bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baicalin Downregulates RLRs Signaling Pathway to Control Influenza A Virus Infection and Improve the Prognosis
Authors: Pang Peng , Zheng Ke , Wu Sizhi , Xu Huachong , Deng Li , Shi Yucong , Chen Xiaoyin
Published: February 2018

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of baicalin on controlling the pulmonary infection and improving the prognosis in influenza A virus (IAV) infection. PCR and western blot were used to measure the changes of some key factors in RLRs signaling pathway. MSD electrochemiluminescence was used to measure the expression of pulmonary inflammatory cytokines including IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12p70, and KC/GRO. Flow cytometry was used to detect the proportion of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg. The results showed that IAV infection led to low body weight and high viral load and high expression of RIG‐I, IRF3, IRF7, and NF‐κB mRNA, as well as RIG‐I and NF‐κB p65 protein. However, baicalin reduced the rate of body weight loss, inhibited virus replication, and downregulated the key factors of the RLRs signaling pathway. Besides, baicalin reduced the high expression inflammatory cytokines in lung and decreased the ratios of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg to arouse a brief but not overviolent inflammatory response. Therefore, baicalin activated a balanced host inflammatory response to limit immunopathologic injury, which was helpful to the improvement of clinical and survival outcomes.
Mind‐Body Therapies for African‐American Women at Risk for Cardiometabolic Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Johnson Candace C. , Sheffield Karen M. , Brown Roy E.
Published: February 2018

Background. A major determinant in cardiometabolic health is metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of symptoms that portend the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). As mind‐body therapies are thought to help in lowering physiological and environmental CVD risk factors including blood pressure and psychological stress, they may also be beneficial for the primary prevention of CVD. Objectives. To synthesize and summarize existing knowledge on the effectiveness of mind‐body therapies on MetS outcomes in African‐American (AA) women, a US subpopulation at high risk for CVD. Search Methods. A systematic search of eight databases was conducted in order to identify published papers addressing the topic. We included trials involving AA adult women, ages 18–64, and we included RCTs that involved multifactorial interventions. Outcomes of interest were MetS, chronic disease, and CVD risk factors (blood pressure, blood lipids, blood glucose, BMI, waist circumference, and mental health domains). Two authors independently selected trials for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risks of bias. Main Results. We identified five trials for inclusion in this review. One study reported outcomes associated with the full MetS symptom cluster. The included trials were small, short term, and at high risk of bias. All interventions lasted at least 6 weeks.
Secure and Efficient Access Control Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks in the Cross-Domain Context of the IoT
Authors: Luo Ming , Luo Yi , Wan Yuwei , Wang Ze
Published: February 2018

Nowadays wireless sensor network (WSN) is increasingly being used in the Internet of Things (IoT) for data collection, and design of an access control scheme that allows an Internet user as part of IoT to access the WSN becomes a hot topic. A lot of access control schemes have been proposed for the WSNs in the context of the IoT. Nevertheless, almost all of these schemes assume that communication nodes in different network domains share common system parameters, which is not suitable for cross-domain IoT environment in practical situations. To solve this shortcoming, we propose a more secure and efficient access control scheme for wireless sensor networks in the cross-domain context of the Internet of Things, which allows an Internet user in a certificateless cryptography (CLC) environment to communicate with a sensor node in an identity-based cryptography (IBC) environment with different system parameters. Moreover, our proposed scheme achieves known session-specific temporary information security (KSSTIS) that most of access control schemes cannot satisfy. Performance analysis is given to show that our scheme is well suited for wireless sensor networks in the cross-domain context of the IoT.
A Geometric Modeling and Computing Method for Direct Kinematic Analysis of 6-4 Stewart Platforms
Authors: Zhang Ying , Liu Xin , Wei Shimin , Wang Yaobing , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhang Pei , Liang Changchun
Published: February 2018

A geometric modeling and solution procedure for direct kinematic analysis of 6-4 Stewart platforms with any link parameters is proposed based on conformal geometric algebra (CGA). Firstly, the positions of the two single spherical joints on the moving platform are formulated by the intersection, dissection, and dual of the basic entities under the frame of CGA. Secondly, a coordinate-invariant equation is derived via CGA operation in the positions of the other two pairwise spherical joints. Thirdly, the other five equations are formulated in terms of geometric constraints. Fourthly, a 32-degree univariate polynomial equation is reduced from a constructed 7 by 7 matrix which is relatively small in size by using a Gröbner-Sylvester hybrid method. Finally, a numerical example is employed to verify the solution procedure. The novelty of the paper lies in that (1) the formulation is concise and coordinate-invariant and has intrinsic geometric intuition due to the use of CGA and (2) the size of the resultant matrix is smaller than those existed.
Metabolic Alterations in a Slow‐Paced Model of Pancreatic Cancer‐Induced Wasting
Authors: Wyart Elisabeth , Reano Simone , Hsu Myriam Y. , Longo Dario Livio , Li Mingchuan , Hirsch Emilio , Filigheddu Nicoletta , Ghigo Alessandra , Riganti Chiara , Porporato Paolo Ettore
Published: February 2018

