bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aortic Aneurysm as a Complication of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Successfully Treated with Prednisolone and Cyclophosphamide: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Niimi Naoko , Miyashita Tomoko , Tanji Kana , Hirai Takuya , Watanabe Kozo , Ikeda Keigo , Morimoto Shinji , Sekigawa Iwao
Published: June 2018

A 57-year-old Japanese man was admitted to the hospital with back pain and fever, multiple lung nodules, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Laboratory tests performed at admission showed an increased proteinase 3 anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (PR3-ANCA) level. Video-associated thoracoscopic lung biopsy was performed; pathologic examination showed granulation tissue with necrosis and multinucleated giant cells. The diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) was confirmed on the basis of the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and lung biopsy. All symptoms were ameliorated, and the serum level of PR3-ANCA declined following treatment with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide. Although the association of GPA with AAA is rare, GPA may be included among the large vessel vasculitides that can give rise to aortic aneurysm.
PARP Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer: A Trailblazing and Transformative Journey
Authors: Konstantinopoulos Panagiotis A. , Matulonis Ursula A.
Published: June 2018

PARP inhibitors have transformed treatment for ovarian cancer, a cancer notable for homologous recombination (HR) deficiencies and aberrant DNA repair, especially in the high-grade serous subtype. PARP inhibitors are now approved for recurrent ovarian cancer as maintenance following response to platinum chemotherapy and BRCA-mutated (BRCAm) cancer treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 24(17); 4062–5. ©2018 AACR.

See related article by Ison et al., p. 4066
Inhibition of Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 Prevents Stroma-Induced Peritoneal Metastasis in Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Jin Hyejin , Ham In-Hye , Oh Hye Jeong , Bae Cheong A , Lee Dakeun , Kim Young-Bae , Son Sang-Yong , Chwae Yong-Joon , Han Sang-Uk , Brekken Rolf A. , Hur Hoon
Published: June 2018

Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is activated by fibrillar (triple-helical) collagens and collagen IV, which are major components of tumor stroma; thus, DDR1 might be a critical mediator of communication between cancer cells and stroma. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DDR1 inhibition on stroma-induced peritoneal metastasis in gastric carcinoma. We analyzed by immunohistochemistry the correlation between DDR1 expression and the pattern of recurrence in gastric carcinoma tissues from a previously characterized and established gastric carcinoma patient cohort. We also cocultured human gastric carcinoma cell lines with gastric cancer–associated fibroblasts (CAF) and investigated DDR1 expression and activation. We evaluated CAF-induced tumorigenic properties of gastric carcinoma cell lines and the effect of a DDR1-specific inhibitor in organotypic cultures and in a peritoneal seeding xenograft animal model. The expression of DDR1 in gastric cancer tissues was positively associated with early recurrence (P = 0.043) and a high incidence of peritoneal recurrence (P = 0.036). We confirmed that coculturing with CAFs elevated DDR1 protein expression in gastric carcinoma cell lines and enhanced gastric carcinoma cell line spheroid formation in organotypic cultures in a tumor cell DDR1-dependent manner. Coimplantation of CAFs with gastric carcinoma cells enhanced peritoneal tumor formation in vivo, an effect that was sensitive to pharmacologic inhibition of DDR1.

Implications: This study highlights that CAF-induced elevation of DDR1 expression in gastric carcinoma cells enhances peritoneal tumorigenesis, and that inhibition of DDR1 is an attractive strategy for the treatment of gastric carcinoma peritoneal metastasis. Mol Cancer Res; 16(10); 1590–600. ©2018 AACR.
Mixed Neuroendocrine Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Colon: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Munakata Shinya , Murai Yuta , Koizumi Akihiro , Kato Hisaki , Yamamoto Riku , Ueda Shuhei , Tokuda Satoshi , Sakuraba Shunsuke , Kushida Tomoyuki , Orita Hajime , Sakurada Mutsumi , Maekawa Hiroshi , Sato Koichi
Published: June 2018

Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the colon is very rare, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of colon cancer is rare. We recently treated a patient with both NEC and SCC that initially presented as multiple unresectable liver and lung metastases. A 68-year-old Japanese man was referred to our hospital because of diarrhea with descending colon cancer obstruction. He underwent a left colectomy. Based on immunohistochemistry results, we diagnosed mixed NEC and SCC, the primary lesion location of which was probably the lung in the final pathologic examination. He began systemic palliative chemotherapy with CDDP and CPT-11. After 3 months of treatment, shown the progressive disease, we started CDDP and VP-16. The patient was not eligible for additional chemotherapy after 2 months.
Factors Associated with Gastric Black Spot, White Flat Elevated Mucosa, and Cobblestone-Like Mucosa: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hatano Yu , Haruma Ken , Kamada Tomoari , Shiotani Akiko , Takahari Kosuke , Matsumoto Masatoshi , Uchida Osamu
Published: June 2018

