bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factor VIII organisation on nanodiscs with different lipid composition
Authors: Grushin Kirill , Miller Jaimy , Dalm Daniela , Stoilova-McPhie Svetla
Published: January 2015

Nanodiscs (ND) are lipid bilayer membrane patches held by amphiphilic scaffolding proteins (MSP) of ~10 nm in diameter. Nanodiscs have been developed as lipid nanoplatforms for structural and functional studies of membrane and membrane associated proteins. Their size and monodispersity have rendered them unique for electron microscopy (EM) and single particle analysis studies of proteins and complexes either spanning or associated to the ND membrane. Binding of blood coagulation factors and complexes, such as the Factor VIII (FVIII) and the Factor VIIIa - Factor IXa (intrinsic tenase) complex to the negatively charged activated platelet membrane is required for normal haemostasis. In this study we present our work on optimising ND, specifically designed to bind FVIII at close to physiological conditions. The binding of FVIII to the negatively charged ND rich in phosphatidylserine (PS) was followed by electron microscopy at three different PS compositions and two different membrane scaffolding protein (MSP1D1) to lipid ratios. Our results show that the ND with highest PS content (80 %) and lowest MSP1D1 to lipid ratio (1:47) are the most suitable for structure determination of the membrane-bound FVIII by single particle EM. Our preliminary FVIII 3D reconstruction as bound to PS containing ND demonstrates the suitability of the optimised ND for structural studies by EM. Further assembly of the activated FVIII form (FVIIIa) and the whole FVIIIa-FIXa complex on ND, followed by EM and single particle reconstruction will help to identify the protein-protein and protein-membrane interfaces critical for the intrinsic tenase complex assembly and function.
Association between pneumoconiosis and pulmonary emboli
Authors: Shen Chih-Hao , Chen Hsuan-Ju , Lin Te-Yu , Huang Wen-Yen , Li Tsai-Chung , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: January 2015

Studies on the association between pneumoconiosis and deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) are few. This study was based on data obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database from 2000 to 2006, with a follow-up period extending to the end of 2011. We identified 3719 pneumoconiosis patients and 14876 non-pneumoconiosis patients who were selected by frequency matched based on sex, age, and the index year. We analysed the risks of DVT and PE by using Cox proportional hazards regression models by including sex, age, and CCI score. The risk of developing PE was 1.90-fold in the patients with pneumoconiosis compared with the comparison cohort after adjustments for age, sex, and CCI score. By contrast, we did not observe significant effect of pneumoconiosis on DVT. However, the cumulative incidence curves for DVT were similar in the pneumoconiosis patients and non-pneumoconiosis patients. The multiplicative increased risks of PE were significant in patients with pneumoconiosis and CCI score of one and more. In conclusion, physicians should include pneumoconiosis in evaluating pulmonary embolism risk.
Censura além da classificação: a recepção brasileira de A Serbian film
Authors: Gomes Mayra Rodrigues , Paganotti Ivan
Published: January 2015

Este artigo relaciona-se a uma extensa pesquisa sobre censura, apoiada pela Fapesp, baseada em processos de censura, partindo da investigação de termos censurados, suas categorias, pressupostos e subentendidos, além da investigação da opinião pública sobre as intervenções dos censores, assim como as manifestações jornalísticas sobre essas questões. Neste artigo, apresentamos resultados parciais de nossas pesquisas atuais sobre as formações discursivas que inspiraram o Manual da nova classificação indicativa, um conjunto de regras que guia a classificação de produções artísticas e culturais como filmes, programas televisivos etc. Este artigo avalia a classificação de A Serbian film, um recente e polêmico processo no cenário brasileiro devido à recusa do Ministério da Justiça em proibir a exibição do filme.
HDL Particle Size Is a Critical Determinant of ABCA1-Mediated Macrophage Cellular Cholesterol Export
Authors: Du Xian-Ming , Kim Mi-Jurng , Hou Liming , Le Goff Wilfried , Chapman M. John , Van Eck Miranda , Curtiss Linda K. , Burnett John R. , Cartland Sian P. , Quinn Carmel M. , Kockx Maaike , Kontush Anatol , Rye Kerry-Anne , Kritharides Leonard , Jessup Wendy
Published: January 2015

Rationale:

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a heterogeneous population of particles. Differences in the capacities of HDL subfractions to remove cellular cholesterol may explain variable correlations between HDL-cholesterol and cardiovascular risk and inform future targets for HDL-related therapies. The ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) facilitates cholesterol efflux to lipid-free apolipoprotein A-I, but the majority of apolipoprotein A-I in the circulation is transported in a lipidated state and ABCA1-dependent efflux to individual HDL subfractions has not been systematically studied.

Objective:

Our aims were to determine which HDL particle subfractions are most efficient in mediating cellular cholesterol efflux from foam cell macrophages and to identify the cellular cholesterol transporters involved in this process.

