bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoantibody prevalence in active tuberculosis: reactive or pathognomonic?
Authors: Shen Chieh-Yu , Hsieh Song-Chou , Yu Chia-Li , Wang Jann-Yuan , Lee Li-Na , Yu Chong-Jen
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the autoantibody in patients without corresponding symptoms, whether these autoantibody are pathognomonic or not. We hypothesised that autoantibody may be reactive to chronic infection, such as tuberculosis (TB).

Design

Randomised, case–control cohort study.

Setting

A tertiary centre in Taiwan.

Participants

We randomly chose 100 patients out of the data bank of patients with TB in a tertiary medical centre. All patients completed the sera sampling. We chose 100 patients according to autoantibody prevalence in previous literature. We also chose 100 medical staff as control group.

Interventions

We tested anti-SSA, anti-SSB, anti-Sm, anti ribonucleoprotein, anti-Scl 70, anticentromere, anti-double-stranded DNA, anticardiolipin IgG and IgM in all patient and control groups. The clinical symptoms and the underlying disease were all recorded.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The result of sera antibody titre was recorded. For those with specific positive serology results, following examination was carried out after a 3-month anti-TB medication.

Results

Anticardiolipin IgG titre was significantly higher in patients with TB than in control group. We compared the result with previous population study and found that anti-Scl70 is also significantly higher in patients with TB. The following up data in anti-Scl70 revealed decreased titre after treatment. No correlation between sera titre and clinical conditions was observed.

Conclusions

In TB endemic areas, a significant proportion (32%) of patients with TB have elevated autoantibody titres, especially anticardiolipin IgG and anti-Scl-70. Mycobacterial studies should be performed in patients with elevated serum autoantibody titres but without the typical or multiple manifestations of autoimmune diseases.

Trial registration

The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the hospital (NTUH REC: 9561707008) after informed consent had been obtained from the patients.
EP1: a novel rabbit monoclonal antibody for detection of oestrogen receptor α
Authors: Badve Sunil , Vladislav I Tudor , Spaulding Betsy , Strickland Anna , Hernandez Sylvia , Bird-Turner Lisa , Dodson Cecelia , Elleby Bjorn , Phillips Therese
Published: July 2013

Aims

Assessment of hormone receptor expression is part of routine examination of every breast cancer. In this study, we report the characterisation of a novel rabbit monoclonal antibody, clone EP1, directed against oestrogen receptor (ER) α. Additionally, its immunohistochemical performance characteristics in archival tissues are evaluated in normal tissues and two distinct cohorts of breast cancer patients.

Methods

Comparative analyses between EP1 and the anti-ERα component of the ER/PR pharmDx kit (cocktail of mouse monoclonal antibody clones 1D5 and ER-2-123) and between EP1 and another commercially available rabbit monoclonal antibody, clone SP1, are described.

Results

Clone EP1 specifically detects nuclear ER in all tissues examined; cytoplasmic staining was not observed. The analysis shows a high degree of concordance (∼95%) between EP1 and both the ERα component of the Dako ER/PR pharmDx kit and Ventana clone SP1. However, the use of EP1 antibody together with Dako EnVision FLEX detection system resulted in a stronger staining intensity as compared with SP1 antibody using the Ventana ultraView DAB detection system resulting in better ‘ease of use.’

Conclusions

The use of EPI can result in better interpretation of the results of the ER analysis.
Cytokine mRNA expression responses to resistance, aerobic, and concurrent exercise in sedentary middle-aged men
Authors: Donges Cheyne E. , Duffield Rob , Smith Greg C. , Short Michael J. , Edge Johann A.
Published: July 2013

Concurrent resistance and aerobic exercise (CE) is recommended to ageing populations, though is postulated to induce diminished acute molecular responses. Given that contraction-induced cytokine mRNA expression reportedly mediates remunerative postexercise molecular responses, it is necessary to determine whether cytokine mRNA expression may be diminished after CE. Eight middle-aged men (age, 53.3 ±1.8 years; body mass index, 29.4 ± 1.4 kg·m−2) randomly completed (balanced for completion order) 8 × 8 leg extensions at 70% maximal strength (RE), 40 min of cycling at 55% of peak aerobic workload (AE), or (workload-matched) 50% RE and 50% AE (CE). Muscle (vastus lateralis) was obtained pre-exercise, and at 1 h and 4 h postexercise, and analyzed for changes of glycogen concentration, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, TNF receptor-1 and -2 (TNF-R1 and TNF-R2, respectively), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-6R, IL-1β, and IL-1 receptor-antagonist (IL-1ra). All exercise modes upregulated cytokine mRNA expression at 1 h postexercise comparably (TNFα, TNF-R1, TNF-R2, IL-1β, IL-6) (p < 0.05). Expression remained elevated at 4 h after RE and AE (p < 0.05), though returned to pre-exercise levels after CE (p > 0.05). Moreover, AE and RE upregulated IL-1β and IL-1ra expression, whereas CE upregulated IL-1β expression only (p < 0.05). Only AE reduced muscle glycogen concentration (p < 0.05), whilst upregulating receptor expression the greatest; though, IL-6R expression remained unchanged after all modes (p > 0.05). In conclusion, in middle-aged men, all modes induced commensurate cytokine mRNA expression at 1 h postexercise; however, only CE resulted in ameliorated expression at 4 h postexercise. Whether the RE or AE components of CE are independently or cumulatively sufficient to upregulate cytokine responses, or whether they collectively inhibit cytokine mRNA expression, remains to be determined.
Role of the apical and basolateral domains of the enterocyte in the regulation of cholesterol transport by a high glucose concentration
Authors: Grenier Emilie , Mailhot Geneviève , Dion Danielle , Ravid Zaava , Spahis Schohraya , Bendayan Moise , Levy Emile
Published: July 2013

