bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation and function of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in colonic injury and inflammation
Authors: Ji Tuo , Takabayashi Hidehiko , Mao Maria , Han Xu , Xue Xiang , Brazil Jennifer C. , Eaton Kathryn A. , Shah Yatrik M. , Todisco Andrea
Published: November 2016

The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) regulate gastrointestinal homeostasis. We investigated the expression of BMP-4 and the localization and function of BMP signaling during colonic injury and inflammation. Mice expressing the β-galactosidase ( β-gal) gene under the control of a BMP-responsive element (BRE), BMP-4-β-gal/ mice, and animals generated by crossing villin-Cre mice to mice with floxed alleles of BMP receptor 1A ( villin-Cre;Bmpr1aflox/flox) were treated with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to induce colonic injury and inflammation. Expression of BMP-4, β-gal, BMPR1A, IL-8, α-smooth muscle actin, and phosphorylated Smad1, -5, and -8 was assessed by X-Gal staining, quantitative RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Morphology of the colonic mucosa was examined by staining with hematoxylin and eosin. The effect of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 on BMP-4 mRNA expression was investigated in human intestinal fibroblasts, whereas that of BMP-4 on IL-8 was assessed in human colonic organoids. BMP-4 was localized in α-smooth muscle actin-positive mesenchymal cells while the majority of BMP-generated signals targeted the epithelium. DSS caused injury and inflammation leading to reduced expression of BMP-4 and of BMPR1A mRNAs, and to decreased BMP signaling. Deletion of BMPR1A enhanced colonic inflammation and damage. Administration of anti-TNF-α antibodies to DSS-treated mice ameliorated colonic inflammation and increased the expression of BMP-4 and BMPR1A mRNAs. TNF-α and IL-1β inhibited both basal and IFN-γ-stimulated BMP-4 expression, whereas IL-6 had no effect. BMP-4 reduced TNF-α-stimulated IL-8 mRNA expressor IL-8 mRNA expression in the organoids. Inflammation and injury inhibit BMP-4 expression and signaling, leading to enhanced colonic damage and inflammation. These observations underscore the importance of BMP signaling in the regulation of intestinal inflammation and homeostasis.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study we report a series of novel observations that underscore the importance of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in the regulation of colonic homeostasis during the development of injury and inflammation. In particular, we present evidence that BMP signaling mitigates the response of the colonic epithelium to injury and inflammation and that cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, inhibit the expression of BMP-4.
Neurovascular control of blood pressure is influenced by aging, sex, and sex hormones
Authors: Baker Sarah E. , Limberg Jacqueline K. , Ranadive Sushant M. , Joyner Michael J.
Published: November 2016

In this review, we highlight that the relationship between muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and mean arterial pressure is complex, differs by sex, and changes with age. In young men there is an inverse relationship between MSNA and cardiac output where high MSNA is compensated for by low cardiac output. This inverse relationship is not seen in older men. In young women sympathetic vasoconstriction is offset by β-adrenoreceptor mediated vasodilation, limiting the ability of young women to maintain blood pressure in response to orthostatic stress. However, β-mediated dilation in women is attenuated with age, leading to unopposed α-adrenergic vasoconstriction and a rise in the direct transduction of MSNA into increases in blood pressure. We propose that these changes with age and menopausal status are major contributing factors in the increased prevalence of hypertension in older women. In addition to aging, we highlight that changes in sex hormones in young women (across the menstrual cycle, with oral contraceptive use, or with pregnancy) influence MSNA and the transduction of MSNA into increases in blood pressure. It is likely that the β-adrenergic receptors and/or changes in baroreflex sensitivity play a large role in these sex differences and changes with alterations in sex hormones.
Nasal high flow reduces dead space
Authors: Möller Winfried , Feng Sheng , Domanski Ulrike , Franke Karl-Josef , Celik Gülnaz , Bartenstein Peter , Becker Sven , Meyer Gabriele , Schmid Otmar , Eickelberg Oliver , Tatkov Stanislav , Nilius Georg
Published: November 2016

Recent studies show that nasal high flow (NHF) therapy can support ventilation in patients with acute or chronic respiratory disorders. Clearance of dead space has been suggested as being the key mechanism of respiratory support with NHF therapy. The hypothesis of this study was that NHF in a dose-dependent manner can clear dead space of the upper airways from expired air and decrease rebreathing. The randomized crossover study involved 10 volunteers using scintigraphy with81mKrypton (81mKr) gas during a breath-holding maneuver with closed mouth and in 3 nasally breathing tracheotomized patients by volumetric capnography and oximetry through sampling CO2and O2in the trachea and measuring the inspired volume with inductance plethysmography following NHF rates of 15, 30, and 45 l/min. The scintigraphy revealed a decrease in81mKr gas clearance half-time with an increase of NHF in the nasal cavities [Pearson’s correlation coefficient cc = −0.55, P < 0.01], the pharynx (cc = −0.41, P < 0.01), and the trachea (cc = −0.51, P < 0.01). Clearance rates in nasal cavities derived from time constants and MRI-measured volumes were 40.6 ± 12.3 (SD), 52.5 ± 17.7, and 72.9 ± 21.3 ml/s during NHF (15, 30, and 45 l/min, respectively). Measurement of inspired gases in the trachea showed an NHF-dependent decrease of inspired CO2that correlated with an increase of inspired O2(cc = −0.77, P < 0.05). NHF clears the upper airways of expired air, which reduces dead space by a decrease of rebreathing making ventilation more efficient. The dead space clearance is flow and time dependent, and it may extend below the soft palate.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Clearance of expired air in upper airways by nasal high flow (NHF) can be extended below the soft palate and de facto causes a reduction of dead space. Using scintigraphy, the authors found a relationship between NHF, time, and clearance. Direct measurement of CO2and O2in the trachea confirmed a reduction of rebreathing, providing the actual data on inspired gases, and this can be used for the assessment of other forms of respiratory support.
Histopathological Evaluation of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury Rodent Models
Authors: Kiss Norbert , Hamar Péter
Published: November 2016

