bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Advanced Glycation End Products on Human Thyroglobulin’s Antigenicity as Identified by the Use of Sera from Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hatzioannou A. , Kanistras I. , Mantzou E. , Anastasiou E. , Peppa M. , Sarantopoulou V. , Lymberi P. , Alevizaki M.
Published: July 2015

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed on proteins after exposure to high concentrations of glucose and modify protein’s immunogenicity. Herein, we investigated whether the modification of thyroglobulin (Tg) by AGEs influences its antigenicity and immunogenicity. Human Tg was incubatedin vitrowith increasing concentrations of D-glucose-6-phosphate in order to produce Tgs with different AGE content (AGE-Tg). Native Tg and AGE-Tgs were used in ELISA to assess the serum antibody reactivity of two patient groups, pregnant women with gestational diabetes (GDM), and patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT). We producedin vitroAGE-Tg with low and high AGE content, 13 and 49 AGE units/mg Tg, respectively. All HT patients’ sera presented the same antibody reactivity profile against native Tg and AGE-Tgs, indicating that the modification of Tg by AGEs did not alter its antigenicity. Similarly, the GDM patients’ sera did not discriminate among the two forms of Tg, native or artificially glycated, suggesting that the modification of Tg by AGEs might not alter its immunogenicity. The modification of Tg by AGEs has no obvious effect on neither its antigenicity nor, most likely, its immunogenicity. It seems that other Tg modifications might account for the production of aTgAbs in patients with GDM.
Gestation Related Gene Expression of the Endocannabinoid Pathway in Rat Placenta
Authors: Vaswani Kanchan , Chan Hsiu-Wen , Peiris Hassendrini N. , Dekker Nitert Marloes , Wood Bradley Ryan J. , Armitage James A. , Rice Gregory E. , Mitchell Murray D.
Published: July 2015

Mammalian placentation is a vital facet of the development of a healthy and viable offspring. Throughout gestation the placenta changes to accommodate, provide for, and meet the demands of a growing fetus. Gestational gene expression is a crucial part of placenta development. The endocannabinoid pathway is activated in the placenta and decidual tissues throughout pregnancy and aberrant endocannabinoid signaling during the period of placental development has been associated with pregnancy disorders. In this study, the gene expression of eight endocannabinoid system enzymes was investigated throughout gestation. Rat placentae were obtained at E14.25, E15.25, E17.25, and E20, RNA was extracted, and microarray was performed. Gene expression of enzymes Faah, Mgll, Plcd4, Pld1, Nat1, Daglα, and Ptgs2 was studied (cohort 1, microarray). Biological replication of the results was performed by qPCR (cohort 2). Four genes showed differential expression (Mgll, Plcd4, Ptgs2, and Pld1), from mid to late gestation. Genes positively associated with gestational age were Ptgs2, Mgll, and Pld1, while Plcd4 was downregulated. This is the first comprehensive study that has investigated endocannabinoid pathway gene expression during rat pregnancy. This study provides the framework for future studies that investigate the role of endocannabinoid system during pregnancy.
Phase Error Caused by Speed Mismatch Analysis in the Line-Scan Defect Detection by Using Fourier Transform Technique
Authors: Hu Eryi , Hu Yuan
Published: July 2015

The phase error caused by the speed mismatch issue is researched in the line-scan images capturing 3D profile measurement. The experimental system is constructed by a line-scan CCD camera, an object moving device, a digital fringe pattern projector, and a personal computer. In the experiment procedure, the detected object is moving relative to the image capturing system by using a motorized translation stage in a stable velocity. The digital fringe pattern is projected onto the detected object, and then the deformed patterns are captured and recorded in the computer. The object surface profile can be calculated by the Fourier transform profilometry. However, the moving speed mismatch error will still exist in most of the engineering application occasion even after an image system calibration. When the moving speed of the detected object is faster than the expected value, the captured image will be compressed in the moving direction of the detected object. In order to overcome this kind of measurement error, an image recovering algorithm is proposed to reconstruct the original compressed image. Thus, the phase values can be extracted much more accurately by the reconstructed images. And then, the phase error distribution caused by the speed mismatch is analyzed by the simulation and experimental methods.
Effect of Sand Relative Density on Response of a Laterally Loaded Pile and Sand Deformation
Authors: Yuan Bingxiang , Chen Rui , Teng Jun , Wang Yixian , Chen Wenwu , Peng Tao , Feng Zhongwen , Yu Yang , Dong Jianghui
Published: July 2015

Two scale-model tests were separately conducted in standard Toyoura sand with relative density of 50% and 80%. The effect of sand relative density on pile-soil interaction was investigated through the response of a laterally loaded pile and the sand movement around the pile. At a displacement of 3.6 mm of the loading point, the applied loads in loose and dense sand were 4.775 N and 21.025 N, respectively, and the maximum moment and soil resistance of the pile in dense sand were over 4 times those in loose sand. However, the deflection of the pile in dense sand was less than that in loose sand; additionally, the depth of zero deflection in dense sand was also less than that in loose sand. At the same time, the maximum displacements of loose sand in the vertical profile and ground surface were over 1.5 times those of dense sand. These characteristics occurred because the relative stiffness ratio of soil and pile increased as the relative density increased, which caused the behavior of the pile in dense sand to be elastic rather than rigid. In addition, the compacted sand particles did not move as easily as the loose sand particles.
New Results on Reachable Set Estimation and Controller Design for Linear Systems with Mixed Delays via Triple Integral Functionals
Authors: Kang Wei , Zhong Shouming
Published: July 2015

