bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Protein:Creatinine Ratio versus 24-Hour Urine Protein in the Diagnosis of Preeclampsia
Authors: Valdés Enrique , Sepúlveda-Martínez Álvaro , Tong Ana , Castro Magdalena , Castro Daniela
Published: June 2015

Background/Aims: Current evidence has tried to extrapolate the use of the protein:creatinine ratio (PCR) in a single urine sample as a rapid diagnostic tool for preeclampsia (PE). The present study addresses the effectiveness of the PCR in the differential diagnosis of the pregnancy hypertensive disorder (PHD). Methods: This is a prospective study conducted on patients admitted during 1 year with a diagnosis of PHD. These pregnant women were assessed for the correlation between the 24-hour test and the PCR to detect significant proteinuria. A ROC curve was made to determine the PCR cutoff value that would offer the best positive predictive value (PPV) as an early predictor of global and severe PE. Results: A total of 72 patients with 24-hour proteinuria and PCR were studied (49 with PE). A significant correlation between the quick and the deferred sampling was observed (r = 0.60; p < 0.001). The ROC analysis showed a PCR of 0.36 as the best cutoff value for the diagnosis of global PE (PPV 96.4%; false-positive rate 4.4%; AUC 0.8802) and a cutoff value of 4.58 (sensitivity: 100%; PPV 87.5%; false-positive rate 3.5%; AUC 0.9805) as the best cutoff for the diagnosis of severe proteinuria. Conclusions: PCR proved to be an effective test for the differential diagnosis of PHS.
Outcomes of Systemic Therapy for Patients with Metastatic Angiosarcoma
Authors: D'Angelo Sandra P. , Munhoz Rodrigo R. , Kuk Deborah , Landa Johnathan , Hartley Eliza W. , Bonafede Michael , Dickson Mark A. , Gounder Mrinal , Keohan Mary L. , Crago Aimee M. , Antonescu Cristina R. , Tap William D.
Published: June 2015

Background: Angiosarcomas (AS) are rare tumors of vascular origin with a variable behavior and overall poor prognosis. We sought to assess the outcomes of patients treated for metastatic disease. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 119 patients treated for metastatic AS. Outcomes and efficacy measurements of the first and subsequent lines of treatment were analyzed. Results: Median age was 61 years, and the most frequent primary sites were chest wall/breast (31%), viscera (22%) and head/neck (20%). Seventy-three (61%) and 46 (39%) patients received ≥2 and ≥3 lines of therapy, respectively. The most commonly used agents included taxanes and anthracyclines. Median overall survival was 12.1 months. Median times to tumor progression were 3.5 months for first line, 3.7 months for second line and 2.7 months for third line. Among 48 patients evaluable per RECIST, the overall response rate to first line was 30% and <10% in subsequent lines. Doxorubicin, liposomal doxorubicin and taxanes resulted in similar response rates and survival, and there was no apparent benefit for combination chemotherapy. Conclusion: Despite reasonable response rates in the first-line setting, benefit from systemic therapy is short-lived in metastatic AS, and outcomes are poor. Doxorubicin, liposomal doxorubicin and taxanes are reasonable and appropriate choices for monotherapy.
Irradiation of the Juvenile Brain Provokes a Shift from Long-Term Potentiation to Long-Term Depression
Authors: Zanni Giulia , Zhou Kai , Riebe Ilse , Xie Cuicui , Zhu Changlian , Hanse Eric , Blomgren Klas
Published: June 2015

Radiotherapy is common in the treatment of brain tumors in children but often causes deleterious, late-appearing sequelae, including cognitive decline. This is thought to be caused, at least partly, by the suppression of hippocampal neurogenesis. However, the changes in neuronal network properties in the dentate gyrus (DG) following the irradiation of the young, growing brain are still poorly understood. We characterized the long-lasting effects of irradiation on the electrophysiological properties of the DG after a single dose of 6-Gy whole-brain irradiation on postnatal day 11 in male Wistar rats. The assessment of the basal excitatory transmission in the medial perforant pathway (MPP) by an examination of the field excitatory postsynaptic potential/volley ratio showed an increase of the synaptic efficacy per axon in irradiated animals compared to sham controls. The paired-pulse ratio at the MPP granule cell synapses was not affected by irradiation, suggesting that the release probability of neurotransmitters was not altered. Surprisingly, the induction of long-term synaptic plasticity in the DG by applying 4 trains of high-frequency stimulation provoked a shift from long-term potentiation (LTP) to long-term depression (LTD) in irradiated animals compared to sham controls. The morphological changes consisted in a virtually complete ablation of neurogenesis following irradiation, as judged by doublecortin immunostaining, while the inhibitory network of parvalbumin interneurons was intact. These data suggest that the irradiation of the juvenile brain caused permanent changes in synaptic plasticity that would seem consistent with an impairment of declarative learning. Unlike in our previous study in mice, lithium treatment did unfortunately not ameliorate any of the studied parameters. For the first time, we show that the effects of cranial irradiation on long-term synaptic plasticity is different in the juvenile compared with the adult brain, such that while irradiation of the adult brain will only cause a reduction in LTP, irradiation of the juvenile brain goes further and causes LTD. Although the mechanisms underlying the synaptic alterations need to be elucidated, these findings provide a better understanding of the effects of irradiation in the developing brain and the cognitive deficits observed in young patients who have been subjected to cranial radiotherapy.
Ergocalciferol versus Cholecalciferol for Nutritional Vitamin D Replacement in CKD
Authors: Mangoo-Karim Roberto , Da Silva Abreu Juliana , Yanev George P. , Perez Ninfa N. , Stubbs Jason R. , Wetmore James B.
Published: June 2015

