bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of New Thiazole Based Pyridine Derivatives as Potential Corrosion Inhibitors for Mild Steel: Theoretical and Experimental Approach
Authors: Chaitra T. K. , Mohana K. N. , Tandon H. C.
Published: March 2016

Three new thiazole based pyridine derivatives 5-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-thiazole-2-carboxylic acid pyridin-2-ylmethylene-hydrazide (2-MTPH), 5-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-thiazole-2-carboxylic acid pyridin-3-ylmethylene-hydrazide (3-MTPH), and 5-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-thiazole-2-carboxylic acid pyridin-4-ylmethylene-hydrazide (4-MTPH) were synthesized and characterized. Corrosion inhibition performance of the prepared compounds on mild steel in 0.5 M HCl was studied using gravimetric, potentiodynamic polarisation, and electrochemical impedance techniques. Inhibition efficiency has direct relation with concentration and inverse relation with temperature. Thermodynamic parameters for dissolution and adsorption process were evaluated. Polarisation study reveals that compounds act as both anodic and cathodic inhibitors with emphasis on the former. Impedance study shows that decrease in charge transfer resistance is responsible for effective protection of steel surface by inhibitors. The film formed on the mild steel was investigated using FTIR, SEM, and EDX spectroscopy. Quantum chemical parameters likeEHOMO,ELUMO,ΔE, hardness, softness, and ionisation potential were calculated. Higher value ofEHOMOand lower value ofΔEindicate the better inhibition efficiency of the compounds. Lower ionisation potential of inhibitors indicates higher reactivity and lower chemical stability.
Microarrays as Model Biosensor Platforms to Investigate the Structure and Affinity of Aptamers
Authors: Martin Jennifer A. , Chushak Yaroslav , Chávez Jorge L. , Hagen Joshua A. , Kelley-Loughnane Nancy
Published: March 2016

Immobilization of nucleic acid aptamer recognition elements selected free in solution onto the surface of biosensor platforms has proven challenging. This study investigated the binding of multiple aptamer/target pairs immobilized on a commercially available microarray as a model system mimicking biosensor applications. The results indicate a minimum distance (linker length) from the surface and thymine nucleobase linker provides reproducible binding across varying conditions. An indirect labeling method, where the target was labeled with a biotin followed by a brief Cy3-streptavidin incubation, provided a higher signal-to-noise ratio and over two orders of magnitude improvement in limit of detection, compared to direct Cy3-protein labeling. We also showed that the affinities of the aptamer/target interaction can change between direct and indirect labeling and conditions to optimize for the highest fluorescence intensity will increase the sensitivity of the assay but will not change the overall affinity. Additionally, some sequences which did not initially bind demonstrated binding when conditions were optimized. These results, in combination with studies demonstrating enhanced binding in nonselection buffers, provided insights into the structure and affinity of aptamers critical for biosensor applications and allowed for generalizations in starting conditions for researchers wishing to investigate aptamers on a microarray surface.
KIT Exon 11 Codons 557–558 Deletion Mutation Promotes Liver Metastasis Through the CXCL12/CXCR4 Axis in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Wang Hao-Chen , Li Tzu-Ying , Chao Ying-Jui , Hou Ya-Chin , Hsueh Yuan-Shuo , Hsu Kai-Hsi , Shan Yan-Shen
Published: March 2016

Purpose: KIT mutations, the most prevalent genetic event in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), are associated with malignant features and poor prognosis. Aggressive GISTs possess a high propensity to spread to the liver. This study aimed to explore the role of KIT mutations in GIST liver metastasis.

Experimental Design: A total of 170 GISTs were used to determine the association between KIT mutations and liver metastasis. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the correlation of KIT mutations with CXCR4 and ETV1 expression. Genetic and pharmacologic methods were used to study the regulation of CXCR4 and ETV1 by KIT mutations.

Results: Codons 557 and 558 in KIT exon 11 were deletion hot spots in GISTs. KIT exon 11 deletions involving codons 557–558 were highly associated with liver metastasis. Overexpression of mutant KIT with exon 11 codons 557–558 deletion (KIT Δ557–558) increased GIST cell motility and liver metastasis. Mechanistically, overexpression of KIT Δ557–558 in GIST cells increased ETV1 and CXCR4 expression. CXCR4 knockdown counteracted KIT Δ557–558–mediated cell migration. Moreover, KIT Δ557–558–induced CXCR4 expression could be abolished by silencing ETV1. The chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that ETV1 directly bound to the CXCR4 promoter. After ERK inhibitor PD325901 treatment, the upregulation of ETV1 by KIT Δ557–558 was prevented. In addition, KIT exon 11 codons 557–558 deletion enhanced CXCL12-mediated GIST cell migration and invasion.

