bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk-Sensitive Stochastic Orienteering Problems for Trip Optimization in Urban Environments
Authors: Varakantham Pradeep , Kumar Akshat , Lau Hoong Chuin , Yeoh William
Published: February 2018

Orienteering Problems (OPs) are used to model many routing and trip planning problems. OPs are a variant of the well-known traveling salesman problem where the goal is to compute the highest reward path that includes a subset of vertices and has an overall travel time less than a specified deadline. However, the applicability of OPs is limited due to the assumption of deterministic and static travel times. To that end, Campbell et al. extended OPs to Stochastic OPs (SOPs) to represent uncertain travel times (Campbell et al. 2011). In this article, we make the following key contributions: (1) We extend SOPs to Dynamic SOPs (DSOPs), which allow for time-dependent travel times; (2) we introduce a new objective criterion for SOPs and DSOPs to represent a percentile measure of risk; (3) we provide non-linear optimization formulations along with their linear equivalents for solving the risk-sensitive SOPs and DSOPs; (4) we provide a local search mechanism for solving the risk-sensitive SOPs and DSOPs; and (5) we provide results on existing benchmark problems and a real-world theme park trip planning problem.
Upregulated galectin-3 is not a critical disease mediator of cardiomyopathy induced by β2-adrenoceptor overexpression
Authors: Nguyen My-Nhan , Su Yidan , Kiriazis Helen , Yang Yan , Gao Xiao-Ming , McMullen Julie R. , Dart Anthony M. , Du Xiao-Jun
Published: February 2018

Preclinical studies have demonstrated that anti-galectin-3 (Gal-3) interventions are effective in attenuating cardiac remodeling, fibrosis, and dysfunction. We determined, in a transgenic (TG) mouse model of fibrotic cardiomyopathy, whether Gal-3 expression was elevated and whether Gal-3 played a critical role in disease development. We studied mice with fibrotic cardiomyopathy attributable to cardiac overexpression of human β2-adrenoceptors (β2-TG). Cardiac expression levels of Gal-3 and fibrotic or inflammatory genes were determined. The effect of Gal-3 inhibition in β2-TG mice was studied by treatment with Gal-3 inhibitors ( N-acetyllactosamine and modified citrus pectin) or by deletion of Gal-3 through crossing β2-TG and Gal-3 knockout mice. Changes in cardiomyopathy phenotypes were assessed by echocardiography and biochemical assays. In β2-TG mice at 3, 6, and 9 mo of age, upregulation of Gal-3 expression was observed at mRNA (~6- to 15-fold) and protein (~4- to 8-fold) levels. Treatment of β2-TG mice with N-acetyllactosamine (3 wk) or modified citrus pectin (3 mo) did not reverse cardiac fibrosis, inflammation, and cardiomyopathy. Similarly, Gal-3 gene deletion in β2-TG mice aged 3 and 9 mo did not rescue the cardiomyopathy phenotype. In conclusion, the β2-TG model of cardiomyopathy showed a robust upregulation of Gal-3 that correlated with disease severity, but Gal-3 inhibitors or Gal-3 gene deletion had no effect in halting myocardial fibrosis, remodeling, and dysfunction. Gal-3 may not be critical for cardiac fibrogenesis and remodeling in this cardiomyopathy model.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We showed a robust upregulation of cardiac galectin-3 (Gal-3) expression in a mouse model of cardiomyopathy attributable to cardiomyocyte-restricted transgenic activation of β2-adrenoceptors. However, pharmacological and genetic inhibition of Gal-3 did not confer benefit in this model, implying that Gal-3 may not be a critical disease mediator of cardiac remodeling in this model.
Genetic Hitchhiking and Population Bottlenecks Contribute to Prostate Cancer Disparities in Men of African Descent
Authors: Lachance Joseph , Berens Ali J. , Hansen Matthew E.B. , Teng Andrew K. , Tishkoff Sarah A. , Rebbeck Timothy R.
Published: February 2018

Prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates in African and African American men are greatly elevated compared with other ethnicities. This disparity is likely explained by a combination of social, environmental, and genetic factors. A large number of susceptibility loci have been reported by genome-wide association studies (GWAS), but the contribution of these loci to prostate cancer disparities is unclear. Here, we investigated the population structure of 68 previously reported GWAS loci and calculated genetic disparity contribution statistics to identify SNPs that contribute the most to differences in prostate cancer risk across populations. By integrating GWAS results with allele frequency data, we generated genetic risk scores for 45 African and 19 non-African populations. Tests of natural selection were used to assess why some SNPs have large allele frequency differences across populations. We report that genetic predictions of prostate cancer risks are highest for West African men and lowest for East Asian men. These differences may be explained by the out-of-Africa bottleneck and natural selection. A small number of loci appear to drive elevated prostate cancer risks in men of African descent, including rs9623117, rs6983267, rs10896449, rs10993994, and rs817826. Although most prostate cancer–associated loci are evolving neutrally, there are multiple instances where alleles have hitchhiked to high frequencies with linked adaptive alleles. For example, a protective allele at 2q37 appears to have risen to high frequency in Europe due to selection acting on pigmentation. Our results suggest that evolutionary history contributes to the high rates of prostate cancer in African and African American men.

