bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variable reliability of surrogate measures of insulin sensitivity after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Authors: Bojsen-Møller Kirstine N. , Dirksen Carsten , Svane Maria S. , Jørgensen Nils B. , Holst Jens J. , Richter Erik A. , Madsbad Sten
Published: February 2017

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) induces weight loss and improves insulin sensitivity when evaluated by the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (HEC). Surrogate indices of insulin sensitivity calculated from insulin and glucose concentrations at fasting or after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) are frequently used, but have not been validated after RYGB. Our aim was to evaluate whether surrogate indices reliably estimate changes in insulin sensitivity after RYGB. Four fasting surrogates (inverse-HOMA-IR, HOMA2-%S, QUICKI, revised-QUICKI) and three OGTT-derived surrogates (Matsuda, Gutt, OGIS) were compared with HEC-estimated peripheral insulin sensitivity ( Rd or Rd/I, depending on how the index was originally validated) and the tracer-determined hepatic insulin sensitivity index (HISI) in patients with preoperative type 2 diabetes ( n = 10) and normal glucose tolerance ( n = 10) 1 wk, 3 mo, and 1 yr postoperatively. Post-RYGB changes in inverse-HOMA-IR and HOMA2-%S did not correlate with changes in Rd at any visit, but were comparable to changes in HISI at 1 wk. Changes in QUICKI and revised-QUICKI correlated with Rd/I after surgery. Changes in the Matsuda and Gutt indices did not correlate with changes in Rd/I and Rd, respectively, whereas OGIS changes correlated with Rd changes at 1 yr post-RYGB. In conclusion, surrogate measures of insulin sensitivity may not reflect results obtained with gold standard methodology after RYGB, underscoring the importance of critical reflection when surrogate endpoints are used. Fasting surrogate indices may be particularly affected by post-RYGB changes in insulin clearance, whereas the validity of OGTT-derived surrogates may be compromised by surgical rearrangements of the gut.
Effect of hypohydration on postsynaptic cutaneous vasodilation and sweating in healthy men
Authors: Tucker Matthew A. , Six Ashley , Moyen Nicole E. , Satterfield Alf Z. , Ganio Matthew S.
Published: February 2017

Hypohydration decreases cutaneous vasodilation and sweating during heat stress, but it is unknown if these decrements are from postsynaptic (i.e., sweat gland/blood vessel) alterations. The purpose of this study was to determine if hypohydration affects postsynaptic cutaneous vasodilation and sweating responses. Twelve healthy men participated in euhydrated (EU) and hypohydrated (HY) trials, with hypohydration induced via fluid restriction and passive heat stress. Changes in cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC; %max) in response to incremental intradermal infusion of the endothelium-independent vasodilator sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and the endothelium-dependent vasodilator methacholine chloride (MCh) were assessed by laser Doppler flowmetry. Local sweat rate (LSR) was simultaneously assessed at the MCh site via ventilated capsule. At the end of the last dose, maximal CVC was elicited by delivering a maximal dose of SNP (5 × 10−2 M) for 30 min to both sites with simultaneous local heating (~44°C) at the SNP site. The concentration of drug needed to elicit 50% of the maximal response (log EC50) was compared between hydration conditions. The percent body mass loss was greater with HY vs. EU (−2.2 ± 0.7 vs. −0.1 ± 0.7%, P < 0.001). Log EC50 of endothelium-dependent CVC was lower with EU (−3.62 ± 0.22) vs. HY (−2.93 ± 0.08; P = 0.044). Hypohydration did not significantly alter endothelium-independent CVC or LSR (both P > 0.05). In conclusion, hypohydration attenuated endothelium-dependent CVC but did not affect endothelium-independent CVC or LSR responses. These data suggest that reductions in skin blood flow accompanying hypohydration can be partially attributed to altered postsynaptic function.
The Hypertension Pandemic: An Evolutionary Perspective
Authors: Rossier Bernard C. , Bochud Murielle , Devuyst Olivier
Published: February 2017

Hypertension affects over 1.2 billion individuals worldwide and has become the most critical and expensive public health problem. Hypertension is a multifactorial disease involving environmental and genetic factors together with risk-conferring behaviors. The cause of the disease is identified in ∼10% of the cases (secondary hypertension), but in 90% of the cases no etiology is found (primary or essential hypertension). For this reason, a better understanding of the mechanisms controlling blood pressure in normal and hypertensive patients is the aim of very active experimental and clinical research. In this article, we review the importance of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) for the control of blood pressure, focusing on the evolution of the system and its critical importance for adaptation of vertebrates to a terrestrial and dry environment. The evolution of blood pressure control during the evolution of primates, hominins, and humans is discussed, together with the role of common genetic factors and the possible causes of the current hypertension pandemic in the light of evolutionary medicine.
Extracellular Matrix Receptor Expression in Subtypes of Lung Adenocarcinoma Potentiates Outgrowth of Micrometastases
Authors: Stevens Laura E. , Cheung William K.C. , Adua Sally J. , Arnal-Estapé Anna , Zhao Minghui , Liu Zongzhi , Brewer Kelly , Herbst Roy S. , Nguyen Don X.
Published: February 2017

