bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacity ofSolanum sessiliflorum(Cubiu) Extract: AnIn VitroAssay
Authors: Mascato Diego Rocha de Lucena Herrera , Monteiro Janice B. , Passarinho Michele M. , Galeno Denise Morais Lopes , Cruz Rubén J. , Ortiz Carmen , Morales Luisa , Lima Emerson Silva , Carvalho Rosany Piccolotto
Published: December 2015

Cubiu is a vegetable of Solanaceae family, native to the Amazon, which is widely distributed through Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. It is used in food, medicine, and cosmetics by native populations. Research has shown that cubiu extracts have antioxidant activities with great biological relevance. We performed a phytochemical screening to identify the main chemical groups that could confer antioxidant activity to this extract. Several tests and qualitative precipitation specific staining for major classes of secondary metabolites were used. Antioxidant capacityin vitrotests (DPPH and ABTS) were also used to assess the extract’s ability to sequester free radicals of 70% hydroethanolic and aqueous extracts of cubiu flour. Alkaloids, organic acids, phenols, flavonoid glycosides, and coumarins were found in the hydroethanolic extract while the aqueous extract presented anthocyanins, gums, tannins and mucilage, amino groups, and volatile and fixed acids. Forin vitrotests, theIC50value obtained in the DPPH assay was 606.3 ± 3.5 μg/mL while that for the ABTS assay was 290.3 ± 10.7 µg/mL. Although cubiu extracts present chemical compounds directly related to antioxidant activity, our results show that it has a low antioxidant activity. Additional studies will be needed to isolate and characterize specific compounds to further assess antioxidant activity.
Evolutionary Insights into IL17A in Lagomorphs
Authors: Neves Fabiana , Abrantes Joana , Almeida Tereza , Costa Paulo P. , Esteves Pedro J.
Published: December 2015

In leporids, IL17A had been implicated in the host defense against extracellular pathogens, such as Francisella tularensis that infects hares and rabbits and causes the zoonotic disease tularemia. Here, we studied IL17A from five lagomorphs, European rabbit, pygmy rabbit, brush rabbit, European brown hare, and American pika. We observed that this protein is highly conserved between these species, with a similarity of 97–99% in leporids and ~88% between leporids and American pika. The exon/intron structure, N‐glycosylation sites, and cysteine residues are conserved between lagomorphs. However, at codon 88, one of the interaction sites between IL17A and its receptor IL17RA, there is an Arg>Pro mutation that only occurs in European rabbit and European brown hare. This could induce critical alterations in the IL17A structure and conformation and consequently modify its function. The differences observed between leporids and humans or rodents might also represent important alterations in protein structure and function. In addition, as for other interleukins, IL17A sequences of human and European rabbit are more closely related than the sequences of human and mouse or European rabbit and mouse. This study gives further support to the hypothesis that European rabbit might be a more suitable animal model for studies on human IL17.
Modeling the Multicommodity Multimodal Routing Problem with Schedule-Based Services and Carbon Dioxide Emission Costs
Authors: Sun Yan , Lang Maoxiang
Published: December 2015

We explore a freight routing problem wherein the aim is to assign optimal routes to move commodities through a multimodal transportation network. This problem belongs to the operational level of service network planning. The following formulation characteristics will be comprehensively considered: (1) multicommodity flow routing; (2) a capacitated multimodal transportation network with schedule-based rail services and time-flexible road services; (3) carbon dioxide emissions consideration; and (4) a generalized costs optimum oriented to customer demands. The specific planning of freight routing is thus defined as a capacitated time-sensitive multicommodity multimodal generalized shortest path problem. To solve this problem systematically, we first establish a node-arc-based mixed integer nonlinear programming model that combines the above formulation characteristics in a comprehensive manner. Then, we develop a linearization method to transform the proposed model into a linear one. Finally, a computational experiment from the Chinese inland container export business is presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the model and linearization method. The computational results indicate that implementing the proposed model and linearization method in the mathematical programming software Lingo can effectively solve the large-scale practical multicommodity multimodal transportation routing problem.
Indirect Fist Percussion of the Liver Is a More Sensitive Technique for Detecting Hepatobiliary Infections than Murphy’s Sign
Authors: Ueda Takeshi , Ishida Eri
Published: December 2015

Background. Murphy’s sign and Charcot’s triad are established clinical findings of acute cholecystitis and cholangitis, respectively, but both show low sensitivity and limited clinical application. We evaluated if indirect fist percussion of the liver improves the efficiency of diagnosing cholecystitis and cholangitis when used as a diagnostic adjunct.Methods. The presence/absence of right upper quadrant (RUQ) tenderness, Murphy’s sign, and pain induced by indirect fist percussion of the liver was assessed, and the results were compared with the definite diagnosis based on ultrasound and additional examinations in patients aged over 18 who visited our outpatient clinic with suspected hepatobiliary diseases.Results. Four hundred and eight patients were investigated, and 40 had hepatobiliary infection (acute cholecystitis: 10, acute cholangitis: 28, liver abscess: 1, and hepatic cyst infection: 1). The sensitivity of indirect fist percussion of the liver for diagnosing hepatobiliary infection was 60%, being significantly higher than that of RUQ tenderness (33%) and Murphy’s sign (30%), and its specificity was 85%. There was no significant improvement in sensitivity or diagnostic accuracy when Murphy’s sign was combined with indirect fist percussion of the liver.Conclusion. Indirect fist percussion-induced liver pain is a useful clinical finding to diagnose hepatobiliary infection, with high-level sensitivity.
Double Meniscal Ossicle, the First Description: CT and MRI Findings—Different Etiologies
Authors: Kumar Puneeth , Dey Amit Kumar , Mittal Kartik , Sharma Rajaram , Hira Priya
Published: December 2015

