bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms for a PNA-Like Teleconnection Pattern in Response to the MJO
Authors: Seo Kyong-Hwan , Lee Hyun-Ju
Published: March 2017

Kinematic mechanisms of the Pacific–North America (PNA)-like teleconnection pattern induced by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is examined using an atmospheric general circulation model (GCM) and a barotropic Rossby wave theory. Observation shows that a negative PNA-like teleconnection pattern emerges in response to MJO phase-2 forcing with enhanced (suppressed) convection located over the Indian (western Pacific) Ocean. The GCM simulations show that both forcing anomalies contribute to creating the PNA-like pattern. Indian Ocean forcing induces two major Rossby wave source (RWS) regions: a negative region around southern Asia and a positive region over the western North Pacific (WNP). The negative RWS to the north of the enhanced convection in the Indian Ocean arises from southerly MJO-induced divergent wind crossing the Asian jet. Unexpectedly, another significant RWS region develops over the WNP owing to refracted northerly divergent wind. A ray-tracing method demonstrates three different ways of wave propagation emanating from the RWS to the PNA region: 1) direct arclike propagation from the negative RWS to the PNA region occurs in the longest waves, 2) shorter waves are displaced first downstream by the jet waveguide effect and then emanate at the jet exit to the PNA region, and 3) waves with zonal wavenumbers 1 and 2 exhibit canonical wave propagation from the positive RWS at the jet exit to the PNA region.

On the other hand, the positive RWS induced by western Pacific forcing shows similar characteristics to feature 3 described above, with some relaxation such that much shorter waves also contribute to the formation of the southern cells.
Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on the Waterlogging Risk in Coastal Cities: A Case Study of Guangzhou, South China
Authors: Zhang Han , Wu Chuanhao , Chen Wenjie , Huang Guoru
Published: March 2017

Climate warming is expected to occur with an increased magnitude of extreme precipitation and sea level rise, which leads to an increased probability of waterlogging in coastal cities. In this paper, a combined probability model is developed to evaluate the impact of climate change on waterlogging in Guangzhou by using eight climate models with four emissions scenarios [Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) scenario A1B and representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5]. The copula method was applied to derive the bivariate distributions of extreme rainfall and tidal level. The uncertainty in the projected future temperature, extreme rainfall, sea level, and the combined extreme rainfall and tidal level probability were discussed. The results show that although there is a large uncertainty driven by both climate models and emissions scenarios in the projection of climate change, most modeling results predict an increase in temperature and extreme precipitation in Guangzhou during the future period of 2020–50, relative to the historical period of 1970–2000. Moreover, greater increases are projected for higher emissions scenarios. The sea level is projected to increase in the range of 11.40–23.37 cm during the period 2020–50, consistent with climate warming. Both simultaneous probability and waterlogging probability are projected to show an upward trend in the future period 2020–50, with the largest and smallest increases in the RCP4.5 and RCP2.6 scenarios, respectively. The results of this paper provide a new scientific reference for waterlogging control in Guangzhou under climate change conditions.
The Tropical Transition of the October 1996 Medicane in the Western Mediterranean Sea: A Warm Seclusion Event
Authors: Mazza Edoardo , Ulbrich Uwe , Klein Rupert
Published: March 2017

The processes leading to the tropical transition of the October 1996 medicane in the western Mediterranean are investigated on the basis of a 50-member ensemble of regional climate model (RCM) simulations. By comparing the composites of transitioning and nontransitioning cyclones it is shown that standard extratropical dynamics are responsible for the cyclogenesis and that the transition results from a warm seclusion process. As the initial thermal asymmetries and vertical tilt of the cyclones are reduced, a warm core forms in the lower troposphere. It is demonstrated that in the transitioning cyclones, the upper-tropospheric warm core is also a result of the seclusion process. Conversely, the warm core remains confined below 600 hPa in the nontransitioning systems. In the baroclinic stage, the transitioning cyclones are characterized by larger vertical wind shear and intensification rates. The resulting stronger low-level circulation in turn is responsible for significantly larger latent and sensible heat fluxes throughout the seclusion process.
Investigation of the Sensitivity of Transmission Raman Spectroscopy for Polymorph Detection in Pharmaceutical Tablets
Authors: Feng Hanzhou , Bondi Robert W. , Anderson Carl A. , Drennen James K. , Igne Benoît
Published: March 2017