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) can occur in 3–25% of patients receiving radiocontrast material (RCM) despite appropriate preventive measures. Often patients with an atherosclerotic vasculature have to receive large doses of RCM. Thus, animal studies to uncover the exact pathomechanism of CI-AKI are needed. Sensitive and specific histologic end-points are lacking; thus in the present review we summarize the histologic appearance of different rodent models of CI-AKI. Single injection of RCM causes overt renal damage only in rabbits. Rats and mice need an additional insult to the kidney to establish a clinically manifest CI-AKI. In this review we demonstrate that the concentrating ability of the kidney may be responsible for species differences in sensitivity to CI-AKI. The most commonly held theory about the pathomechanism of CI-AKI is tubular cell injury due to medullary hypoxia. Thus, the most common additional insult in rats and mice is some kind of ischemia. The histologic appearance is tubular epithelial cell (TEC) damage; however severe TEC damage is only seen if RCM is combined by additional ischemia. TEC vacuolization is the first sign of CI-AKI, as it is a consequence of RCM pinocytosis and lysosomal fusion; however it is not sensitive as it does not correlate with renal function and is not specific as other forms of TEC damage also cause vacuolization. In conclusion, histopathology alone is insufficient and functional parameters and molecular biomarkers are needed to closely monitor CI-AKI in rodent experiments.
Multiple-Term Refinements of Young Type Inequalities
Authors: Choi Daeshik
Published: November 2016

Recently, a multiple-term refinement of Young’s inequality has been proved. In this paper, we show its reverse refinement. Moreover, we will present multiple-term refinements of Young’s inequality involving Kantorovich constants. Finally, we will apply scalar inequalities to operators.
A New Method for Defuzzification and Ranking of Fuzzy Numbers Based on the Statistical Beta Distribution
Authors: Rahmani A. , Hosseinzadeh Lotfi F. , Rostamy-Malkhalifeh M. , Allahviranloo T.
Published: November 2016

Granular computing is an emerging computing theory and paradigm that deals with the processing of information granules, which are defined as a number of information entities grouped together due to their similarity, physical adjacency, or indistinguishability. In most aspects of human reasoning, these granules have an uncertain formation, so the concept of granularity of fuzzy information could be of special interest for the applications where fuzzy sets must be converted to crisp sets to avoid uncertainty. This paper proposes a novel method of defuzzification based on the mean value of statistical Beta distribution and an algorithm for ranking fuzzy numbers based on the crisp number ranking system on R. The proposed method is quite easy to use, but the main reason for following this approach is the equality of left spread, right spread, and mode of Beta distribution with their corresponding values in fuzzy numbers within(0,1)interval, in addition to the fact that the resulting method can satisfy all reasonable properties of fuzzy quantity ordering defined by Wang et al. The algorithm is illustrated through several numerical examples and it is then compared with some of the other methods provided by literature.
Cervical Cancer Growth Is Regulated by a c-ABL–PLK1 Signaling Axis
Authors: Yang Xu , Chen Gang , Li Wei , Peng Changmin , Zhu Yue , Yang Xiaoming , Li Teng , Cao Cheng , Pei Huadong
Published: November 2016

The nonreceptor tyrosine kinase c-ABL controls cell growth but its contributions in solid tumors are not fully understood. Here we report that the Polo-like kinase PLK1, an essential mitotic kinase regulator, is an important downstream effector of c-ABL in regulating the growth of cervical cancer. c-ABL interacted with and phosphorylated PLK1. Phosphorylation of PLK1 by c-ABL inhibited PLK1 ubiquitination and degradation and enhanced its activity, leading to cell-cycle progression and tumor growth. Both c-ABL and PLK1 were overexpressed in cervical carcinoma. Notably, PLK1 tyrosine phosphorylation correlated with patient survival in cervical cancer. In a murine xenograft model of human cervical cancer, combination treatment with c-ABL and PLK1 inhibitors yielded additive effects on tumor growth inhibition. Our findings highlight the c-ABL–PLK1 axis as a novel prognostic marker and treatment target for human cervical cancers. Cancer Res; 77(5); 1142–54. ©2016 AACR.
TTF-1 Expression in Rectal Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Belalcazar Astrid , Krishnamurti Uma , Shaib Walid
Published: November 2016

Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) is considered a highly sensitive and specific marker for primary lung adenocarcinoma. However, in recent years retrospective studies of tumor samples have confirmed that, although rare, TTF-1 can also be expressed in colorectal adenocarcinoma. There are a few case reports of patients with TTF-1-positive colon adenocarcinoma in the medical literature but none of TTF-1-positive rectal adenocarcinoma. Here, we present a case of rectal adenocarcinoma with lung metastasis found to be TTF-1 positive on immunohistochemistry. A review and discussion of the available literature is also included.
Targeting the T Helper 2 Inflammatory Axis in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Moreno Adriana S. , McPhee Roderick , Arruda Luisa Karla , Howell Michael D.
Published: November 2016

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects up to 25% of children and 10% of adults. The skin of patients with moderate to severe AD is characterized by significant barrier disruption and T helper 2 (Th2)-driven inflammation, which are thought to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD. Current management of AD is aimed at suppressing the inflammatory response and restoring the barrier function of the skin, reducing exacerbations, and preventing secondary skin infections. Combinations of treatment strategies are used to alleviate the symptoms of the disease; however, resolution is often temporary, and long-term usage of some of the medications for AD can be associated with significant side effects. Antibody therapies previously approved for other inflammatory diseases have been evaluated in patients with AD. Unfortunately, they have often failed to result in significant clinical improvement. Monoclonal antibodies and novel small molecules currently in development may provide more consistent benefit to patients with AD by specifically targeting the immune and molecular pathways important for the pathogenesis of AD. Here we review the state-of-the-art therapeutics targeting the Th2 axis in AD.
Telefongestützte Verhaltenstherapie als niedrigschwellige Intervention bei Depression: Ein Behandlungsprogramm für den deutschen Sprachraum
Authors: Steinmann Maya , Heddaeus Daniela , Liebherz Sarah , Weymann Nina , Härter Martin , Watzke Birgit
Published: November 2016

Hintergrund: Telefongestützte Psychotherapie (TPT) bei Depression kann als alleinige niedrigschwellige Behandlung z.B. im Rahmen eines Stepped-Care-Behandlungsansatzes, in Kombination mit Psychopharmaka oder als Überbrückung bis zum Beginn einer Face-to-Face-Psychotherapie eingesetzt werden. Erste internationale Studien weisen auf die Wirksamkeit von TPT hin. Material und Methoden: Dieser Beitrag gibt eine Übersicht zur bisherigen Umsetzung und Evidenz von TPT und stellt ein telefongestütztes, manualisiertes verhaltenstherapeutisches Interventionsprogramm für depressive Störungen für den deutschen Sprachraum vor. Ergebnisse: Das Programm besteht aus einem persönlichen Vorgespräch und 8-12 etwa 30-minütigen Telefonsitzungen über 3-5 Monate. Ein dazugehöriges Therapeutenmanual und Patientenarbeitsbuch wurden aus dem US-Amerikanischen übersetzt und vor allem in kultureller Hinsicht adaptiert. Schlussfolgerungen: Es werden Besonderheiten des Settings, klinische und organisatorische Implikationen sowie Voraussetzungen und Rahmenbedingungen für die Implementierung im deutschen Gesundheitssystem diskutiert.
The Evolution of Thyroid Function after Presenting with Hashimoto Thyroiditis Is Different between Initially Euthyroid Girls with and Those without Turner Syndrome
Authors: Wasniewska Malgorzata , Salerno Mariacarolina , Corrias Andrea , Mazzanti Laura , Matarazzo Patrizia , Corica Domenico , Aversa Tommaso , Messina Maria Francesca , De Luca Filippo , Valenzise Mariella
Published: November 2016

Aim: To prospectively investigate, during a 5-year follow-up, whether the prognosis of thyroid function with Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is different in euthyroid girls with Turner syndrome (TS) than in euthyroid girls without TS. Design: In 66 TS girls and 132 non-TS girls with euthyroid HT and similar thyroid functional test results at HT diagnosis, we followed up the evolution of thyroid status over time. Results: At the end of follow-up, the TS girls exhibited higher TSH levels, lower fT4 levels, and lower prevalence rates of both euthyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism, but higher prevalence rates of both overt hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, irrespective of the karyotype. Conclusions: An association with TS is able to impair the long-term prognosis of thyroid function in girls with HT. Such an effect occurs irrespective of thyroid functional test results at HT diagnosis and is not necessarily linked with a specific karyotype.
Koolen-de Vries Syndrome: Clinical Report of an Adult and Literature Review
Authors: Ciaccio Claudia , Dordoni Chiara , Ritelli Marco , Colombi Marina
Published: November 2016

Koolen-de Vries syndrome (KdS) is a rare genetic condition characterized by typical facial dysmorphisms, cardiac and renal defects, skeletal anomalies, developmental delay, and intellectual disability of variable level. It is caused by a 440-680-kb deletion in the 17q21.31 region, encompassing CRHR1, MAPT, IMP5, STH, and KANSL1, or by an intragenic KANSL1 mutation. The majority of the patients reported are pediatric or young adults, and long-term studies able to define the prognosis of the disease are lacking. Here, we report a patient in the fourth decade misdiagnosed in the past as classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome for the presence of generalized joint hypermobility, who carried a 546-kb deletion in 17q21.31, and compare his phenotype with those of the few KdS adults (aged >18 years) described so far. We observed a favorable prognosis of epilepsy and cardiovascular signs and reduction of joint hypermobility with age, thus providing insight into the natural history of the disorder.
A Pilot Study Examining the Effects of 8-Week Whey Protein versus Whey Protein Plus Creatine Supplementation on Body Composition and Performance Variables in Resistance-Trained Women
Authors: Wilborn Colin D. , Outlaw Jordan J. , Mumford Petey W. , Urbina Stacie L. , Hayward Sara , Roberts Michael D. , Taylor Lem W. , Foster Cliffa A.
Published: November 2016

