bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on the Tensile Property of a Novel Oriented Linear Porous Metal
Authors: Liu Bin , Wang Xin-gang , Tang Yong , Yuan Wei , Fang Chao-bin , Wan Zhen-ping
Published: January 2016

A novel oriented linear porous metal (OLPM) with high porosity was fabricated through solid-sintering method with cutting copper fibers. In this study, tensile experiments were conducted to investigate the fracture process of the OLPM and the effects of porosity and sintering parameters on the tensile properties. The typical tensile stress-strain plot of this material was obtained based on a large number of tensile test results. The plot can be divided into three stages, namely, initial linear elastic stage, plastic deformation stage, and tensile fracture stage. Based on the results, the fracture mechanism of the OLPM was further studied. Moreover, the porosity and sintering parameters were also varied to investigate their influence on the tensile properties. Tensile strength and plastic deformation were found to decrease with increasing porosity ranging from 70% to 90%. A higher sintering temperature produced a higher tensile strength for the OLPM sintered in the temperature range of 700°C–900°C, but the strength decreased at 1000°C. In addition, the extension of holding time could also slightly affect the tensile strength. Finally, the tensile properties of the OLPM are significantly higher than those of commercial porous metal and porous metal fiber sintered sheet.
Skew Constacyclic Codes over Finite Fields and Finite Chain Rings
Authors: Dinh Hai Q. , Nguyen Bac T. , Sriboonchitta Songsak
Published: January 2016

This paper overviews the study of skewΘ-λ-constacyclic codes over finite fields and finite commutative chain rings. The structure of skewΘ-λ-constacyclic codes and their duals are provided. Among other results, we also consider the Euclidean and Hermitian dual codes of skewΘ-cyclic and skewΘ-negacyclic codes over finite chain rings in general and overFpm+uFpmin particular. Moreover, general decoding procedure for decoding skew BCH codes with designed distance and an algorithm for decoding skew BCH codes are discussed.
Dynamic Active Earth Pressures of the Retaining Piles with Anchors under Vehicle Loads
Authors: Qiu Hong-zhi , Kong Ji-ming , Wang Ren-chao
Published: January 2016

The pile-anchor supporting structure is widely used in foundation pit engineering; then knowledge of active earth pressure on piles is very important for engineers. In this paper, based on the pseudodynamic method and considering the vehicle’s vibration characteristic, a method to calculate the earth pressure on piles under vehicle load is presented. At the same time, the constraint of anchor is simplified relation of lateral deformation of piles in present method. Effects of a wide range of parameters like rupture angle, vibration acceleration coefficient, wall friction angle, and soil friction angle on active earth pressure have been studied. Results are presented in terms of coefficients in the figures and comparison of the test data and the earth pressure calculated by M-O method and present study. The result shows that the measured earth pressure is accordant with the theoretical analysis, so the method in this paper is an effective basis for the calculation of earth pressure on piles under vehicle loads.
Altered Expression of IFN-λ2 in Allergic Airway Disorders and Identification of Its Cell Origins
Authors: Wang Qiuli , Chen Dong , Xie Hua , Lin Xiaoping , Wang Xuefeng , Yao Qijian , Zheng Xiaoxuan , Xu Chiyan , Chen Lingfei , He Shaoheng , Zhang Huiyun
Published: January 2016

This study investigated the expression levels of interferon- (IFN-)λ2 in peripheral blood and tissues. The results showed that the levels of IFN-λ2 were elevated by 17.9% and 14.2% in the plasma of allergic rhinitis (AR) and combined rhinitis with asthma (AR + AS), which was positively correlated with the level of tryptase but negatively correlated with the level of IL-10. IFN-λ2 was predominately expressed in the CD16+ cells and CD14+ cells in healthy control subjects (HC) but upregulated only in CD8+ cells of AR and in eosinophils of asthma. It was observed that approximately 6.6% and 7.0% dispersed tonsil cells and 5.8% and 0.44% dispersed lung cells are IFN-λ2+ mast cells and macrophages. Moreover, tryptase and agonist peptides of PAR-2 induced enhanced IFN-λ2 mRNA expression in A549 cells. In conclusion, the elevated levels of IFN-λ2 in the plasma of AR and AR + AS indicate that IFN-λ2 is likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of allergic airway disorders. The potential origins of the elevated plasma IFN-λ2 include mast cells, macrophages, and epithelial cells in tissues, neutrophils, monocytes, CD8+ T cells, and eosinophils in peripheral blood. Development of IFN-λ2 related therapy may help to treat or prevent allergic airway disorders.
Aspirin Reduces Plasma Concentrations of the Oncometabolite 2-Hydroxyglutarate: Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Crossover Trial
Authors: Liesenfeld David B. , Botma Akke , Habermann Nina , Toth Reka , Weigel Christoph , Popanda Odilia , Klika Karel D. , Potter John D. , Lampe Johanna W. , Ulrich Cornelia M.
Published: January 2016

Background: Aspirin use is an effective strategy for the chemoprevention of colorectal cancer, even at low doses. However, in order to implement aspirin interventions, risk–benefit balances and biologic mechanisms need to be better defined; to further this aim, we used a metabolomics approach.