Background/Aims: Is cholecalciferol (D3) superior to ergocalciferol (D2) in treating nutritional vitamin D deficiency in chronic kidney disease (CKD)? The answer to this question has not been fully explored. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 57 patients with non-dialysis-requiring CKD was conducted to assess the relative effectiveness of D2 versus D3 replacement on circulating 25(OH)D levels. Levels of 25(OH) D were assessed at baseline, after attempted repletion with D2, and then after attempted repletion with D3. The relative paired differences of the drug treatment effects were tested using t-tests. Multiple regression modeling was used to determine the factors significantly associated with differential responsiveness to the drugs. Results: The mean (SEM) age was 66.4 ± 1.4 and mean eGFR was 40.5 ± 2.2 ml/min/1.73 m2. The baseline 25(OH)D level was 15.3 ± 0.8 ng/ml. After standardizing to 100,000 units of drug, increases after cholecalciferol (2.7 ± 0.3 ng/ml) were more than twice as great as those from ergocalciferol (1.1 ± 0.3 ng/ml) (p < 0.0001). A sensitivity analysis, which pooled the results of an additional 109 individuals treated with ergocalciferol alone, revealed similar findings (standardized change 2.7 ± 0.3 vs. 1.6 ± 0.3 ng/ml, p = 0.0025). Factors associated with a superior response to cholecalciferol were lower baseline 25(OH) D level at the start of therapy (p = 0.015) and the interaction of sex and age (p = 0.0048), with younger females tending to benefit relatively more from cholecalciferol than older males did. Conclusion: Cholecalciferol may be superior to ergocalciferol in treating nutritional vitamin D deficiency in non-dialysis CKD.
Prediction of Significant Prostate Cancer at Prostate Biopsy and Per Core Detection Rate of Targeted and Systematic Biopsies Using Real-Time Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Boehm Katharina , Budäus Lars , Tennstedt Pierre , Beyer Burkhard , Schiffmann Jonas , Larcher Alessandro , Simonis Kathrin , Graefen Markus , Beyersdorff Dirk , Salomon Georg
Published: June 2015

Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa) detection is accompanied by overdiagnosis and mischaracterization of PCa. Therefore, new imaging modalities like shear wave elastography (SWE) are required. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate per-core detection rates (DRs) of targeted biopsies and systematic biopsies and to test if SWE findings can predict presence of clinically significant PCa (csPCa) at biopsy. Patients and Methods: Overall, 95 patients scheduled for prostate biopsy in our center underwent SWE. SWE findings were classified into suspicious or normal. Targeted biopsies were taken in up to 3 SWE-suspicious areas. csPCa was defined as the presence of Gleason pattern ≥4, level of prostate-specific antigen ≥10 ng/ml or >2 positive cores. Results: Overall DR for csPCa in our study cohort was 40%. Per-core DR for exclusively SWE-targeted cores versus systematic samples cores was 10.5 vs. 8.6% (p = 0.3). In the logistic regression models, individuals with suspicious SWE findings are at 6.4-fold higher risk of harboring csPCa (p = 0.03). Gain in predictive accuracy was 2.3% (0.82 vs. 0.84, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Presence of suspicious SWE findings is an independent predictor of csPCa. Therefore, SWE may be helpful in selecting patients for biopsy. Nonetheless, per-core DR for SWE-targeted cores was not statistically significant higher than DR of systematic sampled cores. Therefore, additional systematic biopsy is mandatory.
Risk of Heart Failure and Death After Prolonged Smoking Cessation
Authors: Ahmed Amiya A. , Patel Kanan , Nyaku Margaret A. , Kheirbek Raya E. , Bittner Vera , Fonarow Gregg C. , Filippatos Gerasimos S. , Morgan Charity J. , Aban Inmaculada B. , Mujib Marjan , Desai Ravi V. , Allman Richard M. , White Michel , Deedwania Prakash , Howard George , Bonow Robert O. , Fletcher Ross D. , Aronow Wilbert S. , Ahmed Ali
Published: June 2015

Background—

According to the 2004 Surgeon General’s Report on Health Consequences of Smoking, after >15 years of abstinence, the cardiovascular risk of former smokers becomes similar to that of never-smokers. Whether this health benefit of smoking cessation varies by amount and duration of prior smoking remains unclear.

Methods and Results—

Of the 4482 adults ≥65 years without prevalent heart failure (HF) in the Cardiovascular Health Study, 2556 were never-smokers, 629 current smokers, and 1297 former smokers with >15 years of cessation, of whom 312 were heavy smokers (highest quartile; ≥32 pack-years). Age–sex–race–adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for centrally adjudicated incident HF and mortality during 13 years of follow-up were estimated using Cox regression models. Compared with never-smokers, former smokers as a group had similar risk for incident HF (aHR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.85–1.16) and all-cause mortality (aHR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.96–1.20), but former heavy smokers had higher risk for both HF (aHR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.15–1.83) and mortality (aHR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.17–1.64). However, when compared with current smokers, former heavy smokers had lower risk of death (aHR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.53–0.77), but not of HF (aHR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.74–1.28).

