bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
p73 and IGF1R Regulate Emergence of Aggressive Cancer Stem–like Features via miR-885-5p Control
Authors: Meier Claudia , Hardtstock Philip , Joost Sophie , Alla Vijay , Pützer Brigitte M.
Published: November 2015

Cancer stem–like cells (CSC) have been proposed to promote cancer progression by initiating tumor growth at distant sites, suggesting that stem-like cell features can support metastatic efficiency. Here, we demonstrate that oncogenic DNp73, a dominant-negative variant of the tumor-suppressor p73, confers cancer cells with enhanced stem-like properties. DNp73 overexpression in noninvasive melanoma and lung cancer cells increased anchorage-independent growth and elevated the expression of the pluripotency factors CD133, Nanog, and Oct4. Conversely, DNp73 depletion in metastatic cells downregulated stemness genes, attenuated sphere formation and reduced the tumor-initiating capability of spheroids in tumor xenograft models. Mechanistic investigations indicated that DNp73 acted by attenuating expression of miR-885-5p, a direct regulator of the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) responsible for stemness marker expression. Modulating this pathway was sufficient to enhance chemosensitivity, overcoming DNp73-mediated drug resistance. Clinically, we established a correlation between low p73 function and high IGF1R/CD133/Nanog/Oct4 levels in melanoma specimens that associated with reduced patient survival. Our work shows how DNp73 promotes cancer stem–like features and provides a mechanistic rationale to target the DNp73–IGF1R cascade as a therapeutic strategy to eradicate CSC. Cancer Res; 76(2); 197–205. ©2015 AACR.
The Heritability of Breast Cancer among Women in the Nordic Twin Study of Cancer
Authors: Möller Sören , Mucci Lorelei A. , Harris Jennifer R. , Scheike Thomas , Holst Klaus , Halekoh Ulrich , Adami Hans-Olov , Czene Kamila , Christensen Kaare , Holm Niels V. , Pukkala Eero , Skytthe Axel , Kaprio Jaakko , Hjelmborg Jacob B.
Published: November 2015

Background: Family history is an established risk factor for breast cancer. Although some important genetic factors have been identified, the extent to which familial risk can be attributed to genetic factors versus common environment remains unclear.

Methods: We estimated the familial concordance and heritability of breast cancer among 21,054 monozygotic and 30,939 dizygotic female twin pairs from the Nordic Twin Study of Cancer, the largest twin study of cancer in the world. We accounted for left-censoring, right-censoring, as well as the competing risk of death.

Results: From 1943 through 2010, 3,933 twins were diagnosed with breast cancer. The cumulative lifetime incidence of breast cancer taking competing risk of death into account was 8.1% for both zygosities, although the cumulative risk for twins whose co-twins had breast cancer was 28% among monozygotic and 20% among dizygotic twins. The heritability of liability to breast cancer was 31% [95% confidence interval (CI), 10%–51%] and the common environmental component was 16% (95% CI, 10%–32%). For premenopausal breast cancer these estimates were 27% and 12%, respectively, and for postmenopausal breast cancer 22% and 16%, respectively. The relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors were constant between ages 50 and 96. Our results are compatible with the Peto–Mack hypothesis.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that familial factors explain almost half of the variation in liability to develop breast cancer, and results were similar for pre- and postmenopausal breast cancer

Impact: We estimate heritability of breast cancer, taking until now ignored sources of bias into account. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(1); 145–50. ©2015 AACR.
Discriminative Power of Arterial Spin Labeling Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Changes for Amyloid-β-Positive Subjects in the Alzheimer's Disease Continuum
Authors: Tosun Duygu , Schuff Norbert , Jagust William , Weiner Michael W. ,   for the Alzheimer''s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2015

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging (ASL-MRI) and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) identify similar regional abnormalities and have comparable diagnostic accuracy in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The agreement between these modalities in the AD continuum, which is an important concept for early detection and disease monitoring, is yet unclear. Objective: We aimed to assess the ability of the cerebral blood flow (CBF) measures from ASL-MRI and cerebral metabolic rate for glucose (CMRgl) measures from FDG-PET to distinguish amyloid-β-positive (Aβ+) subjects in the AD continuum from healthy controls. Methods: The study included asymptomatic, cognitively normal (CN) controls and patients with early mild cognitive impairment (MCI), late MCI, and AD, all with significant levels of cortical Aβ based on their florbetapir PET scans to restrict the study to patients truly in the AD continuum. The discrimination power of each modality was based on the whole-brain patterns of CBF and CMRgl changes identified by partial least squares logistic regression, a multivariate analysis technique. Results: While CBF changes in the posterior inferior aspects of the brain and a pattern of CMRgl changes in the superior aspects of the brain including frontal and parietal regions best discriminated the Aβ+ subjects in the early disease stages from the Aβ- CN subjects, there was a greater agreement in the whole-brain patterns of CBF and CMRgl changes that best discriminated the Aβ+ subjects from the Aβ- CN subjects in the later disease stages. Despite the differences in the whole-brain patterns of CBF and CMRgl changes, the discriminative powers of both modalities were similar with statistically nonsignificant performance differences in sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: The results comparing measurements of CBF to CMRgl add to previous reports that MRI-measured CBF has a similar diagnostic ability to detect AD as has FDG-PET. Our findings that CBF and CMRgl changes occur in different brain regions in Aβ+ subjects across the AD continuum compared with Aβ- CN subjects may be the result of methodological differences. Alternatively, these findings may signal alterations in neurovascular coupling which alter relationships between brain perfusion and glucose metabolism in the AD continuum.
Phthalates Exert Multiple Effects on Leydig Cell Steroidogenesis
Authors: Svechnikov Konstantin , Savchuk Iuliia , Morvan Marie-Line , Antignac Jean-Philippe , Le Bizec Bruno , Söder Olle
Published: November 2015