This paper is concerned with the problem of reachable set estimation and controller design for a class of linear systems with mixed delays and bounded disturbance inputs. By constructing a newly augmented Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, combining with triple integral technique and reciprocally convex approach, some new reachable set estimation conditions are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Based on these conditions, a state-feedback controller has been designed to ensure the reachable set of the closed-loop system bounded by a given ellipsoid. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed analysis and designed method.
An Old Flame Never Dies: Survivin in Cancer and Cellular Senescence
Authors: Unruhe Britta , Schröder Elisabeth , Wünsch Désirée , Knauer Shirley K.
Published: July 2015

Survivin (BIRC5) is highly expressed in the vast majority of human cancers and is associated with chemotherapy resistance, increased tumor recurrence and shortened patient survival, making it an attractive therapeutic target. Initially identified as an inhibitor of apoptosis protein, it also plays a major role in the regulation of cell division. As such, it acts as a subunit of the chromosomal passenger complex, composed of the mitotic kinase aurora B, borealin and inner centromere protein, and is essential for proper chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. For both biological functions, interaction of survivin's nuclear export signal with the nuclear export receptor chromosome region maintenance 1 is absolutely essential. The timely orchestration of survivin's wide protein interaction repertoire is further modulated by different posttranslational modifications occurring in a cell-cycle-dependent manner. Recent data furthermore indicate additional roles of survivin in the DNA damage response, contributing to therapy resistance, yet the underlying molecular details are still not completely resolved. This also holds true for a potential involvement of survivin in senescence regulation. An age-related accumulation of survivin probably contributes to the apoptosis resistance observed in aged as well as in senescent cells, while it might promote escape from therapy-induced senescence. This review seeks to integrate the current knowledge on survivin's diverse and complex biological functions. By linking the ‘old' facts about survivin with recent findings in research areas such as DNA damage response and aging, we want to highlight survivin's crucial role in a variety of cellular processes.
Patterns of Skin Luminescence Resulting from the Visualization of Active Acupuncture Points Using Optical Stimulation
Authors: Navrotsky Leonid G. , Blokhin Aleksandr A. , Belavskaya Svetlana V. , Lisitsyna Liliya I. , Lyutkevich Anna A. , Poteryaeva Elena L. , Yudin Valery I. , Litscher Gerhard
Published: July 2015

Background: In recent years, biologically active points (BAPs) have become the topic of intensive scientific discussion. Innovative investigations of this topic are presented. Methods: Types of skin surface luminescence patterns in the areas of BAPs observed after acting on the area with a short light pulse are analyzed. The device was designed as a laboratory model (NSTU, medical electronics laboratory, Novosibirsk, Russia). Pictures were taken with a PENTAX K10 , a PENTAX ist DL as well as a Canon 6D photo camera. Luminescent points can clearly be observed. The pictures were zoomed on a computer and graphically analyzed. Results: Five patterns were found: black center with white ring, black center with 2 rings (white and black), white center with black ring, white center with 2 rings (black and white) and white center with 3 rings (black, white and black). Luminescent BAPs were found on the pericardium and triple energizer meridians. Conclusion: This pilot study can serve as a basis for further investigations in the field of meridian research. The first results are very promising, and future studies are indicated in body acupuncture as well as ear acupuncture.
Recanalization Rate and Clinical Outcome in Acute Carotid-T Occlusion
Authors: Noh Young , Jung Cheol Kyu , Hong Jeong-Ho , Jeong Jin-Heon , Chang Jun Young , Kim Beom Joon , Bae Hee-Joon , Kwon O-Ki , Oh Chang Wan , Han Moon-Ku
Published: July 2015

Background: Acute carotid-T occlusion results in both low recanalization rates and poor outcomes. We investigated clinical outcomes and recanalization in a rare case of thrombolytic therapy. Methods: A consecutive series of patients with acute carotid-T occlusion who were treated with either bridging intravenous (IV) plus intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis or IA alone were analyzed. Complete recanalization was defined as a thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) grade of 3. A favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of ≤2. Results: Of the 40 patients, 6 (15%) had favorable outcomes, and 34 (85%) had poor outcomes. Favorable outcomes were significantly associated with a lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score after revascularization treatment and higher rates of complete recanalization (p < 0.01, p < 0.024, respectively). Complete recanalization was achieved in all patients with favorable clinical outcomes and 5 (83%) patients had received combined IV/IA thrombolysis (p = 0.381). Conclusions: The results suggest that complete recanalization for acute carotid-T occlusion improves clinical outcomes. In that regard, bridging IV/IA thrombolysis may be more efficacious than IA alone.
Immunoglobulins in Neonates with Rhesus Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn: Long-Term Outcome in a Randomized Trial
Authors: van Klink Jeanine M.M. , van Veen Suzanne J. , Smits-Wintjens Vivianne E.H.J. , Lindenburg Irene T.M. , Rijken Monique , Oepkes Dick , Lopriore Enrico
Published: July 2015