Polymorph detection is critical for ensuring pharmaceutical product quality in drug substances exhibiting polymorphism. Conventional analytical techniques such as X-ray powder diffraction and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance are utilized primarily for characterizing the presence and identity of specific polymorphs in a sample. These techniques have encountered challenges in analyzing the constitution of polymorphs in the presence of other components commonly found in pharmaceutical dosage forms. Laborious sample preparation procedures are usually required to achieve satisfactory data interpretability. There is a need for alternative techniques capable of probing pharmaceutical dosage forms rapidly and nondestructively, which is dictated by the practical requirements of applications such as quality monitoring on production lines or when quantifying product shelf lifetime. The sensitivity of transmission Raman spectroscopy for detecting polymorphs in final tablet cores was investigated in this work. Carbamazepine was chosen as a model drug, polymorph form III is the commercial form, whereas form I is an undesired polymorph that requires effective detection. The concentration of form I in a direct compression tablet formulation containing 20% w/w of carbamazepine, 74.00% w/w of fillers (mannitol and microcrystalline cellulose), and 6% w/w of croscarmellose sodium, silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate was estimated using transmission Raman spectroscopy. Quantitative models were generated and optimized using multivariate regression and data preprocessing. Prediction uncertainty was estimated for each validation sample by accounting for all the main variables contributing to the prediction. Multivariate detection limits were calculated based on statistical hypothesis testing. The transmission Raman spectroscopic model had an absolute prediction error of 0.241% w/w for the independent validation set. The method detection limit was estimated at 1.31% w/w. The results demonstrated that transmission Raman spectroscopy is a sensitive tool for polymorphs detection in pharmaceutical tablets.
Show Me What Happened
Authors: Willits Dale W. , Makin David A.
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

Using temporal sequencing of unedited police body-worn camera (BWC) footage of use of force incidents, we test four hypotheses to understand how incident-characteristics influence use of force, duration of that force, and the type and severity of force used by police.

Method:

We code and analyze using data visualization techniques and regression analysis unedited BWC footage involving use of force in a single police agency in the United States.

Results:

Use of force occurs relatively early in most interactions, though gender, race, and behavioral factors partially explain when and how much force is used. Regression results indicate that force is used more quickly against Black suspects and males. Suspect resistance predicts both time to force (TtF) and the duration of force applied. Finally, police are more likely to use greater levels of force in longer, more drawn-out interactions.

Conclusions:

Our results appear to support existing theories for disproportionate use of force, though we caution restraint in generalizing our results. We find support only at our temporal level (TtF) and do not find support for the duration or severity of that force used. These temporal variables provide additional context toward better understanding and further contextualizing use of force by police.
Clonal outbreaks of [Pasteurella] pneumotropica biovar Heyl in two mouse colonies
Authors: Adhikary Sadhana , Bisgaard Magne , Dagnæs-Hansen Frederik , Christensen Henrik
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study was to document the pathogenic role of biovar Heyl of [ Pasteurella] pneumotropica in mouse colonies. Fifty-three isolates associated with mastitis and orbital, cutaneous and vaginal abscesses as well as isolates from the nose and vagina of healthy mice were investigated. According to phenotypic characteristics and rpoB sequencing, the isolates were identified as [ P.] pneumotropica biovar Heyl. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed five closely related profiles separated by only one to four fragments. The outbreak strains diverged from epidemiologically unrelated strains with the same rpoB sequence type, as shown by the PFGE profiles. The investigation documented that members of biovar Heyl of [ P.] pneumotropica caused disease outbreaks in mouse colonies since the clonality indicated a primary role of [ P.] pneumotropica biovar Heyl in the infections observed.
Estimating Demand for and Supply of Pediatric Preventive Dental Care for Children and Identifying Dental Care Shortage Areas, Georgia, 2015
Authors: Cao Shanshan , Gentili Monica , Griffin Paul M. , Griffin Susan O. , Harati Pravara , Johnson Ben , Serban Nicoleta , Tomar Scott
Published: March 2017

Objectives:

Demand for dental care is expected to outpace supply through 2025. The objectives of this study were to determine the extent of pediatric dental care shortages in Georgia and to develop a general method for estimation that can be applied to other states.

Methods:

We estimated supply and demand for pediatric preventive dental care for the 159 counties in Georgia in 2015. We compared pediatric preventive dental care shortage areas (where demand exceeded twice the supply) designated by our methods with dental health professional shortage areas designated by the Health Resources & Services Administration. We estimated caries risk from a multivariate analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data and national census data. We estimated county-level demand based on the time needed to perform preventive dental care services and the proportion of time that dentists spend on pediatric preventive dental care services from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.

Results:

Pediatric preventive dental care supply exceeded demand in Georgia in 75 counties: the average annual county-level pediatric preventive dental care demand was 16 866 hours, and the supply was 32 969 hours. We identified 41 counties as pediatric dental care shortage areas, 14 of which had not been designated by the Health Resources & Services Administration.