Cancer cachexia is a devastating syndrome occurring in the majority of terminally ill cancer patients. Notably, skeletal muscle atrophy is a consistent feature affecting the quality of life and prognosis. To date, limited therapeutic options are available, and research in the field is hampered by the lack of satisfactory models to study the complexity of wasting in cachexia‐inducing tumors, such as pancreatic cancer. Moreover, currently used in vivo models are characterized by an explosive cachexia with a lethal wasting within few days, while pancreatic cancer patients might experience alterations long before the onset of overt wasting. In this work, we established and characterized a slow‐paced model of pancreatic cancer‐induced muscle wasting that promotes efficient muscular wasting in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with conditioned media from pancreatic cancer cells led to the induction of atrophy in vitro, while tumor‐bearing mice presented a clear reduction in muscle mass and functionality. Intriguingly, several metabolic alterations in tumor‐bearing mice were identified, paving the way for therapeutic interventions with drugs targeting metabolism.
Primary Atypical Meningioma of the Nasal Cavity: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Maharjan Leison , Neupane Yogesh , Pradhan Bibhu
Published: February 2018

Background. Meningioma is a central nervous system tumor that typically arises in proximity to meninges. Extracranial primary atypical meningioma of sinonasal tract is a rare one.Methods. We discuss the clinical, radiological, and histological presentation of an elderly female with primary atypical meningioma of the nasal cavity, which was excised via endoscopic endonasal approach.Results. There was no recurrence even up to 20 months of follow-up after endoscopic excision.Conclusion. Extracranial primary atypical meningioma should be kept in mind as one of the differential diagnoses of nasal mass. Histopathological diagnosis along with immunohistochemistry should be used for definitive diagnosis.
Sheehan’s Syndrome Revisited: Underlying Autoimmunity or Hypoperfusion?
Authors: González-González José Gerardo , Borjas-Almaguer Omar David , Salcido-Montenegro Alejandro , Rodríguez-Guajardo René , Elizondo-Plazas Anasofia , Montes-de-Oca-Luna Roberto , Rodríguez-Gutiérrez René
Published: February 2018

Sheehan’s syndrome remains a frequent obstetric complication with an uncertain pathophysiology. We aimed to assess the incidence of hypopituitarism (≥2 hormonal axis impairment) within the first six postchildbirth months and to determine the existence of anti-pituitary antibodies. From 2015 to 2017, adult pregnant women, who developed moderate to severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), were consecutively included in the study. Pituitary function was assessed 4 and 24 weeks after PPH. At the end of the study, anti-pituitary antibodies were assessed. Twenty women completed the study. Mean age was 26.35 (±5.83) years. The main etiology for severe PPH was uterine atony (65%) which resulted mostly in hypovolemic shock grades III-IV. Within the first four weeks after delivery, 95% of patients had at least one hormonal pituitary affected and 60% of the patients fulfilled diagnostic criteria for hypopituitarism. At the end of the study period, five patients (25%) were diagnosed with hypopituitarism (GH and cortisol axes affected). Anti-pituitary antibodies were negative in all patients. At 6 months follow-up, one in every four women with a history of moderate-to-severe PPH was found with asymptomatic nonautoimmune-mediated hypopituitarism. The role of autoimmunity in Sheehan’s syndrome remains uncertain. Further studies are needed to improve the remaining knowledge gaps.
Preparation and Anodizing of SiCp/Al Composites with Relatively High Fraction of SiCp
Authors: Wang Bin , Qu Shengguan , Li Xiaoqiang
Published: February 2018

By properly proportioned SiC particles with different sizes and using squeeze infiltration process, SiCp/Al composites with high volume fraction of SiC content (Vp = 60.0%, 61.2%, 63.5%, 67.4%, and 68.0%) were achieved for optical application. The flexural strength of the prepared SiCp/Al composites was higher than 483 MPa and the elastic modulus was increased from 174.2 to 206.2 GPa. With an increase in SiC volume fraction, the flexural strength and Poisson’s ratio decreased with the increase in elastic modulus. After the anodic oxidation treatment, an oxidation film with porous structure was prepared on the surface of the composite and the oxidation film was uniformly distributed. The anodic oxide growth rate of composite decreased with SiC content increased and linearly increased with anodizing time.
An Adaptive Calibration Framework for mVEP-Based Brain-Computer Interface
Authors: Ma Teng , Li Fali , Li Peiyang , Yao Dezhong , Zhang Yangsong , Xu Peng
Published: February 2018

Electroencephalogram signals and the states of subjects are nonstationary. To track changing states effectively, an adaptive calibration framework is proposed for the brain-computer interface (BCI) with the motion-onset visual evoked potential (mVEP) as the control signal. The core of this framework is to update the training set adaptively for classifier training. The updating procedure consists of two operations, that is, adding new samples to the training set and removing old samples from the training set. In the proposed framework, a support vector machine (SVM) and fuzzy C-mean clustering (fCM) are combined to select the reliable samples for the training set from the blocks close to the current blocks to be classified. Because of the complementary information provided by SVM and fCM, they can guarantee the reliability of information fed into classifier training. The removing procedure will aim to remove those old samples recorded a relatively long time before current new blocks. These two operations could yield a new training set, which could be used to calibrate the classifier to track the changing state of the subjects. Experimental results demonstrate that the adaptive calibration framework is effective and efficient and it could improve the performance of online BCI systems.
Solution of Sequential Hadamard Fractional Differential Equations by Variation of Parameter Technique
Authors: Matar Mohammed M.
Published: February 2018