Humans are significantly exposed to phthalates via food packaging, cosmetics and medical devices such as tubings and catheters. Testicular Leydig cells (LCs) are suggested to be among the main targets of phthalate toxicity in the body. However, their sensitivity to phthalates is species-dependent. This paper describes the response of the LCs from different species (mouse, rat and human) to phthalate exposure in different experimental paradigms (in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro), with particular focus on mechanisms of phthalate action on LC steroidogenesis. A comprehensive analysis of the impact of phthalate diesters and phthalate monoesters on LCs in different stages of their development is presented and possible mechanisms of phthalates action are discussed. Finally novel, not yet fully elucidated sites of action of phthalate monoesters on the backdoor pathway of 5α-dihydrotestosterone biosynthesis in immature mouse LCs and their effects on steroidogenesis and redox state in adult mouse LCs are reported.
Clinicopathological Features of Ophthalmic Neoplasms Arising in the Setting of Xeroderma Pigmentosum
Authors: Suarez Maria J. , Rivera-Michlig Roxana , Dubovy Sander , Rodriguez Fausto J.
Published: November 2015

Background: Patients with xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) are strongly predisposed to the development of numerous cutaneous cancers. However, the extent of ocular pathology in these patients has not been adequately studied. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of tumors involving the ocular surface and ocular adnexa from 6 XP patients. Histopathological evaluation and immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies directed against the most common mutated proteins in XP (XPA, XPC, and XPD). Results: Patients included 4 males and 2 females with a mean age of 20.8 years (range 10-31) who met the clinical criteria for XP and were found to have a total of 13 neoplasms involving the ocular surface and adnexal skin; 6 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), 3 cases of conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasia, 2 malignant melanomas, 1 basal cell carcinoma, and 1 atypical fibroxanthoma. Complete XPD loss was present in two tumors from 1 patient, suggesting a germline defect, and in the invasive component of an SCC from a second patient, suggesting a somatic alteration. No clear pattern of loss for XPA or XPC was evident. Conclusions: Our study outlines our early experience with the pathology of ocular neoplasms in XP patients. These findings deserve further exploration with genetic studies and additional patients.
Hypertensive Target Organ Damage and Longitudinal Changes in Brain Structure and Function
Authors: van der Veen Pieternella H. , Geerlings Mirjam I. , Visseren Frank L.J. , Nathoe Hendrik M. , Mali Willem P.T.M. , van der Graaf Yolanda , Muller Majon
Published: November 2015

Hypertension has been related to structural and functional brain changes. In high-risk populations, hypertensive target organ damage might better represent exposure to high blood pressure than the blood pressure measurement itself. We examined the association of hypertensive target organ damage with longitudinal changes in brain structure and function within the Second Manifestations of Arterial Disease–Magnetic Resonance (SMART-MR) study. Renal function, albuminuria, and left ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiography were measured in 663 patients with manifest arterial disease (mean age, 57±9 years; 81% men). Automated brain segmentation was used to quantify progression of global brain atrophy (change in brain parenchymal fraction) and progression of cerebral small vessel disease on 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging, and memory and executive functioning were assessed at baseline and after on average 3.9 years of follow-up. Regression analyses showed that an increasing number of signs of target organ damage was associated with more progression of global brain atrophy and more rapid decline in memory performance. Compared with no target organ damage, mean differences in change in brain parenchymal fraction (95% confidence interval) for 1 and ≥2 signs of organ damage were −0.12 (−0.30; 0.06) and −0.41 (−0.77; −0.05) % intracranial volume, and mean (95% confidence interval) differences in change in memory performance (
z
score) were −0.15 (−0.29; −0.00) and −0.27 (−0.54; −0.01). Results were independent of blood pressure, antihypertensive treatment, and other confounders. Hypertension target organ damage was not associated with progression of cerebral small vessel disease or change in executive functioning. Routinely assessed signs of hypertensive target organ damage, and in particular impaired renal function, could be used to identify patients at the highest risk of cognitive decline.
Predictors of Stroke After Transient Ischemic Attack in Children
Authors: Lehman Laura L. , Watson Christopher G. , Kapur Kush , Danehy Amy R. , Rivkin Michael J.
Published: November 2015

Background and Purpose—

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) in children has received far less attention compared with TIA in adults. The risk factors of stroke after TIA in children are relatively unknown. We aimed to determine the percentage of children who have stroke after TIA and the risk factors associated with stroke after TIA.

