bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Subclinical Inflammatory Obesity: Plasma Levels of Leptin, Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and CD14 Expression of CD16+ Monocytes
Authors: Leite Fernanda , Leite Ângela , Santos Ana , Lima Margarida , Barbosa Joselina , Cosentino Marco , Ribeiro Laura
Published: July 2017

Objective: Predictors of subclinical inflammatory obesity (SIO) can be important tools for early therapeutic interventions in obesity-related comorbidities. Waist circumference (WC) and BMI have different SIO sensitivity. We aimed to i) identify SIO predictors and ii) investigate whether CD16+ monocytes are associated with BMI- (generally) or WC-defined (centrally) obesity. Methods: Anthropometric and metabolic/endocrine (namely catecholamines, adrenaline and noradrenaline) parameters were evaluated, and CD16+ monocytes were studied by flow cytometry in the peripheral blood from 63 blood donors, and compared and correlated to each other. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify variables that best predict SIO. Results: CD16+ monocyte counts were similar in BMI and WC groups. CD16+ monocytes from centrally obese (CO) showed a more inflammatory pattern, as compared to non-CO subjects. WC was sensitive to lipidemia and, in CO subjects, lipidemia was associated with a more inflammatory phenotype of CD16+ monocytes. These differences were not noticed between BMI groups. Adrenaline was correlated with CD16+ monocyte expansion with a lower inflammatory pattern. Leptin, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and CD14 expression of CD16+ monocytes were found to be CO predictors. Conclusions: WC-, but not BMI-defined obesity, was associated with a more inflammatory pattern of CD16+ monocytes, without monocyte expansion, suggesting that a monocyte maturation process rather than an independent arise of CD16+ monocytes occurs in CO. Thus, in a population with low cardiovascular risk, leptin, VLDL-C, and CD14 expression of CD16+ monocytes predict CO, constituting a putative tool for screening of SIO.
Unilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Medical Context and Etiology
Authors: Paul Antoine , Marlin Sandrine , Parodi Marine , Rouillon Isabelle , Guerlain Joanne , Pingault Véronique , Couloigner Vincent , Garabedian Erea Noel , Denoyelle Françoise , Loundon Natalie
Published: July 2017

Objective: Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL) is known to impact on school performance and social skills during childhood, but the etiologies remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess various etiologies and to study the clinical contexts in this population. Methods: The study is a retrospective review. Characteristics of hearing loss (HL), audiometric parameters, imaging, and genetic and medical contexts were analyzed. Results: Eighty children were included. USNHL was profound in 68%, could be progressive in 19%, and become bilateral in 7.5% of cases. Inner ear malformations were identified in 41% of cases; cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) was frequent (33%). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and genetic syndromes were confirmed in 10 and 6% of cases, respectively. Conclusion: Long-term hearing follow-up remains useful in USNHL as it can become bilateral. Looking to etiology, MRI should be the gold standard, as CND is frequently observed and screening for CMV infection should be systematic. Genetic etiologies appear to be different compared to bilateral HL. Further genetic research in this domain is needed.
Multiple Lymph Node Basin Drainage in Trunk Melanoma Is Not Associated with Survival of Sentinel Lymph Node-Positive Patients
Authors: Ribero Simone , Osella Abate Simona , Pasquali Sadro , Rossi Carlo Riccardo , Borgognoni Lorenzo , Piazzalunga Dario , Solari Nicola , Schiavon Mauro , Brandani Paola , Ansaloni Luca , Ponte Erica , Silan Francesco , Sommariva Antonio , Bellucci Francesco , Macripò Giuseppe , Quaglino Pietro ,   on behalf of the Italian Melanoma Intergroup (IMI)
Published: July 2017

Objectives: This study was aimed at investigating the prognostic role of multiple lymph node basin drainage (MLBD) in patients with positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. Background: MLBD is frequently observed in patients with trunk melanoma undergoing SLN. The prognostic value of MLBD in SLN-positive patients is still debated. Methods: Retrospective data from 312 trunk melanoma patients with positive SLN biopsy (1991-2012) at 6 Italian referral centres were gathered in a multicentre database. MLBD was defined at preoperative lymphoscintigraphy. Clinical and pathological data were analysed for their association with disease-free interval (DFI) and disease-specific (DSS) survival. Results: MLBD was identified in 34.6% of patients (108/312) and was significantly associated with >1 positive SLN (37 vs. 15.2%; p < 0.001) and with >1 positive lymph node (LN) after complete lymph node dissection (CLND) (50.9 vs. 34.8%; p = 0.033). No differences were observed according to drainage pattern in patients who had negative and positive non-SLN at CLND. MLBD was not associated with either DFI or DSS. Multivariate analyses showed that tumour thickness, ulceration, and number of metastatic LNs were associated with worse DFI and DSS, while regression confirmed its protective role in survival. Conclusion: In positive SLN patients, MLBD has no association with survival, which is mainly related to American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) prognostic factors. Since the overall number of positive LNs drives the prognosis, the importance of a CLND in all the positive basins is confirmed.
Cytological Criteria to Distinguish Phyllodes Tumour of the Breast from Fibroadenoma
Authors: Maritz Robert M. , Michelow Pamela M.
Published: July 2017

