bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Purinergic System and Glial Cells: Emerging Costars in Nociception
Authors: Magni Giulia , Ceruti Stefania
Published: September 2014

It is now well established that glial cells not only provide mechanical and trophic support to neurons but can directly contribute to neurotransmission, for example, by release and uptake of neurotransmitters and by secreting pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. This has greatly changed our attitude towards acute and chronic disorders, paving the way for new therapeutic approaches targeting activated glial cells to indirectly modulate and/or restore neuronal functions. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in neuron-to-glia and glia-to-glia communication that can be pharmacologically targeted is therefore a mandatory step toward the success of this new healing strategy. This holds true also in the field of pain transmission, where the key involvement of astrocytes and microglia in the central nervous system and satellite glial cells in peripheral ganglia has been clearly demonstrated, and literally hundreds of signaling molecules have been identified. Here, we shall focus on one emerging signaling system involved in the cross talk between neurons and glial cells, the purinergic system, consisting of extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides and their membrane receptors. Specifically, we shall summarize existing evidence of novel “druggable” glial purinergic targets, which could help in the development of innovative analgesic approaches to chronic pain states.
An Assessment of Emergency Department Throughput and Provider Satisfaction after the Implementation of a Scribe Program
Authors: Allen Brandon , Banapoor Ben , Weeks Emily C. , Payton Thomas
Published: September 2014

Objectives. To assess the impact of a scribe program on an academic, tertiary care facility. Methods. A retrospective analysis of emergency department (ED) data, prior to and after scribe program implementation, was used to quantitatively assess the impact of the scribe program on measures of ED throughput. An electronic survey was distributed to all emergency medicine residents and advanced practice providers to qualitatively assess the impact of the scribe program on providers. Results. Several throughput time measures were significantly lower in the postscribe group, compared to prescribe implementation, including time to disposition. The left without being seen (LWBS) decrease was not statistically significant. A total of 30 providers responded to the survey. 100% of providers indicated scribes are a valuable addition to the department and they enjoy working with scribes. 90% of providers indicated scribes increase their workplace satisfaction and quality of life. Conclusions. Through evaluation of prescribe and postscribe implementation, the postscribe time period reflects many throughput improvements not present before scribes began. Scribe Program implementation led to improved ED throughput for discharged patients with further system-wide challenges needing to be addressed for admitted patients.
Generation of Porous Alumina Layers in a Polydimethylsiloxane/Hydrogen Peroxide Medium on Aluminum Substrate in Corona Discharges
Authors: Groza A. , Surmeian A. , Diplasu C. , Luculescu C. , Negrila C. , Ganciu M.
Published: September 2014

The porous alumina (Al2O3) layer obtained at the interface between polydimethylsiloxane/hydrogen peroxide medium and aluminum substrate under charged and neutral species injection produced in negative corona discharges in air at atmospheric pressure is analyzed by different methods in this paper. The scanning electron microscopy investigations showed the uniform distribution of the pores formed in the alumina layer and their columnar structures. Both energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements indicate that during the anodization process of the aluminum in the polydimethylsiloxane/hydrogen peroxide medium in corona discharge the incorporation of silicon in the structure of the alumina layer is possible.
Abeta(1-42) Enhances Neuronal Excitability in the CA1 via NR2B Subunit-Containing NMDA Receptors
Authors: Varga Edina , Juhász Gábor , Bozsó Zsolt , Penke Botond , Fülöp Lívia , Szegedi Viktor
Published: September 2014

Neuronal hyperexcitability is a phenomenon associated with early Alzheimer’s disease. The underlying mechanism is considered to involve excessive activation of glutamate receptors; however, the exact molecular pathway remains to be determined. Extracellular recording from the CA1 of hippocampal slices is a long-standing standard for a range of studies both in basic research and in neuropharmacology. Evoked field potentials (fEPSPs) are regarded as the input, while spiking rate is regarded as the output of the neuronal network; however, the relationship between these two phenomena is not fully clear. We investigated the relationship between spontaneous spiking and evoked fEPSPs using mouse hippocampal slices. Blocking AMPA receptors (AMPARs) with CNQX abolished fEPSPs, but left firing rate unchanged. NMDA receptor (NMDAR) blockade with MK801 decreased neuronal spiking dose dependently without altering fEPSPs. Activating NMDARs by small concentration of NMDA induced a trend of increased firing. These results suggest that fEPSPs are mediated by synaptic activation of AMPARs, while spontaneous firing is regulated by the activation of extrasynaptic NMDARs. Synaptotoxic Abeta(1-42) increased firing activity without modifying evoked fEPSPs. This hyperexcitation was prevented by ifenprodil, an antagonist of the NR2B NMDARs. Overall, these results suggest that Abeta(1-42) induced neuronal overactivity is not dependent on AMPARs but requires NR2B.
Linear SVM-Based Android Malware Detection for Reliable IoT Services
Authors: Ham Hyo-Sik , Kim Hwan-Hee , Kim Myung-Sup , Choi Mi-Jung
Published: September 2014