Methods—

We searched the medical records at Boston Children’s Hospital for the year 2010 to find children who were evaluated for TIA to determine associated risk factors of stroke after TIA. We included children who were evaluated in 2009 through 2010 for TIA and had magnetic resonance imaging. We examined follow-up imaging through August 2014 for subsequent stroke. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for factors in our cohort who are associated with stroke after presentation with TIA.

Results—

We identified 63 children who experienced a TIA. The mean time of imaging follow-up was 4.5 years after TIA presentation. Of the 63 children, 10 (16%) developed radiological evidence of ischemic cerebral injury within the follow-up period. Four of the 10 (6%) demonstrated diffusion abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging at TIA presentation, whereas 8 (13%) had a stroke after their TIA. Arteriopathy, female sex, and autoimmune disorders were significantly associated with stroke after TIA.

Conclusions—

In our cohort of children, stroke occurred after TIA at a rate similar to that seen in adults, but the risk factors for stroke after TIA in children are different.
Risk of Recurrent Arterial Ischemic Stroke in Childhood
Authors: Fullerton Heather J. , Wintermark Max , Hills Nancy K. , Dowling Michael M. , Tan Marilyn , Rafay Mubeen F. , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Barkovich A. James , deVeber Gabrielle A. ,   VIPS Investigators, Plumb Patricia A. , Benedict Susan L. , Bernard Timothy J. , Fox Christine K. , Friedman Neil R. , Lo Warren D. , Ichord Rebecca N. , Mackay Mark T. , Kirton Adam , Hernandez-Chavez Marta I. , Humphreys Peter , Jordan Lori C. , Sultan Sally , Rivkin Michael J. , Titomanlio Luigi , Kovacevic Gordana S. , Yager Jerome Y. , Amlie-Lefond Catherine , Dlamini Nomazulu , Condie John , Yeh Ann , Kneen Rachel , Bjornson Bruce , Pergami Paola , Zou Li Ping , Elbers Jorina M. , Abdalla Abdalla , Chan Anthony K. , Farooq Osman , Lim Mingming J. , Carpenter Jessica L. , Pavlakis Steven , Wong Virginia C. , Forsyth Robert
Published: November 2015

Background and Purpose—

Published cohorts of children with arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in the 1990s to early 2000s reported 5-year cumulative recurrence rates approaching 20%. Since then, utilization of antithrombotic agents for secondary stroke prevention in children has increased. We sought to determine rates and predictors of recurrent stroke in the current era.

Methods—

The Vascular Effects of Infection in Pediatric Stroke (VIPS) study enrolled 355 children with AIS at 37 international centers from 2009 to 2014 and followed them prospectively for recurrent stroke. Index and recurrent strokes underwent central review and confirmation, as well as central classification of causes of stroke, including arteriopathies. Other predictors were measured via parental interview or chart review.

Results—

Of the 355 children, 354 survived their acute index stroke, and 308 (87%) were treated with an antithrombotic medication. During a median follow-up of 2.0 years (interquartile range, 1.0–3.0), 40 children had a recurrent AIS, and none had a hemorrhagic stroke. The cumulative stroke recurrence rate was 6.8% (95% confidence interval, 4.6%–10%) at 1 month and 12% (8.5%–15%) at 1 year. The sole predictor of recurrence was the presence of an arteriopathy, which increased the risk of recurrence 5-fold when compared with an idiopathic AIS (hazard ratio, 5.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.8–14). The 1-year recurrence rate was 32% (95% confidence interval, 18%–51%) for moyamoya, 25% (12%–48%) for transient cerebral arteriopathy, and 19% (8.5%–40%) for arterial dissection.

Conclusions—

Children with AIS, particularly those with arteriopathy, remain at high risk for recurrent AIS despite increased utilization of antithrombotic agents. Therapies directed at the arteriopathies themselves are needed.
The Art of Translation: An Early Persian Commentary of the Qurʾān
Authors: Karame Alya , Zadeh Travis
Published: November 2015

This article presents a description and analysis of a Persian translation and commentary of the Qurʾān, entitledTafsīr-i munīr, by Abū Naṣr al-Ḥaddādī (d. after 400/1009), the earliest exegetical work in Persian whose author can be identified. A manuscript of this multivolume work housed in the Topkapı Palace Museum of Istanbul offers an important historical testament to the calligraphic development of Persian exegetical writing and the manners in which scholars and authorities sought creative ways to visually balance the sacred Arabic text of the Qurʾān with vernacular exegetic material. The manuscript also reveals a good deal about Qurʾānic book art, as well as the development of Persian commentaries and translations, thus offering further insight into the history of the Qurʾān across the frontiers of Central Asia and Khurasan.
Al-Jāḥiẓ (d. 255/869) on Ḥadīth Criticism
Authors: Sánchez Ignacio
Published: November 2015

