bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profiling of Selected MicroRNAs in Proliferative Eutopic Endometrium of Women with Ovarian Endometriosis
Authors: Laudanski P. , Charkiewicz R. , Tolwinska A. , Szamatowicz J. , Charkiewicz A. , Niklinski J.
Published: August 2015

It has been well documented that aberrant expression of selected microRNAs (miRNAs) might contribute to the pathogenesis of disease. The aim of the present study is to compare miRNA expression by the most comprehensive locked-nucleic acid (LNA) miRNA microarray in eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis and control. In the study we recruited 21 patients with endometriosis and 25 were disease-free women. The miRNA expression profiles were determined using the LNA miRNA microarray and validated for selected molecules by real-time PCR. We identified 1198 human miRNAs significantly differentially altered in endometriosis versus control samples using false discovery rate of <5%. However only 136 miRNAs showed differential regulation by fold change of at least 1.3. By the use of selected statistical analysis we obtained 45 potential pathways that might play a role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. We also found that natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity pathway was found to be inhibited which is consistent with previous studies. There are several pathways that may be potentially dysregulated, due to abnormal miRNA expression, in eutopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis and in this way contribute to its pathogenesis.
Large-Scale Mobile Sensing Enabled Internet-of-Things Testbed for Smart City Services
Authors: Lanza Jorge , Sánchez Luis , Muñoz Luis , Galache José Antonio , Sotres Pablo , Santana Juan R. , Gutiérrez Verónica
Published: August 2015

Smart cities are one of the key application domains for the Internet-of-Things paradigm. Extending the Web into the physical realm of a city, by means of the widespread deployment of spatially distributed Internet-addressable devices with sensing and/or actuation capabilities, allows improving efficiency of city services. Vehicles moving around the city become excellent probes when the objective is to gather information across the city in a cost effective manner. Public transportation fleets, taxis, or vehicles such as waste collection trucks cover most of the urban areas with a limited number of vehicles. This paper presents the deployment of a large scale Internet-of-Things testbed that has been carried out in the city of Santander. It extends previous descriptions by providing a specification of one of the unique features of the testbed, namely, the devices that have been installed on 140 buses, taxis, and vans that every day drive around the city. Besides the physical characteristics of the devices installed and the lessons learnt during the deployment, the paper introduces the three mobile sensing network strategies used for distributing the data gathered. Finally, the paper sketches some of smart city services which might be provided using the information coming from the mobile IoT devices.
Probiotics (Bifidobacterium longum) Increase Bone Mass Density and UpregulateSparcandBmp-2Genes in Rats with Bone Loss Resulting from Ovariectomy
Authors: Parvaneh Kolsoom , Ebrahimi Mahdi , Sabran Mohd Redzwan , Karimi Golgis , Hwei Angela Ng Min , Abdul-Majeed Saif , Ahmad Zuraini , Ibrahim Zuriati , Jamaluddin Rosita
Published: August 2015

Probiotics are live microorganisms that exert beneficial effects on the host, when administered in adequate amounts. Mostly, probiotics affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the host and alter the composition of gut microbiota. Nowadays, the incidence of hip fractures due to osteoporosis is increasing worldwide. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats have fragile bone due to estrogen deficiency and mimic the menopausal conditions in women. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects ofBifidobacterium longum(B. longum) on bone mass density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), bone remodeling, bone structure, and gene expression in OVX rats. The rats were randomly assigned into 3 groups (sham, OVX, and the OVX group supplemented with 1 mL ofB. longum108–109colony forming units (CFU)/mL).B. longumwas given once daily for 16 weeks, starting from 2 weeks after the surgery. TheB. longumsupplementation increased (p<0.05) serum osteocalcin (OC) and osteoblasts, bone formation parameters, and decreased serum C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) and osteoclasts, bone resorption parameters. It also altered the microstructure of the femur. Consequently, it increased BMD by increasing (p<0.05) the expression ofSparcandBmp-2genes.B. longumalleviated bone loss in OVX rats and enhanced BMD by decreasing bone resorption and increasing bone formation.
Simultaneous Bilateral Rupture of the Triceps Tendon in a Renal Transplant Patient
Authors: Zaidenberg Ezequiel E. , Gallucci Gerardo L. , Boretto Jorge G. , De Carli Pablo
Published: August 2015

The unilateral rupture of the triceps brachii tendon is a rare lesion representing 1% of all tendon injuries. The most common causes are the result of a contraction against resistance (especially weightlifters) and direct trauma. It has also been associated with systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and use of systemic corticosteroids. Simultaneous bilateral rupture of the triceps tendons is less frequent and has been described in association with chronic metabolic disorders, especially in those patients on hemodialysis. This paper presents a case of bilateral triceps tendon rupture of a 36-year-old woman with renal transplantation secondary to chronic renal failure. Early surgical repair was performed using a bone tunnel technique with a nonabsorbable suture. Clinically active extension with 135 degrees of range of motion was achieved.
Particle and Particle-Surfactant Mixtures at Fluid Interfaces: Assembly, Morphology, and Rheological Description
Authors: Maestro Armando , Santini Eva , Zabiegaj Dominika , Llamas Sara , Ravera Francesca , Liggieri Libero , Ortega Francisco , Rubio Ramón G. , Guzman Eduardo
Published: August 2015

