bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ML-CIRRUS: The Airborne Experiment on Natural Cirrus and Contrail Cirrus with the High-Altitude Long-Range Research Aircraft HALO
Authors: Voigt Christiane , Schumann Ulrich , Minikin Andreas , Abdelmonem Ahmed , Afchine Armin , Borrmann Stephan , Boettcher Maxi , Buchholz Bernhard , Bugliaro Luca , Costa Anja , Curtius Joachim , Dollner Maximilian , Dörnbrack Andreas , Dreiling Volker , Ebert Volker , Ehrlich Andre , Fix Andreas , Forster Linda , Frank Fabian , Fütterer Daniel , Giez Andreas , Graf Kaspar , Grooß Jens-Uwe , Groß Silke , Heimerl Katharina , Heinold Bernd , Hüneke Tilman , Järvinen Emma , Jurkat Tina , Kaufmann Stefan , Kenntner Mareike , Klingebiel Marcus , Klimach Thomas , Kohl Rebecca , Krämer Martina , Krisna Trismono Candra , Luebke Anna , Mayer Bernhard , Mertes Stephan , Molleker Sergej , Petzold Andreas , Pfeilsticker Klaus , Port Max , Rapp Markus , Reutter Philipp , Rolf Christian , Rose Diana , Sauer Daniel , Schäfler Andreas , Schlage Romy , Schnaiter Martin , Schneider Johannes , Spelten Nicole , Spichtinger Peter , Stock Paul , Walser Adrian , Weigel Ralf , Weinzierl Bernadett , Wendisch Manfred , Werner Frank , Wernli Heini , Wirth Martin , Zahn Andreas , Ziereis Helmut , Zöger Martin
Published: May 2016

The Midlatitude Cirrus experiment (ML-CIRRUS) deployed the High Altitude and Long Range Research Aircraft (HALO) to obtain new insights into nucleation, life cycle, and climate impact of natural cirrus and aircraft-induced contrail cirrus. Direct observations of cirrus properties and their variability are still incomplete, currently limiting our understanding of the clouds’ impact on climate. Also, dynamical effects on clouds and feedbacks are not adequately represented in today’s weather prediction models.

Here, we present the rationale, objectives, and selected scientific highlights of ML-CIRRUS using the G-550 aircraft of the German atmospheric science community. The first combined in situ–remote sensing cloud mission with HALO united state-of-the-art cloud probes, a lidar and novel ice residual, aerosol, trace gas, and radiation instrumentation. The aircraft observations were accompanied by remote sensing from satellite and ground and by numerical simulations.

In spring 2014, HALO performed 16 flights above Europe with a focus on anthropogenic contrail cirrus and midlatitude cirrus induced by frontal systems including warm conveyor belts and other dynamical regimes (jet streams, mountain waves, and convection). Highlights from ML-CIRRUS include 1) new observations of microphysical and radiative cirrus properties and their variability in meteorological regimes typical for midlatitudes, 2) insights into occurrence of in situ–formed and lifted liquid-origin cirrus, 3) validation of cloud forecasts and satellite products, 4) assessment of contrail predictability, and 5) direct observations of contrail cirrus and their distinction from natural cirrus. Hence, ML-CIRRUS provides a comprehensive dataset on cirrus in the densely populated European midlatitudes with the scope to enhance our understanding of cirrus clouds and their role for climate and weather.
A Five-Century Reconstruction of Hawaiian Islands Winter Rainfall
Authors: Diaz Henry F. , Wahl Eugene R. , Zorita Eduardo , Giambelluca Thomas W. , Eischeid Jon K.
Published: May 2016

Few if any high-resolution (annually resolved) paleoclimate records are available for the Hawaiian Islands prior to ~1850 CE, after which some instrumental records start to become available. This paper shows how atmospheric teleconnection patterns between North America and the northeastern North Pacific (NNP) allow for reconstruction of Hawaiian Islands rainfall using remote proxy information from North America. Based on a newly available precipitation dataset for the state of Hawaii and observed and reconstructed December–February (DJF) sea level pressures (SLPs) in the North Pacific Ocean, the authors make use of a strong relationship between winter SLP variability in the northeast Pacific and corresponding DJF Hawaii rainfall variations to reconstruct and evaluate that season’s rainfall over the period 1500–2012 CE. A general drying trend, though with substantial decadal and longer-term variability, is evident, particularly during the last ~160 years. Hawaiian Islands rainfall exhibits strong modulation by El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), as well as in relation to Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO)-like variability. For significant periods of time, the reconstructed large-scale changes in the North Pacific SLP field described here and by construction the long-term decline in Hawaiian winter rainfall are broadly consistent with long-term changes in tropical Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) based on ENSO reconstructions documented in several other studies, particularly over the last two centuries. Also noted are some rather large multidecadal fluctuations in rainfall (and hence in NNP SLP) in the eighteenth century of undetermined provenance.
The Role of Reversed Equatorial Zonal Transport in Terminating an ENSO Event
Authors: Chen Han-Ching , Hu Zeng-Zhen , Huang Bohua , Sui Chung-Hsiung
Published: May 2016

