bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracellular Pathogen Infections and Immune Response in Autism
Authors: Abib Renata Torres , Gaman Alexandru , Dargél Aroldo A. , Tamouza Ryad , Kapczinski Flávio , Gottfried Carmem , Leboyer Marion
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Perinatal exposure to infections during critical developmental periods is a promising area of study in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Epidemiological data has highlighted this relationship, pointing out significant correlations between perinatal exposure to pathogens and the occurrence of ASD. The aim of this review is to critically examine the present state of the art on intracellular pathogenic infection during pregnancy and postnatally, pointing out possible correlations with the development of ASD. Methods: We reviewed and collected studies concerning potential associations between intracellular pathogens like viral, bacterial, and parasite infection and the risk of ASD. Results: We included 14 publications, considering bacterial and/or viral infection that demonstrated the potential to trigger ASD. Nine case-control studies were included and 5 of them reported an association between infections and ASD. One of the 2 cohorts investigated demonstrated that maternal infection increased the risk of ASD in the offspring. Three cross-sectional studies demonstrated that ASD patients presented with chronic infections and active neuroinflammatory processes. Most of the reports suggest inflammatory response as a common factor, and interleukin 6 appears to be a key-player in this process. Conclusion: The immune responses generated by organisms that cause perinatal maternal infection, i.e., bacteria, viruses, or parasites, have been associated with the development of autism in offspring. Physiological changes transmitted from the mother during chronic or acute inflammation should be further investigated so that modulatory preventive measures can be developed.
Telestroke in Catalonia: Increasing Thrombolysis Rate and Avoiding Interhospital Transfers
Authors: López-Cancio Elena , Ribó Marc , Cardona Pere , Serena Joaquín , Purroy Francisco , Palomeras Ernest , Aragonès Josep Maria , Cocho Dolores , Garcés Moisés , Puiggròs Elsa , Soteras Iñigo , Cabanelas Ana , Villagrasa David , Catena Ester , Sanjurjo Eduard , López Claverol Nuria , Carrión Dolors , López Mercè , Abilleira Sònia , Dávalos Antoni , Pérez de la Ossa Natalia ,   on behalf of the Catalan Stroke Code and Reperfusion Consortium (Cat-SCR)
Published: August 2018

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of a telestroke network on acute stroke care in Catalonia, by measuring thrombolysis rates, access to endovascular treatment, and clinical outcome of telestroke patients in a population-based study. Methods: Telestroke network was implemented on March 2013 and consists of 12 community hospitals and 1 expert stroke neurologist 24 h/7 day, covering a population of 1.3 million inhabitants. Rest of the population (6.2 million) of Catalonia is covered by 8 primary stroke centers (PSC) and 6 comprehensive stroke centers (CSC). After a 2-way videoconference and visualization of neuroimaging on a web platform, the stroke neurologist decides the therapeutic approach and/or to transfer the patient to another facility, entering these data in a mandatory registry. Simultaneously, all patients treated with reperfusion therapies in all centers of Catalonia are prospectively recorded in a mandatory and audited registry. Results: From March 2013 to December 2015, 1,206 patients were assessed by telestroke videoconference, of whom 322 received intravenous thrombolysis (IVT; 33.8% of ischemic strokes). Baseline and 24 h NIHSS, rate of symptomatic hemorrhage, mortality, and good outcome at 3 months were similar compared to those who received IVT in PSC or CSC (2,897 patients in the same period). The door-to-needle time was longer in patients treated through telestroke, but was progressively reduced from 2013 to 2015. Percentage of patients receiving thrombectomy after IVT was similar in patients treated through telestroke circuit, compared to those treated in PSC or CSC (conventional circuit). Population rates of IVT*100,000 inhabitants in Catalonia increased from 2011 to 2015, especially in areas affected by the implementation of telestroke network, achieving rates as high as 16 per 100,000 inhabitants. Transfers to another facility were avoided after telestroke consultation in 46.8% of ischemic, 76.5% of transient ischemic attacks, and 23.5% of hemorrhages. Conclusions: Telestroke favors safe and effective thrombolysis, helps to increase the population rate of IVT, and avoids a large number of interhospital transfers.
To Predict Visual Deterioration According to the Degree of Intracranial Hypertension in Patients with Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Authors: Ding Jiayue , Zhou Da , Geng Tingting , Pan Liqun , Ya Jingyuan , Wang Zhongao , Hu Yanyu , Ding Yuchuan , Zhang Xuxiang , Meng Ran
Published: August 2018

