bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seamounts and oceanic igneous features in the NE Atlantic: a link between plate motions and mantle dynamics
Authors: Gaina Carmen , Blischke Anett , Geissler Wolfram H. , Kimbell Geoffrey S. , Erlendsson Ögmundur
Published: September 2016

A new regional compilation of seamount-like oceanic igneous features (SOIFs) in the NE Atlantic points to three distinct oceanic areas of abundant seamount clusters. Seamounts on oceanic crust dated 54–50 Ma are formed on smooth oceanic basement, which resulted from high spreading rates and magmatic productivity enhanced by higher than usual mantle plume activity. Late Eocene–Early Miocene SOIF clusters are located close to newly formed tectonic features on rough oceanic crust in the Irminger, Iceland and Norway basins, reflecting an unstable tectonic regime prone to local readjustments of mid-ocean ridge and fracture zone segments accompanied by extra igneous activity. A SOIF population observed on Mid-Miocene–Present rough oceanic basement in the Greenland and Lofoten basins, and on conjugate Kolbeinsey Ridge flanks, coincides with an increase in spreading rate and magmatic productivity. We suggest that both tectonic/kinematic and magmatic triggers produced Mid-Miocene–Present SOIFs, but the Early Miocene westwards ridge relocation may have played a role in delaying SOIF formation south of the Jan Mayen Fracture Zone. We conclude that Iceland plume episodic activity combined with regional changes in relative plate motion led to local mid-ocean ridge readjustments, which enhanced the likelihood of seamount formation.

Supplementary material:
Figures detailing NE Atlantic seamounts and SOIF distribution, and the location of earthquake epicentres are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.3459729
Deficiency of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 aggravates colitogenic potential of adoptively transferred effector T cells
Authors: Yeoh Beng San , Saha Piu , Singh Vishal , Xiao Xia , Ying Yun , Vanamala Jairam K. , Kennett Mary J. , Harvatine Kevin J. , Joe Bina , Vijay-Kumar Matam
Published: September 2016

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) is a lipogenic enzyme involved in the de novo biosynthesis of oleate (C18:1, n9), a major fatty acid in the phospholipids of lipid bilayers of cell membranes. Accordingly, Scd1KO mice display substantially reduced oleate in cell membranes. An altered SCD1 level was observed during intestinal inflammation; however, its role in modulating inflammatory bowel disease remains elusive. Herein, we investigated the colitogenic capacity of Scd1KO effector T cells by employing the adoptive T-cell transfer colitis model. Splenic effector T cells (CD4+CD25−) from age- and sex-matched wild-type (WT) and Scd1KO mice were isolated by FACS and intraperitoneally administered to Rag1KO mice, which were monitored for the development of colitis. At day 60 postcell transfer, Rag1KO mice that received Scd1KO CD4+CD25−T cells displayed accelerated and exacerbated colitis than mice receiving WT CD4+CD25−T cells. Intriguingly, Scd1KO CD4+CD25−T cells display augmented inflammatory cytokine profile and cellular membrane fluidity with a concomitant increase in proinflammatory saturated fatty acids, which we postulate to potentially underlie their augmented colitogenic potential.
Segmental differences in upregulated apical potassium channels in mammalian colon during potassium adaptation
Authors: Perry Matthew D. , Rajendran Vazhaikkurichi M. , MacLennan Kenneth A. , Sandle Geoffrey I.
Published: September 2016

Rat proximal and distal colon are net K+secretory and net K+absorptive epithelia, respectively. Chronic dietary K+loading increases net K+secretion in the proximal colon and transforms net K+absorption to net K+secretion in the distal colon, but changes in apical K+channel expression are unclear. We evaluated expression/activity of apical K+(BK) channels in surface colonocytes in proximal and distal colon of control and K+-loaded animals using patch-clamp recording, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analyses. In controls, BK channels were more abundant in surface colonocytes from K+secretory proximal colon (39% of patches) than in those from K+-absorptive distal colon (12% of patches). Immunostaining demonstrated more pronounced BK channel α-subunit protein expression in surface cells and cells in the upper 25% of crypts in proximal colon, compared with distal colon. Dietary K+loading had no clear-cut effects on the abundance, immunolocalization, or expression of BK channels in proximal colon. By contrast, in distal colon, K+loading 1) increased BK channel abundance in patches from 12 to 41%; 2) increased density of immunostaining in surface cells, which extended along the upper 50% of crypts; and 3) increased expression of BK channel α-subunit protein when assessed by Western blotting ( P < 0.001). Thus apical BK channels are normally more abundant in K+secretory proximal colon than in K+absorptive distal colon, and apical BK channel expression in distal (but not proximal) colon is greatly stimulated as part of the enhanced K+secretory response to dietary K+loading.
Susceptibility for cigarette smoke-induced DAMP release and DAMP-induced inflammation in COPD
Authors: Pouwels Simon D. , Hesse Laura , Faiz Alen , Lubbers Jaap , Bodha Priya K. , ten Hacken Nick H. T. , van Oosterhout Antoon J. M. , Nawijn Martijn C. , Heijink Irene H.
Published: September 2016