Methods and Results:

We used reconstituted HDL particles of defined size and composition, isolated subfractions of human plasma HDL, cell lines stably expressing ABCA1 or ABCG1, and both mouse and human macrophages in which ABCA1 or ABCG1 expression was deleted. We show that ABCA1 is the major mediator of macrophage cholesterol efflux to HDL, demonstrating most marked efficiency with small, dense HDL subfractions (HDL3b and HDL3c). ABCG1 has a lesser role in cholesterol efflux and a negligible role in efflux to HDL3b and HDL3c subfractions.

Conclusions:

Small, dense HDL subfractions are the most efficient mediators of cholesterol efflux, and ABCA1 mediates cholesterol efflux to small dense HDL and to lipid-free apolipoprotein A-I. HDL-directed therapies should target increasing the concentrations or the cholesterol efflux capacity of small, dense HDL species in vivo.
Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Ranchoux Benoît , Antigny Fabrice , Rucker-Martin Catherine , Hautefort Aurélie , Péchoux Christine , Bogaard Harm Jan , Dorfmüller Peter , Remy Séverine , Lecerf Florence , Planté Sylvie , Chat Sophie , Fadel Elie , Houssaini Amal , Anegon Ignacio , Adnot Serge , Simonneau Gerald , Humbert Marc , Cohen-Kaminsky Sylvia , Perros Frédéric
Published: January 2015

Background—

The vascular remodeling responsible for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) involves predominantly the accumulation of α-smooth muscle actin–expressing mesenchymal-like cells in obstructive pulmonary vascular lesions. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) may be a source of those α-smooth muscle actin–expressing cells.

Methods and Results—

In situ evidence of EndoMT in human PAH was obtained by using confocal microscopy of multiple fluorescent stainings at the arterial level, and by using transmission electron microscopy and correlative light and electron microscopy at the ultrastructural level. Findings were confirmed by in vitro analyses of human PAH and control cultured pulmonary artery endothelial cells. In addition, the mRNA and protein signature of EndoMT was recognized at the arterial and lung level by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analyses. We confirmed our human observations in established animal models of pulmonary hypertension (monocrotaline and SuHx). After establishing the first genetically modified rat model linked to
BMPR2
mutations (BMPR2
Δ140Ex1/+
rats), we demonstrated that EndoMT is linked to alterations in signaling of BMPR2, a gene that is mutated in 70% of cases of familial PAH and in 10% to 40% of cases of idiopathic PAH. We identified molecular actors of this pathological transition, including twist overexpression and vimentin phosphorylation. We demonstrated that rapamycin partially reversed the protein expression patterns of EndoMT, improved experimental PAH, and decreased the migration of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells, providing the proof of concept that EndoMT is druggable.

Conclusions—

EndoMT is linked to alterations in BPMR2 signaling and is involved in the occlusive vas cular remodeling of PAH, findings that may have therapeutic implications.
Effect of Decompressive Craniectomy on Outcome Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Mice
Authors: Bühler Dominik , Azghandi Sepiede , Schüller Kathrin , Plesnila Nikolaus
Published: January 2015

Background and Purpose—

Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is a key feature of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Here, we examined the role of elevated ICP in the pathophysiology of SAH, and we investigated whether decreasing ICP by performing decompressive craniectomy (DC) can improve outcome.

Methods—

SAH was induced in male C57BL/6 mice via endovascular Circle of Willis perforation in the following 4 groups: sham surgery, SAH, DC after SAH, and DC before SAH. DC was performed either 15 minutes before or after SAH induction. ICP, cerebral blood flow, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and end-tidal P
CO
2
were monitored for 45 minutes. After surgery, neurological function was evaluated daily for 7 days. After killing, hippocampal neurons, corpus callosum thickness, and ventricular volume were evaluated on paraformaldehyde-fixed coronal brain sections.

Results—

Although DC reduced SAH-induced ICP, it yielded no beneficial effect with respect to posthemorrhagic hypoperfusion; moreover, DC increased the incidence of rebleeding, induced more severe neurological impairments, and caused higher mortality. Post SAH, mice that survived 7 days had no histopathologic differences, regardless of whether DC was performed.

Conclusions—

Performing DC to reduce ICP either during or acutely after SAH resulted in more severe bleeding, a higher incidence of rebleeding, and poorer outcome. Thus, elevated post-hemorrhagic ICP plays an important role in controlling bleeding after SAH and should therefore not be reduced acutely. If DC is considered for treating a patient with SAH, the timing of decompression should take these effects into consideration.
Working Memory Capacity: Limits on the Bandwidth of Cognition
Authors: Miller Earl K. , Buschman Timothy J.
Published: January 2015

Why can your brain store a lifetime of experiences but process only a few thoughts at once? In this article we discuss “cognitive capacity” (the number of items that can be held “in mind” simultaneously) and suggest that the limit is inherent to processing based on oscillatory brain rhythms, or “brain waves,” which may regulate neural communication. Neurons that “hum” together temporarily “wire” together, allowing the brain to form and re-form networks on the fly, which may explain a hallmark of intelligence and cognition: mental flexibility. But this comes at a cost; only a small number of thoughts can fit into each wave. This explains why you should never talk on a mobile phone when driving.
Cassian in Syria?: The Evidence of Innocent i
Authors: Dunn Geoffrey
Published: January 2015

