bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peripheral ventilation heterogeneity determines the extent of bronchoconstriction in asthma
Authors: Farrow Catherine E. , Salome Cheryl M. , Harris Benjamin E. , Bailey Dale L. , Berend Norbert , King Gregory G.
Published: August 2017

In asthma, bronchoconstriction causes topographically heterogeneous airway narrowing, as measured by three-dimensional ventilation imaging. Computation modeling suggests that peripheral airway dysfunction is a potential determinant of acute airway narrowing measured by imaging. We hypothesized that the development of low-ventilation regions measured topographically by three-dimensional imaging after bronchoconstriction is predicted by peripheral airway function. Fourteen asthmatic subjects underwent ventilation single-photon-emission computed tomography/computed tomography scan imaging before and after methacholine challenge. One-liter breaths of Technegas were inhaled from functional residual capacity in upright posture before supine scanning. The lung regions with the lowest ventilation (Ventlow) were calculated using a thresholding method and expressed as a percentage of total ventilation (Venttotal). Multiple-breath nitrogen washout was used to measure diffusion-dependent and convection-dependent ventilation heterogeneity (Sacin and Scond, respectively) and lung clearance index (LCI), before and after challenge. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was 87.6 ± 15.8% predicted, and seven subjects had airway hyperresponsiveness. Ventlowat baseline was unrelated to spirometry or multiple-breath nitrogen washout indices. Methacholine challenge decreased FEV1by 23 ± 5% of baseline while Ventlowincreased from 21.5 ± 2.3%Venttotalto 26.3 ± 6.7%Venttotal( P = 0.03). The change in Ventlowwas predicted by baseline Sacin ( rs = 0.60, P = 0.03) and by LCI ( rs = 0.70, P = 0.006) but not by Scond ( rs = 0.30, P = 0.30). The development of low-ventilation lung units in three-dimensional ventilation imaging is predicted by ventilation heterogeneity in diffusion-dependent airways. This relationship suggests that acinar ventilation heterogeneity in asthma may be of mechanistic importance in terms of bronchoconstriction and airway narrowing.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using ventilation SPECT/CT imaging in asthmatics, we show induced bronchoconstriction leads to the development of areas of low ventilation. Furthermore, the relative volume of the low-ventilation regions was predicted by ventilation heterogeneity in diffusion-dependent acinar airways. This suggests that the pattern of regional airway narrowing in asthma is determined by acinar airway function.
Symposium on single cell analysis and genomic approaches, Experimental Biology 2017 Chicago, Illinois, April 23, 2017
Authors: Coller Hilary A.
Published: August 2017

Emerging technologies for the analysis of genome-wide information in single cells have the potential to transform many fields of biology, including our understanding of cell states, the response of cells to external stimuli, mosaicism, and intratumor heterogeneity. At Experimental Biology 2017 in Chicago, Physiological Genomics hosted a symposium in which five leaders in the field of single cell genomics presented their recent research. The speakers discussed emerging methodologies in single cell analysis and critical issues for the analysis of single cell data. Also discussed were applications of single cell genomics to understanding the different types of cells within an organism or tissue and the basis for cell-to-cell variability in response to stimuli.
Enhancement of Ribonucleotide Reductase Activity at Low
Enzyme Concentrations by Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: Kucera Rebecca , Paulus Henry
Published: August 2017

The estimation of ribonucleotide reductase in cell extracts has been problematical
on account of abnormally low activities at low enzyme concentrations, presumably due
to subunit dissociation. This problem can be alleviated by assaying the enzyme in the presence
of polyethylene glycol. The presence of 15 % polyethylene glycol during the assay greatly
stimulated ribonucleotide reductase activity at low enzyme concentrations and allowed measurement
of enzyme activity in as little as 10^5 mouse L929 cells, a 30-fold enhancement of
assay sensitivity. Enzyme activity measured in the presence of 15 % polyethylene glycol was
proportional to enzyme concentration, thus making possible the accurate measurement of
very low levels of ribonucleotide reductase.
A Brief Outline of the Use of New Technologies for Treating Substance Use Disorders in the European Union
Authors: Quaglio GianLuca , Schellekens Arnt , Blankers Matthijs , Hoch Eva , Karapiperis Theodoros , Esposito Giovanni , Brand Helmut , Nutt David , Kiefer Falk
Published: August 2017

Background: Clinicians in the field of drug addiction have started to exploit the growth of Technology-Based Interventions (TBIs). However, there is little information on how health personnel evaluate them. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 20 European experts. Results: All of the interviewees recognised TBIs as a valuable tool to improve the management of substance-use disorders (SUDs). Most interviewees indicated that combining both traditional face-to-face therapist-patient clinic appointment with TBIs is probably the most effective method. Most interviewees agree that TBIs are valuable tools to overcome both physical and social barriers, and hence significantly facilitate the access to treatment. Poor infrastructure and lack of digital literacy are recognised as major barriers to the diffusion of these tools. Conclusions: The application of various forms of technology in SUD treatment is an interesting development for the European Union. Technical and non-technical barriers exist and impede their full exploitation.
RNA Sequencing and Bioinformatics Analysis Implicate the Regulatory Role of a Long Noncoding RNA-mRNA Network in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation
Authors: Guo Can-Jie , Xiao Xiao , Sheng Li , Chen Lili , Zhong Wei , Li Hai , Hua Jing , Ma Xiong
Published: August 2017

