bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STK33 Promotes Growth and Progression of Pancreatic Cancer as a Critical Downstream Mediator of HIF1α
Authors: Kong Fanyang , Kong Xiangyu , Du Yiqi , Chen Ying , Deng Xuan , Zhu Jianwei , Du Jiawei , Li Lei , Jia Zhiliang , Xie Dacheng , Li Zhaoshen , Xie Keping
Published: October 2017

The serine/threonine kinase STK33 has been implicated in cancer cell proliferation. Here, we provide evidence of a critical role for STK33 in the pathogenesis and metastatic progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). STK33 expression in PDAC was regulated by the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor HIF1α. In human PDAC specimens, STK33 was overexpressed and associated with poor prognosis. Enforced STK33 expression promoted PDAC proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth, whereas STK33 depletion exerted opposing effects. Mechanistic investigations showed that HIF1α regulated STK33 via direct binding to a hypoxia response element in its promoter. In showing that dysregulated HIF1α/STK33 signaling promotes PDAC growth and progression, our results suggest STK33 as a candidate therapeutic target to improve PDAC treatment. Cancer Res; 77(24); 6851–62. ©2017 AACR.
Regulation of Coronary Arterial Large Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channel Protein Expression and Function by n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Tang Xu , Qian Ling-Ling , Wang Ru-Xing , Yao Yong , Dang Shi-Peng , Wu Ying , Wang Wen , Ji Yuan , Sun Man-Qing , Xia Da-Yun , Liu Xiao-Yu , Zhang Dai-Min , Chai Qiang , Lu Tong
Published: October 2017

Aim: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on coronary arterial large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel function in coronary smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: The effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on coronary BK channel open probabilities were determined using the patch clamp technique. The mRNA and protein expressions of BK channel subunits were measured using qRT-PCR and Western blots. The coronary artery tension and coronary SMC Ca2+ concentrations were measured using a myograph system and fluorescence Ca2+ indicator. Results: Compared to nondiabetic control rats, the BK channel function was impaired with a reduced response to EPA and DHA in freshly isolated SMCs of diabetic rats. Oral administration of n-3 PUFAs had no effects on protein expressions of BK channel subunits in nondiabetic rats, but significantly enhanced those of BK-β1 in diabetic rats without altering BK-α protein levels. Moreover, coronary ring tension induced by iberiotoxin (a specific BK channel blocker) was increased and cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations in coronary SMCs were decreased in diabetic rats, but no changes were found in nondiabetic rats. Conclusions: n-3 PUFAs protect the coronary BK channel function and coronary vasoreactivity in diabetic rats as a result of not only increasing BK-β1 protein expressions, but also decreasing coronary artery tension and coronary smooth muscle cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations.
Serum IFN-λ3 Levels Correlate with Serum Hepatitis C Virus RNA Levels in Symptomatic Patients with Acute Hepatitis C
Authors: Imoto Susumu , Kim Soo Ryang , Amano Keisuke , Iio Etsuko , Yoon Seitetsu , Hirohata Shigeya , Yano Yoshihiko , Ishikawa Toru , Katsushima Shinji , Komeda Toshiki , Fukunaga Toyokazu , Chung Hobyung , Kokuryu Hiroyuki , Horie Yutaka , Hatae Takashi , Fujinami Aya , Kim Soo Ki , Kudo Masatoshi , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: October 2017

Background: Recent genome-wide association studies demonstrated that 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), upstream of the interferon-λ (IFNL) 3 gene, are associated with the spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in symptomatic patients with acute hepatitis C (AHC). Although these 2 SNPs, rs8099917 and rs12979860, have established their significant roles in the innate immunity response to spontaneously clear HCV in patients with AHC, the detailed mechanisms of their roles remain largely unknown. Aim: This study is aimed at clarifying the factors affecting IFNL3 production and assessing the roles of IFNL3 in AHC. Materials and Methods: A total of 21 AHC patients who visited the hospital within 10 days after symptom onset were assessed. As controls, 23 healthy volunteers (HVs) were examined. Serum IFNL3 levels were quantified using an in-house, IFNL3-specific chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) kit. Serum IFNL1, IFN-α, IFN-β, and IFN-γ induced protein-10 (IP-10) levels were assayed using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Results: At baseline, serum IFNL3 levels were higher in AHC patients than in HVs (p < 0.0001). The higher levels in AHC patients did not differ between patients with the rs8099917 TT genotype and those with the non-TT (TG/GG) genotype (p = 0.546). Serial measurement of serum IFNL3 levels did not predict the outcome of conventional AHC. However, serum IFNL3 levels at baseline correlated positively with the HCV RNA levels (p = 0.005). Following HCV eradication, serum IFNL3 levels reduced to within the range obtained for HVs. Baseline serum IFNL1 levels did not differ significantly between AHC patients and HVs (p = 0.284). Serum levels of IFNL1 and IFNL3 at baseline also showed no correlative power (p = 0.288). Serum IFN-α and IFN-β were detected together with remarkably high serum IFNL3 levels in only one patient who progressed to acute liver failure (ALF). Conclusion: These findings indicate that serum IFNL3 levels at baseline are higher in AHC patients regardless of the rs8099917 polymorphism, and primary HCV infection triggers the production of IFNL3. As a first line of defense in the innate immune system against invading HCV, increased IFNL3 levels play an important role, but serum IFNL3 levels are not the principal determinant of the clinical course of conventional AHC.
Comparison of Sofosbuvir Plus Ribavirin Treatment with Pegylated Interferon Plus Ribavirin Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 2
Authors: Seo Kayo , Kim Soo Ki , Kim Soo Ryang , Ohtani Aya , Kobayashi Mana , Kato Airi , Morimoto Eri , Saijo Yuka , Kim Ke Ih , Imoto Susumu , Kim Chi Wan , Yano Yoshihiko , Kudo Masatoshi , Hayashi Yoshitake
Published: October 2017