The notable and distinguishedadīband theologian of the third/ninth century, al-Jāḥiẓ, is usually not associated with the study ofḥadīth. On the contrary, he has frequently been considered a vitriolic critic of the experts on traditions and some of his works have even been interpreted as a demolition of the science ofḥadīth. However, a careful reading of his writings reveals a quite different picture. In this article, al-Jāḥiẓ’s treatises on the imamate — and especially the most extended one, theKitāb al-ʿUthmāniyya— will be scrutinised and discussed in the light of the author’s acquaintance with the tradition of legal hermeneutics as described in al-Shāfiʿī’sRisāla.
Piriqueta pampeana, a new species of Turneraceae (Passifloraceae s.l.) from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Authors: Cabreira Thaíssa Nunes , Facco Marlon Garlet , Miotto Silvia Teresinha Sfoggia
Published: November 2015

Piriqueta pampeana, a new species of Turneraceae, is described and illustrated here. The species occurs in the municipalities of Alegrete, Maçambará, Manoel Viana and São Francisco de Assis, in the western region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. It resembles Piriqueta suborbicularis and Piriqueta taubatensis, but can be distinguished by the presence of a pair of discoid basilaminar nectaries, a pair of petiolar nectaries and small nectaries distributed along the leaf margin, sepals with acute apex and a yellow spot at the base of the petals. Due to the intense environmental degradation of  its habitat, and according to IUCN guidelines, we ranked the species as “Endangered” (EN).
Bulbophyllum salweenensis (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae; Malaxideae), a new species from Yunnan, China
Authors: Zhou Tingting , Jin Xiaohua
Published: November 2015

Bulbophyllum Thouars (1822: tab. 3) is among the largest genera of Orchidaceae, comprising about 2200 species widely distributed in tropical Africa, Asia and America (Pridgeon et al. 2014). There are several centres of species diversity, including Madagscar (200 species), New Guinea (600 species), and continental Asia (400 species). There are about 120 species in China, out of which 45 species (Tsi 1999, Li 2003, Chen & Vermeulen 2009). During fieldwork in northern Yunnan, a new species of Bulbophyllum described below was found.
Contributions to the tribe Leptocorisini, with descriptions of Planusocoris schaeferi gen. & sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Alydidae)
Authors: YI WENBO , BU WENJUN
Published: November 2015

In this paper, the genus Grypocephalus Hsiao, 1963 is taxonomically reviewed worldwide. Bloeteocoris Ahmad, 1965 is proposed as a new junior synonym for Grypocephalus Hsiao, 1963. All the species of Bloeteocoris Ahmad, 1965 are herein transferred to Grypocephalus Hsiao, 1963, in which, Bloeteocoris minutus Ahmad, 1965 is synonymized with Grypocephalus pallipectus Hsiao, 1963. Planusocoris schaeferi gen. & sp. nov. of Leptocorisini is described as new to science. Photographs of adults, and illustrations of male and female genitalia of the involved species are provided. The genera of the world Leptocorisini are keyed. The type specimens of P. schaeferi sp. nov. are deposited in the Insect Collection, Institute of Entomology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
Description of a new species of the costata-group (Cladocera, Chydoridae, Aloninae) from Brazil
Authors: SOUSA FRANCISCO DIOGO R. , SANTOS SANDRO , GÜNTZEL ADRIANA MARIA , DINIZ LEIDIANE PEREIRA , JÚNIOR MAURO DE MELO , ELMOOR-LOUREIRO LOURDES M. A.
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study is to describe a new species of the costata-group from Brazil. Alona margipluma sp. nov. shares morphological traits with A. costata Sars, 1862, A. natalensis Sinev, 2008, and A. cheni Sinev, 1999, but differs from them in: (i) thin setulae between the marginal setae on the valves, (ii) setae 4–5 on the exopodite of limb III long and different in length, (iii) bottle-shaped sensillum on the basal endite of limb IV. For identification of Alona margipluma sp. nov. it is necessary to check carefully the main head pores and postabdomen characters since the former superficially resemble A. iheringula, A. setigera and Alona guttata.
A new species of Apteranabropsis Gorochov, 1988 from Guangxi, China (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae: Anabropsinae: Anabropsini) with key to known species
Authors: BIAN XUN , SHI FU-MING
Published: November 2015

This paper describes and illustrates a new species of the genus Apteranabropsis (Anostostomatidae: Anabropsinae) from Guangxi, China, namely Apteranabropsis guangxiensis Bian & Shi sp. nov. A key to all known species of Apteranabropsis is provided.
New Acosmetura species (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae)
from China, with notes on their distribution
Authors: BIAN XUN , SHI FU-MING
Published: November 2015