Background/Aims: Previous studies have reported a possible relevance between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and 3 new gastric mucosal changes: black spots (BSs), white flat elevated mucosa (WFEM), and cobblestone-like mucosa (CLM). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between these mucosal changes and multiple factors including PPI use. Methods: All subjects who underwent a routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) were successively enrolled. Endoscopists carried out the EGD after being blinded about ­information on patient PPI usage and determined the presence of these mucosal changes. The ratio of each factor was ­compared in cases with and without each gastric finding. Results: Out of 1,214 patients, BSs were recognized in 75 (6.2%) cases, WFEM in 59 (4.9%), and CLM in 41 (3.4%). In logistic regression analysis, PPI use was significantly correlated with all of these findings (BSs: OR 2.94; 95% CI 1.66–5.21), (WFEM: OR 3.58; 95% CI 1.94–6.61), and (CLM: OR 4.57; 95% CI 2.34–9.96), and Helicobacter pylori eradication was related to BSs (OR 3.01; 95% CI 1.73–5.24) and WFEM (OR 2.11; 95% CI 1.08–4.11). Decision-tree analyses showed that H. pylori eradication was associated with all findings. Conclusions: All of the considered findings were correlated with PPI and H. pylori eradication.
Pancreatic Duct Stricture That Rapidly Progressed to Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Formed a Mass within 3 Months: A Case Report
Authors: Kato Shin , Chinen Kenji , Shinoura Susumu , Kunishima Fumihito
Published: June 2018

The natural growth rate of pancreatic carcinoma in situ with pancreatic duct stricture remains unclear. Herein, we present a case with pancreatic duct stricture that rapidly grew to form a mass lesion within 3 months. A 74-year-old woman was referred to us for the investigation of a pancreatic duct dilatation. Initial images did not reveal any clear mass lesions near the pancreatic duct stricture. Pancreatic juice cytology showed suspicious findings. Distal pancreatectomy was recommended; however, the patient refused to undergo surgical treatment at that time. Images taken 3 months later demonstrated a nodular pancreatic body mass which was identified as a moderately to poorly differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. Previous reports have suggested that pancreatic carcinoma in situ and small pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma require at least 1–2 years to progress to an advanced mass. This case suggests that pancreatic carcinoma in situ may grow rapidly and indicates a need for close follow-up in patients with pancreatic duct strictures, even if the pathological evidence is not confirmed.
Predictors of Persistent Wheat Allergy in Children: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Koike Yumi , Yanagida Noriyuki , Sato Sakura , Asaumi Tomoyuki , Ogura Kiyotake , Ohtani Kiyotaka , Imai Takanori , Ebisawa Motohiro
Published: June 2018

Background: Wheat allergy is the third most common food allergy that develops during infancy in Japan. To identify factors associated with persistent wheat allergy, we assessed the rate of tolerance acquisition among Japanese children aged less than 6 years with an immediate-type wheat allergy using the oral food challenge (OFC) method. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 83 children (born in 2005–2006) who had a history of immediate-type allergic reaction to wheat and were followed until 6 years of age. The subjects were divided to form “tolerant” (n = 55; tolerance acquired by 6 years of age) and “allergic” (n = 28; tolerance not acquired by 6 years of age) groups based on their OFC results. Results: The rates of tolerance acquisition to 200 g of udon noodles at 3, 5, and 6 years of age were 20.5% (17/83), 54.2% (45/83), and 66.3% (55/83), respectively. The total number of anaphylactic reactions experienced prior to 3 years of age in response to all foods (p < 0.01) and to wheat (p = 0.043) was significantly higher in the allergic than in the tolerant group. Wheat- and ω-5 gliadin-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were significantly higher in the allergic group than in the tolerant group (p < 0.01), and wheat-specific IgE levels were more likely to increase after infancy in the allergic group. Conclusions: A history of anaphylaxis to all foods including wheat and/or a high level of wheat- or ω-5 gliadin-specific IgE antibodies were identified as risk factors for persistent wheat allergy.
Bullous Pemphigoid as an Adverse Reaction to Pembrolizumab: Two Case Reports
Authors: Thomsen Kenneth , Diernaes Jon , Øllegaard Trine Heide , Spaun Eva , Vestergaard Christian
Published: June 2018

Checkpoint inhibitors are novel and promising treatment options for different types of cancer. Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab, have been shown to significantly raise the survival rates of disseminated malignant melanoma (MM). Autoimmune adverse reactions are very common in checkpoint inhibitors. We present 2 cases of bullous pemphigoid, as adverse reactions to pembrolizumab-treated MM.
Quantitative Large-Scale Three-Dimensional Imaging of Human Kidney Biopsies: A Bridge to Precision Medicine in Kidney Disease
Authors: Winfree Seth , Dagher Pierre C. , Dunn Kenneth W. , Eadon Michael T. , Ferkowicz Michael , Barwinska Daria , Kelly Katherine J. , Sutton Timothy A. , El-Achkar Tarek M.
Published: June 2018

Kidney biopsy remains the gold standard for uncovering the pathogenesis of acute and chronic kidney diseases. However, the ability to perform high resolution, quantitative, molecular and cellular interrogation of this precious tissue is still at a developing stage compared to other fields such as oncology. Here, we discuss recent advances in performing large-scale, three-dimensional (3D), multi-fluorescence imaging of kidney biopsies and quantitative analysis referred to as 3D tissue cytometry. This approach allows the accurate measurement of specific cell types and their spatial distribution in a thick section spanning the entire length of the biopsy. By uncovering specific disease signatures, including rare occurrences, and linking them to the biology in situ, this approach will enhance our understanding of disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, by providing accurate quantitation of cellular events, 3D cytometry may improve the accuracy of prognosticating the clinical course and response to therapy. Therefore, large-scale 3D imaging and cytometry of kidney biopsy is poised to become a bridge towards personalized medicine for patients with kidney disease.
Processes of Integration and Disintegration in Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age Greece (1300 a 800 BC.)
Authors: Monzani Juliana Caldeira
Published: June 2018