This study shows the sudden basinwide reversal of anomalous equatorial zonal transport above the thermocline at the peaking phase of ENSO triggers rapid termination of ENSO events. The anomalous equatorial zonal transport is controlled by the concavity of anomalous thermocline meridional structure across the equator. During the developing phase of ENSO, opposite zonal transport anomalies form in the western-central and central-eastern equatorial Pacific, respectively. Both are driven by the equatorial thermocline anomalies in response to zonal wind anomalies over the western-central equatorial ocean. At this stage, the anomalous zonal transport in the east enhances ENSO growth through zonal SST advection. In the mature phase of ENSO, off-equatorial thermocline depth anomalies become more dominant in the eastern Pacific because of the reflection of equatorial signals at the eastern boundary. As a result, the meridional concavity of the thermocline anomalies is reversed in the east. This change reverses zonal transport rapidly in the central-to-eastern equatorial Pacific, joining with the existing reversed zonal transport anomalies farther to the west, and forms a basinwide transport reversal throughout the equatorial Pacific. This basinwide transport reversal weakens the ENSO SST anomalies by reversed advection. More importantly, the reversed zonal transport reduces the existing zonal tilting of the equatorial thermocline and weakens its feedback to wind anomalies effectively. This basinwide reversal is built in at the peak phase of ENSO as an oceanic control on the evolution of both El Niño and La Niña events. The reversed zonal transport anomaly after the mature phase weakens El Niño in the eastern Pacific more efficiently than it weakens La Niña.
A Multiscale Evaluation of the Detection Capabilities of High-Resolution Satellite Precipitation Products in West Africa
Authors: Guilloteau Clément , Roca Rémy , Gosset Marielle
Published: May 2016

Validation studies have assessed the accuracy of satellite-based precipitation estimates at coarse scale (1° and 1 day or coarser) in the tropics, but little is known about their ability to capture the finescale variability of precipitation. Rain detection masks derived from four multisatellite passive sensor products [Tropical Amount of Precipitation with an Estimate of Errors (TAPEER), PERSIANN-CCS, CMORPH, and GSMaP] are evaluated against ground radar data in Burkina Faso. The multiscale evaluation is performed down to 2.8 km and 15 min through discrete wavelet transform. The comparison of wavelet coefficients allows identification of the scales for which the precipitation fraction (fraction of space and time that is rainy) derived from satellite observations is consistent with the reference. The wavelet-based spectral analysis indicates that the energy distribution associated with the rain/no rain variability throughout spatial and temporal scales in satellite products agrees well with radar-based precipitation fields. The wavelet coefficients characterizing very finescale variations (finer than 40 km and 2 h) of satellite and ground radar masks are poorly correlated. Coarse spatial and temporal scales are essentially responsible for the agreement between satellite and radar masks. Consequently, the spectral energy of the difference between the two masks is concentrated in fine scales. Satellite-derived multiyear mean diurnal cycles of rain occurrence are in good agreement with gauge data in Benin and Niger. Spectral analysis and diurnal cycle computation are also performed in the West Africa region using the TRMM Precipitation Radar. The results at the regional scale are consistent with the results obtained over the ground radar and gauge sites.
What Happens With Untreated Nasal Polyps Over Time? A 13-Year Prospective Study
Authors: Oscarsson Martin , Johansson Leif , Bende Mats
Published: May 2016

Objectives:

Nasal polyps are often seen in ENT practice, but little is known about the pathogenesis and the natural development. Our objective was to follow individuals with untreated nasal polyps prospectively, in terms of polyp size, symptoms, and respiratory function.

Methods:

Thirty-three individuals, aged 27 to 87 years, with untreated nasal polyps were identified in a population-based study. Peak nasal inspiratory flow, olfactory function, and size of the nasal polyps were examined. Respiratory symptoms were also registered. Follow-up examinations were performed after 6 and 13 years, with change between visits analyzed.

Results:

Over time, polyp size as well as occurrence of unilateral or bilateral polyps varied without an obvious pattern, with no consistent trends in respiratory function or symptoms. Twenty-one individuals (64%) were still untreated at the 6-year follow-up, and 12 (36%) remained untreated during the whole 13-year follow-up. Dropouts were due mainly to death. Seven individuals (21%) started treatment during the follow-up and had larger polyps and more subjective respiratory symptoms at baseline compared to the untreated group.

Conclusion:

Nasal polyps found occasionally are often part of a chronic entity but do not necessarily evolve into a more serious condition over time. Treatment should therefore be based on the patients’ subjective problems.
Access to Health Care and Hearing Evaluation in US Adults
Authors: Crowson Matthew G. , Schulz Kristine , Tucci Debara L.
Published: May 2016

Objectives:

To explore self-reported hearing testing access for adults in a nationally representative survey.

Methods:

Demographic and audiologic adult survey respondent variables in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database 2011-2012 cohort were examined. Logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

In all, 5864 adult respondents were analyzed. Two-thirds (65.6%) of respondents reported having hearing tested 10 or more years ago or never tested at all. Male gender (OR = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.31-3.94), having a health care visit less than 3 years ago (OR = 8.19; 95% CI, 2.09-32.2), and having health insurance (OR = 1.73; 95% CI, 1.08-2.77) were significantly associated with respondents reporting having a hearing test less than 10 years ago. Mexican American race (OR = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.20-0.83) and respondent age 40 to 59 (OR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.33-0.81) were significantly associated with respondents reporting having a hearing test 10 or more years prior or never.