Aims: We performed a pilot study examining the effects of whey protein and creatine supplementation (PRO + CRE group) versus whey protein supplementation (PRO group) alone on body composition and performance variables in a limited number of resistance-trained women. Methods: Seventeen resistance-trained women (21 ± 3 years, 64.7 ± 8.2 kg, 23.5 kg/m2, 26.6 ± 4.8% body fat, >6 months of training) performed a 4-day per week split-body resistance training program for 8 weeks. Subjects ingested either 24 g PRO (n = 9) or 24 g whey plus 5 g creatine monohydrate (PRO + CRE, n = 8) following each exercise bout. At baseline (T1), 4 weeks (T2) and 8 weeks (T3), body composition was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), strength measures (leg press and bench press one repetition maximum) and lower-body power measures were determined. Results: DXA lean mass increased from T1 to T3 in both groups (PRO: +2.5 kg, p < 0.001; PRO + CRE: +2.5 kg, p < 0.001), although no differences between groups were observed. Compared to T1 values, performance measures similarly increased in both groups from T1 to T3 although, no between-group differences were observed. Conclusions: PRO + CRE did not enhance training adaptations compared to PRO, albeit studies employing longer-term interventions with larger sample sizes are needed in order to confirm or disprove our findings.
Employment and Social Security Rights of Third-Country Labour Migrants under eu Law: An Incomplete Patchwork of Legal Protection
Authors: Verschueren Herwig
Published: November 2016

Labour migration within the European Union (eu), as well as from outside the eu, has evolved significantly. There are more temporary forms of labour migration, such as seasonal work, temporary migration of both high- and low-skilled workers and temporary posting by employers. This evolution has led to an increasing vulnerability of labour migrants’ rights. In particular, the employment and social rights of these migrants are subject to legal disputes, as well as to political discussions. The latter resulted in the adoption of legal instruments meant to guarantee some rights to labour migrants, but which in some cases rather increased their vulnerability. This article explores the issues of employment and social protection of third-country migrant workers in legal instruments of the eu. It starts with an examination of a number of eu directives dealing specifically with labour migration from third countries such as the Blue Card Directive 2009/50, the Employers’ Sanctions Directive 2009/52, the Single Permit Directive 2011/98, the Seasonal Workers Directive 2014/36 and the Intra-corporate Transferees Directive 2014/66 (Section 2). This section also explores the interaction between these instruments as well as their shortcomings. Next, this article focuses on international agreements concluded by the eu with third countries. A large number of these agreements contain provisions which, directly or indirectly, regulate the employment and social security rights of nationals of the third States involved (Section 3). Further, it will comment on the issue of (the absence of) social security coordination between the systems of the Member States and those of third countries (Section 4). Finally, it draws some conclusions and pleads for a better enforcement of the rights already guaranteed and for a more prominent role for the protection of human rights (Section 5).
The Epistles of Niketas Stethatos: The Data of the Georgian Version
Authors: Ostrovsky Alexey , Raphava Maia
Published: November 2016

Based on the known data of the Georgian version of Stethatos’s works and the new version of Epistle III, we can draw the following conclusions: 

1. Niketas Stethatos created his trilogy and the epistles in the period between 1054 and 1080. He died between January 1080 and 1094. 

2. At the very end of his life, Niketas became a hegumen of the Monastery of Stoudios, which is confirmed by the data of the Georgian version of his epistles, dated to the end of the eleventh century or the beginning of the twelfth century. The period, during which Niketas was a hegumen of the Stoudios had to have followed the period during which he wrote his trilogy and the epistles. Most probably it was a short period between January 1080 and his death. 

3. The name of the addressee of Epistles V–IX was Basil. The name Gregory, found in the Greek version, is either his monastic name, or it is a result of some unexplained error. Based on the data that we can collect about the Sophist it is possible to raise a question whether Basil the Sophist could be identified with Basil protasekretis, one of the authors of epigrams to the Hymns of Symeon the New Theologian, edited by Niketas Stethatos.
Temporality and a Metric for Created Natures in Gregory of Nyssa
Authors: Lourié Basil
Published: November 2016

The problem of time in Gregory of Nyssa has been reopened in several recent studies. After a review of these new solutions, the author proposes a more formalised approach taking into account our present knowledge of the logical properties of the infinite sets.
State Neutrality and Legal Status of Religious Groups in the European Court of Human Rights Case-law
Authors: Arlettaz Fernando
Published: November 2016