One new species of Acosmetura (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) is described from China, namely Acosmetura listrica Bian & Shi, sp. nov. and distinctive characters are illustrated. In addition, a key to the known species with morphological photographs of Acosmetura longicercata Liu, Zhou & Bi, 2008 from Tianmushan, Zhejiang is provided in this paper. Based on the comprehensive physical geographical regionalization, Acosmetura listrica sp. nov. is distributed in Huinan and the middle and lower reaches of Changjiang River, which belongs to the Northern Subtropical Humid Climate Zone.
Climatology of Lake-Effect Precipitation Events over Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake
Authors: Laird Neil , Bentley Alicia M. , Ganetis Sara A. , Stieneke Andrew , Tushaus Samantha A.
Published: November 2015

The frequency, timing, and environmental conditions of lake-effect (LE) precipitation over Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake in northern California and western Nevada were examined for the 14 winters (September–March) from 1996/97 through 2009/10. Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) data from Reno, Nevada (KRGX), were used to identify 62 LE events. LE precipitation occurred as single bands extending downwind from overlake areas, and as isolated regions of overlake precipitation with little or no extension over land. Mesoscale vortices were also identified during both Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake LE events. An average of 4.4 LE events occurred each winter in the Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake region, with events occurring most frequently in October. LE events had an average duration of 6.3 h, approximately half the duration of LE events observed over Lake Champlain, the New York State Finger Lakes, or the Great Salt Lake. The observed conditions during LE events in the Lake Tahoe and Pyramid Lake region typically had 1) mean surface air temperatures below freezing, 2) mean surface wind speeds of <2.0 m s−1 (notably weaker than during lake effect in other areas), 3) a mean lake–air temperature difference of 11.5°C, and 4) a mean lake–700-hPa temperature difference of 20.9°C.
Further Insights on the Influence of the Indian Ocean Dipole on the Following Year’s ENSO from Observations and CMIP5 Models
Authors: Jourdain Nicolas C. , Lengaigne Matthieu , Vialard Jérome , Izumo Takeshi , Gupta Alexander Sen
Published: November 2015

Recent observational studies have suggested that negative and positive Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) events (nIOD and pIOD, respectively) favor a transition toward, respectively, El Niño and La Niña events one year later. These statistical inferences are however limited by the length and uncertainties in the observational records. This paper compares observational datasets with twenty-one 155-yr historical simulations from phase 5 of CMIP (CMIP5) to assess IOD and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) properties along with their synchronous and delayed relationships. In the observations and most CMIP5 models, it is shown that El Niños tend to be followed by La Niñas but not the opposite, that pIODs co-occur more frequently with El Niños than nIODs with La Niñas, that nIODs tend to be followed by El Niños one year later less frequently than pIODs by La Niñas, and that including an IOD index in a linear prediction based on the Pacific warm water volume improves ENSO peak hindcasts at 14 months lead. The IOD–ENSO delayed relationship partly results from a combination of ENSO intrinsic properties (e.g., the tendency for El Niños to be followed by La Niñas) and from the synchronous IOD–ENSO relationship. The results, however, reveal that this is not sufficient to explain the high prevalence of pIOD–Niña transitions in the observations and 75% of the CMIP5 models, and of nIOD–Niño transitions in 60% of CMIP5 models. This suggests that the tendency of IOD to lead ENSO by one year should be explained by a physical mechanism that, however, remains elusive in the CMIP5 models. The ability of many CMIP5 models to reproduce the delayed influence of the IOD on ENSO is nonetheless a strong incentive to explore extended-range dynamical forecasts of ENSO.
Implications of the Observed Relationship between Tropical Cyclone Size and Intensity over the Western North Pacific
Authors: Wu Liguang , Tian Wei , Liu Qingyuan , Cao Jian , Knaff John A.
Published: November 2015

Tropical cyclone (TC) size, usually measured with the radius of gale force wind (34 kt or 17 m s−1), is an important parameter for estimating TC risks such as wind damage, rainfall distribution, and storm surge. Previous studies have reported that there is a very weak relationship between TC size and TC intensity. A close examination presented here using satellite-based wind analyses suggests that the relationship between TC size and intensity is nonlinear. TC size generally increases with increasing TC maximum sustained wind before a maximum of 2.50° latitude at an intensity of 103 kt or 53.0 m s−1 and then slowly decreases as the TC intensity further increases. The observed relationship between TC size and intensity is compared to the relationships produced by an 11-yr seasonal numerical simulation of TC activity. The numerical simulations were able to produce neither the observed maximum sustained winds nor the observed nonlinear relationship between TC size and intensity. This finding suggests that TC size cannot reasonably be simulated with 9-km horizontal resolution and increased resolution is needed to study TC size variations using numerical simulations.
Application of the WRF-LETKF Data Assimilation System over Southern South America: Sensitivity to Model Physics
Authors: Dillon María E. , Skabar Yanina García , Ruiz Juan , Kalnay Eugenia , Collini Estela A. , Echevarría Pablo , Saucedo Marcos , Miyoshi Takemasa , Kunii Masaru
Published: November 2015