Conclusion:

A significant proportion of the adult population reports having hearing tested 10 or more years prior or never at all. Effort will be required to identify adults who have hearing loss and may benefit from auditory rehabilitation such as hearing aids or the cochlear implant.
The Holistic Impact of Classroom Spaces on Learning in Specific Subjects
Authors: Barrett Peter , Davies Fay , Zhang Yufan , Barrett Lucinda
Published: May 2016

The Holistic Evidence and Design (HEAD) study of U.K. primary schools sought to isolate the impact of the physical design of classrooms on the learning progress of pupils aged from 5 to 11 years (U.S. kindergarten to fifth grade). One hundred fifty-three classrooms were assessed and links made to the learning of the 3,766 pupils in them. Through multilevel modeling, the role of physical design was isolated from the influences of the pupils’ characteristics. This article presents analyses for the three main subjects assessed, namely, reading, writing, and math. Variations in the importance of the physical design parameters are revealed for the learning of each subject. In addition to some common factors, such as lighting, a heavy salience for Individualization in relation to math becomes apparent and the importance emerges of Connection for reading and of Links to Nature for writing. Possible explanations are suggested. These results provide a stimulus for additional finesse in practice and for further investigation by researchers.
Music Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Transgender Students and Supportive School Practices
Authors: Silveira Jason M. , Goff Sarah C.
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study was to measure music teachers’ attitudes toward transgender individuals and toward school practices that support transgender students. Participants ( N = 612) included men and women who teach a variety of music subjects in elementary, middle, and high schools, in urban, suburban, and rural areas. An online questionnaire was distributed to participants representing 28 states in the United States. The questionnaire consisted of demographic information and several attitudinal statements designed to measure music teachers’ attitudes toward transgender individuals (MT-ATTI) and music teachers’ attitudes toward supportive school practices (MT-ATSSP). The results indicated that participants had fairly positive attitudes overall. Multiple regression analyses also revealed that gender and political persuasion on social issues significantly predicted participants’ scores on the MT-ATTI and the MT-ATSSP; female participants had more positive attitudes than did male participants, and individuals identifying as more socially liberal had more positive attitudes than did those identifying as more socially conservative. The variables of school location and age did not significantly predict scores on the MT-ATTI or the MT-ATSSP. Implications for teacher preparation programs and professional development are discussed, and future directions for research are recommended
Prove Them Wrong Be There for Secondary Students with an Emotional or Behavioral Disability
Authors: Solar Ernest
Published: May 2016

An 18-year-old senior in high school walks into the classroom with a hood pulled over his eyes, his ear buds screaming heavy metal music, carrying no textbooks, and acknowledging no one in the classroom. The teacher speaks up and says, “What's up, Andy?” Andy picks up a binder that was left in the classroom the previous day and before he walks out of the class quietly says, “The ceiling.” Is this an example of defiant behavior or would it be considered a form of disruptive behavior? Or is this just Andy's way of saying hello?
An Effective Intervention in Research Methods That Reduces Psychology Majors’ Sexist Prejudices
Authors: Yoder Janice D. , Mills Aeriel S. , Raffa Emily R.
Published: May 2016

We tested the effectiveness of a course-long intervention in an undergraduate Research Methods course aimed toward reducing students’ endorsement of hostile sexism (HS) and benevolent sexism (BS). Reading assignments illustrating diverse research methodologies, lecture examples, and a hands-on research project designed by student teams focused on ambivalent sexism—a topic that has personal relevance for students as well as research findings documenting its harmful individual, interpersonal, and sociopolitical effects. Of the 101 students across three Methods courses taught at a U.S. Midwestern comprehensive university by the same instructor, 31 responded to a postintervention survey, showing significant declines in HS and BS that were not duplicated in a comparison group of 29 twice-tested psychology majors. Supplemental analyses ruled out selection biases between responding and nonresponding intervention students and between all intervention students and 55 comparison psychology majors tested at the start of their courses. Our findings from a quasi-experiment in a naturalistic setting do suggest that repeated exposure to theory and research about ambivalent sexism can favorably influence students’ attitudes—thus adding a feminist social justice agenda targeting psychology majors as well as a model for targeting students’ other prejudices.
Identification and Evaluation of Novel MicroRNA Biomarkers in Plasma and Feces Associated with Drug-induced Intestinal Toxicity
Authors: Kalabat Dalia Y. , Vitsky Allison , Scott Wesley , Kindt Erick , Hayes Kyle , John-Baptiste Annette , Huang Wenhu , Yang Amy H.
Published: May 2016