O presente trabalho se propõe a pensar os processos de integração e desintegração na Grécia no final da Idade do Bronze e no início da Idade do Ferro. Assim sendo, pretendemos analisar a unidade cultural estruturada durante o período micênico e suas relações comerciais bem como a desintegração de ambas no final do segundo milênio e a configuração de um novo modelo baseado na distinção regional.
The Demotic Studies and the Possibility of a New Egiptology
Authors: Silva Thais Rocha da
Published: June 2018

Este texto apresenta os estudos demóticos e os novos desdobramentos desse campo na última década para um público brasileiro que ainda não tem acesso a esses documentos e ao campo de pesquisa propriamente dito. Ao mesmo tempo, debato o seu desenvolvimento relacionado à origem e ao estabelecimento da Egiptologia como ciência ao longo dos séculos XIX e XX.
The processes of legitimation and recognition of priscillianism in the second half of fourth century
Authors: Gazzotti Danilo Medeiros
Published: June 2018

No século IV se desenvolveu na região da Gallaecia uma nova interpretação do cristianismo que foi denominada de Priscilianismo, pois seu criador era Prisciliano de Ávila. Após ser denunciado pela facção ortodoxa nicena da ecclesia da Diocésis Hispaniarum, Prisciliano e seus seguidores começam a tentar obter uma legitimação e o reconhecimento da autoridade de sua vertente do cristianismo, tanto no âmbito da ecclesia, como no âmbito da administração imperial. Apesar de ter obtido sucesso em um primeiro momento, Prisciliano e seus seguidores veem esse reconhecimento ser colocado em xeque por causa do processo de legitimação imperial em torno do usurpador Magno Máximo. Temos a intenção de mostrar neste trabalho como se desenvolveu este processo de legitimação e reconhecimento da autoridade político-religiosa do priscilianismo e como o mesmo esbarrou em outro processo de legitimação de autoridade, agora na figura do usurpador Magno Máximo.
Temporal Trends in Identification, Management, and Clinical Outcomes After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Patterson Tiffany , Perkins Gavin D. , Hassan Yahma , Moschonas Konstantinos , Gray Huon , Curzen Nick , de Belder Mark , Nolan Jerry P. , Ludman Peter , Redwood Simon R.
Published: June 2018

Background—

There is wide variation in survival rates from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and overall survival remains poor. There is an expert consensus that early reperfusion therapy in ST-elevation reduces mortality. The management of patients without ST-elevation, however, is controversial.

Methods and Results—

The Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project database is a national registry of all hospital admissions in England and Wales treated as an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We examined temporal trends, over a 5-year period, of OHCAs identified by Myocardial Ischaemia National Audit Project, admitted to hospital and treated as ACS, the interventional management of these patients and clinical outcomes. Four hundred ten thousand four hundred sixty-two patients were admitted to hospital in England and Wales with ACS. Of these, 9421 presented with OHCA (2.30%). There was an increase in OHCA cases as a proportion of ACS between 2009 and 2013 (1.79% in 2009 versus 2.74% in 2013;
P
trend
<0.001). The rate of coronary angiography+percutaneous coronary intervention increased in ACS patients presenting with OHCA (54.9% in 2009 [876/1595] versus 66.3% in 2013 [884/1334];
P
trend
<0.001). Cox proportional hazards model with time-varying exposure to coronary angiography demonstrated a significant reduction in mortality in both the ST-elevation (hazard ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.28–0.32;
P
<0.05) and non–ST-elevation cohort (hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.42–0.46;
P
<0.001). Predictors of favorable outcome were synonymous with the selection criteria for patients undergoing coronary angiography±percutaneous coronary intervention.

Conclusions—

This observational study showed that selection for coronary angiography±percutaneous coronary intervention was associated with reduced mortality in OHCA patients diagnosed with ACS. These data support the need for a randomized controlled trial.
Multiprotein Complex With TRPC (Transient Receptor Potential-Canonical) Channel, PDE1C (Phosphodiesterase 1C), and A2R (Adenosine A2 Receptor) Plays a Critical Role in Regulating Cardiomyocyte cAMP and Survival
Authors: Zhang Yishuai , Knight Walter , Chen Si , Mohan Amy , Yan Chen
Published: June 2018

Background:

cAMP plays a critical role in regulating cardiomyocyte survival. Various cAMP signaling pathways behave distinctly or in opposition. We have previously reported that activation of cAMP hydrolysis by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase 1C (PDE1C) promotes cardiomyocytes death/apoptosis, yet the underlying molecular mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify the specific cAMP signaling pathway modulated by PDE1C and determine the mechanism by which Ca
2+
/calmodulin-stimulated PDE1C is activated.

