bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Effects of Hepatitis B Virus-Encoded Proteins and Chronic Infection in Liver Cancer Development
Authors: Ringelhan Marc , Heikenwalder Mathias , Protzer Ulrike
Published: June 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide with currently limited treatment options. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounts for HCC development in more than 50% of cases. The lifetime risk of HBV carriers to develop cirrhosis, liver failure or HCC is estimated to be as high as 15-40%. Although several pathways and triggers contributing to HCC development have been described, many features of hepatocellular carcinogenesis and the attributed direct role of viral factors remain elusive. Host genetic factors, the geographic area and epidemiologic factors, as well as the direct risk related to chronic HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, account for geographical and gender differences of HCC prevalence. There is growing evidence that hepatocarcinogenesis is a multistep process. Human HCC is typically preceded by chronic inflammation and apoptotic and nonapoptotic cell death with compensatory liver proliferation. However, we still lack a thorough understanding of the common underlying molecular mechanisms. High levels of HBV replication and chronicity of inflammation are known to independently increase the risk for HCC. A direct carcinogenic role of viral factors is very likely to contribute to liver cancer since HCC is known to also occur in noncirrhotic livers of individuals with an inactive chronic or even with occult HBV infection with no significant histological signs of inflammation or cytopathic effects. Furthermore, synergistic or independent viral risk factors for primary liver cancer development have been described, such as HBV genotype, integration of viral DNA into the host genome and direct effects of viral proteins. A broader understanding of these viral factors in hepatocarcinogenesis might give rise to new diagnostic and therapeutic means in the future. We review the current state of research in liver cancer development and focus on the role of direct viral factors in HBV infection.
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Strassburg Christian P.
Published: June 2013

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) was the first chronic liver disease in which remission was achieved by immunosuppression. Prognosis is poor when left untreated. Since the original description in 1950 by Waldenström, the initially reported treatment option has remained until today and is the core of the basic therapeutic strategy of inducing remission with steroids and azathioprine. Immunosuppression as a treatment concept spans different situations including the induction and maintenance of remission, treatment of nonresponders, avoidance of side effects, perioperative treatment of liver transplantation candidates and the issue of withdrawal. Alternative immunosuppressive drugs such as transplantation immunosuppressants have been administered and reported in small series. In an attempt to optimize side effect management, a recent large multicenter prospective treatment trial suggests that budesonide may offer an alternative for noncirrhotic AIH patients with lower steroid side effects. With an early diagnosis and effective therapy, only 4% of transplant candidates are transplanted for AIH. After liver transplantation there is a considerable risk for graft loss because of recurrent AIH, and lifelong vigilance and therapeutic attention is important.
Liver Transplantation: An Appraisal of the Present Situation
Authors: Otto Gerd
Published: June 2013

Liver transplantation (LT) is an established approach to treatment of end-stage liver diseases, metabolic diseases and early hepatocellular carcinoma, and the results of this procedure have improved considerably. MELD allocation and the great number of transplant centers had a negative influence on outcome in Germany. Typical surgical issues following transplantation are vascular thrombosis and the development of biliary lesions. Nonanastomotic strictures impact graft survival and cause considerable posttransplant morbidity. Nonsurgical issues in LT are hepatitis C reinfection, selection of appropriate patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and individualized immunosuppression. In hepatitis C the new antiviral drugs (protease and polymerase inhibitors) are promising tools to prevent reinfection. Nephrotoxicity caused by calcineurin inhibitors - which remain the mainstay of immunosuppression - can only partially be avoided. So far, alternative forms of treatment using mycophenolic acid and mTOR inhibitors cannot totally replace calcineurin inhibitors. In view of graft scarcity, we need to think about a benefit-based model of liver allocation which focuses on the optimal use of this resource. Deciding on this form of organ allocation requires an ethical consensus: not the most urgent patient is the first candidate to receive a graft, but rather the patient who is supposed to have the greatest benefit.
Fatigue in Drug-Naïve Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Kang Suk Yun , Ma Hyeo-Il , Lim Young-Min , Hwang Sung Hee , Kim Yun Joong
Published: June 2013

Objectives: Fatigue is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), causing serious negative effects on quality of life. Despite its clinical importance, the nature of fatigue in PD is poorly understood because its underlying neurobiology is unknown. Fatigue can be more complicated in advanced PD because of its chronicity. In order to find features that are innate to fatigue in PD, it would be useful to conduct a study looking at de novo PD. Assessing fatigue in de novo patients allows excluding at least one confounding factor. Methods: We prospectively investigated 87 drug-naïve PD patients. Thirty-nine patients (44.8%) were found to have fatigue around the time of diagnosis of PD. Results: We found that depression and difficulties with activities of daily living were independent risk factors for fatigue; however, motor dysfunction was not related. Clinically meaningful responses to dopaminergic medication were observed. Discussion: Our study determined that fatigue occurs in the early stages of PD. It can inform clinical decision-making to significantly benefit PD patients with fatigue.
Hyper-CVAD Regimen in Routine Management of Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Buyukasik Yahya , Acar Kadir , Kelkitli Engin , Uz Burak , Serefhanoglu Songul , Ozdemir Evren , Pamukcuoglu Merve , Atay Hilmi , Bektas Ozlen , Sucak Gulsan Turkoz , Turgut Mehmet , Aksu Salih , Yagci Munci , Sayınalp Nilgun , Ozcebe Osman I. , Goker Hakan , Haznedaroglu Ibrahim C.
Published: June 2013

Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia is unsatisfactory in adults due to disease and patient-related factors and probably because adult chemotherapy regimens are weaker than pediatric protocols. Worries about inadequacy of adult regimens urged many hematologists, including us, to reconsider their routine treatment practices. In this retrospective multicenter study, we aimed to evaluate results of hyper-CVAD treatment in comparison to other intensive protocols. All patients aged ≤65 years who were commenced on intensive induction chemotherapy between 1999 and 2011 were included in the study. Sixty-eight of 166 patients received hyper-CVAD, 65 were treated with CALGB-8811 regimen and 33 with multiple other protocols. Limited number of patients who were treated with other intensive protocols and mature B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases who were mostly given hyper-CVAD were eliminated from the statistical analyses. In spite of a favorable complete remission rate (84.2%), overall (26.3 vs. 44.2% at 5 years, p = 0.05) and disease-free (24.9 vs. 48.2%, p = 0.001) survival rates were inferior with hyper-CVAD compared to CALGB-8811 due to higher cumulative nonrelapse mortality risk (29.7 vs. 5.9%, p = 0.003) and no superiority in cumulative relapse incidence comparison (45% for both arms, p = 0.44). Hyper-CVAD, in its original form, was a less favorable regimen in our practice.
Myosin Heavy Chain-2b Transcripts and Isoform Are Expressed in Human Laryngeal Muscles
Authors: Smerdu Vika , Cvetko Erika
Published: June 2013

Three fast myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms, i.e. MyHC-2a, -2x and -2b, are expressed in skeletal muscles of smaller mammals. In contrast, only MyHC-2a and -2x have been revealed in humans so far. The expression of MyHC isoforms is known to be wider in the functionally more specialized laryngeal muscles. Though mRNA transcripts of the MyHC-2b gene were found to be expressed in certain human skeletal and laryngeal muscles, the corresponding isoform has not been demonstrated in these muscles. To our knowledge, we are the first to demonstrate not only the expression of MyHC-2b transcripts using an in situ hybridization technique but also the corresponding protein, i.e. the MyHC-2b isoform, in some human laryngeal muscles by immunohistochemistry but not by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Using a set of antibodies specific to MyHC isoforms, we demonstrated that MyHC-2b was always co-expressed with the major MyHC isoforms, not only with the fast ones (MyHC-2a and -2x) but with the slow isoform (MyHC-1) as well.
Human Hepatocyte Transplantation in Patients with Hepatic Failure Awaiting a Graft
Authors: Pareja E. , Gomez-Lechon M.J. , Cortes M. , Bonora-Centelles A. , Castell J.V. , Mir J.
Published: June 2013

Background: Hepatocyte transplantation (HT) has the potential to become a promising treatment to temporarily support liver function in patients with liver failure. Methods: Two patients, who had already received a liver transplant (LT) in the past, with an end-stage liver disease due to recurrent hepatitis C virus cirrhosis, suffering acute-on-chronic liver failure while on the waiting list for an LT, received HT as a bridge to whole-organ retransplantation. After HT and during intensive care unit admission, blood tests and ammonia levels were determined every 12 and 24 h, respectively, before and after each hepatocyte infusion. Results: The present study describes monitoring of analytical and clinical parameters and improvement of liver function following HT. In both patients, we managed to lower the blood ammonia levels and clinically improve the degree of hepatic encephalopathy, thus serving as a bridge to liver retransplantation in 1 patient. Conclusions: We believe that this therapy may be an alternative treatment in patients with chronic liver disease who suffer episodes of acute decompensation as a bridge to conventional LT.
Efficacy of Combined Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analog for the Treatment of Adenomyosis
Authors: Zhang Peihai , Song Kun , Li Li , Yukuwa Kazunori , Kong Beihua
Published: June 2013

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) combined with implantation of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in adenomyosis patients with significantly enlarged uteruses. Subjects and Methods: Twenty-one adenomyosis patients whose uterine volumes were greater in size than at 12 weeks' gestation were recruited for the study. Subcutaneous injection of GnRHa was administrated at an interval of 28 days for a total of 3-4 cycles when uterine length was determined to be less than 10 cm by ultrasound measurement. At 3, 6 and 12 months after LNG-IUS implantation, follow-up was performed to document the clinical values such as uterine volume, degree of dysmenorrhea and menstrual flow. Results: Twelve months after implantation, the menstrual flow was significantly lower than baseline values (53.8 ± 11.7 vs. 100, p = 0.03). The degree of dysmenorrhea (pain) was relieved 12 months after implantation (58.2 ± 11.5 vs. 93.7 ± 0.2, p = 0.005). Uterine volume was also below pre-GnRHa levels after implantation (276.6 ± 32.1 vs. 311.4 ± 32.3, p = 0.005). LNG-IUS was expelled in 3 patients, giving an expulsion rate of 14%. Side effects of GnRHa combined with LNG-IUS implantation were few. Conclusion: The findings indicate that combined GnRHa and LNG-IUS treatment was efficacious in patients with enlarged adenomyosis.
Use of Natalizumab in Patients with Active Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in Kuwait
Authors: Alroughani R. , Al Hashel J. , Thussu A. , Ahmed S.F.
Published: June 2013

