bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Interferons in the Development of Diagnostics, Vaccines, and Therapy for Tuberculosis
Authors: Chin Kai Ling , Anis Fadhilah Zulkipli , Sarmiento Maria E. , Norazmi Mohd Nor , Acosta Armando
Published: June 2017

Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infection caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb). About one-third of the world’s population is latently infected with TB and 5–15% of them will develop active TB in their lifetime. It is estimated that each case of active TB may cause 10–20 new infections. Host immune response to Mtb is influenced by interferon- (IFN-) signaling pathways, particularly by type I and type II interferons (IFNs). The latter that consists of IFN-γhas been associated with the promotion of Th1 immune response which is associated with protection against TB. Although this aspect remains controversial at present due to the lack of established correlates of protection, currently, there are different prophylactic, diagnostic, and immunotherapeutic approaches in which IFNs play an important role. This review summarizes the main aspects related with the biology of IFNs, mainly associated with TB, as well as presents the main applications of these cytokines related to prophylaxis, diagnosis, and immunotherapy of TB.
Astragalus Extract Mixture HT042 Increases Longitudinal Bone Growth Rate by Upregulating Circulatory IGF‐1 in Rats
Authors: Lee Donghun , Lee Sung Hyun , Lee Yoon Hee , Song Jungbin , Kim Hocheol
Published: June 2017

Astragalus extract mixture HT042 is a standardized ingredient of health functional food approved by Korean FDA with a claim of “height growth of children.” HT042 stimulates bone growth rate and increases local IGF‐1 expression in growth plate of rats which can be considered as direct stimulation of GH and its paracrine/autocrine actions. However, it remains unclear whether HT042 stimulates circulatory IGF‐1 which also plays a major role to stimulate bone growth. To determine the effects on circulatory IGF‐1, IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 expressions and phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT5 were evaluated in the liver after 10 days of HT042 administration. HT042 upregulated liver IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 mRNA expression, IGF‐1 protein expression, and phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT5. HT042 also increased bone growth rate and proliferative zonal height in growth plate. In conclusion, HT042 stimulates bone growth rate via increment of proliferative rate by upregulation of liver IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 mRNA followed by IGF‐1 protein expression through phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT5, which can be regarded as normal functioning of GH‐dependent endocrine pathway.
Evaluation of Bleb Morphology and Reduction in IOP and Glaucoma Medication following Implantation of a Novel Gel Stent
Authors: Fea Antonio Maria , Spinetta Roberta , Cannizzo Paola Maria Loredana , Consolandi Giulia , Lavia Carlo , Aragno Vittoria , Germinetti Francesco , Rolle Teresa
Published: June 2017

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Xen Gel Stent and provide a macro- and microscopic analyses of bleb morphology. Methods. A prospective 12-month study on patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. Patients underwent implantation of the XEN Gel Stent (Allergan INC, Dublin, Ireland) either alone or combined with a cataract surgery. Biomicroscopy, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) were used to assess bleb morphology. Safety parameters were adverse events, best corrected visual acuity, visual field, and corneal endothelial cell loss. A postoperative IOP ≤ 18 mmHg without or on medications was respectively defined as complete and qualified success while an IOP ≥ 18 mmHg was defined as failure. Results. Twelve eyes of 11 patients were evaluated. At one year, 5 out of 10 patients available achieved a complete success while five were qualified success. AS-OCT showed that bleb wall reflectivity was significantly higher in the failure group; IVCM revealed that stromal density was significantly lower in the success group. No safety issues were recorded. Conclusion. Implantation of the XEN Gel Stent appears to be a safe and effective procedure. AS-OCT and IVCM may be helpful in bleb assessment.
Myricitrin Modulates NADPH Oxidase‐Dependent ROS Production to Inhibit Endotoxin‐Mediated Inflammation by Blocking the JAK/STAT1 and NOX2/p47phox Pathways
Authors: Qi Shimei , Feng Zunyong , Li Qiang , Qi Zhilin , Zhang Yao
Published: June 2017

Myricitrin, a naturally occurring polyphenol hydroxy flavonoid, has been reported to possess anti‐inflammatory properties. However, the precise molecular mechanism of myricitrin’s effects on LPS‐induced inflammation is unclear. In the present study, myricitrin significantly alleviated acute lung injury in mice. Myricitrin also markedly suppressed the production of NO, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and MCP‐1 in RAW264.7 macrophage cells. The inhibition of NO was concomitant with a decrease in the protein and mRNA levels of iNOS. The phosphorylation of JAKs and STAT‐1 was abrogated by myricitrin. Furthermore, myricitrin inhibited the nuclear transfer and DNA binding activity of STAT1. The JAK‐specific inhibitor ruxolitinib simulated the anti‐inflammatory effect of myricitrin. However, myricitrin had no impact on the MAPK signalling pathway. Myricitrin attenuated the generation of intracellular ROS by inhibiting the assembly of components of the gp91phox and p47phox. Suppression of ROS generation using NAC or apocynin or by silencing gp91phox and p47phox all demonstrated that decreasing the level of ROS inhibited the LPS‐induced inflammatory response. Collectively, these results confirmed that myricitrin exhibited anti‐inflammatory activity by blocking the activation of JAKs and the downstream transcription factor STAT1, which may result from the downregulation of NOX2‐dependent ROS production mediated by myricitrin.
Glucose Catabolism in Liver Tumors Induced by c-MYC Can Be Sustained by Various PKM1/PKM2 Ratios and Pyruvate Kinase Activities
Authors: Méndez-Lucas Andrés , Li Xiaolei , Hu Junjie , Che Li , Song Xinhua , Jia Jiaoyuan , Wang Jingxiao , Xie Chencheng , Driscoll Paul C. , Tschaharganeh Darjus F. , Calvisi Diego F. , Yuneva Mariia , Chen Xin
Published: June 2017