Methods:

To study cardiomyocyte death/apoptosis, we used both isolated mouse adult cardiomyocytes in vitro and doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in vivo. We used a variety of pharmacological activators and inhibitors as well as genetically engineered molecular tools to manipulate the expression and activity of proteins of interest.

Results:

We found that the protective effect of PDE1C inhibition/deficiency on Ang II or doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte death/apoptosis is dependent on cAMP-generating adenosine A
2
receptors (A
2
Rs), suggesting that PDE1C’s cAMP-hydrolyzing activity selectively modulates A
2
R-cAMP signaling in cardiomyocytes. In addition, we found that the effects of PDE1C activation on Ang II-mediated cAMP reduction and cardiomyocyte death are dependent on transient receptor potential-canonical (TRPC) channels, in particular TRPC3. We also observed synergistic protective effects on cardiomyocyte survival from the combination of A
2
R stimulation together with PDE1 or TRPC inhibition. Coimmunostaining and coimmunoprecipitation studies showed that PDE1C is localized in proximity with A
2
R and TRPC3 in the plasma membrane and perhaps T tubules. It is important to note that we found that doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity and dysfunction in mice are attenuated by the PDE1 inhibitor IC86340 or in PDE1C knockout mice, and this protective effect is significantly diminished by A
2
R antagonism.

Conclusions:

We have characterized a novel multiprotein complex comprised of A
2
R, PDE1C, and TRPC3, in which PDE1C is activated by TRPC3-derived Ca
2+
, thereby antagonizing A
2
R-cAMP signaling and promoting cardiomyocyte death/apoptosis. Targeting these molecules individually or in combination may represent a compelling therapeutic strategy for potentiating cardiomyocyte survival.
A revised dichotomous key for the mangrove crab genus Scylla De Haan, 1833 (Brachyura, Portunidae)
Authors: Vincecruz-Abeledo Chona C. , Lagman Ma. Carmen A.
Published: June 2018

Species identification in mangrove crabs of the genus Scylla De Haan, 1833 is problematic, due to the high intraspecific variation and the continuity of diagnostic features. To determine the hierarchy of characters that are most useful in differentiating Scylla species from the Philippines, 1,185 mangrove crabs were collected from seven sites across the Philippines. Morphological species identification was contrasted with morphometric and molecular techniques. The hierarchy of characters in the existing dichotomous key resulted in the misidentification of 245 samples. Errors stem from asymmetry in the features of the chelipeds and the continuity in the features of the frontal lobe spines. Considering mainly morphological characters, the most reliable traits were the geometric patterns in the swimming and walking legs. Nonetheless, 27 individuals with morphological ambiguities exhibited unique patterns in digested nuclear ITS-1 fragments, unreported in any known species of Scylla. A revised hierarchy of characters resulted in a 97.8% match with molecular species identification.
On the diversity of amphipods inhabiting Sargassum as well as clear areas in Kuwait coastal waters, with an assessment of the effect of turbidity and notes on their abundance, composition, and distribution: a preliminary study
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Al-Ghunaim Aws , Subrahmanyam M. N. V. , Al-Enezi Yousef , Al-Said Turki , Al-Zakri Walid , Al-Adila Hanan , Grintsov Vladimir A.
Published: June 2018

The distribution and abundance patterns of amphipods associated with Sargassum species were studied on a spatial scale along Kuwait’s coastal waters. Macroalgae, in particular Sargassum spp., are known to host a high biodiversity of marine fauna, particularly amphipods, when compared to non-Sargassum (“clear”) areas. Amphipods are an important component in the food web, being consumed by different stages of fish. Sargassum was sampled from four different stations in Kuwait’s waters to determine the amphipod species composition and density. Physicochemical parameters were measured at the time of sampling at each station, focusing on turbidity, as this can promote variation in the faunal distribution between areas, and it was the only non-biological factor showing a distinctive pattern between stations in this study. The objectives of this study thus were to describe the amphipod biodiversity in Sargassum communities and to measure the difference in diversity between Sargassum and clear areas, while concurrently taking into account the effect of turbidity. The most abundant amphipods represented were Pontocrates sp. (cf. arenarius (Spence Bate, 1858)), Ericthonius sp. (cf. forbesii Hughes & Lowry, 2006), Maxillipius rectitelson Ledoyer, 1973, and Podocerus mamlahensis Myers & Nithyanandan, 2016. Among the measured physicochemical parameters, only turbidity had a significant effect on the biodiversity of amphipods (, ) with a negative relationship based on the general linear model test. The effect of Sargassum and non-Sargassum areas on amphipod diversity was statistically not significant (, ). Also, there was no interaction between turbidity and Sargassum/clear areas (, ). However, the diversity was observed to be higher in Sargassum areas of all stations as compared to their clear counterparts, except in Khairan during January 2016, where the situation was the opposite. The abundance was highest in low turbidity, particularly at Salmyia station, compared to the high turbidity conditions at the stations at Failaka and Green Island. The species composition differed as well, the number of species found being the highest in the Sargassum area of Salmyia Station and the lowest at Failaka Island (highest turbidity). Only Salmyia Station (low turbidity) contained 27 species in its Sargassum area, of which only few were present at other stations in both areas. Turbidity affected the diversity of amphipods, and diversity was higher in Sargassum areas at all stations except Khairan in January 2016, but that difference was not significant.
Hoping and Democracy
Authors: Stitzlein Sarah M.
Published: June 2018

