bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Radiofrequency Ablation With Magnetically Directed Metallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Nguyen Duy T. , Tzou Wendy S. , Zheng Lijun , Barham Waseem , Schuller Joseph L. , Shillinglaw Benjamin , Quaife Robert A. , Sauer William H.
Published: May 2016

Background—

Remote heating of metal located near a radiofrequency ablation source has been previously demonstrated. Therefore, ablation of cardiac tissue treated with metallic nanoparticles may improve local radiofrequency heating and lead to larger ablation lesions. We sought to evaluate the effect of magnetic nanoparticles on tissue sensitivity to radiofrequency energy.

Methods and Results—

Ablation was performed using an ablation catheter positioned with 10 g of force over prepared ex vivo specimens. Tissue temperatures were measured and lesion volumes were acquired. An in vivo porcine thigh model was used to study systemically delivered magnetically guided iron oxide (FeO) nanoparticles during radiofrequency application. Magnetic resonance imaging and histological staining of ablated tissue were subsequently performed as a part of ablation lesion analysis. Ablation of ex vivo myocardial tissue treated with metallic nanoparticles resulted in significantly larger lesions with greater impedance changes and evidence of increased thermal conductivity within the tissue. Magnet-guided localization of FeO nanoparticles within porcine thigh preps was demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging and iron staining. Irrigated ablation in the regions with greater FeO, after FeO infusion and magnetic guidance, created larger lesions without a greater incidence of steam pops.

Conclusions—

Metal nanoparticle infiltration resulted in significantly larger ablation lesions with altered electric and thermal conductivity. In vivo magnetic guidance of FeO nanoparticles allowed for facilitated radiofrequency ablation without direct infiltration into the targeted tissue. Further research is needed to assess the clinical applicability of this ablation strategy using metallic nanoparticles for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.
Reporting of Lost to Follow-Up and Treatment Discontinuation in Pharmacotherapy and Device Trials in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Campbell Ross T. , Willox Gage P. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Hawkins Nathaniel M. , Huang Flora , Petrie Mark C. , McMurray John J.V.
Published: May 2016

Background—

Premature treatment discontinuation and loss to follow-up (LTFU) with unknown outcomes leave uncertainty about the true efficacy and safety of a treatment and a lack of confidence in the results of any trial. We reviewed the extent of (and trends over time in) reporting LTFU and treatment discontinuation in large studies in chronic heart failure published since 1990.

Methods and Results—

Online databases were systematically reviewed to identify randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) in chronic heart failure with >400 participants and utilizing all-cause mortality as a component of the primary or secondary end point. Assessments were made of documentation of treatment discontinuation, LTFU, inclusion of and completeness of a Consolidated Standards Of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) diagram, and whether LTFU was differentiated from withdrawal of consent. Sixty-eight trials were identified, with >154 000 participants. Reasons for treatment discontinuation in pharmacotherapy trials were infrequently reported (35%), particularly in a CONSORT diagram (20%). Eighty-three percent of trials reported LTFU, although only 34% of these differentiated LTFU for vital status from withdrawal of consent. Use of a CONSORT diagram increased over time, although reporting of LTFU in the CONSORT diagram remained low overall at 35%.

Conclusions—

Participant flow through RCTs in chronic heart failure has not been uniformly reported, and the use of a complete CONSORT diagram has been low, although it seems to be improving. All study participants should be accounted for within a CONSORT diagram in any RCT to enable the practicing cardiologist to interpret how the results should influence his/her clinical practice.
Lack of Concordance Between Local Investigators, Angiographic Core Laboratory, and Clinical Event Committee in the Assessment of Stent Thrombosis
Authors: Popma Christopher J. , Sheng Shi , Korjian Serge , Daaboul Yazan , Chi Gerald , Tricoci Pierluigi , Huang Zhen , Moliterno David J. , White Harvey D. , Van de Werf Frans , Harrington Robert A. , Wallentin Lars , Held Claes , Armstrong Paul W. , Aylward Philip E. , Strony John , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Gibson C. Michael
Published: May 2016

Background—

Stent thrombosis (ST) is an important end point in cardiovascular clinical trials. Adjudication is traditionally based on clinical event committee (CEC) review of case report forms and source documentation rather than angiograms. However, the degree to which this method of adjudication is concordant with the review of independent angiographic core laboratories (ACLs) has not been studied. This report represents the first assessment of variability between local investigators (LIs), a CEC, and an ACL.

Methods and Results—

Serial angiograms of 329 patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment–elevation who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention at entry in the Trial to Assess the Effects of Vorapaxar in Preventing Heart Attack and Stroke in Particpants With Acute Coronary Syndrome (TRACER) and who met criteria for possible ST subsequent to the index event were reviewed by an ACL. The ACL was blinded to the assessment by both LIs and the CEC regarding the presence or absence of ST. CEC adjudication was based on Academic Research Consortium definitions of ST, using case report form data and source documents, including catheterization laboratory reports. The ACL, CEC, and LIs agreed on the presence or absence of ST in 52.9% events (
κ
=0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.26–0.39). The ACL and CEC agreed on 82.7% of events (
κ
=0.57; 95% confidence interval, 0.47–0.67); the ACL and LIs agreed on 61.1% of events (
κ
=0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.34); and the CEC and LIs agreed on 62% of events (
κ
=0.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.21–0.36).