Gastrointestinal toxicity is dose limiting with many therapeutic and anticancer agents. Real-time, noninvasive detection of markers of toxicity in biofluids is advantageous. Ongoing research has revealed microRNAs as potential diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for the detection of select organ toxicities. To study the potential utility of microRNA biomarkers of intestinal injury in a preclinical toxicology species, we evaluated 3 rodent models of drug-induced intestinal toxicity, each with a distinct mechanism of toxicity. MiR-215 and miR-194 were identified as putative intestinal toxicity biomarkers. Both were evaluated in plasma and feces and compared to plasma citrulline, an established intestinal injury biomarker. Following intestinal toxicant dosing, microRNA changes in feces and plasma were detected noninvasively and correlated with histologic evidence of intestinal injury. Fecal miR-215 and miR-194 levels increased, and plasma miR-215 decreased in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Dose-dependent decreases in plasma miR-215 levels also preceded and correlated positively with plasma citrulline modulation, suggesting miR-215 is a more sensitive biomarker. Moreover, during the drug-free recovery phase, plasma miR-215 returned to predose levels, supporting a corresponding recovery of histologic lesions. Despite limitations, this study provides preliminary evidence that select microRNAs have the potential to act as noninvasive, sensitive, and quantitative biomarkers of intestinal injury.
The Use of Ibuprofen in Posttonsillectomy Analgesia and Its Effect on Posttonsillectomy Hemorrhage Rate
Authors: Pfaff Julia A. , Hsu Kevin , Chennupati Sri Kiran
Published: May 2016

Objective

To determine the effect of ibuprofen on posttonsillectomy bleeding when compared with codeine in posttonsillectomy analgesia.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care children’s hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Subjects and Methods

On July 1, 2012, our institution transitioned from acetaminophen with codeine to ibuprofen for posttonsillectomy analgesia. Pediatric patients (0‐18 years old) who underwent surgery from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2012, were placed in the codeine cohort, and those who underwent surgery from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2014, were placed in the ibuprofen cohort.

Results

A total of 6014 patients underwent tonsillectomy between July 1, 2010, and June 30, 2014, and 211 patients presented for posttonsillectomy hemorrhage during the same period. The incidence of readmission for posttonsillectomy hemorrhage was 3.4% and 3.6% (P =. 63; odds ratio [OR] = 1.07; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.811‐1.410) for the codeine and ibuprofen groups, respectively, and the incidence of second operation for control of posttonsillectomy bleeding for the codeine and ibuprofen groups was 1.9% and 2.2% (P =. 54; OR = 1.117; 95% CI: 0.781‐1.600), respectively. Patients aged 11 to 18 years demonstrated a higher incidence of posttonsillectomy bleeding events overall. When age is controlled, multivariate logistic regression demonstrated no statistically significant increase in posttonsillectomy bleeding events among pediatric patients treated with ibuprofen versus patients treated with codeine (readmission: P =. 617; OR = 0.932; 95% CI: 0.707‐1.228; reoperation: P =. 513; OR = 0.887; 95% CI: 0.618‐1.272).

Conclusion

Age is an independent risk factor for posttonsillectomy bleeding. When age is controlled, there is no statistically significant increase in the incidence of posttonsillectomy bleeding events among patients treated with ibuprofen when compared to patients treated with codeine.
Chemosensitivity enhancement toward arsenic trioxide by inhibition of histone deacetylase in NB4 cell line
Authors: Li Xiaofan , Guan Xiaoyan , Li Fang , Chen Yuanzhong , Li Nainong
Published: May 2016

Objective

To investigate the cytotoxic effects of suberanilohydroxamic acid (vorinostat) in combination with arsenic trioxide (ATO) on the human NB4 cell line in vitro.

Methods

The rates of cell proliferation following treatment with vorinostat with or without ATO were measured. Flow cytometry of Annexin-V/propidium iodide double-stained cells was used to measure apoptosis. Acridine Orange and ethidium bromide staining was used to observe morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis. Western blot analysis was used to measure protein levels.

Results

Vorinostat and ATO, alone and in combination, inhibited the proliferation of NB4 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner and the effect was additive. NB4 cells treated with vorinostat + ATO demonstrated greater levels of apoptosis compared with cells treated with either drug alone. Both vorinostat and ATO alone and in combination resulted in lower levels of promyelocytic leukaemia/retinoic acid receptor alpha fusion protein and increased levels of acetyl-histone H3 and acetyl-histone H4 proteins compared with controls. Vorinostat + ATO resulted in lower levels of Akt protein compared with either drug alone.

Conclusion

The combination of vorinostat and ATO inhibited cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and enhanced the chemosensitivity of NB4 cells. The mechanism might be associated with increasing histone acetylation levels as well as downregulation of the Akt signalling pathway.
Tamar and Joseph in Genesis 38 and 39
Authors: Bekins Peter
Published: May 2016

This article argues that the contrasting attitudes toward tricksterism in Genesis 38 and 39 are relevant to the position of these chapters in the overlapping Jacob and Joseph narratives. The juxtaposition of Genesis 38 and 39 invites comparisons between the four main characters, but these characters have often been matched by gender—Judah and Joseph, Tamar and Potiphar's wife. For this reason, the contrast between Tamar and Joseph has been largely overlooked. The Jacob stories feature several prominent trickster tales, and Tamar is also celebrated as a trickster. In contrast, Joseph is presented as a ‘wisdom’ hero who maintains the status quo. Joseph's ‘victory’ over Potiphar's wife counterbalances Tamar's success in the previous chapter, therefore, which also contributes to the goal of taming the earlier tricksters of the Jacob narrative.
The Conceptualization of God's Dwelling Place in 1 Kings 8: A Cognitive Approach
Authors: Kamp Albert
Published: May 2016