Methods: We metabolically profiled 40 healthy, nonsmoking men and women ages 20 to 45 years enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial of 325 mg aspirin/day over a period of 60 days. Gas and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry were used to comprehensively profile participants' plasma samples after aspirin and placebo interventions.

Results: A total of 363 metabolites, covering most human biochemical pathways, were measured. Compared with placebo-treated participants, plasma concentrations of the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (R+S) decreased after aspirin treatment in both men and women (P = 0.005). This signal proved robust during 20-fold random splitting of the data using 80% of the samples in each split. We subsequently performed functional follow-up studies using targeted, enantiospecific detection in human colorectal cancer cell lines and observed an aspirin-induced reduction of (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate. We further showed that salicylate, the primary aspirin metabolite, inhibits the hydroxyacid–oxoacid transhydrogenase mediated production of (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate, thereby providing mechanistic evidence for the clinically observed effects of aspirin on total-2-hydroxyglutarate.

Conclusions: Using a metabolomics approach with functional follow-up, we propose that a decrease in the oncometabolite (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate may identify an additional mechanism for aspirin or its metabolites in cancer prevention.

Impact: Reduction of the oncometabolite (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate identifies a novel, non–COX-inhibition-mediated mechanism of aspirin. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(1); 180–7. ©2015 AACR.
Diastolic Dysfunction and Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Ryu Wi-Sun , Park Jun-Bean , Ko Sang-Bae , Hwang Seung-sik , Kim Yong-Jin , Kim Dong-Eog , Lee Seung-Hoon , Yoon Byung-Woo
Published: January 2016

Background: Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) is associated with an increased mortality in general population and patients with myocardial infarct. In the present study, we investigated whether DD is associated with outcomes after ischemic stroke. Methods: Five hundred and three acute ischemic stroke patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (≥50%) were retrospectively included. Echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging were used to evaluate and grade diastolic function. Ordinal logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to examine relations between DD and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months and mortality after stroke, respectively. Results: Mean age was 67.2 ± 11.8 years and 63% were men. Among parameters of diastolic function, early mitral inflow velocity/early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (E/e') was independently related with higher mRS score at 3 months and mortality after ischemic stroke. The highest quartile of E/e' (>14) was independently associated with higher mRS score (adjusted OR 3.86, 95% CI 2.27-6.54) as well as with mortality (hazards ratio [HR] 2.87, 95% CI 1.17-7.04) as compared to the lowest quartile of E/e' (<8.8). In addition, moderate-to-severe DD grade was related to higher mRS score (adjusted OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.15-5.06) and mortality (HR 6.63, 95% CI 1.80-24.43) compared to the normal diastolic function. Conclusion: In patients with ischemic stroke, DD is associated with functional outcome at 3 months and mortality. Our data suggest that more attention should be given to DD in patients with ischemic stroke.
Cortical Superficial Siderosis in Memory Clinic Patients: Further Evidence for Underlying Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Charidimou Andreas , Ni Jun , Martinez-Ramirez Sergi , Vashkevich Anastasia , Ayres Alison , Rosand Jonathan , Gurol Edip M. , Greenberg Steven M. , Viswanathan Anand
Published: January 2016

Background: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is associated with many cases of spontaneous symptomatic lobar intracerebral haemorrhage in older individuals and is emerging as an important contributor to cognitive impairment. Cortical superficial siderosis (cSS) is an increasingly recognized haemorrhagic neuroimaging manifestation of CAA. We sought to investigate its prevalence and its association with underlying CAA among memory clinic patients. Methods: We included consecutive eligible patients who presented to the out-patient memory clinic at the Massachusetts General Hospital from 2007 to 2010 and had appropriate MRI, including blood-sensitive sequences. We analyzed the prevalence and topography of cSS according to demographic, clinical, APOE and MRI data. Results: Our cohort consisted of 339 memory clinic patients: Alzheimer's disease (n = 86); mild cognitive impairment (n = 162); vascular dementia/mixed dementia (n = 18); other dementia/undetermined (n = 42); and subjective cognitive complains (n = 31). cSS was detected in 10 patients (3%; 95% CI 1.4-5.4): in 7 cases cSS was focal and in 3 cases, it was disseminated. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the presence of cSS was associated with lobar microbleeds (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.03-1.13; p = 0.001, per each additional microbleed) and severe white matter hyperintensities (Fazekas score 5-6, OR 4.43; 95% CI 1.21-26.28; p = 0.028) after adjusting for age. These associations were not influenced by the clinical diagnosis. In patients with APOE data, the APOE ε4/ε4 genotype was overrepresented among subjects with vs. without cSS. In the subgroup of patients with probable CAA (n = 68; 9 with cSS) based on the presence of strictly lobar microbleeds, cSS was also associated with a higher prevalence of severe white matter hyperintensities (66.7 vs. 10.2%; p = 0.001), high centrum semiovale perivascular spaces burden (88.9 vs. 52.4%; p = 0.041) and higher counts of lobar microbleeds (median 13; IQR 10-36 vs. median 1; IQR 1-2; p < 0.00001), compared to patients without cSS. Conclusions: Our data provide further evidence supporting the hypothesis that cSS is a manifestation of advanced CAA in memory clinic populations. Future longitudinal studies should explore any direct effect of cSS on cognition or haemorrhage risk and disease progression.
Thrombolysis in Stroke Patients with Isolated Aphasia
Authors: Denier C. , Chassin O. , Vandendries C. , Bayon de la Tour L. , Cauquil C. , Sarov M. , Adams D. , Flamand-Roze C.
Published: January 2016