Mechanisms underlying the propensity of latent lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) to relapse are poorly understood. In this study, we show how differential expression of a network of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and their interacting proteins contributes to risk of relapse in distinct LUAD subtypes. Overexpression of the hyaluronan receptor HMMR in primary LUAD was associated with an inflammatory molecular signature and poor prognosis. Attenuating HMMR in LUAD cells diminished their ability to initiate lung tumors and distant metastases. HMMR upregulation was not required for dissemination in vivo, but enhanced ECM-mediated signaling, LUAD cell survival, and micrometastasis expansion in hyaluronan-rich microenvironments in the lung and brain metastatic niches. Our findings reveal an important mechanism by which disseminated cancer cells can coopt the inflammatory ECM to persist, leading to brain metastatic outgrowths. Cancer Res; 77(8); 1905–17. ©2017 AACR.
Delayed Intraparenchymal and Intraventricular Hemorrhage Requiring Surgical Evacuation after MRI-Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Lesional Epilepsy
Authors: Barber Sean M. , Tomycz Luke , George Timothy , Clarke Dave F. , Lee Mark
Published: February 2017

Background: Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage is a rare complication of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT). Objectives: To present a unique case of delayed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurring after a LITT procedure for epilepsy in a high-volume center (68 LITT procedures for pediatric epilepsy have been performed). Methods: An 18-year-old male with epilepsy underwent LITT to an area of heterotopia near the right lateral ventricle. He did well initially and was discharged home on postoperative day 1 but returned on postoperative day 9 with headache and left hemiparesis. He was found to have intraparenchymal and intraventricular hemorrhage in the region of the LITT catheter tract. Results: CT angiography on admission revealed a small vascular abnormality near the focus of hemorrhage suspicious for pseudoaneurysm, although conventional angiography was negative. The patient declined neurologically and underwent craniotomy and hemorrhage evacuation. He eventually convalesced and was discharged to inpatient rehabilitation with persistent left hemiparesis. He has been seizure free since the intervention but remains on antiepileptic drugs. Conclusions: Evidence from the literature suggests that the pathophysiology of symptomatic hemorrhage after LITT may be related to vascular injury and pseudoaneurysm formation from LITT catheter placement and/or thermal injury from the ablation itself.
Circulating Tumor Cell Count Can Be a Useful Prognostic Factor in Lung Resection via Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Hashimoto Masaki , Okumura Yoshitomo , Tanaka Fumihiro , Yoneda Kazue , Takuwa Teruhisa , Kondo Nobuyuki , Hasegawa Seiki
Published: February 2017

Tumor resection with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) remains controversial in the field of oncology. Here, we present a 57-year-old male patient with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma. The tumor was located in the left hilum and invaded the left atrium. Complete resection, left pneumonectomy combined with partial left atrium resection, was achieved using CPB. We evaluated the circulating tumor cell (CTC) counts, as a surrogate for micrometastasis, in peripheral blood and the CPB circuit. Both CTC counts were 0, which could indicate local disease without micrometastasis. CTC count may be a useful indicator for tumor resection with CPB in lung cancer.
Current and Future Targets for Mucosal Healing in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Atreya Raja , Neurath Markus F.
Published: February 2017

The induction and subsequent maintenance of mucosal healing has emerged as one of the central therapeutic goals in the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). Current and novel treatment options are assessed regarding their therapeutic efficacy on the basis of their ability to induce mucosal healing. However, there is still substantial debate about the precise definition of mucosal healing. Here, we will give an overview regarding the definitions of mucosal healing as well as its probable effects on long-term disease behavior and finally focus on current and potential therapeutic targets to achieve this therapeutic goal in IBD patients.
Novel Variant in the
ANK2
Membrane-Binding Domain Is Associated With Ankyrin-B Syndrome and Structural Heart Disease in a First Nations Population With a High Rate of Long QT Syndrome
Authors: Swayne Leigh Anne , Murphy Nathaniel P. , Asuri Sirisha , Chen Lena , Xu Xiaoxue , McIntosh Sarah , Wang Chao , Lancione Peter J. , Roberts Jason D. , Kerr Charles , Sanatani Shubhayan , Sherwin Elizabeth , Kline Crystal F. , Zhang Mingjie , Mohler Peter J. , Arbour Laura T.
Published: February 2017

Background—

Long QT syndrome confers susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia, predisposing to syncope, seizures, and sudden death. While rare globally, long QT syndrome is ≈15× more common in First Nations of Northern British Columbia largely because of a known mutation in
KCNQ1
. However, 2 large multigenerational families were affected, but negative for the known mutation.

Methods and Results—

Long QT syndrome panel testing was carried out in the index case of each family, and clinical information was collected. Cascade genotyping was performed. Biochemical and myocyte-based assays were performed to evaluate the identified gene variant for loss-of-function activity. Index cases in these 2 families harbored a novel
ANK2
c.1937C>T variant (p.S646F). An additional 16 carriers were identified, including 2 with structural heart disease: one with cardiomyopathy resulting in sudden death and the other with congenital heart disease. For all carriers of this variant, the average QTc was 475 ms (±40). Although ankyrin-B p.S646F is appropriately folded and expressed in bacteria, the mutant polypeptide displays reduced expression in cultured H9c2 cells and aberrant localization in primary cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, myocytes expressing ankyrin-B p.S646F lack normal membrane targeting of the ankyrin-binding partner, the Na/Ca exchanger. Thus, ankyrin-B p.S646F is a loss-of-function variant.

