bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ipilimumab Combined with Nivolumab: A Standard of Care for the Treatment of Advanced Melanoma?
Authors: Carlino Matteo S. , Long Georgina V.
Published: June 2016

Ipilimumab, an inhibitor of CTLA-4 on T cells, was the first drug to improve overall survival in patients with advanced melanoma. Subsequently, inhibitors of PD-1, including nivolumab and pembrolizumab, were shown to be superior to ipilimumab with a more favorable safety profile. The combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab is associated with a further improvement in response rate and progression-free survival; however, the combination is associated with an increased rate of immune-related toxicities. In 2015, the FDA approved the combination for the treatment of BRAF wild-type advanced melanoma. This review examines the preclinical rationale for the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab as well as the efficacy and toxicity data from clinical trials in patients with advanced melanoma. Finally, alternative treatment options are discussed with a focus on patient selection. Clin Cancer Res; 22(16); 3992–8. ©2016 AACR.
Association between Renal Function and Bleeding Risk for Dabigatran after Switching from Warfarin
Authors: Kalil Roberto S. , Kaboli Peter J. , Liu Xin , Vaughan-Sarrazin Mary
Published: June 2016

Background: There is a higher risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients treated with dabigatran versus warfarin. We analyzed the impact of renal function on the relative risk of bleeding in patients converted to dabigatran. Methods: Patients aged ≥65 years who received anticoagulation with warfarin for a minimum of 6 months and subsequently converted to dabigatran or remained on warfarin were studied. Data sources included VA National Patient Care, and VA Decision Support System National Pharmacy and Laboratory. Each patient who converted to dabigatran 150 mg twice daily was matched by propensity score with 2 patients on warfarin who did not convert. Outcomes included rates of hospital admission for GI or other major bleeding and mortality, stratified by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Results: Study population included 864 patients who converted and 1,710 patients who did not convert to dabigatran. In patients with eGFR 50-80 ml/min/1.73 m², the hazard of GI bleeding in patients who initiated dabigatran was nearly 3 times higher, (4.1 vs. 1.3 per 100 patient years; hazards ratio 2.94; 95% CI 1.24-7.02; p = 0.015), compared to patients who remained on warfarin. There were relatively few patients with eGFR <50 or >80 ml/min/1.73 m2, and relatively few bleeding events outside the GI tract. Conclusions: Prescribing healthcare providers should exercise caution and close monitoring for bleeding complications when converting from warfarin to dabigatran, even in patients with renal function in the range considered safe for dabigatran use as per current recommendations.
Plasma Cell Leukemia Presenting as a Chest Wall Mass: A Case Report
Authors: Ali Ahmed , Paul Yonette , Nwabudike Stanley Madu , Ogbonna Onyekachi , Grantham Mica , Taddesse-Heath Lekidelu
Published: June 2016

Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is an uncommon neoplasm of plasma cells, with an aggressive clinical course and poor outcome, even with current standard of care. It can occur either de novo (primary PCL) or as a progression of multiple myeloma (MM). This disease has unique diagnostic criteria but certain genetic markers and clinical features may overlap with MM. Due to the low prevalence of PCL, guidelines on its management are extrapolated from the management of MM and based on small retrospective studies and cases reports/series. We present an interesting case of PCL in a middle-aged African-American male, who was diagnosed incidentally after chest wall imaging for an unrelated complaint. The diagnostic approach, management and outcomes of PCL are discussed.
Markers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in the Development and Progression of Renal Disease in Diabetic Patients
Authors: Hojs Radovan , Ekart Robert , Bevc Sebastjan , Hojs Nina
Published: June 2016

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing and has already reached pandemic proportions. Diabetes is a well-known risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) occurs in up to 40% of people with type 1 or 2 diabetes and is nowadays the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Among several factors involved in the development and progression of DKD are also inflammation and oxidative stress. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of sensitive and specific biomarkers for the early prediction of patients who will develop DKD or will progress to ESRD. This review summarizes the evidence regarding the prognostic value and benefits of targeting markers of inflammation (pro-inflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and TNF-α receptors, adhesion molecules, chemokines) and markers of oxidative stress. Some of these biomarkers are promising, but further studies are needed before they can be used in clinical practice.
Hematological Indices May Be Useful in the Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and in Determining Disease Activity in Behçet's Disease
Authors: Yolbas Servet , Yildirim Ahmet , Gozel Nevzat , Uz Burak , Koca Suleyman Serdar
Published: June 2016