Objective: To determine whether there are significant differences between fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumours with regard to selected cytomorphological features. Study Design: A 10-year retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent excision of a fibroadenoma or phyllodes tumour and in whom a preoperative fine-needle aspiration was performed. The following cytological criteria were assessed: number of stromal and epithelial fragments, stromal-to-epithelial ratio, stromal cellularity, stromal borders, stromal atypia, and proportion of background wavy spindled cells. Patient age, tumour laterality, and tumour size were recorded. Results: Fifty fibroadenomas and 17 phyllodes tumours were included. Compared to phyllodes tumours, fibroadenomas had a larger number of epithelial fragments, a smaller number of stromal fragments, and a lower stromal-to-epithelial ratio. The stroma tended to be less cellular and less atypical compared to phyllodes tumours and the background cellular population contained fewer spindled cells. Conclusion: Fibroadenomas and phyllodes tumours differ with regard to various cytological features, aiding in their distinction on fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
Cognitive Impairment Is Reflected by an Increased Difference between Real and Imagined Timed Up and Go Test Performance
Authors: Rüdiger Stefanie , Stuckenschneider Tim , Vogt Tobias , Abeln Vera , Lawlor Brian , Olde Rikkert Marcel , Schneider Stefan ,   NeuroExercise Study Group
Published: July 2017

Background: Recent research suggests using an imaginary version of the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) for a first assessment of cognitive impairment. By using the time difference between a real (TUGr) and an imagined (TUGi) TUG task, the objective of this study was to examine the effect of cognitive impairment on motor imagery ability. Methods: Fifty-two participants (mean age 69.3 ± 4.0 years) with mild cognitive impairment or subjective cognitive impairment were included in this study. The time difference between the TUGr and the TUGi was used as the main outcome. The Trail Making Test part B (TMT B), the ratio between TMT A and TMT B, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) battery were the main independent variables. Results: The difference between TUGr and TUGi performance time and the TMT B performance time increased with decreasing cognitive function (p < 0.01). There was no relationship between TUGr and TUGi performance time and TMT B/A ratio. There were significant correlations between TUG time differences and the MoCA score (r = -0.489, p < 0.01), the TMT B (r = 0.364, p < 0.01), and the TMT B/A ratio (r = 0.377, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The combination of TUGr and TUGi may have added value in assessing cognitive impairment, which is a possible pre-stage of dementia.
Miller-Dieker Syndrome due to a 5.5-Mb 17p Deletion in a 17;Y Pseudodicentric Chromosome
Authors: Bellucco Fernanda T. , Nunes Natália , Colovati Mileny E.S. , Malinverni Andréa C.M. , Caneloi Thamy P. , Soares Maria F. , A. Perez Ana B. , Melaragno Maria I.
Published: July 2017

Miller-Dieker syndrome (MDS) is a contiguous gene deletion syndrome in which almost all patients present de novo 17p13.3 deletions. We report on a male infant with MDS and an unusual unbalanced translocation involving chromosomes Y and 17 that resulted in a large 5.5-Mb 17pterp13.2 deletion and a karyotype with 45 chromosomes. Apart from the deletion of the MDS critical region, the deletion of additional distal genes seemed to have no major influence on the patient's phenotype, since he did not show any unusual clinical findings that are not commonly described in MDS patients.
Mild Cognitive Impairment and Driving Cessation: A 3-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Connors Michael H. , Ames David , Woodward Michael , Brodaty Henry
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: Driving cessation is associated with significant morbidity in older people. People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may be at particular risk of this. Very little research has examined driving in this population. Given this, we sought to identify predictors of driving cessation in people with MCI. Methods: One hundred and eighty-five people with MCI were recruited from 9 memory clinics around Australia. People with MCI and their carers reported their driving status and completed measures of cognition, function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and medication use at regular intervals over a 3-year period. Results: Of the 144 people still driving at baseline, 50 (27.0%) stopped driving during the study. Older age, greater cognitive and functional impairment, and greater decline in cognition and function at 6 months predicted subsequent driving cessation. Twenty-nine of the 50 people (58%) who stopped driving were diagnosed with dementia during the study; all except one of whom ceased driving after their dementia diagnosis. Conclusion: A significant proportion of people diagnosed with MCI stop driving over the following 3 years. This cannot be entirely attributed to developing dementia. Easily assessable characteristics - such as age, cognition, and function - and changes in these measures over 6 months predict driving cessation.
Unmet Care Needs in the Oldest Old Primary Care Patients with Cognitive Disorders: Results of the AgeCoDe and AgeQualiDe Study
Authors: Stein Janine , Pabst Alexander , Luck Tobias , Lühmann Dagmar , Heser Kathrin , Jessen Frank , Bickel Horst , Mösch Edelgard , Pentzek Michael , Fuchs Angela , Wiese Birgitt , Mamone Silke , König Hans-Helmut , Brettschneider Christian , Werle Jochen , Scherer Martin , Maier Wolfgang , Weyerer Siegfried , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. ,   for the AgeCoDe and AgeQualiDe Study Group
Published: July 2017