Current many Internet of Things (IoT) services are monitored and controlled through smartphone applications. By combining IoT with smartphones, many convenient IoT services have been provided to users. However, there are adverse underlying effects in such services including invasion of privacy and information leakage. In most cases, mobile devices have become cluttered with important personal user information as various services and contents are provided through them. Accordingly, attackers are expanding the scope of their attacks beyond the existing PC and Internet environment into mobile devices. In this paper, we apply a linear support vector machine (SVM) to detect Android malware and compare the malware detection performance of SVM with that of other machine learning classifiers. Through experimental validation, we show that the SVM outperforms other machine learning classifiers.
Predicting Welding Distortion in a Panel Structure with Longitudinal Stiffeners Using Inherent Deformations Obtained by Inverse Analysis Method
Authors: Liang Wei , Murakawa Hidekazu
Published: September 2014

Welding-induced deformation not only negatively affects dimension accuracy but also degrades the performance of product. If welding deformation can be accurately predicted beforehand, the predictions will be helpful for finding effective methods to improve manufacturing accuracy. Till now, there are two kinds of finite element method (FEM) which can be used to simulate welding deformation. One is the thermal elastic plastic FEM and the other is elastic FEM based on inherent strain theory. The former only can be used to calculate welding deformation for small or medium scale welded structures due to the limitation of computing speed. On the other hand, the latter is an effective method to estimate the total welding distortion for large and complex welded structures even though it neglects the detailed welding process. When the elastic FEM is used to calculate the welding-induced deformation for a large structure, the inherent deformations in each typical joint should be obtained beforehand. In this paper, a new method based on inverse analysis was proposed to obtain the inherent deformations for weld joints. Through introducing the inherent deformations obtained by the proposed method into the elastic FEM based on inherent strain theory, we predicted the welding deformation of a panel structure with two longitudinal stiffeners. In addition, experiments were carried out to verify the simulation results.
Effect of Wheelchair Frame Material on Users’ Mechanical Work and Transmitted Vibration
Authors: Chénier Félix , Aissaoui Rachid
Published: September 2014

Wheelchair propulsion exposes the user to a high risk of shoulder injury and to whole-body vibration that exceeds recommendations of ISO 2631-1:1997. Reducing the mechanical work required to travel a given distance (WN-WPM, weight-normalized work-per-meter) can help reduce the risk of shoulder injury, while reducing the vibration transmissibility (VT) of the wheelchair frame can reduce whole-body vibration. New materials such as titanium and carbon are used in today’s wheelchairs and are advertised to improve both parameters, but current knowledge on this matter is limited. In this study, WN-WPM and VT were measured simultaneously and compared between six folding wheelchairs (1 titanium, 1 carbon, and 4 aluminium). Ten able-bodied users propelled the six wheelchairs on three ground surfaces. Although no significant difference of WN-WPM was found between wheelchairsP<0.1, significant differences of VT were foundP<0.05. The carbon wheelchair had the lowest VT. Contrarily to current belief, the titanium wheelchair VT was similar to aluminium wheelchairs. A negative correlation between VT and WN-WPM was found, which means that reducing VT may be at the expense of increasing WN-WPM. Based on our results, use of carbon in wheelchair construction seems promising to reduce VT without increasing WN-WPM.
Robust Adaptive Fuzzy Control for Planetary Rovers While Climbing up Deformable Slopes with Longitudinal Slip
Authors: Zhengcai Li , Yang Wang
Published: September 2014

Mobility control is one of the most essential parts of planetary rovers’ research and development. The goal of this research is to let the planetary rovers be able to achieve demand of motion from upper level with satisfied control performance under the rough and deformable planetary terrain that often lead to longitudinal slip. The longitudinal slip influences the mobility efficiency obviously, especially on the major deformable slopes. Compared with the past works on normal stiff terrains, properties of soil and interaction between wheels and soil should be considered additionally. Therefore, to achieve the final goal, in this paper, wheel-soil dynamic model for six-wheel planetary rovers while climbing up deformable slopes with longitudinal slip is first built and control based in order to account for slip phenomena. These latter effects are then taken into account within terramechanics theory, relying upon nonlinear control techniques; finally, a robust adaptive fuzzy control strategy with longitudinal slip compensation is developed to reduce the effects induced by slip phenomena and modeling error. Capabilities of this control scheme are demonstrated via full scale simulations carried out with a six-wheel robot moving on sloped deformable terrain, whose real time was computed relying uniquely upon RoSTDyn, a dynamic software.
Triple Band Parasitic Array Antenna for C-X-Ku-Band Application Using Out-of-Phase Coupling Approach
Authors: Khare Anubhuti , Nema Rajesh
Published: September 2014

Triple band parasitic array antenna for C-X-Ku-band application is presented. The proposed antenna is designed using the concept of parasitic array and out-of-phase coupling approach. The objects of research are to optimize total inductance of geometry by using out-of-phase inductance approach. The out of phase inductance of geometry consists of using two U-patches novel director on the left side of geometry, appropriate dimension of ground plan, and gap coupling between parasitic and active patches. The dimension of the ground plan geometry is 0.5λ mil × 0.5154λ mil. The usable impedance bandwidth of design antenna is “5.8 GHz to 18 GHz” (102% impedance bandwidth) and gain enhancement is up to 11.8 dBi. The proposed antenna can be used for X-Ku band and C-band applications. Both simulated and measured results are presented, which are in good agreement. The proposed antenna was fabricated with a thin copper layer printed on a thin lossy FR4 substrate for low-cost production.
Comparative Study on Interaction of Form and Motion Processing Streams by Applying Two Different Classifiers in Mechanism for Recognition of Biological Movement
Authors: Yousefi Bardia , Loo Chu Kiong
Published: September 2014