Conclusions: KIT exon 11 557–558 deletion upregulates CXCR4 through increased binding of ETV1 to the CXCR4 promoter in GIST cells, which thus promotes liver metastasis. These findings highlighted the potential therapeutic targets for metastatic GISTs. Clin Cancer Res; 22(14); 3477–87. ©2016 AACR.
Triggering of Suicidal Erythrocyte Death by Pazopanib
Authors: Signoretto Elena , Zierle Jens , Bissinger Rosi , Castagna Michela , Bossi Elena , Lang Florian
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: The multi-targeted kinase inhibitor pazopanib, a drug employed for the treatment of a wide variety of malignancies, has previously been shown to trigger apoptosis. Similar to apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may enter suicidal death or eryptosis, characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Mechanisms involved in the triggering of eryptosis include Ca2+ entry, oxidative stress and ceramide. The present study explored, whether pazopanib induces eryptosis and, if so, whether it is effective by Ca2+ entry, oxidative stress and/or ceramide. Methods: Phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface was estimated from annexin-V-binding, cell volume from forward scatter, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation from DCF dependent fluorescence, and ceramide abundance utilizing specific antibodies. Results: A 48 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to pazopanib significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding (≥ 25 µg/ml) and of shrunken erythrocytes (≥ 50 µg/ml). Pazopanib treatment further resulted in significant hemolysis (≥ 25 µg/ml). The effect of pazopanib on annexin-V-binding was significantly blunted but not abolished by removal of extracellular Ca2+. Pazopanib significantly increased DCF fluorescence (50 µg/ml) and ceramide abundance (50 µg/ml). Conclusions: Pazopanib triggers eryptosis, an effect involving Ca2+ entry, oxidative stress and ceramide.
Estrogen Accelerates Cutaneous Wound Healing by Promoting Proliferation of Epidermal Keratinocytes via Erk/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhou Tao , Yang Zicheng , Chen Yajie , Chen Yu , Huang Zongwei , You Bo , Peng Yizhi , Chen Jing
Published: March 2016

Background: Previous studies have established that estrogen is capable of accelerating cutaneous wound healing through multiple mechanisms, one of which involves affecting keratinocytes biological properties, such as migration, proliferation, etc. This study aims to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms of estrogen promoting epidermal keratinocytes proliferation. Method & Results: We found that compared with female mice with a normal estrous cycle, female mice with their ovaries removed before puberty exhibited a delayed cutaneous wound healing, thinner epidermis, and significantly fewer proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive keratinocytes. Moreover, a significant increase in HaCaT proliferation was detected by a CCK8 assay when treated with 17 β-estradiol compared with those treated with control vehicle. Consistent with the results of the CCK8 assay, flow cytometry indicated a high proportion of 17 β-estradiol-treated HaCaT cells in S phase compared with vehicle-treated cells. Western blot analysis demonstrated the activation of Akt, Erk and upregulation of PCNA in HaCaT cells treated with 17 β-estradiol. Interestingly, Erk activation occurred prior to Akt activation. Upregulation of PCNA expression, elevated proliferation and high S phase fraction of HaCaT cell by 17 β-estradiol could be reversed by an Akt or Erk inhibitor. Moreover, Erk inhibition reversed 17 β-estradiol-induced Akt activation, whereas an Akt inhibitor exhibited no effect on Erk, further suggesting that Erk was on the upstream while Akt on the downstream of the signaling pathway. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that one of the critical mechanisms underlying 17 β-estradiol promoting skin wound healing is through regulation of keratinocyte proliferation via Erk/Akt signaling pathway.
Stimulation of Eryptosis by Combretastatin A4 Phosphate Disodium (CA4P)
Authors: Signoretto Elena , Bissinger Rosi , Castagna Michela , Lang Florian
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: Combretastatin A4 phosphate disodium (CA4P) is utilized for the treatment of malignancy. The substance has previously been shown to trigger suicidal cell death or apoptosis. Similar to apoptosis of nucleated cells, erythrocytes may enter suicidal death or eryptosis, characterized by cell shrinkage and cell membrane scrambling with phosphatidylserine translocation to the erythrocyte surface. Stimulators of eryptosis include increase of cytosolic Ca2+ activity ([Ca2+]i), ceramide, oxidative stress and ATP depletion. The present study explored, whether CA4P induces eryptosis and, if so, to gain insight into mechanisms involved. Methods: Flow cytometry has been employed to estimate phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface from annexin-V-binding, cell volume from forward scatter, [Ca2+]i from Fluo3-fluorescence, reactive oxygen species (ROS) abundance from DCF fluorescence, glutathione (GSH) abundance from CMF fluorescence and ceramide abundance from fluorescent antibodies. In addition cytosolic ATP levels were quantified utilizing a luciferin-luciferase-based assay and hemolysis was estimated from hemoglobin concentration in the supernatant. Results: A 48 hours exposure of human erythrocytes to CA4P (≥ 50 µM) significantly increased the percentage of annexin-V-binding cells and significantly decreased forward scatter. CA4P did not appreciably increase hemolysis. Hundred µM CA4P significantly increased Fluo3-fluorescence. The effect of CA4P (100 µM) on annexin-V-binding was significantly blunted, but not abolished, by removal of extracellular Ca2+. CA4P (≥ 50 µM) significantly decreased GSH abundance and ATP levels but did not significantly increase ROS or ceramide. Conclusions: CA4P triggers cell shrinkage and phospholipid scrambling of the erythrocyte cell membrane, an effect at least in part due to entry of extracellular Ca2+ and energy depletion.
Characterization of Microvesicles Released from Human Red Blood Cells
Authors: Nguyen Duc Bach , Thuy Ly Thi Bich , Wesseling Mauro Carlos , Hittinger Marius , Torge Afra , Devitt Andrew , Perrie Yvonne , Bernhardt Ingolf
Published: March 2016