We present a case of 2 ossicles in the medial meniscus with emphasis on MRI and CT findings. Meniscal ossicle is a rare entity and is quite uncommon on the medial side. By showing the typical signal characteristics and intrameniscal location, MRI can be helpful in distinguishing this from other more clinically significant abnormalities. It should be kept as differential from synovial chondromatosis or sesamoid bones like fabella as management is different for all of these entities.
Effects of Low-Protein Diets Supplemented with Ketoacid on Expression of TGF-βand Its Receptors in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Yang Xiu , Yang Ming , Cheng Ming , Ma Li-Bin , Xie Xiang-Cheng , Han Shuai , Zhang Bo , Fei Xiao , Wang Ming , Mei Chang-Lin
Published: December 2015

TGF-β1has been recognized as a key mediator in DN. This study aimed to observe the effects of low-protein diets supplemented with ketoacid on mRNA and protein expression of TGF-βand TβRI and t TβRII receptors in the renal tissue of diabetic rats. A diabetes model was established in 72 male SD rats. They were then equally randomized to three groups: NPD group, LPD group, and LPD + KA group. Additional 24 male SD rats receiving normal protein diets were used as the control. Eight rats from each group were sacrificed at weeks 4, 8, and 12 after treatment, from which SCr, BUN, serum albumin, and 24 h urinary protein excretion were collected. The expressions of TGF-β1, TβRI, and TβRII in LPD and LPD + KA groups were significantly lower than those in NPD group and lower in LPD + KA group than those in LPD group. Low-protein diets supplemented with ketoacid have been demonstrated to provide a protective effect on the renal function as represented by reduced SCr, BUN, and urinary protein excretion, probably through downregulating the gene expression of TGF-β1and its receptors in LPD + KA group.
A New HPLC-ELSD Method for Simultaneous Determination of N-Acetylglucosamine and N-Acetylgalactosamine in Dairy Foods
Authors: Kim Ho Jin , Bae In Kyung , Jeong Min Hee , Park Hye Jin , Jung Jin Sil , Kim Jang Eok
Published: December 2015

A rapid high performance liquid chromatographic method with evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD), using a carbohydrate column, was developed for simultaneous determination of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) in dairy foods. Sample preparation was performed by precipitation using acetonitrile. The limits of detection were 2.097 mg/L for GlcNAc and 3.247 mg/L for GalNAc. The limits of quantification were 6.043 mg/L for GlcNAc and 9.125 mg/L for GalNAc. Accuracy ranged from 96.4 to 105.7% for GlcNAc and from 97.1 to 104.1% for GalNAc. The precision of the method was <1.7% for GlcNAc and <2.2% for GalNAc. The mean recovery of the method was measured by spiking samples with 30.0–120.0 mg/L GlcNAc or 12.5–50.0 mg/L GalNAc and was found to be 95.1–105.5% for GlcNAc and 99.5–105.9% for GalNAc. The stability test results of standard solutions stored at 4, 20, and 40°C were 96.2–104.7% for GlcNAc and 98.0–106.5% for GalNAc. This study determined GlcNAc and GalNAc in dairy foods using HPLC-ELSD method. This rapid, simultaneous quantitation method might be useful as a mean of convenient quality control of dairy foods.
A New Decoupling Method for Explicit Stiffness Analysis of Kinematically Redundant Planar Parallel Kinematic Mechanism
Authors: Shin Hyun-Pyo , Lee Donghun
Published: December 2015

Optimization and control of stiffness for parallel kinematic mechanisms (PKM) are critical issues because stiffness is directly related to the precision and response characteristics of the end-effector of PKMs. Unlike nonredundant PKMs, redundant PKMs have additional actuators exceeding their essential degrees-of-freedom (DOF), resulting in an increase in the redundancy of control. The stiffness of redundant PKMs is divided into passive and active stiffness. Active stiffness is changeable even in cases of fixed kinematic parameters and end-effector posture. However, it is not easy and intuitive to control the active stiffness of redundant PKMs for the complexity of Hessian matrix operations. This paper describes a new decoupling method for explicit stiffness analysis of redundant PKM with the well-known two-DOF and one-redundant planar five-bar PKM. Three actuating joints are decoupled to three groups containing two actuating joints. With this mathematical configuration, the stiffness matrix for one-redundant actuation is also divided into three stiffness matrices for nonredundant actuation, and the contribution of each actuator can be intuitively investigated. Stiffness matrices for the original and decoupled cases are compared in detail. In particular, this decoupling method is applicable to redundant PKMs with many passive joints. Finding optimal joints for one- or two-redundant actuation with various candidates is more intuitive with this decoupling method.
CCR 20th Anniversary Commentary: MAPK/ERK Pathway Inhibition in Melanoma—Kinase Inhibition Redux
Authors: Davar Diwakar , Kirkwood John M.
Published: December 2015

