bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Escherichia coli yjfP Gene Encodes a Carboxylesterase Involved in Sugar Utilization during Diauxie
Authors: Johns Nat , Wrench Algevis , Loto Flavia , Valladares Ricardo , Lorca Graciela , Gonzalez Claudio F.
Published: January 2016

Background: Acetylation and efflux of carbohydrates during cellular metabolism is a well-described phenomenon associated with a detoxification process to prevent metabolic congestion. It is still unclear why cells discard important metabolizable energy sources in the form of acetylated compounds. Methods: We describe the purification and characterization of an approximately 28-kDa intracellular carboxylesterase (YjfP) and the analysis of gene and protein expression by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results: qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively, showed that yjfP is upregulated during the diauxic lag in cells growing with a mixture of glucose and lactose. The β-galactosidase activity in the ΔyjfP strain was both delayed and half the magnitude of that of the wild-type strain. YjfP-hyperproducing strains displayed a long lag phase when cultured with glucose and then challenged to grow with lactose or galactose as the sole carbon source. Conclusion: Our results suggest that YjfP controls the intracellular concentration of acetyl sugars by redirecting them to the main metabolic circuits. Instead of detoxification, we propose that sugar acetylation is utilized by the cell for protection and to prevent the metabolism of a necessary minimal intracellular sugar pool. Those sugars can eventually be exported as a side effect of these mechanisms.
Major Gastrointestinal Cancer Resections in the Elderly in India: Poised for Future Challenges
Authors: Batra Swati , Suradkar Kunal , Talole Sanjay , Desouza Ashwin , Goel Mahesh , Shrikhande Shailesh Vinayak
Published: January 2016

Background: There are no data on surgical outcomes of major gastrointestinal cancer resections in the expanding Indian oncogeriatric population. Methods: A prospective database of patients who underwent major gastrointestinal cancer resections during varying time periods (2006-2014) was analyzed retrospectively. Results: Two thousand six hundred and forty three patients with a median age of 53 were analyzed. Four hundred and seventy two (17.9%) patients were aged ≥65 years and 235 (8.9%) patients were ≥70 years. Mortality rates were not significantly higher in the elderly (≥65 years) or the very elderly (≥70 years) when compared to younger controls, being 2.8 vs. 1.6% (p = 0.09) and 3.0 vs. 1.7% (p = 0.162) respectively. Overall morbidity was similar for patients ≥65 or <65 years (24.2 vs. 21.7%, p = 0.253), but was higher in patients ≥70 years (29.8 vs. 21.4%, p = 0.003). The incidence of severe complications, however, was not significantly greater in this age group (13.2 vs. 12.5%, p = 0.74). Conclusions: Major gastrointestinal cancer resections in the elderly Indian population, though uncommon, are safe when performed at experienced high volume centres. These results should serve as a starting point for the gradual development of dedicated oncogeriatric programs in the Indian subcontinent.
Double Nail of the Little Toe
Authors: Haneke Eckart
Published: January 2016

A rudimentary accessory or double nail of the little toe is not rare, although only described three times before. Most cases are accidentally detected and only few patients seek help because they have discomfort or pain. Some have a positive family history, but most patients cannot give any information concerning heredity. Clinically, the nail of the little toe is abnormally wide and is split or shows a longitudinal depression corresponding to a slight protuberance of the cuticle. Histopathology shows a complete though short nail. The treatment of choice is segmental excision of the entire accessory nail unit with mobilization of the lateral skin and primary suture.
Access-Related Infections Involving the Buttonhole Technique
Authors: Toma Shigeki , Shinzato Takahiro , Hayakawa Kunihiro
Published: January 2016

Purpose: In this study, we discuss a mechanism of development of access-related Staphylococcus aureus infections in patients on buttonhole (BH) method and logically construct a measure to prevent such infections on the basis of the mechanism. Summary:S. aureus can colonize a BH track. Once S. aureus colonizes a BH track, access-related infections may develop when the equilibrium is upset between the factors of host resistance and a level of bacterial growth in a BH track. Thus, the logically constructed measure to prevent access-related infections are as follows: (1) decolonization of S. aureus from a BH track by applying mupirocin ointment to a BH entry site when a patient has been proven to be a carrier of S. aureus in the track, (2) prevention of bacterial invasion of the BH track by a new method to remove a scab completely, and (3) control of bacterial growth in the BH track by disinfecting the site with diluted povidone-iodine solution (0.1% povidone-iodine solution) before access vessel cannulation.
Prevalence of Dystonia in Antioquia, Colombia
Authors: Solano Atehortúa Juan Marcos , Isaza Jaramillo Sandra Patricia , Rendón Bañol Ana , Buritica Henao Omar
Published: January 2016