Background/Aims: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are spherical fragments of cell membrane released from various cell types under physiological as well as pathological conditions. Based on their size and origin, EVs are classified as exosome, microvesicles (MVs) and apoptotic bodies. Recently, the release of MVs from human red blood cells (RBCs) under different conditions has been reported. MVs are released by outward budding and fission of the plasma membrane. However, the outward budding process itself, the release of MVs and the physical properties of these MVs have not been well investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate the formation process, isolation and characterization of MVs released from RBCs under conditions of stimulating Ca2+ uptake and activation of protein kinase C. Methods: Experiments were performed based on single cell fluorescence imaging, fluorescence activated cell sorter/flow cytometer (FACS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The released MVs were collected by differential centrifugation and characterized in both their size and zeta potential. Results: Treatment of RBCs with 4-bromo-A23187 (positive control), lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), or phorbol-12 myristate-13 acetate (PMA) in the presence of 2 mM extracellular Ca2+ led to an alteration of cell volume and cell morphology. In stimulated RBCs, exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) and formation of MVs were observed by using annexin V-FITC. The shedding of MVs was also observed in the case of PMA treatment in the absence of Ca2+, especially under the transmitted bright field illumination. By using SEM, AFM and DLS the morphology and size of stimulated RBCs, MVs were characterized. The sizes of the two populations of MVs were 205.8 ± 51.4 nm and 125.6 ± 31.4 nm, respectively. Adhesion of stimulated RBCs and MVs was observed. The zeta potential of MVs was determined in the range from - 40 mV to - 10 mV depended on the solutions and buffers used. Conclusion: An increase of intracellular Ca2+ or an activation of protein kinase C leads to the formation and release of MVs in human RBCs.
Pleiotropic and Renoprotective Effects of Erythropoietin Beta on Experimental Diabetic Nephropathy Model
Authors: Eren Zehra , Günal Mehmet Yalçın , Arı Elif , Çoban Jale , Çakalağaoğlu Fulya , Çağlayan Burak , Beker Mustafa Çağlar , Akdeniz Tuba , Yanıkkaya Gülderen , Kılıç Ertuğrul , Kantarcı Gülçin
Published: March 2016

Background: This study aimed at investigating the possible protective effect of erythropoietin beta on experimental diabetic nephropathy (DN) model in rats. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats (n = 32) were allocated into 4 equal groups of 8 each, the control (Group C), diabetes (Group D), erythropoietin beta (Group E), and erythropoietin beta treated DN (Group E + D) groups. Streptozocin (65 mg/kg) was used to induce diabetes in 10-week old rats. Erythropoietin beta was given intraperitoneally at a dose of 500 IU/kg/3 days of a week for 12 weeks. Renal function parameters, intrarenal levels and activities of oxidative stress biomarkers, serum inflammatory parameters and kidney histology were determined. Results: Group E + D had lower mean albumin-to-creatinine ratio (p < 0.001) as well as higher creatinine clearance (p = 0.035) than the diabetic rats (Group D). Intrarenal malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower (p = 0.004); glutathione (GSH) levels (p = 0.003), GSH peroxidase (p = 0.004) and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.005) activities of renal tissue were significantly higher in Group E + D than in Group D. The mean serum levels of interleukin-4 (p < 0.005), interleukin 1 beta (p = 0.012), interferon gamma (p = 0.018) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (p < 0.005) were significantly lower; serum levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (p = 0.018) was significantly higher in Group E + D when compared to Group D. The mean scores of tubulointerstitial inflammation (p = 0.004), tubular injury (p = 0.013) and interstitial fibrosis (p = 0.003) were also lower in Group E + D when compared to Group D. Conclusion: Our data seem to suggest a potential role of erythropoietin beta for reducing the progression of DN in an experimental rat model. This protective effect is, in part, attributable to the suppression of the inflammatory response and oxidative damage.
Incidence, Risk Factors and Anatomy of Peripersonal Visuospatial Neglect in Acute Stroke
Authors: Kamtchum Tatuene Joseph , Allali Gilles , Saj Arnaud , Bernati Thérèse , Sztajzel Roman , Pollak Pierre , Momjian-Mayor Isabelle
Published: March 2016