We have recently shown that a high glucose (HG) concentration raised intestinal cholesterol (CHOL) transport and metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells. The objective of the present work is to determine whether the stimulus for increased CHOL absorption by glucose originates from the apical site (corresponding to the intestinal lumen) or from the basolateral site (related to blood circulation). We tackled this issue by using differentiated Caco-2/15 cells. Only basolateral medium, supplemented with 25 mmol/L glucose, stimulated [14C]-CHOL uptake via the up-regulation of the critical CHOL transporter NPC1L1 protein, as confirmed by its specific ezetimibe inhibitor that abolished the rise in glucose-mediated CHOL capture. No significant changes were noted in SR-BI and CD36. Elevated CHOL uptake was associated with an increase in the transcription factors SREBP-2, LXR-β, and ChREBP, along with a fall in RXR-α. Interestingly, although the HG concentration in the apical medium caused modest changes in CHOL processing, its impact was synergetic with that of the basolateral medium. Our results suggest that HG concentration influences positively intestinal CHOL uptake when present in the basolateral medium. In addition, excessive consumption of diets containing high levels of carbohydrates may strengthen intestinal CHOL uptake in metabolic syndrome, thereby contributing to elevated levels of circulating CHOL and, consequently, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
An efficient regioselective bromination protocol of activated coumarins using 2,4,4,6-tetrabromo-2,5-cyclohexadienone
Authors: Ganguly Nemai C. , Nayek Subhasis , Chandra Sumanta
Published: July 2013

2,4,4,6-Tetrabromo-2,5-cyclohexadienone mediated bromination of a wide assortment of activated coumarins in acetonitrile has been accomplished with high regioselectivity and good to excellent yields. The selectivity and efficiency of bromination were found to be markedly dependent on electronic factors, particularly degree of electron withdrawal from electron-releasing 7-oxygenated substituents to the C-3 position of the α-pyrone moiety by vinylogous resonance and the presence of nucleophilic additives such as water and tetra-n-butylammonium bromide in the reaction medium. The sole by-product of the reaction was converted back to the reagent by oxidation with KBr−KBrO3, which was recycled three times without significant loss of efficiency.
Interacting new holographic dark energy model with varying G in nonflat universe
Authors: Fayaz V. , Felegary F. , Hossienkhani H.
Published: July 2013

Motivated by the work of Karami and Fehri (Phys. Lett. B, 684, 61 (2010)). We generalize their work with varying G. We investigate the new holographic dark energy model with varying G. We consider a spatially nonflat universe containing interacting new holographic dark energy with pressureless dark matter. We obtain the equation of state and the deceleration parameters. Also we reconstruct ωA for a = a0tn and H = [β/(α − 1)](1/t) in the late time universe. We also obtain q for a = a0tn and H = [β/(α − 1)](1/t) in the present time universe, which describes accelerated expansion of the universe.
Modulation of regional dispersion of repolarization and T-peak to T-end interval by the right and left stellate ganglia
Authors: Vaseghi Marmar , Yamakawa Kentaro , Sinha Arjun , So Eileen L. , Zhou Wei , Ajijola Olujimi A. , Lux Robert L. , Laks Michael , Shivkumar Kalyanam , Mahajan Aman
Published: July 2013

Left stellate or right stellate ganglion stimulation (LGSG or RSGS, respectively) is associated with ventricular tachyarrhythmias; however, the electrophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. We assessed 1) regional dispersion of myocardial repolarization during RSGS and LSGS and 2) regional electrophysiological mechanisms underlying T-wave changes, including T-peak to T-end (Tp-e) interval, which are associated with ventricular tachyarrhythmia/ventricular fibrillation. In 10 pigs, a 56-electrode sock was placed around the heart, and both stellate ganglia were exposed. Unipolar electrograms, to asses activation recovery interval (ARI) and repolarization time (RT), and 12-lead ECG were recorded before and during RSGS and LSGS. Both LSGS and RSGS increased dispersion of repolarization; with LSGS, the greatest regional dispersion occurred on the left ventricular (LV) anterior wall and LV apex, whereas with RSGS, the greatest regional dispersion occurred on the right ventricular posterior wall. Baseline, LSGS, and RSGS dispersion correlated with Tp-e. The increase in RT dispersion, which was due to an increase in ARI dispersion, correlated with the increase in Tp-e intervals ( R2 = 0.92 LSGS; and R2 = 0.96 RSGS). During LSGS, the ARIs and RTs on the lateral and posterior walls were shorter than the anterior LV wall ( P < 0.01) and on the apex versus base ( P < 0.05), explaining the T-wave vector shift posteriorly/inferiorly. RSGS caused greater ARI and RT shortening on anterior versus lateral or posterior walls ( P < 0.01) and on base versus apex ( P < 0.05), explaining the T-wave vector shift anteriorly/superiorly. LSGS and RSGS cause differential effects on regional myocardial repolarization, explaining the ECG T-wave morphology. Sympathetic stimulation, in line with its proarrhythmic effects, increases Tp-e interval, which correlates with increases in myocardial dispersion of repolarization.
Mechanistic molecular imaging of cardiac cell therapy for ischemic heart disease
Authors: Yu Qiujun , Fan Weiwei , Cao Feng
Published: July 2013