We obtain in this article a solution of sequential differential equation involving the Hadamard fractional derivative and focusing the orders in the intervals (1,2) and (2,3). Firstly, we obtain the solution of the linear equations using variation of parameter technique, and next we investigate the existence theorems of the corresponding nonlinear types using some fixed-point theorems. Finally, some examples are given to explain the theorems.
Patient-Customized Drug Combination Prediction and Testing for T-cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia Patients
Authors: He Liye , Tang Jing , Andersson Emma I. , Timonen Sanna , Koschmieder Steffen , Wennerberg Krister , Mustjoki Satu , Aittokallio Tero
Published: February 2018

The molecular pathways that drive cancer progression and treatment resistance are highly redundant and variable between individual patients with the same cancer type. To tackle this complex rewiring of pathway cross-talk, personalized combination treatments targeting multiple cancer growth and survival pathways are required. Here we implemented a computational–experimental drug combination prediction and testing (DCPT) platform for efficient in silico prioritization and ex vivo testing in patient-derived samples to identify customized synergistic combinations for individual cancer patients. DCPT used drug–target interaction networks to traverse the massive combinatorial search spaces among 218 compounds (a total of 23,653 pairwise combinations) and identified cancer-selective synergies by using differential single-compound sensitivity profiles between patient cells and healthy controls, hence reducing the likelihood of toxic combination effects. A polypharmacology-based machine learning modeling and network visualization made use of baseline genomic and molecular profiles to guide patient-specific combination testing and clinical translation phases. Using T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) as a first case study, we show how the DCPT platform successfully predicted distinct synergistic combinations for each of the three T-PLL patients, each presenting with different resistance patterns and synergy mechanisms. In total, 10 of 24 (42%) of selective combination predictions were experimentally confirmed to show synergy in patient-derived samples ex vivo. The identified selective synergies among approved drugs, including tacrolimus and temsirolimus combined with BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax, may offer novel drug repurposing opportunities for treating T-PLL.

Significance: An integrated use of functional drug screening combined with genomic and molecular profiling enables patient-customized prediction and testing of drug combination synergies for T-PLL patients. Cancer Res; 78(9); 2407–18. ©2018 AACR.
STAT5A/B Blockade Sensitizes Prostate Cancer to Radiation through Inhibition of RAD51 and DNA Repair
Authors: Maranto Cristina , Udhane Vindhya , Hoang David T. , Gu Lei , Alexeev Vitali , Malas Kareem , Cardenas Karmel , Brody Jonathan R. , Rodeck Ulrich , Bergom Carmen , Iczkowski Ken A. , Jacobsohn Ken , See William , Schmitt Sara M. , Nevalainen Marja T.
Published: February 2018

Purpose: The standard treatment for organ-confined prostate cancer is surgery or radiation, and locally advanced prostate cancer is typically treated with radiotherapy alone or in combination with androgen deprivation therapy. Here, we investigated whether Stat5a/b participates in regulation of double-strand DNA break repair in prostate cancer, and whether Stat5 inhibition may provide a novel strategy to sensitize prostate cancer to radiotherapy.

Experimental Design: Stat5a/b regulation of DNA repair in prostate cancer was evaluated by comet and clonogenic survival assays, followed by assays specific to homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) DNA repair. For HR DNA repair, Stat5a/b regulation of Rad51 and the mechanisms underlying the regulation were investigated in prostate cancer cells, xenograft tumors, and patient-derived prostate cancers ex vivo in 3D explant cultures. Stat5a/b induction of Rad51 and HR DNA repair and responsiveness to radiation were evaluated in vivo in mice bearing prostate cancer xenograft tumors.

Results: Stat5a/b is critical for Rad51 expression in prostate cancer via Jak2-dependent mechanisms by inducing Rad51 mRNA levels. Consistent with this, genetic knockdown of Stat5a/b suppressed HR DNA repair while not affecting NHEJ DNA repair. Pharmacologic Stat5a/b inhibition potently sensitized prostate cancer cell lines and prostate cancer tumors to radiation, while not inducing radiation sensitivity in the neighboring tissues.

Conclusions: This work introduces a novel concept of a pivotal role of Jak2–Stat5a/b signaling for Rad51 expression and HR DNA repair in prostate cancer. Inhibition of Jak2–Stat5a/b signaling sensitizes prostate cancer to radiation and, therefore, may provide an adjuvant therapy for radiation to reduce radiation-induced damage to the neighboring tissues. Clin Cancer Res; 24(8); 1917–31. ©2018 AACR.
Versuch über die Ökonomie der Schuld. Das radikale Böse in der Darstellung von Holocausttätern: das Beispiel von Peter Schneiders Vati
Authors: Galle Helmut
Published: February 2018

