bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue engineering of retina and Bruch’s membrane: a review of cells, materials and processes
Authors: Tan Yong Sheng Edgar , Shi Pu Jiang , Choo Chang-J , Laude Augustinus , Yeong Wai Yee
Published: February 2018

The biological, structural and functional configuration of Bruch’s membrane (BM) is significantly relevant to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other chorioretinal diseases, and AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly worldwide. The configuration may worsen along with the ageing of retinal pigment epithelium and BM that finally leads to AMD. Thus, the scaffold-based tissue-engineered retina provides an innovative alternative for retinal tissue repair. The cell and material requirements for retinal repair are discussed including cell sheet engineering, decellularised membrane and tissue-engineered membranes. Further, the challenges and potential in realising a whole tissue model construct for retinal regeneration are highlighted herein. This review article provides a framework for future development of tissue-engineered retina as a preclinical model and possible treatments for AMD.
Prevalence of age-related macular degeneration associated genetic risk factors and 4-year progression data in the Irish population
Authors: Connolly Emma , Rhatigan Maedbh , O’Halloran Aisling M , Muldrew Katherine Alyson , Chakravarthy Usha , Cahill Mark , Kenny Rose Anne , Doyle Sarah L
Published: February 2018

Background/aims

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is estimated to affect 196 million people >50 years old globally. Prevalence of AMD-associated genetic risk factors and rate of disease progression are unknown in Ireland.

Methods

Prevalence of AMD-associated genetic risk variants, complement factor H (CFH) rs1061170, age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2) rs10490924, component 3 (C3) rs2230199, complement factor B (CFB) rs641153 and superkiller viralicidic activity 2-like (SKIV2L) rs429608 and 4-year progression data in a population-representative cohort (The Irish Longitudinal study on Ageing (TILDA)) were assessed. 4473 participants ≥50 years were assessed. 4173 had no disease n=1843; 44% male and n=2330; 56% female, mean age 60±9.0, 300 had AMD n=136; 45% male and n=164; 55% female, mean age 64±9.0. A 4-year follow-up was undertaken with 66% of AMD cases attending. Progression and regression from early to late AMD were measured. Genetic association as indicators of disease and as predictors of progression were assessed by multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Older age and the presence of CFH and ARMS2 risk alleles are two main risk factors associated with the prevalence of AMD in the TILDA cohort. 23% progressed to a higher grade of AMD. Carriers of CFH risk allele showed a strong association for disease progression. Heterozygosity for ARMS2 risk allele predicted progression to late AMD. 75% of those who progressed from early to late disease had soft drusen and hyperpigmentation at baseline.

Conclusions

The prevalence of risk-associated genes and 4-year progression rates of AMD in this Ireland cohort are comparable with other Caucasian populations. CFH Y402H is associated with disease progression, with soft drusen and hyperpigmentation as high-risk features.
Implication of exercise interventions on sleep disturbance in patients with pancreatic cancer: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yoh Kazunori , Nishikawa Hiroki , Enomoto Hirayuki , Ishii Noriko , Iwata Yoshinori , Ishii Akio , Yuri Yukihisa , Miyamoto Yuho , Hasegawa Kunihiro , Nakano Chikage , Takata Ryo , Nishimura Takashi , Aizawa Nobuhiro , Sakai Yoshiyuki , Ikeda Naoto , Takashima Tomoyuki , Iijima Hiroko , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: February 2018

Introduction and purpose

Patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) have long been known to have high rates of depression. Depression in patients with PC can be linked to sleep disturbance. The American College of Sports Medicine notes that physical exercise is safe for most patients with cancer and physical inactivity should be avoided. However, clinical impacts of exercise interventions (EIs) on patients with PC have been poorly investigated. We aim to prospectively examine the effect of EIs on sleep disturbance in patients with PC using actigraphy, which is an objective measurement of motor activity and sleep.

Methods and analysis

This trial is a non-double blind randomised controlled trial. Standard therapy for each patient with PC will be allowed. When registering study subjects, a thorough assessment of the nutritional status and the daily physical activities performed will be undertaken individually for each participant. Study subjects will be randomly assigned into two groups: (1) the EI and standard therapy group or (2) the standard therapy group. In the EI and standard therapy group, physical activities equal to or higher than walking for 60 min/day will be strongly recommended. The primary outcome measure is the sleep-related variable using actigraphy (activity index) at 12 weeks.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial received approval from the Institutional Review Board at Hyogo College of Medicine (approval no. 2769). Final data will be publicly announced. A report releasing the study findings will be submitted for publication to an appropriate peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

UMIN000029272; Pre-results.
Genome-wide association study identifies ERBB4 on 2q34 as a novel locus associated with sperm motility in Japanese men
Authors: Sato Youichi , Tajima Atsushi , Sato Takehiro , Nozawa Shiari , Yoshiike Miki , Imoto Issei , Yamauchi Aiko , Iwamoto Teruaki
Published: February 2018

Background

The decrease in sperm motility has a potent influence on fertilisation. Sperm motility, represented as the percentage of motile sperm in ejaculated sperms, is influenced by lifestyle habits or environmental factors and by inherited factors. However, genetic factors contributing to individual differences in sperm motility remain unclear. To identify genetic factors that influence human sperm motility, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of sperm motility.

