: Relevant papers were selected after an electronic search for literature published in English between 2003 and 2014. The included papers were assessed for their risk of bias and the results were narratively synthesized due to study heterogeneity. The quality of evidence was expressed according to GRADE. Results: A total of 19 papers were included (6 on fluoride mouth rinse, 10 on fluoride gel and 3 on fluoride foam); 6 had a low risk of bias while 2 had a moderate risk. All fluoride measures appeared to be beneficial in preventing crown caries and reversing root caries, but the quality of evidence was graded as low for fluoride mouth rinse, moderate for fluoride gel and very low for acidulated fluoride foam. No conclusions could be drawn on the cost-effectiveness. Conclusions: This review, covering the recent decade, has further substantiated the evidence for a caries-preventive effect of fluoride mouth rinse, fluoride gel and foam, previously established in systematic reviews. The lack of clinical trials free from bias is, however, still a concern, especially for fluoride mouth rinses and fluoride foam. There is also a scientific knowledge gap on the benefit and optimal use of these fluoride supplements in combination with daily tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
High Fluoride Dentifrices for Elderly and Vulnerable Adults: Does It Work and if So, Then Why?
Authors: Ekstrand Kim Rud
Published: April 2016

The primary aim of this work is to present the available evidence that toothpastes containing >1,500 ppm fluoride (2,500-2,800 and 5,000 ppm F) provide an additional caries preventive effect on root caries lesions in elderly patients compared to traditional dentifrices (1,000-1,450 ppm F). The secondary aim of this paper is to discuss why high fluoride dentifrices in general should perform better than traditional F-containing toothpaste. When examining the few studies that have considered the preventive benefits of high fluoride products on root caries the relative risk appears to be around 0.5, and the risk can thus be halved by exchanging traditional F-containing toothpaste for toothpaste containing 5,000 ppm F. There is reasonable evidence that high fluoride dentifrices significantly increase the fluoride concentration in saliva during the day and the fluoride concentration in plaque compared to traditional F toothpaste. Furthermore, the use of toothpaste with 5,000 ppm F significantly reduces the amount of plaque accumulated, decreases the number of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli and possibly promotes calcium fluoride deposits to a higher degree than after the use of traditional F-containing toothpaste.
Functional Assessment of Synoptic Pathology Reporting for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Słodkowska Janina , Cierniak Szczepan , Patera Janusz , Kopik Jarosław , Baranowski Włodzimierz , Markiewicz Tomasz , Murawski Piotr , Buda Irmina , Kozłowski Wojciech
Published: April 2016

Background: Ovarian cancer has one of the highest death/incidence rates and is commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage. In the recent WHO classification, new histotypes were classified which respond differently to chemotherapy. The e-standardized synoptic cancer pathology reports offer the clinicians essential and reliable information. The aim of our project was to develop an e-template for the standardized synoptic pathology reporting of ovarian carcinoma [based on the checklist of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the recent WHO/FIGO classification] to introduce a uniform and improved quality of cancer pathology reports. A functional and qualitative evaluation of the synoptic reporting was performed. Methods: An indispensable module for e-synoptic reporting was developed and integrated into the Hospital Information System (HIS). The electronic pathology system used a standardized structure with drop-down lists of defined elements to ensure completeness and consistency of reporting practices with the required guidelines. All ovarian cancer pathology reports (partial and final) with the corresponding glass slides selected from a 1-year current workflow were revised for the standard structured reports, and 42 tumors [13 borderline tumors and 29 carcinomas (mainly serous)] were included in the study. Results: Analysis of the reports for completeness against the CAP checklist standard showed a lack of pTNM staging in 80% of the partial or final unstructured reports; ICD-O coding was missing in 83%. Much less frequently missed or unstated data were: ovarian capsule infiltration, angioinvasion and implant evaluation. The e-records of ovarian tumors were supplemented with digital macro- and micro-images and whole-slide images. Conclusions: The e-module developed for synoptic ovarian cancer pathology reporting was easily incorporated into HIS.CGM CliniNet and facilitated comprehensive reporting; it also provided open access to the database for concerned recipients. The e-synoptic pathology reports appeared more accurate, clear and conclusive than traditional narrative reports. Standardizing structured reporting and electronic tools allows open access and downstream utilization of pathology data for clinicians and tumor registries.
The Public Health Reach of High Fluoride Vehicles: Examples of Innovative Approaches
Authors: Tellez Marisol , Wolff Mark S.
Published: April 2016