Objective: Prophylactic intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) does neither reduce the need for exchange transfusion nor the rates of other adverse neonatal outcomes in neonates with rhesus hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (rhesus HDFN) according to our randomized controlled trial analysis. Our objective was to assess the long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in the children included in the trial and treated with either IVIg or placebo. Methods: All families of the children included in the trial were asked to participate in this follow-up study. The long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in children at least 2 years of age was assessed using standardized tests. The primary outcome was the incidence of neurodevelopmental impairment defined as at least one of the following: cerebral palsy, severe cognitive and/or motor developmental delay (with a test score of less than -2 SD), bilateral deafness or blindness. Results: Sixty-six of the 80 children (82.5%) who had been recruited to the initial randomized controlled trial participated in the follow-up study. The children were assessed at a median age of 4 years (range 2-7). The median cognitive score was 96 (range 68-118) in the IVIg group and 97 (range 66-118) in the placebo group (p = 0.79). There was no difference in the rate of neurodevelopmental impairment between the IVIg and the placebo group [3% (1/34) vs. 3% (1/32); p = 1.00]. Conclusions: The long-term neurodevelopmental outcome in children treated with IVIg was not different from that in children treated with placebo. Standardized long-term follow-up studies with large enough case series and sufficient power are needed to replicate these findings.
Diet-Induced Weight Loss Alters Functional Brain Responses during an Episodic Memory Task
Authors: Boraxbekk Carl-Johan , Stomby Andreas , Ryberg Mats , Lindahl Bernt , Larsson Christel , Nyberg Lars , Olsson Tommy
Published: July 2015

Objective: It has been suggested that overweight is negatively associated with cognitive functions. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a reduction in body weight by dietary interventions could improve episodic memory performance and alter associated functional brain responses in overweight and obese women. Methods: 20 overweight postmenopausal women were randomized to either a modified paleolithic diet or a standard diet adhering to the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations for 6 months. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine brain function during an episodic memory task as well as anthropometric and biochemical data before and after the interventions. Results: Episodic memory performance improved significantly (p = 0.010) after the dietary interventions. Concomitantly, brain activity increased in the anterior part of the right hippocampus during memory encoding, without differences between diets. This was associated with decreased levels of plasma free fatty acids (FFA). Brain activity increased in pre-frontal cortex and superior/middle temporal gyri. The magnitude of increase correlated with waist circumference reduction. During episodic retrieval, brain activity decreased in inferior and middle frontal gyri, and increased in middle/superior temporal gyri. Conclusions: Diet-induced weight loss, associated with decreased levels of plasma FFA, improves episodic memory linked to increased hippocampal activity.
Role of Steroids in Hyperexcitatory Adverse and Anesthetic Effects of Sevoflurane in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Zhang Jiaqiang , Xu Changqing , Puentes Dyanet L. , Seubert Christoph N. , Gravenstein Nikolaus , Martynyuk Anatoly E.
Published: July 2015

Recent studies have demonstrated that long-term developmental effects of neonatal anesthesia were more prominent in males. We tested whether steroids, in general, and sex steroids, in particular, are involved in the mediation of sevoflurane-caused paradoxical cortical seizures during the early postnatal period. Methods: Cortical electroencephalograms, hippocampal synaptic activity, serum levels of steroids and the loss of the righting reflex (LORR), a marker of anesthetic effect, were measured on postnatal days 4-6 in Sprague Dawley rats of both genders exposed to 2.1% sevoflurane. Results: Episodes of seizures, persistent spikes in electroencephalograms and increases in serum corticosterone were similar in both genders. In the order of increasing potency, the corticosteroid receptor antagonist RU 28318, the estradiol receptor antagonist ICI 182780 and the estradiol synthesis inhibitor formestane decreased sevoflurane-induced seizures. Exogenous estradiol increased sevoflurane-caused seizures, spikes and serum levels of corticosterone. These estradiol-enhanced seizures and spikes were depressed by ICI 182780 and the NKCC1 inhibitor, bumetanide, while RU 28318 decreased seizures only. In hippocampal CA1 neurons, estradiol increased the amplitude, rise time and area under the curve of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR)-mediated miniature postsynaptic currents. Exogenous estradiol shortened, while ICI 182780 and formestane lengthened the time needed for sevoflurane to induce LORR. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence for gender-independent acute electroencephalographic effects of sevoflurane at this age. Corticosterone and estradiol are involved in the mediation of sevoflurane-induced seizures. Estradiol, but not corticosterone, also contributes to sevoflurane-caused spikes, by enhancing GABAAR-mediated excitation in the cortex. By increasing GABAAR-mediated inhibition in more mature caudal regions of the brain, estradiol contributes to sevoflurane-induced LORR.
Poly (I:C) downregulates platelet production and function through type I interferon
Authors: Rivadeneyra Leonardo , Pozner Roberto Gabriel , Meiss Roberto , Fondevila Carlos , Gómez Ricardo Martin , Schattner Mirta
Published: July 2015

