bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Errors in South Asian Monsoon Simulation: Importance of Equatorial Indian Ocean Processes
Authors: Annamalai H. , Taguchi Bunmei , McCreary Julian P. , Nagura Motoki , Miyama Toru
Published: July 2017

Forecasting monsoon rainfall using dynamical climate models has met with little success, partly due to models’ inability to represent the monsoon climatological state accurately. In this article the nature and dynamical causes of their biases are investigated. The approach is to analyze errors in multimodel-mean climatological fields determined from CMIP5, and to carry out sensitivity experiments using a coupled model [the Coupled Model for the Earth Simulator (CFES)] that does represent the monsoon realistically. Precipitation errors in the CMIP5 models persist throughout the annual cycle, with positive (negative) errors occurring over the near-equatorial western Indian Ocean (South Asia). Model errors indicate that an easterly wind stress bias Δτ along the equator begins during April–May and peaks during November; the severity of the Δτ is that the Wyrtki jets, eastward-flowing equatorial currents during the intermonsoon seasons (April–May and October–November), are almost eliminated. An erroneous east–west SST gradient (warm west and cold east) develops in June. The structure of the model errors indicates that they arise from Bjerknes feedback in the equatorial Indian Ocean (EIO). Vertically integrated moisture and moist static energy budgets confirm that warm SST bias in the western EIO anchors moist processes that cause the positive precipitation bias there. In CFES sensitivity experiments in which Δτ or warm SST bias over the western EIO is artificially introduced, errors in the EIO are similar to those in the CMIP5 models; moreover, precipitation over South Asia is reduced. An overall implication of these results is that South Asian rainfall errors in CMIP5 models are linked to errors of coupled processes in the western EIO, and in coupled models correct representation of EIO coupled processes (Bjerknes feedback) is a necessary condition for realistic monsoon simulation.
Baroclinic Frontal Instabilities and Turbulent Mixing in the Surface Boundary Layer. Part II: Forced Simulations
Authors: Skyllingstad Eric D. , Duncombe Jenessa , Samelson Roger M.
Published: July 2017

Generation of ocean surface boundary layer turbulence and coherent roll structures is examined in the context of wind-driven and geostrophic shear associated with horizontal density gradients using a large-eddy simulation model. Numerical experiments over a range of surface wind forcing and horizontal density gradient strengths, combined with linear stability analysis, indicate that the dominant instability mechanism supporting coherent roll development in these simulations is a mixed instability combining shear instability of the ageostrophic, wind-driven flow with symmetric instability of the frontal geostrophic shear. Disruption of geostrophic balance by vertical mixing induces an inertially rotating ageostrophic current, not forced directly by the wind, that initially strengthens the stratification, damps the instabilities, and reduces vertical mixing, but instability and mixing return when the inertial buoyancy advection reverses. The resulting rolls and instabilities are not aligned with the frontal zone, with an oblique orientation controlled by the Ekman-like instability. Mean turbulence is enhanced when the winds are destabilizing relative to the frontal orientation, but mean Ekman buoyancy advection is found to be relatively unimportant in these simulations. Instead, the mean turbulent kinetic energy balance is dominated by mechanical shear production that is enhanced when the wind-driven shear augments the geostrophic shear, while the resulting vertical mixing nearly eliminates any effective surface buoyancy flux from near-surface, cold-to-warm, Ekman buoyancy advection.
Prediction of Lake-Effect Snow Using Convection-Allowing Ensemble Forecasts and Regional Data Assimilation
Authors: Saslo Seth , Greybush Steven J.
Published: July 2017

Lake-effect snow (LES) is a cold-season mesoscale convective phenomenon that can lead to significant snowfall rates and accumulations in the Great Lakes region of the United States. While limited-area numerical weather prediction models have shown skill in prediction of warm-season convective storms, forecasting the sharp nature of LES precipitation timing, intensity, and location is difficult because of model error and initial and boundary condition uncertainties. Ensemble forecasting can incorporate and quantify some sources of forecast error, but ensemble design must be considered. This study examines the relative contributions of forecast uncertainties to LES forecast error using a regional convection-allowing data assimilation and ensemble prediction system. Ensembles are developed using various methods of perturbations to simulate a long-lived and high-precipitation LES event in December 2013, and forecast performance is evaluated using observations including those from the Ontario Winter Lake-Effect Systems (OWLeS) campaign. Model lateral boundary conditions corresponding to weather conditions beyond the Great Lakes region play an influential role in LES precipitation forecasts and their uncertainty, as evidenced by ensemble spread, particularly at lead times beyond one day. A strong forecast dependence on regional initial conditions was shown using data assimilation. This sensitivity impacts the timing and intensity of predicted precipitation, as well as band location and orientation assessed with an object-based verification approach, giving insight into the time scales of practical predictability of LES. Overall, an assimilation-cycling convection-allowing ensemble prediction system could improve future lake-effect snow precipitation forecasts and analyses and can help quantify and understand sources of forecast uncertainty.
Proliferation and Differentiation Characteristics of Normal Human Squamous Mucosal Cells of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract
Authors: Kasperbauer Jan L. , Neel H. Bryan , Scott Robert E.
Published: July 2017