Too often, hope is described in individualist terms and in ways that do not help us understand contemporary democracy or offer ways to improve it. Instead, I develop an account of hope situated within pragmatist philosophy that is rooted in the experiences of individuals and grows out of real life circumstances, yet cannot be disconnected from social and political life. This account can help us to better face current political struggles related to hopelessness and despair, all the while building democratic identity. To examine the ways in which shared hoping and the content of our hopes shape our identity and our work together in democracy, I consider both how and what we hope in political contexts.
Certain species of Plecoptera from the headwater springs of National Integration River (São Francisco), Brazil
Authors: NOVAES MARCOS CARNEIRO , VILELA DIOGO SILVA , LOPEZ VINICIUS MARQUES , FERREIRA RHAINER GUILLERMO NASCIMENTO
Published: June 2018

Specimens of Anacroneuria Klapálek 1909 (Plecoptera: Perlidae) and Tupiperla Froehlich 1969 (Plecoptera: Gripopterygidae) from the headwater springs of the National Integration River (São Francisco River), Serra da Canastra National Park, in Minas Gerais State, of southeastern Brazil, were studied. A new species, Anacroneuria saofrancisco n. sp. is described and the descriptions of the nymph and the female of A. saofrancisco are also presented.
Dario neela, a new species of badid fish from the Western Ghats of India (Teleostei: Percomorpha: Badidae)
Authors: BRITZ RALF , ANOOP V.K. , DAHANUKAR NEELESH
Published: June 2018

Dario neela, is described from a small tributary stream of the Kabini River in northern Kerala, India. It can be distinguished from congeners by the male colouration in life, which shows wide rims of iridescent blue in all median fins and the pelvic fin. It is further distinguished from all species of Dario, except D. urops by the number of abdominal vertebrae (14 vs. 11–13), and from all Dario species except D. urops and D. huli by the presence of a conspicuous black blotch on the caudal-fin base. Dario neela is distinguished from D. urops by the absence of the horizontal suborbital stripe and presence of a series of up to eight black bars on the body; and from D. huli by 27–28 vertebrae and 27 scales in a lateral row and the absence of teeth from hypobranchial 3. Dario neela is genetically divergent from both Western Ghats congeners in the mitochondrial CO1 gene, showing an uncorrected p-distance of 5.9% with D. urops and 13.1% to D. huli.
A new zygaenid moth species from Kangaroo Island, South Australia (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae: Procridinae)
Authors: KALLIES AXEL , MOLLET BERNARD , YOUNG DAVID A.
Published: June 2018

A new species of forester moths, Pollanisus hyacinthus sp. nov., is described from Kangaroo Island, South Australia. It is similar to Pollanisus isolatus Tarmann, 2004 and Pollanisus cyanota (Meyrick, 1886) but differs in several external characters and in the genitalia.
A new genus and species of Sclerodactylidae (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea: Sclerothyoninae) from the Pacific coast of Panama, and assignment of Neopentamera anexigua to Sclerothyoninae
Authors: MARTINS LUCIANA , TAVARES MARCOS
Published: June 2018

Paulayellus gustavi, a new sclerodactylid genus and species, is described from the Pacific coast of Panama. The new genus and species is assigned to the subfamily Sclerothyoninae based on a suite of characters, which include the radial and interradial plates of the calcareous ring united at the base only. Paulayellus gen. nov. differs from the other Sclerothyoninae genera in having posterior processesof radial plates undivided. Additionally, differs from Sclerothyone, Thandarum and Neopentamera in having knobbed buttons, plates and cups in the body wall (whereas the body wall is furnished only with tables and plates in Sclerothyone, Temparena and Thandarum, and only with knobbed buttons and plates in Neopentamera). The new genus is, so far, monotypic. The also monotypic genus Neopentamera proved to have the radial and the interradial plates of the calcareous ring united at the base only, as typically found in the Sclerothyoninae, and is therefore transferred to that subfamily. The discovery of a new genus in the Sclerothyoninae and the transfer of Neopentamera required the amendation of the diagnosis for the subfamily. A key to the Sclerothyoninae is given.
Secondary Ice Production by Fragmentation of Freezing Drops: Formulation and Theory
Authors: Phillips Vaughan T. J. , Patade Sachin , Gutierrez Julie , Bansemer Aaron
Published: June 2018