In the January 15, 2012, issue of Clinical Cancer Research, Kirkwood and colleagues published a study comparing the MEK inhibitor selumetinib with temozolomide in unselected metastatic melanoma. Although selumetinib did not improve survival or response, most responders had BRAF-activating mutations, and selumetinib has since demonstrated efficacy in BRAF-mutant melanoma. This study laid the groundwork for the evaluation of BRAF/MEK inhibitors in BRAF-mutant melanoma. Clin Cancer Res; 21(24); 5412–4. ©2015 AACR.

See related article by Kirkwood et al., Clin Cancer Res 2011;18(2) January 15, 2012;555–67
Nicotine Reduces Survival via Augmentation of Paracrine HGF–MET Signaling in the Pancreatic Cancer Microenvironment
Authors: Delitto Daniel , Zhang Dongyu , Han Song , Black Brian S. , Knowlton Andrea E. , Vlada Adrian C. , Sarosi George A. , Behrns Kevin E. , Thomas Ryan M. , Lu Xiaomin , Liu Chen , George Thomas J. , Hughes Steven J. , Wallet Shannon M. , Trevino Jose G.
Published: December 2015

Purpose: The relationship between smoking and pancreatic cancer biology, particularly in the context of the heterogeneous microenvironment, remains incompletely defined. We hypothesized that nicotine exposure would lead to the augmentation of paracrine growth factor signaling between tumor-associated stroma (TAS) and pancreatic cancer cells, ultimately resulting in accelerated tumor growth and metastasis.

Experimental Design: The effect of tobacco use on overall survival was analyzed using a prospectively maintained database of surgically resected patients with pancreatic cancer. Nicotine exposure was evaluated in vitro using primary patient–derived TAS and pancreatic cancer cells independently and in coculture. Nicotine administration was then assessed in vivo using a patient-derived pancreatic cancer xenograft model.

Results: Continued smoking was associated with reduced overall survival after surgical resection. In culture, nicotine-stimulated hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) secretion in primary patient-derived TAS and nicotine stimulation was required for persistent pancreatic cancer cell c-Met activation in a coculture model. c-Met activation in this manner led to the induction of inhibitor of differentiation-1 (Id1) in pancreatic cancer cells, previously established as a mediator of growth, invasion and chemoresistance. HGF-induced Id1 expression was abrogated by both epigenetic and pharmacologic c-Met inhibition. In patient-derived pancreatic cancer xenografts, nicotine treatment augmented tumor growth and metastasis; tumor lysates from nicotine-treated mice demonstrated elevated HGF expression by qRT-PCR and phospho-Met levels by ELISA. Similarly, elevated levels of phospho-Met in surgically resected pancreatic cancer specimens correlated with reduced overall survival.

Conclusions: Taken together, these data demonstrate a novel, microenvironment-dependent paracrine signaling mechanism by which nicotine exposure promotes the growth and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 22(7); 1787–99. ©2015 AACR.
Spatial Distortion in MRI-Guided Stereotactic Procedures: Evaluation in 1.5-, 3- and 7-Tesla MRI Scanners
Authors: Neumann Jan-Oliver , Giese Henrik , Biller Armin , Nagel Armin M. , Kiening Karl
Published: December 2015

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is replacing computed tomography (CT) as the main imaging modality for stereotactic transformations. MRI is prone to spatial distortion artifacts, which can lead to inaccuracy in stereotactic procedures. Objective: Modern MRI systems provide distortion correction algorithms that may ameliorate this problem. This study investigates the different options of distortion correction using standard 1.5-, 3- and 7-tesla MRI scanners. Methods: A phantom was mounted on a stereotactic frame. One CT scan and three MRI scans were performed. At all three field strengths, two 3-dimensional sequences, volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination (VIBE) and magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient echo, were acquired, and automatic distortion correction was performed. Global stereotactic transformation of all 13 datasets was performed and two stereotactic planning workflows (MRI only vs. CT/MR image fusion) were subsequently analysed. Results: Distortion correction on the 1.5- and 3-tesla scanners caused a considerable reduction in positional error. The effect was more pronounced when using the VIBE sequences. By using co-registration (CT/MR image fusion), even a lower positional error could be obtained. In ultra-high-field (7 T) MR imaging, distortion correction introduced even higher errors. However, the accuracy of non-corrected 7-tesla sequences was comparable to CT/MR image fusion 3-tesla imaging. Conclusion: MRI distortion correction algorithms can reduce positional errors by up to 60%. For stereotactic applications of utmost precision, we recommend a co-registration to an additional CT dataset.
Mechanisms for the Termination of Atrial Fibrillation by Localized Ablation
Authors: Rappel Wouter-Jan , Zaman Junaid A.B. , Narayan Sanjiv M.
Published: December 2015

Background—

Human atrial fibrillation (AF) can terminate after ablating localized regions, which supports the existence of localized rotors (spiral waves) or focal drivers. However, it is unclear why ablation near a spiral wave tip would terminate AF and not anchor reentry. We addressed this question by analyzing competing mechanisms for AF termination in numeric simulations, referenced to clinical observations.