Thrombocytopenia is a frequent complication of viral infections; the underlying mechanisms appear to depend on the identity of the virus involved. Previous research, including reports from our group, indicates that as well as having antiviral activity type I interferons (IFN I) selectively downregulate platelet production. In this study we extended understanding of the role of endogenous IFN I in megakaryo/ thrombopoiesis by evaluating platelet and megakaryocyte physiology in mice treated with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)], a synthetic analogue of double-stranded RNA, Toll-like receptor-3 ligand and strong IFNp inducer. Mice-treated with poly (I:C) showed thrombocytopaenia, an increase in mean platelet volume and abnormal haemostatic and inflammatory platelet-mediated functionality, indicated by decreased fibrinogen binding and platelet adhesion, prolonged tail bleeding times and impaired P-Selectin externalisation, RANTES release and thrombin-induced platelet-neutrophil aggregate formation. These changes were associated with an increase in size and an abnormal distribution of bone marrow megakaryocytes within the vascular niche and were directly correlated with the plasmatic and bone marrow IFNp levels. All these effects were absent in genetically modified mice lacking the IFN I receptor. Our results suggest that IFN I is the central mediator of poly (I:C)-induced thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction and indicate that these abnormalities are due to changes in the last stages of megakaryocyte development. These data provide new evidence for the role of IFN I in megakaryocyte distribution in the bone marrow niches and its influence on thrombopoiesis and haemostasis.
Beneficial Effect on Cardiac Resynchronization From Left Ventricular Endocardial Pacing Is Mediated by Early Access to High Conduction Velocity Tissue
Authors: Hyde Eoin R. , Behar Jonathan M. , Claridge Simon , Jackson Tom , Lee Angela W.C. , Remme Espen W. , Sohal Manav , Plank Gernot , Razavi Reza , Rinaldi Christopher A. , Niederer Steven A.
Published: July 2015

Background—

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) delivered via left ventricular (LV) endocardial pacing (ENDO-CRT) is associated with improved acute hemodynamic response compared with LV epicardial pacing (EPI-CRT). The role of cardiac anatomy and physiology in this improved response remains controversial. We used computational electrophysiological models to quantify the role of cardiac geometry, tissue anisotropy, and the presence of fast endocardial conduction on myocardial activation during ENDO-CRT and EPI-CRT.

Methods and Results—

Cardiac activation was simulated using the monodomain tissue excitation model in 2-dimensional (2D) canine and human and 3D canine biventricular models. The latest activation times (LATs) for LV endocardial and biventricular epicardial tissue were calculated (LVLAT and TLAT), as well the percentage decrease in LATs for endocardial (en) versus epicardial (ep) LV pacing (defined as %dLV=100×(LVLAT
ep
−LVLAT
en
)/LVLAT
ep
and %dT=100×(TLAT
ep
−TLAT
en
)/TLAT
ep
, respectively). Normal canine cardiac anatomy is responsible for %dLV and %dT values of 7.4% and 5.5%, respectively. Concentric and eccentric remodeled anatomies resulted in %dT values of 15.6% and 1.3%, respectively. The 3D biventricular-paced canine model resulted in %dLV and %dT values of −7.1% and 1.5%, in contrast to the experimental observations of 16% and 11%, respectively. Adding fast endocardial conduction to this model altered %dLV and %dT to 13.1% and 10.1%, respectively.

Conclusions—

Our results provide a physiological explanation for improved response to ENDO-CRT. We predict that patients with viable fast-conducting endocardial tissue or distal Purkinje network or both, as well as concentric remodeling, are more likely to benefit from reduced ATs and increased synchrony arising from endocardial pacing.
Hypervolume Subset Selection in Two Dimensions: Formulations and Algorithms
Authors: Kuhn Tobias , Fonseca Carlos M. , Paquete Luís , Ruzika Stefan , Duarte Miguel M. , Figueira José Rui
Published: July 2015

The hypervolume subset selection problem consists of finding a subset, with a given cardinality k, of a set of nondominated points that maximizes the hypervolume indicator. This problem arises in selection procedures of evolutionary algorithms for multiobjective optimization, for which practically efficient algorithms are required. In this article, two new formulations are provided for the two-dimensional variant of this problem. The first is a (linear) integer programming formulation that can be solved by solving its linear programming relaxation. The second formulation is a k-link shortest path formulation on a special digraph with the Monge property that can be solved by dynamic programming in [Formula: see text] time. This improves upon the result of [Formula: see text] in Bader ( 2009 ), and slightly improves upon the result of [Formula: see text] in Bringmann et al. ( 2014b ), which was developed independently from this work using different techniques. Numerical results are shown for several values of n and k.
Maximizing Submodular Functions under Matroid Constraints by Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Friedrich Tobias , Neumann Frank
Published: July 2015