A numerical formulation is provided for secondary ice production during fragmentation of freezing raindrops or drizzle. This is obtained by pooling laboratory observations from published studies and considering the physics of collisions. There are two modes of the scheme: fragmentation during spherical drop freezing (mode 1) and during collisions of supercooled raindrops with more massive ice (mode 2). The empirical scheme is for atmospheric models. Microphysical simulations with a parcel model of fast ascent (8 m s−1) between −10° and −20°C are validated against aircraft observations of tropical maritime deep convection. Ice enhancement by an order of magnitude is predicted from inclusion of raindrop-freezing fragmentation, as observed. The Hallett–Mossop (HM) process was active too. Both secondary ice mechanisms (HM and raindrop freezing) are accelerated by a positive feedback involving collisional raindrop freezing. An energy-based theory is proposed explaining the laboratory observations of mode 1, both of approximate proportionality between drop size and fragment numbers and of their thermal peak. To illustrate the behavior of the scheme in both modes, the glaciation of idealized monodisperse populations of drops is elucidated with an analytical zero-dimensional (0D) theory treating the freezing in drop–ice collisions by a positive feedback of fragmentation. When drops are too few or too small (≪1 mm), especially at temperatures far from −15°C (mode 1), there is little raindrop-freezing fragmentation on realistic time scales of natural clouds, but otherwise, high ice enhancement (IE) ratios of up to 100–1000 are possible. Theoretical formulas for the glaciation time of such drop populations, and their maximum and initial growth rates of IE ratio, are proposed.
Time Evolution of Estuarine Turbidity Maxima in Well-Mixed, Tidally Dominated Estuaries: The Role of Availability- and Erosion-Limited Conditions
Authors: Brouwer Ronald L. , Schramkowski George P. , Dijkstra Yoeri M. , Schuttelaars Henk M.
Published: June 2018

Using an idealized width-averaged process-based model, the role of a mud pool on the bed and time-varying river discharge on the trapping of fine sediment is systematically investigated. For this purpose, a dynamically and physically motivated description of erodibility is presented, which relates the amount of sediment on the bed to the suspended sediment concentration (SSC). We can distinguish between two states: in the availability-limited state, the SSC is limited by the amount of erodible sediment at the bed. Over time, under constant forcing conditions, the estuary evolves to morphodynamic equilibrium. In the erosion-limited state, there is an abundant amount of sediment at the bed so that sediment pickup occurs at the maximum possible rate. The SSC is then limited by the local hydrodynamic conditions. In this state, the estuary keeps importing sediment, forming an erodible bottom pool that grows in time. These two states can be used to explain the response of an estuary to changing river discharge. Under availability-limited conditions, periods of high river discharge push estuarine turbidity maxima (ETMs) downstream, while drier periods allow ETMs to move upstream. However, when the estuary is in an erosion-limited state during low river discharge, a bottom pool is formed. When the discharge then increases, it takes time to deplete this pool, so that an ETM located over a bottom pool moves with a significant time lag relative to changes in the river discharge. Good qualitative agreement is found between model results and observations in the Scheldt Estuary of surface SSC using a representative year of discharge conditions.
Australian prison vocational education and training and returns to custody among male and female ex-prisoners: A cross-jurisdictional study
Authors: Cale Jesse , Day Andrew , Casey Sharon , Bright David , Wodak Jo , Giles Margaret , Baldry Eileen
Published: June 2018

The current study examined the impact of vocational education and training in the custody setting on returns to custody among Australian adult prisoners from selected jurisdictions. Vocational education and training, education, and behavioural change programme participation in custody and demographic and risk assessment data were provided by correctional services in four Australian states for 10,834 Australian prisoners released from custody in 2010–2011. This information was used to predict returns to custody by 2015–2016. Overall, the results showed that participating in vocational education and training in custody contributed to the likelihood of remaining custody free at two and five years post-release for both male and female prisoners. However, for males the relationship was moderated by risk level. These findings are discussed in the context of developing vocational education and training in prison settings to address the specific needs of individuals and expectation of the wider community.
Literacy Promotion Strategies Within Reach Out and Read: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Needlman Robert , Lone Zaeem , Chae Ryan , Abdullah Neelab
Published: June 2018

Literacy promotion (LP) is an essential component of primary care. This study explored different LP strategies in 2 cohorts of children aged 6 months to 6 years coming for routine care. In cohort 1 (N = 24), LP consisted mainly of advice. In cohort 2 (C2, N = 21), LP prioritized observing parent-child dyads reading aloud and giving feedback. Parents were interviewed 1 to 2 weeks later. LP took longer in C2 (138 ± 66 seconds vs 73 ± 50, P < .001), and parents were more likely to recall having learned about reading aloud (48% vs 8%, P < .001), even after controlling for time spent. More parents in C2 reported uncertainty about their reading aloud skills (73% vs 22%, P < .002) and a desire to learn more about reading aloud (100% vs 17%, P < .001). Observation and feedback may make LP more memorable to parents and is more likely to motivate parents to improve their skills in this area.
Central Asia
Authors: Patnaik Ajay
Published: June 2018

The newly independent countries of Central Asia were eager to integrate their economies with the global economy. This required not only the dismantling of the state-controlled economy but also ushering in some form of democracy, free press and independent civil society. Beginning with 1991, the leadership in Central Asia tried to shed the tag of being Communist Party leaders and sought political legitimacy on the basis of nationalism and democracy. As a result, the initial years following independence saw some progress away from the Soviet political system.

