bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Panta Rhei: Neovascularization, Angiogenesis and Nutritive Perfusion in Wound Healing
Authors: Sorg Heiko , Tilkorn Daniel J. , Mirastschijski Ursula , Hauser Joerg , Kraemer Robert
Published: September 2018

Background: In response to tissue damage, angiogenesis is an extremely dynamic process that is finely regulated by signals from cells, the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), and derived mediators. As the only process, angiogenesis remains of decisive importance in the context of the entire wound healing process and is subject to constant change. The dissolution of the endothelial basement membrane, the migration of endothelial cells, and the development of new capillary vessels during wound healing depend not only on the cells and cytokines present, but also on the production and organization of ECM components in the immediate wound. Summary: Angiogenesis in wound healing can be divided into two main phases. During the pro-angiogenic phase at the beginning of wound healing, excessive neo-formation of blood vessels, some of which are poorly differentiated, occurs, which restore blood flow and thus nutritive perfusion as quickly as possible. This is followed by an anti-angiogenic phase in which the initially established vascular network undergoes a maturing process, which, however, is accompanied by a significant reduction in the number of vessels. Key Messages: Although many mechanisms and specific cell functions in wound healing have already been described, many underlying pathophysiological processes remain unknown. Because angiogenesis and its maturation is a very fast but also very long-lasting process, the understanding of the underlying mechanisms is of crucial importance. This article will give an overview of the current understanding and controversy in this sub-step of wound healing.
The Crucial Role of Vascularization and Lymphangiogenesis in Skin Reconstruction
Authors: Frueh Florian S.  , Sanchez-Macedo Nadia , Calcagni Maurizio , Giovanoli Pietro , Lindenblatt Nicole
Published: September 2018

Background: The treatment of extensive skin defects and bradytrophic wounds remains a challenge in clinical practice. Despite emerging tissue engineering approaches, skin grafts and dermal substitutes are still the routine procedure for the majority of skin defects. Here, we review the role of vascularization and lymphangiogenesis for skin grafting and dermal substitutes from the clinician’s perspective. Summary: Graft revascularization is a dynamic combination of inosculation, angiogenesis, and vasculogenesis. The majority of a graft’s microvasculature regresses and is replaced by ingrowing microvessels from the wound bed, finally resulting in a chimeric microvascular network. After inosculation within 48–72 h, the graft is re-oxygenated. In contrast to skin grafts, the vascularization of dermal substitutes is slow and dependent on the ingrowth of vessel-forming angiogenic cells. Preclinical angiogenic strategies with adipose tissue-derived isolates are appealing for the treatment of difficult wounds and may markedly accelerate skin reconstruction in the future. However, their translation from bench to bedside is still restricted by major regulatory restrictions. Finally, the lymphatic system contributes to edema reduction and the removal of local wound debris. Therapeutic lymphangiogenesis is an emerging field of research in skin reconstruction. Key Messages: For the successful engraftment of skin grafts and dermal substitutes, the rapid formation of a microvascular network is of pivotal importance. Hence, to understand the biological processes behind revascularization of skin substitutes and to implement this knowledge into clinical practice is a prerequisite when treating skin defects. Furthermore, a functional lymphatic drainage crucially contributes to the engraftment of skin substitutes.
Common Rodent Flap Models in Experimental Surgery
Authors: Schmauss Daniel , Weinzierl Andrea , Schmauss Verena , Harder Yves
Published: September 2018

Background: Flap procedures are widely used in clinical reconstructive surgery. Since ische­mia-associated complications, e.g., wound breakdown or tissue necrosis, are still a great challenge in flap surgery, experimental flap models are widely used to study flap physiology and to evaluate treatment strategies to prevent these complications. Summary: Since rodents in general, and mice and rats in particular, are widely used in experimental flap models, we give an overview of the most common flap models in rodents, including the cremaster flap, the osteomyocutaneous flap, the McFarlane flap, the ear flap, and the dorsal skinfold chamber. Key Messages: Rodent flap models in experimental surgery are manifold and have a long history. These models play an important role in training surgical techniques, understanding flap physiology, defining flap anatomy and vascularity, and developing treatment regimens to prevent the necrosis of ischemically challenged tissue. However, it is important to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the single flap models concerning the possible time span of the experiment, the degree of difficulty, and the reproducibility and the translation of the results in humans.
Utility of Rapid On-Site Cytologic Evaluation during Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration in Malignant and Nonmalignant Disease
Authors: Gianella Pietro , Soccal Paola M. , Plojoux Jérôme , Frésard Isabelle , Pache Jean-Claude , Perneger Thomas , Gex Grégoire
Published: September 2018