Research on psychophysics, neurophysiology, and functional imaging shows particular representation of biological movements which contains two pathways. The visual perception of biological movements formed through the visual system called dorsal and ventral processing streams. Ventral processing stream is associated with the form information extraction; on the other hand, dorsal processing stream provides motion information. Active basic model (ABM) as hierarchical representation of the human object had revealed novelty in form pathway due to applying Gabor based supervised object recognition method. It creates more biological plausibility along with similarity with original model. Fuzzy inference system is used for motion pattern information in motion pathway creating more robustness in recognition process. Besides, interaction of these paths is intriguing and many studies in various fields considered it. Here, the interaction of the pathways to get more appropriated results has been investigated. Extreme learning machine (ELM) has been implied for classification unit of this model, due to having the main properties of artificial neural networks, but crosses from the difficulty of training time substantially diminished in it. Here, there will be a comparison between two different configurations, interactions using synergetic neural network and ELM, in terms of accuracy and compatibility.
Resveratrol Sensitizes Selectively Thyroid Cancer Cell to 131-Iodine Toxicity
Authors: Hosseinimehr Seyed Jalal , Hosseini Seyed Amir Hossein
Published: September 2014

Background.In this study, the radiosensitizing effect of resveratrol as a natural product was investigated on cell toxicity induced by131I in thyroid cancer cell.Methods.Human thyroid cancer cell and human nonmalignant fibroblast cell (HFFF2) were treated with131I and/or resveratrol at different concentrations for 48 h. The cell proliferation was measured by determination of the percent of the survival cells using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.Results.Findings of this study show that resveratrol enhanced the cell death induced by131I on thyroid cancer cell. Also, resveratrol exhibited a protective effect on normal cells against131I toxicity.Conclusion.This result indicates a promising effect of resveratrol on improvement of cellular toxicity during iodine therapy.
BRAF Inhibition Alleviates Immune Suppression in Murine Autochthonous Melanoma
Authors: Steinberg Shannon M. , Zhang Peisheng , Malik Brian T. , Boni Andrea , Shabaneh Tamer B. , Byrne Katelyn T. , Mullins David W. , Brinckerhoff Constance E. , Ernstoff Marc S. , Bosenberg Marcus W. , Turk Mary Jo
Published: September 2014

A growing body of evidence suggests that BRAF inhibitors, in addition to their acute tumor growth–inhibitory effects, can also promote immune responses to melanoma. The present study aimed to define the immunologic basis of BRAF-inhibitor therapy using the Braf/Pten model of inducible, autochthonous melanoma on a pure C57BL/6 background. In the tumor microenvironment, BRAF inhibitor PLX4720 functioned by on-target mechanisms to selectively decrease both the proportions and absolute numbers of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) and CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), while preserving numbers of CD8+ effector T cells. In PLX4720-treated mice, the intratumoral Treg populations decreased significantly, demonstrating enhanced apopotosis. CD11b+ myeloid cells from PLX4720-treated tumors also exhibited decreased immunosuppressive function on a per-cell basis. In accordance with a reversion of tumor immune suppression, tumors that had been treated with PLX4720 grew with reduced kinetics after treatment was discontinued, and this growth delay was dependent on CD8 T cells. These findings demonstrate that BRAF inhibition selectively reverses two major mechanisms of immunosuppression in melanoma and liberates host-adaptive antitumor immunity. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(11); 1044–50. ©2014 AACR.
NF-κB, an Active Player in Human Cancers
Authors: Xia Yifeng , Shen Shen , Verma Inder M.
Published: September 2014

NF-κB comprises a family of five transcription factors that form distinct protein complexes, which bind to consensus DNA sequences at promoter regions of responsive genes regulating cellular processes. The past three decades have witnessed remarkable progress in understanding the NF-κB signaling pathway in physiologic and pathologic conditions. The role of NF-κB in human cancer initiation, development, metastasis, and resistance to treatment has drawn particular attention. A significant number of human cancers have constitutive NF-κB activity due to the inflammatory microenvironment and various oncogenic mutations. NF-κB activity not only promotes tumor cells' proliferation, suppresses apoptosis, and attracts angiogenesis, but it also induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition, which facilitates distant metastasis. In certain circumstances, NF-κB activation may also remodel local metabolism and anergize the immune system to favor tumor growth. Suppression of NF-κB in myeloid cells or tumor cells usually leads to tumor regression, which makes the NF-κB pathway a promising therapeutic target. However, because of its vital role in various biologic activities, components of the NF-κB pathway need to be carefully selected and evaluated to design targeted therapies. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(9); 823–30. ©2014 AACR.
Prasugrel vs clopidogrel in cardiogenic shock patients undergoing primary PCI for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Morath Tanja , Bernlochner Isabell , Hadamitzky Martin , Braun Siegmund , Schulz Stefanie , Hoppmann Petra , Hausleiter Jörg , Tiroch Klaus , Mehilli Julinda , Schunkert Heribert , Massberg Steffen , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Orban Martin , Mayer Katharina , Sibbing Dirk , Kastrati Adnan
Published: September 2014