From the premise of religious freedom, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) case-law has established a State duty of neutrality concerning religious matters. However, the concept of neutrality is not univocal, and the ECtHR uses various different forms of it. States have a duty to allow religious groups access to legal personality, but they are not obliged to grant every religious group the same kind of legal personality. A double or multi-level system of recognition is legitimate under the European Convention on Human Rights (echr) if some conditions are fulfilled. The ECtHR has also affirmed that the most radical kind of double or multi-level system, that of an established church, is not contrary to the Convention. In a recent case, however, the ECtHR seems to have adopted a stricter approach to the legitimacy of privileges granted to some church/churches above other ones.
Cyperus tuckerianus (Cyperaceae), a new species from the Central-West Region of Brazil
Authors: PEREIRA-SILVA LUCIANA , HEFLER SONIA MARISA , TREVISAN RAFAEL
Published: November 2016

Cyperus tuckerianus is a new species described to the Central-West Region of Brazil. This species is similar to Cyperus unioloides, Cyperus lanceolatus var. compositus and Cyperus lanceolatus var. subunioloides, however the new species is distinguished by its lax anthela, simple or compound with spikelets digitiform or grouped in glomerules, by the size of the spikelets and anthers and narrower rachilla. Morphological description, illustration, identification key, data about the habitat and comparisons with similar species are presented.
The mutillid wasps of the Dasymutilla paradoxa species-group (Hymenoptera, Mutillidae)
Authors: LUZ DAVID R. , WILLIAMS KEVIN A. , BARTHOLOMAY PEDRO R.
Published: November 2016

The Dasymutilla paradoxa species-group is newly proposed to include taxa formerly included in the genera Dasymutilla Ashmead, 1899, Traumatomutilla André, 1901 and some previously incertae sedis. This species-group now includes the following eight species: D. fasciventris Mickel, D. guanacaste Manley & Pitts, D. naranjo Manley & Pitts, D. paradoxa (Gerstaecker), comb. nov., D. paraparadoxa, sp. nov., D. phya (Cameron), comb. nov., D. relata (Cameron), and D. sliepniri Manley & Pitts. Dasymutilla paraparadoxa Luz, Bartholomay & Williams, sp. nov. (Mexico, Guatemala) is described and illustrated. New synonymy is proposed (valid names are first) for: Dasymutilla fasciventris Mickel, 1938 (=Dasymutilla citromaculosa Manley & Pitts, 2007, syn. nov., =Dasymutilla chamela Manley & Pitts, 2007, syn. nov.); Mutilla paradoxa Gerstaecker, 1874 (=Sphaerophthamla [sic!] icaris Cameron, 1895, syn. nov.); Sphaerophthalma [sic!] phya Cameron, 1895 (=Sphaerophthalma [sic!] melissa Cameron, 1895, syn. nov.). The key to species is given.
An Assessment of the Performance of the Operational Global Ensemble Forecast Systems in Predicting the Forecast Uncertainty
Authors: Loeser Carlee F. , Herrera Michael A. , Szunyogh Istvan
Published: November 2016

This study investigates the efficiency of the major operational global ensemble forecast systems of the world in capturing the spatiotemporal evolution of the forecast uncertainty. Using data from 2015, it updates the results of an earlier study based on data from 2012. It also tests, for the first time on operational ensemble data, two quantitative relationships to aid in the interpretation of the raw ensemble forecasts. One of these relationships provides a flow-dependent prediction of the reliability of the ensemble in capturing the uncertain forecast features, while the other predicts the 95th percentile value of the magnitude of the forecast error. It is found that, except for the system of the Met Office, the main characteristics of the ensemble forecast systems have changed little between 2012 and 2015. The performance of the UKMO ensemble improved in predicting the overall magnitude of the uncertainty, but its ability to predict the dominant uncertain forecast features was degraded. A common serious limitation of the ensemble systems remains that they all have major difficulties with predicting the large-scale atmospheric flow in the long (longer than 10 days) forecast range. These difficulties are due to the inability of the ensemble members to maintain large-scale waves in the forecasts, which presents a stumbling block in the way of extending the skill of numerical weather forecasts to the subseasonal range. The two tested predictive relationships were found to provide highly accurate predictions of the flow-dependent reliability of the ensemble predictions and the 95th percentile value of the magnitude of the forecast error for the operational ensemble forecast systems.
‘The Oil is Drilled in Takoradi, but the Money is Counted in Accra’: The Paradox of Plenty in the Oil City, Ghana
Authors: Oteng-Ababio Martin
Published: November 2016

Recent scholarship on Ghana’s oil industry has focused primarily on its grand contributions to the national economy while its intra-city impact has received less academic attention. Borrowing from Terry Karl’s interpretation of the paradox of plenty, and drawing on empirical evidence from 25 purposefully selected interviewees, the study examines how the oil production off the shores of Sekondi-Takoradi is creating complex processes of accumulation, contradiction, and displacement in a low-income community—New Takoradi. The results point to the accentuation of socio-economic risks in the community following the inflow of oil revenue which is shaping government’s macro-level policies. The paper opines that without attention to place-specific contexts, understanding its socio-economic risks and decadence, and its semblance of strong resilience becomes deceptive. The paper concludes that context and situation are significant for how and to what degree the oil boom matters in the oil city.
Cyberbullying
Authors: Lee E. Bun
Published: November 2016