Methods and Results—

Spiral wave reentry was simulated in monodomain 2-dimensional myocyte sheets using clinically realistic rate-dependent values for repolarization and conduction. Heterogeneous models were created by introduction of parameterized variations in tissue excitability. Ablation lesions were applied as nonconducting circular regions. Models confirmed that localized ablation may anchor spiral wave reentry, producing organized tachycardias. Several mechanisms referenced to clinical observations explained termination of AF to sinus rhythm. First, lesions may create an excitable gap vulnerable to invasion by fibrillatory waves. Second, ablation of rotors in regions of low-excitability (from remodeling) produced re-entry in more excitable tissue allowing collision of wavefront and back. Conversely, ablation of rotors in high-excitability regions migrated spiral waves to less excitable tissue, where they detached to collide with nonconducting boundaries. Third, ablation may connect rotors to nonconducting anatomic orifices. Fourth, reentry through slow-conducting channels may terminate if ablation closes these channels.

Conclusions—

Limited ablation can terminate AF by several mechanisms. These data shed light on how clinical AF may be sustained in patients’ atria, emphasizing heterogeneities in tissue excitability, slow-conducting channels, and obstacles that are increasingly detectable in patients and should be the focus of future translational studies.
Human
GRK4γ

142V

Variant Promotes Angiotensin II Type I Receptor–Mediated Hypertension via Renal Histone Deacetylase Type 1 Inhibition
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zeng Chunyu , Villar Van Anthony M. , Chen Shi-You , Konkalmatt Prasad , Wang Xiaoyan , Asico Laureano D. , Jones John E. , Yang Yu , Sanada Hironobu , Felder Robin A. , Eisner Gilbert M. , Weir Matthew R. , Armando Ines , Jose Pedro A.
Published: December 2015

The influence of a single gene on the pathogenesis of essential hypertension may be difficult to ascertain, unless the gene interacts with other genes that are germane to blood pressure regulation. G-protein–coupled receptor kinase type 4 (
GRK4
) is one such gene. We have reported that the expression of its variant
hGRK4γ

142V

in mice results in hypertension because of impaired dopamine D
1
receptor. Signaling through dopamine D
1
receptor and angiotensin II type I receptor (AT
1
R) reciprocally modulates renal sodium excretion and blood pressure. Here, we demonstrate the ability of the hGRK4γ
142V
to increase the expression and activity of the AT
1
R. We show that hGRK4γ
142V
phosphorylates histone deacetylase type 1 and promotes its nuclear export to the cytoplasm, resulting in increased AT
1
R expression and greater pressor response to angiotensin II. AT
1
R blockade and the deletion of the
Agtr1a
gene normalize the hypertension in
hGRK4γ

142V

mice. These findings illustrate the unique role of GRK4 by targeting receptors with opposite physiological activity for the same goal of maintaining blood pressure homeostasis, and thus making the GRK4 a relevant therapeutic target to control blood pressure.
Neuropsychological Status and Structural Brain Imaging in Adolescents With Single Ventricle Who Underwent the Fontan Procedure
Authors: Bellinger David C. , Watson Christopher G. , Rivkin Michael J. , Robertson Richard L. , Roberts Amy E. , Stopp Christian , Dunbar‐Masterson Carolyn , Bernson Dana , DeMaso David R. , Wypij David , Newburger Jane W.
Published: December 2015

Background

Few studies have described the neuropsychological outcomes and frequency of structural brain or genetic abnormalities in adolescents with single ventricle who underwent the Fontan procedure.

Methods and Results

In a cross‐sectional, single‐center study, we enrolled 156 subjects with single ventricle, mean age 14.5±2.9 years, who had undergone the Fontan procedure. Scores in the entire cohort on a standard battery of neuropsychological tests were compared with those of normative populations or to those of a group of 111 locally recruited healthy adolescents. They also underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and were evaluated by a clinical geneticist. Genetic abnormalities were definite in 16 subjects (10%) and possible in 49 subjects (31%). Mean Full‐Scale
IQ
was 91.6±16.8, mean Reading Composite score was 91.9±17.2, and mean Mathematics Composite score was 92.0±22.9, each significantly lower than the population means of 100±15. Mean scores on other neuropsychological tests were similarly lower than population norms. In multivariable models, risk factors for worse neuropsychological outcomes were longer total support and circulatory arrest duration at first operation, presence of a genetic abnormality, more operations and operative complications, more catheterization complications, and seizure history. The frequency of any abnormality on magnetic resonance imaging was 11 times higher among Fontan adolescents than referents (66% versus 6%); 19 (13%) patients had evidence of a stroke, previously undiagnosed in 7 patients (40%).