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who were treated with natalizumab in Kuwait. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study using the MS registry to identify patients who were treated with natalizumab was conducted. Patients' demographics, clinical characteristics and treatment parameters were collected at baseline and last follow-up visit. Primary outcome was the proportion of relapse-free patients at the last follow-up while secondary outcomes were the change in the mean annual relapse rate, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and the proportion of patients with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity at the last follow-up visit. Forty-four patients were included in the study. Results: Of the 44 patients, 27 (61.4%) were females and the remaining 17 (38.6%) males. Mean age of patients and mean disease duration were 29.05 ± 7.25 and 5.71 ± 3.37 years, respectively. The mean number of natalizumab infusions was 18.14. The proportion of relapse-free patients significantly increased from 11.36 to 90.91% (p < 0.0001). The EDSS significantly improved from 4.76 to 3.15 (p < 0.0001) over the observational period. There was no significant difference between patients with EDSS <3 compared to those with EDSS ≥3 (p < 0.67). The proportion of patients with MRI activity was significantly reduced from 95.5 to 18.2% (p < 0.0001) at their last visit. Six patients discontinued the drug, 5 due to positive JC virus and 1 due to pregnancy. Conclusions: Natalizumab induced a suppression of disease activity and was responsible for a significant improvement in disability status in highly active MS patients.
Calcineurin Inhibitor Nephrotoxicity: A Review and Perspective of the Evidence
Authors: Issa Naim , Kukla Aleksandra , Ibrahim Hassan N.
Published: June 2013

Background: There is no doubt that acute calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity exists; however, chronic CNI nephrotoxicity is questionable at best. Methods: We reviewed the literature to identify original articles related to the use of CNIs in renal and nonrenal solid organ transplantation in order to examine the available evidence about their chronic nephrotoxicity and contribution to graft failure. Results: Early clinical experience and animal studies support the evidence of CNI nephrotoxicity. These findings evolved into the dogma that CNI nephrotoxicity is the major cause of late renal allograft failure. However, in transplanted kidneys the specific role of chronic CNI nephrotoxicity has been questioned. The emerging literature clearly highlights the lack of solid evidence for the role of CNIs as the sole and major injurious agents that cause chronic renal dysfunction and subsequent graft failure. Most of the evidence available to date is against complete CNI avoidance, and minimization appears to be a more viable strategy. It is becoming increasingly clear that the typical pathological lesions linked to chronic CNI use are highly nonspecific, and most of the chronic changes that have been attributed to chronic CNI nephrotoxicity are the consequences of previously unrecognized immunologic injuries. One needs to keep in mind that the potential risk of side effects of CNI use should be balanced against the risk of rejection. Conclusions: More research should focus on addressing the true causes of chronic graft dysfunction rather than focusing on the overexaggerated contribution of CNIs to late graft loss.
A Novel Nonsense Mutation in Exon 1 of HSD17B3 Gene in an Egyptian 46,XY Adult Female Presenting with Primary Amenorrhea
Authors: Hassan H.A. , Mazen I. , Gad Y.Z. , Ali O.S.M. , Mekkawy M. , Essawi M.L.
Published: June 2013

17-β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive cause of 46,XY disorder of sex development. Worldwide, about 30 mutations in the hydroxysteroid (17-beta) dehydrogenase 3 (HSD17B3) gene have been reported, involving all exons except exon 1. Herein, we investigated an Egyptian female with 46,XY karyotype and low testosterone/Δ4-androstenedione ratio. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples, and then, direct DNA sequencing of HSD17B3 gene was performed. The patient had a homozygous mutation c.198G>A in exon 1 resulting in a stop codon (p.W50X). The study presents the first mutation to be reported in exon 1 of the HSD17B3 gene.
Fit and Motivated: Outcome Predictors in Patients Starting a Program for Lifestyle Change
Authors: Cresci Barbara , Castellini Giovanni , Pala Laura , Bigiarini Michela , Romoli Ester , Poggiali Roberta , Guarnieri Cosetta , Biffi Barbara , La Ferlita Teresa , Ricca Valdo , Mannucci Edoardo , Rotella Carlo Maria
Published: June 2013

Background: In previous pilot studies we have demonstrated that the Treatment Motivation and Readiness Test (TRE-MORE) is capable of predicting the outcome of obesity therapy and that a higher muscle mass (MM) is associated with a greater weight loss. Purposes of the present study were: to confirm the predictive value of TRE-MORE scores and MM, using a standardized non-pharmacologic intervention for weight loss; to explore the relationship between TRE-MORE and MM; to discriminate predictors of attendance from predictors of final therapeutic success. Methods: A consecutive series of 331 patients was enrolled and addressed to a standardized treatment protocol. Results: Mean weight loss at 6 months was -5.03%. Among participants, 48.7% lost at least 5% initial body weight after 6 months and had significantly higher TRE-MORE total scores and MM. Weight loss was significantly associated with baseline MM, TRE-MORE-3, and a lower number of previous diets. Significantly lower TRE-MORE-3 scores were associated with drop-out. Conclusion: The present study confirms that therapeutic success is predicted by TRE-MORE scores and, independently from these, by estimated MM (after adjustment for BMI). TRE-MORE total score is a predictor of failure, but not of attendance, whereas drop-out patients showed a lower score only in TREMORE-3 subscale which investigates lifestyle habits.
Role of Axl in Early Kidney Inflammation and Progression of Salt-Dependent Hypertension
Authors: Batchu Sri N. , Hughson Angie , Gerloff Janice , Fowell Deborah J. , Korshunov Vyacheslav A.
Published: June 2013