But later this trend weakened and most states moved to a more authoritarian system. Some scholars argue that this is due to the enduring Soviet political culture. This could be so; but after nearly 26 years, everything cannot be attributed to Soviet legacy. This article argues that Central Asian states are strongly influenced by the current developments within and outside. The continuation of authoritarianism has been possible because of popular support for the leader as a symbol of stability. However, there are factors that could change popular perception and shake the edifice of the current system.
Contextualizing India–Russia Relations
Authors: Pandey Sanjay Kumar , Yadav Ankur
Published: June 2018

This article situates India–Russia relations in the historical, regional and global context, and the ideological and political discourse in the two countries. It argues that though geopolitics and state interest might have been the immediate, even the compelling, reason behind the Indo-Soviet ties, their coming together was also in accordance with domestic political discourse in the two countries. The article tries to answer questions such as: Why is Russia important in global politics and for India? What are the issues on which the world views and the national interest of the two countries converge? What are the major challenges and opportunities for India–Russia relations? It argues that the two countries need to find and agree upon certain ideational or ideological commonalities to give stability to their relationship.
In a State of Limbo: Women, Sex Industry and Anti-trafficking Interventions in Assam
Authors: Ray Sawmya
Published: June 2018

This article attempts to understand anti-trafficking interventions in Assam with special reference to sex trafficking. It critically analyses ideologies determining the functioning of anti-trafficking networks and its impact on combating sex trafficking. Of specific concern is to understand the ways in which policies of rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration are implemented and whether such implementation places at its centre the standpoint of the marginalised, that is, women in commercial sex—trafficked or otherwise. This article is based on data collected from rescued trafficked women, current sex workers, state and non-state anti-trafficking personnel, observation at shelter homes and case studies. It argues that anti-trafficking networks in Assam work within the neo-abolitionist approach resulting in the patronisation and infantilisation of women in commercial sex. Despite its effectiveness in certain aspects, it more often than not leaves these women in a state of limbo.
Utility of the Surgical Apgar Score in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Prince Andrew C. , Day Kristine E. , Lin Chee Paul , Greene Benjamin J. , Carroll William R.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

To recognize the utility of the surgical Apgar score (SAS) in a noncutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) population.

Study Design

Retrospective case series with chart review.

Setting

Academic tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Patients (n = 563) undergoing noncutaneous HNSCC resection between April 2012 and March 2015 were included. Demographics, medical history, intraoperative data, and postoperative hospital summaries were collected. SASs were calculated following the published schema. The primary outcome was 30‐day postoperative morbidity. A 2‐sample t test, analysis of variance, and χ2 (or Fisher exact) test were used for statistical comparisons. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of 30‐day morbidity.

Results

Mean SAS was 6.2 ± 1.5. SAS groups did not differ in age, sex, or race. Sixty‐five patients (11.6%) had a SAS between 0 and 4, with 40 incidences of morbidity (61.5%), while 31 (5.5%) patients with SAS from 9 to 10 had 3 morbidity occurrences (9.7%). Results show that 30‐day postoperative morbidity is inversely related to increasing SAS (P <. 0001). Furthermore, lower SAS was associated with significantly increased operative time (SAS 0‐4: 9.3 ± 2.6 hours vs SAS 9‐10: 3.0 ± 1.1 hours) and lengths of stay (SAS 0‐4: 10.0 ± 7.3 days vs SAS 9‐10: 1.6 ± 1.0 days), P <. 0001. SAS remained highly significant after adjusting for potential confounding variables in the multivariable analysis (P <. 0001).

Conclusions

An increasing SAS is associated with significantly lower rates of 30‐day postoperative morbidities in a noncutaneous HNSCC patient population.
Impact of Target Distance, Target Size, and Visual Acuity on the Video Head Impulse Test
Authors: Judge Paul D. , Rodriguez Amanda I. , Barin Kamran , Janky Kristen L.
Published: June 2018

The video head impulse test (vHIT) assesses the vestibulo‐ocular reflex. Few have evaluated whether environmental factors or visual acuity influence the vHIT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of target distance, target size, and visual acuity on vHIT outcomes. Thirty‐eight normal controls and 8 subjects with vestibular loss (VL) participated. vHIT was completed at 3 distances and with 3 target sizes. Normal controls were subdivided on the basis of visual acuity. Corrective saccade frequency, corrective saccade amplitude, and gain were tabulated. In the normal control group, there were no significant effects of target size or visual acuity for any vHIT outcome parameters; however, gain increased as target distance decreased. The VL group demonstrated higher corrective saccade frequency and amplitude and lower gain as compared with controls. In conclusion, decreasing target distance increases gain for normal controls but not subjects with VL. Preliminarily, visual acuity does not affect vHIT outcomes.
Extended urbanization in and from Brazil
Authors: Castriota Rodrigo , Tonucci João
Published: June 2018

The notion of planetary urbanization has recently mobilized different strands in the field of urban studies and has generated extensive debates. This emerging research agenda aims to revise inherited concepts and produce a new vocabulary of urbanization through the construction of an ex-centric perspective that dislocates the focus of analysis from its conventional center: the city. The idea of extended urbanization is thus an imperative concept for it operationalizes this theoretical decentering and permits the exploration of urban questions beyond city-centrism, while encompassing urban agglomerations. This article discusses the conception of extended urbanization. We examine its vital insertion into the contemporary agenda of planetary urbanization and present its original formulation in and from Brazil, developed by Roberto Monte-Mór in the 1980s. In order to foster a productive dialogue between these formulations, we discuss the contradictions embedded within the process of extended urbanization and highlight Monte-Mór’s main theoretical and empirical contributions – particularly regarding urban politics and extended citizenship in the Brazilian Amazon. We contend that extended urbanization as formulated in and from Brazil offers important developments and goes far beyond a mere interesting empirical case in and from Brazil. Instead, it illuminates contemporary questions regarding planetary urbanization.
Spatial coefficient of variation in pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling cerebral blood flow images as a hemodynamic measure for cerebrovascular steno-occlusive disease: A comparative 15O positron emission tomography study
Authors: Ibaraki Masanobu , Nakamura Kazuhiro , Toyoshima Hideto , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Matsubara Keisuke , Umetsu Atsushi , Pfeuffer Josef , Kuribayashi Hideto , Kinoshita Toshibumi
Published: June 2018

Pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) is a completely non-invasive method of cerebral perfusion measurement. However, cerebral blood flow (CBF) quantification is hampered by arterial transit artifacts characterized by bright vascular signals surrounded by decreased signals in tissue regions, which commonly appear in patients with reduced cerebral perfusion pressure. The spatial coefficient of variation (CoV) of pCASL CBF images has been proposed as an alternative region-of-interest (ROI)-based hemodynamic measure to predict prolonged arterial transit time (ATT). This retrospective study investigates the utility of spatial CoV by comparison with 15O positron emission tomography (PET). For patients with cerebrovascular steno-occlusive disease ( n = 17), spatial CoV was positively correlated with ATT independently measured by pulsed arterial spin labeling ( r = 0.597, p < 0.001), confirming its role as an ATT-like hemodynamic measure. Comparisons with 15O PET demonstrated that spatial CoV was positively correlated with vascular mean transit time ( r = 0.587, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with both resting CBF ( r = −0.541, p = 0.001) and CBF response to hypercapnia ( r = −0.373, p = 0.030). ROI-based spatial CoV calculated from single time-point pCASL can potentially detect subtle perfusion abnormalities in clinical settings.
Computational co-optimization of design parameters and motion trajectories for robotic systems
Authors: Ha Sehoon , Coros Stelian , Alspach Alexander , Kim Joohyung , Yamane Katsu
Published: June 2018

We present a novel computational approach to optimizing the morphological design of robots. Our framework takes as input a parameterized robot design as well as a motion plan consisting of trajectories for end-effectors and, optionally, for its body. The algorithm optimizes the design parameters including link lengths and actuator placements whereas concurrently adjusting motion parameters such as joint trajectories, actuator inputs, and contact forces. Our key insight is that the complex relationship between design and motion parameters can be established via sensitivity analysis if the robot’s movements are modeled as spatiotemporal solutions to an optimal control problem. This relationship between form and function allows us to automatically optimize the robot design based on specifications expressed as a function of actuator forces or trajectories. We evaluate our model by computationally optimizing four simulated robots that employ linear actuators, four-bar linkages, or rotary servos. We further validate our framework by optimizing the design of two small quadruped robots and testing their performances using hardware implementations.
Shared autonomy via hindsight optimization for teleoperation and teaming
Authors: Javdani Shervin , Admoni Henny , Pellegrinelli Stefania , Srinivasa Siddhartha S. , Bagnell J. Andrew
Published: June 2018

In shared autonomy, a user and autonomous system work together to achieve shared goals. To collaborate effectively, the autonomous system must know the user’s goal. As such, most prior works follow a predict-then-act model, first predicting the user’s goal with high confidence, then assisting given that goal. Unfortunately, confidently predicting the user’s goal may not be possible until they have nearly achieved it, causing predict-then-act methods to provide little assistance. However, the system can often provide useful assistance even when confidence for any single goal is low (e.g. move towards multiple goals). In this work, we formalize this insight by modeling shared autonomy as a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP), providing assistance that minimizes the expected cost-to-go with an unknown goal. As solving this POMDP optimally is intractable, we use hindsight optimization to approximate. We apply our framework to both shared-control teleoperation and human–robot teaming. Compared with predict-then-act methods, our method achieves goals faster, requires less user input, decreases user idling time, and results in fewer user–robot collisions.
Risk factors for recurrence of common bile duct stones after endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy
Authors: Li Sujuan , Su Bingzhong , Chen Ping , Hao Jianyu
Published: June 2018

Objective

Late complications after endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (EST) include stone recurrence, but no definite risk factors for recurrence have been established. This study was performed to identify the predictors of recurrence and evaluate the clinical outcomes of EST for common bile duct stones.

Methods

In total, 345 eligible patients who successfully underwent EST were evaluated and followed up. Statistical analysis was performed on patients with recurrence or who had undergone at least 6 months of reliable follow-up to detect the risk factors for recurrence.

Results

A total of 57 patients (16.52%) developed recurrence of common bile duct stones. The median length of time until recurrence was 10.25 months (range, 6–54.4 months). Univariate analyses showed that the following factors were associated with recurrence: cholecystectomy prior to EST, prior biliary tract surgery, periampullary diverticulum, diameter of the common bile duct (>15 vs. ≤15 mm), quantity of stones, complete stone removal at the first session, and lithotripsy. Multivariate analysis identified two independent risk factors for recurrence: previous biliary tract surgery and lithotripsy.

Conclusions

EST for common bile duct stones is safe as indicated by patients’ long-term outcomes. Patients with a history of biliary surgery or lithotripsy are more prone to recurrence.