Background: Data about evolution of aphasia following stroke are rare and controversial especially following fibrinolysis. The aim of this study was to describe the early clinical patterns of isolated aphasia in consecutive stroke patients with or without thrombolysis. Methods: Clinical and radiological data of consecutive stroke patients were routinely entered in prospective registry. Patients were considered aphasic when NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) item 9 >0. ‘Isolated aphasia' was defined by aphasic patients without motor limb deficit. We created a ‘composite language score' obtained by summing the NIHSS items 1b, 1c and 9, which reflects language-processing ability. Recovery of functions was evaluated as measured by global NIHSS, composite language score and language screening test (LAST) at baseline, H24 and day 7 (D7). ‘Mild deficit' was defined as global NIHSS <5. Results: A total of 100 consecutive patients met study criteria for isolated aphasia. Twenty-five underwent thrombolysis and 75 did not. There was no difference between the 2 groups concerning demographic characteristics, involved territories and presence of arterial occlusion, initial median NIHSS, composite language and LAST scores at entrance. Evolution was significantly better in thrombolysed patient for the 3 testings: NIHSS, composite language score and LAST at D7 (respective p = 0.0002; p = 0.01 and p = 0.004). Similar results were found when we focused on the subgroups of patients with initial ‘mild' deficits (p = 0.01; p = 0.0003 and p = 0.007). No symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation occurred following thrombolysis. Conclusion: These data strongly suggest that thrombolysis is safe and effective in patients with ‘isolated aphasia,' even if the global NIHSS score is <5.
Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Endotoxemia in Young Obese Mexican Subjects
Authors: Radilla-Vázquez Romina Belén , Parra-Rojas Isela , Martínez-Hernández Norma Edith , Márquez-Sandoval Yolanda Fabiola , Illades-Aguiar Berenice , Castro-Alarcón Natividad
Published: January 2016

Background: The gut microbiota plays an important role in human metabolism; previous studies suggest that the imbalance can cause a metabolic endotoxemia that may be linked to weight gain and insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the gut microbiota composition, the lipopolysaccharide levels and the metabolic profile in obese and normal-weight young subjects. Methods: We studied 32 obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and 32 normal-weight subjects (BMI = 18.5-24.9 kg/m2), aged 18-25 years. Quantification of intestinal bacteria was performed by real-time PCR. Endotoxin units were determined with the test QCL-1000, and biochemical profile was performed under a standard protocol of Spinreact. Results: Obese individuals had a BMI of 34.5 (32.9-36.45) kg/m2, increased triglycerides (123 vs. 70 mg/dl), total cholesterol (168 vs. 142 mg/dl), and LDL-cholesterol (114 vs. 96.5 mg/dl). In obese subjects body temperature was higher than in normal-weight subjects. We found a greater number of Clostridum leptum and Lactobacillus (p < 0.001) and lower numbers of Prevotella and Escherichia coli (p < 0.001) in the obese group. A decrease of E. coli was associated with an increased risk of lipopolysaccharide levels ranging from 1 to 1.3 EU/ml. A positive correlation was found between serum lipopolysaccharides and BMI (r = 0.46, p = 0.008), triglyceride levels (r = 0.44, p = 0.011) as well as waist circumference (r = 0.34, p = 0.040), being more evident in young obese females. Conclusion: Subclinical metabolic endotoxemia determined by serum concentration of lipopolysaccharides was related to the smallest amount of E. coli, high triglyceride levels, and central adiposity in obese young persons.
ApoE Polymorphisms and the Risk of Different Subtypes of Stroke in the Chinese Population: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Chunli , Hu Zhiping
Published: January 2016

Background and Purpose: Numerous studies have evaluated the association between apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene polymorphisms and the risk of different subtypes of stroke. However, the results remain uncertain, and few sources of data specific to the Chinese ethnic population contribute to these outstanding questions. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to derive a more comprehensive estimate of the association between ApoE polymorphisms and stroke risk in the Chinese population. Methods: Case-control studies in Chinese and English publications were identified by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, China Nation Knowledge Infrastructure Platform, Wanfang, and VIP databases and by hand-searching relevant journals and the reference lists of the retrieved articles. ORs and 95% CIs were applied to assess the strength of the associations. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore between-study heterogeneity. Results: Evidence of a significant association was found between the ApoE ε4 allele and different subtypes of stroke (for ischemic stroke (IS): OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.90-2.52, p < 0.001; for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH): OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.57-2.75, p < 0.001; and for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH): OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.28-3.23, p = 0.003) among the Chinese population. In addition, a significant difference in the risk for different subtypes of stroke between ε4 carriers and ε3ε3 genotype carriers was found (for IS: OR 2.41, 95% CI 2.00-2.89, p < 0.001; for ICH: OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.68-3.47, p < 0.001; and for SAH: OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.21-3.45, p = 0.008). Conclusion: The ApoE ε4 allele may predict an increased risk for different subtypes of stroke, including IS, ICH and SAH, in the Chinese population, and the results of this genotypic analysis may help to identify populations at an increased risk for stroke. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm our findings.
Caries Epidemiology and Community Dentistry: Chances for Future Improvements in Caries Risk Groups. Outcomes of the ORCA Saturday Afternoon Symposium, Greifswald, 2014. Part 1
Authors: Splieth Christian H. , Christiansen Jette , Foster Page Lyndie A.
Published: January 2016