Normal human squamous mucosal cells of the soft palate, buccal surface, epiglottis, hypopharynx, floor of the mouth, and tongue were cultured in vitro in serum-free medium. In medium MCDB 153 containing epidermal growth factor, insulin, bovine pituitary extract, and 0.1 or 2.0 mmol/L Ca**, squamous mucosal cells double every 24 hours. These cells then can be induced to arrest their proliferation reversibly by treatment with transforming growth factor-β or ethionine, and they can irreversibly growth-arrest during senescence or when cultured in growth factor–deficient medium containing 2 mmol/L Ca**. The latter medium also induces differentiation, as does culture of cells in serum-containing medium. Serum-containing medium furthermore promotes extensive cell stratification and the formation of multilayered squamous mucosal tissue specimens that can be removed intact by Dispase treatment. These specimens represent potential autogenous mucosal grafts that can be used in patients who require reconstructive surgery of the oral cavity and oropharynx. Normal human squamous mucosal cells therefore closely resemble keratinocytes derived from the epidermis in the mechanisms that regulate proliferation and differentiation. This model cell system should facilitate future studies on upper aerodigestive tract squamous mucosal cell physiology and pathophysiology.
Predictive Value of the Glasgow Coma Scale for Tracheotomy in Head-Injured Patients
Authors: Lanza Donald C. , Decker John W. , Koltai Peter J. , Deng Paul Wing , Parnes Steven M. , Fortune John B.
Published: July 2017

Patients with severe head trauma often require prolonged intubation and subsequent tracheotomy. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), an indicator of the severity of head injury, may help identify that subpopulation of trauma victims who will ultimately undergo tracheotomy. This retrospective study demonstrates through discriminant analysis that the likelihood of tracheotomy is significantly greater in patients with a GCS rating ≤7 than it is in patients with a GCS rating >7 (p= .0001). Conversely, the presence of thoracoabdominal or maxillofacial injury is associated with but not predictive of eventual tracheotomy. In the hope of minimizing complications and enhancing the utilization of hospital resources, this study argues for early tracheotomy in patients with a GCS score ≤7 who do not undergo craniotomy and are otherwise stable.
Human Papillomavirus in Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Leukoplakia, Lichen Planus, and Clinically Normal Epithelium of the Oral Cavity
Authors: Kashima Haskins K. , Levin L. Stefan , Kutcher Mark , De Villiers Ethel-Michele , Kessis Ted , Shah Keerti
Published: July 2017

Tissue specimens of carcinoma, leukoplakia, and clinically normal epithelium obtained at sites separate from the lesions were examined for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV). Twenty-two paraffinized specimens of previously diagnosed oral lichen planus were also studied. The carcinoma and leukoplakia specimens were examined by Southern transfer hybridization and reverse blot hybridization; specimens HPV-positive by Southern hybridization were additionally examined by in situ hybridization and an immunoperoxidase technique. The lichen planus specimens were examined by in situ hybridization and immunoperoxidase techniques only. The HPV identification rates were in the range reported in previous studies, and the detection rates were similar for carcinoma, leukoplakia, histologically normal epithelium, and lichen planus. The clinical significance of HPV presence in carcinoma, leukoplakia, and lichen planus was not evaluable because of the short duration of follow-up.
Surgical Treatment for Laryngeal Paralysis in Infants and Children
Authors: Narcy Philippe , Contencin Philippe , Viala Paul
Published: July 2017

Clinical and endoscopic data of 219 cases of laryngeal paralysis in newborns, infants, and children are briefly reported. The management of severe cases of persistent dyspnea then is discussed, according to the literature. Of 219 cases, 22 young patients underwent a surgical procedure because of lack of spontaneous recovery and poor tolerance of their disease after 6 to 9 months of follow-up. Arytenoidectomy technique has been used three times and arytenoidopexy 19 times, with fair to excellent results. Other possible treatments for infants are discussed. On the basis of this important series of surgical pediatric cases, the arytenoidopexy technique is advocated, besides arytenoidectomy, to avoid the risks of a long-term tracheostomy in young patients with vocal cord paralysis and severe dyspnea.
Ancient Temporal Bone Osteopathology
Authors: Loveland Carol J. , Pierce Lorna Collins , Gregg John B.
Published: July 2017

Few isolated specimens or series of temporal bone abnormalities from antiquity are reported from North America. Infections were in the past and are today the most common otologic problems. Differentiating infectious disease residua from other causes of osteopathology has proven difficult for some not conversant with disease pathophysiology. During clinical experience spanning five decades and research involving several thousand aboriginal skeletons, data relating to temporal bone disease were accumulated. As a didactic exercise, findings in 18 illustrative temporal bones encountered during research are presented and discussed briefly.
Lymphoepithelial Cysts of the Parotid Region: A “New Face” on an Old Lesion
Authors: Cleary Karen R. , Batsakis John G.
Published: July 2017