Background/Aims: To analyze the long noncoding (lncRNA)-mRNA expression network and potential roles in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) during activation. Methods: LncRNA expression was analyzed in quiescent and culture-activated HSCs by RNA sequencing, and differentially expressed lncRNAs verified by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were subjected to bioinformatics analysis. In vivo analyses of differential lncRNA-mRNA expression were performed on a rat model of liver fibrosis. Results: We identified upregulation of 12 lncRNAs and 155 mRNAs and downregulation of 12 lncRNAs and 374 mRNAs in activated HSCs. Additionally, we identified the differential expression of upregulated lncRNAs (NONRATT012636.2, NONRATT016788.2, and NONRATT021402.2) and downregulated lncRNAs (NONRATT007863.2, NONRATT019720.2, and NONRATT024061.2) in activated HSCs relative to levels observed in quiescent HSCs, and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses showed that changes in lncRNAs associated with HSC activation revealed 11 significantly enriched pathways according to their predicted targets. Moreover, based on the predicted co-expression network, the relative dynamic levels of NONRATT013819.2 and lysyl oxidase (Lox) were compared during HSC activation both in vitro and in vivo. Our results confirmed the upregulation of lncRNA NONRATT013819.2 and Lox mRNA associated with the extracellular matrix (ECM)-related signaling pathway in HSCs and fibrotic livers. Conclusion: Our results detailing a dysregulated lncRNA-mRNA network might provide new treatment strategies for hepatic fibrosis based on findings indicating potentially critical roles for NONRATT013819.2 and Lox in ECM remodeling during HSC activation.
The Hemoglobin Homolog Cytoglobin in Smooth Muscle Inhibits Apoptosis and Regulates Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Jourd’heuil Frances L. , Xu Haiyan , Reilly Timothy , McKellar Keneta , El Alaoui Chaymae , Steppich Julia , Liu Yong Feng , Zhao Wen , Ginnan Roman , Conti David , Lopez-Soler Reynold , Asif Arif , Keller Rebecca K. , Schwarz John J. , Thanh Thuy Le Thi , Kawada Norifumi , Long Xiaochun , Singer Harold A. , Jourd’heuil David
Published: August 2017

Objective—

The role of hemoglobin and myoglobin in the cardiovascular system is well established, yet other globins in this context are poorly characterized. Here, we examined the expression and function of cytoglobin (CYGB) during vascular injury.

Approach and Results—

We characterized CYGB content in intact vessels and primary vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells and used 2 different vascular injury models to examine the functional significance of CYGB in vivo. We found that CYGB was strongly expressed in medial arterial VSM and human veins. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated that CYGB was lost after VSM cell dedifferentiation. In the rat balloon angioplasty model, site-targeted delivery of adenovirus encoding shRNA specific for CYGB prevented its reexpression and decreased neointima formation. Similarly, 4 weeks after complete ligation of the left common carotid,
Cygb
knockout mice displayed little to no evidence of neointimal hyperplasia in contrast to their wild-type littermates. Mechanistic studies in the rat indicated that this was primarily associated with increased medial cell loss, terminal uridine nick-end labeling staining, and caspase-3 activation, all indicative of prolonged apoptosis. In vitro, CYGB could be reexpressed after VSM stimulation with cytokines and hypoxia and loss of CYGB sensitized human and rat aortic VSM cells to apoptosis. This was reversed after antioxidant treatment or NOS2 (nitric oxide synthase 2) inhibition.

Conclusions—

These results indicate that CYGB is expressed in vessels primarily in differentiated medial VSM cells where it regulates neointima formation and inhibits apoptosis after injury.
Novel Genetic Triggers and Genotype–Phenotype Correlations in Patients With Left Ventricular Noncompaction
Authors: Miszalski-Jamka Karol , Jefferies John L. , Mazur Wojciech , Głowacki Jan , Hu Jianhong , Lazar Monika , Gibbs Richard A. , Liczko Jacek , Kłyś Jan , Venner Eric , Muzny Donna M. , Rycaj Jarosław , Białkowski Jacek , Kluczewska Ewa , Kalarus Zbigniew , Jhangiani Shalini , Al-Khalidi Hussein , Kukulski Tomasz , Lupski James R. , Craigen William J. , Bainbridge Matthew N.
Published: August 2017

Background—

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous disease and, although increasingly recognized in clinical practice, there is a lack of widely accepted diagnostic criteria. We sought to identify novel genetic causes of LVNC and describe genotype–phenotype correlations.