Dieser Artikel diskutiert die Frage von Schuld und Sühne im Fall von Massenmördern wie Josef Mengele. Die Abnormität des Verbrechens, so scheint es, erfordert Rache und nicht eine einfache Bestrafung im Einklang mit den Normen der Menschenrechte. Analog zu diesen Vorüberlegungen kann fiktionale Literatur über das Thema, die das Bedürfnis der Leser nach Rache nicht erfüllt, nicht als gelungen angesehen werden. Diese These scheint bestätigt zu werden durch das Schicksal von Vati (1987), einer Erzählung von Peter Schneider, die das Treffen Josef Mengeles mit seinem Sohn in einem brasilianischen Versteck beschreibt. Hinsichtlich der Fakten, gestützt auf eine Serie von Artikeln über das tatsächliche Treffen, zeigt Schneider das psychologische Dilemma des Sohns, der sich unfähig fühlt, den Vater der Justiz auszuliefern oder ihn eigenhändig zu bestrafen; die fehlende Bestrafung des Täters scheint er durch eine Reihe von aggressiven Akten und Phantasien gegen andere Figuren zu kompensieren. Schneider hat versucht den negativen Effekt auf sein Publikum zu reduzieren, indem er statt des Erzählers in der ersten Person einen Er-Erzähler einführte. Dennoch zeigt die Rezeption des Buchs, dass es dem Autor nicht gelungen ist, das Gleichgewicht zwischen Schuld und Strafe zu finden, das die Öffentlichkeit hätte erwarten dürfen.
Airn
Regulates Igf2bp2 Translation in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Hosen Mohammed Rabiul , Militello Giuseppe , Weirick Tyler , Ponomareva Yuliya , Dassanayaka Sujith , Moore Joseph B. , Döring Claudia , Wysoczynski Marcin , Jones Steven P. , Dimmeler Stefanie , Uchida Shizuka
Published: February 2018

Rationale:

Increasing evidence indicates the presence of lncRNAs in various cell types.
Airn
is an imprinting gene transcribed from the paternal chromosome. It is in antisense orientation to the imprinted, but maternally derived,
Igf2r
gene, on which
Airn
exerts its regulation in
cis
. Although
Airn
is highly expressed in the heart, functions aside from imprinting remain unknown.

Objective:

Here, we studied the functions of
Airn
in the heart, especially cardiomyocytes.

Methods and Results:

Silencing of
Airn
via siRNAs augmented cell death, vulnerability to cellular stress, and reduced cell migration. To find the cause of such phenotypes, the potential binding partners of
Airn
were identified via RNA pull-down followed by mass spectrometry, which indicated Igf2bp2 (insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2) and Rpa1 (replication protein A1) as potential binding partners. Further experiments showed that
Airn
binds to Igf2bp2 to control the translation of several genes. Moreover, silencing of
Airn
caused less binding of Igf2bp2 to other mRNAs and reduced translation of Igf2bp2 protein.

Conclusions:

Our study uncovers a new function of
Airn
and demonstrates that
Airn
is important for the physiology of cardiomyocytes.
Impact of Bystander Automated External Defibrillator Use on Survival and Functional Outcomes in Shockable Observed Public Cardiac Arrests
Authors: Pollack Ross A. , Brown Siobhan P. , Rea Thomas , Aufderheide Tom , Barbic David , Buick Jason E. , Christenson Jim , Idris Ahamed H. , Jasti Jamie , Kampp Michael , Kudenchuk Peter , May Susanne , Muhr Marc , Nichol Graham , Ornato Joseph P. , Sopko George , Vaillancourt Christian , Morrison Laurie , Weisfeldt Myron
Published: February 2018

Background:

Survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with shockable rhythms can be improved with early defibrillation. Although shockable OHCA accounts for only ≈25% of overall arrests, ≈60% of public OHCAs are shockable, offering the possibility of restoring thousands of individuals to full recovery with early defibrillation by bystanders. We sought to determine the association of bystander automated external defibrillator use with survival and functional outcomes in shockable observed public OHCA.

Methods:

From 2011 to 2015, the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium prospectively collected detailed information on all cardiac arrests at 9 regional centers. The exposures were shock administration by a bystander-applied automated external defibrillator in comparison with initial defibrillation by emergency medical services. The primary outcome measure was discharge with normal or near-normal (favorable) functional status defined as a modified Rankin Score ≤2. Survival to hospital discharge was the secondary outcome measure.

Results:

Among 49 555 OHCAs, 4115 (8.3%) observed public OHCAs were analyzed, of which 2500 (60.8%) were shockable. A bystander shock was applied in 18.8% of the shockable arrests. Patients shocked by a bystander were significantly more likely to survive to discharge (66.5% versus 43.0%) and be discharged with favorable functional outcome (57.1% versus 32.7%) than patients initially shocked by emergency medical services. After adjusting for known predictors of outcome, the odds ratio associated with a bystander shock was 2.62 (95% confidence interval, 2.07–3.31) for survival to hospital discharge and 2.73 (95% confidence interval, 2.17–3.44) for discharge with favorable functional outcome. The benefit of bystander shock increased progressively as emergency medical services response time became longer.

Conclusions:

Bystander automated external defibrillator use before emergency medical services arrival in shockable observed public OHCA was associated with better survival and functional outcomes. Continued emphasis on public automated external defibrillator utilization programs may further improve outcomes of OHCA.
Cocaine Exposure Increases Blood Pressure and Aortic Stiffness via the miR-30c-5p–Malic Enzyme 1–Reactive Oxygen Species Pathway
Authors: Zhu Wei , Wang Huilan , Wei Jianqin , Sartor Gregory C. , Bao Michelle Meiqi , Pierce Clay T. , Wahlestedt Claes R. , Dykxhoorn Derek M. , Dong Chunming
Published: February 2018