This paper reviews the first part of the outcomes of the ORCA Saturday Afternoon Symposium 2014 dealing with ‘caries epidemiology and community dentistry: chances for future improvements in caries risk groups'. After the caries decline in many countries, there are remaining pockets of higher caries levels, mostly in the primary dentition and/or linked to a low socio-economic status (SES). The review into the evidence of caries-preventive measures clearly points to the use of fluorides, especially toothbrushing with fluoridated toothpaste and collective measures such as water fluoridation. In contrast to several unsuccessful high-risk approaches, community and public health programmes seem to be able to ensure a population-wide access and compliance in risk groups. Their simple and evidence-based measures mostly combine regular plaque removal and fluoride applications via toothbrushing, at least for children and adolescents. For the future, the common risk factor approach which addresses associations between oral health, social deprivation, diet, hygiene, smoking, alcohol use and stress should lead to combined efforts with other community health and education specialists. Further engagement with public policy, community leaders and administration is needed in order to strengthen healthy choices and behaviour, e.g. in ‘healthy' schools and kindergartens. It seems advisable that these population programmes also aim at improving upstream factors.
Multimodal Imaging and Clinicopathologic Correlation in Primary Uveal Lymphoma
Authors: Erickson Brandon , Mantopoulos Dimosthenis , Schoenfield Lynn , Cebulla Colleen M.
Published: January 2016

Purpose: We report a rare case of primary uveal lymphoma and characterize it using histopathology and multimodal imaging. Patient and Methods: A 41-year-old male presented with a 2-year history of increasingly blurry vision in his right eye and no systemic symptoms. Examination revealed a retinal detachment and mass lesion in the right eye. Radiologic and histologic testing was performed. Results: Multimodal imaging localized the lesion to the choroid, and fine needle aspiration biopsy diagnosed the lesion as a low-grade B-cell lymphoma. The patient was treated with external beam radiation, resulting in regression of the mass and resolution of the retinal detachment. Conclusions: Primary uveal lymphoma is a rare, usually indolent tumor that carries a good prognosis. In this case, we show that primary uveal lymphoma has distinct findings via histopathology and multimodal imaging, and that imaging after radiation treatment documents disease regression.
Which Aspects of Stroke Do Animal Models Capture? A Multitracer Micro-PET Study of Focal Ischemia with Endothelin-1
Authors: Schirrmacher Ralf , Dea Melvin , Heiss Wolf-Dieter , Kostikov Alexey , Funck Thomas , Quessy Stephan , Bedell Barry , Dancause Numa , Thiel Alexander
Published: January 2016

Background: Cortical injections of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET1) have widely been used to induce focal circumscribed ischemic lesions in the motor cortex of rodents in the context of stroke recovery studies. In order to apply this model correctly, it is essential to understand the time course of regional flow changes and of the development of penumbra and infarction. Methods: Multitracer micro-PET of ET1 focal ischemia in rats was performed using [11C]-flumazenil ([11C]FMZ) as a flow- and viability tracer and [18F]-fluoromisonidazole ([18F]FMISO) as hypoxia marker in order to characterize the physiological time-course of this model. Nine adult Sprague-Dawley rats received stereotaxic injections of ET1 into the right primary motor cortex, 3 served as controls. PET imaging was started 2, 3 and 20 h after the last ET1 injection. Histology was obtained at the end of the scans. Standardized uptake value ratios reflecting cerebral blood flow (CBF), [11C]FMZ-binding and [18F]FMISO-retention were calculated for the region of hypoperfusion and the normoperfused cortex. Results: CBF in the hypoperfused cortex was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) at 5 h (0.58 ± 0.025), 6 h (0.54 ± 0.043) and 23 h (0.66 ± 0.024) compared to controls (1.00 ± 0.011) and moderately reduced (p < 0.05) in the remainder of the affected hemisphere at 5 h (0.93 ± 0.036). [11C]FMZ-binding was within the control range at all time points. Significant [18F]FMISO-retention (1.16 ± 0.091, p < 0.05) was observed only after 6 h in the ischemic core that later turned into infarct. Conclusion: ET1 injections yield reproducible, slowly developing ischemic lesions with constant levels of hypoperfusion. This multitracer micro-PET study suggests that the ET1 model is appropriate for inducing chronic circumscribed ischemic lesions but seems to be less suited for studying acute stroke pathophysiology.
Frequency and Predictors of Internal Mammary Artery Graft Failure and Subsequent Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Harskamp Ralf E. , Alexander John H. , Ferguson T. Bruce , Hager Rebecca , Mack Michael J. , Englum Brian , Wojdyla Daniel , Schulte Phillip J. , Kouchoukos Nicholas T. , de Winter Robbert J. , Gibson C. Michael , Peterson Eric D. , Harrington Robert A. , Smith Peter K. , Lopes Renato D.
Published: January 2016

Background—

The internal mammary artery (IMA) is the preferred conduit for bypassing the left anterior descending (LAD) artery in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Systematic evaluation of the frequency and predictors of IMA failure and long-term outcomes is lacking.

