bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Remote and Bedside Assessment of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale in Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Alasheev Andrey M. , Andreev Aleksey Y. , Gonysheva Yuliya V. , Lagutenko Maria N. , Lutskovich Olga Y. , Mamonova Antonina V. , Prazdnichkova Elena V. , Belkin Andrey A.
Published: April 2017

Introduction: Telestroke videoconference for conducting the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is recommended when the facility of a direct bedside evaluation by a stroke specialist is not immediately available for hyperacute stroke assessment. However, some NIHSS-telestroke studies inherit systematic bias due to the subjective nature of NIHSS administration. We aimed to evaluate NIHSS telestroke assessment, while implementing measures to minimize subjectivity bias. Patients and Methods: Ninety stroke patients within 48 h of onset were assessed by 6 stroke neurologists grouped in 15 pairs. Each pair of physicians assessed 6 patients. Patients were allocated through block randomization to a physician pair and order of bedside or remote assessment. Every patient was assessed once at the bedside and once remotely. Remote examination was performed by a neurologist through high-quality videoconferencing (HQ-VTC), assisted by a nurse at the patient's bedside. Kappa coefficients and the number of patients with a cumulative difference of ≤3 NIHSS points were calculated to compare bedside and remote measures. Results: Cumulative difference of ≤3 NIHSS points was observed in 85.6% (95% CI 76.6-92.1%) cases. Therefore, every fifth remote examination may have been inaccurate. Quadratically weighted kappa for total NIHSS score was 0.91 (95% CI 0.87-0.95). Minimal agreements were for commands (k = 0.46), facial palsy (k = 0.43), and ataxia (k = 0.27). Remote assessments were longer than bedside: 8 min (interquartile range, IQR 7-9) vs. 6 (IQR 5-8), p < 0.001. Conclusions: NIHSS-telestroke assessment using HQ-VTC in the acute stroke settings is closely matched with NIHSS-bedside assessment but it's credibility for clinical use needs further evaluation.
Poly-(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1 Promotes Prothrombin Gene Transcription and Produces Des-Gamma-Carboxy Prothrombin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Taniguchi Tatsuya , Kishi Kazuhiro , Nakagawa Tadahiko , Tanaka Hironori , Tanaka Takahiro , Tomonari Tetsu , Okamoto Koichi , Sogabe Masahiro , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Okahisa Toshiya , Muguruma Naoki , Kajimoto Mayumi , Sagawa Ikuko , Takayama Tetsuji
Published: April 2017

Background and Aim: Although des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) is a well-known tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the mechanism of DCP production is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism how DCP is produced in HCC cells. Methods: Levels of mRNA and DCP were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay respectively. Secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) expression vectors including deletion mutants of the prothrombin gene promoter were constructed for reporter gene assay. The transcription factors bound to DNA fragments were analyzed by mass spectrometry. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was performed using a biotin end-labeled DNA. Results: The prothrombin mRNA levels in all 5 DCP producing cell lines were appreciably high. However, those in 2 DCP non-producing cell lines were below detectable levels. A SEAP vector with -2985 to +27 showed a very high transcription activity in DCP-producing Huh-1 cells. However, transcription abruptly decreased when the vector with -2955 to +27 was transfected, and then remained at the similar levels with larger deletion mutants, indicating the existence of a cis-element at -2985 to -2955 (31-bp). Mass spectrometry analysis identified the protein that bound to the 31-bp DNA as poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). Knockdown of the PARP-1 gene by small interfering RNA in Huh-1 cells induced marked inhibition of prothrombin gene transcription. The EMSA clearly showed that PARP-1 specifically binds to the 31-bp DNA fragment in the prothrombin gene promoter. Conclusions: Our data suggest that PARP-1 activates prothrombin gene transcription and that the excessive prothrombin gene transcription induces DCP production in DCP-producing HCC cells.
Improvement of Orbitofrontal Cortex Function Associated with Blephrospasm Symptom Remission
Authors: Shen Chen-Yu , Wang Yong-Jun , Liu Xiao-Min , Zhang Xiao-Qian , Ren Xia-Jin , Ma Xiang-Yun , Sun Jing-Jing , Feng Kun , Sun Gao-Xiang , Xu Bo , Liu Po-Zi
Published: April 2017

Objective: To determine whether orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) function improves with blepharospasm (BSP) symptom remission using a verbal fluency task and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Methods: Nineteen BSP patients and 9 healthy controls (HCs) matched by gender and education were examined using NIRS. The BSP patients were divided into 2 groups based on the onset or remission of BSP symptoms. A covariance analysis was conducted to analyze the differences among the 3 groups to avoid the influence of different ages. The least significant difference was used to process the post hoc test. Results: The hemoglobin concentration and cerebral blood flow of the bilateral orbitofrontal area (channels 27, 31, 34, 37, and 39) were not significantly different between the BSP remission and HC groups (p > 0.05); however, both groups were significantly increased compared with the BSP onset group (BSP remission group vs. BSP onset group: p = 0.003, p = 0.018, p = 0.013, p = 0.001, and p = 0.011, respectively; BSP remission group vs. BSP onset group: p = 0.037, p = 0.044, p = 0.023, p = 0.016, and p = 0.025, respectively). Conclusion: This is the first investigation to control for symptom stages in BSP patients examined via NIRS. Cognitive ability and OFC function improve with BSP symptom remission. Thus, the OFC may be inter-connected with motor and cognitive symptoms in BSP.
Mothers' Consumption of Soy Drink But Not Black Tea Increases the Flavonoid Content of Term Breast Milk: A Pilot Randomized, Controlled Intervention Study
Authors: Jochum Frank , Alteheld Birgit , Meinardus Pamela , Dahlinger Norbert , Nomayo Antonia , Stehle Peter
Published: April 2017