Methods

A two-stage GWAS was conducted using 811 Japanese men in a discovery stage, followed by a replication study using an additional 779 Japanese men.

Results

In the two-staged GWAS, a single nucleotide polymorphism rs3791686 in the intron of gene for erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ERBB4) on chromosome 2q34 was identified as a novel locus for sperm motility, as evident from the discovery and replication results using meta-analysis (β=−4.01, combined P=5.40×10−9).

Conclusions

Together with the previous evidence that Sertoli cell-specific Erbb4-knockout mice display an impaired ability to produce motile sperm, this finding provides the first genetic evidence for further investigation of the genome-wide significant association at the ERBB4 locus in larger studies across diverse human populations.
Characterisation of Normalisation Properties for λμ using Strict Negated Intersection Types
Authors: Bakel Steffen Van
Published: February 2018

We show characterisation results for normalisation, head-normalisation, and strong normalisation for λ μ using intersection types. We reach these results for a strict notion of type assignment for λ μ that is the natural restriction of the domain-based system of van Bakel et al. (2011) for λ μ by limiting the type inclusion relation to just intersection elimination. We show that this system respects β μ-equality, by showing both soundness and completeness results. We then define a notion of reduction on derivations that corresponds to cut-elimination, and show that this is strongly normalisable.

We use this strong normalisation result to show an approximation result, and through that a characterisation of head-normalisation. Using the approximation result, we show that there is a very strong relation between the system of van Bakel et al. (2011) and ours.

We then introduce a notion of type assignment that eliminates ω as an assignable type, and show, using the strong normalisation result for derivation reduction, that all terms typeable in this system are strongly normalisable as well, and show that all strongly normalisable terms are typeable.

We conclude by adding type variables to our system, and show that system essentially is that of van Bakel (2010b).
AI buzzwords explained
Authors: Fioretto Ferdinando , Yeoh William
Published: February 2018

The power network is the largest operating
machine
on earth, generating more than US$400bn a year
1
keeping the lights on for our homes, offices, and factories. A significant concern in power networks is for the energy providers to be able to generate enough power to supply the demands at any point in time. Short terms demand peaks are however hard to predict and, thus, in the modern
smart electricity grid
, the energy providers can exploit the demand-side flexibility of the consumers to reduce the peaks in load demand.
Intelligent workflows for visual stylometry
Authors: Buell Catherine A. , Gil Yolanda , Seeley William P. , Sethi Ricky J.
Published: February 2018

Using Intelligent Workflows to Analyze Artistic Style

USC Information Sciences Institute (ISI) alumnus Ricky J. Sethi and his colleagues at Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts are using ISI's WINGS workflow system for art history in the WAIVS (Workflows for Analysis of Images and Visual Stylometry) project. WAIVS workflows were demonstrated at a workshop held at the Fitchburg Art Museum (FAM) in Spring, 2017.
AI education
Authors: Eckroth Joshua
Published: February 2018

In this column, we focus on designing assignments and projects that make use of planning engines. Planning has been one of the pillars of artificial intelligence since the origin of the field, and the research community remains active, as evidenced by competitions such as the IPC and conferences such as ICAPS.
AI policy
Authors: Medsker Larry
Published: February 2018

AI Policy is a regular column in AI Matters featuring summaries and commentary based on postings that appear twice a month in the AI Matters blog (https://sigai.acm.org/aimatters/blog/). Selected posts are summarized in issues of
AI Matters.
Automation moderation
Authors: Bandy Jack
Published: February 2018

I examine Artificial Intelligence and automation technology from the perspective of Aristotelian virtue ethics, focusing on the detrimental impacts automation technology can have on human creativity, learning, and attention. As a potential solution, I put forward "automation moderation," which is a human-centered approach to designing AI, and showcase some examples of it.
AI conference reports
Authors: Rovatsos Michael
Published: February 2018

This section features brief reports from recent events sponsored or run in cooperation with ACM SIGAI.
The Divergent Genomes of Teleosts
Authors: Ravi Vydianathan , Venkatesh Byrappa
Published: February 2018

Boasting nearly 30,000 species, teleosts account for half of all extant vertebrates and approximately 98% of all ray-finned fish species (Actinopterygii). Teleosts are also the largest and most diverse group of vertebrates, exhibiting an astonishing level of morphological, physiological, and behavioral diversity. Previous studies had indicated that the teleost lineage has experienced an additional whole-genome duplication event. Recent comparative genomic analyses of teleosts and other bony vertebrates using spotted gar (a nonteleost ray-finned fish) and elephant shark (a cartilaginous fish) as outgroups have revealed several divergent features of teleost genomes. These include an accelerated evolutionary rate of protein-coding and nucleotide sequences, a higher rate of intron turnover, loss of many potential cis-regulatory elements and shorter conserved syntenic blocks. A combination of these divergent genomic features might have contributed to the evolution of the amazing phenotypic diversity and morphological innovations of teleosts.
Impact of pulse pressure on cerebrovascular events leading to age-related cognitive decline
Authors: Thorin-Trescases Nathalie , de Montgolfier Olivia , Pinçon Anthony , Raignault Adeline , Caland Laurie , Labbé Pauline , Thorin Eric
Published: February 2018