Lymphoepithelial cysts of the parotid gland and its lymph nodes have been known for nearly 100 years, but only in the past half-decade have they gained clinical prominence, if not significance. The lymphoepithelial cysts can now be added to the growing list of clinicopathologic manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus-associated diseases.
Maxillary Sinus Atelectasis
Authors: Antonelli Patrick J. , Duvall Arndt J. , Teitelbaum Steven L.
Published: July 2017

Two patients are presented with maxillary bone loss and atelectasis of the sinus walls in association with chronic subclinical maxillary sinusitis. Maxillary sinus atelectasis results in a mild cosmetic deformity, but may also cause diplopia by involving the orbital floor. Ostial obstruction and inflammation-mediated osteopenia are postulated to be the responsible mechanisms. Surgical treatment of the sinusitis may prevent progression of the bone loss.
Spontaneous Remission in Experimental Autoimmune Labyrinthitis
Authors: Yamanobe Shigeharu , Harris Jeffrey P.
Published: July 2017

We investigated the time course of hearing impairment and cellular infiltration into the inner ear after systemic sensitization of guinea Pigs with a single intradermal injection of bovine inner ear antigen (IEAg) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Lymphocytes and polymorphonucleocytes appeared mainly in the scala tympani on days 7 to 14, and in addition there was thickening and cellular infiltration of the round window membrane at day 14. These cellular infiltrations resolved after day 28. The auditory brain stem response thresholds from IEAg-sensitized animals were significantly elevated after day 7. Some sensitized animals (n = 5) had spontaneous remissions after day 28; however, the hearing thresholds did not completely recover. These results demonstrate that experimental autoimmune labyrinthitis can be induced by a single inoculation of IEAg-CFA and that remission, as evidenced by clearing of the cochlear cellular infiltration and improved hearing thresholds, can occur spontaneously.
Change in the Perceived Certainty of Punishment as an Inhibitor of Post-Juvenile Offending in Serious Delinquents: Deterrence at the Adult Transition
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine whether growth in perceived certainty of punishment explained the right leg of the age–crime curve. Using longitudinal data from the Pathways to Desistance study ( N = 1,354), it was determined that offense variety achieved its steepest decline between the ages of 17 and 18, and offense frequency displayed its steepest decline between the ages of 19 and 20. Further analysis revealed that perceived certainty of punishment predicted the variety and frequency of offending from the periods of steepest decline but not during periods of offense growth or less optimal decline. These results provide preliminary support for the presence of sensitive periods in emerging adulthood whereby increased perceived certainty may inhibit future offending.
Effects of Differing Levels of Inclusion on Preschoolers with Disabilities
Authors: Mills Paulette E. , Cole Kevin N. , Jenkins Joseph R. , Dale Philip S.
Published: July 2017

This study compared three levels of inclusion (special education-only, integrated special education, and mainstream placements) on cognitive and language development of preschool children with disabilities. Results are reported for 66 children randomly assigned to one of three classroom ratios. Overall, treatments did not differ significantly, but an analysis of pre- to postgains revealed that one treatment, integrated special education, produced gains that significantly exceeded the rate of normal development. Aptitude X Treatment interactions indicated relatively higher functioning children with disabilities benefited more from integrated special education placement, while relatively lower functioning children benefitted more from special education-only classes and mainstream classes. Results replicate previous findings that different levels of inclusion produce differential benefits for higher and lower functioning students.
Quality of Early Childhood Programs in Inclusive and Noninclusive Settings
Authors: Buysse Virginia , Wesley Patricia W. , Bryant Donna , Gardner Dave
Published: July 2017

This study assessed factors that contributed to global program quality in early childhood settings. The sample consisted of 180 community-based child care centers from 12 geographically and economically diverse regions in North Carolina. The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS) total mean score was used as the primary measure of global program quality. The study found that 62 (34%) of the early childhood programs reported enrolling at least one child with disabilities. The study also found that inclusive early childhood programs scored significantly higher on the ECERS overall than did noninclusive programs. Results of an Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) indicated three other predictors of global program quality: teacher education, professional experience, and teacher self-ratings of knowledge and skill.
The concept of spiritual power in East Asian and Canadian Aboriginal thought
Authors: Young David , Pompana Clifford , Willier Russell
Published: July 2017

A distinction is often made between animism, a belief that everything has a soul or spirit, and animatism, which refers to a belief in a generalized, impersonal power that permeates all of reality. Although the distinction seems to be useful, most traditional societies probably include elements of both. Some concepts, such as mana or kami, can be either animistic or animatistic, depending on whether one is focused on a specific object such as a sacred tree or on the essential oneness of the spiritual power that is found in everything. Moreover, the distance between animism and animatism is not that great; from the recognition that everything in the cosmos has a soul (as in animism) it is only a small leap to the position of animatism that everything in the cosmos shares the same spiritual power. These theoretical points are illustrated with ethnographic information provided by the three authors of this article.
Exclusion as urban policy: The Dutch ‘Act on Extraordinary Measures for Urban Problems’
Authors: van Gent Wouter , Hochstenbach Cody , Uitermark Justus
Published: July 2017