The diversity of terms for God's dwelling place in 1 Kings 8 is generally ascribed to a number of text traditions in which different theological views of the temple and God's dwelling place dominate. Rather than taking a fragmented view, this study starts from the textual integrity of 1 Kings 8. It investigates how the conceptualization of God's dwelling place is given shape within the text. With the help of insights from cognitive linguistics, in particular ‘Text World Theory’, the communicative structure of 1 Kings 8 is first revealed. Subsequently, attention is paid to the linguistic presentation of words and word constructions and their contribution to the conceptualization of lexical content. The way in which God ‘dwells’, where he ‘lives’ and in what form he ‘appears’ form a coherent picture in 1 Kings 8 which emphasizes the ontological distinction between God and human beings.
A Violation of Royal Prerogative: The Shebna Prophecy (Isaiah 22.15–19) in Context
Authors: Na'aman Nadav
Published: May 2016

This article discusses the background of Isaiah's severe criticism of the major-domo Shebna, who hewed his tomb within the city walls, near the burial place of the kings of Judah. It concentrates on the issue of royal prerogatives and their transgression, bringing biblical and ancient Near Eastern examples that substantiate these violations. The narratives of Absalom and Adonijah illustrate the violation of some royal prerogatives and demonstrate the dangers of ignoring these unlawful deeds. An analysis of the Assyrian history in the years 827–745 exemplifies the violation of the king's prerogative of erecting commemorative monuments. This article suggests that the transgression of royal prerogatives is the context in which Isaiah's severe reaction to Shebna's impudent deed should be evaluated and offers a supposition in this regard.
‘Hear and Give Ear!’: The Soundscape of Jeremiah
Authors: Graybill Rhiannon
Published: May 2016

Sound offers a significant but underappreciated point of entry into the book of Jeremiah. Drawing on R. Murray Schafer's concept of the ‘soundscape’ and other work on sound and sensory criticism, this article explores the significance of sound in constructing meaning in Jeremiah. The sounds of human voices mingle with the clamor of warfare, the vocalizations of animals, and cries of pain and suffering in a way that adds complexity to an already complex and layered text. Attending to sound also clarifies structure, as the text contains multiple nested soundscapes. Sound is likewise linked to gender, as in the use of marked feminine sounds such as lament. Reading Jeremiah with an ear to its sounds reveals previously unheard subtleties, while also offering a new way to perceive what is already familiar. It also demonstrates the usefulness of sound studies for reading the prophetic books.
Imagining the Unimaginable
Authors: Walker Garthine
Published: May 2016

This article explores the ways in which parricide was comprehended in England and Wales, c.1600–1760, and shows that while some parallels exist with modern explanatory models of parricide offenders, they had very different meanings in the early modern context. While both lunacy and the cruelty of parents were understood as possible contexts for parricide, neither were common. The dominant explanation was the gratuitous violence of a selfish individual who lacked compassion and who saw the parent as an obstacle—to an inheritance, riches, marriage, and freedom—to be removed. The article explores these three categories and suggests ways in which this began to change in the mid-eighteenth century.
Revisiting “Measuring the Problem”
Authors: Pollock Wendi , Menard Scott , Hill Milton C.
Published: May 2016

In their 2012 article, Pollock, Oliver, and Menard found that race was not a significant predictor of being arrested or questioned by police. In light of recent events such as the death of Michael Brown Jr., Freddie Gray, and others, and the resulting media coverage and public protest, the current article sought to reexamine predictors of police contact in greater detail. For this examination, separate analyses were run on respondents with and without serious offending reported to determine whether predictors of police contact are different for individuals with whom the police presumably have more discretion (individuals who are not serious offenders). In addition, path models with logistic regression were created to examine potential indirect effects of all variables, including race. Results indicate that race does have an indirect effect on police contact, but it is White individuals who are more likely to be questioned and arrested. In addition, other factors including low parental socioeconomic status (which is associated with ethnicity), previous police contact, and gender are more likely, than even involvement in crime, to determine if a person will be questioned or arrested. Differences in predictors based on the seriousness of the offender and implications of the findings are discussed.
Observation des communautés et forums sur Internet
Authors: Clais Jean-Baptiste
Published: May 2016

Observing Internet Communities and Forums. This paper proposes a set of methodological recommendations when addressing the particular sociological field of Internet forums. After a brief overview of the more general question of online socializing, the author presents the technical operation of forums, their content, the points to be observed to understand the social dynamics, the temporality, the meaning of the exchanges on the forums and their interactions with the physical world.
Improved proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells on a titanium biomaterial grafted with poly(sodium styrene sulphonate) and coated with a platelet-rich plasma proteins biofilm
Authors: Oughlis Sophiane , Changotade Sylvie , Poirier Florence , Cieutat Anne-Marie , Rohman Géraldine , Peltzer Juliette , Migonney Véronique , Lataillade Jean-Jacques , Lutomski Didier
Published: May 2016