Aging is a modern concept: human life expectancy has more than doubled in less than 150 yr in Western countries. Longer life span, however, reveals age-related diseases, including cerebrovascular diseases. The vascular system is a prime target of aging: the “wear and tear” of large elastic arteries exposed to a lifelong pulsatile pressure causes arterial stiffening by fragmentation of elastin fibers and replacement by stiffer collagen. This arterial stiffening increases in return the amplitude of the pulse pressure (PP), its wave penetrating deeper into the microcirculation of low-resistance, high-flow organs such as the brain. Several studies have associated peripheral arterial stiffness responsible for the sustained increase in PP, with brain microvascular diseases such as cerebral small vessel disease, cortical gray matter thinning, white matter atrophy, and cognitive dysfunction in older individuals and prematurely in hypertensive and diabetic patients. The rarefaction of white matter is also associated with middle cerebral artery pulsatility that is strongly dependent on PP and artery stiffness. PP and brain damage are likely associated, but the sequence of mechanistic events has not been established. Elevated PP promotes endothelial dysfunction that may slowly develop in parallel with the accumulation of proinflammatory senescent cells and oxidative stress, generating cerebrovascular damage and remodeling, as well as brain structural changes. Here, we review data suggesting that age-related increased peripheral artery stiffness may promote the penetration of a high PP to cerebral microvessels, likely causing functional, structural, metabolic, and hemodynamic alterations that could ultimately promote neuronal dysfunction and cognitive decline.
Incidence and Characteristics of Adrenal Crisis in Children Younger than 7 Years with 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency: A Nationwide Survey in Japan
Authors: Ishii Tomohiro , Adachi Masanori , Takasawa Kei , Okada Satoshi , Kamasaki Hotaka , Kubota Takuo , Kobayashi Hironori , Sawada Hirotake , Nagasaki Keisuke , Numakura Chikahiko , Harada Shohei , Minamitani Kanshi , Sugihara Shigetaka , Tajima Toshihiro
Published: February 2018

Background/Aims: We aimed to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of adrenal crisis in Japanese children with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD). Methods: We conducted a retrospective nationwide survey for the councilors of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Endocrinology (JSPE) regarding adrenal crisis in children under 7 years with 21-OHD, admitted to hospitals from 2011 through 2016. We defined adrenal crisis as the acute impairment of general health due to glucocorticoid deficiency with at least two of symptoms, signs, or biochemical abnormalities. Results: The councilors of the JSPE in 83 institutions responded to this survey (response rate, 60.1%). Data analyses of 378 patients with 1,101.4 person-years (PYs) revealed that 67 patients (17.7%) experienced at least 1 episode of hospital admission for adrenal crisis at the median age of 2 years. The incidence of adrenal crisis was calculated as 10.9 per 100 PYs (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.6–12.2). Infections were the most common precipitating factors, while no factor was observed in 12.5%. Hypoglycemia occurred concomitantly in 27.4%. One patient died from severe hypoglycemia, resulting in a mortality rate of 0.09 per 100 PYs (95% CI 0.0–0.2). Conclusion: Adrenal crisis is not rare and can be accompanied by disastrous hypoglycemia in children with 21-OHD.
The Multidisciplinary Management of Acute Complicated Diverticulitis
Authors: Lambrichts Daniël P.V.  , Birindelli Arianna , Tonini Valeria , Cirocchi Roberto , Cervellera Maurizio , Lange Johan F. , Bemelman Willem A. , Di Saverio Salomone
Published: February 2018

Background: Acute complicated diverticulitis (ACD) is an important and increasing issue in Western countries that leads to a significant impact and burden for patients, but also for the society due to its effects on hospital costs. In recent years, essential progression has been made regarding the research and implementation of novel or improved treatment strategies for the various disease entities of ACD. Much debated topics in the multidisciplinary approach of patients with ACD, such as the choice for nonoperative treatment options, the role of percutaneous drainage for diverticular abscesses, the role of laparoscopic lavage for perforated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis, and the role of sigmoidectomy with primary anastomosis for patients with perforated diverticulitis, require clinicians to attentively follow and participate in these discussions. Summary: The aim of this review article is to provide clinicians with a structured overview of the recent literature on the multidisciplinary management of complicated diverticulitis by a panel of experts on the topic. By performing an extensive literature search in the online medical databases MEDLINE (Ovid) and Embase, insights into nonoperative treatment, percutaneous drainage, minimally invasive and open surgical treatment of ACD are provided. Furthermore, a comprehensive algorithm for the treatment of ACD has been developed. Key Messages: Accurate patient evaluation and selection based on patient and disease characteristics is of paramount importance to determine the appropriate treatment strategy for patients with complicated diverticulitis. The presence of an experienced surgeon with advanced skills in laparoscopic emergency colorectal surgery is crucial for the treatment of patients with perforated diverticulitis in order to properly evaluate, select and treat patients suitable for nonoperative or operative treatment with an open or laparoscopic approach.
Growth Trajectory in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: The Impact of Insulin Treatment and Metabolic Control
Authors: Bizzarri Carla , Timpanaro Tiziana Antonia , Matteoli Maria Cristina , Patera Ippolita Patrizia , Cappa Marco , Cianfarani Stefano
Published: February 2018

