bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus into Freshwater Cultured Rainbow Trout Is Followed by Bursts of Adaptive Evolution
Authors: Schönherz Anna A. , Forsberg Roald , Guldbrandtsen Bernt , Buitenhuis Albert J. , Einer-Jensen Katja
Published: April 2018

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus(VHSV), a rhabdovirus infecting teleost fish, has repeatedly crossed the boundary from marine fish species to freshwater cultured rainbow trout. These naturally replicated cross-species transmission events permit the study of general and repeatable evolutionary events occurring in connection with viral emergence in a novel host species. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the adaptive molecular evolution of the VHSV glycoprotein, one of the key virus proteins involved in viral emergence, following emergence from marine species into freshwater cultured rainbow trout. A comprehensive phylogenetic reconstruction of the complete coding region of the VHSV glycoprotein was conducted, and adaptive molecular evolution was investigated using a maximum likelihood approach to compare different codon substitution models allowing for heterogeneous substitution rate ratios among amino acid sites. Evidence of positive selection was detected at six amino acid sites of the VHSV glycoprotein, within the signal peptide, the confirmation-dependent major neutralizing epitope, and the intracellular tail. Evidence of positive selection was found exclusively in rainbow trout-adapted virus isolates, and amino acid combinations found at the six sites under positive selection pressure differentiated rainbow trout- from non-rainbow trout-adapted isolates. Furthermore, four adaptive sites revealed signs of recurring identical changes across phylogenetic groups of rainbow trout-adapted isolates, suggesting that repeated VHSV emergence in freshwater cultured rainbow trout was established through convergent routes of evolution that are associated with immune escape.

IMPORTANCEThis study is the first to demonstrate that VHSV emergence from marine species into freshwater cultured rainbow trout has been accompanied by bursts of adaptive evolution in the VHSV glycoprotein. Furthermore, repeated detection of the same adaptive amino acid sites across phylogenetic groups of rainbow trout-adapted isolates indicates that adaptation to rainbow trout was established through parallel evolution. In addition, signals of convergent evolution toward the maintenance of genetic variation were detected in the conformation-dependent neutralizing epitope or in close proximity to disulfide bonds involved in the structural conformation of the neutralizing epitope, indicating adaptation to immune response-related genetic variation across freshwater cultured rainbow trout.
Origin, Evolution, and Loss of Bacterial Small RNAs
Authors: Dutcher H. Auguste , Raghavan Rahul
Published: April 2018

Despite the central role of bacterial noncoding small RNAs (sRNAs) in posttranscriptional regulation, little is understood about their evolution. Here we compile what has been studied to date and trace a life cycle of sRNAs—from their mechanisms of emergence, through processes of change and frequent neofunctionalization, to their loss from bacterial lineages. Because they possess relatively unrestrictive structural requirements, we find that sRNA origins are varied, and include
de novo
emergence as well as formation from preexisting genetic elements via duplication events and horizontal gene transfer. The need for only partial complementarity to their mRNA targets facilitates apparent rapid change, which also contributes to significant challenges in tracing sRNAs across broad evolutionary distances. We document that recently emerged sRNAs in particular evolve quickly, mirroring dynamics observed in microRNAs, their functional analogs in eukaryotes. Mutations in mRNA-binding regions, transcriptional regulator or sigma factor binding sites, and protein-binding regions are all likely sources of shifting regulatory roles of sRNAs. Finally, using examples from the few evolutionary studies available, we examine cases of sRNA loss and describe how these may be the result of adaptive in addition to neutral processes. We highlight the need for more-comprehensive analyses of sRNA evolutionary patterns as a means to improve novel sRNA detection, enhance genome annotation, and deepen our understanding of regulatory networks in bacteria.
Internal workload and non-contact injury: a one-season study of five teams from the UEFA Elite Club Injury Study
Authors: McCall Alan , Dupont Gregory , Ekstrand Jan
Published: April 2018

Background

Internal workload (ie, from training and matches) is considered one of the most important injury risk factors for elite European football teams, however there is little published evidence to support this belief.

Objective

We examined the association and predictive power of internal workload and non-contact injuries.

Methods

Five elite European teams, 171 players (age: 25.1±4.9 years; height: 181.6±6.7 cm; body mass: 77.5±7.2 kg) participated over one full competitive season. Using the session-rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) method player’s internal workloads were calculated for acute week, week-to-week changes, cumulated weeks, chronic weeks and acute:chronic ratios and analysed for association with non-contact injury (using generalised estimating equations (GEE)). Associated variables from GEE analysis were categorised into very low to very high workload zones and checked for increased relative risks (RRs). Associated workload variables were also analysed for predictive power (receiver operating characteristics).