Background: In the future, an increase in health care needs in the elderly is expected. Reports on unmet care needs of the oldest old with cognitive disorders are pending. This study aims at exploring unmet needs in the oldest old primary care patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Furthermore, the association between sociodemographic and clinical factors and unmet needs ought to be analyzed. Methods: Based on the study “Needs, Health Service Use, Costs and Health-Related Quality of Life in a Large Sample of Oldest-Old Primary Care Patients (85+)” (AgeQualiDe), 749 patients (unimpaired, MCI, and dementia) aged 85 years and older, their relatives (n = 421), and general practitioners (GPs) (n = 607) were assessed. Descriptive, inferential, and regression analyses were run. Results: Most unmet needs were observed in dementia patients, although needs were less frequently rated as unmet by dementia patients themselves as compared to relatives and GPs. Unmet needs were associated with MCI and dementia; other risk factors were age, education, and marital status. Conclusion: This study provides first data on unmet needs according to different perceptions in the elderly with MCI and dementia in Germany. Need assessments should be part of medical examinations to ensure a high-quality health care in the elderly.
Distinct Involvement of the Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Gastric Adenocarcinoma of Fundic Gland Type and Conventional Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tajima Yuzuru , Murakami Takashi , Saito Tsuyoshi , Hiromoto Takafumi , Akazawa Yoichi , Sasahara Noriko , Mitomi Hiroyuki , Yao Takashi , Watanabe Sumio
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: Gastric adenocarcinoma of fundic gland type (GAFG), which is a rare variant of gastric cancer, is reportedly associated with both Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation and guanine nucleotide binding protein, alpha stimulating complex (GNAS) mutations. This study aimed to elucidate potential roles of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in GAFG. Methods: We performed immunostaining for β-catenin and Shh signal-associated proteins, including Patched (Ptch), Smoothened (Smo), and Glioma-associated oncogene-1 (Gli1), and the direct sequencing of GNAS/BRAF/KRAS in 27 GAFGs, and compared them with 30 conventional gastric adenocarcinomas (CGAs). Results: GAFGs exhibited significantly lower immunoreactivity scores for Ptch, Smo, and Gli1 than CGAs. Moreover, while the Ptch score was significantly lower in the GAFG tumor areas than in the non-neoplastic areas adjacent to GAFG, the score was significantly higher in the CGA tumor areas than in the non-neoplastic areas. Similar trends were observed in the scores for Smo and Gli1. β-Catenin expression and GNAS mutations were found in 22 (81%) and 8 (30%) of the 27 GAFGs respectively. Gli1 expression was significantly associated with mutations in GNAS. Conclusion: GAFG and CGA exhibited distinct Ptch, Smo, and Gli1 expression patterns. Downregulation of the Shh signaling pathway, as well as activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, may therefore be associated with tumorigenesis in GAFG.
Expression, Intracellular Localization, and Prognostic Value of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 and PAI-1 RNA-Binding Protein 1 in Primary and Recurrent Ovarian Cancer: A Study of the Tumor Bank Ovarian Cancer Network
Authors: Koensgen Dominique , Stope Matthias B. , Tuerbachova Ivana , Bruennert Daniela , Kohlmann Thomas , Braicu Ioana , Sehouli Jalid , Denkert Carsten , Darb-Esfahani Silvia , Stickeler Elmar , Sofroni Dumitru , Dahl Edgar , Mustea Alexander
Published: July 2017

Background: The plasminogen activator system plays a key role in ovarian cancer (OC) tumor progression. The plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and the recently identified PAI-1 RNA binding protein 1 (PAI-RBP1) are primary regulators of plasminogen activation and thus are putative biomarkers for OC progression. Methods: One hundred fifty six OC patients were analyzed to identify the presence of PAI-1 and PAI-RBP1 and subsequently correlated to clinicopathological parameters. Primary cells obtained from OC patient samples were applied in fluorescence microscopy analysis for examination of PAI-1 and PAI-RBP1 distribution. Results: PAI-1 and PAI-RBP1 have been found to be predictive markers for OC patients' outcome. PAI-1 levels significantly correlated with volume of ascites, FIGO staging, and lymph node status. PAI-RBP1 expression significantly correlated with age at first diagnosis, histological tumor type, presence of distant metastasis (pM), and recurrence. PAI-1 showed a trend toward association and PAI-RBP1 was significantly associated with progression-free survival. Notably, PAI-1 protein in recurrent OC tissues was exclusively localized in the nucleus. Conclusion: This study has shown that a combination of PAI-1 and PAI-RBP1 may represent novel prognostic factor for OC. Prospective trials are needed.
Adenocarcinoma of the Lung Acquiring Resistance to Afatinib by Transformation to Small Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Nishimura Jun , Miyamoto Yosuke , Fujimoto Nobukazu , Ozeki Taichi , Takada Kenji , Asano Michiko , Fuchimoto Yasuko , Wada Sae , Ozaki Shinji , Kishimoto Takumi
Published: July 2017

