bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Background Magnetic Field on Type-II Superconductor under Oscillating Magnetic Field Simulated Using Ginzburg-Landau Model
Authors: Jafri Hasnain Mehdi , Zhao Congpeng , Huang Houbing , Ma Xingqiao
Published: November 2018

Cubic superconducting sample was simulated using time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau model under oscillating magnetic field with and without additional background static magnetic field. Vortex dynamics including entrance and exit from the sample was simulated. Magnetization and carrier concentration densities of the sample were studied as a function of external magnetic field variations. Anomalies in carrier concentration density were observed at certain values of the magnetic field which were correlated with the entrance and exit processes of vortices. Area swept by superconductor magnetization with magnetic field was observed to have a hysteresis-like behavior where area representing energy dissipated per cycle. This energy accumulation was suggested to cause instability in superconductor over the number of cycles and may result in thermal quenching. Temporal distribution of energy components showed consistency with the pattern observed for carrier concentration and magnetization under oscillating magnetic field. Rapid phase changes with magnetic oscillations resulted in oscillations in energy components, and irregular peaks and ripples in superconducting energy represent the situation of exit and entry of vortices. While the rise in interaction energy with cycles is referred to vortex relaxation time in a cycle, this energy is expected to accumulate and take other forms (e.g., heat) and is predicted to cause thermal quenching. In the presence of background static magnetic field, this energy dissipation was calculated to increase significantly while superconductor is subjected to oscillating magnetic field.
Effect of Quercetin Monoglycosides on Oxidative Stress and Gut Microbiota Diversity in Mice with Dextran Sodium Sulphate-Induced Colitis
Authors: Hong Zhu , Piao Meiyu
Published: November 2018

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is linked to an intricate association of environmental, microbial, and host-related factors. This study examined the potential effects of dietary addition of two preparations from onion, one comprising quercetin aglycone alone (Q: 0.15% polyphenols, quercetin aglycone:quercetin monoglycosides, 98:2) and another comprising quercetin aglycone with monoglycosides (Q+MQ: 0.15% total polyphenols, quercetin aglycone:quercetin monoglycosides, 69:31), on dextran sodium sulphate- (DSS-) induced colitis in mice. The results revealed a significant decrease in the body weight gain of the mice with DSS-induced colitis, which was counteracted by the dietary Q or Q+MQ supplementation. Meanwhile, the oxidative stress indicated by myeloperoxidase (MPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and serum nitrate (NO) concentrations was higher in mice with DSS-induced colitis than in the control group mice, but dietary Q or Q+MQ supplementation counteracted this trend. The colitis mice demonstrated reduced Chao1, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and Shannon indices and an increased Simpson index, but the colitis mice receiving dietary Q or Q+MQ exhibited higher Chao1, ACE, and Shannon indices and a reduced Simpson index. In conclusion, this research showed that even at a low dose, dietary Q or Q+MQ supplementation counteracts DSS-induced colitis in mice, indicating that Q or Q+MQ may be used as an adjuvant therapy for IBD patients.
Mas Receptor Activation Slows Tumor Growth and Attenuates Muscle Wasting in Cancer
Authors: Murphy Kate T. , Hossain Mohammed I. , Swiderski Kristy , Chee Annabel , Naim Timur , Trieu Jennifer , Haynes Vanessa , Read Suzannah J. , Stapleton David I. , Judge Sarah M. , Trevino Jose G. , Judge Andrew R. , Lynch Gordon S.
Published: November 2018

Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass associated with significant functional impairment. Cachexia robs patients of their strength and capacity to perform daily tasks and live independently. Effective treatments are needed urgently. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of activating the “alternative” axis of the renin-angiotensin system, involving ACE2, angiotensin-(1-7), and the mitochondrial assembly receptor (MasR), for treating cancer cachexia. Plasmid overexpression of the MasR or pharmacologic angiotensin-(1-7)/MasR activation did not affect healthy muscle fiber size in vitro or in vivo but attenuated atrophy induced by coculture with cancer cells in vitro. In mice with cancer cachexia, the MasR agonist AVE 0991 slowed tumor development, reduced weight loss, improved locomotor activity, and attenuated muscle wasting, with the majority of these effects dependent on the orexigenic and not antitumor properties of AVE 0991. Proteomic profiling and IHC revealed that mechanisms underlying AVE 0991 effects on skeletal muscle involved miR-23a–regulated preservation of the fast, glycolytic fibers. MasR activation is a novel regulator of muscle phenotype, and AVE 0991 has orexigenic, anticachectic, and antitumorigenic effects, identifying it as a promising adjunct therapy for cancer and other serious muscle wasting conditions.

Significance:

These findings demonstrate that MasR activation has multiple benefits of being orexigenic, anticachectic, and antitumorigenic, revealing it as a potential adjunct therapy for cancer.

See related commentary by Rupert et al., p. 699
Distinct Biological Types of Ocular Adnexal Sebaceous Carcinoma: HPV-Driven and Virus-Negative Tumors Arise through Nonoverlapping Molecular-Genetic Alterations
Authors: Tetzlaff Michael T. , Curry Jonathan L. , Ning Jing , Sagiv Oded , Kandl Thomas L. , Peng Bo , Bell Diana , Routbort Mark , Hudgens Courtney W. , Ivan Doina , Kim Tae-Boom , Chen Ken , Eterovic Agda Karina , Shaw Kenna , Prieto Victor G. , Yemelyanova Anna , Esmaeli Bita
Published: November 2018

Purpose:

Ocular adnexal (OA) sebaceous carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy of the eyelid and ocular adnexa that frequently recurs and metastasizes, and effective therapies beyond surgical excision are lacking. There remains a critical need to define the molecular-genetic drivers of the disease to understand carcinomagenesis and progression and to devise novel treatment strategies.