Background: Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin (RBV) therapy showed higher sustained virological response at 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) than pegylated interferon (peg-IFN) plus RBV; however, liver function, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma markers have not been assessed so far. Summary: Patients (n = 21) receiving Sofosbuvir plus RBV and those (n = 24) receiving peg-IFN plus RBV were enrolled in this study. Changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, platelet (PLT) counts, FIB-4, and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) in both groups were assessed in patients achieving SVR12. Also, fibrosis regression was assessed using pathophysiological biomarkers, such as hyaluronic acid, bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the Sofosbuvir plus RBV group. In both groups, while the reduction in ALT levels was significant that of AFP was not. Compared with the baseline, although serum PLT count at the end of treatment (EOT) was significantly higher in the Sofosbuvir plus RBV group, it was significantly lower in the peg-IFN plus RBV group. Although a significant decline in fibrosis markers such as FIB-4 and APRI was observed between the baseline and at EOT in the Sofosbuvir plus RBV group, no significant change of these markers was observed in the peg-IFN plus RBV group. Moreover, BMP-7 and CTGF were significantly lower at EOT than the baseline in the Sofosbuvir plus RBV group. Key Message: The treatment with Sofosbuvir plus RBV results in not only a higher SVR, but also improves the liver function and the degree of fibrosis.
A Comparative Study of Four Methods for the Detection of Nematode Eggs and Large Protozoan Cysts in Mandrill Faecal Material
Authors: Pouillevet Hanae , Dibakou Serge-Ely , Ngoubangoye Barthélémy , Poirotte Clémence , Charpentier Marie J.E.
Published: October 2017

Coproscopical methods like sedimentation and flotation techniques are widely used in the field for studying simian gastrointestinal parasites. Four parasites of known zoonotic potential were studied in a free-ranging, non-provisioned population of mandrills (Mandrillus sphinx): 2 nematodes (Necator americanus/Oesophagostomum sp. complex and Strongyloides sp.) and 2 protozoan species (Balantidium coli and Entamoeba coli). Different coproscopical techniques are available but they are rarely compared to evaluate their efficiency to retrieve parasites. In this study 4 different field-friendly methods were compared. A sedimentation method and 3 different McMaster methods (using sugar, salt, and zinc sulphate solutions) were performed on 47 faecal samples collected from different individuals of both sexes and all ages. First, we show that McMaster flotation methods are appropriate to detect and thus quantify large protozoan cysts. Second, zinc sulphate McMaster flotation allows the retrieval of a higher number of parasite taxa compared to the other 3 methods. This method further shows the highest probability to detect each of the studied parasite taxa. Altogether our results show that zinc sulphate McMaster flotation appears to be the best technique to use when studying nematodes and large protozoa.
Deciphering the Social Organization and Structure of Wild Yunnan Snub-Nosed Monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti)
Authors: Grueter Cyril C. , Li Dayong , Ren Baoping , Wei Fuwen , Li Ming
Published: October 2017

The social organization of natural groups of Rhinopithecus bieti (Yunnan snub-nosed monkey) is virtually unknown. We studied the demography and social structure of a free-ranging group at Samage Forest, China, for nearly 2 years. This study confirmed that R. bieti exhibits a multilevel social organization of core 1-male units (OMUs) that congregate in a band of >400 members. Even though the band appeared to be unified for the most part, we also witnessed occasional fission-fusion. OMUs were cohesive entities, and their members were spatially and socially isolated from members of other OMUs. Large all-male units associated with the band, and when they closely followed OMUs there was a tendency for elevated male aggression. Within OMUs, females associated preferentially with males and vice versa, resulting in a bisexually bonded society. Contrary to other Asian colobines, R. bieti were comparatively social, with grooming occupying 7.3% of the time. Social grooming was primarily a female affair, but males also participated in grooming networks. The integration of males into the social network of the OMU is thought to help to maintain OMU integrity and cohesion with other social units being in close proximity.
Impact of Beta-Blockade on Cardiac Events in Patients with Chronic Severe Nonischemic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Supino Phyllis G. , Hai Ofek Y. , Sharma Abhishek , Lampert Joshua , Hochreiter Clare , Herrold Edmund M. , Borer Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of beta-blockade on cardiac events among patients with initially asymptomatic chronic severe nonischemic mitral valve regurgitation (MR). Methods: Data from 52 consecutive patients in our prospective natural history study of isolated chronic severe nonischemic MR were assessed post hoc over 19 years to examine the relation of chronic beta-blockade use to subsequent cardiac events (death or indications for mitral valve surgery, MVS). At entry, all patients were free of surgical indications; 9 received beta-blockers. Cardiac event rate differences were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier log rank comparison. Results: During follow-up, cardiac events included sudden death (1), heart failure (8), atrial fibrillation (6), left ventricular dimensions at systole ≥4.5 cm (11), left ventricular ejection fraction <60% (6), right ventricular ejection fraction <35% (2), and a combination of cardiac events (7). The cardiac event risk was 4-fold higher among patients receiving beta-blockers (average annual risk = 60.6%) versus those not receiving beta-blockers (average annual risk = 15.2%; p = 0.001). These effects remained statistically significant (p = 0.005) when analysis was adjusted for other baseline covariates. Conclusions: Beta-blockade appears to confer an increased risk of sudden cardiac death or indications for MVS among patients with chronic severe nonischemic MR. Randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Long-Term Survival of a Patient with Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagogastric Junction with a Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis Who Underwent Palliative Total Gastrectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Oh Sung Don , Oh Sung Jin , Suh Byoung Jo , Shin Jin Yong , Park Jong Kwon
Published: October 2017

Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) with advanced gastric cancer is very rare; when it occurs, it exhibits aggressive growth and carries a poor prognosis. In addition, definitive treatment has not been established due to insufficient data. Herein, we report a case of PVTT associated with an adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction that was successfully controlled by means of a palliative total gastrectomy without surgical resection of the PVTT and administration of palliative continuous doxifluridine.
Improvement and Aggravation of Spontaneous Unruptured Vertebral Artery Dissection
Authors: Shibahara Tomoya , Yasaka Masahiro , Wakugawa Yoshiyuki , Maeda Koichiro , Uwatoko Takeshi , Kuwashiro Takahiro , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Okada Yasushi
Published: October 2017

Background: Intracranial vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is a well-recognized cause of stroke in young and middle-aged individuals, especially in Asian populations. However, a long-term natural course remains unclear. We investigated the long-term time course of VAD using imaging findings to examine the rate and predisposing factors for improvement. Methods: We registered 56 consecutive patients (40 males; mean age, 51.8 ± 10.7 years) with acute spontaneous VAD and retrospectively investigated neuroimaging and clinical course within 1 month and at 3 months ± 2 weeks, 6 months ± 2 weeks, and 12 months ± 2 weeks after onset to ascertain predisposing factors and time course for improvement. Results: The most common presenting symptoms were headache and/or posterior neck pain, seen in 41 patients (73%). Magnetic resonance imaging showed brainstem and/or cerebellum infarction in only 32 patients (57%). Of the 56 VADs, 16 (28%) presented with pearl and string sign, 5 (9%) with pearl sign, 15 (27%) with string sign, and 20 (36%) with occlusion sign. VAD occurred on the dominant side in 20 patients and on the nondominant side in the other 36 patients. The pearl and string sign was more frequently noted on the dominant side than on the nondominant side (50 vs. 17%, p = 0.008). On the other hand, occlusion occurred more often on the nondominant side than on the dominant side (47 vs. 15%, p = 0.016). Furthermore, the pearl and string sign was more frequently seen in the improvement group (41 vs. 15%, p = 0.028), whereas the occlusion sign was evident more frequently in the nonimprovement group (21 vs. 52%, p = 0.015). Follow-up neuroimaging evaluation was performed at 1 and 3 months in 91% each, and at 6 and 12 months in 82% each. VAD aggravation was identified within 1 month after onset in 14%, while VAD improvement was seen in 14, 38, 50, and 52% at each period, mainly within 6 months after onset. Older patients and current smoking were negatively associated with VAD improvement. Conclusions: VAD improvement primarily occurs within 6 months after onset, and VAD aggravation within 1 month. It seems that older patients and current smoking are negative predictors of VAD improvement as risk factors, and as image findings, the pearl and string sign is a positive predictor and occlusion a negative predictor.
Comparison of IGH Profile Signals Using t(4;14) and IGH Break-Apart Probes by FISH in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Smol Thomas , Daudignon Agnès
Published: October 2017

We compared immunoglobulin heavy chain gene (IGH) signal patterns in multiple myeloma (MM) using the FGFR3-IGH and the IGH break-apart probes to facilitate their understanding and analysis. Forty-nine patients with MM were studied. FISH was performed on samples sorted with an FGFR3-IGH dual-color, dual-fusion translocation probe and an IGH dual-color break-apart rearrangement probe. The IGH deletions were found in 7 MM analyzed with the FGFR3-IGH probe and all confirmed by the IGH break-apart probe. The additional IGH signals were associated with different patterns using the IGH break-apart probe: a normal pattern in 9 cases, trisomy 14 in 3 cases, and splits of IGH in 7 cases. Fusion patterns with the FGFR3-IGH probe were observed in 13 cases. Atypical patterns were identified in 6 cases with multiple presentations of IGH: a deletion of the IGH variable segment in der(4) or in chromosome 14, loss of the IGH locus in chromosome 14, and additional copies of FGFR3-IGH fusion probes. We identified a majority of atypical IGH patterns with the t(4;14) probe, without false-negative results when FGFR3-IGH signal fusions were found. However, the extrapolation of FGFR3-IGH probe signals requires the IGH break-apart probe to obtain unequivocal interpretations.
Astragaloside IV Induced miR-134 Expression Reduces EMT and Increases Chemotherapeutic Sensitivity by Suppressing CREB1 Signaling in Colorectal Cancer Cell Line SW-480
Authors: Ye Qi , Su Li , Chen Dagui , Zheng Wenyi , Liu Ye
Published: October 2017