The Gas6/Axl pathway regulates many cell functions and is implicated in hypertension. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of Axl in immune cells on initiation and progression of salt-dependent hypertension. Deoxycorticosterone acetate (75 mg/60 days release)–salt hypertension was induced for 1 week or 6 weeks in Axl chimeras generated by bone marrow transplant to restrict Axl deficiency to hematopoietic or nonhematopoietic compartments. Depletion of Axl in hematopoietic cells (Axl
−/−
→Axl
+/+
) reduced (133±2 mm Hg) increase in systolic blood pressure compared with other Axl chimeras (≈150 mm Hg) 1 week after deoxycorticosterone acetate–salt. Urine protein and renal oxidative stress were lowest in Axl
−/−
→Axl
+/+
at 1 week after deoxycorticosterone acetate–salt. Compensatory increase in Gas6 in kidneys of recipient Axl
−/−
may affect kidney function and blood pressure in early phase of hypertension. Flow cytometry on kidneys from Axl
−/−
→Axl
+/+
showed increase in total leukocytes, B, and dendritic cells and decrease in macrophages compared with Axl
+/+
→Axl
+/+
. These immune changes were associated with decrease in proinflammatory gene expression, in particular interferon γ. Systolic blood pressure returned to baseline in Axl
−/−
→Axl
+/+
and Axl
−/−
→Axl
−/−
but remained increased in Axl
+/+
→Axl
+/+
and Axl
+/+
→Axl
−/−
chimeras after 6 weeks of deoxycorticosterone acetate–salt. Vascular apoptosis was increased in the global Axl
−/−
chimeras in the late phase of hypertension. In summary, we found that expression of Axl in hematopoietic cells is critical for kidney pathology in early phase of salt-dependent hypertension. However, Axl in both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic lineages contributes to the late phase of hypertension.
Does Brachial Artery Flow–Mediated Vasodilation Provide a Bioassay for NO?
Authors: Wray D. Walter , Witman Melissa A.H. , Ives Stephen J. , McDaniel John , Trinity Joel D. , Conklin Jamie D. , Supiano Mark A. , Richardson Russell S.
Published: June 2013

This study sought to better define the role of NO in brachial artery flow–mediated vasodilation (FMD) in young, healthy humans. Brachial artery blood velocity and diameter were determined (ultrasound Doppler) in 8 volunteers (26±1 year) before and after 5-minute forearm circulatory occlusion with and without intra-arterial infusion of the endothelial NO synthase inhibitor
N
G
-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA; 0.48 mg/dL per minute). Control (CON) and L-NMMA trials were performed with the occlusion cuff placed in the traditional distal position, as well as proximal to the measurement site. FMD was significantly reduced, but not abolished, by L-NMMA in the distal cuff trial (8.9±1.3%–6.0±0.7%, CON versus L-NMMA;
P
=0.02), with no effect of L-NMMA on FMD with proximal cuff placement (10.6±1.2%–12.4±1.7%, CON versus L-NMMA;
P
=0.39). When the reduction in shear stimulus after L-NMMA was taken into account, no drug difference was observed for either distal (0.26±0.02–0.23±0.03, CON versus L-NMMA;
P
=0.40) or proximal (0.23±0.08–0.23±0.03, CON versus L-NMMA;
P
=0.89) FMD trials. These findings challenge the assertion that NO is obligatory for brachial artery FMD and call into question the sensitivity of this procedure for noninvasive determination of NO bioavailability in young, healthy humans.
Computer Modeling of Mild Axonal Injury: Implications for Axonal Signal Transmission
Authors: Volman Vladislav , Ng Laurel J.
Published: June 2013

Diffusion imaging and postmortem studies of patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) of the concussive type are consistent with the observations of diffuse axonal injury to the white matter axons. Mechanical trauma to axons affects the properties of tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium channels at the nodes of Ranvier, leading to axonal degeneration through intra-axonal accumulation of calcium ions and activation of calcium proteases; however, the immediate implications of axonal trauma regarding axonal functionality and their relevance to transient impairment of function as observed in concussion remain elusive. A biophysically realistic computational model of a myelinated axon was developed to investigate how mTBI could immediately affect axonal function. Traumatized axons showed alterations in signal propagation properties that nonlinearly depended on the level of trauma; subthreshold traumatized axons had decreased spike propagation time, whereas suprathreshold traumatized axons exhibited a slowdown of spike propagation and spike propagation failure. Trauma had consistently reduced axonal spike amplitude. The susceptibility of an axon to trauma could be modulated by the function of an ATP-dependent sodium-potassium pump. The results suggest a mechanism by which concussive mTBI could lead to the immediate impairment of signal propagation through the axon and the emerging dysfunctional neuronal information exchange.
Scaling Laws of Associative Memory Retrieval
Authors: Romani Sandro , Pinkoviezky Itai , Rubin Alon , Tsodyks Misha
Published: June 2013