Background: There are few published epidemiological studies concerning dystonia. Its true prevalence has been difficult to establish. There is no data published in Latin America on this matter. Methods: In this study the prevalence of dystonias in the Department of Antioquia (Colombia) was estimated using a capture-recapture methodology with log-linear modeling, including cases in 3 centers for neurological referrals that cover the Department of Antioquia from 2007 to 2012. Results: The overall prevalence was 712 per 1,000,000 (95% CI 487-937). Of the total of 874 patients, 79% had primary dystonias, and 75.5% had focal dystonias. The delay in diagnosis was longer for primary dystonias, with a median of 1 year. Conclusion: We found a high prevalence of dystonias in Antioquia. The frequency of the different types of dystonias, as well as the demographic characteristics of our patients, is similar to data from other populations of the world.
Bazedoxifene, a new orphan drug for the treatment of bleeding in hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Zarrabeitia Roberto , Ojeda-Fernandez Luisa , Recio Lucia , Bernabéu Carmelo , Parra José , Albiñana Virginia , Botella Luisa
Published: January 2016

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), or Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome, is a dominant genetic vascular disorder. In HHT, blood vessels are weak and prone to bleeding, leading to epistaxis and anaemia, severely affecting patients’ quality of life. Development of vascular malformations in HHT patients is originated mainly by mutations in ACVRL1/ALK1 (activin receptor-like kinase type I) or Endoglin (ENG) genes. These genes encode proteins of the TGF-β signalling pathway in endothelial cells, controlling angiogenesis. Haploinsufficiency of these proteins is the basis of HHT pathogenicity. It was our objective to study the efficiency of Bazedoxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) in HHT, looking for a decrease in epistaxis, and understanding the underlying molecular mechanism. Plasma samples of five HHT patients were collected before, and after 1 and 3 months of Bazedoxifene treatment. ENG and ALK1 expression in activated mononuclear cells derived from blood, as well as VEGF plasma levels, were measured. Quantification of Endoglin and ALK1 mRNA was done in endothelial cells derived from HHT and healthy donors, after in vitro treatment with Bazedoxifene. Angiogenesis was also measured by tubulogenesis and wound healing assays. Upon Bazedoxifene treatment, haemoglobin levels of HHT patients increased and the quantity and frequency of epistaxis decreased. Bazedoxifene increased Endoglin and ALK1 mRNA levels, in cells derived from blood samples and in cultured endothelial cells, promoting tube formation. In conclusion, Bazedoxifene seems to decrease bleeding in HHT by partial compensation of haploinsufficiency. The results shown here are the basis of a new orphan drug designation for HHT by the European Medicine Agency (EMA).
Low paediatric thrombin generation is caused by an attenuation of prothrombin conversion
Authors: Wagenvoord Rob , de Laat H. , Monagle Paul , Hemker H. , Ignjatovic Vera , Kremers Romy
Published: January 2016

Thrombin generation (TG) is decreased in children. TG is determined by two underlying processes: the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin and the inactivation of thrombin. Therefore, lower TG capacity in children can either be caused by a reduction of prothrombin conversion, an increase of thrombin inactivation, or both. In 36 children and 8 adults, TG and the factors that determine thrombin inactivation (antithrombin, α2 Macroglobulin (α2M) and fibrinogen) were measured. Prothrombin conversion, thrombin inhibitor complex formation, and the overall thrombin decay capacity were determined. In silico modelling was performed to determine the contribution prothrombin conversion and thrombin inactivation to deviant paediatric TG. Both the amount of prothrombin converted and the maximal prothrombin conversion rate are significantly reduced in children as compared to adults. This is partly due to the prothrombin levels being lower and partly to a lower prothrombin conversion rate. The overall thrombin decay capacity is not significantly different in children, but α2Macroglobulin plays a more important role than it does in adults. In silico experiments demonstrate that reduced prothrombin conversion and to a lesser extent elevated α2M levels provide an explanation for low TG in children. Young age has a dual effect on prothrombin conversion. Lower plasma prothrombin levels result in decreased prothrombin conversion but the rate of prothrombin conversion is also decreased, i. e. the development of prothrombinase is lower than in adults.
Comprometimento cognitivo leve
Authors: Radanovic Márcia , Stella Florindo , Forlenza Orestes V.
Published: January 2016

O termo comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL) designa um quadro clínico em que ocorre declínio em um ou mais domínios cognitivos, o que pode levar a um relativo prejuízo da capacidade de realização de atividades mais complexas (por exemplo, atividades no campo profissional), sem que o indivíduo preencha critérios diagnósticos para demência. O CCL pode ter diversas etiologias, incluindo doenças clínicas mal controladas, polimedicação, depressão, etc; no entanto, em muitos casos corresponde a um estágio ainda incipiente de alguma forma de demência, como a doença de Alzheimer ou demência vascular. Indivíduos com CCL podem apresentar melhora do quadro, estabilização, ou progressão para demência, de acordo com a causa subjacente. O diagnóstico de CCL é baseado em critérios clínicos, e os exames subsidiários tem por objetivo identificar causas tratáveis e tentar identificar os indivíduos com maior risco de conversão para demência. O tratamento é orientado para a doença subjacente ao quadro, quando esta pode ser identificada. Reabilitação cognitiva pode apresentar resultados favoráveis no tratamento de déficits específicos, como os de atenção e memória.
Redes de interação gênica e controle epigenético na transição saúde-doença
Authors: Azevedo Hátylas , Bando Silvia Yumi , Bertonha Fernanda Bernardi , Moreira-Filho Carlos Alberto
Published: January 2016