In order to replace damaged or lost bone in the human body, it is necessary to produce ‘spare body parts’ which are dependent on the use of biomaterial and stem cells and are referred to as ‘tissue engineering’. Surface modification and stem cell interaction of orthopaedic implants offer a promising approach and are investigated here specifically to improve osseointegration of the biomaterial. Osseointegration of titanium implants used in orthopaedic surgery requires that osseo-progenitor cells attach and adhere to the surface, proliferate, then differentiate into osteoblasts and, finally, produce a mineralised matrix. The surface modification of titanium with anionic polymer combined with coating of platelet-rich plasma is provided to create a favourable environment to promote early and strong fixation of implants. The ability of progenitor cells to attach to the surface during early stages is important in the development of new tissue structures; therefore, we developed in our laboratory a strategy involving the grafting of titanium implants with a polymer of sodium styrene sulphonate (poly(sodium styrene sulphonate)) and a biofilm coating of platelet-rich plasma which enables human mesenchymal stem cell interactions. The resulting biomaterial, titanium-poly(sodium styrene sulphonate) and coating of platelet-rich plasma, Ti-poly(sodium styrene sulphonate)–platelet-rich plasma was developed in order to further improve the biomaterial. In this work, we studied and characterised the ‘in vitro’ response of human mesenchymal stem cells to titanium biomaterial grafted with poly(sodium styrene sulphonate) bioactive polymer and coated with platelet-rich plasma proteins (Ti-poly(sodium styrene sulphonate)–platelet-rich plasma). This study shows an increased cell proliferation with Ti-poly(sodium styrene sulphonate)–platelet-rich plasma compared to foetal calf serum and an enhancement of the Ti-poly(sodium styrene sulphonate)–platelet-rich plasma effects on osteoblast differentiation. The results suggest that Ti-poly(sodium styrene sulphonate)–platelet-rich plasma would be a suitable scaffold for bone tissue engineering.
Gellan gum/clay hydrogels for tissue engineering application: Mechanical, thermal behavior, cell viability, and antibacterial properties
Authors: Mohd Saffawati Syazwani , Abdullah Mohd Aidil Adhha , Mat Amin Khairul Anuar
Published: May 2016

In this study, sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) was successfully modified by using n-hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) via cationic exchange to obtain an organophilic-montmorillonite (CTAB-MMT). The Na-MMT, CTAB-MMT, and a commercial montmorillonite, that is, Cloisite15A were incorporated into gellan gum (GG) hydrogel and their mechanical, physical, thermal properties, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activities were investigated. The mechanical performance results show that the GG hydrogels containing Cloisite15A required smallest volume to achieve optimum compression stress, modulus, and compression strain at 5% (w/w) compared to both Na-MMT and CTAB-MMT at 10% (w/w). Swelling ratio of GG hydrogels increased upon addition of MMT, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) values of all hydrogels were in the range of 1106–1890 g m−2 d−1, which were comparable to WVTR values of commercial wound dressings. Thermal behavior shows that the inclusion of Cloisite15A in GG hydrogel improved the thermal stability than its counterparts. Cell studies exhibit that the GG incorporated with Na-MMT is non-cytotoxic to human skin fibroblast cells (CRL2522), and in contrast, the GG hydrogels incorporated CTAB-MMT and Cloisite15A revealed that the cells were dying and the cell growth depleted after being cultured for 72 h. Qualitative antibacterial study revealed that GG hydrogel containing CTAB-MMT only in the sample exhibits inhibition against the Gram-positive bacteria, that is, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, while there was no inhibition exhibited against Gram-negative bacteria ( Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae).
Why Anti-Realist Views Persist in Communication Research: A Political Economic Reflection on Relativism’s Prominence
Authors: Godler Yigal
Published: May 2016

The article seeks to explain why denials of reality are tolerated and go largely unchallenged in communication research. It proposes that the acceptance of anti-realist views is related to communication theorists’ general hostility toward radical political economic critiques of media institutions and coverage. Unwilling to undertake research which lucidly exposes the central power relations in society, communication scholars sympathetic to corporate ownership and elite opinion resort to a particular form of obscurantism. This form of obscurantism does not only misrepresent uncongenial work, but espouses an apparently abstruse – though rather vacuous – anti-realist philosophy, which pre-empts consideration of ideas that threaten to expose the workings of existing institutional structures and communication scholars’ role in defending them.
Decision support system enabled by depth imaging sensor data for intelligent automation of moving assemblies
Authors: Prabhu Vinayak Ashok , Muhandri Narendi , Song Boyang , Tiwari Ashutosh
Published: May 2016

Automation, driven by informatics, enables manufacturing companies to increase productivity and meet market demands for cost-effective and high-quality products. However, many manufacturing operations across industry verticals continue to be manual even today. One such example is the manual assembly of the final trim and wheels in an automotive production line where there is heavy reliance on human decision-making pertaining to when, where and how to install components on and inside a constantly moving vehicle body. The main aim of this work is to develop a rule-based decision support system that will enable an automation solution to make human-like decisions in moving assembly operations. The wheel loading operation is chosen as a case study and a decision support framework and tool is developed and successfully tested using multiple assembly scenarios generated from experimental data provided by gaming interface sensors installed on the laboratory-based shopfloor. The resulting decision support system has the potential to enable the automation of moving assembly operations in various sectors of the manufacturing industry.
Depression and key associated factors in female sex workers and women living with HIV/AIDS in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Rael Christine T , Davis Alissa
Published: May 2016