Objective: We performed a pilot RCT to prove the hypothesis that a controlled ingestion of polyphenol-rich beverages (soy drink, decaffeinated black tea) in nutritive dosages by nursing women has an effect on the composition (flavonoid concentration, total antioxidant capacity) of breast milk. Methods: Healthy nursing women were supplemented with either 250 mL of a soy drink (12 mg isoflavones; n = 18), 300 mL decaffeinated black tea (67 mg catechins; n = 18), or 300 mL water (n = 8, control) for 6 days. Milk samples were collected before, during, and after intervention. Flavonoid content (isoflavones/catechins, HPLC) and total antioxidant capacity of milk and test drinks in milk specimens were assessed. Results: Isoflavone content (genistein and daidzein) in breast milk increased up to 12 nmol/L after soy drink consumption; the major flavonoids constituents of black tea (catechin, epicatechin, and respective conjugates) could not be detected in milk samples. With both interventions, the total antioxidant capacity of breast milk was not affected. Conclusions: Mothers' daily consumption of a soy drink considerably increases isoflavone content of breast milk resulting in an estimated daily exposure of 9.6 nmol isoflavones in a 4-month-old suckling infant. Luminal flavanol uptake from black tea consumed by the nursing mother may be too low to affect flavanol concentrations in breast milk.
ENETS Consensus Guidelines for the Standards of Care in Neuroendocrine Tumors: Biochemical Markers
Authors: Oberg Kjell , Couvelard Anne , Delle Fave Gianfranco , Gross David , Grossman Ashley , Jensen Robert T. , Pape Ulrich-Frank , Perren Aurel , Rindi Guido , Ruszniewski Philippe , Scoazec Jean-Yves , Welin Staffan , Wiedenmann Bertram , Ferone Diego ,   all other Antibes Consensus Conference participants
Published: April 2017

Biomarkers have been the mainstay in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) over the last few decades. In the beginning, secretory products from a variety of subtypes of NETs were regarded as biomarkers to follow during diagnosis and treatment: serotonin for small intestinal (SI) NETs, and gastrin and insulin for pancreatic NETs. However, it became evident that a large number of NETs were so-called nonfunctioning tumors without secreting substances that caused hormone-related symptoms. Therefore, it was necessary to develop so-called “general tumor markers.” The most important ones so far have been chromogranin A and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). Chromogranin A is the most important general biomarker for most NETs with a sensitivity and specificity somewhere between 60 and 90%. NSE has been a relevant biomarker for patients with high-grade tumors, particularly lung and gastrointestinal tract tumors. Serotonin and the breakdown product urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (U-5-HIAA) is still an important marker for diagnosing and follow-up of SI NETs. Recently, 5-HIAA in plasma has been analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorometric detection and has shown good agreement with U-5-HIAA analysis. In the future, we will see new tests including circulating tumor cells, circulating DNA and mRNA. Recently, a NET test has been developed analyzing gene transcripts in circulating blood. Preliminary data indicate high sensitivity and specificity for NETs. However, its precise role has to be validated in prospective randomized controlled trials which are ongoing right now.
Rebeccamycin Attenuates TNF-α-Induced Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction by Inhibiting Myosin Light Chain Kinase Production
Authors: Watari Akihiro , Sakamoto Yuta , Hisaie Kota , Iwamoto Kazuki , Fueta Miho , Yagi Kiyohito , Kondoh Masuo
Published: April 2017

Background/Aims: Although proinflammatory cytokine–induced disruption of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity is associated with intestinal inflammatory disease, effective treatment for barrier dysfunction is lacking. Previously, we demonstrated that rebeccamycin alleviates epithelial barrier dysfunction induced by inflammatory cytokines in Caco-2 cell monolayers; however, the underlying mechanism remained unclear. Here, we investigated the mechanism by which rebeccamycin protects the epithelial barrier function of Caco-2 cells exposed to TNF-α. Methods: To confirm the epithelial barrier function of Caco-2 cell monolayers, transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and paracellular permeability were measured. Production levels and localization of tight junction (TJ) proteins were analyzed by immunoblot and immunofluorescence, respectively. Phosphorylated myosin light chain (pMLC) and MLC kinase (MLCK) mRNA expression levels were determined by immunoblot and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Results: Rebeccamycin attenuated the TNF-α-induced reduction in TER and increase in paracellular permeability. Rebeccamycin increased claudin-5 expression, but not claudin-1, -2, -4, occludin or ZO-1 expression, and prevented the TNF-α-induced changes in ZO-1 and occludin localization. Rebeccamycin suppressed the TNF-α-induced increase in MLCK mRNA expression, thus suppressing MLC phosphorylation. The rebeccamycin-mediated reduction in MLCK production and protection of epithelial barrier function were alleviated by Chk1 inhibition. Conclusion: Rebeccamycin attenuates TNF-α-induced disruption of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity by inducing claudin-5 expression and suppressing MLCK production via Chk1 activation.
A Critical Evaluation of sst3 and sst5 Immunohistochemistry in Human Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Körner Meike , Waser Beatrice , Christ Emanuel , Beck Jürgen , Reubi Jean Claude
Published: April 2017