Conclusions

The neuropsychological deficits and high frequencies of structural brain abnormalities in adolescents who underwent the Fontan procedure highlight the need for research on interventions to improve the long‐term outcomes in this high‐risk group.
Reckoning with One’s Life: Numeracy, Life Course, and Signs of Modernity among the Conversos of Early Modern Castile
Authors: Nalle Sara T.
Published: December 2015

This article adds another dimension to the debate whether Jewish modernity originated with the Haskalah in eighteenth-century Germany or among the Sephardic Jews living in seventeenth-century Amsterdam. Noting that one element of modernity was rationalism, the author uses two commonly employed indices of rationalism (literacy and numeracy) to find that the most literate and numerate of Castile’s various socio-economic or ethnic groups were the Luso-conversos who settled in Castile in the seventeenth century—members of the Nação, the group at the center of the debate over Amsterdam’s contribution to Jewish modernity. Another aspect of modernity involves an awareness of chronological time. In this respect as well members of the Nação viewed their lives somewhat differently than did others. These traits, coupled with the well-documented skepticism and secularism of the group, point to marked quantifiable differences between the Sephardim and their Castilian and Portuguese contemporaries.
Early Pentecostal Biblical Interpretation
Authors: Archer Kenneth J.
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this article is to analyze the interpretive methods used by the first generation of Pentecostals. This analysis will demonstrate that the interpretive methods used by the first generation of Pentecostals were similar to those of the Holiness movements (Wesleyan and Keswickian) and like them, the Pentecostals used a premodern ’Bible Reading Method’. The analysis of the Pentecostal interpretive methods will begin by reviewing and challenging what some contemporary scholars have said about the interpretative strategy of the early Pentecostals. Then this article will present a thorough examination of the interpretive methods of the first generation of Pentecostals.
Church as Charismatic Fellowship: Ecclesiological Reflections from The pentecostal-Roman Catholic Dialogue
Authors: Karkkainen Veli-Matti
Published: December 2015

Pentecostal ecclesiology, a lived charismatic experience rather than discursive theology, naturally leans toward the charismatic structure of the church and free flow of the Spirit. In dialogue with the Roman Catholic church, Pentecostal ecclesiologv has been challenged to develop a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between the Spirit, institution, and Koinonia. As charismatic fellowship, the church is a communion of participating, empowered believers.
The Translation of European Astronomical Works into Tibetan in the Early Eighteenth Century
Authors: Lobsang Yongdan
Published: December 2015

It has long been assumed that European scientific knowledge arrived in Tibet with the agents of the British Empire in the early twentieth century and furthermore that Tibetans did not engage with scientific knowledge until recent years. However, this is far from the case; from the beginning of the eighteenth century onwards Tibetans not only translated a great number of Jesuit astronomical works into Tibetan by order of the Kangxi Emperor (1654–1722), they also reformed one of the calendars in use in Amdo using the principles described by Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe (1546–1601). In this paper I look at how the relevant translations were done, by whom and in what historical context. I shall also explore the process by which the Jesuit-inspired astronomical and calendar turned out to be the catalyst for the adoption, reformation and manufacture of the Qing imperial calendar in Amdo.
The Synoptic Art Experience
Authors: Wijntjes M.W.A. , Füzy A. , Verheij M.E.S. , Deetman T. , Pont S.C.
Published: December 2015

At the start of the 20th century, Moritz von Rohr invented the synopter: a device that removes 3D depth cues that arise from binocular disparities and vergence. In the absence of these visual cues, the observer is less aware of the physical flatness of the picture. This results in a surprisingly increased depth impression of pictorial space, historically known as the ‘plastic effect’. In this paper we present a practical design to produce a synopter and explore which elements of a painting influence the plastic effect. In the first experiment we showed 22 different paintings to a total of 35 observers, and found that they rate the synoptic effect rather consistent over the various paintings. Subsequent analyses indicated that at least three pictorial cues were relevant for the synoptic effect: figure–ground contrast, compositional depth and shadows. In experiment 2, we used manipulated pictures where we tried to strengthen or weaken these cues. In all three cases we found at least one effect that confirmed our hypothesis. We also found substantial individual differences: some observers experience little effect, while others are very surprised by the effect. A stereo acuity test revealed that these differences could not be attributed to how well disparities are detected. Lastly, we informally tested our newly designed synopter in museums and found similar idiosyncratic appraisal. But the device also turned out to facilitate discussions among visitors.
A Retrieval of Tropical Latent Heating Using the 3D Structure of Precipitation Features
Authors: Ahmed Fiaz , Schumacher Courtney , Feng Zhe , Hagos Samson
Published: December 2015