Fluorides and sealants have been shown to reduce caries in populations, making fluoride interventions a large part of the dental public health effort. Although public health programs have traditionally focused on fluoride vehicles delivering less than 1,000 ppm of fluoride, more recent efforts have shifted toward the use of high fluoride vehicles such as varnishes and prescription toothpastes. In the USA, states are developing innovative strategies to increase access to dental services by using primary care medical providers to deliver early preventive services as part of well-child care visits. Currently, Medicaid programs in 43 states reimburse medical providers for preventive services including varnish application. Still, there is uncertainty about the cost-effectiveness of such interventions. In many resource-strained environments, with shortages of dental health care providers, lack of fluoridated water and lower dental awareness, it is necessary to develop sustainable programs utilizing already established programs, like primary school education, where caries prevention may be set as a priority. Dental caries among the elderly is an ongoing complex problem. The 5,000-ppm F toothpaste may be a reasonable approach for developing public health programs where root caries control is the main concern. Fluoride varnish and high concentration fluoride toothpaste are attractive because they can easily be incorporated into well-child visits and community-based geriatric programs. Additional research on the effectiveness and costs associated with population-based programs of this nature for high risk groups is needed, especially in areas where a community-based fluoride delivery program is not available.
Maternal PCaaC38:6 is Associated With Preterm Birth - a Risk Factor for Early and Late Adverse Outcome of the Offspring
Authors: Li Jian , Lu Yong Ping , Reichetzeder Christoph , Kalk Philipp , Kleuser Burkhard , Adamski Jerzy , Hocher Berthold
Published: April 2016

Background/Aims: Preterm birth (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW) significantly influence mortality and morbidity of the offspring in early life and also have long-term consequences in later life. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of preterm birth could provide new insights regarding putative preventive strategies. Metabolomics provides a powerful analytic tool to readout complex interactions between genetics, environment and health and may serve to identify relevant biomarkers. In this study, the association between 163 targeted maternal blood metabolites and gestational age was investigated in order to find candidate biomarkers for PTB. Methods: Five hundred twenty-three women were included into this observational study. Maternal blood was obtained before delivery. The concentration of 163 maternal serum metabolites was measured by flow injection tandem mass spectrometry. To find putative biomarkers for preterm birth, a three-step analysis was designed: bivariate correlation analysis followed by multivariable regression analysis and a comparison of mean values among gestational age groups. Results: Bivariate correlation analysis showed that 2 acylcarnitines (C16:2, C2), 1 amino acids (xLeu), 8 diacyl-PCs (PCaaC36:4, PCaaC38:4, PCaaC38:5, PCaaC38:6, PCaaC40:4, PCaaC40:5, PCaaC40:6, PCaaC42:4), and 1 Acylalkyl-PCs (PCaeC40:5) were inversely correlated with gestational age. Multivariable regression analysis confounded for PTB history, maternal body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, systolic blood pressure at the third trimester, and maternal body weight at the third trimester, showed that the diacyl-PC PCaaC38:6 was the only metabolite inversely correlated with gestational age. Conclusions: Maternal blood concentrations of PCaaC38:6 are independently associated with gestational age.
Sex Steroids and Major Psychoses: Which Role for DHEA-S and Progesterone?
Authors: Buoli Massimiliano , Caldiroli Alice , Serati Marta , Grassi Silvia , Altamura A. Carlo
Published: April 2016

Objective: Endocrine pathways seem to play a role in the etiology of major psychoses. The identification of biomarkers associated with psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia (SKZ) and mood disorders would allow the identification of high-risk subjects for delusions and hallucinations. The aim of this study was to evaluate dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and progesterone plasma levels in drug-free patients with major psychoses and their relation with the diagnosis and history of psychotic symptoms. Methods: Eighty-nine consecutive drug-free male inpatients with SKZ or mood disorders were recruited, and DHEA-S and progesterone plasma levels were measured. The groups, divided according to pathological/normal-range hormone levels, were compared in terms of clinical variables using χ2 tests with Bonferroni's corrections or multivariate analyses of variance. The same analyses were performed for groups divided according to the presence/absence of lifetime psychotic symptoms. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed using hormone levels as independent variables and history of lifetime psychotic symptoms as a dependent one. Results: A higher number of patients with abnormal DHEA-S levels was found to have a family history of major depressive disorder (p < 0.05). Higher DHEA-S levels (F = 8.31; p = 0.005) were found in patients with a history of psychotic symptoms. In addition, binary logistic regression confirmed that DHEA-S levels were associated with a higher probability of lifetime psychotic symptoms (p = 0.037). Conclusions: Our results confirm previous data about the role of endocrine factors in the etiology of major psychoses. A high DHEA-S level might be a risk factor for psychotic symptoms. Studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these data.
Long-Term Follow-Up with Video of a Patient with Deafness-Dystonia Syndrome Treated with DBS-GPi
Authors: Dulski Jaroslaw , Schinwelski Michal , Mandat Tomasz , Pienczk-Ręcławowicz Karolina , Sławek Jaroslaw
Published: April 2016