Results

Acute:chronic workload ratios at 1:3 and 1:4 weeks were associated with non-contact injury (P<0.05). Specifically, a greater risk of injury was found for players with an acute:chronic workload at 1:4 weeks of 0.97 to 1.38 (RR 1.68; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.78, likely harmful) and >1.38 (RR 2.13; 95% CI 1.21 to 3.77, very likely harmful) compared with players whose acute:chronic workload was 0.60 to 0.97. An acute:chronic workload 1:3 of >1.42 compared with 0.59 to 0.97 displayed a 1.94 times higher risk of injury (RR 1.90; 95% CI 1.08 to 3.36, very likely harmful). Importantly, acute:chronic workload at both 1:4 and 1:3 showed poor predictive power (area under the curve 0.53 to 0.58) despite previous reports and beliefs that it can predict injury.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for the acute:chronic internal workload (measured using s-RPE) as a risk factor for non-contact injury in elite European footballers. However the acute:chronic workload, in isolation, should not be used to predict non-contact injury.
Dabigatran persistence and adherence in New Zealand: a nationwide retrospective observational study
Authors: Harper Paul , Pollock Daryl , Stephens Matt
Published: April 2018

Objective

To determine the effect of age and gender on persistence and adherence in patients taking dabigatran for atrial fibrillation.

Design

A retrospective observational study over 4 years using refill prescription data from the National Pharmaceutical Database.

Setting

All patients in New Zealand who received dabigatran from July 2011 to September 2015.

Population

43 339 people filled at least one prescription of dabigatran.

Main outcome measures

The proportion of patients with good adherence (treatment available at least 80% of the time), and the proportion at risk of thrombosis (a break in treatment of more than 2 days) measured 6-monthly for 3 years. Medication persistence recorded over 3 years.

Results

Persistence was highest in older patients and showed a significant correlation with age (p<0.001); 24% over 70 years had discontinued treatment by 6 months compared with 50% under 50 years. Adherence was highest in the elderly (p<0.001) with 90% of patients over 80 years with good adherence at 12 months compared with 70% in patients aged 50–60 years and less than 60% in those under 50 years. The time at risk of thrombosis showed a similar pattern with 25% below 60 years with inadequate anticoagulation more than 20% of the time. Adherence dropped during the first 18 months of treatment with the most marked fall in those under 50 years. Adherence shows that breaks in treatment are common with 30% of men under 60 years with a break in treatment of at least 28 days during the first 12 months.

Conclusion

Adherence and persistence correlate with the patient’s age. Those over 70 years have high adherence consistent over time whereas younger patients have significantly worse adherence which declines over the first 18 months, with the lowest rate in those under 50 years. Adherence in our study is lower than reported in clinical trials, therefore the benefit of dabigatran in stroke prevention may not be realised in clinical practice especially in younger patients.
Acceptability and effectiveness of using mobile applications to promote HIV and other STI testing among men who have sex with men in Barcelona, Spain
Authors: Alarcón Gutiérrez Miguel , Fernández Quevedo Manuel , Martín Valle Silvia , Jacques-Aviñó Constanza , Díez David Elia , Caylà Joan A , García de Olalla Patricia
Published: April 2018

Objective

To evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of a pilot intervention programme using gay geosocial mobile applications (apps) to offer rapid HIV and other STI tests to men who have sex with men (MSM) in Barcelona between December 2015 and March 2016.

Methodology

We offered rapid HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C testing by sending private messages on apps for sexual and social encounters. Acceptance was defined as the proportion of users who favourably responded to the message and effectiveness was defined as the proportion of users who attended our facilities among those who were interested in attending. To identify variables associated with the response to the messages, multivariate logistic regression was used. Adjusted OR (ORa) and 95% CIs were calculated. We collected information on sociodemographics, sexual behaviours and app usage from the contacted user profiles and from users who attended our facilities. A descriptive analysis was carried out.

Results

2656 individual messages were sent. Overall, a 38.4% response rate was obtained, 83.0% of them found it acceptable to receive the unsolicited message, and 73.2% effectiveness was obtained. Responders had higher odds of being 45 years or older (ORa=1.48; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.08), being connected at the moment the message was sent or during the previous hour (ORa=1.92; 95% CI 1.38 to 2.68), having a profile photo not exposing bare chest or abdomen (ORa=1.44; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.92) and using the Grindr app (ORa=1.39; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.73). Of those who were tested and took the survey (n=77), 45.5% had not taken an HIV test in over a year, 24.7% had had a previous STI diagnosis, 51.4% had reported anal sex without condom and 52% had consumed alcohol or drugs for sex.

Conclusions

The response rate, acceptance and effectiveness observed in this study indicate that this strategy could be a useful tool for promoting STI testing among high-risk MSM population.
Liquidity and Profitability: A Co-Integration Study
Authors: Alom Khairul
Published: April 2018

This paper examines the relationship between liquidity and profitability of the non-financial firms listed in Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) for the period of 1998–2013. Pedroni and Johansen co-integration results show that liquidity, profitability, firm size and long-term debt (LTD) have significant co-integration relationship in the long run. The causality test results expose that a strong bidirectional casual relationship exist among the variables of liquidity and profitability, LTD and liquidity profitability and firm size in the short run. Also, there exists unidirectional causality among the variables of firm size and liquidity, profitability and LTD in the short run. Furthermore, Pooled Mean Group results show that profitability, firm size and LTD have long-run co-integration relationship with liquidity. However, in the short run, profitability and LTD significantly contribute to the liquidity and the error correction mechanism shows that speed of adjustment to equilibrium is significant within the year. Impulse response analysis indicates shocks in the firm size, LTD and profitability have positive and significant impact on liquidity.
Determining the reliability of craniocervical flexion test in asymptomatic individuals
Authors: Kotwani Seema , Bid D. N. , Ghatamaneni Dinesh , Alahmari Khalid A , Ramalingam Thangamani , Paul Silvian S.
Published: April 2018

Background: The inter-rater reliability of the craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) has not been established.