Different pyruvate kinase isoforms are expressed in a tissue-specific manner, with pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) suggested to be the predominant isoform in proliferating cells and cancer cells. Because of differential regulation of enzymatic activities, PKM2, but not PKM1, has been thought to favor cell proliferation. However, the role of PKM2 in tumorigenesis has been recently challenged. Here we report that increased glucose catabolism through glycolysis and increased pyruvate kinase activity in c-MYC-driven liver tumors are associated with increased expression of both PKM1 and PKM2 isoforms and decreased expression of the liver-specific isoform of pyruvate kinase, PKL. Depletion of PKM2 at the time of c-MYC overexpression in murine livers did not affect c-MYC–induced tumorigenesis and resulted in liver tumor formation with decreased pyruvate kinase activity and decreased catabolism of glucose into alanine and the Krebs cycle. An increased PKM1/PKM2 ratio by ectopic PKM1 expression further decreased glucose flux into serine biosynthesis and increased flux into lactate and the Krebs cycle, resulting in reduced total levels of serine. However, these changes also did not affect c-MYC–induced liver tumor development. These results suggest that increased expression of PKM2 is not required to support c-MYC–induced tumorigenesis in the liver and that various PKM1/PKM2 ratios and pyruvate kinase activities can sustain glucose catabolism required for this process. Cancer Res; 77(16); 4355–64. ©2017 AACR.
Children with a Higher Activity of Carbonic Anhydrase VI in Saliva Are More Likely to Develop Dental Caries
Authors: Picco Daniele de Cassia Rodrigues , Lopes Lenita Marangoni , Rocha Marques Marcelo , Line Sergio Roberto Peres , Parisotto Thaís Manzano , Nobre dos Santos Marinês
Published: June 2017

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the concentration and activity of carbonic anhydrase (CA) VI in the saliva of school children. We investigated the relationship among caries, CA VI concentration/activity, flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity. Materials and Methods: Seventy-four school children were divided into a caries-free group and a caries group. Clinical examinations were conducted by one examiner according to World Health Organization criteria + early caries lesions. Salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity were analyzed. Salivary CA VI concentration and activity were evaluated by ELISA and zymography, respectively. The data were analyzed using Student's t test and the Mann-Whitney test, and Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses were also done. In multivariate modeling, associations between variables were expressed as odds ratios. Results: The results showed that salivary flow rate, salivary pH, and BC were significantly higher in the saliva of caries-free children. Also, the salivary CA VI concentration was significantly higher in the saliva of caries-free children. The salivary CA VI activity was higher in children with caries. We found a negative correlation between BC and dental caries. Also, in the caries group we found a positive correlation between the concentration and the activity of CA VI and a negative correlation between BC and CA VI activity. A negative correlation between salivary pH and CA VI concentration was observed in the caries-free group. A high activity of CA and a low salivary flow rate were associated with dental caries. Conclusion: These results support the conclusion that dental caries is highly affected by the activity of CA VI in saliva as well as by the salivary flow rate.
Incidence and Characteristics of Congenital Cataract Surgery in France from 2010 to 2012: The EPISAFE Program
Authors: Daien Vincent , Le Pape Annick , Heve Didier , Villain Max , Bremond Gignac Dominique ,   on behalf of the Collaborators of the Epidemiology and Safety Program (EPISAFE)
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Prevention of visual impairment due to congenital cataract is an international priority as part of VISION 2020 - The Right to Sight, the joint initiative of the World Health Organization and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. The present study is part of the Epidemiology and Safety (EPISAFE) collaborative program aiming at assessing the epidemiology and safety of interventions in ophthalmology. Methods: All children who underwent cataract surgery before the age of 1 year in France between January 2010 and December 2012 were identiﬁed by using the Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information. Results: In 3 years, 532 children (699 eyes; 46.6% girls) had cataract surgery before the age of 1 year; 31.4% had bilateral surgery. During the first year of life, the incidence of cataract surgery was 2.15/10,000 births. The median (interquartile range) age at surgery was 3.5 (2.2-4.8) months for children with unilateral cataract and 4.0 (2.2-7.2) months for children with bilateral cataract. Of the 699 operated eyes, 76.49% received intraocular lens implantation during the cataract surgery. Conclusions: The incidence of congenital cataract surgery observed in France is close to that in the literature in the industrialized world, which is estimated at 1-3/10,000 births. The timing of surgery is critical for visual development. Surgery was performed younger in children with monocular cataracts than in those with bilateral cataracts.
Combined Stimulation with Interleukin-18 and Interleukin-12 Potently Induces Interleukin-8 Production by Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Poznanski Sophie M. , Lee Amanda J. , Nham Tina , Lusty Evan , Larché Margaret J. , Lee Dean A. , Ashkar Ali A.
Published: June 2017