Conclusions:

Age- and service-specific information on dental care shortage areas could result in more efficient provider staffing and geographic targeting.
Undocumented and College-Bound: A Case Study of the Supports and Barriers High School Students Encounter in Accessing Higher Education
Authors: Murillo Marco A.
Published: March 2017

This study examines how an urban, California high school supports undocumented students’ college access and the challenges the school and students encounter. Employing case study methodology, school observations and interviews with 14 undocumented students and 13 educators were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the processes involved in undocumented students’ pursuit of higher education. Findings highlight the importance of building targeted college knowledge, providing navigational support to complete college and financial aid applications, unmet financial need, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) as a useful but limited tool for college access. Implications for practice and policy are provided.
The Ethical Dilemmas and Social Scientific Trade-offs of Masking in Ethnography
Authors: Jerolmack Colin , Murphy Alexandra K.
Published: March 2017

Masking, the practice of hiding or distorting identifying information about people, places, and organizations, is usually considered a requisite feature of ethnographic research and writing. This is justified both as an ethical obligation to one’s subjects and as a scientifically neutral position (as readers are enjoined to treat a case’s idiosyncrasies as sociologically insignificant). We question both justifications, highlighting potential ethical dilemmas and obstacles to constructing cumulative social science that can arise through masking. Regarding ethics, we show, on the one hand, how masking may give subjects a false sense of security because it implies a promise of confidentiality that it often cannot guarantee and, on the other hand, how naming may sometimes be what subjects want and expect. Regarding scientific tradeoffs, we argue that masking can reify ethnographic authority, exaggerate the universality of the case (e.g., “Middletown”), and inhibit replicability (or “revisits”) and sociological comparison. While some degree of masking is ethically and practically warranted in many cases and the value of disclosure varies across ethnographies, we conclude that masking should no longer be the default option that ethnographers unquestioningly choose.
Trends in the incidence of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia in the UK, 2001–2013: a Clinical Practice Research Datalink study
Authors: Collin Simon M , Bakken Inger J , Nazareth Irwin , Crawley Esther , White Peter D
Published: March 2017

Objective

Trends in recorded diagnoses of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS, also known as ‘myalgic encephalomyelitis’ (ME)) and fibromyalgia (FM) in the UK were last reported more than ten years ago, for the period 1990–2001. Our aim was to analyse trends in incident diagnoses of CFS/ME and FM for the period 2001–2013, and to investigate whether incidence might vary by index of multiple deprivation (IMD) score.

Design

Electronic health records cohort study.

Setting

NHS primary care practices in the UK.

Participants

Participants: Patients registered with general practices linked to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) primary care database from January 2001 to December 2013.

Main outcome measure

Incidence of CFS/ME, FM, post-viral fatigue syndrome (PVFS), and asthenia/debility.

Results

The overall annual incidence of recorded cases of CFS/ME was 14.8 (95% CI 14.5, 15.1) per 100,000 people. Overall annual incidence per 100,000 people for FM was 33.3 (32.8–33.8), for PVFS 12.2 (11.9, 12.5), and for asthenia/debility 7.0 (6.8, 7.2). Annual incidence rates for CFS/ME diagnoses decreased from 17.5 (16.1, 18.9) in 2001 to 12.6 (11.5, 13.8) in 2013 (annual percent change −2.8% (−3.6%, −2.0%)). Annual incidence rates for FM diagnoses decreased from 32.3 (30.4, 34.3) to 27.1 (25.5, 28.6) in 2007, then increased to 38.2 (36.3, 40.1) per 100,000 people in 2013. Overall annual incidence of recorded fatigue symptoms was 2246 (2242, 2250) per 100,000 people. Compared with the least deprived IMD quintile, incidence of CFS/ME in the most deprived quintile was 39% lower (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.61 (0.50, 0.75)), whereas rates of FM were 40% higher (IRR 1.40 (0.95, 2.06)).

Conclusion

These analyses suggest a gradual decline in recorded diagnoses of CFS/ME since 2001, and an increase in diagnoses of fibromyalgia, with opposing socioeconomic patterns of lower rates of CFS/ME diagnoses in the poorest areas compared with higher rates of FM diagnoses.
The absence of the CD163 receptor has distinct temporal influences on intracerebral hemorrhage outcomes
Authors: Leclerc Jenna L , Lampert Andrew S , Loyola Amador Claudia , Schlakman Brandon , Vasilopoulos Terrie , Svendsen Pia , Moestrup Søren K , Doré Sylvain
Published: March 2017

Hemoglobin (Hb) toxicity precipitates secondary brain damage following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). CD163 is an anti-inflammatory Hb scavenger receptor and CD163-positive macrophages/microglia locally accumulate post-bleed, yet no studies have investigated the role of CD163 after ICH. ICH was induced in wildtype and CD163−/− mice and various anatomical and functional outcomes were assessed. At 3 d, CD163−/− mice have 43.4 ± 5.0% (p = 0.0002) and 34.8 ± 3.4% (p = 0.0003) less hematoma volume and tissue injury, respectively. Whereas, at 10 d, CD163−/− mice have 49.2 ± 15.0% larger lesions (p = 0.0385). An inflection point was identified, where CD163−/− mice perform better on neurobehavioral testing and have less mortality before 4 d, but increased mortality and worse function after 4 d (p = 0.0389). At 3 d, CD163−/− mice have less Hb, iron, and blood–brain barrier dysfunction, increased astrogliosis and neovascularization, and no change in heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) expression. At 10 d, CD163−/− mice have increased iron and VEGF immunoreactivity, but no significant change in HO1 or astrogliosis. These novel findings reveal that CD163 deficiency has distinct temporal influences following ICH, with early beneficial properties but delayed injurious effects. While it is unclear why CD163 deficiency is initially beneficial, the late injurious effects are consistent with the key anti-inflammatory role of CD163 in the recovery phase of tissue damage.
Counterurbanisation: South Africa in wider context
Authors: Geyer NP , Geyer HS
Published: March 2017