Conclusions—

ST reporting by an ACL, a CEC, and LIs is discordant. The assessment of ST is more often detected by direct review of angiograms by an ACL.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00527943.
Is There a Relationship of Operator and Center Volume With Access Site–Related Outcomes?
Authors: Hulme William , Sperrin Matthew , Rushton Helen , Ludman Peter F. , De Belder Mark , Curzen Nick , Kinnaird Tim , Kwok Chun Shing , Buchan Iain , Nolan James , Mamas Mamas A.
Published: May 2016

Background—

Transradial access is associated with reduced access site–related bleeding complications and mortality post percutaneous coronary intervention. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between access site practice and clinical outcomes and how this may be influenced by operator and center experience/expertise.

Methods and Results—

The influence of operator and center experience/expertise was studied on 30-day mortality, in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (a composite of in-hospital mortality and in-hospital myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularization) and in-hospital major bleeding based on access site adopted (radial versus femoral). Operator/center experience/expertise were defined by both total volume and transradial access proportion. A total of 164 395 procedures between 2012 and 2013 in the National Health Service in England and Wales were analyzed. After case-mix adjustment, transradial access was associated with an average odds reduction of 39% for 30-day mortality compared with transfemoral access (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.68;
P
<0.001). The magnitude of this risk reduction was modified by increases in total procedural volume and radial proportion at the operator level (odds ratio reduction of 11% per 100 extra procedures, 95% confidence interval, 3%–19%; odds ratio reduction of 6% per 10%-point increase in radial proportion, 95% confidence interval, 1%–11%) with no significant impact of operator radial volume, center total volume, center radial volume, and center radial proportion.

Conclusions—

The lower mortality associated with transradial access adoption relates to both the total procedural volume and the proportion of procedures undertaken radially by operator, with operators undertaking the greatest proportion of their procedures radially having the largest relative reduction in mortality risk.
Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty in Patients With Infrapopliteal Arterial Disease
Authors: Mustapha J.A. , Finton Sara M. , Diaz-Sandoval Larry J. , Saab Fadi A. , Miller Larry E.
Published: May 2016

Background—

Contemporary outcomes of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for the treatment of infrapopliteal atherosclerotic lesions are not well characterized. Hence, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine the safety and effectiveness of this approach in patients with advanced below-the-knee arterial disease.

Methods and Results—

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for contemporary studies (2005–2015) on the effects of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for the treatment of infrapopliteal lesions. A random effects meta-analysis model was used to analyze procedural (technical success, flow-limiting dissection, provisional stent placement) and long-term (primary patency, repeat revascularization, major amputation, all-cause mortality) outcomes. Ultimately, 52 studies encompassing 6769 patients with 9399 below-the-knee lesions were included in the analysis. Technical success was 91.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 88.8–93.0), and the incidence of flow-limiting dissections and bailout stenting was 5.6% (95% CI, 3.2–9.8) and 9.1% (95% CI, 6.3–12.9), respectively. Outcomes at 1 year were primary patency, 63.1% (95% CI, 57.3–68.6); repeat revascularization, 18.2% (95% CI, 14.5–22.6); major amputation, 14.9% (95% CI, 12.3–18.0); and all-cause mortality, 15.1% (95% CI, 12.8–17.7). Significant heterogeneity and publication bias were observed for most percutaneous transluminal angioplasty outcomes.

Conclusions—

Contemporary studies of the use of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty as primary treatment for patients with infrapopliteal arterial disease reveal suboptimal procedural and 1-year clinical outcomes.
Culprit Vessel Revascularization Prior to Diagnostic Angiography as a Strategy to Reduce Delays in Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Couture Etienne L. , Bérubé Simon , Dalery Karl , Gervais André , Harvey Richard , Nguyen Michel , Parenteau Émilie , Daneault Benoit
Published: May 2016

Background—

Delays are important markers of quality of care in primary percutaneous coronary intervention. There is scarce data on the impact of obtaining a complete diagnostic angiography before primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and Results—

Consecutive patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention at our institution between January 2012 and December 2014 were studied. After excluding patients with prior coronary artery bypass surgery, 925 patients were included in the analysis. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to the as-treated revascularization strategy: culprit-vessel revascularization first, contralateral angiography first, or complete angiography first. Propensity score matching was used to minimize difference in clinical characteristics between groups. Predictors of culprit-vessel first revascularization were anterior/lateral infarct location and absence of diabetes mellitus. After propensity score matching, the median vascular access-to-balloon time was 4 to 6 minutes shorter with a culprit-vessel revascularization first strategy. This reduction in time to reperfusion increased the proportion of patients treated within recommended delays. However, there was no significant difference in 30-day clinical outcomes associated with these delays reduction.