Methods and Results—

The Project of Ex-vivo Vein Graft Engineering via Transfection (PREVENT) IV trial participants who underwent IMA-LAD revascularization and had 12- to 18-month angiographic follow-up (n=1539) were included. Logistic regression with fast false selection rate methods was used to identify characteristics associated with IMA failure (≥75% stenosis). The relationship between IMA failure and long-term outcomes, including death, myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization, was assessed with Cox regression. IMA failure occurred in 132 participants (8.6%). Predictors of IMA graft failure were LAD stenosis <75% (odds ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.19–2.59), additional bypass graft to diagonal branch (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.33–2.76), and not having diabetes mellitus (odds ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.20–2.78). LAD stenosis and additional diagonal graft remained predictive of IMA failure in an alternative model that included angiographic failure or death before angiography as the outcome. IMA failure was associated with a significantly higher incidence of subsequent acute (<14 days of angiography) clinical events, mostly as a result of a higher rate of repeat revascularization.

Conclusions—

IMA failure was common and associated with higher rates of repeat revascularization, and patients with intermediate LAD stenosis or with an additional bypass graft to the diagonal branch had increased risk for IMA failure. These findings raise concerns about competitive flow and the benefit of coronary artery bypass grafting in intermediate LAD stenosis without functional evidence of ischemia.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http:/www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00042081.
Oceanic Turbulent Energy Budget using Large-Eddy Simulation of a Wind Event during DYNAMO
Authors: Hoecker-Martínez Martín S. , Smyth William D. , Skyllingstad Eric D.
Published: January 2016

The dominant processes governing ocean mixing during an active phase of the Madden–Julian oscillation are identified. Air–sea fluxes and upper-ocean currents and hydrography, measured aboard the R/V Revelle during boreal fall 2011 in the Indian Ocean at 0°, 80.5°E, are integrated by means of a large-eddy simulation (LES) to infer mixing mechanisms and quantify the resulting vertical property fluxes. In the simulation, wind accelerates the mixed layer, and shear mixes the momentum downward, causing the mixed layer base to descend. Turbulent kinetic energy gains due to shear production and Langmuir circulations are opposed by stirring gravity and frictional losses. The strongest stirring of buoyancy follows precipitation events and penetrates to the base of the mixed layer. The focus here is on the initial 24 h of an unusually strong wind burst that began on 24 November 2011. The model shows that Langmuir turbulence influences only the uppermost few meters of the ocean. Below the wave-energized region, shear instability responds to the integrated momentum flux into the mixed layer, lagging the initial onset of the storm. Shear below the mixed layer persists after the storm has weakened and decelerates the surface jet slowly (compared with the acceleration at the peak of the storm). Slow loss of momentum from the mixed layer extends the effect of the surface wind burst by energizing the fluid at the base of the mixed layer, thereby prolonging heat uptake due to the storm. Ocean turbulence and air–sea fluxes contribute to the cooling of the mixed layer approximately in the ratio 1:3, consistent with observations.
Acculturative Stress and Risky Sexual Behavior
Authors: Jardin Charles , Garey Lorra , Sharp Carla , Zvolensky Michael J.
Published: January 2016

Recent syndemic models of sexual health disparities affecting racial/ethnic minorities have highlighted the role of discrimination. Yet no previous work has examined how acculturative stress (distress at the transition from one’s original culture toward a new culture) associates with sexual HIV-risk behavior (SHRB). Work among other minority populations suggests sexual compulsivity (SC) may contribute to syndemic sexual health disparities as a means of coping with distress. With this in mind, the present study examined whether SC explained the relation between acculturative stress and SHRB. Separate analyses were conducted for males and females within a sample of 758 sexually initiated racial/ethnic minority college students. Among males and females, acculturative stress had an indirect effect on SHRB via SC. As the first study to examine SHRB in relation to acculturative stress, findings provide preliminary evidence that targeting SC among racial/ethnic minorities may help reduce sexual health disparities.
Adolescent Callous-Unemotional Traits and Parental Knowledge as Predictors of Unprotected Sex Among Youth
Authors: McCauley Katherine Long , Shadur Julia Madeline , Hoffman Elana Michelle , MacPherson Laura , Lejuez C. W.
Published: January 2016

Risky sexual behavior among adolescents is common and results in many negative consequences. The present study investigated longitudinal predictors of adolescents’ likelihood of engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse. Parental knowledge, or the extent to which parents know about their children’s activities, whereabouts, and friendships, is a robust predictor of youth risk behavior, including risky sexual behavior. However, parenting practices are typically less potent as predictors of subsequent behavior among youth with high levels of callous-unemotional (CU) traits. We conducted three logistic regression models, each of which examined parental knowledge in a different way (through child report, parent report, and a discrepancy score), allowing us to examine parental knowledge, CU traits, and their interaction as predictors of adolescents’ subsequent engagement in sex without a condom. Results indicated that adolescents who perceived their parents to possess greater knowledge were less likely to engage in unprotected sex. Higher parent report of parental knowledge was also related to decreased likelihood of engaging in unprotected sex, but only for adolescents with high levels of CU traits. In addition, greater discrepancy between parent and adolescent reports of parental knowledge was related to increased likelihood of engaging in unprotected sex, but only for adolescents with low levels of CU traits. Results highlight the importance of considering both parent and adolescent perceptions of parental knowledge and have important implications for prevention and intervention efforts.
Effects of Synchronous Online Writing Instruction for Students With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Straub Carrie , Vasquez Eleazar
Published: January 2016