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between clinical features of rheumatic diseases and hematologic indices, including mean platelet volume (MPV), MPV/platelet ratio (MPR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Subjects andMethods: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA; n = 91), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; n = 51), systemic sclerosis (SSc; n = 39), and Behçet's disease (BD; n = 53) patients, and 55 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. Hematological indices were calculated and one-way analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney U and χ2 tests, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed. Results: The MPV and MPR were higher in the SLE group than the RA group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). ROC analysis indicated that MPV (area under the curve, AUC, 0.68, 95% CI 0.58-0.77) and MPR (AUC 0.69, 95% CI 0.59-0.78) were sensitive and specific markers for SLE against RA. The NLR was higher in the RA, SLE, and SSc groups compared to the HC group (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, and p < 0.01, respectively). The NLR was higher in the active BD patients than those that were inactive (p = 0.008). Besides, NLR was higher in patients with neuro-BD and patients with active genital ulcers compared to patients without neurological involvement (p < 0.01) and active genital ulcers (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The MPV and MPR were significantly higher in the SLE group than in the RA group. They were also higher in the active than in the inactive BD patients. The MPV and MPR are useful diagnostic tools for SLE, and NLR reflects disease activity in BD. However, further research should be performed to standardize these tools.
ХРОНІЧНИЙ ГЕПАТИТ С ЗІ ЗМІШАНОЮ КРІОГЛОБУЛІНЕМІЄЮ: СУЧАСНІ ПІДХОДИ ДО ЛІКУВАННЯ
Authors: Riabokon Yu. Yu.
Published: June 2016

Висвітлено проблемні питання лікування хворих на ХГС зі змішаною кріоглобулінемією. Показано, що ерадикація вірусу гепатиту С є головною метою в лікуванні хворих на ХГС зі змішаною кріоглобулінемією. При тяжких формах HCV-асоційованого кріоглобулінемічного васкуліту доцільно враховувати можливості патогенетичного лікування.
ПЕРЕБІГ ВІЛ/ГС-КОІНФЕКЦІЇ В ПОЛТАВСЬКІЙ ОБЛАСТІ ЗАЛЕЖНО ВІД ШЛЯХІВ ПЕРЕДАЧІ
Authors: Dubynska H. M. , Koval T. I. , Sabinina O. V. , Danylenko O. V. , Marchenko O. H.
Published: June 2016

Проведено аналіз перебігу ВІЛ/ГС інфекції в пацієнтів Полтавської області залежно від шляхів передачі ВІЛ. Виявлено, що на момент встановлення діагнозу ВІЛ-інфекції серед пацієнтів з парентеральним шляхом передачі частіше реєстрували ІІІ (р=0,038) і ІV (р=0,044) клінічні стадії, в той час як серед пацієнтів із статевим шляхом передачі, навпаки, частіше виявляли І клінічну стадію (р=0,001).

У ВІЛ/ГС коінфікованих осіб з парентеральним шляхом передачі ВІЛ опортуністичні інфекції вперше діагностований туберкульоз (ВДТБ), кандидоз орофарингеальний, бактерійну пневмонію) частіше діагностували при вищих рівнях СD4-лімфоцитів (≥100 кл./мкл). За наявності вираженого імунодефіциту (рівень СD4-лімфоцитів <100 кл./мкл) відмінностей між групами ВІЛ/ГС коінфікованих пацієнтів щодо виявлення значимих опортуністичних інфекцій не виявлено.
ПРОГНОЗУВАННЯ БАКТЕРІЙНИХ ІНФЕКЦІЙНИХ УСКЛАДНЕНЬ У ПАЦІЄНТІВ ПРИ ТРАНСПЛАНТАЦІЇ ГЕМОПОЕТИЧНИХ СТОВБУРОВИХ КЛІТИН
Authors: Stoma I. O. , Karpov I. A. , Uss A. L. , Milanovich N. F.
Published: June 2016

Представлено результати оригінального дослідження, присвяченого визначенню чинників ризику розвитку бактерійних інфекційних ускладнень при трансплантації гемопоетичних стовбурових клітин. Авторами виконаний комплексний аналіз ефективності застосування біологічних маркерів інфекцій кровоплину (прокальцитоніну, пресепсину, С-реактівного білка) у реципієнтів гемопоетичних стовбурових клітин.
ДІАГНОСТИКА СИНУСИТІВ
Authors: Andreychyn Yu. M. , Omeliash V. I.
Published: June 2016

Зазначено, що актуальність діагностики та лікування запальних процесів у приносових пазухах не зменшується, попри значні досягнення у вивченні цієї патології. У повідомленні здійснено аналіз літератури з таких питань: зовнішній огляд, пальпація, перкусія та аускультація приносових пазух; риноскопія. Наведені дані можуть бути корисними не тільки для оториноларингологів, а й для інших фахівців: ендоскопістів, рентгенологів, фізіотерапевтів, лікарів функціональної діагностики, сімейних лікарів та ін.
НАГОРОДНА МЕДАЛЬ ВСЕУКРАЇНСЬКОЇ АСОЦІАЦІЇ ІНФЕКЦІОНІСТІВ ДЛЯ МЕДИЧНИХ СЕСТЕР
Authors: Andreychyn M. A.
Published: June 2016

У контексті диференціальної діагностики
від гострих інфекційних уражень ЦНС випадок
туберкульозний менінгоенцефаліт аналізували в
Перший рік життя дитини на всіх етапах його розвитку -
від туберкульозу легенів до узагальненої формі
центральної нервової системи (ЦНС), і причини,
призвело до кінця (посмертних) діагностики цього захворювання.
СЛАВНИЙ ЮВІЛЕЙ ПРОФЕСОРА ВАЛЕНТИНИ ІВАНІВНИ ЗАДОРОЖНОЇ
Authors: Kopcha V. S.
Published: June 2016