Cigarette smoke (CS) exposure is a major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We investigated whether CS-induced damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) release or DAMP-mediated inflammation contributes to susceptibility for COPD. Samples, including bronchial brushings, were collected from young and old individuals, susceptible and nonsusceptible for the development of COPD, before and after smoking, and used for gene profiling and airway epithelial cell (AEC) culture. AECs were exposed to CS extract (CSE) or specific DAMPs. BALB/cByJ and DBA/2J mice were intranasally exposed to LL-37 and mitochondrial (mt)DAMPs. Functional gene-set enrichment analysis showed that CS significantly increases the airway epithelial gene expression of DAMPs and DAMP receptors in COPD patients. In cultured AECs, we observed that CSE induces necrosis and DAMP release, with specifically higher galectin-3 release from COPD-derived compared with control-derived cells. Galectin-3, LL-37, and mtDAMPs increased CXCL8 secretion in AECs. LL-37 and mtDAMPs induced neutrophilic airway inflammation, exclusively in mice susceptible for CS-induced airway inflammation. Collectively, we show that in airway epithelium from COPD patients, the CS-induced expression of DAMPs and DAMP receptors in vivo and the release of galectin-3 in vitro is exaggerated. Furthermore, our studies indicate that a predisposition to release DAMPs and subsequent induction of inflammation may contribute to the development of COPD.
Heme oxygenase-1-dependent central cardiorespiratory adaptations to chronic intermittent hypoxia in mice
Authors: Sunderram Jag , Semmlow John , Patel Pranav , Rao Harshit , Chun Glen , Agarwala Priya , Bhaumik Mantu , Le-Hoang Oanh , Lu Shou-En , Neubauer Judith A.
Published: September 2016

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) increases sympathetic tone and respiratory instability. Our previous work showed that chronic hypoxia induces the oxygen-sensing enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) within the C1 sympathoexcitatory region and the pre-Bötzinger complex (pre-BötC). We therefore examined the effect of CIH on time course of induced expression of HO-1 within these regions and determined whether the induction of HO-1 correlated with changes in respiratory, sigh frequency, and sympathetic responses (spectral analysis of heart rate) to acute hypoxia (10% O2) during 10 days of exposure to CIH in chronically instrumented awake wild-type (WT) and HO-1 null mice (HO-1−/−). HO-1 was induced within the C1 and pre-BötC regions after 1 day of CIH. There were no significant differences in the baseline respiratory parameters between WT and HO-1−/−. Prior to CIH, acute hypoxia increased respiratory frequency in both WT and HO-1−/−; however, minute diaphragm electromyogram activity increased in WT but not HO-1−/−. The hypoxic respiratory response after 1 and 10 days of CIH was restored in HO-1−/−. CIH resulted in an initial significant decline in 1) the hypoxic sigh frequency response, which was restored in WT but not HO-1−/−, and 2) the baseline sympathetic activity in WT and HO-1−/−, which remained stable subsequently in WT but not in HO-1−/−. We conclude that 1) CIH induces expression of HO-1 in the C1 and pre-BötC regions within 1 day and 2) HO-1 is necessary for hypoxia respiratory response and contributes to the maintenance of the hypoxic sigh responses and baseline sympathetic activity during CIH.
Repeated Mechanical Thrombectomy in Recurrent Large Vessel Occlusion Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Bouslama Mehdi , Haussen Diogo C. , Rebello Leticia C. , Grossberg Jonathan A. , Frankel Michael R. , Nogueira Raul G.
Published: September 2016

Background: Endovascular therapy has been proven effective for the treatment of large vessel occlusion strokes (LVOS). However, the feasibility and potential benefits of repeat thrombectomy for recurrent stroke is unclear. We aim to report our experience with repeat thrombectomy for recurrent LVOS. Methods: We reviewed our prospectively collected endovascular database for patients who underwent repeated mechanical thrombectomy. Baseline characteristics, procedural data and outcomes were evaluated. Patients with repeat thrombectomy were compared to patients with single thrombectomy. For patients with repeat thrombectomy, imaging and procedural variables were compared between first and last procedures. Results: Out of 697 patients treated within the study period, 15 patients (2%) had repeat thrombectomies (14 treated twice and one thrice). The mean age was 63 ± 15 years and 40% were males. The median time between the first and last procedure was 18 (1-278) days. Cardioembolism (66%) was the most common etiology, followed by intracranial atherosclerosis (13%) and large vessel atherosclerosis (6%). At 90 days after the last thrombectomy, 60% of patients achieved a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 and 20% were deceased. There were no statistically significant differences in demographics, stroke severity, time from last known normal to puncture, reperfusion rates, hemorrhagic complications, good clinical outcomes and mortality between patients who underwent repeat thrombectomy and those who had a single thrombectomy. Conclusion: In properly selected patients suffering recurrent LVOS, repeated mechanical thrombectomy appears to be feasible and safe. A previous thrombectomy should not discourage aggressive treatment as these patients may achieve similar rates of good clinical outcomes as those who undergo single thrombectomy.
Activation of Cannabinoid Receptor Type II by AM1241 Ameliorates Myocardial Fibrosis via Nrf2-Mediated Inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad3 Pathway in Myocardial Infarction Mice
Authors: Li Xiang , Han Dong , Tian Zuhong , Gao Beilei , Fan Miaomiao , Li Congye , Li Xiujuan , Wang Yabin , Ma Sai , Cao Feng
Published: September 2016