Methods and Results—

A total of 190 patients from 174 families with left ventricular hypertrabeculation (LVHT) or LVNC were referred for cardiac magnetic resonance and whole-exome sequencing. A total of 425 control individuals were included to identify variants of interest (VOIs). We found an excess of 138 VOIs in 102 (59%) unrelated patients in 54 previously identified LVNC or other known cardiomyopathy genes. VOIs were found in 68 of 90 probands with LVNC and 34 of 84 probands with LVHT (76% and 40%, respectively;
P
<0.001). We identified 0, 1, and ≥2 VOIs in 72, 74, and 28 probands, respectively. We found increasing number of VOIs in a patient strongly correlated with several markers of disease severity, including ratio of noncompacted to compacted myocardium (
P
<0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (
P
=0.01). The presence of sarcomeric gene mutations was associated with increased occurrence of late gadolinium enhancement (
P
=0.004).

Conclusions—

LVHT and LVNC likely represent a continuum of genotypic disease with differences in severity and variable phenotype explained, in part, by the number of VOIs and whether mutations are present in sarcomeric or nonsarcomeric genes. Presence of VOIs is common in patients with LVHT. Our findings expand the current clinical and genetic diagnostic approaches for patients with LVHT and LVNC.
CMR Native T1 Mapping Allows Differentiation of Reversible Versus Irreversible Myocardial Damage in ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Liu Dan , Borlotti Alessandra , Viliani Dafne , Jerosch-Herold Michael , Alkhalil Mohammad , De Maria Giovanni Luigi , Fahrni Gregor , Dawkins Sam , Wijesurendra Rohan , Francis Jane , Ferreira Vanessa , Piechnik Stefan , Robson Matthew D. , Banning Adrian , Choudhury Robin , Neubauer Stefan , Channon Keith , Kharbanda Rajesh , Dall’Armellina Erica
Published: August 2017

Background—

CMR T1 mapping is a quantitative imaging technique allowing the assessment of myocardial injury early after ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. We sought to investigate the ability of acute native T1 mapping to differentiate reversible and irreversible myocardial injury and its predictive value for left ventricular remodeling.

Methods and Results—

Sixty ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction patients underwent acute and 6-month 3T CMR, including cine, T2-weighted (T2W) imaging, native shortened modified look-locker inversion recovery T1 mapping, rest first pass perfusion, and late gadolinium enhancement. T1 cutoff values for oedematous versus necrotic myocardium were identified as 1251 ms and 1400 ms, respectively, with prediction accuracy of 96.7% (95% confidence interval, 82.8% to 99.9%). Using the proposed threshold of 1400 ms, the volume of irreversibly damaged tissue was in good agreement with the 6-month late gadolinium enhancement volume (
r
=0.99) and correlated strongly with the log area under the curve troponin (
r
=0.80) and strongly with 6-month ejection fraction (
r
=−0.73). Acute T1 values were a strong predictor of 6-month wall thickening compared with late gadolinium enhancement.

Conclusions—

Acute native shortened modified look-locker inversion recovery T1 mapping differentiates reversible and irreversible myocardial injury, and it is a strong predictor of left ventricular remodeling in ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. A single CMR acquisition of native T1 mapping could potentially represent a fast, safe, and accurate method for early stratification of acute patients in need of more aggressive treatment. Further confirmatory studies will be needed.
Common Criticisms of Children’s Rights and 25 Years of the ijcr
Authors: Alderson Priscilla
Published: August 2017

In this 25th anniversary volume of the International Journal of Children’s Rights, responses are reviewed to common criticisms of children’s rights, within the Journal’s aims to promote greater understanding of these rights and greater practical respect for them. This article then considers three main ways through which the Journal might expand its work in future: more analysis of the positions that underlie opposition to children’s rights; more connections with “adult” rights; and more attention to future needs and rights.
Intersex Genital Mutilation – A Western Version of fgm
Authors: Jones Melinda
Published: August 2017

Children around the world are subjected to genital mutilation, which constitutes a serious breach of the rights of the child. When procedures are carried out on girl children in countries such as Africa, the Middle East and the Philippines, the practice is called Female Genital Mutilation or fgm. Although the term fgm involves a vast range of rituals from extremely invasive to quite minor, it is universally decried as an abhorrent social practice for which there should be zero tolerance. Yet intersex children in the West are subjected to equivalent treatment, and their plight has been ignored or endorsed. In the last few years, the practice has begun to be seen as a form of cruel and unusual treatment, possibly constituting torture. Now referred to as Intersex Genital Mutilation or igm, it is argued that this is a cultural practice equivalent to fgm and that advocates of children’s rights should work to prevent the abuse of intersex children.
Article 12 of the un Convention on the Rights of Children
Authors: Mark Henaghan Professor
Published: August 2017

This article examines the context surrounding the creation of the un Convention on the Rights of Children, focusing primarily on Article 12, and explains the importance of children having a voice in all matters affecting them. An analysis of the application of Article 12 in the New Zealand courts demonstrates that more work is required to ensure children are full participants in the judicial process, especially considering the ways children’s rights and voices have been unduly constrained by the new Family Dispute Resolution process introduced in 2014. The article also explores the fundamental importance of the involvement of children in political matters affecting them, focusing on a recent Australian model involving Aboriginal children and young people and recommends a reduction in the New Zealand voting age to ensure children and young people have a real voice in political matters and that Article 12 truly fulfils its potential.
Developing the Right to Development
Authors: Peleg Noam
Published: August 2017