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although chemotherapy is the primary means in colorectal cancer treatment, it is burdenerd by adverse drug effects. Drug-resistance is one of the most important challenges for chemotherapy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays critical role in the development of drug resistance. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effect of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on miR-134 expression, EMT and chemotherapeutic sensitivity in CRC. Methods: Cell proliferation, transfection assay, western blot, real-time PCR, cell migration and invasion assay and luciferase reporter assay were used to detect the effects of AS-IV on CRC. Results: AS-IV significantly inhibited CRC cell migration and invasion by inducing miR-134 expression. Moreover, AS-IV and miR-134 increased the sensitivity of CRC tumors to oxaliplatin (OXA) chemotherapy. cAMP responsive element-binding protein 1 (CREB1), which was required for CRC cells migration, invasion and drug sensitivity, was significantly down-regulated by AS-IV. Conclusions: Our results indicated that AS-IV inhibited CRC EMT by inducing miR-134 expression which significantly down-regulated the CREB1 signaling pathway, and therefore increased the sensitivity to chemotherapy. Our findings provided new insight into the mechanisms of chemotherapy-resistant CRC, and may open new therapeutic options in the treatment of this devastating disease.
HMGB1 Expression Level in Circulating Platelets is not Significantly Associated with Outcomes in Symptomatic Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Rath Dominik , Geisler Tobias , Gawaz Meinrad , Vogel Sebastian
Published: October 2017

Background/Aims: Platelets express high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a damage-associated molecular pattern molecule (DAMP) that triggers thrombosis and inflammation when present in extracellular space. The role of platelet-derived HMGB1 in coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unexplored. Methods: In a cohort study, we measured the expression of HMGB1 on the surface of circulating platelets in 183 patients with symptomatic CAD (stable CAD: n=80, acute coronary syndrome, ACS: n=103) at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention. All patients were tracked for course of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), all-cause death (ACD), and myocardial infarction (MI) for 360 days after study inclusion. Results: Platelet HMGB1 expression did not significantly differ between stable CAD, unstable CAD, non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Moreover, platelet HMGB1 did not significantly correlate with LVEF, neither at baseline nor at 6 months follow-up of the MI subgroup, and did not exert any significant effect on outcome (composite of ACD and/or MI as well as single events ACD and MI). Cumulative event-free survival of patients was not significantly different between HMGB1 levels above the median and HMGB1 levels below or equal to the median. Conclusion: These findings suggest that HMGB1 expressed on the surface of circulating platelets in patients with symptomatic CAD may not serve as a prognostic biomarker for this disease state.
Role of Proximal Optimization Technique Guided by Intravascular Ultrasound on Stent Expansion, Stent Symmetry Index, and Side-Branch Hemodynamics in Patients With Coronary Bifurcation Lesions
Authors: Hakim Diaa , Chatterjee Arka , Alli Olusuen , Turner Joshua , Sattar Assad , Foin Nicolas , Leesar Massoud A.
Published: October 2017

Background—

Bench models of coronary bifurcation lesions demonstrated that the proximal optimization technique (POT) expanded the stent and opened the side branch (SB). We investigated the role of POT guided by intravascular ultrasound on the main vessel (MV) stent expansion and SB fractional flow reserve (FFR) in patients with coronary bifurcation lesion.

Methods and Results—

In 40 patients with coronary bifurcation lesion, 120 intravascular ultrasound examinations of the MV were performed at baseline, after MV stenting, and POT followed by 95 FFR measurements of the SB. In the proximal stent segment, stent volume index and minimum stent area were larger after POT versus MV stenting (9.2±3.4 versus 7.40±2.0 mm
3
/mm and 7.65±1.8 versus 6.38±1.7 mm
2
, respectively;
P
<0.01). In the bifurcation segment, minimum stent area was larger after POT versus MV stenting (6.45±2.1 versus 5.9±2.0 mm
2
, respectively;
P
<0.05). POT expanded the stent symmetrically. After POT, SB FFR was <0.75 in 12 patients (30%), which improved to >0.75 after SB dilation or SB stenting+final POT. SB FFR was significantly higher after POT+SB dilation or SB stenting+final POT versus after MV stenting and POT.

Conclusions—

This is the first study of POT guided by intravascular ultrasound in patients with coronary bifurcation lesion, demonstrating that POT symmetrically expanded the proximal and bifurcation segments of the stent. After POT, SB FFR was <0.75 in a third of patients, which improved to >0.75 after SB dilation or SB stenting+final POT.
Do We Need a Patient-Centered Target for Systolic Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
Authors: Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Yu Esther Yee Tak , Fung Colman Siu Cheung , Chin Weng Yee , Fong Daniel Yee Tak , Chan Anca Ka Chun , Lam Cindy Lo Kuen
Published: October 2017