The Dutch government introduced the Act on Extraordinary Measures for Urban Problems in 2006 to bolster local regeneration efforts. The act enables local governments to stop specific groups of deprived households from moving into designated neighbourhoods. More specifically, the Act allows local governments to refuse a residence permit to persons who have lived in the metropolitan region for less than six years and who do not receive an income from work, pensions or student loans. The policy is based on the idea that reducing the influx of poor newcomers improves liveability by providing a temporary relief of the demand for public services and by making neighbourhoods demographically ‘balanced’ or ‘socially mixed’. This review examines the socio-spatial effects of the Act in Rotterdam between 2006 and 2013. While the Act produces socio-demographic changes, the state of the living environment in designated areas seems to be worsening rather than improving. Our findings show that the policy restricts the rights of excluded groups without demonstrably improving safety or liveability. The review concludes with a reflection on how the Act may signify a broader change in European statecraft and urban policy.
Menthol enhances nicotine-induced locomotor sensitization and in vivo functional connectivity in adolescence
Authors: Thompson Matthew F , Poirier Guillaume L , Dávila-García Martha I , Huang Wei , Tam Kelly , Robidoux Maxwell , Dubuke Michelle L , Shaffer Scott A , Colon-Perez Luis , Febo Marcelo , DiFranza Joseph R , King Jean A
Published: July 2017

Mentholated cigarettes capture a quarter of the US market, and are disproportionately smoked by adolescents. Menthol allosterically modulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptor function, but its effects on the brain and nicotine addiction are unclear. To determine if menthol is psychoactive, we assessed locomotor sensitization and brain functional connectivity. Adolescent male Sprague Dawley rats were administered nicotine (0.4 mg/kg) daily with or without menthol (0.05 mg/kg or 5.38 mg/kg) for nine days. Following each injection, distance traveled in an open field was recorded. One day after the sensitization experiment, functional connectivity was assessed in awake animals before and after drug administration using magnetic resonance imaging. Menthol (5.38 mg/kg) augmented nicotine-induced locomotor sensitization. Functional connectivity was compared in animals that had received nicotine with or without the 5.38 mg/kg dosage of menthol. Twenty-four hours into withdrawal after the last drug administration, increased functional connectivity was observed for ventral tegmental area and retrosplenial cortex with nicotine+menthol compared to nicotine-only exposure. Upon drug re-administration, the nicotine-only, but not the menthol groups, exhibited altered functional connectivity of the dorsal striatum with the amygdala. Menthol, when administered with nicotine, showed evidence of psychoactive properties by affecting brain activity and behavior compared to nicotine administration alone.
Prostate cancer: in-bore magnetic resonance guided biopsies at active surveillance inclusion improve selection of patients for active treatment
Authors: Elkjær Maria Carlsen , Andersen Morten Heebøll , Høyer Søren , Pedersen Bodil Ginnerup , Borre Michael
Published: July 2017

Background

Active surveillance (AS) of low-risk prostate cancer (PCa) is an accepted alternative to active treatment. However, the conventional diagnostic trans-rectal ultrasound guided biopsies (TRUS-bx) underestimate PCa aggressiveness in almost half of the cases, when compared with the surgical specimen.

Purpose

To investigate if additional multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) of the prostate and MRI-guided in-bore biopsies (MRGB) at AS inclusion would improve selection of patients for active treatment.

Material and Methods

All patients enrolled in AS programs at two Danish centers, from October 2014 to January 2016, were offered an mpMRI 8–12 weeks after the initial diagnostic TRUS-bx. Candidates had low-risk disease (PSA < 10 ng/mL, <cT2b, Gleason score [GS] < 7). Prostate lesions were scored on the five-point PIRADS scale (version 1 and 2). MRGB were performed on PIRADS 4 or 5 lesions. Significant cancer was defined as GS > 6 or GS 6 (3 + 3) lesions with ≥ 6 mm maximal cancer core length (MCCL).

Results

A total of 78 patients were included and in 21 patients a total of 22 PIRADS-score 4 or 5 lesions were detected. MRGB pathology revealed that 17 (81%) of these and 22% of the entire AS population harbored significant cancers at AS inclusion. In eight (38%) cases, the GS was upgraded. Also, nine patients (43%) had GS 6 (3 + 3) foci with MCCL ≥ 6 mm.