A utilização de técnicas de alto desempenho (high-throughput) – como microarranjos de DNA e sequenciamento de nova geração - para o estudo do genoma em doenças complexas (i.e. causadas pela interação de fatores ambientais e genéticos) tem levado à produção massiva de dados e exigido o desenvolvimento de abordagens sistemáticas para a investigação de fenômenos biológicos. Essas abordagens centram-se na integração de dados (expressão gênica global, sequenciamento de DNA, interações proteína-proteína), além da caracterização, modelagem e predição das propriedades emergentes dos sistemas biológicos, ou seja, dos processos que ocorrem em células e tecidos como resposta a mudanças ambientais e genéticas. Um exemplo dessa abordagem é o estudo de alterações transcricionais através da obtenção de redes de co-expressão gênica, ou GCNs (acrônimo para gene coexpression network) e a visualização gráfica dessas redes complexas. A análise das GCNs permite a determinação da topologia dessas redes e a avaliação de como as interações gene-gene são alteradas na transição saúde-doença. É também possível associar as propriedades topológicas dessas redes com a organização funcional do genoma. Mudanças em propriedades das GCNs, como entropia, modularidade, grau de conectividade dos nós e robustez, estão diretamente associadas à patofisiologia de determinadas doenças. As alterações em GCNs na transição saúde-doença e em resposta a fatores ambientais são mediadas por mecanismos epigenéticos – metilação do DNA, acetilação de histonas e RNAs não codificantes - que modulam a expressão dos genes. Assim, o estudo das GCNs e de seu controle por mecanismos epigenéticos têm permitido uma melhor compreensão das alterações dinâmicas envolvidas no estabelecimento e progressão das doenças complexas.
Perspectivas de terapia celular em neurologia
Authors: Onuchic Fernando , Batista Chary Marquez , Lepski Guilherme
Published: January 2016

Neste artigo de revisão, buscamos ressaltar alguns dos avanços mais recentes na pesquisa sobre células-tronco em neurologia. Além disso, buscamos demonstrar a direta associação entre seu funcionamento e mecanismos de replicação, diferenciação e maturação, além da terapêutica celular de algumas doenças neurológicas. Abordamos a provável associação entre essas células indiferenciadas e a origem de alguns tumores malignos do SNC, bem como os potenciais terapêuticos que o transplante das mesmas tem na medicina neurológica regenerativa. Por fim, concluímos que o entendimento e a pesquisa sobre esses mecanismos podem abrir portas para abordagens mais diretas e eficazes de diversas doenças atualmente incuráveis do sistema nervoso.
Efeitos do exercício físico no controle clínico da asma
Authors: Freitas Patrícia Duarte , Silva Ronaldo Aparecido da , Carvalho Celso Ricardo Fernandes de
Published: January 2016

A asma é uma doença inflamatória crônica das vias aéreas cujo diagnóstico é clínico e o tratamento visa principalmente controlar os sintomas e diminuir os riscos de exacerbação. Mesmo sob tratamento clínico-medicamentoso adequado, os pacientes nem sempre atingem o controle clínico adequado. Por isso, recomenda-se o uso de terapias não farmacológicas, destacando-se o exercício físico (EF), que é, atualmente, reconhecido como parte fundamental do programa de reabilitação para asmáticos. A revisão que se segue objetivou explorar os aspectos relacionados à melhora do controle clínico da doença induzidos pelo EF em pacientes asmáticos. Para tanto, foram revisados artigos publicados na base de dados Pubmed e SciELO (de 1970 a 2015). Verificou-se que os primeiros estudos sugeririam que o EF, predominantemente aeróbio, melhora o condicionamento físico e a percepção de falta de ar (dispneia). Essa tendência foi mantida até os anos 90 e a partir de então surgiram estudos com maior rigor metodológico mostrando que o EF pode reduzir o broncoespasmo induzido pelo exercício (BIE), a responsividade brônquica bem como e a capacidade física aeróbia. Evidências mostrando que o EF melhora os fatores de saúde relacionados à qualidade de vida, o controle clínico da asma e a inflamação pulmonar passaram a ser melhor investigados apenas nos últimos 5 anos. Atualmente, considera-se a prática de EF como um componente fundamental no programa de tratamento para pacientes com asma moderada e grave, quando realizado com predominância aeróbia, em intensidade de baixa a moderada e feito pelo menos duas vezes por semana de forma individualizada. Portanto, o exercício físico parece potencializar o controle clínico da asma através da melhora do condicionamento físico, sendo importante sua indicação na prática clínica para os pacientes que estão em tratamento clínico-medicamentoso otimizado.
Do rádio para a sala de aula: uma análise retórico-conversacional do gênero spot
Authors: Santos Maria Francisca Oliveira , Figueiredo Maria Flávia
Published: January 2016