Conclusions—

Performing culprit-vessel primary percutaneous coronary intervention before contralateral or complete diagnostic angiography is associated with a statistically significant reduction in vascular access-to-balloon time, although the 4- to 6-minute difference is unlikely to be clinically relevant. This small but significant reduction could translate in an augmentation in the proportion of patients treated within recommended delays.
Impact of Nurse-Led, Multidisciplinary Home-Based Intervention on Event-Free Survival Across the Spectrum of Chronic Heart Disease
Authors: Stewart Simon , Wiley Joshua F. , Ball Jocasta , Chan Yih-Kai , Ahamed Yasmin , Thompson David R. , Carrington Melinda J.
Published: May 2016

Background—

We sought to determine the overall impact of a nurse-led, multidisciplinary home-based intervention (HBI) adapted to hospitalized patients with chronic forms of heart disease of varying types.

Methods and Results—

Prospectively planned, combined, secondary analysis of 3 randomized trials (1226 patients) of HBI were compared with standard management. Hospitalized patients presenting with heart disease but not heart failure, atrial fibrillation but not heart failure, and heart failure, as well, were recruited. Overall, 612 and 614 patients, respectively, were allocated to a home visit 7 to 14 days postdischarge by a cardiac nurse with follow-up and multidisciplinary support according to clinical need or standard management. The primary outcome of days-alive and out-of-hospital was examined on an intention-to-treat basis. During 1371 days (interquartile range, 1112–1605) of follow-up, 218 patients died and 17 917 days of hospital stay were recorded. In comparison with standard management, HBI patients achieved significantly prolonged event-free survival (90.1% [95% confidence interval, 88.2–92.0] versus 87.2% [95% confidence interval, 85.1–89.3] days-alive and out-of-hospital;
P
=0.020). This reflected less all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.50–0.88;
P
=0.005) and unplanned hospital stay (median, 0.22 [interquartile range, 0–1.3] versus 0.36 [0–2.1] days/100 days follow-up;
P
=0.011). Analyses of the differential impact of HBI on all-cause mortality showed significant interactions (characterized by U-shaped relationships) with age (
P
=0.005) and comorbidity (
P
=0.041); HBI was most effective for those aged 60 to 82 years (59%–65% of individual trial cohorts) and with a Charlson Comorbidity Index Score of 5 to 8 (36%–61%).

Conclusions—

These data provide further support for the application of postdischarge HBI across the full spectrum of patients being hospitalized for chronic forms of heart disease.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.anzctr.org.au
. Unique identifiers: 12610000221055, 12608000022369, 12607000069459.
Modest Salt Reduction Lowers Blood Pressure and Albumin Excretion in Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Suckling Rebecca J. , He Feng J. , Markandu Nirmala D. , MacGregor Graham A.
Published: May 2016

The role of salt restriction in patients with impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus is controversial, with a lack of well controlled, longer term, modest salt reduction trials in this group of patients, in spite of the marked increase in cardiovascular risk. We carried out a 12-week randomized double-blind, crossover trial of salt restriction with salt or placebo tablets, each for 6 weeks, in 46 individuals with diet-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus or impaired glucose tolerance and untreated normal or high normal blood pressure (BP). From salt to placebo, 24-hour urinary sodium was reduced by 49±9 mmol (2.9 g salt). This reduction in salt intake led to fall in clinic BP from 136/81±2/1 mm Hg to 131/80±2/1 mm Hg, (systolic BP;
P
<0.01). Mean ambulatory 24-hour BP was reduced by 3/2±1/1 mm Hg (systolic BP,
P
<0.01 and diastolic BP,
P
<0.05), and albumin/creatinine ratio was reduced from 0.73 mg/mmol (0.5–1.5) to 0.64 mg/mmol (0.3–1.1;
P
<0.05). There was no significant change in fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, or insulin sensitivity. These results demonstrate that a modest reduction in salt intake, to approximately the amount recommended in public health guidelines, leads to significant and clinically relevant falls in BP in individuals who are early on in the progression of diabetes mellitus with normal or mildly raised BP. The reduction in urinary albumin excretion may carry additional benefits in reducing cardiovascular disease above the effects on BP.
Mid- to Late-Life Trajectories of Blood Pressure and the Risk of Stroke
Authors: Portegies Marileen L.P. , Mirza Saira Saeed , Verlinden Vincentius J.A. , Hofman Albert , Koudstaal Peter J. , Swanson Sonja A. , Ikram M. Arfan
Published: May 2016

Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for stroke. Associations of blood pressure with incident stroke are mostly based on single or average blood pressure levels. However, this approach does not take into account long-term trajectories of blood pressure, which can vary considerably in the elderly. Within the population-based Rotterdam Study, we examined trajectories of systolic blood pressure in 6745 participants (60.0% women) over an age-range from 55 to 106 years and jointly modeled their risk of stroke and competing causes of death using joint latent class mixed modeling. Four trajectories were identified. Class 1 was characterized by blood pressure increasing gradually from on average 120 to 160 mm Hg over 5 decades (n=4938). Compared with this class, class 2, characterized by a similar midlife blood pressure, but a steep increase (n=822, increasing from 120 to 200 mm Hg), and class 4, characterized by a high midlife blood pressure (n=115; average 160 mm Hg) and had a higher risk of stroke and death. Class 3, characterized by a moderate midlife blood pressure (n=870; average 140 mm Hg), had a similar risk of death as class 1, but the highest risk of stroke. Assessing trajectories of blood pressure provides a more nuanced understanding of the associations between blood pressure, stroke, and mortality. In particular, high blood pressure and rapidly increasing blood pressure patterns are associated with a high risk of stroke and death, whereas moderately high blood pressure is only related to an increased risk of stroke. Future studies should explore the potential pathogenic significance of these patterns.
Chronic Interactions Between Carotid Baroreceptors and Chemoreceptors in Obesity Hypertension
Authors: Lohmeier Thomas E. , Iliescu Radu , Tudorancea Ionut , Cazan Radu , Cates Adam W. , Georgakopoulos Dimitrios , Irwin Eric D.
Published: May 2016