This study of South African counterurbanisation demonstrates, in line with recent views, that substream counterurbanisation can be a meaningful subject of scientific interest even within contexts of mainstream concentration, as is the case in much of the developing world. This is due to its proportional impact on regional growth poles at the lower end of the settlement hierarchy. Both the South African results and evidence elsewhere indicate that counterurbanisation may be far more significant in the developing world than commonly assumed, and also far more varied. Apart from similar forms of counterurbanisation found in the developed world, the research also finds two other distinctive forms of developing world counterurbanisation: agrarian counterurbanisation occurring in countries with struggling urban economies and under-utilized agricultural capital, and industrial sector-led counterurbanisation, which, contrary to the developed world, may well be the dominant form of counterurbanisation in developing countries. While the study clearly admits that evidence for the developing world is limited at present, that which exists strongly argues for further research, particularly on the clear implications of developing world variations for migration and rural development policy differentiation.
Relational Group Psychotherapy: An Overview. Part II: Relational Models of Group Process
Authors: Billow Richard M.
Published: March 2017

In a three part series, I present an overview of my approach to relationally based group psychotherapy. Topics introduced in Part I include a brief introduction to relational theory and its historical foundation; the efficacy of combined-individual psychotherapy; the central role of the therapist; and brief descriptions of key foundational concepts. Part III will present models of group leadership.

In Part II, I summarise models of group process—different perspectives through which we may think about what is going on and prepare our interventions. These include: nodes, developing nuclear ideas, the ‘3Rs’ (resistance, rebellion, and refusal), reality testing and testing reality, relational variations of the ‘container–contained’, irruptions, nodules, entitlement, polarized thinking/polemic ideas, and inveiglement. The article considers the metaphorical and experiential bases of the concept of group process, and concludes with a discussion of the therapist’s work process.
Making It Count: Breadth and Intensity of Extracurricular Engagement and High School Dropout
Authors: Neely Stephen R. , Vaquera Elizabeth
Published: March 2017

Previous research suggests that extracurricular engagement reduces the likelihood of high school dropout, particularly among traditionally at-risk populations such as racial and ethnic minorities and students from low-income families. Using social bond theory, we examine how the breadth and intensity of extracurricular engagement are related to the likelihood of dropout among a nationally representative sample of students over three years of schooling. Using logistic regression models, we use data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 to examine how extracurricular participation relates to the potential of dropping out by accounting for known correlates and potential selection biases. We find a significant positive relationship between engagement in extracurricular activities (both in number and distribution over different types of activities) and a reduced likelihood of dropout. This relationship is particularly strong in the case of athletic involvement among African American students and for students who simultaneously participate in both athletic and academic/fine arts activities. Implications of these findings are discussed in light of current policy trends toward the elimination of extracurricular programming and the assessment of student participation fees.
Investigation of the effect of bonded composite patch on the mixed-mode fracture strength and stress intensity factors for an edge crack in aluminum alloy 2024-T3 plates
Authors: Maleki HN , Chakherlou TN
Published: March 2017

In this research, the fracture behavior of an edge crack in aluminum alloy 2024-T3 plate repaired with bonded composite patch has been investigated under mixed-mode loading condition, numerically and experimentally. For the experimental part, two batches of simple edge crack and repaired specimen have been tested by a tensile test machine at different loading levels by using a modified Arcan fixture. According to the experimental results, applying the repair patch improved the fracture strength even as much as 44%. Also, increasing the patch thickness enhances the repair efficiency; nevertheless, increasing the adhesive thickness decreases the strength as much as 3%. Finite element simulations were performed to model the specimens and establish the stress intensity geometry/loading factors. The results indicate that a significant reduction in the geometry/loading factors at the crack tip can be occurred in the presence of the patch.
Transferrin-targeted poly(butylene adipate)/terephthalate nanoparticles for targeted delivery of 5-fluorouracil in HT29 colorectal cancer cell line
Authors: Varshosaz Jaleh , Riahi Sara , Ghassami Erfaneh , Jahanian-Najafabadi Ali
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this study was to design 5-fluorouracil-loaded poly(butylene adipate)/terephthalate (Ecoflex®) nanoparticles for targeting colorectal cancer. The nanoparticles were prepared by emulsification–solvent evaporation method and optimized by a full factorial design. The effects of polymer and surfactant concentration, surfactant type, and stirrer rate were studied on the particle size, zeta potential, loading efficiency, and release efficiency of nanoparticles. For production of targeted nanoparticles, chitosan was conjugated to transferrin which was then coated on the surface of Ecoflex nanoparticles via electrostatic interactions. The conjugation of transferrin/chitosan was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) methods and quantified by ultraviolet spectroscopy assay. The cytotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil loaded in targeted and non-targeted nanoparticles was studied on human colon adenocarcinoma  cell line (HT29), Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7), and human umbilical vein endothelial cells using MTT (thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide) assay. The best results were obtained from nanoparticles prepared by 0.2% of the polymer, 2% of Tween 20, and stirrer speed of 17,500 r/min. The successful conjugation of transferrin/chitosan was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectrum and SDS-PAGE results and was about 80%. The targeted nanoparticles showed significantly more cytotoxic effects on HT29 cells compared to free 5-fluorouracil and non-targeted nanoparticles. Blocking transferrin receptors resulted in a significantly higher cell survival for targeted nanoparticles which confirmed receptor-mediated cellular uptake of targeted nanoparticles.
Enhancing Effective Classroom Management in Schools: Structures for Changing Teacher Behavior
Authors: Mitchell Barbara S. , Hirn Regina G. , Lewis Timothy J.
Published: March 2017