Background: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is an accurate procedure to sample mediastinal tissue. Rapid on-site cytologic evaluation (ROSE) has been advocated to improve the performance of this procedure, but its benefit remains controversial. Our objective is to assess the utility of ROSE for EBUS-TBNA diagnostic accuracy among unselected patients. Methods: We prospectively collected data from all consecutive EBUS-TBNA procedures performed between 2008 and 2014. ROSE was introduced since 2011 in our daily practice. The accuracy of EBUS-TBNA with and without ROSE was compared in a univariate and multivariate model accounting for confounding factors. The impact of ROSE was then analyzed according to the etiology and size of the lesions. Results: Among 348 EBUS-TBNA procedures analyzed, 213 were performed with ROSE. The overall accuracy tended to be better with ROSE than without (90.6 vs. 84.4%; p = 0.082). After adjustment in a multivariate model, the benefit of ROSE still did not reach statistical significance (adjusted odds ratio 1.86; 95% confidence interval 0.79–4.41). Similar results were obtained in subgroups of patients with malignant disease or sarcoidosis. The size of the lesion did not influence the impact of ROSE on accuracy. Conclusions: ROSE was associated with a moderate increase in the accuracy of EBUS-TBNA, but the difference was not statistically significant. The same effect of ROSE was observed in malignant and nonmalignant lesions and this effect was not influenced by the lesion’s size.
Ligustrazine Inhibits Growth, Migration and Invasion of Medulloblastoma Daoy Cells by Up-Regulation of miR-211
Authors: Xu Donghui , Chi Guonan , Zhao Conghai , Li Dongyuan
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Ligustrazine (LSZ) has been identified as an antitumor agent against some types of cancers. Nevertheless, its ability to inhibit growth, migration and invasion of medulloblastoma cells is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of LSZ on Daoy cells. Methods: The effects of LSZ on viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of Daoy cells were analyzed by CCK-8, BrdU, flow cytometry and Transwell assays, respectively. The effect of LSZ on miR-211 expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR. miR-211 inhibitor transfection was performed to suppress miR-211 expression. The effects of LSZ on apoptosis-related factors, MMP-2, MMP-9, and Vimentin (Vim), as well as main factors of PI3K/AKT and mTOR pathways were analyzed by Western blot. Results: LSZ inhibited viability but promoted apoptosis of Daoy cells. Additionally, the proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities of Daoy cells were decreased by LSZ. Meanwhile, LSZ promoted the activations of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9, increased Bax level, decreased Bcl-2 level, as well as inhibited the expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9 and Vim. Additionally, we found that LSZ enhanced miR-211 expression and exerted its anti-medulloblastoma effect by up-regulation of miR-211. Furthermore, LSZ inhibited PI3K/AKT and mTOR signaling pathways by up-regulating miR-211. Conclusion: LSZ suppressed medulloblastoma Daoy cells by up-regulating miR-211 and further modulating the activations of PI3K/AKT and mTOR signaling pathways.
Smad Ubiquitination Regulatory Factor 1 (Smurf1) Promotes Thyroid Cancer Cell Proliferation and Migration via Ubiquitin-Dependent Degradation of Kisspeptin-1
Authors: Yan Chunyan , Su Haiying , Song Xiyuan , Cao Huiling , Kong Lingling , Cui Wen
Published: September 2018

Background/Aims: Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy in human endocrine system. Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor 1 (Smurf1) is an E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase in ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Smurf1 on thyroid cancer proliferation and metastasis, as well as underlying potential mechanism. Methods: The expression levels of Smurf1 in thyroid tumor tissues and thyroid cancer cells were detected by western blotting and qRT-PCR. Then, the effects of up-regulation or down-regulation of Smurf1 on thyroid cancer cell viability, migration, invasion, proliferation and apoptosis were measured using trypan blue exclusion assay, two-chamber migration (invasion) assay, cell colony formation assay and Guava Nexin assay, respectively. The ubiquitination of kisspeptin-1 (KISS-1) was assessed by protein ubiquitination assay. Finally, the effects of KISS-1 overexpression on activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, as well as thyroid cancer cell viability, migration, invasion, proliferation and apoptosis were also detected, respectively. Results: Smurf1 was highly expressed in thyroid tumor tissues and thyroid cancer cells. Up-regulation of Smurf1 promoted the viability, migration, invasion and proliferation of thyroid cancer cells. Knockdown of Smurf1 had opposite effects. Moreover, smurf1 promoted the ubiquitination of KISS-1. Overexpression of KISS-1 inactivated NF-κB pathway, suppressed thyroid cancer cell viability, migration, invasion and proliferation, and induced cell apoptosis. Conclusion: Up-regulation of Smurf1 exerted important roles in thyroid cancer formation and development by promoting thyroid cancer proliferation and metastasis. The ubiquitin-dependent degradation of KISS-1 induced by Smurf1 and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway might be involved in this process. Smurf1 could be an effective therapy target and biomarker for thyroid cancer treatment.
Subgroup Analysis Comparing Ultrathin, Bioresorbable Polymer Sirolimus-Eluting Stents Versus Thin, Durable Polymer Everolimus-Eluting Stents in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients
Authors: Roguin Ariel , Kandzari David E. , Marcusohn Erez , Koolen Jacques J. , Doros Gheorghe , Massaro Joseph M. , Garcia-Garcia Hector M. , Bennett Johan , Gharib Elie G. , Cutlip Donald E. , Waksman Ron
Published: September 2018

Background:

Presentation with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) constitutes a high-risk subset of patients with worse outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention. We report clinical outcomes in subjects with ACS from the BIOFLOW V trial (BIOTRONIK – A Prospective Randomized Multicenter Study to Assess the Safety and Effectiveness of the Orsiro Sirolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System in the Treatment of Subjects With up to Three De Novo or Restenotic Coronary Artery Lesions) comparing an ultrathin strut (60 μm) bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (BP-SES) with a thin strut (81 μm) durable polymer everolimus-eluting stent (DP-EES).