Background: Visual damage is one of the most common complications of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST)-associated intracranial hypertension (IH). This study is aimed at stratifying the risk of IH-induced visual damage in an attempt to predict its deterioration and prevent high-risk patients from irreversible eyesight impairment promptly. Methods: A total of 94 patients with confirmed diagnosis of CVST were eligible for enrollment in this study. According to cerebrospinal fluid pressure at admission, the involved patients were classified into mild IH (< 250 mmH2O), moderate IH (250–330 mmH2O), and severe IH (≥330 mmH2O) groups. Results: The ratio of visual deterioration in the severe IH group was 75%, which was significantly higher than in either the moderate (44.4%) or the mild groups (14.3%). As regards subjects without visual symptoms at admission, visual deterioration occurred in 9.4 ± 4.5 days after admission in the severe group while it occurred in 30.5 ± 16.8 days in the moderate group (p = 0.024). The conditional inference tree and random forest revealed that severe IH might be considered as an index of visual deterioration. Visual field defect, fading eyesight, and papilledema were significantly worse in patients with severe IH as compared to patients with mild or moderate IH, all p < 0.01. Conclusions: IH ≥330 mmH2O may be a cut-off value to predict the deterioration of visual damage in CVST, revealing that ophthalmologic interventions should be considered in a timely manner in this condition, particularly when recanalization of cerebral venous sinus cannot be achieved within a short time.
Interstitial Deletion of 5q22.2q23.1 Including APC and TSSK1B in a Patient with Adenomatous Polyposis and Asthenoteratozoospermia
Authors: Kadiyska Tanya , Tourtourikov Ivan , Petrov Asen , Chavoushian Ani , Antalavicheva Miglena , König Eva-Maria , Klopocki Eva , Vessela Nikolova , Stanislavov Romil
Published: August 2018

Interstitial 5q22 deletions are relatively rare and usually represented by severe clinical features such as developmental delay and growth retardation. Here, we report a 23-year-old male patient, referred to our laboratory for genetic confirmation of possible familial adenomatous polyposis. MLPA and the subsequent array CGH identified an approximately 8-Mb-sized deletion in the 5q22.2q23.1 locus. Further analysis of the deleted region and the genes within suggested a possible role for the TSSK1B (testis-specific serine/threonine kinase 1) gene in the patient's reproductive capacity. Semen analysis confirmed that the patient's reproductive capability was impaired, and that he suffered from asthenoteratozoospermia. Analysis of the azoospermia factor region on the Y chromosome revealed no microdeletions. Further sequencing tests could not find an alternative explanation for the patient's infertility. This case demonstrates a possible role of TSSK1B in male reproduction.
A Survey on the Medical Use of Cannabis in Europe: A Position Paper
Authors: Bramness Jørgen G. , Dom Geert , Gual Antoni , Mann Karl , Wurst Friedrich Martin
Published: August 2018