We report here a review of particle-laden interfaces. We discuss the importance of the particle’s wettability, accounted for by the definition of a contact angle, on the attachment of particles to the fluid interface and how the contact angle is strongly affected by several physicochemical parameters. The different mechanisms of interfacial assembly are also addressed, being the adsorption and spreading the most widely used processes leading to the well-known adsorbed and spread layers, respectively. The different steps involved in the adsorption of the particles and the particle-surfactant mixtures from bulk to the interface are also discussed. We also include here the different equations of state provided so far to explain the interfacial behavior of the nanoparticles. Finally, we discuss the mechanical properties of the interfacial particle layers via dilatational and shear rheology. We emphasize along that section the importance of the shear rheology to know the intrinsic morphology of such particulate system and to understand how the flow-field-dependent evolution of the interfacial morphology might eventually affect some properties of materials such as foams and emulsions. We dedicated the last section to explaining the importance of the particulate interfacial systems in the stabilization of foams and emulsions.
Numerical Simulation for the Soil-Pile-Structure Interaction under Seismic Loading
Authors: Luan Lifeng , Liu Yunbin , Li Ying
Published: August 2015

Piles are widely used as reinforcement structures in geotechnical engineering designs. If the settlement of the soil is greater than the pile, the pile is pulled down by the soil, and negative friction force is produced. Previous studies have mainly focused on the interaction of pile-soil under static condition. However, many pile projects are located in earthquake-prone areas, which indicate the importance of determining the response of the pile-soil structure under seismic load. In this paper, the nonlinear, explicit, and finite difference program FLAC3D, which considers the mechanical behavior of soil-pile interaction, is used to establish an underconsolidated soil-pile mode. The response processes of the pile side friction force, the pile axial force, and the soil response under seismic load are also analyzed.
Efficient Formulation of the Periodic Corrections in Brouwer’s Gravity Solution
Authors: Lara Martin
Published: August 2015

The periodic terms of Brouwer’s gravity solution are reconstructed in a nonsingular set of variables which are derived from the well-known polar-nodal variables. This change does not affect the essence of the solution, which still keeps all the benefits of the action-angle variables approach and yields two major improvements. Namely, the periodic corrections of Brouwer’s solution are now valid for any eccentricity below one and any inclination except the critical inclination and, besides, are significantly simpler than the nonsingular corrections in Lyddane’s reformulation of Brouwer’s theory.
The Growing Burden of Endometrial Cancer: A Major Racial Disparity Affecting Black Women
Authors: Cote Michele L. , Ruterbusch Julie J. , Olson Sara H. , Lu Karen , Ali-Fehmi Rouba
Published: August 2015

Background: In contrast with the decreasing incidence seen for most cancers, endometrial cancer has been increasing in the United States. We examined whether the increasing incidence and mortality from endometrial cancer are equally distributed by race/ethnicity and tumor histologic subtype.

Methods: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) endometrial cancer incidence and mortality data were obtained from 2000 to 2011. Age-adjusted incidence and incidence-based mortality rates, 95% confidence intervals, and annual percent changes (APC) were calculated. Rate ratios were calculated to compare racial/ethnic groups. Five-year relative survival rates were presented to explore survival by stage at diagnosis.

Results: Incidence rates for endometrial cancers are rising across all racial/ethnic groups, with the greatest APC seen among non-Hispanic black (NHB) and Asian women (APC, 2.5 for both). NHB women have significantly higher incidence rates of aggressive endometrial cancers (clear cell, serous, high-grade endometrioid, and malignant mixed Mullerian tumors) compared with non-Hispanic white (NHW) women. Hispanic and Asian women have incidence rates equal to or lower than NHW women for all tumor subtypes. For nearly every stage and subtype, the 5-year relative survival for NHB women is significantly less than NHW women, whereas Hispanic and Asian women have the same or better survival.

Conclusions: Endometrial cancer incidence is increasing for all women, particularly the aggressive subtypes. The disparity associated with excess incidence for these aggressive histologic subtypes and poorer survival is limited to NHB women.

Impact: Increasing rates of aggressive endometrial cancers may widen the survival disparity between NHW and NHB women. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(9); 1407–15. ©2015 AACR.
Targeted DNA Methylation Screen in the Mouse Mammary Genome Reveals a Parity-Induced Hypermethylation of Igf1r That Persists Long after Parturition
Authors: Katz Tiffany A. , Liao Serena G. , Palmieri Vincent J. , Dearth Robert K. , Pathiraja Thushangi N. , Huo Zhiguang , Shaw Patricia , Small Sarah , Davidson Nancy E. , Peters David G. , Tseng George C. , Oesterreich Steffi , Lee Adrian V.
Published: August 2015