The current trend on diabetes mellitus management advocates replacing the paradigm from a uniform to an individualized patient-centered systolic blood pressure (SBP), but there is no consensus on the achieved treatment goals of SBP level. The study aimed at evaluating the association between SBP and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and all-cause mortality for diabetic patients to identify patient-centered treatment targets. A retrospective study was conducted on 95 086 Chinese adult primary care patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Using the average of the annual SBP records (updated SBP) over a median follow-up of 5.9 years, the risks of overall CVD, all-cause mortality, and their composite associated with SBP were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Subgroup analysis was performed on the incidence of CVD by stratifying patient’s baseline characteristics. The SBP range for the lowest risk of CVD and all-cause mortality was 130 to 134 mm Hg among type 2 diabetes mellitus population. A J-shaped curvilinear relationship was identified between SBP and risk of CVD and all-cause mortality, irrespective of patients’ characteristics. The findings showed that all patients with SBP <125 mm Hg or ≥140 mm Hg had an increased risk of CVD and mortality. This large territory-wide study showed the level of achieved SBP of 125 to 139 mm Hg in pharmacological therapy, irrespective of patients’ characteristics, suggested that the SBP treatment goal of <140 mm Hg and individualized SBP target may not be necessary in diabetic management.
Visual Coherence in Mixed Reality: A Systematic Enquiry
Authors: Collins Jonny , Regenbrecht Holger , Langlotz Tobias
Published: October 2017

Virtual and augmented reality, and other forms of mixed reality (MR), have become a focus of attention for companies and researchers. Before they can become successful in the market and in society, those MR systems must be able to deliver a convincing, novel experience for the users. By definition, the experience of mixed reality relies on the perceptually successful blending of reality and virtuality. Any MR system has to provide a sensory, in particular visually coherent, set of stimuli. Therefore, issues with visual coherence, that is, a discontinued experience of a MR environment, must be avoided. While it is very easy for a user to detect issues with visual coherence, it is very difficult to design and implement a system for coherence. This article presents a framework and exemplary implementation of a systematic enquiry into issues with visual coherence and possible solutions to address those issues. The focus is set on head-mounted display-based systems, notwithstanding its applicability to other types of MR systems. Our framework, together with a systematic discussion of tangible issues and solutions for visual coherence, aims at guiding developers of mixed reality systems for better and more effective user experiences.
Analysis of Locally Coupled 3D Manipulation Mappings Based on Mobile Device Motion
Authors: Issartel Paul , Guéniat Florimond , Isenberg Tobias , Ammi Mehdi
Published: October 2017

We examine a class of techniques for 3D object manipulation on mobile devices, in which the device’s physical motion is applied to 3D objects displayed on the device itself. This “local coupling” between input and display creates specific challenges compared to manipulation techniques designed for monitor-based or immersive virtual environments. Our work focuses specifically on the mapping between device motion and object motion. We review existing manipulation techniques and introduce a formal description of the main mappings under a common notation. Based on this notation, we analyze these mappings and their properties in order to answer crucial usability questions. We first investigate how the 3D objects should move on the screen, since the screen also moves with the mobile device during manipulation. We then investigate the effects of a limited range of manipulation and present a number of solutions to overcome this constraint. This work provides a theoretical framework to better understand the properties of locally coupled 3D manipulation mappings based on mobile device motion.
Legal Pluralism and Reasonable Accommodation of Religious Diversity
Authors: Taramundi Dolores Morondo
Published: October 2017

This article aims to address a number of distinct characteristics of the European debate on legal pluralism as a means for accommodating religious diversity and religious normative orders. In contrast with the us and Canada, where there is a long-standing and varied tradition in jurisprudence that underpins theoretical debates and proposals, European case law is characterised by the prominent role of private international law. Public discussion has also been highly influenced by the uk controversy surrounding the application of Sharia law in arbitration. This article explores how this background shapes the space for religious normative orders, their potential as a means of accommodating religious diversity and the reasons and challenges ahead in the move from private international law to constitutional law for pluralistic arrangements.
The Appearance of Christ before the People in 1858 as a Symbol and Symptom of a Historical Period
Authors: Allenov Mikhail
Published: October 2017

Aleksandr Ivanov visited Alexander Herzen in London in 1857. By that year, Alexander ii’s plans to abolish serfdom had been already announced, prompting Herzen to call the tsar a “liberator” in one of his articles of 1858. In this context, Ivanov’s painting The Appearance of Christ before the People mirrored, to some degree, the current situation, and this influenced the artist’s decision to bring the painting to Russia.
East and West, Past and Present
Authors: Malycheva Tanja
Published: October 2017

Valentin Serov’s (1865-1911) nude depiction of Ida Rubinstein, created in Paris in 1910, is one of the most striking examples of how the artist processed various Eastern and Western iconographic codes and subsequently found his own unique portrait formula.
Exiled Russian and Ukrainian Artists in Prague during the Interwar Period
Authors: Hauser Jakub
Published: October 2017

Through several examples of the representation of Russian art in the milieu of interwar Czechoslovakia, the article shows the specificity of the local Russian cultural community which was exiled there following the October Revolution and the ensuing civil war. It examines the community’s international contacts and the role its strong institutional background played in establishing several art collections—most importantly at the Slavonic Institute and the Russian Cultural-Historical Museum in Prague—as it attempted to capture and preserve for the future the art production of Russian artists abroad. It also looks at a remarkable artistic strategy used by The Scythians artist group, which was based on an alleged otherness and even exoticism of the Russian artists residing in Prague and drew on the ideology of Eurasianism promoted in the Russian exiled community of the period.
Pavel Tchelitchew and Jean Giraudoux’s Ondine
Authors: Kovalenko Georgy
Published: October 2017