The un Convention on the Rights of the Child provides an unprecedented and comprehensive protection for the right to development of children, and more broadly, for child development. Thus far, little attention has been given in theory or in practice to the ways in which this protection should be realised. This paper suggests that the main reason for not fulfilling this promise to children is the challenges in defining “child development” as a legal concept, especially the utilisation of child development science in law. The paper suggests a number of ways to overcome these challenges.
Use of the uncrc in Family Law Cases in England and Wales
Authors: Gilmore Stephen
Published: August 2017

This article presents quantitative and qualitative findings of an analysis of 130 domestic family law cases in England and Wales reported in the Family Law Reports in which, as of April 2017, the uncrc had been cited. Data are presented on the scope and frequency of citation of Articles of the uncrc, together with an analysis of the various ways in which the uncrc has been used in the case law.
Stand Up to Children’s Rights: An Exercise in Listening in English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Castillo Rigoberto , Gabalo Natalia A. , Segura Natalia
Published: August 2017

This paper reports an experience conducted to understand the social representations of children’s rights that emerged when discussing them in the English class at a secondary school in Bogota d.c. The variables identified were: children’s rights education; social representations; and listening competence. This qualitative action research project gathered data from observations, questionnaires and artefacts to identify the perceptions and understandings of the rights of the child from 27 participants. The findings indicate that they became aware of the social relevance of rights, of the agents who may violate their entitlements, and of the responsibility of promoting rights. The data also indicated that most of the 27 English language learners gained in language development, specifically in listening for general understanding and listening for specific information as well as in the use of listening strategies such as note-taking and translating. Data also revealed that they grasped vocabulary related to the discussion of rights.
Kauṭilya on Legal and Illegal Cancellations of Contracts
Authors: Wiese Harald
Published: August 2017

This article tries to clarify Arthaśāstra III.15.1–10 which is a difficult section on legal cancellations of contracts (anuśaya) for merchandise and on illegal ones. Previous translators apparently misunderstood the case of perishable goods and the expression anuśayaṃ dadāti. The view put forward in the present paper builds on the distinction between “Kauṭilya Recension” and “Śāstric Redaction”. However, the sections concerned may contain even more interpolations than previously thought. A related passage on immovable property (AŚ III.9.6–9), specifying fines for unlawful cancellations, is discussed as well.
The Phenomenology of Problem Solving
Authors: Yoshimi Jeffrey
Published: August 2017

The author outlines a provisional phenomenology of problem solving. He begins by reviewing the history of problem-solving psychology, focusing on the Gestalt approach, which emphasizes the influence of prior knowledge and the occurrence of sudden insights. He then describes problem solving as a process unfolding in a field of consciousness against a background of unconscious knowledge, which encodes action patterns, schemata, and affordances. A global feeling of wrongness or tension is resolved by a series of field transitions, which are guided by peripheral experiences of coherence or “rightness.” The author treats the distinction between reproductive thought (in which we rely on existing strategies to solve a problem) and productive thought (in which we struggle to identify new strategies) as a difference in field structure. With reproductive thoughts and actions we perform operations to solve a problem in a semi-automatic sequence. In productive thought, by contrast, a kind of parallel search occurs. This may explain the otherwise obscure phenomenology of struggling to break an impasse.
Black fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae) of Queensland, Australia.
Part I. Genera Chaetosciara Frey, Corynoptera Winnertz, Cratyna Winnertz, Epidapus Haliday, Keilbachia Mohrig, Lobosciara Steffan, Phytosciara Frey and Scatopsciara Edwards
Authors: MOHRIG WERNER , KAUSCHKE ELLEN , BROADLEY ADAM
Published: August 2017

This study is the first of a taxonomic series on the Sciaridae of Australia, starting with the sciarid fauna of Queensland. Twelve species described herein are new to science. These are Chaetosciara recondita Mohrig & Kauschke sp. n., Cratyna adulterina Mohrig & Kauschke sp. n., Cr. flagriola Mohrig & Kauschke sp. n., Cr. flavothoracica Mohrig & Kauschke sp. n., Cr. livida Mohrig & Kauschke sp. n., Cr. longipeda Mohrig & Kauschke sp. n., Cr. pullata Mohrig & Kauschke sp. n., Epidapus excelsus Mohrig & Kauschke sp. n., Keilbachia adstrictatula Mohrig & Kauschke sp. n., Scatopsciara brevicolla Mohrig & Kauschke sp. n., Sc. dubiosa Mohrig & Kauschke sp. n., and Sc. validovenosa Mohrig & Kauschke sp. n. Seven species are new reports for Australia. These are Cratyna flagria Mohrig, Cr. vera Mohrig, Phytosciara bella Mohrig, Ph. conturbata Mohrig, Ph. pseudoornata Mohrig and Corynoptera gladiota Mohrig, previously described from Papua New Guinea, and Lobosciara trilobata Vilkamaa & Hippa, described from Sulawesi.
A new genus and some new descriptions of the tribe Aemodogryllini (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae, Aemodogryllinae; Aemodogryllini) from China
Authors: QIN YANYAN , LIU XIANWEI , LI KAI
Published: August 2017