Methods and Results:

Among 1334 patients randomized to 2:1 treatment with either BP-SES or DP-EES, 677 (50.7%) ACS patients without ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (MI; 454 BP-SES and 223 DP-EES) were identified in the retrospective post hoc analysis. The primary end point of 12-month target lesion failure, individual component end points, and stent thrombosis were evaluated. Recurrent MI was defined as a ≥50% increase of creatine kinase-myocardial band or in the absence of creatine kinase-myocardial band, troponin >50% increase over previous level and >3× the upper limit of normal). All events were adjudicated by a blinded independent clinical events committee. Overall, baseline clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics of the ACS population were similar between the 2 treatment groups. At 12 months, target lesion failure occurred in 5.6% (24/426) of BP-SES patients versus 11.0% (23/209) in DP-EES patients (
P
=0.02); target lesion failure composite components were cardiac death, 0% versus 1.0% (
P
=0.11); target vessel–related MI, 3.5% versus 9.7% (
P
=0.003); and clinically driven target lesion revascularization, 2.8% versus 3.4% (
P
=0.80). Spontaneous target vessel MI was 0.5% (2/425) for BP-SES versus 2.4% (5/206) for DP-EES (
P
=0.041). Stent thrombosis rates at 1 year were similar (0.5% versus 1.0%;
P
=0.601).

Conclusions:

In the ACS subgroup population of the BIOFLOW V study, treatment with BP-SES compared with DP-EES was associated with a significantly lower rate of 12-month target lesion failure, a difference driven by significantly lower periprocedural MI and spontaneous MI. These findings support treatment with an ultrathin strut BP-SES in ACS patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02389946.
Individual Differences in Resting-state Brain Rhythms Uniquely Predict Second Language Learning Rate and Willingness to Communicate in Adults
Authors: Prat Chantel S. , Yamasaki Brianna L. , Peterson Erica R.
Published: September 2018

The current study used quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) to characterize individual differences in neural rhythms at rest and to relate them to fluid reasoning ability, to first language proficiency, and to subsequent second language (L2) learning ability, with the goal of obtaining a better understanding of the neurocognitive bases of L2 aptitude. Mean spectral power, laterality, and coherence metrics were extracted across theta, alpha, beta, and gamma frequency bands obtained from eyes-closed resting-state qEEG data from 41 adults aged 18–34 years. Participants then completed 8 weeks of French training using a virtual language and cultural immersion software. Results replicate and extend previous studies showing that faster learners have higher beta power recorded over right hemisphere (RH) electrode sites, greater laterality (RH − LH/RH + LH) of alpha and beta bands, and greater coherence between RH frontotemporal sites across all frequencies, although only coherence measures survived multiple comparisons. Increased coherence within and between RH networks was also associated with greater posttest declarative memory scores and with more accurate speech during learning. Total speech attempts, in contrast, correlated with bilaterally distributed small-world network configurations, as indexed by lower power and coherence over high-frequency (beta and gamma) bands recorded over frontotemporal networks in both hemispheres. Results from partial correlations and regression analyses suggest that the neural predictors of L2 learning rate, posttest proficiency, and total speech attempts varied in their degree of overlap with qEEG correlates of first language proficiency and fluid reasoning abilities, but that neural predictors alone explained 26–60% of the variance in L2 outcomes.
Prefrontal and Hippocampal Structure Predict Statistical Learning Ability in Early Childhood
Authors: Finn Amy S. , Kharitonova Maria , Holtby Natalie , Sheridan Margaret A.
Published: September 2018

Statistical learning can be used to gain sensitivity to many important regularities in our environment, including structure that is foundational to language and visual perception. As yet, little is known about how statistical learning takes place in the human brain, especially in children's developing brains and with regard to the broader neurobiology of learning and memory. We therefore explored the relationship between statistical learning and the thickness and volume of structures that are traditionally implicated in declarative and procedural memory, focusing specifically on the left inferior PFC, the hippocampus, and the caudate during early childhood (ages 5–8.5 years). We found that the thickness of the left inferior frontal cortex and volume of the right hippocampus predicted statistical learning ability in young children. Importantly, these regions did not change in thickness or volume with age, but the relationship between learning and the right hippocampus interacted with age such that older children's hippocampal structure more strongly predicted performance. Overall, the data show that children's statistical learning is supported by multiple neural structures that are more broadly implicated in learning and memory, especially declarative memory (hippocampus) and attention/top–down control (the PFC).
Conscious Perception: Time for an Update?
Authors: Salti Moti , Harel Asaf , Marti Sébastien
Published: September 2018

Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying conscious perception has become a central endeavor in cognitive neuroscience. In theories of conscious perception, a stimulus gaining conscious access is usually considered as a discrete neuronal event to be characterized in time or space, sometimes referred to as a conscious “episode.” Surprisingly, the alternative hypothesis according to which conscious perception is a dynamic process has rarely been considered. Here, we discuss this hypothesis and its implications. We show how it can reconcile inconsistent empirical findings on the timing of the neural correlates of consciousness and make testable predictions. According to this hypothesis, a stimulus is consciously perceived for as long as it is recoded to fit an ongoing stream composed of all other perceived stimuli. We suggest that this “updating” process is governed by at least three factors (1) context, (2) stimulus saliency, and (3) observers' goals. Finally, this framework forces us to reconsider the typical distinction between conscious and unconscious information processing.
The Hippocampus Generalizes across Memories that Share Item and Context Information
Authors: Libby Laura A. , Reagh Zachariah M. , Bouffard Nichole R. , Ragland J. Daniel , Ranganath Charan
Published: September 2018

Episodic memory is known to rely on the hippocampus, but how the hippocampus organizes different episodes to permit their subsequent retrieval remains controversial. One major area of debate hinges on a discrepancy between two hypothesized roles of the hippocampus: differentiating between similar events to reduce interference and assigning similar representations to events that share overlapping items and contextual information. Here, we used multivariate analyses of activity patterns measured with fMRI to characterize how the hippocampus distinguishes between memories based on similarity at the level of items and/or context. Hippocampal activity patterns discriminated between events that shared either item or context information but generalized across events that shared similar item–context associations. The current findings provide evidence that, whereas the hippocampus can reduce mnemonic interference by separating events that generalize along a single attribute dimension, overlapping hippocampal codes may support memory for events with overlapping item–context relations. This lends new insights into the way the hippocampus may balance multiple mnemonic operations in adaptively guiding behavior.
Four- and 5-Year-Olds Infer Differences in Relative Ability and Appropriately Allocate Roles to Achieve Cooperative, Competitive, and Prosocial Goals
Authors: Magid Rachel W. , DePascale Mary , Schulz Laura E.
Published: September 2018

Preschoolers are sensitive to differences in individuals’ access to external resources (e.g., tools) in division of labor tasks. However, little is known about whether children consider differences in individuals’ internal resources (e.g., abilities) and whether children can flexibly allocate roles across different goal contexts. Critically, factors that are relevant to role allocation in collaborative contexts may be irrelevant in competitive and prosocial ones. In three preregistered experiments, we found that 4- and 5-year-olds (mean: 54 months; range: 42–66 months; N = 132) used age differences to infer relative ability and appropriately allocate the harder and easier of two tasks in a dyadic cooperative interaction (Experiment 1), and appropriately ignored relative ability in competitive (Experiment 2) and prosocial (Experiment 3) contexts, instead assigning others the harder and easier roles, respectively. Thus, 3-and-a-half- to 5-year-olds evaluate their own abilities relative to others and effectively allocate roles to achieve diverse goals.
Cosmic Democracy or Cosmic Monarchy? Empedocles in Plato’s Statesman
Authors: Coates Cameron F.
Published: September 2018

Plato’s references to Empedocles in the myth of the Statesman perform a crucial role in the overarching political argument of the dialogue. Empedocles conceives of the cosmos as structured like a democracy, where the constituent powers ‘rule in turn’, sharing the offices of rulership equally via a cyclical exchange of power. In a complex act of philosophical appropriation, Plato takes up Empedocles’ cosmic cycles of rule in order to ‘correct’ them: instead of a democracy in which rule is shared cyclically amongst equal constituents, Plato’s cosmos undergoes cycles of the presence and absence of a single cosmic monarch who possesses ‘kingly epistēmē’. By means of a revision of Empedocles’ democratic cosmology, Plato’s richly woven myth is designed precisely to reject the appropriateness of democracy as a form of human political association and legitimate monarchy in its stead.
Diogenes the Cynic on Law and World Citizenship
Authors: Paone Christopher
Published: September 2018

Against the traditional reading of Cynic cosmopolitanism, this essay advances the thesis that Diogenes’ world citizenship is a positive claim supported by philosophical argument and philosophical example. Evidence in favor of this thesis is a new interpretation of Diogenes’ syllogistic argument concerning law (nomos) (D.L. 6.72). Important to the argument are an understanding of Diogenes’ philanthropic character and his moral imperative to ‘re-stamp the currency’. Whereas Socrates understands his care as attached specially to Athens, Diogenes’ philosophical mission and form of care attach not to his native Sinope but to all humanity. An important result is that Diogenes’ Cynicism provides an ancient example of cosmopolitanism that is philanthropic, minimalistic, experimental, and utopian.
Aristotle on Plato’s Republic VIII-IX: Politics v. 12, 1316a1-b27
Authors: Segev Mor
Published: September 2018