Conclusions—

After >15 years of smoking cessation, the risk of HF and death for most former smokers becomes similar to that of never-smokers. Although this benefit of smoking cessation is not extended to those with ≥32 pack-years of prior smoking, they have lower risk of death relative to current smokers.
Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Contributes to Skeletal Myopathy in Heart Failure via Direct Interaction With Forkhead Box O
Authors: Okada Katsuki , Naito Atsuhiko T. , Higo Tomoaki , Nakagawa Akito , Shibamoto Masato , Sakai Taku , Hashimoto Akihito , Kuramoto Yuki , Sumida Tomokazu , Nomura Seitaro , Ito Masamichi , Yamaguchi Toshihiro , Oka Toru , Akazawa Hiroshi , Lee Jong-Kook , Morimoto Sachio , Sakata Yasushi , Shiojima Ichiro , Komuro Issei
Published: June 2015

Background—

There are changes in the skeletal muscle of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), such as volume reduction and fiber type shift toward fatigable type IIb fiber. Forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling plays a critical role in the development of skeletal myopathy in CHF, and functional interaction between FoxO and the Wnt signal mediator β-catenin was previously demonstrated. We have recently reported that serum of CHF model mice activates Wnt signaling more potently than serum of control mice and that complement C1q mediates this activation. We, therefore, hypothesized that C1q-induced activation of Wnt signaling plays a critical role in skeletal myopathy via the interaction with FoxO.

Methods and Results—

Fiber type shift toward fatigable fiber was observed in the skeletal muscle of dilated cardiomyopathy model mice, which was associated with activation of both Wnt and FoxO signaling. Wnt3a protein activated FoxO signaling and induced fiber type shift toward fatigable fiber in C2C12 cells. Wnt3a-induced fiber type shift was inhibited by suppression of FoxO1 activity, whereas Wnt3a-independent fiber type shift was observed by overexpression of constitutively active FoxO1. Serum of dilated cardiomyopathy mice activated both Wnt and FoxO signaling and induced fiber type shift toward fatigable fiber in C2C12 cells. Wnt inhibitor and C1-inhibitor attenuated FoxO activation and fiber type shift both in C2C12 cells and in the skeletal muscle of dilated cardiomyopathy mice.

Conclusions—

C1q-induced activation of Wnt signaling contributes to fiber type shift toward fatigable fiber in CHF. Wnt signaling may be a novel therapeutic target to prevent skeletal myopathy in CHF.
Interdependence of Parkin-Mediated Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Fission in Adult Mouse Hearts
Authors: Song Moshi , Gong Guohua , Burelle Yan , Gustafsson Åsa B. , Kitsis Richard N. , Matkovich Scot J. , Dorn Gerald W.
Published: June 2015

Rationale:

The role of Parkin in hearts is unclear. Germ-line Parkin knockout mice have normal hearts, but Parkin is protective in cardiac ischemia. Parkin-mediated mitophagy is reportedly either irrelevant, or a major factor, in the lethal cardiomyopathy evoked by cardiac myocyte–specific interruption of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial fission.

Objective:

To understand the role of Parkin-mediated mitophagy in normal and mitochondrial fission–defective adult mouse hearts.

Methods and Results:

Parkin mRNA and protein were present at low levels in normal mouse hearts, but were upregulated after cardiac myocyte–directed Drp1 gene deletion in adult mice. Alone, forced cardiac myocyte Parkin overexpression activated mitophagy without adverse effects. Likewise, cardiac myocyte–specific Parkin deletion evoked no adult cardiac phenotype, revealing no essential function for, and tolerance of, Parkin-mediated mitophagy in normal hearts. Concomitant conditional Parkin deletion with Drp1 ablation in adult mouse hearts prevented Parkin upregulation in mitochondria of fission-defective hearts, also increasing 6-week survival, improving ventricular ejection performance, mitigating adverse cardiac remodeling, and decreasing cardiac myocyte necrosis and replacement fibrosis. Underlying the Parkin knockout rescue was suppression of Drp1-induced hyper-mitophagy, assessed as ubiquitination of mitochondrial proteins and mitochondrial association of autophagosomal p62/sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) and processed microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3-II). Consequently, mitochondrial content of Drp1-deficient hearts was preserved. Parkin deletion did not alter characteristic mitochondrial enlargement of Drp1-deficient cardiac myocytes.

Conclusions:

Parkin is rare in normal hearts and dispensable for constitutive mitophagic quality control. Ablating Drp1 in adult mouse cardiac myocytes not only interrupts mitochondrial fission, but also markedly upregulates Parkin, thus provoking mitophagic mitochondrial depletion that contributes to the lethal cardiomyopathy.
Necrotic Myocardial Cells Release Damage‐Associated Molecular Patterns That Provoke Fibroblast Activation In Vitro and Trigger Myocardial Inflammation and Fibrosis In Vivo
Authors: Zhang Weili , Lavine Kory J. , Epelman Slava , Evans Sarah A. , Weinheimer Carla J. , Barger Philip M. , Mann Douglas L.
Published: June 2015

Background

Tissue injury triggers inflammatory responses that promote tissue fibrosis; however, the mechanisms that couple tissue injury, inflammation, and fibroblast activation are not known. Given that dying cells release proinflammatory “damage‐associated molecular patterns” (
DAMP
s), we asked whether proteins released by necrotic myocardial cells (NMCs) were sufficient to activate fibroblasts in vitro by examining fibroblast activation after stimulation with proteins released by necrotic myocardial tissue, as well as in vivo by injecting proteins released by necrotic myocardial tissue into the hearts of mice and determining the extent of myocardial inflammation and fibrosis at 72 hours.