There is limited clinical data comparing different P2Y12-receptor inhibitors in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock. The aim of the ISAR-SHOCK registry was to compare the clinical outcome of patients treated with clopidogrel vs prasugrel in this setting. Patients (n=145) with AMI complicated by cardiogenic shock and undergoing primary PCI in two centres (Deutsches Herzzentrum München and Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich) between January 2009 and May 2012 were included in this registry. The use of prasugrel for patients within this registry reflected co-morbidities and platelet function testing results during the acute AMI phase. Early outcome at 30-days was reported with regard to all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis (ST) and bleeding events. With regard to antiplatelet treatment in the 145 cardiogenic shock patients, 50 patients were initially treated or immediately switched to prasugrel while 95 patients were treated with clopidogrel. All-cause mortality was lower in prasugrelvs clopidogrel-treated patients (30 % vs 50.5%, HR: 0.51, 95% CI [0.29–0.92], p=0.025). No significant differences in prasugrel- vs clopidogrel-treated patients were observed for the occurrence of MI (p=0.233), ST (p=0.306) or TIMI major bleedings (p=0.571). Results of the ISAR-SHOCK registry suggest that the use of prasugrel in AMI patients complicated by cardiogenic shock might be associated with a lower mortality risk as compared to clopidogrel therapy without increasing the risk of bleeding. These findings, however, need confirmation from specifically designed randomised studies in this high-risk cohort of patients.
Efficacy of Atomoxetine Versus Midodrine for the Treatment of Orthostatic Hypotension in Autonomic Failure
Authors: Ramirez Claudia E. , Okamoto Luis E. , Arnold Amy C. , Gamboa Alfredo , Diedrich André , Choi Leena , Raj Satish R. , Robertson David , Biaggioni Italo , Shibao Cyndya A.
Published: September 2014

The clinical presentation of autonomic failure is orthostatic hypotension. Severely affected patients require pharmacological treatment to prevent presyncopal symptoms or frank syncope. We previously reported in a proof of concept study that pediatric doses of the norepinephrine transporter blockade, atomoxetine, increases blood pressure in autonomic failure patients with residual sympathetic activity compared with placebo. Given that the sympathetic nervous system is maximally activated in the upright position, we hypothesized that atomoxetine would be superior to midodrine, a direct vasoconstrictor, in improving upright blood pressure and orthostatic hypotension–related symptoms. To test this hypothesis, we compared the effect of acute atomoxetine versus midodrine on upright systolic blood pressure and orthostatic symptom scores in 65 patients with severe autonomic failure. There were no differences in seated systolic blood pressure (means difference=0.3 mm Hg; 95% confidence [CI], −7.3 to 7.9;
P
=0.94). In contrast, atomoxetine produced a greater pressor response in upright systolic blood pressure (means difference=7.5 mm Hg; 95% CI, 0.6 to 15;
P
=0.03) compared with midodrine. Furthermore, atomoxetine (means difference=0.4; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.8;
P
=0.02), but not midodrine (means difference=0.5; 95% CI, −0.1 to 1.0;
P
=0.08), improved orthostatic hypotension–related symptoms as compared with placebo. The results of our study suggest that atomoxetine could be a superior therapeutic option than midodrine for the treatment of orthostatic hypotension in autonomic failure.
The Growing Gap in Hypertension Control Between Insured and Uninsured Adults
Authors: Egan Brent M. , Li Jiexiang , Small James , Nietert Paul J. , Sinopoli Angelo
Published: September 2014

Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control are lower among uninsured than insured adults. Time trends in differences and underlying modifiable factors are important for informing strategies to improve health equity. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1988 to 1994, 1999 to 2004, and 2005 to 2010 data in adults aged 18 to 64 years were analyzed to explore this opportunity. The proportion of adults with hypertension who were uninsured increased from 12.3% in 1988 to 1994 to 17.4% in 2005 to 2010. In 1988 to 1994, hypertension awareness, treatment, and control to <140/<90 mm Hg (30.1% versus 26.5%;
P
=0.27) were similar in insured and uninsured adults. By 2005 to 2010, the absolute gap in hypertension control between uninsured and insured adults of 21.9% (52.5% versus 30.6%;
P
<0.001) was explained approximately equally by lower awareness (65.2% versus 80.7%), fewer aware adults treated (75.2% versus 88.5%), and fewer treated adults controlled (63.1% versus 73.5%; all
P
<0.001). Publicly insured and uninsured adults had similar income. Yet, hypertension control was similar across time periods in publicly and privately insured adults, despite lower income and education in the former. In multivariable analysis, hypertension control in 2005 to 2010 was associated with visit frequency (odds ratio, 3.4 [95% confidence interval, 2.4–4.8]), statin therapy (1.8 [1.4–2.3]), and healthcare insurance (1.6 [1.2–2.2]) but not poverty index (1.04 [0.96–1.12]). Public or private insurance linked to more frequent healthcare, greater awareness and effective treatment of hypertension, and appropriate statin use could reverse a long-term trend of growing inequity in hypertension control between insured and uninsured adults.
Coated-Platelets Improve Prediction of Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack in Asymptomatic Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Kirkpatrick Angelia C. , Tafur Alfonso J. , Vincent Andrea S. , Dale George L. , Prodan Calin I.
Published: September 2014