In the present paper, a new genus Pseudotachycines gen. nov. and five new species are identified and described: Pseudotachycines deformis sp. nov., Pseudotachycines inermis sp. nov., Pseudotachycines yueyangensis sp. nov., Pseudotachycines volutus sp. nov., Pseudotachycines trapezialis sp. nov., Pseudotachycines ovalilobatus (Gorochov, 2010) comb. nov. a new combination is mentioned. A key to the species of Pseudotachycines gen. nov. is provided.
Small carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Leiodidae: Cholevinae) from caves in Iran, with additional taxonomical notes on Anemadus sengleti and Catops farsicus
Authors: TAHAMI MOHADESEH SADAT , RŮŽIČKA JAN , SADEGHI SABER , JAKUBEC PAVEL , NOVÁK MARTIN
Published: August 2017

Distributional data on Cholevinae found in caves in Iran are presented. In total, three species are reported. Anemadus sengleti Giachino & Vailati, 1993 is redescribed, including previously unknown female characters, based on material from two localities in Iran, with the first records from Isfahan, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Provinces. Catops farsicus Giachino & Vailati, 2000 is redescribed, including the previously unknown male characters, based on material from eight localities in Iran, with the first records from Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Isfahan and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Provinces. The distribution of both species is mapped. The widely distributed Cholevinus pallidus pallidus (Ménétries, 1832) is reported for the first time from Isfahan and North Khorasan Provinces.
Morphological and molecular analyses support the amphi-Atlantic distribution and taxonomic status of the snapping shrimp Alpheus intrinsecus Spence Bate, 1888 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Alpheidae)
Authors: CUNHA ANDRESSA MARIA , TEROSSI MARIANA , MANTELATTO FERNANDO L. , ALMEIDA ALEXANDRE O.
Published: August 2017

The objective of this study was to review the amphi-Atlantic snapping shrimp Alpheus intrinsecus Spence Bate, 1888 combining traditional taxonomy and molecular analysis, in order to confirm the distribution pattern reported for the species, and to verify the existence of cryptic species among specimens of both sides of the Atlantic. In total, 134 specimens previously identified as A. intrinsecus from the western Atlantic (Mexico, Veracruz; Venezuela, Sucre; Suriname; Brazil, Pernambuco, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Santa Catarina) and eastern Atlantic (Sierra Leone, Ghana, Benin, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola) were examined. Main diagnostic characters were analyzed. Although unusual for the group, the mouthparts were also examined to provide additional comparative data. The species redescription and illustrations were carried out based on specimens from the coast of Bahia (Brazil), near the type locality. Furthermore, all existing information on the species was compiled. Morphological analysis indicated the absence of consistent differences between specimens from the various locations, and genetic analyses using the mitochondrial gene 16S corroborated these results. Therefore, the amphi-Atlantic distribution of A. intrinsecus was confirmed, and the hypothesis of existence of two or more cryptic species was refuted. The southern limit of distribution in the eastern Atlantic was extended to Angola.
Stability of the Tropical Cyclone Intensity Equilibrium
Authors: Kieu Chanh , Wang Quan
Published: August 2017

A low-order dynamical model that demonstrates the stable property of the tropical cyclone (TC) maximum potential intensity (MPI) equilibrium under the wind-induced surface heat exchange feedback was recently presented by Kieu. In this study, an alternative TC-scale model that allows for the gradient wind imbalance in the planetary boundary layer is proposed to further examine the stability of the MPI equilibrium. Despite different balanced assumptions, it is shown that the new TC-scale model possesses a similar MPI equilibrium with the same asymptotic stability. The structurally stable property of the MPI equilibrium is held for a range of the model parameters, regardless of the model initial conditions or numerical configurations. In addition, an explicit dependence of the MPI on the environmental lapse rate is obtained from the new TC-scale model, which reveals subtle impacts of the tropospheric stratification on TC intensity beyond the traditional MPI framework. The existence and interpretation of two distinct time scales during TC development will be also discussed.
The Effect of Boreal Late Autumn Snow Cover over Western and Central China on the Northern Hemisphere Wintertime Blocking Frequency
Authors: Choi Yeon-Woo , Ahn Joong-Bae
Published: August 2017

The impact of snow cover in western and central China during late autumn on wintertime blocking occurrence is investigated using reanalysis data. The study results show that wintertime atmospheric circulations affected by late autumn snow cover anomalies form favorable conditions for increased blocking frequency (BF), especially in the North Pacific and North Atlantic. Evidence is also presented that the stratosphere–troposphere interactions are the key mechanism of the lag response of wintertime North Pacific and North Atlantic BFs to the late autumn snow cover. That is, positive anomalous snow cover can induce a dipole anomaly in the geopotential height field over the lower stratosphere, due to the decrease of the 300–1000-hPa thickness and the concurrent variation between the East Asian plateau jet and the polar front jet. The associated positive geopotential height anomalies are located over northwestern Eurasia. Meanwhile, western and central China shows remarkably negative geopotential height anomalies. Also, the corresponding atmospheric circulation in the lower stratosphere increases the Eliassen–Palm flux that propagates into the stratosphere through the constructive interference between the forced and climatological waves. The upward wave activity fluxes collapse the polar vortex in the stratosphere, resulting in the downward propagation of the geopotential and wind anomalies from the stratosphere. Consequently, the decreased zonal wind speed in the upper layer of the blocking region forms conditions favorable for wintertime blocking.
The Presence of The Analyst in Lacanian Treatment
Authors: Cauwe Joachim , Vanheule Stijn , Desmet Mattias
Published: August 2017