Experimental Design:

We present next-generation sequencing of a targeted panel of cancer-associated genes in 42 and whole transcriptome RNA sequencing from eight OA sebaceous carcinomas from 29 patients.

Results:

We delineate two potentially distinct molecular-genetic subtypes of OA sebaceous carcinoma. The first is defined by somatic mutations impacting TP53 and/or RB1 [20/29 (70%) patients, including 10 patients whose primary tumors contained coexisting TP53 and RB1 mutations] with frequent concomitant mutations affecting NOTCH genes. These tumors arise in older patients and show frequent local recurrence. The second subtype [9/29 (31%) patients] lacks mutations affecting TP53, RB1, or NOTCH family members, but in 44% (4/9) of these tumors, RNA sequencing and in situ hybridization studies confirm transcriptionally active high-risk human papillomavirus. These tumors arise in younger patients and have not shown local recurrence.

Conclusions:

Together, our findings establish a potential molecular-genetic framework by which to understand the development and progression of OA sebaceous carcinoma and provide key molecular-genetic insights to direct the design of novel therapeutic interventions.
Whole-body Imaging of Cell Death Provides a Systemic, Minimally Invasive, Dynamic, and Near-real Time Indicator for Chemotherapeutic Drug Toxicity
Authors: Johnson Steven E. , Ugolkov Andrey , Haney Chad R. , Bondarenko Gennadiy , Li Lin , Waters Emily A. , Bergan Raymond , Tran Andy , O'Halloran Thomas V. , Mazar Andrew , Zhao Ming
Published: November 2018

Purpose:

Response to toxicity in chemotherapies varies considerably from tissue to tissue and from patient to patient. An ability to monitor the tissue damage done by chemotherapy may have a profound impact on treatment and prognosis allowing for a proactive management in understanding and mitigating such events. For the first time, we investigated the feasibility of using whole-body imaging to map chemotherapeutic drug–induced toxicity on an individual basis.

Experimental Design:

In a preclinical proof-of-concept, rats were treated with a single clinical dose of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, or cisplatin. In vivo whole-body imaging data were acquired using 99mTc-duramycin, which identifies dead and dying cells as an unambiguous marker for tissue injury in susceptible organs. Imaging results were cross-validated using quantitative ex vivo measurements and histopathology and compared with standard blood and serum panels for toxicology.

Results:

The in vivo whole-body imaging data detected widespread changes, where spatially heterogeneous toxic effects were identified across different tissues, within substructures of organs, as well as among different individuals. The signal changes were consistent with established toxicity profiles of these chemotherapeutic drugs. Apart from generating a map of susceptible tissues, this in vivo imaging approach was more sensitive compared with conventional blood and serum markers used in toxicology. Also, repeated imaging during the acute period after drug treatment captured different kinetics of tissue injury among susceptible organs in males and females.

Conclusions:

This novel and highly translational imaging approach shows promise in optimizing therapeutic decisions by detecting and managing drug toxicity on a personalized basis.

Toxicity to normal tissues is a significant limitation in chemotherapies. This work demonstrated an in vivo imaging-based approach for characterizing toxicity-induced tissue injury in a systemic, dynamic, and near-real time fashion. This novel approach shows promise in optimizing therapeutic decisions by monitoring drug toxicity on a personalized basis.
Inhibition of mTOR Signaling and Clinical Activity of Rapamycin in Head and Neck Cancer in a Window of Opportunity Trial
Authors: Day Terry A. , Shirai Keisuke , O'Brien Paul E. , Matheus Maria Gisele , Godwin Kristina , Sood Amit J. , Kompelli Anvesh , Vick Julie A. , Martin Daniel , Vitale-Cross Lynn , Callejas-Varela Juan Luis , Wang Zhiyong , Wu Xingyu , Harismendy Olivier , Molinolo Alfredo A. , Lippman Scott M. , Van Waes Carter , Szabo Eva , Gutkind J. Silvio
Published: November 2018

Purpose:

We studied the impact of mTOR signaling inhibition with rapamycin in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in the neoadjuvant setting. The goals were to evaluate the mTOR pathway as a therapeutic target for patients with advanced HNSCC, and the clinical safety, antitumor, and molecular activity of rapamycin administration on HNSCC.

Patients and Methods:

Patients with untreated stage II–IVA HNSCC received rapamycin for 21 days (day 1, 15 mg; days 2–12, 5 mg) prior to definitive treatment with surgery or chemoradiation. Treatment responses were assessed clinically and radiographically with CT and FDG-PET. Pre- and posttreatment biopsies and blood were obtained for toxicity, immune monitoring, and IHC assessment of mTOR signaling, as well as exome sequencing.

Results:

Sixteen patients (eight oral cavity, eight oropharyngeal) completed rapamycin and definitive treatment. Half of patients were p16 positive. One patient had a pathologic complete response and four (25%) patients met RECIST criteria for response (1 CR, 3 PR, 12 SD). Treatment was well tolerated with no grade 4 or unexpected toxicities. No significant immune suppression was observed. Downstream mTOR signaling was downregulated in tumor tissues as measured by phosphorylation of S6 (P < 0.0001), AKT (P < 0.0001), and 4EBP (P = 0.0361), with a significant compensatory increase in phosphorylated ERK in most patients (P < 0.001). Ki67 was reduced in tumor biopsies in all patients (P = 0.013).