Conclusion

In an AS cohort based on TRUS and TRUS-bx diagnostic strategies, supplemental mpMRI and in-bore MRGB were able to efficiently reclassify a substantial number of patients as candidates for immediate active treatment.
‘Isn't the Bride too Beautiful?’ The Case of Jeremiah 6.16-21
Authors: Hoffman Yair
Published: July 2017

‘The bride is too beautiful’ is a folkloristic Jewish saying. Its original context is the man who, apprehensive of being talked into marriage, points out defects in each potential bride. When at last an apparently perfect woman is found, he denounces her as ‘too beautiful’. It is used metaphorically to indicate absurd reasoning which conceals the real motives of one's resentment. However, a too-beautiful bride might indeed be a hindrance rather than a guarantee of successful marriage. In such cases to argue that ‘the bride is too beautiful’ is not absurd; it is paradoxical.
Applying Positive Deviance for Improving Compliance to Adolescent Anemia Control Program in Tribal Communities of India
Authors: Sethi Vani , Sternin Monique , Sharma Deepika , Bhanot Arti , Mebrahtu Saba
Published: July 2017

Background:

Positive deviance (PD) is an asset-based social and behavior change communication strategy, utilizing successful outliers within a specific context. It has been applied to tackling major public health problems but not adolescent anemia.

Objective:

The study, first of its kind, used PD to improve compliance to adolescent anemia control program in Jharkhand, India, where anemia prevalence in adolescent girls is 70%, and program compliance is low.

Methods:

With leadership of state government, the study was designed and implemented by a multidisciplinary 42 member PD team, in Khunti district, in 2014. Participatory appraisals were undertaken with 434 adolescent girls, 18 frontline workers, 15 teachers, and 751 community leaders/parents/relatives. Stakeholders were interviewed to identify positive deviants and PD determinants across 17 villages.

Results:

Perceived benefits of iron folic acid tablet and nutritional care during adolescence are low. Positive deviants exist among adolescent girls (26 of 434), villages (2 of 17), and schools (2 of 17). Positive deviant adolescent girls consumed variety of iron-rich foods and in higher frequency, consumed iron folic acid tablets, and practiced recommended personal hygiene behaviors. Deviant practices in schools included supervision of students during tablet distribution among others.

Conclusion:

Government-led PD approach uncovered local solutions and provided a forum for government functionaries to listen to and dialogue with, and an opportunity to adapt the program according to the needs of the affected communities, who are missing partners in program design and management.
Immune-Signalling by Orally-Delivered Probiotic Bacteria: Effects on Common Mucosal Immunoresponses and Protection at Distal Mucosal Sites
Authors: Cross M. L.
Published: July 2017

Probiotics – orally-delivered preparations of non-pathogenic bacterial cells – have been reported to increase anti-microbial protection in the gastrointestinal tract environment, and offer a safe and effective non-pharmaceutical means for combating infectious diseases and certain other pathologies. There is also an increasing body of evidence to suggest that immunostimulation by probiotic bacteria in the gut can enhance immune protection at distal mucosal sites, such as the urogenital and respiratory tracts. This review summarises the current information, from both clinical and animal model studies, of a role for orally-delivered probiotics in modulating mucosal immunoresponses and protection at distal sites. While it is clear that probiotics hold promise in this area, research that is targeted toward identifying the mechanism driving stimulation of the common mucosal immune system, as well as patterns of mucosal tissue homing by immunocytes following probiotic-mediated signalling in the gut, is strongly encouraged.
Immunological Features of Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes
Authors: Lorusso L. , Hart I.K. , Giometto B. , Pezzani R. , Broome J.C. , Gritti D. , Gasparetto C. , Ricevuti G.
Published: July 2017

Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes are a rare group of disorders that occur in 1 – 2 % of people with malignancy. They are usually caused by an immune response, triggered by and directed against a tumour, that cross-reacts with protein expressed by the peripheral or central nervous system. Any part of the nervous system can be affected and patients often develop severe and permanent disability. Diagnosis can be difficult as in two-thirds of patients the neurological problems appear up to 5 years before the tumour manifests. However, certain of these syndromes are often associated with specific serum autoantibodies that can be useful both in diagnosis of the neurological syndrome and in focusing the search for a particular tumour. Thus, these antibodies can allow earlier identification and treatment of cancer and, potentially, a reduction in morbidity and mortality. It was only in the 1980s that the first onconeural autoantibodies were characterized and their associations with clinical syndromes and tumours defined. Further antibodies have been isolated over the past 20 years and novel pathogenic mechanisms for several syndromes have been recognized. For example, voltage-gate ion channels seem to be a common target for autoantibodies involved in peripheral nerve diseases such as the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome and neuromyotonia (Isaacs' syndrome). However, the place of most paraneoplastic antibodies in the pathogenesis of central syndromes is yet to be fully elucidated.
Opposing Regulation of Interleukin-8 and NF-kB Responses by Lipoxin A4 and Serum Amyloid a via the Common Lipoxin a Receptor
Authors: Sodin-Semrl S. , Spagnolo A. , Mikus R. , Barbaro B. , Varga J. , Fiore S.
Published: July 2017

Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is a potent eicosanoid that inhibits IL-1β-induced activation of human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) via the LXA4 receptor (ALXR). Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase reactant with cytokine-like properties. SAA has been shown to bind the same seven transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor ligated by LXA4. Here we compared the inflammatory responses of lipid (LXA4) and peptide (SAA) ligands in human FLS via the shared ALX and characterized their downstream signaling. LXA4 induced stimulation of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2, whereas SAA induced interleukin-8 and matrix metalloproteinase-3 production. SAA up-regulated NF-kB and AP-1 DNA binding activity, while LXA4 markedly inhibited these responses after IL-1β stimulation. A human IL-8 promoter luciferase construct was transfected into CHO cells stably expressing ALXR in order to determine the role of NF-kB and/or AP-1 in the regulation of IL-8 gene expression. The NF-kB pathway proved to be the preeminent for the biological responses elicited by both ligands. These findings suggest that two endogenous molecules, targeting a common receptor, could participate in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis by differentially regulating inflammatory responses in tissues expressing the ALXR.
Quantification of Neurotrophin mRNA Expression in PMN Mouse: Modulation by Xaliproden
Authors: Appert-Collin A. , Duong F.H.T. , Passilly-Degrace P. , Gies J.-P. , Warter J.-M. , Poindron P.
Published: July 2017

Compounds possessing neurotrophic properties may represent a possible treatment for neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Xaliproden (SR57746A), an orally-active non-peptide compound, which has been found to exhibit neurotrophic effects in vitro and in vivo, increase the lifespan and delay the progression of motor neuron degeneration in PMN mice. We have used a quantitative reverse transcription/polymerase chain reaction amplification technique to study the regulation of neurotrophin mRNA and trk mRNA expression in PMN mice. NGF and NT-3 mRNA are downregulated in PMN mice. These deficiencies can be overcome by treatment with xaliproden. Such an effect could contribute to neurotrophic effects of xaliproden in vivo and in vitro.
Editorial
Authors: Greenhill L. , Greenhill Laurence L.
Published: July 2017

More than 65 years ago, careful observation revealed that stimulant medication can reduce the disruptive symptoms of hyperkinetic children. Today, a variety of stimulant medications have been marketed, such as preparations including methylphenidate (MPH), dextroamphetamine (DEX), mixed-salts amphetamine (AMP), and pemoline (PEM). These constitute the most widely prescribed psychotropic medications for children, primarily in the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Although this disorder begins in childhood, ADHD is now known to persist into adolescence and adult life, and these individuals are increasingly being prescribed stimulants for this condition. Stimulants are also used for the treatment of narcolepsy, based on controlled studies.
Responses to methylphenidate in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and normal children: Update 2002
Authors: Rapoport J. L. , Inoff-Germain G.
Published: July 2017

Since the positive effects of stimulants on disruptive behavior were described (Bradley a Bowen, 1941), further pediatric study has been limited almost exclusively to samples of hyperkinetic school-age children. Because these agents normally were viewed as arousing in their effects on the central nervous system, but were calming in their therapeutic effects on these children, stimulant effects on Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) were interpreted as being “paradoxical.” Investigation of effects in normal children and adolescents and in those with disorders unrelated to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as in young adult samples, however, indicate that stimulants appear to have similar behavioral effects in normal and in hyperactive children. This brief report is an update (as of August 2002) on studies of stimulants in ADHD and normal children, with particular focus on MPH.
On Interpreting Institute Research: A Response to McKinney
Authors: Ysseldyke James , Algozzine Bob , Thurlow Martha
Published: July 2017

The work of the Minnesota Institute does not reflect the state of the art (what is known) in LD. It does, however, reflect the state of practice (what is done). The LD population is not clearly defined, and research does not suggest that LD children require interventions unique to their category.
The Habitability Framework: Linking Human Behavior and Physical Environment in Special Education
Authors: Preiser Wolfgang F. E. , Taylor Anne
Published: July 2017

The concept of environmental design cybernetics is explained, and its effective use by special educators and architects in creating learning environments is discussed. A proposed habitability framework is defined, and its applications to buildings and building occupants/users are offered. Research on architectural design applied to special education settings is reviewed. Conclusions are provided highlighting the need for collaboration among educators and architects in creating environments that assist learning.
Internal Validity of Group Experimental Research
Authors: Harber Jean R.
Published: July 2017

This article stresses the importance of controlling extraneous variables when studying educational problems. Various types of research studies are described. The experimental research design, which is ideally suited to detecting causal relationships if proper controls are used, and quasi-experimental procedures, which are employed when true experimental designs cannot be used, are discussed. Threats to internal validity are presented and hypothetical examples are given to illustrate these threats and the means of controlling them. The importance of utilizing control groups is illustrated.
Building Human Rights Consciousness in Postconflict Societies: Peruvian Adolescents’ Understandings of Human Rights
Authors: Velez Gabriel M.
Published: July 2017