Many combinatorial optimization problems have underlying goal functions that are submodular. The classical goal is to find a good solution for a given submodular function f under a given set of constraints. In this paper, we investigate the runtime of a simple single objective evolutionary algorithm called ([Formula: see text]) EA and a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm called GSEMO until they have obtained a good approximation for submodular functions. For the case of monotone submodular functions and uniform cardinality constraints, we show that the GSEMO achieves a [Formula: see text]-approximation in expected polynomial time. For the case of monotone functions where the constraints are given by the intersection of [Formula: see text] matroids, we show that the ([Formula: see text]) EA achieves a ([Formula: see text])-approximation in expected polynomial time for any constant [Formula: see text]. Turning to nonmonotone symmetric submodular functions with [Formula: see text] matroid intersection constraints, we show that the GSEMO achieves a [Formula: see text]-approximation in expected time [Formula: see text].
Lectotypification of the name Aconitum naviculare (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Agnihotri Priyanka , Husain Danish , Husain Tariq
Published: July 2015

Aconitum naviculare was first described by Brühl in Brühl & King (1896) as a variety of Aconitum ferox Wall. ex Ser. i.e. Aconitum ferox var. navicularis. Later on, Stapf (1905) published  the new combination, citing Brühl’s var. navicularis as the basionym. This taxon is distributed in the alpine zones of India, China, Nepal and Bhutan.  During revisionary studies on the tribe Delphineae from India, it was found that no type has been designated for this taxon. Therefore, a lectotype  for A. naviculare is selected here from amongst the original material.
Nerlekar, A. N. (2015) Lectotypification of Jatropha nana (Euphorbiaceae) with notes on its threats, and the status of Jatropha nana var. benghalensis. Phytotaxa 213 (2): 155–158.
Authors: Nerlekar Ashish N.
Published: July 2015

.
Tulipa jacquesii (Liliaceae), a new species from Western Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Zonneveld BJM
Published: July 2015

Tulipa jacquesii sp. nov. (section Biflores, Tulipeae, Liliaceae), showing white tepals with a yellow spot, is endemic to West Kyrgyzstan. It differs from all other species by its nearly glabrous tepals, its fragrance, leaves (2) and flowers (up to 4) number. Its genome size is 51.9 pg, in agreement with the variation range (51.5–59.4 pg) known for other species of the same section. Peculiar are the ridges on the leaves of plants, reminiscent of T. regelii.
Catalogue of distribution of lizards (Reptilia: Squamata) from the Brazilian Amazonia. II. Gekkonidae, Phyllodactylidae, Sphaerodactylidae
Authors: RIBEIRO-JÚNIOR MARCO A.
Published: July 2015

I present distribution data of all geckos (Gekkonidae, Phyllodactylidae and Sphaerodactylidae) known from the Brazilian Amazonia, totaling 19 species, belonging to nine genera. This represents six more taxa than previously reported for these families. Data were based on the direct examination of 23,094 specimens deposited in three North American and eight Brazilian museums. Most species (68.4%) are endemic to the Amazonia; non-endemic species are mainly associated with open dry (semideciduous) forest or open vegetation (savanna) enclaves in Amazonia. As a whole, three taxa are widespread in Amazonia, two are restricted to eastern Amazonia, two to western Amazonia, three to northern Amazonia (either widespread or restriced to parts of the Guiana region), one to southern Amazonia, one to southwestern Amazonia, and three to the southern peripheral portion of Amazonia. Additionally, four species have unique distributions and four species have a distribution that is congruent with one of the areas of endemism recognized for other organisms (birds and primates), of which two occur in the area of endemism of Guiana, one in Inambari, and one in Tapajós.
A new species of Xystonotus Wolcott, 1900 (Acari, Hydrachnidia, Mideopsidae) from bromeliad phytotelmata in Brazilian Atlantic rainforest
Authors: PEŠIĆ VLADIMIR , PICCOLI GUSTAVO CAUÊ DE OLIVEIRA , ARAÚJO MARCEL SANTOS DE , REZENDE JOSÉ MARCOS , GONÇALVES ANA ZANGIROLAME
Published: July 2015

The rosette architecture of some bromeliad species traps water and organic matter from the canopy in leaf axils (forming phytotelmata) and harbors many species of invertebrate animals (Frank & Lounibos 2009). Some water mites are adapted to live in phytotelmata; typically recorded from water-filled tree holes, bromeliad tanks, and a range of plant axils. Karl Viets (1939) was the first acarologist who discovered Micruracaropsis phytotelmaticola (Viets, 1939) in the water contained in the leaf bases of epiphytic Bromeliaceae in Surinam. Later on, Orghidan et al. (1977) described Arrenurus bromeliacearum Orghidan, Gruia & Viña Bayés, 1977 from phytotelmata in Cuba. Orghidan & Gruia (1987) reported Arrenurus andrewfieldi Orghidan & Gruia, 1983 from phytotelmata of epiphytic bromeliad Vriesea platynema in Venezuela. Smith & Harvey (1989) described Arrenurus kitchingi Smith & Harvey, 1989 from water-filled tree holes in Queensland, Australia. The same authors (Smith & Harvey 1989) also reported that members of genus Thyopsis occur in water-filled tree holes in Ohio, USA. Rosso de Ferradás & Fernández (2001) reported two Arrenurus species from water accumulated in Guzmania mucronata (Bromeliaceae) in Venezuela, A. andrewfieldi Orghidan & Gruia, 1983 and A. caquetiorum Rosso de Ferradás & Fernández, 2001.
A CloudSat–CALIPSO View of Cloud and Precipitation Properties across Cold Fronts over the Global Oceans
Authors: Naud Catherine M. , Posselt Derek J. , van den Heever Susan C.
Published: July 2015