Background: The prevalence of deafness-dystonia syndrome (DDS) is relatively low. To our knowledge, only 2 cases of this syndrome treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS) have been reported. Objectives: We present a patient with DDS of unknown cause, refractory to medical treatment, who has been successfully treated with DBS of the internal globus pallidus (DBS-GPi) and followed up for 4 years. Methods: A 21-year-old male, with progressive bilateral sensorineural hearing loss since the age of 3, developed dystonic movements at the age of 12. The patient presented with progressive segmental craniocervical dystonia with jaw-opening, tongue protrusion, retrocollis and gradual overflow including upper limb dystonia. Pharmacological therapy was ineffective. At the age of 17, the patient's condition deteriorated with the risk of developing a dystonic state. Results: DBS-GPi implantation resulted in a striking improvement. The Burke-Marsden-Fahn Dystonia Rating Scale (BMFDRS) score improved from 75 points before the surgery to 10 points at 3 months after DBS-GPi implantation. Neurological examination at the age of 21 showed mild dystonic movements, mainly oromandibular dystonia (BMFDRS: 15 points). The clinical phenotype of our patient was consistent with Mohr-Tranebjaerg syndrome (MTS). We performed genetic analysis of the TIMM8A gene (the only gene in which mutations are known to cause MTS), but the result was negative; however, other potentially new mutations have to be considered. Conclusions: Based on our case with the longest reported follow-up of 4 years and 2 earlier reports, we advise to consider DBS-GPi in patients with DDS with unsatisfactory effect of pharmacological treatment.
Transient Efficacy of Tofacitinib in Alopecia Areata Universalis
Authors: Anzengruber Florian , Maul Julia-Tatjana , Kamarachev Jivko , Trüeb Ralph M. , French Lars E. , Navarini Alexander A.
Published: April 2016

Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disorder that targets hair follicles. Swarms of lymphocytes surround the basis of the follicles, inducing loss of pigmented terminal hair and subsequently inhibit further hair growth. Depending on the extent of involvement, alopecia areata can be associated with a dramatic reduction of quality of life. Currently, no targeted treatment option is available, and topical immune therapies or immunosuppressive drugs are typically used with mixed success. Recently, several cases of alopecia areata responding to Janus kinase inhibitors were published. Here, we report on a businessman with alopecia areata universalis who was treated with tofacitinib. We observed initial signs of hair regrowth in the same timeframe as previously reported, but efficacy quickly waned again, leading to renewed effluvium. Thus, even though tofacitinib and ruxolitinib are a promising new treatment option, we have yet to learn more about their potential role in each particular patient's individual treatment strategy.
Vegetarische und vegane Ernährung bei Kindern - Stand der Forschung und Forschungsbedarf
Authors: Keller Markus , Müller Stine
Published: April 2016

Die Praxis vegetarischer Ernährungsformen ist in Deutschland im letzten Jahrzehnt deutlich angestiegen. Allerdings ist der Anteil vegetarischer und veganer Kinder dabei unbekannt. Studien mit Erwachsenen zeigen das präventive Potenzial, aber auch potenzielle Schwachstellen pflanzenbasierter Kostformen. Die Vorteile und Risiken einer vegetarischen bzw. veganen Ernährung im Kindesalter wurden bisher jedoch relativ selten untersucht. Außerdem lassen das unterschiedliche Alter der Kinder, das heterogene Studiendesign sowie die teilweise geringe Probandenzahl der Studien keine verbindlichen Aussagen zu. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden die Ergebnisse der wenigen Studien zu vegetarisch und vegan ernährten Kindern (< 12 Jahren) in Nordamerika und Europa zusammengefasst. Demnach lag die Zufuhr von Nahrungsenergie und Makronährstoffen vegetarischer und veganer Kinder meist näher an den Empfehlungen der Fachgesellschaften als die Ernährung gleichaltriger Mischkostkinder. Ebenso wiesen vegetarisch und vegan ernährte Kinder eine höhere Zufuhr von und bessere Versorgung mit verschiedenen Vitaminen und Mineralstoffen auf. Häufiger zeigten sich jedoch Defizite bei Vitamin B12, Zink, Kalzium, Eisen und Vitamin D. Das Wachstum und die Entwicklung vegetarisch und vegan ernährter Kinder entsprachen weitgehend den Referenzstandards, wobei sie dazu tendierten, leichter, schlanker und (< 5 Jahren) auch kleiner zu sein. Aufgrund der unzureichenden Studienlage besteht erheblicher Forschungsbedarf zu den Auswirkungen einer vegetarischen und veganen Ernährung im Kindesalter.
Iron Localization and Infectious Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Nakanishi Takeshi , Kuragano Takahiro , Nanami Masayoshi , Hasuike Yukiko
Published: April 2016