Conclusions:

Rapamycin treatment was well tolerated, reduced mTOR signaling and tumor growth, and resulted in significant clinical responses despite the brief treatment duration, thus supporting the potential role of mTOR inhibitors in treatment regimens for HNSCC.
Increased Risk for Cancer in Young Patients with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Brenner Ronen , Kivity Shaye , Peker Marina , Reinhorn Daniel , Keinan-Boker Lital , Silverman Barbara , Liphsitz Irena , Kolitz Tamara , Levy Carmit , Shlomi Dekel , Pillar Giora , Peled Nir
Published: November 2018

Background: Several studies in animal models and human with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) demonstrated an increase in cancer aggressiveness and mortality. However, there is a need for further clinical evidence supporting a correlation between OSAS and cancer incidence. Objectives: To reveal whether OSAS presence and severity is correlated with cancer incidence in a large homogenous patients’ cohort. Methods: We analyzed a cohort of over 5,000 concurrently enrolled patients, age > 18, with suspected OSAS, from a tertiary medical academic center. Patients underwent whole night polysomnography, the gold standard diagnostic tool for OSAS, and were classified for severity according to the Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI). Data on cancer incidence were obtained from the Israel National Cancer Registry. A multivariate Cox proportional-hazards analysis, adjusted for age, gender, and BMI, was performed to estimate the hazard-ratio of new cancer incidence. Results: Among 5,243 subjects with a median follow-up of 5.9 years, 265 were diagnosed with cancer. The most prevalent cancers were prostate (14.7%), hematological (12.8%), urothelial (9.4%), colorectal (9%), and breast (8.3%). In subjects who were diagnosed at age below 45 years (n = 1,533), a high AHI (> 57/h) was significantly associated with cancer (HR 3.7, CI 1.12–12.45, p = 0.008). Conclusions: Patients younger than 45 with severe OSAS have a significantly higher all-type cancer incidence than the general population. These results should encourage clinicians to detect and diagnose young patients with suspected OSAS and to recommend cancer screening methods in this high-risk population.
Transoral Robotic Surgery and the Unknown Primary
Authors: Ofo Enyinnaya , Spiers Harry , Kim Dae , Duvvuri Umamaheswar
Published: November 2018

Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) comprises approximately 1%–5% of all head and neck malignancies. Primary site detection rates for metastatic cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remain variable, with current diagnostic imaging unable to identify all tumours. Prevailing evidence suggests that most head and neck CUP are located in the oropharynx. Diagnostic surgical efforts have been directed at sampling the entire oropharynx. Present techniques that make this possible include transoral robotic surgery (TORS). TORS Lingual tonsillectomy or tongue base mucosectomy performed in the setting of head and neck CUP increases the detection rate of occult tumour. The indication, surgical technique, evidence base, and controversies of performing TORS in the context of the unknown primary are presented.
Fatal Umbilical Cord Strangulation in the Remaining Co-Twin after Selective Foeticide with Radiofrequency Ablation for Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: Tollenaar Lisanne S.A.  , Knijnenburg Patricia C.J. , Wolf Janina L. , Slaghekke Femke , Middeldorp Johanna M. , Haak Monique C.  , Klumper Frans J.C. , Oepkes Dick , Lopriore Enrico
Published: November 2018

We report a case of a monochorionic diamniotic twin diagnosed with twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS; stage 3) with co-existing severe cerebral damage in the donor twin at 18 + 4 weeks’ gestation. After counselling, the parents opted for selective foeticide of the donor twin. For the procedure, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was used. Serial ultrasound examinations at 20 + 1 and 21 + 1 weeks’ gestation showed good recovery of the ex-recipient, after which the patient was sent back to the referring hospital. At 29 + 5 weeks’ gestation, an unexpected foetal death was diagnosed. On macroscopic placental examination, (iatrogenic) monoamnionicity was detected. In addition, the umbilical cord of the recipient was found to be constricted by the macerated umbilical cord of the ex-donor. This case demonstrates that iatrogenic monoamnionicity can be a serious complication of RFA in monochorionic twins complicated by TTTS, with a subsequent risk for cord entanglement leading to a fatal outcome for the remaining co-twin. Although the actual incidence of iatrogenic monoamnionicity after RFA remains unknown, increased attention to the intactness of the inter-twin membrane even weeks after the RFA may be required.
Mortalidade em recém-nascidos de baixo peso ao nascer: limites e desafios para o acesso universal
Authors: Setumba Mario J. , Simão Manuel , Silva Maria Conceição M. , Scochi Carmen Gracinda S. , Pina Juliana C. , Mello Debora F.
Published: November 2018