Aims: Myocardial interstitial fibrosis is a major histologic landmark resulting in cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction (MI). Activation of cannabinoid receptor type II (CB2 receptor) have been demonstrated to reduce fibrosis in hepatic cirrhotic rat. However, the anti-fibrotic effect of CB2 receptor activation in infarcted hearts was still unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of a CB2 receptor selective agonist AM1241 on myocardial fibrosis post MI in mice. Methods: Echocardiograph was conducted to assess cardiac function. Fibrosis markers such as type I and type III collagen, fibronectin, Plasminogen activator inhibitor(PAI)-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease(TIMP)-1 were examined by Western blot, while collagens were directly observed by Sirius-red staining. Primary cultured cardiac fibroblasts(CFs) were subjected to hypoxia/serum deprivation (H/SD) injury to simulate ischemic conditions in vivo. Nrf2 siRNA were applied to explore the role of Nrf2 and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway in this process. Results: Echocardiography showed that AM1241 significantly improved cardiac function, suppressed the expression of fibrosis markers such as collagen I and collagen III, fibronectin, PAI-1 and TIMP-1 in mice with MI. In cardiac fibroblasts subjected to H/SD injury, AM1241 reduced the elevated levels of α-SMA, collagen I and collagen III, which were partially abrogated by the Nrf2 siRNA transfection. Furthermore, AM1241 not only activated and accelerated the translocation of Nrf2 to nucleus, but also inhibited TGF-β1/ Smad3 pathway in an Nrf2 dependent manner. Conclusion: CB2 receptor agonist AM1241 alleviated myocardial interstitial fibrosis via Nrf2 -mediated down-regulation of TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway, which suggested that CB2 receptor activation might represent a promising target for retarding cardiac fibrosis after MI.
Chemotherapy Effectiveness and Prognosis of Gastric Cancer Influenced by PTPN11 Polymorphisms
Authors: Zhuo Chuanjun , Shao Mingjing , Chen Ce , Lin Chongguang , Jiang Deguo , Chen Guangdong , Tian Hongjun , Wang Lina , Li Jie , Lin Xiaodong
Published: September 2016

Objective: Since gastric cancer (GC) cells exhibited higher grades of SHP-2 encoded by PTPN11 than normal cells, it would be intriguing to explore whether PTPN11 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) would influence chemotherapy effectiveness and GC prognosis among a Chinese population. Methods: Altogether 430 late-stage GC patients and 960 healthy controls matched with age and sex were incorporated. Three PTPN11 SNPs (i.e. rs7958372, rs12229892 and rs2301756) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Chemotherapies of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil were performed for 4 cycles. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the logistic regression. Survival curves were plotted with Kaplan-Meier method and the COX proportional hazard model was used to analyze independent factors for GC prognosis. Results: For rs12229892, AA and GA genotypes would cause 1.60-fold increase of GC risk in comparison to homozygote GG (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.23-2.07; P < 0.001). The A allele of rs2301756 was significantly associated with a decrease in the risk of GC when compared with G allele (OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.65-0.99; P = 0.043). Results from both 2-cycle and 4-cycle chemotherapy suggested that chemotherapy was significantly more effective for GA and AA genotypes of rs2301756 compared with homozygote GG (P < 0.001). Besides, the joint impact of rs12229892 (AA) and environmental factors (i.e. smoking, family history, intake of processed food and H .pylori infection) on GC risk was considered as positive interaction, while that of rs2301756 (AA) and the above parameters was deemed as negative interaction. Finally, differentiation degree, axillary lymph node metastasis, rs12229892 and rs2301756 appeared as independent risk factors for GC development (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: Since rs2301756 polymorphism of PTPN11 was associated with reduced risk of GC and better effects of chemotherapy on GC, it can be considered as a predictor of GC prognosis and the treatment target for GC.
HDAC5 Inhibits Hepatic Lipogenic Genes Expression by Attenuating the Transcriptional Activity of Liver X Receptor
Authors: Jia Hai-Yan , Li Quan-Zhong , Lv Li-Fang
Published: September 2016

Background/Aims: Liver X receptor (LXR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is known to induce the expression of SREBP-1c and ChREBP, two master regulators of hepatic lipogenesis. Histone deacyetylases (HDACs) have been shown to play critical roles in glucose and lipids metabolism. However, the exact role of HDAC5 in lipogenesis remains elusive. Methods: mRNA and protein levels of HDAC5 were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blots in high-fat-diet-induced and leptin receptor deficiency-induced obese mice. HDAC5 was overexpressed or depleted in HepG2 cells, followed by analysis of cellular triglycerides contents. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expression levels of lipogenic genes. Luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the regulation of HDAC on the transcriptional activity of LXR. Co-immunoprecipitation experiment was used to determine the interaction between HDAC5 and LXR. Results: We found that mRNA and protein expression levels of hepatic HDAC5 were reduced in high-fat-diet-induced and leptin receptor deficiency-induced obese mice. In vitro studies further demonstrated that knockdown of HDAC5 promoted cellular triglycerides accumulation, accompanied with up-regulation of lipogenic genes. At the molecular level, HDAC5 was shown to interact with LXR, thereby attenuating its transcriptional activity. Conclusion: Overall, our data suggest that hepatic HDAC5 is an important regulator of lipogenesis.
Song in an Affiliative Context Relates to the Neural Expression of Dopamine- and Neurotensin-Related Genes in Male European Starlings
Authors: Merullo Devin P. , Angyal Caroline S. , Stevenson Sharon A. , Riters Lauren V.
Published: September 2016