In the late fourth and early fifth centuries we are informed of the activities of Cassian by Palladius in his defence of John Chrysostom and by Innocent i, both with regard to the exile of John Chrysostom in 404 and with regard to the reconciliation between the churches of Rome and Antioch in 414. Do these three instances refer to the same person and is that person John Cassian? In this paper it is argued that Palladius does indeed refer to John Cassian and so does Innocent i in his comments about the exile of John Chrysostom. However, the individual involved in the reconciliation between Antioch and Rome is to be seen as a different person, contrary to the opinion of several scholars. This becomes evident through a close reading of Innocent i’s Epistulae 19 and 20.
The Greek Fragments attributed to Eusebius of Caesarea’s Theophania
Authors: Whealey Alice
Published: January 2015

Some of the Greek fragments that Nicetas of Heraclea attributed to Eusebius of Caesarea’s Theophania lack parallels in the intact Syriac translation of the work. Many of the Greek fragments that lack a Syriac counterpart were not in fact authored by Eusebius of Caesarea, for their themes, vocabulary and style are not characteristic of him. Rather, most of them were authored by Eusebius of Emesa, and were wrongly attributed to the bishop of Caesarea through name confusion in the catenae lemmata. At least two Greek fragments missing in the Syriac version were authored by Eusebius of Caesarea. This suggests that the Syriac translator may have used a version of Theophania that abbreviated parts of the original.
A Report to ‘Abbas Mirza Qajar from Dagestan
Authors: Aytberov Temur
Published: January 2015

The article presents the publication of an important document in Arabic―with the English translation and commentaries, the report of a group of Dagestani leaders supporting the Qajars to the crown prince of Persia Abbas Mirza―the letter is initiated by Surkhaykhan the Second, the ruler of Kazikumukh, and compiled in the first day of Rajab, 1225 (= 2 August, 1810).
Yerevan’s Choice: Armenia and its Integration into the Eurasian Customs Union
Authors: Rinna Anthony
Published: January 2015

In the fall of 2013, Armenia made the decision to accede to the Customs Union of Belarus,
Kazakhstan and Russia. Prior to this, the country had been involved in negotiations with the European Union regarding Armenian participation in a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. While many were quick to assert that Armenia’s decision was based primarily on Russian pressure, closer analysis shows that Armenia’s decision to join the Eurasian Customs Union was taken based in large part on considerations such as the direct investment Armenia would receive from Russia, as well as strategic considerations involving Armenia’s neighbours in the South Caucasus and the Middle East. Armenia’s integration into Russia’s economic fold appears to be set for the foreseeable future.
Breaking Imaginary Barriers
Authors: Yun Seira
Published: January 2015

This paper seeks to clarify the confusions regarding the relationships between international human rights law and international humanitarian law, the principle of equality of belligerents, and the use of the term “should” in treaties. For this purpose, it examines, as a case study, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, on which doctrine is divided whether Article 4(1) thereof is binding on armed non-State actors. First, this paper reconceptualizes international humanitarian law as a subset of international human rights law, which share the same purpose, mutually reinforce, and depend on each other. Second, drawing on the customary rules of treaty interpretation under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties and through a comprehensive analysis of the authentic texts in other languages and the travaux préparatoires, it argues that the term “should” in the operative part of treaties always creates legally binding obligations and that the equality principle does not strictly apply to norms applicable during peacetime. As such, despite its use of “should” and differential treatment between States and armed non-State actors, Article 4(1) of the Protocol creates a direct human rights obligation on armed non-State actors.
Attributing Wrongful Conduct of Implementing Partners to unhcr
Authors: Janmyr Maja
Published: January 2015

Refugee camps are often managed by a wide set of actors other than the Host State. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (unhcr), tasked under international law to provide “international protection” to refugees and to seek “permanent solutions for the problem of refugees”, often sub-contracts the daily management of camps to non-governmental organizations (ngo). In 2013, unhcr collaborated with 733 ngos worldwide. Together with unhcr, these “implementing partners” often perform public powers normally exercised by the Host State. But when human rights violations occur following the conduct of a unhcr implementing partner, which actor(s) are responsible under international law? This article focuses on unhcr’s international responsibility for the conduct of ngo implementing partners. By exploring unhcr’s standard sub-contracting agreements through the lens of the International Law Commission’s (ilc) Articles on the Responsibility of International Organizations (ario), it answers questions such as: Which human rights requirements does unhcr place on implementing partners? Under what circumstances may unhcr be held responsible under the ario for the acts of its implementing partners? It finds that an application of the ario would make unhcr internationally responsible for the wrongful conduct of implementing partners, even when sub-contracting agreements include clauses absolving unhcr from any liability.
Principles of Laws of War in Ancient India and the Concept of Mitigating Armed Conflicts through Controlled Fights
Authors: Rajan Sanoj
Published: January 2015