The most effective natural prevention against breast cancer is an early first full-term pregnancy. Understanding how the protective effect is elicited will inform the development of new prevention strategies. To better understand the role of epigenetics in long-term protection, we investigated parity-induced DNA methylation in the mammary gland. FVB mice were bred or remained nulliparous and mammary glands harvested immediately after involution (early) or 6.5 months following involution (late), allowing identification of both transient and persistent changes. Targeted DNA methylation (109 Mb of Ensemble regulatory features) analysis was performed using the SureSelectXT Mouse Methyl-seq assay and massively parallel sequencing. Two hundred sixty-nine genes were hypermethylated and 128 hypomethylated persistently at both the early and late time points. Pathway analysis of the persistently differentially methylated genes revealed Igf1r to be central to one of the top identified signaling networks, and Igf1r itself was one of the most significantly hypermethylated genes. Hypermethylation of Igf1r in the parous mammary gland was associated with a reduction of Igf1r mRNA expression. These data suggest that the IGF pathway is regulated at multiple levels during pregnancy and that its modification might be critical in the protective role of pregnancy. This supports the approach of lowering IGF action for prevention of breast cancer, a concept that is currently being tested clinically. Cancer Prev Res; 8(10); 1000–9. ©2015 AACR.
Deletion of HAPS_2096 Increases Sensitivity to Cecropin B in Haemophilus parasuis
Authors: Chen Fanjie , Hu Han , Li Zhonghua , Huang Jiacheng , Cai Xuwang , Wang Chunmei , He Qigai , Cao Jiyue
Published: August 2015

Cecropin B (CB) is a very effective natural antimicrobial peptide that has shown great potential for future antimicrobial drug development. HAPS_2096 is a Haemophilus parasuis gene that encodes the periplasmic substrate-binding protein of an ATP-binding cassette-type amino acid transporter. In this research, we constructed and verified an HAPS_2096 deletion mutant and a complementary HAPS_2096 mutant of H. parasuis JS0135. A bactericidal assay revealed that the HAPS_2096 deletion mutant was significantly more sensitive than the wild-type strain to 0.25-0.5 µg/ml CB. However, the gene complementation alleviated the CB sensitivity of the mutant. Immunoelectron microscopy observation following a 30-min treatment with a sublethal concentration of CB (0.25 μg/ml) revealed more extensive morphological damage in the mutant strain than in the wild-type strain. Hence, our results suggest that the HAPS_2096 gene contributes to H. parasuis resistance to CB.
Clinical significance of circulating vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 to white matter disintegrity in Alzheimer’s dementia
Authors: Huang Chi-Wei , Tsai Meng-Han , Chen Nai-Ching , Chen Wei-Hsi , Lu Yan-Ting , Lui Chun-Chung , Chang Ya-Ting , Chang Wen-Neng , Chang Alice Y. W. , Chang Chiung-Chih
Published: August 2015

Endothelial dysfunction leads to worse cognitive performance in Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). While both cerebrovascular risk factors and endothelial dysfunction lead to activation of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin, it is not known whether these biomarkers extend the diagnostic repertoire in reflecting intracerebral structural damage or cognitive performance. A total of 110 AD patients and 50 age-matched controls were enrolled. Plasma levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin were measured and correlated with the cognitive performance, white matter macro-structural changes, and major tract-specific fractional anisotropy quantification. The AD patients were further stratified by clinical dementia rating score (mild dementia, n=60; moderate-to-severe dementia, n=50). Compared with the controls, plasma levels of VCAM-1 (p< 0.001), ICAM-1 (p=0.028) and E-selectin (p=0.016) were significantly higher in the patients, but only VCAM-1 levels significantly reflected the severity of dementia (p< 0.001). In addition, only VCAM-1 levels showed an association with macro- and micro- white matter changes especially in the superior longitudinal fasciculus (p< 0.001), posterior thalamic radiation (p=0.002), stria terminalis (p=0.002) and corpus callosum (p=0.009), and were independent of, age and cortical volume. These tracts show significant association with MMSE, short term memory and visuospatial function. Meanwhile, while VCAM-1 level correlated significantly with short-term memory (p=0.026) and drawing (p=0.025) scores in the AD patients after adjusting for age and education, the significance disappeared after adjusting for global FA. Endothelial activation, especially VCAM-1, was of clinical significance in AD that reflects macro- and micro-structural changes and poor short term memory and visuospatial function.
Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in women under combined oral contraceptive
Authors: Henneuse Agathe , Ibrahim Manal , Brunet Dominique , Barthet Marie-Christine , Aillaud Marie-Françoise , Venton Geoffroy , Alessi Marie-Christine , Trégouët David-Alexandre , Suchon Pierre , Frouh Fadi Al , Morange Pierre-Emmanuel
Published: August 2015

Identifying women at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major public health issue. The objective of this study was to identify environmental and genetic determinants of VTE risk in a large sample of women under combined oral contraceptives (COC). A total of 968 women who had had one event of VTE during COC use were compared to 874 women under COC but with no personal history of VTE. Clinical data were collected and a systematic thrombophilia screening was performed together with ABO blood group assessment. After adjusting for age, family history, and type and duration of COC use, main environmental determinants of VTE were smoking (odds ratio [OR] =1.65, 95 % confidence interval [1.30–2.10]) and a body mass index higher than 35 kg.m-2 (OR=3.46 [1.81–7.03]). In addition, severe inherited thrombophilia (OR=2.13 [1.32–3.51]) and non-O blood groups (OR=1.98 [1.57–2.49]) were strong genetic risk factors for VTE. Family history poorly predicted thrombophilia as its prevalence was similar in patients with or without first degree family history of VTE (29.3 % vs 23.9 %, p=0.09). In conclusion, this study confirms the influence of smoking and obesity and shows for the first time the impact of ABO blood group on the risk of VTE in women under COC. It also confirms the inaccuracy of the family history of VTE to detect inherited thrombophilia.
Red cell distribution width is associated with future risk of incident stroke
Authors: Ellingsen Trygve S. , Skjelbakken Tove , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Njølstad Inger , Wilsgaard Tom , Brox Jan , Brækkan Sigrid K. , Hansen John-Bjarne , Lappegård Jostein
Published: August 2015