Cocaine abuse increases the risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. By using a mouse model for cocaine abuse/use, we found that repeated cocaine injection led to increased blood pressure and aortic stiffness in mice associated with elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the aortas, a phenomenon similar to that observed in hypertensive humans. This ROS elevation was correlated with downregulation of Me1 (malic enzyme 1), an important redox molecule that counteracts ROS generation, and upregulation of microRNA (miR)-30c-5p that targets Me1 expression by directly binding to its 3′UTR (untranslated region). Remarkably, lentivirus-mediated overexpression of miR-30c-5p in aortic smooth muscle cells recapitulated the effect of cocaine on Me1 suppression, which in turn led to ROS elevation. Moreover, in vivo silencing of miR-30c-5p in smooth muscle cells resulted in Me1 upregulation, ROS reduction, and significantly suppressed cocaine-induced increases in blood pressure and aortic stiffness—a similar effect to that produced by treatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine. Discovery of this novel cocaine-↑miR-30c-5p–↓Me1–↑ROS pathway provides a potential new therapeutic avenue for treatment of cocaine abuse–related cardiovascular disease.
AT2R (Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor)-Mediated Regulation of NCC (Na-Cl Cotransporter) and Renal K Excretion Depends on the K Channel, Kir4.1
Authors: Wu Peng , Gao Zhong-Xiuzi , Duan Xin-Peng , Su Xiao-Tong , Wang Ming-Xiao , Lin Dao-Hong , Gu Ruimin , Wang Wen-Hui
Published: February 2018

AT2R (AngII [angiotensin II] type 2 receptor) is expressed in the distal nephrons. The aim of the present study is to examine whether AT2R regulates NCC (Na-Cl cotransporter) and Kir4.1 of the distal convoluted tubule. AngII inhibited the basolateral 40 pS K channel (a Kir4.1/5.1 heterotetramer) in the distal convoluted tubule treated with losartan but not with PD123319. AT2R agonist also inhibits the K channel, indicating that AT2R was involved in tonic regulation of Kir4.1. The infusion of PD123319 stimulated the expression of tNCC (total NCC) and pNCC (phosphorylated NCC; Thr
53
) by a time-dependent way with the peak at 4 days. PD123319 treatment (4 days) stimulated the basolateral 40 pS K channel activity, augmented the basolateral K conductance, and increased the negativity of distal convoluted tubule membrane. The stimulation of Kir4.1 was essential for PD123319-induced increase in NCC because inhibiting AT2R increased the expression of tNCC and pNCC only in wild-type but not in the kidney-specific Kir4.1 knockout mice. Renal clearance study showed that thiazide-induced natriuretic effect was larger in PD123319-treated mice for 4 days than untreated mice. However, this effect was absent in kidney-specific Kir4.1 knockout mice which were also Na wasting under basal conditions. Finally, application of AT2R antagonist decreased the renal ability of K excretion and caused hyperkalemia in wild-type but not in kidney-specific Kir4.1 knockout mice. We conclude that AT2R-dependent regulation of NCC requires Kir4.1 in the distal convoluted tubule and that AT2R plays a role in stimulating K excretion by inhibiting Kir4.1 and NCC.
Adrenalectomy Lowers Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Primary Aldosteronism Patients at Long Term
Authors: Rossi Gian Paolo , Maiolino Giuseppe , Flego Alberto , Belfiore Anna , Bernini Giampaolo , Fabris Bruno , Ferri Claudio , Giacchetti Gilberta , Letizia Claudio , Maccario Mauro , Mallamaci Francesca , Muiesan Maria Lorenza , Mannelli Massimo , Negro Aurelio , Palumbo Gaetana , Parenti Gabriele , Rossi Ermanno , Mantero Franco , Semplicini A. , Ganzaroli C. , Pessina A.C. , Ronconi Vanessa , Boscaro Marco , Moretti Angelica , Desideri Giovambattista , Andronico Giuseppe , Rizzoni Damiano , Porteri Enzo , Caliumi Chiara , Ghigo Ezio , Zoccali Carmine
Published: February 2018

Primary aldosteronism (PA) causes cardiovascular damage in excess to the blood pressure elevation, but there are no prospective studies proving a worse long-term prognosis in adrenalectomized and medically treated patients. We have, therefore, assessed the outcome of PA patients according to treatment mode in the PAPY study (Primary Aldosteronism Prevalence in Hypertension) patients, 88.8% of whom were optimally treated patients with primary (essential) hypertension (PH), and the rest had PA and were assigned to medical therapy (6.4%) or adrenalectomy (4.8%). Total mortality was the primary end point; secondary end points were cardiovascular death, major adverse cardiovascular events, including atrial fibrillation, and total cardiovascular events. Kaplan–Meier and Cox analysis were used to compare survival between PA and its subtypes and PH patients. After a median of 11.8 years, complete follow-up data were obtained in 89% of the 1125 patients in the original cohort. Only a trend (
P
=0.07) toward a worse death-free survival in PA than in PH patients was observed. However, at both univariate (90.0% versus 97.8%;
P
=0.002) and multivariate analyses (hazard ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.08–3.08;
P
=0.025), medically treated PA patients showed a lower atrial fibrillation–free survival than PH patients. By showing that during a long-term follow-up adrenalectomized aldosterone-producing adenoma patients have a similar long-term outcome of optimally treated PH patients, whereas, at variance, medically treated PA patients remain at a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, this large prospective study emphasizes the importance of an early identification of PA patients who need adrenalectomy as a key measure to prevent incident atrial fibrillation.
In the Interstice: Lorraine O’Grady’s Interruptive Performances and the Circuits of (Feminist) Reproduction
Authors: Capper Beth
Published: February 2018