While modern international humanitarian law is most directly linked to 19th and 20th century Europe and The Hague and Geneva Conventions, cultures throughout history have developed rules of warfare for the protection of non-combatants and civilian populations. This paper provides an overview of the Dharma-based Hindu and Buddhist norms for conflict in Ancient India, and then proceeds to a detailed examination of the practices of Ankam and Mamamkam on the medieval Malabar Coast from the Sangam period through the rule of the Zamorins of Calicut. Ankams were ad hoc proxy duels between professional fighters conducted to resolve inter-state disputes, while Mamamkam was a periodic contest designed to allow relatively bloodless transfer of power. Both demonstrate an understanding of modern concepts of proportionality, distinction and victims’ protection. The paper concludes by enumerating the humanitarian values carried by Ankams and Mamamkam.
A new species of the leafhopper genus Bhatia Distant (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from China
Authors: LU LIN , ZHANG YALIN
Published: January 2015

A new leafhopper species Bhatia multispinosa Lu & Zhang is described from the Emei Mountains in China. A checklist to the species of Bhatia Distant from China is provided, together with a key for their separation.
A new species of Euprox (Cervidae, Artiodactyla) from the upper Miocene of the Linxia Basin, Gansu Province, China, with interpretation of its paleoenvironment
Authors: HOU SUKUAN
Published: January 2015

The Linxia Basin, Gansu Province, China, is known for its abundant and well preserved fossils. Here a new species, Euprox grandis sp. nov., is established based on a skull and antlers collected from the upper Miocene Liushu Formation of the Linxia Basin. The new species is distinguishable from other Euprox species by its large body size, notably long pedicle and weak burr. The main beam and the brow tine are slightly curved both medially and backwards, and the apex of the main beam turns, curving slightly laterally. The upper cheek teeth are brachydont, with a clear central fold on the premolars and internal postprotocrista and metaconule fold on M1-M2. The cingulum is almost absent, only occasionally weakly developed at the anterior and lingual surface of the teeth. Cladistic analysis was carried out using the TNT software, and two most parsimonious trees were retained. As the strict consensus tree shows E. grandis appears to be an advanced muntiacine form, which may have a close relationship with the genus Muntiacus. The presence of E. grandis in the Linxia Basin adds new evidence to support a warm and humid environment during the late Miocene in the basin.
Redescription of Oedichirus flammeus Koch, and description of two new Oedichirus species from China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae, Pinophilini)
Authors: LI WEN-RONG , XIE NAN-NAN , LI LI-ZHEN
Published: January 2015

Oedichirus flammeus Koch, 1939 (Zhejiang, East China), O. damingensis sp. n. (Guangxi, South China), and O. pengzhongi sp. n. (Hainan, South China) are (re-)described and illustrated. The genus is now represented in China by eight described species, six of them are micropterous. The latest key to the Oedichirus species of China is modified to include the new species.
A new lowland forest Bent-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Cyrtodactylus) from Ranong Province, peninsular Thailand
Authors: SUMONTHA MONTRI , PAUWELS OLIVIER S. G. , PANITVONG NONN , KUNYA KIRATI , GRISMER L. LEE
Published: January 2015

We describe a new lowland forest-dwelling Cyrtodactylus from Suk Samran District, Ranong Province, southern peninsular Thailand, having a blotched dorsal pattern, a continuous series of poreless enlarged femoral and precloacal scales, 18–20 regularly arranged dorsal tubercle rows, no precloacal groove, no transversely enlarged subcaudal plates and a maximal known snout-vent length of 59.6 mm. Cyrtodactylus ranongensis sp. nov. seems closely related to C. quadrivirgatus, but is readily distinguished from it by having 35–40 ventral scale rows, a reddish iris, heavy dorsal mottling, and lacking longitudinal dark-brown elements in its dorsal pattern.
A new rhamphorhynchid pterosaur (Pterosauria) from Jurassic deposits
of Liaoning Province, China
Authors: Lü Junchang , Pu Hanyong , Xu Li , Wei Xuefang , ChanG Huali , Kundrát Martin
Published: January 2015

Compared to pterosaurs from the Early Cretaceous from China, Late Jurassic pterosaurs are relatively rare. A new rhamphorhynchid pterosaur, Orientognathus chaoyngensis gen. et sp. nov., is erected based on an incomplete skeleton from the Upper Jurassic Tuchengzi Formation of Chaoyang, Liaoning Province, China. It is identified by the following characters: the toothless tip of the lower jaw is slightly pointed; the length ratio of wing metacarpal to humerus is 0.38, the ulna is shorter than each wing phalanx and the tibia is nearly equal to femur in length. A phylogenetic analysis recovers Orientognathus chaoyngensis as a rhamphorhynchid pterosaur. Orientognathus chaoyngensis is perhaps the youngest Jurassic pterosaur from western Liaoning Province of China.
Report on two deep-water caridean shrimp species (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea: Alvinocarididae, Acanthephyridae) from the northeastern South China Sea
Authors: LI XINZHENG
Published: January 2015