Aim: The study aims to describe the epidemiology and the neural correlates of peripersonal visuospatial neglect (PVN) in patients admitted to the Geneva Stroke Unit for an acute stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Methods: Eligible subjects were tested for PVN using both the Ota's discriminative cancellation task and a line bisection task. Brain lesions were identified on diffusion-weighted imaging. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors of PVN. Results: Ninety-eight consecutive patients (40.8% females) were recruited: 64 cases of ischemic stroke, 9 cases of hemorrhagic stroke and 25 cases of TIAs. The mean age was 61.9 ± 2.86 years. The incidence of PVN was 23.5% (95% CI 15.5-33.1) and was not significantly different between patients with right and left hemisphere stroke. There were 5 cases of ipsilesional neglect. There was no association between PVN and age, sex, stroke severity, handedness, lesion type, lesion volume and time to first examination. Lesions of temporal and parietal lobes were the most frequent in patients with PVN. Conclusion: PVN has a low incidence in the acute stroke settings and there is no particular predictor of its presence. It is most often associated with temporo-parietal lesions.
Seasonal abundance, population structure, sex ratio and gonad maturation of Metridia okhotensis Brodsky, 1950 in the Okhotsk Sea: analysis of samples collected by pumping up from deep water
Authors: Arima Daichi , Yamaguchi Atsushi , Nobetsu Takahiro , Imai Ichiro
Published: March 2016

In the Okhotsk Sea, the calanoid copepod Metridia okhotensis Brodsky, 1950 is the dominant component of zooplankton, accounting for 61% of the annual mean total pelagic copepods. Although this organism is important, little ecological information is available for M. okhotensis in the Okhotsk Sea because of the ice cover during winter, which prevents the collection of seasonal samples in this region. Here, we report the seasonal changes in the population structure, sex ratio and female gonad maturation of M. okhotensis. The data are from samples collected using water pumped from a depth of 350 m off Rausu Harbour in the Okhotsk Sea at 2-week intervals over a 2.5-year period. Due to the mesh size of the strainer (420 μm), M. okhotensis was collected from C3 to adults. The sex ratio of C5 (female : male) was approximately 1 : 1 throughout the year. In contrast, the sex ratio of C6 (adult) showed a clear seasonality, with males (C6M) occurring only from December to May and females (C6F) dominating during the other seasons. The gonad maturation of C6F was scored using five categories, and their composition also showed clear seasonality. From January to April, gonads developed rapidly from stage I (immature) to V (spawning). During the other seasons, the majority of C6F had immature gonads. Based on these data, we conclude that this species likely has a diapause phase for C6F, with immature gonads, and C5M from June to November. Moulting from C5M to C6M began in December. Accompanying the occurrence of C6M, C6F were fertilized from December to January. C6F underwent gonad maturation from January to April and performed primary reproduction from April to May. Thereafter, M. okhotensis entered diapause from June to November.
First record of Eurypanopeus depressus (Smith, 1869) (Brachyura, Panopeidae) from the Black Sea
Authors: Petrescu I. , Petrescu A.-M. , Popescu-Mirceni R.
Published: March 2016

Eurypanopeus depressus (Smith, 1869) was observed in Constanţa on the Romanian Black Sea shore in 2013. Herein, this species, which was previously only reported from the western Atlantic, is recorded for the first time in European waters. Some morphological details significant for the species are described, with an emphasis on the setae of the 3rd maxilliped.
Torture, Judaism and the Law
Authors: Barmaki Reza
Published: March 2016

The increasing publicity of the United States’ use of torture, domestically and abroad, has sparked a lively debate regarding the American values and laws and permissibility of torture. The Jewish scholarly community has been a vocal part of this debate. This paper begins by providing a concise account of the existing laws regarding torture internationally and in the us. It then highlights the Jewish rabbinic community’s involvement in the debate. It then proceeds to provide an account of torture in Judaism that outlines the existing legalistic and theological understandings of it. It will end by proffering a theological account of torture that is hoped to be novel.
Anagogic Love between Neoplatonic Philosophers and Their Disciples in Late Antiquity
Authors: Markus Donka
Published: March 2016

Through a novel set of texts drawn from Plato, Porphyry, Plotinus, Ps. Julian, Proclus, Hermeias, Synesius and Damascius, I explore how anagogicerōsin master-disciple relationships in Neoplatonism contributed to the attainment of self-knowledge and to the transmission of knowledge, authority and inspired insights within and outside thediadochia. I view anagogicerōsas one of the most important channels of non-discursive pedagogy and argue for the mediating power of anagogicerōsin the attainment of the main goal of the Platonist: reorienting desire (erōs) from sensible to intelligible beauty and changing one’s ontological status to become like god and attain union with the divine. After considering the problematic nature of Socraticerōs, its skeptics and detractors, I discuss the dynamics of philosopher-disciple relationships and the experience of anagogicerōsin the following: the attack on Porphyry and defense by Plotinus following Porphyry’s recital of an ecstatic poem onHieros Gamos(Vita Plotini15), the concealment of anagogicerōsbehind the authoritative façade of an oracle (vp22-23), the intensely devotional private letters of Ps. Julian to the aged Iamblichus and of Synesius to his female master Hypatia; the identification of anagogicerōswith theurgic ascent in Syrianus’s school according to Proclus and Hermeias and the experiences of anagogicerōsoutside thediadochiain Damascius’Philosophical History. I conclude that the true and correct practice of philosophy had much, if not everything to do with the anagogicerōsbetween the true philosopher, the bacchant and the philosopher in training, aspiring to become transformed from thyrsus-bearer into bacchant. The privileged and exalted status given to the divine lover ensured the transmission of the philosophical tradition in all its richness, preserving both its discursive and non-discursive aspects as a system of thought, as a way of life and as a way of being and loving.
The “Odor of Sanctity.” Veneration and Politics in Leonard Lessius’s Cause for Beatification (Seventeenth–Twentieth Centuries)
Authors: Rai Eleonora
Published: March 2016