Background: Somatostatin receptor (sst) overexpression in neuroendocrine tumors allows sst-targeted tumor imaging and therapy with long-acting, cold, or radioactive somatostatin analogs. sst2 has been most important, owing to its wide overexpression and high affinity for somatostatin analogs, but other sst subtypes become of increasing clinical interest due to drug development. Immunohistochemistry is the preferred method to detect sst in resected tumor tissues. While it is established for sst2 using the antibody UMB-1, there is less experience for other sst subtypes. Methods: sst3 and sst5 immunohistochemistry using the antibodies UMB-5 and UMB-4 was evaluated in 60 pituitary adenomas and compared with in vitro sst autoradiography (ARG), the in vitro gold standard method to assess sst. Results: UMB-4 immunohistochemistry for sst5 yielded membranous staining of tumor cells. It correlated fairly well with ARG, results matching in 80% of tumors. UMB-5 immunohistochemistry for sst3 showed not only a membranous, but also cytoplasmic background staining. Agreement with ARG was limited. All tumors showed UMB-5 staining, while only 57% were positive by ARG. In comparison, UMB-1 staining levels showed a highly significant correlation with autoradiographic sst2 density levels (R2 = 0.797). Not only tumor cells, but also intratumoral blood vessels were immunohistochemically positive for sst2, 3, and 5. Conclusion: UMB-1 immunohistochemistry for sst2 is excellent. sst3 immunohistochemistry using UMB-5 is not yet optimal, with suspected limited specificity, and should be applied with caution. UMB-4 immunohistochemistry for sst5 appears to be equivalent to sst5-ARG and suitable for diagnostic applications.
Association Between IFN-γ Gene Polymorphisms and IgA Nephropathy in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: Gao Jie , Wei Linting , Liu Xinghan , Wang Li , Niu Dan , Jin Tianbo , Yao Ganglian , Wang Meng , Yu Qiaoling , Fu Rongguo
Published: April 2017

Background/Aims: IFN-γ was reported to be involved in the development and progression of Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), however, few studies have investigated the association between IFN-γ polymorphisms and IgAN. Therefore, we performed a case-control study to assess the association between IFN-γ polymorphisms and the risk of IgAN. Methods: Sequenom MassARRAY was used to genotype two SNPs (rs1861494 and rs2430561) in 351 patients with IgAN and 310 healthy controls. Associations were evaluated as odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: No association was found between IFN-γ rs1861494 and IgAN risk or clinical parameters. For rs2430561, the AA genotype was more common in patients with IgAN, compared with controls (AT vs. AA: OR = 0.57, P = 0.035). IFN-γ-rs2430561 T allele may be a protective factor for IgAN susceptibility (T vs. A: OR = 0.59, P = 0.04). Subgroup analysis based on clinical features revealed no significant association between rs2430561 polymorphism and clinical data such as gender, 24-h urine protein, blood pressure, Oxford classifcation and estimated glomerular fltration rate. IgAN patients had a higher IFN-γ serum level than healthy controls and patients with rs1861494 AA genotype had a higher IFN-γ serum level compared with those with AG/GG genotypes. Conclusions: IFN-γ polymorphisms may be involved in the development and progression of IgAN.
Uma análise comparativa sólida, que rejeita determinismos
Authors: Sotero Paulo
Published: April 2017

This article addresses the book Brasil e Estados Unidos: O que Fez a Diferença [Brazil and the United States: What Made the Difference], journalist Ricardo Lessa’s work published in 2008 by Civilização Brasileira publishing company; and which is a gripping comparative interpretation of the social, cultural and economic factors determining the success and the United State, and frustrating the Brazilian dream of repeating the North-American accomplishment in the tropics
Nos desprendemos da Europa tão completa e definitivamente como a Lua da Terra: o americanismo de Nabuco
Authors: Santos Luís Cláudio Villafañe G.
Published: April 2017

The article analyzes the evolution of Joaquim Nabuco´s thought on the role of the United States in the Brazilian foreign policy. The emphasis is on the period that he served as Brazilian ambassador in Washington
Hipólito da Costa visita a jovem democracia yankee
Authors: Pilagallo Oscar
Published: April 2017

In this book Diary of My Trip to Philadelphia, Hipólito José da Costa provides an account of his over-a-year-long visit to the United States in the end of the 18th century. The future journalist and creator of the Correio Braziliense newspaper visited the country in a moment when democracy was being established. That experience would leave deep marks on the professional life of the one who is considered the most influential journalist of the Brazilian colonial period. Philadelphia, then a provisional capital city, had been the main stage of the proclamation of the independence of the country, about two decades earlier. The city had played a key role in the American Revolution since the time of the Thirteen Colonies, which formed the foundation of the United States, and which were still pervaded with some “revolutionary enlightenment”
A Shift in ApoM/S1P Between HDL-Particles in Women With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Is Associated With Impaired Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the ApoM/S1P Complex
Authors: Frej Cecilia , Mendez Armando J. , Ruiz Mario , Castillo Melanie , Hughes Thomas A. , Dahlbäck Björn , Goldberg Ronald B.
Published: April 2017

Objective—

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease despite high levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Apolipoprotein M (apoM) and its ligand sphingosine 1-phospate (S1P) exert many of the anti-inflammatory effects of HDL. We investigated whether apoM and S1P are altered in T1D and whether apoM and S1P are important for HDL functionality in T1D.