As online K–12 instruction increases, researchers have expressed concerns about online learning for students with disabilities. This study investigates online writing instruction for students with learning disabilities (LDs) using synchronous online collaborative writing software to investigate effects of self-regulated strategy development for strategy instruction in persuasive writing (POW + TREE). Four adolescents with LD and low achievement in writing participated in a multiple probe across participants design to investigate a functional relation between instruction and essay elements (EEs). All participants increased (a) EEs, (b) correct minus incorrect word sequences, and (c) standard score changes. Implications for online learning in writing for students with LD are discussed.
Evaluation of combined Gd-EOB-DTPA and gadobutrol magnetic resonance imaging for the prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma grading
Authors: Schelhorn Juliane , Best Jan , Dechêne Alexander , Göbel Thomas , Bertram Stefanie , Lauenstein Thomas , Kinner Sonja
Published: January 2016

Background

Tumor biopsy is not essential for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, grading remains important for the prognosis.

Purpose

To investigate whether combined Gd-EOB-DTPA and gadobutrol liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can predict HCC grading.

Material and Methods

Thirty patients (66.6 ± 7.3 years) with histologically confirmed HCC (grade 1, n = 5; grade 1–2, n = 6; grade 2, n = 13; grade 2–3, n = 2; grade 3, n = 4) underwent two liver MRIs, one with gadobutrol and one with Gd-EOB-DTPA, on consecutive days. Blinded to grading, two radiologists reviewed the gadobutrol and Gd-EOB-DTPA images in consensus with respect to: (i) HCC hyper-/iso-/hypointensity in the arterial, portal-venous/delayed, and Gd-EOB-DTPA hepatocellular phase; and (ii) morphologic tumor features (encapsulated growth, vessel invasion, heterogeneity, liver capsule infiltration, satellite metastases).

Results

A significant correlation with grading was not found for either the combined dynamic information of all gadobutrol phases (r = −0.187, P = 0.331) or all the Gd-EOB-DTPA phases (r = 0.052, P = 0.802). No correlation with grading was found for a combination of arterial and hepatocellular phase in Gd-EOB-DTPA MRI (r = 0.209, P = 0.305), a combination of both arterial phases (gadobutrol and Gd-EOB-DTPA) with the Gd-EOB-DTPA hepatocellular phase (r = 0.240, P = 0.248), or a combination of all available gadobutrol and Gd-EOB-DTPA phases (r = 0.086, P = 0.691). For all gadobutrol information (dynamic phases and morphology; r = 0.049, P = 0.801) and for all Gd-EOB-DTPA information (r = 0.040, P = 0.845), no correlation with grading was found. Hepatocellular Gd-EOB-DTPA phase iso-/hyperintensity never occurred in grade 3 HCCs.

Conclusion

Histological HCC grading cannot be predicted by combined Gd-EOB-DTPA/gadobutrol MRI. However, Gd-EOB-DTPA hepatocellular phase iso-/hyperintensity was never detected in grade 3 HCCs.
Large-Scale Assessment and English Language Learners With Disabilities
Authors: Liu Kristin K. , Ward Jenna M. , Thurlow Martha L. , Christensen Laurene L.
Published: January 2016

This article highlights a set of principles and guidelines, developed by a diverse group of specialists in the field, for appropriately including English language learners (ELLs) with disabilities in large-scale assessments. ELLs with disabilities make up roughly 9% of the rapidly increasing ELL population nationwide. In spite of the small overall percentage of students that they represent, this group experiences significant learning and assessment challenges. In the context of successfully educating all students to high standards, it is important for state education agencies, policymakers, and local education agencies to improve achievement outcomes for these students. One of the first steps in improving test performance is to design and implement comprehensive and accessible assessment policies, and consequently assessments, that address the specific needs of ELLs with disabilities. Doing so will give them the chance to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have, thus allowing the test results to more accurately show areas for school improvement.
Antimalarials as a risk factor for elevated muscle enzymes in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Tselios K , Gladman D D , Su Jiandong , Urowitz M B
Published: January 2016

Objective

To investigate the relationship between antimalarials (AM) and elevated muscle enzymes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Patients—Methods

325 lupus patients with abnormal creatine phosphokinase (CPK) for at least two consecutive clinic visits were enrolled; 54 patients on statins/fibrates ( n = 43) and/or active myositis ( n = 14) were excluded. The control group consisted of 1453 lupus patients with no CPK elevation during follow-up. Descriptive statistics and Cox regression analyses were performed, p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Cases and controls did not differ regarding age at SLE diagnosis, gender ratio, or disease duration. AM use was more frequent in cases, which had more prolonged AM use. Total frequency of elevated CPK in AM users was 216/1322 (16.3%). Chloroquine was associated with a 3.3-fold, and hydroxychloroquine with a 3.1-fold, increased risk for CPK elevation. Black race was associated with higher CPK (HR = 2.941), whereas female gender was protective (HR = 0.697). 203 patients were followed for 7.3 ± 5.6 years; 49.8% had persistent and 14.8% intermittent CPK elevation, while in 35.4% CPK was normalized. Clinical proximal muscle weakness developed in 5/203 patients.