Some animals, including songbirds, vocalize at high rates when alone or in large groups. In songbirds, vocal behavior in these contexts is important for song learning and group cohesion. It is not obviously targeted at any particular individual and is described as ‘undirected'. Studies suggest a role for dopamine (DA) in undirected song. The neuropeptide neurotensin (NT) can enhance dopaminergic signaling upon binding to the NT receptor 1 (NTR1) and is found in regions where DA can influence song, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA), septum, and the song control nucleus Area X. To begin to test the hypothesis that NT and DA in these regions interact to influence undirected song, we used quantitative real-time PCR to relate undirected singing to mRNA expression of NT, NTR1, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; a synthetic enzyme for DA) and D1 and D2 receptors in male European starlings. TH and NT expression in VTA, and NT and D1 expression in Area X, positively correlated with song. NT markers also correlated positively with DA markers in VTA. Given the role of VTA projections to Area X in song learning, these results suggest that interactions between NT and DA in these regions may contribute to vocal learning. In septum, NTR1 expression positively correlated with song and NT and DA markers were correlated, suggesting that NT in this region may influence dopaminergic transmission to facilitate undirected vocalizations. Overall, these findings implicate interactions between NT and DA in affiliative communication.
A Unique Cause of Proteinuria in Pregnancy: Class II Lupus Nephritis with Concomitant Minimal Change Disease
Authors: Kunjal Ryan , Adam-Eldien Rabie , Makary Raafat , Jo-Hoy Francois , Heilig Charles W.
Published: September 2016

We report the case of a 22-year-old African American female who presented to another facility for routine follow-up in the 34th week of pregnancy with lower extremity swelling and nephrotic-range proteinuria. Although she was normotensive, it was initially thought that she had preeclampsia. She was monitored carefully and delivery was induced at 37 weeks of gestation. She was transferred to our hospital, where she was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on clinical and laboratory criteria. Renal biopsy revealed a surprising finding of minimal change disease (MCD) concomitant with class II lupus nephritis (LN). She was managed with pulses and then tapering doses of steroid therapy with dramatic resolution of the nephrotic syndrome. This case demonstrates not only the rare de novo occurrence of SLE in pregnancy, but the unique finding of MCD coexisting with class II LN. We propose that altered T cell activity may be the link between these seemingly distinct entities.
Nebulized versus Standard Local Application of Lidocaine during Flexible Bronchoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dreher Michael , Cornelissen Christian Gabriel , Reddemann Manuel Armin , Müller Annegret , Hübel Christian , Müller Tobias
Published: September 2016

Background: Endobronchial administration of local anesthetics such as lidocaine is often used for cough suppression during bronchoscopy. To achieve a better distribution of lidocaine in the tracheobronchial tree, spray catheters have been developed, allowing nebulization of the local anesthetic solution. However, there are little data on the efficacy and safety of this approach, or on the consumption of sedative drugs and lidocaine during nebulized administration. Objectives: To investigate the tolerability of nebulized lidocaine compared to conventional lidocaine administration via syringe through the working channel of the bronchoscope in patients undergoing bronchoscopy. Consumption of sedative drugs and lidocaine was also compared between the two lidocaine administration approaches. Methods: Patients requiring bronchoscopy with endobronchial or transbronchial biopsy were randomly assigned to receive topical lidocaine either via syringe or via nebulizer. Endpoints were consumption of lidocaine and sedative drugs, as well as patient tolerance and safety. Results: Thirty patients were included, 15 in each group. Patients in the nebulizer group required lower doses of endobronchial lidocaine (184.7 ± 67.98 vs. 250.7 ± 21.65 mg, p = 0.0045) and intravenous fentanyl (0.033 ± 0.041 vs. 0.067 ± 0.045 mg, p = 0.0236) than those in the syringe group; midazolam or propofol dosages did not differ between the two groups. In addition, there were no between-group differences in patient tolerance or safety (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Endobronchial administration of lidocaine during bronchoscopy via nebulizer was found to be well tolerated and safe and was associated with reduced lidocaine and fentanyl dosages compared to administration via syringe.
Integrated Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Diagnostics Improve Detection of Functionally Significant Coronary Artery Stenosis by
13
N-ammonia Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Lee Joo Myung , Kim Chee Hae , Koo Bon-Kwon , Hwang Doyeon , Park Jonghanne , Zhang Jinlong , Tong Yaliang , Jeon Ki-Hyun , Bang Ji-In , Suh Minseok , Paeng Jin Chul , Cheon Gi Jeong , Na Sang-Hoon , Ahn Jung-Min , Park Seung-Jung , Kim Hyo-Soo
Published: September 2016

Background—

Recent evidence suggests that the diagnostic accuracy of myocardial perfusion imaging is improved by quantifying stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) in absolute terms. We evaluated a comprehensive quantitative
13
N-ammonia positron emission tomography (
13
NH
3
-PET) diagnostic panel, including stress MBF, coronary flow reserve (CFR), and relative flow reserve (RFR) in conjunction with relative perfusion defect (PD) assessments to better detect functionally significant coronary artery stenosis.