Significance: A small number of genetic variants cause an elevated risk of prostate cancer in men of West African descent. Cancer Res; 78(9); 2432–43. ©2018 AACR.
Tumour Heterogeneity of Breast Cancer: From Morphology to Personalised Medicine
Authors: Aleskandarany Mohammed A. , Vandenberghe Michel E. , Marchiò Caterina , Ellis Ian O. , Sapino Anna , Rakha Emad A.
Published: February 2018

Breast cancer (BC) displays striking clinical, morphological, and behavioural diversity within a single tumour and between tumours. Currently, mounting evidence indicates that the morphological heterogeneity of BC reflects an underlying spectrum of genetic and epigenetic portraits that control BC behaviour. Further understanding of BC heterogeneity will have an impact, not only on the routine diagnostic practices but also on patients' management decisions. Phenomena like diagnostic inconsistencies and therapeutic resistance, both primary and acquired, could be attributed, at least in part, to tumour heterogeneity within the same cancer and between the primary disease and subsequent recurrences. From a practical standpoint, and to minimise the impact of BC intratumoral heterogeneity, pragmatic approaches for adequate tumour sampling have been suggested in translational biomarker discovery and validation research studies and in the clinical setting. Here, we provide a brief overview of BC heterogeneity, with an emphasis on the clinical consequences of intratumoral heterogeneity.
Proteinuria and the Clinical Course of Dobrava-Belgrade Hantavirus Infection
Authors: Meier Markus , Kramer Jan , Jabs Wolfram J. , Nolte Claudia , Hofmann Jörg , Krüger Detlev H. , Lehnert Hendrik , Nitschke Martin
Published: February 2018

Purpose: Human infection with Dobrava-Belgrade virus (DOBV) in Northern Germany causes a mild form of hantavirus disease predominantly characterized by acute kidney injury due to interstitial nephritis. We evaluated the largest number of DOBV-infected patients so far regarding clinical course, proteinuria, and prognostic markers. Patients and Methods: Patients with DOBV-associated hantavirus disease admitted to the Renal Division of the University of Lübeck (Germany) between 1997 and 2012 were included in this study. Symptoms, clinical course, laboratory parameters, and urinary protein analysis were investigated at admission (baseline, t0), 3–5 days (t3–5), 10–17 days (t10–17), and after 1 year of follow-up (t365). Results: Of the 34 patients (male/female ratio: 23/11; age: 41 ± 14 years) included in the study, 4 underwent hemodialysis (HD). Glomerular filtration rate was 17 ± 14 mL/min at t0 and increased to 27 ± 26 mL/min (t3–5), 57 ± 20 mL/min (t10–17), and 84 ± 16 mL/min (t365). Albuminuria and tubular proteinuria (α1- and β2-microglobulin) decreased during follow-up; the urinary α1-microglobulin concentration in patients who required HD was significantly higher than that in patients not requiring HD (t0: 186 ± 51 vs. 45 ± 26 mg/g creatinine; t3–5: 87 ± 14 vs. 32 ± 16 mg/g creatinine; t10–17: 63 ± 18 vs. 28 ± 12 mg/g creatinine; p < 0.001). Conclusions: DOBV infection of inpatients in Northern Germany is associated with severe kidney injury that recovers within a few weeks and normalizes within 1 year. Tubular proteinuria is associated with the severity of kidney injury and the necessity of renal replacement therapy in these DOBV-infected patients.
Feasibility of Salvage Selective Neck Dissection after Primary Irradiation of Pharyngeal and Laryngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Mat Lazim Norhafiza , Abdullah Kahairi , Karakullukcu Baris , Tan Ing Bing
Published: February 2018

Introduction: The concept of neck dissection (ND) in the management armamentarium of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has evolved throughout the years. Nowadays, ND becomes more functional. Methodology: A retrospective study of 865 patients was performed at Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek Hospital to investigate the feasibility of selective ND (SND). All patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx and larynx who received primary radiation and underwent salvage ND were included in the study. Result: A total of 29 NDs were analyzed. In 17 neck sides, viable metastases were found (58%), whereas in the other 12 specimens there were no viable metastases. In 16 of the 17 necks (94%), the metastases were located either in level II, III, or IV or in a combination of these 3 levels. Level V was involved in only 1 case (6%). Conclusion: It is well justified to perform a salvage SND (levels II, III, and IV) for pharyngeal and laryngeal carcinoma after primary radiation. In carefully selected cases of supraglottic and oropharyngeal carcinoma, a superselective ND also appears as an efficient option.
Associations of Near-Miss Traffic Incidents with Attention and Executive Function among Older Japanese Drivers
Authors: Makizako Hyuma , Shimada Hiroyuki , Hotta Ryo , Doi Takehiko , Tsutsumimoto Kota , Nakakubo Sho , Makino Keitaro
Published: February 2018