Most people have great difficulty in recalling unrelated items. For example, in free recall experiments, lists of more than a few randomly selected words cannot be accurately repeated. Here we introduce a phenomenological model of memory retrieval inspired by theories of neuronal population coding of information. The model predicts nontrivial scaling behaviors for the mean and standard deviation of the number of recalled words for lists of increasing length. Our results suggest that associative information retrieval is a dominating factor that limits the number of recalled items.
Aceria plectrumscuti, a replacement species name for Aceria virgatae Lotfollahi et al. (Acari: Prostigmata: Eriophyidae)
Authors: LOTFOLLAHI PARISA , IRANI-NEJAD KARIM HADDAD , KHANJANI MOHAMAD , MOGHADAM MOHAMAD , DE LILLO ENRICO
Published: June 2013

Lotfollahi et al. (2013) described Aceria virgatae from a sample of Centaurea virgata Lam. (Compositae) collected in Iran. The name A. virgatae is preoccupied by a species previously described by Meyer (Smith) and Ueckermann 1996 and this name was skipped during our literature search. This latter eriophyoid species is associated with Polygala virgata Thunb. in the Polygalaceae (currently known as Polygala lancifolia A. St.-Hil. & Moq. according to The Plant List on-line database 2010).
Two new species of Lathrolestes (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from Norway, northern Russia and Finland with a key to western Palaearctic species
Authors: RESHCHIKOV ALEXEY V.
Published: June 2013

Species of the genus Lathrolestes Förster (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from western Palaearctic are reviewed. Two new species of Lathrolestes are described, L. nornae sp. n. from Norway and Russia and L. laevipleuris sp. nov. from Finland. An illustrated key to European species is provided. Four additional species are recorded from Norway for the first time.
New species of Paracerura (Collembola: Isotomidae) from Minas Gerais State, Brazil
Authors: DE MENDONÇA MARIA CLEIDE , DA SILVEIRA TATIANA CRISTINA
Published: June 2013

The present paper describes Paracerura gandarela sp. nov.based on material from the Serra do Gandarela Mts., Munici-pality of Caeté, State of Minas Gerais. The new species is the sixth of the Neotropical genus Paracerura Deharveng & Oliveira, 1994 with distribution limited to Brazil. P. gandarela sp. nov. differs from other congeners especially by sensil-lary set on abdominal segments IV–V and characteristic pigmentation of the body. An identification key to species of the the genus is given.
A New Fuzzy Logic Hydrometeor Classification Scheme Applied to the French X-, C-, and S-Band Polarimetric Radars
Authors: Al-Sakka Hassan , Boumahmoud Abdel-Amin , Fradon Béatrice , Frasier Stephen J. , Tabary Pierre
Published: June 2013

A new fuzzy logic hydrometeor classification algorithm is proposed that takes into account data-based membership functions, measurement conditions, and three-dimensional temperature information provided by a high-resolution nonhydrostatic numerical weather prediction model [the Application of Research to Operations at Mesoscale model (AROME)]. The formulation of the algorithm is unique for X-, C-, and S-band radars and employs wavelength-adapted bivariate membership functions for (ZH, ZDR), (ZH, KDP), and (ZH, ρHV) that were established by using real data collected by the French polarimetric radars and T-matrix simulations. The distortion of membership functions caused by deteriorating measurement conditions (e.g., precipitation-induced attenuation, signal-to-clutter ratio, signal-to-noise ratio, partial beam blocking, and distance) is documented empirically and subsequently parameterized in the algorithm. The result is an increase in the amount of overlapping between the membership functions of the different hydrometeor types. The relative difference between the probability function values of the first and second choice of the hydrometeor classification algorithm is analyzed as a measure of the quality of identification. Semiobjective scores are calculated using an expert-built validation dataset to assess the respective improvements brought by using “richer” temperature information and by using more realistic membership functions. These scores show a significant improvement in the detection of wet snow.
A Bayesian Approach to Upscaling and Downscaling of Aircraft Measurements of Ice Particle Counts and Size Distributions
Authors: Jameson A. R. , Heymsfield A. J.
Published: June 2013

This study addresses the issue of how to upscale cloud-sized in situ measurements of ice to yield realistic simulations of ice clouds for a variety of modeling studies. Aircraft measurements of ice particle counts along a 79-km zigzag path were collected in a Costa Rican cloud formed in the upper-level outflow from convection. These are then used to explore the applicability of Bayesian statistics to the problems of upscaling and downscaling. Using the 10-m particle counts, the analyses using Bayesian statistics provide estimates of the probability distribution function of all possiblemeanvalues corresponding to these counts. The statistical method of copulas is used to produce an extensive ensemble of estimates of these mean values, which are then combined to derive the probability density function (pdf) of mean values at 1-km resolution. These are found to compare very well to the observed 1-km particle counts when spatial correlation is included. The profiles of the observed and simulated mean counts along the flight path show similar features and have very similar statistical characteristics. However, because the observed and the simulated counts are both the results of stochastic processes, there is no way to upscale exactly to the observed profile. Each simulation is a unique realization of the stochastic processes, as are the observations themselves. These different realizations over all the different sizes can then be used to upscale particle size distributions over large areas.
North American Tropical Cyclone Landfall and SST: A Statistical Model Study
Authors: Hall Timothy , Yonekura Emmi
Published: June 2013