The combination of interleukin (IL)-18 and IL-12 (IL-18+IL-12) potently stimulates natural killer (NK) cells, triggering an innate immune response to infections and cancers. Strategies exploiting the effects of IL-18+IL-12 have shown promise for cancer immunotherapy. However, studies have primarily characterized the NK cell response to IL-18+IL-12 in terms of interferon (IFN)-γ production, with little focus on other cytokines produced. IL-8 plays a critical role in activating and recruiting immune cells, but it also has tumor-promoting functions. IL-8 is classically produced by regulatory NK cells; however, cytotoxic NK cells do not typically produce IL-8. In this study, we uncover that stimulation with IL-18+IL-12 induces high levels of IL-8 production by ex vivo expanded and freshly isolated NK cells and NK cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We further report that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, produced by NK cells following IL-18+IL-12 stimulation, regulates IL-8 production. The IL-8 produced is in turn required for maximal IFN-γ and TNF-α production. These findings may have important implications for the immune response to infections and cancer immunotherapies. This study broadens our understanding of NK cell function and IL-18+IL-12 synergy by uncovering an unprecedented ability of IL-18+IL-12-activated peripheral blood NK cells to produce elevated levels of IL-8 and identifying the requirement for intermediates induced by IL-18+IL-12 for maximal cytokine production following stimulation.
Multifactorial Analysis of a Biomarker Pool for Alzheimer Disease Risk in a North Indian Population
Authors: Talwar Puneet , Grover Sandeep , Sinha Juhi , Chandna Puneet , Agarwal Rachna , Kushwaha Suman , Kukreti Ritushree
Published: June 2017

Background: Alzheimer disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with a complex multifactorial etiology. Here, we aim to identify a biomarker pool comprised of genetic variants and blood biomarkers as predictor of AD risk. Methods: We performed a case-control study involving 108 cases and 159 non-demented healthy controls to examine the association of multiple biomarkers with AD risk. Results: The APOE genotyping revealed that ε4 allele frequency was significantly high (p value = 0.0001, OR = 2.66, 95% CI 1.58-4.46) in AD as compared to controls, whereas ε2 (p = 0.0430, OR = 0.29, CI 0.07-1.10) was overrepresented in controls. In biochemical assays, significant differences in levels of total copper, free copper, zinc, copper/zinc ratio, iron, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), leptin, and albumin were also observed. The AD risk score (ADRS) as a linear combination of 6 candidate markers involving age, education status, APOE ε4 allele, levels of iron, Cu/Zn ratio, and EGFR was created using stepwise linear discriminant analysis. The area under the ROC curve of the ADRS panel for predicting AD risk was significantly high (AUC = 0.84, p < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.78-0.89, sensitivity = 70.0%, specificity = 83.8%) compared to individual parameters. Conclusion: These findings support the multifactorial etiology of AD and demonstrate the ability of a panel involving 6 biomarkers to discriminate AD cases from non-demented healthy controls.
Tumor-Associated Macrophages in the Development of 4-Nitroquinoline-1-Oxide-Induced Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Mouse Model
Authors: Miki Kentaro , Orita Yorihisa , Gion Yuka , Takao Soshi , Ohno Kyotaro , Takeuchi Mai , Ito Toshihiro , Minoura Akira , Tachibana Tomoyasu , Marunaka Hidenori , Makino Takuma , Matsukawa Akihiro , Nishizaki Kazunori , Yoshino Tadashi , Sato Yasuharu
Published: June 2017

Objective: We aimed to determine the distribution of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the development of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and to elucidate the role of TAMs in the progression of tongue SCC. Methods: The expression of the macrophage markers nitric oxide synthase, Retnla, and mannose receptor 1 in the development of tongue SCC was longitudinally observed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, an immunohistochemical study using an anti-mannose receptor (MR) antibody was performed. Results: The numbers of both of M1 and M2 macrophages in the tongues of mice treated with 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO) were significantly lower compared with those of normal tongues. The cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor did not prevent cancer progression and did not affect the total number of macrophages in the tongues of 4NQO-treated mice. In the immunohistochemical studies, MR staining was observed in lymphangioendothelium in the subepithelial area of the tongues. The staining intensity of the MR was significantly stronger in the 4NQO-treated mice compared with that in control mice and 4NQO-treated mice treated with the COX-2 inhibitor. Conclusion: TAMs may not contribute to the development of 4NQO-induced tongue SCC. MR expression is associated with the progression of 4NQO-induced tongue SCC.
Malaria Fever Therapy for General Paralysis of the Insane: A Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Daey Ouwens Ingrid M. , Lens C. Elisabeth , Fiolet Aernoud T.L. , Ott Alewijn , Koehler Peter J. , Kager Piet A. , Verhoeven Willem M.A.
Published: June 2017