Background: Attention and executive function may play an important role in ensuring safe driving as they involve paying attention to complex information and making an instantaneous judgment during driving. We hypothesized that poor performance in attention and executive function may increase the risk of near-miss incidents among older drivers. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine associations of current experience of near-miss traffic incidents with attention and executive function among older Japanese drivers. Methods: The study included 3,421 general older drivers (mean age: 71.7 ± 4.9 years; 56.3% men) with a valid driver’s license who were currently driving at least once per week and who had participated in a community-based cohort study between February 2015 and August 2016. The participants were asked about their experiences of near-miss traffic incidents in 10 situations that had almost happened during driving in the previous year. Results: Of the 3,421 older drivers, 1,840 (53.8%) had experienced near-miss incidents during driving in the previous year at least once. Male sex (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.27–1.69) and high driving frequency (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.07–1.15) were significantly associated with the current experience of near-miss traffic incidents when the overall data were analyzed. In young-old drivers aged 65–74 years, poor performance in attention as assessed by the Trail Making Test-part A (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.05–2.00) was significantly associated with near-miss traffic incidents. Conclusion: Male sex, high driving frequency, and poor performance in attention (in young-old drivers) were associated with near-miss traffic incidents. Improvement in attention may play a role in decreasing the risk of traffic accidents among older drivers.
Early Diastolic Dysfunction after Cancer Chemotherapy: Primary Endpoint Results of a Multicenter Cardio-Oncology Study
Authors: Calabrese Vito , Menna Pierantonio , Annibali Ombretta , Armento Grazia , Carpino Armando , Cerchiara Elisabetta , Greco Carlo , Marchesi Francesco , Spallarossa Paolo , Toglia Giuseppe , Reggiardo Giorgio , Minotti Giorgio ,   on behalf of the Collaborators
Published: February 2018

Asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction (DD) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is suspected to precede late cardiac events in cancer survivors treated by chemotherapy. We conducted the first multicenter study of early DD induced by chemotherapy. Patients who were candidates for standard dose chemotherapy were screened for the absence of cardiovascular risk factors, LVEF ≥50%, normal-for-age diastolic function at echocardiography (E/A ratio, E wave deceleration time; DT), normal levels of potential DD biomarkers like Nt-proBNP (≤125 pg/mL), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI, ≤0.05 ng/mL). Mitral Doppler (E/E’) was left at the investigator’s discretion. Chemotherapy-induced DD with preserved LVEF was diagnosed for patients showing LVEF ≥50% and any of the following: Nt-proBNP > 125 pg/mL, cTnI > 0.05 ng/mL, and out-of-range E/A and DT. Eighty patients (68 males, 12 females, median age 49 years) were evaluated at 1 week after chemotherapy (T1). Thirty-three protocol-defined diastolic events were observed (15 Nt-proBNP > 125 pg/mL, 14 grade I DD by E/A and DT, 4 cTnI > 0.05 ng/mL). The events occurred in 29 asymptomatic patients with LVEF ≥50% (36% incidence of DD with preserved LVEF). Interactions occurred between biomarkers and grade I DD. E/E’ abnormalities were not observed. Both anthracycline-based and nonanthracycline regimens induced DD. These findings show that biomarkers and echocardiography intercept early DD in otherwise asymptomatic low-risk cancer patients treated by standard dose chemotherapy. These findings therefore call for the adequate cardiac management of cancer patients.
Surgical Treatment following Chemo-Targeted Therapy with Bevacizumab for Lung Metastasis from Colorectal Carcinoma: Analysis of Safety and Histological Therapeutic Effects in Patients Treated at a Single Institution
Authors: Nakagiri Tomoyuki , Tokunaga Toshiteru , Kunoh Hidenori , Noura Shingo , Ishida Hiroto , Miyoshi Norikatsu , Ohue Masayuki , Okami Jiro , Higashiyama Masahiko
Published: February 2018

Background: Recently, therapeutic strategies for a metastasectomy from colorectal carcinoma after chemo-targeted therapy with bevacizumab have been presented, with which some uncommon but serious adverse events have been reported. However, only few reports have investigated the safety of lung resection after such therapy or the histological effects. We retrospectively analyzed the both of them at our institute. Methods: Of 69 colorectal carcinoma patients who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy procedures from 2009 to 2014, we investigated 11 who also received chemo-targeted therapy prior to surgery. Results: In addition to bevacizumab, 5 fluorouracil (FU)/leucovorin + oxaliplatin or capecitabine was given in 6 cases and 5 FU/leucovorin + irinotecan in 5 cases. The mean period from the end of chemo-targeted therapy to surgery was 2.7 ± 0.9 months. The response to therapy shown in imaging findings was progressive disease in 6, stable disease in 3, and partial response in 2 (response rate, 18.2%). The operation modes were wedge resection (n = 8, 72.3%), segmentectomy (n = 2, 1 in bilateral lobes, 1 in the right lobe, 18.2%), and lobectomy (n = 1, left lower lobectomy, 9.1%). All patients safely underwent a complete resection. As for postsurgical complications, chylothorax occurred in 1 case and prolonged pulmonary air leakage in 1 case. The histological effects of chemo-targeted therapy were slight. There was no relationship between histological findings with imaging findings obtained prior to the operation (p = 0.63). The 5-year disease-free survival rate after metastasectomy was 10.9%. Conclusions: Pulmonary metastasectomy after chemo-targeted therapy for colorectal carcinoma patients obtained acceptable results. In addition, there was no correlation between imaging and histopathologic results following chemo-targeted therapy.
A Rare Form of Corneal Opacity Associated with Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita
Authors: Ishida Yuichiro , Koh Shizuka , Kaito Takashi , Nishida Kohji
Published: February 2018