After his death in 1623, the Flemish Jesuit Leonard Lessius (Lenaert Leys, 1554–1623) became the object of public veneration—never approved by the Roman church—that aimed at promoting his beatification. The cult of this theologian, based on many supposed miraculous healings, increased in the seventeenth century but began to fade thereafter. The cult was revitalized in the nineteenth century, when some Flemish Jesuits began a “relic rush” in order to find Lessius’s remains, with the hope of reopening the process of beatification; the cause was, however, definitively abandoned in the twentieth century. The records relating to Lessius’s cause shed light on the policy of sainthood adopted by the new Society of Jesus and its connection with that of the old Society.
Aspen Global Change Institute: 25 Years of Interdisciplinary Global Change Science
Authors: Meehl Gerald A. , Moss Richard
Published: March 2016

Global Global environmental changes, such as climate change, result from the interaction of human and natural systems. Understanding these changes and options for addressing them requires research in the physical, environmental, and social sciences, as well as engineering and other applied fields. In this essay, the authors provide their personal perspective on the role of the Aspen Global Change Institute (AGCI) in global change science over the past 25 years—in particular, how it has contributed to the integration of the natural and social sciences needed to research the drivers of change, the Earth system response, natural and human system impacts, and options for risk management. Drawing on inputs from other AGCI participants, we illustrate how, in our view, the history of AGCI is intertwined with the evolution of global change science as it has become an increasingly interdisciplinary endeavor.
The Relationship between Equatorial Mixed Rossby–Gravity and Eastward Inertio-Gravity Waves. Part II
Authors: Dias Juliana , Kiladis George N.
Published: March 2016

Space–time spectral analysis of tropical cloudiness data shows strong evidence that convectively coupled n = 0 mixed Rossby–gravity waves (MRGs) and eastward inertio-gravity waves (EIGs) occur primarily within the western/central Pacific Ocean. Spectral filtering also shows that MRG and EIG cloudiness patterns are antisymmetric with respect to the equator, and they propagate coherently toward the west and east, respectively, with periods between 3 and 5 days, in agreement with Matsuno’s linear shallow-water theory. In contrast to the spectral approach, in a companion paper it has been shown that empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) of 2–6-day-filtered cloudiness data within the tropical Pacific Ocean also suggest an antisymmetric pattern, but with the leading EOFs implying a zonally standing but poleward-propagating oscillation, along with the associated tropospheric flow moving to the west. In the present paper, these two views are reconciled by applying an independent approach based on a tracking method to assess tropical convection organization. It is shown that, on average, two-thirds of MRG and EIG events develop independently of one another, and one-third of the events overlap in space and time. This analysis also verifies that MRG and EIG cloudiness fields tend to propagate meridionally away from the equator. It is demonstrated that the lack of zonal propagation implied from the EOF analysis is likely due to the interference between eastward- and westward-propagating disturbances. In addition, it is shown that the westward-propagating circulation associated with the leading EOF is consistent with the expected theoretical behavior of an interference between MRGs and EIGs.
Tropical Upper-Tropospheric Potential Vorticity Intrusions during Sudden Stratospheric Warmings
Authors: Albers John R. , Kiladis George N. , Birner Thomas , Dias Juliana
Published: March 2016

The intrusion of lower-stratospheric extratropical potential vorticity into the tropical upper troposphere in the weeks surrounding the occurrence of sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) is examined. The analysis reveals that SSW-related PV intrusions are significantly stronger, penetrate more deeply into the tropics, and exhibit distinct geographic distributions compared to their climatological counterparts. While climatological upper-tropospheric and lower-stratospheric (UTLS) PV intrusions are generally attributed to synoptic-scale Rossby wave breaking, it is found that SSW-related PV intrusions are governed by planetary-scale wave disturbances that deform the extratropical meridional PV gradient maximum equatorward. As these deformations unfold, planetary-scale wave breaking along the edge of the polar vortex extends deeply into the subtropical and tropical UTLS. In addition, the material PV deformations also reorganize the geographic structure of the UTLS waveguide, which alters where synoptic-scale waves break. In combination, these two intrusion mechanisms provide a robust explanation describing why displacement and split SSWs—or, more generally, anomalous stratospheric planetary wave events—produce intrusions with unique geographic distributions: displacement SSWs have a single PV intrusion maximum over the Pacific Ocean, while split SSWs have intrusion maxima over the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is also shown that the two intrusion mechanisms involve distinct time scales of variability, and it is highlighted that they represent an instantaneous and direct link between the stratosphere and troposphere. This is in contrast to higher-latitude stratosphere–troposphere coupling that occurs indirectly via wave–mean flow feedbacks.
The Effect of Eddy–Eddy Interactions on Jet Formation and Macroturbulent Scales
Authors: Chemke Rei , Kaspi Yohai
Published: March 2016