Conclusions—

We identify the first disease-causing
ANK2
variant localized to the membrane-binding domain resulting in reduced ankyrin-B expression and abnormal localization. Further study is warranted on the potential association of this variant with structural heart disease given the role of
ANK2
in targeting and stabilization of key structural and signaling molecules in cardiac cells.
Hyaluronidase 2 Deficiency Causes Increased Mesenchymal Cells, Congenital Heart Defects, and Heart Failure
Authors: Chowdhury Biswajit , Xiang Bo , Liu Michelle , Hemming Richard , Dolinsky Vernon W. , Triggs-Raine Barbara
Published: February 2017

Background—

Hyaluronan (HA) is required for endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and normal heart development in the mouse. Heart abnormalities in hyaluronidase 2 (HYAL2)–deficient (
Hyal2

−

/−

) mice and humans suggested removal of HA is also important for normal heart development. We have performed longitudinal studies of heart structure and function in
Hyal2
−/−
mice to determine when, and how, HYAL2 deficiency leads to these abnormalities.

Methods and Results—

Echocardiography revealed atrial enlargement, atrial tissue masses, and valvular thickening at 4 weeks of age, as well as diastolic dysfunction that progressed with age, in
Hyal2
−/−
mice. These abnormalities were associated with increased HA, vimentin-positive cells, and fibrosis in
Hyal2
−/−
compared with control mice. Based on the severity of heart dysfunction, acute and chronic groups of
Hyal2
−/−
mice that died at an average of 12 and 25 weeks respectively, were defined. Increased HA levels and mesenchymal cells, but not vascular endothelial growth factor in
Hyal2
−/−
embryonic hearts, suggest that HYAL2 is important to inhibit endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Consistent with this, in wild-type embryos, HYAL2 and HA were readily detected, and HA levels decreased with age.

Conclusions—

These data demonstrate that disruption of normal HA catabolism in
Hyal2
−/−
mice causes increased HA, which may promote endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and proliferation of mesenchymal cells. Excess endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, resulting in increased mesenchymal cells, is the likely cause of morphological heart abnormalities in both humans and mice. In mice, these abnormalities result in progressive and severe diastolic dysfunction, culminating in heart failure.
Left Atrial Structure in Relationship to Age, Sex, Ethnicity, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Zemrak Filip , Ambale-Venkatesh Bharath , Captur Gabriella , Chrispin Jonathan , Chamera Ela , Habibi Mohammadali , Nazarian Saman , Mohiddin Saidi A. , Moon James C. , Petersen Steffen E. , Lima João A.C. , Bluemke David A.
Published: February 2017

Background—

Left atrial (LA) size is a marker of diastolic function and is associated with atrial fibrillation and cardiovascular outcomes. However, there are no large population studies measuring LA structure. The relationship of demographics and cardiovascular risk factors to LA size is largely unknown. This study aimed to determine associations of LA size with demographic factors, cardiac structure and function, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods and Results—

LA volume indexed to body surface area was measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance steady-state free precession and fast gradient echo cine long- and short-axis images in 2576 asymptomatic participants of MESA ([Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis] 68.7 years, 53.0% women, white 42.2%, Chinese American 12.0%, black 24.5%, and Hispanic 21.2%) using biplane and short-axis images. The mean LA volume index was 36.5±11.4 mL/m
2
in the entire cohort and 35.5±10.1 mL/m
2
in subjects free of cardiovascular risk factors (n=283). Multivariable analysis included adjustment for demographics, ethnicity, cardiovascular risk factors, serological studies, socioeconomic status, left ventricular structure, and medications. In the adjusted analysis, age (β=0.2 mL/m
2
per year,
P
<0.0001), male sex (β=−4.2 mL/m
2
,
P
<0.0001), obesity (β=1.3 mL/m
2
,
P
<0.01), end-diastolic volume index (β=0.4 mL/m
2
,
P
<0.0001), Chinese American (β=−2.6 mL/m
2
,
P
<0.0001), and Hispanic (β=1.1 mL/m
2
,
P
<0.05) ethnicities were associated with LA volume index. Diabetes mellitus and smoking were not associated with LA volume index. LA volumes measured by steady-state free precession were 3% larger than by fast gradient echo cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

Age, sex, ethnicity and left ventricular structural parameters were associated with LA size. Importantly, the study provides reference values of normal LA volume index.
Healthcare Utilization and Expenditures Associated With Appropriate and Inappropriate Implantable Defibrillator Shocks
Authors: Turakhia Mintu P. , Zweibel Steven , Swain Andrea L. , Mollenkopf Sarah A. , Reynolds Matthew R.
Published: February 2017

Background—

In patients with implantable cardioverter–defibrillators, healthcare utilization (HCU) and expenditures related to shocks have not been quantified.