Conclusions

Chronic AM use is a potential risk factor for muscle enzyme elevation in SLE patients. CPK abnormalities persist in almost two thirds of the patients, but this remains mainly a biochemical finding, evolving to clinical myopathy in about 2.5%.
Differences in Transitional Care Provided to Mexican American and Non-Hispanic White Older Adults
Authors: Crist Janice D. , Koerner Kari M. , Hepworth Joseph T. , Pasvogel Alice , Marshall Catherine A. , Cruz Teofila P. , Effken Judith A.
Published: January 2016

Background:Transitional care, assisting patients to move safely through multiple health care settings, may be insufficient for older Hispanic patients. Purpose: Describe home health care services referral rates for Hispanic and non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients and factors that influence case managers’ (CMs’) discharge planning processes. Design: Organized by the Ethno-Cultural Gerontological Nursing Model, health records were reviewed ( n = 33,597 cases) and supplemented with qualitative description ( n = 8 CMs). Findings: Controlling for gender, insurance type, age, and hospital length of stay, NHW older adults received more home health care services referrals (odds ratio = 1.23). Insurance coverage was the most frequent determinant of CMs’ post–hospital care choices, rather than patients’ being Hispanic. NHW older adults were more likely to have insurance than Hispanic older adults. Implications: Insurance coverage being CMs’ primary consideration in determining patients’ dispositions is a form of systems-level discrimination for Hispanic vulnerable groups, which combined with other hospital-level constraints, should be addressed with policy-level interventions.
Factors That Influence the Difficulty of Science Words
Authors: Cervetti Gina N. , Hiebert Elfrieda H. , Pearson P. David , McClung Nicola A.
Published: January 2016

This study examines, within the domain of science, the characteristics of words that predict word knowledge and word learning. The authors identified a set of word characteristics—length, part of speech, polysemy, frequency, morphological frequency, domain specificity, and concreteness—that, based on earlier research, were prime candidates to explain variation in word knowledge and word learning. The outcome measures were the pretest (evidence of word knowledge) and posttest (evidence of word learning) vocabulary scores of second- through fourth-grade students who participated in one of several studies designed to evaluate the efficacy of science units that were part of a multiyear research and development program for an integrated science and literacy curriculum. The authors first examined individual predictors and then built multivariate models from the individually significant predictors of pretest score. Three characteristics were predictive of word knowledge (pretest score) at two or more grade levels; frequency, polysemy, and length predicted word difficulty independent of instruction. These three characteristics accounted for 39% of the variance in third graders’ pretest scores. Polysemy and frequency alone accounted for 34% of the variance at second grade and 23% at fourth grade. In addition, frequency and polysemy explained students’ vocabulary growth scores (posttest controlling for pretest) over the course of instruction at two of three grade levels. Understanding which characteristics of words are related to difficulty within the domain of science may provide a principled basis both for the selection of words for instruction and for differentiating instruction across categories of science words.
Relationship of Mitochondrial Enzymes to Fatigue Intensity in Men With Prostate Cancer Receiving External Beam Radiation Therapy
Authors: Filler Kristin , Lyon Debra , McCain Nancy , Bennett James , Fernández-Martínez Juan Luis , deAndrés-Galiana Enrique Juan , Elswick R. K. , Lukkahatai Nada , Saligan Leorey
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a plausible biological mechanism for cancer-related fatigue. Specific aims of this study were to (1) describe the levels of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complex (MOPC) enzymes, fatigue, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) before and at completion of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) in men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer (PC); (2) examine relationships over time among levels of MOPC enzymes, fatigue, and HRQOL; and (3) compare levels of MOPC enzymes in men with clinically significant and nonsignificant fatigue intensification during EBRT.

Methods:

Fatigue was measured by the revised Piper Fatigue Scale and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Fatigue subscale (FACT-F). MOPC enzymes (Complexes I–V) and mitochondrial antioxidant superoxide dismutase 2 were measured in peripheral blood using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and completion of EBRT. Participants were categorized into high or low fatigue (HF vs. LF) intensification groups based on amount of change in FACT-F scores during EBRT.

Results:

Fatigue reported by the 22 participants with PC significantly worsened and HRQOL significantly declined from baseline to EBRT completion. The HF group comprised 12 men with clinically significant change in fatigue (HF) during EBRT. Although no significant changes were observed in MOPC enzymes from baseline to EBRT completion, there were important differences in the patterns in the levels of MOPC enzymes between HF and LF groups.