A 13-year-old Japanese female diagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SEDC) was referred for ophthalmologic evaluation. Examination with slit-lamp and optical coherence tomography revealed bilateral thin cornea with diffuse corneal opacity which was localised at the posterior stromal depth in the central cornea. Unlike the two previously reported cases of diffuse and nodular patterns of corneal opacity in SEDC, the current case exhibited a rare form of corneal opacity. SEDC is one of the type II collagenopathies, characterised by dwarfism because the mutations in COL2A1 prevent bone growth. Although the existence of type II collagen has not been reported in the human corneal stroma, the aetiology of the opacity in the corneal stroma in SEDC type II collagenopathy is of interest.
Severity of Diverticulitis Does Not Influence Abdominal Complaints during Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Ditzel Max , Vennix Sandra , Menon Anand G. , Verbeek Paul C.M. , Bemelman Willem A. , Lange Johan F.
Published: February 2018

Background: Diverticulitis can lead to localized or generalized peritonitis and consequently induce abdominal adhesion formation. If adhesions would lead to abdominal complaints, it might be expected that these would be more prominent after operation for perforated diverticulitis with peritonitis than after elective sigmoid resection. Aims: The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of abdominal complaints in the long-term after acute and elective surgery for diverticulitis. Methods: During the period 2003 through 2009, 269 patients were operated for diverticular disease. Two hundred eight of them were invited to fill out a questionnaire composed of the gastrointestinal quality of life index and additional questions and finally 109 were suitable for analysis with a mean follow-up of 7.5 years. Results: Analysis did not reveal any significant differences in the incidence of abdominal complaints or other parameters. Conclusion: This retrospective study on patients after operation for diverticulitis shows that in the long term, the severity of the abdominal complaints is influenced neither by the stage of the disease nor by the fact of whether it was performed in an acute or elective setting.
An Apparent Contradiction in Targum Pseudo-Jonathan Genesis 25:20–26: Was Rebekah Barren for Twenty or Twenty-Two Years?
Authors: Zhakevich Iosif J.
Published: February 2018

While the Hebrew Bible does not specify the duration of Rebekah’s barrenness, Targum Pseudo-Jonathan (TgPsJ) Gen. 25:21 introduces a comment that Rebekah was barren for twenty-two years. This appears to produce an inconsistency, both between the Hebrew Bible and TgPsJ, and within the TgPsJ narrative itself. Two references to Isaac’s age—in the context of his relationship to Rebekah—seem to suggest that Rebekah was barren for twenty years: At 25:20, Isaac marries Rebekah when he is forty; and at 25:26, Esau and Jacob are born when Isaac is sixty. This twenty-year gap presumably reveals the twenty years of Rebekah’s barrenness. Indeed, scholars have suggested that TgPsJ’s ‘twenty-two years’ be emended to ‘twenty years’. This article, however, contends that TgPsJ’s ‘twenty-two years’ should be retained, and that the text of TgPsJ proves to be a coherent text when read in the greater context of biblical and Jewish tradition about Isaac and Rebekah.
A taxonomic revision of Chinese Cleopomiarus Pierce (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) with description of two new species
Authors: JIANG CHUNYAN , CALDARA ROBERTO , ZHANG RUNZHI
Published: February 2018

The Chinese species of Cleopomiarus Pierce, 1919 (Curculionidae, Curculioninae, Mecinini) are revised. Six taxa are reported: two already know from China (C. distinctus (Boheman, 1845), C. vestitus (Roelofs, 1875)), two cited for the first time from this country (C. flavoscutellatus (Morimoto, 1959), C. graminis (Gyllenhal, 1813)), and two new to science (C. danfengensis Jiang & Caldara n. sp., C. nuerhachii Jiang & Caldara n. sp.). The following new synonymy is proposed: C. distinctus (Boheman, 1845) = Miarus longirostris mandschuricus Voss, 1952 n. syn. Diagnosis, description or redescription, comparative notes and distribution are reported for each species. Dorsal and lateral habitus, as well as details of rostra and genitalia are illustrated. Finally, a key to the species is provided. Type specimens are deposited in the National Zoological Museum of China in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China.
A preliminary assessment of genetic divergence and distribution of Malagasy cave fish in the genus Typhleotris (Teleostei: Milyeringidae)
Authors: VENCES MIGUEL , RASOLOARINIAINA JEAN R. , RIEMANN JANA C.
Published: February 2018

The genus Typhleotris contains three poorly known blind fish species, inhabiting aquifers in the limestone plateau of south-western Madagascar. Until recently these species were known from only few localities, and their pattern of genetic differentiation remains poorly studied. In this study we analyse 122 Typhleotris tissue samples collected from 12 localities, spanning the entire known range of the genus, and use DNA sequences to assign these samples to the three species known. The phylogeny based on the mitochondrial marker cox1 revealed three main clades corresponding to the three species: Typhleotris madagascariensis, T. mararybe and T. pauliani, differing by uncorrected pairwise sequence divergences of 6.3-9.8%. The distribution ranges of the three species overlapped widely: T. mararybe was collected only in a southern group of localities, T. madagascariensis was found in both the southern and the central group of localities, and T. pauliani occurred from the northernmost site to the southern group of localities; yet the three species did not share haplotypes in two nuclear genes, except for three individuals that we hypothesize are hybrids of T. pauliani with T. madagascariensis and T. mararybe. This pattern of concordant mitochondrial and nuclear divergence despite sympatry strongly supports the status of all three taxa as separate species. Phylogeographic structure was obvious in T. madagascariensis, with two separate shallow mitochondrial clades occupying (1) the central vs. (2) the southern group of populations, and in T. pauliani, with separate mitochondrial clades for (1) the northern vs. (2) the central/southern populations. The widespread occurrence of these three cave fish species suggests that the aquifers in south-western Madagascar have at least in the past allowed episodic dispersal and gene flow of subterraneous organisms, whereas the phylogeographic pattern of T. madagascariensis and T. pauliani provides evidence for isolation and loss of connectivity in the more recent past.
A new species of the alpheid shrimp genus Thuylamea Nguyên, 2001 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea) from Yatsushiro Sea, Kyushu, Japan
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI
Published: February 2018