During adolescence, individuals begin to form ideas about human rights as part of the development of a sense of self. The outcomes of these processes are influential in the stability and peace in postconflict societies. However, there remain many questions about how these youth construct ideas about human rights and how they become oriented toward promoting these in society through a developed human rights consciousness. This study investigates how adolescents in an underexplored area of postconflict societies—where past violence was not intimately experienced—understand human rights. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 25 fifteen-year-olds across five schools in Tacna, Peru. These adolescents understand human rights as related to respect, protection, and needing personal advocacy, but they do not integrate ideas about human rights into concrete practice—the foundation of human rights consciousness. While the majority of respondents assert that human rights must be understood and enacted in order to become reality, they do not connect these ideas to concrete issues in Peruvian society. This gap may have emerged from postconflict political developments in the Peruvian education system. For a group of female respondents, human rights are about identity, which may demonstrate the ways that local gender contexts and developmentally salient concerns shape these understandings. These findings could provide important empirical support for policies and programs fostering human rights consciousness in postconflict youth.
Fabrication, characterization, and in vitro study of zinc substituted hydroxyapatite/silk fibroin composite coatings on titanium for biomedical applications
Authors: Zhong Zhenyu , Ma Jun
Published: July 2017

Zinc substituted hydroxyapatite/silk fibroin composite coatings were deposited on titanium substrates at room temperature by electrophoretic deposition. Microscopic characterization of the synthesized composite nanoparticles revealed that the particle size ranged 50–200 nm, which increased a little after zinc substitution. The obtained coatings maintained the phase of hydroxyapatite and they could induce fast apatite formation in simulated body fluid, indicating high bone activity. The cell culturing results showed that the biomimetic hydroxyapatite coatings could regulate adhesion, spreading, and proliferation of osteoblastic cells. Furthermore, the biological behavior of the zinc substituted hydroxyapatite coatings was found to be better than the bare titanium without coatings and hydroxyapatite coatings without zinc, increasing MC3T1-E1 cell differentiation in alkaline phosphatase expression.
Solving statelessness
Authors: Vlieks Caia , Ballin Ernst Hirsch , Vela María José Recalde
Published: July 2017

This article examines what is necessary to solve statelessness in a sustainable manner that enhances the enjoyment of human rights. It does so by interpreting the right to nationality using three lenses through which the meaning of a response to statelessness can be better understood. It draws on human rights standards and democratic principles to comment on the traditional understanding of nationality, which gives States discretion over granting and withholding nationality. The three lenses used in this article to explore the concept of nationality are the idea of the right to be a citizen, that of one’s “own country”, and the right to an “effective” nationality. These three lenses present complementary views of what nationality means and how it relates to solving statelessness. Taken together they make clear that any real solution to statelessness requires more than the acquisition of “a” nationality. If we are to solve statelessness, we need to move beyond a State-centric understanding of the right to nationality to an understanding of nationality as the content of a human right to citizenship. What is needed is a nationality that represents a meaningful connection between a person and a State that enables the person involved to actively enjoy the rights attached to a nationality.
Human papillomavirus infection among male clients of female sex workers soliciting sex in brothels in Peru
Authors: Stewart Jenell , Calderon Martha , Hathaway Alison , Winer Rachel L , Zunt Joseph
Published: July 2017

The prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) has been reported to be three times higher in female sex workers (FSWs) in Callao, Peru than in the general population of women in Peru. Prevalence of HR-HPV among male clients has not yet been reported. A total of 150 men soliciting intercourse in sex work venues submitted questionnaires, samples for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and self-collected penile samples prior to and following intercourse for HPV genotyping. We identified variables associated with pre-coital HR-HPV, and compared HR-HPV detection pre- and post-coitus. Prior to intercourse, HR-HPV prevalence was 41.9%. Married clients were less likely than unmarried clients to have HR-HPV detected ( p = 0.03). While post-coital HR-HPV prevalence was higher (47.6%), the difference was not statistically significant. However, there was a significant increase in the mean number of HR-HPV DNA strains detected before (0.75) and after (0.94) intercourse ( p = 0.02). No cases of gonorrhoea or syphilis and six (4.1%) cases of chlamydial infection were detected. Despite low prevalence of other STIs, male clients had a high HR-HPV prevalence. The increase in detection of HR-HPV following intercourse demonstrates a potential for transmission of HR-HPV despite high self-reported condom use.
Nursing Student Attitudes toward Euthanasia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Kazem , Rafiei Hossein
Published: July 2017

Background:

Euthanasia is among the most common and controversial end-of-life care issues. Examining the attitudes of nursing students to this issue is important because they may well encounter these issues during the course of their clinical placements.

Research aims:

This study aims to examine the attitudes of a sample of Iranian nursing students towards euthanasia.

Research design:

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Participants and research context:

Using convenience sampling, 382 Muslim nursing students were enrolled in this study.

Methods:

Data were collected using a demographic variables checklist and a self-administered questionnaire that included a definition of euthanasia and 11 closed questions that sought to record participants’ level of agreement with euthanasia based on a Likert scale.