Aim: This study was aimed at investigating the availability and prescription of different medicinal variants of cannabis and their status in European countries. Methods: A ­web-based survey was sent to all member societies of the ­European Federation of Addiction Societies (EUFAS) in 2 waves during the summer of 2017. All 34 member societies in 19 different European countries were invited to participate. Results: We received 28 responses from 17 European countries. The cannabis extract nabiximol (Sativex®) is the most prevalent cannabis-based medicinal product marketed in Europe. Synthetic cannabinoids and standardized cannabis are less prevalent, and no country allows the growing of cannabis for personal medical use. The bringing of medical cannabis products from across borders to countries where the drug is not marketed is quite limited. The use of medical cannabis is restricted to some central medical conditions, but off-label use is prevalent in some countries. Conclusion: The use of medical cannabis in Europe seems to be restricted mostly to the use of the cannabis extract, nabiximol. There is only limited use of the cannabis plant as such for medical purposes, possibly indicating a different scenario in Europe as compared to the USA. Position Statement: EUFAS as an umbrella association of European addiction societies stresses the need for further studies on the efficacy of medical cannabis and warrants for possible dangers associated with the increasing popularity of medical cannabis. We need regulations at European level concerning registration and medical indications, development of uniform compounds and strength of products, and rules concerning sales and marketing.
Efficacy and Safety of Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Gu Xianliang , Yu Xi , Zhao Chen , Duan Ping , Zhao Tongtao , Liu Yong , Li Shiying , Yang Zhi , Li Yunyan , Qian Cheng , Yin Zhengqin , Wang Yi
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: The treatment options for diabetic retinopathy (DR) are limited. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising treatment option for diabetes and its complications. In this pilot clinical trial, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of intravenous autologous bone marrow MSCs (ABMSC) for the treatment of DR. Methods: In total, 34 eyes with non-proliferative or proliferative DR (NPDR, n = 19; PDR, n = 15) from 17 patients were analyzed. Treatment involved one intravenous infusion of 3 × 106/kg ABSMCs. The patients’ vital signs were monitored, along with immune and allergic reactions. Treatment efficacy was evaluated via measurements of the following parameters at baseline, and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment: the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (CRP); best corrected visual acuity (BCVA); and central macular and subfield thickness (via optical computed tomography). Results: ABMSC infusion led to a significant decrease in FBG and CRP levels (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in HbA1C or IL-6 levels. Sub-group analysis revealed that only eyes in the NPDR group had the macular thickness reductions and a significant improvement in BCVA from baseline (P = 0.006 at 3 months and 0.027 at 6 months), while those in the PDR group did not. There were no acute reactions during the treatment or severe adverse events during the follow-up period. Conclusion: ABSMCs are a potentially safe and effective treatment option for DR, and the optimum therapeutic window appears to be during the NPDR stage.
Inhibition of Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/Tryptophan 5-Monooxygenase Activation Protein Zeta (YWHAZ) Overcomes Drug Resistance and Tumorigenicity in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Hong Lan , Chen Wangsheng  , Xing Aiwen , Wu Dongcai , Wang Shengtan
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Cancer stem-like cells are the main cause of tumor occurrence, progression, and therapeutic resistance. However, the precise signals required for the maintenance of the stem-like traits of these cells in ovarian cancer remain elusive. We have thus worked to elucidate the functional role of Tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein zeta (YWHAZ), a gene encoding the 14-3-3ζ protein, in the regulation of multidrug resistance and stem cell-like traits in ovarian cancer. Methods: We detected the YWHAZ levels in human ovarian cancer specimens and cell lines using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blots. MTS assays, soft agar colony formation assays, migration assays, cell cycle analysis, sphere formation assays, and flow cytometry were applied to investigate the functional role of YWHAZ in ovarian cancer. Results: Our data reveals substantially increased YWHAZ expression in both cisplatin- and paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer cells. Silencing YWHAZ restored the sensitivity of resistant ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin and paclitaxel. Furthermore, in vitro studies showed that down-regulation of YWHAZ inhibited cell cycle progression, migration, and the expression of stem cell markers. Moreover, tumorigenicity was suppressed in tumor-bearing BALB/c nude mice following YWHAZ knockdown. Additionally, we demonstrated that the expression of YWHAZ was directly down-regulated by miR-30e in resistant ovarian cancer cells. Conclusion: Our results have led to new insights into the essential role of YWHAZ in the regulation of tumourigenesis, stem-like traits, and drug resistance in ovarian cancer, thereby helping to identify a potential target for ovarian cancer therapy.
The Clinicopathological and Prognostic Significance of IDO1 Expression in Human Solid Tumors: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yu Cheng-Peng , Fu Shu-Fang , Chen Xuan , Ye Jing , Ye Yuan , Kong Ling-Dong , Zhu Zhengming
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) is a heme-containing enzyme catalyzing the initial and rate-limiting steps in the kynurenine pathway, which converts tryptophan into kynurenine. Upregulation of IDO1 decreases tryptophan levels and increases the accumulation of kynurenine and its metabolites. These metabolites can affect the proliferation of T cells. Increasing evidence has shown that IDO1 is highly expressed in various cancer types and associated with poor prognosis of cancer patients. However, the results were inconsistent. Methods: We searched the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library databases to identify studies evaluating the prognostic value of IDO1 in cancer patients. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using fixed-effects/random-effects models. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis included 2706 patients from 24 articles. The results indicated a shorter overall survival in patients with high expression of IDO1 (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56-2.63). Furthermore, disease-free survival was worse in patients with high expression of IDO1 (HR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.46-4.20). Additionally, the pooled odds ratios (ORs) showed that increased IDO1 was significantly associated with tumor differentiation (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.05-3.12), distant metastasis (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.02-2.06), and poor clinical stage (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.13-3.17). However, no significant correlation was observed of increased IDO1 expression with age, sex, lymph node metastasis, and tumor size. Conclusion: High expression of IDO1 is associated with poor clinical outcomes. IDO1 could serve as a biomarker of prognosis and a potential predictive factor of clinicopathology in various cancers. Further studies should be performed to verify the clinical utility of IDO1 in human solid tumors.
Exosomes from Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Promotes VEGF-C-Dependent Lymphangiogenesis by Regulating miRNA-132/TGF-β Pathway
Authors: Wang Xiaolei  , Wang Haichao , Cao Jingli , Ye Chen
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Lymphangiogenesis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) is a powerful lymphangiogenic factor. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a promising therapeutic modality for several diseases because ADSCs secret growth factors and exosomes, which modulate hostile microenvironments affected by diseases. However, the effect of exosomes on VEGF-C-dependent lymphangiogenesis and its mechanism remain unclear. Methods: ADSCs were cultured in media with or without recombinant VEGF-C and exosomes were extracted from conditioned medium (CM). Lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) were treated with ADSCs-derived exosomes, then proliferation, migration and tube formation of LECs were assayed using cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell chamber inserts and matrigel-based tube formation assay respectively. Results: We identified significantly higher levels of miR-132 in exosomes isolated from VEGF-C-treated ADSCs (ADSCs/VEGF-C) than in those from ADSCs control. miR-132 was directly transferred from ADSCs to the LECs by the mediation of exosomes. The exosomes from ADSCs/VEGF-C promoted LECs proliferation, migration, and tube formation more potently than the exosomes from ADSCs, whereas pretreatment of ADSCs with miR-132 inhibitor attenuates VEGF-C-dependent lymphangiogenic response. Finally we reveal that miR-132 promotes lymphangiogenic response by directly targeting Smad-7 and regulating TGF-β/Smad signaling. Conclusion: These data provide new insights into the role of ADSCs-derived exosomes as an important player in VEGF-C-dependent lymphangiogenesis.
Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of HPV in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Northeast China
Authors: Tong Fangjia , Geng Jingshu , Yan Bingqing , Lou Huihuang , Chen Xiaohang , Duan Chenwei , He Jing , Zhang Siwei , Xie Huanhuan , Li Huining , Yuan Dawei , Zhang Fengmin , Meng Hongxue , Wei Lanlan
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an etiological risk factor for a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. HPV has been proven to be a powerful prognostic biomarker for oropharyngeal cancer, but its role in the larynx has not been explored in depth. Here, we sought to evaluate the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) in northeast China. Methods: HPV DNA in specimens from 211 patients diagnosed with LSCC was analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization, and p16 overexpression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. p16 expression was scored positive if strong and diffuse nuclear and cytoplasmic staining was present in > 75% of tumor cells. Results: In this study, infection with HPV and p16 expression were not absolutely consistent. Among all patients, 132 (62.6%) were positive for HPV DNA (HPV+), while 23 (10.9%) were inconsistent for HPV and p16. Multivariate analysis indicated that HPV, but not p16, is an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in LSCC. Overall survival was significantly improved in HPV+ LSCC patients compared with the HPV-negative group (hazard ratio, 0.395; 95% confidence interval, 0.185–0.843; p = 0.016). Among the 132 HPV+ patients, 28 (21.2%) were HPV-16 single infection. Conclusion: This study indicates that HPV DNA is a more reliable surrogate marker than p16 for the prediction of survival in patients with LSCC.
Sobre a beleza do futebol
Authors: Gebauer Gunter , Baccega Marcus
Published: August 2018