The article treats of the artistic collaboration between writer Jean Giraudoux, actor Louis Jouvet and painter Pavel Tchelitchew (Chelishchev) in Paris in the 1930s. While reference is also made to precedents such as Christian Bérard’s interpretations at the Théâtre de l’Athénée, the main subject of discussion is the production of Giraudoux’s Ondine in 1939 with Madelaine Ozeray in the lead role and with Tchelitchew’s eccentric stage sets, backdrops and lighting—and costumes for dramatis personae Ondine, Bertha and Hans. Also discussed are the connections between these designs and Tchelitchew’s major studio paintings such as Hide and Seek.
A taxonomic revision of four complexes in the genus Pourthiaea (Rosaceae)
Authors: LIU BIN-BIN , HONG DE-YUAN
Published: October 2017

The taxonomy of four species complexes of Pourthiaea (i.e., P. arguta, P. pilosicalyx, P. salicifolia, and P. sorbifolia), distributed in E, S, and SE Asia, is extremely controversial among authors. This situation may have been caused by the lack of proper analysis and evaluation of the characters at the population level used previously. The present study is the first comprehensive taxonomic revision of these four complexes. We conducted extensive field observations, population sampling, examination of a large number of specimens, and did subsequent statistical analysis of the characters. All the morphological characters used in previous taxonomic treatments were evaluated one by one at the population level. They are length, width, margin, number of lateral veins, type of base, type of apex, and shape of leaf blade, length of petioles, type of inflorescences, length of pedicels, and density of indumentum on leaf blade and inflorescences. All these characters were found to be extremely variable within population and continuously varied between populations, and thus they are of little value for delimiting species. However, seven characters, i.e., width of leaf blade, lateral veins of leaf blade parallel or not, lower surface of leaf blade glabrescent or not, type of fruit, sepals caducous or not, number of carpels, and ratio of number of fertile seeds to that of total seeds, were found distinctly different (for qualitative characters) or statistically discontinuous (for quantitative characters), and thus they are valuable for species delimitation in these four complexes. As a result, we recognize four species and two subspecies, P. pilosicalyx, P. salicifolia, P. sorbifolia, and P. arguta which consists of two subspecies: subsp. arguta and subsp. pustulata. Two new combinations, P. sorbifolia (W. B. Liao & W. Guo) B. B. Liu & D. Y. Hong and P. arguta subsp. pustulata (Lindl.) B. B. Liu & D. Y. Hong, are proposed herein. Forty-one taxa are reduced as new synonyms, and 20 lectotypes are designated here.
Contribution to the morphological description of the marine leech, Ozobranchus margoi (Apáthy) (Rhynchobdellida: Ozobranchidae) by using combined histology, micro-CT and SEM
Authors: CASCARANO MARIA CHIARA , KEKLIKOGLOU KLEONIKI , ARVANITIDIS CHRISTOS , KATHARIOS PANTELIS
Published: October 2017

The ozobranchid leech, Ozobranchus margoi (Apáthy, 1890), parasite of the loggerhead turtle, Caretta caretta (Linnæus), was described through a multilevel approach including three different techniques: scanning electronic microscopy, histology and micro-CT. New insights are provided concerning the structure of the sensilla on the body, the eyes with emphasis on the structure of photoreceptors, the digestive system and the reproductive organs.
A new genus and species of Pheronematidae (Porifera: Hexactinellida: Amphidiscosida) from the western Pacific Ocean
Authors: GONG LIN , LI XINZHENG
Published: October 2017

A new genus and species of glass sponge, belonging to the family Pheronematidae, is described from a single specimen collected from a seamount near Yap Trench in the western Pacific Ocean. Pheronemoides fungosus gen. et sp. nov. is described based on external morphology. In Pheronemoides gen. nov. the basalia are grouped in a broad semicircular tuft attaching to the dermal surface, and marginalia are located on the boundary between the atrial and dermal surfaces. Given the positions of the basalia and the marginalia, we recognize Pheronemoides as a transitional genus between Pheronema and Sericolophus. We also used a partial sequence of the 16S rDNA gene to confirm the validity of the new species designation.
Temporal Variability of the Charlotte (Sub)Urban Heat Island
Authors: Eastin Matthew D. , Baber Matthew , Boucher Adrienne , Di Bari Sofia , Hubler Ryan , Stimac-Spalding Brandy , Winesett Thomas
Published: October 2017