Little is known about the mental health of female sex workers and women living with HIV/AIDS in the Dominican Republic, which impedes HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. This project estimates the prevalence of depression and identifies key contributing factors to this outcome in female sex workers, women living with HIV/AIDS, and a comparison group. Participants were female sex workers (N = 349), women living with HIV/AIDS (N = 213), and a comparison group of HIV-negative women who were not sex workers (N = 314) from the Dominican Republic. Participants completed questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics and depression. Female sex workers and women living with HIV/AIDS completed additional questionnaires ascertaining HIV or sex work-related internalized stigma. Depression was prevalent among female sex workers (70.2%), women living with HIV/AIDS (81.1%), and the comparison group (52.2%). Adjusted logistic regressions showed that internalized stigma was associated with depression for female sex workers (OR = 2.73; 95% CI = 1.95–3.84) and women living with HIV/AIDS (OR = 3.06; 95% CI = 1.86–5.05). Permanent income was associated with this outcome for female sex workers (OR = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.01–0.80) and the comparison group (OR = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.00–0.45).
Biosecurity as a boundary object: Science, society, and the state
Authors: Samimian-Darash Limor , Henner-Shapira Hadas , Daviko Tal
Published: May 2016

Biosecurity is a concern in many parts of the world but is differently conceived and addressed depending on context. This article draws on two cases concerned with life sciences research involving dangerous pathogens, one in the United States and one in Israel, to examine this variability. In both cases, concern revolves around issues of biosafety and bioterrorism, which are targeted by similar policies and solutions. The cases, nevertheless, differ. In the United States, biosecurity is contextualized in the dynamics between science and society, and apprehension about research with dangerous pathogens focuses on the social risks and benefits of such research. In Israel, biosecurity is contextualized in the dynamics between science and the state and hinges on whether and how far the state should restrict scientific freedom. In view of this difference, the authors advocate the development of a nuanced concept of biosecurity capable of describing and explaining local permutations. They suggest reconceptualizing biosecurity as a boundary object that mediates between competing domains and that takes variable form in efforts to resolve the problem of securing life.
Countering Bioterrorism Threat to India: Employing Global Best Practices and Technology as Force Multiplier
Authors: Abrol Sumeet
Published: May 2016

The threat of bioterrorism is the most plausible when compared to other weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), considering the riotous advances in biotechnology. It is a threat for which India is not well prepared as was once again highlighted by the recent H1N1 epidemic, which claimed over 2,300 lives. The precarious security environment in South Asia, rapid rise in fundamentalism and extremist implosion of Pakistan, the cloud of civil war in Afghanistan and the emergence of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) further accentuate this threat. This article analyses the bioterrorism threat to India and explores strategies, approaches, technological tools and best practices required for surveillance, prevention, response, recovery, decontamination and its attribution. It concludes that bioterrorism is a low-probability, high-impact event. Biological agents are a threat to human, livestock and crop health, as well as to the Indian economy, and their understanding must be considerably improved. Political awareness and public participation are essential for threat mitigation. The preparedness against biological attacks will also prepare our population against natural occurrence of diseases, thus transforming India into a resilient society.
The life of high-level athletes: The challenge of high performance against the time constraint
Authors: Burlot Fabrice , Richard Rémi , Joncheray Helene
Published: May 2016

The conditions for high performance have changed considerably over the last few years. Athletes must spend more time training and competing, devote a lot of time to mental, physical and nutritional professionals and continue to respond to some constraints such as studying, spending time with their families, friends and quality of life. In this context and based on the work of Rosa, we wonder about the capacity of elite athletes to combine all these constraints, namely to manage the acceleration in their pace of life, in order to be able to achieve always more and better in the same time unit. To address this issue, we interviewed 42 French high-level athletes who train at the National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance (INSEP). Results show that to suit their goals, athletes implement arrangement and adjustment strategies aimed at making the time they have wholly useful and efficient. This time constraint puts athletes in a perpetual state of tension, on the verge of a good or poor life. The paper shows how the question of time, and particularly the acceleration of pace of life, is vital for modern sporting performance.
Upper-Extremity Deep-Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Stone Rebecca H. , Bress Adam P. , Nutescu Edith A. , Shapiro Nancy L.
Published: May 2016