The distribution of cloud and precipitation properties across oceanic extratropical cyclone cold fronts is examined using four years of combined CloudSat radar and CALIPSO lidar retrievals. The global annual mean cloud and precipitation distributions show that low-level clouds are ubiquitous in the postfrontal zone while higher-level cloud frequency and precipitation peak in the warm sector along the surface front. Increases in temperature and moisture within the cold front region are associated with larger high-level but lower mid-/low-level cloud frequencies and precipitation decreases in the cold sector. This behavior seems to be related to a shift from stratiform to convective clouds and precipitation. Stronger ascent in the warm conveyor belt tends to enhance cloudiness and precipitation across the cold front. A strong temperature contrast between the warm and cold sectors also encourages greater post-cold-frontal cloud occurrence. While the seasonal contrasts in environmental temperature, moisture, and ascent strength are enough to explain most of the variations in cloud and precipitation across cold fronts in both hemispheres, they do not fully explain the differences between Northern and Southern Hemisphere cold fronts. These differences are better explained when the impact of the contrast in temperature across the cold front is also considered. In addition, these large-scale parameters do not explain the relatively large frequency in springtime postfrontal precipitation.
Evaluating Environmental Impacts on Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification Predictability Utilizing Statistical Models
Authors: Kaplan John , Rozoff Christopher M. , DeMaria Mark , Sampson Charles R. , Kossin James P. , Velden Christopher S. , Cione Joseph J. , Dunion Jason P. , Knaff John A. , Zhang Jun A. , Dostalek John F. , Hawkins Jeffrey D. , Lee Thomas F. , Solbrig Jeremy E.
Published: July 2015

New multi-lead-time versions of three statistical probabilistic tropical cyclone rapid intensification (RI) prediction models are developed for the Atlantic and eastern North Pacific basins. These are the linear-discriminant analysis–based Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme Rapid Intensification Index (SHIPS-RII), logistic regression, and Bayesian statistical RI models. Consensus RI models derived by averaging the three individual RI model probability forecasts are also generated. A verification of the cross-validated forecasts of the above RI models conducted for the 12-, 24-, 36-, and 48-h lead times indicates that these models generally exhibit skill relative to climatological forecasts, with the eastern Pacific models providing somewhat more skill than the Atlantic ones and the consensus versions providing more skill than the individual models. A verification of the deterministic RI model forecasts indicates that the operational intensity guidance exhibits some limited RI predictive skill, with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) official forecasts possessing the most skill within the first 24 h and the numerical models providing somewhat more skill at longer lead times. The Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting Model (HWRF) generally provides the most skillful RI forecasts of any of the conventional intensity models while the new consensus RI model shows potential for providing increased skill over the existing operational intensity guidance. Finally, newly developed versions of the deterministic rapid intensification aid guidance that employ the new probabilistic consensus RI model forecasts along with the existing operational intensity model consensus produce lower mean errors and biases than the intensity consensus model alone.
Comparison of Different Screening Methods for Hypertension in Han Adolescents
Authors: Ma Chunming , Liu Yue , Liu Xiaoli , Yin Fuzai , Lu Qiang
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to compare different methods of screening for hypertension in Han adolescents. We analyzed data on 3136 Han adolescents (1601 boys and 1535 girls) aged 13 to 17 years from the adolescents hypertension survey of Qinhuangdao in 2006. The blood pressure was classified as without hypertension and with hypertension, consistent with the 2004 Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents guidelines and the selected screening methods. Sensitivity and specificity were then calculated according to gender range. Somu’s formulas and the table proposed by Chiolero had low sensitivities (58.4% to 83.1%), despite good specificities (99.0% to 100.0%). The tables proposed by Mitchell and Kaelber had high sensitivities (100%), but their specificities were low (62.0% to 73.8%). Blood pressure–to-height ratio (BPHR) was a good compromise between sensitivities (boys 99.1% and girls 98.9%) and specificities (boys 91.0% and girls 94.9%). As screening tools, the table proposed by Mitchell and Kaelber and BPHR have high sensitivities. However, BPHR demonstrated specific advantages, and it does not require tables.
Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation, and Outcomes of Kawasaki Disease Among Hospitalized Children in an Inner City Hospital Before and After Publication of the American Academy of Pediatrics/American Heart Association Guidelines for Treatment of Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Sehgal Swati , Chen Xinguang , Ang Jocelyn Y.
Published: July 2015

The effect of 2004 Kawasaki disease (KD) guidelines on diagnosis and outcome of KD is lacking. We studied the epidemiology of KD in our region and compared the incidence, presentation, and outcome of KD before and after publication of the guidelines. A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients admitted with a diagnosis of KD. Demographics, laboratory data, and clinical data were collected. Comparison was made between 2 groups: prepublication (2000-2004) and postpublication (2005-2009) of guidelines. A total of 312 children were included; 64% were African American, 23% White, and 2% Asian; 61% were boys; 79% were complete KD, and 66% were in winter/spring. There was a significant increase in KD cases over the 11 years. There was no significant difference in clinical findings and outcome between the 2 groups. KD admissions in our region significantly increased during the postpublication period. There was no difference in clinical presentation, laboratory findings, or outcome between the 2 groups.
Relations of Sexual Objectification and Racist Discrimination with Latina Women’s Body Image and Mental Health
Authors: Velez Brandon L. , Campos Irma D. , Moradi Bonnie
Published: July 2015