Este ensaio tem a intenção de discutir os critérios para compreender a beleza no futebol tendo como referência reversa as categorias de beleza aplicadas às obras de arte. O futebol, ao contrário das artes, tem como característica um equilíbrio dramático que visa a impedir a concretização de um jogo belo pela equipe adversária.
A sub-representação do futebol praticado por mulheres no Brasil
Authors: Goellner Silvana Vilodre , Kessler Cláudia Samuel
Published: August 2018

Este texto tematiza alguns aspectos relacionados à história das mulheres no futebol brasileiro. Analisa a inserção da modalidade no país e a oficialização de sua proibição, cuja vigência de mais de 40 anos reverberou de modo indelével na estruturação e desenvolvimento do futebol praticado por mulheres. Aborda ainda questões relativas à escassez de campeonatos, a pouca visibilidade midiática e a ausência de equipes nos principais clubes. Por fim ressalta que, na “Pátria de Chuteiras”, há uma miopia prevalente quando se fala em futebol de mulheres.
Flora da Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais:
Authors: Santos Matheus Fortes , Sano Paulo Takeo
Published: August 2018

O estudo taxonômico de Ebenaceae é apresentado como parte do projeto Flora da Serra do Cipó (Minas Gerais, Brasil). Na região, a família é representada por quatro espécies do gênero Diospyros: D. inconstans, D. ketun, D. lasiocalyx e D. sericea. O tratamento taxonômico conta com descrições, ilustrações e comentários sobre habitat, distribuição e fenologia, além de uma chave de identificação para as espécies.
Wood anatomy and growth ring boundaries of Copaifera lucens (Fabaceae)
Authors: Fontana Cláudia , Pérez-de-Lis Gonzalo , Santini-Junior Luiz , Botosso Paulo César , Nabais Cristina , Tomazello-Filho Mario , Lousada José Luís Penetra Cerveira
Published: August 2018

The wood anatomy of Copaifera lucens Dwyer was studied with an emphasis on its growth ring boundaries. Growth rings are visible to the naked eye and demarcated by marginal parenchyma bands and, sometimes, by thick-walled fibers in the latewood. Secretory canals are associated with marginal parenchyma bands, but not all marginal parenchyma bands are associated with canals. Paratracheal parenchyma is vasicentric to lozenge-aliform. Rays are 1–4-seriate, heterocellular and non-storied. Vessels are visible to the naked eye, diffuse, predominantly solitary, some in multiples, sometimes filled with gums. Crystals present. Wood anatomical characteristics of C. lucens are in agreement with those previously reported for other species of Copaifera. In addition to what had already been described for C. lucens, we observed gelatinous fibers, and some bifurcate fibers, and extremely rare clustered vessels. The growth ring boundaries are well-defined in mature wood but less distinctive near the pith. There are also partial and confluent (wedging) rings, which are difficult to classify by anatomy only, but which represent false rings and complicate tree-ring analysis in this species.
Physiological changes during heartwood formation in young Eucalyptus bosistoana trees
Authors: Mishra Gayatri , Collings David A. , Altaner Clemens M.
Published: August 2018

Eucalyptus bosistoanaF. Muell. is valued for its naturally durable heartwood. As part of anE. bosistoanabreeding programme, we have tested the hypothesis that there is a prolonged transition from sapwood to heartwood in young trees, resulting in a wide transition zone. This needs to be considered when assessing trees for heartwood quantity and quality. Heartwood formation was investigated in radial profiles in cores from bark to bark of 6-year-old trees with conventional and confocal microscopy, and with a range of different staining techniques that visualised the physiological changes taking place in the parenchyma cells. Using immunolabelling with antibodies against histone proteins and α-tubulin, histochemical staining using potassium iodide (I3-KI) and fluorescence emission spectral scanning, we demonstrated that in heartwood nuclei, microtubules, reserve materials (starch) and vacuoles were absent. The observations revealed that 6-year-oldE. bosistoanatrees contained heartwood. The loss of water conductivity by tyloses formation and the death of the parenchyma cells occurred in close proximity resulting in a transition zone of ~1 cm.
Effects of auxin-transport-inhibitor and defoliation on wood formation in locally-heated Abies homolepis
Authors: Rahman Md Hasnat , Kudo Kayo , Begum Shahanara , Yamagishi Yusuke , Muraishi Takahiro , Nakaba Satoshi , Oribe Yuichiro , Lee Chanhui , Jin Hyun-O , Funada Ryo
Published: August 2018