Carotid bodies play a critical role in protecting against hypoxemia, and their activation increases sympathetic activity, arterial pressure, and ventilation, responses opposed by acute stimulation of the baroreflex. Although chemoreceptor hypersensitivity is associated with sympathetically mediated hypertension, the mechanisms involved and their significance in the pathogenesis of hypertension remain unclear. We investigated the chronic interactions of these reflexes in dogs with sympathetically mediated, obesity-induced hypertension based on the hypothesis that hypoxemia and tonic activation of carotid chemoreceptors may be associated with obesity. After 5 weeks on a high-fat diet, the animals experienced a 35% to 40% weight gain and increases in arterial pressure from 106±3 to 123±3 mm Hg and respiratory rate from 8±1 to 12±1 breaths/min along with hypoxemia (arterial partial pressure of oxygen=81±3 mm Hg) but eucapnia. During 7 days of carotid baroreflex activation by electric stimulation of the carotid sinus, tachypnea was attenuated, and hypertension was abolished before these variables returned to prestimulation values during a recovery period. After subsequent denervation of the carotid sinus region, respiratory rate decreased transiently in association with further sustained reductions in arterial partial pressure of oxygen (to 65±2 mm Hg) and substantial hypercapnia. Moreover, the severity of hypertension was attenuated from 125±2 to 116±3 mm Hg (45%–50% reduction). These findings suggest that hypoxemia may account for sustained stimulation of peripheral chemoreceptors in obesity and that this activation leads to compensatory increases in ventilation and central sympathetic outflow that contributes to neurogenically mediated hypertension. Furthermore, the excitatory effects of chemoreceptor hyperactivity are abolished by chronic activation of the carotid baroreflex.
Longitudinal Trends in Hypertension Management and Mortality Among Octogenarians
Authors: Dregan Alex , Ravindrarajah Rathi , Hazra Nisha , Hamada Shota , Jackson Stephen H.D. , Gulliford Martin C.
Published: May 2016

The role of hypertension management among octogenarians is controversial. In this long-term follow-up (>10 years) study, we estimated trends in hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control among octogenarians, and evaluated the relationship of systolic blood pressure (SBP) ranges with mortality. Data were based on the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). Outcome measures were hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control, and cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality events. Participants were separated into 8 categories of SBP values (<110, 110–119, 120–129, 130–139, 140–149, 150–159, 160–169, and >169 mm Hg). Among 2692 octogenarians, mean SBP levels declined from 147 mm Hg in 1998/2000 to 134 mm Hg in 2012/2013. The decline was of lower magnitude in the 50 to 79 years old subgroup (n=22007). Hypertension prevalence and awareness were 40% and 13%, respectively, higher among octogenarians than the 50 to 79 years of age subgroup, but hypertension treatment rates were similar (≈90%). Around 47% of the treated octogenarians achieved conventional BP targets (<140/90 mm Hg), increasing to 59% when assessed against revised targets (<150/90 mm Hg). All-cause mortality rates were higher (hazard ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.89–2.72) at lower extremes of SBP values (<110 mm Hg). The lowest cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality risk among treated octogenarians was observed for an SBP range of 140 to 149 mm Hg (1.04, 0.60–1.78) and 160 to 169 mm Hg (0.78, 0.51–1.21). An increasing trend in hypertension awareness and treatment was observed in a large sample of community-dwelling octogenarians. The results do not support the view that more stringent BP targets may be associated with lower mortality.
Hemodynamics and Salt-and-Water Balance Link Sodium Storage and Vascular Dysfunction in Salt-Sensitive Subjects
Authors: Laffer Cheryl L. , Scott Robert C. , Titze Jens M. , Luft Friedrich C. , Elijovich Fernando
Published: May 2016