Доктор медичних наук, професор В.І. Задорожна є
провідним українським вченим у галузі епідеміології інфек-
ційних хвороб, вакцинології та вірусології. Фундаментальні
та прикладні дослідження ювілярки спрямовані на розвиток
молекулярної епідеміології вірусних інфекцій, розкриття
механізмів взаємовідносин вірусу та хазяїна в паразитарній
системі, оптимізацію схем імунізації, що загалом сприяє під-
вищенню ефективності профілактики інфекційних хвороб
та контролю інтенсивності епідемічного процесу.
Temporal Averaging in Response to Change
Authors: Matell Matthew S. , De Corte Benjamin J. , Kerrigan Thomas , DeLussey Christine M.
Published: June 2016

We have previously found that when rats are simultaneously presented with two different cues that signify possible reinforcement availability at two different times, they will respond as though they are timing an intermediate duration. We have interpreted this result as indicating that rats deal with conflicting temporal information by averaging these temporal expectations. In the present work, we show that rats update their temporal expectations when temporal cues change during a trial, producing a normally shaped, unimodal peak in responding at a time in between the reinforced times. These peaks are approximately scalar, suggesting that the rats are timing a single expectation. These data are consistent with a timing system that generates a weighted average of conflicting temporal expectancies, with greater weight given to more recent information sources.
Genocide, the Bible, and Biblical Scholarship
Authors: Kelley Shawn
Published: June 2016

This essay makes the case that the ongoing scholarly conversation around divinely sanctioned violence can be enriched by engaging with the emerging field of comparative genocide studies. The argument proceeds in four parts. Part 1 introduces the term genocide and the scholarly debates that have emerged around it. I posit the existence of two generations of genocide scholarship, with the first focusing on definitional issues and appropriate terminology and the second on the historical-structural conditions that make genocide possible. Regarding the latter, particular attention shall be devoted to the emerging consensus that, far from being an atavistic irruption outside the world of civilized modernity, genocide is made possible by the very structure of modernity itself. Parts 2 and 3 look closely at genocide in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament era, respectively. These parts will examine the extermination campaigns of ancient empires (Assyria, Babylon, Rome) that brought destruction upon the biblical Israelites and will compare these imperial actions with modern settler and colonial genocides. This is one area where biblical scholars could fill in a lacuna in comparative genocide studies, since the topic has received modest attention in that particular field. I pay attention to the ways that the Bible appears complicit in genocide, whether through the command to exterminate the Canaanites or through the Gospels’ tendency to cast blame upon the Jews for the death of Jesus. I also analyze a variety of hermeneutical approaches developed to respond to these thorny issues, paying particular attention to the presumed views of genocide in each hermeneutical position. The final part of the essay explores the issue of genocidal ideology itself, emphasizing that the content of genocidal ideology is much broader than usually assumed by scholarly critiques of anti-Judaism and that genocidal ideology maintains a complex relationship to the actual practice of genocide. This part encourages scholars to reexamine the widely held beliefs on the ways that biblical ideology led to horrific events like the Holocaust and to take seriously the widely held conclusion that ideology alone is an inadequate explanation for genocide. The essay will conclude by suggesting possible future directions that could be taken by scholars who wish to confront the legacy of genocide in the Bible and its interpretation.
Areas of vascular plants endemism in the Monte desert (Argentina)
Authors: ELÍAS GABRIELA DEL VALLE , AAGESEN LONE
Published: June 2016

In order to identify concordant distributions of endemic vascular plants in the Monte desert, we analyzed the distributional data of 180 species endemic to the Monte desert with the optimality criterion implemented in the program VNDM. We detected 13 partially overlapping areas of vascular plant endemism.The main areas of endemism are distributed from north to south associated with the mountainous region of the Precordillera of the Andes towards the west of the study region. These main areas correspond to environments with important variation in elevation and aridity, whereas minor areas correspond to patches of the steppe vegetation towards the east of the study region. We also obtained extensive areas covering much of the Monte desert, coincident with the two classical biogeographic units proposed.  In agreement with the general arid climate of the Monte, most of the endemic flora inhabits arid and/or semiarid environments.
New synonyms and typifications of Stillingia (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: ATHIÊ-SOUZA SARAH MARIA , DE MELO ANDRÉ LAURÊNIO , DA SILVA MARCOS JOSÉ , DE SALES MARGARETH FERREIRA
Published: June 2016

In this manuscript two new synonyms for Stillingia species are proposed. Stillingia dusenii is synonymized with Stillingia bodenbenderi, and Stillingia pietatis is synonymized united with Stillingia acutifolia. In addition, the lectotypes are proposed for 26 names.
A study of chromosome and gametophyte development in Pellaea connectens C. Chr.
Authors: ZHAO RANRAN , YANG WENLI , ZHANG GANGMIN
Published: June 2016