Methods and Results

The freeze–thaw technique was used to induce myocardial necrosis in freshly excised mouse hearts. Supernatants from NMCs contained multiple
DAMP
s, including high mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1), galectin‐3, S100β, S100A8, S100A9, and interleukin‐1α.
NMC
s provoked a significant increase in fibroblast proliferation, α–smooth muscle actin activation, and collagen 1A1 and 3A1
mRNA
expression and significantly increased fibroblast motility in a cell‐wounding assay in a Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)‐ and receptor for advanced glycation end products–dependent manner.
NMC
stimulation resulted in a significant 3‐ to 4‐fold activation of Akt and Erk, whereas pretreatment with Akt (A6730) and Erk (U0126) inhibitors decreased
NMC
‐induced fibroblast proliferation dose‐dependently. The effects of
NMC
s on cell proliferation and collagen gene expression were mimicked by several recombinant
DAMP
s, including
HMGB
1 and galectin‐3. Moreover, immunodepletion of
HMGB
1 in
NMC
supernatants abrogated
NMC
‐induced cell proliferation. Finally, injection of
NMC
supernatants or recombinant
HMGB
1 into the heart provoked increased myocardial inflammation and fibrosis in wild‐type mice but not in
TLR
4‐deficient mice.

Conclusions

These studies constitute the initial demonstration that
DAMP
s released by NMCs induce fibroblast activation in vitro, as well as myocardial inflammation and fibrosis in vivo, at least in part, through
TLR
4‐dependent signaling.
Randomized, Double‐Blinded, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Fibrinogen Concentrate Supplementation After Complex Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Ranucci Marco , Baryshnikova Ekaterina , Crapelli Giulia Beatrice , Rahe‐Meyer Niels , Menicanti Lorenzo , Frigiola Alessandro ,   the Surgical Clinical Outcome REsearch (SCORE) Group
Published: June 2015

Background

Postoperative bleeding after heart operations is still a common finding, leading to allogeneic blood products transfusion. Fibrinogen and coagulation factors deficiency are possible determinants of bleeding. The experimental hypothesis of this study is that a first‐line fibrinogen supplementation avoids the need for fresh frozen plasma (
FFP
) and reduces the need for any kind of transfusions.

Methods and Results

This was a single‐center, prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded study. One‐hundred sixteen patients undergoing heart surgery with an expected cardiopulmonary bypass duration >90 minutes were admitted to the study. Patients in the treatment arm received fibrinogen concentrate after protamine administration; patients in the control arm received saline solution. In case of ongoing bleeding, patients in the treatment arm could receive prothrombin complex concentrates (
PCC
s) and those in the control arm saline solution. The primary endpoint was avoidance of any allogeneic blood product. Patients in the treatment arm had a significantly lower rate of any allogeneic blood products transfusion (odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.19 to 0.84,
P
=0.015). The total amount of packed red cells and
FFP
units transfused was significantly lower in the treatment arm. Postoperative bleeding was significantly (
P
=0.042) less in the treatment arm (median, 300 mL; interquartile range, 200 to 400 mL) than in the control arm (median, 355 mL; interquartile range, 250 to 600 mL).

Conclusions

Fibrinogen concentrate limits postoperative bleeding after complex heart surgery, leading to a significant reduction in allogeneic blood products transfusions. No safety issues were raised.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01471730.
Family History in Young Patients With Stroke
Authors: Thijs Vincent , Grittner Ulrike , Dichgans Martin , Enzinger Christian , Fazekas Franz , Giese Anne-Katrin , Kessler Christof , Kolodny Edwin , Kropp Peter , Martus Peter , Norrving Bo , Ringelstein Erich Bernd , Rothwell Peter M. , Schmidt Reinhold , Tanislav Christian , Tatlisumak Turgut , von Sarnowski Bettina , Rolfs Arndt
Published: June 2015

Background and Purpose—

Family history of stroke is an established risk factor for stroke. We evaluated whether family history of stroke predisposed to certain stroke subtypes and whether it differed by sex in young patients with stroke.

Methods—

We used data from the Stroke in Fabry Patients study, a large prospective, hospital-based, screening study for Fabry disease in young patients (aged <55 years) with stroke in whom cardiovascular risk factors and family history of stroke were obtained and detailed stroke subtyping was performed.

Results—

A family history of stroke was present in 1578 of 4232 transient ischemic attack and ischemic stroke patients (37.3%). Female patients more often had a history of stroke in the maternal lineage (
P
=0.027) than in the paternal lineage. There was no association with stroke subtype according to Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment nor with the presence of white matter disease on brain imaging. Patients with dissection less frequently reported a family history of stroke (30.4% versus 36.3%;
P
=0.018). Patients with a parental history of stroke more commonly had siblings with stroke (3.6% versus 2.6%;
P
=0.047).