Cell-based myocardial regeneration has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for ischemic heart disease, though not yet at the level of routine clinical utility. Despite the encouraging results from initial preclinical studies that have demonstrated improved function and reduced infarct size of the ischemic myocardium following several candidate cell transplantation, the beneficial effects and molecular mechanisms of cardiac cell therapy are still unclear in clinical applications to date, and much remains to be optimized. To improve engraftment, accurate methods are required for tracking cell fate and quantifying functional outcome. In the present review, we summarized the current status and challenges of cardiac cell therapy for ischemic heart disease and discussed the strengths and limitations of currently available in vivo imaging techniques with special focus on the newly developed multimodality approaches for assessing the efficacy of engrafted donor cells. We also addressed the hurdles these imaging modalities are facing, including issues regarding immunogenicity and tumorigenicity of transplanted stem cells, and provided some the future perspectives on stem cell imaging.
Niclosamide Overcomes Acquired Resistance to Erlotinib through Suppression of STAT3 in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Rui , Hu Zhongliang , Sun Shi-Yong , Chen Zhuo G. , Owonikoko Taofeek K. , Sica Gabriel L. , Ramalingam Suresh S. , Curran Walter J. , Khuri Fadlo R. , Deng Xingming
Published: July 2013

The emergence of resistance to EGF receptor (EGFR) inhibitor therapy is a major clinical problem for patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The mechanisms underlying tumor resistance to inhibitors of the kinase activity of EGFR are not fully understood. Here, we found that inhibition of EGFR by erlotinib induces STAT3 phosphorylation at Tyr705 in association with increased Bcl2/Bcl-XL at both mRNA and protein levels in various human lung cancer cells. PTPMeg2 is a physiologic STAT3 phosphatase that can directly dephosphorylate STAT3 at the Tyr705 site. Intriguingly, treatment of cells with erlotinib results in downregulation of PTPMeg2 without activation of STAT3 kinases [i.e., Janus-activated kinase (JAK2) or c-Src], suggesting that erlotinib-enhanced phosphorylation of STAT3 may occur, at least in part, from suppression of PTPMeg2 expression. Because elevated levels of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3), Bcl2, and Bcl-XL were observed in erlotinib-resistant lung cancer (HCC827/ER) cells as compared with erlotinib-sensitive parental HCC827 cells, we postulate that the erlotinib-activated STAT3/Bcl2/Bcl-XL survival pathway may contribute to acquired resistance to erlotinib. Both blockage of Tyr705 phosphorylation of STAT3 by niclosamide and depletion of STAT3 by RNA interference in HCC827/ER cells reverse erlotinib resistance. Niclosamide in combination with erlotinib potently represses erlotinib-resistant lung cancer xenografts in association with increased apoptosis in tumor tissues, suggesting that niclosamide can restore sensitivity to erlotinib. These findings uncover a novel mechanism of erlotinib resistance and provide a novel approach to overcome resistance by blocking the STAT3/Bcl2/Bcl-XL survival signaling pathway in human lung cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(10); 2200–12. ©2013 AACR.
Circulating Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Activity Correlates With Cardiac Dysfunction in Human and Experimental Heart Failure
Authors: dos Santos Leonardo , Salles Thiago A. , Arruda-Junior Daniel F. , Campos Luciene C.G. , Pereira Alexandre C. , Barreto Ana Luiza T. , Antonio Ednei L. , Mansur Alfredo J. , Tucci Paulo J.F. , Krieger José E. , Girardi Adriana C.C.
Published: July 2013

Background—

The present study addresses the hypothesis that the activity of dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), an enzyme that inactivates peptides that possess cardioprotective actions, correlates with adverse outcomes in heart failure (HF). The therapeutic potential of DPPIV inhibition in preventing cardiac dysfunction is also investigated.

Methods and Results—

Measurements of DPPIV activity in blood samples obtained from 190 patients with HF and 42 controls demonstrated that patients with HF exhibited an increase of ≈130% in circulating DPPIV activity compared with healthy subjects. Furthermore, an inverse correlation was observed between serum DPPIV activity and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction in patients with HF. Similarly, radiofrequency LV ablation-induced HF rats displayed higher DPPIV activity in the plasma (≈50%) and heart tissue (≈3.5-fold) compared with sham-operated rats. Moreover, positive correlations were observed between the plasma DPPIV activity and LV end-diastolic pressure and lung congestion. Two days after surgery, 1 group of LV ablation-induced HF rats was treated with the DPPIV inhibitor sitagliptin (40 mg/kg BID) for 6 weeks, whereas the remaining rats were administered water. Hemodynamic measurements demonstrated that radiofrequency LV-ablated rats treated with sitagliptin exhibited a significant attenuation of HF-related cardiac dysfunction, including LV end-diastolic pressure, systolic performance, and chamber stiffness. Sitagliptin treatment also attenuated cardiac remodeling and cardiomyocyte apoptosis and minimized pulmonary congestion.