Pellaea connectens C. Chr., a cheilanthoid fern species, is rare and endemic to West Sichuan, China, and has an ambiguous taxonomical status. Recent molecular phylogenetic work has supported that it is a member of the genus Argyrochosma. In this research, we studied chromosome number and gametophyte development of this species to further elucidate its phylogenetic placement. We found that Pellaea connectens is a sexual tetraploid species with 64 spores per sporangium and with a base chromosome number of x = 27, which is consistent with Argyrochosma and different from other cheilanthoid ferns. We also found that the spore germination pattern of Pellaea connectens is of the Vittaria type and subsequent gametophyte development process is of the Ceratopteris type. All of the above concur with the characteristics of Argyrochosma nivea. Most of the gametophytes of Pellaea connectens reach an adult stage with a cordate symmetric shape, with a few developed as irregularly lobed prothalli. We conclude that cytology and gametophyte development characters support the previous taxonomic treatment of removing Pellaea connectens from Pellaea to Argyrochosma.
Morphological data support the recognition of four species in the genus Sirystes Cabanis & Heine, 1859 (Aves: Tyrannidae)
Authors: LOPES LEONARDO ESTEVES , GONZAGA LUIZ PEDREIRA
Published: June 2016

Sirystes is a widespread genus in the Neotropical region. Historically, five subspecies were recognized in a single widespread species, but more recently four separate species have been recognized, based on vocalizations and limited morphological data. In this paper, we analyze individual and geographic variation in this genus on the basis of body measurements and plumage coloration of 514 specimens, including all name-bearing types available. We conclude that the four recently proposed species, S. sibilator, S. albogriseus, S. albocinereus, and S. subcanescens, can also be diagnosed by morphological data, corroborating more recent taxonomic treatments. We identified possible hybrids between S. sibilator and S. albocinereus from a narrow zone of contact in central Bolivia. We show that Sirystes sibilator atimastus Oberholser, 1902 represents a point on a cline within S. sibilator (Vieillot, 1818), and it is here regarded as a subjective junior synonym of the latter. We also provide new observations on the range and diagnosis of S. subcanescens, a name that has been frequently misused, and present a redescription of the four recognized species, as well as reviewing their range and natural history.
Revision of Colochela (Hymenoptera, Tenthredinidae)
Authors: NIU GENGYUN , WEI MEICAI
Published: June 2016

Colochela Malaise, 1937 is removed from synonymy with Neocolochelyna Malaise, 1937, and re-established. The genus and its type species C. rufidorsata Malaise, 1937 are redescribed based on types and new material. C. nigrata Wei & Niu, sp. nov. and C. zhongi Wei & Niu, sp. nov. are described. A key separating Colochelyna Konow, 1898, Colochela and Neocolochelyna, and a key to species of Colochela are provided. Colochela and C. rufidorsata are new records for Nepal and Thailand. The distribution of Colochela is briefly discussed.
Soil mites of the families Ascidae, Blattisociidae and Melicharidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) from mountainous areas of Colombia
Authors: RUEDA-RAMÍREZ DIANA , VARELA AMANDA , MORAES GILBERTO J. DE
Published: June 2016

Soil mites of the Ascidae sensu Lindquist & Evans (1965) are poorly known in Colombia. This group, presently represented by the families Ascidae sensu stricto, Blattisociidae and Melicharidae, contains species known to prey on small arthropods and nematodes, thus having the potential to be used for the control of soil pests. The aim of this study was to identify species of this group from a fragment of Andean forest and a nearby grassland at the municipality of La Calera, Cundinamarca Department, Colombia, at about 2800 m of elevation. Nine species were found, including five new species, namely Gamasellodes andinus sp. nov., Gamasellodes intermedius sp. nov., Protogamasellus caleraensis sp. nov., Cheiroseius mesae sp. nov. and Proctolaelaps colombianus sp. nov. Morphological characterisation of all the species and relevant soil characteristics of the sites where the mites were collected are presented.
Pelopscreadium aegyptense n. gen., n. sp. and Pelopscreadium spongiosum (Bray & Cribb, 1998) n. comb., (Digenea: Lepocreadiidae), each from disjunct populations of the Yellow boxfish, Ostracion cubicus Linnaeus (Ostraciidae)
Authors: DRONEN NORMAN O. , BLEND CHARLES K. , KHALIFA REFAAT M. A. , MOHAMADAIN HODA S. , KARAR YASSER F. M.
Published: June 2016

Bianium spongiosum Bray & Cribb, 1998 (Lepocreadiidae), described from the yellow boxfish, Ostracion cubicus Linnaeus (Ostraciidae), off Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia, possesses a combination of the following three morphological features which distinguishes it from all the other species currently assigned to the genus: (1) large internal patches of large cells forming sponge-like pads we have termed “pelops”(“pelop” sing.) laterally in the forebody extending from near the anterior extremity to about the level of the intestinal bifurcation rather than possessing a scoop; (2) ceca that reach to near the posterior extremity where they end blindly without ani; and (3) a vitellarium which is present laterally but not dorsal to the ceca. Based on this we propose the erection of Pelopscreadium n. gen. (Lepocreadiidae) with the assignment of B. spongiosum to this new genus as the type-species, Pelopscreadium spongiosum (Bray & Cribb, 1998) n. comb. Pelopscreadium aegyptense n. sp., also from the yellow boxfish but from the Red Sea off Sharm El-Naga, Egypt, is described as the second member of the new genus because it shares these three characteristics with P. spongiosum.
Forecasting Atmospheric Rivers during CalWater 2015
Authors: Cordeira Jason M. , Ralph F. Martin , Martin Andrew , Gaggini Natalie , Spackman J. Ryan , Neiman Paul J. , Rutz Jonathan J. , Pierce Roger
Published: June 2016