Background and Purpose—

Coated-platelets, a subset of procoagulant platelets observed on dual agonist stimulation with collagen and thrombin, support a robust prothrombinase activity and provide a unique measure of platelet thrombotic potential. Coated-platelet levels are increased in large artery stroke, and higher levels are associated with early stroke recurrence, suggesting a potential role for risk stratification in asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis.

Methods—

Three-hundred twenty-nine consecutive patients with technically adequate carotid Doppler evaluation without stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in the previous 6 months were enrolled as part of a prospective cohort study conducted during a 40-month period. The main outcome was occurrence of stroke or TIA according to coated-platelet levels and internal carotid stenosis severity at enrollment. The optimal cutoff value of coated-platelet levels was determined by recursive partitioning analysis. Event-free survival was estimated using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

Results—

A cutoff of ≥45% for coated-platelet levels in combination with stenosis ≥50% yielded a sensitivity of 0.78 (95% confidence interval, 0.51–1.0), specificity of 0.92 (0.89–0.95), positive predictive value of 0.21 (0.07–0.34), and a negative predictive value of 0.99 (0.98–1.0) for ipsilateral stroke or TIA. The incidence rate of ipsilateral stroke or TIA for patients with ≥50% stenosis and ≥45% coated-platelets was 21.5 per 100 person-years versus 1.27 per 100 person-years for patients with ≥50% stenosis and <45% coated-platelets (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Coated-platelet levels identify asymptomatic carotid stenosis patients at high risk for stroke or TIA, which suggests a role for coated-platelets in risk stratification before revascularization.
Nuclear and plastid DNA data confirm that Sedum tosaense (Crassulaceae) has a disjunct distribution between Pacific mainland Japan and Jeju Island, Korea
Authors: ITO TAKURO , NAKAMURA KOH , PARK CHAN-HO , SONG GWAN-PIL , MAEDA AYAKO , WATANABE YUKI , KOKUBUGATA GORO
Published: September 2014

Our molecular phylogeographic analyses based on the nrDNA ITS and cpDNA trnLF of Sedum tosaense populations in the Shikoku District, Japan and Jeju Island, Korea suggested a disjunct distribution. Plants of S. tosaense from the two regions comprised a well-supported clade consisted of plants from Kochi (Shikoku District) and those from Jeju Island; we estimated a divergence time of 0.61 Ma between the Kochi and Jeju populations based on the ITS and partial trnLF. We conclude that: 1) S. tosaense has a disjunct distribution between Kochi and Jeju Island, and 2) plants of this species might have dispersed between Kochi and Jeju Island over water, but not via a land bridge, which flooded before subclade divergence.
A new sericomyiine flower fly from China (Diptera: Syrphidae)
Authors: XIE HONGYAN , CUNNINGHAM SAUL A. , YEATES DAVID K. , THOMPSON F. CHRISTIAN
Published: September 2014

A new species of flower flies is described from China (Sichuan & Yunnan: Hengduan Mountains), Sericomyia khamensis Thompson & Xie). A key is provided to the species of the subtribe Sericomyiina found in China along with nomenclatural and taxonomical notes on them.
Neoribates alius Fujikawa, 2007, a junior synonym of Neoribates pallidus Aoki, 1988 (Acari, Oribatida, Parakalummidae)
Authors: ERMILOV SERGEY G. , SALAVATULIN VLADIMIR M. , KAGA WATARU , SHIMANO SATOSHI
Published: September 2014

The morphology of adult instars of two oribatid mites of the genus Neoribates, N. pallidus Aoki, 1988 and N. alius Fujikawa, 2007, is analyzed. Comparisons were based on holotype and paratypes (for N. alius) and specimens identified by the original author (for N. pallidus). Both species were described from Japan. Neoribates alius is recognized as a junior subjective synonym of N. pallidus.
Stenonartonia tekoraava sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae), a new member of a typical Amazonian mimicry ring
Authors: GARCETE-BARRETT BOLÍVAR R.
Published: September 2014

Stenonartonia tekoraava sp. nov., a new species of potter wasp is described from central Amazonia. By size and color pattern, this species falls into the typically Amazonian mimicry ring of the social wasp Polybia liliacea (Fabricius) [Vespidae: Polistinae]. Comments are made on the Müllerian mimicry rings as a common phenomenon in Hymenoptera and particularly in the family Vespidae.
Cicero, On Pompey's Command (De Imperio), 27-49
Authors: Gildenhard Ingo , Hodgson Louise
Published: September 2014