A multiscale temporal analysis of the urban heat island (UHI) for a large, rapidly growing, subtropical city (Charlotte, North Carolina) is conducted using hourly surface observations from a regional network of 12 weather and air-quality stations over a 5-yr period and monthly mean surface temperatures from two stations over a 40-yr period. Each station was classified as urban, suburban, or rural after detailed site analysis. During the 5-yr period, from temperature differences between the most central urban site and the rural reference site, over 70% of nights exhibited prominent nocturnal UHIs. The most intense UHIs occurred on winter nights with light winds, clear skies, low humidity, strong low-level stability, and no precipitation or frontal passage. The UHI maxima occurred either just after sunset or near sunrise. Maximum urban and rural cooling rates occurred within a few hours of sunset, but rural maxima were larger and preceded (by 1–2 h) the urban maxima. Daily variations in nocturnal mean UHI intensity exhibited significant positive correlations with cloud-base height, atmospheric stability, NO2 concentration, and total solar radiation and significant negative correlations with relative humidity, wind speed, and cloud cover. When optimal weather for UHI development was present, UHIs were more intense on weekdays than on weekends. During the 40-yr period, an appreciable positive trend in UHI intensity occurred. These results support the notion that weather, air pollution, and urban form change can significantly modulate UHI intensities. Similarities and differences between the Charlotte UHI and those observed in similar cities are discussed.
Interannual Variations and Prediction of Spring Precipitation over China
Authors: You YuJia , Jia Xiaojing
Published: October 2017

The interannual variations and the prediction of the leading two empirical orthogonal function (EOF) modes of spring (April–May) precipitation over China for the period from 1951 to 2014 are investigated using both observational data and the seasonal forecast made by six coupled climate models. The leading EOF mode of spring precipitation over China (EOF1-prec) features a monosign pattern, with the maximum loading located over southern China. The ENSO-related tropical Pacific SST anomalies in the previous winter can serve as a precursor for EOF1-prec. The second EOF mode of spring precipitation (EOF2-prec) over China is characterized by a dipole structure, with one pole near the Yangtze River and the other one with opposite sign over the Pearl River delta. A North Atlantic sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly dipole in the preceding March is found contribute to the prec-EOF2 and can serve as its predictor. A physics-based empirical (P-E) model is then formulated using the two precursors revealed by the observational analysis to forecast the variations of EOF1-prec and EOF2-prec. Compared to coupled climate models, which have little skill in forecasting the time variations of the two EOF modes, this P-E model can significantly improve the forecast skill of their time variations. A linear regression model is further established using the time series forecast by the P-E model to forecast the spring precipitation over China. Results suggest that the seasonal forecast skill of the spring precipitation over southeastern China, especially over the Yangtze River area, can be significantly improved by the regression model.
Global Assessment of the SMAP Level-4 Surface and Root-Zone Soil Moisture Product Using Assimilation Diagnostics
Authors: Reichle Rolf H. , De Lannoy Gabrielle J. M. , Liu Qing , Koster Randal D. , Kimball John S. , Crow Wade T. , Ardizzone Joseph V. , Chakraborty Purnendu , Collins Douglas W. , Conaty Austin L. , Girotto Manuela , Jones Lucas A. , Kolassa Jana , Lievens Hans , Lucchesi Robert A. , Smith Edmond B.
Published: October 2017

The Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission Level-4 Soil Moisture (L4_SM) product provides 3-hourly, 9-km resolution, global estimates of surface (0–5 cm) and root-zone (0–100 cm) soil moisture and related land surface variables from 31 March 2015 to present with ~2.5-day latency. The ensemble-based L4_SM algorithm assimilates SMAP brightness temperature (Tb) observations into the Catchment land surface model. This study describes the spatially distributed L4_SM analysis and assesses the observation-minus-forecast (O − F) Tb residuals and the soil moisture and temperature analysis increments. Owing to the climatological rescaling of the Tb observations prior to assimilation, the analysis is essentially unbiased, with global mean values of ~0.37 K for the O − F Tb residuals and practically zero for the soil moisture and temperature increments. There are, however, modest regional (absolute) biases in the O − F residuals (under ~3 K), the soil moisture increments (under ~0.01 m3 m−3), and the surface soil temperature increments (under ~1 K). Typical instantaneous values are ~6 K for O − F residuals, ~0.01 (~0.003) m3 m−3 for surface (root zone) soil moisture increments, and ~0.6 K for surface soil temperature increments. The O − F diagnostics indicate that the actual errors in the system are overestimated in deserts and densely vegetated regions and underestimated in agricultural regions and transition zones between dry and wet climates. The O − F autocorrelations suggest that the SMAP observations are used efficiently in western North America, the Sahel, and Australia, but not in many forested regions and the high northern latitudes. A case study in Australia demonstrates that assimilating SMAP observations successfully corrects short-term errors in the L4_SM rainfall forcing.
A Miniature Acoustic Device for Tracking Small Marine Animals or Submerged Drifters
Authors: Fischer G. , Rossby T. , Moonan D.
Published: October 2017

This paper presents an acoustic archival tag capable of tracking small marine animals. It is also a technology that can be ported to other platforms, such as the next-generation acoustic and Argo floats as well as gliders. Tracking is achieved by standard RAFOS triangulation using the arrival times of unique sound signals emitted by moored sources. At the core of the tag is a custom microchip that controls all system operations. It incorporates the critical acoustic arrival time detector, a thermal sensor, and a pressure sensor interface. All the electronic components are housed inside a cylindrical hydrophone of 25.4-mm length and 10.7-mm diameter. The collected data are archived in nonvolatile memory chips with a total capacity of 4 Mb, sufficient storage to record position, temperature, and pressure on an hourly basis for 2 years. The tag consumes 4–5 μW in standby mode and between 60 and 90 μW while the sound arrival time detector is in operation. The power is provided by two button cell silver-oxide batteries, which enable an active tag lifetime of approximately 2 years.
Trends in the Contribution of Emergency Departments to the Provision of Hospital-Associated Health Care in the USA
Authors: Marcozzi David , Carr Brendan , Liferidge Aisha , Baehr Nicole , Browne Brian
Published: October 2017