Methods and Results—

A total of 130 patients (307 vessels) with coronary artery disease underwent both
13
NH
3
-PET and invasive coronary angiography with fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement. Diagnostic accuracy, optimal cut points, and discrimination indices of respective
13
NH
3
-PET quantitative measures were compared, with FFR as standard reference. The capacity to discern disease with stepwise addition of stress MBF, CFR, and RFR to qualitatively assessed relative PD was also gauged, using the category-free net reclassification index. All quantitative measures showed significant correlation with FFR (PET-derived CFR,
r
=0.388; stress MBF,
r
=0.496; and RFR,
r
=0.780; all
P
<0.001). Optimal respective cut points for FFR ≤0.8 and ≤0.75 were 1.99 and 1.84 mL/min per g for stress MBF and 2.12 and 2.00 for PET-derived CFR. Discrimination indices of quantitative measures that correlated with FFR ≤0.8 were all significantly higher than that of relative PD (area under the curve: 0.626, 0.730, 0.806, and 0.897 for relative PD, CFR, stress MBF, and RFR, respectively; overall comparison
P
<0.001). The capacity for functionally significant coronary stenosis was incrementally improved by the successive addition of CFR (net reclassification index=0.629), stress MBF (net reclassification index=0.950), and RFR (net reclassification index=1.253; all
P
<0.001) to relative PD.

Conclusions—

Integrating quantitative
13
NH
3
-PET measures with qualitative myocardial perfusion assessment provides superior diagnostic accuracy and improves the capacity to detect functionally significant coronary artery stenosis.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifiers: NCT01621438 and NCT01366404.
Development of a Mobile Tool That Semiautomatically Screens Patients for Stroke Clinical Trials
Authors: Spokoyny Ilana , Lansberg Maarten , Thiessen Rosita , Kemp Stephanie M. , Aksoy Didem , Lee YongJae , Mlynash Michael , Hirsch Karen G.
Published: September 2016

Background and Purpose—

Despite several national coordinated research networks, enrollment in many cerebrovascular trials remains challenging. An electronic tool was needed that would improve the efficiency and efficacy of screening for multiple simultaneous acute clinical stroke trials by automating the evaluation of inclusion and exclusion criteria, improving screening procedures and streamlining the communication process between the stroke research coordinators and the stroke clinicians.

Methods—

A multidisciplinary group consisting of physicians, study coordinators, and biostatisticians designed and developed an electronic clinical trial screening tool on a HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)-compliant platform.

Results—

A web-based tool was developed that uses branch logic to determine eligibility for simultaneously enrolling clinical trials and automatically notifies the study coordinator teams about eligible patients. After 12 weeks of use, 225 surveys were completed, and 51 patients were enrolled in acute stroke clinical trials. Compared with the 12 weeks before implementation of the tool, there was an increase in enrollment from 16.5% of patients screened to 23.4% of patients screened (
P
<0.05). Clinicians and coordinators reported increased satisfaction with the process and improved ease of screening.

Conclusions—

We created a semiautomated electronic screening tool that uses branch logic to screen patients for stroke clinical trials. The tool has improved efficiency and efficacy of screening, and it could be adapted for use at other sites and in other medical fields.
Parental Care–Seeking Behavior and Prehospital Timelines of Care in Childhood Arterial Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Mackay Mark T. , Stojanovski Belinda , Mosley Ian , Churilov Leonid , Donnan Geoffrey A. , Monagle Paul
Published: September 2016

Background and Purpose—

Taking appropriate action in the prehospital setting is important for rapid stroke diagnosis in adults. Data are lacking for children. We aimed to describe parental care–seeking behavior and prehospital timelines of care in childhood arterial ischemic stroke.

Methods—

A structured questionnaire was developed, using value-focused event-driven conceptual modeling techniques, to interview parents of children presenting to the emergency department with arterial ischemic stroke from 2008 to 2014.

Results—

Twenty-five parents (median age 41 years, interquartile range 36–45) were interviewed. Twenty-four children were awake, and 1 child was asleep at stroke onset; 23 had sudden onset symptoms. Location at stroke onset included home (72%), school (8%), or other setting (20%). Carergivers present included parent (76%), another child (8%), teacher (4%), or alone (8%). Eighty-four percent of parents thought symptoms were serious, and 83% thought immediate action was required, but only 48% considered the possibility of stroke. Initial actions included calling an ambulance (36%), wait and see (24%), calling a general practitioner (16%) or family member (8%), and driving to the emergency department or family physician (both 8%). Median time from onset to emergency department arrival was 76 minutes (interquartile range 53–187), being shorter for ambulance-transported patients.