Conclusion:

Distinct patterns of changes in the absorbance of MOPC enzymes delineated fatigue intensification among participants. Further investigation using a larger sample is warranted.
The social theory of Patrick Geddes
Authors: Scott John
Published: January 2016

The social theory outlined by Patrick Geddes has been largely ignored in writings on the history of sociology and in contemporary discussions of social theory. This neglect reflects the fact that his contributions were scattered and incomplete and were never drawn together into a coherent statement. He and his followers failed to engage with other sociologists and their insights were lost. This article draws on Geddes’ published statements to present a systematic account and reconstruction of his theoretical ideas. It is argued that he built a strikingly modern system theory that is relevant to contemporary discussions in social theory and that his role in the development of sociology must be reconsidered.
Atrial Switch Operation in a Late Presenter With d-Transposed Great Arteries, Juxtaposed Atrial Appendages, and Bilateral Superior Caval Veins
Authors: Talwar Sachin , Kumar Manikala Vinod , Bhoje Amolkumar , Choudhary Shiv Kumar , Airan Balram
Published: January 2016

A 26-year-old patient with d-transposition of great arteries (d-TGA), bilateral superior vena cava, and juxtaposed atrial appendages underwent a successful atrial switch operation. It is extremely uncommon to encounter a previously unpalliated patient with d-TGA at this age. Unusual morphologic features in this patient necessitated technical modifications to successfully accomplish an atrial switch procedure.
Novel Technique to Evaluate Pulmonary Vascular Resistance in a Patient With Aortopulmonary Window
Authors: Penk Jamie , Wax David , Gilbert Christian , Duffy C. E.
Published: January 2016

We report a case of a 15-month-old female presenting with a large aortopulmonary window during a medical mission. The optimal surgical correction for this patient would be based on an estimation of her pulmonary vascular reactivity. This report details the use of antegrade/retrograde flow ratios using Doppler measurements in the proximal descending aorta at baseline and while receiving 100% oxygen. A large increase in the proportion of retrograde flow under the 100% oxygen condition suggested a reactive pulmonary vascular bed. She underwent a complete repair with patch closure of the aortopulmonary window. A postoperative echocardiographic assessment showed near normal right ventricular pressures.
Lysyl oxidase is associated with increased thrombosis and platelet reactivity
Authors: Matsuura Shinobu , Mi Rongjuan , Koupenova Milka , Eliades Alexia , Patterson Shenia , Toselli Paul , Thon Jonathan , Italiano Joseph E. , Trackman Philip C. , Papadantonakis Nikolaos , Ravid Katya
Published: January 2016

Key Points

Mice overexpressing LOX in platelets have more severe thrombosis than normal animals. LOX expression influences platelet adhesion to collagen.
Power estimation and sample size determination for replication studies of genome-wide association studies
Authors: Jiang Wei , Yu Weichuan
Published: January 2016

Background

Replication study is a commonly used verification method to filter out false positives in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). If an association can be confirmed in a replication study, it will have a high confidence to be true positive. To design a replication study, traditional approaches calculate power by treating replication study as another independent primary study. These approaches do not use the information given by primary study. Besides, they need to specify a minimum detectable effect size, which may be subjective. One may think to replace the minimum effect size with the observed effect sizes in the power calculation. However, this approach will make the designed replication study underpowered since we are only interested in the positive associations from the primary study and the problem of the “winner’s curse” will occur.

Results

An Empirical Bayes (EB) based method is proposed to estimate the power of replication study for each association. The corresponding credible interval is estimated in the proposed approach. Simulation experiments show that our method is better than other plug-in based estimators in terms of overcoming the winner’s curse and providing higher estimation accuracy. The coverage probability of given credible interval is well-calibrated in the simulation experiments. Weighted average method is used to estimate the average power of all underlying true associations. This is used to determine the sample size of replication study. Sample sizes are estimated on 6 diseases from Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium (WTCCC) using our method. They are higher than sample sizes estimated by plugging observed effect sizes in power calculation.

Conclusions

Our new method can objectively determine replication study’s sample size by using information extracted from primary study. Also the winner’s curse is alleviated. Thus, it is a better choice when designing replication studies of GWAS. The R-package is available at: http://bioinformatics.ust.hk/RPower.html.
Relationship between body mass index and hippocampal
glutamate/glutamine in bipolar disorder
Authors: Bond David J. , da Silveira Leonardo Evangelista , MacMillan Erin L. , Torres Ivan J. , Lang Donna J. , Su Wayne , Honer William G. , Lam Raymond W. , Yatham Lakshmi N.
Published: January 2016

Background

We previously reported that patients with early-stage bipolar disorder,
but not healthy comparison controls, had body mass index (BMI)-related
volume reductions in limbic brain areas, suggesting that the structural
brain changes characteristic of bipolar disorder were more pronounced
with increased weight.

Aims

To determine whether the most consistently reported neurochemical
abnormality in bipolar disorder, increased glutamate/glutamine (Glx), was
also more prominent with higher BMI.

Method

We used single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure
hippocampal Glx in 51 patients with first-episode mania (mean BMI = 24.1)
and 28 healthy controls (mean BMI = 23.3).

Results

In patients, but not healthy controls, linear regression demonstrated
that higher BMI predicted greater Glx. Factorial ANCOVA showed a
significant BMI×diagnosis interaction, confirming a distinct effect of
weight on Glx in patients.

Conclusions

Together with our volumetric studies, these results suggest that higher
BMI is associated with more pronounced structural and neurochemical
limbic brain changes in bipolar disorder, even in early-stage patients
with low obesity rates.