Objective: To investigate the intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities of the CCFT in asymptomatic subjects.

Methods: Sixty asymptomatic subjects were randomly selected for the study. The CCFT was measured on each subject by two testers for inter-rater reliability and by one of the testers after a gap of seven days for the intra-rater reliability. Before testing, the participants were trained for the movement and compensations were corrected.

Results: The CCFT has high inter-rater reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient [Formula: see text] 0.907, standard error of mean [Formula: see text] 0.735) and high intra-rater reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient [Formula: see text] 0.986, standard error of mean [Formula: see text] 0.287). A Bland & Altman limits of agreement analysis has confirmed the high inter- and intra-rater reliabilities of the test.

Conclusion: The CCFT has high inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities in asymptomatic subjects.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha reduces intestinal vitamin C uptake: a role for NF-κB-mediated signaling
Authors: Subramanian Veedamali S. , Sabui Subrata , Subramenium Ganapathy A. , Marchant Jonathan S. , Said Hamid M.
Published: April 2018

Sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter-1 (SVCT-1) is the major transporter mediating intestinal vitamin C uptake. Intestinal inflammation and prolonged infection are associated with increased serum and intestinal mucosa levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which also exerts profound effects on the intestinal absorption process. Elevated levels of TNF-α have been linked to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and malabsorption of nutrients, and patients with this condition have low levels of vitamin C. To date, little is known about the effect of TNF-α on intestinal absorption of vitamin C. We studied the impact of TNF-α on ascorbic acid (AA) transport using a variety of intestinal preparations. The expression level of human SVCT-1 mRNA is significantly lower in patients with IBD. TNF-α treated Caco-2 cells and mice showed a significant inhibition of intestinal14C-AA uptake. This inhibition was associated with significant decreases in SVCT-1 protein, mRNA, and heterogeneous nuclear RNA levels in TNF-α treated Caco-2 cells, mouse jejunum, and enteroids. Also, TNF-α caused a significant inhibition in the SLC23A1 promoter activity. Furthermore, treatment of Caco-2 cells with celastrol (NF-κB inhibitor) blocked the inhibitory effect caused by TNF-α on AA uptake, SVCT-1 protein, and mRNA expression, as well as the activity of SLC23A1 promoter. Treatment of TNF-α also led to a significant decrease in the expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor-1-α, which drives the basal activity of SLC23A1 promoter, and this effect was reversed by celastrol. Together, these findings show that TNF-α inhibits intestinal AA uptake, and this effect is mediated, at least in part, at the level of transcription of the SLC23A1 gene via the NF-κB pathway.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our findings show that tumor necrosis factor-α inhibits intestinal ascorbic acid uptake in both in vitro and in vivo systems, and this inhibitory effect is mediated, at least in part, at the level of transcription of the SLC23A1 (sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter-1) gene via the NF-κB pathway.
Effects of Dexmedetomidine Infusion on Inflammatory Responses and Injury of Lung Tidal Volume Changes during One-Lung Ventilation in Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wu Chun-Yu , Lu Yi-Fan , Wang Man-Ling , Chen Jin-Shing , Hsu Yen-Chun , Yang Fu-Sui , Cheng Ya-Jung
Published: April 2018

One-lung ventilation in thoracic surgery provokes profound systemic inflammatory responses and injury related to lung tidal volume changes. We hypothesized that the highly selective a2-adrenergic agonist dexmedetomidine attenuates these injurious responses. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive dexmedetomidine or saline during thoracoscopic surgery. There is a trend of less postoperative medical complication including that no patients in the dexmedetomidine group developed postoperative medical complications, whereas four patients in the saline group did (0% versus 13.3%,p=0.1124). Plasma inflammatory and injurious biomarkers between the baseline and after resumption of two-lung ventilation were particularly notable. The plasma high-mobility group box 1 level decreased significantly from 51.7 (58.1) to 33.9 (45.0) ng.ml−1(p<0.05) in the dexmedetomidine group, which was not observed in the saline group. Plasma monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 [151.8 (115.1) to 235.2 (186.9) pg.ml−1,p<0.05] and neutrophil elastase [350.8 (154.5) to 421.9 (106.1) ng.ml−1,p<0.05] increased significantly only in the saline group. In addition, plasma interleukin-6 was higher in the saline group than in the dexmedetomidine group at postoperative day 1 [118.8 (68.8) versus 78.5 (58.8) pg.ml−1,p=0.0271]. We conclude that dexmedetomidine attenuates one-lung ventilation-associated inflammatory and injurious responses by inhibiting alveolar neutrophil recruitment in thoracoscopic surgery.
Decreases of Life Expectancy Despite Decreases in Non-Communicable Disease Mortality: The Role of Substance Use and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Rehm Jürgen , Probst Charlotte
Published: April 2018