A 65-year-old woman visited our hospital due to right chest pain and dyspnea on exertion. Chest radiography revealed decreased permeability of the right lung. Computed tomography demonstrated a huge mass in the right upper lobe and right pleural effusion. Right pleural effusion cytology yielded a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma and was positive for mutation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR; exon 21 L858R). Afatinib was selected for the initial treatment. Multiple tumors regressed remarkably, but then rapidly progressed 3 months later. We performed re-biopsy to detect the mechanism of resistance to afatinib. Histopathology revealed a mixture of small cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenocarcinoma harboring same EGFR mutation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of transformation to SCC after treatment with afatinib.
Hydralazine is a Suitable Mimetic Agent of Hypoxia to Study the Impact of Hypoxic Stress on In Vitro Blood-Brain Barrier Model
Authors: Chatard Morgane , Puech Clémentine , Perek Nathalie , Roche Frédéric
Published: July 2017

Background/Aims: Understanding cellular mechanisms induced by hypoxia is fundamental to reduce blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Nevertheless, the investigation of hypoxia on cellular pathways is complex with true hypoxia because HIF-1α has a short lifetime and rapidly reverts back to a normoxic state. To overcome this difficulty, mimetic agents of the hypoxia pathway have been developed, including the gold standard CoCl2. In this study, we proposed to compare CoCl2 and hydralazine in order to determine a suitable mimetic agent of hypoxia for the study on the BBB. Methods: We studied the cytotoxicity and the impact of these molecules on the integrity of an in vitro BBB model by comparing them to hypoxia controls. Results: We showed that the impact of hypoxic stress in our in vitro BBB model is rather similar between hydralazine and CoCl2. Chemical hypoxic stress led to an increase of BBB permeability either with CoCl2 or hydralazine. Tight junction protein expressions showed that this chemical hypoxic stress decreased ZO-1 but not occluding expressions, and cells had set up a defence mechanism by increasing expression and activity of their efflux transporters. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that hydralazine is a better mimetic agent and more suitable than CoCl2 because it had the same effect but without the cytotoxic effect on in vitro BBB cells.
Deprivation as Un-Experienced Harm?
Authors: Keerus Külli , Gjerris Mickey , Röcklinsberg Helena
Published: July 2017

Tom Regan encapsulated his principle of harm as a prima facie direct duty not to harm experiencing subjects of a life. However, his consideration of harm as deprivation, one example of which is loss of freedom, can easily be interpreted as a harm, which may not be experienced by its subject. This creates a gap between Regan’s criterion for moral status and his account of what our duties are. However, in comparison with three basic paradigms of welfare known in nonhuman animal welfare science, Regan’s understanding coheres with a modified version of a feelings-based paradigm: not only the immediate feelings of satisfaction, but also future opportunities to have such feelings, must be taken into account. Such an interpretation is compatible with Regan’s understanding of harm as deprivation. The potential source of confusion, however, lies in Regan’s own possible argumentative mistakes.
Borders, Affects, and Effects
Authors: Tironi Manuel , Undurraga Beltrán , Di Giminiani Piergiorgio , Rossello Diego , Schaeffer Colombina , Sepúlveda Claudia
Published: July 2017

In this review, we report the main discussions and concepts debated in the workshop “Animals and Politics: Explorations for a More-Than-Human Democracy,” the first academic event on animal studies in Chile. After a brief overview of the workshop, we summarize its results by identifying three broad conversations that cut across the workshop—borders, affects, and effects.
The Cult of Chersonasos in Tauric Chersonesos
Authors: Porucznik Joanna
Published: July 2017

This paper discusses the nature of the cult of a certain Chersonasos who appears in the so-called Diophantos decree from Tauric Chersonesos (iospei2352, 52). The interpretation of Chersonasos, especially in connection with the local coinage, has long been a matter of debate and still remains an open question. The coins that are traditionally interpreted as bearing the image of Chersonasos date from the 1st cent.bcto the 2nd cent.ad. It is demonstrated that in fact they represent more than one type of a head image, which may lead to interpretations divergent from the traditional point of view. It is argued that Chersonasos represented on local coinage was a personification of the city; previous interpretations are reassessed and a plausible explanation of the occurrence of this cult is offered in connection with the political situation of the city during the Roman period.
Precipitating Quasigeostrophic Equations and Potential Vorticity Inversion with Phase Changes
Authors: Smith Leslie M. , Stechmann Samuel N.
Published: July 2017