Neste trabalho, as autoras apresentam um diálogo teórico-metodológico entre os estudos conversacionais, argumentativos e interativos. Além disso, buscam demonstrar uma possível aplicação desse diálogo na realidade da sala de aula de Língua Portuguesa. Isso é feito por meio da análise das características da oralidade presentes no gênero spot, que toma como suporte o rádio. O trabalho seguiu uma linha processual, com os seguintes questionamentos: Como operacionalizar ações linguísticas orais, em sala de aula, por meio dos estudos retóricos e conversacionais? É possível criar condições persuasivas e necessárias para introduzir o ensino da oralidade na prática da sala de aula? O estudo do gênero em destaque, em uma abordagem retórico-conversacional, respondeu positivamente às indagações, por mostrar a possibilidade da inserção das práticas orais em sala de aula.
Análise da escassez hídrica brasileira em 2014
Authors: Pereira Filho Augusto José
Published: January 2016

The recent rainfall depletion and its consequences to the Brazilian water resources have affected all human activities, from urban water supply to hydroelectric power generation. This paper comprises an analysis of possible and plausible dynamic and thermodynamic mechanisms associated to climate variability and climate changes and their impacts in the global hydrological cycle, particularly where it is directly connected to precipitation over South America. Analysis suggest the cooling of the Antarctic Pole as a main factor coupled with the dynamics of climate with 4 to 11 year cycles of cooling and warming of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans resulting in changes in atmospheric and oceanic large-scale circulations.
A operação dos reservatórios e o planejamento da operação hidrotérmica do Sistema Interligado Nacional
Authors: Zambon Renato Carlos
Published: January 2016

The Brazilian electric system is a largescale hydrothermal system, mostly supplied by hydropower plants, about 150 of which are medium and large sized ones. From 2000 to 2012, an average of 91% of Brazilian effective electric generation was provided by hydropower plants. Additional y supply was provided mostly by thermal generation. From late 2012 until now, as we have experienced a severe drought over the major watersheds in the country, only 76% of demand has been supplied by hydropower, requiring intense thermal dispatch, while reservoir storages have been drawn down. In the light of the current state, this paper discusses the planning and operation of the system considering individual hydropower plants and reservoirs, the evolution of installed and storage capacities, non-stationary inflows, constraints associated with multiple uses of water and scenarios on the horizon in a four-year period.
A crise da energia elétrica e o seu custo
Authors: Guimarães Flávia Lefèvre
Published: January 2016

This article presents a retrospective review of the main regulatory changes impacting public policies concerning the access to the essential public service of electricity distribution, especially by focusing on the interests and rights of household consumers, including lowincome consumers. The retrospective analysis starts in 1995 – the date of enactment of the Eliseu Rezende Law, whereby the methodology for defining tariff structure was deeply altered within the context of preparing the electricity sector for privatization started in the wake of the State Reform by the government of President Fernando Henrique Cardoso.
O desequilíbrio financeiro da Universidade de São Paulo: origens e medidas de ajuste
Authors: Agopyan Vahan , Toneto Junior Rudinei
Published: January 2016

This works analyses the financial performance of the University of São Paulo over recent years. First, we discuss the current financing model of the institution; established in 1989 and based upon the autonomy provided by the government. This model, with stable and increasingly gradual income, has allowed for a better planning of its expansion. Then, the data regarding financial performance of the past few years are presented, showing that the income has increased. However, expenditure has increased at a faster rate, and that has resulted in deficit and reduction of the university’s financial reserves. Finally, we examine adopted measures and additional proposals to mitigate and overturn this financial instability.
USP: o êxito e a crise
Authors: Adorno Sergio
Published: January 2016

This essay stems from a questioning: Is there a crisis throughout Brazilian universities, especially in the University of São Paulo? If so, what is its nature, extend and possible reasons for it? First, we deal with the identity crisis from the viewpoint of its historical roots dating back to 1968, when the authoritarian regime devised and implemented the university reform. The essay addresses some dilemmas, such as those relating to how to ensure the continuity of some of its axes, namely, freedom of intellectual creation, autonomy concerning internal organization, and indivisibility of teaching, research and culture production and extension. While on the one hand there have been some gains from the hastened academic specialization and strong incentives to the dissemination and internationalization of knowledge, on the other hand it cannot be denied that these new trends have heightened the negative effects of excessive bureaucracy and contributed to creating gaps in the political communication among the players making up the three university bodies.
Evidence for Intramyocardial Disruption of Lipid Metabolism and Increased Myocardial Ketone Utilization in Advanced Human Heart Failure
Authors: Bedi Kenneth C. , Snyder Nathaniel W. , Brandimarto Jeffrey , Aziz Moez , Mesaros Clementina , Worth Andrew J. , Wang Linda L. , Javaheri Ali , Blair Ian A. , Margulies Kenneth B. , Rame J. Eduardo
Published: January 2016

Background—

The failing human heart is characterized by metabolic abnormalities, but these defects remains incompletely understood. In animal models of heart failure there is a switch from a predominance of fatty acid utilization to the more oxygen-sparing carbohydrate metabolism. Recent studies have reported decreases in myocardial lipid content, but the inclusion of diabetic and nondiabetic patients obscures the distinction of adaptations to metabolic derangements from adaptations to heart failure per se.