Methods and Results—

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with implantable cardioverter–defibrillators identified from commercial and Medicare supplemental claims databases linked to adjudicated shock events from remote monitoring data. A shock event was defined as ≥1 spontaneous shocks delivered by an implanted device. Shock-related HCU was ascertained from inpatient and outpatient claims within 7 days following a shock event. Shock events were adjudicated and classified as inappropriate or appropriate, and HCU and expenditures, stratified by shock type, were quantified. Of 10 266 linked patients, 963 (9.4%) patients (61.3±13.6 years; 81% male) had 1885 shock events (56% appropriate, 38% inappropriate, and 6% indeterminate). Of these events, 867 (46%) had shock-related HCU (14% inpatient and 32% outpatient). After shocks, inpatient cardiovascular procedures were common, including echocardiography (59%), electrophysiology study or ablation (34%), stress testing (16%), and lead revision (11%). Cardiac catheterization was common (71% and 51%), but percutaneous coronary intervention was low (6.5% and 5.0%) after appropriate and inappropriate shocks. Expenditures related to appropriate and inappropriate shocks were not significantly different.

Conclusions—

After implantable cardioverter–defibrillator shock, related HCU was common, with 1 in 3 shock events followed by outpatient HCU and 1 in 7 followed by hospitalization. Use of invasive cardiovascular procedures was substantial, even after inappropriate shocks, which comprised 38% of all shocks. Implantable cardioverter–defibrillator shocks seem to trigger a cascade of health care. Strategies to reduce shocks could result in cost savings.
Risk of Acute Stroke After Hospitalization for Sepsis
Authors: Boehme Amelia K. , Ranawat Purnima , Luna Jorge , Kamel Hooman , Elkind Mitchell S.V.
Published: February 2017

Background and Purpose—

Infections have been found to increase the risk of stroke over the short term. We hypothesized that stroke risk would be highest shortly after a sepsis hospitalization, but that the risk would decrease, yet remain up to 1 year after sepsis.

Methods—

This case-crossover analysis utilized data obtained from the California State Inpatient Database of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. All stroke admissions were included. Exposure was defined as hospitalization for sepsis or septicemia 180, 90, 30, or 15 days before stroke (risk period) or similar time intervals exactly 1 or 2 years before stroke (control period). Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the association between sepsis/septicemia and ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.

Results—

Ischemic (n=37 377) and hemorrhagic (n=12 817) strokes that occurred in 2009 were extracted where 3188 (8.5%) ischemic and 1101 (8.6%) hemorrhagic stroke patients had sepsis. Sepsis within 15 days before the stroke placed patients at the highest risk of ischemic (OR, 28.36; 95% CI, 20.02–40.10) and hemorrhagic stroke (OR, 12.10; 95% CI, 7.54–19.42); however, although the risk decreased, it remained elevated 181 to 365 days after sepsis for ischemic (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 2.20–3.06) and hemorrhagic (OR, 3.92; 95% CI 3.29–4.69) strokes. There was an interaction with age (
P
=0.0006); risk of developing an ischemic stroke within 180 days of hospitalization for sepsis increased 18% with each 10-year decrease in age.

Conclusions—

Risk of stroke is high after sepsis, and this risk persists for up to a year. Younger sepsis patients have a particularly increased risk of stroke after sepsis.
Circulating Spirits and Dead Bodies
Authors: Saraiva Clara
Published: February 2017

Death is the ultimate rite of passage, one that no one can avoid, with multiple implications for the life of the individuals and of the groups within which they move. Throughout this article, I intend to show how death is a good metaphor to think about the production of places and spaces of belonging in transnational contexts, and how circulation is the key term to understand how such transnational trends are produced. I argue that in a transnational setting – in this case of Guinean migrants in Portugal – death functions as a true regeneration source as it shapes the continuity of the relationship between the migrant and the place of origin. The circulation of dead bodies, symbolic universes, spiritual healers and spirits re-shape the ties between the world of the living and the world of the dead across continents and oceans.
The Jishi Outburst Flood of 1920 bce and the Great Flood Legend in Ancient China: Preliminary Reflections
Authors: Allan Sarah
Published: February 2017

On August 5, 2015,Sciencepublished an article by Wu Qinglong and a team of distinguished archaeologists that reported on the discovery of evidence for a massive outburst flood in the upper reaches of the Yellow River c. 1920bce. The archaeologists identified this flood with the one brought under control by Yu 禹, who was traditionally regarded as the founder of the Xia dynasty. They further argue that since Erlitou culture originated around 1900bce, the coincidence of date serves to confirm the identification of Xia and Erlitou culture. This article argues against the historical interpretation of this evidence for an ancient flood. In the early texts, Yu did not control a flood along the Yellow River; he dug all the riverbeds throughout the world so that the waters could flow into the sea. Moreover, the story of Yu controlling the waters and the foundation of the Xia dynasty were not linked in the earliest accounts. This story originated as part of a cosmogonic myth in which the world was made habitable and conducive to agriculture. Thus, it cannot be identified with any particular flood or used to date the foundation of the Xia. Finally, it argues that a great flood was more likely to have caused social disruption than the development of a new level of state power. However, this flood may have caused people from the Qijia culture, which was centered in the region of the flood and already had primitive bronze-casting technology, to flee to other regions including that dominated by Erlitou culture. This cultural interaction introduced metallurgy which was further developed in the context of Erlitou culture, thus spurring its development as a state-level society.
Trigonotis doormanensis, a new name for Trigonotis vestita P.Royen (Boraginaceae)
Authors: XUE BINE
Published: February 2017