In republican times, one of Rome's deadliest enemies was King Mithridates of Pontus. In 66 BCE, after decades of inconclusive struggle, the tribune Manilius proposed a bill that would give supreme command in the war against Mithridates to Pompey the Great, who had just swept the Mediterranean clean of another menace: the pirates. While powerful aristocrats objected to the proposal, which would endow Pompey with unprecedented powers, the bill proved hugely popular among the people, and one of the praetors, Marcus Tullius Cicero, also hastened to lend it his support. In his first ever political speech, variously entitled pro lege Manilia or de imperio Gnaei Pompei, Cicero argues that the war against Mithridates requires the appointment of a perfect general and that the only man to live up to such lofty standards is Pompey. In the section under consideration here, Cicero defines the most important hallmarks of the ideal military commander and tries to demonstrate that Pompey is his living embodiment. This course book offers a portion of the original Latin text, study aids with vocabulary, and a commentary. Designed to stretch and stimulate readers, the incisive commentary will be of particular interest to students of Latin at both AS and undergraduate level. It extends beyond detailed linguistic analysis and historical background to encourage critical engagement with Cicero's prose and discussion of the most recent scholarly thought.
Observed Rainfall Asymmetry in Tropical Cyclones Making Landfall over China
Authors: Yu Zifeng , Wang Yuqing , Xu Haiming
Published: September 2014

In this study, the rainfall asymmetries in tropical cyclones (TCs) that made landfall in the Hainan (HN), Guangdong (GD), Fujian (FJ), and Zhejiang (ZJ) provinces of mainland China and Taiwan (TW) from 2001 to 2009 were analyzed on the basis of TRMM satellite 3B42 rainfall estimates. The results reveal that in landfalling TCs, the wavenumber 1 rainfall asymmetry shows the downshear to downshear-left maximum in environmental vertical wind shear (VWS), which is consistent with previous studies for TCs over the open oceans. A cyclonic rotation from south China to east China in the location of the rainfall maximum has been identified. Before landfall, the location of the rainfall maximum rotated from southwest to southeast of the TC center for TCs making landfall in the regions from HN to GD, TW, FJ, and ZJ. After landfall, the rotation became from southwest to northeast of the TC center from south China to east China. It is shown that this cyclonic rotation in the location of the rainfall maximum is well correlated with a cyclonic rotation from south China to east China in the environmental VWS between 200 and 850 hPa, indicating that the rainfall asymmetry in TCs that made landfall over China is predominantly controlled by the large-scale VWS. The cyclonic rotation of VWS is found to be related to different interactions between the midlatitude westerlies and the landfalling TCs in different regions. The results also indicate that the axisymmetric (wavenumber 0) component of rainfall generally decreased rapidly after landfall in most studied regions.
Initiating Moist Convection in an Inhomogeneous Layer by Uniform Ascent
Authors: Nugent Alison D. , Smith Ronald B.
Published: September 2014

Using aircraft data from the recent Dominica Experiment (DOMEX) project in Dominica, the authors evaluate a modified version of Woodcock’s theory of moist convective initiation. Upstream of Dominica, anticorrelated fluctuations in temperature and specific humidity are found in the subcloud layer related to ambient trade wind convection. The associated variances in virtual temperature and air density are surprisingly small due to buoyancy adjustment. When this air is quickly lifted by terrain, the moist patches, having a lower lifting condensation level, become “seeds” for convection. The authors model this process by uniformly lifting an observed layer of air moist adiabatically from 300 to 1300 m. The resulting variations of buoyancy within the layer are converted to vertical accelerations accounting for strong “added mass” effects that include an estimate of layer depth. These estimated fluctuations in vertical acceleration agree with aircraft measurements of updraft speed and length scale over the terrain of Dominica. The authors speculate on the breadth of applicability of this mechanism of convective initiation.
Comparing Large-Scale Hydrological Model Predictions with Observed Streamflow in the Pacific Northwest: Effects of Climate and Groundwater*
Authors: Safeeq Mohammad , Mauger Guillaume S. , Grant Gordon E. , Arismendi Ivan , Hamlet Alan F. , Lee Se-Yeun
Published: September 2014

Assessing uncertainties in hydrologic models can improve accuracy in predicting future streamflow. Here, simulated streamflows using the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model at coarse (°) and fine (°) spatial resolutions were evaluated against observed streamflows from 217 watersheds. In particular, the adequacy of VIC simulations in groundwater- versus runoff-dominated watersheds using a range of flow metrics relevant for water supply and aquatic habitat was examined. These flow metrics were 1) total annual streamflow; 2) total fall, winter, spring, and summer season streamflows; and 3) 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th flow percentiles. The effect of climate on model performance was also evaluated by comparing the observed and simulated streamflow sensitivities to temperature and precipitation. Model performance was evaluated using four quantitative statistics: nonparametric rank correlation ρ, normalized Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency NNSE, root-mean-square error RMSE, and percent bias PBIAS. The VIC model captured the sensitivity of streamflow for temperature better than for precipitation and was in poor agreement with the corresponding temperature and precipitation sensitivities derived from observed streamflow. The model was able to capture the hydrologic behavior of the study watersheds with reasonable accuracy. Both total streamflow and flow percentiles, however, are subject to strong systematic model bias. For example, summer streamflows were underpredicted (PBIAS = −13%) in groundwater-dominated watersheds and overpredicted (PBIAS = 48%) in runoff-dominated watersheds. Similarly, the 5th flow percentile was underpredicted (PBIAS = −51%) in groundwater-dominated watersheds and overpredicted (PBIAS = 19%) in runoff-dominated watersheds. These results provide a foundation for improving model parameterization and calibration in ungauged basins.
Seasonal Mesoscale and Submesoscale Eddy Variability along the North Pacific Subtropical Countercurrent
Authors: Qiu Bo , Chen Shuiming , Klein Patrice , Sasaki Hideharu , Sasai Yoshikazu
Published: September 2014