Two deep-water species of caridean shrimps collected during recent dives by the Chinese manned submersible “Jiaolong” represents new records for the South China Sea: Alvinocaris longirostris Kikuchi & Ohta, 1995 (Alvinocarididae) and Acanthephyra faxoni Calman, 1939 (Acanthephyridae). Specimens of these two species were collected from Jiaolong Cold Seep I, off Guangdong Province, China (depth 1138 m). Alvinocaris longirostris is known to be associated with chemosynthetic community, whereas Acanthephyra faxoni is a bathypelagic inhabitant, of which the occurrence in seep site is merely opportunistic. An identification key to species of Alvinocaris is provided.
The Coplane Analysis Technique for Three-Dimensional Wind Retrieval Using the HIWRAP Airborne Doppler Radar
Authors: Didlake Anthony C. , Heymsfield Gerald M. , Tian Lin , Guimond Stephen R.
Published: January 2015

The coplane analysis technique for mapping the three-dimensional wind field of precipitating systems is applied to the NASA High-Altitude Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler (HIWRAP). HIWRAP is a dual-frequency Doppler radar system with two downward-pointing and conically scanning beams. The coplane technique interpolates radar measurements onto a natural coordinate frame, directly solves for two wind components, and integrates the mass continuity equation to retrieve the unobserved third wind component. This technique is tested using a model simulation of a hurricane and compared with a global optimization retrieval. The coplane method produced lower errors for the cross-track and vertical wind components, while the global optimization method produced lower errors for the along-track wind component. Cross-track and vertical wind errors were dependent upon the accuracy of the estimated boundary condition winds near the surface and at nadir, which were derived by making certain assumptions about the vertical velocity field. The coplane technique was then applied successfully to HIWRAP observations of Hurricane Ingrid (2013). Unlike the global optimization method, the coplane analysis allows for a transparent connection between the radar observations and specific analysis results. With this ability, small-scale features can be analyzed more adequately and erroneous radar measurements can be identified more easily.
Probabilistic Multisite Statistical Downscaling for Daily Precipitation Using a Bernoulli–Generalized Pareto Multivariate Autoregressive Model
Authors: Ben Alaya M. A. , Chebana F. , Ouarda T. B. M. J.
Published: January 2015

A Bernoulli–generalized Pareto multivariate autoregressive (BMAR) model is proposed in this paper for multisite statistical downscaling of daily precipitation. The proposed model relies on a probabilistic framework to describe the conditional probability density function of precipitation at each station for a given day and handles multivariate dependence in both time and space using a multivariate autoregressive model. Within a probabilistic framework, BMAR employs a regression model whose outputs are parameters of the mixed Bernoulli–generalized Pareto distribution. As a stochastic component, the BMAR employs a latent multivariate autoregressive Gaussian field to preserve lag-0 and lag-1 cross correlations of precipitation at multiple sites. The proposed model is applied for the downscaling of AOGCM data to daily precipitation in the southern part of Québec, Canada. Reanalysis products are used in this study to assess the potential of the proposed method. Based on the mean errors (MEs), the root-mean-square errors (RMSEs), precipitation indices, and the ability to preserve lag-0 and lag-1 cross correlation, results of the study indicate the superiority of the proposed model over a multivariate multiple linear regression (MMLR) model and a multisite hybrid statistical downscaling procedure that combines MMLR and stochastic generator schemes.
An Improved Near-Surface Specific Humidity and Air Temperature Climatology for the SSM/I Satellite Period
Authors: Jin Xiangze , Yu Lisan , Jackson Darren L. , Wick Gary A.
Published: January 2015

A near-surface specific humidity (Qa) and air temperature (Ta) climatology on daily and 0.25° grids was constructed by the objectively analyzed air–sea fluxes (OAFlux) project by objectively merging two recent satellite-derived high-resolution analyses, the OAFlux existing 1° analysis, and atmospheric reanalyses. The two satellite products include the multi-instrument microwave regression (MIMR) Qa and Ta analysis and the Goddard Satellite-Based Surface Turbulent Fluxes, version 3 (GSSTF3), Qa analysis. This study assesses the degree of improvement made by OAFlux using buoy time series measurements at 137 locations and a global empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis. There are a total of 130 855 collocated daily values for Qa and 283 012 collocated daily values for Ta in the buoy evaluation. It is found that OAFlux Qa has a mean difference close to 0 and a root-mean-square (RMS) difference of 0.73 g kg−1, and Ta has a mean difference of −0.03°C and an RMS difference of 0.45°C. OAFlux shows no major systematic bias with respect to buoy measurements over all buoy locations except for the vicinity of the Gulf Stream boundary current, where the RMS difference exceeds 1.8°C in Ta and 1.2 g kg−1 in Qa. The buoy evaluation indicates that OAFlux represents an improvement over MIMR and GSSTF3. The global EOF-based intercomparison analysis indicates that OAFlux has a similar spatial–temporal variability pattern with that of three atmospheric reanalyses including MERRA, NCEP-1, and ERA-Interim, but that it differs from GSSTF3 and the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR).
Examining Deep Convective Cloud Evolution Using Total Lightning, WSR-88D, and GOES-14 Super Rapid Scan Datasets*
Authors: Bedka Kristopher M. , Wang Cecilia , Rogers Ryan , Carey Lawrence D. , Feltz Wayne , Kanak Jan
Published: January 2015