Radar-based latent heating retrievals typically apply a lookup table (LUT) derived from model output to surface rain amounts and rain type to determine the vertical structure of heating. In this study, a method has been developed that uses the size characteristics of precipitating systems (i.e., area and mean echo-top height) instead of rain amount to estimate latent heating profiles from radar observations. This technique [named the convective–stratiform area (CSA) algorithm] leverages the relationship between the organization of convective systems and the structure of latent heating profiles and avoids pitfalls associated with retrieving accurate rainfall information from radars and models. The CSA LUTs are based on a high-resolution regional model simulation over the equatorial Indian Ocean. The CSA LUTs show that convective latent heating increases in magnitude and height as area and echo-top heights grow, with a congestus signature of midlevel cooling for less vertically extensive convective systems. Stratiform latent heating varies weakly in vertical structure, but its magnitude is strongly linked to area and mean echo-top heights. The CSA LUT was applied to radar observations collected during the DYNAMO/Cooperative Indian Ocean Experiment on Intraseasonal Variability in the Year 2011 (CINDY2011)/ARM MJO Investigation Experiment (AMIE) field campaign, and the CSA heating retrieval was generally consistent with other measures of heating profiles. The impact of resolution and spatial mismatch between the model and radar grids is addressed, and unrealistic latent heating profiles in the stratiform LUT, namely, a low-level heating peak, an elevated melting layer, and net column cooling, were identified. These issues highlight the need for accurate convective–stratiform separations and improvement in PBL and microphysical parameterizations.
Dynamics of Cloud-Top Generating Cells in Winter Cyclones. Part I: Idealized Simulations in the Context of Field Observations
Authors: Keeler Jason M. , Jewett Brian F. , Rauber Robert M. , McFarquhar Greg M. , Rasmussen Roy M. , Xue Lulin , Liu Changhai , Thompson Gregory
Published: December 2015

This paper assesses the influence of radiative forcing and latent heating on the development and maintenance of cloud-top generating cells (GCs) in high-resolution idealized Weather Research and Forecasting Model simulations with initial conditions representative of the vertical structure of a cyclone observed during the Profiling of Winter Storms campaign. Simulated GC kinematics, structure, and ice mass are shown to compare well quantitatively with Wyoming Cloud Radar, cloud probe, and other observations. Sensitivity to radiative forcing was assessed in simulations with longwave-only (nighttime), longwave-and-shortwave (daytime), and no-radiation parameterizations. The domain-averaged longwave cooling rate exceeded 0.50 K h−1 near cloud top, with maxima greater than 2.00 K h−1 atop GCs. Shortwave warming was weaker by comparison, with domain-averaged values of 0.10–0.20 K h−1 and maxima of 0.50 K h−1 atop GCs. The stabilizing influence of cloud-top shortwave warming was evident in the daytime simulation’s vertical velocity spectrum, with 1% of the updrafts in the 6.0–8.0-km layer exceeding 1.20 m s−1, compared to 1.80 m s−1 for the nighttime simulation. GCs regenerate in simulations with radiative forcing after the initial instability is released but do not persist when radiation is not parameterized, demonstrating that radiative forcing is critical to GC maintenance under the thermodynamic and vertical wind shear conditions in this cyclone. GCs are characterized by high ice supersaturation (RHice > 150%) and latent heating rates frequently in excess of 2.00 K h−1 collocated with vertical velocity maxima. Ice precipitation mixing ratio maxima of greater than 0.15 g kg−1 were common within GCs in the daytime and nighttime simulations.
Dynamics of Cloud-Top Generating Cells in Winter Cyclones. Part II: Radiative and Instability Forcing
Authors: Keeler Jason M. , Jewett Brian F. , Rauber Robert M. , McFarquhar Greg M. , Rasmussen Roy M. , Xue Lulin , Liu Changhai , Thompson Gregory
Published: December 2015

Recent field observations suggest that cloud-top precipitation generating cells (GCs) are ubiquitous in the warm-frontal and comma-head regions of midlatitude winter cyclones. The presence of fallstreaks emanating from the GCs and their persistence either to the surface or until merging into precipitation bands suggests that GCs are a critical component of the precipitation process in these cyclones. This paper is the second part of a three-part series that investigates the dynamics of GCs through very-high-resolution idealized Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model simulations. This paper assesses the role of cloud-top instability paired with nighttime, daytime, or no radiative forcing on the development and maintenance (or lack) of GCs. Under initially unstable conditions at cloud top, GCs develop regardless of radiative forcing but only persist clearly with radiative forcing. Cloud-top destabilization due to longwave cooling leads to development of GCs even under initially neutral and stable conditions, providing a physical explanation for the observed ubiquity of GCs atop winter cyclones. GCs do not develop in initially stable simulations with no radiation. Decreased range in vertical velocity spectra under daytime radiative forcing is consistent with offset of the destabilizing influence of longwave cooling by shortwave heating.
Using Content Acquisition Podcasts to Improve Teacher Candidate Knowledge of Curriculum-Based Measurement
Authors: Kennedy Michael J. , Wagner Dana , Stegall Joanna , Lembke Erica , Miciak Jeremy , Alves Kat D. , Brown Tiara , Driver Melissa K. , Hirsch Shanna Eisner
Published: December 2015