To understand the precise process of wood formation, it is necessary to identify the factors that regulate cambial activity and development of cambial derivatives. Here, we investigated the combined effects of localized-heating and auxin on cambial reactivation and the formation of earlywood tracheids in seedlings of the evergreen coniferAbies homolepisin winter. Three treatments were applied, namely heating (artificial increase in temperature 20–22 °C), heating-plus-auxin transport inhibitor N-(1-naphthyl) phthalamic acid (NPA) and heating-plus-defoliation (removal of needles and buds), with an approximate control, for investigations of cambial activity by light microscopy. After one week of heating, cambial reactivation occurred in the heating, heating-plus-NPA and heating-plus-defoliation treatments. In untreated controls, cambial reactivation occurred later than in heated stems. Earlywood tracheids were formed after three and six weeks of heating in the heating and heating-plus-NPA treatments, respectively. No tracheids were formed after eight weeks of heating in heated-defoliated seedlings. Numbers of new tracheids were reduced in heated stems by NPA. Our results suggest that an increase in the temperature of the stem is one of the most important limiting factors in cambial reactivation, which is independent of needles and buds and of the polar transport of auxin from apical sources. However, after cambial reactivation, initiation and continuous formation of earlywood tracheids require basipetally transported auxin and other endogenous factors originating in mature needles and buds.
Phyllagathis stellata (Sonerileae, Melastomataceae), a new species from southwestern Sarawak, Borneo
Authors: LIN CHE-WEI , LEE CHI-HUNG
Published: August 2018

Reknowned for its high biodiversity and endemism, over one third of the Bornean species of Phyllagathis were discovered in Sarawak over the past two years. In this study, we report an addition of a new species of Phyllagathis, namely P. stellata from southwestern Sarawak. In addition to the taxonomic account, color plates, line drawings, a distribution map, and comparisons with morphologically similar species are provided to aid in identification.
A new species of Leucostethus (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from the eastern versant of the Central Cordillera of Colombia and the phylogenetic status of Colostethus fraterdanieli
Authors: MARIN CARLOS M. , MOLINA-ZULUAGA CLAUDIA , RESTREPO ADRIANA , CANO ESTEFANY , DAZA JUAN M.
Published: August 2018

We describe a new species of Dendrobatidae from the eastern flank of the northern Central Cordillera in Colombia and assign it to the recently named genus Leucostethus. We also assess the phylogenetic status of the Colostethus fraterdanieli “complex” which according to our phylogenetic inference, is closely related to the new species. We use morphological, genetic and bioacoustic evidence to describe the new species and to expand the phylogeny of the genus Leucostethus. As a result, we transfer the content of C. fraterdanieli “complex” to Leucostethus. The new species differs from the Leucostethus fraterdanieli “complex” species by having white testes, straight pale ventrolateral stripes and high genetic divergence (17% in Cyt-b). According to our results, the genus Leucostethus is distributed in the western Amazonia from Ecuador and Peru, and both the northern Andes and Pacific lowlands in Colombia. We also found that L. fraterdanieli sensu stricto is restricted from mid (1600 m.a.s.l) to high (2500 m.a.s.l) elevation on the northern Central Cordillera in Antioquia. Extensive geographic sampling and more thorough morphological and bioacoustic examination need to be considered to solve the genetic clusters observed in the Leucostethus fraterdanieli “complex”.
Review of genus Conocephalus Thunberg, 1815 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae) with one new species from India
Authors: FAROOQI MOHD KALEEMULLAH , USMANI MOHD KAMIL
Published: August 2018

The present paper includes description of one new species Conocephalus (Anisoptera) rentzi sp. nov. and some known species of genus Conocephalus Thunberg, 1815 from India. Brief diagnosis of genus and subgenus with a key to species of subgenus Anisoptera and morphometric ranges of all the species are provided. The distributional map and illustrations of all the described and reported species with SEM photography of stridulatory files of C. (Anisoptera) maculatus & C. (Anisoptera) rentzi sp. nov. have also been included. All type specimens have been deposited for posterity in the Zoology Department, Aligarh Muslim University, India (ZDAMU).
The Composition Of The Upper Atmosphere According to The Dissociation Of Oxygen And Nitrogen Molecules
Authors: Gauzit J.
Published: August 2018

We show that the observation of forbidden lines in the spectra of the night sky and of aurorae requires that the upper atmosphere should be composed essentially of atomic oxygen and nitrogen. The transition between molecular and atomic regions is realized abruptly for both gases towards the height of 100 km. The absorption of the ultraviolet solar radiation undoubtedly decomposes the oxygen molecules of the upper atmosphere, but the dissociation of nitrogen molecules is harder to understand. Molecular recombinations by triple collisions being unusual in the upper altitudes, we can understand that a weak dissociative source is able to maintain the atomic state of upper atmospheric layers: the most probable one is photochemical dissociation, but the effect is important only when the temperature rises above 1000° K.
Cloud Reflection Effects in Pyrheliometer Records*
Authors: Ives, C.W.S. Ronald L.
Published: August 2018