We investigated 24-hour hemodynamic changes produced by salt loading and depletion in 8 salt-sensitive (SS) and 13 salt-resistant (SR) normotensive volunteers. After salt loading, mean arterial pressure was higher in SS (96.5±2.8) than in SR (84.2±2.7 mm Hg),
P
<0.01, owing to higher total peripheral resistance in SS (1791±148) than in SR (1549±66 dyn*cm
-5
*s),
P
=0.05, whereas cardiac output was not different between groups (SS 4.5±0.3 versus SR 4.4±0.2 L/min, not significant). Following salt depletion, cardiac output was equally reduced in both groups. Total peripheral resistance increased 24±6% (
P
<0.001) in SR, whose mean arterial pressure remained unchanged. In contrast, total peripheral resistance did not change in SS (1±6%, not significant). Thus, their mean arterial pressure was reduced, abolishing the mean arterial pressure difference between groups. SS had higher E/e′ ratios than SR in both phases of the protocol. In these 21 subjects and in 32 hypertensive patients, Na
+
balance was similar in SR and SS during salt loading or depletion. However, SR did not gain weight during salt retention (−158±250 g), whereas SS did (819±204), commensurate to iso-osmolar water retention. During salt depletion, SR lost the expected amount of weight for iso-osmolar Na
+
excretion, whereas SS lost a greater amount that failed to fully correct the fluid retention from the previous day. We conclude that SS are unable to modulate total peripheral resistance in response to salt depletion, mirroring their inability to vasodilate in response to salt loading. We suggest that differences in water balance between SS and SR indicate differences in salt-and-water storage in the interstitial compartment that may relate to vascular dysfunction in SS.
Between Schelling and Marx: The Hegel of Slavoj Žižek
Authors: Cesarale Giorgio
Published: May 2016

InLess Than Nothing: Hegel and the Shadow of Dialectical Materialism, Slavoj Žižek presents the results of his long meditation on the meaning and ultimate implications of Hegelian philosophy. In this review-article, I will first examine the stages of Žižek’s transformation of Hegelianism, and then analyse the main themes brought up inLess than Nothing. The development of a ‘polemological’ interpretation of the Hegelian concepts of ‘reconciliation’ and ‘absolute’ leads Žižek to emphasise the role of negativity and antagonism in the process of constitution of reality and subject as part of reality itself. This implies a reinterpretation of dialectical materialism: reality is not something that simply precedes the subject, but which contains just multiplicities of multiplicities, and thus the Void itself. Žižek’s assertion that the ultimate reality is the Void itself then renders unavoidable the critique of Hegelian Marxism based on the centrality of the category of alienation. The last part of the review-article surveys, instead, how Žižek’s re-reading of Hegel affects his relation with Marx and also examines the role played by ‘contradiction’ in his theoretical proposal.
Two new Lycoperdon species collected from Korea: L. albiperidium and L. subperlatum spp. nov.
Authors: KIM CHANG SUN , JO JONG WON , KWAG YOUNG-NAM , SUNG GI-HO , HAN JAE-GU , KIM SANG-YONG , SHIN CHANG-HO , HAN SANG-KUK , SHRESTHA BHUSHAN , OH SOON-OK
Published: May 2016

Thirty-four Lycoperdon specimens from Korea were examined with the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA sequence data. The result of the ITS sequences phylogenetic analysis indicated that the Korean specimens represented nine different species. To confirm the taxonomic position of these species, we conducted an intensive morphological investigation, and additional phylogenetic investigation of the protein coding regions RNA polymerase subunit II (RPB2) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1). We discovered two new species (L. albiperidium and L. subperlatum) and one (L. ericaeum) newly discovered in Korea. Lycoperdon albiperidium is closely related to L. ericaeum based on ITS, RPB2 and TEF1 sequence data, but these species were distinguishable by morphological characteristics, especially the shape of the basidiocarps, the diameter of the eucapillitial threads and the size of the basidospores. Lycoperdon subperlatum is quite similar to the European and American L. perlatum based on morphological characteristics. However, L. subperlatum is clearly distinct from European and American L. perlatum based on ITS, RPB2 and TEF1 sequence data, and somewhat differs from them in macro- and microscopic characteristics. Based on morphological characteristics, L. ericaeum is related to L. subumbrinum and L. lividum but it is distinguishable by the presence of fragile, eucapillitial threads, the diameters of the threads and ITS sequences. Here, we describe four Lycoperdon species collected in Korea.
The correct assignment of the lectotype of Vochysia guianensis (Vochysiaceae)
Authors: SHIMIZU GUSTAVO HIROAKI , GONÇALVES DEISE JOSELY PEREIRA , LITT AMY , SIMÕES ANDRÉ OLMOS , YAMAMOTO KIKYO
Published: May 2016

Vochysia Aublet (1775: 18) encompasses ca. 140 species, distributed from Mexico to southern Brazil. They are mainly large trees, with spurred yellow flowers, usually 3-petaled and with a single fertile stamen (Kawasaki 2007). The genus was described by Aublet (1775) in his work on plants from French Guiana as ‘Vochy’, taken from a native name among the Caribs, and after several latinizations the form ‘Vochysia’, proposed by Poiret (1808), was conserved.
Systematics of Irvingiaceae and Ixonanthaceae (Malpighiales): phylogenetic analysis based on three plastid DNA loci
Authors: BYNG JAMES W. , BERNARDINI BENEDETTA , CHRISTENHUSZ MAARTEN J. M. , CHASE MARK W.
Published: May 2016

Relationships of Ixonanthaceae and Irvingiaceae have been poorly known in the past. We therefore investigate the relationships of these families here. Plastid atpB, rbcL and ndhF sequences from taxa representing all genera were analysed using maximum likelihood. Allantospermum was found as sister to Irvingiaceae and does not belong to Ixonanthaceae where it was often traditionally placed. This position of Allantospermum in Irvingiaceae is further supported by numerous putative synapomorphic characters. Expanded species sampling in Ixonanthaceae found that African Phyllocosmus was embedded within a strongly supported clade containing American Ochthocosmus. A re-evaluation of morphological characters of the two supports an enlarged concept of Ochthocosmus. Within Irvingiaceae, the West African monotypic Desbordesia was embedded within a strongly supported clade of Old World Irvingia. These findings change circumscriptions of both Ixonanthaceae and Irvingiaceae.
Suillus foetidus (Boletales, Basidiomycota), a new species from northeast China
Authors: QI LIANGLIANG , FU YONGPING , WANG FENGJIAN , SONG BING , LI YU
Published: May 2016