Red cell distribution width (RDW), a measure of the variability in size of the circulating erythrocytes, is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate whether RDW was associated with incident stroke and case fatality in subjects recruited from the general population. Baseline characteristics were obtained from 25,992 subjects participating in the fourth survey of the Tromsø Study, conducted in 1994/95. Incident stroke was registered from inclusion until December 31, 2010. Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) with 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) for stroke, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, haemoglobin level, white blood cell count, thrombocyte count, hypertension, total cholesterol, triglycerides, self-reported diabetes, and red blood cell count. During a median follow-up of 15.8 years, 1152 participants experienced a first-ever stroke. A 1 % increment in RDW yielded a 13 % higher risk of stroke (multivariable HR: 1.13, 95 % CI: 1.07–1.20). Subjects with RDW in the highest quintile compared to the lowest had a 37 % higher risk of stroke in multivariable analysis (HR: 1.37, 95 % CI: 1.11–1.69). Subjects with RDW above the 95-percentile had 55 % higher risk of stroke compared to those in the lowest quintile (HR: 1.55, 95 % CI: 1.16–2.06). All risk estimates remained unchanged after exclusion of subjects with anaemia (n=1102). RDW was not associated with increased risk of death within one year or during the entire follow-up after an incident stroke. RDW is associated with incident stroke in a general population, independent of anaemia and traditional atherosclerotic risk factors.
New species of Simona Moulds, 2012 and Chelapsalta Moulds, 2012 cicadas (Cicadidae: Cicadettinae: Cicadettini) from Australia: comparative morphology, songs, behaviour and distributions
Authors: EWART A. , POPPLE L.W. , MARSHALL D.C.
Published: August 2015

In 2012, Moulds established the morphologically similar cicada genera Simona and Chelapsalta, each with one Australian species (sancta Distant and puer Walker, respectively). In this paper, two new species are described within the genus Simona Moulds 2012, S. erema sp. nov. and S. retracta sp. nov., and one within the genus Chelapsalta Moulds 2012, C. myoporae sp. nov. The type species of Simona (female holotype), S. sancta (Distant, 1913), is redescribed based on a contemporary male, nominated a plesiotype, held in the Australian National Insect Collection. Melampsalta subgulosa Ashton 1914 is supported as a junior synonym of S. sancta. The species within the two genera of Simona and Chelapsalta are morphologically very similar. S. erema occurs widely through the arid regions of inland Australia, extending west from western Queensland through the Northern Territory, to central-western Western Australia, a linear distance of approximately 2200 km. S. retracta is known from a single semi-arid locality in southern inland Queensland. C. myoporae occurs widely through southeast, central and southwest Queensland, extending southwards into inland and western N.S.W. and southeastern South Australia. It tends to occur most commonly within vegetation associated with seasonal riverine floodplains, and in some areas of poorly drained and clay-rich soils. The calling songs of these three species, together with those of S. sancta and C. puer, are described. Detailed comparisons made of the songs of S. erema and C. myoporae, each from three widely separated locations, clearly exhibit structural consistency in their calling songs across their distributions. The Simona songs are complex and contain multiple elements; the species are very mobile and wary, and inhabit low dense shrubland. The songs of the two Chelapsalta species, both relatively sedentary in behaviour, in contrast consist of relatively uniform chirping and buzzing elements. It is suggested that, although the two genera are morphologically similar, the calling songs, behaviour and habitats do distinguish them, at least as represented by these species documented. MaxEnt modeling of the species climatic envelope for the widely distributed species Simona erema suggests an association with summer-peak rainfall and diurnal temperature range. Modeling under estimated conditions of the Last Glacial Maximum (22 ky) suggests the possibility of an even more widespread distribution at that time.
Annotated catalogue of the carabid beetles of the Republic of Macedonia (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: HRISTOVSKI SLAVČO , GUÉORGUIEV BORISLAV
Published: August 2015