“Inordinately” high values of solar radiation, noted at a high altitude desert station, were found to be caused by reflection from lower surfaces of clouds. Descriptions of these reflective phenomena, with explanatory diagrams and illustrative curves, are here presented.
Circulation and Convergence in the Equatorial Zone Between 95°E and 160°E: December to February*
Authors: Glenn A. H.
Published: August 2018

A pattern of circulation and convergence in the equatorial zone between 95°E and 160°E during the season from December to February is presented as an improvement over that seen frequently is present literature. The pattern presented serves as a practical basis for synoptic analysis and is in agreement with observations made in the region (hiring and before the recent War.
On the Distribution of Angular Velocity in Gaseous Envelopes Under the Influence of Large-Scale Horizontal Mixing Processes*
Authors: Rossby C.-G.
Published: August 2018

An attempt is made to determine the limiting zonal wind distribution in the atmosphere which would result from intense, thermally driven, lateral mixing processes. The total thickness of that portion of the atmosphere which effectively participates in the perturbations responsible for the large-scale lateral exchange has a thickness of the order of magnitude of 20 km, while the distance between pole and equator is about 10,000 km. In view of the small value (1/500) of the ratio between these dimensions the atmosphere is considered as a thin shell in which the vertical dimension may be neglected. It is assumed that the mixing process is associated with a tendency towards equalization of the vertical component of the absolute vorticity. On this basis it is possible to account for some of the more striking features of the zonal wind distribution at the tropopause level. Assuming a similar type of lateral mixing to occur in the surface layers of the sun it is possible to account for the observed distribution of its rotation, and in particular for its “equatorial acceleration.”

The velocity profiles obtained through lateral mixing in such thin atmospheric shells are analyzed from the point of view of shearing instability. It is found that shearing instability would limit the zone of constant absolute vertical vorticity within each hemisphere to a polar cap, the equatorial boundary of which would be 30° to 35° polewards from the equator. This result agrees well with the apparent break in the law for solar rotation at about 30° heliographic latitude and with the occurrence of a sharp maximum in the zonal west wind at the tropopause level at the same latitude during the season of maximum lateral mixing (winter season).
Radar Storm Detection
Authors: Wexler Raymond , Swingle Donald M.
Published: August 2018

The theory of radar storm detection is derived. The power received from rainstorms varies inversely as the fourth power of the wavelength and the square of the range (assuming total interception of the beam by the rainstorm area), and directly as the summation of the sixth powers of the radii of the droplets effectively illuminated. Moderate rain has a greater reflectivity than clouds not associated with rain by a factor of about 106.

Absorption by oxygen and water vapor causes attenuation of the radar beam. In a tropical atmosphere the theoretical two-way attenuation for 3.2-cm radiation over a 100-km range is 48%. Absorption and scattering by rain causes more serious attenuation. For 3.2-cm radiation the experimental two-way attenuation through 10 km of the rain intensities chosen as light, moderate, and heavy are approximately 16%, 51%, and 83% respectively.

For most storm-detection purposes, radar utilizing wavelengths in the vicinity of 3 to 6 cm is more suitable than 9- to 12-cm equipment. Through appreciable distances of moderate or heavy rain the use of 10-cm radar gives greater return signal than 3-cm equipment.
Some Notes on Visibilities at Salt Lake Airport
Authors: Schmalz William M.
Published: August 2018

The seasonal variation in visibilities at Salt Lake airport, all causes considered, is presented. A typical example of winter weather is investigated to show the behavior of local smoke which is the predominate cause of restricted visibilities. The relationship between movement of smoke over the field and the local drainage winds is brought out by this example and certain conclusions are arrived at which are useful in forecasting the phenomenon. Brief comment is made regarding other causes of low visibilities.
Critique of Certain Climatological Procedures
Authors: Landsberg H.
Published: August 2018

Many standard climatological procedures are questionable. The use of the term “normal” for long-year averages is misleading and contrary to everyday usage for skewed, multimodal, U-shaped frequency distributions. Averages of temperature and precipitation records should not be given to more significant figures than the accuracy of the individual measurements warrants. It is pointed out that precipitation is really not measured but “sampled”. Killing frost and growing season are climatological elements of doubtful value because of microclimatic conditions. Isopleth maps of these and other very discontinuous elements are unsatisfactory representations of conditions.
The Separation of Analysis and Forecasting: A New Basis for Weather Service Operations*
Authors: Holzman, A.C. B. G.
Published: August 2018