Transference implies the actualization of the analyst in the analytic encounter. Lacan developed this idea through the syntagm presence of the analyst. In the course of his seminars, however, two completely different presences emerge, with major implications for how the treatment is directed. In the light of Lacan’s idea that the transference is constituted in Real, Symbolic, and Imaginary dimensions, it can be seen how in his early work the analyst’s presence is a phenomenon at the crossroads between signifiers and images. From the 1960s onward, however, the analyst’s presence comes to necessarily involve the Real. This means it points to the moment at which symbolization reaches its limits. The clinical implications of this later interpretation of the presence of the analyst as incorporating the Real are manifold and affect psychoanalytic practice with regard to the position and the interventions of the analyst. Specifically, interventions targeted at provoking changes in defenses against experiences of excess or senselessness are discussed and illustrated with case vignettes and a published case. With transference considered “the navel of the treatment,” the necessity that traumatic material will emerge in relation to the analyst becomes clear.
A needs assessment for school social workers in Sierra Leone
Authors: Bulanda Jeffrey J , Jalloh Sulaiman
Published: August 2017

This study explored social-emotional needs of pupils in Sierra Leone and supportive services that could address those needs. A total of 135 teachers and school administrators were surveyed. Descriptive statistics and themes from qualitative data are presented. Recommendations are made to deploy school social workers in Sierra Leone to (1) facilitate individual education planning, (2) counsel school pupils, (3) consult with school staff, (4) engage parents in the education of their children, and (5) serve as a liaison with community stakeholders. Sierra Leonean social workers should be capacitated to integrate international best practices with local knowledge to ensure culturally competent practice.
Longitudinal Effects of Personality on Physical Activity Among College Students: Examining Executive Function as a Potential Moderator
Authors: Joyner Chelsea , Loprinzi Paul D.
Published: August 2017

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between personality and physical activity, with a specific focus on whether executive function moderates this relationship.

Methods

One hundred twenty-six young adults provided complete data at baseline and the five-month follow-up assessment. Executive function was assessed via the parametric Go/No-Go computer task; outcome measures of parametric Go/No-Go were mean reaction time and percent of correct target detection across executive function tasks (simple rule and repeating rule). Personality and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were assessed via validated questionnaires; one-week test–retest was established on a random sample of the participants, with pedometry employed in the subsample.

Results

Individuals with a higher baseline conscientiousness personality type had greater five-month follow-up moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (β = 18.5; 95% confidence interval: 5.3, 31.7; p = .006). There was no evidence of an interaction effect for personality trait and executive function on five-month follow-up moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Conclusion

The personality trait conscientiousness was associated with greater moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. However, there was no evidence to suggest that executive function moderates the role between personality and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Thus, if confirmed by future work, personality may exert its effects on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity independent of executive function level.
The Effects of Residential Mobility on the Education Outcomes of Urban Middle School Students and the Moderating Potential of Civic Engagement
Authors: Voight Adam , Giraldo-García Regina , Shinn Marybeth
Published: August 2017

Residential mobility is associated with negative education outcomes for urban students, but there is little empirical evidence for school factors that may ameliorate these effects. One such factor may be civic engagement at school. This study analyzed data from 2,000 urban middle school students to examine the interplay of residential mobility, education outcomes, and school civic engagement. Findings show that students who change residences have lower academic achievement and rates of attendance and that mobile students who are leaders in school groups and attend afterschool programs have more positive education outcomes compared with their mobile peers who are uninvolved.
Does Propofol Sedation Contribute to Overall Energy Provision in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Adults? A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Hastings Jennifer , Ridley Emma J. , Bianchet Oliver , Roodenburg Owen , Levkovich Bianca , Scheinkestel Carlos , Pilcher David , Udy Andrew
Published: August 2017

Background: Propofol sedation is common in critically ill patients, providing energy of 1.1 kcal/mL when administered as a 1% solution. We aimed to determine the proportion of energy administered as propofol on days 1–5 in the intensive care unit (ICU) and any association with outcomes. Methods: Retrospective observational study in a quaternary ICU from January–December 2012. Inclusion criteria were length of stay (LOS) ≥5 days, age ≥18 years, and provision of mechanical ventilation (MV) for ≥5 days. Outcome measures included proportion of total daily energy provided as propofol, overall energy balance, hospital mortality, duration of MV, and ICU LOS. Results: Data from 370 patients were analyzed, 87.8% (n = 325) of whom received propofol during days 1–5 in ICU. A median [interquartile range (IQR)] of 119 [50–730] kcal was provided as propofol per patient‐day. Proportion of energy provided by propofol as a percentage of total energy delivered was 55.4%, 15.4%, 9.3%, 7.9%, and 9.9% days 1–5, respectively. Patients administered propofol received a greater proportion of their total daily energy prescription compared with those who were not (P < .01). Proportion of energy provided as propofol was not significantly different based on hospital mortality (P = .62), duration of MV (P = .50), or ICU LOS (P = .15). Conclusion: Propofol contributes to overall energy intake on days 1–5 of ICU admission. Energy balance was higher in those receiving propofol. No association was found between the proportion of energy delivered as propofol and outcomes.
Reconstructing collective professional identity: A case study of a women’s journalist association in the post–second-wave feminist movement in the United States
Authors: Jenkins Joy , Volz Yong , Finneman Teri , Park Youn-Joo , Sorbelli Katherine
Published: August 2017