Given the significant literature supporting the use of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) for data-based decision making, it is critical that teacher candidates learn about it prior to student teaching and entry into the field as full-time teachers. The authors of this study used a content acquisition podcast (CAP), a multimedia-based instructional tool, to deliver information regarding CBM to teacher candidates. A second set of students received a practitioner-friendly text containing the same content as the CAP. Participants from three universities ( N = 270) were randomly assigned to condition and completed pretest, posttest, and maintenance probes of CBM knowledge and ability to apply skill. In addition, participants completed a measure of motivation during their instruction. Results showed that participants who learned using the CAP scored significantly higher on the knowledge and application measures and reported being more motivated during instruction than peers in the text-only condition. The authors discuss implications for teacher education instruction and future research.
Learning to Read Empirical Articles in General Psychology
Authors: Sego Sandra A. , Stuart Anne E.
Published: December 2015

Many students, particularly underprepared students, struggle to identify the essential information in empirical articles. We describe a set of assignments for instructing general psychology students to dissect the structure of such articles. Students in General Psychology I read empirical articles and answered a set of general, factual questions applicable to nearly any empirical article. Students in General Psychology II read empirical articles and wrote two-page summaries based on the question set from General Psychology I. In both courses, student competence on the assignment and confidence in their ability to complete the assignment improved, suggesting that these assignments aid students in learning to dissect empirical articles.
Teaching About Disability in Psychology
Authors: Rosa Nicole M. , Bogart Kathleen R. , Bonnett Amy K. , Estill Mariah C. , Colton Cassandra E.
Published: December 2015

Historically, psychology education about disability focused narrowly on psychiatric and cognitive disabilities. Furthermore, disability tends to be viewed from the medical model, rather than the social model endorsed by disability scholars, which describes disability as primarily socially constructed. Course offerings for the psychology departments of 98 top-ranked undergraduate programs in the United States were content analyzed to identify the types of disabilities discussed and the extent to which they utilized a medical or social model. Courses examining psychiatric disabilities were offered at all departments. However, categories such as physical, sensory, and intellectual disabilities were covered in fewer than 20% of departments. Course descriptions contained significantly more medical than social model content. Results suggest many types of disabilities are underrepresented in psychology programs and the medical model continues to prevail.
The Calculator Effect
Authors: Bouck Emily C. , Bouck Mary K. , Hunley Megan
Published: December 2015

Calculators serve as general tools in mathematics classrooms; however, they also serve as a common accommodation for students with disabilities. Yet, their role as an accommodation is not without controversy. Using a single-subject design study, the researchers explored if students with disabilities solve more mathematics problems aligned to grade-level standards when they use a calculator than when they do not. The researchers also analyzed whether calculators assist students more with solving computation versus word problems. On average, students answered more questions correctly when they had access to a calculator. However, the tool was not generally an effective intervention given the low percentage of nonoverlapping data and, generally, small Tau-U for each student as well as instability and decreasing trends. The results lacked a consistent pattern of students benefiting from calculator use with regard to answering computation versus word problems.
Comparing the Teaching Efficacy of Two Video Modeling Programs Delivered in a Group Format in Special Education Classrooms to Improve Expressive Language
Authors: Gilmour Maria F.
Published: December 2015

The current study evaluated the effectiveness of two video modeling programs, one using discrete video modeling and another using standard video modeling, to teach expressive vocabulary words to individuals with autism and other disorders. The researchers collected data across four classrooms in a school district in Inglewood, California, in a double-blind study across three weeks. During Week 1, baseline data were collected across two sets of targets presented in each video modeling program. During Week 2, the instructors showed the standard video modeling program to half of the classrooms, while instructors for the other half of the classes showed the discrete video modeling program. During Week 3, the instructors switched the video modeling programs with the two groups to compare the language acquisition outcomes. The researchers collected data on all targets at the end of each week’s viewings. Comparing the two programs using chi-square tests of independence, the research showed a significant increase in expressive words with the discrete video modeling program.
Scientific production in Mexican universities
Authors: Tarango Javier , Machín-Mastromatteo Juan D
Published: December 2015

This article analyzes emerging issues that Mexican universities are experiencing with scientific production processes, their impact on assessment indicators that determine their level of competitiveness, and the identification of assessment dimensions and criteria related to the activities of professors and researchers. Examples of previous research on universities’ competitiveness are offered to provide suggestions for recognizing the need for legitimized models that allow assessing scientific production in Mexican universities.
Creative economy and policy
Authors: Doyle Gillian
Published: December 2015

The challenges currently facing systems of media provision across Europe require critical, multidisciplinary research informed by creative economy and policy perspectives. Creative economy themes of relevance to media include the exceptional economic characteristics of cultural and creative content, production activities and markets. The use and efficacy of copyright and alternative policy interventions to support creativity represent important emerging areas for media-related research. The effects of changing technology are another priority. More research is needed that builds our critical understanding of the implications of contemporary changes in audience behaviour, of converged multi-platform strategies for supplying content and of globalised distribution for creative outputs.
The Productivity of Wh- Prompts in Child Forensic Interviews
Authors: Ahern Elizabeth C. , Andrews Samantha J. , Stolzenberg Stacia N. , Lyon Thomas D.
Published: December 2015