Numerous wartime meteorological researches have contributed greatly to our understanding of the mechanism of atmospheric processes, but any resultant improvement in weather forecast accuracy to date has been highly questionable. Wartime experiences have emphasized that the usual complement of personnel in a weather station is wholly inadequate and incapable of analyzing and digesting the abundant data in the form of surface observations, rasonde-rawin soundings, pilot reports and weather reconnaissance reports now available to the meteorologists. Although meteorologists are not agreed as to its operational feasibility, the concept of divorcing analysis from forecasting was demonstrated to be, in all major operational efforts during the War, the only practicable solution to the problem of making maximum use of available data. The establishment of key analysis centers manned by expert analysts who devote their entire energies to the analysis of weather data in chart form which are transmitted by facsimile to the field forecaster has proved to be the best and only method for handling the wealth of available weather information and has resulted in a maximum efficiency in the preparation of forecasts. A principle was established that forecasting responsibility must be decentralized and given to those meteorologists immediately associated with the particular forecasting problem. The recognition and application of the principle of separation of analysis from forecasting will result in an immediate increase in forecast efficiency and accuracy and will create the only firm basis upon which private meteorology can be established.
Protocols and Partnerships for Engaging Pacific Island Communities in the Collection and Use of Traditional Climate Knowledge
Authors: Malsale Philip , Sanau Noel , Tofaeono Tile I. , Kavisi Zarn , Willy Albert , Mitiepo Rossy , Lui Siosinamele , Chambers Lynda E. , Plotz Roan D.
Published: August 2018

Traditional knowledge (TK) on weather and climate is an important aspect of community life in the Pacific. Used for generations, this knowledge is derived from observing biological and meteorological variables and contributes to building community resilience to weather extremes. Most of this knowledge is passed on orally and is in danger of being lost due to generational changes, leading communities to seek to preserve the knowledge in other ways.

This paper provides guidance on the successful collection and documentation of weather and climate TK in the Pacific by considering four key components: the legal and national context, in-country partnerships, the role of community, and national and community protocols. At the regional level legislation focuses on the protection of culture/TK and intellectual property, which are linked to national policies and laws. Within the national context consideration of the governance structure is critical, including obtaining approvals to conduct the studies. The next consideration is developing partnerships to establish and implement the projects, including working with appropriate ministries, media, donor organizations, and community groups. Community involvement in all aspects of the projects is critical, built on trust between partners and ensuring outputs are aligned with community needs. Following community protocols and procedures allows for effective sharing of TK. We document common protocols that were piloted and tested across four Pacific Island nations, illustrating similarities and differences between cultural groups, including recognizing cultural sensitivities and ensuring custodian rights are protected.
Present Climate Evaluation and Added Value Analysis of Dynamically Downscaled Simulations of CORDEX—East Asia
Authors: Li Delei , Yin Baoshu , Feng Jianlong , Dosio Alessandro , Geyer Beate , Qi JiFeng , Shi Hongyuan , Xu Zhenhua
Published: August 2018

In this study, we investigate the skills of the regional climate model Consortium for Small-Scale Modeling in Climate Mode (CCLM) in reproducing historical climatic features and their added value to the driving global climate models (GCMs) of the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment—East Asia (CORDEX-EA) domain. An ensemble of climate simulations, with a resolution of 0.44°, was conducted by downscaling four GCMs: CNRM-CM5, EC-EARTH, HadGEM2, and MPI-ESM-LR. The CCLM outputs were compared with different observations and reanalysis datasets. Results showed strong seasonal variability of CCLM’s ability in reproducing climatological means, variability, and extremes. The bias of the simulated summer temperatures is generally smaller than that of the winter temperatures; in addition, areas where CCLM adds value to the driving GCMs in simulating temperature are larger in the winter than in the summer. CCLM outperforms GCMs in terms of generating climatological precipitation means and daily precipitation distributions for most regions in the winter, but this is not always the case for the summer. It was found that CCLM biases are partly inherited from GCMs and are significantly shaped by structural biases of CCLM. Furthermore, downscaled simulations show added value in capturing features of consecutive wet days for the tropics and of consecutive dry days for areas to the north of 30°N. We found considerable uncertainty from reanalysis and observation datasets in temperatures and precipitation climatological means for some regions that rival bias values of GCMs and CCLM simulations. We recommend carefully selecting reference datasets when evaluating modeled climate means.
Momentum Flux of Convective Gravity Waves Derived from an Offline Gravity Wave Parameterization. Part II: Impacts on the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation
Authors: Kang Min-Jee , Chun Hye-Yeong , Kim Young-Ha , Preusse Peter , Ern Manfred
Published: August 2018

The characteristics of small-scale convective gravity waves (CGWs; horizontal wavelengths <100 km) and their contributions to the large-scale flow in the stratosphere, including the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO), are investigated using an offline calculation of a source-dependent, physically based CGW parameterization with global reanalysis data from 1979 to 2010. The CGW momentum flux (CGWMF) and CGW drag (CGWD) are calculated from the cloud top (source level) to the upper stratosphere using a Lindzen-type wave propagation scheme. The 32-yr-mean CGWD exhibits large magnitudes in the tropical upper stratosphere and near the stratospheric polar night jet (~60°). The maximum positive drag is 0.1 (1.5) m s−1 day−1, and the maximum negative drag is −0.9 (−0.7) m s−1 day−1 in January (July) between 3 and 1 hPa. In the tropics, the momentum forcing by CGWs at 30 hPa associated with the QBO in the westerly shear zone is 3.5–6 m s−1 month−1, which is smaller than that by Kelvin waves, while that by CGWs in the easterly shear zone (3.1–6 m s−1 month−1) is greater than that by any other equatorial planetary waves or inertio-gravity waves (inertio-GWs). Composite analyses of the easterly QBO (EQBO) and westerly QBO (WQBO) phases reveal that the zonal CGWMF is concentrated near 10°N and that the negative (positive) CGWD extends latitudinally to ±20° (±10°) at 30 hPa. The strongest (weakest) negative CGWD is in March–May (September–November) during the EQBO, and the strongest (weakest) positive CGWD is in June–August (March–May) during the WQBO. The CGWMF and CGWD are generally stronger during El Niño than during La Niña in the equatorial region.
Estimating Changes in Temperature Distributions in a Large Ensemble of Climate Simulations Using Quantile Regression
Authors: Haugen Matz A. , Stein Michael L. , Moyer Elisabeth J. , Sriver Ryan L.
Published: August 2018