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-14 (GOES-14) Imager operated in 1-min Super Rapid Scan Operations for GOES-R (SRSOR) mode during summer and fall of 2012 to emulate the high temporal resolution sampling of the GOES-R Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI). The current GOES operational scan interval is 15–30 min, which is too coarse to capture details important for severe convective storm forecasting including 1) when indicators of a severe storm such as rapid cloud-top cooling, overshooting tops, and above-anvil cirrus plumes first appear; 2) how satellite-observed cloud tops truly evolve over time; and 3) how satellite cloud-top observations compare with radar and lightning observations at high temporal resolution. In this paper, SRSOR data, radar, and lightning observations are used to analyze five convective storms, four of which were severe, to address these uncertainties. GOES cloud-top cooling, increased lightning flash rates, and peak precipitation echo tops often preceded severe weather, signaling rapid intensification of the storm updraft. Near the time of several severe hail or damaging wind events, GOES cloud-top temperatures and radar echo tops were warming rapidly, which indicated variability in the storm updraft that could have allowed the hail and wind gusts to reach the surface. Above-anvil cirrus plumes were another prominent indicator of impending severe weather. Detailed analysis of storms throughout the 2012 SRSOR period indicates that 57% of the plume-producing storms were severe and 85% of plumes from severe storms appeared before a severe weather report with an average lead time of 18 min, 9 min earlier than what would be observed by GOES operational scanning.
Acute Kidney Injury in Elderly Patients With Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Toso Anna , Servi Stefano De , Leoncini Mario , Morici Nuccia , Murena Ernesto , Antonicelli Roberto , Cavallini Claudio , Petronio Anna Sonia , Steffenino Giuseppe , Piscione Federico , Bellandi Francesco , Savonitto Stefano
Published: January 2015

We examined the incidence and predictors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in elderly patients (≥75 years) enrolled in the prospective Italian Elderly acute coronary syndrome (ACS) study and explored the impact of AKI on clinical outcome. Acute kidney injury, defined according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria, occurred in 128 (21%) of 615 patients. Patients submitted to coronary angiographic procedures did not present higher rate of AKI. The only baseline variables independently associated with AKI development were creatinine clearance (odds ratio [OR]: 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97-0.99) and left ventricular ejection fraction (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96-0.99). Adverse clinical events were significantly higher in patients who developed AKI. After multivariable adjustment, AKI (hazard ratio: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.87-4.0) was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality within 1 year.
The representation of London in Ishtiyaq Shukri’s The Silent Minaret: Home, neighbourhood, travel
Authors: Madhvani Jaya Shakira Kamlesh
Published: January 2015

This article addresses the representation of London in Ishtiyaq Shukri’s The Silent Minaret (2005), tackling in particular three aspects of the portrayal of urban space: the house or home, the neighbourhood, and travel within the metropolis. Through these features of the text, an analysis of the relationship between multicultural or cosmopolite urban communities and the spaces they inhabit is undertaken.
Strategic Sovereignty
Authors: Steinberg Jessica
Published: January 2015

In some regions of natural resource extraction, embedded local populations receive transfers that compensate them for environmental consequences of extraction; while in others, these populations receive no benefits and endure negative environmental externalities, which can lead to violent protest. This article develops a formal model of the strategic dynamics among a government, a natural resource extraction firm, and a local population in an extractive region to understand the variation in extractive outcomes. The model specifies the conditions under which firms will provide promised transfers to a local population, distributive conflict will occur, and how the government will respond.
Motor neurone disease presenting with raised serum Troponin T
Authors: Mamo Jonathan P
Published: January 2015

Myocardial damage indicated by a rise in cardiac Troponin may not necessarily be due to a cardiac event. Many diseases such as sepsis, pulmonary embolism, heart and renal failure can also be associated with an elevated cardiac Troponin level. This brief report discusses the rare event of a patient with motor neurone disease, where the possible diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction arose due to an elevated cardiac Troponin. A 69-year-old gentleman presented with a history of a central chest ache of mild intensity, lasting a total of 2 h prior to complete resolution. Multiple cardiac Troponin assays were elevated, and echocardiography did not show any acute changes of myocardial damage. His electrocardiogram was also normal. This patient’s raised cardiac Troponin was therefore explained on the basis of his active motor neurone disease. This rare case outlines the importance of considering motor neurone disease as a cause of elevated cardiac Troponin in the absence of clinical evidence of an acute coronary event.
Are patients admitted to hospitals from care homes dehydrated? A retrospective analysis of hypernatraemia and in-hospital mortality
Authors: Wolff Anthony , Stuckler David , McKee Martin
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To compare risks of hypernatraemia on admission to hospital in persons who were with those who were not identified as care home residents and evaluate the association of hypernatraemia with in-hospital mortality.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

A National Health Service Trust in London.

Participants

A total of 21,610 patients aged over 65 years whose first admission to the Trust was between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2013.

Main outcome measures

Hypernatraemia on admission (plasma Na > 145 mmol/L) and in-hospital death.