Conclusions—

Stroke recognition and care-seeking behavior are suboptimal, with less than half the parents considering stroke or calling an ambulance. Initiatives are required to educate parents about appropriate actions to facilitate time-critical interventions.
Hungary, the Soviet Bloc, the German Question, and the CSCE Process, 1965–1975
Authors: Békés Csaba
Published: September 2016

This article analyzes Hungarian and Soviet-bloc policies vis-à-vis the German question and European security in the period preceding the signature of the Helsinki Final Act, based on extensive use of records of the Warsaw Pact's highest-level multilateral meetings. During these crucial years, the leaders of the Soviet bloc were sharply divided, and the formulation of a unified position concerning the Helsinki process was possible only after fierce internal fights between the “security-concerned” countries of the Warsaw Pact (the GDR, Poland, Czechoslovakia) and the “economy-oriented” sub-bloc (Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria). Soviet leaders initially cooperated with the first group, but from 1969 on they mostly sided with the second.
un–au Partnerships in International Peace and Security and Issues of Responsibility Allocation in Cases of un Support to Regional Missions
Authors: Pergantis Vassilis
Published: September 2016

In the last decade, the United Nations and the African Union have forged a close partnership in matters of international peace and security. This article attempts to shed light on the multifaceted role of the un in the strategic and operational planning and evolution, as well as the funding, of regional (African Union) peace support operations. Such involvement goes well beyond a simple authorization by the un Security Council and raises crucial questions in respect of the allocation of responsibility between the un and the African Union. The analysis of the relevant responsibility allocation clauses showcases that a holistic approach should be adopted that does not micromanage the different aspects of the un involvement in regional missions, but treats them as an aggregate that should be taken into account as a whole when allocating responsibility. Otherwise, the soft or indirect (but crucial) influence exercised by the un will inevitably escape responsibility.
Trust-Funded Partnership Programmes of the World Bank under the ario
Authors: Stumpf Andrea E.
Published: September 2016

This article suggests that the variety and complexity of international partnership programmes, especially those that contract major fund flows, can be sustained only if partners are able to allocate roles and responsibilities amongst themselves. The premise of this article is simple. Lest there be any doubt, agreed terms set forth in signed agreements and adopted partnership documents should be considered ‘rules of the organization’ under the ario, and should be recognized in allocating responsibility among international organizations and other partners in international development initiatives. A practical look at trust-funded partnership programmes involving the World Bank underscores the importance of lex specialis under the Articles on the Responsibility of International Organizations, including with respect to claims by third parties. At stake is the viability of such collaborative international development initiatives, which rests on the ability of partners to legitimately set their own terms for acknowledgment by others.
Strengthening the Principle of Distinction?
Authors: Hofmann Laura
Published: September 2016

The primary impetus for the Interpretive Guidance on the Notion of Direct Participation in Hostilities by the International Committee of the Red Cross was the need for an accepted understanding of the notion of ‘direct participation in hostilities’. The Interpretive Guidance recommends that in non-international armed conflicts organised armed groups consist only of persons whose continuous function for the groups involves taking direct part in hostilities. The objective of this article is to assess to what extent the ‘continuous combat function’ category strengthens the protection of civilians under the principle of distinction.
Proportionality and Autonomous Weapons Systems
Authors: van den Boogaard Jeroen
Published: September 2016

Given the swift technologic development, it may be expected that the availability of the first truly autonomous weapons systems is fast approaching. Once they are deployed, these weapons will use artificial intelligence to select and attack targets without further human intervention. Autonomous weapons systems raise the question of whether they could comply with international humanitarian law. The principle of proportionality is sometimes cited as an important obstacle to the use of autonomous weapons systems in accordance with the law. This article assesses the question whether the rule on proportionality in attacks would preclude the legal use of autonomous weapons. It analyses aspects of the proportionality rule that would militate against the use of autonomous weapons systems and aspects that would appear to benefit the protection of the civilian population if such weapons systems were used. The article concludes that autonomous weapons are unable to make proportionality assessments on an operational or strategic level on their own, and that humans should not be expected to be completely absent from the battlefield in the near future.
Validation of the name Artemisia anomala var. acuminatissima (Anthemideae, Asteraceae)
Authors: JIAO BOHAN , ZHANG GUOJIN , NIE BAO , DONG XIAOYU , GAO TIANGANG
Published: September 2016

Artemisia Linnaeus (1753: 845) is the largest genus of tribe Anthemideae and one of the largest in the sunflower family with 350–500 species (Shultz 2006, Ling et al. 2011). It is widely distributed in temperate areas of the northern hemisphere and has only a few representatives in the southern hemisphere (Shultz 2006). Some species of Artemisia are important medicinal plants such as A. annua Linnaeus (1753: 847), whose component artemisinin is successfully used against malaria (Van der Meersch 2005). Artemisia anomala S.Moore (1875: 227) is another important species used in traditional Chinese medicine (Tan et al. 2010).
Typification of the Linnaean name Empetrum album (Ericaceae)
Authors: FERRER-GALLEGO PEDRO PABLO , FERRANDO INMACULADA , LAGUNA EMILIO
Published: September 2016