Hortense Spillers’s exploration of “the interstice” as a gap or absence within iconographic and discursive practices illuminates an aesthetics of the interstice that binds together the performance artist Lorraine O’Grady’s formal and conceptual orientation towards otherwise divergent practices of institutional critique, photographic installation, and public performance. Within the context of O’Grady’s artwork, the interstice is reconfigured as a generative site of possibility where a radical aesthetics of black social reproduction is constantly taking shape.
Reproducing Witchcraft: Thou Shalt Not Perform a Witch to Live
Authors: Preston VK
Published: February 2018

Monuments and exhibits commemorating the 1692–93 witch trials of Salem, Massachusetts, reveal paradigms of economic, performative, and social reproduction. This approach to the public history of the witch tourist district investigates contemporary assurance that acts (or spells) do not do, taking up tourist sites and souvenirs in “Witch City.”
“Black Night Is Falling”: The “Airy Poetics” of Some Performance
Authors: Cervenak Sarah Jane
Published: February 2018

Respiration is a choral practice; the interplay between oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide complexly threads the reproductive fates of oceans, trees, flesh, and cells together. We might say breathing is reproduction’s ur-text.
Casualties
Authors: Johnson Jasmine Elizabeth
Published: February 2018

West African dance classes are sites of social and choreographic reproduction. They depend on difference, mistranslation, and choreographic failure rather than sameness.
Imperial Subjects and Beneficence
Authors: Soursos Nathalie , Saracino Stefano , Stassinopoulou Maria A.
Published: February 2018

This introduction describes the challenge of comparing beneficence practices in the Ottoman Empire and in the Habsburg Empire, which led to the workshop behind the Special Issue. Lenses proposed by histoire comparée and micro-history, this text argues, may supplement each other in this task. The editors’ research on Greek Orthodox merchants, who migrated from the Ottoman Empire into the Habsburg Lands and left rich archival sources connected to their beneficence, illustrates the possibility of not only micro-historically reconstructing their endowments (or other beneficiary practices), but to relate them to the entangled history of the Ottoman and the Habsburg Empire – two imperial spaces that both shaped the cultural horizon and the administrative and legal options of the founders and overseers of endowments. The contributions of the invited workshop guests introduce questions of changing moral views on philanthropy in Central Europe, confessional parallels and differences in beneficent attitudes of small migrant communities and on generational patterns in creating and administrating endowments. Continuity and change in the relationship between traditions of philanthropy and changing political and socio-economical environments are addressed particularly as regards the transition from the Byzantine to the Ottoman system, the importance of state-organized philanthropy for the Ottoman economy of the 17th century and finally the contesting models of private and ecclesiastical beneficence among the Greek Orthodox after the Tanzimat reforms.
Founding a Monastery on Athos under Early Ottoman Rule: The typikon of Stauroniketa
Authors: Chitwood Zachary
Published: February 2018

The best-attested and most important endowments of Orthodox Christians in the medieval world were created by means of foundation charters (ktetorika typika). Via atypikon, a founder orktetorwas able to regulate the present and future functioning of his (invariably monastic) endowment, often in minute and voluminous detail. Of particular interest for the topic of this special issue ofENDSare some post-Byzantine monastic foundation charters, which hitherto have received almost no scholarly scrutiny. Among these charters is the testament of the patriarch Jeremiahifor the Stauroniketa Monastery on Mount Athos. His monastic charter demonstrates the continuity of Byzantine endowment practices in the first centuries of Ottoman rule, yet also underlines new difficulties for monastic founders attempting to adapt the quintessentially medieval Christian practice of composingtypikato the strictures of an Islamic legal regime.
New nomenclatural changes for hybrids of Amaranthus (Amaranthaceae s. str.)
Authors: IAMONICO DUILIO , GALASSO GABRIELE
Published: February 2018

As part of the ongoing studies of the genus Amaranthus Linnaeus (1753: 990) and in the course of the preparation of a new checklist of the vascular plants alien to the flora of Italy (see e.g., Iamonico 2015, 2016; Galasso et al. 2016, 2018), following the checklist of vascular plants native to Italy (Bartolucci et al. 2018), we present here a note regarding some names applied to hybrids of Amaranthus.
Steiropteris alstonii (Thelypteridaceae), a new species from Colombia, and some new combinations in the family
Authors: SALINO ALEXANDRE , SMITH ALAN R.
Published: February 2018

One new species and three new combinations in neotropical Thelypteridaceae are proposed here. Steiropteris alstonii sp. nov. is from Colombia and known only from the type locality. New combinations are proposed in the genera Amauropelta, Christella, and Goniopteris.
Overview of Niphargidae (Crustacea: Amphipoda) in Belgium: distribution, taxonomic notes and conservation issues
Authors: FIŠER CENE , ZAGMAJSTER MAJA , DETHIER MICHEL
Published: February 2018