A statistical–stochastic model of the complete life cycle of North Atlantic (NA) tropical cyclones (TCs) is used to examine the relationship between climate and landfall rates along the North American Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. The model draws on archived data of TCs throughout the North Atlantic to estimate landfall rates at high geographic resolution as a function of the ENSO state and one of two different measures of sea surface temperature (SST): 1) SST averaged over the NA subtropics and the hurricane season and 2) this SST relative to the seasonal global subtropical mean SST (termed relSST). Here, the authors focus on SST by holding ENSO to a neutral state. Jackknife uncertainty tests are employed to test the significance of SST and relSST landfall relationships. There are more TC and major hurricane landfalls overall in warm years than cold, using either SST or relSST, primarily due to a basinwide increase in the number of storms. The signal along the coast, however, is complex. Some regions have large and significant sensitivity (e.g., an approximate doubling of annual major hurricane landfall probability on Texas from −2 to +2 standard deviations in relSST), while other regions have no significant sensitivity (e.g., the U.S. mid-Atlantic and Northeast coasts). This geographic structure is due to both shifts in the regions of primary TC genesis and shifts in TC propagation.
Tropical Cyclones and Drought Amelioration in the Gulf and Southeastern Coastal United States
Authors: Maxwell Justin T. , Ortegren Jason T. , Knapp Paul A. , Soulé Peter T.
Published: June 2013

Precipitation from land-falling tropical cyclones (TCs) has a significant hydroclimatic influence in the southeastern United States, particularly during drought years. The frequency with which TCs ended drought conditions was examined for southeastern coastal states from Texas to North Carolina during 1895–2011. The region was divided into the Gulf Coast states (GCS) and the southeastern Atlantic coast states (ACS). The spatiotemporal patterns of tropical cyclone drought busters (TCDBs) were analyzed. Larger-scale ocean–atmosphere influences on TCDBs were examined using chi-squared analysis. The ACS experienced TCDBs more frequently and farther inland compared to the GCS. The number of TCDBs has significantly increased with time in the ACS. TCDBs numbers in the GCS did not exhibit significant increases, but the area alleviated of drought conditions increased significantly in the last 117 years. The dominant larger-scale ocean–atmosphere forcing of TCDBs was a combination of a warm Atlantic Ocean [positive Atlantic multidecadal oscillation index (AMO+)] and weak westerlies [negative North Atlantic Oscillation index (NAO−)]. AMO+ leads to an increase in the number of TCs throughout the North Atlantic basin, and NAO− increases the likelihood of TC landfall by controlling the steering of TCs toward the southeastern United States.
Evolution and Accuracy of Surface Humidity Reports*
Authors: Ingleby Bruce , Moore David , Sloan Chris , Dunn Robert
Published: June 2013

Until recently surface humidity was predominantly measured using psychrometers (wet- and dry-bulb thermometers). In some countries, often in conjunction with increased automation, the measurement technique has changed—usually to capacitive sensors. The scale of the change in instrumentation and the error characteristics of the operational instruments have not been well documented. This paper provides an overview of these operational instruments and their error characteristics, intended to be useful for climate and forecast users of the data. It also includes detailed results from comparisons of psychrometers and capacitive sensors with a chilled mirror reference instrument at a site in the United Kingdom under (near) operational conditions. The psychrometers performed well near saturation but underread at lower humidities; any large errors tended to be positive because of insufficient water supply to the wet bulb. New capacitive sensors perform well but they usually drift to higher values during deployment (except in arid climates); they perform best at lower humidities and need regular adjustment and recalibration. The natural variation of relative humidity and the differences between instruments are larger in daytime than at night. Changes in the U.K. synoptic network are described in order to put the intercomparisons into context. The instruments used in selected other countries are surveyed. There is a need for better documentation and real-time exchange of metadata on the instruments used and any changes. Capacitive sensors are also used on some radiosondes and aircraft; relevant studies are briefly reviewed and some parallels with surface usage are drawn.
GSI 3DVar-Based Ensemble–Variational Hybrid Data Assimilation for NCEP Global Forecast System: Single-Resolution Experiments
Authors: Wang Xuguang , Parrish David , Kleist Daryl , Whitaker Jeffrey
Published: June 2013