Methods and Results—

We performed both unbiased and targeted myocardial lipid surveys using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy in nondiabetic, lean, predominantly nonischemic, advanced heart failure patients at the time of heart transplantation or left ventricular assist device implantation. We identified significantly decreased concentrations of the majority of myocardial lipid intermediates, including long-chain acylcarnitines, the primary subset of energetic lipid substrate for mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. We report for the first time significantly reduced levels of intermediate and anaplerotic acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) species incorporated into the Krebs cycle, whereas the myocardial concentration of acetyl-CoA was significantly increased in end-stage heart failure. In contrast, we observed an increased abundance of ketogenic β-hydroxybutyryl-CoA, in association with increased myocardial utilization of β-hydroxybutyrate. We observed a significant increase in the expression of the gene encoding succinyl-CoA:3-oxoacid-CoA transferase, the rate-limiting enzyme for myocardial oxidation of β-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate.

Conclusions—

These findings indicate increased ketone utilization in the severely failing human heart independent of diabetes mellitus, and they support the role of ketone bodies as an alternative fuel and myocardial ketone oxidation as a key metabolic adaptation in the failing human heart.
Forced Expiratory Volume in the First Second and Aldosterone as Mediators of Smoking Effect on Stroke in African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Wang Wei , Shen Gui , Shahar Eyal , Bidulescu Aurelian , Kimberly W. Taylor , Sheth Kevin N. , Campbell Brenda W. , Horbal Steven , Correa Adolfo , Griswold Michael E.
Published: January 2016

Background

Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for stroke, but the mechanisms by which smoking contributes to stroke are not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate the roles of lung function (represented by forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV
1
)) and aldosterone as potential mediators of the association of smoking with stroke.

Methods and Results

The data were derived from 5010 Jackson Heart Study participants who had mean follow‐up of 97.9 months. Using the Cox proportional hazards model, we estimated the hazard ratios of smoking for total stroke with and without adjustment for FEV
1
and/or aldosterone at baseline after controlling for the confounders. The hazard ratio for current smoking (versus never smoking) was 2.70 (95% CI 1.71 to 4.25) for total stroke after adjustment for the confounders. Additional adjustment for FEV
1
and aldosterone reduced the hazard ratio to 2.32 (95% CI 1.42 to 3.79), suggesting that 22.4% of the excess risk of current smoking for total stroke is mediated by these factors. FEV
1
and aldosterone account for 13.1% and 12.1%, respectively, of the excess risk. The
hazard ratio for
FEV
1
increased (0.61 versus 0.65) after including systemic inflammatory marker C‐reactive protein, and the hazard ratios for aldosterone were comparable for the models that included all confounders and smoking status with or without different blood pressure measurements.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the difference in stroke risk between current and never smokers may develop partially through pathways involving lung function and aldosterone and that the mediation effect through aldosterone is independent of blood pressure.
Carabid beetles (Carabus blaptoides) from Nii-jima and O-shima isles, Izu-Bonin oceanic islands: Dispersion by Kuroshio current and the origin of the insular populations
Authors: Osozawa Kyoji , Ogino Shuichi , Osozawa Soichi , Oba Yuichi , Wakabayshi John
Published: January 2016

Carabus blaptoidesis endemic on the Japanese islands. Two populations of this species were recently found on the oceanic islets of O-shima and Nii-jima, offshore of central Japan. We evaluate the origin of these populations based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Molecular analyses show that the O-shima population is closely related to the Boso peninsula population of Honshu, and the Nii-jima population is closely related to the northern Kyushu population. We suggest that the Boso population migrated relatively recently from central Japan, apparently by way of a land bridge formed by an emergent forearc high, followed by further migration to O-shima. In contrast, the Nii-jima population migrated very recently from northern Kyushu, probably by rafting on the Kuroshio current aboard driftwood swept into the sea from floods that occurred in the Ariake bay area in 2012. Similar Kuroshio-driven migration is also expected for the ancient Izu-Bonin oceanic islands.
Mesoscale Climatology and Variation of Surface Winds over the Chukchi–Beaufort Coastal Areas
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Fuhong , Tao Wei , Krieger Jeremy , Shulski Martha , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: January 2016