Conclusions—

Although present in about a third of patients, a family history of stroke is not specifically related to stroke pathogenic subtypes in patients with young stroke. Young women with stroke more often report stroke in the maternal lineage.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00414583.
The phylogenetic conundrum of Lutzia (Diptera: Culicidae: Culicini): a cautionary account of conflict and support
Authors: Kitching Ian J. , Lorna Culverwell C. , Harbach Ralph E.
Published: June 2015

Lutzia Theobald was reduced to a subgenus of Culex in 1932 and was treated as such until it was restored to its original generic status in 2003, based mainly on modifications of the larvae for predation. Previous phylogenetic studies based on morphological and molecular data have provided conflicting support for the generic status of Lutzia: analyses of morphological data support the generic status whereas analyses based on DNA sequences do not. Our previous phylogenetic analyses of Culicini (based on 169 morphological characters and 86 species representing the four genera and 26 subgenera of Culicini, most informal group taxa of subgenus Culex and five outgroup species from other tribes) seemed to indicate a conflict between adult and larval morphological data. Hence, we conducted a series of comparative and data exclusion analyses to determine whether the alternative positions of Lutzia are due to conflicting signal or to a lack of strong signal. We found that separate and combined analyses of adult and larval data support different patterns of relationships between Lutzia and other Culicini. However, the majority of conflicting clades are poorly supported and once these are removed from consideration, most of the topological disparity disappears, along with much of the resolution, suggesting that morphology alone does not have sufficiently strong signal to resolve the position of Lutzia. We critically examine the results of other phylogenetic studies of culicinine relationships and conclude that no morphological or molecular data set analysed in any study conducted to date has adequate signal to place Lutzia unequivocally with regard to other taxa in Culicini. Phylogenetic relationships observed thus far suggest that Lutzia is placed within Culex but further data and extended taxon sampling are required to confirm its position relative to Culex.
An earwig (Insecta: Dermaptera) in Early Cretaceous amber from Spain
Authors: Engel Michael S. , Peris David , Chatzimanolis Stylianos , Delclòs Xavier
Published: June 2015

The order Dermaptera (earwigs) is recorded for the first time from the Early Cretaceous ambers of Spain.Autrigonoforceps ibericaEngel et Peris gen. et sp. n. is described and figured from a single, putative ♀ preserved in Albian amber from Peñacerrada I. Due to its trimerous tarsi and the absence of ocelli, the placement of the new fossil within the Neodermaptera is clear. Although it seems close to Labiduridae, its confident placement in any family is impossible given the limited visibility of several critical characters. The species is compared with the labiduridMyrrholabiafrom mid-Cretaceous amber of Myanmar.
Study of the Impact of Ice Formation in Leads upon the Sea Ice Pack Mass Balance Using a New Frazil and Grease Ice Parameterization
Authors: Wilchinsky Alexander V. , Heorton Harold D. B. S. , Feltham Daniel L. , Holland Paul R.
Published: June 2015

Leads are cracks in sea ice that often form because of deformation. During winter months, leads expose the ocean to the cold atmosphere, resulting in supercooling and the formation of frazil ice crystals within the mixed layer. Here the authors investigate the role of frazil ice formation in leads on the mass balance of the sea ice pack through the incorporation of a new module into the Los Alamos sea ice model (CICE). The frazil ice module considers an initial cooling of leads followed by a steady-state formation of uniformly distributed single size frazil ice crystals that precipitate to the ocean surface as grease ice. The grease ice is pushed against one of the lead edges by wind and water drag that the authors represent through a variable collection thickness for new sea ice. Simulations of the sea ice cover in the Arctic and Antarctic are performed and compared to a model that treats leads the same as the open ocean. The processes of ice formation in the new module slow down the refreezing of leads, resulting in a longer period of frazil ice production. The fraction of frazil-derived sea ice increases from 10% to 50%, corresponding better to observations. The new module has higher ice formation rates in areas of high ice concentration and thus has a greater impact within multiyear ice than it does in the marginal seas. The thickness of sea ice in the central Arctic increases by over 0.5 m, whereas within the Antarctic it remains unchanged.
Significant-Hail-Producing Storms in Finland: Convective-Storm Environment and Mode
Authors: Tuovinen Jari-Petteri , Rauhala Jenni , Schultz David M.
Published: June 2015