A new species of alpheid shrimp, Thuylamea shiranui, is described and illustrated on the basis of five specimens from Yatsushiro Sea, western Kyushu, Japan. It is closely related to T. camelus Nguyên, 2001, the type species of the heretofore monotypic genus Thuylamea Nguyên, 2001, known from South China, Vietnam and Singapore. The complete lack of submedian posterodorsal crests on the carapace and the relatively long antennular peduncle distinguish the new species from T. camelus. The generic diagnosis of Thuylamea is emended to accommodate the new species.
The genera Allophrys Förster and Aneuclis Förster (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Tersilochinae) of Vietnam
Authors: KHALAIM ANDREY I.
Published: February 2018

Four species of the genus Allophrys Förster, A. daklaka sp. nov., A. davichia sp. nov., A. occipitata Khalaim and A. tonkina sp. nov., and three species of Aneuclis Förster, A. achterbergi sp. nov., A. devriesi sp. nov. and A. secunda (Khalaim), comb. nov., are found to occur in Vietnam. Allophrys daklaka is also recorded from Indonesia. Male of A. secunda is recorded for the first time. This is the first record of the genus Aneuclis from Vietnam and Oriental region. Identification keys to Vietnamese species of Allophrys and Aneuclis are provided. The genus Sathropterus Förster is synonymized with Aneuclis Förster (syn. nov.), and its two species are transferred to the genus Aneuclis: A. pumilus (Holmgren), comb. nov. and A. secunda (Khalaim), comb. nov.
Comparison of Nonlinear Local Lyapunov Vectors and Bred Vectors in Estimating the Spatial Distribution of Error Growth
Authors: Feng Jie , Li Jianping , Ding Ruiqiang , Toth Zoltan
Published: February 2018

Instabilities play a critical role in understanding atmospheric predictability and improving weather forecasting. The bred vectors (BVs) are dynamically evolved and flow-dependent nonlinear perturbations, indicating the most unstable modes of the underlying flow. Especially over smaller areas, however, BVs with different initial seeds may to some extent be constrained to a small subspace, missing potential forecast error growth along other unstable perturbation directions.

In this paper, the authors study the nonlinear local Lyapunov vectors (NLLVs) that are designed to capture an orthogonal basis spanning the most unstable perturbation subspace, thus potentially ameliorating the limitation of BVs. The NLLVs are theoretically related to the linear Lyapunov vectors (LVs), which also form an orthogonal basis. Like BVs, NLLVs are generated by dynamically evolving perturbations with a full nonlinear model. In simulated forecast experiments, a set of mutually orthogonal NLLVs show an advantage in predicting the structure of forecast error growth when compared to using a set of BVs that are not fully independent. NLLVs are also found to have a higher local dimension, enabling them to better capture localized instabilities, leading to increased ensemble spread.
Decadal Relationship between the Stratospheric Arctic Vortex and Pacific Decadal Oscillation
Authors: Hu Dingzhu , Guan Zhaoyong
Published: February 2018

Using reanalysis datasets and numerical simulations, the relationship between the stratospheric Arctic vortex (SAV) and the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) on decadal time scales was investigated. A significant in-phase relationship between the PDO and SAV on decadal time scales during 1950–2014 is found, that is, the North Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) cooling (warming) associated with the positive (negative) PDO phases is closely related to the strengthening (weakening) of the SAV. This decadal relationship between the North Pacific SST and SAV is different from their relationship on subdecadal time scales. Observational and modeling results both demonstrate that the decadal variation in the SAV is strongly affected by the North Pacific SSTs related to the PDO via modifying the upward propagation of planetary wavenumber-1 waves from the troposphere to the stratosphere. The decreased SSTs over the North Pacific tend to result in a deepened Aleutian low along with a strengthened jet stream over the North Pacific, which excites a weakened western Pacific pattern and a strengthened Pacific–North American pattern. These tropospheric circulation anomalies are in accordance with the decreased refractive index (RI) at middle and high latitudes in the northern stratosphere during the positive PDO phase. The increased RI at high latitudes in the upper troposphere impedes the planetary wavenumber-1 wave from propagating into the stratosphere, and in turn strengthens the SAV. The responses of the RI to the PDO are mainly contributions of the changes in the meridional gradient of the zonal-mean potential vorticity via alteration of the baroclinic term .
Development of a Sampling Probe for Representative Sampling of PM at Freestream Velocities in the Range from 0 to 300 km h−1
Authors: Heo Nae-Gang , Lim Jun-Hyung , Lee Jae-Won , Lee Joon-Soo , Yook Se-Jin , Ahn Kang-Ho
Published: February 2018