The catalogue of the ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) of the Republic of Macedonia is the result of our permanent investigation during 15 years. It is based on the critical review of the data in 255 scientific publications and the revision of the collections deposited in the museums in Macedonia (Skopje and Struga), other European countries (Berlin, Budapest, Vienna, Sofia) and the first author's private collection. For all of the species and subspecies we have presented the known literature references, precise data for the studied material and overall distribution in the Republic of Macedonia.        The study of the material resulted in new country records of 10 genera, 101 species and 25 subspecies. First detailed records are provided for another 47 species and subspecies, and additional material was studied of 482 species and subspecies. Type material of 18 species and subspecies was also examined. Thirteen species and one subspecies were rejected from the list of Macedonian ground beetles. Six more species are treated as questionable and were not included in the present list.        As a result, the presence of 571 species and 234 subspecies (626 taxa in total) in Macedonia is confirmed. These taxa are arranged in 104 genera, 31 subtribes, 35 tribes and 13 subfamilies. The most numerous in term of the species are the genera Bembidion (60), Harpalus (48) and Amara (46), as well as Pterostichus (26), Ophonus (19), Carabus (16), Trechus (16), Brachinus (16) and Dyschirius (15).
Phylogenetic systematics of egg-brooding frogs (Anura: Hemiphractidae) and the evolution of direct development
Authors: CASTROVIEJO-FISHER SANTIAGO , PADIAL JOSÉ M. JR. , DE LA RIVA IGNACIO , POMBAL, JR. JOSÉ P. , SILVA HELIO R. DA , ROJAS-RUNJAIC FERNANDO J. M. , MEDINA-MÉNDEZ ESTEBAN , FROST DARREL R.
Published: August 2015

Egg-brooding frogs (Hemiphractidae) are a group of 105 currently recognized Neotropical species, with a remarkable diversity of developmental modes, from direct development to free-living and exotrophic tadpoles. Females carry their eggs on the back and embryos have unique bell-shaped gills. We inferred the evolutionary relationships of these frogs and used the resulting phylogeny to review their taxonomy and test hypotheses on the evolution of developmental modes and bell-shaped gills. Our inferences relied on a total evidence parsimony analysis of DNA sequences of up to 20 mitochondrial and nuclear genes (analyzed under tree-alignment), and 51 phenotypic characters sampled for 83% of currently valid hemiphractid species. Our analyses rendered a well-resolved phylogeny, with both Hemiphractidae (sister of Athesphatanura) and its six recognized genera being monophyletic. We also inferred novel intergeneric relationships [((Cryptobatrachus, Flectonotus), (Stefania, (Fritziana, (Hemiphractus, Gastrotheca))))], the non-monophyly of all species groups previously proposed within Gastrotheca and Stefania, and the existence of several putative new species within Fritziana and Hemiphractus. Contrary to previous hypotheses, our results support the most recent common ancestor of hemiphractids as a direct-developer. Free-living aquatic tadpoles apparently evolved from direct-developing ancestors three to eight times. Embryos of the sister taxa Cryptobatrachus and Flectonotus share a pair of single gills derived from branchial arch I, while embryos of the clade including the other four genera have two pairs of gills derived from branchial arches I and II respectively. Furthermore, in Gastrotheca the fusion of the two pairs of gills is a putative synapomorphy. We propose a revised taxonomy concordant with our optimal topologies.
Revision of the genus Melanagromyza in California, with descriptions of three new species (Diptera: Agromyzidae)
Authors: SHI LI , GAIMARI STEPHEN D.
Published: August 2015

The 27 Californian species of the genus Melanagromyza Hendel (Diptera: Agromyzidae) are reviewed, including descriptions of three new species (Melanagromyza californiana sp. nov., M. chemsaki sp. nov. and M. gonzalesina sp. nov.) and the first record for one species (Melanagromyza martini Spencer) for California and the USA. All species in California are described or redescribed, with illustrations and photographs, and a key to the species is presented. Maps for the species in California, along with host distributions, are provided, with comments on biology and host plants.
Parameterized Gravity Wave Momentum Fluxes from Sources Related to Convection and Large-Scale Precipitation Processes in a Global Atmosphere Model
Authors: Bushell Andrew C. , Butchart Neal , Derbyshire Stephen H. , Jackson David R. , Shutts Glenn J. , Vosper Simon B. , Webster Stuart
Published: August 2015

Analysis of a high-resolution, convection-permitting simulation of the tropical Indian Ocean has revealed empirical relationships between precipitation and gravity wave vertical momentum flux on grid scales typical of earth system models. Hence, the authors take a rough functional form, whereby the wave flux source spectrum has an amplitude proportional to the square root of total precipitation, to represent gravity wave source strengths in the Met Office global model’s spectral nonorographic scheme. Key advantages of the new source are simplicity and responsiveness to changes in convection processes without dependence upon model-specific details of their representation. Thus, the new source scheme is potentially a straightforward adaptation for a class of spectral gravity wave schemes widely used for current state-of-the-art earth system models. Against an invariant source, the new parameterized source generates launch-level flux amplitudes with greater spatial and temporal variability, producing probability density functions for absolute momentum flux over the ocean that have extended tails of large-amplitude, low-occurrence events. Such distributions appear more realistic in comparison with reported balloon observations. Source intermittency at the launch level affects mean fluxes at higher levels in two ways: directly, as a result of upward propagation of the new source variation, and indirectly, through changes in filtering characteristics that arise from intermittency. Initial assessment of the new scheme in the Met Office global model indicates an improved representation of the quasi-biennial oscillation and sensitivity that offers potential for further impact in the future.
Effects of Horizontal and Vertical Grid Spacing on Mixing in Simulated Squall Lines and Implications for Convective Strength and Structure
Authors: Lebo Z. J. , Morrison H.
Published: August 2015