Background: Linear growth was reported to be negatively affected by type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), in relation to disease duration and poor metabolic control. It is unclear whether a subtle growth failure still persists despite the optimization of therapy. Our aim was to analyse pubertal growth, adult height, and metabolic profile in a cohort of children with T1DM undergoing intensive insulin treatment by multiple daily injections or continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Methods: One-hundred and four children (51 males) with prepubertal onset of T1DM were prospectively followed up to final height attainment. Results: Age at puberty onset was 11.7 ± 1.1 years in males and 10.9 ± 1.3 in females. Age at adult height attainment was 16.4 ± 1.6 years in males and 14.1 ± 1.8 years in females. Pubertal height gain was 24.4 ± 4.9 cm in males and 19.0 ± 3.8 cm in females. HbA1c, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels increased during puberty. HDL cholesterol levels were higher in patients treated with CSII. Height standard deviation score (SDS) at diagnosis (0.52 ± 1.04) was higher than target height SDS (0.01 ± 1.07), but declined afterwards, and both height SDS at puberty onset (0.22 ± 1.1) and adult height SDS (–0.1 ± 1.02) were not significantly different from target height SDS. BMI SDS showed a positive trend from diagnosis to puberty onset and stabilized later (–0.04 ± 1.4 at T1DM onset, 0.55 ± 2.1 at puberty onset, and 0.53 ± 2.1 at adult height attainment). Conclusions: Although subtle abnormalities of growth still persist, the modern advancements of insulin therapy are able to normalize puberty and final height of children with T1DM.
Gastrointestinal (duodenum) tuberculosis associated with pancreatic pseudotumor and micronodular pulmonary infiltrate: a case report
Authors: Alves Clara Miceli , Rego Luciana
Published: February 2018

We present the case report of a patient admitted to the Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho with suspected pancreatic neoplasm, with no histopathological diagnosis. A duodenal biopsy and CT scan of the thorax and abdomen were previously performed and the final presumptive diagnosis was pancreatic tuberculosis with pulmonary (Miliary tuberculosis) and confirmed duodenal involvement. In this manuscript we will discuss the main aspects of pancreatic tuberculosis, a rare entity with few cases described in the literature. We will discuss the importance of excluding some pathologies in the suspicion of pancreatic neoplasm.
Load-Independent Systolic and Diastolic Right Ventricular Function in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction as Assessed by Resting and Handgrip Exercise Pressure–Volume Loops
Authors: Rommel Karl-Philipp , von Roeder Maximilian , Oberueck Christian , Latuscynski Konrad , Besler Christian , Blazek Stephan , Stiermaier Thomas , Fengler Karl , Adams Volker , Sandri Marcus , Linke Axel , Schuler Gerhard , Thiele Holger , Lurz Philipp
Published: February 2018

Background:

Although systolic right ventricular (RV) dysfunction has been shown to be a potent predictor for adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), RV functional abnormalities in the course of the syndrome are not well characterized. We, therefore, sought to assess load-independent and load-dependent systolic and diastolic characteristics of RV function in stable outpatients with HFpEF.

Methods and Results:

We invasively obtained RV and left ventricular pressure–volume loops in 24 HFpEF patients and 9 patients without heart failure symptoms with a conductance catheter during basal conditions and handgrip exercise. Transient preload reduction was used to extrapolate the RV end-systolic elastance and diastolic stiffness constant. HFpEF patients and controls showed similar left ventricular and RV dimensions and ejection fractions with elevated left ventricular filling pressures. In HFpEF patients, invasively determined load-independent RV contractility (
P
=0.04) and load-independent passive RV stiffness constant β (
P
<0.01) were elevated. Although RV relaxation and cardiac output were similar at baseline, HFpEF patients demonstrated a blunted increase in cardiac output under exercise (
P
=0.01) associated with prolonged RV relaxation (
P
=0.01), decrease in stroke volume (
P
<0.01), higher RV-filling pressures (
P
<0.01), and a marked increase in the end-diastolic pressure–volume relationship (
P
<0.01).

Conclusions:

In compensated stages of the HFpEF syndrome, systolic RV function is preserved, but diastolic abnormalities with intrinsic RV stiffness and prolonged RV relaxation are already present. Impaired diastolic RV reserve contributes to a blunted increase in cardiac output during exertion. Because impairments in diastolic function seem to be a biventricular phenomenon, RV diastolic dysfunction warrants further consideration when characterizing HFpEF patients.