The current study examines cyberbullying and victimization among African American college students who spend large amounts of time on the Internet and using their smartphones. In a survey of 321 African American college students, the most common venues for victimization occurred through text messages, phone calls, and social networking sites. Posting indiscreet images and sharing personal information with a large number of Facebook friends were positively associated with the victimization. Cyberbullying perpetration, as measured by Cyberbullying Questionnaire (CBQ), revealed a significant gender difference, with male students exhibiting higher prevalence. In a multiple regression analysis, the phenomenon of online disinhibition—a lessening of inhibitions during online interactions that would otherwise be present in face-to-face interactions—emerged as the strongest predictor of cyberbullying perpetration. Recommendations for future research include studying the negative impact of cyberbullying among African American adults, particularly in the workplace.
Propositional Versus Dual-Process Accounts of Evaluative Conditioning
Authors: Hu Xiaoqing , Gawronski Bertram , Balas Robert
Published: November 2016

Evaluative conditioning (EC) is defined as the change in the evaluation of a conditioned stimulus (CS) due to its pairing with a valenced unconditioned stimulus (US). According to propositional accounts, EC effects should be qualified by the relation between the CS and the US. Dual-process accounts suggest that relational information should qualify EC effects on explicit evaluations, whereas implicit evaluations should reflect the frequency of CS–US co-occurrences. Experiments 1 and 2 showed that, when relational information was provided before the encoding of CS–US pairings, it moderated EC effects on explicit, but not implicit, evaluations. In Experiment 3, relational information moderated EC effects on both explicit and implicit evaluations when it was provided simultaneously with CS–US pairings. Frequency of CS–US pairings had no effect on implicit evaluations. Although the results can be reconciled with both propositional and dual-process accounts, they are more parsimoniously explained by propositional accounts.
Linking Existing Instruments to Develop an Activity of Daily Living Item Bank
Authors: Li Chih-Ying , Romero Sergio , Bonilha Heather S. , Simpson Kit N. , Simpson Annie N. , Hong Ickpyo , Velozo Craig A.
Published: November 2016

This study examined dimensionality and item-level psychometric properties of an item bank measuring activities of daily living (ADL) across inpatient rehabilitation facilities and community living centers. Common person equating method was used in the retrospective veterans data set. This study examined dimensionality, model fit, local independence, and monotonicity using factor analyses and fit statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), and differential item functioning (DIF) using Rasch analysis. Following the elimination of invalid data, 371 veterans who completed both the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and minimum data set (MDS) within 6 days were retained. The FIM-MDS item bank demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .98) and met three rating scale diagnostic criteria and three of the four model fit statistics (comparative fit index/Tucker–Lewis index = 0.98, root mean square error of approximation = 0.14, and standardized root mean residual = 0.07). PCA of Rasch residuals showed the item bank explained 94.2% variance. The item bank covered the range of θ from −1.50 to 1.26 (item), −3.57 to 4.21 (person) with person strata of 6.3. The findings indicated the ADL physical function item bank constructed from FIM and MDS measured a single latent trait with overall acceptable item-level psychometric properties, suggesting that it is an appropriate source for developing efficient test forms such as short forms and computerized adaptive tests.
Impact of Age on the Male Reproductive System from the Pathologist’s Perspective
Authors: Picut Catherine A. , Remick Amera K.
Published: November 2016

Age, and in particular young age, can significantly impact the response to toxicants in animals and can greatly influence the interpretation of tissue changes by the toxicologic pathologist. Although this applies to multiple organ systems, the current review focuses on the male reproductive system. When performing microscopic evaluation of male reproductive organs, the toxicologic pathologist must be aware of the dynamic changes in histomorphology, predominantly driven by timed hormonal alterations, at various life stages. Specific challenges pathologists face are understanding the appearance of male reproductive tissues throughout the neonatal, infantile, and juvenile developmental periods, recognizing when normal looks abnormal during tissue development, defining sexual maturity, and working with high interanimal variability in maturation rate and histologic appearance in developing large laboratory animals, such as nonhuman primates, dogs, and pigs. This review describes postnatal development of the male reproductive system in the rat, demonstrates how assessing toxicity during a defined window of postnatal development in the rat may improve definition of toxicant timing and targets, and discusses challenges associated with the interpretation of toxicity in immature large animal species. The emphasis is on key age-related characteristics that influence the interpretation of tissue changes by the toxicologic pathologist.
Anthropos into humanitas: Civilizing violence, scientific forestry, and the ‘Dorobo question’ in eastern Africa
Authors: Cavanagh Connor J
Published: November 2016

Early interactions between state administrators and forest-dwelling communities in eastern Africa yield significant insight into colonial attempts to grapple with difference across hierarchically conceptualized ‘races’, classes, tribes, and radically alternative livelihoods. In particular, uncertainties related to the governance of forest-dwellers resulted in a problematic known as the ‘Dorobo question’ in Kenya Colony, the former word being a corruption of the Maasai term for the poor, the sinful – and hence – the cattle-less. Drawing upon archival research in Kenya and the United Kingdom, I argue that halting attempts to govern such communities illuminate an historically and geographically specific dimension of late imperial Britain’s apparently ‘liberal’ biopolitics, which entailed not the ‘abandonment’ of populations, per se, but rather the elimination and subsequent transformation of livelihoods, ontologies, and sustainablities perceived as fiscally barren or otherwise of little use to the colonial state. Far from being resolved, however, the afterlives of these logics of elimination highlight the stakes of contemporary struggles over eastern African forests, and particularly so in the context of an emergent transition to ostensibly ‘green’ forms of capitalism in the region.
Hemolysis generation from a novel, linear positive displacement blood pump for cardiopulmonary bypass on a six kilogram piglet: a preliminary report
Authors: Lawson D. Scott , Eilers Derek , Osorio Lujan Suzanne , Bortot Maria , Jaggers James
Published: November 2016