Trigonotis doormanensis B.Xue is proposed to replace Trigonotis vestita Royen, a later homonym of Trigonotis vestita (Hemsley) Johnston.
Rediscovery and redescription of Laelaps lignicola G. & R. Canestrini, a remarkable myrmecophilous mite of the genus Cosmolaelaps Berlese (Acari: Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) from Italy
Authors: PLUMARI MASSIMO , JOHARCHI OMID
Published: February 2017

Laelaps lignicola G. & R. Canestrini, 1882 is redescribed on the basis of numerous adults and deutonymphs, collected from Italy more than a century after its description. Despite its setiform setae without a discernible asymmetric swelling, this species fits the current concept of the genus Cosmolaelaps Berlese for all remaining diagnostic characters. Males of L. lignicola and Cosmolaelaps vacuus (Michael) share the presence of a basal process bearing seta av on telefemur II. This attribute is apparently not described in other laelapid mites. Also, males of L. lignicola are similar to those of some European species of Cosmolaelaps in having a distinct masticatory ridge on the fixed digit of chelicera. The ecological preference for decaying wood microhabitats, where L. lignicola is closely associated with Lasius emarginatus (Olivier) (Hymenoptera Formicidae), also suggests a close affinity with Cosmolaelaps species. Consequently, this species is provisionally placed in Cosmolaelaps and the new combination C. lignicolus (G. & R. Canestrini, 1882) comb. nov. is proposed.
A new genus and new species of Potamidea (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamoidae), the first stygomorphic cave crab known from China and East Asia
Authors: HUANG CHAO , SHIH HSI-TE , NG PETER K. L.
Published: February 2017

A new genus and species of freshwater crab, Diyutamon cereum n. gen., n. sp., is described from a cave in Guizhou, China. This is the first record of a true stygomorphic crab from China and East Asia, possessing pale body coloration, strongly reduced eyes, and long ambulatory legs. While superficially similar to Chinapotamon Dai & Naiyanetr, 1994, and Tiwaripotamon Bott, 1970, the new genus possesses a diagnostic combination of carapace, ambulatory leg, thoracic sternal, and male abdominal characters that easily distinguishes it from other genera. Molecular data derived from the mitochondrial 16S rDNA supports the establishment of the new genus.
Using a Bayesian Regression Approach on Dual-Model Windstorm Simulations to Improve Wind Speed Prediction
Authors: Yang Jaemo , Astitha Marina , Anagnostou Emmanouil N. , Hartman Brian M.
Published: February 2017

Weather prediction accuracy is very important given the devastating effects of extreme-weather events in recent years. Numerical weather prediction systems are used to build strategies to prevent catastrophic losses of human lives and the environment and have evolved with the use of multimodel or single-model ensembles and data-assimilation techniques in an attempt to improve the forecast skill. These techniques require increased computational power (thousands of CPUs) because of the number of model simulations and ingestion of observational data from a wide variety of sources. In this study, the combination of predictions from two state-of-the-science atmospheric models [WRF and RAMS/Integrated Community Limited Area Modeling System (ICLAMS)] using Bayesian and simple linear regression techniques is examined, and wind speed prediction for the northeastern United States is improved using regression techniques. Retrospective simulations of 17 storms that affected the northeastern United States during the period 2004–13 are performed and utilized. Optimal variances are estimated for the 13 training storms by minimizing the root-mean-square error and are applied to four out-of-sample storms [Hurricane Irene (2011), Hurricane Sandy (2012), a November 2012 winter storm, and a February 2013 blizzard]. The results show a 20%–30% improvement in the systematic and random error of 10-m wind speed over all stations and storms, using various storm combinations for the training dataset. This study indicates that 10–13 storms in the training dataset are sufficient to reduce the errors in the prediction, and a selection that is based on occurrence (chronological sequence) is also considered to be efficient.
Evaluation of Hemispheric Asymmetries in Marine Cloud Radiative Properties
Authors: Bender Frida A.-M. , Engström Anders , Wood Robert , Charlson Robert J.
Published: February 2017