An ensemble Kalman filter–variational hybrid data assimilation system based on the gridpoint statistical interpolation (GSI) three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVar) system was developed. The performance of the system was investigated using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System model. Experiments covered a 6-week Northern Hemisphere winter period. Both the control and ensemble forecasts were run at the same, reduced resolution. Operational conventional and satellite observations along with an 80-member ensemble were used. Various configurations of the system including one- or two-way couplings, with zero or nonzero weights on the static covariance, were intercompared and compared with the GSI 3DVar system. It was found that the hybrid system produced more skillful forecasts than the GSI 3DVar system. The inclusion of a static component in the background-error covariance and recentering the analysis ensemble around the variational analysis did not improve the forecast skill beyond the one-way coupled system with zero weights on the static covariance. The one-way coupled system with zero static covariances produced more skillful wind forecasts averaged over the globe than the EnKF at the 1–5-day lead times and more skillful temperature forecasts than the EnKF at the 5-day lead time. Sensitivity tests indicated that the difference may be due to the use of the tangent linear normal mode constraint in the variational system. For the first outer loop, the hybrid system showed a slightly slower (faster) convergence rate at early (later) iterations than the GSI 3DVar system. For the second outer loop, the hybrid system showed a faster convergence.
Nettuno: Analysis of a Wind and Wave Forecast System for the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Bertotti Luciana , Cavaleri Luigi , Loffredo Layla , Torrisi Lucio
Published: June 2013

Nettuno is a wind and wave forecast system for the Mediterranean Sea. It has been operational since 2009 producing twice-daily high-resolution forecasts for the next 72 h. The authors have carried out a detailed analysis of the results, both in space and time, using scatterometer and altimeter data from four different satellites. The findings suggest that there are appreciable differences in the measurements from the different instruments. Within the overall positive results, there is also evidence of differences in Nettuno performance for the various subbasins. The related geographical distributions in Nettuno performance are consistent with the various satellite instruments used in the comparisons. The extensive system of buoys around Italy is used to highlight the difficulties involved in a correct modeling of wave heights in Italy's coastal areas.
The Rhetoric of the Hanging Chair
Authors: Cos Grant , Martin Kelly Norris
Published: June 2013

The empty chair used by actor-director Clint Eastwood during his headline-grabbing speech at the Republican National Convention is a particularly compelling example of a widely circulated image that resonated for the balance of the 2012 presidential campaign. Eastwood had criticized and mocked the empty chair as if the Democratic president were sitting in it. Following the convention, at least two incidents were reported where an empty chair was hung from a tree by a rope, interpreted by many as racially offensive displays meant to symbolize the lynching of President Barack Obama. Analyzing publicly recognizable images is an important endeavor for rhetorical scholars because images have the capability of embodying public identity and contributing to the formation of public culture. This study investigates how the circulation of particular images, such as the empty chair, during a political campaign may develop verbally unspoken arguments and provide additional insight about American identity as it relates to issues of race.
The NIOSH Lifting Equation and Low-Back Pain, Part 2
Authors: Garg Arun , Kapellusch Jay M. , Hegmann Kurt T. , Moore J. Steven , Boda Sruthi , Bhoyar Parag , Thiese Matthew S. , Merryweather Andrew , Deckow-Schaefer Gwen , Bloswick Donald , Malloy Elizabeth J.
Published: June 2013

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the revised NIOSH lifting equation (RNLE) and risk of seeking care for low-back pain (SC-LBP).

Background:

The RNLE is commonly used to quantify low-back physical stressors from lifting/lowering of loads in workplaces. There is no prospective study on relationship between RNLE and SC-LBP.

Method:

A cohort of 258 incident-eligible workers from 30 diverse facilities was followed for up to 4.5 years. Job physical exposures were individually measured. Worker demographics, medical history, psychosocial factors, hobbies, and current low-back pain were obtained at baseline. The cohort was followed monthly to ascertain SC-LBP and quarterly to determine changes in physical exposure. Associations between SC-LBP and both the peak lifting index (PLI) and peak composite lifting index (PCLI) were tested in multivariate models using proportional hazards regression.

Results:

SC-LBP lifetime prevalence at baseline was 31.9%, and there were 24 incident cases during follow-up. Factors predicting SC-LBP included job physical exposure (PLI and PCLI), history of low-back pain, age, female gender, and lower body mass index. In adjusted models, risk (hazard ratio [HR]) increased per unit increase in PLI and PCLI ( p = .03 and .02, and maximum HR = 23.0 and 21.9, respectively). Whereas PCLI suggested a continuous increase in risk with an increase in PCLI, the PLI showed elevated, though somewhat reduced, risk at higher exposures (HR = 14.9 at PLI = 6).

Conclusion:

Job physical stressors are associated with increased risk of SC-LBP. Data suggest that both the PLI and PCLI are useful metrics for estimating exposure to job physical stressors.
Perceived Drug Use Functions and Risk Reduction Practices Among High-Risk Nonmedical Users of Prescription Drugs
Authors: Silva Karol , Kecojevic Aleksandar , Lankenau Stephen E.
Published: June 2013

Nonmedical use of prescription drugs has become the fastest growing drug problem in the United States, particularly among young adults. This study examines the reasons young polydrug users misuse prescription drugs, and explores how young users employ risk reduction strategies to minimize adverse consequences. The sample was recruited during 2008 and 2009 in Los Angeles and New York, and comprised 45 nonmedical users of prescription drugs, aged 16 to 25. Data from a semistructured interview were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Participants reported nonmedical use of prescription drugs to change mood, to facilitate activity, and to monitor the intake of other substances. Commonly employed risk reduction strategies included calculating pill timing, dosage, and access, and monitoring frequency of use, particularly when combining different substances. Most study participants often planned drug use to occur within socially acceptable parameters, such that prescription drug misuse was a normalized feature of their everyday lives.
Detoxification History and 2-Year Outcomes of Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Mutual-Help Group Participation
Authors: Timko Christine , Bonn-Miller Marcel O. , McKellar John , Ilgen Mark
Published: June 2013