Objetivo: analisar a mortalidade neonatal de recém-nascidos angolanos de baixo peso ao nascer, os limites e desafios para a promoção do acesso à saúde no contexto local. Método: Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, com base em dados secundários de 2,100 bebês de baixo peso ao nascer, a partir de registros hospitalares de 2007 a 2013, em Kuito-Angola. Resultados: No período, a prevalência do baixo peso ao nascer foi de 7.5%, com 437 óbitos e 70.3% de mortalidade neonatal. Foram encontradas as seguintes informações maternas e dos recém-nascidos: idade menor que 19 anos, doenças durante a gestação e gestantes que não participaram satisfatoriamente de consultas no pré-natal, extremo baixo peso ao nascer, muito baixo peso, índice de Apgar menor que 6 e idade gestacional menor que 37 semanas, as quais são consonantes com condições de vulnerabilidades. Esses fatores e as dimensões a eles interrelacionadas podem aumentar a ocorrência da mortalidade neonatal e denotar dificuldades ao acesso à saúde. Conclusão: Há expressivo número de mortes evitáveis, relacionadas aos grupos reduzíveis por: ações de imunoprevenção, atenção à mulher na gestação, parto e ao recém-nascido, diagnóstico e tratamento adequados, e promoção da saúde. Os critérios de evitabilidade de óbitos em crianças oferecemuma ampla análise das condições sociais e dos serviços de saúde, levando-se em conta uma adequada atenção ao pré-natal, ao parto, ao nascimento e no seguimento longitudinal, em busca do acesso à saúde com equidade, intervenções profissionais qualificadas e gestão do cuidado integral à saúde.
Distal Arthrogryposis with Impaired Proprioception and Touch: Description of an Early Phenotype in a Boy with Compound Heterozygosity of PIEZO2 Mutations and Review of the Literature
Authors: Behunova Jana , Gerykova Bujalkova Maria , Gras Gabriel , Taylor Thomas , Ihm Ulrike , Kircher Susanne , Rehder Helga , Laccone Franco
Published: November 2018

The recessive PIEZO2-associated disease, distal arthrogryposis with impaired proprioception and touch (DAIPT), is characterized by hypotonia, perinatal respiratory distress, significantly delayed motor milestones, and progressive symptoms of distal arthrogryposis and scoliosis. Here, we describe the youngest patient with DAIPT to date, who, at the age of 3.5 years, did not show a single clinical sign of distal arthrogryposis or contractures, but had a history of bilateral clubfoot operations. On the contrary, he presented with some features, not described thus far, such as syringohydromyelia, a small cyst of the spinal cord, moderate microcephaly with premature closure of anterior fontanelle, and spontaneous unilateral patella dislocation at the age of 32 months. Using whole exome sequencing, we identified 2 new different loss-of-function mutations in the PIEZO2 gene in our patient. We also review the phenotypes of all 16 previously published patients with DAIPT, summarize the distinctive clinical features of this rare genetic disorder, and recommend that DAIPT be included in the differential diagnosis of floppy infant. PIEZO2 is a unique ion channel that converts mechanical impulses into cellular signals and is involved in various mechanotransduction pathways. In addition to DAIPT, mutations in PIEZO2 have been described to cause 3 more distinct phenotypes of distal arthrogryposis, which are dominant and associated with gain-of-function mutations. On the contrary, recessive DAIPT is associated with loss-of-function PIEZO2 mutations.
MALAT1 Activates the P53 Signaling Pathway by Regulating MDM2 to Promote Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhang Ting , Wang Hongmei , Li Qiang , Fu Jianliang , Huang Jiankang , Zhao Yuwu
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: This study focused on evaluating the effect of MALAT1 and MDM2 on ischemic stroke through regulation of the p53 signaling pathway. Materials: Bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify abnormally expressed lncRNAs, mRNAs and their associated pathways. Oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in cells and middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) in mice were performed to simulate an ischemic stroke environment. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to examine lncRNA expression and mRNA levels. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) LncRNA was used to locate mRNA. MTT and flow cytometry were performed to examine cell proliferation and apoptosis. Finally, immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression of genes in vivo. Results: MALAT1 and MDM2, which exhibit strong expression in stroke tissues, were subjected to bioinformatics analysis, and the p53 pathway was chosen for further study. MALAT1, MDM2 and p53 signaling pathway-related proteins were all up regulated in OGD/R cells. Furthermore, Malat1, Mdm2 and p53 pathway related-proteins were also up regulated in MCAO/R mice. Both MALAT1 and MDM2 were localized in the nuclei. Down regulation of MALAT1 and MDM2 enhanced cell proliferation ability and reduced apoptosis, resulting in decreased infarct size in MCAO/R brains. Conclusion: These results indicate that MALAT1/MDM2/p53 signaling pathway axis may provide more effective clinical therapeutic strategy for patients with ischemic stroke.
Crossopsorella, a new tropical genus of rust fungi
Authors: SOUZA ERICA S. C. , AIME M. CATHERINE , ELIAS SAMUEL G. , PINHO DANILO B. , MILLER ROBERT. N. G. , DIANESE JOSÉ C.
Published: November 2018

Prior phylogenetic studies of rust fungi have shown the Phakopsoraceae as polyphyletic. However, most of the ca. 13 genera currently placed in Phakopsoraceae s.l. have not been the subject of phylogenetic analyses. In this study we examine the placement of several species of Crossopsora (Phakopsoraceae) from newly generated nuc 28S rDNA (28S) sequence data. While the type species, C. ziziphi, cannot be excluded from the Phakopsoraceae s.s., several other species, including C. byrsonimae, are not congeneric with the type. Herein we describe the new genus Crossopsorella, based on C. byrsonimae as the type, to accommodate specimens of this species found in four different Byrsonima species.
New species of Ceropegia (Apocynaceae) from Africa
Authors: BRUYNS PETER V.
Published: November 2018