Effective classroom instructional and behavior management is essential to ensure student academic and social success. Foundational strategies such as clear expectations and routines, specific feedback, and high rates of opportunities to respond have strong empirical support, yet are often missing from educator repertoires. In this article, the authors provide a brief rationale for the inclusion of evidence-based practices accompanied with recommended resources to identify current and future practices. In addition, they also provide an overview of effective in-service educator professional development, to ensure evidence-based practices are implemented with fidelity, and recommended systemic strategies that schools and school districts can adopt to support teacher learning. Implications for teacher preparation programs also are discussed.
Does the CATCH Early Childhood Program Increase Physical Activity Among Low-Income Preschoolers?—Results From a Pilot Study
Authors: Chuang Ru-Jye , Sharma Shreela V. , Perry Cheryl , Diamond Pamela
Published: March 2017

Purpose:

To explore whether the physical activity (PA) component of the Coordinated Approach to Child Health Early Childhood (CATCH EC) program helps increasing preschoolers’ PA during active times at preschool.

Design:

Nonrandomized controlled experimental study.

Setting:

Head Start centers in Houston, Texas, 2009 to 2010 school year.

Participants:

A total of 439 preschoolers aged 3 to 5 years (3 intervention centers, n = 220; 3 comparison centers, n = 219).

Intervention:

The CATCH EC preschool-based teacher-led nutrition and PA program.

Measures:

Preschoolers’ PA was measured at baseline and postintervention using the System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time–Preschool version, a direct observation method measuring PA at the classroom level. Parent surveys provided demographic data.

Analysis:

Pre-to-post changes in preschoolers’ PA were examined using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results:

Results show a significant decrease in the percentage time preschoolers spent in level 2 PA (low activity) at intervention ( P = .005) and comparison ( P = .041) centers. Indoor vigorous activity increased significantly on an average by +6.04% pre-to-post intervention among preschoolers in the intervention group ( P = .049); no significant change was found in the comparison group.

Conclusion:

The CATCH EC favorably increased indoor vigorous PA level among low-income children attending Head Start.
Dysexecutive Symptoms in Primary Progressive Aphasia: Beyond Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Macoir Joël , Lavoie Monica , Laforce Robert , Brambati Simona M. , Wilson Maximiliano A.
Published: March 2017

Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative condition in which the most prominent clinical feature is language difficulties. Other cognitive domains have been described to remain unaffected at the early stages of the disease and, therefore, excluded from diagnostic criteria. However, we show in this article that executive function (EF) disorders may be present in the 3 variants (nonfluent/agrammatic, logopenic, and semantic) of PPA. We also illustrate changes in language and EF by means of a 3-year behavioral and neuroimaging longitudinal study of a patient suffering from the semantic variant of PPA. This review provides an update on current knowledge of PPA, suggesting that dysexecutive symptoms may be encountered in the 3 PPA variants, in their early phases and/or in more advanced stages, when atrophy extends to adjacent brain areas.
Late-Life Depression: Modifications of Brain Resting State Activity
Authors: Cieri Filippo , Esposito Roberto , Cera Nicoletta , Pieramico Valentina , Tartaro Armando , di Giannantonio Massimo
Published: March 2017

Late-life depression (LLD) is a common emotional and mental disability in the elderly population characterized by the presence of depressed mood, the loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, and other depression symptoms. It has a serious effect on the quality of life of elderly individuals and increases their risk of developing physical and mental diseases. It is an important area of research, given the growing elderly population. Brain functional connectivity modifications represent one of the neurobiological biomarker for LLD even if to date remains poorly understood. In our study, we enrolled 10 elderly patients with depressive symptoms compared to 11 age-matched healthy controls. All participants were evaluated by means of neuropsychological tests and underwent the same functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) protocol to evaluate modifications of brain resting state functional connectivity. Between-group differences were observed for the Geriatric Depression Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, with higher scores for patients with LLD. Voxel-wise, 1-way analysis of variance revealed between-group differences in left frontoparietal network (lFPN) and sensory motor network (SMN): Increased intrinsic connectivity in the LLD group was observed in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and in the left superior parietal lobule of the lFPN and increased intrinsic connectivity in the LLD group was observed in the bilateral primary somatosensory cortex of the SMN. Our findings support the use of resting state fMRI as a potential biomarker for LLD; even if to confirm the relationship between brain changes and the pathophysiology of LLD, longitudinal neuroimaging studies are required.
Vision-based terrain referenced navigation of aerial vehicles using an adaptive extended Kalman filter
Authors: Mok Sung-Hoon , Kim Youngjoo , Bang Hyochoong
Published: March 2017