Approach and Results—

ApoM and S1P were quantified in plasma from 42 healthy controls and 89 T1D patients. HDL was isolated from plasma and separated into dense, medium-dense, and light HDL by ultracentrifugation. Primary human aortic endothelial cells were challenged with tumor necrosis factor-α in the presence or absence of isolated HDL. Proinflammatory adhesion molecules E-selectin and vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 were quantified by flow cytometry. Activation of the S1P
1
- receptor was evaluated by analyzing downstream signaling targets and receptor internalization. There were no differences in plasma levels of apoM and S1P between controls and T1D patients, but the apoM/S1P complexes were shifted from dense to light HDL particles in T1D. ApoM/S1P in light HDL particles from women were less efficient in inhibiting expression of vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 than apoM/S1P in denser particles. The light HDL particles were unable to activate Akt, whereas all HDL subfractions were equally efficient in activating Erk and receptor internalization.

Conclusions—

ApoM/S1P in light HDL particles were inefficient in inhibiting tumor necrosis factor-α–induced vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in contrast to apoM/S1P in denser HDL particles. T1D patients have a higher proportion of light particles and hence more dysfunctional HDL, which could contribute to the increased cardiovascular disease risk associated with T1D.
Hemocompatibility-Related Outcomes in the MOMENTUM 3 Trial at 6 Months
Authors: Uriel Nir , Colombo Paolo C. , Cleveland Joseph C. , Long James W. , Salerno Christopher , Goldstein Daniel J. , Patel Chetan B. , Ewald Gregory A. , Tatooles Antone J. , Silvestry Scott C. , John Ranjit , Caldeira Christiano , Jeevanandam Valluvan , Boyle Andrew J. , Sundareswaran Kartik S. , Sood Poornima , Mehra Mandeep R.
Published: April 2017

Background:

The HeartMate 3 (HM3) Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) (Abbott) is a centrifugal, fully magnetically levitated, continuous-flow blood pump engineered to enhance hemocompatibility and reduce shear stress on blood components. The MOMENTUM 3 trial (Multicenter Study of MagLev Technology in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Circulatory Support Therapy With HeartMate 3) compares the HM3 LVAS with the HeartMate II (HMII) LVAS (Abbott) in advanced heart failure refractory to medical management, irrespective of therapeutic intention (bridge to transplant versus destination therapy). This investigation reported its primary outcome in the short-term cohort (n=294; 6-month follow-up), demonstrating superiority of the HM3 for the trial primary end point (survival free of a disabling stroke or reoperation to replace the pump for malfunction), driven by a reduced need for reoperations. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the aggregate of hemocompatibility-related clinical adverse events (HRAEs) between the 2 LVAS.

Methods:

We conducted a secondary end point evaluation of HRAE (survival free of any nonsurgical bleeding, thromboembolic event, pump thrombosis, or neurological event) in the short-term cohort (as-treated cohort n=289) at 6 months. The net burden of HRAE was also assessed by using a previously described hemocompatibility score, which uses 4 escalating tiers of hierarchal severity to derive a total score for events encountered during the entire follow-up experience for each patient.

Results:

In 289 patients in the as-treated group (151 the HM3 and 138 the HMII), survival free of any HRAE was achieved in 69% of the HM3 group and in 55% of the HMII group (hazard ratio, 0.62; confidence interval, 0.42–0.91;
P
=0.012). Using the hemocompatibility score, the HM3 group demonstrated less pump thrombosis requiring reoperation (0 versus 36 points,
P
<0.001) or medically managed pump thrombosis (0 versus 5 points,
P
=0.02), and fewer nondisabling strokes (6 versus 24 points,
P
=0.026) than the control HMII LVAS. The net hemocompatibility score in the HM3 in comparison with the HMII patients was 101 (0.67±1.50 points/patient) versus 137 (0.99±1.79 points/patient) (odds ratio, 0.64; confidence interval, 0.39–1.03;
P
=0.065).

Conclusions:

In this secondary analysis of the MOMENTUM 3 trial, the HM3 LVAS demonstrated greater freedom from HRAEs in comparison with the HMII LVAS at 6 months.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02224755.
Using Artificial Intelligence to Reduce the Risk of Nonadherence in Patients on Anticoagulation Therapy
Authors: Labovitz Daniel L. , Shafner Laura , Reyes Gil Morayma , Virmani Deepti , Hanina Adam
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose—

This study evaluated the use of an artificial intelligence platform on mobile devices in measuring and increasing medication adherence in stroke patients on anticoagulation therapy. The introduction of direct oral anticoagulants, while reducing the need for monitoring, have also placed pressure on patients to self-manage. Suboptimal adherence goes undetected as routine laboratory tests are not reliable indicators of adherence, placing patients at increased risk of stroke and bleeding.

Methods—

A randomized, parallel-group, 12-week study was conducted in adults (n=28) with recently diagnosed ischemic stroke receiving any anticoagulation. Patients were randomized to daily monitoring by the artificial intelligence platform (intervention) or to no daily monitoring (control). The artificial intelligence application visually identified the patient, the medication, and the confirmed ingestion. Adherence was measured by pill counts and plasma sampling in both groups.