Results

Patients admitted from care homes had 10-fold higher prevalence of hypernatraemia than those from their own homes (12.0% versus 1.3%, respectively; odds ratio [OR]: 10.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.43–13.0). Of those with hypernatraemia, nine in 10 cases were associated with nursing home ECOHOST residency (attributable fraction exposure: 90.5%), and the population attributable fraction of hypernatraemia on admission associated with care homes was 36.0%. After correcting for age, gender, mode of admission and dementia, care home residents were significantly more likely to be admitted with hypernatraemia than were own-home residents (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 5.32, 95% CI: 3.85–7.37). Compared with own-home residents, care home residents were also at about a two-fold higher risk of in-hospital mortality compared with non-care home residents (AOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.59–2.45). Consistent with evidence that hypernatraemia is implicated in higher mortality, the association of nursing homes with in-hospital mortality was attenuated after adjustment for it (AOR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.26–2.06).

Conclusions

Patients admitted to hospital from care homes are commonly dehydrated on admission and, as a result, appear to experience significantly greater risks of in-hospital mortality.
Identifying Academic Demands That Occasion Problem Behaviors for Students With Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Hagan-Burke Shanna , Gilmour Maria Wynne , Gerow Stephanie , Crowder William Clay
Published: January 2015

In two independent experiments, we (a) examined aspects of academic demands associated with the problem behaviors of two elementary students with behavioral disorders and (b) investigated the effects of academic interventions to decrease problem behaviors and increase task engagement. Preliminary functional behavior assessment data suggested each student participant’s problem behaviors functioned to escape/avoid academic demands, and experimental structural analyses performed in naturalistic settings confirmed relations between their problem behaviors and specific features of academic tasks. Antecedent-based interventions were developed for each student and separate single-case alternating treatment experiments indicated functional relations between the academic interventions and appropriate task engagement. Findings support the use of structural analyses to inform academic planning and improve the behaviors of students who exhibit escape-maintained problem behaviors associated with academic tasks.
Thiamine Deficiency in a Developed Country
Authors: Salvatori Guglielmo , Mondì Vito , Piersigilli Fiammetta , Capolupo Irma , Pannone Veronica , Vici Carlo Dionisi , Rizzo Cristiano , Dotta Andrea
Published: January 2015

Thiamine is a water‐soluble vitamin implicated in several metabolic processes. Its deficiency, due to prolonged parenteral nutrition without adequate vitamin supplementation, can lead to multiorgan failure characterized by cardiovascular impairment and metabolic acidosis refractory to bicarbonate administration. Only thiamine administration allows the remission of symptoms. We report 2 preterm infants with acute thiamine deficiency due to prolonged parenteral nutrition without adequate vitamin supplementation.
An Investigation of Authentic Leadership’s Individual and Group Influences on Follower Responses
Authors: Gill Carol , Caza Arran
Published: January 2015

In this study, we investigated and clarified aspects of the multilevel nature of authentic leadership (AL) and its effects on followers. Specifically, we hypothesized that AL would have distinct effects through both personalized AL, which is a leader’s direct effect on a follower, and through generalized AL, which is a leader’s indirect or group-based effect on a follower as a result of leadership effects among the follower’s coworkers. These hypotheses were consistent with a complete review of the empirical literature on AL’s effects and the results from a sample of leaders and followers working in a large multinational company. The data showed that the two paths of AL’s influence had distinct relationships with follower responses. We discuss the implications of these results, particularly those concerning how to study the multilevel effects of AL.
Negative Relationships Between Self-Efficacy and Performance Can Be Adaptive: The Mediating Role of Resource Allocation
Authors: Beck James W. , Schmidt Aaron M.
Published: January 2015

This research speaks to the ongoing debate regarding the role of self-efficacy in self-regulation. Specifically, we argue that both positive and negative relationships between self-efficacy and resource allocation are part of an adaptive process. We present the results of two empirical studies demonstrating that a negative relationship between self-efficacy and resource allocation is not always maladaptive and, in fact, can lead to positive indirect effects on performance. In Study 1, we observed natural fluctuations in self-efficacy as individuals completed a mathematics test, finding that the tendency to reduce resource allocation with high self-efficacy is most clearly observed when time is scarce. In turn, an inverted-U relationship between resource allocation and overall performance under high time scarcity emerged such that moderate levels of resource allocation resulted in the highest levels of performance. Study 2 used an experimental design in which self-efficacy was manipulated. Replicating core findings from Study 1, individuals drew upon self-efficacy to balance resource allocation across competing demands. We conclude with a discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of our results.
Survival of the Disciplines: Is International Relations Fit for the New Millennium?
Authors: Johnson Dominic D.P.
Published: January 2015