Three new species of Ceropegia L, C. capensis Bruyns of sect. Ciliatilobae Bruyns from South Africa, C. emdenpienaarii Bruyns of sect. Carnosae Bruyns from South Africa and Zimbabwe and C. tundavalensis Bruyns of sect. Chamaesiphon H.Huber from Angola are described.
A new Platystele (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae) from the western mountains of Colombia
Authors: REINA-RODRÍGUEZ GUILLERMO A. , KARREMANS ADAM P.
Published: November 2018

A new species of miniature orchid, Platystele riograndense, endemic to the Pacific slope of the western Cordillera, Municipality of Restrepo, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, is described and illustrated. Platystele riograndense is similar to P. filamentosa, but the new species has wider leaves, denser and shorter inflorescences and sigmoid (versus convex) lip. Ecological notes are provided. It is the second new species described of Canyon of Rio Grande new protected area in the last four years.
Typification of Eleocharis palustris (L.) Roem. & Schult. var. reptans Parl.
Authors: LASTRUCCI LORENZO , CECCHI LORENZO , VICIANI DANIELE
Published: November 2018

Eleocharis palustris (Linnaeus 1753: 70) Roemer & Schultes (1817: 151) belongs to the Eleocharis Brown (1810: 224) subser. Eleocharis (Bureš et al. 2004). In Europe (see Walters 1980, Jiménez-Mejías & Luceño 2011, Pignatti 2017), two subspecies are widely accepted and reported: E. palustris subsp. palustris and E. palustris subsp waltersii Bureš & Danihelka (2008: 227) [≡ E. palustris subsp. vulgaris Walters (1949: 194), nom. illeg.].
Early Permian (Cisuralian) ostracods from Japan: characteristic ostracod assemblage from a seamount of the Panthalassic Ocean
Authors: TANAKA GENGO , MIYAKE YUKIO , ONO TERUO , YUAN AIHUA , ICHIDA MASAHIRO , MAEDA HARUYOSHI , CRASQUIN SYLVIE
Published: November 2018

Silicified ostracods were recovered from Cisuralian micritic limestones of the Ryozensan Limestone Formation from the southwestern part of Ryozensan Mountain, Taga City located in Shiga Prefecture, Central Japan. Twenty-seven species belonging to 19 genera were obtained, of which six species are new and are described here: Bairdia tagaensis Tanaka sp. nov., Bairdiacypris ikeyanoriyukii Tanaka sp. nov., Kellettina noriyukii Tanaka sp. nov., Microcheilinella shigensis Tanaka sp. nov., Oliganisus ryozensannensis Tanaka sp. nov., and Pustulobairdia ohmiensis Tanaka sp. nov. Some Palaeozoic limestone localities in Japan cap greenstones and are surrounded by younger cherts (such as Mino Terrane of this study). They represent a characteristic reef and reef-slope environment around a seamount surrounded by deep sea ocean floor. This result is concordant with the ostracod assemblage. After this report, a Panthalassan ostracod fauna could be defined for the Cisuralian.
A catalogue of the species of Mesostigmata (Arachnida, Acari, Parasitiformes) recorded from Ireland including information on their geographical distribution and habitats
Authors: BOLGER THOMAS , ARROYO JULIO , PIOTROWSKA KATARZYNA
Published: November 2018

The study of Irish Mesostigmata extends back for more than 100 years, and most of the principal Irish habitat types have been studied. In this paper we provide a catalogue of the species of Mesostigmata (Arachnida, Acari, Parasitiformes) recorded from Ireland over that time. The catalogue includes 329 species, information on the habitats and locations where they occurred and provides a comprehensive list of the literature related to the Irish fauna. This catalogue increases the number of Mesostigmata species known in Ireland by 40% over the number recorded in the most recent catalogue (Luxton, 1998).
Attending to the Mobile Text Summons: Managing Multiple Communicative Activities Across Physically Copresent and Technologically Mediated Interpersonal Interactions
Authors: DiDomenico Stephen M. , Raclaw Joshua , Robles Jessica S.
Published: November 2018

This article presents a qualitative investigation of communication practices interactants use to manage mobile phone activity while they are engaged in a copresent conversation. Drawing from conversation analysis and a collection of naturalistic video recordings, our study of mobile phone use in situ focuses on how participants orient to the mobile text summons, the audible chimes or vibrations that indicate the receipt of a text message (or short message service [SMS]). In these moments, interactants must simultaneously manage attending to their phone and the copresent conversation. Our analysis shows how people may use nonverbal and verbal techniques to attend to their mobile phone based on their identity respective to the copresent activity. The study contributes to scholarly understandings of technology use, multitasking, and the management of attention in interpersonal communication.
Veterans and Bipartisanship
Authors: Robinson G. Lee , Amoroso Joseph , Wilson Isaiah (Ike) , Yon Richard M.
Published: November 2018

Scholars and media outlets that cover the U.S. Congress devote substantial attention to the rise in partisanship and polarization over the past few decades. The steady increases in partisanship and polarization coincide with a comparable decline in veteran representation in Congress. While there are many factors that influence a congressperson’s behavior, an understudied issue is whether these trends suggest that veterans are more likely to exhibit bipartisanship than their nonveteran colleagues. Using two different measures of bipartisanship, this article draws on data from 12 different Congresses to examine whether veterans are more likely to be bipartisan than nonveterans. Utilizing difference in means tests, the results provide only modest evidence that increasing veteran representation would lead to more bipartisanship when controlling for generational differences. This article suggests a research agenda to further assess these findings and discusses the implications of increasing veteran presence in Congress on civil–military relations.
“This Is a Man’s Job”: Challenging the Masculine “Warrior Culture” at the U.S. Air Force Academy
Authors: Pendlebury Jarrod
Published: November 2018