Understanding future changes in extreme temperature events in a transient climate is inherently challenging. A single model simulation is generally insufficient to characterize the statistical properties of the evolving climate, but ensembles of repeated simulations with different initial conditions greatly expand the amount of data available. We present here a new approach for using ensembles to characterize changes in temperature distributions based on quantile regression that more flexibly characterizes seasonal changes. Specifically, our approach uses a continuous representation of seasonality rather than breaking the dataset into seasonal blocks; that is, we assume that temperature distributions evolve smoothly both day to day over an annual cycle and year to year over longer secular trends. To demonstrate our method’s utility, we analyze an ensemble of 50 simulations of the Community Earth System Model (CESM) under a scenario of increasing radiative forcing to 2100, focusing on North America. As previous studies have found, we see that daily temperature bulk variability generally decreases in wintertime in the continental mid- and high latitudes (>40°). A more subtle result that our approach uncovers is that differences in two low quantiles of wintertime temperatures do not shrink as much as the rest of the temperature distribution, producing a more negative skew in the overall distribution. Although the examples above concern temperature only, the technique is sufficiently general that it can be used to generate precise estimates of distributional changes in a broad range of climate variables by exploiting the power of ensembles.
Influence of Surface Topography on the Critical Carbon Dioxide Level Required for the Formation of a Modern Snowball Earth
Authors: Liu Yonggang , Peltier W. Richard , Yang Jun , Hu Yongyun
Published: August 2018

The influence of continental topography on the initiation of a global glaciation (i.e., snowball Earth) is studied with both a fully coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation model (AOGCM), CCSM3, and an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM), CAM3 coupled to a slab ocean model. It is found that when the climate is very cold, snow cover over the central region of the Eurasian continent decreases when the atmospheric CO2 concentration ( pCO2) is reduced. In the coupled model, this constitutes a negative feedback due to the reduction of land surface albedo that counteracts the positive feedback due to sea ice expansion toward the equator. When the solar insolation is 94% of the present-day value, Earth enters a snowball state when pCO2 is ~35 ppmv. On the other hand, if the continents are assumed to be flat topographically (with the global mean elevation as in the more realistic present-day case), Earth enters a snowball state more easily at pCO2 = ~60 ppmv. Therefore, the presence of topography may increase the stability of Earth against descent into a snowball state. On the contrary, a snowball Earth is found to form much more easily when complex topography is present than when it is not in CAM3. This happens despite the fact that the mid- to high-latitude climate is much warmer (by ~10°C) when topography is present than when it is not. Analyses show that neglecting sea ice dynamics in this model prevents the warming anomaly in the mid- to high latitudes from being efficiently transmitted into the tropics.
Downdrafts and the Evolution of Boundary Layer Thermodynamics in Hurricane Earl (2010) before and during Rapid Intensification
Authors: Wadler Joshua B. , Zhang Jun A. , Jaimes Benjamin , Shay Lynn K.
Published: August 2018

Using a combination of NOAA P-3 aircraft tail Doppler radar, NOAA and NASA dropsondes, and buoy- and drifter-based sea surface temperature data, different types of downdrafts and their influence on boundary layer (BL) thermodynamics are examined in Hurricane Earl (2010) during periods prior to rapid intensification [RI; a 30-kt (15.4 m s−1) increase in intensity over 24 h] and during RI. Before RI, the BL was generally warm and moist. The largest hindrances for intensification are convectively driven downdrafts inside the radius of maximum winds (RMW) and upshear-right quadrant, and vortex-tilt-induced downdrafts outside the RMW in the upshear-left quadrant. Possible mechanisms for overcoming the low entropy (θe) air induced by these downdrafts are BL recovery through air–sea enthalpy fluxes and turbulent mixing by atmospheric eddies. During RI, convective downdrafts of varying strengths in the upshear-left quadrant had differing effects on the low-level entropy and surface heat fluxes. Interestingly, the stronger downdrafts corresponded with maximums in 10-m θe. It is hypothesized that the large amount of evaporation in a strong (>2 m s−1) downdraft underneath a precipitation core can lead to high amounts of near-surface specific humidity. By contrast, weaker downdrafts corresponded with minimums in 10-m θe, likely because they contained lower evaporation rates. Since weak and dry downdrafts require more surface fluxes to recover the low entropy air than strong and moist downdrafts, they are greater hindrances to storm intensification. This study emphasizes how different types of downdrafts are tied to hurricane intensity change through their modification of BL thermodynamics.