Located at the center of the western North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, the Subtropical Countercurrent (STCC) is not only abundant in mesoscale eddies, but also exhibits prominent submesoscale eddy features. Output from a ° high-resolution OGCM simulation and a gridded satellite altimetry product are analyzed to contrast the seasonal STCC variability in the mesoscale versus submesoscale ranges. Resolving the eddy scales of >150 km, the altimetry product reveals that the STCC eddy kinetic energy and rms vorticity have a seasonal maximum in May and April, respectively, a weak positive vorticity skewness without seasonal dependence, and an inverse (forward) kinetic energy cascade for wavelengths larger (shorter) than 250 km. In contrast, the submesoscale-resolving OGCM simulation detects that the STCC eddy kinetic energy and rms vorticity both appear in March, a large positive vorticity skewness with strong seasonality, and an intense inverse kinetic energy cascade whose short-wave cutoff migrates seasonally between the 35- and 100-km wavelengths. Using a 2.5-layer, reduced-gravity model with an embedded surface density gradient, the authors show that these differences are due to the seasonal evolution of two concurring baroclinic instabilities. Extracting its energy from the surface density gradient, the frontal instability has a growth time scale of O(7) days, a dominant wavelength of O(50) km, and is responsible for the surface-intensified submesoscale eddy signals. The interior baroclinic instability, on the other hand, extracts energy from the vertically sheared STCC system. It has a slow growth time scale of O(40) days, a dominant wavelength of O(250) km, and, together with the kinetic energy cascaded upscale from the submesoscales, determines the mesoscale eddy modulations.
Benzodiazepine use and aggressive behaviour: A systematic review
Authors: Albrecht Bonnie , Staiger Petra K , Hall Kate , Miller Peter , Best David , Lubman Dan I
Published: September 2014

Context:

The relationship between benzodiazepine consumption and subsequent increases in aggressive behaviour in humans is not well understood.

Objectives:

The current study aimed to identify, via a systematic review, whether there is an association between benzodiazepine consumption and aggressive responding in adults.

Method:

A systematic review was conducted and reported in line with the PRISMA statement. English articles within MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, and Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection databases were searched. Additional studies were identified by searching reference lists of reviewed articles. Only articles that explicitly investigated the relationship between benzodiazepine consumption and subsequent aggressive behaviour, or a lack thereof, in human adults were included.

Results:

Forty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. It was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis due to the heterogeneity of study design and benzodiazepine type and dose. An association between benzodiazepine use and subsequent aggressive behaviour was found in the majority of the more rigorous studies, although there is a paucity of high-quality research with clinical or forensic populations. Diazepam and alprazolam have received the most attention. Dose-related findings are inconsistent: therapeutic doses may be more likely to be associated with aggressive responding when administered as a once-off, whereas higher doses may be more risky following repeated administration. Trait levels of anxiety and hostility may indicate a vulnerability to the experience of benzodiazepine-related aggression.

Conclusions:

There appears to be a moderate association between some benzodiazepines and subsequent aggressive behaviour in humans. The circumstances under which aggressive responding may be more likely to follow benzodiazepine use remain unclear, although some evidence suggests dose and/or personality factors may influence this effect.
Smokestacks, Parkland, and Community Composition
Authors: Johnson Gaither Cassandra
Published: September 2014

This case study addresses environmental equity, in terms of African American, Latino, White, and poor communities’ proximity to both industrial facilities and parkland in Hall County, Georgia, USA. The project’s two primary goals are to (a) expand environmental justice analyses to account for both environmental burdens (industrial sites) and benefits (parkland acreage), and (b) extend this broader investigation to the county’s emergent Latino populations. Results show that both Blacks and Latinos are overrepresented in census block groups (CBGs) within 1 mile of industrial facilities, while Whites are underrepresented. Conversely, Latinos and those near or below poverty are, on average, underrepresented in communities within one-quarter mile of parkland, but Whites are overrepresented. This article discusses the environmental justice and planning implications of these findings in terms of converting existing land uses to urban green space and fuller participation of minorities in such decision making.
Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms in Correction Officers
Authors: Warren Nicholas , Dussetschleger Jeffrey , Punnett Laura , Cherniack Martin G.
Published: September 2014

Objective:

In this study, we sought to explain the rapid musculoskeletal symptomatology increase in correction officers (COs).

Background:

COs are exposed to levels of biomechanical and psychosocial stressors that have strong associations with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in other occupations, possibly contributing to their rapid health deterioration.

Method:

Baseline survey data from a longitudinal study of COs and manufacturing line workers were used to model musculoskeletal symptom prevalence and intensity in the upper (UE) and lower (LE) extremity. Outcomes were regressed on demographics and biomechanical and psychosocial exposures.