In the current study, we tested direct and mediated associations of objectification theory constructs and racist discrimination with eating disorder and depressive symptomatology in a sample of 180 Latina women (age range = 18-66). Results of a path analysis indicated that internalization of sociocultural standards of attractiveness was related to greater eating disorder and depressive symptomatology in part through the mediating roles of body shame and body surveillance, and body surveillance was related to greater eating disorder and depressive symptomatology through the mediating role of body shame. Sexual objectification did not yield hypothesized direct and indirect unique relations with criterion variables. However, racist discrimination was directly associated with greater depressive symptomatology and indirectly associated, through the mediating role of body shame, with greater eating disorder and depressive symptomatology. These results extend tenets of objectification theory to Latina women and point to the role of racist discrimination within this framework.
Family Structure, Racial Socialization, Perceived Parental Involvement, and Social Support as Predictors of Self-Esteem in African American College Students
Authors: Causey Shakiera T. , Livingston Jonathan , High Benyetta
Published: July 2015

The present study was a correlation survey examination of self-esteem among African American college students. The constructs of racial socialization, parental involvement, social support, family structure, and self-esteem were examined among 98 African American college students residing in the central region of North Carolina. To examine these relationships, Pearson product correlation, multiple regressions, and ANOVA were run to analyze data. Conventional wisdom suggested that changes in family structure such as the dissolution of a two-parent family would have short-term and long-term effects on children and a wide range of psychosocial outcomes. However, the current study found no significant mean differences in self-esteem across family structures. By examining self-esteem in the sample population, this study identified that social support and parental involvement were significant factors that contributed to the development of self-esteem in African American adults.
The Legal Definition of the Smuggling of Migrants in Light of the Provisions of the Migrant Smuggling Protocol
Authors: Aljehani Abdelnaser
Published: July 2015

This article argues that the legal definition of the smuggling of migrants in Article 3(a) of the Migrant Smuggling Protocol has a number of deficiencies, which might affect adversely the Protocol’s purpose of combating migrant smuggling set forth in Article 2. This will lead to the result that the criminal laws of state parties based on this definition will be weak and unable to prevent and combat the activities of migrant smuggling. This article proposes a number of amendments that might make the definition of the smuggling of migrants in the Migrant Smuggling Protocol more effective.
Involuntary Intoxication
Authors: Brooks Thom
Published: July 2015

Involuntary intoxication is often misunderstood. The predominant ‘orthodox’ view is that involuntary intoxication should lead to acquittal for offences requiring proof of fault. Strict liability offences are therefore unaffected. This article argues that the law is more complex, requiring a more careful approach. The article provides a new six-step procedure to determine whether involuntary intoxication is applicable and should lead to acquittal.
School Climate, Deployment, and Mental Health Among Students in Military-Connected Schools
Authors: De Pedro Kris Tunac , Astor Ron Avi , Gilreath Tamika D. , Benbenishty Rami , Berkowitz Ruth
Published: July 2015

Research has found that when compared with civilian students, military-connected students in the United States have more negative mental health outcomes, stemming from the stress of military life events (i.e., deployment). To date, studies on military-connected youth have not examined the role of protective factors within the school environment, such as school climate, in the mental health and well-being of military-connected adolescents. Given this gap in the research on military adolescents, this study draws from a large sample of military and non-military secondary adolescents in military-connected schools ( N = 14,943) and examines associations between school climate, military connection, deployment, and mental health. Findings show that multiple components of school climate are associated with a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation and increased likelihood of well-being among students in military-connected schools, after controlling for student demographics, military connection, and deployments. The authors conclude with a discussion of school climate interventions for military-connected youth.
On the benefits of latent variable modeling for norming scales
Authors: Seo Hyojeong , Little Todd D. , Shogren Karrie A. , Lang Kyle M.
Published: July 2015

Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a powerful and flexible analytic tool to model latent constructs and their relations with observed variables and other constructs. SEM applications offer advantages over classical models in dealing with statistical assumptions and in adjusting for measurement error. So far, however, SEM has not been fully used to develop norms of assessments in educational or psychological fields. In this article, we highlighted the norming process of the Supports Intensity Scale – Children’s Version (SIS-C) within the SEM framework, using a recently developed method of identification (i.e., effects-coding method) that estimates latent means and variances in the metric of the observed indicators. The SIS-C norming process involved (a) creating parcels, (b) estimating latent means and standard deviations, (c) computing T scores using obtained latent means and standard deviations, and (d) reporting percentile ranks.
Relationship closeness predicts unsolicited advice giving in supportive interactions
Authors: Feng Bo , Magen Eran
Published: July 2015