Clinical Trial Registration:

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02459626.
Novel Adipokine, FAM19A5, Inhibits Neointima Formation After Injury Through Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 2
Authors: Wang Yingbao , Chen Dixin , Zhang Yan , Wang Pingzhang , Zheng Can , Zhang Songyang , Yu Bing , Zhang Lu , Zhao Guizhen , Ma Baihui , Cai Zeyu , Xie Nan , Huang Shiyang , Liu Ziyi , Mo Xiaoning , Guan Youfei , Wang Xian , Fu Yi , Ma Dalong , Wang Ying , Kong Wei
Published: February 2018

Background:

Obesity plays crucial roles in the development of cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms that link obesity and cardiovascular diseases remain elusive. Compelling evidence indicates that adipokines play an important role in obesity-related cardiovascular diseases. Here, we found a new adipokine-named family with sequence similarity 19, member A5 (FAM19A5), a protein with unknown function that was predicted to be distantly related to the CC-chemokine family. We aimed to test whether adipose-derived FAM19A5 regulates vascular pathology on injury.

Methods:

DNA cloning, protein expression, purification, and N-terminal sequencing were applied to characterize FAM19A5. Adenovirus infection and siRNA transfection were performed to regulate FAM19A5 expression. Balloon and wire injury were performed in vivo on the rat carotid arteries and mouse femoral arteries, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis, radioactive ligand-receptor binding assays, receptor internalization, and calcium mobilization assays were used to identify the functional receptor for FAM19A5.

Results:

We first characterized FAM19A5 as a secreted protein, and the first 43 N-terminal amino acids were the signal peptides. Both FAM19A5 mRNA and protein were abundantly expressed in the adipose tissue but were downregulated in obese mice. Overexpression of FAM19A5 markedly inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration and neointima formation in the carotid arteries of balloon-injured rats. Accordingly, FAM19A5 silencing in adipocytes significantly promoted vascular smooth muscle cell activation. Adipose-specific FAM19A5 transgenic mice showed greater attenuation of neointima formation compared with wild-type littermates fed with or without Western-style diet. We further revealed that sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 was the functional receptor for FAM19A5, with a dissociation constant (
K
d
) of 0.634 nmol/L. Inhibition of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 or its downstream G12/13-RhoA signaling circumvented the suppressive effects of FAM19A5 on vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration.

Conclusions:

We revealed that a novel adipokine, FAM19A5, was capable of inhibiting postinjury neointima formation via sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2-G12/13-RhoA signaling. Downregulation of FAM19A5 during obesity may trigger cardiometabolic diseases.
Biodiversity Conservation of the Third Pole: Potential Lessons from the Mekong River Basin
Authors: Marsden Simon
Published: February 2018

The focus of this article is on the viability of developing an environmental management regime focused on biodiversity conservation in relation to the Third Pole, specifically the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. The global significance of this region, somewhat neglected in legal scholarship, lies in the fact that, outside the Arctic and Antarctic, it contains more snow and ice than anywhere in the world and hosts the largest reserve of freshwater beyond those regions. Regional cooperative instruments on environmental management outside the region such as the Alpine Convention and the Carpathian Convention are drawn upon as precedents. The transboundary legal framework applicable to the Mekong River is drawn on to spell out the benefits as well as the pitfalls for the establishment of a Third Pole environmental regime on biodiversity conservation. The central argument is that there is a clear need in the Third Pole region to improve collaborative governance and planning frameworks to contend with the challenges of climate change, dam development, water management, resource extraction, infrastructure development and Indigenous/minority rights. It finds that the Mekong regime has failed to deal effectively with the assessment of transboundary environmental effects on biodiversity, or to appropriately involve communities and ngos in the process, and this serves as a major lesson in the design of any Third Pole regime. The article contends that an appropriate biodiversity conservation instrument for the region could take the form of a protocol relating to a regional framework convention on environmental management, with both needing to be developed from the ground up, drawing on the recognized needs of the relevant stakeholders for both environmental protection and equitable utilization.
Characteristic Atmospheric Radiative Heating Rate Profiles in Arctic Clouds as Observed at Barrow, Alaska
Authors: Turner D. D. , Shupe M. D. , Zwink A. B.
Published: February 2018

A 2-yr cloud microphysical property dataset derived from ground-based remote sensors at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement site near Barrow, Alaska, was used as input into a radiative transfer model to compute radiative heating rate (RHR) profiles in the atmosphere. Both the longwave (LW; 5–100 μm) and shortwave (SW; 0.2–5 μm) RHR profiles show significant month-to-month variability because of seasonal dependence in the vertical profiles of cloud liquid and ice water contents, with additional contributions from the seasonal dependencies of solar zenith angle, water vapor amount, and temperature. The LW and SW RHR profiles were binned to provide characteristic profiles as a function of cloud type and liquid water path (LWP). Single-layer liquid-only clouds are shown to have larger (10–30 K day−1) LW radiative cooling rates at the top of the cloud layer than single-layer mixed-phase clouds; this is due primarily to differences in the vertical distribution of liquid water between the two classes. However, differences in SW RHR profiles at the top of these two classes of clouds are less than 3 K day−1. The absolute value of the RHR in single-layer ice-only clouds is an order of magnitude smaller than in liquid-bearing clouds. Furthermore, for double-layer cloud systems, the phase and condensed water path of the upper cloud strongly modulate the radiative cooling both at the top and within the lower-level cloud. While sensitivity to cloud overlap and phase has been shown previously, the characteristic RHR profiles are markedly different between the different cloud classifications.
Role of Finite-Amplitude Rossby Waves and Nonconservative Processes in Downward Migration of Extratropical Flow Anomalies
Authors: Lubis Sandro W. , Huang Clare S. Y. , Nakamura Noboru , Omrani Nour-Eddine , Jucker Martin
Published: February 2018