To accurately forecast the concentrations of fine and thoracic coarse particles [particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and 10, respectively], it is important to secure a large number of boundary conditions. For this purpose, particle concentrations need to be measured not only at predefined observatory sites but also in more regions. Various types of vehicles can be used for collecting ambient aerosol not only on the ground but also in the air, and thus it is necessary to use specially designed sampling probes that enable efficient sampling of particles in variable airstream velocity conditions. This study developed a double-shrouded probe as a representative sampling probe available within a range of stream velocity from 0 to 300 km h−1. An additional shroud was added to the outer face of a single-shrouded probe, and an annular tapered wing was added to a sampling tube. Numerical analyses and experiments were performed, and their results were compared. The double-shrouded probe was found to be appropriate for representative sampling of PM2.5 and PM10 at velocities of 300 km h−1 or less and 150 km h−1 or less, respectively, which are significantly extended compared to the range of the currently possible velocity for the single-shrouded probe. The double-shrouded probe onboard various types of air or land vehicles is expected to contribute to accurate measurements of PM concentration under the condition of a high-speed stream.
Educating against all odds: The context and content of social work education in times of national crisis in Greece
Authors: Dedotsi Sofia , Young Alys
Published: February 2018

Greece is 6 years into a socio-economic crisis, during which oppression has increased as a result of unjust austerity measures. Reflecting on the need for an anti-oppressive practice, a qualitative study of pre-qualifying social work education was carried out in one of the four national Departments of Social Work (subsequently abolished). This article reports the findings of semi-structured interviews with final year students ( n = 14) and academic staff members ( n = 10) on the content and context of social work education in relation to anti-oppressive practice. The study revealed the need for a radical shift in social work education based on the emancipatory values of the profession.
Attempted Suicide: A Multilevel Examination of Inmate Characteristics and Prison Context
Authors: Stoliker Bryce E.
Published: February 2018

Correctional institutions in the United States witness higher rates of suicide compared with the general population, as well as a higher number of attempted suicides compared with completed cases. Prison research focused little attention on investigating the combined effects of inmate characteristics and prison context on suicide, with studies using only one level of analysis (prison or prisoner) and neglecting the nested nature of inmates in prisons. To extend this literature, multilevel modeling techniques were employed to investigate individual- and prison-contextual predictive patterns of attempted suicide using a nationally representative sample of 18,185 inmates in 326 prisons across the United States. Results revealed that several individual-level factors predicted odds for attempted suicide, such as inmate characteristics/demographics, prison experiences, having a serious mental illness, and symptoms of mental health issues. Some prison-contextual variables, as well as cross-level interaction effects, also significantly predicted odds for attempted suicide. Policy and research implications are discussed.
The Valuable, the Constitutive, and the Energetic: Exploring the impact and importance of studying emotions and institutions
Authors: Zietsma Charlene , Toubiana Madeline
Published: February 2018

Emotions shape our lives and experiences as institutional actors, yet neo-institutional theorizing has paid scant attention to them until recently. In this introduction to the Special Themed Section, we explore why this blind spot has existed in past theorizing and aim to push scholarship further to elucidate the role that emotions play in institutional life. Drawing insights from the emerging literature and the four papers in this issue, we emphasize specific themes of interest for research on emotions and institutions. Specifically, we highlight the need for a focus on the role of emotions as: value-laden, constitutive of institutions, and energetic. We argue that foregrounding emotions promises a myriad of opportunities for future work and promises rich theoretical rewards.
Home-based pre-surgical psychological intervention for knee osteoarthritis (HAPPiKNEES): a feasibility randomized controlled trial
Authors: das Nair Roshan , Mhizha-Murira Jacqueline R , Anderson Pippa , Carpenter Hannah , Clarke Simon , Groves Sam , Leighton Paul , Scammell Brigitte E , Topcu Gogem , Walsh David A , Lincoln Nadina B
Published: February 2018

Objective:

To determine the feasibility of conducting a trial of a pre-surgical psychological intervention on pain, function, and mood in people with knee osteoarthritis listed for total knee arthroplasty.

Design:

Multi-centre, mixed-methods feasibility randomized controlled trial of intervention plus usual care versus usual care.

Setting:

Participants’ homes or hospital.

Participants:

Patients with knee osteoarthritis listed for total knee arthroplasty and score >7 on either subscales of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Intervention:

Up-to 10 sessions of psychological intervention (based on cognitive behavioural therapy).

Main measures:

Feasibility outcomes (recruitment and retention rates, acceptability of trial procedures and intervention, completion of outcome measures), and standardized questionnaires assessing pain, function, and mood at baseline, and four and six months post-randomisation.

Results:

Of 222 people screened, 81 did not meet inclusion criteria, 64 did not wish to participate, 26 were excluded for other reasons, and 51 were randomized. A total of 30 completed 4-month outcomes and 25 completed 6-month outcomes. Modal number of intervention sessions completed was three (range 2–8). At 6-month follow-up, mood, pain, and physical function scores were consistent with clinically important benefits from intervention, with effect sizes ranging from small ( d = 0.005) to moderate ( d = 0.74), and significant differences in physical function between intervention and usual care groups ( d = 1.16). Feedback interviews suggested that participants understood the rationale for the study, found the information provided adequate, the measures comprehensive, and the intervention acceptable.