Toward the end of Politics V. 12, Aristotle criticizes Plato’s discussion of political change in Republic VIII-IX. Scholars often reject Aristotle’s criticism, especially because it portrays Plato’s discussion, allegedly unfairly, as developing a historically testable theory. I argue that Aristotle’s criticism is adequate, and that the seriousness with which he considers Plato’s account of political change as an alternative to his own is both warranted and instructive. First, apart from criticizing Plato’s account for its historical inaccuracies, Aristotle also exposes theoretical insufficiencies and internal inconsistencies within it. Second, Aristotle’s criticisms of historical inaccuracies in Plato’s discussion of political change are not misdirected, since there are reasons to think that Plato does intend that discussion to accord with the historical facts.
Novelties in Pleurothallidinae (Orchidaceae) from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: PESSOA EDLLEY , ENGELS MATHIAS ERICH , ALVES MARCCUS
Published: September 2018

This study confirms the occurrence of Pabstiella determannii in the Brazilian Amazon since it was recently collected in the state of Roraima, Northern Brazil. After an accurate comparison of protologues and type specimens, we also propose here a new synonym under Platystele stenostachya. Identification keys for the species from the Brazilian Amazon belonging to the two genera are provided.
Review of the genus Ceratotarsonemus De Leon, 1956 (Acari: Prostigmata: Tarsonemidae), with description of a new species from the Amazon Forest
Authors: REZENDE JOSÉ MARCOS , LOFEGO ANTONIO CARLOS , GULBRONSON CONNOR , BAUCHAN GARY , OCHOA RONALD
Published: September 2018

The genus Ceratotarsonemus De Leon (Acari: Prostigmata: Tarsonemidae) is reviewed here, with the addition of an updated key for the genus. Ceratotarsonemus amazonicus, sp. nov., found in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, is described. Phase contrast (PC), differential interference contrast (DIC), low temperature scanning electron microscopy (LT-SEM) and confocal microscopy (CLSM) micrographs are provided. Biological and ecological aspects about the role of this species in its ecosystem are also discussed.
Description of a new species of Sabellidae (Polychaeta, Annelida) from fresh and brackish waters in Europe, with some remarks on the branchial crown of Laonome
Authors: BICK ANDREAS , BASTROP RALF , KOTTA JONNE , MEIßNER KARIN , MEYER MARIA , SYOMIN VITALY
Published: September 2018

In 2009, a hitherto unknown Laonome species was found in the Canal Ghent-Terneuzen in the Netherlands and subsequently in other Dutch rivers, canals and estuaries. A few years later, more unknown Laonome specimens were found in the eastern part of the Baltic Sea and in the Don River estuary, Sea of Azov. Initially, it was assumed that these specimens could represent Laonome calida Capa, 2007, originally described from Australia. In the present study we examine all these unknown European Laonome specimens and compare these specimens with the type material of L. calida from Australia. This lead to two main results: First, all specimens from Europe have the same diagnostic characters and therefore belong to one species. This finding was also supported by the results of a correspondence analysis, and genetic analyses using four different DNA sequences (COI, 16S, 28S). Second, it turned out that the type material of L. calida contains two morphologically distinct groups of specimens. The holotype and 7 paratypes are similar to each other but differ significantly from the other also similar 16 paratypes, and from all European specimens. On the basis of these observations, the Laonome specimens from European waters are described here as L. xeprovala sp. nov. We also provide the characters of the branchial crown of three Laonome species for a prospective revision of this genus.
Libnotes crane flies (Diptera: Limoniidae) from Jeju Island (South Korea)
Authors: PODENAS SIGITAS , BYUN HYE-WOO
Published: September 2018

The Korean species of Libnotes (Laosa) Edwards, 1926 and L. (Libnotes) Westwood, 1876 from Jeju Island are taxonomically revised. L. (Laosa) charmosyne (Alexander, 1958) and L. (Libnotes) divaricata (Alexander, 1924) are new records for South Korea and L. (Libnotes) byersiana n. sp. is described. An identification key for all Korean Libnotes, redescriptions and illustrations of the three currently known Jeju species are presented.
Relationship between Turbulence and Drizzle in Continental and Marine Low Stratiform Clouds
Authors: Borque Paloma , Luke Edward P. , Kollias Pavlos , Yang Fan
Published: September 2018

Turbulence and drizzle-rate measurements from a large dataset of marine and continental low stratiform clouds are presented. Turbulence peaks at cloud base over land and near cloud top over the ocean. For both regions, eddy dissipation rate values of 10−5–10−2 m2 s−3 are observed. Surface-based measurements of cloud condensation nuclei number concentration NCCN and liquid water path (LWP) are used to estimate the precipitation susceptibility S0. Results show that positive S0 values are found at low turbulence, consistent with the principle that aerosols suppress precipitation formation, whereas S0 is smaller, and can be negative, in a more turbulent environment. Under similar macrophysical conditions, especially for medium to high LWP, high (low) turbulence is likely to lessen (promote) the suppression effect of high NCCN on precipitation. Overall, the turbulent effect on S0 is stronger in continental than marine stratiform clouds. These observational findings are consistent with recent analytical prediction for a turbulence-broadening effect on cloud droplet size distribution.
Flash Flood Verification: Pondering Precipitation Proxies
Authors: Herman Gregory R. , Schumacher Russ S.
Published: September 2018