Background/Aims: This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first malaria fever treatment (MFT) given to patients with general paralysis of the insane (GPI) by the Austrian psychiatrist and later Nobel laureate, Julius Wagner-Jauregg. In 1921 Wagner-Jauregg reported an impressive therapeutic success of MFT and it became the standard treatment for GPI worldwide. In this study, MFT practice in the Dutch Vincent van Gogh psychiatric hospital in GPI patients who had been admitted in the period 1924-1954 is explored. Methods: To identify patients with GPI, cause-of-death statistics was used. Data on MFT were retrieved from annual hospital reports and individual patient records. Results: Data on MFT were mentioned in the records of 43 out of 105 GPI patients. MFT was practiced in a wide range of patients with GPI, including those with disease duration of more than 1 year, up to 70 years of age, and those with a broad array of symptoms and comorbidities, such as (syphilitic) cardiac disease. Inoculation with malaria was done by patient-to-patient transmission of infected blood. Conclusions: MFT practice and mortality rates in MFT-treated patients correspond to similar findings worldwide. MFT was well tolerated and MFT-treated patients had a significantly longer survival.
Patient-Specific Drug Screening Using a Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Model of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Type 2
Authors: Maizels Leonid , Huber Irit , Arbel Gil , Tijsen Anke J. , Gepstein Amira , Khoury Asaad , Gepstein Lior
Published: June 2017

Background—

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia type 2 (CPVT2) results from autosomal recessive
CASQ2
mutations, causing abnormal Ca
2+
-handling and malignant ventricular arrhythmias. We aimed to establish a patient-specific human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) model of CPVT2 and to use the generated hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes to gain insights into patient-specific disease mechanism and pharmacotherapy.

Methods and Results—

hiPSC cardiomyocytes were derived from a CPVT2 patient (D307H-
CASQ2
mutation) and from healthy controls. Laser-confocal Ca
2+
and voltage imaging showed significant Ca
2+
-transient irregularities, marked arrhythmogenicity manifested by early afterdepolarizations and triggered arrhythmias, and reduced threshold for store overload–induced Ca
2+
-release events in the CPVT2-hiPSC cardiomyocytes when compared with healthy control cells. Pharmacological studies revealed the prevention of adrenergic-induced arrhythmias by β-blockers (propranolol and carvedilol), flecainide, and the neuronal sodium-channel blocker riluzole; a direct antiarrhythmic action of carvedilol (independent of its α/β-adrenergic blocking activity), flecainide, and riluzole; and suppression of abnormal Ca
2+
cycling by the ryanodine stabilizer JTV-519 and carvedilol. Mechanistic insights were gained on the different antiarrhythmic actions of the aforementioned drugs, with carvedilol and JTV-519 (but not flecainide or riluzole) acting primarily through sarcoplasmic reticulum stabilization. Finally, comparable outcomes were found between flecainide and labetalol antiarrhythmic effects in vitro and the clinical results in the same patient.

Conclusions—

These results demonstrate the ability of hiPSCs cardiomyocytes to recapitulate CPVT2 disease phenotype and drug response in the culture dish, to provide novel insights into disease and drug therapy mechanisms, and potentially to tailor patient-specific drug therapy.
Short Telomeres, but Not Telomere Attrition Rates, Are Associated With Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Toupance Simon , Labat Carlos , Temmar Mohamed , Rossignol Patrick , Kimura Masayuki , Aviv Abraham , Benetos Athanase
Published: June 2017

Short telomeres are associated with atherosclerosis. However, the temporal relationship between atherosclerosis and telomere length is unclear. The objective of this work was to examine the temporal formation and progression of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in relation to telomere dynamics. In a longitudinal study, comprising 154 French men and women (aged 31–76 years at baseline), carotid plaques were quantified by echography, and telomere length on leucocytes was measured by Southern blots at baseline and follow-up examinations. Telomere attrition rates during the 9.5-year follow-up period were not different in individuals with plaques at both baseline and follow-up examinations (23.3±2.0 base pairs/y) than in individuals who developed plaques during the follow-up period (26.5±2.0 base pairs/y) and those without plaques at either baseline or follow-up examination (22.5±2.3 base pairs/y;
P
=0.79). At baseline, telomere length was associated with presence of carotid plaques (
P
=0.02) and with the number of regions with plaques (
P
=0.005). An interaction (
P
=0.03) between age and the presence of plaques was observed, such that the association between plaques and telomere length was more pronounced at a younger age. In conclusion, carotid atherosclerosis is not associated with increased telomere attrition during a 9.5-year follow-up period. Short telomere length is more strongly associated with early-onset than late-onset carotid atherosclerosis. Our results support the thesis that heightened telomere attrition during adult life might not explain the short telomeres observed in subjects with atherosclerotic disease. Rather, short telomeres antecedes the clinical manifestation of the disease.
Becoming.a(Thing): An Artists’ Perspective on High-Performance Computing
Authors: Petrič Špela , Turšič Miha
Published: June 2017