For patients on dialysis, infection is the second leading cause of mortality. Iron metabolism should be considered in the pathogenesis of infectious disease, as high local iron concentrations favor the growth of many microbes. This review is intended to provide information regarding iron metabolism and infection in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. There are 2 reasons these patients may be vulnerable to infection: (1) the excessive iron administered to treat renal anemia could be associated with impairments of the host's innate immune response, (2) CKD-associated inflammation could cause dysregulated iron metabolism. Pathogenic microorganisms can be categorized as extracellular or intracellular pathogens. The proliferation site may determine the degree of virulence. In cases of mainly extracellular microbial growth, the host's strategy of sequestering iron in cells may efficiently inhibit proliferation. However, the same strategy may favor the intracellular growth of microorganisms. The administration of excessive amounts of iron may modify iron localization by an increase in the hepcidin concentration. We conclude that there is a need for large multicenter randomized controlled trials to evaluate the long-term safety of different iron administration patterns that allow for a lower infection rate while still producing efficient erythropoiesis in CKD patients.
Onychomycosis and Onychomatricoma
Authors: Kallis Penelope , Tosti Antonella
Published: April 2016

Nail dermoscopy is helpful in the differential diagnosis of nail disorders including onychomycosis and pigmented and nonpigmented nail tumors. We report two cases of onychomatricoma with concurrent onychomycosis of the same digit. In both cases, dermoscopy of the nail plate exhibited features of onychomatricoma, whereas dermoscopy of the distal free edge revealed features of onychomycosis. It is not uncommon for patients with onychomatricoma to develop coexisting onychomycosis, as channels created by the tumor render the nail plate susceptible to invasion by fungi.
Enhanced Megakaryopoiesis and Platelet Activity in Hypercholesterolemic,
B6-Ldlr
−/−
,
Cdkn2a
-Deficient Mice
Authors: Wang Wei , Oh Seon , Koester Mark , Abramowicz Sandra , Wang Nan , Tall Alan R. , Welch Carrie L.
Published: April 2016

Background—

Genome-wide association studies for coronary artery disease/myocardial infarction revealed a 58 kb risk locus on 9p21.3. Refined genetic analyses revealed unique haplotype blocks conferring susceptibility to atherosclerosis per se versus risk for acute complications in the presence of underlying coronary artery disease. The cell proliferation inhibitor locus,
CDKN2A
, maps just upstream of the myocardial infarction risk block, is at least partly regulated by the noncoding RNA,
ANRIL
, overlapping the risk block, and has been associated with platelet counts in humans. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that
CDKN2A
deficiency predisposes to increased platelet production, leading to increased platelet activation in the setting of hypercholesterolemia.

Methods and Results—

Platelet production and activation were measured in B6-
Ldlr
−/−
Cdkn2a
+/−
mice and a congenic strain carrying the region of homology with the human 9p21.3/
CDKN2A
locus. The strains exhibit decreased expression of
CDKN2A
(both
p16

INK4a

and
p19

ARF

) but not CDKN2B (
p15

INK4b

). Compared with B6-
Ldlr
−/−
controls, both
Cdkn2a
-deficient strains exhibited increased platelet counts and bone marrow megakaryopoiesis. The platelet overproduction phenotype was reversed by treatment with cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor, PD0332991/palbociclib, that mimics the endogenous effect of p16
INK4a
. Western diet feeding resulted in increased platelet activation, increased thrombin/antithrombin complex, and decreased bleeding times in
Cdkn2a
-deficient mice compared with controls.

Conclusions—

Together, the data suggest that one or more
Cdkn2a
transcripts modulate platelet production and activity in the setting of hypercholesterolemia, amenable to pharmaceutical intervention. Enhanced platelet production and activation may predispose to arterial thrombosis, suggesting an explanation, at least in part, for the association of 9p21.3 and myocardial infarction.
Invasive Assessment of Coronary Physiology Predicts Late Mortality After Heart Transplantation
Authors: Yang Hyoung-Mo , Khush Kiran , Luikart Helen , Okada Kozo , Lim Hong-Seok , Kobayashi Yuhei , Honda Yasuhiro , Yeung Alan C. , Valantine Hannah , Fearon William F.
Published: April 2016

Background—

The aim of this study is to determine the prognostic value of invasively assessing coronary physiology early after heart transplantation.