Precipitating versions of the quasigeostrophic (QG) equations are derived systematically, starting from the equations of a cloud-resolving model. The presence of phase changes of water from vapor to liquid and vice versa leads to important differences from the dry QG case. The precipitating QG (PQG) equations, in their simplest form, have two variables to describe the full system: a potential vorticity (PV) variable and a variable M including moisture effects. A PV-and-M inversion allows the determination of all other variables, and it involves an elliptic partial differential equation (PDE) that is nonlinear because of phase changes between saturated and unsaturated regions. An example PV-and-M inversion is provided for an idealized cold-core cyclone with two vertical levels. A key point illustrated by this example is that the phase interface location is unknown a priori from PV and M, and it is discovered as part of the inversion process. Several choices of a moist PV variable are discussed, including subtleties that arise because of phase changes. Boussinesq and anelastic versions of the PQG equations are described, as well as moderate and asymptotically large rainfall speeds. An energy conservation principle suggests that the model has firm physical and mathematical underpinnings. Finally, an asymptotic analysis provides a systematic derivation of the PQG equations, which arise as the limiting dynamics of a moist atmosphere with phase changes, in the limit of rapid rotation and strong stratification in terms of both potential temperature and equivalent potential temperature.
The Atmospheric Overturning Induced by Hector the Convector
Authors: Dauhut Thibaut , Chaboureau Jean-Pierre , Mascart Patrick , Pauluis Olivier
Published: July 2017

The overturning of Hector the Convector, a tropical multicellular convective system of northern Australia that regularly overshoots into the stratosphere, is synthesized at the scale of a large-eddy simulation. The isentropic analysis offers the advantage of filtering out the reversible motions due to gravity waves and taking into account the turbulent fluxes that contribute to the vertical transport. Two key circulations are characterized: the troposphere deep overturning and the mass exchange due to the overshoots into the stratosphere. The transition from deep to very deep convection is associated with a change in the diabatic tendency inside the tallest updrafts: the latent heat release due to the formation of a large amount of icy hydrometeors exceeds the loss of energy due to mixing with the drier, colder air of the environment. In agreement with a previous study of Hector examining the properties of its two tallest updrafts, the entrainment rate exhibits a minimum during the very deep convection phase as low as 0.04 km−1. The overturning intensity corroborates the Eulerian computation of the vertical mass flux in the midtroposphere and in the lower stratosphere. It however gives a lower estimate of the flux in the upper troposphere, filtering out the reversible motions, and a larger estimate in the lower troposphere and at the tropopause, where slow vertical motions contribute significantly to the transport.
Bias Correction of Long-Term Satellite Monthly Precipitation Product (TRMM 3B43) over the Conterminous United States
Authors: Hashemi Hossein , Nordin Matias , Lakshmi Venkat , Huffman George J. , Knight Rosemary
Published: July 2017

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) has provided a valuable precipitation dataset for hydrometeorological studies (1998–2015). However, TMPA shows some differences when compared to the ground-based estimates. In this study, a correction model is developed to improve the accuracy of the TRMM precipitation monthly product by reducing the bias compared to the ground-based estimates. The TRMM 3B43 precipitation product is compared with the Parameter-Elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) and with gridded precipitation estimates acquired from the CPC Unified Precipitation Project, two ground-based precipitation estimates, in the conterminous United States. The bias between the satellite and ground-based estimates is compared with mean surface temperature and elevation, respectively. A weak linear relationship is observed between the bias and temperature but a moderate inverse linear relationship is observed between the bias and elevation. Based on these observations, a linear model is developed for the TRMM 3B43–PRISM bias and elevation. The developed model is calibrated and validated using Monte Carlo cross validation with 25% of the available data as a calibration set and the remaining 75% of the data as a validation set. The estimated model parameters are then used in a correction formula for the TRMM 3B43 dataset for elevations above 1500 m above mean sea level. The corrected TRMM 3B43 product is verified for the high-elevation regions over the entire United States as well as in two high-elevation local regions in the western United States. The results show a significant improvement in the accuracy of the monthly satellite product in the high elevations of the United States.
Observational Consistency Comparison and Analyses of an X-Band Solid-State Radar and an X-Band Klystron Doppler Radar
Authors: Li Rui , He Jianxin , Tang Shunxian , Miao Fang , Fan Xingang
Published: July 2017

Solid-state weather radar transmitters offer great potential for increased reliability and maintainability, which have been proven to be critical for practical use. Although they have been implemented in radar systems, solid-state transmitters are incapable of producing as high peak power as available in klystrons. The pulse compression technique coupled with mismatched methods allows for low peak-power transmission and can improve the range-resolution and detection performance on the receiving end of a radar system. However, applying solid-state transmitters with pulse compression in weather radar systems still requires strong evidence for data reliability. With side-by-side observational experiments, this study compares a solid-state weather radar with the combined-pulse transmission mode to a close-by klystron Doppler weather radar in an attempt to 1) analyze the capability of the solid-state radar to reduce the near-range blind zone and 2) validate the quality and reliability of data from a solid-state radar that is implemented with the pulse compression technique. The data from the klystron Doppler weather radar are considered accurate and are used as a reference for quantitatively evaluating the solid-state radar data quality and reliability. Comparisons and statistics show that the observations from the solid-state radar are consistent with that from the klystron Doppler weather radar, especially in heavy rainfall. Results from the analysis indicate that the solid-state weather radar has high estimation accuracy in both near and far ranges.
Reliability of Scales With Second-Order Structure: Evaluation of Coefficient Alpha’s Population Slippage Using Latent Variable Modeling
Authors: Raykov Tenko , Goldammer Philippe , Marcoulides George A. , Li Tatyana , Menold Natalja
Published: July 2017