Conclusions—

Collectively, the results presented herein associate circulating DPPIV activity with poorer cardiovascular outcomes in human and experimental HF. Moreover, the results demonstrate that long-term DPPIV inhibition mitigates the development and progression of HF in rats.
Person-Number Interaction: Impoverishment and Natural Classes
Authors: Watanabe Akira
Published: July 2013

From an analysis of Fula, this article provides straightforward evidence that the hearer feature is binary. The analysis counts on Local Dislocation to handle mixed placement of subject agreement markers. A novel aspect of the analysis is that a natural class made possible by impoverishment defines the environment in which Local Dislocation applies. Impoverishment has mainly been used to capture syncretism in the past, but the present study shows that it has further potential, especially in the area of mixed placement of agreement markers. The impoverishment operation used is motivated by cooccurrence restrictions that arise in the interaction of person features with number features, falling squarely within the research agenda that tries to ground impoverishment in the logical properties of the feature system.
Economic and Social Rights, Budgets and the Convention on the Rights of the Child
Authors: Nolan Aoife
Published: July 2013

Recent years have seen an explosion in methodologies for monitoring children’s economic and social rights (ESR). Key examples include the development of indicators, benchmarks, child rights-based budget analysis and child rights impact assessments. The Committee on the Right of the Child has praised such tools in its work and has actively promoted their usage. Troublingly, however, there are serious shortcomings in the Committee’s approach to the ESR standards enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which threaten to impact upon the efficacy of such methodologies. This article argues that the Committee has failed to engage with the substantive obligations imposed by Article 4 and many of the specific ESR guaranteed in the CRC in sufficient depth. As a result, that body has not succeeded in outlining a coherent, comprehensive child rights-specific ESR framework. Using the example of child rights-based budget analysis, the author claims that this omission constitutes a significant obstacle to those seeking to evaluate the extent to which states have met their ESR-related obligations under the CRC. The article thus brings together and addresses key issues that have so far received only very limited critical academic attention, namely, children’s ESR under the CRC, the relationship between budgetary decision-making and the CRC, and child rights-based budget analysis.
The Long Awaited: Past Futures of Children’s Rights
Authors: McGillivray Anne
Published: July 2013

This paper is an invitation to re-think how we think about the future of children’s rights. Utopias, science fictions, and the trajectories of history are invoked in futurist imaginings. Utopian thinking across centuries has both marked and marred social interventions into the conduct of childhood. Visionaries from More to Comenius to H.G. Wells have to a greater or lesser extent focused on childhood as means to a utopian end. While utopianism has deeply harmed children, the Convention on the Rights of the Child is in some ways indebted to Wells’s imagined World State. The long history of childhood discloses intimations of rights millennia before rights existed. It also discloses how doing good for children often has gone terribly wrong due to failure of the imagination. Science fictions are rapidly becoming fact. Rights thinking has failed to keep pace with developments profoundly affecting children and the conduct of their childhood.
Helisaeus Roeslin’s Chronological Conception and  a New Manuscript Source
Authors: Granada Miguel A.
Published: July 2013

Helisaeus Roeslin’s manuscript Speculum et harmonia mundi, Das ist Wellt Spiegel Erster Theil (1579) was conceived as part of a broader project comprising a Speculum ecclesiae as well as a Speculum naturae. This project was connected with a Chronology aiming to establish the precise date of the most important events in history as well as to advance some conjectures about the approaching eschatological future. This article presents some recent discoveries that shed new light on Roeslin’s chronological work after 1579, most importantly the incontrovertible attribution to Roeslin of the anonymous manuscript De potestatibus orbis Christiani, et politicis et ecclesiasticis, Discursus (1580). Here Roeslin presented his discovery of the numerical proportions governing the numbers of spiritual and temporal potestates in the three historical periods (Void, Law and Gospel), affirming that these numbers were now nearly fullfilled, along with their ensuing eschatological implications. We show how Roeslin published this discovery in his Kurtz Bedencken (1583) against the calendar reform and again in 1612 in a short tract on the occasion of the coronation of Emperor Matthias I. The article focuses in particular on the appended broadsheet Tabella des Welt Spiegels, which displayed the completion and culmination of history, according to the astronomical revolutions of the planets as well as the numbers of temporal and spiritual governors.
Why Does Air Passage over Forest Yield More Rain? Examining the Coupling between Rainfall, Pressure, and Atmospheric Moisture Content*
Authors: Makarieva A. M. , Gorshkov V. G. , Sheil D. , Nobre A. D. , Bunyard P. , Li B.-L.
Published: July 2013