Traditional approaches to assessing the health of populations focus on the use of primary care and the delivery of care through patient-centered homes, managed care resources, and accountable care organizations. The use of emergency departments (EDs) has largely not been given consideration in these models. Our study aimed to determine the contribution of EDs to the health care received by Americans between 1996 and 2010 and to compare it with the contribution of outpatient and inpatient services using National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Discharge Survey databases. We found that EDs contributed an average of 47.7% of the hospital-associated medical care delivered in the United States, and this percentage increased steadily over the 14-year study period. EDs are a major source of medical care in the United States, especially for vulnerable populations, and this contribution increased throughout the study period. Including emergency care within health reform and population health efforts would prove valuable to supporting the health of the nation.
‘A Europe without Walls, without Fences, without Borders’: A Desecuritisation of Migration Doomed to Fail
Authors: Skleparis Dimitris
Published: October 2017

It has been commonly argued that amid the so-called ‘migration crisis’ in 2015, Greece ignored its Dublin Regulation obligations due to unprecedentedly high migration flows, structural weaknesses, fears and uncertainty. However, this narrative deprives the Greek government of agency. In contrast, this article puts forward an alternative analysis of Greece’s attitude. It argues that the Greek government’s policy choices in the realms of border controls, migration and asylum in 2015, prior to the ‘EU–Turkey deal’, manifested a well-calculated desecuritisation strategy with a twofold aim. In this respect, this article provides an analysis of why and how the newly elected SYRIZA-led coalition government embarked on a desecuritising move and assesses the success/effectiveness of this move and the desecuritisation strategy. It argues that although the government’s desecuritising move was successful, overall, its desecuritisation strategy failed to produce the anticipated results vis-à-vis the government’s twofold aim and intended outcomes.
Claims to whiteness: Young unemployed Russian-speakers’ declassificatory struggles in Finland
Authors: Krivonos Daria
Published: October 2017

This article analyses the position of young unemployed Russian-speaking migrants in Finland as being both racialised and racialising Others. Young Russian-speakers’ claims to whiteness are analysed against the backdrop of their racialised position as well as the neoliberal reshaping of class relations in Finland. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork on young Russian-speakers’ employment in Helsinki, the article shows that young Russian-speakers’ racialisation of Others is a modality through which their own racialised class position is lived and narrated. Through such boundary-making processes young Russian-speakers resist being classified as ‘welfare abusers’, the unemployed and low-skilled workers. The article argues that young Russian-speakers’ efforts to be recognised as white should be understood as a struggle against classification, through which they generate alternative value as deserving citizens and respectable workers.
A Review of the Internal Capital Allocation Literature: Piecing Together the Capital Allocation Puzzle
Authors: Busenbark John R. , Wiseman Robert M. , Arrfelt Mathias , Woo Hyun-Soo
Published: October 2017

Allocating internal financial capital represents a key task for managers of multidivisional corporations. This has led to a wealth of research and theorizing about capital allocation and whether or not managers allocate capital successfully. However, capital allocation research has diverged in a number of directions that reflect different and often incompatible perspectives, underlying frameworks, and outcomes. The result is a puzzle, wherein scholars have found little consistent substantive relation between capital allocation, business unit characteristics, and firm performance. Through our review, we seek to bring clarity to this puzzle by identifying problems in the literature and by offering a solution. We suggest problems in the literature stem from the disparate approaches scholars have taken when studying capital allocation, including assessments of what constitutes and prevents successful allocation. We begin by organizing these approaches into a framework that highlights key allocation strategies and the primary impediments to allocation success that scholars have used to build their models. We then suggest that managers may employ a number of allocation strategies and that scholars need to recognize that not all corporate managers employ the same strategy. We contend that a resurgence of obtrusive, qualitative, and multilevel studies may help explain why managers select one strategy over another. Ultimately, we recommend scholars delve into the black box of organizations to truly understand capital allocation.
Better Safe Than Sorry: Subsidiary Performance Feedback and Internal Governance in Multiunit Firms
Authors: Sengul Metin , Obloj Tomasz
Published: October 2017

This paper explores the link between subsidiary performance feedback and internal governance mechanisms in multiunit firms. A central premise of performance-feedback models is that performance below aspirations is associated with increased risk tolerance and thereby with a higher likelihood of taking excessive risks in resource allocation decisions. Building on this observation, we contend that the headquarters of multiunit firms take this association into account in the design of internal (i.e., headquarters-subsidiary) governance mechanisms. Accordingly, a subsidiary’s performance-aspiration gap (below aspirations) is positively associated with the headquarters’ oversight of its resource allocation decisions and negatively associated with the provision of incentive schemes that promote risk taking. Regression results, using data on subsidiaries in France between 1998 and 2004, support our hypotheses and show that subsidiaries performing below historical and social aspirations are less likely to be given discretion in investment decisions and incentivized by cash bonuses. In the supplementary analyses, we also provide suggestive evidence that subsidiary performance problems in multiunit firms trigger structural adaptation in the internal governance mechanisms in pursuit of regaining fit.