A new species, Suillus foetidus, is described based on morphological and molecular evidence. It can be distinguished from other known species of the genus Suillus in having a dry brown pileus, a taupe without ring stipe, decurrent hymenophore which change to greenish blue when exposed and presence of clamp connections.The novelty of S. foetidus is confirmed by molecular evidence from the nucrDNA internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS). Original biotope photographs, line drawings of microscopic structures and a detailed description of sporocarp are provided.
Salvia wixarika (Lamiaceae), a new species from Jalisco, Mexico, and novelties on Mexican Salvia with white corollas
Authors: GONZÁLEZ-GALLEGOS JESÚS GUADALUPE , LÓPEZ-ENRÍQUEZ IRMA LORENA
Published: May 2016

The new species Salvia wixarika from Sierra Madre Occidental region (northern Jalisco, Mexico) is here described and illustrated. This is one of the few Mexican species characterized by having corollas entirely white. It is morphologically related to S. sphacelifolia but differs by the absence of glandular-capitate hairs, leaf shape, floral bract length, pedicel length, number of veins in the upper calyx lip, filament length, connective and style length. It is also similar to S. collinsii but differs in size and duration of floral bracts, pedicel length, calyx width, corolla length, lower lip size, filament length, connective length, theca and style length. Additionally, the updated descriptions of S. collinsii and S. sphacelifolia are provided.
Free living marine nematodes of the genus Parodontophora (Axonolaimidae) from the East China Sea, with descriptions of five new species and a pictorial key
Authors: LI YONGXIANG , GUO YUQING
Published: May 2016

Five new species of free living marine nematodes belonging to genus Parodontophora are described from intertidal areas of Fujian Province, East China Sea. P. aequiramus sp. nov. is identified by the amphid with the same length of dorsal branch and ventral branch, opisthocephalic setae arranged as (2D-1V)2, precloacal supplements and armilliths present; Parodontophora irregularis sp. nov. is characterized by arranged irregularly opisthocephalic setae, excretory pore near cephalic setae at the anterior part of buccal cavity and precloacal supplements present; Parodontophora huoshanensis sp. nov. can be distinguished by the amphid 0.77–0.83 times the length of the buccal cavity, opisthocephalic setae arranged as (2D-1V)2 and precloacal supplements present; Parodontophora microseta sp. nov. is characterized by the amphid 1.71–2.1 times the length of the buccal cavity, opisthocephalic setae arranged as (1D-1V)2, precloacal supplements present and anterior gonad to the right and posterior gonad to the left of the intestine; Parodontophora paramicroseta sp. nov. is characterized by the amphid 1.35–1.5 times the length of the buccal cavity, opisthocephalic setae arranged as (1D-1V)2, precloacal supplements present and anterior gonad to the left and posterior gonad to the right of the intestine. A pictorial key to the valid species of Parodontophora Timm, 1963 is given.
A Large-Eddy Simulation Study of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Influence on Stratified Flows over Terrain
Authors: Sauer Jeremy A. , Muñoz-Esparza Domingo , Canfield Jesse M. , Costigan Keeley R. , Linn Rodman R. , Kim Young-Joon
Published: May 2016

The impact of atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) interactions with large-scale stably stratified flow over an isolated, two-dimensional hill is investigated using turbulence-resolving large-eddy simulations. The onset of internal gravity wave breaking and leeside flow response regimes of trapped lee waves and nonlinear breakdown (or hydraulic-jump-like state) as they depend on the classical inverse Froude number, Fr−1 = Nh/Ug, is explored in detail. Here, N is the Brunt–Väisälä frequency, h is the hill height, and Ug is the geostrophic wind. The results here demonstrate that the presence of a turbulent ABL influences mountain wave (MW) development in critical aspects, such as dissipation of trapped lee waves and amplified stagnation zone turbulence through Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. It is shown that the nature of interactions between the large-scale flow and the ABL is better characterized by a proposed inverse compensated Froude number, = N(h − zi)/Ug, where zi is the ABL height. In addition, it is found that the onset of the nonlinear-breakdown regime, ≈ 1.0, is initiated when the vertical wavelength becomes comparable to the sufficiently energetic scales of turbulence in the stagnation zone and ABL, yielding an abrupt change in leeside flow response. Finally, energy spectra are presented in the context of MW flows, supporting the existence of a clear transition in leeside flow response, and illustrating two distinct energy distribution states for the trapped-lee-wave and the nonlinear-breakdown regimes.
An AIS-Based Site Planning Method to Help Minimize Collision Risk during Marine Autonomous Surface Craft Deployments
Authors: Filimon Michael A. , Codiga Daniel L.
Published: May 2016