The effect of eddy–eddy interactions on zonal and meridional macroturbulent scales is investigated over a wide range of eddy scales, using high-resolution idealized GCM simulations with and without eddy–eddy interactions. The wide range of eddy scales is achieved through systematic variation of the planetary rotation rate and thus multiple-jet planets. It is found that not only are eddy–eddy interactions not essential for the formation of jets, but the existence of eddy–eddy interactions decreases the number of eddy-driven jets in the atmosphere. The eddy–eddy interactions have little effect on the jet scale, which in both types of simulations coincides with the Rhines scale through all latitudes. The decrease in the number of jets in the presence of eddy–eddy interactions occurs because of the narrowing of the latitudinal region where zonal jets appear. This narrowing occurs because eddy–eddy interactions are mostly important at latitudes poleward of where the Rhines scale is equal to the Rossby deformation radius. Thus, once eddy–eddy interactions are removed, the conversion from baroclinic to barotropic eddy kinetic energy increases, and eddy–mean flow interactions intrude into these latitudes and maintain additional jets there. The eddy–eddy interactions are found to increase the energy-containing zonal scale so it coincides with the jets’ scale and thus make the flow more isotropic. While the conversion scale coincides with the most unstable scale, the Rossby deformation radius does not provide a good indication to these scales in both types of simulations.
Effects of Irrigation on Summer Precipitation over the United States
Authors: Pei Lisi , Moore Nathan , Zhong Shiyuan , Kendall Anthony D. , Gao Zhiqiu , Hyndman David W.
Published: March 2016

Irrigation’s effects on precipitation during an exceptionally dry summer (June–August 2012) in the United States were quantified by incorporating a novel dynamic irrigation scheme into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. The scheme is designed to represent a typical application strategy for farmlands across the conterminous United States (CONUS) and a satellite-derived irrigation map was incorporated into the WRF-Noah-Mosaic module to realistically trigger the irrigation. Results show that this new irrigation approach can dynamically generate irrigation water amounts that are in close agreement with the actual irrigation water amounts across the high plains (HP), where the prescribed scheme best matches real-world irrigation practices. Surface energy and water budgets have been substantially altered by irrigation, leading to modified large-scale atmospheric circulations. In the studied dry summer, irrigation was found to strengthen the dominant interior high pressure system over the southern and central United States and deepen the trough over the upper Midwest. For the HP and central United States, the rainfall amount is slightly reduced over irrigated areas, likely as a result of a reduction in both local convection and large-scale moisture convergence resulting from interactions and feedbacks between the land surface and atmosphere. In areas downwind of heavily irrigated regions, precipitation is enhanced, resulting in a 20%–100% reduction in the dry biases (relative to the observations) simulated over a large portion of the downwind areas without irrigation in the model. The introduction of irrigation reduces the overall mean biases and root-mean-square errors in the simulated daily precipitation over the CONUS.
Identification of Stem Cells in the Secretory Complex of Salivary Glands
Authors: Kwak M. , Alston N. , Ghazizadeh S.
Published: March 2016

Salivary glands have an essential secretory function for maintaining oral and overall health. The epithelial compartment of the gland is composed of several highly specialized cell types that cooperate to secrete and deliver saliva to the oral cavity. The mouse submandibular gland has been used as a model for major salivary glands in human. The secretory complex in this model is composed of 2 secretory compartments, including acini and granular ducts connected by intercalated ducts. Contractile myoepithelial cells surround the secretory complex to facilitate salivary flow. Whether differentiated cells in the secretory complex are maintained by self-duplication or contribution from stem cells has remained an open question. Here, in analyzing the expression of basal cytokeratin (K) 14 in the secretory complex, we discovered a subset of K14+ ductal cells in the intercalated ducts of the adult gland. These cells are distinct from the K14-expressing basal/myoepithelial cells, proliferate at a significantly higher rate than any other epithelial cell type in the gland, and reside in a spatially defined domain within the intercalated duct. Using inducible genetic lineage tracing, we show that K14+ ductal cells represent a long-lived yet cycling population of stem cells that are established during development and contribute to the formation and maintenance of the granular ducts throughout life. Our data provide direct evidence for the existence of stem cells contributing to homeostasis of salivary glands, as well as new insights into glandular pathobiology.
School Racial Composition and Parental Choice
Authors: Billingham Chase M. , Hunt Matthew O.
Published: March 2016

Racial segregation remains a persistent problem in U.S. schools. In this article, we examine how social psychological factors—in particular, individuals’ perceptions of schools with varying demographic characteristics—may contribute to the ongoing structural problem of school segregation. We investigate the effects of school racial composition and several nonracial school characteristics on white parents’ school enrollment decisions for their children as well as how racial stereotypes shape the school choice process. We use data from a survey-based experiment we designed to test ‘‘pure race’’ and ‘‘racial proxy’’ hypotheses regarding parents’ enrollment preferences. We also use a measure of pro-white stereotype bias, both alone and in combination with school racial composition (percentage black). Using logistic regression analysis, we find support for the ‘‘pure race’’ hypothesis. The proportion of black students in a hypothetical school has a consistent and significant inverse association with the likelihood of white parents enrolling their children in that school net of the effects of the included racial proxy measures. In addition, higher levels of pro-white stereotype bias further inhibit enrollment, particularly in schools with higher proportions of black students. We discuss the implications of this research for policies aimed at mitigating racial segregation in U.S. schools.
Integrating Knowledge Activities for Team Innovation: Effects of Transformational Leadership
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Chen Chao C.
Published: March 2016