This article summarizes the process and outcome of the Future Emerging Art and Technology residency during which new media artists Špela Petrič and Miha Turšič undertook the challenge of understanding and manifesting the artistic potential of high-performance computing (HPC). As a result of the collaboration with FET HPC the artists developed a concept liberated from complex computational technicity to underscore the (un)intentional construction of meaning by algorithmic agencies. The performance presents a congress of actors sensing, interrogating and interrupting each other, thereby producing an excess of relation, interpretation and translation. The heterogeneous congress performs an expulsion of imposed (anthropogenic) meaning, substituted by authentic, autogenic sense and non-sense.
Truth Emerging from Leading-Edge Art/Science/Technology Interaction
Authors: Prem Erich
Published: June 2017

The FEAT initiative organized and studied residencies of leading international artists in European Future and Emerging Technology projects. During the residencies, the artists closely collaborated with engineers and scientists on fundamental research in visionary areas of novel technologies, not solely as an artistic endeavor, but also to investigate effects of artistic engagement on technoscience. Effects of the collaboration are visible on many levels, including addressing fundamental questions about the technoscientific project objectives, ethical aspects and the aesthetics of scientific experiments. Interactions also resulted in long-term collaborations and opportunities for scientists to engage with artists in a shared effort to uncover truth.
What’s Art Got to Do with It? Reflecting on Bioart and Ethics from the Experience of the Trust Me, I’m an Artist Project
Authors: Bureaud Annick
Published: June 2017

Bioart and biomedical art are blossoming fields, with a whole new generation of artists, the DIYbio movement enabling more people to get involved, and discoveries in bioscience bringing in new challenges. Supported by the Creative Europe program of the European Commission Trust Me, I’m an Artist is a project initiated by artist Anna Dumitriu and ethicist Bobbie Farsides to provide a platform for discussing bioart and ethics, sharing knowledge and building capacity. This article reflects upon the author’s journey through the different art projects and how foregrounding ethics challenged her usual art critic approach.
Why Union Law Can and Should Protect Stateless Persons
Authors: Swider Katja , den Heijer Maarten
Published: June 2017

This contribution argues that the European Union can and should establish a legal framework for the identification and protection of stateless persons who reside in one of the Member States. Our proposal for eu legislative action is based on the worrying observation that the post-war international legal framework for protecting stateless persons has failed to take root in a majority of eu Member States. This contribution analyses the potential of the eu to address protection failures stemming from legislative inactivity of Member States. We argue that the eu is competent to address the issue and that eu action need not conflict with Member States’ prerogatives in nationality matters. The key elements of an eu directive on statelessness would consist of common criteria for i) a fair procedure for determining whether a person is stateless; ii) the standard of treatment to be accorded to stateless persons; and iii) the conditions of residence for stateless persons.
The Impact of the Economic Crisis on the Right to Health of Irregular Migrants, as Reflected in the Jurisprudence of the un Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
Authors: Angeleri Stefano
Published: June 2017

In response to the global financial and economic crisis, which began almost a decade ago, many European countries have adopted austerity measures aimed at curtailing public expenditure, which have negatively impacted the domestic realisation of the ‘European Social Model’. In particular, domestic policies on budget containment, and stricter controls on immigration have often curtailed the social right to healthcare for targeted categories of undesired migrants such as undocumented migrants. The aim of this paper is to assess whether the ‘narrative of the crisis’ has affected the interpretation of the right to health of undocumented migrants within the jurisprudence of the un Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. This research offers the opportunity to reflect upon the ‘consistent’ understanding and use of the concepts of ‘vulnerability’, ‘non-discrimination’, ‘core obligations’, and ‘austerity measures’, in relevant reporting material, when undocumented migrants’ access to, and level of, health care is concerned.
When to Believe Upon Insufficient Evidence: Three Criteria
Authors: Long Joseph W.
Published: June 2017

It seems to me that many of our deepest, most cherished, and most stalwart beliefs lack epistemic justification and yet I think we have the right to hold many of these beliefs. In this paper, I will discuss what I will call salutary beliefs and distinguish them from epistemically justified beliefs. Next, I will discuss under what conditions it is proper for us to hold salutary beliefs, and finally, I will argue, that despite the fact that they lack epistemic justification, we may be as entitled to holding some salutary beliefs (some religious beliefs included) as we are to holding epistemically justified ones.
Pragmatism: The Task before Us
Authors: Madelrieux Stéphane
Published: June 2017

Review of Colin Koopman’s Pragmatism as Transition. Historicity and Hope in James, Dewey and Rorty. The review stresses and discusses the implications of what is taken as the main thesis of the book, namely that the most useful way to understand pragmatism is to read it from the point of view of meliorism.
Taxonomic revision of the Dichotomius sericeus (Harold, 1867) species group (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)
Authors: VALOIS MARCELY C. , VAZ-DE-MELLO FERNANDO Z. , SILVA FERNANDO A. B.
Published: June 2017