The influence of forest loss on rainfall remains poorly understood. Addressing this challenge, Spracklen et al. recently presented a pantropical study of rainfall and land cover that showed that satellite-derived rainfall measures were positively correlated with the degree to which model-derived air trajectories had been exposed to forest cover. This result confirms the influence of vegetation on regional rainfall patterns suggested in previous studies. However, the conclusion of Spracklen et al.—that differences in rainfall reflect air moisture content resulting from evapotranspiration while the circulation pattern remains unchanged—appears undermined by methodological inconsistencies. Here methodological problems are identified with the underlying analyses and the quantitative estimates for rainfall change predicted if forest cover is lost in the Amazon. Alternative explanations are presented that include the distinct role of forest evapotranspiration in creating low-pressure systems that draw moisture from the oceans to the continental hinterland. A wholly new analysis of meteorological data from three regions in Brazil, including the central Amazon forest, reveals a tendency for rainy days during the wet season with column water vapor (CWV) exceeding 50 mm to have higher pressure than rainless days, while at lower CWV, rainy days tend to have lower pressure than rainless days. The coupling between atmospheric moisture content and circulation dynamics underlines that the danger posed by forest loss is greater than suggested by consideration of moisture recycling alone.
New Soil Property Database Improves Oklahoma Mesonet Soil Moisture Estimates*
Authors: Scott Bethany L. , Ochsner Tyson E. , Illston Bradley G. , Fiebrich Christopher A. , Basara Jeffery B. , Sutherland Albert J.
Published: July 2013

Soil moisture data from the Oklahoma Mesonet are widely used in research efforts spanning many disciplines within Earth sciences. These soil moisture estimates are derived by translating measurements of matric potential into volumetric water content through site- and depth-specific water retention curves. The objective of this research was to increase the accuracy of the Oklahoma Mesonet soil moisture data through improved estimates of the water retention curve parameters. A comprehensive field sampling and laboratory measurement effort was conducted that resulted in new measurements of the percent of sand, silt, and clay; bulk density; and volumetric water content at −33 and −1500 kPa. These inputs were provided to the Rosetta pedotransfer function, and parameters for the water retention curve and hydraulic conductivity functions were obtained. The resulting soil property database, MesoSoil, includes 13 soil physical properties for 545 individual soil layers across 117 Oklahoma Mesonet sites. The root-mean-square difference (RMSD) between the resulting soil moisture estimates and those obtained by direct sampling was reduced from 0.078 to 0.053 cm3 cm−3 by use of the new water retention curve parameters, a 32% improvement. A >0.15 cm3 cm−3 high bias on the dry end was also largely eliminated by using the new parameters. Reanalysis of prior studies that used Oklahoma Mesonet soil moisture data may be warranted given these improvements. No other large-scale soil moisture monitoring network has a comparable published soil property database or has undergone such comprehensive in situ validation.
The Impact of Covariance Localization for Radar Data on EnKF Analyses of a Developing MCS: Observing System Simulation Experiments
Authors: Sobash Ryan A. , Stensrud David J.
Published: July 2013

Several observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) were performed to assess the impact of covariance localization of radar data on ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) analyses of a developing convective system. Simulated Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) observations were extracted from a truth simulation and assimilated into experiments with localization cutoff choices of 6, 12, and 18 km in the horizontal and 3, 6, and 12 km in the vertical. Overall, increasing the horizontal localization and decreasing the vertical localization produced analyses with the smallest RMSE for most of the state variables. The convective mode of the analyzed system had an impact on the localization results. During cell mergers, larger horizontal localization improved the results. Prior state correlations between the observations and state variables were used to construct reverse cumulative density functions (RCDFs) to identify the correlation length scales for various observation-state pairs. The OSSE with the smallest RMSE employed localization cutoff values that were similar to the horizontal and vertical length scales of the prior state correlations, especially for observation-state correlations above 0.6. Vertical correlations were restricted to state points closer to the observations than in the horizontal, as determined by the RCDFs. Further, the microphysical state variables were correlated with the reflectivity observations on smaller scales than the three-dimensional wind field and radial velocity observations. The ramifications of these findings on localization choices in convective-scale EnKF experiments that assimilate radar data are discussed.
Wind Profiles in Tropical Cyclone Stratiform Rainbands over Land
Authors: Donaher Shaunna L. , Albrecht Bruce A. , Fang Ming , Brown William
Published: July 2013

Observations of 14 stratiform periods in outer tropical cyclone rainbands are used to evaluate wind structure using a velocity–azimuth display (VAD) technique applied to KAMX (Miami) Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) data. These 14 cases occurred over land in southern Florida from Tropical Storm Fay and Hurricanes Gustav and Ike during 2008. Profiles show a maximum horizontal wind speed between 1000 and 1500 m in height, with occasional evidence of a secondary horizontal wind maximum near 3500–5000 m. Storm-relative wind components are calculated, and radial wind profiles show a mean transition from radial inflow at low levels to radial outflow around 2500–3000-m altitude. The radial inflow maximum is around 500 m, while maximum outflow is more variable. These profile characteristics are consistent with previous wind observations in rainbands over land and water. Changes in wind structure within one 4-h period are examined, with changes seen linked to the environmental influence on the rainband. All rainbands show a logarithmic wind speed decrease below 200 m. This layer is studied in detail using a log-wind fit method and a ratio method to calculate aerodynamic roughness length. Much lower ratios of surface to higher-level winds were found than in previous studies over open oceans. Another significant finding of this work is the lack of a constant aerodynamic roughness length despite similar storm wind profiles. These results are useful in broadening the understanding of low-level impacts of landfalling rainbands far from the storm center.
Failed statebuilding versus peace formation
Authors: Richmond Oliver P
Published: July 2013