Improving the initial conditions of short-range numerical weather prediction (NWP) models is one of the main goals of the meteorological community. Development of data assimilation and ensemble forecast systems is essential in any national weather service (NWS). In this sense, the local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) is a methodology that can satisfy both requirements in an efficient manner. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model coupled with the LETKF, developed at the University of Maryland, College Park, have been implemented experimentally at the NWS of Argentina [Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN)], but at a somewhat lower resolution (40 km) than the operational Global Forecast System (GFS) at that time (27 km). The purpose of this work is not to show that the system presented herein is better than the higher-resolution GFS, but that its performance is reasonably comparable, and to provide the basis for a continued improved development of an independent regional data assimilation and forecasting system. The WRF-LETKF system is tested during the spring of 2012, using the prepared or quality controlled data in Binary Universal Form for Representation of Meteorological Data (PREPBUFR) observations from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and lateral boundary conditions from the GFS. To assess the effect of model error, a single-model LETKF system (LETKF-single) is compared with a multischeme implementation (LETKF-multi), which uses different boundary layer and cumulus convection schemes for the generation of the ensemble of forecasts. The performance of both experiments during the test period shows that the LETKF-multi usually outperforms the LETKF-single, evidencing the advantages of the use of the multischeme approach. Both data assimilation systems are slightly worse than the GFS in terms of the synoptic environment representation, as could be expected given their lower resolution. Results from a case study of a strong convective system suggest that the LETKF-multi improves the location of the most intense area of precipitation with respect to the LETKF-single, although both systems show an underestimation of the total accumulated precipitation. These preliminary results encourage continuing the development of an operational data assimilation system based on WRF-LETKF at the SMN.
Cloud-Resolving Typhoon Rainfall Ensemble Forecasts for Taiwan with Large Domain and Extended Range through Time-Lagged Approach
Authors: Wang Chung-Chieh , Huang Shin-Yi , Chen Shin-Hau , Chang Chih-Sheng , Tsuboki Kazuhisa
Published: November 2015

In this study, the performance of a new ensemble quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) system for Taiwan, with a cloud-resolving grid spacing of 2.5 km, a large domain of 1860 km × 1360 km, and an extended range of 8 days, is evaluated for six typhoons during 2012–13. Obtaining the probability (ensemble) information through a time-lagged approach, this system combines the strengths of high resolution (for QPF) and longer lead time (for hazard preparation) in an innovative way. For the six typhoons, in addition to short ranges (≤3 days), the system produced a decent QPF at a longest range up to days 8, 4, 6, 3, 6, and 7, providing greatly extended lead times, especially for slow-moving storms that pose higher threats. Moreover, since forecast uncertainty (reflected in the spread) is reduced with lead time, this system can provide a wide range of rainfall scenarios across Taiwan with longer lead times, each highly realistic for the associated track, allowing for advanced preparation for worst-case scenarios. Then, as the typhoon approaches and the predicted tracks converge, the government agencies can make adjustments toward the scenario of increasing likelihood. This strategy fits well with the conventional wisdom of “hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst” when facing natural hazards. Overall, the system presented herein compares favorably in usefulness to a typical 24-member ensemble (5-km grid size, 750 km × 900 km, 3-day forecasts) currently in operation using similar computational resources. Requiring about 1500 cores to execute four 8-day runs per day, it is not only powerful but also affordable and feasible.
Differences between Conservatives and Liberals in Information-Seeking Behavior and Perceived Risks Associated with Climate-Driven Changes to Local Forest Conditions
Authors: Smith Jordan W. , Bitsura-Meszaros Karly , Keane Rosemary
Published: November 2015

Ideological value sets have the potential to shape individuals’ preferences as well as their psychological and behavioral responses to new information. Being socially constructed, ideologies are likely to be formed and modified through the exchanges individuals have in their established information and communication networks. This study examined whether or not individuals’ political ideologies and their access to climate-related information are related to several key factors influencing their perceived capacity to adapt to climate-driven changes to local forest conditions. The key factors investigated include: perceived risk; the willingness to learn about potential impacts; the willingness to plan for variable climate futures; and a general perception of self-efficacy. Data come from a mail survey completed by 420 full-time residents living in three amenity-rich forest-related communities in western North Carolina (United States). The results suggest individuals’ political ideologies are related to some, but not all, of the information sources asked about. The results also suggest political ideologies are related to perceived risk, with conservatives perceiving climate-driven changes to local forest conditions as more severe relative to liberals. These findings have several implications regarding the effective dissemination of information related to how increasingly variable climate conditions may affect local forest conditions.
Towards a More Reasoned Application of the Robinson-Patman Act
Authors: Glick Mark A. , Mangum David G. , Swensen Lara A.
Published: November 2015

We take an economic perspective to analyze the recurring criticisms of the Robinson-Patman Act as being anticompetitive or inefficient. We determine that the legislative history of the Act identifies economically rational objectives that are consistent with the efficiency concerns of so-called modern antitrust law. Further, we reject (as unnecessary and inconsistent with the Act’s clear goals and legislative intent) recent attempts to narrow the Act’s applications through judicial interpretation of provisions such as the cost justification defense, the “like grade and quality” requirement, and the competitive injury element.
Potential Benefits of Combination Therapy as Primary Treatment for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Lee Jong Bin , Choi Seong Jun
Published: November 2015

Objective

We analyzed the effectiveness of combination therapy (CT) for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) and the utility of intratympanic dexamethasone injection (ITDI) reapplication as salvage treatment for ISSNHL refractory to CT.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Academic university hospital.