Marine autonomous surface crafts (MASCs), or unmanned surface vehicles as their precursors have traditionally been known, could cost effectively advance spatiotemporal coverage and resolution capabilities for oceanographic sampling in coastal and estuarine settings, if deployed for long durations (from days to weeks). Site planning for such deployments balances scientific goals against operational risk of collision avoidance (CA) maneuvers required by the MASC during encounters with other vessels. A method is developed and demonstrated in this paper, using archived Automatic Identification System (AIS) vessel tracking data, to quantify such potential encounters of a MASC on a repeat-transect survey. The demonstration site is Rhode Island Sound, where average vessel track frequencies are shown to range from about 8 to 0.01 or less per day, from inshore shipping lanes to areas farther offshore, respectively. Encounters per month ranged from 24 to 1 for increasingly offshore locations, based on a MASC repeatedly traversing an 18-km transect at an average speed of 2.5 m s−1 (~5 kt) over a one-month summer period and stopping at each of 10 equispaced stations in one direction to sample for 10 min. Crude estimates of non-AIS vessel traffic suggest total encounters (with vessels equipped by AIS or not) up to 3–4 times higher. The method can be applied anywhere AIS data are available and is generalizable to any survey configuration. It facilitates investigating sensitivity to choices of transect location and sampling configuration parameters, providing crucial information to guide deployment planning for a given level of confidence in CA capabilities of the MASC.
Competition Politics
Authors: Weymouth Stephen
Published: May 2016

This article examines the political origins of antitrust enforcement in the developing countries. I consider how the organization and political influence of business affects governments’ commitments to competition policy institutions. The analysis predicts cross-class coalitions with contending regulatory preferences. An alliance of incumbent producers and affiliated labor groups (“insiders”) opposes competition policies that threaten its existing rents. A procompetition coalition of consumers, unorganized workers, and small businesses (“outsiders”) favors the price and employment effects of effective antitrust enforcement. I argue that governments’ commitments to competition policy reflect the congruence of interests among economic insiders and the strength of democratic institutions. I examine the argument using a new dataset measuring the timing of competition policy reforms, as well as governments’ commitments to the effectiveness of the competition policy authority. The empirical analysis indicates that democracies are more likely to pursue competition policy reforms. I also find that organized insiders are associated with a slower reform process and with less effective competition agencies.
The Influence of Family Firms and Institutional Owners on Corporate Social Responsibility Performance
Authors: Lamb Nai H. , Butler Frank C.
Published: May 2016

Research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) has traditionally focused on managerial discretion and stakeholders’ influence. This study extends current research by addressing the effect of family firms and institutional owners on CSR performance, namely, CSR strengths and concerns. Based on stewardship theory and the socioemotional wealth perspective, we propose that family firms are more likely to value CSR performance. Next, drawing from multiple agency theory, we predict that institutional owners, unlike family owners, will influence a firm’s CSR performance differently. We tested our hypotheses using a sample of 153 firms from 1994 to 2006 and found general support for our hypotheses. A higher percentage of family owned equity and the presence of a family CEO are found to increase CSR strengths, whereas transient institutional owners have an opposite effect. The presence of a family CEO and founding family are found to reduce CSR concerns. Contrary to our predictions, dedicated institutional owners are positively associated with CSR concerns.
Craniofacial Wound Healing with Photobiomodulation Therapy
Authors: Arany P.R.
Published: May 2016

The fundamental pathophysiologic response for the survival of all organisms is the process of wound healing. Inadequate or lack of healing constitutes the etiopathologic basis of many oral and systemic diseases. Among the numerous efforts to promote wound healing, biophotonics therapies have shown much promise. Advances in photonic technologies and a better understanding of light-tissue interactions, from parallel biophotonics fields such as in vivo optical imaging and optogenetics, are spearheading their popularity in biology and medicine. Use of high-dose lasers and light devices in dermatology, ophthalmology, oncology, and dentistry are now popular for specific clinical applications, such as surgery, skin rejuvenation, ocular and soft tissue recontouring, and antitumor and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. However, a less well-known clinical application is the therapeutic use of low-dose biophotonics termed photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, which is aimed at alleviating pain and inflammation, modulating immune responses, and promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration. Despite significant volumes of scientific literature from clinical and laboratory studies noting the phenomenological evidence for this innovative therapy, limited mechanistic insights have prevented rigorous and reproducible PBM clinical protocols. This article briefly reviews current evidence and focuses on gaps in knowledge to identify potential paths forward for clinical translation with PBM therapy with an emphasis on craniofacial wound healing. PBM offers a novel opportunity to examine fundamental nonvisual photobiological processes as well as develop innovative clinical therapies, thereby presenting an opportunity for a paradigm shift from conventional restorative/prosthetic approaches to regenerative modalities in clinical dentistry.
Effect of Gait Imagery Tasks on Lower Limb Muscle Activity With Respect to Body Posture
Authors: Kolářová Barbora , Krobot Alois , Polehlová Kamila , Hluštík Petr , Richards Jim D.
Published: May 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of gait imagery tasks on lower limb muscle activity with respect to body posture. The sitting and standing position and lower limb muscle activity were evaluated in 27 healthy female students (24.4 ± 1.3 years, 167.2 ± 5.2 cm, 60.10 ± 6.4 kg). Surface electromyography was assessed during rest and in three different experimental conditions using mental imagery. These included a rhythmic gait, rhythmic gait simultaneously with observation of a model, and rhythmic gait after performing rhythmic gait. The normalized root mean square EMG values with respect to corresponding rest position were compared using non-parametric statistics. Standing gait imagery tasks had facilitatory effect on proximal lower limb muscle activity. However, electromyography activity of distal leg muscles decreased for all gait imagery tasks in the sitting position, when the proprioceptive feedback was less appropriate. For subsequent gait motor imagery tasks, the muscle activity decreased, probably as result of habituation. In conclusion, the effect of motor imagery on muscle activity appears to depend on relative strength of facilitatory and inhibitory inputs.
The Role of a Relative Age Effect in the 12th Winter European Youth Olympic Festival in 2015
Authors: Müller Lisa , Hildebrandt Carolin , Schnitzer Martin , Raschner Christian
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to define the role of the relative age effect in the 12th Winter European Youth Olympic Festival 2015. The birth dates of all 899 participants and anthropometric data of 655 participants were analyzed. A significant relative age effect was present in the total sample and among the male athletes but not in the female athletes. Additionally, a significant relative age effect was present in strength- and endurance-related sports but not in technique-related sports. Statistically significantly more older athletes won medals. Relative age had a strong influence on participation in strength- and endurance-related sports as well as on performance.
Accuracy of Subjective Performance Appraisal is Not Modulated by the Method Used by the Learner During Motor Skill Acquisition
Authors: Patterson Jae T. , McRae Matthew , Lai Sharon
Published: May 2016