We conducted two studies to explore integrative, knowledge-centered team mechanisms through which transformational leadership affects team innovative performance. In the first study, using temporarily assembled project teams working on knowledge-intensive tasks, we found that transformational leadership promoted within-team knowledge sharing and team innovative performance through an integration mechanism manifest as team cooperative norms, and such a mediation process was significant even after controlling for another mediation process of team autonomy. In the second study, using permanent work teams in various functional areas, we replicated the integrative mechanism and associated transformational leadership with external team knowledge acquisition, which further moderated the relationship between knowledge sharing and innovation. Our findings point to the importance of the integration function of transformational leadership in enhancing collective innovation.
Strategic witnessing in an age of video activism
Authors: Ristovska Sandra
Published: March 2016

Witnessing is infused in ethical and legal discourses that operate within the matrix of knowledge, responsibility, and action. Through an analysis of the non-governmental organization WITNESS, this article shows how this matrix has been at the heart of the development of professionalized human rights video activism that emphasizes goal-driven, tactical and audience-oriented approaches to witness documentation. By professionalizing video activism, human rights organizations like WITNESS configure the act of bearing witness as a form of social activism that differs from longstanding modes of activist involvement. Using the term strategic witnessing to describe this development, this article suggests a conceptual framework through which we can think about evolving forms of media witnessing in the contemporary media moment.
Analysis of the Efficacy of an Intervention to Improve Parent–Adolescent Problem Solving
Authors: Semeniuk Yulia Yuriyivna , Brown Roger L. , Riesch Susan K.
Published: March 2016

We conducted a two-group longitudinal partially nested randomized controlled trial to examine whether young adolescent youth–parent dyads participating in Mission Possible: Parents and Kids Who Listen, in contrast to a comparison group, would demonstrate improved problem-solving skill. The intervention is based on the Circumplex Model and Social Problem-Solving Theory. The Circumplex Model posits that families who are balanced, that is characterized by high cohesion and flexibility and open communication, function best. Social Problem-Solving Theory informs the process and skills of problem solving. The Conditional Latent Growth Modeling analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in problem solving among the final sample of 127 dyads in the intervention and comparison groups. Analyses of effect sizes indicated large magnitude group effects for selected scales for youth and dyads portraying a potential for efficacy and identifying for whom the intervention may be efficacious if study limitations and lessons learned were addressed.
Entrapment of guidewire in left anterior descending artery: Surgical management
Authors: Idhrees A Mohammed , Radhakrishnan Bineesh K , Panicker Vargheese T , Pillai Vivek , Karunakaran Jayakumar
Published: March 2016

Entrapment of a guidewire during coronary artery interventions is rare and requires prompt treatment. A 52-year-old man underwent a primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty to the left anterior descending artery. A fractured guidewire was retained in the distal left anterior descending artery, which caused left ventricular dysfunction and total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery. He underwent endarterectomy with removal of the guidewire and bypass grafting. He had a normal postoperative period. The modalities for management of an entrapped guidewire are discussed.
Metal artifact reduction (MAR) based on two-compartment physical modeling: evaluation in patients with hip implants
Authors: Boos Johannes , Sawicki Lino Morris , Lanzman Rotem Shlomo , Thomas Christoph , Aissa Joel , Schleich Christoph , Heusch Philipp , Antoch Gerald , Kröpil Patric
Published: March 2016

Background

Artifacts from metallic implants can hinder image interpretation in computed tomography (CT). Image quality can be improved using metal artifact reduction (MAR) techniques.

Purpose

To evaluate the impact of a MAR algorithm on image quality of CT examinations in comparison to filtered back projection (FBP) in patients with hip prostheses.

Material and Methods

Twenty-two patients with 25 hip prostheses who underwent clinical abdominopelvic CT on a 64-row CT were included in this retrospective study. Axial images were reconstructed with FBP and five increasing MAR levels (M30–34). Objective artifact strength (OAS) (SIart-SInorm) was assessed by region of interest (ROI) measurements in position of the strongest artifact (SIart) and in an osseous structure without artifact (SInorm) (in Hounsfield units [HU]). Two independent readers evaluated subjective image quality regarding metallic hardware, delineation of bone, adjacent muscle, and pelvic organs on a 5-point scale (1, non-diagnostic; 5, excellent image quality). Artifacts in the near field, far field, and newly induced artifacts due to the MAR technique were analyzed.