The genus Corema D. Don (1826: 63) (Ericaceae Jussieu 1789: 159) comprises two species. Corema album (Linnaeus 1753: 1022) D. Don (1830: 460) (incl. C. febrifugum Boissier ex Willkomm & Lange 1877: 512) occurs on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula (subsp. album) from Gibraltar to Finisterre (Willkomm & Lange 1877, Webb 1972, Cabezudo 1987, Villar 1993, Boratyński & Vera de la Puente 1994, López González 2001, Ruiz de la Torre 2006, Gil-López 2011), the Azores (subsp. azoricum Pinto da Silva 1966: 86), and the Mediterranean Basin (Spain, Alicante province, one population) (Solanas 1996, Solanas & Crespo 2001, Serra 2007, Aguilella et al. 2009). Corema conradii (Torrey 1837: 83) Torrey (1842: 1092) occurs on the eastern coast of North America from Newfoundland to New Jersey (Redfield 1884, McEwen 1894, Elisens 2009), and can be distinguished from C. album by its very small fruits which are devoid of fleshiness and covered with elaiosomes (oily appendages associated with ant dispersal) (Redfield 1884, McEwen 1894, Martine et al. 2005). Corema album subsp. azoricum exists on six of the nine islands of the Azores, and below 200 m (Franco 1984) this taxon has been recognized by some authors at the species level as C. azoricum [“azorica”] (Pinto da Silva 1966) Rivas Martínez, Lousã, Fernández Prieto, E. Días, J.C. Costa & C. Aguiar (in Rivas-Martínez, Fernández-González, Loidi, Lousã & Penas 2002: 700).
New and little known Orthoptera (Ensifera and Caelifera) from the Ñambí River Natural Reserve, Nariño, Colombia
Authors: CADENA-CASTAÑEDA OSCAR J. , GUTIÉRREZ YEISSON , BACCA TITO
Published: September 2016

A preliminary checklist of the Orthopterans from the Ñambí River Natural reserve is presented. A total of 26 species were studied, five new species are herein described: Championica nambiensis n. sp., Cocconotus awa n. sp., Cocconotus levyi n. sp. (Tettigoniidae: Pseudophyllinae), Antillicharis kwaiker n. sp. (Gryllidae) and Brachybaenus nariniensis n. sp. (Gryllacrididae). Three species are recorded from Colombia for the first time (Legua crenulata, Uvaroviella (Holacla) nebulosa and Anabropsis alata) and seven species are new records for Nariño department (Allotettix peruvianus, Ripipteryx ecuadoriensis, Neoconocephalus affinis, Anaulacomera poculigera, Orophus conspersus, Orophus tessellatus and Neocurtilla hexadactyla). Further comments on species distribution and taxonomy are given.
Study of damage induced by extreme thermal cycling in cyanate ester laminates and sandwich panels
Authors: Jean-St-Laurent Mathilde , Dano Marie-Laure , Potvin Marie-Josée
Published: September 2016

Composite materials are sensible to temperature variations which can lead to the development of internal stresses. The induced stresses may be large enough to damage the material. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of extreme temperature cycles on three cyanate ester laminates and one sandwich panel. Thermal cycles going from −170℃ to 145℃ were conducted up to 360 cycles. Microscopic observations of the edges and the middle section of the specimens were performed to evaluate damage growth. Three types of damage were observed in the laminates: transverse microcracks, debonding between the fibers and the matrix and to a limited extent delamination. However, debonding between the fibers and the matrix were only visible on the edges of the laminates. The effect of the observed damages on the mechanical properties of the laminates was studied. Results show that properties influenced by matrix behavior were affected by thermal cycling.
Remediation for Students With Mathematics Difficulties: An Intervention Study in Middle Schools
Authors: Moser Opitz Elisabeth , Freesemann Okka , Prediger Susanne , Grob Urs , Matull Ina , Hußmann Stephan
Published: September 2016

As empirical studies have consistently shown, low achievement in mathematics at the secondary level can often be traced to deficits in the understanding of certain basic arithmetic concepts taught in primary school. The present intervention study in middle schools evaluated whether such learning deficits can be reduced effectively and whether the type of instruction influences students’ progress. The sample consisted of 123 students in 34 classes, split among one control group and two intervention groups: (a) small group instruction and (b) independent work partially integrated into regular classrooms. Over a period of 14 weeks, students were taught basic concepts, such as place value and basic operations. In addition, they practiced fact retrieval and counting (in groups). Multilevel regression analyses demonstrated that the interventions can be used to reduce given deficits.
Electromagnetic shielding and far infrared composite woven fabrics: Manufacturing technique and function evaluation
Authors: Lin Jia-Horng , Hwang Po-Wen , Hsieh Chien-Teng , Pan Yi-Jun , Chen Yueh-Sheng , Chuang Yu-Chun , Chen Lin-Chao , Lou Ching-Wen
Published: September 2016

This study prepares and explores the properties of three types of woven fabrics that have electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE), far infrared (FIR) emissivity, or both (EMSE/FIR). The EMSE woven fabrics use stainless steel (SS) staple blended yarn and the FIR woven fabrics use FIR polyester filaments. The woven fabrics are made with various structures, densities, lamination layers, and warp/weft arrangements in order to yield the optimum EMSE and FIR emissivity. The experimental results show that an increase in SS content slightly increases the EMSE at the frequency range between 300 and 600 MHz, but does not significantly increase the EMSE at a high frequency of between 2000 and 2200 MHz. However, using SS staple blended yarn for both the warp and the weft significantly increases the EMSE by between −8 and −16 dB. The FIR emissivity increases as a result of an increasing amount of FIR polyester filament and reaches the optimum, 0.88.
Soldiers’ Recruitment in South Asia
Authors: Singh Mainpal
Published: September 2016