Methods and Results—

Seventy-four cardiac transplant recipients had fractional flow reserve, coronary flow reserve, index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), and intravascular ultrasound performed down the left anterior descending coronary artery soon after (baseline) and 1 year after heart transplantation. The primary end point was the cumulative survival free of death or retransplantation at a mean follow-up of 4.5±3.5 years. The cumulative event-free survival was significantly lower in patients with a fractional flow reserve <0.90 at baseline (42% versus 79%;
P
=0.01) or an IMR ≥20 measured 1 year after heart transplantation (39% versus 69%;
P
=0.03). Patients in whom IMR decreased or did not change from baseline to 1 year had higher event-free survival compared with patients with an increase in IMR (66% versus 36%;
P
=0.03). Fractional flow reserve <0.90 at baseline (hazard ratio, 0.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.81;
P
=0.03), IMR ≥20 at 1 year (hazard ratio, 3.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–14.27;
P
=0.04), and rejection during the first year (hazard ratio, 6.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.56–23.09;
P
=0.009) were independent predictors of death/retransplantation, whereas intravascular ultrasound parameters were not.

Conclusions—

Invasive measures of coronary physiology (fractional flow reserve and IMR) determined early after heart transplantation are significant predictors of late death or retransplantation.
(Re)constructing Muslim Identities from the Soviet Past: Muslim Tatar Women’s Stories of Soviet Moral Selves
Authors: Karimova Liliya
Published: April 2016

The revival of Islam in the central Russian republic of Tatarstan has transformed the daily landscape and the very notion of Muslim piety in the region. While a growing number of historically Muslim Tatars of all ages are embracing embodied piety, an older generation’s turn to religion is often perceived as late in coming and insincere. Based on ethnographic research and personal narratives of practicing Muslim Tatar women, I explore the ways the older women (re)construct their Muslim identities in the context of Tatars’ recent interest in Islam. Specifically, I analyze two older Tatar women’s stories about their paths to Islam. My analysis suggests that by tapping into the Soviet past, the women strive to create a continuously moral self that can serve as a solid basis for their present-day Muslim piety.
Seasonal Sensitivity of the Eddy-Driven Jet to Tropospheric Heating in an Idealized AGCM
Authors: McGraw Marie C. , Barnes Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2016

A dry dynamical core is used to investigate the seasonal sensitivity of the circulation to two idealized thermal forcings: a tropical upper-tropospheric heating and a polar lower-tropospheric heating. The thermal forcings are held constant, and the response of the circulation in each month of the year is explored. First, the circulation responses to tropical warming and polar warming are studied separately, and then the response to the simultaneously applied forcings is analyzed. Finally, the seasonality of the internal variability of the circulation is explored as a possible mechanism to explain the seasonality of the responses. The primary results of these experiments are as follows: 1) There is a seasonal sensitivity in the circulation response to both the tropical and polar forcings. 2) The jet position response to each forcing is greatest in the transition seasons, and the jet speed response exhibits a seasonal sensitivity to both forcings, although the seasonal sensitivities are not the same. 3) The circulation response is nonlinear in the transition seasons, but approximately linear in the winter months. 4) The internal variability of the unforced circulation exhibits a seasonal sensitivity that may partly explain the seasonal sensitivity of the forced response. The seasonality of the internal variability of daily MERRA reanalysis data is compared to that of the model, demonstrating that the broad conclusions drawn from this idealized modeling study may be useful for understanding the jet response to anthropogenic forcing.
Progressive Midlatitude Afforestation: Impacts on Clouds, Global Energy Transport, and Precipitation
Authors: Laguë Marysa M. , Swann Abigail L. S.
Published: April 2016