There is growing evidence that stratospheric variability exerts a noticeable imprint on tropospheric weather and climate. Despite clear evidence of these impacts, the principal mechanism whereby stratospheric variability influences tropospheric circulation has remained elusive. Here, the authors introduce a novel approach, based on the theory of finite-amplitude wave activity, for quantifying the role of adiabatic and nonconservative effects on the mean flow that shape the downward coupling from the stratosphere to the troposphere during stratospheric vortex weakening (SVW) events. The advantage of using this theory is that eddy effects (at finite amplitude) on the mean flow can be more readily distinguished from nonconservative effects.

The results show (in confirmation of previous work) that the downward migration of extratropical wind anomalies is largely attributable to dynamical adjustments induced by fluctuating finite-amplitude wave forcing. The nonconservative effects, on the other hand, contribute to maintaining the downward signals in the recovery stage within the stratosphere, hinting at the importance of mixing and diabatic heating. The analysis further indicates that variations in stratospheric finite-amplitude wave forcing are too weak to account for the attendant changes and shapes in the tropospheric flow. It is suggested that the indirect effect of tropospheric finite-amplitude wave activity through the residual displacements is needed to amplify and prolong the tropospheric wind responses over several weeks. The results also reveal that the local tropospheric wave activity over the North Pacific and North Atlantic sectors plays a significant role in shaping the high-latitude tropospheric wind response to SVW events.
Contrasting Local and Remote Impacts of Surface Heating on Polar Warming and Amplification
Authors: Park Kiwoong , Kang Sarah M. , Kim Doyeon , Stuecker Malte F. , Jin Fei-Fei
Published: February 2018

The polar region has been one of the fastest warming places on Earth in response to greenhouse gas (GHG) forcing. Two distinct processes contribute to the observed warming signal: (i) local warming in direct response to the GHG forcing and (ii) the effect of enhanced poleward heat transport from low latitudes. A series of aquaplanet experiments, which excludes the surface albedo feedback, is conducted to quantify the relative contributions of these two physical processes to the polar warming magnitude and degree of amplification relative to the global mean. The globe is divided into zonal bands with equal area in eight experiments. For each of these, an external heating is prescribed beneath the slab ocean layer in the respective forcing bands. The summation of the individual temperature responses to each local heating in these experiments is very similar to the response to a globally uniform heating. This allows the authors to decompose the polar warming and amplification signal into the effects of local and remote heating. Local polar heating that induces surface-trapped warming due to the large tropospheric static stability in this region accounts for about half of the polar surface warming. Cloud radiative effects act to enhance this local contribution. In contrast, remote nonpolar heating induces a robust polar warming pattern that features a midtropospheric peak, regardless of the meridional location of the forcing. Among all remote forcing experiments, the deep tropical forcing case contributes most to the polar-amplified surface warming pattern relative to the global mean, while the high-latitude forcing cases contribute most to enhancing the polar surface warming magnitude.
TRMM Version 8 Reprocessing Improvements and Incorporation into the GPM Data Suite
Authors: Stocker E. F. , Alquaied F. , Bilanow S. , Ji Y. , Jones L.
Published: February 2018

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has always included data reprocessing as a major component of every science mission. A final reprocessing is typically a part of mission closeout (known as phase F). The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) is currently in phase F, and NASA is preparing for the last reprocessing of all the TRMM precipitation data as part of the closeout. This reprocessing includes improvements in calibration of both the TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) and the TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR). An initial step in the version 8 reprocessing is the improvement of geolocation. The PR calibration is being updated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) using data collected as part of the calibration of the Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) on the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory. JAXA undertook a major effort to ensure TRMM PR and GPM Ku-band calibration is consistent.

A major component of the TRMM version 8 reprocessing is to create consistent retrievals with the GPM version 05 (V05) retrievals. To this end, the TRMM version 8 reprocessing uses retrieval algorithms based on the GPM V05 algorithms. This approach ensures consistent retrievals from December 1997 (the beginning of TRMM) through the current ongoing GPM retrievals. An outcome of this reprocessing is the incorporation of TRMM data products into the GPM data suite. Incorporation also means that GPM file naming conventions and reprocessed TRMM data carry the V05 data product version. This paper describes the TRMM version 8 reprocessing, focusing on the improvements in TMI level 1 products.
Evaluation of injectable anaesthesia with five medetomidine-midazolam based combinations in Egyptian fruit bats (Rousettus aegyptiacus)
Authors: Tuval Avishag , Las Liora , Shilo-Benjamini Yael
Published: February 2018