Advice is a common element of supportive interactions, but unsolicited advice can harm the advice recipient as well as the relationship between the advice recipient and the advice giver. Despite the potential negative implications of unsolicited advice, very little is known about what predicts unsolicited advice giving in personal relationships. The present studies provide an empirical test of the association between relational closeness and unsolicited advice giving. In two studies, undergraduate students and members of the general population responded to hypothetical statements of discontent from friends who were not asking for advice. Relational closeness and unsolicited advice giving were positively correlated, with participants tending to provide more unsolicited advice to friends toward whom they felt greater relational closeness. Overall, participants gave unsolicited advice to their friends at a very early stage of a supportive interaction in approximately 70% of cases. Explanations and implications for these findings were discussed.
Speaking self-assessment: Mismatches between learners’ and teachers’ criteria
Authors: Babaii Esmat , Taghaddomi Shahin , Pashmforoosh Roya
Published: July 2015

Perceptual (mis)matches between teachers and learners are said to affect learning success or failure. Self-assessment, as a formative assessment tool, may, inter alia, be considered a means to minimize such mismatches. Therefore, the present study investigated the extent to which learners’ assessment of their own speaking performance, before and after their being provided with a list of agreed-upon scoring criteria followed by a practice session, matches that of their teachers. In so doing, 29 EFL learners and six EFL teachers served as participants; the learners were asked to assess their audio-recorded speaking performance before and after their being provided with the scoring criteria and practice session. The teachers were also asked to assess the learners’ performance according to the same criteria. Finally, the learners were required to evaluate the effectiveness of doing self-assessment in the form of reflection papers. The results revealed a significant difference between the learners’ assessment of their own speaking ability on the two occasions. The findings also suggested that providing the learners with the scoring criteria and the follow-up practice session minimized the existing mismatches between learner assessment and teacher assessment. Moreover, the inductive analysis of the reflection papers yielded a number of themes suggesting that, despite some limitations, the learners’ overall evaluation of the effectiveness of speaking self-assessment was positive.
Between petty corruption and criminal extortion: How entrepreneurs in Bulgaria and Romania operate within a devil’s circle
Authors: Vorley Tim , Williams Nick
Published: July 2015

This article examines the impact of corruption on entrepreneurship in transition economies. Utilising in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs in Sofia, Bulgaria, and Bucharest, Romania, the article finds that despite economic reforms, corruption occupies a pervasive space which impacts entrepreneurial strategy. In both countries, entrepreneurs operate within a ‘ devil’s circle’, in which they are unable to operate entirely independent of corruption. This is caused by a combination of weak formal institutions and a weak entrepreneurial culture leading to entrepreneurs either seeking to avoid the attention of government officials by hiding some or all of their activities with little prospect of sanction, limiting their growth aspirations, or engaging in corruption as a way of furthering their activities. The research contributes to understandings of corruption and its impact on entrepreneur strategies to avoid, minimise or benefit from it.
The evaluation of cardiac tamponade risk in patients with pericardial effusion detected by non-gated chest CT
Authors: Ohta Yasutoshi , Miyoshi Fuminori , Kaminou Toshio , Kaetsu Yasuhiro , Ogawa Toshihide
Published: July 2015

Background

Although pericardial effusion is often identified using non-gated chest computed tomography (CT), findings predictive of cardiac tamponade have not been adequately established.

Purpose

To determine the findings predictive of clinical cardiac tamponade in patients with moderate to large pericardial effusion using non-gated chest CT.

Material and Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 134 patients with moderate to large pericardial effusion who were identified from among 4581 patients who underwent non-gated chest CT. Cardiac structural changes, including right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), were qualitatively evaluated. The inferior vena cava ratio with hepatic (IVCupp) and renal portions (IVClow) and effusion size were measured. The diagnostic performance of each structural change was calculated, and multivariate analysis was used to determine the predictors of cardiac tamponade.

Results

Of the 134 patients (mean age, 70.3 years; 64 men), 37 (28%) had cardiac tamponade. The sensitivity and specificity were 76% and 74% for RVOT compression; 87% and 84% for an IVClow ratio ≥0.77; and 60% and 77% for an effusion size ≥25.5 mm, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that RVOT compression, an IVClow ratio ≥0.77, and an effusion size ≥25.5 mm were independent predictors of cardiac tamponade. The combination of these three CT findings had a sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 81%, 95%, and 91%, respectively.

Conclusion

In patients with moderate to large pericardial effusion, non-gated chest CT provides additional information for predicting cardiac tamponade.
Le Malentendu International
Authors: Jones Branwen Gruffydd
Published: July 2015

The discipline of International Relations and cognate fields of Comparative Politics and Development Studies have more or less successfully contained the study of Africa’s condition within the limits of the dominant Western imagination, with grave consequences. Africa is seen and analyzed as a site of weak states and neopatrimonial rule. The continued dominance and ubiquity of such analytical vocabularies and their underlying methods rests on many forces, one of which is the reluctance to acknowledge that Africans can and do articulate their own analyses of their condition and to respect such analyses. This article seeks to remember some of the routinely forgotten international relations which structure Africa’s contemporary condition, by turning to the work of Cameroonian film director Jean-Marie Teno. Teno’s work, in particular Afrique Je Te Plumerai and Le Malentendu Colonial, is profoundly important for students of international relations. This article examines the content, form, and effect of the critique Teno elaborates in Afrique Je Te Plumerai.