The environmental characteristics and convective mode of significant hailstorms (those storms producing reported hail 5 cm or larger in diameter) in Finland during 1972–2011 were analyzed. Altogether, 23 significant-hail-day environments were analyzed by modifying radiosonde data from proximity soundings in the observed data archives of the Finnish Meteorological Institute. Convective parameters derived from the environmental soundings were compared between a set of significant-hail soundings and a null set of nonsevere-thunderstorm soundings. A subset of 13 significant-hail days was examined using data from a network of Doppler radars during 1999–2011. Convective-storm mode and storm characteristics (e.g., hook echo, bounded weak-echo region) were determined for the 18 significant-hail-producing storms during these days. Most (78%) of these storms producing significant hail in Finland occurred with supercells. Of the significant-hail days, 39% (9 out of 23) did not have the minimum of 15 m s−1 of deep-layer (0–6 km) shear commonly expected for supercells. Convective parameters of significant-hail and thunderstorm-day environments were substantially different from each other. Specifically, significant-hail environments had a mean most-unstable convective available potential energy (MUCAPE) of 1464 J kg−1 and deep-layer shear of 17.5 m s−1, whereas thunderstorm days had a MUCAPE of 593 J kg−1 and deep-layer shear of 10.2 m s−1. Larger hail was associated with higher values of MUCAPE. The lifetimes and track lengths of significant-hail-producing storms were related to the convective mode and storm environment. Specifically, larger deep-layer shear seemed to support longer lifetimes and track lengths. Nonsupercells had shorter lifetimes, shorter stormtrack lengths, and lower speeds than supercells. The value of deep-layer shear was smaller for nonsupercells than for supercells. Discrete supercells had higher speeds, longer lifetimes, and longer track lengths than cluster supercells.
Popular and lived religions
Authors: Possamai Adam M
Published: June 2015

This article discusses the sociological understanding of popular religion by first exploring the theories of Gramsci. It then critiques this approach by arguing that the social construction of popular religion in contrast to institutionalized religion is not as clear cut in our late modern, multi-faith and global world as it was in the early modern period. Indeed, through consumer culture, some institutionalized religions are now reaching for the popular. Through the use of new Internet methodologies (e.g. Ngram Viewer), the article explores the various understandings of the words popular religion, mysticism and spirituality. It discovers that the usage of these words has evolved over time and reflects wider socio-cultural changes. The article then argues that spirituality (technical or unchurched) can be sociologically understood as an outcome of two processes that intertwine within late modernity; that is the gentrification of popular religion and the democratization of mysticism.
The use of poly(amide-imide)/CuO as a filler for the preparation of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) nanocomposites: Thermal and morphological studies
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour
Published: June 2015

Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)/poly(amide–imide)–CuO nanocomposites were prepared by adding of poly(amide–imide)–CuO nanocomposite as filler in a poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) matrix via ultrasonication method. First, the surface of CuO nanoparticles was modified with a bioactive coupling agent using the ultrasonic-assisted technique in order to obtain a homogeneous dispersion of CuO nanoparticles in the poly(amide–imide) matrix. Then, modified CuO nanoparticles were dispersed in the poly(amide–imide) matrix. The poly(amide–imide)–CuO nanocomposite was mixed with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) and the obtained nanocomposites were investigated by Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy techniques. The Fourier transform infrared results indicated interactions between the poly(amide–imide)–CuO nanocomposite and the poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) chain. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to investigate the thermal properties of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) nanocomposites. Thermogravimetric analysis results illustrated that the thermal stability of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) is enhanced by adding of nano-filler. The surface topography and morphology of the poly(amide–imide)–CuO nanocomposite and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)/poly(amide–imide)–CuO nanocomposites were studied by atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The results showed that the nano-filler was homogeneously dispersed in the polymer matrix.
The Beheading of Criminal Organizations and the Dynamics of Violence in Mexico
Authors: Calderón Gabriela , Robles Gustavo , Díaz-Cayeros Alberto , Magaloni Beatriz
Published: June 2015

In 2006, the Mexican government launched an aggressive campaign to weaken drug-trafficking organizations (DTOs). The security policies differed significantly from those of previous administrations in the use of a leadership strategy (the targeting for arrest of the highest levels or core leadership of criminal networks). While these strategies can play an important role in disrupting the targeted criminal organization, they can also have unintended consequences, increasing inter-cartel and intra-cartel fighting and fragmenting criminal organizations. What impact do captures of senior drug cartel members have on the dynamics of drug-related violence? Does it matter if governments target drug kingpins versus lower-ranked lieutenants? We analyze whether the captures or killings of kingpins and lieutenants have increased drug-related violence and whether the violence spills over spatially. To estimate effects that are credibly causal, we use different empirical strategies that combine difference-in-differences and synthetic control group methods. We find evidence that captures or killings of drug cartel leaders have exacerbating effects not only on DTO-related violence but also on homicides that affect the general population. Captures or killings of lieutenants, for their part, only seem to exacerbate violence in “strategic places” or municipalities located in the transportation network. While most of the effects on DTO-related violence are found in the first six months after a leader’s removal, effects on homicides affecting the rest of the population are more enduring, suggesting different mechanisms through which leadership neutralizations breed violence.
The Time Course for Processing Vowels and Lexical Tones: Reading Aloud Thai Words
Authors: Davis Chris , Schoknecht Colin , Kim Jeesun , Burnham Denis
Published: June 2015