With the epidemiological transition, causes of death shifted from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and life expectancy increased, as these NCD deaths occurred later in life. However, in the United States, over the past years, life expectancy has been stagnating or decreasing despite decreasing NCD mortality rates. Analyses of the most important underlying causes of death with increasing premature mortality reveal that psychoactive substance use played a crucial role for these increases. Furthermore, it can be shown, that a high proportion of the increased premature mortality and decreased life expectancies happened in lower socio-economic strata. Substance use policies should thus focus on lowering the gap between substance-attributable mortality in higher versus lower socioeconomic strata.
Combination of Mean Platelet Volume/Platelet Count Ratio and the APACHE II Score Better Predicts the Short-Term Outcome in Patients with Acute Kidney Injury Receiving Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Li Junhui , Li Yingchuan , Sheng Xiaohua , Wang Feng , Cheng Dongsheng , Jian Guihua , Li Yongguang , Feng Liang , Wang Niansong
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Both the Acute physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score and mean platelet volume/platelet count Ratio (MPR) can independently predict adverse outcomes in critically ill patients. This study was aimed to investigate whether the combination of them could have a better performance in predicting prognosis of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) who received continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Methods: Two hundred twenty-three patients with AKI who underwent CRRT between January 2009 and December 2014 in a Chinese university hospital were enrolled. They were divided into survivals group and non-survivals group based on the situation at discharge. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used for MPR and APACHE II score, and to determine the optimal cut-off value of MPR for in-hospital mortality. Factors associated with mortality were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean age of the patients was 61.4 years, and the overall in-hospital mortality was 48.4%. Acute cardiorenal syndrome (ACRS) was the most common cause of AKI. The optimal cut-off value of MPR for mortality was 0.099 with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.636. The AUC increased to 0.851 with the addition of the APACHE II score. The mortality of patients with of MPR > 0.099 was 56.4%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group with of ≤ 0.099 (39.6%, P= 0.012). Logistic regression analysis showed that average number of organ failure (OR = 2.372), APACHE II score (OR = 1.187), age (OR = 1.028) and vasopressors administration (OR = 38.130) were significantly associated with poor prognosis. Conclusion: Severity of illness was significantly associated with prognosis of patients with AKI. The combination of MPR and APACHE II score may be helpful in predicting the short-term outcome of AKI.
Incidence, Risk Factors, and Clinical Characteristics of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy in South Korea
Authors: Lee Sunki , Cho Geum Joon , Park Geun U. , Kim Log Young , Lee Tae-Seon , Kim Do Young , Choi Suk-Won , Youn Jong-Chan , Han Seong Woo , Ryu Kyu-Hyung , Na Jin Oh , Choi Cheol Ung , Seo Hong Seog , Kim Eung Ju
Published: April 2018

Background:

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disorder associated with pregnancy that can lead to life-threatening conditions. The incidence and clinical characteristics of this condition remain poorly understood.

Methods and Results:

We aimed to perform the first population-based study of PPCM in South Korea, using the Korea National Health Insurance Claims Database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Patients who fulfilled predefined diagnostic criteria for PPCM from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2012, were identified from
International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification
codes. To discriminate PPCM from other causes of heart failure, we excluded subjects who already had heart failure-related
International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification
codes at least 1 year before delivery. During the study period, there were 1 404 551 deliveries in South Korea, and we excluded 20 159 patients who already had heart failure. In those, a total of 795 cases were identified as PPCM. Patients with PPCM were older, had a higher prevalence of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus, and were more likely to be primiparous and have multiple pregnancies. Moreover, cesarean section and pregnancy-related complications and in-hospital death were also more common in patients with PPCM. Intriguingly, a considerable number of heart failure cases (n=64; 8.1% of total PPCM) were noted between 5 and 12 months after delivery.

Conclusions:

The incidence of PPCM was 1 in 1741 deliveries in South Korea. Patients with PPCM were older, were more associated with primiparity and multiple pregnancy, had more pregnancy-related complications, and revealed higher in-hospital mortality than controls. The number of cases diagnosed as PPCM were decreased over time after delivery; however, a large number of patients were still noted through 12 months after delivery.
Acute Versus Chronic Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Nishino Shun , Watanabe Nozomi , Kimura Toshiyuki , Kuriyama Nehiro , Shibata Yoshisato
Published: April 2018

Background:

Little is known on the mechanism of acute ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) caused by sudden-onset left ventricular dysfunction in acute myocardial infarction (MI). We sought to investigate the mitral valve (MV) complex geometry in acute IMR in comparison with chronic IMR by 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography.