The Dichotomius sericeus species group of the subgenus Luederwaldtinia is reviewed. This group comprises eight species endemic to the South American Atlantic forests, Caatinga and associated areas of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina: Dichotomius sericeus (Harold, 1867); Dichotomius irinus (Harold, 1867); Dichotomius laevicollis (Felsche, 1901); Dichotomius schiffleri Vaz-de-Mello, Gavino & Louzada, 2001; Dichotomius guaribensis sp. nov.; Dichotomius gilletti sp. nov; Dichotomius iannuzziae sp. nov; and Dichotomius catimbau sp. nov. Lectotypes are designated for D. sericeus (Harold, 1867), D. irinus (Harold, 1867), D. laevicollis (Felsche, 1901) and D.sericeus var. aterrimus (Luederwaldt, 1929) [here synonymized with D. sericeus]. In this revision each species is analyzed as follows: a detailed literature review, a diagnosis, description, illustrations of key morphological characters, list of material examined and a geographic distribution.
Neotype designation for Rhinogobius carpenteri Seale 1910, and its placement in Tukugobius Herre 1927 (Teleostei: Gobiidae)
Authors: ENDRUWEIT MARCO
Published: June 2017

In order to unravel the synonymy of Rhinogobius Gill 1859, a neotype for Rhinogobius carpenteri Seale 1910, type species of its oldest synonym, Tukugobius Herre 1927, is designated and described based on topotypic material. The genus Tukugobius is removed from the synonymy of Rhinogobius from which it is distinct in having a longitudinal cephalic lateralis system, a naked pectoral-fin base, the first dorsal fin supported by 7 pterygiophores, and the first pterygiophore of the second dorsal fin inserted in interneural space 9. Its type species further differs from other species of Philippine Tukugobius by the presence of a median naked strip along the belly.
A Synoptic Climatology of Northern Hemisphere, Cold Season Polar and Subtropical Jet Superposition Events
Authors: Christenson Croix E. , Martin Jonathan E. , Handlos Zachary J.
Published: June 2017

Narrow, tropopause-level wind speed maxima known as jet streams or jets are among the most ubiquitous structural characteristics of Earth’s atmosphere. Two species, the polar and subtropical jets, can be observed on any given day. The polar jet is tied, via eddy momentum flux convergence associated with extratropical wave development, to the troposphere-deep baroclinicity of the midlatitudes, while the subtropical jet is tied, by angular momentum constraints, to the poleward edge of the tropical Hadley cell. As a consequence of their different origins, the polar and subtropical jets are separated by both latitude and elevation. However, there are times when these two usually separate features become vertically superposed to form a single, intense jet core designated as a jet superposition or superposed jet. An objective method for identifying tropopause-level jets is employed in the construction of 50-yr cold season (November–March) synoptic climatologies of the Northern Hemisphere polar jet, subtropical jet, and jet superpositions. The analysis demonstrates that while superposition events are relatively rare, there are clear geographical maxima. Superpositions are most frequent in the western Pacific from December through February, with a secondary peak in southern North America and along its eastern seaboard. Consistent with expectations, the spatiotemporal maxima in jet superpositions appear to be coincident with maxima in the polar and subtropical jets.
Impact of the Montreal Protocol on Antarctic Surface Mass Balance and Implications for Global Sea Level Rise
Authors: Previdi Michael , Polvani Lorenzo M.
Published: June 2017

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, adopted in 1987, is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out emissions of chlorofluorocarbons and other ozone-depleting substances (ODSs). A growing body of scientific evidence now suggests that the implementation of the Montreal Protocol will have significant effects on climate over the next several decades, both by enabling stratospheric ozone recovery and by decreasing atmospheric concentrations of ODSs, which are greenhouse gases. Here, using a state-of-the-art chemistry–climate model, the Community Earth System Model (Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model) [CESM(WACCM)], it is shown that the Montreal Protocol, through its impact on atmospheric ODS concentrations, leads to a substantial decrease in Antarctic surface mass balance (SMB) over the period 2006–65 relative to a hypothetical “World Avoided” scenario in which the Montreal Protocol has not been implemented. This SMB decrease produces an additional 25 mm of global sea level rise (GSLR) by the year 2065 relative to the present day. It is found, however, that the additional GSLR resulting from the relative decrease in Antarctic SMB is more than offset by a reduction in ocean thermal expansion, leading to a net mitigation of future GSLR due to the Montreal Protocol.
Modulation of the Agulhas Current Retroflection and Leakage by Oceanic Current Interaction with the Atmosphere in Coupled Simulations
Authors: Renault Lionel , McWilliams James C. , Penven Pierrick
Published: June 2017