This study uses a survey to examine the propensity of Indian Gujarati youth to enlist in the Army. The predictors were organized in three categories of demographic, individual characteristics of personality, routine and behavior, and socioeconomic and cultural aspects to measure their impact on the intention to enlist. The relationship between son’s intent to enlist and the father’s intent to allow the son’s enlistment was tested by logistic regression. The results of the study showed that non-Gujarati domiciles of Gujarat and the higher number of people working in the industrial plants had positive effect on enlistment propensity, whereas location of a factory near their residence had negative effect on the intention to enlist. Members of National Cadet Corps and those who did not have a family role model showed a positive intention to enlist.
Digital Standpoints
Authors: Jackson Sarah J. , Banaszczyk Sonia
Published: September 2016

In this study, we integrate counterpublic sphere theory and feminist standpoint theory to examine the discursive labor and debates shaped by the hashtags #YesAllWomen and #YesAllWhiteWomen. We identify the most influential users in these hashtags’ networks and critically analyze their tweets. Our findings illustrate how feminist counterpublics use Twitter to produce and progress feminist frames about violence against women while simultaneously engaging in community debates about race and inclusion. Our work illuminates how contemporary feminist discourse continues to reflect historical tensions in feminist movements, and how digital media platforms (and user generated tools like Twitter’s hashtag function) can equip feminist cultural workers with new ways to upend mainstream narratives and elevate conversations within feminist sphere(s).
Remembering Benedict Anderson and his Influence on South Asian Studies
Authors: Dasgupta Rohit K
Published: September 2016

This article was written shortly after the death of Benedict Anderson. It contextualizes Anderson's contribution to studies of nationalism and the Global South, particularly Asia. It then revisits some of the key debates of Anderson’s scholarship and its particular significance and importance to the study of South Asia.
From neighbour to carer: An exploratory study on the role of non-kin-carers in end-of-life care at home for older people living alone
Authors: Pleschberger Sabine , Wosko Paulina
Published: September 2016

Background:

A growing number of older people are living in single households. They form a disadvantaged group within society as regards staying at home, most likely towards the end-of-life. It is mainly non-kin-carers who try to fulfil older people’s desire for a home death, but very little is known about the challenges they face during their involvement.

Aim:

Getting insight into the engagement of non-kin-carers in the support for older people living alone, and a better understanding of the challenges they have to manage in end-of-life care.

Design:

Exploratory qualitative design; perspectives of non-kin-carers were collected through personal in-depth interviews ( n = 15) retrospectively.

Setting:

Home care, urban and rural areas in Austria

Findings:

A slow and subtle transition into care is what characterizes non-kin-care relationships which show differences between friends and neighbours. Towards the end of life, the main challenges emerged around increased physical care needs, issues of decision-making and facing the process of dying. Prior experiences with the latter, which most of the involved carers had, influenced non-kin-carers’ steadiness to allow home death and so did reliable formal support, particularly from specialized palliative care teams.

Conclusion:

Support of older people living alone, in particular until the last stage of life, comes along with multiple efforts. Respectful and supporting relationships between professional carers and non-kin-carers are vital to keep non-kin-carers involved.
Differentiation of parathyroid carcinoma and adenoma by preoperative ultrasonography
Authors: Nam Meeyoung , Jeong Han-Seong , Shin Jung Hee
Published: September 2016

Background

Parathyroid carcinomas (PTC) are very rare. There have been a few studies on the contribution of ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of PTC compared with parathyroid adenomas (PTA).

Purpose

To identify the differences between US findings of PTC and PTA in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).

Material and Methods

We enrolled seven patients with PTC and 32 consecutive patients with PTA whose diagnoses were confirmed by surgery at our institution between March 1994 and June 2015. We retrospectively compared the US features of the two groups, as well as the demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics (age, gender, palpability, and serum ionized calcium and parathyroid hormone [PTH] levels).

Results

The patients with PTC and PTA did not exhibit significant differences in terms of mean age (59.0 years versus 51.1 years; P = 0.2063), sex distribution (male:female, 4:3 versus 1:3; P = 0.1716), mean PTH levels (2855.0 pg/mL versus 1821.5 pg/mL; P = 0.2067), and mean ionized calcium levels (1.7 mMol/L versus 1.5 mMol/L; P = 0.1585) except palpability ( P < 0.0001). On US images, the PTCs were significantly larger (3.5 cm versus 1.9 cm; P = 0.0133) and exhibited higher incidences of heterogeneous echotexture ( P = 0.0002), irregular shape ( P < 0.0001), non-circumscribed margin ( P < 0.0001), intra-nodular calcifications ( P = 0.014), and local invasion ( P = 0.0004) compared to the PTAs.

Conclusion

In preoperative patients with PHPT, PTCs are differentiated from PTAs by their palpability and significant US features: large size, heterogeneous echotexture, irregular shape, non-circumscribed margin, intra-nodular calcifications, and local invasion.
The microgeographies of global finance: High-frequency trading and the construction of information inequality
Authors: Zook Matthew , Grote Michael H
Published: September 2016

Automated high-frequency trading has grown tremendously in the past 20 years and is responsible for about half of all trading activities at stock exchanges worldwide. Geography is central to the rise of high-frequency trading due to a market design of “continuous trading” that allows traders to engage in arbitrage based upon informational advantages built into the socio-technical assemblages that make up current capital markets. Enormous investments have been made in creating transmission technologies and optimizing computer architectures, all in an effort to shave milliseconds of order travel time (or latency) within and between markets. We show that as a result of the built spatial configuration of capital markets, “public” is no longer synonymous with “equal” information. High-frequency trading increases information inequalities between market participants.