The sensitivity of an idealized squall line to horizontal and vertical grid spacing is investigated using a new approach. Simulations are first performed at a horizontal grid spacing of 1 km until the storm reaches its mature stage. The model output is then interpolated to smaller (and larger) grid spacings, and the model is restarted using the interpolated state plus small thermodynamic perturbations to spin up small-scale motions. This framework allows an investigation of the sensitivity of the storm to changes in without complications from differences in storm initiation and early evolution. The restarted simulations reach a quasi steady state within approximately 1 h. Results demonstrate that there are two -dependent regimes with the transition between regimes occurring for between 250 and 500 m. Some storm characteristics, such as the mean convective core area, change substantially for 250 m but show limited sensitivity as is decreased below 250 m, despite better resolving smaller-scale turbulent motions. This transition is found to be independent of the chosen . Mixing in the context of varying and is also investigated via passive tracers that are initialized 1 h after restarting the simulations (i.e., after the spin up of small-scale motions). The tracer field at the end of the simulations reveals that entrainment and detrainment are suppressed in the simulations with 500 m. For decreasing , entrainment and detrainment are substantially more important, limiting the flux of low-level tracer to the upper troposphere, which has important implications for modeling studies of convective transport from the boundary layer through the troposphere.
microRNA expression in blood of dengue patients
Authors: Tambyah Paul A , Ching Chai S , Sepramaniam Sugunavathi , Ali Jaminah M , Armugam Arunmozhiarasi , Jeyaseelan Kandiah
Published: August 2015

Background

Dengue is the most common arboviral illness worldwide. While most infected patients recover, a proportion of them develop severe complications or fatality. Nevertheless, the pathophysiological mechanisms which distinguish the disease severity and associated complications are not clearly understood. We studied blood profiles of dengue patients in order to identify microRNAs that could play a role in these pathophysiological mechanisms.

Methods

Blood samples from 26 dengue-infected patients were collected within 0–14 days of infection. Together with samples obtained from six healthy individuals, microRNA profiles were generated to identify significantly altered microRNAs upon dengue infection. Profiles of patients with influenza were also used to determine the disease specificity of these altered microRNAs. Their discriminative power to distinguish dengue from influenza was then tested statistically.

Results

Several significantly altered microRNAs were identified in patients with dengue. Twelve microRNAs were specifically altered upon acute dengue whereas 14 microRNAs exhibited similar expression between dengue and influenza. Seventeen microRNAs which could potentially distinguish dengue-related complications were also identified. Expression of miR-24-1-5p, miR-512-5p and miR-4640-3p distinguished mild dengue from those exhibiting liver complications whereas miR-383 was significantly upregulated in mild dengue compared to those diagnosed as severe dengue with fluid accumulation.

Conclusions

We identified two panels of microRNAs – one specific for dengue and the other common to dengue and influenza. We also report on the differentially expressed microRNAs in patients with mild versus severe dengue, which could be the basis for the complications seen in them.
Serum trough infliximab and anti-infliximab antibodies in a cohort of gastroenterology and rheumatology patients’ infliximab therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Barlow Nicola L , Mohammed Pervaz , Berg Jonathan D
Published: August 2015

Background

Infliximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against tumour necrosis factor, is widely used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions including Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Its use is limited by development of anti-infliximab antibodies, which can lead to loss of therapeutic efficacy. Serum infliximab and anti-infliximab antibody measurements have recently become routinely available in the UK. The study aimed to assess the clinical utility of antibodies as an adjunct to trough infliximab.

Methods

Serum trough infliximab was measured in 201 samples from 108 gastroenterology and rheumatology patients on maintenance infliximab therapy. Results were correlated with C-reactive protein concentrations. Total anti-infliximab antibodies were measured in 164 samples.

Results

The median (25th–75th percentile) trough infliximab was 3.7  µg/mL (1.2–5.2  µg/mL) and 23% of samples had a concentration ≤1  µg/mL. A notable proportion had positive anti-infliximab antibodies: 84/164 (51%), which subdivided to 85% and 28% with infliximab ≤1 and >1  µg/mL, respectively. Serum C-reactive protein was found to be significantly higher where infliximab was ≤1 compared to >1  µg/mL (10 mg/L [<5–24 mg/L] vs. <5 mg/L [<5–8 mg/L], P < 0.01), although a strict correlation was not observed. The relationship between trough infliximab and C-reactive protein differed depending on antibody status and there was no association between C-reactive protein and the presence or absence of antibodies.

Conclusion

Our findings support measurement of anti-infliximab antibodies only in the context of low infliximab concentrations <1  µg/mL. A higher therapeutic cut-off may be relevant in patients with negative antibodies. Further work is indicated to investigate the clinical significance of positive antibodies with therapeutic infliximab concentrations.
Il personaggio tabucchiano tra realtà e finzione
Authors: Gallotta Gianmarco
Published: August 2015