Coupled ocean–atmosphere simulations are carried out for the Mozambique Channel, the Agulhas Current system, and the Benguela upwelling system to assess the ocean surface current feedback to the atmosphere and its impact on the Agulhas Current (AC) retroflection and leakage. Consistent with previous studies, the authors show that the current feedback slows down the oceanic mean circulation and acts as an oceanic eddy killer by modulating the energy transfer between the atmosphere and the ocean, reducing by 25% the mesoscale energy and inducing a pathway of energy transfer from the ocean to the atmosphere. The current feedback, by dampening the eddy kinetic energy (EKE), shifts westward the distribution of the AC retroflection location, reducing the presence of eastern retroflections in the simulations and improving the realism of the AC simulation. By modulating the EKE, the AC retroflection and the Good Hope jet intensity, the current feedback allows a larger AC leakage (by 21%), altering the water masses of the Benguela system. Additionally, the eddy shedding is shifted northward and the Agulhas rings propagate less far north in the Atlantic. The current–wind coupling coefficient sw is not spatially constant: a deeper marine boundary layer induces a weaker sw. Finally the results indicate that the submesoscale currents may also be weakened by the current feedback.
The Influence of Subinertial Internal Tides on Near-Topographic Turbulence at the Mendocino Ridge: Observations and Modeling
Authors: Musgrave R. C. , MacKinnon J. A. , Pinkel R. , Waterhouse A. F. , Nash J. , Kelly S. M.
Published: June 2017

Shipboard measurements of velocity and density were obtained in the vicinity of a small channel in the Mendocino Ridge, where flows were predominantly tidal. Measured daily inequalities in transport are much greater than those predicted by a barotropic tide model, with the strongest transport associated with full depth flows and the weakest with shallow, surface-confined flows. A regional numerical model of the area finds that the subinertial K1 (diurnal) tidal constituent generates topographically trapped waves that propagate anticyclonically around the ridge and are associated with enhanced near-topographic K1 transports. The interaction of the baroclinic trapped waves with the surface tide produces a tidal flow whose northward transports alternate between being surface confined and full depth. Full depth flows are associated with the generation of a large-amplitude tidal lee wave on the northward face of the ridge, while surface-confined flows are largely nonturbulent. The regional model demonstrates that, consistent with field observations, near-topographic dissipation over the entire ridge is diurnally modulated, despite the semidiurnal tidal constituent having larger barotropic velocities. It is concluded that at this location it is the bottom-trapped subinertial internal tide that governs near-topographic dissipation and mixing. The effect of the trapped wave on regional energetics is to increase the fraction of converted barotropic–baroclinic tidal energy that dissipates locally.
Leadership Roles of Administration Under the Common Core Reform
Authors: Mahfouz Julia , Barkauskas Nikolaus J. , Sausner Erica B. , Kornhaber Mindy L.
Published: June 2017

This qualitative study focuses on school administrators’ understandings and actions as leaders of the Common Core reform. In interviews with eight school and district leaders from five diverse districts in Pennsylvania, several aspects of Common Core, or PA Core, implementation were consistent across regardless of student population demographics and urbanicity. The findings show that (a) administrators view themselves as leaders of buildings or districts but not of reform implementations; (b) while it may not require them to make drastic changes, the PA Core is considered an opportunity to address aspects of the district or school that are in need of improvement; and (c) administrators are aware of their school context and their diverse students’ needs, but the PA Core is not yet adapted to address these diversity issues. These findings suggest that the Common Core pushes administrators to focus on certain areas of school improvement, such as curricula, assessments, and professional development that attends to the Common Core requirements; yet, the Common Core is similar to previous practice, even if its standards are deemed more rigorous.
An innovative school-based intervention to promote healthy lifestyles
Authors: Piana Natalia , Ranucci Claudia , Buratta Livia , Foglia Elena , Fabi Marta , Novelli Francesca , Casucci Simone , Reginato Elisa , Pippi Roberto , Aiello Cristina , Leonardi Alessia , Romani Giannermete , De Feo Pierpaolo , Mazzeschi Claudia
Published: June 2017

Objective:

To describe an innovative school-based intervention to promote healthy lifestyles. To evaluate its effects on children’s food habits and to highlight the key components which contribute most to the beneficial effects obtained from children’s, teachers’ and parents’ perspectives.

Design:

An educational tool to improve personal awareness, promote healthy food choices and increase children’s levels of physical activity was developed and evaluated. The tool used a community-based approach and included family members, schools, university, families, sports societies, farms, mass media and municipalities.

Setting:

A total of 11 primary school classes in five schools in Spoleto, Umbria.

Methods:

The tool dealt with healthy food choices, lifestyle and physical activities and is structured in four phases (4 months). The Kidmed test (a validated index based on principles sustaining Mediterranean dietary patterns as well as those that undermine them) and open-ended questionnaires (to highlight the key components which contributed most to the beneficial effects) were used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Kidmed scores were evaluated both before and after intervention (T0–T1) and the written answers collected (from teachers, parents and children) were subjected to content analysis using a form of grounded theory.

Results:

Data point to a significant before/after increase on Kidmed scores ( t = −3.88; p = .000), revealing an increase in children’s adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, healthy habit changes, greater parental awareness of their educational responsibilities regarding food choices as well as physical activity, and a new school-family alliance as a result of the educational intervention.