Egyptian fruit bats are increasingly used as model animals in neuroscience research. Our aim was to characterize suitable injectable anaesthesia for this species, possibly replacing inhalant anaesthesia, thus minimizing occupational health hazards. Eight bats were randomly assigned by a crossover design for subcutaneously administered combinations of medetomidine-midazolam with: saline (MM-Sal), ketamine (MM-Ket), fentanyl (MM-Fen), morphine (MM-Mor), or butorphanol (MM-But). The anaesthetic depth and vital signs were monitored at baseline and every 10 min until bats recovered. If after 180 min the bats did not recover, atipamezole was administered. Mean induction times were 7–11.5 min with all combinations. Twitching during induction was common. All combinations produced anaesthesia, with significantly decreased heart rate (from 400 to 200 bpm) and respiratory rate (from 120–140 to 36–65 rpm). Arrhythmia and irregular breathing patterns occurred. MM-Fen, MM-Mor, and MM-But depressed respiration significantly more than MM-Sal. Time to first movement with MM-Ket and MM-But lasted significantly longer than with MM-Sal. Recovery time was significantly shorter in the MM-Sal (88 min) in comparison to all other treatments, and it was significantly longer in the MM-But (159 min), with atipamezole administered to four of the eight bats. In conclusion, all five anaesthetic protocols are suitable for Egyptian fruit bats; MM-Ket produces long anaesthesia and minimal respiratory depression, but cannot be antagonized completely. MM-Fen, MM-Mor, and MM-But depress respiration, but are known to produce good analgesia, and can be fully antagonized. Administration of atipamezole following the use of MM-But in Egyptian fruit bats is recommended.
Should Children be Spanked?
Authors: Ruble Richard
Published: February 2018

The spanking of children as a technique in child-rearing is discussed from both a biblical and a psychological perspective. It is suggested that there is no clear teaching from the Bible that all children should be spanked. Psychologically, the negative features associated with spanking suggest that children should not be spanked severely or frequently, if at all.
The Effect of Positive Reinforcement on Comprehension, Attitudes, and Rate of Bible Reading in Adolescents
Authors: Captain Philip A.
Published: February 2018

Twenty-seven students from a high school Sunday School department were randomly assigned to one of three groups, money reinforcement group, verbal reinforcement group, and control group. The purpose of this experimental procedure was to evaluate the effect of two different types of positive reinforcement upon the rate of daily Bible reading behaviors, personal attitudes related to those behaviors, and comprehension of what has been read in this sample of adolescents. The major finding of this study was the general effectiveness of money as a reinforcer for this group of adolescents. Money given as a reward for reading by the parents was able to significantly increase the Bible reading of the subjects as well as positive attitudes toward themselves in relation to their Bible reading. On the other hand, verbal praise given as a reward for reading by the parents had no significant effect on the rate of Bible reading or on the attitudes of the young people toward their reading. One possible explanation for this finding is that verbal praise as a social reinforcer might be confounded during adolescence with the adolescent's movement toward establishing independence from his parents in a way that money as a reinforcer does not.
Evangelical Christians and Professional Counseling: A Conflict of Values?
Authors: King Robert R.
Published: February 2018

The experiences and opinions of evangelical Christians concerning professional counseling for alleviating emotional dysfunction were investigated. Evangelical Christians have experienced emotional (psychological) disorder, to the extent that it noticeably impaired their functioning, at approximately the same incidence as the general population of the U.S.A. Most of those who sought help outside of family or friends first saw their pastor. Of those evangelical Christians who were dissatisfied with professional counseling services available in the community 89% expressed concern that their Christian faith would be misunderstood or unappreciated, perhaps even ridiculed. Other major dissatisfactions were the expense of counseling and skepticism about the efficacy of secular psychological theories. The research also revealed that evangelical churches may be ready to expand their hitherto limited involvement in providing (or supporting) professional counseling services as an outreach ministry of the church.
A Note, Mostly Methodological, Stimulated by Ritzema and Ritzema-Young Attributional Studies
Authors: Wright Paul H.
Published: February 2018

Recent contributions to JPT by Ritzema (1979) and Ritzema and Young (1983) convincingly suggest that attribution theory may provide a useful framework for conceptualizing and exploring some important facets of religious belief, and may foreshadow an increasing interest among theologically oriented psychologists. The present reaction urges a discerning stance with respect to how much and how little the attributional approach has to offer researchers interested in the integration of psychology and theology. The Ritzema and Ritzema-Young studies utilized hypothetical situations as stimulus material. The pros and cons — mostly cons — of this widely used and well accepted approach to attribution research are discussed. The Ritzema and Ritzema-Young articles are considered very helpful because, in addition to demonstrating the potential value of attribution psychology for understanding religious belief and conduct, the findings were sufficiently clear and provocative to encourage further exploration by more rigorous means.
The adsorption study of Royal Blue Tiafix and Black Tiassolan dyes using bone char as adsorbent
Authors: Moura Rowander A , Seolatto Araceli A , de Oliveira Ferreira Maria E , Freitas Fernanda F
Published: February 2018

In this study, the potential of bone char for Royal Blue Tiafix and Black Tiassolan dyes adsorption from aqueous solutions was evaluated. The adsorbent was characterized physically and chemically by adsorption/desorption of N2 at 77 K, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy. The equilibrium adsorption results for bone char can be successfully modeled by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models were used to describe the kinetic data and rate constants were evaluated. Kinetics of each dye was found to follow pseudo-second-order rate kinetic model, with great correlation (higher than 0.99). In order to reduce the number of experiments to achieve better dye removal efficiency, a 2³ full factorial design with three central points and six axial points was applied in the equilibrium experiments. The variables analyzed were agitation, temperature, and pH.
Concanavalin A photocross-linked affinity cryogels for the purification of horseradish peroxidase
Authors: Keçili Rüstem , Çelikoğlu Umut , Mil Sevgi , Ersöz Arzu , Say Rıdvan
Published: February 2018