Results—

For all patients (n=28), mean (SD) age was 57 years (13.2 years) and 53.6% were women. Mean (SD) cumulative adherence based on the artificial intelligence platform was 90.5% (7.5%). Plasma drug concentration levels indicated that adherence was 100% (15 of 15) and 50% (6 of 12) in the intervention and control groups, respectively.

Conclusions—

Patients, some with little experience using a smartphone, successfully used the technology and demonstrated a 50% improvement in adherence based on plasma drug concentration levels. For patients receiving direct oral anticoagulants, absolute improvement increased to 67%. Real-time monitoring has the potential to increase adherence and change behavior, particularly in patients on direct oral anticoagulant therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02599259.
Mexican Americans Receive Less Intensive Stroke Rehabilitation Than Non-Hispanic Whites
Authors: Morgenstern Lewis B. , Sais Emma , Fuentes Michael , Ifejika Nneka L. , Jiang Xiaqing , Horn Susan D. , Case Erin , Lisabeth Lynda D.
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose—

Mexican Americans (MAs) have worse neurological, functional, and cognitive outcomes after stroke. Stroke rehabilitation is important for good outcome. In a population-based study, we sought to determine whether allocation of stroke rehabilitation services differed by ethnicity.

Methods—

Patients with stroke were identified as part of the Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC) project, TX, USA. Cases were validated by physicians using source documentation. Patients were followed prospectively for 3 months after stroke to determine rehabilitation services and transitions. Descriptive statistics were used to depict the study population. Continuous baseline variables were compared using 2 sample
t
tests or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests by ethnicity. Categorical baseline variables were compared using χ
2
tests. Ethnic comparisons of rehabilitation services were compared using χ
2
tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and logistic regression.

Results—

Seventy-two subjects (50 MA and 22 non-Hispanic white [NHW]) were followed. Mean age, NHW-69 (SD 13), MA-66 (SD 11) years, sex (NHW 55% male, MA 50% male) and median presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale did not differ significantly. There were no ethnic differences among the proportion of patients who were sent home without any rehabilitation services (
P
=0.9). Among those who received rehabilitation, NHWs were more likely to get inpatient rehabilitation (73%) compared with MAs (30%),
P
=0.016. MAs (51%) were much more likely to receive home rehabilitation services compared with NHWs (0%) (
P
=0.0017).

Conclusions—

In this population-based study, MAs were more likely to receive home-based rehabilitation, whereas NHWs were more likely to get inpatient rehabilitation. This disparity may, in part, explain the worse stroke outcome in MAs.
Exploiting Linkage Information and Problem-Specific Knowledge in Evolutionary Distribution Network Expansion Planning
Authors: Luong Ngoc Hoang , Poutré Han La , Bosman Peter A. N.
Published: April 2017

This article tackles the Distribution Network Expansion Planning (DNEP) problem that has to be solved by distribution network operators to decide which, where, and/or when enhancements to electricity networks should be introduced to satisfy the future power demands. Because of many real-world details involved, the structure of the problem is not exploited easily using mathematical programming techniques, for which reason we consider solving this problem with evolutionary algorithms (EAs). We compare three types of EAs for optimizing expansion plans: the classic genetic algorithm (GA), the estimation-of-distribution algorithm (EDA), and the Gene-pool Optimal Mixing Evolutionary Algorithm (GOMEA). Not fully knowing the structure of the problem, we study the effect of linkage learning through the use of three linkage models: univariate, marginal product, and linkage tree. We furthermore experiment with the impact of incorporating different levels of problem-specific knowledge in the variation operators. Experiments show that the use of problem-specific variation operators is far more important for the classic GA to find high-quality solutions. In all EAs, the marginal product model and its linkage learning procedure have difficulty in capturing and exploiting the DNEP problem structure. GOMEA, especially when combined with the linkage tree structure, is found to have the most robust performance by far, even when an out-of-the-box variant is used that does not exploit problem-specific knowledge. Based on experiments, we suggest that when selecting optimization algorithms for power system expansion planning problems, EAs that have the ability to effectively model and efficiently exploit problem structures, such as GOMEA, should be given priority, especially in the case of black-box or grey-box optimization.
Inhibition of Pre–Supplementary Motor Area by Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation Leads to More Cautious Decision-making and More Efficient Sensory Evidence Integration
Authors: Tosun Tuğçe , Berkay Dilara , Sack Alexander T. , Çakmak Yusuf Ö. , Balcı Fuat
Published: April 2017

Decisions are made based on the integration of available evidence. The noise in evidence accumulation leads to a particular speed–accuracy tradeoff in decision-making, which can be modulated and optimized by adaptive decision threshold setting. Given the effect of pre-SMA activity on striatal excitability, we hypothesized that the inhibition of pre-SMA would lead to higher decision thresholds and an increased accuracy bias. We used offline continuous theta burst stimulation to assess the effect of transient inhibition of the right pre-SMA on the decision processes in a free-response two-alternative forced-choice task within the drift diffusion model framework. Participants became more cautious and set higher decision thresholds following right pre-SMA inhibition compared with inhibition of the control site (vertex). Increased decision thresholds were accompanied by an accuracy bias with no effects on post-error choice behavior. Participants also exhibited higher drift rates as a result of pre-SMA inhibition compared with the vertex inhibition. These results, in line with the striatal theory of speed–accuracy tradeoff, provide evidence for the functional role of pre-SMA activity in decision threshold modulation. Our results also suggest that pre-SMA might be a part of the brain network associated with the sensory evidence integration.
Seasonal activity and basking of the southernmost population of the freshwater turtle Phrynops hilarii (Chelidae)
Authors: Semeñiuk María B. , Alcalde Leandro
Published: April 2017