Background: Upper-extremity deep-vein thrombosis (UEDVT) causes significant morbidity and mortality and is not well characterized in the existing literature, particularly in underrepresented minorities such as African Americans. Objective: To describe the characteristics of a cohort of patients with UEDVT seen at an urban academic medical center. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study among patients with a confirmed UEDVT at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System between 1996 and 2011. Patients were identified by ICD-9 code for UEDVT. Variables collected include thrombotic risk factors and outcomes, including recurrent thrombosis and bleeding. Results: We identified 229 patients with UEDVT; 71% were African American, and 11% were diagnosed with sickle cell disease. The average number of UEDVT risk factors was 4.40 ± 1.5, the most common being central venous catheter (CVC) use (178, 78%). In the year following UEDVT, 13% experienced recurrent thrombosis, and 6% experienced major bleeding. Of 181 patients receiving warfarin after an UEDVT, 36% of international normalized ratio (INR) values were therapeutic. Patients with sickle cell disease had a lower proportion of INRs within the target range (25% vs 38%, P < 0.01), and were more likely to be lost to follow-up (67% vs 46%, P = 0.05) and experience a recurrent thrombotic event (29% vs 11%, P = 0.02). Conclusion: A CVC is the most common risk factor for UEDVT; however, patients with sickle cell disease demonstrate additional unique demographics and risk factors. Patients included in this underrepresented demographic cohort had a low quality of anticoagulation control, particularly those with sickle cell disease.
Gentamicin and Tobramycin Dosing Guidelines: An Evaluation
Authors: Matzke Gary R. , Burkle Wayne S. , Lucarotti Richard L.
Published: May 2016

The provision of pharmacokinetic dosing services has become a cornerstone of clinical pharmacy practice in many institutions. As these services expand, more pharmacists will become involved, and the need for a structured, uniform approach to the provision of these services may be necessary. Therefore, this article discusses specific approaches (i.e., guidelines) to the most common clinical conditions that the pharmacist may encounter. The goal is to promote consistent interpretation and application of clinical and kinetic data by the members of our aminoglycoside dosing service. The guidelines provide a structured yet adaptive approach to the clinical use of gentamicin and tobramycin. The major areas of controversy that were encountered in developing these guidelines are discussed, and the guidelines are presented. These guidelines currently are used to standardize our pharmacokinetic dosing service and as a tool for educating new pharmacists to their role and responsibilities as members of the pharmacokinetic consultation team. Additionally, these guidelines are being used as criteria for the assessment of quality assurance in the area of clinical pharmacokinetics.
Effect of Probenecid on the Pharmacokinetics of Aminophylline
Authors: Chen Tai Wai David , Patton Thomas F.
Published: May 2016

The authors investigated the effect of probenecid on the pharmacokinetics of aminophylline. Seven normal volunteers served as their own controls in a crossover study. In the first phase, subjects received an oral dose of aminophylline after an overnight fast. In the second phase, probenecid was given orally 30 minutes prior to the administration of aminophylline. Serum and urine theophylline levels were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Statistical analysis showed that probenecid had no significant effect on any of the pharmacokinetic parameters measured. Probenecid appears to have little or no influence on the liver metabolism of theophylline.
Current Concepts in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Melamed Andra J.
Published: May 2016

Carcinoma of the prostate is one of the most common cancers in men over 50 years of age and is the second leading cause of cancer death in men over 75. As a general rule, symptoms usually are not apparent until the tumor is far advanced. Between 80 to 90 percent of patients have metastatic disease at the time of presentation and are not curable by surgery. Endocrine manipulation remains the most effective and commonly used treatment for metastatic carcinoma of the prostate.
IV Infusion Devices: Are they Always Justified?
Authors: Alexander Michael R.
Published: May 2016

Electronic infusion device (EID) use is increasing and contributes substantially to hospital costs, approximately $1 000 000 per year at the University of Michigan Hospitals. Only two studies have been conducted with the purpose of determining potential advantages of EID over less-expensive roller clamps. Neither clearly demonstrated that controllers are more beneficial than roller clamps. Pumps have not received this type of study. EID use should, therefore, be limited only to those situations in which they are decidedly advantageous.
Effect of Thioridazine on Phenytoin Serum Concentration: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sands Charles D. , Robinson J. Daniel , Salem Ronald B. , Stewart Ronald B. , Muniz Carlos
Published: May 2016

Serum Phenytoin concentrations before and after the addition of thioridazine were retrospectively compared in 27 adults to determine if an interaction occurred between these two drugs. A change in the serum phenytoin concentration of ± 4 μg/ml was considered clinically significant; by this definition four patients (14.8 percent) had an increase, two (7.4 percent) had a decrease, and most (77.8 percent) demonstrated no change. The mean difference was 0.8 μg/ml ± 3.7 μg/ml and was not found to be statistically significant (p < 0.1). Clinically important alterations in phenytoin serum concentration as caused by thioridazine appear to be infrequent.
Clinical Outcome of Nosocomial Pneumonia following Imipenem/Cilastatin Therapy
Authors: Rapp Robert P. , Young Byron , Bertch Karen , Tibbs Phillip , Foster Thomas S.
Published: May 2016

Eighteen patients in a neurosurgery intensive care unit who had nosocomial pneumonia and/or bacteremia were treated with imipenem/cilastatin. The 16 patients who were evaluable had pneumonia; 4 of these had concurrent bacteremia. Eleven patients had a satisfactory clinical response (69 percent) and all patients with positive blood cultures had the organism eradicated. There were 44 organisms isolated from the initial culture of bronchial secretion and 32 of these organisms were gram-negative bacilli (72.5 percent). One patient with pneumonia who initially had Pseudomonas aeruginosa sensitive to imipenem developed resistance during therapy. Adverse effects were minimal; one case of nausea occurred, which was thought to be related to a short infusion time. The most prominent laboratory abnormality was an increase in platelet count, seen in 50 percent of treated patients.