Child witnesses are often asked wh- prompts (what, how, why, who, when, where) in forensic interviews. However, little research has examined the ways in which children respond to different wh- prompts, and no previous research has investigated productivity differences among wh- prompts in investigative interviews. This study examined the use and productivity of wh- prompts in 95 transcripts of 4- to 13-year-olds alleging sexual abuse in child investigative interviews. What–how questions about actions elicited the most productive responses during both the rapport building and substantive phases. Future research and practitioner training should consider distinguishing among different wh- prompts.
I Know God’s Got a Day 4 Me
Authors: Patton Desmond U. , Sanchez Ninive , Fitch Dale , Macbeth Jamie , Leonard Patrick
Published: December 2015

Trauma-based interventions are common in mental health practice, and yet there is a gap in services because social media has created new ways of managing trauma. Practitioners identify treatments for traumatic experiences and are trained to implement evidence-based practices, but there is limited research that uses social media as a data source. We use a case study to explore over 400 Twitter communications of a gang member in Chicago’s Southside, Gakirah Barnes, who mourned the death of her friend on Twitter. We further explore how, following her own death, members of her Twitter network mourn her. We describe expressions of trauma that are difficult to uncover in traditional trauma-based services. We discuss practice and research implications regarding using Twitter to address trauma among gang-involved youth.
Controversies Among the Hypertension Guidelines
Authors: Ripley Toni L. , Baumert Mary
Published: December 2015

Hypertension affects 80 million people in the United States. It remains poorly controlled, with only 54% of diagnosed patients treated to blood pressure targets. Hypertension management is complex in part due to the volume of antihypertensive agents, variable patient needs and responses, and inconsistent design and outcomes from clinical trials. Therefore, trustworthy clinical practice guidelines have a key role in hypertension management. The United States experienced a 10-year gap in publication of hypertension guidelines, followed by multiple guideline publications in 2013. These guidelines led to more controversy than clarity, as there was discordance among them. This review summarizes the guidelines and clinical statements influencing the current debate in order to facilitate appropriate application.
Simulation research on emergency path planning of an active collision avoidance system combined with longitudinal control for an autonomous vehicle
Authors: Cao Haotian , Song Xiaolin , Huang Zhengyu , Pan Lubin
Published: December 2015

Autonomous vehicle technology is greatly valued nowadays, and an active collision avoidance system is one of the key parts for autonomous driving. This study presents a comprehensive architecture of an active collision avoidance system for an autonomous vehicle, which is integrated with a decision-making module, a path-planning module, a lateral-path-following module and a fuzzy adaptive following module (longitudinal motion) to deal with potential hazards on a straight road or a curved road. In order to make the planned path for overtaking manoeuvres safer, an improved harmonic velocity potential approach for path planning is presented, which innovatively enhances the effect of an obstacle potential on a road by adding a scale term, so that it can generate a smooth path for a vehicle-overtaking manoeuvre. All the potentials which are used for vehicle lane keeping or lane changing are well designed. The lateral-path-following module is based on the constrained linear model predictive control approach, which ensures that the host vehicle can follow the planned path precisely. Furthermore, when the overtaking manoeuvre is not suitable, the fuzzy adaptive following module is utilized to ensure that the host vehicle can adaptively keep a safe distance from the preceding vehicle. Tactical decisions, such as overtaking, accelerating or decelerating, are determined by the decision-making module. Finally, several typical scenarios with low traffic on a straight road or a curved road are simulated to verify the effectiveness and the feasibility of the active collision avoidance system. The simulation results show that the host vehicle can make a successful collision avoidance manoeuvre without the intervention of a human driver in different situations.
Force-tracking control of a novel electric parking brake actuator based on a load-sensing, continuously variable transmission
Authors: Zhang Lipeng , Yu Wei , Zhao Xun , Meng Aihong , Muhammad Fahad
Published: December 2015

For the existing electric parking brake system which is used as a secondary brake system, accurate rear-wheel slip control has not been realized. In addition, the time spent to produce the required braking force after the electric parking brake button is pressed is too long, which reduces the system’s response speed. All the above means that the vehicle risks a loss in stability and a braking distance that is too large. To solve these problems, the clamping force should be controlled, and the velocity of the clamping mechanism should be increased in the idle stroke. In this paper, on the assumptions that the motor speed is limited and that the length of the idle stroke is hard to identify because of abrasion of the friction pads, a variable transmission and a novel electric parking brake actuator are designed to reduce the clamping time. In the novel electric parking brake system, the belt reducer of the existing electric parking brake is replaced by a load-sensing, continuously variable transmission, in which the reduction ratio changes with the load torque. Additionally, a reduced-order observer is presented to estimate the motor speed, and a sliding-mode controller is designed to control the clamping force. The controller is robust against uncertainties and disturbance of the parameters. The mathematical model of the system is initially constructed using MATLAB/Simulink to simulate the behaviours of the novel actuator. Then the designed control system for various adhesion coefficient conditions involving an abrupt change in the road friction is investigated. As a result, the effectiveness of the sliding-mode controller is validated by simulations, and the comprehensive performance of the actuator is significantly improved.