Conclusion:

Project findings reveal positive effects on children’s food habits and highlight key components necessary to enhance the effectiveness of a school-based educational intervention.
Looted Art and Restitution in the Twentieth Century – Towards a Global Perspective
Authors: Gaudenzi Bianca , Swenson Astrid
Published: June 2017

Introducing the Journal of Contemporary History Special Issue ‘The Restitution of Looted Art in the 20th Century’, this article proposes a framework for writing the history of looting and restitution in transnational and global perspective. By comparing and contextualizing instances of looting and restitution in different geographical and temporal contexts, it aims to overcome existing historiographical fragmentations and move past the overwhelming focus on the specificities of Nazi looting through an extended timeframe that inserts the Second World War into a longer perspective from the nineteenth century up to present day restitution practices. Particular emphasis is put on the interlinked histories of denazification and decolonization. Problematizing existing analytical, chronological and geographical frameworks, the article suggests how a combination of comparative, entangled and global history approaches can open up promising new avenues of research. It draws out similarities, differences and connections between processes of looting and restitution in order to discuss the extent to which looting and restitution were shaped by – and shaped – changing global networks.
Does New Teacher Induction Really Improve Retention?
Authors: Ronfeldt Matthew , McQueen Kiel
Published: June 2017

Policymakers have increasingly worked to combat teacher turnover by implementing induction programs for early-career teachers. Yet the existing evidence for the effects of induction on turnover is mixed. Drawing on data from the three most recent administrations of the Schools and Staffing and Teacher Follow-Up Surveys, as well as the Beginning Teacher Longitudinal Study, this study investigates whether different kinds of induction supports predict teacher turnover among nationally representative samples of first-year teachers. We find that receiving induction supports in the first year predicts less teacher migration and attrition, suggesting that using induction to reduce new teacher turnover is a promising policy trend. We also find that levels of induction support are fairly constant for different kinds of teachers and teachers in different kinds of schools. The exceptions are that teachers who are Black and who work in schools with more students who speak English as a second language report higher levels of induction supports.
Connecting historical studies of transport, mobility and migration
Authors: Pooley Colin G
Published: June 2017

This paper argues that the sub-disciplines of transport history, migration history and mobilities studies too rarely interact directly with each other, and that there is much to be gained from the integration and cross-fertilisation of different approaches. Migration historians rarely directly consider the modes of transport used to travel, and although there has been increased interaction between transport historians and mobilities scholars in recent years the full potential of such interactions is yet to be exploited. The experience of travelling, and the convenience of the modes of transport used, can significantly influence later decisions about migration and mobility. This paper calls for a greater focus on such topics and explores some of the potential benefits.
The State’s Role in Globalization: Korea’s Experience from a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Kim Kyung Mi , Kwon Hyeong-Ki
Published: June 2017

By analyzing how Korea has upgraded its industrial capabilities in the course of corporate globalization, this article holds that some versions of developmental state work better in the globalization process. Globalizing national corporations, neoliberal optimism notwithstanding, does not necessarily result in upgrading domestic innovation capabilities. In the United States, free-market firms may benefit through offshoring, but they create holes in the industrial linkages or industrial commons at home, enfeebling US capability for innovation. By contrast, the Korean government successfully upgraded domestic firms’ innovation capabilities and reduced the possibility of deindustrialization in the course of globalization by moving from classical developmentalism to a new form of development based on inclusive and collaborative networks. Korea’s earlier classical developmentalism focused on mobilization of physical capital, funneling it exclusively to a few firms.
Assessment of Selected Overdose Poisoning Indicators in Health Care Administrative Data in 4 States, 2012
Authors: Hume Beth , Gabella Barbara , Hathaway Jeanne , Proescholdbell Scott , Sneddon Cristy , Brutsch Elizabeth , Hedin Riley , Drucker Christopher J.
Published: June 2017

Objectives:

In 2012, a consensus document was developed on drug overdose poisoning definitions. We took the opportunity to apply these new definitions to health care administrative data in 4 states. Our objective was to calculate and compare drug (particularly opioid) poisoning rates in these 4 states for 4 selected Injury Surveillance Workgroup 7 (ISW7) drug poisoning indicators, using 2 ISW7 surveillance definitions, Option A and Option B. We also identified factors related to the health care administrative data used by each state that might contribute to poisoning rate variations.

Methods:

We used state-level hospital and emergency department (ED) discharge data to calculate age-adjusted rates for 4 drug poisoning indicators (acute drug poisonings, acute opioid poisonings, acute opioid analgesic poisonings, and acute or chronic opioid poisonings) using just the principal diagnosis or first-listed external cause-of-injury fields (Option A) or using all diagnosis or external cause-of-injury fields (Option B). We also calculated the high-to-low poisoning rate ratios to measure rate variations.

Results:

The average poisoning rates per 100 000 population for the 4 ISW7 poisoning indicators ranged from 11.2 to 216.4 (ED) and from 14.2 to 212.8 (hospital). For each indicator, ED rates were usually higher than were hospital rates. High-to-low rate ratios between states were lowest for the acute drug poisoning indicator (range, 1.5-1.6). Factors potentially contributing to rate variations included administrative data structure, accessibility, and submission regulations.

Conclusions:

The ISW7 Option B surveillance definition is needed to fully capture the state burden of opioid poisonings. Efforts to control for factors related to administrative data, standardize data sources on a national level, and improve data source accessibility for state health departments would improve the accuracy of drug poisoning surveillance.