Niphargidae is among the largest families of freshwater subterranean amphipods in the world, and one of the most important macroinvertebrate groups in European groundwaters. The knowledge of their species diversity on a country level is often incomplete due to demanding taxonomy. In this paper we critically evaluated species diversity of the family in Belgium, using published records and samples from our own field work. Morphology-based identifications confirmed the presence of genera Microniphargus and Niphargus, represented with one and eight species, respectively. Most of the species found in Belgium belonged to complexes of cryptic species, which are still awaiting their taxonomic epilogue. Four species belong to phylogenetic lineages distributed also across British Isles, whereas three species belong to lineages distributed in the west-continental Europe. Identity of one species was doubtful, and two populations, partially illustrated herein, showed distinct morphology and might belong to a new species. All together, Niphargidae were found at 172 localities, with 80% of sites harboring one species only. At 12 localities three to six species co-occurred. When mapped onto 10x10 km grid, up to seven different species were recorded per quadrate. Species richest quadrates were situated in the southeastern part of the country. Paucity of records from the northern part of the country imply lack of research, rather than absence of Niphargidae. Conservation status of Belgian Niphargidae has not been evaluated so far; assessment of this status would require further sampling and detailed taxonomic work.
Global Distribution of Snow Precipitation Features and Their Properties from 3 Years of GPM Observations
Authors: Adhikari Abishek , Liu Chuntao , Kulie Mark S.
Published: February 2018

Using a 3-yr Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) Ku-band Precipitation Radar (KuPR) dataset, snow features (SFs) are defined by grouping the contiguous area of nonzero solid precipitation. The near-surface wet bulb temperatures calculated from ERA-Interim reanalysis data are used to verify that SFs are colder than 1°C to omit snowfall that melts before reaching the surface. The properties of SFs are summarized to understand the global distribution and characteristics of snow systems. The seasonal and diurnal variations of SFs and their properties are analyzed over Northern and Southern Hemispheric land and ocean separately.

To quantify the amount of snow missed by the GPM KuPR and the amount of snow underestimated by the CloudSat Cloud Profiling (CPR), 3-yr KuPR pixel-level data are compared with 4-yr CloudSat CPR observations. The overall underestimation of snowfall during heavy snow events by CPR is less than 3% compared to the combined CPR and KuPR estimates. KuPR underestimates about 52% of weak snow. Only a small percentage of SFs have sizes greater than 10 000 km2 (0.35%), maximum near-surface reflectivity above 30 dBZ (5.1%), or echo top above 5 km (1.6%); however, they contribute 40%, 49.5%, or 30.4% of the global volumetric snow detected by KuPR. Snow in the Northern Hemisphere has stronger diurnal and seasonal variation compared to the Southern Hemisphere. Most of the SFs over the ocean are found with relatively smaller, less intense, and shallower echo tops than over land.
Improved Representation of Surface Spectral Emissivity in a Global Climate Model and Its Impact on Simulated Climate
Authors: Huang Xianglei , Chen Xiuhong , Flanner Mark , Yang Ping , Feldman Daniel , Kuo Chaincy
Published: February 2018

Surface longwave emissivity can be less than unity and vary significantly with frequency. However, most climate models still assume a blackbody surface in the longwave (LW) radiation scheme of their atmosphere models. This study incorporates realistic surface spectral emissivity into the atmospheric component of the Community Earth System Model (CESM), version 1.1.1, and evaluates its impact on simulated climate. By ensuring consistency of the broadband surface longwave flux across different components of the CESM, the top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) energy balance in the modified model can be attained without retuning the model. Inclusion of surface spectral emissivity, however, leads to a decrease of net upward longwave flux at the surface and a comparable increase of latent heat flux. Global-mean surface temperature difference between the modified and standard CESM simulation is 0.20 K for the fully coupled run and 0.45 K for the slab-ocean run. Noticeable surface temperature differences between the modified and standard CESM simulations are seen over the Sahara Desert and polar regions. Accordingly, the climatological mean sea ice fraction in the modified CESM simulation can be less than that in the standard CESM simulation by as much as 0.1 in some regions. When spectral emissivities of sea ice and open ocean surfaces are considered, the broadband LW sea ice emissivity feedback is estimated to be −0.003 W m−2 K−1, assuming flat ice emissivity as sea ice emissivity, and 0.002 W m−2 K−1, assuming coarse snow emissivity as sea ice emissivity, which are two orders of magnitude smaller than the surface albedo feedback.
Evaluation of Tree Growth Relevant Atmospheric Circulation Patterns for Geopotential Height Field Reconstructions for Asia
Authors: Seim Andrea , Schultz Johannes A. , Beck Christoph , Bräuning Achim , Krusic Paul J. , Leland Caroline , Byambasuren Oyunsanaa , Liang Eryuan , Wang Xiaochun , Jeong Jee-Hoon , Linderholm Hans W.
Published: February 2018

Atmospheric circulations influence local and regional weather conditions and, thus, tree growth. To identify summer weather types relevant for tree growth, and their associated synoptic-scale circulation patterns, an atmospheric circulation tree ring index (ACTI) dataset, derived from 414 tree-ring sites across Asia spanning the period 1871–2010, was created. Modes of common variability in the ACTI dataset were compared with leading modes of observed summertime 500-hPa geopotential height. The first four ACTI modes (explaining 88% of the total variance) were associated with pressure centers over Eurasia, the tropics, and the Pacific Ocean. The high spatiotemporal resemblance between the leading circulation modes, derived from both tree rings and 500-hPa geopotential height fields, indicates a strong potential for reconstructing large-scale circulation patterns from tree rings in Asia. This would allow investigations of natural atmospheric circulation variability prior to anthropogenic climate change and provide a means to validate model simulations of climate predictions.
A Coupled Ice Sheet–Sea Level Model Incorporating 3D Earth Structure: Variations in Antarctica during the Last Deglacial Retreat
Authors: Gomez Natalya , Latychev Konstantin , Pollard David
Published: February 2018