The present study describes an easy and efficient procedure for the purification of horseradish peroxidase from horseradish roots. For this purpose, supermacroporous cryogels having Concanavalin A were prepared by photosensitive cross-linking polymerization. Horseradish peroxidase binding and elution from the prepared cryogels were carried out changing various parameters such as initial peroxidase concentration and pH. The best binding performance was obtained at pH 7.0. The maximum horseradish peroxidase binding of the cryogels was found to be 3.85 mg g−1 cryogel. Horseradish peroxidase purification from crude extract resulted in 115.1-fold. SDS-PAGE analysis and circular dichroism measurements indicated that the horseradish peroxidase purification from horseradish roots was successfully carried out.
Neck-Tongue Syndrome: An Underrecognized Childhood Onset Cephalalgia
Authors: Allen Nicholas M. , Dafsari Hormos S. , Wraige Elizabeth , Jungbluth Heinz
Published: February 2018

Neck-tongue syndrome is a rarely reported headache disorder characterized by occipital and/or upper neck pain triggered by sudden rotatory head movement and accompanied by abnormal sensation and/or posture of the ipsilateral tongue. Although onset is thought to be in childhood, most of the limited number of cases reported so far were adults. Here the authors describe 3 cases, 2 girls and 1 boy, with neck-tongue syndrome. In each child additional headache symptoms occurred, headache improved over time in all, spontaneously in 2 and coinciding with gabapentin treatment in the other. Investigations were consistently unremarkable. Review of the literature reveals a usually self-limiting disorder, with early onset and variable additional features. Awareness of neck-tongue syndrome among pediatric neurologists and other practitioners is important, to allow for timely diagnosis and informed management of an underreported headache disorder with childhood onset.
Comparison of Self-Reported and Behavioral Pain Assessment Tools in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Bouajram Rima H. , Sebat Christian M. , Love Dawn , Louie Erin L. , Wilson Machelle D. , Duby Jeremiah J.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Self-reported and behavioral pain assessment scales are often used interchangeably in critically ill patients due to fluctuations in mental status. The correlation between scales is not well elucidated. The purpose of this study was to describe the correlation between self-reported and behavioral pain scores in critically ill patients.

Methods:

Pain was assessed using behavioral and self-reported pain assessment tools. Behavioral pain tools included Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) and Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS). Self-reported pain tools included Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scales. Delirium was assessed using the confusion assessment method for the intensive care unit. Patient preference regarding pain assessment method was queried. Correlation between scores was evaluated.

Results:

A total of 115 patients were included: 67 patients were nondelirious and 48 patients were delirious. The overall correlation between self-reported (NRS) and behavioral (CPOT) pain scales was poor (0.30, P = .018). In patients without delirium, a strong correlation was found between the 2 behavioral pain scales (0.94, P < .0001) and 2 self-reported pain scales (0.77, P < .0001). Self-reported pain scale (NRS) and behavioral pain scale (CPOT) were poorly correlated with each other (0.28, P = .021). In patients with delirium, there was a strong correlation between behavioral pain scales (0.86, P < .0001) and a moderate correlation between self-reported pain scales (0.69, P < .0001). There was no apparent correlation between self-reported (NRS) and behavioral pain scales (CPOT) in patients with delirium (0.23, P = .12). Most participants preferred self-reported pain assessment.

Conclusion:

Self-reported pain scales and behavioral pain scales cannot be used interchangeably. Current validated behavioral pain scales may not accurately reflect self-reported pain in critically ill patients.
Multitarget therapy of mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine A for induction treatment of refractory lupus nephritis
Authors: Jesus D , Rodrigues M , da Silva J A P , Inês L
Published: February 2018

Standard induction therapy for lupus nephritis (LN) with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or cyclophosphamide (CYC) is often ineffective. Evidence on rescue induction regimens is scarce. We analyzed efficacy and tolerability of multitarget immunosuppression with MMF and cyclosporine A (CsA) as induction treatment for LN (class III/IV/V) refractory to CYC and/or MMF. We included all six refractory LN patients (class IV = 3, class V = 2, class III = 1) from our 400-patient tertiary Lupus Clinic observed between 2012 and 2015. Four patients had previously received pulse CYC. All six received MMF as first or second induction therapy and CsA was added once failure to reach remission was established. Daily dose of MMF was 2–3 g and CsA was dosed up to 2.6–3.7 mg/kg/day. Mean proteinuria was reduced from 2407 mg/24 hours at the start of the MMF+CsA regimen to 544 mg/day after six months. The mean prednisolone dose was reduced from 17.5 to 6 mg/day after six months of MMF+CsA. Four patients achieved a complete renal response, one patient had a partial renal response and one failed to respond. None of the patients presented with adverse events. These data suggest that adding CsA to MMF can induce complete remission of refractory LN and is well tolerated.