The detailed mesoscale climatology of surface winds in the Chukchi–Beaufort Seas and adjacent Arctic Slope region is analyzed using the recently developed Chukchi–Beaufort High-Resolution Atmospheric Reanalysis (CBHAR). Within the study area, surface winds are mainly driven by the prevailing synoptic weather patterns of the Beaufort high and Aleutian low and are further modulated by local geographic features through thermodynamic and dynamic processes. Sea breezes, up- or downslope winds, and the mountain barrier jets are all clearly captured by CBHAR. Sea breezes emerge in June–September and last most of the day, with a maximum spatial extent 100 km inland and 50 km offshore and maximum speed around 1–3 m s−1 in the late afternoon [~1500 Alaska standard time (AKST)]. Thermodynamic impacts of mountains on the surface winds vary from time to time. Drainage flows begin to build at the mountaintop in September and reach the strongest during November–February, occupying the entire slope. Upslope winds demonstrate a clear diurnal cycle during summer, starting to build around 0900 local time, reaching the maximum strength around 1500 local time and continuing until 2100 local time. The mountain barrier jets (MBJs) are found to be most active around the Chukotka Mountains during cold seasons. Both sea breezes and MBJs are also subject to variations and changes in response to adjusted large-scale atmosphere circulation. Storm activities can inhibit the development of sea breezes. Different responses from the Beaufort high and Aleutian low to anomalies in large-scale circulations play a vital role in the variations of MBJ activities over the Chukotka Mountains.
Dependence of Model Energy Spectra on Vertical Resolution
Authors: Waite Michael L.
Published: January 2016

Many high-resolution atmospheric models can reproduce the qualitative shape of the atmospheric kinetic energy spectrum, which has a power-law slope of −3 at large horizontal scales that shallows to approximately −5/3 in the mesoscale. This paper investigates the possible dependence of model energy spectra on the vertical grid resolution. Idealized simulations forced by relaxation to a baroclinically unstable jet are performed for a wide range of vertical grid spacings Δz. Energy spectra are converged for Δz 200 m but are very sensitive to resolution with 500 m ≤ Δz ≤ 2 km. The nature of this sensitivity depends on the vertical mixing scheme. With no vertical mixing or with weak, stability-dependent mixing, the mesoscale spectra are artificially amplified by low resolution: they are shallower and extend to larger scales than in the converged simulations. By contrast, vertical hyperviscosity with fixed grid-scale damping rate has the opposite effect: underresolved spectra are spuriously steepened. High-resolution spectra are converged except for the stability-dependent mixing case, which are damped by excessive mixing due to enhanced shear over a wide range of horizontal scales. It is shown that converged spectra require resolution of all vertical scales associated with the resolved horizontal structures: these include quasigeostrophic scales for large-scale motions with small Rossby number and the buoyancy scale for small-scale motions at large Rossby number. It is speculated that some model energy spectra may be contaminated by low vertical resolution, and it is recommended that vertical-resolution sensitivity tests always be performed.
The Role of Gender, Class, and Religion in Biracial Americans’ Racial Labeling Decisions
Authors: Davenport Lauren D.
Published: January 2016

Racial attachments are understood to be socially constructed and endogenous to gender, socioeconomic, and religious identities. Yet we know surprisingly little about the effect of such identities on the particular racial labels that individuals self-select. In this article, I investigate how social identities shape the racial labels chosen by biracial individuals in the United States, a rapidly growing population who have multiple labeling options. Examining national surveys of more than 37,000 respondents of Latino-white, Asian-white, and black-white parentage, I disentangle how gender, socioeconomic status, and religious identity influence racial labeling decisions. Across biracial subgroups and net of all other influences, economic affluence and Jewish identity predict whiter self-identification, whereas belonging to a religion more commonly associated with racial minorities is associated with a minority identification. Gender, however, is the single best predictor of identification, with biracial women markedly more likely than biracial men to identify as multiracial. These findings help us better understand the contextual nature of racial identification and the processes via which social identities interact with racial meanings in the United States.
How national structures shape attitudes toward women’s right to employment in the Middle East
Authors: Price Anne
Published: January 2016

Despite dramatic human development in recent decades, women’s employment rates in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are the lowest in the world. Research shows that gender-egalitarian attitudes are key in explaining women’s employment. This study examines whether the Middle East stands out in terms of the degree to which individuals hold gender-egalitarian attitudes in the region and in terms of the factors that are most important in shaping attitudes toward women’s employment. I compare individual attitudes toward women’s right to employment in the MENA region to individual attitudes in a global selection of nations available in the fourth (1999–2004) wave of the World Values Survey (WVS) ( N = 57), using hierarchical linear models. I find that individuals in MENA hold significantly less egalitarian attitudes toward women’s employment, compared to those in all other nations sampled. There is not one variable (such as Islam or oil) that is key to explaining attitudes in the region. Instead, this negative regional effect is reduced by accounting for national religiosity, levels of female tertiary enrollment, shares of women in parliament, economic rights for women, and national economic development. However, the negative effect of being highly religious is magnified among those individuals living in MENA nations.
Gender ideology: The last barrier to women’s participation in political consumerism?
Authors: Lorenzini Jasmine , Bassoli Matteo
Published: January 2016

In this article, we analyze how gender affects women’s political participation. More specifically, we test the effect of gender ideology on young women’s participation in political consumerism. The current literature suggests different reasons to explain the gap in political participation between men and women, most importantly focusing on socioeconomic resources, gender roles, and political socialization, whereas little attention has been devoted to the individual interpretation of a woman and man’s own role in society. We test the effects of gender ideology on political consumerism, a form in which women participate more than men. We analyze political consumerism among young urban women, the population most likely to hold an egalitarian gender ideology. Moreover, we compare young women with different job conditions. Although the gender gap is closing or reversing in regard to specific forms of participation, such as consumerism, some inequalities remain, and our study contributes to understanding differences in participation among women themselves.
Worker self-management in the Third World, 1952–1979
Authors: Plys Kristin
Published: January 2016