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are long and narrow corridors of enhanced vertically integrated water vapor (IWV) and IWV transport (IVT) within the warm sector of extra tropical cyclones that can produce heavy precipitation and flooding in regions of complex terrain, especially along the U.S. West Coast. Several field campaigns have investigated ARs under the CalWater program of field studies. The first field phase of CalWater during 2009–11 increased the number of observations of precipitation and aerosols, among other parameters, across California and sampled ARs in the coastal and near-coastal environment, whereas the second field phase of CalWater during 2014–15 observed the structure and intensity of ARs and aerosols in the coastal and offshore environment over the northeast Pacific. This manuscript highlights the forecasts that were prepared for the CalWater field campaign in 2015, and the development and use of an “AR portal” that was used to inform these forecasts. The AR portal contains archived and real-time deterministic and probabilistic gridded forecast tools related to ARs that emphasize water vapor concentrations and water vapor flux distributions over the eastern North Pacific, among other parameters, in a variety of formats derived from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System and Global Ensemble Forecast System. The tools created for the CalWater 2015 field campaign provided valuable guidance for flight planning and field activity purposes, and they may prove useful in forecasting ARs and better anticipating hydrometeorological extremes along the U.S. West Coast.
Dominant Time Scales of Potentially Predictable Precipitation Variations across the Continental United States
Authors: Anderson Bruce T. , Gianotti Dan J. S. , Salvucci Guido , Furtado Jason
Published: June 2016

While low-frequency variations in precipitation amount, occurrence counts (hereafter “occurrence”), and intensity can take place on seasonal to multidecadal time scales, it is often unclear at which time scales these precipitation variations can be ascribed to potentially predictable, climate-induced changes versus simple, stochastic (i.e., random) precipitation event evolutions. This paper seeks to isolate the dominant time scales at which potentially predictable changes in observed precipitation characteristics occur over the continental United States and analyze sources of revealed potentially predictable precipitation variations for particular regions. The results highlight that at interannual time scales (here defined as those shorter than 7 years), the potential for predicting annual precipitation amounts tends to be higher than for annual event occurrence or intensity, with interannual potential predictability highest in both relatively dry and wet locations and lowest in transition regions. By contrast, at time scales greater than 7 years the potential for predicting annual event occurrence tends to be higher than amount or intensity, with >20-yr time scale potential predictability highest in relatively wet locations and lowest in relatively dry locations. To highlight the utility of this type of analysis, two robust signals are selected for further investigation, including 1) approximately 10-yr time scale variations in potentially predictable annual amounts over the northwestern United States and 2) 20–60-yr time scale variations in potentially predictable annual event occurrence over the southwestern United States. While mechanistic drivers for these observed variations are still being investigated, concurrent and precursor climate-state estimates in the atmosphere and ocean—principally over the Pacific sector—are provided, the monitoring of which may help realize the potential for predicting precipitation variations in these regions.
Changes in Spatiotemporal Precipitation Patterns in Changing Climate Conditions
Authors: Chang Won , Stein Michael L. , Wang Jiali , Kotamarthi V. Rao , Moyer Elisabeth J.
Published: June 2016

Climate models robustly imply that some significant change in precipitation patterns will occur. Models consistently project that the intensity of individual precipitation events increases by approximately 6%–7% K−1, following the increase in atmospheric water content, but that total precipitation increases by a lesser amount (1%–2% K−1 in the global average in transient runs). Some other aspect of precipitation events must then change to compensate for this difference. The authors develop a new methodology for identifying individual rainstorms and studying their physical characteristics—including starting location, intensity, spatial extent, duration, and trajectory—that allows identifying that compensating mechanism. This technique is applied to precipitation over the contiguous United States from both radar-based data products and high-resolution model runs simulating 80 years of business-as-usual warming. In the model study the dominant compensating mechanism is a reduction of storm size. In summer, rainstorms become more intense but smaller; in winter, rainstorm shrinkage still dominates, but storms also become less numerous and shorter duration. These results imply that flood impacts from climate change will be less severe than would be expected from changes in precipitation intensity alone. However, these projected changes are smaller than model–observation biases, implying that the best means of incorporating them into impact assessments is via “data-driven simulations” that apply model-projected changes to observational data. The authors therefore develop a simulation algorithm that statistically describes model changes in precipitation characteristics and adjusts data accordingly, and they show that, especially for summertime precipitation, it outperforms simulation approaches that do not include spatial information.
Evaluating the Performance of Jason-2 Open-Loop and Closed-Loop Tracker Modes
Authors: Martin-Puig Cristina , Leuliette Eric , Lillibridge John , Roca Mònica
Published: June 2016