Little is known about detoxification (detox) history as a risk factor for poor treatment outcomes among dually diagnosed (substance use and other mental health disorders) patients. We compared patients with a detox history with those who had never received detox on baseline characteristics, subsequent treatment and mutual-help group participation, and substance use and related outcomes at 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-ups. Having a detox history was associated with poorer status at treatment intake, but detoxed patients were functioning as well as never-detoxed patients on alcohol and drug use severity 2 years later. However, having a detox history at baseline was associated with poorer psychological and legal functioning at follow-ups. Assessing detox history in mental health programs would be feasible to implement routinely. Targeting more comprehensive mental health, case management, and 12-step facilitation services to dually diagnosed patients with a history of detox may improve mental health and criminal involvement status.
Putting Prostitutes in Their Place
Authors: Smith Christen A.
Published: June 2013

In 2007 five upper-middle-class white youths savagely beat domestic worker Sirlei Dias de Carvalho Pinto at a bus stop in the Tijuca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro. According to one assailant’s confession, they had attacked her because they thought she was a prostitute. A cross reading of this event and a blackface performance about black women on Brazilian national television in 2008 suggests that in Brazil the dehumanization of the black female body in the popular imagination scripts black women as “prostitutes,” justifying and motivating violence. The attack on Carvalho was a disciplining moment that simultaneously reflected and marked her body as black and female. Black femaleness is marked as outside the social contract and, by extension, outside the moral order. Performative epistemologies of race/gender/sexuality in the popular imagination created the conditions necessary for this violence to occur.

En 2007 cinco jóvenes blancos de clase media alta golpearon salvajemente a la trabajadora doméstica negra Sirlei Dias de Carvalho Pinto en una parada de bus en el barrio de Tijuca en Río de Janeiro. Según la confesión de uno de los asaltantes, la habían atacado porque pensaron que era prostituta. Una lectura cruzada sobre este acontecimiento más una actuación de cara pintada de negro acerca de mujeres brasileñas en un programa televisiva nacional de Brasil en 2008 plantea que en dicho país la deshumanización del cuerpo femenino negro cataloga a mujeres negras como “prostitutas” en la imaginación popular, justificando e incentivando violencia. El ataque contra Carvalho fue un momento de castigo que reflejó y marcó simultáneamente su cuerpo como negro y femenino. La femineidad negra está señalada como fuera del contrato social y, por extensión, fuera del orden moral. Las epistemologías teatrales sobre raza/género/sexualidad crearon en la imaginación popular las condiciones necesarias para que ocurriera esta violencia.
Validation of SURE, a Four-Item Clinical Checklist for Detecting Decisional Conflict in Patients
Authors: Ferron Parayre Audrey , Labrecque Michel , Rousseau Michel , Turcotte Stéphane , Légaré France
Published: June 2013

Background: We sought to determine the psychometric properties of SURE, a 4-item checklist designed to screen for clinically significant decisional conflict in clinical practice. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of a clustered randomized trial assessing the effect of DECISION+2, a 2-hour online tutorial followed by a 2-hour interactive workshop on shared decision making, on decisions to use antibiotics for acute respiratory infections. Patients completed SURE and also the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS), as the gold standard, after consultation. We evaluated internal consistency of SURE using the Kuder-Richardson 20 coefficient (KR-20). We compared DCS and SURE scores using the Spearman correlation coefficient. We assessed sensitivity and specificity of SURE scores (cut-off score ≤3 out of 4) by identifying patients with and without clinically significant decisional conflict (DCS score >37.5 on a scale of 0–100). Results: Of the 712 patients recruited during the trial, 654 completed both tools. SURE scores showed adequate internal consistency (KR-20 coefficient of 0.7). There was a significant correlation between DCS and SURE scores (Spearman’s ρ = −0.45, P < 0.0001). The prevalence of clinically significant decisional conflict as estimated by the DCS was 5.2% (95% CI 3.7–7.3). Sensitivity and specificity of SURE ≤3 were 94.1% (95% CI 78.9–99.0) and 89.8% (95% CI 87.1–92.0), respectively. Conclusions: SURE shows adequate psychometric properties in a primary care population with a low prevalence of clinically significant decisional conflict. SURE has the potential to be a useful screening tool for practitioners, responding to the growing need for detecting clinically significant decisional conflict in patients.
The Marketing Ethics Course
Authors: Ferrell O. C. , Keig Dawn L.
Published: June 2013

Many of the critical issues facing modern businesses can be considered marketing ethics issues. It follows that as the field of business ethics has evolved, marketing has played a key role in the development of business ethics education. Despite a general trend of increasingly larger amounts of ethical content included in business curricula, prior studies have shown there are no significant numbers of courses specifically designed with a focus on marketing ethics in university business programs. This exploratory study examines the current implementation of the stand-alone marketing ethics course. Using a comparative case study method, we describe a variety of different approaches currently being used in the definition and delivery of stand-alone marketing ethics courses. We offer recommendations for the future of the marketing ethics course and discuss related research opportunities. Our goal is to inform and inspire further development and refinement of marketing curricula that incorporate marketing ethics content.