This article outlines the often countervailing forces and norms of state formation, statebuilding and peacebuilding according to their associated theoretical approaches. It introduces a new concept of ‘peace formation’, which counterbalances a reliance on internal violent or externalised institutions’ agency, reform and conditionality. Without incorporating a better understanding of the multiple and often critical agencies involved in peace formation, the states emerging from statebuilding will remain as they are: failed by design. This is because they are founded on externalised systems, legitimacy and norms rather than a contextual, critical and emancipatory epistemology of peace. Engaging with the processes of peace formation may aid international actors in gaining a better understanding of the roots of a conflict, how local actors may be assisted, how violence and power-seeking may be ended or managed and how local legitimacy may emerge.
The Construct of State-Level Suspicion
Authors: Bobko Philip , Barelka Alex J. , Hirshfield Leanne M.
Published: July 2013

Objective:

The objective was to review and integrate available research about the construct of state-level suspicion as it appears in social science literatures and apply the resulting findings to information technology (IT) contexts.

Background:

Although the human factors literature is replete with articles about trust (and distrust) in automation, there is little on the related, but distinct, construct of “suspicion” (in either automated or IT contexts). The construct of suspicion—its precise definition, theoretical correlates, and role in such applications—deserves further study.

Method:

Literatures that consider suspicion are reviewed and integrated. Literatures include communication, psychology, human factors, management, marketing, information technology, and brain/neurology. We first develop a generic model of state-level suspicion. Research propositions are then derived within IT contexts.

Results:

Fundamental components of suspicion include (a) uncertainty, (b) increased cognitive processing (e.g., generation of alternative explanations for perceived discrepancies), and (c) perceptions of (mal)intent. State suspicion is defined as the simultaneous occurrence of these three components. Our analysis also suggests that trust inhibits suspicion, whereas distrust can be a catalyst of state-level suspicion. Based on a three-stage model of state-level suspicion, associated research propositions and questions are developed. These propositions and questions are intended to help guide future work on the measurement of suspicion (self-report and neurological), as well as the role of the construct of suspicion in models of decision making and detection of deception.

Conclusion:

The study of suspicion, including its correlates, antecedents, and consequences, is important. We hope that the social sciences will benefit from our integrated definition and model of state suspicion. The research propositions regarding suspicion in IT contexts should motivate substantial research in human factors and related fields.
Breaches in the Wall
Authors: Cochran Joshua C.
Published: July 2013

Objectives:

Drawing on theories that emphasize the salience of social ties, this study examines the different kinds of experiences prisoners have with visitation and the implications of those experiences for behavior after release.

Method:

This study uses data from a release cohort of prisoners to (1) explore how visitation experiences unfold for different cohorts of individuals serving different amounts of time in prison and to (2) test the effects of longitudinal visitation patterns on recidivism.

Results:

Findings suggest that individuals who maintain connections with their social networks outside of prison have lower rates of reoffending and that the timing and consistency with which visitation occurs also affect criminal behavior. Specifically, prisoners who are visited early and who experience a sustained pattern of visitation are less likely to recidivate.

Conclusion:

These findings underscore the importance of social ties for understanding the prisoner experience and its implications for offending. More research is needed that seeks to explain the effects identified here and that explores, using nuanced approaches, other prison experiences, and the implications of those experiences.
Perceived quality of the psychosocial environment and well-being in employed and unemployed older adults: The importance of latent benefits and environmental vitamins
Authors: Sousa-Ribeiro Marta , Sverke Magnus , Coimbra Joaquim Luís
Published: July 2013

This study combines two recognized theoretical frameworks in the (un)employment literature – the latent deprivation model and the vitamin model – and aims to better understand the relations between the perceived quality of the psychosocial environment and psychological well-being in older adults. The sample comprised 300 Portuguese adults (aged between 40 and 65), grouped as employed, unemployed engaged in training and unemployed not in training. The employed reported better well-being than the other groups, and the unemployed in training showed lower distress than those who were not. Additionally, features from both frameworks were found to be related to well-being. These findings highlight the merit of taking both theories into account to better understand the well-being of older individuals, and may be useful for the design of interventions aiming to enhance well-being and overcome some of the negative aspects of unemployment.
Nitrite and Nitrate Concentrations and Metabolism in Breast Milk, Infant Formula, and Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Jones Jesica A. , Ninnis Janet R. , Hopper Andrew O. , Ibrahim Yomna , Merritt T. Allen , Wan Kim‐Wah , Power Gordon G. , Blood Arlin B.
Published: July 2013