Vegetation influences the atmosphere in complex and nonlinear ways, such that large-scale changes in vegetation cover can drive changes in climate on both local and global scales. Large-scale land surface changes have been shown to introduce excess energy to one hemisphere, causing a shift in atmospheric circulation on a global scale. However, past work has not quantified how the climate response scales with the area of vegetation. Here, the response of climate to linearly increasing the area of forest cover in the northern midlatitudes is systematically evaluated. This study shows that the magnitude of afforestation of the northern midlatitudes determines the local climate response in a nonlinear fashion, and the authors identify a threshold in vegetation-induced cloud feedbacks—a concept not previously addressed by large-scale vegetation manipulation experiments. Small increases in tree cover drive compensating cloud feedbacks, while latent heat fluxes reach a threshold after sufficiently large increases in tree cover, causing the troposphere to warm and dry, subsequently reducing cloud cover. Increased absorption of solar radiation at the surface is driven by both surface albedo changes and cloud feedbacks. This study shows how atmospheric cross-equatorial energy transport changes as the area of afforestation is incrementally increased. The results highlight the importance of considering both local and remote climate effects of large-scale vegetation change and explore the scaling relationship between changes in vegetation cover and resulting climate impacts.
Breaking the Linkage Between Labrador Sea Water Production and Its Advective Export to the Subtropical Gyre
Authors: Zou Sijia , Lozier M. Susan
Published: April 2016

Deep water formation in the northern North Atlantic has been of long-standing interest because the resultant water masses, along with those that flow over the Greenland–Scotland Ridge, constitute the lower limb of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), which carries these cold, deep waters southward to the subtropical region and beyond. It has long been assumed that an increase in deep water formation would result in a larger southward export of newly formed deep water masses. However, recent observations of Lagrangian floats have raised questions about this linkage. Motivated by these observations, the relationship between convective activity in the Labrador Sea and the export of newly formed Labrador Sea Water (LSW), the shallowest component of the deep AMOC, to the subtropics is explored. This study uses simulated Lagrangian pathways of synthetic floats produced with output from a global ocean–sea ice model. It is shown that substantial recirculation of newly formed LSW in the subpolar gyre leads to a relatively small fraction of this water exported to the subtropical gyre: 40 years after release, only 46% of the floats are able to reach the subtropics. Furthermore, waters produced from any one particular convection event are not collectively and contemporaneously exported to the subtropical gyre, such that the waters that are exported to the subtropical gyre have a wide distribution in age.
Residual Transport of Suspended Material by Tidal Straining near Sloping Topography
Authors: Schulz Kirstin , Umlauf Lars
Published: April 2016

Tidal straining is known to have an important impact on the generation of residual currents and the transport of suspended material in estuaries and the coastal ocean. Essential for this process is an externally imposed horizontal density gradient, typically resulting from either freshwater runoff or differential heating. Here, it is shown that near sloping topography, tidal straining may effectively transport suspended material across isobaths even if freshwater runoff and differential heating do not play a significant role. A combined theoretical and idealized modeling approach is used to illustrate the basic mechanisms and implications of this new process. The main finding of this study is that, for a wide range of conditions, suspended material is transported upslope by a pumping mechanism that is in many respects similar to classical tidal pumping. Downslope transport may also occur, however, only for the special cases of slowly sinking material in the vicinity of slopes with a slope angle larger than a critical threshold. The effective residual velocity at which suspended material is transported across isobaths is a significant fraction of the tidal velocity amplitude (up to 40% in some cases), suggesting that suspended material may be transported over large distances during a single tidal cycle.
A Case of an Undular Bore and Prefrontal Precipitation in the Australian Alps
Authors: Watson Campbell D. , Lane Todd P.
Published: April 2016

This study explores the mesoscale processes that led to the development of two prefrontal precipitation events in the Australian Alps on 29–30 October 2010. The synoptic setting was characterized by the passage of an interacting front and prefrontal trough across southern Australia. Observations and model simulations revealed that when the prefrontal trough entered southeast Australia it resembled a density current advancing into a stable nocturnal layer, forming a bore at its leading edge. The bore detached from and propagated ahead of the prefrontal trough and became undular, supported by a wave-ducting mechanism. The undular bore was observed in the Doppler wind field of a radar, parts of which were collocated with bands of reflectivity. Strong winds coincident with this band of reflectivity suggest the undular bore triggered convection that eventually led to the bore’s demise. An ensemble of high-resolution model simulations (with perturbed initial and boundary conditions) was used to understand the key processes affecting the undular bore and two prefrontal precipitation events. While no member of the ensemble reproduced the first prefrontal precipitation event, at least six members (20%) reproduced parts of the second prefrontal precipitation event. Despite the low precipitation predictability, analysis of the ensemble suggests the undular bore was both a predictable phenomenon and integral to the initiation and/or evolution of the two prefrontal precipitation events.
The effect of multiple analysers on the biochemical diagnosis of myocardial infarction using a contemporary troponin–I assay
Authors: Pethick James , Patel Prashanth , Davies Timothy , Thompson John , Nallagonda Madhavi , Beech Alison , Collinson Paul , Lee Virginia , Gupta Pankaj
Published: April 2016

Background

The measurement of cardiac troponin is central for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). It is recommended that a coefficient of variation of ≤10% is achieved at the diagnostic threshold and significant change between serial measurements reported. Many modern laboratories use multiple analysers linked by automation where samples are randomly assigned to an analyser. It is therefore important to consider the combined effect of all analysers on the analytical performance of troponin measurement.