Methods and Results:

Forty-four first-onset acute MI and 36 previous MI with ≥moderate IMR were examined by 2-dimensional/3-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. MV morphology was quantitatively analyzed and compared between the 2 groups. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left ventricular end-systolic volume were significantly smaller in acute IMR than in chronic IMR (40.8 [33.1–48.3] versus 88.8 [66.5–108.8] mL/m
2
;
P
<0.001, 17.8 [17.0–30.1] versus 49.5 [34.2–73.7] mL/m
2
;
P
<0.001). MV tenting volume and annular area were significantly smaller in acute IMR compared with chronic IMR (0.98 [0.66–1.68] versus 1.88 [1.16–2.65] cm
3
/m
2
;
P
=0.008, 5.17 [4.80–5.86] versus 5.81 [5.47–8.22] cm
2
/m
2
;
P
=0.008). Leaflet surface area was significantly smaller in acute IMR than in chronic IMR (5.78 [5.16–6.32] versus 7.56 [6.89–11.32] cm
2
/m
2
;
P
<0.001). The ratio of MV leaflet surface area and MV annular area was significantly smaller in acute IMR than in chronic IMR (1.08 [1.01–1.14] versus 1.28 [1.24–1.37];
P
=0.001).

Conclusions:

Sudden-onset left ventricular dysfunction in acute MI may cause loss of coaptation of the MV even with a relatively mild degree of valve tethering. Compared with previously studied chronic IMR, a smaller leaflet area without leaflet adaptation and a larger hemodynamic burden at the acute onset of MI could result in clinically significant IMR despite relatively small leaflet tethering.
Endothelial C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Acts on Pericytes to Regulate Microcirculatory Flow and Blood Pressure
Authors: Špiranec Katarina , Chen Wen , Werner Franziska , Nikolaev Viacheslav O. , Naruke Takashi , Koch Franziska , Werner Andrea , Eder-Negrin Petra , Diéguez-Hurtado Rodrigo , Adams Ralf H. , Baba Hideo A. , Schmidt Hannes , Schuh Kai , Skryabin Boris V. , Movahedi Kiavash , Schweda Frank , Kuhn Michaela
Published: April 2018

Background:

Peripheral vascular resistance has a major impact on arterial blood pressure levels. Endothelial C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) participates in the local regulation of vascular tone, but the target cells remain controversial. The cGMP-producing guanylyl cyclase–B (GC-B) receptor for CNP is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). However, whereas endothelial cell–specific CNP knockout mice are hypertensive, mice with deletion of GC-B in vascular SMCs have unaltered blood pressure.

Methods:

We analyzed whether the vasodilating response to CNP changes along the vascular tree, ie, whether the GC-B receptor is expressed in microvascular types of cells. Mice with a floxed GC-B (
Npr2
) gene were interbred with
Tie2-Cre
or
PDGF-Rβ-Cre

ERT2

lines to develop mice lacking GC-B in endothelial cells or in precapillary arteriolar SMCs and capillary pericytes. Intravital microscopy, invasive and noninvasive hemodynamics, fluorescence energy transfer studies of pericyte cAMP levels in situ, and renal physiology were combined to dissect whether and how CNP/GC-B/cGMP signaling modulates microcirculatory tone and blood pressure.

Results:

Intravital microscopy studies revealed that the vasodilatatory effect of CNP increases toward small-diameter arterioles and capillaries. CNP consistently did not prevent endothelin-1–induced acute constrictions of proximal arterioles, but fully reversed endothelin effects in precapillary arterioles and capillaries. Here, the GC-B receptor is expressed both in endothelial and mural cells, ie, in pericytes. It is notable that the vasodilatatory effects of CNP were preserved in mice with endothelial GC-B deletion, but abolished in mice lacking GC-B in microcirculatory SMCs and pericytes. CNP, via GC-B/cGMP signaling, modulates 2 signaling cascades in pericytes: it activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase I to phosphorylate downstream targets such as the cytoskeleton-associated vasodilator-activated phosphoprotein, and it inhibits phosphodiesterase 3A, thereby enhancing pericyte cAMP levels. These pathways ultimately prevent endothelin-induced increases of pericyte calcium levels and pericyte contraction. Mice with deletion of GC-B in microcirculatory SMCs and pericytes have elevated peripheral resistance and chronic arterial hypertension without a change in renal function.

Conclusions:

Our studies indicate that endothelial CNP regulates distal arteriolar and capillary blood flow. CNP-induced GC-B/cGMP signaling in microvascular SMCs and pericytes is essential for the maintenance of normal microvascular resistance and blood pressure.
God’s Name ὁ Ὤν (Exod 3:14) as a Source of Accusing Jews of Onolatry
Authors: Kozlowski Jan M.
Published: April 2018

The author of this article presents arguments in favor of the new hypothesis, according to which the misunderstanding by non-Jews of God’s nameho ōn(Exod 3:14), and its subsequent association with the Greek wordho onos(“the ass”), stands as a source for accusing Jews of onolatry.
“I’m not an ESL teacher and I’m not trained to do it”
Authors: Yochim Lorin G. , Servage Laura A.
Published: April 2018