Quantitative precipitation estimate (QPE) exceedances of numerous different heavy precipitation thresholds—including spatially varying average recurrence interval (ARI) and flash flood guidance (FFG) thresholds—are compared among each other and against reported and warned flash floods to quantify existing deficiencies with QPEs and to identify best practices for using QPE for flash flood forecasting and analysis. QPEs from three different sources—NCEP Stage IV Precipitation Analysis (ST4), Climatology Calibrated Precipitation Analysis (CCPA), and Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) QPE—are evaluated across the United States from January 2015 to June 2017. In addition to evaluating different QPE sources, threshold types, and magnitudes, QPE accumulation interval lengths from hourly to daily are considered. Systematic errors with QPE sources are identified, including a radar distance dependence on extreme rainfall frequency in MRMS, spurious occurrences of locally extreme precipitation in the complex terrain of the West in ST4, and insufficient QPEs for many legitimate heavy precipitation events in CCPA. Overall, flash flood warnings and reports corresponded to each other far more than any QPE exceedances. Correspondence between all sources was at a maximum in the East and worst in the West, with ST4, CCPA, and MRMS QPE exceedances locally yielding maximal correspondence in the East, Plains, and West, respectively. Surprisingly, using a fixed 2.5 in. (24 h)−1 proxy outperformed shorter accumulation exceedances and the use of ARIs and FFGs. On regional scales, different ARI exceedances achieved superior performance to the selection of any fixed threshold; FFG exceedances were consistently too rare to achieve optimal correspondence with observed flash flooding.
The Extremely Active 2017 North Atlantic Hurricane Season
Authors: Klotzbach Philip J. , Schreck III Carl J. , Collins Jennifer M. , Bell Michael M. , Blake Eric S. , Roache David
Published: September 2018

The 2017 North Atlantic hurricane season was extremely active, with 17 named storms (1981–2010 median is 12.0), 10 hurricanes (median is 6.5), 6 major hurricanes (median is 2.0), and 245% of median accumulated cyclone energy (ACE) occurring. September 2017 generated more Atlantic named storm days, hurricane days, major hurricane days, and ACE than any other calendar month on record. The season was destructive, with Harvey and Irma devastating portions of the continental United States, while Irma and Maria brought catastrophic damage to Puerto Rico, Cuba, and many other Caribbean islands. Seasonal forecasts increased from calling for a slightly below-normal season in April to an above-normal season in August as large-scale environmental conditions became more favorable for an active hurricane season. During that time, the tropical Atlantic warmed anomalously while a potential El Niño decayed in the Pacific. Anomalously high SSTs prevailed across the tropical Atlantic, and vertical wind shear was anomalously weak, especially in the central tropical Atlantic, from late August to late September when several major hurricanes formed. Late-season hurricane activity was likely reduced by a convectively suppressed phase of the Madden–Julian oscillation. The large-scale steering flow was different from the average over the past decade with a strong subtropical high guiding hurricanes farther west across the Atlantic. The anomalously high tropical Atlantic SSTs and low vertical wind shear were comparable to other very active seasons since 1982.
Effects of Upper Airway Surgery on Daytime Sleepiness in Nonobese Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea/Hypopnea Syndrome
Authors: Lai Chi-Chih , Lin Pei-Wen , Lin Hsin-Ching , Friedman Michael , Chang Hsueh-Wen , Salapatas Anna M. , Lin Meng-Chih , Huang Kuo-Tung
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of upper airway surgery on daytime sleepiness in nonobese patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSA).

Methods:

This retrospective study included 121 consecutive adult nonobese patients with OSA from a tertiary academic medical center. Patients with OSA who refused continuous positive airway pressure therapy, or in whom it was unsuccessful, and then underwent OSA surgery were enrolled. Evaluations of excessive daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and major parameters of objective full-night polysomnography were collected preoperatively and at least 3 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and Wilcoxon rank sum test.

Results:

When pre- and postoperative ESS and polysomnographic parameters were compared in all patients, ESS scores, apnea/hypopnea index, and snoring index showed statistically significant improvements ( P = .007, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively). When patients were classified into mild, moderate, and severe OSA groups, snoring index had statistically significant improvements in all 3 groups, and apnea/hypopnea index had statistically significant decreases in the moderate and severe OSA groups. Although reductions in ESS scores were found in all 3 groups, the most statistically significant improvement was noted only in the severe OSA group.