Results

OAS values were: M34: 243.8 ± 155.4 HU; M33: 294.3 ± 197.8 HU; M32: 340.5 ± 210.1 HU; M31: 393.6 ± 225.2 HU; M30: 446.8 ± 224.2 HU and FBP: 528.9 ± 227.7 HU. OAS values were significantly lower for M32–34 compared to FBP ( P < 0.01). For overall subjective image quality, results were: FBP, 2.0 ± 0.2; M30, 2.3 ± 0.8; M31, 2.6 ± 0.5; M32, 3.0 ± 0.6; M33, 3.5 ± 0.6; and M34, 3.8 ± 0.4 ( P < 0.001 for M30–M34 vs. FBP, respectively). Increasing MAR levels resulted in new artifacts in 17% of reconstructions.

Conclusion

The investigated MAR algorithm led to a significant reduction of artifacts from metallic hip implants. The highest MAR level provided the least severe artifacts and the best overall image quality.
From subjects to relations: Bioethics and the articulation of postcolonial politics in the Cambodia Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis trial
Authors: Grant Jenna M
Published: March 2016

Controversies about global clinical trials, particularly HIV trials, tend to be framed in terms of ethics. In this article, I explore debates about ethics in the Cambodia Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis trial, which was designed to test the safety and efficacy of tenofovir as a prevention for HIV infection. Bringing together studies of public participation in science with studies of bioethics, I show how activists around the Cambodian Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis trial circulated and provoked debates about standards of research ethics, as opposed to research methodology. This postcolonial bioethics was configured through the circulation of and debate about ethics guidelines, and historically and culturally specific relations of vulnerability and responsibility between foreigners and Cambodians and between Cambodian leaders and Cambodian subjects. I argue that this shift in the object of ethical concern, from the experimental human subject to the relation between subjects and researchers, illustrates how a postcolonial field of articulation reformulates classical bioethics.
Occupational therapy roles and responsibilities: Evidence from a pilot study of time use in an integrated health and social care trust
Authors: Wilberforce Mark , Hughes Jane , Bowns Ian , Fillingham Joanne , Pryce Faye , Symonds Eileen , Paddock Katie , Challis David
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Occupational therapists undertake a broad spectrum of activities, yet no mechanism exists to record how working time is distributed across them. This is a hindrance to research, evaluation and evidence-based practice.

Method

A new diary schedule was piloted by 151 qualified and assistant-grade practitioners working in multiple adult health and social care settings in an integrated NHS and social care trust in England. Time use relating to 37 occupational therapy tasks was recorded in 30 minute intervals for one week.

Results

Almost 5000 hours of activity were recorded. For the average working week, 39% of time was spent in direct care with clients, 31% involved undertaking indirect casework such as liaison and administration, whilst a further 22% was in team/service activity. Only modest differences were observed between qualified and assistant-grade respondents, whilst occupational therapists in traditional social care roles spent significantly longer in liaison and administrative duties. Individual tasks capturing ‘therapeutic activity’ accounted for just 10% of practitioner time.

Conclusion

The new diary tool is a viable data collection instrument to evaluate practice and the impact of service redesign. However, further work is needed to evaluate its measurement properties in more detail.
Effectiveness of preventive and treatment interventions for primary headaches in the workplace: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Lardon Arnaud , Girard Marie-Pier , Zaïm Chérine , Lemeunier Nadège , Descarreaux Martin , Marchand Andrée-Anne
Published: March 2016

Aim

The purpose of this systematic literature review is to assess the benefits of workplace-based occupational therapies and interventions, including acute and preventive medication, on headache intensity and frequency, related disability as well as work-related outcomes.

Methods

A search of the literature was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane library, CINAHL and Embase using terms related to headache, workplace and occupational health. The Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias assessment tool was used on individual studies to assess internal validity and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system was applied to studies by clinical outcome and used to rate quality of evidence.

Results

Fifteen articles were included in the systematic review. None of them were classified as low risk of bias according to the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias. This systematic review found preliminary low-quality evidence suggesting that exercise and acupuncture can reduce workers’ headache pain intensity, frequency and related disability.

Conclusion

Although this systematic review provided preliminary low evidence in favour of work-based intervention, studies with more rigorous designs and methodologies are needed to provide further evidence of the effectiveness of workplace-based headache management strategies.
Guanfacine Use in Children With Down Syndrome and Comorbid Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) With Disruptive Behaviors
Authors: Capone George T. , Brecher Liza , Bay Mihee
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to characterize children with Down syndrome and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with disruptive behaviors using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), and to measure the treatment effects of guanfacine on maladaptive behaviors. Subjects were enrolled from a group of outpatients who visited our clinic between 2002 and 2007. Subjects (N = 23) were children with Down syndrome ages 4 to 12 years (mean 7.4 ± 4.1), who met criteria for ADHD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. The Aberrant Behavior Checklist Irritability and Hyperactivity subscales each showed a significant decrease ( P < .0001) at follow-up. The mean decline on Hyperactivity was 25% (–7.8 points), and for Irritability, 25% (–3.5 points). The mean composite score also declined by 24% (–12 points). Effect size differences on Irritability were moderate, whereas differences on Hyperactivity and composite score appeared large. Clinically important target behaviors were reduced. Medication was generally well tolerated and the incidence of treatment emergent side effects remained low.