This study focuses on basking behaviour of Phrynops hilarii in the southernmost population of the species’ range. The objective was to determine how environmental features affect the basking behaviour of the species. We analyzed two years of data on the seasonal activity of the species for the same stream. We detected 389 P. hilarii basking, mostly alone (76.8%), and on logs and branches (79.3%), but large turtles used shorelines more frequently than did smaller turtles. Basking peaked during late winter and early spring. We found no correlation between the number of basking turtles and air, substrate or water temperatures. P. hilarii was active through all seasons, with activity peaking in summer, when temperature is highest but basking frequency is low. Type of substrate, time of day, and season are key factors that influence the basking behaviour of P. hilarii.
Comparisons between two Antarctic nematodes: cultured Panagrolaimus sp. DAW1 and field-sourced Panagrolaimus davidi
Authors: Wharton David A. , Marshall Craig J. , Egeter Bastian
Published: April 2017

The Antarctic nematodePanagrolaimus davidican survive intracellular freezing. Genetic studies indicate the culture strain (now designated asPanagrolaimussp. DAW1) is a different species to theP. davidiof field origin. This paper reports further attempts both to isolate DAW1 from Antarctic soils and to cultureP. davidiitself. Sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene of 151 individuals indicates that DAW1 is rare in the field, but characterising two new isolates shows that, nevertheless, it is present.Panagrolaimus davidiis common in the field, but cannot be cultured using the media tested here. These two species are difficult to distinguish morphologically, apart from the absence of males in DAW1 and its longer recurved tail. Whilst it is possible that DAW1 is an introduced species, the sites at Shackleton’s hut at Cape Royds are dominated byP. davidi, which is clearly an endemic species.
Phellinus artemisiae sp. nov. (Basidiomycota, Hymenochaetaceae), from western USA
Authors: VLASÁK JOSEF , VLASÁK Jr. JOSEF
Published: April 2017

The dry slopes of mountains in southern California (USA) are often covered by chaparral—dense shrubby vegetation with characteristic plants such as Adenostoma sp., Arctostaphylos sp., and Ceanothus sp. This unique ecosystem is home to a wide array of animal, plant and fungal species, which also show a high degree of endemism. For example, the polypore Phellinus arctostaphyli (Long) Niemelä grows only on the three shrub species mentioned above and is endemic to western North America (Gilbertson & Ryvarden 1987).
Sistotrema macabouense (Cantharellales, Hydnaceae), a new corticioid fungus from Martinique
Authors: GRUHN GÉRALD , HALLENBERG NILS , COURTECUISSE RÉGIS
Published: April 2017

A new species Sistotrema macabouense sp. nov., collected in Martinique (French West Indies), is described and illustrated. The differences to closely related species are discussed.
A new species of the Cerrado in Brazil
Authors: ABREU VANESSA HOLANDA RIGHETTI DE , ESTEVES ROBERTO LOURENÇO
Published: April 2017

A new species of Praxelis (Eupatorieae—Asteraceae) of Cerrado in Brazil, P. macrocarpa, is described and illustrated. It is very similar to P. capillaris but differs in involucral bracts number, involucre size, concrescence of involucral bracts, fruit size, flower size, and apical anther appendages. A description of pollen characters of the new species and a new key to the species of Praxelis in Brazil are included.
Validation of Calciphilopteris wallichii and lectotype designation for closely related C. ludens (Cheilanthoideae, Pteridaceae)
Authors: SEREGIN ALEXEY P.
Published: April 2017

The Moscow University Herbarium holds a nearly complete set of Hugh Cuming’s specimens collected in 1836–1840 in the Philippines (Seregin 2011). Due to a large number of duplicates, Cuming’s specimens played a vital role in the stability of the Malesian plant nomenclature in the 19th century. Bobrov & Gubanov (1979) carefully separated all of the pteridophytes from the Cuming collections at MW and LE and revealed many fern types. Later, Seregin (2011) studied vast collections of flowering plants and cited 420 type specimens of 395 taxa.
The Hydraenidae of Cuba (Insecta: Coleoptera) III. Description of two new hygropetric species of Hydraena Kugelann
Authors: DELER-HERNÁNDEZ ALBERT , FIKÁČEK MARTIN , DELGADO JUAN A.
Published: April 2017

Two new species of the genus Hydraena Kugelann, 1794 collected from hygropetric habitats in eastern Cuba are described: Hydraena (Hydraenopsis) blancae sp. nov. from the Nipe-Sagua-Baracoa mountain range, and Hydraena (Hydraenopsis) matthiasi sp. nov. from the Sierra Maestra mountain range. Both species, especially the latter, are closely related to Hydraena (Hydraenopsis) franklyni Deler-Hernández & Delgado, 2012. Diagnostic characters for both new species are provided and illustrated; habitat information and distributional data are also included. An updated key to Cuban species of Hydraena is provided. With this study, the number of species of Hydraena known from Cuba raises to six.
On the taxonomy of two poorly known species of Geosesarma De Man, 1892 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Sesarmidae) from the Philippines
Authors: NG PETER K. L. , LEMAITRE RAFAEL
Published: April 2017