Conclusions:

OSA surgery can improve daytime sleepiness in nonobese patients with OSA, especially for patients with severe OSA. This study elucidates the effects of OSA surgery on daytime sleepiness by excluding the major confounding factor of obesity. This study adds to the literature on the effects of upper airway surgery for nonobese patients with OSA on daytime quality of life.
Current Indications for Transnasal Esophagoscopy: An American Broncho-Esophagological Association Survey
Authors: Best Amy R. , Halum Stacey L. , Parker Noah P.
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current indications for and clinical factors influencing the use of transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE).

Methods:

An online survey was sent to American Broncho-Esophagological Association members, including questions on demographics, indications, and factors influencing the use of TNE.

Results:

Sixty of 251 members (24%) completed the survey. Ninety-three percent of respondents reported academic practices, while 98% practice in medium to large urban settings. Thirty-five (58%) completed laryngology fellowships. Mean monthly TNE procedure count was 7.15 (range, <1-35). The most common indications were dysphagia (82%), biopsy (50%), and laryngopharyngeal reflux (47%). Chronic cough, head and neck cancer screening, gastroesophageal reflux (GER), and tracheoesophageal puncture were also commonly reported indications (44% each). For laryngopharyngeal reflux and GER, most respondents perform TNE for recalcitrant disease following a medical trial of at least 3 months. Long-standing GER symptoms, documentation of GER on pH and impedance testing, and abnormal findings on previous esophagoscopy lead to greater TNE use. Specific dysphagia indications included abnormal esophagographic findings (70%), history or examination localizing to the esophagus (60%), solid dysphagia only (53%), and solid and/or liquid dysphagia (40%). The primary sites most likely to prompt TNE use for head and neck cancer surveillance were the esophagus (92.3%) and hypopharynx (84.6%). Balloon dilation was the most common indication for which respondents do not currently perform TNE but would like to (n = 8).

Conclusions:

TNE indications have not been well established. According to respondents from the American Broncho-Esophagological Association, TNE is most commonly used for dysphagia and laryngopharyngeal reflux and slightly less so for GER and head and neck cancer screening and surveillance. Several clinical indicators were identified that influence the decision to perform TNE.
Foreign Direct Investment and Elections: The Impact of Greenfield FDI on Incumbent Party Reelection in Brazil
Authors: Owen Erica
Published: September 2018

Governments actively court foreign direct investment (FDI) as a tool for economic growth and development. Despite the important role of FDI in the global economy, we do not know how this activity affects election outcomes. Crucially, state and local governments are often responsible for attracting FDI. Although FDI creates jobs, it also generates competition for domestic producers. Drawing on theories of global production, I argue that inward FDI increases the net welfare of voters in the local host economy. Therefore, new investment should increase the electoral success of incumbent parties in local elections. I use new project-level greenfield FDI data to test this claim in the context of Brazilian mayoral elections between 2004 and 2012. I find that the announcement of a new investment project increases the probability that the incumbent party wins reelection. The findings suggest a channel through which globalization directly affects mass politics at the subnational level.
What’s Taking You So Long? Examining the Effects of Social Class on Completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Four Years
Authors: Zarifa David , Kim Jeannie , Seward Brad , Walters David
Published: September 2018

Despite improved access in expanded postsecondary systems, the great majority of bachelor’s degree graduates are taking considerably longer than the allotted four years to complete their four-year degrees. Taking longer to finish one’s BA has become so pervasive in the United States that it has become the norm for official statistics released by the Department of Education to report graduation rates across a six-year window. While higher education scholars have increasingly explored how social class impacts college dropout, attrition, and completion, they have yet to examine the role social class plays in completing a four-year bachelor’s degree on time. In this paper, we draw on the most recent cohort of the Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Survey (2008–2009) to examine who completes their bachelor’s degrees on time. Our results indicate that despite controlling for academic performance, educational behaviors, program characteristics, and institutional characteristics, graduates from lower socioeconomic backgrounds do experience difficulties completing their degrees on time. Moreover, our results also reveal that the nature of these relationships vary for traditional and nontraditional students. Our findings highlight another important, albeit less obvious, way where inequality is maintained in expanded postsecondary systems.
Pay-for-Performance Reform Programs: It’s More Than the Money!
Authors: Howard Christy M. , Miller Sam
Published: September 2018

This study evaluated five teachers from a middle school with a history of low-performances and high teacher turnover. This school participated in a reform program, Pay-For-Performance, where they received financial bonuses to increase performances on literacy and mathematics assessments. Additional requirements included participation in workshops, and planning and data discussions. Despite appreciation for incentives, teachers credited these professional development opportunities and district’s growth model as the impetus for their changing practices. Participants’ instructional practices became student-centered as they promoted engagement by building stronger relationships with students and by offering them choices with how they demonstrated their understanding of the curriculum.
Understanding Changes in Tourists’ Use of Emotion Regulation Strategies in a Vacation Context
Authors: Gao Jie , Zhang Ye , Kerstetter Deborah L. , Shields Stephanie
Published: September 2018