This article discusses how teaching faculty in a western Canadian university respond to the growing number of Chinese international students in their classrooms. Interviews (n=21) and survey data (n=60) reveal that professors struggle to communicate academic expectations across language and cultural barriers; develop cross-cultural content; engage students in active learning in the classroom; and provide effective feedback on written work. This in-depth account shows how faculty negotiate demands to both adapt to and create an “internationalized classroom” in the absence of institutional supports. Unsurprisingly, we confirm that adaptation is a struggle. Faculty rely on a combination of personal experience, disciplinary grounding, and stereotyping to inform their efforts. We conclude with a discussion of the limited utility of “Confucian Heritage Culture” ( chc ) as a path to meaningful change. Though frequently invoked to describe the preferences and behaviors of Chinese students, the homogenizing and misleading assumptions of the chc framework prevent faculty from recognizing the contemporary reality of these students’ country of origin and leads them to neglect individual student learning styles and needs.
Tibet—The Last Frontier
Authors: Elmar R. , Reiter Gabriella J.
Published: April 2018

From 2 to 14 June 1980 the authors participated in an excursion by jeep across Tibet, following the road from Lhasa via Gyangze, Xigaze, Tingri, and Nyalam to Zham on the Nepal border. The excursion was organized by the Academia Sinica, with direct support by Vice-Chairman and Vice-Premier Deng Xiaoping and Vice-Premier Feng Yi, and relied on the excellent logistic support of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. This report gives an account of impressions, including those of local and regional meteorological and climatological problems.
Climate and Energy Emergencies
Authors: Quirk William J.
Published: April 2018

On 3–5 November 1980 an informal meeting was held of Department of Energy (DOE) and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) personnel and contractors to discuss what kind of climate information was needed to prepare for possible energy emergencies. At the meeting it was pointed out that presently available world oil supplies and stockpiles should be adequate to prevent any oil supply shortfalls this winter (1980–81). However, any additional supply shortfalls or a world economic recovery that increased oil demand could be expected to cause problems in coming winters.

The most important effect of climate on energy under these circumstances is its influence on the demand for heating fuel. The difference in oil and gas demand between a warm and a cold winter can be the energy equivalent of 400 million barrels of oil in the United States alone. This is comparable to the projected size of the strategic petroleum reserve. Because of the large impacts even small energy shortfalls can have on the nation's economy, it is essential that we make the best possible use of the nation's energy stockpiles.

DOE and NOAA are collaborating on assembling a climate data base that will give much more detailed information on temperatures and heating degree days than was ever available before. Current data, forecasts, and historical data back to 1931 will be available for some 350 regions throughout the country. These data, together with more accurate models of the use of energy for heating, could give far better estimates of the amount of fuel reserves that are needed for a cold winter. Because these data show that not all parts of the country are cold at once, they could be used to develop plans for sharing fuel throughout the country. Since smaller reserves would be needed, significant additional reserves would be available to tide the country over during a cold winter and international oil supply shortfalls.

The most important recommendation arising from the conference was that potential climate information users be contacted, both to make them aware of how the newly available climate information could be used and to find out what additional data requirements they might have.
Evaluation of Atmospheric River Predictions by the WRF Model Using Aircraft and Regional Mesonet Observations of Orographic Precipitation and Its Forcing
Authors: Martin Andrew , Ralph F. Martin , Demirdjian Reuben , DeHaan Laurel , Weihs Rachel , Helly John , Reynolds David , Iacobellis Sam
Published: April 2018

Accurate forecasts of precipitation during landfalling atmospheric rivers (ARs) are critical because ARs play a large role in water supply and flooding for many regions. In this study, we have used hundreds of observations to verify global and regional model forecasts of atmospheric rivers making landfall in Northern California and offshore in the midlatitude northeast Pacific Ocean. We have characterized forecast error and the predictability limit in AR water vapor transport, static stability, onshore precipitation, and standard atmospheric fields. Analysis is also presented that apportions the role of orographic forcing and precipitation response in driving errors in forecast precipitation after AR landfall. It is found that the global model and the higher-resolution regional model reach their predictability limit in forecasting the atmospheric state during ARs at similar lead times, and both present similar and important errors in low-level water vapor flux, moist-static stability, and precipitation. However, the relative contribution of forcing and response to the incurred precipitation error is very different in the two models. It can be demonstrated using the analysis presented herein that improving water vapor transport accuracy can significantly reduce regional model precipitation errors during ARs, while the same cannot be demonstrated for the global model.
Influences of the Monsoon Trough and Arabian Heat Low on Summer Rainfall over the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Steinhoff Daniel F. , Bruintjes Roelof , Hacker Joshua , Keller Teddie , Williams Christopher , Jensen Tara , Al Mandous Abdulla , Al Yazeedi Omar A.
Published: April 2018

The factors responsible for rare summertime rainfall over portions of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which have not been previously explored in detail, are elucidated with the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis and WRF mesoscale model simulations. The simulations show associations between active phases of the southwest Asian monsoon and intensification of the Arabian heat low, leading up to UAE rainfall events. Variability in the location and strength of the Arabian heat low circulation, which differs from the static portrayal in climatological minimum sea level pressure (MSLP), can affect the development of deep convection over the UAE. Analysis of the vorticity equation for a two-day case study period confirms that convergence is solely responsible for the spinup and maintenance of the primary heat low circulation. Convergence is also responsible for the spinup of a separate cyclonic circulation over the eastern UAE, which propagates offshore to the Arabian Gulf during morning hours. This cyclonic circulation advects moist air onshore over the western UAE, and deep convection follows from inland horizontal convective rolls and interaction with the approaching sea-breeze front. The development of widespread deep convection is shown to be most favorable during the decay phase of the Arabian heat low, when the preconditioned moist air is not replaced by drier continental flow, and the vertical profiles of temperature and moisture are also more favorable. Three other rainfall cases are briefly discussed to illustrate how the strength and geographic position of the Arabian heat low can affect rainfall characteristics over the UAE.
Belgian and Swiss service providers faced with the challenge of jobseekers guidance: predominance of stakeholder games or of the collaborative framework?
Authors: Remy Céline
Published: April 2018