Il presente saggio intende presentare la tematica della costruzione del personaggio letterario di Antonio Tabucchi (1943–2012), da Piazza d’Italia (1975) a Tristano muore (2003), particolarmente alla luce del supporto critico metodologico fornito da Seymour Chatman in Story and Discourse (1978) e alle nozioni di narratore nascosto ( covert) e narratore palese ( overt). Nonostante i numerosi contributi sull'opera tabucchiana apparsi su questa tematica negli ultimi anni, probabilmente lo studio più esaustivo sul rapporto autore–personaggio in seno alla sua opera resta Antonio Tabucchi: navigazioni in un arcipelago narrativo (2002) di Brizio-Skov. Inoltre, se la critica si è finora maggiormente soffermata sul rapporto tra Tabucchi e Fernando Pessoa (1988–1935), nel presente saggio viene piuttosto sottolineato il rapporto di analogia esistente con Luigi Pirandello (1867–1936) per quanto concerne la creazione del personaggio letterario. Un personaggio inteso come “fantasma” o entità “in cerca d'autore” che rimanda alla memoria le “fantasie umbratili” tabucchiane. Attraversando un secolo di storia, si è potuto osservare il ripresentarsi di una poetica che ha costantemente presentato spunti originali sul rapporto autore–personaggio, e analizzare quanto il contributo tabucchiano abbia influito su nuove generazioni di scrittori, come dimostra l’esempio di Andrea Bajani (1976).
Re-assessing self-interest theory: Can intergroup contact constrain self-interested reactions?
Authors: Thomsen Jens Peter Frølund , Birkmose Anders Engrob
Published: August 2015

This article expands previous research on self-interested reactions and intergroup contact by showing that (1) intergroup contact constrains the impact of personal economic vulnerability on perceived out-group threat, (2) personal economic vulnerability has no influence on perceived out-group threat when contact is most intense, and (3) the ability of intergroup contact to reduce perceived out-group threat is strongest among the most economically vulnerable. These findings were generated by a fixed-effects regression of 21 countries and almost 34,000 respondents sampled in the European Social Survey (2002–2003). More generally, our findings suggest that self-interested reactions can be overpowered by the cognitive and affective components of intergroup contact. The concluding section expands on the theoretical implications of the results.
Paranoid thinking, cognitive bias and dangerous neighbourhoods: Implications for perception of threat and expectations of victimisation
Authors: Jack Alexander , Egan Vincent
Published: August 2015

Background:

Paranoid thinking is prevalent in the non-clinical population and cognitive mechanisms of heuristic reasoning and jumping to conclusions bias contributes to its formation and maintenance.

Aims:

This study investigated the degree to which paranoia, perceived environmental risk, heuristic reasoning and jumping to conclusions bias (measured with the beads task) contribute to misinterpretation of neutral stimuli, and whether this informed judgements regarding vulnerability to threat and crime. It is also investigated whether impulsiveness is a confounding factor on the beads task.

Methods:

Two hundred participants were recruited using a snowball-sampling method for a quantitative cross-sectional study. Participants reported demographic information, three psychometric questionnaires and two experimental tasks via an online paradigm hosted by the Bristol Online Survey tool.

Results:

Participants with high paranoia scores perceived their environment to be more dangerous than those with low scores. Participants with high paranoia scores also overestimated threat in neutral stimuli and had high expectations of future victimisation. Jumping to conclusions on the beads task did not predict fear of crime outcomes, but was predicted by impulsivity.

Conclusion:

Participants who demonstrated paranoid thinking were more likely to reside in perceived dangerous neighbourhoods and overestimate threat. While this could indicate a paranoid heuristic, it is a potentially rational response to prior experiences of crime and victimisation. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Food Security in Kashmir: Food Production and the Universal Public Distribution System
Authors: Dar Tanveer Ahmad
Published: August 2015

India has been witnessing political conflicts in many parts of the country which have had severe implications for people living in these areas. In the context of Kashmir, which has seen conflict for more than two decades, this article investigates trends in local food production and access to food grains under the public distribution system (PDS). It also explores whether a programme based on the principle of universality can make a difference to outcomes against a backdrop of conflict and strife. Relying on an analysis of a combination of macro data and primary research, the article finds that the food deficit increased in the state post 1990s, temporal with the onset of conflict, but concludes that with net grains imported through PDS, the state has been, in effect, a food surplus state, which ensures that almost every household is entitled and has access to a food ration at a constant price.
Provisions of Basic Household Amenities in India: A Progress Report
Authors: Mishra Udaya S. , Shukla Vachaspati
Published: August 2015

Over the years the world has reconciled to an entirely different phase of development discourse where progress in development is no more certified on the basis of overall income growth of the economy, but rather on the quantum reduction in the share of population deprived with ‘basic human needs’. The ‘basic human needs’ approach to development emphasises on providing basic material needs to people. Though, it is well acknowledged that poverty manifests in numerous dimensions, its assessment in consideration of multiple dimensions is yet to attain consensus. It is also known that as each dimension of ‘basic human needs’ has its own characteristics, it thus requires different policy intervention. Therefore, it is much more rewarding to assess the individual dimension of deprivation rather than being in the quest of an aggregate measure which will be at the cost of adequacy and simplicity. In this background, this article makes an attempt to analyse India’s progress in the three important ‘basic human needs’ essential for a human life: access to toilet facility, safe drinking water and electricity.
The Petrol-dollar Economy and the Value Shift among the Youths of the Western Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: Dokpesi Okhobo Augustine
Published: August 2015