This study explores the relationship between social movements and professions by focusing on the development of women journalist associations in the post-feminist era in the United States. The analysis focuses on the case of the US-based organization Journalism and Women Symposium (JAWS) using 41 oral history interviews with JAWS members and archival research. The results illustrate how the members of JAWS defined, contested, and negotiated the collective identity of their organization as well as the meaning of women journalists more broadly.
Media events in contexts of transition: sites of hope, disruption and protest
Authors: Evans Martha
Published: August 2017

This article looks briefly at the past and current role played by Dayan and Katz’s media events in South Africa and speculates about their potential future. While in the past, media events have played a pivotal role in the post-apartheid state’s nation-building project, current events suggest a more frissured socio-political landscape, with three likely manifestations of the media event. The first is the enduring integrative and hope-filled event, which audiences still desire and support. The second is the disruptive, non-integrative event and the third is the hijacked media event, which see media events being targeted as sites of protest.
No belief propagation required: Belief space planning in high-dimensional state spaces via factor graphs, the matrix determinant lemma, and re-use of calculation
Authors: Kopitkov Dmitry , Indelman Vadim
Published: August 2017

We develop a computationally efficient approach for evaluating the information-theoretic term within belief space planning (BSP), where during belief propagation the state vector can be constant or augmented. We consider both unfocused and focused problem settings, whereas uncertainty reduction of the entire system or only of chosen variables is of interest, respectively. State-of-the-art approaches typically propagate the belief state, for each candidate action, through calculation of the posterior information (or covariance) matrix and subsequently compute its determinant (required for entropy). In contrast, our approach reduces runtime complexity by avoiding these calculations. We formulate the problem in terms of factor graphs and show that belief propagation is not needed, requiring instead a one-time calculation that depends on (the increasing with time) state dimensionality, and per-candidate calculations that are independent of the latter. To that end, we develop an augmented version of the matrix determinant lemma, and show that computations can be re-used when evaluating impact of different candidate actions. These two key ingredients and the factor graph representation of the problem result in a computationally efficient (augmented) BSP approach that accounts for different sources of uncertainty and can be used with various sensing modalities. We examine the unfocused and focused instances of our approach, and compare it with the state of the art, in simulation and using real-world data, considering problems such as autonomous navigation in unknown environments, measurement selection and sensor deployment. We show that our approach significantly reduces running time without any compromise in performance.
Willful Versus Woeful Underemployment: Perceived Volition and Social Class Background Among Overqualified College Graduates
Authors: Steffy Kody
Published: August 2017

This article challenges a key assumption of underemployment scholarship: that the modal underemployed worker is involuntarily underemployed. Drawing from in-depth interviews, the author analyzes one particular type of underemployment: overqualification among college graduates. Findings demonstrate (a) that workers differ markedly in their perceptions of overqualification, (b) that these perceptions create distinct overqualification experiences, and (c) that these experiences vary by social class background. While some respondents report being overqualified at no choice of their own and are struggling to find better work, many others narrate their overqualification experience as voluntary. Among these graduates, who are likely to come from middle-class backgrounds, some understand overqualification as a temporary period of exploration; others think of it as potentially permanent and see themselves as opting out of the typical postcollege career path. Importantly, typical factors that have been analyzed as consequences of overqualification (job dissatisfaction and distress) covary with perceptions, such that the most negative outcomes tend to be among the disproportionately working-class graduates who view themselves as involuntarily underemployed.
The Characteristics of Chinese Adolescents With Suicidal Ideation: A Mixed-Methods Approach
Authors: Li Dan , Zhang Rongwei , Liu Shihong , Liu Junsheng , Zhang Ting
Published: August 2017