Three naming aloud experiments and a lexical decision (LD) experiment used masked priming to index the processing of written Thai vowels and tones. Thai allows for manipulation of the mapping between orthography and phonology not possible in other orthographies, for example, the use of consonants, vowels and tone markers in both horizontal and vertical orthographic positions (HOPs and VOPs). Experiment 1 showed that changing a vowel between prime and target slowed down target naming but changing a tone mark did not. Experiment 1 used an across item-design and a different number of HOPs in the way vowels and tones were specified. Experiment 2 used a within-item design and tested vowel and tone changes for both 2-HOP and 3-HOP targets separately. The 3-HOP words showed the same tone and vowel change effect as Experiment 1, whereas 2-HOP items did not. It was speculated that the 2-HOP result was due to the variable position of the vowel affecting priming. Experiment 3 employed a more stringent control over the 2-HOP vowel and tone items and found priming for the tone changes but not for vowel changes. The final experiment retested the items from Experiment 3 with the LD task and found no priming for the tone change items, indicating that the tone effect in Experiment 3 was due to processes involved in naming aloud. In all, the results supported the view that for naming a word, the development of tone information is slower than vowel information.
The Struggle for Life
Authors: Toledo Víctor M. , Garrido David , Barrera-Bassols Narciso
Published: June 2015

The global expansion of the neoliberal model is most forcefully expressed in the processes of social, cultural, and environmental predation undertaken by corporations in the so-called Global South. Three pertinent processes are taking place in Mexico: (1) an increase in socio-environmental conflicts, mainly in rural areas and in predominantly indigenous territories; (2) the proliferation of citizen resistance of an essentially communal, municipal, or micro-regional nature; and (3) increased violence against these resistance movements by the government across its three levels (federal, state, and municipal) in complicity (or not) with companies and corporations that are trying to implement projects that damage natural resources, affect the quality of the environment, and destroy cultures and the social fabric.

La expansión mundial del modelo neoliberal se expresa con mayor fuerza en los procesos de depredación ecológica, social y cultural que las corporaciones realizan en el llamado Sur Global. Tres procesos de la realidad mexicana ilustran lo anterior: (1) el creciente aumento de los conflictos socio-ambientales, principalmente en las áreas rurales y predominantemente en los territorios indígenas; (2) la multiplicación de las resistencias ciudadanas, esencialmente de carácter comunitario, municipal o micro-regional; y (3) el aumento de la violencia contra esos movimientos de resistencia, llevados a cabo por gobiernos en sus tres niveles (federal, estatal y municipal) en complicidad (o no) con las empresas y corporaciones que intentan implementar proyectos que dilapidan los recursos naturales y/o la calidad del ambiente y que provocan destrucción de culturas y tejido social.
Neonatal jaundice and the immigrant population: A comparison study at a low-risk maternity ward in Norway
Authors: Bakken Kjersti S , Skjeldal Ola H , Stray-Pedersen Babill
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to examine differences in distribution of neonatal jaundice by migration indicators. In this population-based study at the low-risk maternity ward at Baerum Hospital in Norway, 11,516 mother–child pairs were enrolled and divided into 7 groups by regions/country of origin. First registered live birth babies of mothers who gave birth between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2010 were included. The study found that a total of 769 infants were treated for neonatal jaundice. Compared to Norwegians, infants born to mothers from East, Southeast and Central Asia had an increased risk and African infants had a decreased risk of neonatal jaundice. Jaundiced infants of African origin were more often transferred to neonatal intensive care units. Ethnicity is an important factor affecting the risk of neonatal jaundice requiring hospitalization in our clinic. To reduce this risk, parents should be adequately informed about the signs of neonatal jaundice requiring medical intervention.
Regional Air Quality and Happiness in Germany
Authors: Goetzke Frank , Rave Tilmann
Published: June 2015

Previous research has analyzed the impact of air pollution on life satisfaction (“happiness”) based on both subjective perceptions of environmental quality and objectively measured pollution data. This article combines these two types of environmental data in life satisfaction regressions and investigates using an instrumental variable (IV)-ordered probit approach whether perceived air quality is endogenous with respect to happiness. We find combining German 2004 socioeconomic panel data with annual readings for sulfur dioxide (SO2), NO x, and PM10 by the Umweltbundesamt (UBA; German Environmental Protection Agency) for counties that people bothered by air pollution feel less happy but that simultaneously unhappy people feel more disturbed by air pollution. Controlling for this simultaneity in an IV-ordered probit approach reveals that perceived air pollution does not have a statistically significant effect on life satisfaction anymore. We also find econometric evidence that air pollution is fully capitalized in the housing market.
Primary Burkitt lymphoma in the posterior mediastinum
Authors: Chaari Zied , Charfi Slim , Hentati Abdessalem , Ayadi Ines , Abid Hanene , Frikha Imed
Published: June 2015

A 13-year-old boy was admitted to our hospital with complaints of posterior chest pain and dyspnea. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the chest revealed a mass in the posterior mediastinum, extending from T8 to T11 with intraspinal involvement. A percutaneous core needle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma. He was treated according to the Lymphoma Malignancy B protocol 2001 arm C3, but he presented with liver and brain relapses and died 7.5 months after admission. Although lymphoma is rarely localized in the posterior mediastinum, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of posterior mediastinal masses in children.
Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome associated with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Karasaki Takahiro , Tanaka Makoto
Published: June 2015

A 68-year-old man developed progressive vertigo, saccadic eye movements, and tremors. Computed tomography showed multiple lung nodules. Surgery was performed and the pathological diagnosis was large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in the left upper lobe with ipsilobar metastases, and adenocarcinoma in the left lower lobe. The neurological symptoms resolved dramatically after complete resection of the tumors. Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome associated with non-small-cell lung carcinoma is extremely rare. Surgery should not be delayed if a complete resection is expected.
The ‘stay-at-home’ mother, postfeminism and neoliberalism: Content analysis of UK news coverage
Authors: Orgad Shani , De Benedictis Sara
Published: June 2015