Worker self-management has proliferated at key historical moments, worldwide, since 1917. In the wake of decolonization and the national liberation movements of the mid-20th century, unprecedented levels were attained across the globe. By examining the major cases of worker self-management that began in 1952–1979 in the periphery and semi-periphery, I highlight the varied historical trajectories leading up to state suppression or absorption of worker self-managed firms. Management literature predicts that all states would respond more favourably to profitable rather than less profitable enterprises; Marxist approaches predict that socialist states would be more likely than capitalist states to favour workers’ control, and world-systems analysts would expect states in the semi-periphery to be more hospitable than states in the periphery to worker self-management. I show that none of these theoretical predictions are empirically sustained. Instead, I employ an inductive historical analysis and find that states are equally likely to terminate profitable and unprofitable enterprises, whether in socialist or capitalist states, and in periphery or semi-periphery. To explain this phenomenon, I propose an alternative theory – focused on social unrest and the balance of class forces – for states in the Third World having by and large called a halt to the experiment of worker self-management.
Choosing Your Mother or Your Spouse
Authors: Wu Tsui-Feng , Cross Susan E. , Wu Chih-Wen , Cho Wenchun , Tey Siang-Hua
Published: January 2016

People in Western cultures tend to assume that the marriage relationship is the most important relationship in life. Does this assumption apply in other cultural contexts? Three studies compared Taiwanese and European American beliefs about the priority of family relationships, using hypothetical life-or-death and everyday situations. In all three studies and in both situations, Taiwanese participants were more likely than European Americans to choose to help their mothers instead of their spouses. Furthermore, Taiwanese were more likely than European Americans to choose to help their mothers instead of their sibling or their own child. Mediation analyses indicated that obligation and closeness accounted for the association between culture and certainty of saving the mother or the spouse in the life-or-death situation. In the everyday situation, obligation alone accounted for this association. These findings have implications for Western theories of close relationships, such as attachment theory.
Technology
Authors: Ben-Jacob Marion G.
Published: January 2016

There is a movement nationwide to enhance the learning experience of college students who need to take courses in developmental mathematics. Technology is instrumental in eliminating the non-credit bearing courses from their programs of study. The restructuring of the mathematics programs allows for greater confidence on the parts of the students and lower tuition costs. It prepares them for independent and lifelong learning.
A Waterfall Design Strategy for Using Social Media for Instruction
Authors: Ahern Terence C.
Published: January 2016

Using social media can create a rich learning environment that crosses all content areas. The key to creating this environment is for instructors and designers to match appropriate social media software with the intended learning outcome. This article describes an instructional design strategy that helps educators create learning activities that make effective use of social media. To create effective instruction, the designer should have a clear understanding of the intended outcomes. Next, the designer should identify the epistemic discourse in order to match the most appropriate social media with the intended learning outcome.
Learning From Others? Emulation and Change in the Italian Armed Forces Since 2001
Authors: Coticchia Fabrizio , Moro Francesco Niccolò
Published: January 2016

How does military change take place in states that are not able to develop autonomous solutions? How does transformation occur when limited resources are available? What are the “sources of military change” for armed forces that do not possess the (cognitive and material) resources that are essential for autonomous development? In articulating an answer to these questions, this article draws from the theoretical debate on interorganizational learning and looks at the mechanisms that drive “learning from others.” We argue that adaptation and organizational learning often had to look for, and then try and adapt, off-the-shelf solutions that required relatively more limited resources. Empirically, the article focuses on the Italian Armed Forces, which have rarely attracted scholarly attention, although it emerged from almost total lack of activity in the Cold War to extended deployments in the 2000s.
China’s Hidden Agricultural Revolution, 1980–2010, in Historical and Comparative Perspective
Authors: Huang Philip C. C.
Published: January 2016

China finally underwent its modernizing (i.e., with increased labor productivity and incomes) agricultural revolution in 1980 to 2010, through dynamics unlike those of most other previous agricultural revolutions. It is “hidden” because the revolution has not come so much from the conventional and readily apparent increases of certain crops’ output by weight due to new inputs, but rather mainly by the switch from grain production to more and more higher-value agricultural products like meat-poultry-fish, milk-eggs, and fruits and higher grade vegetables. That change has been driven by a revolution in the food consumption patterns of the Chinese people that came with rising incomes mainly from nonagricultural development. A comparison of China’s agricultural history with others tells about the interactions of multiple factors, not just the role of markets and/or technology, or property systems, but rather their interactions with population-to-land resource endowments, differential rural-urban relations, state actions, and historical coincidences. China’s is in fact most like India’s, rather than “East Asia’s,” though even then with important differences stemming from its revolutionary legacies.
The Use of the Book of Proverbs in Systematic Theology
Authors: Keefer Arthur J.
Published: January 2016