This article explores models of identity at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Drawing on qualitative data gathered through a number of focus groups with cadets, it finds that despite technological changes that have revolutionized the battle space and policy efforts to shift the cultural identity of the forces, ideal identities remain infused with concepts that value the classical model of the heroic masculine. It suggests that functionally, this highly prized “warrior” ethos is becoming less relevant but could have the effect of undermining efforts to “diversify” the Academy. In the absence of a fundamental reconsideration of what constitutes the “ideal” air force officer, efforts to alter the demography and exclusionary culture at the Academy will be stymied.
The Dark Side of Visionary Leadership in Strategy Implementation: Strategic Alignment, Strategic Consensus, and Commitment
Authors: Ateş Nüfer Yasin , Tarakci Murat , Porck Jeanine Pieternel , van Knippenberg Daan , Groenen Patrick J. F.
Published: November 2018

Drawing from visionary leadership and strategy process research, we theorize and test the mechanism through which middle and lower-level managers’ visionary leadership affects their teams’ strategic commitment. The management literature extols the virtues of visionary leadership. In contrast to this positive stance, we reveal a dark side to visionary leadership. Our theoretical framework suggests that team manager visionary leadership harms team strategic consensus when the manager is not strategically aligned with the CEO, which in turn diminishes team commitment to the strategy. In contrast, when a team manager is strategically aligned with the CEO, team manager visionary leadership is positively related to team strategic consensus and subsequently to team strategic commitment. Data from 136 teams from two organizations support our moderated mediation model. A supplemental analysis of the content of strategic consensus and additional qualitative interviews with managers and employees in one of these organizations provide additional insights concerning the meaning of the theorized relations in practice.
On Factors Affecting Subharmonic-aided Pressure Estimation (SHAPE)
Authors: Gupta Ipshita , Eisenbrey John R. , Machado Priscilla , Stanczak Maria , Wallace Kirk , Forsberg Flemming
Published: November 2018

Subharmonic-aided pressure estimation (SHAPE) estimates hydrostatic pressure using the inverse relationship with subharmonic amplitude variations of ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs). We studied the impact of varying incident acoustic outputs (IAO), UCA concentration, and hematocrit on SHAPE. A Logiq 9 scanner with a 4C curvilinear probe (GE, Milwaukee, Wisconsin) was used with Sonazoid (GE Healthcare, Oslo, Norway) transmitting at 2.5 MHz and receiving at 1.25 MHz. An improved IAO selection algorithm provided improved correlations ( r from −0.85 to −0.95 vs. −0.39 to −0.98). There was no significant change in SHAPE gradient as the pressure increased from 10 to 40 mmHg and hematocrit concentration was tripled from 1.8 to 4.5 mL/L (Δ0.00-0.01 dB, p = 0.18), and as UCA concentration was increased from 0.2 to 1.2 mL/L (Δ0.02-0.05 dB, p = 0.75). The results for the correlation between the SHAPE gradient and hematocrit values for patients ( N = 100) in an ongoing clinical trial were also calculated showing a poor correlation value of 0.14. Overall, the SHAPE gradient is independent of hematocrit and UCA concentration. An improved algorithm for IAO selection will make SHAPE more accurate.
Photocatalytic and adsorption property of ZnS–TiO2/RGO ternary composites for methylene blue degradation
Authors: Qin YL , Zhao WW , Sun Z , Liu XY , Shi GL , Liu ZY , Ni DR , Ma ZY
Published: November 2018

The visible light–driven ZnS–TiO2/RGO nanocomposites, with good visible light–driven photocatalytic activity, utilizing graphene oxide as precursor, were successfully synthesized via a facile solvothermal thermal method with graphene oxide as precursor. Ti4+ ions were derived from titanium dioxide powder (TiO2, P25) and tetrabutyl titanate. S2− ions and Zn2+ ions were provided by sodium sulfide and zinc acetate, respectively. The photocatalytic and absorbance activity of the nanocomposites was investigated through the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution. The results showed that the ZnS–TiO2/RGO nanocomposite prepared by tetrabutyl titanate exhibited better photocatalytic and adsorbance activity for methylene blue under visible light irradiation and its photocatalytic efficiency reached 90% in 60-min light irradiation, almost 1.5 times that of the synthesized ZnS–TiO2/RGO by P25, which was attributed to a cooperative reaction because of an increase of photo-absorption effect of graphene sheets and photocatalytic effect of ZnS nanoparticles. The adsorbance activity for ZnS–TiO2/RGO–tetrabutyl titanate) reached 48%, which was almost 1.7 times higher than that of ZnS–TiO2/RGO-P25 and almost 3.7 times higher than that of ZnS/RGO.
‘I would describe myself as a deformed troll’: Using interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore body image struggles among palliative care patients
Authors: Vas Szilvia , Povey Rachel , Clark-Carter David
Published: November 2018

Background:

Illness adjustment is a widely studied area in the palliative care context. However, research focussing on how altered body image can affect men and women in palliative care is limited and unclear.