The pre-petroleum Niger Delta region was well endowed with enormous natural and cultural resources. However, the advent of the oil industry seems to have affected some changes in the social–cultural structures of this region. Therefore, to determine the impact of the petroleum industry on livelihoods and value orientation, in-depth interview sessions were held with 20 respondents in four communities in the Delta State Nigeria to complement the secondary information collected through documentary method. Consequently, the article argues that the petroleum-led agrarian crisis has created a monetised culture among its youths. This condition has impacted negatively on traditional values, resulting in the socio-cultural quaking of communities in the region. The article therefore suggests a holistic approach that would provide education, cultural reorientation and economic empowerment for the youths.
Foreign Education Providers Bill under Companies Act: For Profit or Corporate Social Responsibility?
Authors: Naincy Nicky
Published: August 2015

The initiative taken by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) for removing the legislative deadlock over the Foreign Education Providers (FEPs) bill is going to involve changes in the recently passed Companies Act, 2013, and also a reframing of some of the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines. This initiative has certain implications and possible future repercussions which have given rise to many questions regarding the objectives and functioning of India’s higher education system. The way this bill has been posed, it seems poised to usher in a fresh bout of private and foreign education institutions with their positive and negative dimensions for higher education. This commentary aims to bring these and many other contradictory aspects of this bill under the ambit of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the UGC guidelines.
Book Review: Vivek Kumar, Caste and Democracy in India: Perspectives from Below
Authors: Majeed Bhat Iqbal
Published: August 2015

Vivek Kumar, Caste and Democracy in India: Perspectives from Below, New Delhi, Gyan Publishing House, 2014, 346 pp., ₹990.
Book Review: Margaret Ch. Zama (ed.), Emerging Literatures from Northeast India: The Dynamics of Culture Society and Identity
Authors: Banerjee Trina Nileena
Published: August 2015

Margaret Ch. Zama (ed.), Emerging Literatures from Northeast India: The Dynamics of Culture Society and Identity, New Delhi, SAGE Publications, 2013, xx + 188 pp., ₹ 750, ISBN 978-81-321-1043-9.
Book Review: Manohar Pawar, Social and Community Development Practice
Authors: Bhatt Sanjai
Published: August 2015

Manohar Pawar, Social and Community Development Practice, New Delhi, SAGE Publications, 2014, 294 pp., ₹ 995, ISBN 978-81-321-1845-9.
Book Review: Nimmi Kurian, India–China Borderlands: Conversations beyond the Centre
Authors: Bhardwaj Atul
Published: August 2015

Nimmi Kurian, India–China Borderlands: Conversations beyond the Centre, New Delhi, SAGE Publications, 2014, 175 pp., ₹ 695.
Sociological Research in India
Authors: Srivastava Vinay Kumar
Published: August 2015

Yogendra Singh (Ed.), Indian Sociology, 3 Vols, New Delhi, Oxford University Press, 2014, 1241 pp., ₹4750, ISBN 0-19-809202-4 (Vol. 1), 0-19-809203-2 (Vol. 2), 0-19-809204-0 (Vol. 3).
Tropical leg ulcers in children: more than yaws
Authors: Fegan David , Glennon Mary Jacqueline , Kool Jacob , Taleo Fasihah
Published: August 2015

The management of yaws has changed in recent years. Mass treatment with oral azithromycin has replaced intramuscular benzathine benzylpenicillin. Treponemal and non-treponemal serology (equivalent to TPHA and RPR) point-of-care blood testing is now available. In addition, recent studies in yaws endemic regions have shown that a significant number of leg ulcers in children which are clinically suggestive of yaws are caused by Haemophilus ducreyi. It is noteworthy that the World Health Organization has also set the ambitious goal to eliminate yaws by 2020.
Assessing Government Transparency: An Interpretive Framework
Authors: Meijer Albert , ’t Hart Paul , Worthy Ben
Published: August 2015

How can we evaluate government transparency arrangements? While the complexity and contextuality of the values at stake defy straightforward measurement, this article provides an interpretative framework to guide and structure assessments of government transparency. In this framework, we discern criteria clusters for political transparency—democracy, the constitutional state, and social learning capacity—and for administrative transparency—economy/efficiency, integrity, and resilience. The framework provides a structured “helicopter view” of the dimensions that are relevant for a contextual assessment of transparency. An illustrative case discussion of the introduction of Freedom of Information (FOI) in the United Kingdom demonstrates its utility.
Appropriate conditions for determining the temperature difference ratio via infrared camera
Authors: Kim Jeonggook , Lee Junghun , Kim Jonghun , Jang Cheolyong , Jeong Hakgeun , Song Doosam
Published: August 2015

The temperature difference ratio is used to measure the thermal performance of a building envelope. Calculation of temperature difference ratio requires temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments and wall surface temperatures, obtained here using an infrared camera. This approach performs well when the temperature differential between indoor and outdoor environments is greater than 10℃ and when wind speed is less than 3.0 m/s. We identify periods suitable for accurate evaluation of thermal insulation performance with an infrared camera, based on eight cities in Korea. The number of measureable hours ranges between 3183 and 1317 annually. Optimum periods for measurement are between November and March, specifically between 01:00 and 09:00 h. Measurements obtained during these periods can therefore be regarded as relatively accurate.

Practical application: A thermal imaging camera provides an easy method for checking the insulation performance and construction conditions of a building. Conventionally, this would be checked experimentally, but thermal imaging allows easy visualization of conditions.