Considering works from the 19th century to the present, this article, for the first time, outlines and evaluates the use of the Book of Proverbs in systematic theology. Descriptively, it presents the most frequently cited texts of Proverbs and their significance for theologians. Prescriptively, it compares the consensus and debate among theologians with the conclusions of biblical exegetes. I conclude that exegetes and systematic theologians at times agree in their interpretation of passages (e.g., “the fear of the Lord”; Prov 6:23; 15:3; 20:9). However, more significantly, some systematic theologians present evidence from Proverbs based on interpretations largely unsupported by biblical exegetes, offering or assuming interpretations that contradict the conclusions of commentators (e.g., Prov 1:20–33; 8:22–31; 16:4; 30:4). I explore these disparate interpretations in detail and identify the core interpretive issues, offering suggestions for theologians and the relation of systematic theology and biblical scholarship
Polite, instrumental, and dual liars
Authors: Lavoie Jennifer , Yachison Sarah , Crossman Angela , Talwar Victoria
Published: January 2016

Lying is an interpersonal exercise that requires the intentional creation of a false belief in another’s mind. As such, children’s development of lie-telling is related to their increasing understanding of others and may reflect the acquisition of basic social skills. Although certain types of lies may support social relationships, other types of lies are considered antisocial in nature. The goal of this study was to compare several possible correlates, such as cognitive ability and children’s behavior patterns, that may be associated with children’s ( N = 133) use of lies in socially acceptable versus socially unacceptable ways. Children engaged in two lie-telling paradigms: one to measure socially accepted (polite) lies and one to measure socially unaccepted (instrumental) lies. Results indicate that instrumental liars were young with low theory of mind (ToM) scores and had high social skills. Polite liars were the oldest, had high ToM, and had similar levels of social skills as instrumental liars. Truth-tellers and dual liars had lower social skills and moderate ToM in comparison to the instrumental and polite liars. These findings suggest that children use lies selectively to achieve their social goals, and also suggest that children’s lying behavior may change from being self-motivated to being other-motivated as they age, which may reflect socialization toward socially accepted behavior.
A population study of correlates of social participation in older adults with age-related vision loss
Authors: Cimarolli Verena R , Boerner Kathrin , Reinhardt Joann P , Horowitz Amy , Wahl Hans-Werner , Schilling Oliver , Brennan-Ing Mark
Published: January 2016

Objective:

To examine personal characteristics, disease-related impairment variables, activity limitations, and environmental factors as correlates of social participation in older adults with vision loss guided by the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Model.

Design:

Baseline data of a larger longitudinal study.

Setting:

Community-based vision rehabilitation agency.

Subjects:

A total of 364 older adults with significant vision impairment due to age-related macular degeneration.

Main Measures:

In-person interviews assessing social participation (i.e. frequency of social support contacts, social/leisure challenges faced due to vision loss, and of social support provided to others) and hypothesized correlates (e.g. visual acuity test, Functional Vision Screening Questionnaire, ratings of attachment to house and neighborhood, environmental modifications in home).

Results:

Regression analyses showed that indicators of physical, social, and mental functioning (e.g. better visual function, fewer difficulties with instrumental activities of daily living, fewer depressive symptoms) were positively related to social participation indicators (greater social contacts, less challenges in social/leisure domains, and providing more support to others). Environmental factors also emerged as independent correlates of social participation indicators when functional variables were controlled. That is, participants reporting higher attachment to their neighborhood and better income adequacy reported having more social contacts; and those implementing more environmental strategies were more likely to report greater challenges in social and leisure domains. Better income adequacy and living with more people were related to providing more social support to others.

Conclusion:

Environmental variables may play a role in the social participation of older adults with age-related macular degeneration.
Effects of inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with atrial fibrillation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zeren Melih , Demir Rengin , Yigit Zerrin , Gurses Hulya N
Published: January 2016

Objective:

To investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Design:

Prospective randomized controlled single-blind study.

Setting:

Cardiology department of a university hospital.

Subjects:

A total of 38 patients with permanent atrial fibrillation were randomly allocated to either a treatment group ( n = 19; age 66.2 years (8.8)) or a control group ( n = 19; age 67.1 years (6.4)).

Methods:

The training group received inspiratory muscle training at 30% of maximal inspiratory pressure for 15 minutes twice a day, 7 days a week, for 12 weeks alongside the standard medical treatment. The control group received standard medical treatment only. Spirometry, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures and 6-minute walking distance was measured at the beginning and end of the study.

Results:

There was a significant increase in maximal inspiratory pressure (27.94 cmH2O (8.90)), maximal expiratory pressure (24.53 cmH2O (10.34)), forced vital capacity (10.29% (8.18) predicted), forced expiratory volume in one second (13.88% (13.42) predicted), forced expiratory flow 25%–75% (14.82% (12.44) predicted), peak expiratory flow (19.82% (15.62) predicted) and 6-minute walking distance (55.53 m (14.13)) in the training group ( p < 0.01). No significant changes occurred in the control group ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Inspiratory muscle training can improve pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with atrial fibrillation.