This paper addresses a vision-based terrain referenced navigation of an aircraft. A digital terrain map, in the surroundings of the aircraft, is compared with the camera measurements to estimate the aircraft position. Generally, the measurement equation in the terrain referenced navigation is highly nonlinear due to the sharp changes of terrain. Thus, the conventional extended Kalman filter could lead to unstable navigation solutions. In this paper, a new approach using an adaptive extended Kalman filter is proposed to cope up with the nonlinearity problem. A least squares method is utilized to derive the linearized measurement equations. The Jacobian matrix and sensor noise covariance are modified as a means of smoothing the sharp changes of terrain. Monte Carlo simulations verify that the proposed filter gives the stable navigation solutions, even when there is a large initial error, which is the primary reason for the filter divergence. Moreover, the proposed adaptation barely requires additional computational burden, whereas the high-order filters such as particle filter generally needs higher computational power.
Retinal vasculopathy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Gao N , Li M T , Li Y H , Zhang S H , Dai R P , Zhang S Z , Zhao L D , Wang L , Zhang F C , Zhao Y , Zeng X F
Published: March 2017

A retrospective case control study was conducted in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Medical records were reviewed for demographic data, clinical features, laboratory results, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity evaluations, and ophthalmic examinations to investigate the clinical characteristics and significance of retinal vasculopathy (RV) in Chinese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. The prevalence of RV was approximately 0.66% (35/5298) in SLE patients. A total of 60 eyes were involved. The ocular presentations included decrease of visual acuity (48/60, 80%), visual field loss (7/60, 11.7%), and diplopia (3/60, 5%). Ophthalmic fundoscopic examination revealed cotton-wool spots (30/60, 50%), retinal vascular attenuation (31/60, 51.6%), and hemorrhages (41/60, 68.3%). Retinal angiogram showed that 72.7% (16/22) eyes had vaso-occlusion. The ophthalmic episodes could occur at any stage of SLE duration, with a median of 12 months (0–168 months) following SLE onset. Twenty-one (35%) eyes did not recover, or even worsened, during hospital stay. RV was found to be significantly associated with neuropsychiatric lesions (51.4% vs. 21.3%, p = .005) and hematological disturbance (62.9% vs. 34.3%, p = .005). SLE patients with RV had significantly higher SLE disease activity index scores than controls (19.9 ± 0.9 vs. 10.2 ± 0.7, p < .001). An inverse association of anti-SSA antibody with RV was detected (34.3% vs. 67.1%, p = .001). Nervous system disturbance (odds ratio (OR) = 4.340, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.438, 13.094, p = .009) and leukocytopenia (OR = 6.385, 95% CI 1.916, 21.278, p = .003) were independent risk factors, while anti-SSA antibody positivity (OR = 0.249, 95% CI 0.087, 0.710, p = .009) was a protective factor for RV in SLE patients. In certain cases, RV is a threatening condition for SLE patients presenting with clinical ocular manifestations. Ophthalmo-fundoscopic detection is recommended as soon as SLE is diagnosed.
A 12-year retrospective review of bullous systemic lupus erythematosus in cutaneous and systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Chanprapaph K , Sawatwarakul S , Vachiramon V
Published: March 2017

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features, laboratory findings, systemic manifestations, treatment and outcome of patients with bullous systemic lupus erythematosus in a tertiary care center in Thailand.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review from 2002 to 2014 of all patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for bullous systemic lupus erythematosus to evaluate for the clinical characteristics, extracutaneous involvement, histopathologic features, immunofluorescence pattern, serological abnormalities, internal organ involvement, treatments and outcome.

Results

Among 5149 patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus and/or systemic lupus erythematosus, 15 developed vesiculobullous lesions. Ten patients had validation of the diagnosis of bullous systemic lupus erythematosus, accounting for 0.19%. Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus occurred after the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in six patients with a median onset of 2.5 months (0–89). Four out of 10 patients developed bullous systemic lupus erythematosus simultaneously with systemic lupus erythematosus. Hematologic abnormalities and renal involvement were found in 100% and 90%, respectively. Polyarthritis (40%) and serositis (40%) were less frequently seen. Systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, antimalarials and dapsone offered resolution of cutaneous lesions.