The public employment services have contracted out their jobseeker guidance role to service providers. The article focuses on how the collaboration between the public services and private employment operators is organised in Belgium and Switzerland. These partnerships have to contend with two challenges, which are the recruitment of candidates for training projects and the measurement of the results of the service. Our initial hypothesis supports the idea that stakeholder games are more effective in solving critical situations than the collaborative framework. The international comparison allows us to vary the partnership creation methods and to show a particular articulation between the stakeholder games and collaborative framework.

Points for practitioners

The model of cooperation between public and private operators influences the quality of the relationship. Some partnership models are more likely to inspire trust between partners because they leave more room for expression and negotiation than others. Faced with the difficulties that arise in the course of a collaboration, the private operators will adopt opportunistic attitudes when the initial frame of the collaboration is narrower and accompanied by a relational asymmetry in order to somehow counteract the lack of a margin of manoeuvre for negotiation.
Conceptualising child neglect in Namibia – Challenges and strategies
Authors: Sharley Victoria
Published: April 2018

Child neglect is a pervasive and complex public health issue which has significant cultural variance across social ideologies and traditions. This note identifies a gap in the conceptualisation of neglect within Namibia and recognises an opportunity for development of culturally relevant knowledge within the context of normative child-rearing practice.
Predicting tensile behaviors of short flax fiber-reinforced polymer–matrix composites using a modified shear-lag model
Authors: Xiong Xiaoshuang , Shen Shirley Z , Hua Lin , Li Xiang , Wan Xiaojin , Miao Menghe
Published: April 2018

Natural fiber-reinforced composites are increasingly being used in the industry. The fiber–matrix interfacial properties of the composites are influenced by many factors, including chemical treatment of the natural fiber, type of polymer matrix, composites fabrication method, and process and the service environment of the composites. In this paper, a modified shear-lag model based on a cohesive fiber/matrix interface is proposed and applied to the analysis of the stress–transfer characteristics and the tensile properties of unidirectional short flax fiber-reinforced composites. The model takes into account of the interfacial shear stiffness, bonding strength between fiber end face and matrix, fiber aspect ratio and fiber volume fraction. 3D finite element models of the composites using a cohesive zone method are used to verify the accuracy of the modified shear-lag model. The fiber tensile strength and the composite tensile elastic modulus are significantly influenced by the interfacial shear stiffness, fiber aspect ratio, and fiber volume fraction. The bonding strength between the fiber end face and the matrix only has an effect when the interfacial shear stiffness is low. The predicted results from the modified shear-lag model show good agreement with the finite element analysis and experimental results in the literature. The modified cohesive shear-lag model provides a simple and effective method for analyzing fiber axial stress, shear stress in the fiber/matrix interface, and tensile elastic modulus of the final composite.
A Three-Generation Study of Acculturation and Identity of the Russian Minority in the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania
Authors: Galyapina Victoria , Lebedeva Nadezhda , van de Vijver Fons J. R.
Published: April 2018

This article examines relationships between social identities and acculturation strategies of Russians (the ethnic minority) in the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania (RNO-A). The sample included 109 grandparent–parent–adolescent triads from ethnically Russian families ( N = 327). We assessed acculturation strategies, ethnic and national identities (identification with the Russian Federation), republican identity (with the RNO-A), regional identity (with North Caucasus), and religious identity. EFA combined five identities in two factors, labeled Russian ethnocultural identity (comprising ethnic, national, and religious identities) and North-Caucasian regional identity (comprising identities involving the republic and region). The means of the identity factors remained remarkably stable across generations, with a somewhat stronger Russian ethnocultural identity. A structural equation model revealed that Russian ethnocultural identity was a negative predictor of assimilation (the least preferred acculturation strategy), whereas North-Caucasian regional identity was a positive predictor of integration (the most preferred strategy) in all generations. We concluded that Russian ethnocultural identity is important for maintaining the heritage culture whereas North-Caucasian regional identity promotes participation of ethnic Russians in the multicultural North-Ossetian society.
17β-estradiol Induces MMP-9 and MMP-13 in TMJ Fibrochondrocytes via Estrogen Receptor α
Authors: Ahmad N. , Chen S. , Wang W. , Kapila S.
Published: April 2018