Subjects and Methods

We reviewed 229 patients with ISSNHL and divided these patients into 2 groups according to treatment: systemic steroid therapy (SST) and CT groups. The SST group received prednisolone therapy. The CT group also received ITDI daily. Patients who demonstrated no recovery (<10 dB) after initial treatment were defined as refractory and received salvage ITDI therapy: ITDI reapplication in the CT group and ITDI application in the SST group.

Results

Hearing recovery rates were 77.8% (77/99) in the CT group and 60.8% (79/130) in the SST group. The difference was statistically significant (P =. 011). Initial pure‐tone audiometry and vertigo were affective factors on hearing recovery rates in the CT group. After salvage therapy, hearing improvement of 10 dB or greater was noted in 6 of the 22 (27.3%) patients in the CT group and 16 of the 51 (31.4%) patients in the SST group. The difference in efficacy of salvage therapy between the CT and SST groups was simply not significant (P =. 612).

Conclusions

Combination therapy was more effective for ISSNHL in achieving hearing gain than SST alone. Furthermore, ITDI reapplication for ISSNHL refractory to CT was as effective as salvage ITDI for ISSNHL refractory to SST.
Quality Improvement in Otolaryngology Residency
Authors: Bowe Sarah N.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

The Clinical Learning Environment Review focuses on the responsibility of the sponsoring institution for quality and patient safety. Very little information is known regarding the status of quality improvement (QI) education during otolaryngology training. The purpose of this survey is to evaluate the extent of resident and faculty participation in QI and identify opportunities for both resident curriculum and faculty development.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional survey

Subjects and Methods

A 15‐item survey was distributed to all 106 otolaryngology program directors. The survey was developed after an informal review of the literature regarding education in QI and patient safety. Questions were directed at the format and content of the QI curriculum, as well as barriers to implementation.

Results

There was a 39% response rate. Ninety percent of responding program directors considered education in QI important or very important to a resident’s future success. Only 23% of responding programs contained an educational curriculum in QI, and only 33% monitored residents’ individual outcome measures. Barriers to implementation of a QI program included inadequate number of faculty with expertise in QI (75%) and competing resident educational demands (90%). Every program director considered morbidity and mortality conferences as an integral component in QI education.

Conclusions

Program directors recognize the importance of QI in otolaryngology practice. Unfortunately, this survey identifies a distinct lack of resources in support of these educational goals. The results highlight the need to generate a comprehensive and stepwise approach to QI for faculty development and resident instruction.
Milgram’s shock experiments and the Nazi perpetrators: A contrarian perspective on the role of obedience pressures during the Holocaust
Authors: Fenigstein Allan
Published: November 2015

In contrast to many scholars who believe that Milgram’s studies of obedience provide an incisive understanding of the Holocaust perpetrators, this article argues that pressures to obey authority had little role in the Holocaust. Unlike Milgram’s participants, most Nazi perpetrators showed no remorse or moral distress over the murders, severely compromising the explanatory necessity of obedience pressures; the excesses of the Nazis’ brutal and wanton cruelty, and the enthusiasm shown in the killing process, is entirely inconsistent with the behavior of the laboratory participants and with the concept of dutiful, but emotionless, obedience; and finally, when Milgram’s participants had the chance to evade giving shock, they frequently seized that opportunity; in contrast, although Nazi killers were often given the opportunity to withdraw from the killing operations, very few chose to do so. These arguments suggest that most of the Nazi perpetrators believed in what they were doing, and would have been willing, perhaps even eager to kill Jews, even in the absence of orders to do so.
Designing obedience in the lab: Milgram’s shock simulator and human factors engineering
Authors: Oppenheimer Maya
Published: November 2015

This article probes the design history of Stanley Milgram’s simulated shock generator by comparing drawings and notes from Milgram’s archive in the Sterling Memorial Library at Yale with laboratory equipment and apparatus catalogues from the Archives of the History of American Psychology, University of Akron. By applying contemporaneous human factors engineering principles to the generator’s control panel layout, sequencing, and display optimisation, an argument emerges that suggests the tailor-made device had an influential role in facilitating the behaviour witnessed in the laboratory and generalised as obedience. Such an approach puts forward a new reading of Milgram’s experiment design, his penchant for dramaturgy, and reconsiders his generalisation of obedience to social authority.
NextSim
Authors: Durso Francis T. , Stearman Eric J. , Robertson Scott
Published: November 2015