Method

The performance of a contemporary troponin-I (cTn-I) assay run on three analysers, linked by an automated track, was undertaken across a range of cTn-I concentrations. The data for the three analysers were aggregated to obtain the combined analytical coefficient of variation (CVA) and reference change values (RCVs).

Results

The CVA improved with increasing concentration and calculated RCVs ranged from 67.2% (±13 ng/L) to 32% (±160 ng/L) between cTn-I values 20 ng/L and 500 ng/L. Although there were significant differences in cTn-I measurement between analysers around the diagnostic threshold ( P < 0.05), the CVA was 13.6%.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that there are significant differences between the performances of analysers which can impact the biochemical criteria for the diagnosis of MI. We also show that the RCV varies according to baseline cTn-I values and that reporting a single RCV across the analytical range of cTn-I may not be appropriate.
Portable Weather Applications for General Aviation Pilots
Authors: Ahlstrom Ulf , Ohneiser Oliver , Caddigan Eamon
Published: April 2016

Objective:

The objective of this study was to examine the potential benefits and impact on pilot behavior from the use of portable weather applications.

Method:

Seventy general aviation (GA) pilots participated in the study. Each pilot was randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group and flew a simulated single-engine GA aircraft, initially under visual meteorological conditions (VMC). The experimental group was equipped with a portable weather application during flight. We recorded measures for weather situation awareness (WSA), decision making, cognitive engagement, and distance from the aircraft to hazardous weather.

Results:

We found positive effects from the use of the portable weather application, with an increased WSA for the experimental group, which resulted in credibly larger route deviations and credibly greater distances to hazardous weather (≥30 dBZ cells) compared with the control group. Nevertheless, both groups flew less than 20 statute miles from hazardous weather cells, thus failing to follow current weather-avoidance guidelines. We also found a credibly higher cognitive engagement (prefrontal oxygenation levels) for the experimental group, possibly reflecting increased flight planning and decision making on the part of the pilots.

Conclusion:

Overall, the study outcome supports our hypothesis that portable weather displays can be used without degrading pilot performance on safety-related flight tasks, actions, and decisions as measured within the constraints of the present study. However, it also shows that an increased WSA does not automatically translate to enhanced flight behavior.

Application:

The study outcome contributes to our knowledge of the effect of portable weather applications on pilot behavior and decision making.
Human–Robot Interaction
Authors: Sheridan Thomas B.
Published: April 2016

Objective:

The current status of human–robot interaction (HRI) is reviewed, and key current research challenges for the human factors community are described.

Background:

Robots have evolved from continuous human-controlled master–slave servomechanisms for handling nuclear waste to a broad range of robots incorporating artificial intelligence for many applications and under human supervisory control.

Methods:

This mini-review describes HRI developments in four application areas and what are the challenges for human factors research.

Results:

In addition to a plethora of research papers, evidence of success is manifest in live demonstrations of robot capability under various forms of human control.

Conclusions:

HRI is a rapidly evolving field. Specialized robots under human teleoperation have proven successful in hazardous environments and medical application, as have specialized telerobots under human supervisory control for space and repetitive industrial tasks. Research in areas of self-driving cars, intimate collaboration with humans in manipulation tasks, human control of humanoid robots for hazardous environments, and social interaction with robots is at initial stages. The efficacy of humanoid general-purpose robots has yet to be proven.

Applications:

HRI is now applied in almost all robot tasks, including manufacturing, space, aviation, undersea, surgery, rehabilitation, agriculture, education, package fetch and delivery, policing, and military operations.
Collaborative Management Research as a Modality of Action Research
Authors: Canterino Filomena , Shani Abraham B. (Rami) , Coghlan David , Brunelli Massimo S.
Published: April 2016

The practice of action research has been an integral element of organization development research since the beginning. Collaborative management research (CMR) is viewed as a modality within the broad family of action research approaches. By design, CMR aims to facilitate collaboration between researchers and practitioners in the investigation of an organizational issue while generating outcomes that are both relevant to practice and scholarly rigorous. This article reports on the nature and outcome of a CMR effort that centers on a complex organizational change—the merger process of two real-estate investment companies. The discussion identifies and explores some of the characteristics of CMR that could enable mergers and acquisitions. Contribution to theory, methodology and practice are then presented, proposing CMR as a managerial tool for framing and leading mergers and acquisitions.
Mechanical performance of intraply and inter-intraply hybrid composites based on e-glass and polypropylene unidirectional fibers
Authors: Attia MA , Abd El-baky MA , Alshorbagy AE
Published: April 2016