We conducted a mixed-methods study to explore the characteristics of Chinese adolescents with suicidal ideation, using both quantitative and qualitative data and analysis. Participants were N = 244 adolescents, who completed self-report assessments of suicidal ideation, as well as indices of psychological functioning and well-being. A subset of n = 6 high and n = 6 low suicidal ideation adolescents participated in the follow-up interviews. Among the quantitative results, as compared with adolescents with low suicidal ideation, adolescents with high suicidal ideation reported significantly higher scores for stressful life events, coping-avoidant strategies, loneliness, and depression, as well as significantly lower scores for coping-approach strategies. Among the qualitative results, adolescents with high suicidal ideation demonstrated the following characteristics: (a) most troubled by academic pressures and relations, (b) negative self-evaluations, (c) maladaptive understanding of life and death, (d) individual-oriented attributions, and (e) negative coping strategies and self-fulfilling prophesy. These findings contribute to the early identification of adolescents who are at higher risk for suicide, further expand the stress and coping model with the distress-to-meaninglessness framework, and suggest that improving positive self-evaluation may be a focus of prevention and intervention.
Transient aerodynamics simulations of a road vehicle in the crosswind condition coupled with the vehicle’s motion
Authors: Huang Taiming , Gu Zhengqi , Feng Chengjie , Zeng Wei
Published: August 2017

The influence of transient aerodynamics on a vehicle in a crosswind and the effect on the vehicle’s motion are investigated by employing fully coupled simulations. The fully coupled method makes the simulation data on the fluid dynamics and on the vehicle dynamics exchange in time. LES are used to investigate the movement of the transient turbulence, and wind tunnel experiments are carried out to validate the numerical method. The vehicle is simplified as a three-degree-of-freedom system which moves in only the horizontal direction. The driver’s reaction is considered when the motion of the vehicle is simulated. The results of fully coupled simulations show that the transient aerodynamic loads have a marked influence on the motion of the vehicle. The transitional method of one-way coupled simulations is also employed to obtain data. The simulation results for the two methods are compared with each other. It is found that there is large difference between the results of the two methods. The maximum side force in fully coupled simulations is about 1.22 times the value obtained by the transitional method, and there is a 0.2 m discrepancy between the peak value of the lateral displacement in fully coupled simulations and the peak value in the transitional method. The results show that the transient aerodynamic loads induced by the unsteady motion of the vehicle have a larger effect on the vehicle’s motion than do the aerodynamic loads from the transitional method. Furthermore, the results also reflect the significance of estimating the transient aerodynamic loads in simulations of the vehicle’s motion.
High prevalence of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections among human immunodeficiency virus-infected pregnant women in a low-income South African community
Authors: Mudau Maanda , Peters Remco P , De Vos Lindsey , Olivier Dawie H , J Davey Dvora , Mkwanazi Edwin S , McIntyre James A , Klausner Jeffrey D , Medina-Marino Andrew
Published: August 2017

There is a lack of evidence on the burden of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) among HIV-infected pregnant women in South Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of HIV-infected pregnant women in two healthcare facilities in a South African township to determine the prevalence of CT, NG and TV. HIV-infected pregnant women were recruited during the first antenatal care visit for their current pregnancy and requested to self-collect vulvovaginal swab specimens. Specimens were tested for CT, NG and TV using the Xpert® assay (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA). Of 247 tested for CT, NG and TV, 47.8% tested positive for at least one organism; CT = 36.8%, TV = 23.9%, NG = 6.9%. Forty three (17.4%) had multiple infections, of which 42 included CT as one of the infecting organisms. Of the 118 participants who tested positive for at least one sexually transmitted infection (STI), 23.7% reported STI-like symptoms. Among women who tested positive for CT, 29.7% reported symptoms while 47.1 and 27.1% of those who tested positive for NG and TV, respectively, reported symptoms. The high STI prevalence coupled with the low symptom prevalence among infected individuals justifies the use of diagnostic screening approaches rather than syndromic management of STIs in this setting.
Vitamin D receptor gene FokI polymorphism in Egyptian children and adolescents with SLE: A case-control study
Authors: Imam A A , Ibrahim H E , Farghaly M A A , Alkholy U M , Gawish H H , Abdalmonem N , Sherif A M , Ali Y F , Hamed M E , Waked N M , Fathy M M , Khalil A M , Noah M A , Hegab M S , Ibrahim B R , Nabil R M , Fattah L A
Published: August 2017

Background

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is a lifelong autoimmune disorder. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene is a potential candidate gene for cSLE susceptibility. In this study, we aimed to investigate the FokI polymorphism in the VDR gene in Egyptian children and adolescents with SLE, to determine whether this polymorphism could be a genetic marker for cSLE susceptibility or disease activity and we also measured the serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] to assess its relation to such polymorphism.

Methods

This was a case-control study, which included 300 patients with cSLE and 300 age, sex, and ethnicity-matched healthy controls. All participants were genotyped for the VDR gene FokI (rs2228570) polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), while the serum [25(OH) D] levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

The VDR FokI FF genotype and F allele were overrepresented among cSLE patients compared with the controls, [odds ratio (OR) = 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–4.4 for the FF genotype; p = 0.000; and OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.27–2.05 for the F allele; p = 0.000, respectively]. We found a significant association between VDR FokI FF genotype with lupus nephritis (OR: 4.8; 95% CI: 2.2–10.6; p = 0.002); and high disease activity index score ( p = 0.01).

Conclusions

The FokI polymorphism in the VDR gene may contribute to susceptibility to SLE in Egyptian children and adolescents. Moreover, the FF genotype constituted a risk factor for the development of lupus nephritis and was associated with low serum [25(OH) D] levels as well as higher disease activity index score among studied patients with cSLE.