Conclusion:

A definitive trial is feasible, with a total sample size of 444 people. Pain is a suitable primary outcome, but best assessed 6 and 12 months post-surgery.
Human brain trauma severity is associated with lectin complement pathway activation
Authors: De Blasio Daiana , Fumagalli Stefano , Orsini Franca , Neglia Laura , Perego Carlo , Ortolano Fabrizio , Zanier Elisa R , Picetti Edoardo , Locatelli Marco , Stocchetti Nino , Longhi Luca , Garred Peter , De Simoni Maria-Grazia
Published: February 2018

We explored the involvement of the lectin pathway of complement in post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) pathophysiology in humans. Brain samples were obtained from 28 patients who had undergone therapeutic contusion removal, within 12 h (early) or from >12 h until five days (late) from injury, and from five non-TBI patients. Imaging analysis indicated that lectin pathway initiator molecules (MBL, ficolin-1, ficolin-2 and ficolin-3), the key enzymes MASP-2 and MASP-3, and the downstream complement components (C3 fragments and TCC) were present inside and outside brain vessels in all contusions. Only ficolin-1 was found in the parenchyma of non-TBI tissues. Immunoassays in brain homogenates showed that MBL, ficolin-2 and ficolin-3 increased in TBI compared to non-TBI (2.0, 2.2 and 6.0-times) samples. MASP-2 increased with subarachnoid hemorrhage and abnormal pupil reactivity, two indicators of structural and functional damage. C3 fragments and TCC increased, respectively, by 3.5 - and 4.0-fold in TBI compared to non-TBI tissue and significantly correlated with MBL, ficolin-2, ficolin-3, MASP-2 and MASP-3 levels in the homogenates. In conclusion, we show for the first time the direct presence of lectin pathway components in human cerebral contusions and their association with injury severity, suggesting a central role for the lectin pathway in the post-traumatic pathophysiology of human TBI.
High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) Levels Independently Correlates With Cardiac Arrhythmias and Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Boudi Farzin Brian , Kalayeh Nicholas , Movahed Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2018

Objective:

Acute coronary syndrome is frequently complicated by rhythm disturbances, yet any association between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and arrhythmias in the setting of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI) is uncertain. The goal of this study was to evaluate any association between HDL-cholesterol levels and arrhythmias in the setting of non-STEMI.

Methods:

Retrospective data from Phoenix Veterans Affair Medical Center records were utilized for our study. A total of 6881 patients were found who presented during 2000 to 2003 with non-STEMI with available fasting lipid panels collected within the first 24 hours of admission. Patients were followed for the development of rhythm disturbances up to 6 years after initial presentation, with a mean follow up of 1269 days.

Results:

We found that high triglycerides/HDL and low-density lipid/HDL ratios were predictive of arrhythmias. However, low HDL levels had strongest association with highest odds ratio (OR) for development of arrhythmias (for HDL <31 mg/dL, OR = 3.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.55-5.44, P < .05) in patients with diabetes and (for HDL < 31 mg/dL, OR = 3.69, 95% CI = 2.85-4.71, P < .05) in patients without diabetes. Using multivariate analysis adjusting for comorbidities, low HDL level remained independently associated with arrhythmias.

Conclusions:

Patients with low HDL levels during hospitalization with non-STEMI have a greater risk of developing cardiac rhythm disturbances independent of other risk factors. These data suggest a possible protective role of HDL in preventing arrhythmias in the setting of acute coronary syndrome.
The Space Between Us: On Shifting Sitting Patterns in Tel Aviv Taxi-Cabs, and Their Meanings
Authors: Eytan Hagai
Published: February 2018

The taxi is a widespread mode of public transportation. In this everyday-life urban setting total strangers, a driver and his fare, interact and co-operate. In Israel, taxi passengers must choose whether to sit in the front seat, near the stranger-driver, or in the backseat, behind him. This choice pre-structures the incoming interaction and sets its general “tone.” Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in a taxi in Tel Aviv, as well as on interviews and street observations, this article examines shifting sitting patterns in Tel Aviv taxis. These shifting proxemic patterns reveal homophilous tendencies and reflect, in a nutshell, wider structural, socioeconomic, and ideological changes undergone by Israeli society.
Manifesting Spirits: Paranormal Investigation and the Narrative Development of a Haunting
Authors: Eaton Marc A.
Published: February 2018

Using a paranormal investigation of a reportedly haunted hotel as a model, I propose a five-phase narrative development process that integrates media representations of ghosts, place-based tales of hauntings, and accounts that emerge through processes of interactive interpretation. By attending to both preexisting and emergent supernatural stories, the model illustrates how idiocultures function as mediating structures between established narratives and accounts that result from shared experiences. The narrative account of a haunting is thus a product of interpretive processes in which established ghost stories serve as resources for the collective co-construction of an account that both resonates with external expectations and supports idiocultural authority structures. Ultimately, idiocultural factors have greater influence upon the final narrative than folklore, media, or place-based supernatural tales.
Design of an optically accessible turbulent combustion system
Authors: Hossain Mohammad A , Choudhuri Ahsan , Love Norman
Published: February 2018