The Poseidon-3 altimeter on board Jason-2 includes a significant new capability with respect to its predecessors, an open-loop [Détermination Immédiate d’Orbite par Doris Embarqué (DIODE)/digital elevation model (DEM)] tracker mode. This innovative mode is capable of successfully tracking the backscatter signal over rapidly varying terrains, and thus it overcomes one of the limitations of the closed-loop Poseidon-2 tracker on board Jason-1. DIODE/DEM achieves this improvement thanks to a predetermined DEM on board that, when combined with DIODE orbit ephemeris, provides improved acquisition timing and reduced data loss in the coastal zone. As a further enhancement, Jason-3 and the Sentinel-3 programs will be capable of autonomously switching to this innovative mode in selected regions. To help recommend how these missions should utilize DIODE/DEM, the authors studied the impact of the tracker mode on the accuracy and precision of wave heights and wind speed, the continuity of the sea level climate data record, and the coverage in coastal regions. The results show close agreement between the open- and closed-loop tracker modes over the open ocean with the exception of some differences at high-tidal variability areas, the coastal zone, and sea ice regions. The DIODE/DEM tracker shows better performance than the closed-loop tracker mode at the coast and in the presence of sea ice. Jason-2, when operating in open-loop mode, allows for an approximately 5% increase of successful acquisitions at the ocean-to-land transition. However, open-loop tracking exhibits more variability in regions of high tides than closed-loop.
The Causes of Fraud in the Financial Crisis of 2007 to 2009
Authors: Fligstein Neil , Roehrkasse Alexander F.
Published: June 2016

The financial crisis of 2007 to 2009 was marked by widespread fraud in the mortgage securitization industry. Most of the largest mortgage originators and mortgage-backed securities issuers and underwriters have been implicated in regulatory settlements, and many have paid multibillion-dollar penalties. This article seeks to explain why this behavior became so pervasive. We evaluate predominant theories of white-collar crime, finding that theories emphasizing deregulation or technical opacity identify only necessary, not sufficient, conditions. Our argument focuses instead on changes in competitive conditions and firms’ positions within and across markets. As the supply of mortgages began to decline around 2003, mortgage originators lowered credit standards and engaged in predatory lending to shore up profits. In turn, vertically integrated mortgage-backed securities issuers and underwriters committed securities fraud to conceal this malfeasance and enhance the value of other financial products. Our results challenge several existing accounts of how widespread the fraud should have been and, given the systemic crimes that occurred, which financial institutions were the most likely to commit fraud. We consider the implications of our results for regulations that were based on some of these models. We also discuss the overlooked importance of illegal behavior for the sociology of markets.
Structural Characterization of the Intrinsically Disordered Protein p53 Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Signorelli Sara , Cannistraro Salvatore , Bizzarri Anna Rita
Published: June 2016

The intrinsically disordered protein p53 has attracted a strong interest for its important role in genome safeguarding and potential therapeutic applications. However, its disordered character makes difficult a full characterization of p53 structural architecture. A deep knowledge of p53 structural motifs could significantly help the understanding of its functional properties, in connection with its complex binding network. We have applied Raman spectroscopy to investigate the structural composition and the conformational heterogeneity of both full-length p53 and its DNA binding domain (DBD), in different solvent environments. In particular, a careful analysis of the Amide I Raman band, which is highly sensitive to protein secondary structure elements such as α-helices, β-sheets and random coils, has revealed the presence of extended random coils in p53 and predominant β-sheet regions in its DBD. In addition, this analysis has allowed us to explore the ensemble of interchanging conformations in both p53 and its DBD, highlighting a higher conformational heterogeneity in p53 than in its DBD. Furthermore, by applying a principal components analysis, we have identified the principal spectral markers in both p53 and DBD samples. The combination of the two approaches could be insightful for the study of intrinsically disordered proteins, by offering increased versatility and wide application as a label-free, real-time and non-invasive detection method.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Using a Supercontinuum Laser: Application to Long Wavelength Transmission Spectra of Barley Endosperm and Oil
Authors: Ringsted Tine , Dupont Sune , Ramsay Jacob , Jespersen Birthe Møller , Sørensen Klavs Martin , Keiding Søren Rud , Engelsen Søren Balling
Published: June 2016

The supercontinuum laser is a new type of light source, which combines the collimation and intensity of a laser with the broad spectral region of a lamp. Using such a source therefore makes it possible to focus the light onto small sample areas without losing intensity and thus facilitate either rapid or high-intensity measurements. Single seed transmission analysis in the long wavelength (LW) near-infrared (NIR) region is one area that might benefit from a brighter light source such as the supercontinuum laser. This study is aimed at building an experimental spectrometer consisting of a supercontinuum laser source and a dispersive monochromator in order to investigate its capability to measure the barley endosperm using transmission experiments in the LW NIR region. So far, barley and wheat seeds have only been studied using NIR transmission in the short wavelength region up to 1100 nm. However, the region in the range of 2260–2380 nm has previously shown to be particularly useful in differentiating barley phenotypes using NIR spectroscopy in reflectance mode. In the present study, 350 seeds (consisting of 70 seeds from each of five barley genotypes) in 1 mm slices were measured by NIR transmission in the range of 2235–2381 nm and oils from the same five barley genotypes were measured in a cuvette with a 1 mm path length in the range of 2003–2497 nm. The spectra of the barley seeds could be classified according to genotypes by principal component analysis; and spectral covariances with reference analysis of moisture, β-glucan, starch, protein and lipid were established. The spectral variations of the barley oils were compared to the fatty acid compositions as measured using gas chromotography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Misalignment Effects in Laser-Induced Grating Experiments
Authors: Kiefer Johannes , Sahlberg Anna-Lena , Hot Dina , Aldén Marcus , Li Zhongshan
Published: June 2016