The hemispheric symmetry of albedo and its contributing factors in satellite observations and global climate models is evaluated. The analysis is performed on the annual mean time scale, on which a bimodality in the joint distribution of albedo and cloud fraction is evident, resulting from tropical and subtropical clouds and midlatitude clouds, respectively. Hemispheric albedo symmetry is not found in individual ocean-only latitude bands; comparing the Northern and Southern Hemisphere (NH and SH), regional mean albedo is higher in the NH tropics and lower in the NH subtropics and midlatitudes than in the SH counterparts. This follows the hemispheric asymmetry of cloud fraction. In midlatitudes and tropics the hemispheric asymmetry in cloud albedo also contributes to the asymmetry in total albedo, whereas in the subtropics the cloud albedo is more hemispherically symmetric. According to the observations, cloud contributions to compensation for higher clear-sky albedo in the NH come primarily from cloud albedo in midlatitudes and cloud amount in the subtropics. Current-generation climate models diverge in their representation of these relationships, but common features of the model–data comparison include weaker-than-observed asymmetry in cloud fraction and cloud albedo in the tropics, weaker or reversed cloud fraction asymmetry in the subtropics, and agreement with observed cloud albedo asymmetry in the midlatitudes. Models on average reproduce the NH–SH asymmetry in total albedo over the 60°S–60°N ocean but show higher occurrence of brighter clouds in the SH compared to observations. The albedo bias in both hemispheres is reinforced by overestimated clear-sky albedo in the models.
Visualizing Volcanic Ash Forecasts: Scientist and Stakeholder Decisions Using Different Graphical Representations and Conflicting Forecasts
Authors: Mulder Kelsey J. , Lickiss Matthew , Harvey Natalie , Black Alison , Charlton-Perez Andrew , Dacre Helen , McCloy Rachel
Published: February 2017

During volcanic eruptions, Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres issue ash advisories for aviation showing the forecasted outermost extent of the ash cloud. During the 2010 Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull eruption, the Met Office produced supplementary forecasts of quantitative ash concentration, due to demand from airlines. Additionally, satellite retrievals of estimated volcanic ash concentration are now available. To test how these additional graphical representations of volcanic ash affect flight decisions, whether users infer uncertainty in graphical forecasts of volcanic ash, and how decisions are made when given conflicting forecasts, a survey was conducted of 25 delegates representing U.K. research and airline operations dealing with volcanic ash. Respondents were more risk seeking with safer flight paths and risk averse with riskier flight paths when given location and concentration forecasts compared to when given only the outermost extent of the ash. Respondents representing operations were more risk seeking than respondents representing research. Additionally, most respondents’ hand-drawn no-fly zones were larger than the areas of unsafe ash concentrations in the forecasts. This conservatism implies that respondents inferred uncertainty from the volcanic ash concentration forecasts. When given conflicting forecasts, respondents became more conservative than when given a single forecast. The respondents were also more risk seeking with high-risk flight paths and more risk averse with low-risk flight paths when given conflicting forecasts than when given a single forecast. The results show that concentration forecasts seem to reduce flight cancellations while maintaining safety. Open discussions with the respondents suggested that definitions of uncertainty may differ between research and operations.
Gender, occupational gender segregation and sickness absence
Authors: Melsom Anne May , Mastekaasa Arne
Published: February 2017

Women have much higher sickness absence rates than men. One prominent hypothesis is that this is a result of gender segregation in the labour market and the differences in employment or working conditions that follow from this. Previous studies assessing this idea give mixed results, but they do not take into account the possibility of selection effects. Long-term health differences between individuals may, for instance, influence both what jobs people end up in and their levels of sickness absence. In this paper, we provide new evidence on employment and working conditions as a cause of gender differences in sickness absence. We use individual fixed-effect models to account for selection based on stable individual characteristics. Like several previous studies, we find a U-shaped relationship with high absence in both male- and female-dominated occupations. However, the fixed-effect models show that this relationship is primarily caused by overrepresentation of absence-prone individuals in female-dominated occupations. Accounting for selection, the association between the proportion of women in the occupation and sickness absence is negative. As far as sickness absence is concerned, the gender segregation in the labour market thus seems to work to the advantage of women.
Why and How the Supreme Court Should Have Decided O’Bannon v. NCAA
Authors: Mitten Matthew J.
Published: February 2017

Despite requests by both parties, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to grant a writ of certiorari in O’Bannon v. NCAA, the first federal appellate court decision holding that an NCAA student-athlete eligibility rule violates Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The Ninth Circuit ruled that NCAA rules prohibiting intercollegiate athletes from receiving any revenue from videogames and telecasts incorporating their names, images, or likenesses unreasonably restrain economic competition among its member universities in the college education market in which these athletes purchase higher education services and sell their athletic services, which violates federal antitrust law. Circuit court rulings conflict regarding whether student-athlete eligibility rules are commercial restraints subject to the Sherman Act, and lower courts have inconsistently interpreted and applied NCAA v. Board of Regents of University of Oklahoma, the Supreme Court’s only intercollegiate athletics antitrust law precedent. The Supreme Court’s refusal to resolve this conflict continues the significant judicial confusion regarding how antitrust law constrains the NCAA’s governance of intercollegiate athletics, which has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar part of the entertainment industry with millions of fans and more than 460,000 student-athletes. Its decision not to do also creates uncertainty regarding how lower courts will resolve pending antitrust challenges to other NCAA amateurism rules and input market restraints such as limits on the duration and maximum number of athletic scholarships per sport as well as transfer rules. This article makes some recommendations for applying Section 1 to NCAA student-athlete eligibility rules and input market restraints, which will better promote consumer welfare, protect student-athletes’ economic rights, and permit the NCAA to promote the unique features of intercollegiate sports without unwarranted judicial micromanagement.
Association Between Dehydration and Fever During the First Week of Life
Authors: Boutin Ariane , Carceller Ana , Desjardins Marie Pier , Sanchez Marisol , Gravel Jocelyn
Published: February 2017