The Federal Aviation Administration expects a large increase in air traffic over the next 15 to 20 years. In response, the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) has been proposed, which will use newer technologies and automation to shift the way air traffic is managed. Many of the proposed changes need to be tested before implantation begins, but it is difficult to conduct human factors tests on an environment that does not yet exist. We describe an air traffic control (ATC) simulator developed for this purpose. NextSim is an ATC research simulator that collects performance, workload, and situation awareness data to address human factors/ergonomics issues that might arise in NextGen.
Designing Better, Cost-Effective Brain–Computer Interfaces
Authors: Nam Chang S. , Moore Matthew , Choi Inchul , Li Yueqing
Published: November 2015

Despite the increase in research interest in the brain–computer interface (BCI), there remains a general lack of understanding of, and even inattention to, human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) issues in BCI research and development. The goal of this article is to raise awareness of the importance of HF/E involvement in the emerging field of BCI technology by providing HF/E researchers with a brief guide on how to design and implement a cost-effective, steady-state visually evoked potential (SSVEP)–based BCI system. We also discuss how SSVEP BCI systems can be improved to accommodate users with special needs.
Comparative phylogeography of endemic Azorean arthropods
Authors: Parmakelis Aristeidis , Rigal François , Mourikis Thanos , Balanika Katerina , Terzopoulou Sofia , Rego Carla , Amorim Isabel R. , Crespo Luís , Pereira Fernando , Triantis Kostas A. , Whittaker Robert J. , Borges Paulo A. V.
Published: November 2015

Background

For a remote oceanic archipelago of up to 8 Myr age, the Azores have a comparatively low level of endemism. We present an analysis of phylogeographic patterns of endemic Azorean island arthropods aimed at testing patterns of diversification in relation to the ontogeny of the archipelago, in order to distinguish between alternative models of evolutionary dynamics on islands. We collected individuals of six species (representing Araneae, Hemiptera and Coleoptera) from 16 forest fragments from 7 islands. Using three mtDNA markers, we analysed the distribution of genetic diversity within and between islands, inferred the differentiation time-frames and investigated the inter-island migration routes and colonization patterns.

Results

Each species exhibited very low levels of mtDNA divergence, both within and between islands. The two oldest islands were not strongly involved in the diffusion of genetic diversity within the archipelago. The most haplotype-rich islands varied according to species but the younger, central islands contributed the most to haplotype diversity. Colonization events both in concordance with and in contradiction to an inter-island progression rule were inferred, while a non-intuitive pattern of colonization from western to eastern islands was also inferred.

Conclusions

The geological development of the Azores has followed a less tidy progression compared to classic hotspot archipelagos, and this is reflected in our findings. The study species appear to have been differentiating within the Azores for <2 Myr, a fraction of the apparent life span of the archipelago, which may indicate that extinction events linked to active volcanism have played an important role. Assuming that after each extinction event, colonization was initiated from a nearby island hosting derived haplotypes, the apparent age of species diversification in the archipelago would be moved closer to the present after each extinction–recolonization cycle. Exploiting these ideas, we propose a general model for future testing.
Processing insect abundance: trading and fishing of zazamushi in Central Japan (Nagano Prefecture, Honshū Island)
Authors: Césard Nicolas , Komatsu Seiji , Iwata Akihisa
Published: November 2015

Background

This article presents the links between technique, commerce and consumption in fishing for zazamushi, a mixture of aquatic insect larvae sold as food souvenirs in Japan. Since zazamushi are mainly collected for economic reasons, we suggest that demand for them has incited technical development among collectors in order to fish more insects.

Methods

Several fishermen and traders were interviewed in semi-directed interviews about their practices and knowledge. To understand the passage from a faunal composition to a commercial composition, our research follows a fishing session closely, as well as the selection of insects that follows it. The insects collected were separated from inanimate matter, then identified, counted and weighed at each stage of the process.

Results

Our results suggest that the current technique corresponds to an evolution in subsistence and recreational collecting towards a more systematic fishing of the insects, the aim of which is commercial. In their response to trade issues, the collectors have moved away from the banks to fish the insects in the river current, thus increasing the amount of one species captured compared to another. Although the technique is efficient (and similar to other harvesting techniques), it requires the thorough sorting of organic debris and insects (in our example, the catch contains approximately 78 % of inanimate matter and 22 % of insects, of which 3.29 % are retained for consumption, i.e., less than 2 out of 100 insects). The selection of insects to be consumed takes place mainly during cleaning. This stage depends on traders and reflects the different compositions sold as souvenirs.

Conclusions

Our research shows that the consumption of insects is not explained just by ecological factors that are favourable or unfavourable, but also by technological and economic factors related to their commerce. It suggests that the traders have gradually established the insects that are currently sold as zazamushi and that this commercial development may have had an influence on the preference for insects consumed. It also shows that the cleaning of the insects constitutes an important stage prior to their consumption, one that should not be underestimated.