A gravitationally self-consistent, global sea level model with 3D viscoelastic Earth structure is interactively coupled to a 3D dynamic ice sheet model, and the coupled model is applied to simulate the evolution of ice cover, sea level changes, and solid Earth deformation over the last deglaciation, from 40 ka to the modern. The results show that incorporating lateral variations in Earth’s structure across Antarctica yields local differences in the modeled ice history and introduces significant uncertainty in estimates of both relative sea level change and modern crustal motions through the last deglaciation. An analysis indicates that the contribution of glacial isostatic adjustment to modern records of sea level change and solid Earth deformation in regions of Antarctica underlain by low mantle viscosity may be more sensitive to ice loading during the late Holocene than across the last deglaciation.
Charge in Long-Lasting El Niño Events by Convection-Induced Wind Anomalies over the Western Pacific in Boreal Spring
Authors: Li Zhenning , Yang Song , Hu Xiaoming , Dong Wenjie , He Bian
Published: February 2018

In this study, El Niño events are classified as long El Niño (LE) events and short El Niño (SE) events based on their durations, and the characteristics of the early stages of these events are investigated. Results indicate that LE events tend to start earlier compared to SE events, initiating in boreal spring and peaking in winter. Their early occurrence is attributed to the western equatorial Pacific (WEP) sea surface wind anomalies that benefit the eastward propagation of warm water by forcing the downwelling Kelvin waves. It is also found that the wind anomalies are potentially induced by the convection anomalies over the WEP in spring. Experiments with a fully coupled climate model forced by convection heating anomalies over the WEP show that El Niño events become stronger and longer after introducing anomalous convection heating. The convection anomalies induce an extensive anomalous westerly belt over the WEP, which charges El Niño by eastward-propagating Kelvin waves. Moreover, induced by the anomalously northward-shifted ITCZ heating and the suppressed heating over the Maritime Continent, the equatorially asymmetric westerly belt reduces the meridional shear of mean easterly wind in the lower latitudes, which maintains an anomalous equatorward Sverdrup transport and in turn prolongs the persistence of El Niño events. A case study of the 2015/16 super El Niño and a regression study by using a rainfall index in critical regions support the above results.
Perspectives on Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change in Hazardous Environments: Insights from Broward County, Florida
Authors: Torres Hannah R. , Alsharif Kamal A. , Tobin Graham A.
Published: February 2018

Particular social factors can limit or promote adaptive capacity and resilience in hazardous environments. Understanding these factors is essential for developing planning tools for risk reduction and response. In this qualitative study, focus groups are used to learn about homeowners’ experiences with a disturbance event, as well as their perceptions and expectations regarding local climate adaptation. The analysis provides insights about how risk perceptions, insurance practices, and social networks may influence individuals’ willingness and ability to cope with a disaster. Potential social limits to adaptation among participants included inaccurate risk perceptions based on experiences and feelings of helplessness, and a lack of political trust at the state level. Existing social resources that may be more formally leveraged to enhance adaptive capacity include knowledge reserves of long-term residents, strong “bonding capital,” and trust in local, nonelected government employees. The study concludes that social dimensions of adaptation, including individuals’ values, beliefs, and social norms, can have a powerful influence on the effectiveness of local adaptation planning in the face of hazards and global environmental change.
The ‘vocation’ redux: A post-Weberian perspective from the sociology of knowledge
Authors: Hamati-Ataya Inanna
Published: February 2018

This article engages the Weberian view on the scholarly vocation from a perspective informed by ‘strong reflexivity’. The reflexivist perspective is grounded in a sociological understanding of knowledge that calls for a coherent reformulation of the relation between the social nature and social function of science, and of the cognitive and axiological posture of scholarship understood as socio-political praxis. Drawing on the sociology of knowledge, the article argues that Weber’s perspective is untenable conceptually and practically. Strong reflexivity, here illustrated through Standpoint Feminism and Bourdieusian sociology, permits a coherent delineation of the problem of the scholarly vocation, in a way that reconciles the social origins, efficacy and responsibility of science, and hence allows for a more realist reformulation of the cognitive, social and moral dilemmas we face as scholars, educators, and citizens.
Do Field Experiments on Labor and Housing Markets Overstate Discrimination? A Re-examination of the Evidence
Authors: Neumark David , Rich Judith
Published: February 2018

Since 2000, more than 80 field experiments across 23 countries consider the traditional dimensions of discrimination in labor and housing markets—such as discrimination based on race. These studies nearly always find evidence of discrimination against minorities. The estimates of discrimination in these studies can be biased, however, if there is differential variation in the unobservable determinants of productivity or in the quality of majority and minority groups. It is possible that this experimental literature as a whole overstates the evidence of discrimination. The authors re-assess the evidence from the 10 existing studies of discrimination that have sufficient information to correct for this bias. For the housing market studies, the estimated effect of discrimination is robust to this correction. For the labor market studies, by contrast, the evidence is less robust, as just over half of the estimates of discrimination fall to near zero, become statistically insignificant, or change sign.