Aim:

To explore the links between palliative care patients’ affected sense of self, altered body image and terminal illness adjustment.

Design:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach was used to analyse patients’ experiences.

Setting/participants:

English-speaking, adult palliative care outpatients were interviewed at a local community hospice in the United Kingdom. The mean age was 55 years (ranging from 35–65 years).

Results:

Analysis of accounts indicated three superordinate themes: (1) ‘Not being me’: self-discrepancy, (2) existing in the landscape of loss, (3) living and thriving in the landscape of loss. The most disturbing issues, such as appearance-focussed struggles and low body-confidence, were stemming from participants’ frustration over their lack of control and their attachment to their former self-image.

Conclusions:

The patients’ insights demonstrated that body image distress was prevalent among all respondents regardless of gender or diagnosis. A spiral model is described showing how discrepancy-based processing (i.e. ‘not being me’) and rigid attachment to former self can have harmful consequences on palliative patients’ abilities to cope. In order to facilitate adjustment to a self-identity crisis resulting from a terminal diagnosis, it is necessary for professionals to recognise and address body image changes among palliative care outpatients.
Children’s Parasocial Breakups With Media Characters From the Perspective of the Parent
Authors: Aguiar Naomi R. , Richards Melissa N. , Bond Bradley J. , Putnam Marisa M. , Calvert Sandra L.
Published: November 2018

Children’s parasocial relationships (PSRs) with media characters end through a process called PSR breakups. An online parent report measure was used to describe preschool and school-aged children’s breakups with media characters, as well as the attributes of past and current favorite characters. According to parents ( N = 138), 51% of children experienced PSR breakups. PSRs lasted about two years before a breakup occurred. Past and current favorite characters were animated, human-like, and embedded in fantastical content. Current favorite characters taught fewer academic lessons than past favorite characters. Both boys and girls had current favorite characters that were more gendered in their physical appearance than past favorite characters. However, girls’ current favorite characters had more masculine traits than past favorite characters. Our findings suggest possible avenues for the design of future media characters that can teach as they entertain.
Optimizing the structure and movement of a robotic bat with biological kinematic synergies
Authors: Hoff Jonathan , Ramezani Alireza , Chung Soon-Jo , Hutchinson Seth
Published: November 2018

In this article, we present methods to optimize the design and flight characteristics of a biologically inspired bat-like robot. In previous, work we have designed the topological structure for the wing kinematics of this robot; here we present methods to optimize the geometry of this structure, and to compute actuator trajectories such that its wingbeat pattern closely matches biological counterparts. Our approach is motivated by recent studies on biological bat flight that have shown that the salient aspects of wing motion can be accurately represented in a low-dimensional space. Although bats have over 40 degrees of freedom (DoFs), our robot possesses several biologically meaningful morphing specializations. We use principal component analysis (PCA) to characterize the two most dominant modes of biological bat flight kinematics, and we optimize our robot’s parametric kinematics to mimic these. The method yields a robot that is reduced from five degrees of actuation (DoAs) to just three, and that actively folds its wings within a wingbeat period. As a result of mimicking synergies, the robot produces an average net lift improvesment of 89% over the same robot when its wings cannot fold.
Being surprised and surprising ourselves: A geography of personal and social change
Authors: Simandan Dragos
Published: November 2018

Surprises are refuted expectations and therefore an inevitable concomitant of errors of anticipating the future. This paper argues that the timing is just right for a spatial account of surprise, or rather, for a geography of personal and social change that deploys the trope of surprise to help explain how and why change happens. Whether we are surprised by what transpires in our surroundings or we are surprising ourselves by leaping forward in impetuous deeds of reinventing who we are, the common denominator of these processes of becoming is that they produce geographical space and are produced by it.
A Novel Arthroscopic Technique for Intraoperative Mobilization of Synovial Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Baboolal Thomas G. , Khalil-Khan Alam , Theodorides Anthony A. , Wall Owen , Jones Elena , McGonagle Dennis
Published: November 2018

Background:

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising candidate for tissue regeneration and restoration of intra-articular structures such as cartilage, ligaments, and menisci. However, the routine use of MSCs is limited in part by their low numbers and the need for methods and procedures outside of the joint or surgical field.

Purpose:

To demonstrate feasibility of a technique in which minimally manipulated synovial MSCs can be mobilized during knee arthroscopy, thereby showing proof of concept for the future evaluation and clinical use of native joint resident MSCs in single-stage joint repair strategies.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Patients (n = 15) undergoing knee arthroscopy who were free from synovitis or active inflammation were selected. Three samples of irrigation fluid were collected from each patient at inception of the procedure, after an initial inspection of the joint, and after agitation of the synovium. MSC numbers were evaluated by colony forming unit–fibroblastic assay. The phenotype of synovial fluid resident and synovial-mobilized MSCs was determined by flow cytometry, and their functionality was determined by trilineage differentiation. Adhesion of culture-expanded mobilized MSCs to fibrin scaffolds was also evaluated to ascertain whether mobilized MSCs might concentrate at sites of bleeding.

Results:

Normal irrigation during arthroscopy depleted resident synovial fluid MSCs (4-fold decrease, n = 15). Numbers of MSCs mobilized through use of a purpose-made device were significantly higher (105-fold) than those mobilized through use of a cytology brush (median of 5763 and 54 colonies, respectively; P = .001; n = 15). The mobilized cellular fraction contained viable MSCs with proliferative potential and trilineage differentiation capacity for bone, cartilage, and fat lineages, and cultured daughter cells exhibited the standard MSC phenotype. Following culture, mobilized synovial MSCs also adhered to various fibrin scaffolds in vitro. The technique was simple and convenient to use and was not associated with any complications.