The identities of two poorly-known species of semiterrestrial crabs of the genus Geosesarma De Man, 1892, from the Philippines, are clarified. The types of Sesarma (Sesarma) vicentense Rathbun, 1914 (from Luzon), and Sesarma (Geosesarma) rathbunae Serène, 1968 (from Panay), are examined and both species are rediagnosed with detailed figures. Comparisons with allied congeners are also provided.
Three new species of Psyrassa Pascoe, 1866 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae)
Authors: SANTOS-SILVA ANTONIO , BOTERO JUAN PABLO , TABOADA-VERONA CARLOS
Published: April 2017

Currently, Psyrassa Pascoe, 1866 includes 37 species distributed mainly in southern United States to Central America (Monné 2016; Tavakilian and Chevillotte 2016). Only four species occur in northern South America: P. meridionalis Martins, 2005 (Ecuador); P. rufescens Nonfried, 1894 (Brazil); P. testacea Linsley, 1935 (Colombia, Venezuela, French Guiana); and P. subglabra Linsley, 1935 (Ecuador).
The Impact of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on Winter and Early Spring U.S. Tornado Outbreaks
Authors: Cook Ashton Robinson , Leslie Lance M. , Parsons David B. , Schaefer Joseph T.
Published: April 2017

In recent years, the potential of seasonal outlooks for tornadoes has attracted the attention of researchers. Previous studies on this topic have focused mainly on the influence of global circulation patterns [e.g., El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), North Atlantic Oscillation, or Pacific decadal oscillation] on spring tornadoes. However, these studies have yielded conflicting results of the roles of these climate drivers on tornado intensity and frequency. The present study seeks to establish linkages between ENSO and tornado outbreaks over the United States during winter and early spring. These linkages are established in two ways: 1) statistically, by relating raw counts of tornadoes in outbreaks (defined as six or more tornadoes in a 24-h period in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains), and their destructive potential, to sea surface temperature anomalies observed in the Niño-3.4 region, and 2) qualitatively, by relating ENSO to shifts in synoptic-scale atmospheric phenomena that contribute to tornado outbreaks. The latter approach is critical for interpreting the statistical relationships, thereby avoiding the deficiencies in a few of the previous studies that did not provide physical explanations relating ENSO to shifts in tornado activity. The results suggest that shifts in tornado occurrence are clearly related to ENSO. In particular, La Niña conditions consistently foster more frequent and intense tornado activity in comparison with El Niño, particularly at higher latitudes. Furthermore, it is found that tornado activity changes are tied not only to the location and intensity of the subtropical jet during individual outbreaks but also to the positions of surface cyclones, low-level jet streams, and instability axes.
A Coupled Circulation–Wave Model for Numerical Simulation of Storm Tides and Waves
Authors: Marsooli Reza , Orton Philip M. , Mellor George , Georgas Nickitas , Blumberg Alan F.
Published: April 2017

The Stevens Institute of Technology Estuarine and Coastal Ocean Model (sECOM) is coupled here with the Mellor–Donelan–Oey (MDO) wave model to simulate coastal flooding due to storm tides and waves. sECOM is the three-dimensional (3D) circulation model used in the New York Harbor Observing and Prediction System (NYHOPS). The MDO wave model is a computationally cost-effective spectral wave model suitable for coupling with 3D circulation models. The coupled sECOM–MDO model takes into account wave–current interactions through wave-enhanced water surface roughness and wind stress, wave–current bottom stress, and depth-dependent wave radiation stress. The model results are compared with existing laboratory measurements and the field data collected in New York–New Jersey (NY–NJ) harbor during Hurricane Sandy. Comparisons between the model results and laboratory measurements demonstrate the capabilities of the model to accurately simulate wave characteristics, wave-induced water elevation, and undertow current. The model results for Hurricane Sandy reveal the successful performance of sECOM–MDO in situations where high waves and storm tides coexist. The results indicate that the temporal maximum wave setup in NY–NJ harbor was 0.26 m. On the other hand, the contribution of wave setup to the peak storm tide was 0.13 m, a contribution of only 3.8%. It is found that the inclusion of wave radiation stress and wave-enhanced bottom friction in the circulation model can reduce the errors in the calculated storm tides. At the Battery (New York), for example, the root-mean-square error reduced from 0.17 to 0.12 m.
The Influence of PBL Parameterization on the Practical Predictability of Convection Initiation during the Mesoscale Predictability Experiment (MPEX)
Authors: Burlingame Bryan M. , Evans Clark , Roebber Paul J.
Published: April 2017

This study evaluates the influence of planetary boundary layer parameterization on short-range (0–15 h) convection initiation (CI) forecasts within convection-allowing ensembles that utilize subsynoptic-scale observations collected during the Mesoscale Predictability Experiment. Three cases, 19–20 May, 31 May–1 June, and 8–9 June 2013, are considered, each characterized by a different large-scale flow pattern. An object-based method is used to verify and analyze CI forecasts. Local mixing parameterizations have, relative to nonlocal mixing parameterizations, higher probabilities of detection but also higher false alarm ratios, such that the ensemble mean forecast skill only subtly varied between parameterizations considered. Temporal error distributions associated with matched events are approximately normal around a zero mean, suggesting little systematic timing bias. Spatial error distributions are skewed, with average mean (median) distance errors of approximately 44 km (28 km). Matched event cumulative distribution functions suggest limited forecast skill increases beyond temporal and spatial thresholds of 1 h and 100 km, respectively. Forecast skill variation is greatest between cases with smaller variation between PBL parameterizations or between individual ensemble members for a given case, implying greatest control on CI forecast skill by larger-scale features than PBL parameterization. In agreement with previous studies, local mixing parameterizations tend to produce simulated boundary layers that are too shallow, cool, and moist, while nonlocal mixing parameterizations tend to be deeper, warmer, and drier. Forecasts poorly resolve strong capping inversions across all parameterizations, which is hypothesized to result primarily from implicit numerical diffusion associated with the default finite-differencing formulation for vertical advection used herein.
From an emic perspective: Exploring consent in forced marriage law
Authors: Sowey Helen
Published: April 2017