Conclusion

Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus is an uncommon presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Blistering can occur following or simultaneously with established systemic lupus erythematosus. We propose that clinicians should carefully search for systemic involvement, especially hematologic and renal impairment, in patients presenting with bullous systemic lupus erythematosus.
Mesenteric inflammatory veno-occlusive disease of the spleen metasynchronous with two arterial thrombotic events in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Allali D , Puppa G , Chizzolini C
Published: March 2017

Vasculitides, particularly those affecting small vessels, are known to complicate systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, isolated venulitis of the mesenteric bed has rarely been reported. Here we relate the case of a 46-year-old woman with SLE who presented with acute abdominal pain due to artery thrombosis and extended splenic ischemia requiring splenectomy. The histological examination revealed diffuse venulitis in the absence of arterial vasculitis consistent with the definition of mesenteric inflammatory veno-occlusive disease (MIVOD). Furthermore, arterial wall thickening suggestive of uncomplicated atherosclerosis was observed. Two months later, the patient suffered of severe myocardial infarction (MI) resulting from thrombosis of the anterior interventricular coronary artery with otherwise no signs of coronary disease at coronarography. Extensive work-up to establish the cause of MI was negative, with the exception of marginal, isolated and transient elevation of cardiolipin IgG (14.5 GPL, n.v. 0–5 GPL). This patient’s SLE history is dramatically marked by the previously non-described association of MIVOD and two arterial thrombotic events (splenic and coronary) occurring within a two months period, and stresses the need of better understanding and prevention of vascular complications in SLE.
Reduced volumes of the CA1 and CA4-dentate gyrus hippocampal subfields in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bódi N , Polgár A , Kiss E , Mester Á , Poór G , Kéri S
Published: March 2017

Introduction

There is evidence for hippocampal dysfunctions in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which may contribute to neuropsychiatric impairments. However, fine structural alterations of the hippocampus have not been investigated in SLE.

Methods

We measured the volume of hippocampal subfields in 18 SLE patients and 20 healthy control individuals matched for age, gender, and education. The MRI protocol included structural T1 volumes (Philips Achieva 3T scanner, magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo (MPRAGE)). For image processing, we used the neuGRID platform and the longitudinal pipeline of FreeSurfer v6.0 with the “hipposubfields” flag.

Results

Patients with SLE showed reduced volumes of CA1 (Cornu Ammonis 1) and CA4-dentate gyrus subfields relative to the control individuals. Smaller CA1 volumes were associated with worse performance on the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination.

Conclusions

These preliminary results indicate a prominent vulnerability and functional relevance of the CA1 hippocampal subfield in SLE.
Human Trafficking and Country Borders
Authors: DiRienzo Cassandra E. , Das Jayoti
Published: March 2017

The primary purpose of this study is to empirically test whether neighboring countries within the Schengen region have similar human trafficking prevalence rates. It is argued that the free flow of persons across borders in the region impacts human trafficking in two ways. First, it lessens many of the transportation challenges and costs faced by human traffickers. Second, it enhances the ability of traffickers to acquire knowledge about neighboring countries in regard to policing, demand for trafficked persons, and terrain, which enables trafficking networks to spread. The Moran Index, a measure of spatial autocorrelation, is used to test the hypothesis using the Global Slavery Index’s proportion of country population living in slavery, a proxy for human trafficking. The Moran Index is significant and positive in the Schengen region, indicating that country neighbors within the region tend to have similar human trafficking prevalence rates. The Moran Index is calculated in other global regions (Africa, Asia, and North and South America) in addition to Schengen border itself, and the index is insignificant in these areas, which offers evidence that the relationship between neighboring countries within the Schengen region is unique. Policy implications of these findings are offered.
Teasing Apart Overclaiming, Overconfidence, and Socially Desirable Responding
Authors: Bensch Doreen , Paulhus Delroy L. , Stankov Lazar , Ziegler Matthias
Published: March 2017

Contamination with positivity bias is a potential problem in virtually all areas of psychological assessment. To determine the impact of positivity bias, one common approach is to embed special indicators within one’s assessment battery. Such tools range from social desirability scales to overconfidence measures to the so-called overclaiming technique. Despite the large literature on these different approaches and underlying theoretical notions, little is known about the overall nomological network—in particular, the degree to which these constructs overlap. To this end, a broad spectrum of positivity bias detection tools was administered in low-stakes settings ( N = 798) along with measures of the Big Five, grandiose narcissism, and cognitive ability. Exploratory factor analyses revealed six first-order and two second-order factors. Overclaiming was not loaded by any of the six first-order factors and overconfidence was not explained by either of the two second-order factors. All other measures were confounded with personality and/or cognitive ability. Based on our findings, overclaiming is the most distinct potential indicator of positivity bias and independent of known personality measures.
Atopic Eczema: Genetic Associations and Potential Links to Developmental Exposures
Authors: Bauer Stephen M.
Published: March 2017