Conclusion:

Numbers of functional MSCs can be greatly increased during arthroscopy through use of this technique to mobilize cells from the synovium.

Clinical Relevance:

This study highlights a novel, single-stage technique to increase joint-specific, synovial-derived MSCs and thereby increase the repair potential of the joint. This technique can be undertaken during many arthroscopic procedures, and it supports the principle of integrating mobilized MSCs into microfracture sites and sites of bleeding or targeted repair through use of fibrin-based and other scaffolds.
On buckling and free vibration studies of sandwich plates and cylindrical shells: A review
Authors: Kumar Pavan , Srinivasa CV
Published: November 2018

Many review articles were published on free vibration and buckling of laminated composites, sandwich plates, and shells. The present article reviews the literature on the buckling and free vibration analysis of shear deformable isotropic and laminated composite sandwich plates and shells using various methods available for plates in the past few decades. Various theories, finite element modeling, and experimentations have been reported for the analysis of sandwich plates and shells. Few papers on functionally graded material plates, plates with smart skin (electrorheological, magnetorheological, and piezoelectric), and also viscoelastic materials were also reviewed. The scope for future research on sandwich plates and shells was also accessed.
Medical disputes and mediation in China: Government and responsibility shifting
Authors: Zhang Jing , Cai Yongshun
Published: November 2018

Because of the heavy burden that the resolution of social conflicts imposes on the Chinese government, the government is motivated to delegate or shift its conflict resolution responsibilities to specialized institutions, including social organizations. However, the effectiveness of responsibility shifting is conditional on the types of conflict and social contexts. Focusing on the resolution of medical disputes in China, this article examines the conditions under which the government can avoid direct and heavy involvement in dispute resolution. The government can effectively delegate the responsibility for resolving conflicts when the disputing parties perceive the mediation agencies as impartial. Having effective institutions thus limits government intervention to only a small number of disputes. This study is based on an analysis of 1351 medical disputes and about 80 interviews with parties involved in dispute resolution.
Frequency and time domain analysis of surface acoustic wave propagation on a piezoelectric gallium arsenide substrate: A computational insight
Authors: Maruccio Claudio , Scigliuzzo Marco , Rizzato Silvia , Scarlino Pasquale , Quaranta Giuseppe , Chiriaco Maria Serena , Monteduro Anna Grazia , Maruccio Giuseppe
Published: November 2018

A computational study of the electromechanical response of micro-structure engineered two port surface acoustic wave delay lines on gallium arsenide is presented. The influence on the results of geometrical, material, and mesh parameters is also discussed. Furthermore, experimental results are provided to validate the numerical study. The device consists of two interdigital transducers composed of 40, 80, and 120 pairs of electrodes, respectively, with a pitch [Formula: see text] and distant [Formula: see text]. In particular, a microwave burst of surface acoustic waves propagating on gallium arsenide is fully characterized including multiple transit effects. These results are of major interest for understanding the dynamical behavior of complex systems such as surface acoustic wave–based sensors or energy harvesting devices at the nano and microscale.
Finding New Ways: Developing a Co-Constructed Approach to Excursions in Higher Education
Authors: Towers Danny , Loynes Chris
Published: November 2018

Background: Outdoor Experiential Education (OEE) in the United Kingdom is steeped in tradition. Established practices limit the ability of outdoor professionals to respond to the global challenges of the modern world through locally relevant ways. Internationally, Higher Education (HE) is also currently subject to considerable challenges and its continued relevance can be gauged through its ability to become meaningful in a rapidly changing and pluralistic world. Purpose: We examine the impact of our pedagogical approach to working with international students, developing professional practice informed by one place, set within the context of the needs of the world and framed by the question “what kind of outdoor educator do you want to become?” Methodology/Approach: The authors used Dewey’s concept of occupations as an organizing principle for the curriculum. Four excursions involving 86 students were facilitated and reviewed. Findings/Conclusions: The norms of traditional OEE practices were predominantly overcome and innovative ways of co-creating knowledge emerged. Implications: If outdoor educators develop their own occupation in the context of wider needs, they can become place-responsive as well as continuously open to change.
Quotas and Party Priorities: Direct and Indirect Effects of Quota Laws
Authors: Catalano Weeks Ana
Published: November 2018

In light of increasing numbers of women in politics, extant research has examined the role of women in the parliamentary party on agenda-setting. This paper complements that literature by exploring the effect of a gendered institution theorized to promote both numbers of women and awareness of women’s interests: gender quota laws. I suggest that after a quota law, parties could have incentives to either reduce ( backlash effect) or increase ( salience effect) attention to women’s policy concerns. Using matching and regression methods with a panel data set of parties in advanced democracies, I find that parties in countries that implement a quota law devote more attention to social justice issues in their manifestos than similar parties in countries without a quota. Furthermore, the paper shows that this effect is driven entirely by the law itself. Contrary to expectations, quota laws are not associated with increases in women in my (short-term) sample; it is thus no surprise that no evidence of an indirect effect through numbers of women is found. I interpret the findings as evidence of quota contagion, whereby quotas cue party leaders to compete on gender equality issues.