Background: Trying to differentiate serious bacterial infection (SBI) from a self-limiting illness in febrile infants seen in the pediatric emergency department (PED) is a significant challenge. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of dehydration and its relationship to SBI in febrile full-term newborns under 1 week of age seen in a PED. Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out on all children younger than 8 days of age with fever who presented to a single, tertiary care, PED from January 2009 to April 2014. Dehydration was defined as plasma sodium >150 mmol/L or >10% loss of birth weight. SBI was defined by the presence of a positive culture in the blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid; osteoarticular infection; bacterial enteritis; or pneumonia. The primary analysis was the proportion of children with dehydration. A secondary analysis compared proportion of infection according to hydration status. Results: Of the 895 children under 8 days of age who visited the PED, 69 consulted for fever. Seven patients were excluded because they were transferred from another hospital. Sixty-two eligible patients were included in the final analysis. Of these, 17 (27%) were dehydrated according to our definition. Only 2 patients had an SBI while 2 others had a final diagnosis of viral myocarditis and encephalitis, respectively. None of the 4 children with serious infection fulfilled our definition of dehydration, and all had a plasma sodium level lower than 145 mmol/L. Conclusions: Dehydration is frequently associated with fever in infants younger than 8 days of age seen in a PED. Early identification of dehydration may be useful in limiting the aggressive intervention in some of these infants.
Mechanisms by which the inclusion of natural fibres enhance the properties of soil blocks for construction
Authors: Danso Humphrey , Martinson D Brett , Ali Muhammad , Williams John B
Published: February 2017

Soil blocks are widely used for construction, especially in less economically developed countries. Addition of agricultural waste fibres has been shown to improve the properties of these blocks, however unlike most composites the fibres are not bound to the soil matrix. Therefore, the reinforcement mechanisms are different and not well characterised. This article investigates these mechanisms through a series of experimental studies to inform the development of better guidance for practitioners, and hence improve housing for low-income communities. The microstructural characteristics were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, computerised tomography scan, optical microscope analysis and pull out testing. It was established that fibres in the soil matrix are randomly distributed with gaps between the fibres and soil matrix due to fibre shrinkage during drying of the blocks. It also found that natural fibres in soil matrix can either be pulled-out or rupture under load depending on the depth of fibres embedment in the soil matrix.
Role of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells in Impaired Bone Repair from BRONJ Osseous Lesions
Authors: He L.H. , Xiao E. , An J.G. , He Y. , Chen S. , Zhao L. , Zhang T. , Zhang Y.
Published: February 2017

Treatment of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) has posed significant challenges to maxillofacial surgeons because of the poor repair of BRONJ bone defects. Moreover, the pathological mechanisms remain unclear. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) play key roles during bone repair and bone regeneration. However, the activities of BMSCs derived from BRONJ lesions and the BRONJ lesion boundary, as well as the roles of BMSCs in BRONJ defect repair, are poorly defined. In this study, we found that BMSCs from the central area of the osteonecrotic BRONJ region (center-BRONJ BMSCs) and the peripheral area at the recommended debridement boundary (peri-BRONJ BMSCs) had decreased proliferative ability, self-renewal capacity, and multidifferentiation capacities compared with control BMSCs. Osteoclast-inducing ability was also impaired in BRONJ BMSCs. All of these results suggested that the decreased activities of BRONJ BMSCs, even the BMSCs derived from the BRONJ lesion boundary, might be an important factor leading to insufficient bone repair of BRONJ lesions. This study offers early stage evidence for the use of marrow stromal cells in the treatment of BRONJ.
A report of sexual abuse in an Afghan refugee boy in Iran
Authors: Farhidnia Naimeh , Dadashzadeh Asl Nahid , Memarian Azadeh
Published: February 2017

All children have the right to complete and integrated physical and psychological protection against abuse. The most important reason and risk factors for child abuse are social causes including poor familial support, poverty, mood disorders in the family, and addiction. Here, we report a case of child abuse of an Afghan child in Iran with a background of mood disturbances who presented with multiple trauma and injury. A nine-year-old Afghan boy was described with multiple injuries on neck, upper and lower extremities, and trunk. On anal examination in knee chest position, a suspected mucosal injury was evident. Interviewing the patient and his sister revealed a report of sexual abuse through the anus by his father.
Psychological Flexibility and Resilience in Parentally Bereaved College Students
Authors: Murrell Amy R. , Jackson Ryeshia , Lester Ethan G. , Hulsey Teresa
Published: February 2017

Losing a parent prior to age 18 years can have life-long implications. The challenges of emerging adulthood may be even more difficult for parentally bereaved college students, and studying their coping responses is crucial for designing campus services and therapy interventions. This study examined the relationships between bereavement-related distress, experiential avoidance (EA), values, and resilience. Findings indicated that EA and low importance of values were correlated with bereavement difficulties, with EA accounting for 26% of the variance in the bereavement distress measure. In addition, reports of behaving consistently with values accounted for 20% of the variance in the resiliency measure. Contrary to hypotheses and previous literature, there were no significant relationships between the measures of EA and values. The results, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Confirmatory Analysis of an Organizational Culture Instrument for Corrections
Authors: Mei Xiaohan , Iannacchione Brian , Stohr Mary K. , Hemmens Craig , Hudson Marianne , Collins Peter A.
Published: February 2017