Background:

Current blood pumps used for cardiopulmonary bypass generally fall into two different pump design categories; non-occlusive centrifugal pumps and occlusive, positive-displacement roller pumps. The amount of foreign surface area of extracorporeal circuits correlates with post-operative morbidity due to systemic inflammation, leading to a push for technology that reduces the amount of foreign surfaces. Current roller pumps are bulky and the tubing forms an arc in the pumping chamber (raceway), positioning the inlet 360 degrees from the outlet, making it very difficult to place the pump closer to the patient and to efficiently reduce tubing length. These challenges put existing roller pumps at a disadvantage for use in a compact cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. Centrifugal blood pumps are easier to incorporate into miniature circuit designs. However, the prime volumes of current centrifugal pump designs are large, especially for pediatric extracorporeal circuits where the prime volumes are too great to be of clinical value.

Method:

We describe a preliminary report on a novel, occlusive, linear, single-helix, positive-displacement blood pump which allows for decreased prime volume and surface area of the extracorporeal circuit. This new experimental pump design was used to perfuse a 6 kilogram piglet with a pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass circuit for two hours of continuous use. Blood samples were obtained every thirty minutes and assayed for plasma free hemolysis generation.

Conclusions:

The results from this initial experiment showed low plasma free hemoglobin generation and encourages the authors to further develop this concept.
Creating a smart rural economy through smart specialisation: The microsphere model
Authors: Talbot Steve
Published: November 2016

The failure of most developed western economies to return to the rates of economic growth enjoyed in earlier times has raised the spectre of secular stagnation first identified by Hansen in the 1930s. Central to secular stagnation is the complex link between capital investment and innovation, prompting fears that the recent collapse in investment is both a cause and an effect of the so-called end of innovation. The emergence of so-called zombie companies suggests a curtailment of creative destruction. The paper looks to the smart specialisation agenda and demand-led strategies for innovation as a means of removing innovation activity from reliance on large-scale top-down capital investment, instead shifting the focus to the role of the entrepreneur in the innovation and growth process. Key features of smart specialisation are used to underpin the construction of a conceptual model (the microsphere) that presents policymakers with a framework to reconnect with the entrepreneur to boost innovation and growth at the level of the region. The model frames the microsphere within which smart specialisation takes place, and how this can encourage innovation among small non-growth rural firms. Influenced by New Industrial Policy and the social geographies underpinning reflexive capitalism, the model builds on the entrepreneurial discovery process inherent in smart specialisation. The model provides policymakers with a guide to operationalise a smart specialisation strategy. Finally, the model is tested in a case study based on the priorities of an economic strategy of a rural region of Scotland.
The Challenging Experience Questionnaire: Characterization of challenging experiences with psilocybin mushrooms
Authors: Barrett Frederick S , Bradstreet Matthew P , Leoutsakos Jeannie-Marie S , Johnson Matthew W , Griffiths Roland R
Published: November 2016

Acute adverse psychological reactions to classic hallucinogens (“bad trips” or “challenging experiences”), while usually benign with proper screening, preparation, and support in controlled settings, remain a safety concern in uncontrolled settings (such as illicit use contexts). Anecdotal and case reports suggest potential adverse acute symptoms including affective (panic, depressed mood), cognitive (confusion, feelings of losing sanity), and somatic (nausea, heart palpitation) symptoms. Responses to items from several hallucinogen-sensitive questionnaires (Hallucinogen Rating Scale, the States of Consciousness Questionnaire, and the Five-Dimensional Altered States of Consciousness questionnaire) in an Internet survey of challenging experiences with the classic hallucinogen psilocybin were used to construct and validate a Challenging Experience Questionnaire. The stand-alone Challenging Experience Questionnaire was then validated in a separate sample. Seven Challenging Experience Questionnaire factors (grief, fear, death, insanity, isolation, physical distress, and paranoia) provide a phenomenological profile of challenging aspects of experiences with psilocybin. Factor scores were associated with difficulty, meaningfulness, spiritual significance, and change in well-being attributed to the challenging experiences. The factor structure did not differ based on gender or prior struggle with anxiety or depression. The Challenging Experience Questionnaire provides a basis for future investigation of predictors and outcomes of challenging experiences with classic hallucinogens.
Optimization of hindfoot alignment radiography
Authors: Yang Chonglin , Xu Xiangyang , Hu Mu , Wang Bibo , Zhu Yuan , Liu Jinhao
Published: November 2016

Background

Cobey and Buck described methods to evaluate hindfoot alignment, but it is still unclear which method is better and easier to perform in clinical practice.

Purpose

To evaluate the optimal method for radiography of hindfoot alignment.