This article analyzes the construction in the UK media of the ‘stay-at-home mother’, a maternal figure who received increasing visibility during the recession and its aftermath. Based on a content analysis of UK national newspaper coverage of stay-at-home mothers (2008–2013), this article argues that the stay-at-home mother emerges from its press coverage as a neoliberal postfeminist subject. On the one hand, the coverage complicates claims about antifeminist backlash and women’s harking back to passive femininity. On the other hand, it fails significantly to undermine maternal femininity’s entanglement with neoliberalism, and reinforces the process described by McRobbie as ‘disarticulation’, by separating between middle-class mothers and working-class mothers.
Just a question of time? The composition and evolution of immigrants’ personal networks in Catalonia
Authors: Bolíbar Mireia , Martí Joel , Verd Joan Miquel
Published: June 2015

This article analyses the composition and evolution of migrants’ personal networks during their settlement process. Migration studies have emphasized the relational dimension of the migration process, but the topic has rarely been analysed systematically using social network analysis. Based on ego-network analysis and interviews with Ecuadorian and Moroccan immigrants in Catalonia, this article shows the diversity of configurations of migrants’ personal networks and their evolution: over the years only some migrants break their ties with the society of origin and substitute them with contacts with locals; others maintain or increase transnational ties; and yet others create co-ethnic ties in the host country. This diversity is explained in the article by examining migrant characteristics and circumstances prior to migration, such as the details of their migration projects and the features of their pre-migratory contacts. The results show that the interaction of gender with the organization of the migration process seems to have a strong impact on the evolution of these networks. At a methodological level, social network analysis proves to be a fruitful strategy for analysing the diverse incorporation of migrants into the host society.
Germany’s dual vocational-training system: Possibilities for and limitations to transferability
Authors: Wieland Clemens
Published: June 2015

Germany’s vocational education and training system, the so-called dual system of vocational education, has drawn increasing attention in recent years. Within the dual system, the company provides practical training while the vocational school supplements this on-the-job learning with theoretical instruction. Furthermore, it is a complex and historically conditioned institutional structure with a large number of differing actors, responsibilities, interests and logics guiding action. Major hurdles in the implementation of dual vocational-training systems are, for example, companies’ lack of willingness to provide training positions in their organizations and the lack of vocational education’s social acceptance. An exact replication in the sense of a 1:1 transfer to another country is thus unrealistic. Any country wishing to import a foreign vocational education and training system must take existing framework conditions into consideration as well as its own educational, social and economic objectives. Reforming education systems is a complex undertaking that needs thorough consideration and considerable patience. And it is best seen as a two-way process, offering both parties an opportunity to learn from one other.
Decellularized Versus Fresh-Frozen Allografts in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Dong Shikui , Huangfu Xiaoqiao , Xie Guoming , Zhang Yang , Shen Peng , Li Xiaoxi , Qi Jin , Zhao Jinzhong
Published: June 2015

Background:

The common fresh-frozen allografts that are used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions behave slower during the remodeling process and produce weaker tendon-bone integrations than do autografts. Decellularization of allogenic tendons results in a clean and porous collagen scaffold with low antigenicity and high compatibility, which may be more suitable for ACL reconstructions.

Hypothesis:

Allograft decellularization will result in a tissue structure with suitable mechanical characteristics for ACL reconstruction, thereby promoting graft remodeling and enhancing tendon-bone healing.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Decellularized allograft tissues were prepared with a pH-modified decellularization process and evaluated for their biocompatibility and biomechanical character in vitro. Eighty New Zealand White rabbits were divided into 2 groups, with 40 in each group, to receive ACL reconstruction with either fresh-frozen (common) allografts or decellularized allografts on both knees. At 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively, the rabbits were euthanized for biomechanical testing, micro–computed tomography analysis, and histologic analysis.

Results:

The pH-modified decellularized allograft tissues kept excellent biocompatibility and biomechanical character during the in vitro study. Biomechanical testing indicated that the decellularized allograft had significantly higher ultimate load ( P = .02) and stiffness ( P = .01) levels than the common allograft at 12 weeks, and there was no significant difference between the 2 groups at any other time point. The micro-CT evaluation determined significantly higher bone mineral density ( P < .01) in the decellularized allograft group than that in the common allograft group at 12 weeks, but no difference between the 2 groups was observed at any other time point. Regarding bone volume/total volume, there was no difference between the 2 groups at any time point. Fibroblast ingrowths, vascular formation, and connective tissue formation in the tendon-bone interface were better in the decellularized group within 8 weeks. New bone formation was more common in the decellularized allograft group. The collagen birefringence was restored more quickly in the decellularized allograft group than in the common allograft group at all time points.

Conclusion:

The use of pH-modified decellularized allografts compared with the common allografts resulted in better cellularity, vascularity, collagen matrix remolding, new bone formation around the graft, enhanced tendon-bone healing, and higher ultimate failure load and stiffness of the graft after ACL reconstruction in the rabbit model.

Clinical Relevance:

The pH-modified decellularized allograft may be a better graft option than the common fresh-frozen allograft for knee ligament reconstructions.