Laser-induced grating spectroscopy (LIGS) is an experimental method in which two pulsed laser beams and a continuous-wave laser beam have to be superimposed under well-defined angles to generate a coherent signal beam. In this Note, the possible effects of different forms of misalignment are examined. This includes the overlap of the pump lasers as well as the influence of the probe laser alignment on the temporal profile of the signal.
13C Solid State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and µ-Raman Spectroscopic Characterization of Sicilian Amber
Authors: Barone Germana , Capitani Donatella , Mazzoleni Paolo , Proietti Noemi , Raneri Simona , Longobardo Ugo , Di Tullio Valeria
Published: June 2016

13C cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and µ-Raman spectroscopy were applied to characterize Sicilian amber samples. The main goal of this work was to supply a complete study of simetite, highlighting discriminating criteria useful to distinguish Sicilian amber from fossil resins from other regions and laying the foundations for building a spectroscopic database of Sicilian amber. With this aim, a private collection of unrefined simetite samples and fossil resins from the Baltic region and Dominican Republic was analyzed. Overall, the obtained spectra permitted simetite to be distinguished from the other resins. In addition, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the spectroscopic data, allowing the clustering of simetite samples with respect to the Baltic and Dominican samples and to group the simetite samples in two sets, depending on their maturity. Finally, the analysis of loadings allowed for a better understanding of the spectral features that mainly influenced the discriminating characteristics of the investigated ambers.
Standoff Photoacoustic Spectroscopy of Explosives
Authors: Marcus Logan S. , Holthoff Ellen L. , Pellegrino Paul M.
Published: June 2016

Detection and identification of unknown and possibly hazardous materials is a vital area of research to which infrared (IR) spectroscopy is ideally suited. Infrared absorption spectra can be measured with many sensing paradigms of which photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) is a sensitive and flexible variant. The flexibility of PAS allows for the construction of narrowly tailored spectroscopic sensors that are designed for specific tasks. We discuss the evaluation of an interferometric PAS sensor by the measurement of common explosive hazards from a standoff distance of 1 m. Reproduction of IR absorption spectra for 1,3,5-trinitroperhydro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), and 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) demonstrate the capabilities of the interferometric sensor for standoff explosives detection.
A review on advanced imaging technologies for the quantification of wicking in textiles
Authors: Parada M , Derome D , Rossi RM , Carmeliet J
Published: June 2016

This review covers imaging techniques of wicking in textiles ranging from visible light to synchrotron x-ray. First, the wicking phenomenon and its relevance are exposed. Then, the main wicking experimental setups, namely the strip test and the spot test, are described. Next, the imaging techniques are described together with the relevant studies applied to wicking. Finally, the analysis of wicking measurements is presented. The conclusion presents imaging techniques applied to wicking in a historical perspective and highlights areas where further development is desirable.
Electromagnetic performance of a three-dimensional woven fabric antenna conformal with cylindrical surfaces
Authors: Xu Fujun , Zhu Hongfei , Ma Ying , Qiu Yiping
Published: June 2016

Textile structural antenna is one of the most important components for wearable electronics. To obtain structural integrity and stability, three-dimensional orthogonal weaving technology is adopted to weave three-dimensional fabric antennas (3DFAs). The electromagnetic performance of the 3DFAs with the radii of curvature of 75, 60, 45 and 25 mm are simulated with a High Frequency Structural Simulator and tested experimentally. The simulated and tested results agree reasonably well. The results show that the return losses are less than –10 dB, while the resonant frequencies and radiation patterns are significantly influenced by the curvature and the feeding direction. The 3DFAs with the curvature perpendicular to the feeding direction show more stable resonant frequencies and radiation patterns than those of the 3DFAs with the curvature parallel to their feeding direction.
Development of an innovative sandwich composite material for protection of lower limb against landmine explosion: mechanical leg test results
Authors: Karahan Mehmet , Karahan Emir Ali
Published: June 2016

This paper includes results of the blast tests which were performed with the aim of comparing the energy absorption and protection efficiency of protective boots with different sole configurations. Tests were performed on a mechanical leg model vestured with protective boots. Load and three axis acceleration values were measured during the blast tests to determine the protection efficiency of boot samples. Herewith, it was understood that merely a monolithic composite layer used in a sole does not provide protection, whereas compressible metallic honeycomb material-based sandwich composites demonstrate better energy absorption. With the innovative sandwich composite material developed in this study, energy absorption was increased by 209% in comparison to monolithic composites.
Spectrophotometric prediction of pre-colored fiber blends with a hybrid model based on artificial neural network and Stearns–Noechel model
Authors: Shen Jiajia , Zhou Xiang , Ma Hui , Chen Weiguo
Published: June 2016