Atopic eczema (AE), or atopic dermatitis (AD), is a common inflammatory skin disease with a disrupted epidermal barrier and an allergic immune response. AD/AE is prominently characterized by a symptomatic itch and transient skin lesions. Infants compose a significant percentage affected. Two models have been proposed to explain AD/AE skin pathology: the gut microbiome-focused inside-outside model and the outside-inside model concentrating on the disrupted skin barrier/skin microbiome. Gene disruptions contributing to epidermal structure, as well as those in immune system genes, are implicated. Over 30 genes have been linked to AD/AE with Flg and Tmem79/Matt alterations being common. Other linked disruptions are in the interleukin-1 family of cytokines/receptors and the TH2 gene family of cytokines. Inheritable epigenetic modifications of the genes or associated proteins may also be involved. Skin barrier disruption and the allergic immune response have been the main foci in mechanistic studies of AD/AE, but the role of the environment is becoming more apparent. Thus, an examination of in utero exposures could be very helpful in understanding the heterogeneity of AD/AE. Although research is limited, there is evidence that developmental exposure to environmental tobacco smoke or phthalates may impact disease. Management for AD/AE includes topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, which safely facilitate improvements in select individuals. Disease heterogeneity warrants continued research not only into elucidating disease mechanism(s), via identification of contributing genetic alterations, but also research to understand how/when these genetic alterations occur. This may lead to the cure that those affected by AD/AE eagerly await.
Free-Living Enterobacterium Pragia fontium 24613: Complete Genome Sequence and Metabolic Profiling
Authors: Snopková Kateřina , Sedlář Karel , Bosák Juraj , Chaloupková Eva , Sedláček Ivo , Provazník Ivo , Šmajs David
Published: March 2017

Pragia fontium is one of the few species that belongs to the group of atypical hydrogen sulfide-producing enterobacteria. Unlike other members of this closely related group, P. fontium is not associated with any known host and has been reported as a free-living bacterium. Whole genome sequencing and metabolic fingerprinting confirmed the phylogenetic position of P. fontium inside the group of atypical H2S producers. Genomic data have revealed that P. fontium 24613 has limited pathogenic potential, although there are signs of genome decay. Although the lack of specific virulence factors and no association with a host species suggest a free-living style, the signs of genome decay suggest a process of adaptation to an as-yet-unknown host.
Real-Time Reverse-Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay Is a Feasible Method for the Relative Quantification of Heregulin Expression in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Tissue
Authors: Kristof Jessica , Sakrison Kellen , Jin Xiaoping , Nakamaru Kenji , Schneider Matthias , Beckman Robert A , Freeman Daniel , Spittle Cindy , Feng Wenqin
Published: March 2017

In preclinical studies, heregulin ( HRG) expression was shown to be the most relevant predictive biomarker for response to patritumab, a fully human anti–epidermal growth factor receptor 3 monoclonal antibody. In support of a phase 2 study of erlotinib ± patritumab in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay for relative quantification of HRG expression from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) NSCLC tissue samples was developed and validated and described herein. Test specimens included matched FFPE normal lung and NSCLC and frozen NSCLC tissue, and HRG-positive and HRG-negative cell lines. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue was examined for functional performance. Heregulin distribution was also analyzed across 200 NSCLC commercial samples. Applied Biosystems TaqMan Gene Expression Assays were run on the Bio-Rad CFX96 real-time PCR platform. Heregulin RT-qPCR assay specificity, PCR efficiency, PCR linearity, and reproducibility were demonstrated. The final assay parameters included the Qiagen FFPE RNA Extraction Kit for RNA extraction from FFPE NSCLC tissue, 50 ng of RNA input, and 3 reference (housekeeping) genes ( HMBS, IPO8, and EIF2B1), which had expression levels similar to HRG expression levels and were stable among FFPE NSCLC samples. Using the validated assay, unimodal HRG distribution was confirmed across 185 evaluable FFPE NSCLC commercial samples. Feasibility of an RT-qPCR assay for the quantification of HRG expression in FFPE NSCLC specimens was demonstrated.
PISMA: A Visual Representation of Motif Distribution in DNA Sequences
Authors: Alcántara-Silva Rogelio , Alvarado-Hermida Moisés , Díaz-Contreras Gibrán , Sánchez-Barrios Martha , Carrera Samantha , Galván Silvia Carolina
Published: March 2017

Background:

Because the graphical presentation and analysis of motif distribution can provide insights for experimental hypothesis, PISMA aims at identifying motifs on DNA sequences, counting and showing them graphically. The motif length ranges from 2 to 10 bases, and the DNA sequences range up to 10 kb. The motif distribution is shown as a bar-code–like, as a gene-map–like, and as a transcript scheme.

Results:

We obtained graphical schemes of the CpG site distribution from 91 human papillomavirus genomes. Also, we present 2 analyses: one of DNA motifs associated with either methylation-resistant or methylation-sensitive CpG islands and another analysis of motifs associated with exosome RNA secretion.

Availability and Implementation:

PISMA is developed in Java; it is executable in any type of hardware and in diverse operating systems. PISMA is freely available to noncommercial users. The English version and the User Manual are provided in Supplementary Files 1 and 2, and a Spanish version is available at www.biomedicas.unam.mx/wp-content/software/pisma.zip and www.biomedicas.unam.mx/wp-content/pdf/manual/pisma.pdf .