A readily applicable procedure is discussed that allows evaluation of the discrepancy between the popular coefficient alpha and the reliability coefficient of a scale with second-order factorial structure that is frequently of relevance in empirical educational and psychological research. The approach is developed within the framework of the widely used latent variable modeling methodology and permits point and interval estimation of the slippage of alpha from scale reliability in a population under investigation. The method is useful when examining the consistency of complex structure measuring instruments assessing higher order latent constructs and, under its assumptions, represents a generally recommendable alternative to coefficient alpha. The outlined procedure is illustrated using data from an authoritarianism study.
Advancing support for gender equality among women in Mexico: Significance of labor force participation
Authors: Ortiz Rodríguez Jeyle , Pillai Vijayan Kumara
Published: July 2017

Improvements in women’s support for gender equality have for long been a crucial component of social policies in developing countries such as Mexico. Women’s entry into the labor force is associated with higher levels of support for gender equality. It can be expected that working women are more supportive of gender equality than nonworking women. However, the gap in support for gender equality between employed women and full-time housewives could derive from differences in their education level, age, and level of support within the household rather than from their employment-related characteristics. Using the Blinder–Oaxaca method, this article decomposes the impact of women’s participation in the labor market and socioeconomic characteristics on women’s support for gender equality in Mexico. Results of this study suggest that a large share of the difference in levels of support for gender equality between nonworking and working women may be attributed to broad-level socioeconomic changes.
Elite Formation, Power and Space in Contemporary London
Authors: Atkinson Rowland , Parker Simon , Burrows Roger
Published: July 2017

In this article we examine elite formation in relation to money power within the city of London. Our primary aim is to consider the impact of the massive concentration of such power upon the city’s political life, municipal and shared resources and social equity. We argue that objectives of city success have come to be identified and aligned with the presence of wealth elites while wider goals, of access to essential resources for citizens, have withered. A diverse national and global wealth-elite is drawn to a city with an almost unique cultural infrastructure, fiscal regime and ushering butler class of politicians. We consider how London is being made for money and the monied – in physical, political and cultural terms. We conclude that the conceptualization of elites as wealth and social power formations operating within urban spatial arenas is important for capturing the nature of new social divisions and changes.
Quantification of human brain PDE4 occupancy by GSK356278: A [11C](R)-rolipram PET study
Authors: van der Aart Jasper , Salinas Cristian , Dimber Rahul , Pampols-Maso Sabina , Weekes Ashley A , Tonkyn John , Gray Frank A , Passchier Jan , Gunn Roger N , Rabiner Eugenii A
Published: July 2017

We characterized the relationship between the plasma concentration of the phospodiesterase (PDE)-4 inhibitor GSK356278 and occupancy of the PDE4 enzyme in the brain of healthy volunteers, using the positron emission tomography (PET) tracer [11C](R)-rolipram. To this end, PET scans were acquired in eight male volunteers before and at 3 and 8 h after a single 14 mg oral dose of GSK356278. A metabolite-corrected arterial input function was used in conjunction with the dynamic PET emission data to estimate volumes of distribution (VT) from a two-tissue compartment model. The administration of GSK356278 reduced [11C](R)-rolipram whole brain VT by 17% at 3 h post-dose (p = 0.01) and by 4% at 8 h post-dose. The mean plasma Cmax was 42.3 ng/ml, leading to a PDE4 occupancy of 48% at Tmax. The in vivo affinity of GSK356278 was estimated as EC50 = 46 ± 3.6 ng/ml. We present the first report of a direct estimation of PDE4 blockade in the living human brain. In vivo affinity of GSK356278 for the PDE4, estimated in this early phase study, was combined with GSK356278 safety and tolerability data to decide on a therapeutic dose for future clinical development.
“How Many Silences Are There?” Men’s Experience of Victimization in Intimate Partner Relationships
Authors: Brooks Carolyn , Martin Stephanie , Broda Lisa , Poudrier Jennifer
Published: July 2017

There is a substantive body of research focusing on women’s experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV), but a lack of qualitative studies focusing on men’s experiences as victims of IPV. This article addresses this gap in the literature by paying particular attention to hegemonic masculinities and men’s perceptions of IPV. Men ( N = 9) participated in in-depth interviews. Interview data were rigorously subjected to thematic analysis, which revealed five key themes in the men’s narratives: fear of IPV, maintaining power and control, victimization as a forbidden narrative, critical understanding of IPV, and breaking the silence. Although the men share similar stories of victimization as women, the way this is influenced by their gendered histories is different. While some men reveal a willingness to disclose their victimization and share similar fear to women victims, others reframe their victim status in a way that sustains their own power and control. The men also draw attention to the contextual realities that frame abuse, including histories of violence against the women who used violence and the realities of communities suffering intergenerational affects of colonized histories. The findings reinforce the importance of in-depth qualitative work toward revealing the context of violence, understanding the impact of fear, victimization, and power/control on men’s mental health as well as the outcome of legal and support services and lack thereof. A critical discussion regarding the gendered context of violence, power within relationships, and addressing men’s need for support without redefining victimization or taking away from policies and support for women’s ongoing victimization concludes the work.
Process development for phenylethynyl-terminated PMDA-type asymmetric polyimide composites
Authors: Zhang Yixiang , Jain Atul , Grunenfelder Lessa K , Miyauchi Masahiko , Nutt Steven
Published: July 2017