This study examines the patterns of change in tourists’ use of emotion regulation strategies (ERSs) during a vacation, and their interactions with sociodemographic characteristics. Data were collected using an online survey and travel daily diaries. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that 152 participants exhibited significant differences in their use of five ERSs with positive emotions and two ERSs with negative emotions during their travel experience, suggesting use of ERSs varies over different stages of a vacation. In addition, some sociodemographic characteristics were found to play a significant role in explaining patterns of change in tourists’ use of ERSs with positive and negative emotions. These findings, which extend current emotion-based research in tourism, must be acknowledged by and incorporated into future research. Further, tourism professionals should account for the change in tourists’ use of ERSs during a vacation when planning travel itineraries and programs.
The Relationship between Transformational Leadership Behavior, Adult Attachment, and God Attachment
Authors: Foulkes-Bert Deborah , Volk Frederick , Garzon Fernando , Pride Melvin
Published: September 2018

The correspondence hypothesis concerning God attachment posits that a person’s attachment to God will be similar to their adult attachment style. On the other hand, a compensation model of God attachment proposes that a secure attachment to God can occur when there is an insecure adult attachment. This preliminary research study used a sample of religious leaders ( n = 69) in a chaplaincy program to identify the relationship between God attachment and adult attachment on transformational leaders and to see if a compensatory secure attachment to God can exist in the absence of a secure adult attachment. Additionally, this preliminary study explored the interaction between God attachment and adult attachment on transformational leaders. The results of this study suggest that God attachment moderates adult attachment and provides a unique contribution to transformational leadership behavior, above adult attachment.
Beyond Boundaries: Envisioning Metropolitan School Desegregation in Boston, Detroit, and Philadelphia, 1963-1974
Authors: Savage Michael
Published: September 2018

From the early 1960s onward, battles over school desegregation took on an increasingly metropolitan orientation, one all but destroyed by the Supreme Court’s 1974 decision in Milliken v. Bradley. In Boston, Detroit, and Philadelphia, segregationist urbanites, when faced with a legal challenge either created or made possible by black civil rights advocates, reversed course and trumpeted the advantages of metropolitan desegregation. These tactical metropolitanists recognized that a larger desegregation area reaching into the predominantly white suburbs would mean that white children would continue attending majority-white schools and they understood that stoking suburban opposition to desegregation could defeat integrationist legislation. Despite their segregationist motives, tactical metropolitanists offered a potentially productive solution capable of mitigating white flight, providing lasting integration, and aligning with the efforts of integrationist civil rights advocates in court. Uncovering tactical metropolitanism complicates our understandings of urban segregation and the sources of metropolitan reform. It suggests the need for a metropolitan history of civil rights that centers the importance of municipal boundaries in perpetuating inequality.
Mediation Analysis of the Relationship Between Educational Capital, Learning Capital, and Underachievement Among Gifted Secondary School Students
Authors: Veas Alejandro , Castejón Juan-Luis , O’Reilly Colm , Ziegler Albert
Published: September 2018

The underachievement of gifted students is a serious problem in gifted education. Although analytic research strategies have identified many causes of underachievement, this kind of approach still needs to be complemented by synthetic research strategies. The actiotope model of giftedness, for example, suggests that the effect of educational capital on achievement is mediated by learning capital. In an empirical study with a sample of 143 gifted Spanish secondary school students, educational capital was characterized by various forms of parental involvement aimed at the learning successes of children. Learning capital was represented by two types of learning strategies: metacognitive strategies and elaboration strategies. Following the method developed by Baron and Kenny, the hypothesized mediation of learning capital between educational capital and school achievement was confirmed.
Lesional and perilesional tissue characterization by automated image processing in a novel gyrencephalic animal model of peracute intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Boltze Johannes , Ferrara Fabienne , Hainsworth Atticus H , Bridges Leslie R , Zille Marietta , Lobsien Donald , Barthel Henryk , McLeod Damian D , Gräßer Felix , Pietsch Sören , Schatzl Ann-Kathrin , Dreyer Antje Y , Nitzsche Björn
Published: September 2018

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is an important stroke subtype, but preclinical research is limited by a lack of translational animal models. Large animal models are useful to comparatively investigate key pathophysiological parameters in human ICH. To (i) establish an acute model of moderate ICH in adult sheep and (ii) an advanced neuroimage processing pipeline for automatic brain tissue and hemorrhagic lesion determination; 14 adult sheep were assigned for stereotactically induced ICH into cerebral white matter under physiological monitoring. Six hours after ICH neuroimaging using 1.5T MRI including structural as well as perfusion and diffusion, weighted imaging was performed before scarification and subsequent neuropathological investigation including immunohistological staining. Controlled, stereotactic application of autologous blood caused a space-occupying intracerebral hematoma of moderate severity, predominantly affecting white matter at 5 h post-injection. Neuroimage post-processing including lesion probability maps enabled automatic quantification of structural alterations including perilesional diffusion and perfusion restrictions. Neuropathological and immunohistological investigation confirmed perilesional vacuolation, axonal damage, and perivascular blood as seen after human ICH. The model and imaging platform reflects key aspects of human ICH and enables future translational research on hematoma expansion/evacuation, white matter changes, hematoma evacuation, and other aspects.