The performance of the traditional color prediction model in the color prediction of colored fiber blends is usually not very satisfactory under a variety of conditions, due to the limitation of the trail data and the assumptions used for derivation. In contrast to the traditional model, artificial neural networks (ANN) have an excellent nonlinear mapping ability; however, they also have poor generalization ability if the training data are not sufficient. In this paper a hybrid model, called the Stearns–Noechel (S-N)–ANN model, is proposed, which combines the S-N model with the ANN model. This uses the S-N model first to build the approximate relationship between the recipe and spectrophotometric response of the color blends, followed by optimization with the ANN to achieve higher prediction accuracy and better practicability. Compared with the ANN model, the S-N–ANN model needs less training time with the same training data, yet achieves higher validation and correlation coefficients, indicating that the training of the S-N–ANN model is much easier. The average color difference of the predicted spectrum obtained with the S-N–ANN model was 0.86 CMC(2:1) unit, which was much lower than that obtained with either the ANN model (∼2.21) or the traditional S-N model (∼1.66), indicating that the S-N–ANN model is a more accurate method for the color prediction of colored fiber blends.
Race and Gender Representation in Presidential Appointments, SES, and GS Levels, During Clinton, Bush, and Obama Administrations
Authors: Anestaki Aikaterini , Sabharwal Meghna , Connelly Kenneth , Cayer N. Joseph
Published: June 2016

Achieving a representative bureaucracy that reflects the attitudes, values, and policy choices of women and racial minorities is imperative, as the gap in the representation of those groups in the federal workforce is growing. We examine to what extent female and minority representation in political appointments, Senior Executive Service (SES), and General Schedule (GS) 1-15 levels reflect presidents’ commitment to diversity. We use data from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to compare the tenures of presidents William J. Clinton (1993 to 2000), George W. Bush (2001-2008), and Barack H. Obama (2009-2013), and examine the employment trends from 1993 to 2013.
When and Why We See Victims as Responsible
Authors: Niemi Laura , Young Liane
Published: June 2016

Why do victims sometimes receive sympathy for their suffering and at other times scorn and blame? Here we show a powerful role for moral values in attitudes toward victims. We measured moral values associated with unconditionally prohibiting harm (“individualizing values”) versus moral values associated with prohibiting behavior that destabilizes groups and relationships (“binding values”: loyalty, obedience to authority, and purity). Increased endorsement of binding values predicted increased ratings of victims as contaminated (Studies 1-4); increased blame and responsibility attributed to victims, increased perceptions of victims’ (versus perpetrators’) behaviors as contributing to the outcome, and decreased focus on perpetrators (Studies 2-3). Patterns persisted controlling for politics, just world beliefs, and right-wing authoritarianism. Experimentally manipulating linguistic focus off of victims and onto perpetrators reduced victim blame. Both binding values and focus modulated victim blame through victim responsibility attributions. Findings indicate the important role of ideology in attitudes toward victims via effects on responsibility attribution.
Emotional Mechanisms Linking Incivility at Work to Aggression and Withdrawal at Home: An Experience-Sampling Study
Authors: Lim Sandy , Ilies Remus , Koopman Joel , Christoforou Paraskevi , Arvey Richard D.
Published: June 2016

We report an experience-sampling study examining the spillover of workplace incivility on employees’ home lives. Specifically, we test a moderated mediation model whereby discrete emotions transmit the effects of workplace incivility to specific family behaviors at home. Fifty full-time employees from southeast Asia provided 363 observations over a 10-day period on workplace incivility and various emotional states. Daily reports of employees’ marital behaviors were provided by the spouses each evening. Results showed that state hostility mediated the link from workplace incivility to increased angry and withdrawn marital behaviors at home. Also, trait hostility served as a moderator such that the relationship between workplace incivility and hostile emotions was stronger for employees with high trait hostility.
Why Asia’s Oldest Democracy is Bound to Fail
Authors: Regilme Salvador Santino F.
Published: June 2016

Despite having the earliest exposure to electoral democratic practices in the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines remains to be one of the least stable democracies in the Global South. Notwithstanding the return of electoral democracy in 1986 after two decades of authoritarian rule, the Philippine state has yet to consolidate its democratic regime. In view of the emerging literature on post-1986 Philippine politics, this highlights the defective aspects of its contemporary electoral democracy by examining four key features of state–society relations: (a) the nature of the elite class; (b) electoral and representative politics; (c) civil society; (d) political economy; and (e) internal security. This article focuses on the balance of power across various sectors where interests of the state and non-state spheres interact, and to what extent such dynamics reflect the prospects of a stable electoral democracy. Employing an interpretivist analysis with allusion to some demonstrative empirical examples, this article concentrates on the post-1986 Philippine politics. The main theoretical argument here is that a good starting point for a comprehensive empirical analysis of the quality of democracy requires disaggregating and analyzing empirical observations that demonstrate the nature of the balance of interests found in state–society relations.
Becoming Salient: The TMT Leader’s Role in Shaping the Interpretive Context of Paradoxical Tensions
Authors: Knight Eric , Paroutis Sotirios
Published: June 2016

How do paradoxical tensions become salient in organizations over time? Ambidexterity and paradox studies have, thus far, primarily focused on how tensions inside organizations are managed after they have been rendered salient for actors. Using a longitudinal, embedded case study of four strategic business units within a media organization, we theorize the role of the top management team leader’s practices in enabling tensions to become salient for their respective lower-level managers when there are initial differences in how tensions are interpreted across levels. Our findings extend a dynamic equilibrium model of organizing by adding interpretive context as an enabling condition that shapes the emergence of salience through the provision of a constellation of cues that guide sensemaking. Informed by a practice-based perspective on paradox, we also contribute a conceptual model of leadership as practice, and outline the implications for ambidexterity studies.