Results:

COs reported significantly higher prevalence and intensity of LE symptoms compared to the industrial workers. In regression models, job tenure was a primary driver of CO musculoskeletal outcomes. In CO models, a single biomechanical exposure, head and arms in awkward positions, explained variance in both UE and LE prevalence (β of 0.338 and 0.357, respectively), and low decision latitude was associated with increased LE prevalence and intensity (β of 0.229 and 0.233, respectively). Manufacturing models were less explanatory. Examining demographic associations with exposure intensity, we found none to be significant in manufacturing, but in CO models, important psychosocial exposure levels increased with job tenure.

Conclusion:

Symptom prevalence and intensity increased more rapidly with job tenure in corrections, compared to manufacturing, and were related to both biomechanical and psychosocial exposures. Tenure-related increases in psychosocial exposure levels may help explain the CO symptom increase.

Application:

Although exposure assessment improvements are proposed, findings suggest focusing on improving the psychosocial work environment to reduce MSD prevalence and intensity in corrections.
Arm and Neck Pain in Ultrasonographers
Authors: Claes Frank , Berger Jan , Stassijns Gaëtane
Published: September 2014

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of upper-body-quadrant pain among ultrasonographers and to evaluate the association between individual ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, and occurrence of neck pain.

Method:

A hundred and ten ( N = 110) Belgian and Dutch male and female hospital ultrasonographers were consecutively enrolled in the study. Data on work-related ergonomic and musculoskeletal disorders were collected with an electronic inquiry, including questions regarding ergonomics (position of the screen, high-low table, and ergonomic chair), symptoms (neck pain, upper-limb pain), and work-related factors (consecutive working hours a day, average working hours a week).

Results:

Subjects with the screen on their left had significantly more neck pain (odds ratio [OR] = 3.6, p = .0286). Depending on the workspace, high-low tables increased the chance of developing neck pain (OR = 12.9, p = .0246). A screen at eye level caused less neck pain (OR = .22, p = .0610). Employees with a fixed working space were less susceptible to arm pain (OR = 0.13, p = .0058). The prevalence of arm pain was significantly higher for the vascular department compared to radiology, urology, and gynecology departments (OR = 9.2, p = .0278).

Conclusions:

Regarding prevention of upper-limb pain in ultrasonograph, more attention should be paid to the work environment and more specialty to the ultrasound workstation layout. Primary ergonomic prevention could provide a painless work situation for the ultrasonographer.

Application:

Further research on the ergonomic conditions of ultrasonography is necessary to develop ergonomic solutions in the work environment that will help to alleviate neck and arm pain.
Circulating the peripheries: Small publishers, short story collections and Madinah: City Stories from the Middle East
Authors: Miller Ana K.
Published: September 2014

Given widespread criticism of the hierarchies of the world literary system that privilege certain languages, regions, styles, and genres, this article explores the value of small publishers and short story collections that resist trends within commercial publishing. Taking Comma Press as a case study, the article investigates how the paratext and collected stories of Madinah: City Stories from the Middle East operate against the marginalization of the region’s literatures in commercial Anglophone publishing. Although such publications remain within a system that produces and packages the margins for consumption in the centre, by circulating less well-known writers and regions they can play a valuable role in expanding canons of world literature.
From attached shape memory alloy wires to integrated active elements, a small step? Impact of local effects on direct integration in fiber reinforced plastics
Authors: Hübler Moritz , Gurka Martin , Breuer Ulf P
Published: September 2014

In this publication, major challenges occurring during integration of active elements made from shape memory alloys in fiber reinforced plastics are discussed. Tightly focused experimental tests with a properly chosen setup enable spatially resolved stress and temperature measurement, revealing important material characteristics which have to be considered for the design of integrated active elements. The detwinning process of the martensite during elongation of the shape memory alloy elements shows a nucleation, leading to critical inhomogeneous strain distribution. By investigating the strain rate-dependent behavior the nucleation mechanism is revealed. The measured local strain and actuation behavior of the active elements and its influence on the performance of hybrid structures is discussed. Also a clamped heating process is investigated to show how stress redistribution affects the processing of hybrid structures during a hot curing process.
Culture of Corruption? The Effects of Priming Corruption Images in a High Corruption Context
Authors: Fischer Ronald , Ferreira Maria Cristina , Milfont Taciano , Pilati Ronaldo
Published: September 2014

We examine what situational cues may influence corruption intentions of individuals in a high corruption context. We primed Brazilian participants with images related to corruption, but with different behavioral connotations (either images suggesting political corruption or images of a Malandro, a powerless antihero who blurs moral boundaries by breaking the law to survive). Corruption intentions increased in Studies 1 and 2 when individuals were primed with political corruption images, compared with a control condition. In Study 2, Brazilians who strongly identified with their country were more likely to endorse corruption scenarios, particularly when primed with Malandro images due to the dual activation of positive national symbols and morally ambiguous connotations. These findings highlight that conceptually related symbols within a cultural system can be linked to differential behavioral patterns. We outline some implications for corruption and cultural research, in particular, the need to study intracultural variability of psychological processes.