In order to design the next generation of gas turbine combustors and rocket engines, understanding the flame structure at high-intensity turbulent flows is necessary. Many experimental studies have focused on flame structures at relatively low Reynolds and Damköhler numbers, which are useful but do not help to provide a deep understanding of flame behavior at gas turbine and rocket engine operating conditions. The current work is focused on the presentation of the design and development of a high-intensity (Tu = 15–30%) turbulent combustion system, which is operated at compressible flow regime from Mach numbers of 0.3 to 0.5, preheated temperatures up to 500 K, and premixed conditions in order to investigate the flame structure at high Reynolds and Damköhler numbers in the so-called thickened flame regime. The design of an optically accessible backward-facing step stabilized combustor was designed for a maximum operating pressure of 0.6 MPa. Turbulence generator grid was introduced with different blockage ratios from 54 to 67% to generate turbulence inside the combustor. Optical access was provided via quartz windows on three sides of the combustion chamber. Extensive finite element analysis was performed to verify the structural integrity of the combustor at rated conditions. In order to increase the inlet temperature of the air, a heating section is designed and presented in this paper. Separate cooling subsystem designs are also presented. A 10 kHz time-resolved particle image velocimetry system and a 3 kHz planer laser-induced fluorescence system are integrated with the system to diagnose the flow field and the flame, respectively. The combustor utilizes a UNS 316 stainless steel with a minimum wall thickness of 12.5 mm. Quartz windows were designed with a maximum thickness of 25.4 mm resulting in an overall factor of safety of 3.5.
Metabolic cooperation between cancer and non-cancerous stromal cells is pivotal in cancer progression
Authors: Lopes-Coelho Filipa , Gouveia-Fernandes Sofia , Serpa Jacinta
Published: February 2018

The way cancer cells adapt to microenvironment is crucial for the success of carcinogenesis, and metabolic fitness is essential for a cancer cell to survive and proliferate in a certain organ/tissue. The metabolic remodeling in a tumor niche is endured not only by cancer cells but also by non-cancerous cells that share the same microenvironment. For this reason, tumor cells and stromal cells constitute a complex network of signal and organic compound transfer that supports cellular viability and proliferation.

The intensive dual-address cooperation of all components of a tumor sustains disease progression and metastasis. Herein, we will detail the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer-associated adipocytes, and inflammatory cells, mainly monocytes/macrophages (tumor-associated macrophages), in the remodeling and metabolic adaptation of tumors.
Indoctrination and coercion in agent motivation: Evidence from Nazi Germany
Authors: Miller Charles , Barber Benjamin , Bakar Shuvo
Published: February 2018

How do principals combine indoctrination and coercion to motivate their agents? Based on previous literature, we argue that indoctrination on the one hand and coercion on the other are substitutes in agent motivation—more of one requires less of the other. But measuring this substitution effect is hard since individuals often self-select into ideological organizations and have incentives to claim insincerely to be ideologically motivated. Using a novel dataset of wartime behavior contained in a large sample of World War II German service records, we present a solution to these problems. We find convincing evidence to support our theory—the German army was able to induce similar effort levels from soldiers who had and had not been in the Hitler Youth, though Hitler Youth alumni required fewer punishments.
Neural Oscillations Orchestrate Multisensory Processing
Authors: Keil Julian , Senkowski Daniel
Published: February 2018

At any given moment, we receive input through our different sensory systems, and this information needs to be processed and integrated. Multisensory processing requires the coordinated activity of distinct cortical areas. Key mechanisms implicated in these processes include local neural oscillations and functional connectivity between distant cortical areas. Evidence is now emerging that neural oscillations in distinct frequency bands reflect different mechanisms of multisensory processing. Moreover, studies suggest that aberrant neural oscillations contribute to multisensory processing deficits in clinical populations, such as schizophrenia. In this article, we review recent literature on the neural mechanisms underlying multisensory processing, focusing on neural oscillations. We derive a framework that summarizes findings on (1) stimulus-driven multisensory processing, (2) the influence of top-down information on multisensory processing, and (3) the role of predictions for the formation of multisensory perception. We propose that different frequency band oscillations subserve complementary mechanisms of multisensory processing. These processes can act in parallel and are essential for multisensory processing.
Intraoperative Transesophageal Echocardiogram During Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: TEE to the Rescue!
Authors: De Marchi Lorenzo , Lee Janice , Rawtani Nina , Nguyen Vinh
Published: February 2018

Supported by a growing number of studies and case reports in the literature, perioperative use of TEE in non-cardiac cases has significantly increased the past two decades. The utility of TEE in monitoring hemodynamic, and diagnosing causes of hypotension refractory to conventional therapy, have made it an almost indispensible tool during major surgeries, such liver transplantation. Despite this fact, compared to the adult population, there is a lack of an equivalent amount of literature on the perioperative use of TEE in pediatric cases. In our case we report the utilization of TEE during a pediatric liver transplant, to diagnose a post reperfusion suprahepatic anastomosis stricture.

In this case, the cooperation of the anesthesia, the surgical, and the cardiology teams, helped in resolving the case, allowing a positive outcome for the patient.

To our knowledge, this is the first case describing the use of TEE during a pediatric liver transplant.