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, including degenerative TMJ disease, occur primarily in women of reproductive age. Previous studies showed elevated estrogen levels in subjects with TMJ disorders relative to controls and the presence of estrogen receptors α and β (ERα and ERβ) in TMJ fibrocartilage. Additionally, estrogen-induced overexpression of specific matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP-9 and MMP-13, in TMJ fibrocartilage is accompanied by loss of extracellular matrices. However, the contribution of ERα and ERβ in estrogen-mediated induction of MMP-9 and MMP-13 and the signaling cascade leading to the upregulation of these MMPs have not been elucidated. Here, we show that specific siRNAs and selective ER antagonists effectively block ERα or ERβ expression in primary mouse TMJ fibrochondrocytes, but that only blockage of ERα suppresses MMP-9 and MMP-13 levels induced by 17β-estradiol (E2). Overexpression of ERα but not ERβ enhances E2-induced MMP-9. Using the same loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches, we demonstrate that E2 stimulates ERK activation through ERα and that inhibition of ERK phosphorylation reduces E2-induced MMP-9. Furthermore, we reveal that E2 promotes NF-κB and ELK-1 activation through ERα/ERK signaling and that knockdown of either one decreases the respective activity of these signaling mediators and MMP-9 expression induced by E2, indicating that both contribute to E2/ERα/ERK-mediated MMP-9 upregulation. This is supported by findings in which mutated binding sites of either NF-κB or ELK-1 in the MMP-9 promoter lead to a significant reduction of E2-stimulated promoter activity. Our findings provide novel molecular mechanisms for the understanding of E2-mediated upregulation of MMPs, having implications to pathophysiologic TMJ cartilage matrix turnover that may yield therapeutic intervention targets for TMJ disorders.
Identifying Algorithms to Improve the Accuracy of Unverified Diagnosis Codes for Birth Defects
Authors: Salemi Jason L. , Rutkowski Rachel E. , Tanner Jean Paul , Matas Jennifer L. , Kirby Russell S.
Published: April 2018

Objectives:

We identified algorithms to improve the accuracy of passive surveillance programs for birth defects that rely on administrative diagnosis codes for case ascertainment and in situations where case confirmation via medical record review is not possible or is resource prohibitive.

Methods:

We linked data from the 2009-2011 Florida Birth Defects Registry, a statewide, multisource, passive surveillance program, to an enhanced surveillance database with selected cases confirmed through medical record review. For each of 13 birth defects, we calculated the positive predictive value (PPV) to compare the accuracy of 4 algorithms that varied case definitions based on the number of diagnoses, medical encounters, and data sources in which the birth defect was identified. We also assessed the degree to which accuracy-improving algorithms would affect the Florida Birth Defects Registry’s completeness of ascertainment.

Results:

The PPV generated by using the original Florida Birth Defects Registry case definition (ie, suspected cases confirmed by medical record review) was 94.2%. More restrictive case definition algorithms increased the PPV to between 97.5% (identified by 1 or more codes/encounters in 1 data source) and 99.2% (identified in >1 data source). Although PPVs varied by birth defect, alternative algorithms increased accuracy for all birth defects; however, alternative algorithms also resulted in failing to ascertain 58.3% to 81.9% of cases.

Conclusions:

We found that surveillance programs that rely on unverified diagnosis codes can use algorithms to dramatically increase the accuracy of case finding, without having to review medical records. This can be important for etiologic studies. However, the use of increasingly restrictive case definition algorithms led to a decrease in completeness and the disproportionate exclusion of less severe cases, which could limit the widespread use of these approaches.
Improved Health and Insurance Status Among Cigarette Smokers After Medicaid Expansion, 2011-2016
Authors: Brown Clare C. , Tilford J. Mick , Bird T. Mac
Published: April 2018

Objectives:

The high concentration of smokers among subgroups targeted by the Affordable Care Act and the historically worse health and lower access to health care among smokers warrants an evaluation of how Medicaid expansion affects smokers. We evaluated the impact of Medicaid expansion on smoking behavior, access to health care, and health of low-income adults, and we compared outcomes of all low-income people with outcomes of low-income current smokers by states’ Medicaid expansion status.

Methods:

We obtained data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2011-2016) for low-income adults aged 18-64. We estimated multivariable linear ordinary least squares probability models using a quasi-experimental difference-in-difference approach to compare smoking behavior, access to health care, and health between people in expansion states and nonexpansion states and, specifically, on low-income adults and the subgroup of low-income current smokers.

Results:

Compared with low-income smokers in nonexpansion states, low-income smokers in expansion states were 7.6 percentage points (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.7-9.6; P < .001) more likely to have health insurance, 3.2 percentage points (95% CI, 1.3-5.2; P = .001) more likely to report good or better health, and 2.0 percentage points (95% CI, –3.9 to –0.1; P = .044) less likely to have cost-related barriers to care. Health and insurance gains among current smokers in expansion states were larger relative to health gains (1.6 percentage points; 95% CI, 0.5-2.7; P = .003) and insurance gains (4.6 percentage points; 95% CI, 3.5-5.8; P < .001) of all low-income adults in these states.

Conclusions:

Greater improvements among low-income smokers in Medicaid expansion states compared with nonexpansion states could influence future smoking behaviors and warrant longer-term monitoring. Additionally, health and insurance gains among low-income smokers in expansion states suggest the potential for Medicaid expansion to improve health among smokers compared with nonsmokers.