Material and Methods

We randomly selected 50 patients visiting the foot and ankle surgery outpatient department who underwent hindfoot alignment radiography between 1 July and 31 August 2015. Radiographs were taken using both Cobey’s and Buck’s methods. The patients were divided into three groups by calcaneal inclination angle. We assessed the calcaneotibial angle, calcaneovertical angle, and the distance from the bottom of the calcaneus to the mid-tibial axis. A comparative analysis was performed separately using the t-test.

Results

One hundred pairs of data for Cobey’s and Buck’s methods were obtained. The angles were analyzed separately in valgus, normal, and varus situations. The results showed no significant difference between Cobey’s method and Buck’s method regardless of any situation ( P > 0.05). Regarding the distance between the bottom of the calcaneus and the mid-tibial axis, the average result of Buck’s method was about 1 mm larger than that of Cobey’s method in the valgus and normal cases ( P < 0.05), except for varus cases ( P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Cobey’s and Buck’s techniques are the classic and popular hindfoot alignment assessment methods. The use of Buck’s technique resulted in a better image with a less technical procedure and less time requirement. It is worthy of being popularized and used routinely for hindfoot radiography.
Decreased plasma miR-335 expression in patients with acute ischemic stroke and its association with calmodulin expression
Authors: Zhao Bin , Zhu Zilong , Hao Junwei , Wan Zongming , Guo Xiaoqin
Published: November 2016

Objective

To determine the expression and clinical significance of plasma miR-335 in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and investigate its association with calmodulin (CaM) expression.

Methods

Plasma miR-335 and CaM expression levels in patients with AIS and healthy controls were examined. Correlations between miR-335, CaM, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores were also analysed. Furthermore, the potential regulatory function of miR-335 on CaM expression was investigated.

Results

Plasma miR-335 levels were significantly lower in AIS and negatively correlated with NIHSS scores. The converse was observed for plasma CaM levels. Plasma miR-335 and CaM levels were negatively correlated. Plasma miR-335 was confirmed as a novel biomarker for AIS diagnosis and an independent predictor of AIS. Up-regulation of miR-335 suppressed CaM protein expression, and CaM was confirmed as a direct target of miR-335.

Conclusions

Plasma miR-335 was down-regulated in AIS patients and represents a potential noninvasive circulating biomarker.
Evolution of association between renal and liver functions while awaiting heart transplant: An application using a bivariate multiphase nonlinear mixed effects model
Authors: Rajeswaran Jeevanantham , Blackstone Eugene H , Barnard John
Published: November 2016

In many longitudinal follow-up studies, we observe more than one longitudinal outcome. Impaired renal and liver functions are indicators of poor clinical outcomes for patients who are on mechanical circulatory support and awaiting heart transplant. Hence, monitoring organ functions while waiting for heart transplant is an integral part of patient management. Longitudinal measurements of bilirubin can be used as a marker for liver function and glomerular filtration rate for renal function. We derive an approximation to evolution of association between these two organ functions using a bivariate nonlinear mixed effects model for continuous longitudinal measurements, where the two submodels are linked by a common distribution of time-dependent latent variables and a common distribution of measurement errors.
A novel nonparametric confidence interval for differences of proportions for correlated binary data
Authors: Duan Chongyang , Cao Yingshu , zhou Lizhi , Tan Ming T , Chen Pingyan
Published: November 2016

Various confidence interval estimators have been developed for differences in proportions resulted from correlated binary data. However, the width of the mostly recommended Tango’s score confidence interval tends to be wide, and the computing burden of exact methods recommended for small-sample data is intensive. The recently proposed rank-based nonparametric method by treating proportion as special areas under receiver operating characteristic provided a new way to construct the confidence interval for proportion difference on paired data, while the complex computation limits its application in practice. In this article, we develop a new nonparametric method utilizing the U-statistics approach for comparing two or more correlated areas under receiver operating characteristics. The new confidence interval has a simple analytic form with a new estimate of the degrees of freedom of n − 1. It demonstrates good coverage properties and has shorter confidence interval widths than that of Tango. This new confidence interval with the new estimate of degrees of freedom also leads to coverage probabilities that are an improvement on the rank-based nonparametric confidence interval. Comparing with the approximate exact unconditional method, the nonparametric confidence interval demonstrates good coverage properties even in small samples, and yet they are very easy to implement computationally. This nonparametric procedure is evaluated using simulation studies and illustrated with three real examples. The simplified nonparametric confidence interval is an appealing choice in practice for its ease of use and good performance.
Screen production for education: digital disruption in an ‘ancillary’ market
Authors: Goldsmith Ben , Cunningham Stuart , Dezuanni Michael
Published: November 2016

The thoroughgoing digital disruption of the entertainment-based screen industries has now been well documented. But the factors that drive such disruption are in no way unique to mainstream media industries. The distribution and use of screen content in education in many ways parallel the experience of the broader screen industries. Just as traditional entertainment and information are being challenged by new online services, so too traditional modes of distributing and accessing screen content in education are being disrupted by online services. This article analyses these dynamics in Australia, placing them in historical perspective and using three contrasting case studies to exemplify key aspects of the digital disruption of education: ABC Splash exemplifies the public service broadcasting (PSB) ‘tutelage’ model; YouTube exemplifies digital disruption— immensely popular despite numerous education authorities’ attempts to restrict access to it; and ClickView exemplifies the ‘born digital’ company employing advanced technology, business strategy, and professional pedagogics.