Forced marriage was criminalised in Australia in March 2013, putting the issue on the agenda of policy-makers and social service providers. Increasingly, however, it is being recognised that criminal laws alone cannot address the practice; protective and preventative strategies are also needed. This paper argues that strategies to address forced marriage will be most effective if they are informed by contextualised and emic understandings of the phenomenon, that is, by the perspectives of individuals, families and communities who are directly affected by forced marriage. Primary research is required to obtain such perspectives. Research into forced marriage in Australia is still in its infancy, and primary research is almost non-existent. This paper, then, looks to primary research from the UK and other comparable Western multicultural nations, offering a critique of this body of literature before drawing out what is revealed about why marriages are forced, how marriages are forced, and what people in forced marriage situations want. The implications of criminal prosecution are then considered in light of this emic understanding. The legal definition of forced marriage hinges on the concept of consent: it is consent that distinguishes an arranged marriage from a forced one. In the UK, the notion of consent has been robustly problematised. However this is not the case in Australia at present, and this paper critiques the value of the concept of consent given the social contexts of forced marriage described above. The implications of this critique for the application of Australia’s forced marriage law are then considered. Finally, from a place of contextualised and emic understanding of forced marriage, this paper considers how protective and preventative strategies might be enhanced.
Second Era of OMICS in Caries Research: Moving Past the Phase of Disillusionment
Authors: Nascimento M.M. , Zaura E. , Mira A. , Takahashi N. , ten Cate J.M.
Published: April 2017

Novel approaches using OMICS techniques enable a collective assessment of multiple related biological units, including genes, gene expression, proteins, and metabolites. In the past decade, next-generation sequencing ( NGS) technologies were improved by longer sequence reads and the development of genome databases and user-friendly pipelines for data analysis, all accessible at lower cost. This has generated an outburst of high-throughput data. The application of OMICS has provided more depth to existing hypotheses as well as new insights in the etiology of dental caries. For example, the determination of complete bacterial microbiomes of oral samples rather than selected species, together with oral metatranscriptome and metabolome analyses, supports the viewpoint of dysbiosis of the supragingival biofilms. In addition, metabolome studies have been instrumental in disclosing the contributions of major pathways for central carbon and amino acid metabolisms to biofilm pH homeostasis. New, often noncultured, oral streptococci have been identified, and their phenotypic characterization has revealed candidates for probiotic therapy. Although findings from OMICS research have been greatly informative, problems related to study design, data quality, integration, and reproducibility still need to be addressed. Also, the emergence and continuous updates of these computationally demanding technologies require expertise in advanced bioinformatics for reliable interpretation of data. Despite the obstacles cited above, OMICS research is expected to encourage the discovery of novel caries biomarkers and the development of next-generation diagnostics and therapies for caries control. These observations apply equally to the study of other oral diseases.
Piezo2 Expression in Mechanosensitive Dental Primary Afferent Neurons
Authors: Won J. , Vang H. , Lee P.R. , Kim Y.H. , Kim H.W. , Kang Y. , Oh S.B.
Published: April 2017

Mechanosensitive ion channels have been suggested to be expressed in dental primary afferent (DPA) neurons to transduce the movement of dentinal fluid since the proposal of hydrodynamic theory. Piezo2, a mechanosensitive, rapidly inactivating (RI) ion channel, has been recently identified in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to mediate tactile transduction. Here, we examined the expression of Piezo2 in DPA neurons by in situ hybridization, single-cell reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. DPA neurons with Piezo2 messenger RNA (mRNA) or Piezo2-like currents were further characterized based on their neurochemical and electrophysiological properties. Piezo2 mRNA was found mostly in medium- to large-sized DPA neurons, with the majority of these neurons also positive for Nav1.8, CGRP, and NF200, whereas only a minor population was positive for IB4 and peripherin. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed Piezo2-like, RI currents evoked by mechanical stimulation in a subpopulation of DPA neurons. RI currents were pharmacologically blocked by ruthenium red, a compound known to block Piezo2, and were also reduced by small interfering RNA-mediated Piezo2 knockdown. Piezo2-like currents were observed almost exclusively in IB4-negative DPA neurons, with the current amplitude larger in capsaicin-insensitive DPA neurons than the capsaicin-sensitive population. Our findings show that subpopulation of DPA neurons is indeed mechanically sensitive. Within this subpopulation of mechanosensitive DPA neurons, we have identified the Piezo2 ion channel as a potential transducer for mechanical stimuli, contributing to RI inward currents. Piezo2-positive DPA neurons were characterized as medium- to large-sized neurons with myelinated A-fibers, containing nociceptive peptidergic neurotransmitters.