The aims of this study are to design, fabricate and investigate the mechanical properties of new hybrid composite laminates made from polypropylene-glass unidirectional fibers and epoxy matrix. Specimens were fabricated following the hand lay-up technique in intraply and inter-intraply configurations. Results are presented regarding the tensile, flexural, in-plane shear and interlaminar shear behaviors of fabricated composites with particular consideration of the effects of the plies stacking sequence and hybrid configuration. The experimental results reveal that the mechanical properties of polypropylene/epoxy composite can be effectively improved by the incorporation of glass fiber through the formation of either intraply or inter-intraply hybrid composites. With a proper choice of the hybrid configuration and the plies stacking sequence, the fabricated hybrid composites achieved property profiles close to those of homogeneous glass reinforced laminate in terms of specific properties. Resistance of the intraply hybrid composite to tensile and flexural loadings is higher than inter-intraply hybrid composites. On the other hand, the highest in-plane and interlaminar shear strengths are associated with the inter-intraply hybrid composite with glass fiber core. Additionally, an analytical analysis was also introduced to provide a good correlation with the experimental data, which give an insight on the ideal plies stacking sequence to achieve the required properties.
Refinement of a model of repeated cerebrospinal fluid collection in conscious rats
Authors: Amen Eva Maria , Brecheisen Muriel , Sach-Peltason Lisa , Bergadano Alessandra
Published: April 2016

The cannulation of the cisterna magna in rats for in vivo sampling of cerebrospinal fluid serves as a valuable model for studying the delivery of new drugs into the central nervous system or disease models. It offers the advantages of repeated sampling without anesthesia-induced bias and using animals as their own controls. An established model was retrospectively reviewed for the outcomes and it was hypothesized that by refining the method, i.e. by (1) implementing pathophysiological-based anesthesia and analgesia, (2) using state-of-the-art peri-operative monitoring and supportive care, (3) increasing stability of the cement–cannula assembly, and (4) selecting a more adaptable animal strain, the outcome in using the model – quantified by peri-operative mortality, survival time and stability of the implant – could be improved and could enhance animal welfare. After refinement of the technique, peri-operative mortality decreased significantly (7 animals out of 73 compared with 4 out of 322; P = 0.001), survival time increased significantly (36 ± 14 days compared with 28 ± 18 days; P < 0.001), as well as the stability of the cement–cannula assembly (47 ± 8 days of adhesion compared with 33 ± 15 days and 34 ± 13 days using two other cement types; P < 0.001). Overall, the 3R concept of Russell and Burch was successfully addressed and animal welfare was improved by (1) the reduction in the total number of animals needed as a result of lower mortality or fewer euthanizations due to technical failure, and frequent use of individual rats over a time frame; and (2) improving the scientific quality of the model.
Using Clinical Vignettes to Assess Quality of Care for Acute Respiratory Infections
Authors: Gidengil Courtney A. , Linder Jeffrey A. , Beach Scott , Setodji Claude M. , Hunter Gerald , Mehrotra Ateev
Published: April 2016

Overprescribing of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) is common. Our objective was to develop and validate a vignette-based method to estimate clinician ARI antibiotic prescribing. We surveyed physicians (n = 78) and retail clinic clinicians (n = 109) between January and September 2013. We surveyed clinicians using a set of ARI vignettes and linked the responses to electronic health record data for all ARI visits managed by these clinicians during 2012. We then created a new measure of antibiotic prescribing, the comprehensive ARI management rate. This was defined as not prescribing antibiotics for antibiotic-inappropriate diagnoses and prescribing guideline-concordant antibiotics for antibiotic-appropriate diagnoses (and also included appropriate use of streptococcal testing for the pharyngitis vignettes). We compared the vignette-based and chart-based comprehensive ARI management at the clinician level. We then identified the combination of vignettes that best predicted comprehensive ARI management rates, using a partitioning algorithm. Responses to 3 vignettes partitioned clinicians into 4 groups with chart-based comprehensive ARI management rates of 61% (n = 121), 50% (n = 47), 31% (n = 12), and 22% (n = 7). Responses to 3 clinical vignettes can identify clinicians with relatively poor quality ARI antibiotic prescribing. Vignettes may be a mechanism to target clinicians for quality improvement efforts.