A new type of polyimide, designated TriA X, has been developed for high-temperature composite applications. TriA X is a polymerized monomeric reactant (PMR)-type polyimide derived from 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PMDA), 2-phenyl-4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether (p-ODA), and phenylethynyl phthalic anhydride (PEPA). The polymer has an asymmetric, nonplanar backbone, resulting in an amorphous structure and high toughness. In this work, a TriA X resin (with degree of polymerization n = 7 in the imide oligomer) was investigated for processability and performance in carbon fiber composites. Rheological measurements were performed on an oligomer with a low degree of imidization to understand the chemo-rheology of the resin system and determine a suitable B-staging temperature. A composite molding cycle was designed, which yielded fully consolidated woven carbon fiber laminates. Void contents in panels produced with this molding cycle were <0.1% as measured by image analysis (IA) of polished sections, and <0.2% as measured by X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Matrix-dominated mechanical properties of composites fabricated with the TriA X polymer exceeded those of PMR-15 and AFR-PE-4 composites. These mechanical properties and a measured glass transition temperature of 367°C indicate potential for use of this resin system in high-temperature composites.
Investigation of a steering defect and its compensation using a steering-torque control strategy in an extreme driving situation
Authors: Ma Biao , Liu Yahui , Ji Xuewu , Yang Yiyong
Published: July 2017

Road feel is mostly represented by the steering torque or the steering-torque gradient of the lateral acceleration, and it is used by the driver to adjust the vehicle states and to control the vehicle. A steering defect indicated by a decreasing steering torque with increasing lateral acceleration makes the driver lose road feel and may result in a wrong operation and even a traffic accident. The case where the driver loses road feel can be regarded as an extreme driving situation. This paper investigates the steering defect and proposes a steering-torque-based control strategy to improve road feel in a vehicle in an extreme driving situation. The steering torque and the steering-torque gradient extended to the non-linear region of the vehicle are analysed and simulated, and both the simulation results and the experimental results indicate that the steering defect exists when the lateral acceleration is relatively high. Thus, a steering-torque control strategy is proposed on the basis of the torque gradient to improve road feel in an extreme situation. This steering-torque control strategy helps to maintain road feel by employing an optimized steering-torque threshold. The simulation results of the vehicle with steering-torque control show improved road feel in comparison with that without steering-torque control.
Study on the stability of the steering torque feedback system considering the time delay and the system characteristics
Authors: Jiang Yuyao , Deng Weiwen , Wu Jian , Zhang Sumin , He Rui
Published: July 2017

The steering torque feedback system, as one of the most critical parts in a driving simulator or a steer-by-wire system, is used to generate an faithful or desired steering feel for drivers. This requires that the steering torque feedback system should stably simulate the steering feel for a sufficiently large range. There are many factors that can influence the stability region of the steering torque feedback system, such as the characteristics of the system, the time delay and other non-linear factors. In this paper, from the viewpoint of the system design, a stability criterion is derived using an energy-based approach. In particular, some influencing factors are quantitatively investigated and analysed in this paper, including the characteristics of the damping, friction and stiffness system, the time delay and other non-linear factors of the system. The stability criterion and the analysis results of these influencing factors can be used as guidelines for the design of a steering torque feedback system with the aim of achieving a better performance, such as appropriate parameters for the system damping, friction and stiffness, the maximum allowable time delay of the system and the design of the system control algorithms. As well as a finished steering torque feedback system, the stability region can also be calculated from the criterion using the system parameters. The derived stability criterion and analysis results of these influencing factors are all verified by both simulations and experiments.
Illuminating austerity: Lighting poverty as an agent and signifier of the Greek crisis
Authors: Petrova Saska
Published: July 2017

Light – whether natural or artificial – plays multiple roles in the home: both as a material enabler of everyday life and as a device for exercising a variety of social relations. The post-2008 Greek economic crisis has endangered those roles by limiting people’s ability to access or afford adequate energy services. This paper focuses on the enforced lack of illumination in the home, and the strategies and tactics undertaken by households to overcome this challenge. I connect illumination practices and discourses to the implementation of austerity, by arguing that the threat of darkness has become a tool for compelling vulnerable groups to pay their electricity bills. The evidence presented in the paper is based on two sets of interviews with 25 households (including a total of 55 adult members) living in and around Thessaloniki – Greece’s second largest city, and one that has suffered severe economic consequences as a result of the crisis. I have established that the under-consumption of light is one of the most pronounced expressions of energy poverty, and as such endangers the ability to participate in the customs that define membership of society. But the emergence of activist-led amateur electricians and the symbolic and material mobilization of light for political purposes have also created multiple opportunities for resistance.
MicroRNAs: Roles in Regulating Neuroinflammation
Authors: Gaudet Andrew D. , Fonken Laura K. , Watkins Linda R. , Nelson Randy J. , Popovich Phillip G.
Published: July 2017