The present experiment examined whether the method of subjectively appraising motor performance during skill acquisition would differentially strengthen performance appraisal capabilities and subsequent motor learning. Thirty-six participants (18 men and 18 women; M age = 20.8 years, SD = 1.0) learned to execute a serial key-pressing task at a particular overall movement time (2550 ms). Participants were randomly separated into three groups: the Generate group estimated their overall movement time then received knowledge of results of their actual movement time; the Choice group selected their perceived movement time from a list of three alternatives; the third group, the Control group, did not self-report their perceived movement time and received knowledge of results of their actual movement time on every trial. All groups practiced 90 acquisition trials and 30 no knowledge of results trials in a delayed retention test. Results from the delayed retention test showed that both methods of performance appraisal (Generate and Choice) facilitated superior motor performance and greater accuracy in assessing their actual motor performance compared with the control condition. Therefore, the processing required for accurate appraisal of performance was strengthened, independent of performance appraisal method.
Calibration of a micro-traffic simulation model with respect to the spatial-temporal evolution of expressway on-ramp bottlenecks
Authors: Song Rui , Sun Jian
Published: May 2016

On-ramp bottlenecks are usually the direct cause of traffic breakdowns on expressways, affecting the overall traffic operation of the expressway. A high-precision simulation model is the basis of an on-ramp bottleneck active traffic management strategy design and evaluation. This paper presents a practical and effective calibration method with respect to the congestion spatial-temporal evolution and two-capacity phenomenon of bottlenecks. An integrated criterion is proposed to evaluate how well the micro-simulation model can replicate the breakdown process. The widely used micro-traffic simulation model VISSIM is selected to simulate two on-ramp bottlenecks on an expressway in Shanghai, China. Firstly, 28 parameters of car-following and lane-changing behaviors are analyzed, and nine significant parameters of the operation at on-ramp bottlenecks are selected using sensitive analysis. Then, an orthogonal experiment is conducted to seek the best parameter combination. Finally, the calibrated simulation model is validated using a dataset of other days. Moreover, the transferability of the calibrated model is tested at Wuning bottleneck. The results show that the calibrated model can not only replicate the congestion evolution process and the special early onset breakdown phenomenon, but it can also apply to other similar on-ramp bottlenecks directly. The proposed calibration procedure, the integrated criterion for precision evaluation, and the selected significant parameters are meaningful to inspire rapid and effective calibration for other simulators.
The social construction of ‘deafness’: explored through the experiences of Black South African mothers raising a deaf child
Authors: Kara Nazira , Harvey Clare
Published: May 2016

Individual realities and perceptions are embedded in a web of dominant social and cultural views which shape the individual. Mothers of deaf children therefore cannot be understood in isolation, and neither can their experiences, perceptions, and well-being. The present research investigated the construction of deafness through the experiences of mothers raising a deaf child and considered the manner in which these constructions impacted their well-being and relationship with the child. The study explored the experiences of six Black South African hearing mothers of a deaf child between the ages of 3 and 8 years. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. Through an interpretive theoretical framework, this qualitative study noted seven main themes, namely, deafness is foreign and unknown, increased awareness and normalising of deafness, religious and Traditional African beliefs about disability/deafness, external pity and the mother’s rejection of it, the discourse of the ‘superiority’ of speech and encouragement of speech and hearing, barriers to communicating with her child, and ‘Why me?’ attribution of cause and the emergence of blame. Extrapolation of the data suggests that there is a lack of awareness regarding the deaf individual, and this creates misinformed perceptions about deafness which impact negatively both mother and child.