Dietary nitrate and nitrite are sources of gastric NO, which modulates blood flow, mucus production, and microbial flora. However, the intake and importance of these anions in infants is largely unknown. Nitrate and nitrite levels were measured in breast milk of mothers of preterm and term infants, infant formulas, and parenteral nutrition. Nitrite metabolism in breast milk was measured after freeze‐thawing, at different temperatures, varying oxygen tensions, and after inhibition of potential nitrite‐metabolizing enzymes. Nitrite concentrations averaged 0.07 ± 0.01 μM in milk of mothers of preterm infants, less than that of term infants (0.13 ± 0.02 μM) (P < .01). Nitrate concentrations averaged 13.6 ± 3.7 μM and 12.7 ± 4.9 μM, respectively. Nitrite and nitrate concentrations in infant formulas varied from undetectable to many‐fold more than breast milk. Concentrations in parenteral nutrition were equivalent to or lower than those of breast milk. Freeze‐thawing decreased nitrite concentration ~64%, falling with a half‐life of 32 minutes at 37°C. The disappearance of nitrite was oxygen‐dependent and prevented by ferricyanide and 3 inhibitors of lactoperoxidase. Nitrite concentrations in breast milk decrease with storage and freeze‐thawing, a decline likely mediated by lactoperoxidase. Compared to adults, infants ingest relatively little nitrite and nitrate, which may be of importance in the modulation of blood flow and the bacterial flora of the infant GI tract, especially given the protective effects of swallowed nitrite.
Examining Family Structure and Half-Sibling Influence on Adolescent Well-Being
Authors: Harcourt Kate Taylor , Adler-Baeder Francesca , Erath Stephen , Pettit Greg S.
Published: July 2013

Using data from a statewide education project for adolescents ( N = 736), this study explored family structure of youth in two-parent families and their influence on coping, sexual activity delay, and substance use. Although research in this area has tended to define family structure by the parent–child relationship, this study emphasized variations in family structure based on sibling relatedness. Results indicate differences when examining “traditional” classifications, as well as classifications based on half-sibling presence, such that those in nuclear families and those without half-siblings are advantaged over other groups. Using groups based on a combination of family structure and half-sibling presence, differences were found between youth in nuclear families and step-nuclear hybrid families (biological and stepchildren). Biological and stepchildren in step-nuclear hybrid families did not significantly differ on any measure. A race by family structure interaction effect was seen for measures of coping. On average, differences were seen for European Americans but not for African Americans.
Effect of Nose Skin on the Columellar Incision Scar in a Turkish Population
Authors: Verim Ayşegül , Duymuş Recai , Çalım Ömer Faruk , Karaca Çiğdem Tepe , Özkul M. Haluk , Yaşar Hüsamettin , Bahadır Esra , Bakal Nuray
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To investigate the causes of columellar scar formation in a Turkish population in relation to nasal skin thickness, texture, and type and discuss possible solutions for better results.

Study Design

Prospective, clinical study.

Setting

Otorhinolaryngology department of a tertiary hospital.

Methods

The preoperative dermal thickness of 50 consecutive patients undergoing “external approach” septorhinoplasty was measured (using a 14 MHz ultrasound probe) at the midportion of the right and left nostril, tip, supratip, and columella. Surgery was performed using a middle columellar gullwing incision. All patients had a minimum follow‐up of 6 months after surgery. Assessment of the columellar scar was performed according to the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale modified for columellar scars. The mean values of skin thickness measurements, skin type (according to the Fitzpatrick skin classification scale), skin texture (oily, combination, normal, dry, and sensitive types), smoking habit, and patient gender were recorded and compared with the columellar incision scar scores.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in healing between the skin thickness of the tip, supratip, left nostril, right nostril, columella and mean skin thickness values, skin types (Fitzpatrick 2, 3, 4, 5), skin textures, and smoking with regard to columellar scar formation (P >. 05). However, men healed significantly better than women (P <. 05).

Conclusions

The columellar incision heals independently of the influence of skin thickness; texture; Fitzpatrick skin types 2, 3, 4, and 5; and smoking. Male gender seems to be a significant factor in healing.
Predicting stability and change in loneliness in later life
Authors: Newall Nancy E. G. , Chipperfield Judith G. , Bailis Daniel S.
Published: July 2013

This study examined potential discriminators of groups of older adults showing different patterns of stability or change in loneliness over 5 years: those who became lonely, overcame loneliness, were persistently lonely, and were persistently not lonely. Discriminant function analysis results showed that the persistently lonely, compared with the persistently not lonely, were more often living alone, widowed, and experiencing poorer health and perceived control. Moreover, changes in living arrangements and perceived control predicted loneliness change. In conclusion, perceiving that one is able to meet social needs is a predictor of loneliness and loneliness change and appears to be more important than people’s friendships. Because the predictors were better able to predict entry into loneliness, results point to the promise of prevention approaches to loneliness interventions.
Anatomic and Morphological Evaluation of the Quadriceps Tendon Using 3-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Reconstruction
Authors: Xerogeanes John W. , Mitchell Phillip M. , Karasev Peter A. , Kolesov Ivan A. , Romine Spencer E.
Published: July 2013

Background:

The autograft of choice for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains controversial. The quadriceps tendon is the least utilized and least studied of the potential autograft options.