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that broadly affect cellular and physiological function in all multicellular organisms. Here, the role of miRNAs in neuroinflammation is considered. miRNAs are 21- to 23-oligonucleotide RNAs that regulate translation of specific RNAs by binding to complementary regulatory RNA sequences, thereby causing mRNA degradation or sequestration. More than 5000 miRNAs likely exist in humans, and each miRNA binds an average of 200 RNAs. Specific immunomodulatory miRNAs can regulate a set of RNAs in a coordinated manner, suggesting that effective miRNA-based therapeutic manipulations for neuroinflammatory conditions may be revealed. For instance, miRNAs that preferentially inhibit translation of many cellular anti-inflammatory proteins could drive a pro-inflammatory response. Key pro-inflammatory ( miR-155, miR-27b, miR-326), anti-inflammatory ( miR-124, miR-146a, miR-21, miR-223), and mixed immunomodulatory ( let-7 family) miRNAs regulate neuroinflammation in various pathologies, including spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, ischemic stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. miRNAs represent a newly revealed layer of physiological complexity, the therapeutic benefits of which remain to be fully explored and exploited. In this review, we discuss the role of miRNAs in neuroinflammatory regulation and discuss how controlling miRNAs could alter cellular machinery to improve neuroinflammatory dynamics.
In-situ simulation
Authors: Schofield Louise , Welfare Emma , Mercer Simon
Published: July 2017

‘In-situ’ simulation or simulation ‘in the original place’ is gaining popularity as an educational modality. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of performing simulation in the clinical workplace drawing on the authors’ experience, particularly for trauma teams and medical emergency teams. ‘In-situ’ simulation is a valuable tool for testing new guidelines and assessing for latent errors in the workplace.
Modelling and hybrid control of building lighting systems
Authors: Yahiaoui A
Published: July 2017

The development of an accurate control system for shading devices, essentially motorised Venetian blinds, relies on the rational use of daylight in buildings. This study proposes a control strategy for building lighting components, both daylighting and artificial lighting, to automatically adjust the light level in an office building as required and to block direct sunlight from entering the office, when necessary. The proposed control strategy is based on a hybrid statecharts model mainly consisting of a supervisory control system that chooses appropriate control actions for a current sky condition depending on the sky ratio and clearness index. These control actions are implemented to automatically adjust the blind height and slat angle, and turn on the artificial lighting only when needed. Real experiments in a test-cell demonstrate the effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed control strategy.
Detecting malware based on expired command-and-control traffic
Authors: Zou Futai , Zhang Siyu , Li Linsen , Pan Li , Li Jianhua
Published: July 2017

In this article, we analyze the behavioral characteristics of domain name service queries produced by programs and then design an algorithm to detect malware with expired command-and-control domains based on the key feature of domain name service traffic, that is, repeatedly querying domain with a fixed interval. In total, 3027 malware command-and-control domains in the network traffic of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, affecting 249 hosts, were successfully detected, with a high precision of 92.0%. This algorithm can find those malware with expired command-and-control domains that are usually ignored by current research and would have important value for eliminating network security risks and improving network security environment.
Treating KRAS-mutant NSCLC: latest evidence and clinical consequences
Authors: Garrido Pilar , Olmedo María Eugenia , Gómez Ana , Paz Ares Luis , López-Ríos Fernando , Rosa-Rosa Juan Manuel , Palacios José
Published: July 2017

KRAS mutations represent one of the most prevalent oncogenic driver mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For many years we have unsuccessfully addressed KRAS mutation as a unique disease. The recent widespread use of comprehensive genomic profiling has identified different subgroups with prognostic implications. Moreover, recent data recognizing the distinct biology and therapeutic vulnerabilities of different KRAS subgroups have allowed us to explore different treatment approaches. Small molecules that selectively inhibit KRAS G12C or use of immune checkpoint inhibitors based on co-mutation status are some examples which anticipate that personalized treatment for this challenging disease is finally on the horizon.
Magnetic resonance imaging in central nervous system vasculitis in a patient affected by crioglobulin-negative hepatitis C virus infection: A likely correlation
Authors: Squarza Silvia , Galli Alberto , Cariati Maurizio , Alberici Federico , Bertolini Valentina , Frediani Fabio , Uggetti Carla
Published: July 2017

A 56-year-old man with behavioural disorders and facial-brachio-crural right hemiparesis presented with a brain lesion studied with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and brain biopsy, leading to the diagnosis of cerebral vasculitis. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a phase of activity, without cryoglobulins, was also detected. Brain biopsy, laboratory analysis and response to a specific therapy supported the diagnosis of central nervous system vasculitis that was HCV related.