Iver Neumann argues that International Relations (IR) is going to have to engage with a broader set of empirical data and wider inter-disciplinary insights, especially from evolutionary biology. I endorse the debate and extend the challenge, making four key points: (1) our empirical data must extend to the deep origins of human societies, and look more at policy successes rather than failures; (2) our scientific toolkit must integrate rather than differentiate psychology and biology, because the former is in large part a product of the latter; (3) evolution continues to be misinterpreted, especially in the condemnation of functionalism, the myth of biological determinism, the perceived lack of relevance to IR theory, and the idea that social facts cannot have biological roots; and (4) there are other issues of more genuine importance, including the levels of analysis problem (getting from the biology of individuals to the behaviour of states), and the levels of selection problem (the predictions of group selection and individual selection for human nature). I conclude that, despite big challenges of communication and collaboration, the benefits of integration with the natural sciences far outweigh the benefits of disciplinary isolation, offering new knowledge, methods, consilience, and parsimony that will help IR to flourish rather than flounder in the Age of Biology.
Mapping the Meanings of Global Governance: A Conceptual Reconstruction of a Floating Signifier
Authors: Hofferberth Matthias
Published: January 2015

Ever since global governance was introduced to the discipline of International Relations (IR), it has been criticised for its conceptual vagueness and ambiguity. In fact, how to even speak and think global governance – whether as a mere description of world politics, as a theoretical perspective to explain it, or as a normative notion to be realised through global policy – remains unclear. The article argues that this confusion exists not because of a lack of debate but rather because of the multiple understandings of global governance that are continuously advanced and implicitly reproduced within these debates. These different, partially overlapping and partially contradicting understandings constitute global governance as a ‘floating signifier’. It is argued that precisely because of this, global governance has obtained its ‘celebrity status’ within and beyond IR. Advancing a singular definition of global governance thus appears to be an arbitrary exercise as well as unnecessary disciplining. Rather than reducing global governance to a singular meaning, the debate in and of global governance would benefit from more self-reflected awareness as to when and how different concepts and understandings of it are invoked. To provide a framework for this, the article structures the different meanings of global governance by offering a taxonomy of different global governance applications.
Governing Relationships: The New Architecture in Global Human Rights Governance
Authors: Pegram Tom
Published: January 2015

The global human rights regime has undergone extraordinary expansion in the last thirty years. It is particularly notable for its profusion of state and non-state actors and levels of formal articulation. This article seeks to make legible the human rights governance architecture from the global to the local level, within an issue-specific domain. Orchestration theory is employed as a general mode of governance, with application across political units and political levels. Orchestration applies when a focal actor enlists and supports third-party actors to address the target indirectly in pursuit of shared governance objectives. Using the UN Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT) as an example, the article explores the authority relationship across two central political units (the orchestrator and intermediary), with a focus on how this new global human rights architecture may offer a way of bridging the steps separating international instruments from practices on the ground.
Drug release from enzyme-mediated in situ-forming hydrogel based on gum tragacanth–tyramine conjugate
Authors: Dehghan-Niri Maryam , Tavakol Moslem , Vasheghani-Farahani Ebrahim , Ganji Fariba
Published: January 2015

In the present study, injectable hydrogels based on gum tragacanth–tyramine conjugate were prepared by enzymatic oxidation of tyramine radicals in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Then, in vitro release of bovine serum albumin and insulin as model protein drugs from this polymeric network was investigated. Also, to improve the properties of this hydrogel, a blended hydrogel composed of tyramine-conjugated gelatin and tyramine-conjugated tragacanth was prepared. Experimental results showed that the gelation time ranged from 3 to 28 s depending on the polymer and enzyme concentrations. Results of morphological investigation of hydrogels indicated that the average pore size of hydrogels varied from 120 to 160 µm. Swelling degree of hydrogels and the rate of drug release decreased by increasing of hydrogen peroxide and polymer concentrations. The release profile of drug from hydrogels followed Higuchi and Fickian diffusion mechanism. Finally, it was shown that the swelling characteristics and drug release behavior of this polymeric network could be improved by blending it with tyramine-conjugated gelatin.
Ancestors and the Politics of Reality: Housing, Home and Belonging in Postcolonizing Australia
Authors: Mackenzie Cynthia , Mwamba Clovis , Mphande Charles
Published: January 2015

Australian settlement policy has stressed social cohesion for new refugee-background migrants, including the importance of integration into rental housing. The authors argue that the transitory nature of rental property is an obstacle for many migrants of African background, for it is the inability to have land on which to plant a tree, that there is non-belonging. For spiritual continuity, and in order for connection to the living-dead ancestors to be real, it is critical to have a home and land. Through the use of story and proverb, the article argues that Congolese ways of knowing the non-material world offer a point of radical departure from Western ways of knowing and experiencing belonging to place, particularly in the post-colonial context of Australia, where belonging has become inimically tied to possession of a home and land. Further, the authors argue that the decisions as to what is known are embedded in questions of power.
What is African Psychology the psychology of?
Authors: Nwoye Augustine
Published: January 2015

Throughout the past half-century, the formal study of psychology in African universities has been colonized by mainstream Western psychology. This situation was inimical to any early efforts to entrench African Psychology as an academic discipline in African universities. However, this negative state of affairs did not last indefinitely. But with the recent emergence of African Psychology it soon became necessary to trace the history of its emergence and evolution, formulate its definitive core of reference, engage the question about its relationship to Euro-American psychology, foreground its claims to Africanity, determine the topics it embraces as an academic subject field, and discuss the epistemological and ontological foundations on which it is grounded. This article is an attempt to contribute to this need.