Purpose:

To determine if the quadriceps tendon has the anatomic characteristics to produce a graft whose length and volume are adequate, reproducible, and predictable when compared with the other commonly used autografts.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Axial proton density magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 60 skeletally mature patients (30 male and 30 female) were evaluated. Volumetric analysis of 3-dimensional models of the patellar and quadriceps tendons was performed before and after the removal of a 10 mm–wide graft from both tendons. Length, thickness, and width measurements of the quadriceps tendon were made at predetermined locations. Anthropometric data were collected, and subgroup analysis, sex analysis, and linear regression were performed.

Results:

The mean percentage of volume remaining after removal of a 10 mm–wide graft from the patellar tendon was 56.6%, compared with 61.3% when harvesting an 80 mm–long graft of the same width from the quadriceps tendon. The intra-articular volume of the proposed quadriceps tendon graft was 87.5% greater than that of the patellar tendon graft. The mean length of the quadriceps tendon was 73.5 ± 12.3 mm in female patients and 81.1 ± 10.6 mm in male patients. These measurements were most highly correlated with patient height. The width of the quadriceps tendon decreased as one proceeded proximally from its insertion, and the thickness of the quadriceps tendon remained relatively constant.

Conclusion:

The quadriceps tendon has the anatomic characteristics to produce a graft whose length and volume are both reproducible and predictable, while yielding a graft with a significantly greater intra-articular volume than a patellar tendon graft with a similar width.
Interfacial improvement and mechanical properties of epoxy resin/ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibre composites compatibilized with glycidyl methacrylate
Authors: Broujerdi Mohsen Sadeghi , Masoomi Mahmood , Asgari Mohammad
Published: July 2013

In this paper, interfacial adhesion of epoxy resin/ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibre composites by polymerization grafting of glycidyl methacrylate onto fibre surface was investigated. To optimize the grafting process, experiment design method was applied using the time and monomer concentration as grafting variables. In order to confirm the formation of glycidyl methacrylate bonds onto the polyethylene chains, attenuated total reflectance-infra red test was performed. Besides, Pull-out test was utilized to measure the interfacial shear strength of fibres with the matrix for both modified and unmodified ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibre composites. Tensile test was carried out. Three amounts, 11%, 25%, and 40%, of polymerized glycidyl methacrylate grafted onto the fibre surface was obtained. The grafting percent of glycidyl methacrylate onto the fibre showed enhancement by increasing the amount of glycidyl methacrylate monomer and the reaction time which was bigger by monomer increment. The interfacial shear strength of 11%, 25%, and 40% glycidyl methacrylate grafted fibres with epoxy matrix showed 126%, 195%, and 220% enhancements, respectively, in comparison with untreated fibre. The tensile strength of 11% glycidyl methacrylate grafted polyethylene fibre-epoxy composite showed about 10% enhancement; however, the tensile strengths of 25% and 40% glycidyl methacrylate grated polyethylene fibre-epoxy composites showed decrement. Toughness results showed improvement for 11% glycidyl methacrylate grafted composite due to appearing of energy absorbing mechanisms while fracturing.
A new CFRP anchor for preventing separation of externally bonded laminates from concrete
Authors: Mostafa Ahmed AB , Razaqpur A Ghani
Published: July 2013

Twelve identical concrete prisms were strengthened with Carbon Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) laminate strips on two opposite faces and the laminates were anchored using the newly developed CFRP π-anchor. Prisms were tested in tension to investigate the effectiveness of the anchor to possibly delay delamination and/or to prevent the complete separation of the laminate from the prism. The salient feature of the anchor is its wide head to resist high interfacial shear stresses and its shanks that were inserted in predrilled holes to provide mechanical anchorage and to resist pull-out. The anchor doubled the tensile load-carrying capacity, effectively delayed delamination and prevented the CFRP laminate from full separation. Furthermore, the strengthened prisms experienced noticeable deformation.
Parametric appraisal of erosion behaviour of organo-modified montmorillonite-filled epoxy hybrid composites by Taguchi approach
Authors: Ismail Mohammed , Suresha B , Ananthaiah Arun , Rajendra N
Published: July 2013

In the present work, the influence of organo-modified montmorillonite loading on the solid particle erosion of carbon fabric-reinforced epoxy composites was investigated. The development of a multi-component composite system consisting of thermoset epoxy resin reinforced with carbon fabric and organo-modified montmorillonite nanoparticles, the erosion behaviour was studied for various erodent size, impact velocity, loading of organo-modified montmorillonite and for different impingement angles. For this purpose, erosion test rig and the design of experiments approach utilizing Taguchi’s orthogonal arrays were used. Of all the above factors, the erodent size has the greatest effect on the reduction in the erosion wear rate. The erosion wear rate variation was found to be in the range of 1.33 × 10−4–48.02 × 10−4 g/g. The lowest erosion wear rate was found in the case of unfilled carbon fabric-reinforced epoxy composite under erodent size of 600 µm, impact velocity of 30 m/s and erodent time of 1 min. Further, the results showed strong dependence of the erosive wear on the erodent size. The organo-modified montmorillonite filled carbon fabric-reinforced epoxy composite showed brittle erosion behaviour with maximum weight loss at 75° impingement angle. Analysis of variance was performed on the measured data and signal to noise ratios were found. The morphology of eroded surfaces was examined using scanning electron microscopy and damage mechanisms were discussed.