Research has determined that organizational culture is related to employee turnover, job commitment, and job satisfaction. Assessment of this culture requires an instrument that befits the type of organization under examination. Using exploratory factor analysis, Stohr and her colleagues were able to demonstrate that the Organizational Culture Instrument (OCI) had a solid reliability and validity profile. The current study reanalyzes these data, using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The findings indicate that there is statistical evidence to claim validation of the OCI and its seven theoretically based dimensions.
Obstructed Use: Reconceptualizing the Mental Health (Help-Seeking) Experiences of Black Americans
Authors: Burkett Christopher Ashley
Published: February 2017

The present body of scholarship suggests that Black Americans seek mental health services at much lower rates than their White American counterparts. The explanations for these decreased levels of mental health help-seeking typically distinguish “barriers” such as stigmatization, lack of culturally relevant treatment models, and negative attitudes toward mental health services. The final results of these analyses are not invalid; however, this researcher contends that they are arguably incomplete. Black Americans must navigate countless obstacles rooted in systematic oppression, institutional inequalities, and structural disparities when seeking help for mental health concerns. This article reviews a set of key terms to offer a historically based and culturally candid perspective on those mental health service seeking experiences for underresourced Black Americans living in environmentally toxic urban spaces. The four theoretical concepts of historical trauma, environmental toxicity, culturally bound economic insecurity, and cultural mistrust both individually and interactively are used to present a more realistic topography of the mental health (help-seeking) experiences for underresourced Black Americans. These ideas are collectively positioned as the theoretical construct of obstructed use.
Introduction
Authors: Delmont Matthew , Theoharis Jeanne
Published: February 2017

This introduction to a special issue rethinking the Boston “Busing Crisis” seeks to examine how the misleading ‘busing crisis’ narrative took hold as a way to understand Boston race relations. The piece examines the long struggle for school desegregation in Boston and the myriad of tactics used to deflect and delegitmize that struggle through frames of “busing,” “neighborhood schools,” “choice,” and “cultural deprivation” which provided a palatable way for Bostonians to explain and hide school inequalities. Finally, the piece considers the role of the media in legitimating these white framings and delegitimizing the urgency of the struggle against school inequality in the Cradle of Liberty.
Body emotion recognition disproportionately depends on vertical orientations during childhood
Authors: Balas Benjamin , Auen Amanda , Saville Alyson , Schmidt Jamie
Published: February 2017

Children’s ability to recognize emotional expressions from faces and bodies develops during childhood. However, the low-level features that support accurate body emotion recognition during development have not been well characterized. This is in marked contrast to facial emotion recognition, which is known to depend upon specific spatial frequency and orientation sub-bands during adulthood, biases that develop during childhood. Here, we examined whether children’s reliance on vertical vs. horizontal orientation energy for recognizing emotional expressions in static images of bodies changed during middle childhood (5 to 10 years old). We found that while children of all ages had an adult-like bias favoring vertical orientation energy, this effect was larger at younger ages. We conclude that in terms of information use, a key feature of the development of emotion recognition is improved performance with sub-optimal features for recognition – that is, learning to use less diagnostic features of the image is a slower process than learning to use more useful features.
The association of psychedelic use and opioid use disorders among illicit users in the United States
Authors: Pisano Vincent D , Putnam Nathaniel P , Kramer Hannah M , Franciotti Kevin J , Halpern John H , Holden Selma C
Published: February 2017

Background:

Preliminary studies show psychedelic compounds administered with psychotherapy are potentially effective and durable substance misuse interventions. However, little is known about the association between psychedelic use and substance misuse in the general population. This study investigated the association between psychedelic use and past year opioid use disorders within illicit opioid users.

Methods:

While controlling for socio-demographic covariates and the use of other substances, the relationship between classic psychedelic use and past year opioid use disorders was analyzed within 44,000 illicit opioid users who completed the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from 2008 to 2013.

Results:

Among respondents with a history of illicit opioid use, psychedelic drug use is associated with 27% reduced risk of past year opioid dependence (weighted risk ratio = 0.73 (0.60–0.89) p = 0.002) and 40% reduced risk of past year opioid abuse (weighted risk ratio = 0.60 (0.41–0.86) p = 0.006). Other than marijuana use, which was associated with 55% reduced risk of past year opioid abuse (weighted risk ratio = 0.45 (0.30–0.66) p < 0.001), no other illicit drug was associated with reduced risk of past year opioid dependence or abuse.

Conclusion:

Experience with psychedelic drugs is associated with decreased risk of opioid abuse and dependence. Conversely, other illicit drug use history is largely associated with increased risk of opioid abuse and dependence. These findings suggest that psychedelics are associated with positive psychological characteristics and are consistent with prior reports suggesting efficacy in treatment of substance use disorders.