Ethical consideration:

Consent for participation was implicit, indicated by the participants having returned the completed questionnaires. Participants were assured that their data would remain anonymous, be kept confidential and be stored safely.

Findings:

Of the 382 participants, 61.5% were female, and the remainder were male. The mean age was 62.6 ± 14.1 years (range: 32–91 years). In total, 34.2%, 41.6% and 24% of students reported a negative, neutral and positive attitude to euthanasia, respectively. Most students with clinical experience, and 38.5% of students with no clinical experience, indicated their agreement with active euthanasia.

Discussion:

There are a number of misconceptions among Iranian Muslim nursing students regarding the definition of euthanasia. Nonetheless, most students exhibit positive attitudes to euthanasia consistent with their clinical experiences.

Conclusion:

It is recommended to explore the factors that induced nursing students’ tendency to euthanasia.
Effect of temperature and porosity on the vibration behavior of two-dimensional functionally graded micro-scale Timoshenko beam
Authors: Mirjavadi Seyed Sajad , Mohasel Afshari Behzad , Shafiei Navvab , Rabby Samira , Kazemi Mohammad
Published: July 2017

This work is aimed to present analysis on the thermal vibrational behavior of two-dimensional functionally graded porous microbeams based on Timoshenko beam theory. According to the power law function, the material composition and so the material properties are varying along thickness and axis of the microbeam. The governing equations are derived on the basis of the couple stress theory and the generalized differential quadrature method is used to solve the equations. The temperature gradient is considered to be uniform and nonuniform across the thickness of the microbeam. The results are presented to show the effect of temperature change, porosity, functionally graded and axially functionally graded power indexes and also micro-scale parameter on the vibration of the microbeam.
Dynamic model and active vibration control of a membrane antenna structure
Authors: Liu Xiang , Cai Guoping , Peng Fujun , Zhang Hua
Published: July 2017

This paper studies a dynamic model and active vibration control of a membrane antenna structure. Based on the finite element method (FEM), the dynamic model of the membrane antenna structure is established. Piezoelectric actuators are used to suppress the vibration of the structure and their optimal locations on the membrane are determined using the optimization method, where an efficient numerical criterion depended on controllability Grammian is used as optimization criterion and the particle swarm optimizer (PSO) is used as optimization algorithm. Active controllers are designed by the classical linear quadratic regulator (LQR) method. Simulation results indicate that the vibration modes and dynamic responses obtained by the dynamic model established in this paper coincide well with the results of the software ABAQUS; vibration of the structure can be suppressed effectively by the piezoelectric actuators, and optimal placed actuators not only can produce better control effectiveness but also need smaller control cost.
The importance of critical life moments: An explorative study of successful women with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Webster Amanda A , Garvis Susanne
Published: July 2017

Ten women with autism spectrum disorder participated in oral interviews in order to share their experiences since their diagnosis and to discuss the factors that had enabled them to achieve success in different aspects of their life. Participants were encouraged to share their perspectives on their success and to discuss the challenges they encountered in their daily lives and how they overcame these. Interviews were analysed using a narrative-themed approach. Participants indicated that both internal and external factors enabled them to achieve success in different aspects of their lives. These included being an agent of change, a changed identity after diagnosis, experiencing the belief of others in their capability and seeing themselves as a mentor to others. Their experiences with overcoming obstacles in their lives enabled them to develop self-efficacy and to shape their own success.
Comrade McLaren: A review of Pedagogy of Insurrection
Authors: Malott Curry
Published: July 2017

Peter McLaren’s Pedagogy of Insurrection offers a tour de force for educators and workers interested in finding a way out of a social universe that is becoming, with each passing day, increasingly savage, imprisoned, despoiled and dominated by an out-of-control finance capital. McLaren brings more than three decades of experience as an educator, activist, and global revolutionary to over four hundred pages of biting critique and capitalist-smashing analysis.
Endovascular Repair of a Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm With a Patient-Specific Fenestrated-Branched Stent-Graft
Authors: Mendes Bernardo C. , Greiten Lawrence E. , Oderich Gustavo S.
Published: July 2017

Purpose: To describe the technical aspects of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair using a patient-specific fenestrated-branched stent-graft. Technique: The technique is demonstrated in a 69-year-old man with a 6.2-cm asymptomatic type III TAAA. A patient-specific fenestrated-branched stent-graft was designed with 2 down-going directional branches for the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries and 2 reinforced fenestrations for the renal arteries. The procedure was performed under general anesthesia and included sequential stenting of the celiac, superior mesenteric, and bilateral renal arteries. The patient was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 5 with no complications. Follow-up computed tomography angiography demonstrated exclusion of the aneurysm and patent target vessels at 12-month follow-up. Conclusion: This article and illustrated video highlight the steps for procedure planning and implantation of fenestrated and branched endografts. As these techniques continue to evolve, outcomes are expected to be equivalent or improved as compared to those of long-established open repair.